Co-op City Times 12/28/19

On Monday, Dec. 30, the Bookkeeping window will remain open until 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, Riverbay Administrative Offices will close at 2 p.m.

Riverbay’s administrative offices will be closed on New Year’s day, Jan. 1, 2020.

FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, PLEASE CALL: MAINTENANCE: 718-320-3300, PRESS OPTION 3 • PUBLIC SAFETY: 718-671-3050

Vol. 54 No. 52

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Year In Review, Part 1

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Editor’s note: The following is an account of significant events occurring in or affecting Co-op City, as reported by the Co-op City Times, during the first six months of 2019, the community’s 50th anniversary year. Next week’s edition will feature the story of the second half of the year.

JANUARY

Elevator modernization The community-wide elevator modernization project began Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, in buildings throughout Co-op City. The first wave of elevator upgrades began in buildings 2A, 4C, 5A, 11B, 11C, 15A, 15B, 28B, 32A and 34. Residents in some buildings had up to six months in which at least one elevator will be out of service.

In all, 160 lifts in the high-rise buildings will be rehabilitated entirely and modernized with state-of-the-art-technology to upgrade safety features, enhance appearance and ensure efficient operation of the machinery. Ten elevators will be taken out of service at a time, and the entire project is expected to last between four and five years.

New signs installed in community centers Staff from Riverbay Parking, Leasing and Storage Department installed new signs in the Bartow, Dreiser and Einstein Community Centers. The signage indicates the names of various Riverbay offices along with the room number to make locating easier for visitors.

Fire in Building 1B The blaze left members of the family of five injured. The Jan. 5 fire was one of the worst in Co-op City in 2019, injuring a mother, father and three children, all of whom also suffered smoke inhalation. The fire ravaged the fifth-floor apartment, leaving extensive damage and the building hallways filled with smoke.

Special election for New York Public Advocate The election was announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Co-op City Democratic Club’s Public Advocate Forums shortly followed. New York City Councilman Rafael Espinal Jr.; former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; Activist Tony Herbert; Columbia University Professor David Eisenbach; Assemblywoman Latrice Walker; New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams; Assemblyman Michael Blake; Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell; Attorney Ifeoma Ike; Democratic Investigative Journalist Nomiki Konst and Activist Raphael Schweizer attended the event. They answered questions, gave opening and closing statements, and stated their reasons as to why they should be the city’s next public advocate.

Lobby renovations begin in 16B A plywood assembled wall built around the building signaled the start of its lobby renovations, as contractors removed glass windows along with metal framing from around the entryway of the building. In addition to meeting new Americans with Disabilities Act compliant codes, the new lobbies will get an upgraded intercom system.

(Continued on page 3)

$1.25

Looking ahead to the New Year President’s Message

Linda Berk President, Riverbay Board of Directors

Operations of a development as large as Co-op City is challenging and unparalleled. Not only is our physical plant large and spread out, but we must meet the needs of roughly 45,000 residents in over 15,000 units with 1,000 employees.

Along with improving the infrastructure, we also recognize that customer service is an area most in need of attention and is a priority as we work to reach the right balance of departments, staffing, efficiency and maintaining a reasonable budget; something management has worked on with the support and direction of the board. Last year together management and the board, we have continued to bring Co-op City into the 21st century. Here are some of our accomplishments this past year: • earn $4.4 million from ConEdison from the Power Plant – stand-by credit, ability to shed load, and export power to Con Ed • began a $40 million elevator modernization project that will guarantee reliable service for many decades (Continued on page 2)

December Bookkeeping Window Extended Hours

The Riverbay Finance Department’s Bookkeeping office in the Administrative Building in Bartow Center will remain open until 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, to accept carrying charge payments.

—Riverbay Finance Department

CCPD Annual Toy Drive

Riverbay’s New Year holiday closings On Monday, Dec. 30, the Finance Department’s Bookkeeping window will remain open until 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, Riverbay Administrative Offices will close at 2 p.m.

Riverbay’s administrative offices will be closed on New Year’s day, Jan. 1, 2020.

Because of the upcoming holiday-shortened work week, all community organizations must submit their club articles before 9 a.m. this Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.

Material received after this time will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 issue of the Co-op City Times.

Directors’ viewpoints are due promptly at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.

Please note that regular business hours of the Co-op City Times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday. Material for publication 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 our readers a healthy and prosperous New Year.

CCPD held a toy drive with support from P.S.160, P.S.180, the Building 8 Association and Co-op City PDA. Pictured, from left, PO Cordrado, Sgt. Ahmed and PO Lee. “We had a little more than 200 extra toys than we collected for last year’s drive,” Sgt. Ahmed said. “On behalf of the CCPD we’re grateful for all the donations we’ve received this year.”

The collected toys will be donated to PATH, a homeless shelter located at 151st St. in the Bronx.

Photo and reporting by Brandon Ortiz

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Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

President’s Report

(Continued from page 1)

• purchased and upgraded our Yardi accounting/management software platform allowing for a more efficient and customer service-oriented experience for shareholders (currently in transition phase) • develop a new long-awaited website to be launched in the early in 2020 • start the restoration of the Dreiser Auditorium with the potential of increased revenue – estimated to be finished by late spring • proactive in responding to Local Law 11 requirements to save Riverbay Corporation roughly $3 million and avoid extended bridging around buildings for several years • continue savings in various insurance requirements for Riverbay Corp.

•upgraded garage access with an ez-pass type system • new Co-op City logo, going back to Co-op City rather than Riverbay Corp • engaged Enterprise Car/Truck Rental Co to provide new vehicles and repair service at a lower cost than the maintenance of the current fleet • completing removal of useless and deteriorating garage roof concrete slabs and supporting steel beams • repair pea-gravel concrete floors under porticos in 4 buildings that will mitigate water damages in basements • new external entrances for chevron buildings / Approved designs for triple core and towers • new laundry machines with the ability to use ATM/Credit Cards, monitor machines with smart phones and allow for timely reporting of broken machines via barcodes and smart phones • new central call center for CSO • begin remote key fob system in all chevron high-rise entrances • successful 50th Anniversary celebrations 2020 for Co-op City Planning, Protocol, and Proactiveness. If we can continue to be proactive, plan and follow protocol we will continue to improve our operation and thus customer service, to the benefit of all. Here is what we can look forward to for 2020: • complete Dreiser Auditorium renovation • new lighting for building address signage • new website to include a resident portal • new Yardi system allowing for more customer and timely services • proposal in progress with City to renovate the former Co-op City Cinema/

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

NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!!

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

Happy retirement, Gail

Gail Ragin, executive assistant to Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison, retired Dec. 13 after 32 years of service.

Mr. Ellison told the Co-op City Times Ms. Ragin was both a great help in keeping him “on track” as well as a courteous, professional advocate for the shareholders when she needed to be.

Ms. Ragin is pictured above with, from left, Riverbay Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith, Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, Mr. Ellison and Assistant General Manager Warren Mitchell.

Bingo Hall to a community Music and Art Cultural Center • introduce electric charging stations in garages • investigate engineering solution to the convector flooding problems • plans to replace 50-year-old trailers behind the power plant with new prefab module offices • begin remote key fob system in all tower and triple core high-rise entrances This past year has been an exciting year at Co-op City with a lot of changes and capital project improvements. 2020 is expected to be just as exciting as we open the renovated Dreiser auditorium, and renovate more elevators and building front entrances.

It has been an absolute pleasure representing my community and achieving major changes and improvements. On behalf of the entire board, I wish all shareholders and their families the happiest of holiday season! Happy Kwanza, Hanukkah and a very merry Christmas!!! Please be safe and enjoy your time with family and friends.

\

Linda Berk Riverbay Corporation President – Proud to serve

Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

Thank You!

“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 28, 2019

Co-op City Times 2 n d Year in review

(Continued from page 1)

CCPD praised for burglary arrests over the 2018 holiday season During that time, CCPD detectives were assigned to work early morning shifts to monitor the area for criminal activity. During a routine patrol, the detectives squad observed and arrested two males scaling a building following a burglary that occurred in Building 28C. Gas restored to Building 33 Residents spent their holidays without the ability to use their stoves, having to rely on electric appliances.

After being delayed since November 2018, the building was finally considered “safe and proper” by Con Ed, giving residents the go-ahead to schedule appointments to have their gas lines reconnected.

Documentary film Co-op City itself was celebrated in the documentary “City in a City – The story of Co-op City, the world’s largest housing cooperative.” The film, directed by Adam Tanaka, focuses on affordable housing and can be viewed online on YouTube and Vimeo.

Metro-North Bronx Station plans back on track On Jan. 22, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, along with Amtrak and Empire State Development, came to an agreement on the Penn Station Access project, signing a memorandum of understanding that will lead to four new Metro-North stations in the East Bronx.

FEBRUARY Public meeting and vote to remove Riverbay Board Director Junius Williams The vote is scheduled following allegations of failing to carry out fiduciary and administrative duties to Riverbay Corporation, among other things. The Board voted to remove Mr. Williams 8 to 4 with three abstentions.

Arby’s opens in Bartow Mall after much delay.

Co-op City leaders honored during state Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s black history celebration included Linda Collins, president of the Building 9 association, and Joyce Howard of the National Council of Negro Women, Co-op City Branch.

Multiple persons of interest were wanted for a Building 10A robbery. CCPD, along with the NYPD, jointly investigated following a gunpoint robbery that took place at 140 Debs Place.

Fire prevention and active shooter seminars headed by Anthony Barzelatto, Riverbay’s safety director, and the American Red Cross, were held across Co-op City to inform shareholders about fire safety in the wake of a string of fires that occurred in the neighborhood.

CCPD welcomed 19 new officers onto the force during their graduation ceremony.

New Board Director Evelyn Turner was sworn in following the removal of former Director Junius Williams.

U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries attends Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s Black History Celebration as the keynote speaker. The event took place in the Einstein Center.

Original shareholder and community activist Arthur Taub succumbed to his battle with cancer. He organized the Section 3 Association and published bulletins that were widely distributed around the community and beyond. Mr. Taub moved into Co-op City’s Building 15 with his wife and two daughters in 1970.

He died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

MARCH Storage lockers damaged in Building 35. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded to a call of a strong gasoline odor in the building. With the use of gas detectors, the FDNY team pinpointed the smell after having to open 21 storage units, where they discovered two full 5-gallon gasoline containers. The leaseholder will be responsible for the cost to repair and replace the storage units amid the investigation, which will be more than $6,000.

Jumanne Williams wins the New York Public Advocate seat accumulating 133,000 or 33.22% of the votes in the special election.

The seat for Public Advocate will be up for grabs again in June during a primary and again in November when the general election is held. Public Advocate Williams will have to run in both elections for the chance to hold on to the office and to finish out the remainder of Leticia James’s unexpired term, which ends in 2021. The Public Advocate acts as an ombudsperson for all New Yorkers, a government official who champions the public and ensures the government is responsive to their needs.

The Riverbay Corporation gets a new look with a new logo.

Fire prevention seminars titled “What would you do in case of a fire, and how to prevent it?” took place around the neighborhood led by Riverbay Director of Safety Anthony Barzelatto and Tracy Holiday of the American Red Cross. All residents were urged to attend the seminars to learn best practices in the event of a fire.

Open board meetings took place in the Bartow Center in which residents raised issues regarding community cleanliness, safety and idling commercial vehicles. Cooperators who participated in their moneysavings program received awards for their money-saving ideas.

50th Anniversary Event: Co-op City’s Got Talent.

The youth-centered talent show featured singers, dancers, steppers, musicians, actors and much more.

Singer Sky Caldwell took home the $1,000 grand prize for her rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day.

Front Page

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Avenue, the Hutchinson River Parkway and finally, for the final lap, across Baychester Avenue to the finish line, all in the name of cancer research.

Termite infested crab apple trees were removed from areas near Building 9. The Riverbay Grounds Department removed the rotten trees and replaced them with new, 7-to-10-foot trees that are expected to grow as high as 15-feet tall in the next three years.

Cooperative Leadership Action Among Youth members visited Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. to learn about government. Eight students from the program visited the office as part of their ongoing studies about civics and government, participating in a debate to show them how state funding is negotiated in the New York Legislature.

New York City Department of Education Chancellor Richard Carranza visited PS 160 along with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. Chancellor Carranza spent the day touring classrooms in the STEM school.

MAY The state Department of Housing and Community Renewal approves downsizing as requested by the Riverbay Corporation to allow seniors and DRIEeligible shareholders to downsize to smaller apartments without having to pay the current equity for the new apartment.

50th Anniversary Event: Planetarium’s “Cosmic Adventure.” Shareholders got a closer look at the galaxy at the planetarium hidden in Co-op City’s backyard at Truman High School.

JUNE Shareholders got a first glimpse of the MTA’s Bronx bus redesign proposal that threatened all major bus lines in Co-op City. Residents were urged to attend MTA’s open house meetings to share their grievances over the new plan.

50th Anniversary Event: Night of the Arts Reception. An event at Raymour & Flanigan in Bay Plaza recognizing and revealing the winners of Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary’s photo contest; Donae Pryce and Chria-Nichole Thompson. Portraits that embody the meaning of Co-op City were later displayed in the hallway of the Bartow Center.

APRIL 50th Anniversary Event: Juneteenth Celebration.

50th Anniversary Event: The Making of Co-op Guests learned the significance of this day in American City. Residents and friends of the neighborhood got history. Although President Abraham Lincoln anan intimate look at the making of Co-op City, hearing nounced the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, about the personal experiences of three people who’ve 1862, freeing slaves, those in Galveston, Texas, weren’t long been a part of the process, Bernie Cylich, Tony released until June 19, 1865. Today, only 46 out of 50 Schuman, and Ken Wray. This event was held at the states recognize this day as a holiday or day of obserBaychester library. vance, whereas North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana 50th Anniversary Event: Shakespeare in Co-op and Hawaii doesn’t.

City. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of Shakespeare’s 50th Anniversary Event: Pioneer Day. An exclu“The Tempest” production from the public theatre in sive event for the original shareholders of Co-op City, the Einstein Community Center. including residents who moved in the years 1968, 1969, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams at- 1970, 1971, and 1972 while the buildings were being tended Co-op City’s NCNW program: “Women Rep- constructed. resent!” as the keynote speaker. He spoke about the Quorum reached, Riverbay Board election certified women in his life and how they’ve helped him become on June 14. Sonia Feliciano, Bernard Cylich, Bishop the man he is today.

Angelo Rosario, Andrea Leslie, Claudia Sampson and The Riverbay Board approves a 2-year budget, Michelle Marbury were all elected to the Riverbay resulting in carrying charge and equity increases needed Board. to maintain services to shareholders. Resolution 19The Co-op City Times 10 passed 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 budgets for the welcomed new Managing Riverbay Corporation by implementing a 1.9% carrying Editor Jason Chirevas. charge increase in both July 2019 and 2020.

Linda Berk re-elected The first 5K cancer run-walk with the American for a third and final term as Cancer Society took place in Bay Plaza Mall. Runners Riverbay Board President. from Co-op City and beyond took to the course that started alongside Applebee’s, then went along Bartow

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Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

The Repurposed Monopole: Monstrous or Magestic?

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

Have you seen it? Driving around the killer curve bend from Section 5, it first comes into view well before reaching the intersection of Bartow and Coop City Boulevard. From that vantage point the sorcerer’s wand wanna-be seems to hover over Bay Plaza.

Draw closer, and it retreats back to its actual place on the north side of Bartow Avenue atop the 7-Eleven.

When “progress” on the original installation was court-ordered to a halt, our neighbors were no longer threatened with a Billboard array that could be seen from space. We were all, however, left with the decidedly unpleasant sight of something that looked like a licorice-coated nuclear power plant cone – but uglier.

Anybody remember Lily Tomlin’s musing about things that worried her? She said something like, “I worry that the people who came up with Muzak are busy coming up with something else.”

The sneaky but inventive owners of that misszoned, former amusement park patch came up with something else indeed. They replaced their shot-down idea of creating the world’s most gargantuan billboard with a monopole–topped wind turbine. Like thieves in the night, a fleet of flatbeds hauled in the last sections needed to finish the new project and within days, an addition to the Co-op City skyline emerged.

Personally, I need to admit, that now that it’s finished – at least to me – it looks kind of monumental.

Of course, no amount of eye appeal would outweigh ear assault and from what I’ve read, there’s a reason wind turbines are kept at least 300 meters (aka three and a quarter football fields) away from homes. It’s said that at that distance, a wind turbine produces about 40 to 45 decibels. Nowhere is it written how loud it is at ground zero. For contrast estimation, a whisper

How Much I Didn’t See

As I was looking through my living room window down at the colorful fall foliage and at the beautiful blue skies, a strange revelation suddenly came over me.

I was in tune to what I was looking at but not aware of how much I didn’t see. *** I didn’t see the flock of birds that nested high up in the trees or know why they sang echoing the breezes that bring the end when summer leaves.

I look down at the traffic jam on the expressway below, and, although in vain, they all have someplace to go. *** I couldn’t see the people nor hear the stories that could be told, but they all have their own adventures, some yet to behold.

I can see and hear the beauty and try not to feel the pain; I can see a world filled with wonders but we still have much to gain. *** We need to teach our children that the best things in life are free; they need to know that giving is much better than receiving.

There’re so many roads to follow, help them choose the ones they need.

I am led to remember an old biblical saying, “Can’t you see the writing on the wall?”

—Frank Mayes

is 10 decibels, highway traffic, 70 to 80 decibels. In the days ahead, we’ll hear for ourselves… or not.

Placard Abuse Soon to Be Tackled According to a November 26, 2019 NYC Council press release, the first bit of a new crack down on placard abuse — the initiation of a six-month pilot program — takes effect immediately.

Of course there’s immediately and there’s immediately. But according to the young man answering my 311 call, we can start making complaints right now, via dialing 311, or by reporting incidents – complete with pictures — via the 311 website. If rampant placard abuse in our cul-de-sacs bothers you, here are the steps to report complaints and photographic evidence via the nyc.gov/311 website. Find “Illegal parking.”

Scroll to “improper use of permit or placard.” Specifically complain to your heart’s content.

Based on those reviewed complaints, the NYPD will not only be required to conduct at least 50 “enforcement sweeps” per week, but must also issue periodic reports. (I believe that means there will soon be no selective ticketing due to cronyism.)

The first reporting deadline by the Department of Investigation (DOI) is due by September 30, 2020, so things are moving along pretty quickly. “Street space in New York City is too valuable a commodity to let placards — both real and fake — have the run of the place,” writes NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

Fines will soon increase from the current $250 to $500 and the new rule will affect official city vehicles blocking bike and bus lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks or fire hydrants, as well. Eventually, all city-issued parking permits will be issued and distributed through a standardized application process, electronically tracked, and periodically reviewed in the name of transparency.

Once in place, these measures should prevent any future reoccurrence of placard abuse.

Many have tried and failed to rein in placard misuse in the past. Maybe this time, we’ll see the effort result in action.

Bus Complainers: Don’t Stop Yet!!

I am so pleased that the plans for the Bronx express buses are still not set in stone and that the MTA continues to consider comments before the final plan becomes actually final.

MTA studies show insufficient ridership in offpeak hours but that doesn’t mean we don’t need any southbound service any time after three in the afternoon, or that northbound service isn’t needed at all from midnight, through the morning, till noon.

Our BxM7 currently covers Co-op City from its first morning Dreiser Loop pick up at 4:50 a.m., to the last downtown run leaving at 12:30 at night. The proposed plan – currently being fought tooth and nail by complainers such as yourselves – would cut off downtown travel after 3 p.m. That’s nine and a half hours less accommodation!

Currently, the uptown BxM7 leaves 23rd street on workday mornings at 6 a.m. and runs all day, evening, and night till the 1:30 a.m. trip. The proposed plan would have that first uptown trip start at noon! A six hour delay!

How could deadheading buses hours and hours each day make fiscal sense? How could those accumulated saved minutes justify inconveniencing offpeak riders so? Wouldn’t transporting half a busload of paying customers for the return trip be better than collecting no revenue at all?

Our neighbors are amazed and dismayed that these cuts are even being entertained and these cutbacks surely will not stand. But how much back-stepping the MTA will do, depends on us all. Keep those complaints flowing by phone (dial 511) or online mta.info/customer-feedback.

We look forward to the early 2020 announcement that our needed line, the BxM7, will retain its daily duration and maintain a reasonable frequency.

All aboard the 2020 complaint train…er…bus!

You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Little League

After controlling the previous four games, Co-op Despite fewer hits, Throgs Neck still managed to City Chargers ran against a strong opponent in Throgs beat Co-op City Chargers stealing the second game.

Neck, losing the weekend series.

Even though Co-op City Chargers collected five hits Chargers watched game one slip away early and to Throgs Neck ‘s three, they still fell 9-4 on Sunday. couldn’t recover, allowing seven runs in the first two Again the team was riddled with errors and givinnings. Then another three runs in the fourth inning. ing up runs on walks. Although the team was swept In the first inning, Throgs Neck got their offense in the weekend series, they showed maturity, mental started, scoring one run on an error. The second inning growth and fought back as team according to Coach runs were surrendered by walks followed by a mon- Wicks. ster grand slam.

Manny Vasquez, Omar Solano, Andrew Ortiz, MarAccording to Coach Wicks and Lasky “it’s really quel Wicks, and Jayson Fernandez each collected one hard to catch up to a team that’s playing good and we hit to lead Co-op City Chargers. are making errors on the field and not staying mentally strong.”

With nothing to lose at this point the Chargers showed a lot of fight • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • FREE CONSULTATION and tallied five runs in • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS the fourth inning. It all • IMMEDIATE FILING started with Nelson Santiago laying down a “COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE nicely placed bunt and beating out the throw in AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE” dramatic fashion, breaking up the no hitter. Per633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY fect call by coach Lasky 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road as it sparked the team Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses energy. The offensive

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY

firepower by was led by Jaden Vitiello, Leo Francisco, Andrew Ortiz, and Jayson Fernandez, who all drove in runs.

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

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Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Building 25 Association

Happy New Year from Building 25 Association Building 25 Association Holiday Party will take place in our meeting room Jan. 4, 2020, you are welcome to bring a dish, pies, cakes or just bring yourself, there will be music, laughter a chance to meet new neighbors or catch up with old neighbors.

We wish all neighbors born in December a happy birthday, and for those who has been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month generally from September through June. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at 7:30 p.m., please keep an eye out for postings outside your elevators. 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 concerns or comments 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, assistant treasurer.

I will end the year with the following quote: “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.

We can help write that story by setting goals.”-Melody Beattie —Wanda Bailey

Building 21 Association

Happy holiday Season!

Please be informed of the following dates: 21 Association General Session Gathering – foutth Thursday each month.

Thursday, Jan. 23 - open - start time 7 p.m.

Think Tank Fridays, 8 p.m. in the Gathering Room.

Friday, Dec. 27 - opn Friday, Jan. 3 - open Holiday Decorations will be left up to enjoy through Monday, Jan. 6, the Epiphany/Little Christmas.

Decorations come down Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

FYI, all funds collected are installed in the 21 Association’s bank account.

Funds 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.

If 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.

Bring a friend.

Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good.

See you around the neighborhood!

—Michelle Marbury

Building 30 A and B Association

Hoping everyone has a healthy and happy New Year.

Everyone who attended our holiday party had a great time.

We will be taking down our holiday decorations on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m.

The association will be open again on Thursday, Jan. 9, when we will have our first crochet meeting of the new year.

For those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or new additions our congratulations.

For those who have suffered a recent loss our condolences. For those under the weather get well soon.

—Linda Werner

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

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DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

Hello neighbors, the colorful fall leaves are falling. Enjoying the sudden cold weather, wrap up accordingly.

We wish all a blessed, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year 2020.

Holiday party: Note: the holiday party date has been changed to Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Building C Association Room in the rear lobby.

Mark it on your calendar and see you there! Come and meet your neighbors!

Census: The census survey will be taken in the year 2020. This is done every 10 years. Perhaps a census workshop will be given here in Co-op City, and they are also hiring. It is important that each member of a household is counted which in turn determines how political power and federal tax dollars are shared within the United States over the next 10 years. Census takers come to your door with a survey, a letter survey may come in the mail. One will be able to take the census survey online. But in any case, it is important that we do not ignore nor neglect to respond to the survey. Watch for upcoming workshops, and information availability.

Scammers: On that note, do not answer any questions over the phone; politely hang up your phone. The census could be used as a scammer’s tool later, keep alert.

Thank you: Our neighbors showed up and out on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5 and 6 to decorate all three lobbies of our building and for the collection of donations to express our appreciation of the work that our porters, lobby attendants and postal clerk does. Our neighbors also were generous in their giving.

Let’s start with Building A, Ardell, Dawn, Mary P, Robert, Wanda, Diane, Nelson, special thanks to Daphine who provided refreshments, also Tamara who provided the holiday banner. Robert went up and down the ladder. Building B, Thalia, Sharon, Fred, Freddy, Mamie, Alvin and Hattie. Freddy hung the garlands to the ceilings, up and down the ladder; put the Christmas tree together in no time. Alvin hung the wreath. Building C, Ms. Bea, our matriarch, Lillian, Beverly, Evelyn, Violetta and Mary P, Evelyn went up and down the ladder. By the way Mary P is Mary Pearson, Board Director, she lent a hand in each building. This is how good things happen when we join in and help one another.

Happy birthday to all in this month. The best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of an illness or the passing of a neighbor.

Pray for peace among the world leaders, now more than ever. Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine, but most of all be thankful. –Pinterest.

—H. Overman

Building 27 Association

6

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

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• authors. or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. cannot – •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • –Letters •–• – •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 are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

‘A disaster without them’

Board members should work on committees

To the Editor: This letter is to say a big thanks to the porters and grounds employees. They work very hard to keep our buildings clean and the grounds and gardens looking well-manicured.

This place would be a disaster without them.

Shareholders need to work with these workers to make our community as attractive as any of the more affluent neighborhoods in the city.

This is our home. Thanks again. We appreciate you.

—Auvril Anderson

To the Editor: To chair a Board committee is time consuming and voluntary. In the past, we have observed one Board member chairing two committees because of the lack of participation by all 15 elected Board members.

Based on the last vote — Resolution 19-54, which was defeated — this practice will continue and may be the reason we don’t have vibrant committees at this time in our 50 years of history. Burnout is real even when volunteering one’s time and energy with meetings.

Information has been and will forever be powerful. The lack of information is why individuals of African descent celebrate “Juneteenth” every June.

Happy Kwanzaa to all.

—Evelyn M. Turner

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

Jason Chirevas Managing Editor

Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor We welcome your letters to the editor. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. Thank you.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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.

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented 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. 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 Corp. 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.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 28 A, B & C Building 28 A, B & C

Building 28 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Einstein Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

Jan. 31, 2020

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

Jan. 31, 2023

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 28, 2019

Public Safety Report

7

CCPD welcomes a safe New Year 2020

As we welcome the New Year 2020, the Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and safe and healthy New Year. It is also a good opportunity to make readers aware of the goals this public safety report within the Co-op City Times strives to achieve. The public safety report has been written by Lieutenant Pam Ruiz Apollo since April 2007. Many of my avid fans have taken time to send a letter, an email or let us know in person or by phone that they like the articles. Continued feedback on what you would like to see in future articles is always welcomed. As the Co-op City Department of Public Safety encourages residents to call if they see something suspicious, an open dialog for relevant topics is also welcomed. Many of the topics have been suggested by readers who feel their neighbors can benefit by being made aware of situations which can become problematic. The articles address potential hazards and give information about how to recognize a threat and how to take steps to protect themselves against that threat. I am always happy to hear from my readers who have recognized a potential scam instead of falling victim to it.

The public safety report tries to focus on safety and well being for the residents of Co-op City. Articles attempt to focus on events that have occurred, information relative to the time of year or incidents in the media. Certain topics are repeated with an updated focus. Criminals may think they are getting smarter, but the public has become even smarter and more observant. Any criminal that repeatedly commits similar crimes in the community will get caught. The many windows of Co-op City serve as the eyes and ears of the community.

The readership of the public safety report article within the Co-op City Times is as diverse as the population of Co-op City itself. The ages of my readers range from 8 to 108. My avid readers range from elementary school students, friends I attended school with in Co-op City to parents and grandparents of my friends. I would also like to wish all retired members of our Riverbay family good health for the coming year. A special hello to one of my youngest readers, a young man who is very knowledgeable in all areas of law enforcement; he plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.

The articles are written to appeal to persons of all ages. The articles try to take into account the diverse population of the community. By recognizing, respecting and celebrating our differences we become even better than the sum of our parts.

Co-op City strives to be a community in which neighbors care about one another.

Looking out for your neighbor or just smiling and saying hello creates a neighborhood with strong sense of community. A strong sense of community deters crime and creates a positive environment.

Have a safe, healthy and happy New Year 2020. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Drunk driving and buzzed driving enforcement is heightened December and January every year. Penalties for drunk driving are very high and can affect your insurance premiums and ability to obtain insurance for years. Leave your car at home and utilize public transportation, cab service or a designated driver for parties or celebrations at which you plan to drink even one alcoholic drink. There is no amount of alcohol that is safe or legal when you are operating a motor vehicle.

This year, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is using the phrases “Drive sober or get pulled over,” “They”ll see you before you see them,” “You can’t hide it, if you drive drunk, they will catch you” and “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.” To learn more go nhtsa.gov/drivesober. On this website you can learn how you can help to eliminate drunk driving and prevent unnecessary deaths.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the department of public safety at 718-671-3050. 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.

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public Safety Blotter Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 2019

Dec. 17, 2019 – 99 Carver Loop A cooperator reported finding theirn car’s tires slashed.

Dec. 18, 2019 – 4200 Hutchinson River Parkway East A bus rider was distracted by two males. One tapped her on the shoulder and the other walked behind her. After a short period, the males left and the complainant realized her cell phone had been taken.

Dec. 19, 2019 - 140 Alcott Place A report was filed for a stolen delivery.

Dec. 21, 2019 – 2037 Bartow Ave. A man was arrested by CCPD units when he apparently interfered in a situation the officers were handling. Upon arrest, it was determined the man had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was returned to Bronx Central Booking for the warrant.

Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. For those of you traveling, have a safe trip. I look forward to seeing more of my avid readers around the community in 2020.

Don’t forget, the department of public safety has a lost-and-found for keys and eyeglasses located at our office at 2049 Bartow Ave., lower level. 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 2019.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. The exception is please don’t open building or garage doors to persons you are not sure belong in the building or garage.

Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

December is known as AIDS Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to learn about disabilities or conditions that may affect your friends, family members or neighbors. Knowledge is power, the more you learn the stronger you become.

CCPD catches package thieves

Midday on Monday, Dec. 23, Co-op City Public Safety detectives arrested two males who fit the profile of men who’d stolen packages from various buildings throughout the community.

According to CCPD detectives, the serial larcenists were going floor to floor stealing resident packages and removing the contents of the package before taking off. Police were able to identify the men thanks to cooperators who posted their Ring videos on Ring’s Neighbors mobile app – a neighborhood watch app that allows users to share suspicious activity in an effort to reduce neighborhood crime.

While on routine patrol, detectives observed the thieves enter Building 20 and followed them as they piggy-backed behind cooperators giving them access to Building 19. Officers then followed the suspects to the 15th floor, where they were arrested and received a summons for trespassing.

The men are not residents of Co-op City, but live in the South Bronx. They are due in court early next year.

—reporting by Toriea McCauseland

Discounted parking available in Co-op City garages for New Year’s Eve

Discounted transient parking will once again be available for New Year’s Eve in all Co-op City parking facilities.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, transient parking will be significantly discounted to only $8 between the hours of noon to 6 a.m.

While holiday parking discounts will only be in effect from noon to 6 a.m. on Dec. 31, vehicles parked in the garages prior to noon 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.

Visitors taking advantage of the reduced parking rate should take a parking ticket upon entering the garage. When leaving, cash, debit or credit card payments will be accepted at Pay Stations in the garages. Only credit and debit cards are accepted at the garage exit gate.

Danielle O’Connor, director of Co-op City’s Parking, Leasing and Storage Department, said: “The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together and parking concerns should not be a factor. Providing affordable parking at locations throughout the community allows for a convenient and hassle-free experience for visiting guests.”

Riverbay’s assistant general manager, Warren Mitchell, who oversees the Parking, Leasing & Storage Department, pointed out: “Most garages exploit the fact that it’s the holidays and an opportunity to make money. In this instance, the 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.”

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY There are no employment opportunities to list this week.

Please check back again next week.

8

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Happy holidays!

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary Holiday greetings are extended to you and your family. I hope your family will join the members of the Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City at 3 p.m. today for its 23rd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in Bartow Center, room 31. This year, it will feature radio broadcaster, filmmaker, business owner and national political activist, Brother Bob Law; the griot, Owusu Slater; the Bokandeye African American Dance Theater; MC Kevin Lambright; vendors; the Kids Corner and much more. Your contribution is an offering of food to share with others — no pork, no soda, please. I look forward to seeing you there.

Congratulations to Darlene Keesley Ms. Darlene Keesley was nominated president of the Building 20 Association and won by acclamation.

Naomi Delvalle was elected vice president in a close race with Erika Phipps. Edward Whitten is the new corresponding secretary; Francine Jones, recording secretary; John Dent, treasurer and Edwinna Herrera won sergeant-at-arms over Lillie Mangum. The Building 20 Association was filled with standing-roomonly residents for the first time in many years. I look forward to regular monthly meetings with the involvement shown at this meeting. Thank you to the members of the Section 4 Partnership, led by Kevin Lambright and Belinda Wyatt, who volunteered to supervise the paper ballot election. Michelle Marbury and Theron Marbury were also there to observe.

Impeachment It is very upsetting a president of the U.S. was impeached. However, the Democrats decided to impeach Donald Trump based on their findings of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Please be sure you and the eligible members of your family are registered to vote and actually vote in the next presidential election. If you know of youngsters who are 18 years old, or nearly 18, please encourage them

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

to register to vote. If you know of any formerly incarcerated persons and people living in homeless shelters, encourage them as well. Why? Because there is a concerted effort by the current administration to commit voter suppression all across the country. Thousands of Americans have been purged from the voter rolls. This must cease! Evil will prevail if good people sit back and do nothing.

Voting I also encourage you to vote in the annual Riverbay Board Elections. The Board has authorized me to chair the 2020 Riverbay Election Committee. Director Michelle Marbury is the co-chairman. If you are interested in working with this committee, kindly let me know ASAP by responding to the Riverbay Board Liaisons’ Office at 718-320-3300, ext. 3352, or fjones@riverbayboard.com and leave your name and contact telephone number.

The committee will meet once or twice a week from January through May 2020. There will be some tough decisions for the Election Committee members to make, since, over the past few years of failing to reach a timely quorum, the Election Committee must try to resolve this dilemma. My initial thoughts are a referendum for the community to decide on voting to amend the Riverbay Corporation Bylaws from a quorum of one-third to one-fourth; or to institute nonvoting penalty. What are your thoughts? For the past two years, the New Cooperators Orientation meetings have included information in their brochure about new shareholders’ responsibility to vote. This was a recommendation made by the Sales Committee, which I chaired.

Resolutions I submitted Resolution 19-54 to require Board directors to chair, co-chair or serve on at least one Board committee. This resolution resulted from a discussion at the October Board development weekend, when it was stated some Board directors serve as officers and also chair one or two committees, while other directors offer no additional participation. Further discussion revealed that topics discussed at the Board development weekends result in no action thereafter. Hence, the reason I submitted this resolution. At the Dec. 18

Board business meeting, a director stated there are too many Board committees and some could be consolidated. I believe the Education Committee and the Youth Committee could be consolidated. The Committee on Committees members should review this and other possible solutions. This resolution was defeated.

Resolution #19-57 was passed, which provides for the creation and installation of newspaper bins to be located in the building lobbies. Although I reminded directors that cooperators wanted the paper delivered at their apartment doors as opposed to it being dropped at the elevators on their floor, the response was the floor captains could deliver it to the apartment doors or that cooperators could obtain their copy when they get their daily mail delivery.

Parking I trust shareholders and their families are taking advantage of the discounted parking available in the Co-op City parking garages for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As chair of the Parking and Storage Committee, I am aware of the overflowing waiting lists for Garages 2, 7 and 8. While many on the waiting list park in Garage 5 at half price, it is still an inconvenience for them. Something must be done. My initial thought is to request shareholders who park a second vehicle in Garages 2, 7 and 8 and rarely use it consider parking it in Garage 5. In doing so, you would be making room for a fellow shareholder that really needs the space and saving half the cost for parking.

Waterfront park development The Board was presented with some beautiful renderings for the waterfront development along Co-op City Boulevard near Bellamy Loop. Some of the suggestions included a walking trail, benches, skating park, dog run, volleyball, etc. It was exciting to see that something is being done.

Please note that I submitted Resolution 19-66 to rescind Resolution 19-33 — Memorandum of Donation — but it was tabled and in the process of being reworded. I will make every effort to get it on the January 2020 Board business meeting agenda for a first reading.

Have a safe and fun-filled holiday. I can be reached at fjones@riverbayboard.com.

Low Cost Foot Care

9

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Building 13 Association

“The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.”

Wishing all in the Co-op City community and beyond a happy, safe and healthy New Year.

Happy Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that is celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday which celebrates and honors African culture in not only the AfricanAmerican community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

Today: Adult holiday party The Building 13 Adult Holiday Party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Come and have some fun at our annual After and Before Holiday Celebration - after Christmas but before the New Year. Dance to the sounds of DJ Val. Donations of dishes are appreciated. If you will be donating a dish please let us know. We thank you in advance.

“Boys To Men” – Let’s TALK We are requesting and need participation from men of all ages. Sunday, January 12, 2020. Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

Where: Building 13 Association Room, 100 Casals Place, rear of building. Hosted by: Devon Sanders and Malik Lynch. Come and discuss a better reason to be better men. Be Heard, understood and appreciated. Find your life’s purpose, your soul’s meaning.

Reminder Our next Building meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We have special guests attending so save the date. Check the bulletin board for additional information During the renovation period you can pick up your Co-op City Times from the lobby.

Thank for your cooperation and patience.

We’re tentatively scheduled to receive new laundry room equipment early January 2020.

Recently an Amazon delivery person showed shareholders his delivery sheet stated the resident said to leave their package in the lobby. Please refrain from this practice.

The 12th District servicing Co-op City is having a ball on Jan. 1, 2020, at the Eastwood Manor. The event begins at 7 p.m.with a cocktail hour and ends at midnight. Tickets are $125, however; if you purchase a table of 10 the cost becomes $100 per person.

NOTE: Want to also thank Rachel Eines, whose name was not mentioned as a volunteer collector. Thank you, Rachel.

We are located at 100 Casals Place, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Contacts: President Leslie Peterson at 718320-1370 or daddpeterson@aol.com and Gail Sharbaan, treasurer at 718-671-3801. The website is bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@ yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

Hello Building 19 family. Happy Hanukkah, a belated merry Christmas, and happy Kwanzaa! I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season.

As the year comes to an end, there are many people who I want to thank. First, I want to thank those who attended our End-ofthe-Year Party on Dec. 13. We enjoyed some wonderful dishes and drinks and good cheers NYS Sen. Jamaal Bailey of the courtesy of our fellow 36th Senatorial District mak- cooperators. I have to ing a surprise visit to the Building 19 Association’s End-of- give a special thanks to state Sen. Jamaal Baithe-Year Party on Dec. 13. ley for making a special appearance at our party. Originally, he was scheduled to attend the Association’s November general meeting, but had to cancel due to an emergency. However, Sen. Bailey felt that it was important to meet with his constituents and made a special effort to appear at our party this month. He even stayed to answer our members’ questions. For that, I say thank you on behalf of

our members.

I also want to thank all who generously donated to the annual collection for the porters. Since November 30th, the Association has been collecting your donation to give to the porters as our collective way of saying thanks for all the hard work that they do for our building.

Whether you gave $5 or $20 or whatever you could spare, you helped to raise over $1,000. Again, thank you, everyone.

Finally, I want to thank Titanya Deloach for her service as Association vice president. Recently she moved out of our building. As a result, she will not be seeking re-election for her position. Building 19’s loss is another building’s gain. On behalf of the Association, I want to wish Titanya the best in the next chapter of her life in her new building.

Our next committee and general meetings will be held next month on Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 17. During our general meeting, elections will be held to vote for positions on the executive board. It is important that we have as many members attend so we can have quorum, especially for voting.

On behalf of the executive board, Happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you in 2020.

— Leon Tulton

Building 19 Association

Broun Place Town House Association

We have almost made it to 2020, congratulations and here’s to a very happy new year. We hope everyone celebrated the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza holidays in good health and joy. Thank you to all the neighbors that put together a generous gift for our groundskeeper and thank you for signing-up or renewing your membership in our association. Those dues come in handy for acknowledging neighbors in times of hardship and illness and/or community matters.

Have you seen the JASA holiday video? It is filled with the happy faces of local participants and activities.

It’s my new year’s promise to get involved more. How about you? We signed up for the Section-4 Partnership Caroling and stayed with the group but due to the fact that there was no working restroom available in the building we had to leave and we were not able to comeback, glad that others could. The lobbies were beautifully decorated. The reporting on the event showed it was a wonderful event. Hope it is slated for next year and we can work with the committee then.

There has been no permanent action to enable smooth entry to I95 North or traffic across Bartow Avenue. We suggest going up Co-op City Blvd. Avoid Bartow Avenue and exiting by Section 5. Exit from Connor Street left up Boston Road and left on Eastchester and across or I95 Service Road to cross up to Eastchester. Are you travelling north and need to come into Co-op City, go one exit further, exit and go around Baychester or Co-op City Blvd. The double parking in Section 5 and all the buses make it a terrible mess and worse on weekends, stand still traffic too.

In the future something better must be done.

The Buildings and Grounds crew again deserve thanks for our townhouse cluster preparedness. The holiday lights and magic are truly warming up Broun Place. Again, Broun Place Association collected a generous holiday gift and collecting ended Dec. 23.

Together with the gift from other neighbors the gift is enhanced. It helps to put yours with other neighbors.

By the way finally, one problem a newer cooperator had, a missing name tag, has been corrected. Thank you to the powers that be for that.

New charges for infractions are posted in Garage 6, in the foyer to the front exit, around from the elevator.

We sincerely hope these will be enforced. The dumped car on the 3rd floor has been removed we are happy to report.

Go visit the Bartow Pell Mansion. It is lit for the holiday. Have a look and see this beautiful, homey environment. Enjoy the Botanical Garden holiday train show exhibition. The display is extraordinary.

We will continue to work together and make new efforts into 2020. Remember, “keep dancing and we guarantee happy days ahead.” A couple of friends and neighbors are celebrating birthdays, happy birthday Ann Ventrella and Tamara Hodges!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 6 Association

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and Hanukkah with family and friends. Wishing everyone a happy New Year 2020. Many people from other buildings tell me the holiday decorations in our lobby this year were one of the best they’ve seen in Co-op City this year. I want thank Marvin Lowery, who helped me decorate the Building 6 lobby this year. I want to thank everyone who helped collect for the porters and lobby attendants too. Awesome job.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center Public Safety office. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.

10

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Building 10 Association

Greetings fellow cooperators.

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

Happy holidays – The Building 10 Association would like to wish all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.

5th annual holiday gift drive – The holiday shelter gift drive was a huge success. Because of your generous donations we were able to give a gift to every child in the shelter. Thank you to everyone who donated and played a part in making this a successful event. A special thank you to everyone who donated their bottles to the toy drive. As a result, we were able to purchase two bicycles, seven scooters, two Hess trucks and one skateboard, which we raffled off. Thank you once again!

Holiday gift collection for Building 10 workers: The Building 10 Association executive board would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all who contributed to this year’s holiday gift collection for our Building 10 work staff. We also thank those who gave generously of their time and energy in support of this effort. Again, thank you.

Facebook – The Building 10 Association is on Facebook. The page is “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

Email address – The Building 10 Association has a new email address: Building10Assoc@gmail.com. Please use the email to contact the building association with your concerns and suggestions.

We would like to wish all December/January babies a very happy birthday.

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

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences.

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family.

Happy New Year. I trust your Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Three Kings seasons are filled with love, hope and joy. Family love and agape love will sustain our humanity. There is hope for the future of the human family and our planet. Embrace truth and gain trust. That’s what I wish for you in 2020.

I am grateful to our Executive Board members and committee members, every member, honorary member, and neighbor of the Building 9 Association family for their unwavering support and good will throughout this year. I am grateful for our Holocaust remembrance, black history, and women’s history event facilitators; our Runway Nine fashion show models; our International Food Night contributors; our Tea Room Nine Sip & Chat ladies, and Robert; our entire year-round volunteer team; our bake sale bakers and patrons; our game night and movie night goers; our karaoke night singers, dancers and audience members; our year-end celebration dinner guests, servers, and clean up crew; our monthly meeting attendees and guest speakers, our holiday lobby decorators and our dues collection teams.

Our holiday lobby trees and decorations are on display. Thank you Shirley Johnson, Shirley Wells, Shirley McCann, Wanda Rodriguez, Wanda Randall, and Rosemary Bailey. Thank you to all who have stopped to observe, offer appreciation of and/or thanks for the lobby decorations. It is truly a labor of love. Thank you to those who so generously contributed to our collections. We appreciate the hard work of our collection volunteers: Eloise Coleman, Mitzi Cleare, Linda Holley, Janet Yarrell, Janice Rosario, Barbara Cloud, Shirley Wells, Gwen Anderson, Shirley Johnson, Shirley McCann, Wanda Rodriguez, Evelyn Mavins, Wanda Randall, Gabriella Concepcion, Rosemary Bailey, Jackie Lattie, Linda Morris, Dinora Tirado, and Pamela Small.

We have lost several beloved neighbors during 2019. Just to name a few, Mr. Gorden, Ms. Catherine Lemon, Ms. Alma Greaves, Ms. Shirley Ringle, Ms. Ludmyla, and Mr. Lee Hill.

The 2019 building staff holiday distributions have been completed.

Our new stairwell door glass security panels have been installed.

The Garage 2 roof lighting has been installed. We look forward to restored access.

Thank you to the Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry for providing an lavish and delicious holiday lunch.

Thank you to the Rivers Run Community Garden for their holiday party.

“I like a man to be proud of the place he lives and for the place to be proud of him.”— Abraham Lincoln.

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good just because it is accepted by the majority.”— Booker T. Washington —Linda Collins

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our pastor, the 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, N.Y. 10469; telephone 718-862-9172.

Regular church schedule: Sunday school, 9 a.m.

Worship service, 11 a.m.

Communion service, every first and third Sundays Noon prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday Prayer meeting and Bible study, Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The following program is at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North: Neighborhood Bible study, Thursday at 10 a.m.

Sunday school is now in session every Sunday at 9 a.m.

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.

Worship service begins at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Other scheduled events Community Protestant will have a year-end candle light service Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to join in this special service of prayers and thanksgiving for the past year and looking forward with prayerful anticipation to the coming New Year 2020.

Happy New Year As we wish you a happy and blessed New Year, our church family offers Robert Brewster Beattie’s suggestion for a Happy New Year: “To leave the old with a burst of song, to recall the right and forgive the wrong; To forget the thing that binds you fast to the vain regrets of the year that’s past; To have the strength to let go your hold of the not worthwhile of the days grown old.

To dare go forth with a purpose true, to the unknown task of the year that’s new; To help your brother along the road, to do his work and lift his load; To add your gift to the world’s good cheer is to have and to give a Happy New Year.”

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

“Miss Charlene an’ Miss Neva, I was stinky, dirty, hair ain’t been combed in days. An’ here was this nice, clean man who looked like he was somebody, huggin’ and holdin’ on to me like I was some valuable treasure. He finally let me go and said, ‘Duquan, you don’t know me?’ ‘Raymond?’ We both started cryin’.”

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Councilman King hosts “Sharing is Caring” in Einstein Center

On Christmas Eve, New York City Councilman Andy King hosted his annual children’s holiday party and giftgiving event, which was sponsored in partnership with Riverbay Corporation and the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program, at the Einstein Community Center.

Guests were treated to lunch and music in addition to the gift giveaway for all the kids in attendance. There was an arts-and-crafts station, where the children could make their own Christmas cards as well as solze a few puzzles and play a few games.

“People pay attention to people who participate,” was Mr. King’s message for the day. “I remind us all in this time of effort and energy that we always find a way to forgive, we always find a way to share and we always find a way to love.”

The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program was founded

by King and his wife, Neva Shillingford-King. The program was created in response to the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls club being closed down last decade, which left local kids without a place to go, according to an article published by Norwood News in 2016. The program “challenges the youth in the community to be positive and productive youth.”

–Reporting and photos by Brandon Ortiz

Fourth annual Co-op City Community Holiday Door Décor Photo Contest

This year’s first-place prize — a $75 gift card provided by Lighthouse Travelers and a bottle of Puerto Rican Coquito — was awarded to Mrs. and Mr. Mayra and Fred Morales, Building 33. The annual event is held by the Co-op City Community Facebook group.

The spirit of giving JASA picked up two dozen bags of donated adult diapers, right, from shareholder Diane Windley, who said, “It feels good to give to the community in which I live.”

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Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Board Meeting Review, December 18, 2019 Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson As you probably know, we had a board meeting on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. So, let’s get an inside look at a few things that we discussed.

Resolutions – An Inside Look First, let’s look at a few resolutions that were discussed and see how business was conducted with them.

The first resolution, 19-51, stated that: “directors are prohibited from publishing viewpoints or any other public statements that attack, either directly or indirectly, any policy or action adopted by the majority of the board.”

Previously, I wrote several statements against this resolution in my viewpoints. Other cooperators then expressed their opinions against this resolution in their letters to editor. And, now, take a guess what happened with this resolution during our meeting.

Well, surprisingly, our meeting agenda was amended to take this resolution off the table before it was brought up. No discussion. Nothing!

The next resolution, 19-54, stated: “That each board member is required to serve either as a chair, co-chair or member of at least one committee.” So, during our meeting, I stated that our bylaws would have to be changed to support this resolution. Furthermore, I stated that board members are not indentured servants.

Therefore, this type of resolution is not appropriate for volunteer board members.

Regardless, this resolution still came up for a vote.

However, this resolution didn’t pass. Good! Look, let me tell you something. Board members are only appointed by a board president to be a chair of a committee. So, as a free volunteer, do you honestly think that I would ever allow anyone to have the power to make their own decision about appointing and removing me as chair of a committee? Never! It will never happen with me. Again, board members serve their

community voluntarily. So, why should they have tions, Inc. to bring these centers up to code. The cost someone over them in this way? Now, ask yourself will be “for a not to exceed total of $731,093 plus if you would allow yourself to be subjected to this 10% contingency ($73,109.30.)” concept and to this resolution.

New Waterfront Park – Co-op City Boulevard According to resolution 19-57, we’re going to alloImbriano Quigley Landscape Architects, P.C. was can continue hired by management to create a waterfront park along cate $60,500 so that RJB Distribution to deliver the Co-op City Times for a short period of Co-op City Boulevard. This park will be near the basetime to each floor in our buildings. Now, stop. Please ball fields. Several designs were displayed during our sit back and read these next sentences—slooowly. recent meeting. Some of the features could include an Ready? Presently, thick plexiglass bins that are about amphitheater (imagine a small outdoor circular area 3 feet tall are being built by a manufacturer in Georwith surrounding elevated rows of seats), outdoor tengia. These plexiglass bins, with a capacity to hold nis courts, a picnic/stage pavilion, a lounge area, a boardwalk, a dog run, lots of exercise equipment, etc. about 400 newspapers, will then be installed in our our workers will simply deposit So, we have some choices for this park, right? lobbies. Thereafter, the Co-op City Times into these bins every Saturday Well, the answer is maybe because we’re going to morning. Now, some cooperators might like this idea. have to get several permits, reviews, and assessments Then, well, we’ll see. before we can move forward with any work. The list We approved resolution #19-59 for a 10-year longof hoops that we’re going to have to jump through is term service agreement with Siemens Energy for the very long. So, I will print this list in my next view“repair and maintenance of two Siemens combustion point. Therefore, please make sure that you pick up this newspaper next week. turbine generators.” Initially, I didn’t want to go for we discussed this Please Don’t Drink and Drive ten years, at $15,184,720. However, matter with management and counsel before we voted.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, According to resolution #19-60, we are going to “an average of over 300 people died each year in drunkupgrade our “network infrastructure for security purdriving crashes during the Christmas and the New Year’s poses” at a cost of $1,860,446.68. Many years ago, holiday period.” These statistics, for just a few short we had a lot of problems with our computer systems. days, are insane. So, you know that we have a very bad Then, changes were made and we hired an IT direcproblem here. Therefore, I want to encourage everytor named Irfan Nadeem. And, now, I must give a lot one to never drink and drive a vehicle. Thank you. an outstanding job Close of credit to Mr. Nadeem for doing of protecting and upgrading our computer systems.

I hope that everyone had some wonderful times Additionally, lots of credit must go out to Board during this holiday season. And, I hope that everyDirector Leah Richardson, the IT Committee, our one will have a safe and a Happy New Year that is management team, our workers, and everyone else filled with love, peace, success, and prosperity. for their assistance with our computer systems. So, Thank you. please be proud of your work and know that your Questions or comments? Please send a letter to Daryl services are appreciated. I want this entire commuH. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay nity to know about the outstanding work that you did Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. with our computer systems. Thank you.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, Over the years, we received code violations in the Bartow, Dreiser, and Einstein community centers. So, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you. we approved resolution #19-61 to hire Durablis Solu-

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club honors George Clarke

The 2019 end-of-year holiday meeting of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club was held Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center.

Everything was festive and everyone was in festal attire and ready for the party. However, this year would be different: a moment of reflection had been set aside to honor the late past club President Mr. George T. Clarke.

For more than 14 years, until his passing, George Clarke had been the successful leader of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club in Co-op City. So the Dec. 19 meeting was for him, with a good number of family, friends and club members in attendance.

Mrs. Clarke, George’s widow, was overwhelmed and nearly speechless, especially since she did not know of the plan to honor her late husband. Joining her mother was daughter Ms. Karen Nicholson.

Also stopping by were Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and state Sen. Jamal Bailey with their personal holiday greetings.

“Before we get down to business, let us stop and pay homage to our late past president Mr. George Clarke,” current club President George Payne said. He proceeded to present a gold plaque honoring her husband to Mrs. Gloria Clarke.

“George Clarke loved this club. He lived and breathed the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club; He was a real down to earth pillar of this community who worked all hours of the day and night and it was nothing for him to be out in inclement weather,” Mr. Payne said.

The Clarke family are 47-year residents of Co-op City. George Clarke retired after 28 years from NYS Department of Correction as a captain and took over the helm of the Roosevelt club more than 14 years ago,

BY LAURETTA JAYSURA

following the untimely death of another well-beloved club leader, Ms. Teckla Hall.

From that moment forward, George Clarke served his community and the club tirelessly. In addition, he served dutifully for eight years as male district leader of the Democratic Party, Bronx N.Y. George was always on the go.

Mrs. Gloria Clarke, seated, with her daughter, Karen Nicholson, standing center, and members of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club.

“Our parents were planning to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in June when he passed too soon,” said his daughter. “My father was a humble man, always doing something to help. We loved him dearly.”

Several other members attested to the long hours and dedication that has become the legacy of George T. Clarke.

For instance, former Riverbay Board Director Marjorie Helms recalled seeing George out even when he was not feeling well, “but he would keep on going.”

“The club was his life” as one member put it. All agreed, George would work at home, away from home and anywhere he was called or needed in order to carry out his many roles. Every poll worker for sure has a George Clarke story, including the correct spelling of

his last name: “Clarke with an ‘e’on the end” he would be quick to quip.

For their part, Assemblyman Benedetto and Sen. Bailey both had greetings and laudable comments also about working with Mr. Mrs. Gloria Clarke accepts a plaque honoring her Clarke. late husband George Sen. Bailey presented Clarke, from AssemblyMr. Clarke with an award man Michael Benedetto, lef t, and s t at e Sen. posthumously.

Jamaal Bailey.

Moreover, the meeting was not totally devoid of politics. The Assemblyman reminded everyone how important it is to vote and “the only way to give ‘him’ the boot in next year’s election is to vote. Dec. 31 is the first day of petitioning and there will be many with petitions.

Benedetto and the Bailey took a few questions from the audience and offered hopeful news about the “latest monster black pole” in the neighborhood and how everyone wants it gone ASAP. “The developer must be stopped,” San. Bailey said.

In addition, they advised everyone to “stay active” and they are working to get answers from whomever and wherever the research takes them. They promised to follow up on the issues. Sen. Bailey also said that he is working with U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel.

Finally it was time to dine and socialize with one another. Guests enjoyed dining on a tasty variety of hot and cold food fare, drinks and dessert.

At the conclusion, Mrs Clarke and daughter thanked everyone for recognizing and appreciating the work that her husband did over the years.

“He would be so proud,” Mrs. Clarke said.

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

National Council of Negro Women

Year in review As NCNW moves forward into 2020, we reflect on the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of NCNW on Dec. 5, 1935. We also reflect on the mission of NCNW as well as our programmatic goals established by our National Office in Washington, D.C., which focuses on Four for the Future: • Education with a focus on STEAM • Entrepreneurship • Health • Public policy and civic engagement Moreover, we reflect on the work NCNW has been doing for the last 48 years serving Co-op City and the surrounding community. Some of the programs we hosted in 2019 were: Health and Wellness Community Fair, career forum and workshop, Women Represent! — Women’s History month and poetry month combined program — and our Black History Month celebration co-sponsored with the Riverbay Fund.

We were very active in community drives for a local shelter collecting, at various times, back-to-school supplies, canned goods and can openers, and a holiday drive collecting winter accessories, pajamas, diapers and toys. We thank the community for its support throughout the years to makes theses events a success and bring a smile to children living in distress. We also support a different demographic by collecting nightgowns for nursing home residents in our neighborhood.

Other community events we participated in include the Read-A-Loud program at PS160 Walt Disney Magnet STEAM School, presented awards to graduating seniors at the community public schools and partnered with our NCNW sister sections to host a STEAM and HBCU Fair for middle and high school students in New York. Our book club, open to the entire community, was very active this year, with interesting books being discussed in interesting meeting sites.

Some of our social and fundraising activities throughout the year consisted of going to Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and a cruise to Bermuda, where proceeds helped to fund our program throughout the year. We ended our social and fund raising activities this year as we prepared for the Christmas season by attending the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to see the “Miracle of Christmas” as well as hosting our holiday social at Londel’s Restaurant in Harlem.

We were also very proud to be recognized at our NE Regional Leadership Conference in early December for the work that we have been doing and we received four awards for our programs and membership. We ask the Co-op City community for your continued prayers and support so that we can continue to provide programs in our community especially as we look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary in Co-op City in 2021.

Holiday health and safety Our Health Committee reminds us all as we begin a new year to: Do not skip meals; get enough sleep each night; avoid unhealthy snacks; eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; exercise; drink plenty of water; wash your hands often; smile and laugh as much as you can!

Have a healthy and happy New Year from NCNW! —Joyce Howard

Black Forum

Emergency food pantry The pantry located at 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A is closed Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, to Jan. 2, 2020, in observance of the holidays. It reopens Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Current guests are required to re-register at the pantry beginning Jan. 3, 2020. You must show a valid ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license to remain in the emergency food program. Please check back later for dates when new guests can register for the program.

Starting Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Ave. will be the only distribution location for Section 5 Black Forum Food Pantry recipients. Guests who normally pick up food packages from New Vision Church will go to United Methodist Church beginning January 2020.

Defensive Driving Next class: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dreiser Community Center, room #4; Cost: $35 person. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license.

Checks & money orders can be made payable to ‘Black Forum of Co-op City’ and mailed to 920 Baychester Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least one and a half weeks before class. Please include your name and phone number. Walk-ins are welcomed but only a $35 cash payment, exact change, please, will be accepted the day of the class, no checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call anytime before 1 p.m. the day before class to register for seating priority. Kindly leave a brief message with your name and telephone number at 718-320-8035. The class location is subject to change, so please check back for updates and arrive early to class. Students arriving late may be denied entry into the class.

Sight & Sound: ‘Queen Esther’ Secnd payment due Jan. 24, 2020 Join us for Sight & Sound Theatre’s live epic biblical stage event of “Queen Esther” on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Dining is at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor’s Quick Bites in East Earl, Pennsylvania list. Menu includes an all-you-can-eat full buffet including mouth-watering fried chicken, carved beef, baked fish, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, homemade bread, salad bar, hot

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

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City’s next general membership meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020; at noon in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. We are requesting all members to please attend. Please watch this column for further information. It is important two representatives should be sent from each organization to attend all coalition meetings.

We will be hosting our 23rd annual Kwanzaa celebration today Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 3 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, room 31, 2049 Bartow Ave. Featuring Brother Bob Law — radio broadcaster, film maker, small business owner, national political activist. All are invited. There will be entertainment, Kwanzaa ceremony, vendors, African dancing and the Karamu feast. Refreshments will be served. This event is free.

Kwanzaa is the seven-day — Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 — African Celebration of family, community and culture as personified in African “First Fruits” or harvest celebrations. Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of ingathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration and evolves around seven principles, one for each day of Kwanzaa, called Nguzo Saba. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

The coalition members attending the Kwanzaa celebration are requested to bring a offering of a large main dish of food — no pork please — juice, or dessert, etc. to share with others. Please contact the president to advise her of what your food offering will be, or Mr. Leacock, 646-267-1521. Also traditional African attire should be worn, although it is not mandatory. All are invited. Your attendance and participation are required to make this family cultural festivity a success. The coalition wishes everyone a happy holiday, and prosperous New Year.

Please inform the coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the president of the coalition. Phone number 718-671-4506.

The coalition is a non-profit organization dedicating to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor the Friends & Family Day Celebration and the annual Kwanzaa celebration events, both events are free for the community. Members of the coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church; American Legion Post 1871 and Faith at Work Christian Church.

Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by calling 718-671-4506 or 718-671-9610 for membership application, which should returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the minister/president. Read coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember the coalition’s motto is: Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, & working together is success.

—Harman T. Leacock

desserts and more! Shady Maple also has a gift shop and a 130,000-square-foot farm market with an on-site smokehouse and locally grown produce. Meal, show and transportation: $170. No refunds. Guests can pay all at once or in three installments: Nov.15, 2019 - $60, Jan. 24, 2020 - $55, Feb. 21, 2020 - $55. The November payment reserves your seats. Please call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions about the trip.

Contact Us We look forward to hearing from you, coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

—D. Illis

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Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

The next gathering of the AAA will be Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Note: the change of date, usually every third Monday, is due in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Join us in Room 15 of the Dreiser Center at 7 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you with a “friend and new member prospect.” Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Email aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Belly dance classes – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening line dance classes with Cynthia Dixon –Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section 5, 6 p.m.

Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa class – Saturdays 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room #1. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba classes with Meena – Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2. Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

—Michelle Marbury

African American Association

Section 4 Partnership

Gratitude and thanks The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City, with sincerest gratitude, would like to thank the following, not only their sponsorship, but their belief in us as a group and entity, to do some out-of-the-box thinking as we strive to give our community, it’s shareholders and residents tools to spread unity in our community. Our thanks go out to the Bay Plaza Chiropractic Group; U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel; Assemblyman Michael Benedetto; Amalgamated Bank; Bartow Liquors; the Riverbay Fund, Dunkin Donuts and the Section 4 building associations.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every Building in Co-op City that makes up the sectional geographic Section 4 – Building 20, Asch Loop; Building 21, Bellamy Loop; Building 22, Co-op City Boulevard; Buildings 23, 24 and 25, Benchley Place; the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses.

Making an important and positive impact Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community. You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder.

You don’t have to live in Section 4. The Section 4 Partnership is making an important impact on the community of Co-op City each time we show up for events like Pioneer Day, the MTA rallies, July 3rd fireworks, Hoops and Beats, the ice cream social, the grand opening of the Section 4 basketball courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings. Come and get involved. Let’s show up! Let’s get it done!

Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939 —Michelle Marbury

Working Families of Co-op City

Next meeting The December WF meeting was canceled because we were too busy protesting and partying. But we’ll be back in 2020 on the usual third Tuesday of the month, Jan. 21, in Einstein room 35 at 7 p.m.

Slow motion destruction The deadline to stop the slow motion destruction of New York State third parties has come and gone.

The democracy-crushing Public Campaign Financing Commission results stand…for now. The unacceptable, draconian changes to the candidate and party eligibility rules — has been accepted by the state Assembly by their refusal to rebuke the commission by the Dec. 22 deadline. The Assembly could have chucked the whole abysmal mess aside and gone back to the drawing board in January, but instead, they opted to do nothing.

Back story: NYS legislators tried to work out a way to get big money out of our elections by coming up with a small-dollar public matching funds program.

They failed. Gov. Cuomo put together a commission to take up the task but the commission overstepped its role, by, at first, challenging Fusion Voting, in which a candidate can run on more than one party line on a ballot, and then by changing eligibility rules for candidates and small parties. Though the state Senate balked, the Assembly just let the new qualification rules slide into unobstructed law.

The new rules are sure to kill the Green Party outright. The new rules will severely overburden the

Working Families Party, New York’s progressive political party; the party that supported newcomers like our current state Attorney General Tish James and our current NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Thanks to the Commission, and the sit-on-theirhands Assembly, $100 million a year, yes, one hundred million dollars a year, of taxpayer money will not go toward leveling the playing field for newcomers. Instead, that money will be matched to subsidize incumbents, not contenders.

Several U.S. representatives — including our congressman, Eliot Engel — sent a letter to the N.Y. state Legislature in support of small donations and the WFP’s right to exist. The Congressman tweeted: Early in 2019, I railed against big money in politics by advocating for the protection of small donors & fusion voting …

This new, misguided Public Financing Commission plan fails to protect grassroots groups like @NYWFP. We need them.

The NY Assembly’s refusal to stand up to the Commission at a time when so many challengers are nipping at so many incumbents’ heels might not end well for them.

They’ve made a lot of progressive activists very angry.

Our mission In essence, the mission of Working Families Party is to promote tolerance and end second-class citizenship. Stand with this group.

Info? Email mpjazz@optonline.net and/or text 718219-2211.

—Mary Pearson

Many people choose to travel by car during the holidays, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. In 2017, 329 people died on New Year’s Day and 299 on Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts. Alcohol impairment was involved in about a third of the fatalities.

• Stay safe on the roads over the holidays and every day: • Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency preparedness kit with you • Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving • Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic • Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled no matter how long or short the distance traveled • Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit • Practice defensive driving • Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or overthe-counter prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment • Remember: Your family expects you home safe!

—Riverbay Safety Department

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15

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Faith in God Church and Bible Institute

Pastor and Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know you are welcome in this house of the Lord. It is His house by ownership, it is our house by stewardship and it can be your house by membership, so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house.

The Holy Spirit provides what we need to follow Jesus in obedience. In the big and little things, the spirit motivates us to confidently by faith do what will honor God and reveal our love for Him and others.

Let’s look at scripture to support this. John 14:15-21 says: 15 “If you love me, keep my commands.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

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. We have clothing items available donated to the church. If interested in picking some up, stop by the church in the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little has an EP on the market. It’s titled ‘Double Minded.’ It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. His music encourages, inspires and informs.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in section 1. Our phone is 347-276-4925.

Jesus loves you, and so do we! Happy New Year.

—Pastor Vernon Little

Evangelical UM Church of Co-op City Open Doors, open hearts and open minds

Open Door Ministries “Examine yourself” Self-analysis, self-judgement and self-examination are all the same thing and can help us to understand why we do what we do. As we end this year 2019 let’s reflect on the many good changes that have occurred in our lives and the good things yet to come. We need to end the year on a high note; seeing where we have advanced and where we still need work. Healthy self-reflection is necessary and appropriate, the Bible tells us to examine ourselves.

Romans 12:3: For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Paul cautions us to understand God’s will in our lives through healthy selfunderstanding. It is not a focus on what we have done wrong, but rather, an understanding of who we are according to God’s standards. I like to say, “You have to stop slipping on the same banana peel – you have to sweep the floor at some point.”

Before we attempt to correct and admonish others we must understand where we are. When we are constantly criticizing and denigrating others we demonstrate our own insecurities and immaturity. God tells us to look at ourselves first and then to seek a righteous life.

Lamentations 3:40: Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the LoRD. God asks us to judge and test ourselves and then return to Him. 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? We must test ourselves just as we seek to test others. Does the way we live, speak and think reflect salvation through Jesus Christ? If not there is still hope – return to Jesus today, before the year ends.

The attitude of that’s just how I am, take it or leave it is still a sign of immaturity.

As an adult, it’s your responsibility to figure out which of your traits are toxic and are negatively impactful towards other people and the ones you love, and to eventually learn how to fix them. At some point, we all gotta start making ourselves better individuals. If you truly believe you don’t have to change anything about yourself, even at the very least the worst in you, and that people will just have to deal with it, then sorry, you’re still a child. -David Christopher Hizon Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28.

Contact open Door Ministries by text, 917-334-4407, or email, opendoorministries.net.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

Full sermon on the Open Door Ministries YouTube channel

Come and visit us. You’re always welcome in God’s house, your house. We are a Bible-centered 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, all are welcome!

Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across from Building 30. Parking is available.

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation Our Pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. Telephone number: 718-320-3795 invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the Email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the Schedule for Sundays; come and receive a blessing community for more than 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere Jan. 5, 2020, regular Sunday service hours, English 9:30 a.m. and Spanish of Christian love. All are welcome!

11:30 a.m., bilingual Service will be held Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.

Order of services Bilingual service: First Sunday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon. Children Sunday Sunday worship service: 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. school: 9:45 a.m., bring your children, they will have a great time while learning Adult and youth Sunday school: 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

God’s word. Adult Sunday Bible study: English, 8:45 a.m., Spanish, 10 a.m.

Midday Bible study: Canceled until further notice English prayer/Bible study night and Spanish prayer/Bible study afternoon Wednesday night prayer and Bible study: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday Spanish prayer/Bible study: Noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday evening Bible Youth ministry: Fridays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. study: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday English prayer service: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This holiday season, we wish our members, friends and neighbors a merry Come let’s pray together. “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying Christmas, happy Kwanzaa, happy Hanukkah and a healthy and happy New Year. in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28b (NIV) You are welcome to join us Dec. 29 for the last Sunday service of 2019. We Friday night is Fun Night for youth ages 13 to 21, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. will have one service at 9:30 a.m.

This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word, enjoy Tuesday, Dec. 31, our watch night service will begin at 10 p.m. each other’s company and make new friends. There will also be many activities.

Upcoming in 2020 Exciting things are happening.

All are invited to celebrate pre-Mother’s Day at the Sight & Sound Theater featuring Food pantry will re-open Jan. 5, 2020 Food pantry distribution center at our church serves Buildings 26 A, B and C; 30 A and B; 31 A and B; 34, 35 and the “Queen Esther” on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Roundtrip deluxe motor coach transportation, Shady Maple buffet luncheon, Shady Maple Gift Shop and farmers market, all meal Earhart Townhouses. Ongoing registration and distribution of food is Thursdays taxes and gratuities included. Adults $170 and youth 12 and under $125, there is a from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued up-to-date IDs showing a 10475 zip code: driver, non-driver, or NYC ID. $25 non-refundable deposit. For additional information contact Brenda Brown at 718-671-3748 or Terry Gavin at 917-587-5057 regarding a payment plan.

Anyone 18 or older can register. Only one participant per household may register.

All are invited to join us travelling to Niagara Falls, Canada, July 21 to 24, Health education workshop Join us for upcoming health education workshop: 2020, 4 days/3 nights Tuesday to Friday. Accommodations per person: Quad, “Exercise Your Mind” on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. at your local community church, Co-op City UMC, 2350 Palmer Ave. Entrance ramp on Boller Avenue, $565; triple, $585; double, $645; single $825. Includes: Roundtrip motor coach transportation, three full breakfasts and three full dinners, two professional guided parking lot entrance is on Palmer Avenue. tours, chocolate factory visit, Hornblower cruise at the falls, all taxes and meal Sight and Sound Theatre Trip Come, join us to see the new theatre show of gratuities included and much, much more. For additional information, contact “Queen Esther” on Friday, April 17, 2020. Trip includes: Visit/shop at Kitchen Brenda Brown at 718-671-3748 or Terry Gavin at 917-587-5057. There is a $50 Kettle Village, “Queen Esther” at Sight & Sound and dinner at Smorgasbord. Cost: deposit nonrefundable deposit due now and a payment plan available. $203 p.p., Children 5 to 12 yrs. $153.

Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Payments can be made as follows: Pay in full or three payments plan, Deposit Office: 718-671-8746 or 203-374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, of $75 p.p. to hold seat. Checks payable to: Co-op City United Methodist Church can be mailed to 2350 Palmer Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information, N.Y. 10475. Visit our Facebook page, Church of the New Vision, concerning upcoming events and trips, email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or contact: Barbara 347-603-7473 or Church 718-320-3795, if no answer, leave a call the church office. detailed message and someone will get back to you ASAP. —Sis. Carol Haque —Marilyn Méndez-González

Church of the New Vision

Fri., Jan. 3

Thu., Jan. 2

Wed., Jan. 1

Tues., Dec. 31

Mon., Dec. 30

16

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Bartow

Einstein

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - noon Word Games 9:30-11a.m.

Library 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Library 9:30 a.m.-1p.m.

Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., rm. 45 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Health & Wellness Support Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., rm. 2 Group 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11a.m.

Word Search 11 a.m. - noon Mind Teasers Noon - 1 p.m., rm. 4 YOGA w/Peggy 11a.m. - noon, Bingo 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 35 JASA main office Diabetes Support Group 2nd Mon. - Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Arthritis Exercises11 a.m. - noon 1 p.m., rm. 49 Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., rm. 8 Computer Class for Beg. 9:30 a.m., Gentle Yoga 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m., rm. 2 Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Int. 10:30 a.m. & Adv. 11:30 a.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Intermediate Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m.

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Social Worker Royvi 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Health & Wellness Support Group Alert & Alive 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m., rm. 2 Walking Club 10:30 a.m.

10-11 a.m.

Computer Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group 1:30 p.m.

Mind Teasers 12-1p.m., rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud A 1st & 3rd Tues., JASA main office Karaoke by Steven 1p.m., rm. 45 Matinee Tuesday 1 p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Social Worker Royvi 1-4 p.m.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Juice Stuffed cabbage w/beef, Potato Latke w/apple sauce String beans Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit; Alt: Baked breaded fish

Beef brisket w/ tomatoes & onions Broccoli & red peppers Instant mashed potatoes

Apple Juice Chicken Fricassee Fettuccini pasta Capri blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Baked mushroom chicken Yellow rice Baby carrots w/parsley

JASA Closed

JASA Closed

JASA Closed

JASA Closed

JASA Closed

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

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

Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Aud. A Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Drama Club 1:30 - 4 p.m Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 Men’s Line Dancing 9 -10 a.m.

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-noon 10 a.m., rm. 45 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Art Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

9:30-10; 11 a.m. - noon Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 Meditative Moments 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 8 Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 Chat Session 10 a.m.

Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1- 2:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-noon Bingo rm. 7, 1 -3 p.m.

Free Oil Painting Classes rm. 38, Yoga w/Peggy 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 2 Card Games 2-4 p.m.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Library 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. 11a.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection Meeting 1st Thurs., rm. 40, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m.

Word Search 11 a.m. - noon Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m. rm. 45

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

JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers.

Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation– JASA will not accept checks under $5. All trips must be paid in advance. Drivers will no longer accept money for trips on the bus!

Dreiser Sr. Ctr. Annual Winter Coat Drive in Partnership w/NY Cares – Coats will be donated to the local family shelter. Drop-off at 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 – Thurs. Jan. 3, 2020.

FREE LiveOn NY - SCRIE/SNAP (food stamps) Assistance – Fri., Jan. 10 & 24; Feb. 7 & 21; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. JASA main office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments! Walk-ins! First come! First served!

Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office.

JASA will be closed Wed., January 1, New Year’s Day. Happy New Year!

Free Paint & Sip – Thurs., Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30; JASA main office; 3p.m. to 5p.m. Space is limited, Only 12 participants. Join us for this painting class, have fun while you paint on canvas. No experience necessary.

Juice will be served. To register call 718.320.2066.

St. Mary’s Pool – $3; Fri., Jan. 3 & 17; Mon., Jan. 27. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m. to noon. Bartow – 8:30; Einstein – 8:45; Dreiser – 9 a.m.

Stew Leonard’s – Fri., Jan. 3; $6. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Shoprite New Rochelle – Mon., Jan. 5; $4. Bartow

Juice Baked breaded Curried chicken legs Pollack, Basmati rice Black beans w/rice Grilled vegetables Steamed cauliflower Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Veggie burger Juice, Lemon herb chicken, Spinach noodle kugel, California blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte fish

Baked fish fillets Rice w/vegetables Sautéed spinach

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

– 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Empire Casino – Tues., Jan. 7; $5. Bartow – 9 a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

Aldi/Home Depot – Wed., Jan. 8; $3. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Central Ave. – Wed., Jan. 8; $13. Christmas Tree store, Trader Joe’s and Amazing Savings. Bartow – 8:30; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser 9 a.m. There is a Shoprite right next door to Amazing Savings Walmart – Thurs., Jan. 9; $15. Bartow – 8:30; Einstein – 8:45; Dreiser 9 a.m.

Costco – Thurs., Jan. 9; $5. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Wegman’s Supermarket, Brooklyn New York – Tues., Jan. 14; $10. Bartow – 8:30; Einstein – 8:45; Dreiser – 9 a.m. Wait list.

Fairway/BJ’s – Wed., Jan. 15; $4. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Want to learn how voice technology can keep you connected to your community? Join us for a free presentation “Introducing Your Connected Community” Alexa project. JASA main office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Friday, Jan. 17; 10 – 11 a.m. Due to limited seating in the Bartow main office, please call to register, only 40 seats available, 718-320-2066. Dreiser Loop Senior Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 4; Jan. 17; 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. 50 seats available.

JASA will be closed Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday.

Empire Casino – Tues., Jan. 21, $5. Bartow – 9

a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

IKEA/Christmas Tree Store/Bed Bath and Beyond – Thurs., Jan. 23; $15. Bartow – 9; Einstein – 9:15; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

Shoprite New Rochelle – Mon., Jan. 27; $4. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Walmart – Thurs., Jan. 30; $15. Bartow – 8:30; Einstein – 8:45; Dreiser – 9 a.m.

Tina Turner Broadway show, Lunt Fontanne Theatre, rear orchestra center and far side seating – $145; Wed., February 12, 2020. Pickups: Bartow – 11:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 11:30 a.m.; Einstein – 11:45 a.m. Motor coach bus. Payment deadline, Friday, Nov. 29, 2019Wait list.

JASA Bartow Valentine’s Day Party – Friday, Feb. 14, Bartow Sr. Ctr., 2049 Bartow Ave., rm. 31; 11 a.m.

– 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at all three senior centers; $5. Tickets will not be sold at the door. DJ - TBA. Co-op City NORC & Einstein Senior Center Presents “Soul Train” a Black History Month celebration featuring Ola & the Olettes – Wed., Feb. 19; $5; Einstein Sr. Ctr., rm 45; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu: baked chicken, BBQ ribs, potato salad, corn on the cob, garden salad & rolls. Tickets will be sold at all three senior centers. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Sight and Sound Queen Esther – Thurs., April 23, 2020; $155. Center stage seats. Family style lunch at Good and Plenty restaurant. Pickups: Bartow – 8 a.m.; Dreiser – 8:15 a.m.; Einstein – 8:30 a.m. Motor coach bus. Payment deadline, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Wait list.

17

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

AARP Chapter #4997

Happy New Year to all AARP #4997 members and the entire Co-op City community. We’re looking forward to having more of you joining the Chapter. Join us on our trips to Albany in support of AARP issues.

FYI – The first meeting for the New Year is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020, 1 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, Room 1. Please come out.

Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-6715493, if you have a family member who has passed or if one of our members is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

2020 Tour Plans: April 8, 2020: “Queen Esther” at the Sight &Sound Theater with lunch at Good & Plenty; shopping at Tangers Outlet; includes motor coach transportation; $170/person; $50 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up. Contact Hannah 718-3797962 or Judith 718-379-3370.

May 1-3, 2020: Passport, Washington, DC, three days/two nights; visiting the various embassies that open their doors

to the public; sample the different cultures; taste the foods from around the world; $495/person, double; $634/single; $480/person, triple. Contact Judith, 718379-3370 or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

July 16 to 19, 2020: Ocean City Maryland; 4 days/3 nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster restaurant; sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino; $789/person, double; $1,064/single; $50 non-refundable deposit due when signing up. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370 or Hannah, 718-379-7962 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. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is open Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name. They may also be mailed to the group/trip leader.

—Delores Debnam

Goose Island Seniors

Sunday Bingo – Tomorrow, Dec. 29, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. $6 for three cards and one jackpot sheet. Includes: 12 games plus three-part jackpot, 15 games in all, 25¢ each extra card, three extra cards maximum, 50¢ for one extra Jackpot sheet only.

Wind Creek FKA Sands – Thursday, Feb 6, 2020.

Price $40. More information coming soon.

Sight & Sound ‘Queen Esther’– Thurs., April 23, 2020, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Price $145, includes free buffet at Golden Corral, then the play “Queen Esther.” Seats: Center stage balcony one to four steps down. Buses leaving from our three usual bus stops: Einstein, 8 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:10 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:20 a.m. All money is due by Wed., April 8. Make checks payable to Goose Island Seniors, visit us or mail to 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx N.Y. 10475.

Cruise to Bahamas – July 27 to Aug. 5, 2020, on Carnival Cruise Line’s “Sunrise” Ship. Leaves New York and stops at Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Nassau Bahamas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Price Inside Cabin $1095.64 per person, Ocean View $1255.64 per person, balcony $1555.64 per person.

Reservation $400. Final payment April 15, 2020. For more information please call 718-379-9613.

Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members only, in our clubroom 39.Admission, $5 for three cards, 12 games and Jackpot. 25¢ each extra card, three extra cards maximum.

Karaoke – Tuesdays and Thursdays from l p.m. to 3 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. All are welcome.

Come and listen or come and sing. Free concert.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of December: Janie Williams, Barbara Hines, Brenda Brown, Adele Lawrence, Barbara Owens, Ada Snyder and Sheila L. Linder.

Note: The dues for the Senior Citizen’s Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. is $20 for the year 2020. You may pay your 2020 dues any time between now and Dec. 31, 2019. Those members who do not pay will not be able to use the club room for any bingo, library or any other activities until paid in full.

Call Ann or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718379-9613. If there is no answer, please leave a message.

Feel free to visit us at the Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Office hours: Mon. to Fri., l0 a.m. to noon. Mon., Wed. and Fri., noon to 8 p.m., and Tue. and Thurs. evenings, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stephen cell: 347-847-1941.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts Sr.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

May the dawn of this New Year, bring new joys for you. May your new year be blessed with peace, prosperity and happiness too! Happy New Year!

Travel events Price includes coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block May 12, 2020, Tuesday, “I Left My Dignity In My Other Purse,” Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Showtime: 11:30 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit ASAP to hold seat: $40. Balance due $45, no later than April 6, 2020. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347 564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718 320-0500.

Theatre Committee Price includes van transport, from Dreiser Loop, front of rehab center Feb. 13, 2020, Thursday, “Five Guys Named Moe,” Westchester Broadway Theatre. Showtime: 11 a.m. Price: $80. Deposit to hold seat: $40. Balance due $40 no later than Mon. Jan. 6, 2020. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

We accept checks/money orders payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser club room 19, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Good and Welfare To our members and friends on the mend, the holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Keep in mind, our next Jazz Up Your Health With a Senior Spa Day will be in the New Year 2020, date to be determined. If interested in joining us, Call Claudette D. at 718-379-4784 or Hattie L., 718-671-8449.

—Claudette Davis

Scheduling Activities Calendar

18

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family, invite you to join us tomorrow at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for worship service. Sunday school for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study and pray with us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at coopcitybaptistchurch.org You are invited to join us for a mid-week spiritual pickup at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m and 7:30 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon.

Prayer service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. you can call 563- 999-2090; when asked for the PIN, enter 660065 and you will be connected. Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Watchnight service will be held on Tusday, Dec. 31, at 10:30 p.m. You are invited to join us as we bring the New Year in in the House of the Lord.

The scholarship ministry is going to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota on July 17, 2020. This trip includes motor coach transportation, 10 nights lodging, 18 meals, visits to the spectacular Badlands National Park and to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and much more. Partial payments are now being accepted. At the present time all seats have been sold but a wait list is being formed.

For additional information or to be placed on the wait list, please call 718-379-0541, 718-671-1271, 718-671-1918 or 917-612-1245.

It is the holiday season and wishes are extended for a Happy Kwanzaa and a blessed, healthy and happy 2020.

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

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

General information The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone: 718379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The Synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m.

After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue’s finances.

The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 5:27 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, 4:20 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree.

Mazel Tov, to all having Simchas.

If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

Happy birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in January. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in January, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub.

Your support for the Traditional Synagogue, is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

You are invited to attend services on the following days.

Sunday school for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m.

Worship starts at 11:45 a.m. each Sunday.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m., and watch night service begin at 8:30 p.m. Prayer and fasting service will be cancelled on Wed. morning Jan. 1, 2020, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible study.

Friday evening youth service will start at 7:30 p.m.

Focus Miracles are a normal part of revival that includes physical wonders, salvation and the establishing of the people of truth.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being cripple from his mother’s womb, who never walked. The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet, and he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia. The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. (Acts 14:8-11) The role of signs and wonders in the confirmation of truth is seen in Hebrews 2:3-4 which states: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his

own will?

Simon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentles, to take out of them a people for his name (Acts 15:14).

When the first church council met in Jerusalem about A.D 50 to consider whether it was necessary for Gentiles to keep the Law of Moses, the argument ended when the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them (Acts 15:12).

The fact that God worked miracles and wonders among the Gentiles was considered to be proof of Gods approval of the Gentile’s faith. If he honored their faith with miracles and wonders, they must have been acceptable to Him even though they were not keeping the Law of Moses.

Miracles, signs, and wonders accompanied the ministry of the early Christians and played an important role in the church. Moreover, the days of miracles are not over.

God still works through miracles today and they are still important to the ministry of the church in this world. It is important however, that we meditate on the word of God daily and we will be able to experience great miracles in our lives. God take great delight in his people when they worship him with all their heart and walk in his way.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. (Psalm 1:1) For more information, call 718-324-0334 or 718-430-4218 —Rev. R. Sibblies

Pentecostal Tabernacle

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome.

Weekly schedule Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m. Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every Fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, Decc 29, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the first Sunday after Christmas. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant.

Please join us Wednesdays, except Jan. 1, for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon.

On Thursdays, except Jan. 2, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the bible 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a short noon-day service.

Choir rehearsal is Thursdays at 7 p.m., and we are always looking for new members.

Group activities The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday in each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month.

Just a reminder, the Kwanzaa Celebration takes place today, Saturday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m. in room 31, Bartow Community Center. As a member of the Coalition of African American Churches, members are expected to come out and represent St. Joseph’s by

supporting this free event.

Upcoming fundraising events Please stay tuned for our 2020 fund raising events. Thanks to all our members and friends who have supported our fund raising activities throughout the year. We look forward to your continued support in the coming year.

General information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of January, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more.

To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery.

New pledge cards for the year 2020 are now available. Please collect yours, pray on your ability to pledge, then complete and return them to the church as soon as possible. Bear in mind that a workable budget depends largely on your commitment.

Outreach program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms.

This program is in desperate need of food.

At St. Joseph’s, we collect nonperishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. A special thank you to all our friends and neighbors who have been responding to this request.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-3200844. You may also visit our website, stjosephsepcbronx.org, for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! How pleasant it is to honor him with praise!” –Psalm 147:1 —Merville Chambers

19

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Clerical Assistant 12/28 Part-time, 2-3 days/week. Law office in Harlem. Computer, phone skills and filing. Spanish speaking required. Resume to Info@OliveriAndSchwartz.com

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St. Paul’s Episcopal/Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul’s Place off Washington Ave., Bronx.

1. Church Worship Center on first level that can seat over 300 worshipers available for rent on Sundays after 2:30 p.m. and other weekdays can be arranged.

2. Worship center on lower level that seats over 100 people also available for rent.

If interested in renting any of the spaces, call or text Father Horton Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment.

12/28

CO-OP CITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

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20

Co-op City Times / December 28, 2019

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 38 Years!

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Licensed Staff

Not Pictured:

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative

Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

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Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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