Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2009 Co-op City Times
Vol. 45 No. 8
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Comptroller William Thompson addresses Co-op City community leaders BY BILL STUTTIG City Comptroller and prospective mayoral candidate William C. Thompson, who built a strong reputation over the past eight years taking on the fiscal policies of the Mayor’s office and various agencies including the Dept. of Education and the MTA, addressed a gathering of nearly 200 Co-op City community leaders and Riverbay officials at a breakfast meeting Thursday morning in Dreiser Community Center. Leaders of churches, youth groups, political organizations and civic groups joined Riverbay Board Directors and management officials in meeting with the Comptroller and discussing changes that they would like to see in city government. In giving an assessment of the city’s financial condition during this bitter recession, Thompson estimated a loss already of more than 170,000 jobs in the city with steeper job losses yet to come. But he said that the good news is that millions will be coming to the city through the Economic Stimulus Package recently passed by Congress,
City Comptroller William Thompson at the Dreiser Community Center Thursday morning. Photo by Bill Stuttig
to create infrastructure improvements, economic development opportunities and jobs. “We know what tough times are,” said Thompson in referring to the city’s history of fighting through various
Co-op City portion of the Hutchinson River Parkway Greenway being redesigned
BY BILL STUTTIG Designers from the New York City Parks Department are currently redesigning the portion of the Hutchinson River Parkway Greenway that was planned to run along the highway through Co-op City. Two weeks ago, Parks officials, along with Riverbay representatives, toured the area of land where the Greenway was projected to be constructed, and after viewing some logistical details, determined that original designs need to be tweaked in order to make the planned bike and jogging path more convenient for residents wishing to take advantage of the pathway as it winds past Co-op City. Jesslyn Moser, a spokesperson for the Parks Department, explained, “The objective of this project is to extend the Hutchinson River Greenway from Pelham Parkway to Greenway connections in New York City’s northern border and Pelham Bay Park. The new greenway will be located adjacent to the Hutchinson River Parkway and the Hutchinson River extending about 2.5 miles. The greenway
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will be paved and landscaped, have greenway signage to direct the flow of traffic and have bicycle routes all along the way.” Parks officials met with Community Board 10’s Parks and Recreation Committee on February 9th to explain their plans for the Greenway’s extension into the Community Board 10 service area. The following week, representatives from the Department of Parks toured the affected area in the Co-op City vicinity with Riverbay and Community Board representatives. Community Board 10 District Manager Ken Kearns, who took the tour of the affected area along with Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper, Ombudsman Joe Boiko and Community Relations Director Michelle Sajous, said that the Community Board would hold off on giving their approval to the project until they are assured that the Co-op City community is comfortable with the plans at it affects the community. Moser from the Parks Department (Continued on page 4)
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Co-op City still affordable among larger Mitchell-Lama developments despite carrying charge increase BY ROZAAN BOONE Co-op City still remains one of the more affordable and desirable housing developments among the largest of the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s Mitchell-Lama portfolio, in spite of the 6% carrying charge increase that became effective this month. With a 99.84% occupancy rate, the housing development is virtually sold out and the waiting lists continue to grow with significant wait time for new move-ins, as well as for transfers within the development. As of this week, out of the 15,372 units in Co-op City, only 24 apartments are available for purchase — 6 one-bedrooms, 12 two-bedrooms and 6 three-bedrooms. “That calculates to an availability rate of only .1561%, which is just over 1/10 of 1%,” said Steve Gold, Riverbay’s Director of Residential Sales. According to DHCR, a number of the larger Mitchell-Lama developments, including Co-op City, Rochdale Village, Warbasse, Southbridge Towers and Amalgamated have either had or have
applied to the agency for increases in their carrying charges in the last year. Ellen Irizarry, Assistant Director of the Housing Management Bureau at DHCR, said recently that for the most part, many housing companies seeking an increase in their respective carrying charges are doing so because of utility costs which escalated to record levels during 2008, increases in their general operating expenses and the need for funding to complete capital improvements. In some instances, the refinance of loans is necessary to generate sufficient funds for both short and long term capital improvements. “Granted, the cost of fuel started to go down in the Fall of 2008, after skyrocketing to over $140 a barrel during the Spring and Summer, but for many housing companies, the approved budgets from 2007 could not support the increased fuel and utility expenses,“ said Irizarry. “So while the cost may have eventually dropped for some utilities, such as was the case with
Vacant Bartow Avenue lot now a truck impound center (Continued on page 5)
Impounded tractor trailers now sit on vacant land that was once considered an ideal spot for a new Bronx YMCA. Photo by Bill Stuttig
BY BILL STUTTIG Valuable vacant city-owned land on Bartow Avenue, once thought to be an ideal site for a youth, health, and community center, is now being used as a storage facility for tractor trailer trucks impounded in the Bronx. According to Community Board 10 District Manager Ken Kearns, the large
tract of land between the Red Lobster restaurant and the Project Hope senior residence is the property of the city’s Economic Development Corporation which has presumably allowed the NYPD’s Traffic Enforcement Division to use the site to store impounded trucks. (Continued on page 4)
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Co-op City Times /February 28, 2009
Co-op City Public Safety’s website expands channels of communication within community
BY ROZAAN BOONE The Co-op City Public Safety Department has its own website, www.ccpd.us, which is intended to expand the department’s channels of communications beyond the normal media and in so doing, strengthen the working relationship between the department and the Co-op City community. “We’re trying to ensure there’s effective communication to address the issues and concerns of the shareholders,” said Deputy Chief Henry Milburn. “I hope the shareholders find the website to be a useful tool and that they utilize the information and the links that are posted.” Riverbay Board President Othelia Jones said of the new website, “I believe that the website can be an effective tool in helping to fight crime in our community. It provides tips and other useful information and I hope that the shareholders who have
computers will use the site not only for the information that is posted, but also to let Public Safety know how they are doing.” The CCPD website is a wealth of information for shareholders and other visitors alike, featuring several links, including information about the department, its mission statement, and a Message from Deputy Chief Henry Milburn. It also outlines the various units within CCPD, programs offered to the community, such as the RUOK program, programs for the handicapped, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching, bicycle registration and youth programs, which is still being constructed. The CCPD website contains safety and crime prevention tips, a Kids’ Corner, featuring tips on bicycle safety and McGruff, the Crime Dog; a calendar of upcoming events within the community; and frequently asked questions. Shareholders can also find information published in the weekly
Public Safety Report in the Co-op City Times, as well as the weekly blotter online. The website also provides an avenue for shareholders to report information anonymously or to report an incident or make a complaint/compliment to Public Safety using its section on online reporting. This link also features anti-corruption and anti-graffiti hotlines. A few of the links on the site are still being constructed and Lt. Jeff Bowman, who has been with CCPD for 29 years and is the creator of the site and known as the department’s webmaster, said that the project is a work in progress, and that additional features will be added in the future. “We encourage the residents to visit the website often and we also welcome their input for improvements or additional features that they would like to see,” said Lt. Bowman. Shareholders who are planning a trip
can also obtain travel directions and maps at the site. There’s even information on Emergency Preparedness and helpful links to the local 45th Precinct, NYPD, NY State Police, Homeland Security, NY Sex Offender Registry and the Riverbay Corporation Home Page. “A number of shareholders have already responded to the site favorably in the past month since we went live,” said Deputy Chief Milburn. “The site is being monitored daily and all correspondence is answered promptly.” “The website was developed to better communicate with shareholders and I hope everyone takes advantage of the variety of information that is included,” said Vernon Cooper, Riverbay’s General Manager. “We will continue to update the information as more programs and improvements are made in our effort to improve the level of service to the shareholders.”
Congressman Joseph Crowley gave high marks to President Barack Obama’s first address to Congress as President. Following the historic speech, Crowley said, “In his first address to Congress, President Obama delivered a sober and honest assessment of the challenges we will face as a nation in the year ahead.
Even more important, however, President Obama outlined a path towards recovery and called on us - Democrats and Republicans alike - to work together to make the sacrifices necessary to lift the country out of this economic downturn. “Many tough issues ahead, but I applaud President Obama for clearly stat-
ing that all of them must be addressed. He laid out a plan tonight that will bring financial stability and reform to our financial sector. He started a bipartisan discussion on how to rebalance the federal budget and return our nation to an era of fiscal responsibility. And, he has made clear it is time to reform our health care system.
“President Obama is providing the leadership we need on the many challenges facing us, and I look forward to working closely with him in the year ahead to revitalize our nation’s economy and return our nation to an era of fiscal responsibility after eight long years without.”
lies in 13 Northeastern states or at the five Fresh Air Fund camps in upstate New York. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states
from Virginia to Maine and Canada through The Fund’s Friendly Town program. Additionally, 3,000 children attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. On a Fresh Air Fund experience, a child will
see a world outside New York City, full of meadows, streams and lakes. Wherever children go, they may learn new skills like riding a bike, swimming or gardening. Children often make friends that last forever.
Crowley Applauds President Obama’s Message of Challenge and Optimism in his First Congressional Address
Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about The Fresh Air Fund! The Fund is currently registering boys and girls, six to 12 years old, in all five boroughs for free summer vacations in the homes of volunteer host fami-
Fresh Air Fund registration begins
Safety Flash
FDNY’s Fire Safety Tips PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
“DWD” Driving While Distracted
The proper use of portable fire extinguishers can extinguish many fires while they are still small. You should be aware, however, that the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) should be notified without delay as soon as any fire is discovered.
Pay attention to your driving!
Also, you should know that portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be used properly so that this material is not wasted.
—Riverbay’s Safety Department
The FDNY regulates the number, type, and placement of the portable fire extinguishers that are required for any building. These portable fire extinguishers are an important part of an overall fire safety program. It is important to keep in mind that the successful use of portable fire extinguishers depends on the following: · the portable fire extinguishers are properly located and in working order. · the portable fire extinguishers are of the correct type. · the fire is discovered while still small enough for use of the portable fire extinguishers to be effective. · the fire is discovered by persons who are ready, willing, and able to use the portable fire extinguishers.
In some cases, OSHA may require that an employer provide education to its employees on how to use the portable fire extinguishers that are located in the workplace. Generally, operation instructions are provided on the side of the fire extinguisher. They clearly describe how to use the extinguisher in case of an emergency. An example of these instructions is shown below.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
2nd Combing Co-op City
Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto sponsors mammography van for Co-Op City
Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in conjunction with Project Renewal, formerly operating as Women’s Outreach Network, will once again be sponsoring a free Mobile Mammography Screening Van which will be located outside of the Baychester Public Library, 2049 Asch Loop North, on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Those who scheduled appointments for the February 14 screening will be able to receive their clinical examination at this time, but must still make an appointment. The program will also be open for anyone who would like to make use of this service. This program is for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans are accepted, however, if you do not have insurance, you can still sign up for the program. An appointment is necessary. Please call 1-800-564-6868 This program is funded by Bronx Cancer Services Program Partnership and Outreach for Breast Health Foundation, in partnership with the Italian-American Cancer Foundation.
Shoes for students
Co-op City’s Church of the Savior is organizing a drive for students of the Bronx-based Urban Assembly, schools designed to prepare inner city teens for success in college and business. Part of the requirement for boys attending Urban Assembly schools is to dress in proper business attire, jackets, shirts, ties and black leather shoes. In order to help low and middle income families meet those requirements, the school is looking for donations of black shoes, new or used, to be given to the students for their use. Church of the Savior has accepted the responsibility of collecting donated shoes in this community. Donations can be dropped off at Church of the Savior on the first floor of 120 DeKruif Place between noon and 3 p.m. any Thursday. For more information, call Rev. Dr. Robert Smith at 718320-0002 or 917-734-4258.
FRONT PA G E
Co-op City mourns the passing of Irving Berkowitz
BY ROZAAN BOONE this was something that could save the Irving Berkowitz, known affectionately community millions and pay for itself in to many in Co-op City as the “Bard of the just a few short years.” Board,” passed away in Emerson, N.J. on However, Berkowitz recalled that for the morning of Wednesday, February 25, whatever reasons, some of his Board col2009 after suffering a heart attack. He was leagues failed to understand the value of 91 years old. Berkowitz, an iconic figure among Co-op City residents, lived here for more than 35 years before moving to Paramus, N.J. to be closer to his family because of failing health. More recently, he was living at The Gardens at Emerson, an assisted living facility in Emerson, N.J., along with his wife, Sylvia. “Co-op City was his world,” said Audrey Bida, younger daughter of Berkowitz. “There was no place compared to Coop City.” Berkowitz’s love for this community led to him serving on the Riverbay Board of Directors from 1987 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1999. Irving Berkowitz During that time, from June, 1990 to June, 1993, he served as the the community being able to produce its Board’s Third Vice President. He was re- own electricity and selling the excess elected as the Board’s Third Vice President energy. in June, 1996 and in July, 1997, he was “Even back then you could see the elected Second Vice President. need,” Berkowitz said. “Indian Point was a Berkowitz was one of the first residents focus of controversy in those years and who broached the issue of building a you knew sooner or later, it would have to cogeneration plant for Co-op City more be replaced. As a society, you knew that than two decades ago. In February, 2006, our electricity needs would continue to after the Riverbay Board voted unani- grow and greater value would be placed on mously to approve the contract to construct excess power. Opportunities for additional the plant, Berkowitz told the Co-op City power generators were bound to increase, Times, “This is something that could have so we were simply asking ‘why not us?’” been realized 20 years ago. We knew that Berkowitz pointed out that even when
the discussion about cogeneration began back in the 1980’s, financing the project was an issue and many of his colleagues on the Board felt that they could ill-afford to spend money on such a lofty idea when the community had so many other needs. “But we knew then that this was something that would have paid for itself in just 5 to 6 years, and if we took out a loan just for this need, it could be paid back relatively quickly and the community would have the financial benefits of cogeneration many years after that.” Board Director Al Shapiro, a long-time friend of Berkowitz, recalls that Berkowitz was one of the people who first introduced him to the idea of cogeneration. “That was one of Irving’s biggest dreams—to see cogeneration come to fruition.” Shapiro added, “Irving and I went back a long way, he was a very nice and decent man and a good Board member.” Board President Othelia Jones said that Berkowitz was already on the Board when she was elected in 1993 although he did not win re-election that year. Three years later, the two ran on the same slate for the Board along with three other candidates and three of them were successfully elected in that election, including both her and Berkowitz. “I served two terms on the Board with him,” said Jones. “He was a nice man and it was a pleasure working and serving with (Continued on page 4)
Shareholders encouraged to update personal contact information with Riverbay BY ROZAAN BOONE Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper is urging all shareholders who have not done so recently to update their personal contact information so that Riverbay Corporation may be able to more expeditiously contact their relatives and/or friends in case of an emergency. “Management is reaching out to all cooperators in an effort to update our records,” said Cooper. “In many cases, the emergency contact names and contact numbers are outdated and no longer useful.” Cooper said that during several recent emergencies, when Riverbay attempted to reach the individuals listed by cooper-
ators as their emergency contact persons, in many cases, those numbers had either been changed with no information regarding their new number being available, or it was found that the numbers on record now belong to other people. In some other instances, the number(s) listed had been disconnected and the shareholder had not contacted Riverbay to update this information. “It is extremely important that we are able to reach family and friends, in case of an emergency, who may be instrumental in assisting us in our efforts to reach cooperators who may be away from home, by coming to the property, if necessary, to offer assistance in some form or fashion, or
by simply providing relevant information that may help facilitate or expedite our efforts to assist someone who may be at risk,” said Cooper. “We also ask that cooperators give us updated contact numbers for themselves as well, such as work numbers, cell phone numbers, etc.” “I cannot stress how many times we’ve had to contact a cooperator and the information in our files is not accurate because the cooperator may have changed phone numbers or address or their name in the case of a change in marital status, and they did not update Riverbay of the changes,” said Juanita Net, Director of Riverbay’s (Continued on page 4)
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Greenway
explained: “The Parks Department does not need permission from Riverbay Corporation to build the Hutchinson River Greenway because the Greenway will be constructed on Parks property, not on Riverbay property. However, it is standard procedure for Parks to work closely with the community on projects in their neighborhood, and in this case, the greenway will be adjacent to Co-op City. Parks presented the proposed Greenway design to the Riverbay Corporation and took them on a site visit. We are currently considering their feedback as we revise the design
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and once that is completed, we will present the new design to Riverbay for any final comments and suggestions.” General Manager Cooper said last week that it is the hope of management that final comments on the project can be made by shareholders during a community forum on the proposed plan. “Whenever Parks is ready with their revised plans, then a town hall meeting will be scheduled where all interested shareholders will be given the chance to hear the details of the Greenway, ask ques-
tion and offer comments,” Cooper said. Moser said that the Parks Department will be open to such a meeting. Preliminary plans for the Greenway call for it to be extended along the east side of the Parkway, past Section 5, and then continue under the Hutchinson River Parkway drawbridge, and up onto the drawbridge itself and then, on the other side of the bridge, continue up through the western edge of Pelham Bay Park until it reaches I95. The greenway will then wind through a community north of the highway before
coming to an end at Boston Road and the Bronx-Westchester border. Those who attended the recent tour of the Greenway path said that Parks officials were surprised to see that the walking path underneath the drawbridge was so narrow and the hill so steep where the pathway was supposed to proceed up onto the bridge. It is expected that the redesign will focus on those two areas. Moser said that it is hoped the construction of the new Greenway could begin by late fall.
In a letter recently sent to Seth Pinsky, President of the city’s EDC, Kearns stated: “Please note that Community Board 10 was never consulted on a possible use for this site, nor was it given an opportunity to suggest alternate sites. The area contains no landscaping, inadequate lighting, no signage indicating its purpose or contact numbers in case of an emergency. In short, the placement of this type of facility is in such close proximity to the residential buildings of Co-op City, in our Board’s view, is inappropriate.” In citing to Pinsky why the Board feels that locating an impound center in such a busy commercial and residential area is completely wrong, Kearns points out that the lot, filled with dozens of impounded tractor trailers on a constant basis, is immediately adjacent to the region’s
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biggest shopping center Bay Plaza which attract thousands of shoppers on a daily basis, and across the street from the nation’s largest cooperative development, home to 55,000 residents. “Additionally,” Kearns states, “the lot holding the trailers is situated between a restaurant and a residence for senior citizens. The presence of the trailer creates environmental problems for both the restaurant and a senior citizen housing complex. While an impound facility is needed in the borough, we reiterate the above reasons that this site is simply not the place for it.” Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper said that what makes the city’s decision to use this site as an impound lot particularly troubling is that the property was recently being considered as a site for
a multi-purpose community center, perhaps a YMCA. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion had once lobbied to use the vacant city land as a site for a new YMCA to serve the northeast Bronx. Representatives from the Borough President’s office have visited the site in the recent past with Riverbay Board Directors to discuss the plans for the site. Now those plans seem in doubt. Cooper commented this week, “We would like to express our concern about the use of this parcel of land. I know that there are ‘plans in the works’ to erect a mixed use building, which will include housing and a health facility. As I understand, the health facility is slated to be a YMCA at this location. The health facility is paramount given the fact that we don’t have any facilities on premises for
our residents, particularly our young people. Hopefully, negotiations can be expedited so that the property can be used in a way that is more beneficial to the community.” At a community breakfast meeting on Thursday with City Comptroller William Thompson, Cooper raised the issue and advised the Comptroller of the situation. Kearns said that he is still waiting to hear from Pinsky on the issue even though the letter was sent more than two weeks ago. Riverbay leased the lot from the city’s EDC in 2003 to provide needed parking room for vehicles displaced by the forced closing of five of the community’s garages that year. The high cost of leasing the lot, forced Riverbay to stop leasing it months later and find alternate temporary space for shareholders’ vehicles.
him. Irving was so into cogeneration, he was always talking about it when no one else was.” In addition to his passion for Co-op City, Berkowitz was also an avid poetry writer and amateur photographer, having composed more than 300 poems and accumulated an extensive collection of photographs. Many of his poems were published through the years in the Coop City Times and other community newspapers. Irving Berkowitz was born in Manhattan and attended schools both in
that borough and in the Bronx. He served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1941. According to his family, after the war, he also served a second stint before being honorably discharged. On June 19, 1948, he met and married Sylvia Katzelnik and they settled in the Bronx. From their union, two daughters were born—Diana, who currently lives in Merrick, Long Island, and Audrey of Paramus, N.J. In the early 1970’s, the couple moved to Co-op City where Irving immersed himself in the community. In addition to
serving on the Board, he was also instrumental in organizing the RUOK program. Audrey said that while her father lived in New Jersey more recently, he was active at an adult day care center where he tried to get a poetry club organized. Irving was also working on organizing a similar program at The Gardens at Emerson when he passed away this week. “Anything he did, he did well,” said Audrey. “He was a renaissance man. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed.”
Irving Berkowitz is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; his two daughters, Diana and Audrey; and three grandchildren, Ayal Ben-Haim of Long Island, and Sarah and Jason Bida of New Jersey. He also leaves to mourn his memory a host of friends and neighbors in Co-op City. Irving Berkowitz was buried yesterday. His family will be sitting Shiva this evening after sundown, as well as Sunday and Monday all day. For information, you may contact Audrey Bida at (201) 634-0401.
Cooperator Services Office (CSO). Cooperators who need to provide Riverbay with more updated contact information should request an emergency contact form from their respective CSO. These forms are also available at the front desk at the Riverbay Administrative Office. Once they are filled out, the form must be notarized by the shareholder and returned in person to CSO. At that time, the shareholders must also produce photo identification. “We ask that cooperators take a few
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Debs Place and Cooper Townhouse clusters pointed out that many shareholders moved into Co-op City more than 30 years ago and since that time, may not have bothered to update their personal contact information. “A spouse who has since passed away might have been the emergency contact on the key card to the apartment and that information was never updated,” Perez said. “Speaking of the key cards, shareholders can also add or remove persons
that they choose as an emergency contact.” To update the key card, the shareholder of the unit is required to go in person to the Emergency Maintenance Office (located in the lower level of the Dreiser Mall) with photo identification. Once the shareholder’s information is updated at the Emergency Maintenance Office and Cooperator Service Office, the new information will then be relayed by CSO to Public Safety to be added to that department’s database as well.
Impound Center
Berkowitz
Shareholders
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minutes to update their records when they come to the office to pay their maintenance fees or make a service request,” said Cooper, adding that Riverbay will work closely with the various building associations in order to gather this information from residents who may be elderly, handicapped, sick or shut-in and/or physically unable to come to the management office. Edgar Perez, CSO Manager for Section 1 & 2 serving Buildings 1-14, DeFoe,
Cooperators visit Dr. Ben-Jochannan
Single Source members Dorothy Lindo, Elaine Henderson, Elizabeth Hayes, and Mr. Paul Dominique, District representative from Congressman Joseph Crowley's office, and I, visited Dr. Josef Ben-Jochannan, Hemetaphysician at the Bay Park Nursing Home. It is a great honor to welcome Dr. Ben, the name everyone knows him by, to the Co-op City area. He is revered by
members of our community. Dr. Ben is a teacher of Black history, and many of us traveled with him on his historic and educational trips to Africa. I had the pleasure of traveling with Dr. Ben in 1983 to Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. It was an experience that I have never forgotten. He has has written many books. During our visit, Dr. Ben, who is 91 years old, autographed articles and books
written about him. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that at Congressman Crowley's Black History Month event, Dr. Ben was presented with a Congressional Proclamation. When you visit him, his room if filled with pictures, posters and awards. He welcomes visits. He is in Room 318 at the Bay Park Nursing (formerly known a the Hebrew Home). —Ellie Minor
Carrying Charge
fuel, presently, the housing companies still have to pay the outstanding bills from the year before. During the DHCR conference that was held in Co-op City on January 9, Denise Snyder, Senior Housing Management Representative from DHCR’s Housing Management Bureau, pointed out that some of the increases at the other housing developments that she oversees have been much steeper than the 6% that was mandated by the state for residents of Co-op City this year, to be followed by a 5% increase next February, 2010. Irizarry reported that among the larger of the state’s Mitchell-Lama housing developments, Rochdale Village, with 5,860 units, had a 6.47% increase in carrying charges in February, 2008, as well as a 9% fuel surcharge in November, 2008 for a total increase of 15.47% last year. Another 3% increase in carrying charges is scheduled for this year, and another 3% the following year, 2010. At Warbasse Houses, the last carrying charge increase as in 2006 for 21%. Warbasse has 2,595 units. Concourse Village, which has 1,883 units, has requested a 7% increase for this year, 2009, however, DHCR is projecting an 18% increase in carrying charges for the shareholders of that housing development. Southbridge Towers, which has 1,651 units, has filed an application for a 5% increase in carrying charges, but DHCR is projecting that a 14% increase may be necessary. The proposed increases in carrying charges at both Southbridge Towers and Concourse Village are pending as DHCR has not yet made a final determination. Last year, Riverbay’s management applied to DHCR for a 6% carrying charge for February, 2009, to be followed by a 4.5% increase the following February, 2010. At the time, DHCR projected a necessary increase of 10.55% effective February, 2009 or a 7.04% increase over each of the next two years. However, after hearing from cooperators both by mail and in person at the January DHCR conference held in Co-op City, DHCR Assistant Commissioner Richard McCurnin, ordered a 6% increase for this year and 4.5% increase for next February. Prior to this, Co-op City’s last carrying charge increase was in September, 2007 for 5.8%. “Obviously no one wants an increase of any kind, but Co-op City doesn't exist in a vacuum isolated from the rest of the world,” Riverbay President Othelia Jones said. “The reality, whether you accept it or not, is that this entire country is facing difficult economic times. "I'm grateful, and I think we presented a pretty solid case to DHCR to prevent receiving a double digit increase," Jones said. "With costs rising in just about every sector of the national economy, why do some think Co-op City is exempt? Co-op City still remains the best housing buy in the New York City area, and though I understand many people are facing tough situations, we are very fortunate we are not getting a 15% or a 21% increase." If all the wild accusations by some
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009 (Continued from page 1)
about mismanagement, and alleged questionable activity, were in any way true, Jones added, you can be sure much more than a 6% carrying charge increase would have been implemented this year. “Carrying charges must be implemented,” said First Vice President Khalil AbdulWahhab. “I am pleased that DHCR reacted in a way that is favorable to cooperators. The reduction of the initially proposed 2009 rate from 10.66% to 6%—the rate of increase that Riverbay had initially proposed—will ease the burden for many of us.” The First Vice President added: “Co-op City carrying charges are well within the scale of ‘reasonable’. The cost for water and other essentials has gone up; also, we must pay negotiated labor increases and constantly purchase materials. Co-op City must keep pace with the world around us. I hope to help my colleagues on the Board remain focused on doing good business so that increases are understandable and equitably applied to both cooperators and commercial tenants.” Answering several statements made at the recent open Board meeting held on January 28, that Riverbay Corporation was insolvent, Riverbay’s Director of Finance Peter Merola said that those statements were “absolutely false.” “Riverbay Corporation continues to operate and pay its bills on a timely basis,” said Merola. “The term ‘insolvent’ is being thrown around the community for some unknown reason, but the facts are that despite the difficult economic times, Coop City remains affordable and in very high demand as our statistics show.” According to the Riverbay Residential Sales Department, the demand for apartments in the community remains at an all time high. Last year, 2008, Riverbay received 951 new applications for housing. In 2007, that figure was 986 and in 2006, 923. “The waiting list for all size apartments continues to grow,” said Gold. “Generally, for new move-ins, depending on the size of the apartment applied for, and add to that any specific requests such as building, floor, section, view, etc, in general, the wait for a standard one bedroom apartment is six to nine months, longer as specifics are added. The wait for a two or three bedroom apartment is at least one year, longer as specifics are added.” Gold attributes the community’s soldout status to both internal and external factors. “First of all, internally, for example, the garages have reopened, the community looks better with all of the reconstruction and capital projects that have been done and some of which are continuing, and new windows are being installed,” said Gold. “Externally, because of the bad economy, we do not have as many people moving out and purchasing homes in the numbers we had two or three years ago, so the turn over rate is much lower,” said Gold. In 2003, when five of the community’s eight garages were ordered closed by the city that summer, there were 513 moveouts. The following year, with the garages still closed, there were 605 moved outs of
the community. Co-op City refinanced its mortgage in September, 2004 and subsequently, restoration work began on the garages. In 2005, the number of move outs began to drop to 530, and it has been steadily decreasing since then. In 2006, there were 472; in 2007, 479 and last year, there were 462. “Traditionally, our move-outs have remained relatively consistent at slightly below 500 per year,” said Gold. “So in the earlier years, we had approximately fifty to sixty move outs per month, however, these days, we’re averaging below 50.” So far this year, there were 38 moveouts in January, and as of yesterday, there were 21 recorded for this month. “The phenomenal occupancy rate of Coop City is an indication to us that both management and the Board are making the best decisions to maintain the housing complex and provide a product that continues to be in high demand,” said Merola. “This Board is working hard to communicate better with each other and to sharpen the focus on the tasks that need to be
accomplished in order to make progress,” said Abdul-Wahhab. “But calculating solutions for a community of our size is neither quick nor easy and getting things done is sometimes slow because of considerations that must be made for size and scope.” Making specific reference to the community’s pioneering cogeneration project, Abdul-Wahhab said that as the independent engineer explained at the January open Board meeting, there are a large number of complex components that need to be lined with each other. “We must carefully reflect on every action because we are building a new plant alongside of one that has existed for 40 years and was not in the best shape,” he said. “The good news is that approvals from the various city, state and federal agencies and Con Edison have been obtained and the cogeneration plant is very close to its first major ‘load’ tests,” said AbdulWahhab. “If that test is successful, the cogeneration project for Co-op City will have taken a giant step towards completion and full service initiation.”
NYPD’s Tips for Personal Auto Safety
Proper maintenance of your vehicle will prevent routine breakdowns thereby avoiding vulnerable sftuations. A Civilian Band Radio (CB) offers a degree of protection in that it gives you outside contact in the event of an emergency. Check the following items on a routine basis: • Tire pressure and wear; • Oil and brake fluid levels; • Battery fluid,, • Radiator water level; The following items should be in your vehicle at all times for emergency situations: • Screwdriver; • Pliers; • Flares;
• Flashlight; • Jack/Spare tire; • Battery jumper cables and procedure for boosting; • Change for telephone; • Lubricant for locks; • Lock de-icer; • Lug wrench; • Auto insurance card; • First Aid Kit and Blanket; • Phone Numbers of 24 hour tow and repair service; • Sign: "PLEASE CALL POLICE" in light-reflecting letters approximately 12" high; • Emergency tire repair kit and air compressor.
New Call Center — To contact Riverbay Corporation, you must dial the new call center at 718.320.3300.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor: I've followed Othelia Jones' career over the years on the Riverbay Board, and now as President, and I must say she is the embodiment of the integrity and honesty that I wish there was more of in representing us here. Some, and fortunately it's a relative small, but vocal few, piously proclaim to be the saviors of Co-op City, and I'm never sure whether they are just outright lying, or lying and being dishonest to themselves. It doesn't matter, it's obvious Othelia Jones believes in community service, while others are transparent in their ulterior motives and self-interest promotions. I am so tired of watching the same old
A true community advocate parochial ping-pong game going on by the naysayers who never have anything good to say about our community, yet never offer any constructive measures or solutions. So many of these people simply cry, "Me, me, me!" as if there was no one else in the world. And if you dare to disagree with them, watch out, a pack of negative and repetitive propaganda and nonsense will spew forth from the chorts of these gadflies. I'm not sure why any Director or member of management thinks that the past practice, and rules, regulations, and procedure don’t matter. President Othelia Jones pointed out the errors of those pushing to hire an outside audit firm in such an inexplicable rush, and it's
a shame more Board Directors are not big enough to admit that they made a mistake and were not given proper advice. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter what rhetoric or false arguments are used against Othelia Jones to try and counter her correct position, or confuse the few who might listen to such negative comments against her. And it will be interesting to see if DHCR is a shell of a state agency and approves a contract that wasn't done properly. Oh well, I guess the truth is too hard for some to accept so they have to create imaginative arguments to justify their position. —Charles Tamburro
Compliments to a deserving Board Director To the Editor: I am writing this letter to compliment Board Director, Mr. Cleve Taylor, on the extraordinary way he represented the shareholders at the January Open Board Meeting. Cooperators were informed about a new $2.5 million loan, which Marion Scott Management Company has applied for, and Mr. Taylor was the only Board member who questioned the specifics regarding the loan. Even though the resolution passed and the $2.5 million loan will be another burden on the shoulders of the shareholders, Mr. Taylor did his homework and demonstrated his
knowledge in the area of finance. I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Taylor for his participation and for watching out for the financial interests of the shareholders that he represents. The Board and the shareholders are fortunate to have a Director with the financial expertise of Mr. Taylor. Management stated that it is in need of this money to complete capital projects and co-generation, for which funds were already allocated. What disturbs me is that the Board and Management are aware of other ways they can SAVE us money, but refuse to acknowledge and
utilize them. Instead, they would rather increase the shareholders’ carrying charges and borrow more money for us to repay. In these times of economic hardship, when so many people are losing their jobs, this should not be happening. It’s time to make the CHANGE WE NEED to the Board of Directors, so that logical, intelligent decisions can be made in the interest of the shareholders. Again, thank you, Mr. Taylor. I am very proud to say that you are a Director in the development where I live. Keep up the good work. —Francine R. Jones
MTA route changes to the Bx. 26, 28, 30
To the Editor: Thanks for Bill Stuttig's excellent article about the MTA proposed route changes on the Bx 26, 28, 30 buses. This community and people who come to work here do not seem aware of what a severe impact the changes will have. Aside from splitting in half and/or cutting off an
already isolated, city-sized community with a population of over 55,000 residents who require buses to utilize essential services—student travel, medical, postal, banking, marketing and professional-available within the five different sections of Co-op City, large numbers would be unable to get to and from work or into and
out of Co-op City, particularly from Section 5 to Sections 3 and 4 and return. Additionally, they cut off access to hospitals, subway lines and bus connections outside. It is imperative to retain bus service both around the whole community and also in and out of it. —Sally Kya-Hill
Building Lease Renewal Notice Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21, 100, 120 and 140 Bellamy Loop, regarding Lease Renewal Article SIXTH of your request a form to submit for either you will be moving out at the end Occupancy Agreement provides, a one (1) year or two (2) year lease. of your lease, notify Riverbay, in in part, that your lease automati- You must submit your completed writing, Attention: Sales Support cally renews for an additional form for a short-term lease no later Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, three (3) year period. You need to than thirty (30) days before the Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) do nothing if you want your lease expiration of your present lease. If days prior to lease expiration. to extend for another New Three (3) Year Late Date to Request three (3) year period. If Current Lease either a One (1) or Expiration Date Expiration Date you desire a lease of Two (2) Year Lease less than three (3) Building 21 years, you may call May 31, 2009 May 31, 2012 May 1, 2009 100, 120 & 140 718-320-3373 to Bellamy Loop
Co-op City Times
Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Derek Alger
Director of Communications
Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief
Bill Stuttig
Associate Editor
Jennifer Flynn
Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez
Production Manager
Mary Ann Sowah Graphic Artist
Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar Advertising Sales
Deborah Harris Editorial Assistant
The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give every one a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Coop City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Building 19 Association
Our general meeting this month, with guest speaker Gregory Jenkins CPA, was an informative one. What should have been a fifteen minute presentation on maximizing our tax returns and the general effect of the stimulus package, turned into a forty-five minute period of questions and answers. On behalf of the members in
attendance, thank you, Gregory, for sharing your financial services knowledge. The valuable information you shared on taxation matters will without doubt put some more dollars in our pockets. Most of us were surprised to learn that this latest stimulus package will not yield a “check in the mailbox”, however in April, we should
see a tax reduction against our income and more credits and adjustments to take advantage of when we file our taxes for 2009. Gregory Jenkins CPA, can be reached at 718-547-4084. “Cooperators Doing Something”, please attend our Committee Meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:30 p.m. The agenda will
include plans for this year’s bus outing. We welcome new ideas on how to raise funds for our 2010 scholarship and building fund. Also, qualifying students and or parents don’t forget to bring your competed scholarship applications to the building’s rear meeting room between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. —Charlotte Codrington
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Building 11 Association has taken up the journey to continue its rally for our community and have joined forces to elect officers to be the voice of our residence. The following persons were elected to serve as the officers for Building 11
Association: Ms. Deborah D. Henry, President; Ms. Magdalene Lewis, Vice President; Krystal Serrano, Secretary; and Hattie Robinson, Treasurer. These officers will serve our building association as we come together to let our voices be heard within our community.
Therefore, be seen, be heard, and be counted. Calling our friends, our neighbors to join us and become active in our association, let us meet and greet each other, share ideas and voice our concerns affecting our community. Our participation is very
important. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Building 11 Community Room, 120 Carver Loop — Building 11B (in the rear of the lobby). We ask that you bring your neighbor with you. —Krystal Serrano
Single Source is not just for singles. It’s a single source, whose goal is to create an atmosphere for healthy fun for those over 50. A modern organization that demonstrates that high quality activities can be designed to help live an exciting, healthy life in spite of the aging process. YOU DON’T STOP BECAUSE YOU GET OLD, YOU GET OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP. I’m here to help you to lose weight, to gain energy, strength and flexibility. MEMBERS (OLD & NEW) You are invited to Ellie’s house for “DISH and DUES” on SATURDAY, MAY16, 4 to 6 p.m. I bring the dish and your dues and Ellie provided the drinks
desert and music. We need your support for survival NEW! NEW! NEW! EXERCISE CLASSES to promote a healthy and fit existence. Spend Thursdays with Ellie at JASA Co-op City for Line Dance, lunch, Belly Dance & Handi-Flex, Thurs., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catch the Sec. 5 Thursday a.m. van to Dreiser (9:30). Call Ellie for weekly schedule for all centers. AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM—A 2-day class for people over 50, 10% insurance discount. $12 AARP Members/$14 non-members. Wed., 4/8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Thurs., 4/9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion. Call Ellie for application.
THE TRAVEL CLUB (1) October 19 - 26 — Las Vegas, NV/AARP $610 PER PERSON/DBLE OCC., Riveria Hotel, Delta airfare, transfers, plus AARP Convention registration. Come with me, Ellie. $50 deposit immediately for this price, final payment due 9/1. (2) BRAZIL $2800 - We are going with Stan in August 7-19; 1st, pay $300 now, 2nd pay April ($1000). More details to follow. I (ELLIE) am looking for a roommate to go to Brazil. Interested? Call me. (3) SOUTH AFRICA 2010 waiting list? Newly interested? Contact me immediately to get on the list. First come, first served. Taking 42 people.
Local (1) The National Acrobats of China, Sunday, March 8, $40/15 Lehman College. Contact Ellie. SINGLE SOURCE TELEVISION SHOW Sundays - 7:30 p.m. on CABLEVISION (Bronxnet Cable), Channel 68. Filler: Tues. & Sundays, 4 a.m. Mon./Wed./Thurs./Fri., 6 a.m. Walking Club Groups meet Mon. - Fri.: 5:30 a.m., Bldg 33; 6:45 a.m., Gloria Wise Center (Einstein); 6:45 a.m., Bldg. 31B; 7:15 a.m., Casals. Need more info.? Call Ellie. SINGLE SOURCE PRODUCTIONS, P.O. BOX 377, BRONX, NY, 10475 718-379-4429, imaminor377@yahoo.com. —Ellie Minor
The Zodiacs continue to be blessed; on Saturday, February 14th, we went to the USATF Long Island Championship and won 11 Gold (1st place) medals, 12 Silver (2nd place) medals, 9 Bronze (3rd place) medals and had many athletes come in 4th and 5th place. This was a challenging year, after losing a day of practice. The following Zodiacs’ athletes that won medals in their events are: Cynyah Lawrence, Anderson Taylor, Dominique Jackson, Kadreya Simeon, Richard
Anderson, Jailen Nias, Darius Gordon, Quinten Perrineau, Ariel Strunkey, Arianne Strunkey, Osiris Nicholson, Spencer Jackson, Cache Strother, Tyron Ingram, Ethanity Dunn, Shanice Turner, Kevin Mathis, Shane Cherry, Desiree Gordon, Beverly Seignious, Devon Seignious and Francine Pinnock. The Zodiacs will be having their semi-annual orientation on Friday, March 13th at 7 p.m. in Bartow Community Center, Room 28. If anyone is interested in joining the Zodiacs, they
must attend an orientation. If you are interested in joining the Zodiacs and unable to attend this orientation, please contact us. For information to have a clinic at your school or for your organization or if you wish to sponsor a child or give a donation to the Zodiacs Track Foundation, make your tax deductible contribution payable to: Zodiacs Track Foundation and send to P.O. Box 67, Bronx, New York 10475. For additional information, please contact President Thomas Francis at 718-679-2060
or co-President Winston Dinkins at 914441-6196, email WATCLT@AOL.COM or visit our web site ZODIACSTRACK. ORG. The Zodiacs Track Team is a member of the Northeast Sports Federation; the federation consists of multiple sport team. If you are interested in joining the Zodiacs or a tennis team, baseball team, football team, be a cheerleader, or join girls softball team, email me at WATCLT@AOL.COM and I will provide you with the information.
New York City law requires Riverbay to install window guards in all your windows if a child under 11 years of age (10 years or younger) lives with you or if you request them (even if no children live with you). Riverbay mails window guard forms every January to find out which apartments need to have window guards installed or repaired. The law also reads: “If by February 15th of the year for which the notice is sent a landlord does not have a written
Building 11 Association
Single Source
Zodiacs Track Team
Window Guard visits
communication signed by the tenant, and does not otherwise have actual knowledge of the need or desire for window guards, then the landlord or his agent shall at reasonable times inspect the dwelling unit to ascertain whether a child ten years of age or younger resides in the dwelling and if so, whether approved window guards are properly installed and maintained.” Beginning on Tuesday, March 3rd, two or three Riverbay employees wearing IDs will visit the apartments of those who did
not return their window guard forms, those who returned them, but did not sign them and those whose answers did not tell us whether window guards are needed or not. If you are home, we will fill out the form for you. All you have to do is answer our questions and sign it. If you are not home, we will slip a copy of the form under the door along with a self-addressed envelope. The top of the form will explain why we left a form for you. Please fill out
the form, sign it and return it as soon as possible. We will begin delivering the forms in Building 1 and continue in numerical order. Please check the crawler to find out when your building is scheduled. If you prefer not to open the door, you may answer the questions while keeping the door closed, sign the filledout form that is slid under the door and slide the signed form back out. Thank you for your cooperation.
— NEW CALL CENTER — To contact Riverbay Corporation, you must dial the new call center at (718) 320-3300.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Public Safety Report
Public Safety Department takes action against persons caught throwing objects out of windows
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Throwing objects out of the windows of Co-op City apartments is a violation of the lease and is also illegal. Complaints of this nature are taken very seriously by the members of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. When objects are thrown out of windows, a substantial risk of serious injury or death is created. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety utilizes all available resources to make certain that persons caught throwing objects out of the windows of Co-op City buildings are appropriately penalized. In the case where the person who actually throws the object out of the window can be identified, that person can be charged with Reckless Endangerment. Reckless Endangerment occurs when a person engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. If there is an injury, the person that threw the object out the window can be charged with Assault. Reckless
Endangerment and Assault are serious charges with severe penalties. As in all cases where a Co-op City resident is arrested for actions within the confines of Co-op City, a Community Complaint is also issued. The Community Complaint carries a monetary fine and can be attached to the monthly carrying charges. Repeated violations may result in eviction. Most commonly in Co-op City, the person who actually throws the object out of the window cannot be specifically identified. However, the apartment where the object came from is identified. In these instances, a Co-op City Community Complaint can be issued to the offending apartment. Throwing objects out of windows is a lease violation, therefore, the tenant of record can receive a Community Complaint when their apartment is identified as the location an object came from. The shareholder is responsible for the actions of all family members and guests, therefore, the Community Complaint can
be issued without the need to identify the specific offender. The Co-op City Community Complaint offers our department an extra level of enforcement in eliminating this very dangerous activity. Repeated violations result in escalating fines and can result in eviction. It is important that parents instruct children and teens that throwing objects out the windows is a serious matter. Parents need to make certain that young children and toddlers do not have access to open windows. Toddlers are fascinated by throwing objects out of windows and have been known to empty an entire toy box. Fortunately, no one has ever been injured when this has happened. Be certain that window guards are installed in any apartment where children under 10 years of age live or visit. Call Riverbay Corporation at (718) 320-3300 if you would like to have window guards installed. Smaller items can still fit out windows with window guards in place, so young children should not be left unsupervised near
windows that are even open just a little bit. This is another situation where the Public Safety Department asks for the help of the public in identifying violators. If you observe objects being thrown from a window, try to pinpoint the exact window and notify the Department of Public Safety. Use a brightly colored curtain or shade as a landmark. The responding Public Safety Officer can use a floor plan map and identify the exact apartment. By signing a Community Complaint Affidavit, a complaint can be issued. Your information will not be revealed to the person receiving the complaint. Even if you cannot specifically identify the apartment in question or do not wish to sign an affidavit, it is still a good idea to call Public Safety for informational purposes. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 6713050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information.
Public Safety Blotter: February 15 - February 21 February 21, 100 Alcott Place, Robbery A teenager was assaulted and robbed by 4 unknown individuals. The matter is currently under investigation by the NYPD and CCPD. February 20, 120 Aldrich Street, Aided Assist CCPD officers were dispatched to this area after a passerby observed an elderly woman walking the street without a coat in the frigid temperatures. The individual was disoriented and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation.
February 20, 177 Dreiser Loop, Criminal Mischief The public rest rooms at this location were damaged and graffiti was written on the walls. This matter is under investigation. February 20, 140 Debs Place, Arrest CCPD officers observed a group of individuals crowding and blocking the entrance to the building. The males were ordered to disperse from the area. One male began using profanity while screaming at officers, refusing to move. As a result, the male was arrested. He was cited for
disorderly conduct, issued a community complaint and released. February 17, 100 Casals Place, Fire FDNY responded to an apartment fire at this location. Three victims were removed via EMS to a local area hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation. February 16, 100 Bellamy Loop, Arrest Two individuals were arrested and charged with assault after they became involved in a physical altercation.
RIVERBAY ADMINISTRATIVE FEE SCHEDULE
The following administrative fees are imposed for violations of the rules of Riverbay Corporation. These fines are imposed by issuance of community complaints by Riverbay’s Dept. of Public Safety. On December 17, 1997, the Riverbay Board of Directors adopted Resolution 96-59B which authorized the following fees:
A. Hanging bedding and/or clothing, rugs, etc. over terraces or out of windows ($25) B. Improperly disposing of garbage, refuse or litter in compactor rooms, hallways, public areas or in any part of basement (other than basement area designated for proper disposal) ($25) C. Bike riding in prohibited areas ($25) D. Ball playing in prohibited areas ($25) E. Loitering ($25) F. Noise causing disturbance to neighbors ($25) G. Smoking in indoor public areas such as lobbies, stairwells, elevators ($25) H. Walking on grass in prohibited areas ($25) I. Driving or parking a motor vehicle on property without authorization ($50) J. Throwing objects from windows, terraces or any portion of the building ($125) K. Anti-social behavior ($125) L. Abuse of equipment on premises and/or landscaping ($125) M. Unauthorized move-in/move-out ($300) N. Unreasonable detaining of an elevator ($50)
O. Unauthorized posting or distributing advertising material ($50) P. Deliver or cause to deliver unsolicited material throughout Co-op City ($25) Q. Providing access into buildings to unauthorized persons ($50) R. Over age 7 using facilities in the toddler park ($50) S. Removing a laundry basket from the laundry room ($75) T. Feeding pigeons, geese or any other stray animals ($75) U. Improperly placing recyclable materials in areas other than those earmarked for recycling ($25) V. Unauthorized appliance within apartment ($150) W. Defacing or destroying Riverbay property ($300) X. Refusing inspection of an apartment ($100) Z. Keeping or harboring dogs or any animals deemed potentially harmful to the health and safety of others ($150) AA. Vehicle alarms (garage) that sound in excess of 5 mins ($25)
BB. Unauthorized access to roof ($25) CC. Unauthorized satellite dish ($150) DD. Failure to Submit Income Affidavit (50% monthly surcharge) EE. Failure to submit proof of mandatory co-op insurance. ($150)
For each additional or subsequent violation of a rule, the administrative fee to be charged shall be double the amount of the preceding charge (i.e., the first fee is $25; the second would be $50; the third fee would be $100, etc.) Please note that any resident who moves in or out of an apartment without a moving permit issued by Riverbay will be assessed an administrative fee of $300. This includes moving of random pieces of furniture. Only in those instances where retail deliveries of furniture or other household items are involved will an exception to this policy be considered and then only when a valid invoice, bill of sale or other relevant document confirming delivery is presented to Riverbay upon request. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Statements made by Board President Othelia Jones in the February 21st issue of the Co-op City Times raised sharp criticism of action taken by the Board’s Audit Committee and by the Board itself in the selection of an outside auditing firm. Our legal council 2/16/09 found no Riverbay bi-laws or resolutions were violated in the actions that Ms. Jones criticized. Whereas the Board, led by President Jones, is in almost constant violation of Riverbay resolution (03-69) calling for at least 3 open Board meetings annually. What are the facts about the selection of an outside auditing firm? THE BIDDING PROCESS An invitation for bid (2421) to audit Riverbay Corporation was made on June 5th ’08. Of the eleven firms who responded to the invitation to bid, subsequently four firms answered specific questions. Finally, they were ranked in terms of cost. ABOUT THE AUDIT COMMITTEE Because Board members initially appointed by Ms. Jones to co-chair the Audit Committee declined to serve, the present committee members could not convene and deliberate until November ’08. However, with time pressing, the committee became aware that our auditing and tax service contract was expiring March ’09. After meeting with the firms remaining from the bidding process, the committee agreed to recommend the firm that was most qualified and least expensive – by $70,000. On January 14th ’09, we submitted to President Jones a resolution documenting our recommendation for an auditor to be placed on the agenda at the Board’s open meeting January 28th. However, the President chose not to do so.
Who Is Really Violating Rules? Andrea Leslie
Director’s Viewpoint
DHCR REJECTS “CONFLICT OF INTEREST” INQUIRY Subsequent to our memo, President Jones had — without informing the Audit Committee – written (January 23rd, ’09) to DHCR for advice re the audit committee’s recommendation because of a perceived conflict of interest. The perceived conflict of interest referred to was that a member of the firm of Riverbay’s legal council and a member of the lowest bid firm were members of the Board of a Westchester County Bank. However, President Jones didn’t request DHCR’s advice on information that the second lowest bidder, who is our current outside auditor, has been in the employ of our managing agents, Marion Scott Inc., for the past seven years. Employed by Scott and auditing Riverbay books! On February 10th, DHCR replied finding no objections to the Audit Committee’s recommendation. Despite this positive DHCR and legal counsel advice, President Jones used front-page — and more — column space in the Co-op City Times, invoking even the Constitution of the United States of America, to disparage — even condemn — appropriate and useful actions taken within the rules by the Audit Committee and the Board. WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBLITIES OF BOARD DIRECTORS? Nothing “magical” (Jones’ term) hap-
pened at the Board meeting on February 11th. An amendment was made to the agenda to have resolution 09-04, the hiring of a new accounting company to audit Riverbay, made into an emergency resolution due to the fact that the contract was expiring in March and DHCR needed to review any new contract prior to the expiration date. Time was of the essence. The meeting had been called to order. The emergency resolution amendment was seconded with no objections. Then the meeting proceeded to discuss the resolution when three directors chose to leave the room. The resolution was voted on with a quorum present and passed with seven votes. Until a few years ago, Riverbay auditors were hired by and answered to management only. That clearly was a conflict of interest. Therefore, the Board decided in the spring of 2007 that in the interest of reliable audits, future Riverbay auditors shall be hired by and answerable to the Board only. President Jones chose to praise Directors who walked out of the meeting, and rail against the ones who stayed to resolve the issue and address the business of the corporation. There’s a message there, when a Board member disagrees with a procedure or resolution she or he can express it by walking out of a meeting. How could such a Board function? President Jones requested advice of legal counsel on February 12th, ’09 re establishment of a quorum for that meeting. Council’s advice was that a legal quorum was established for the resolution vote and for all the resolutions passed at that meeting.
WAS THE PROCEDURE UNPRECEDENTED? Not at all! President Jones needs to be reminded that she has presided over numerous meetings where emergency resolutions were presented and adopted, and were not even on the approved agenda for the meeting. One being October ’07 when the question of who should be offered a contract to do painting and plastering for Riverbay. It was decided by the adoption of a HAND WRITTEN RESOLUTION that had been drafted at 11 p.m. on the night of the meeting! In February’08, management orally requested the depletion of our reserves by $12.5 million at 10:30 p.m. in the form of an emergency resolution. The HAND WRITTEN draft was adopted despite objections from Board Directors. In these and other cases, President Jones not only did not object to the procedure, but also argued for the approval of these resolutions. Was “life and limb at stake” then? (“Life and limb,” Jones’ term applied to the audit matter). When the president does it, it’s legal? Why such fury over the hiring of this professional auditor company? Why the fear of auditors responsible only to the Board? Is there fear that skeletons might be discovered in Riverbay’s closets? I plan to request that all correspondence re resolution 09-04 which recommended completely independent auditing be published in our newspaper. We need more open Board meetings. Keep your eyes on the prize. Contact me at the boardroom, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.
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10
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Broun Place Townhouse Association
Thanks to the efforts of our executive board, the association meeting of February 19 was held very successfully. Thank you to the executive board of Broun Place Townhouse Association for their hard work. Thank you, too, to Ms. Lois English and the representatives from the Public Safety Department for their attendance and responsiveness. Broun Place continues to have neighbors reporting seeing animals like opossums and vermin. We are working with our CSO to find ways to deter these incidences. In our last release, I reported
that a broken wrought fence had gone missing. It is great to report that the wrought iron fence is repaired. The fence had been broken since the summer or earlier of 2008. Please read the Co-op City Times and participate in the activities of our lively community. For the rest of the month, there are several events celebrating Black History. I hope each of us will attend at least one of these events. There are also other items of importance that inform us about Co-op City and the Bronx community. I was unable to attend the NAACP event
celebrating 100 years. Congratulations to all the honorees including the President of the Williamsbridge Branch of the NAACP, Ms. Shirley Fearon, and our Co-op City Branch, Ms. Elaine Cole. To everyone celebrating an event or anniversary, we extend congratulations. Congratulations to several neighbors who celebrate their birthday this week including Mai Kindaichi. For those that are recovering from illness or accident, we wish you a speedy recovery. Should you have a particular problem, reach out to a Broun Place board
member and perhaps we can direct you to getting it corrected. We follow President Obama’s lead in service to our neighbors because “The goal of this organization shall be to develop a spirit of brotherhood and fellowship among its members and the entire Co-op community,”—By-laws Broun Place Townhouse Association. The next full meeting of Broun Place Association is scheduled for April 17 at 7 p.m., Room 28, Bartow Community Center. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
Our collective prayers are with the cooperators on the 26th floor of our building who were affected by last Tuesday’s fire. Tragedies like this reminds all of us of the fragility of life. We wish the affected cooperators ‘a speedy recovery’. I remind all cooperators to please ensure that your co-op insurance is maintained. Building 13 Association extends our
profound gratitude to the FDNY, Public Safety, Cooperator Services, Maintenance, Construction, Restorations, Buildings and Grounds, Risk Management, the elevator company and all other Riverbay in-house staff for their prompt response. A big thank you especially goes to Riverbay General Manager, Mr. Vernon Cooper, and Ombudsman, Joe Boiko, for their quick action.
Please observe the following qualityof-life regulations: a) NO DOG is allowed in the Apartment; b) NO LOITERING in the lobby and on the stairways. c) NO SELLING in the lobby. Period. d) NO VANDALIZING the stairs and the elevators. Unannounced “police sweeps” are con-
ducted day and night to enforce these rules. Report any criminal activities to the 45th Precint at (718) 822-5411 and/or Riverbay Public Safety at (718) 320-3050. For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1. NEW—For Traffic Updates, call 5-1-1. “If you see something, say something.” —Olubiyi Sehindemi (Mr. B)
The next meeting of the Retirees will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m., in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A. Please make every effort to join us. The Retirees are actively recruiting candidates to run for vacant offices in the organization. Please see any member of the nominating committee if you are interested in holding an office in our organization. Schedule of Events for 2009: The Retirees have a full schedule of events and activities planned for your enjoyment. Payments are now being accepted for all activities. In order to make your trip as pleasant as possible, please inform the trip coordinator of any special needs that you may have, such as dietary, handicapped access, etc. For information
regarding trips or events, you may call 718-379-0377. The Retirees will be hosting a Health Fair on Wednesday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 19. Ms. Elvira Roveto, FNP, will officiate. Blood pressure and other screenings will be available. Pre-registration is not necessary. The next trip to Atlantic City is Tuesday, March 24 thru Thursday, March 26. We are going to the Hilton Hotel and Casino. The cost is $200 per person, double occupancy and $265 for singles. There will be a $50 cash return and $20 food voucher. See Ida Morton or Virginia Stewart for reservation. Deposits are due now. We will only have one bus, so reserve your seat now. Save the Date! The Spring Bash will be Wednesday, April 22 in the Dreiser
Auditorium. Tickets are $25. See Beverly Waller or Virginia Stewart for tickets. Join the Retirees on a trip to the Sight and Sound Theater to see “Behold the Lamb” on Thursday, April 23. Tickets are $115 per person and includes transportation and lunch at the Good and Plenty Restaurant. A deposit of $50 is due now. See Lorraine Parker or Beverly James for reservations. The Retirees presents an exciting trip to Las Vegas, May 27-June 10. SOLD OUT! For information, call Eleanora Jones at 718-671-5707. The fifth payment is due now. THEATER TRIPS: Saturday, April 18, 8:00 p.m., “Zoomau and the Sign,” $33. Saturday, April 25, Dionne Warwick at Queen’s College, $57
Wednesday, May 13, “Funny Girl”, $71 including lunch. Saturday, May 16, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” $50. For information and reservations, see the Theater Committee in Room 19 on Thursday afternoons. The Retirees are in need of drivers for the van. If you are interested and have a CDL, please contact Rosalie Peterson at 718-320-2844. To notify the Retirees of illness or bereavement, contact the Chairperson of Good and Welfare, Ms. Elinor Gordon, at 718-379-8755. The Retirees send their prayers and condolences to Mrs. Margaret Bailey and family for the loss of her husband, Milton. We also send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mrs. Gloria Goulding. —Virginia Stewart
Building 13 Association
Retirees of Dreiser Loop, Inc.
— NEW CALL CENTER — To contact Riverbay Corporation, you must dial the new call center at (718) 320-3300.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009 (Continued from page 1)
recessions, “and we always come back better and stronger. It is going to get tougher before it gets better, but we will bounce back.” Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper asked the first question of the day expressing concerns about the lack of poor maintenance of city-owned properties surrounding the community and the failure of differing city agencies to take responsibility for properties within their jurisdiction. City Councilman Larry Seabrook reiterated Cooper’s points, recalling his intervention in getting city agencies to maintain their properties adjacent to the community. In the past, Riverbay has been forced to use its staff to clean up properties belonging to the city because management feared that poorly kept conditions were creating safety and health hazards for the community. Thompson promised that if he is elected Mayor, he would work with the Council and the Community Boards to coordinate better procedures to hold city and state agencies responsible for properly maintaining their properties. Shareholder Bernard Cylich asked the Comptroller if he was in favor of a recent bill introduced by State Senator Thomas Duane that, if passed, would keep Mitchell-Lama properties like Co-op City, from privatizing for a period of 50 years. While Thompson said that he was in favor of creating more Mitchell-Lama housing and perhaps a new Mitchell-Lama program, he believes the state should maintain its original commitment to shareholders who purchased Mitchell-Lama homes decades ago with the idea that they possibly could go private in the future. When asked if he would be in favor of a half cent tax on all stock trades made in New York State, Thompson said that he believes that such a tax would only force brokers to make trades outside of New York and, in turn, cost the city and state many millions in the long run. The Comptroller maintained that Wall Street was very important to the overall economic condition of the city and legislation that would cause brokers to do business else-
where would be very bad for the city. Thompson did say that he was in favor of increased tax burdens on residents making high salaries, anywhere between $200K and $500K as a way of taking some of the tax burden off of the middle and working class. “Those who are doing better need to do a little more during these tough times,” he said. He criticized Mayor Bloomberg’s proposals for increasing the sales tax and eliminating the tax exemption on clothing purchases because he said he feels that puts additional burden on the middle and working class and hurts the city’s retail businesses. Rev. Dr. Robert Smith asked the Comptroller to explain how monies available through the stimulus packages will eventually find its way into the city’s various communities. Thompson said that he feared that much of the money will be distributed as determined by the Mayor and he and the City Council will be lobbying for a fairer distribution of the available monies so they will go into the communities in the form of the creation of economic development opportunities throughout the city which, in turn, means more jobs for residents. Thompson expressed dismay over current large scale projects in the city that are not producing on promises made to the taxpayers of the city. He cited the Yankee Stadium project which has seen the city’s commitment for related infrastructure around the stadium ballooned to nearly $400 million. In turn, the city has not kept its word to residents in that community who were promised new park land in return for the park land lost due to the development of the new stadium, Thompson said. He also cited parks that have not materialized as promised in return for the development of the water treatment facility in Norwood. When asked about improving the transparency of tax payer funded projects in New York City if he became Mayor, Thompson said he feels that all public development projects should be able to be tracked online so taxpayers can research
the progress and expenditures going towards all major projects. He said that such programs are not a reality yet, but he feels it is very doable. Disabled advocate John Rose expressed concern over the prohibitive increases in fares for seniors and the disabled who depend on Access-a-Ride. Thompson said that he believes that charging disabled and seniors $5 to $6 each way to get to and from doctors’ appointments and other necessary appointments would only serve to isolate them and keep them from getting the care and social interaction they need. Thompson pointed to a provision in the city law which forbids the MTA from raising the Access-a-Ride fares above the base fare for mass transit and said he is calling on Mayor Bloomberg to make sure that that provision is enforced. Several parents expressed their frustration with the city’s Department of Education and the lack of outlets for parents to express their concerns along with the lack of quality education they feel their children are receiving. Thompson, who once served as President of the Board of Education, said that with mayoral control of the Department of Education, there is virtually no fiscal transparency resulting in cuts to various education programs while the bureaucracy of the department seems to be growing. He also said he believes that the emphasis of public education in the city has been placed on preparing for state tests in reading and mathematics while other subject matter, such as arts and culture, which make a well-rounded student, are being cut or not being offered at all. Shareholder Stuart Edwards asked the Comptroller about his position on the reinstatement of the commuter tax and Thompson said he is strongly in favor of reinstating the commuter tax to make those who work here and live elsewhere pay their fair share for services they receive while they are doing business in the city. Ronald Hartridge urged the Comptroller to strongly support youth pro-
grams throughout the city which are largely funded through parent donations and parent based fundraising efforts. Thompson said that he will make it his business to have greater city support for community based-youth programs, such as the many that exist within Co-op City. He also promised to visit a youth sports event in the community in the near future. Board Director Khalil Abdul-Wahhab asked the Comptroller to explain the programs in place to prepare today’s children for college. Thompson said that the current mayoral administration is doing very little now to prepare New York City students for higher education although he did acknowledge that the City University of New York has done a good job at improving affordable institutions of higher learning within New York City. Rod Saunders, a former school board president and a member of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, suggested that the city’s system for providing guidance to students throughout their school career needs to greatly improve so students and parents have a clearer idea of opportunities available to them through various educational institutions. Shivers asked the Geraldine Comptroller to help to ensure that the 45th Precinct provides better coverage in the community. While complimenting Riverbay’s Department of Public Safety for the excellent job they do in the community, Shivers maintained that the 45th Precinct provides virtually no coverage in the community. Thompson said that he will work with Councilman Seabrook in reaching out to the 45th Precinct to make sure the community gets its fair share of police manpower. A representative of the Co-op City based New York Lions Track Club said that while Riverbay has done a good job at making facilities in the community available to youth programs, the city’s parks system makes it very difficult for programs such as the track club to use nearby municipal park facilities. “The parks are inaccessible and the costs are exorbitant,” she said.
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12
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations
The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City’s next general membership meeting is on Tuesday March 3 at 7.00 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15. It is important that all members attend this meeting. The Coalition continues to plan activities that will enhance the quality of life in our community. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Patricia Bonaparte is the President of the Coalition. The phone number 718-320-1861. The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators and providing educational and culturally
Building 31 Association
Thank you, Deputy Chief H. Milburn, Lt. A. Robinson, along with Officer Pebbles from our Dept. of Public Safety for attending our meeting and speaking to us at our last general meeting held on Feb. 17th. We appreciated his willingness to listen and solicit questions. He stated that his office is available to all of us. The major complaints made from this building has been noise complaints. As cooperators, we need to be vigilant about our surroundings to maintain and improve our quality of life. It takes more than our security force; we also have a responsibility as well. Don’t just sit by and think about it, do something about it and if you see something, say something. Our president called for volunteers to sit in the lobby to collect for our Building Association dues for 2009. We do many things with the dues collected. You need an Association and you have one so support it anyway you can. There will be envelopes pushed under your door with an attachment to explain the purpose of the dues and where you can drop it off in case you don’t want to bring yours to the lobby. Lobby collection will start Friday, March 13th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 14th, 12 - 4 p.m.; check the bulletin board in case there are any changes in times. We now have formed a fundraising committee chaired by Margo and assisted by Marty, Ruth and Esther. They will be collecting books, March 7th. Books should be brought to Bldg. B meeting room. These books will be sold on a later date and monies donated to the Scholarship Committee. Please check the bulletin board for this notice. The Scholarship Committee is an established group of building cooperators volunteering in hopes of making a difference in our children’s life with your help. Applications and qualification sheets will be available as of March 1. If you have a child residing in our building graduating from high school this year, and who plans on attending a school for higher learning with all qualifications met, please contact the chairperson, Marilyn McDaniel, 347-524-0844, to obtain an application. All in attendance were given a report by our President R. Hedgepeth and treasurer L. Paul regarding the association’s financial balance as of Feb 6. It also has been noted that our Sunshine Committee chairperson Rosie Kaplan reported for 2008 and asked that anyone you know of that is in need of a Note of comfort—from a get well to a message of condolence—please call her so she can send a card. Her telephone number is listed on our bulletin board. Please check. Don’t forget Friday, February 27th is our Game Night at 7 p.m. in Building B meeting room, rear of the lobby. We are looking for adults interested in playing card games to board games to bingo and dominos and serving light snacks with fun included. Winner for 50/50, Margo, and door prize, Joyce Hedgepeth. Looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting. —Marilyn McDaniel
Co-op City Times
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. Members of the Coalition include the following: AfricanAmerican Association, Church of the Savior, Co-op City Baptist Church, Faith@ Work Christian Church, Gloria Wise Community Center, Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club, NAACP Co-op City Branch, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, St. Joseph Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club. Please support our efforts by sending us your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Coalition of African-American Churches & Community
Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., Post Office Box 619, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 320-1861 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s stationery and signed by the minister/president. Read Coalition’s weekly column for the information about events and issues. Remember, the Coalition motto is: “Coming Together is a Beginning, Keeping together is Progress, Working Together is Success.” —Harman T. Leacock
To advertise, call the Co-op City Times at 718-320-3300, Ext. 3384.
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
African-American Association of Co-op City
Yoga & Pilates – The Yoga & Pilates class continues to meet on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 2. By popular demand, the Association is pleased to announce that it will offer this program on Tuesdays, as well as Thursdays. The Tuesday class will begin on March 3rd. Registration is March 3 and 5 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 2. Scholarship – The Association will offer a scholarship to a promising high school senior. Please contact us at 718379-5555 if you and your child would like to apply. Community Service Credit – If you are a high school student and need community service credit, we need you. You and/or your parents should contact the Association at 718-379-5555.
Cub Scout Pack – Calling all men! Calling all men! The Association would like to re-establish the Cub Scout Pack for boys between the age of 6-11. One gentleman has volunteered to assist, and that is a good beginning. If you are retired and have little to do, this is a wonderful opportunity to help our children, who need positive male images. Please step up and become a scout leader for the boys in our community. Getting the boys involved in this activity will teach them many things about scouting and will deter them from mischief and crime. Females are also welcome. We look forward to hearing from you 718379-5555. FREE African Dance – The next dance workshops will be on Wednesdays, March 4th, 11th and 18th at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 2. It is open to
women, men, boys and girls, age 7-70. Wear comfortable clothing. Women’s History Month – On Saturday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, Room 4, there will be Women’s History Month Celebration with the theme “Culture, Politics, Religion – How Do We Balance Them in Our Lives Today?” The guest panelists are Dr. Rosalind Jeffries and Ms. Shirley Saunders. If you would like to entertain at this event, please call us at 718-379-5555. Kojo Adimu Research Library – The Association thanks all the neighbors and friends to came out to the dedication of The Kojo Adimu Research Library. Elder Kojo Adimu expressed his appreciation to the Association for the tribute and those in attendance exchanged stories about their
experiences with him. Elder Adimu has donated many books on history, culture, religion, health and many other topics, for the intellectual nourishment of our community. The library will be open to the public shortly. Elder Adimu has relocated, but, he has left this Library as a legacy and will long be remembered in the Co-op City community. A special thanks is extended to Nzingha Adimu, Barbara Winborne, Patsy Balfour, Harman Leacock, Kevin Lambright and Carlton Collazo for making it all possible. Black History Month Film Festival – Thanks to all our neighbors and friends who supported this event. Special appreciation is extended to Iman Drammeh and her daughter, who provided the technical assistance. —Francine Reva Jones
We welcome women and men to join this historically distinguished organization. All that is required is your interest, commitment, focus and involvement. CO-OP CITY NCNW ON THE MOVE: Today, Saturday, February 28th, our Book Club is meeting in Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza Shopping Center at 3:30 p.m. to discuss “Of Blood and Sorrow,” by Valerie Wilson Wesley. Today, Saturday, February 28th, 1 to 4 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium A is our 8th Annual Youth Black History Celebration, featuring Wright Worthy Dance Ministry of New St. John’s Baptist Church, Building 18 Youth Group S.I.A.P., the Amirikanke Kollective, the Undefeated Prayzers, Co-op City Baptist Church Praise Dancers, the
Zodiac Track Team, the North Bronx Youth Sports Football Association Cowboys & Cheerleaders; and a theatrical performance of “Peanut Butter and Yam Bread” by Ave Maria Cross, CEO of Godmother Productions. We will have arts & crafts, poetry, essay readings and more. We will have a Black History Posterboard Contest for students 618 years of age. A winner will be chosen from Group 1, ages 6-12 and Group 2, ages 13-18. Winners will be announced during the Black History Program. Call Mrs. Melton at (917) 399-2643. April 16th – 21st, we will be going to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Laughlin. This trip is totally booked and we thank you for your support. May 2nd – Saturday, will be our ANNU-
AL SHOPPING SPREE at the Crossings Premium 100 Stores Outlet in Tannersville, PA; afterwards, we will shop at the flea market and enjoy a late lunch at the Hillside Inn for a cost of $70. We are leaving at 8 a.m. in front of the Rehab Center in Dreiser. For reservations, call 718-538-8606 or 718-3202366. Make checks payable to NCNW/Co-op City Section, P. O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. September 12th, please join us for our 24th Annual National Black Family Reunion in Washington, D.C. We will celebrate the enduring strength, and traditional values of the African American Family. You will meet people from all over the country. The bus will depart at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Deli, 141 Dreiser Loop, and depart from Washington, DC at 6:00 p.m. Adults: $55
children under 12: $45. The price includes a t-shirt; please indicate your size. Make your check or money order payable to: NCNW Co-op City Section, and mail to: P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. Upon payment, seats will be assigned. For info: 718-379-5430, 718-379-6589, 917-838-9424, 917-5539965, 718-3379-1297. September 15 - 28 – start planning to join NCNW on a trip to Spain and Morocco. Come with us to the Casbah. Stan Simmons, our Tour Director, is planning thirteen (13) days and twelve (12) nights of travel visiting in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Tangier, Casablanca and more exciting cities of which you may have heard. This is a great tour for $3,500. For information, please call 718-862-9009 or 718655-9034. Yes, seats available. Thank you and join us! —L. Holloway-Mills
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) of Co-op City , along with other Co-op City organizations was one of the sponsors January 30 of the “Stay Safe” session for youth. The youth turn out was great. They received information from the NYPD, the DA’s office and other groups on various subjects including gangs. Our branch along with the other 3 Bronx branches attended The Black History Program sponsored by the Borough President. The four Bronx Presidents were honored along with other community leaders. We were delighted to hear 10 year old
Muhammad Drammeh recite “I Have A Dream” speech.” We had a guest speaker at our meeting last Sunday, Councilman Larry Seabrook. He spoke on many subjects including a lack of necessary equipment in our schools and his success in obtaining much needed education equipment. A report was given to us on the “Noose in the Power Plant”. After thorough investigation, they were not able to determine what person placed the noose in the power house. Workers were given sensitivity training, Saturday, Feb. 21. The National Officers met in NYC in preparation of the 100th Anniversary and
Convention. They were really here for 3 days but on Saturday, branch members were invited. The Branch President Benjamin Jealous has encouraged all members to e-mail the NY Post on their disapproval of their cartoon with the 2 policeman and the chimpanzee. The NAACP Branches are taking part in the demonstrations with more action to follow. Our Four Bronx NAAP Branches are planning a 100th Anniversary Luncheon on May 30, at Marina Del Ray from 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Each Branch only has 75 tickets each. The ticket price is $100. You may pay for your ticket in two installments. Buy your
ticket before we are sold out! Each branch is to present two names as honorees. Our Branch meets each 4th Sunday except July and August at 100 Earskine Place, ground floor rear at 3 p.m. We ask all of our member to join a committee and become active. We need your help. We do have a membership drive going on constantly. All members are asked to solicit new members. You are requested to walk with membership envelopes. Membership is only $30 a year with the Crisis Magazine included. Next meeting.of Co-op City Branch, Sunday, March 22. —Eleanor Donnley
Defensive Driving Course The next Black Forum Defensive Driving Course will be held on Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dreiser Community Center, Room 1. Cost is $35 which must be pre-paid. Send check/MO to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. At the completion of the defensive driving course, you will receive up to 4 points removed from your driver’s license and 10% discount off your auto insurance. No walk-ins available. Call 718-3208035 today to reserve your seat. Black Forum Aerobic classes Get in shape. Join us every Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, for aerobics classes by Body by Andrea. Classes are $3 per person. Please call to register,
(718) 320-8035. New York Lyons Mane Track Club If your child, 8 - 17 years old, would like to run track, join the New York Lyons Mane Track Club, under the professional guidance of Don Lyons. Call to register, 718-320-8035. Farm fresh vegetables returns next year The fresh organic vegetables program has been suspended until next year. We will announce when the program will resume as the information becomes available. Black Forum Emergency Food Program New Hours Due to a shortage of food, we are temporarily open on Wednesdays and Fridays only, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. These new hours will stand until we are able to
acquire more food for distribution. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, as of July, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. Computer and telephone needed If you have a computer or a telephone in decent working condition that you can donate to the Black Forum, kindly contact us at (718) 320-8035. Please help us to help you Food is available, however, we will have to pay the pick-up and transportation costs. We ask all cooperators to donate $1 - $5 payable to the Black Forum of Co-op City. Dr. Josef Ben-Jochannan World renown scholar and author of Black history, Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, known to many as “Dr. Ben,” is currently residing at Bay
Park Nursing Home in Co-op City, 810 Co-op City Boulevard, and he welcomes visitors. He is in Room 318. It’s Time To Get Involved Now is the time for us to get involved. Membership is $5 per year/person. Call us, (718) 320-8035. We Need You - Join Us Today The fee is only $5 a year, per person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis
National Council of Negro Women
NAACP
Black Forum
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Church of God’s Children
Church of God’s Children and its pastors, Archbishop Angelo and Bishop Nancy Rosario, invite you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for a great time with our Lord and Savior. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop – Shopping Center lower level near the Montefiore Health Center; 718-790-9120. Sunday Bible School for all ages – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service – 1 p.m. Sunday – Worship for Spanish speaking congregants 9:30 a.m. Tuesday – Bible Studies 7 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer hour 7-8 p.m.; 12Step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop. Friday – Bible Studies & Deliverance
Service, 7 p.m., Bronx Clergy Task Force meeting – Wed., March 11, at 198 E. 161 St. 2nd Fl. 3rd Annual Clergy Community Address by Archbishop Angelo Rosario, CEO of the Bronx Clergy Task Force, scheduled for April 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hutch Metro Center, 1200 Waters Place, Bronx. March 12, 13, 14 we will be at the Southeast Texas Spiritual Warfare Conference in Beaumont, Texas at the MCM Elegante Hotel, presenting workshops on spiritual warfare. For information and registration, go to www.spiritualwarfareteam.com, you can register and make all your reservations on line. Easter Sunday – April 12, we invite
you to join us for Resurrection Celebration. Worship team will be performing and there will be a skit and a pantomime presentation. Saturday, June 6, we will be heading to Lancaster, PA to see “Abraham & Sarah” at the Living Waters Theater. Adults 11 & up: $130 includes theater, buffer dinner, discount coupons for shopping at Tangers Outlet. Buses leave Dreiser Loop at 8:00 a.m. PRAYER FOR THE LOST: Heavenly Father, I come to You now in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray for the lost of the world this day and that every man, woman, and child from here to the farthest corners of the earth be saved.
As we intercede, I use my faith, believing that thousands this day have the opportunity to make Jesus their Lord. I ask the Lord of the harvest to thrust the perfect laborers across these lives this day to share the good news of the Gospel in a special way so that they will listen and understand it, that it will touch their hearts. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray with thanksgiving. Amen. Come and share with us in worship and in the study of the Word. Come and let God help you during times of doubt and unbelief. Come and join us for a blessed time. —Bishop Nancy Rosario
To our neighbors and friends, today, there are many issues challenging New Yorkers, overwhelming cuts in services and the proposed budget cuts. WFP has proposed Fair Share Tax legislation that
will take the burden off the working class, so that taxes are spread evenly across the board to insure the wealthy pay their fair share. Tell Governor Paterson to stop sending mixed signals.
Budget cuts and loss of services will devastate the working class. Join with us in our campaign to tell Governor Paterson that you support a Fair Share Budget; He should too!
Our general meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month in Einstein Community Center, Rm. 35, 7:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you! —Judy Roberson
National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 23 will meet next on March 2nd. A new Government Pension Offset (GPO), Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) repeal bill H.R. 235 has been introduced. Full Premium Conversion legislation is in the process of being developed and new legislative directions will be determined at the upcoming
March 7-10 National NARFE Legislative Conference. To find out all of the latest details, Chapter #23 Acting President Charles McLoughlin is urging all Co-op City federal retirees to attend the membership meeting on March 2nd. This will be the first meeting of the year. Legislative Director and Editor, Barry Rock, will be on hand to provide the latest information and to find out what the Bronx
members want the national conference to do. In addition, plans to visit Bronx Congressman Joseph Crowley in his Washington, D.C. office are being set up for the “on the hill” activities on March 10th. Treasurer Delores Seligmann will be on hand to bring the members up to date on other chapter activities. You won’t want to miss this important meeting. The meeting is being held on March 2nd at the Dreiser
Loop Community Center, Room 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Don’t be concerned about the winter weather. Our refreshment hosts, Olive Glasgow and John Braithwaite, will be on hand at the end of the meeting to provide some fresh donuts and hot coffee. So circle your calendars and plan to attend. Bring your spouse; bring another federal retiree and bring your questions.
The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 19, in the Bartow Center, Room # 28, at 7:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend this very important meeting as we will discuss and plan for future activities for the upcoming year. Please attend. We send special thanks to Andy King, candidate for the City Council, for appear-
ing as our Special Guest at our last monthly meeting. He was very informative, inspiring, and refreshing in his delivery. The membership was quite impressed with him. On behalf of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, we send congratulations and best wishes to Bronx Borough President, Adolfo Carrion, on his recent selection as the new Director of Urban
Affairs, by President Barack Obama. His past deeds and accomplishments in Bronx County indicates that he is the right person for the job. He will need all his skills to attempt to solve the many problems existing in the urban communities in this country. Godspeed to you, Mr. Carrion. The club extends get well wishes to those members who are homebound, or
who have been ill and are recovering. Our prayers are with you for a full recovery and rehabilitation. Best wishes are also extended to those members who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special event during the month of March. Again, I would like to thank the membership for their support in all our efforts to accomplish our activities for the year. —George T. Clarke
Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of New Vision Church extend a warm and friendly welcome to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning. The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality. We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the
Lord. Prayer Service takes place every Wednesday from 7 to 8:00 p.m. followed by Bible teaching from 8 to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. List of Programs and Event: Adult Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Youth Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion is served the First Sunday of the month. Youth Sunday takes place the Second Sunday of the month. Seniors Sunday - the Fifth Sunday of the month. Midday Bible Study - every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Come join New Vision’s Partners in Reading Program every Sunday from 1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students in grades 1 to 8 enjoy, explore, and improve reading through small groups and reading partners. Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program, taught by trained professionals. The Women’s Fellowship Fashion Show titled, “Lilies of the Field: Clothed by God,” will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 2-5 p.m. Donation is $10. This year’s show promises to be a blessed and fabulous event with raffle prizes, and much more! For more information, please contact coordinators, Sis. T. Thomas (917-371-0381), or Sis A. Whyte (347) 398-8993. The 2009 Women’s Retreat, ‘Be Still
and Know I am God’, will be held at Sandy Cove Retreat and Conference Center, North East, Maryland, Thursday, April 16 thru Saturday, April 18. Price: Double $350/pp, Triple $325/pp & Quad $300/pp. Prices include two night/two day accommodations, six meals, transportation and retreat materials. A deposit of $75 is now due. We look forward to three days of anointing services and workshops and returning home with a renewed spirit. For further information, contact Sis. K. Canty at (718) 220-8512 or L. Scott at 718 671-2623. Church of New Vision is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 33, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. —Sister Gloria Reece
Working Families Party Club of Co-op City
National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 23 (NARFE)
Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club
Church of The New Vision
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
American Legion Post 1871
To reach Post 1871, it is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 41. If you have a computer, you can get in touch with us by e-mailing to post1871@optimum.net. Greetings to all members of Post 1871 located in Co-op City who are residing in the Bay Park Nursing Home; our minds and hearts are with you each day hoping that you will have a blessed day. Happy birthday to all our Post members that have a birthday in February: Robert Avilez, Beverly M. Briggs, Carrero Fugencio, Louis A. Cruz, Ronald Grantwarg, Paul R. Gaulden, Thomas F. Einwich, John F. Fields, Edward M. Handy, Nathan Jones,, George Bishop,
Salvatore Lobello, Jr., David Minton, Emmett A. Pace, Ernest H. Peronneau, Santiago Santiago, Robert Thomas, Walter Thomas, Jr., and Lloyd Tapper. Army Trivia: What were the capitals of East and West Germany before the country's reunification in 1990? Answer: Berlin/Bonn. Eat Smart: Beans and other legumes are high in fiber and a great source of protein. Four major veterans groups are putting pressure on Obama administration by calling for a $4.5 billion increase in the 2010 veteran's budget, with $3.6 billion of that just for health care for veterans. For all our veterans that attend the VA Hospital for their primary care, don't forget
to have your eyes checked in order to receive your free eyeglasses once a year; your health is your greatest wealth. May the sun shine on your speedy recovery? For our Post members that are a little under the weather C. Barr, R.Waltber, A. Gelmen and Robert Thomas. On June 23, 2008, Mrs. Lillian Mackey’s husband passed away. He was given a military funeral service and his wife received the American flag that covered his coffin along with a flag case to display it. The flag wouldn't fit in the case so she asked the commander to refold the flag so that it would fit in the display case. Mrs. Lillian Mackey and her son, Steven Mackey, arrived at the Post so that flag
could be refolded. Commander Robert Feliciano, Wilson Sepulveda-Vega, and Richard I. Lawson, Jr. completed the refolding of the American flag so that it could fit in the display case. Mrs. Mackey and Steven thanked the Post for the service Mr. Mackey was a member of the American Legion from another post; this made him a family member of our post. The next Executive meeting will take place on March 7 at 11 a.m. in Rm. 41, 135 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. The only one who can benefit from a rabbit’s foot is a rabbit. This information was provided to you by your public information officer of Post 1871. —Richard I. Lawson, Jr.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit and American Legion Post 1871 are jointly sponsoring a one-day round trip to Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, June 13th.
The price is $70. The trip features a deluxe motor coach, a guided tour of Philadelphia and all you can eat at Old Country Buffet plus three hours of
worthwhile bargain shopping at Franklin Mills Outlet. The bus departs from Dreiser Community Center at 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. from Einstein Center.
Make your reservations as soon as possible. Don’t miss out. Please call 347-427-7102, 718-320-1946 or 718320-8165.
This past Thursday, Co-op City Toastmasters Club hosted its Spring International Speech Contest. The contest was divided into two segments, speeches and evaluations. Contest cochairs Lauretta Jaysura and Lorna Smith did an outstanding job facilitating the meeting with humor. Dianne Jones conducted the contestant interviews in her classy and fun style.
Chief Judge and Area Governor Bill Bute, judges Asghar Rowshandel and Derrick Small, Sergeant-at-Arms Amie Chi, and timer Cherryanne Nicholas, were instrumental in maintaining the flow of order during the contest. Co-op City Toastmasters thanks all of the guests who attended the contest and congratulates all contestants in both the speech and evaluation
competitions. A special congratulations goes to Ms. Wendy Britton who won first place in both the speech and evaluation contests and will go on to represent Co-op City Toastmasters in the area competition scheduled for sometime in March. Kudos goes to Donald Arthur for his heartfelt second place win in the speech contest and to Judith
Slowly for her second place win in the evaluation contest. Co-op City Toastmasters Club is a warm and positive environment where one can improve their public speaking skills through regular meeting roles and speaking competitions. Please visit www.toastmasters 46.org or call 1-800- WE SPEAK for more information.
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor, Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder, and Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, intercultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. Come worship with us. We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-320-0002 or 917-734-4058 for more information. Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God?
Do you want to be connected to people who care about you, not what you have on or how much money you make? A special seat and friend awaits you. Won’t you join, a life changing experiment with the God whose ready to heal you? Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place – street level, (under Building #7 near Dreiser Loop). Take the 26, 28, 30 or QBX1 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif Pl. Dr. Smith’s Sermon Topic for Sunday is “Jesus the Storm Breaker” Thought for the Month – “Humans are born with their back toward God, when
people truly repent they turn around and face God.” Sunday Morning Schedule: Adult Bible Study – 9:10 a.m.; Morning Devotion 10:20 a.m.; Divine Worship 10:40 a.m. Weekly Activity – Thursday – 1:15 p.m. A support group available to persons who grieve the death of a spouse, significant other, child, brother, sister or treasured friend. All sessions are confidential. A caring environment awaits you. Upcoming EventsApril 16 and April 17, Spring Revival
featuring Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, Senior Pastor, Co-op City Baptist Church as our revivalist. Services begin at 7:00 p.m. Come and be blessed by this man of God. April 26 – Morning service guest speaker for Men/Women’s Day will be Rev. Sharon Reese, Associate Pastor, St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Harlem, N.Y. Come be blessed by this anointed women of God. June 30 – Join us for a trip to Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Baltimore, MD. The museum will have an exhibit of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and his family; this rich cultural experience will enhance the lives of everyone.
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22 On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone (718) 862-9172. CHURCH SCHEDULE Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sunday Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE AT THE CHURCH’S ANNEX: 2053 ASCH LOOP NORTH (CO-OP CITY) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m.-7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” – every Friday (except 4th Friday) 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Community Protestant Church
OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS: Friday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. at the Church’s Annex, 2053 Asch Loop in Coop City – Join Minister Keith J. Williams and the members of “Life on God’s Terms” Ministry in celebrating their First Anniversary of Service to the Community with words of fun, food and fellowship. The March selection of the Soul Sisters Reading Network is INTERPRETER OF MALADIES, a Pulitzer Prize winning collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri. Please note our new meeting date, Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Annex. Kindly RSVP your attendance at cpcsisters@aol.com by March 16th. Wednesday, March 25th – Join CPC Tours at the Millennium Theater, Sight and Sound, Lancaster, PA to see BEHOLD THE LAMB. Dinner at “Good N’ Plenty Restaurant. Shopping at Tanger Outlets. Ticket: $115 available by calling (718) 862-9172.
Saturday, March 28th – Shopping Spree to Reading, PA, sponsored by the Nurses’ Ministry. Tickets: $41, available by calling (718) 671-7935 or (718) 671-1754. Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 20 –– Join the Missionary Ministry for their “Girlfriends’ Getaway,” at the luxurious Sheraton Reading Hotel, Reading, PA. Includes 2 spa services, 2 breakfasts, shuttle service to Vanity Fair Outlet Village, 2 nights’ hotel accommodation, motor coach transportation. Cost per person: $390 double occupancy. For additional information and/or reservations, call: (718) 671-0425. SAVE THE DATES! TWO EXCITING UPCOMING TOURS BY CPC! July 1–5 — Montreal International Jazz Festival and Quebec City. August 3-7 — 20th Anniversary Celebration of the National Black Theater Festival, Winston Salem, NC. COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY Many activities and programs are
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planned in observance of this great milestone in the life of our church and we invite the community to come and celebrate with us on the following dates: Sunday, March 29th at 3:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Saturday, April 18th at 12:00 noon – Cornerstone Service. Sunday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Community Protestant Church Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m. – Gospel Extravaganza Saturday, March 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – 40th Anniversary Banquet at Villa Barone Manor. Tickets: $125 Adults; $70, Children (up to 13 years of age). For tickets and/or additional information, contact the church at (718) 8629172. —Evan G. Mitchell
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 at 115 Einstein Loop, welcomes you to pray with them. Call 718-379-6920. Note: Regular office hours are on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Our office will also be open on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Candle lighting on Friday, March 6 is 5:35 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, February 28 at 6:32 p.m. Coming Events: The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship. Saturday, February 28 at 4 p.m. — Rabbi Daniel Kroengold’s class. Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m. — Sisterhood General Membership Meeting.
Sunday, March 8--Daylight savings begins. Move your clock one hour ahead. Sunday, March 8 at 1 p.m.--Synagogue Bingo. The cost of $3 per person and includes admission and refreshments. Please join us! Monday, March 9--The Fast of Esther begins at 5:04 a.m. and ends at 6:24 p.m. Evening Services at 6:30 p.m. Reading of the Megillah. Tuesday, March 10 at 11 a.m.--The Second reading of the Megillah and at noon, the Purim Luncheon followed by fun and games. Bring your board games, cards or Mah Jongg or play Bingo. Sing-a-long to Purim songs. Just come and enjoy yourself. The cost is $10 per person. Reserve now by calling Mimi at 347-427-4526 or the shul at 718-379-6920. We must know by Wednesday, March 4.
Wednesday, March 18—The Men’s Club has planned a trip to Showboat in Atlantic City. Make your reservation now by calling Marty at 718-671-7808, Gary at 718-6718424 or Bruce at 718-320-2234. The cost is $27 and, in return, you will receive $25 in coins and a $5 food voucher. You must be paid-in-full by March 11. Good and Welfare: Happy birthday and anniversary greetings for whom are celebrating during February. Wishing Frank Neiman a speedy recovery after his fall. Mazel Tov to Anita and Al Abel as they celebrate their 53rd Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, February 26th. Don’t forget to pay your dues! Better yet – Join us so that we can help each other. Shalom! —Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky
The Men’s Club is running an Atlantic City trip to SHOWBOAT CASINO on Wednesday, March 18. COST is $27 per person with a $25 cash refund and $5 food voucher. Therefore, you are paying $27 and getting back $30. Remember, you must bring your Showboat card or a
proper photo I.D. to get back the cash. We provide a free snack going, play games, and on the return trip, we show a movie. For reservations, call: Marty, (718) 671-7809; Gary, (718) 671-8424; or Bruce, (718) 320-2234 All reservations Must to be paid up by March 1.
Pick-up stops: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:00 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 8:05 a.m. Everyone is invited to all our functions. We hope you will join us. Shalom! —Bruce Gitelson
We are fortunate to have BVA as the only fine arts organization offering quality art instruction. So shake the winter doldrums and join us in our permanent room 5 in the Dreiser Loop center. Let the vibes of creation transport you to joys of accomplishment and pleasure. BVA’s art classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There are three sessions on Tuesdays to choose from: 1 – 3 p.m., 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 – 7:45 p.m. There are 10
weeks of classes with 20 hours of instruction for $60. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these Tuesday classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at New York University and the Art Students League. He exhibits in the New York and New Jersey area. You can stop by room 5 in the Dreiser Center any Tuesday to join us and feel the satisfaction of creating your own pictures. Ms. Valli Massenburg is the instructor of the Saturday morning classes. You get 10 weeks of classes, from 10 a.m. until noon with 20 hours of instruction for $60 which is a bargain for what you are receiving. Ms. Massenburg is an accomplished artist who was granted an A.S. diploma from the Parson School of Design and honed and expanded her artistic skills in numerous media, namely oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, etc. Ms. Massenburg will give a free workshop on
Saturday, March 7 from 1 – 2 p.m. The topic is watercolor painting. You will find it very interesting and enjoyable. Supplies for the workshop will be given free at this workshop. Please try to attend. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. Your support – as members, donators, and events’ supporters – is sorely needed and appreciated. So make a donation to Baychester Visual Arts Association, Inc. It’s tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to BVA, P. O. Box 678, Co-op City, Bronx, New York 10475. Contact Moses Groves at 201-862-0847 for more information. These events are made possible with public funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program. . —Sylvia Lochansky
Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue
Building 30 Association
The Building 30 Association (A & B) is here for you! You must be a paid up dues member in order to take advantage of the parties and celebrations that we will have. The next meeting for the Building 30 Association is scheduled for Thursday, March 5. The door is opened at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Our guest speaker for this evening will be Vernon Cooper. We are looking forward to many exciting happenings when Spring has Sprung. Be a member of the Building 30 Association; have a voice; be involved. We may again have a bake sale (yum yum) plus many other functions that show your talents. Bring your ideas! We will continue to run our 50/50 raffle at our meetings. Refreshments always follow at the end of the meeting. Watch the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for dates and times of events. Get involved and make a difference! We are looking forward to meeting and greeting you at the meetings. —Miriam E. Berlofsky
Building 16 Association
Building 16 Association meeting was held on Monday February 9. Our guest speaker was Mrs. Lois English. There was some concerns about the terraces floor. She stated that there are samples at Riverbay for those who want to see the tiles. Some questions was raised about mice in apartments and the advice was to call your C.S.O. office and the problem would be taken care of. To all who are sick have a speedy recovery. To all who help to collect building dues, thanks. We will be putting envelopes under the doors for the ones that missed us as we sat in the lobby, with instruction on where to bring them with your dues. Our next meeting will on March 9 at 7 p.m. on the (B) side. —Clara Coston
Baychester Visual Arts
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25
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite the community to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. worship and at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children will be held at 9:15 a.m. Bible class and prayer service is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study also is held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Bible study is also held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 5 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and at 7:30 p.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50, on the lower level. Our telephone number is 718-3203774. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org to find out about our ministries and programs. March is Women’s History Month. The First Lady’s Ministry presents A
Co-op City Baptist Church
Salute to Historic “Firsts” for Women, on Saturday, March 14th at 10 a.m. The donation is $10. All are invited to come and hear about our pioneering women. “Feast Delivers”, hosted by the Just For Men Ministry, invites everyone to participate. Make your selection by circling the items on the menu. Add $5.00 to your total, as a service charge. The deadline for payment is March 8. Distribution will be at the church on Saturday, March 14th from 11 a.m. to noon. This month, the feast has a Shrimp Dinner Special for $15. Call 718-320-3774 for information. The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center presents, Spring Into Gospel Explosion ’09, a spectacular contemporary Christian concert, on April 4, 5:30 p.m., at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium A. The program will feature an array of dynamic talents, including Darrell
St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church
St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 on the lower level. Telephone (718) 320-0844. Weekly Schedule: Sunday: Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m. Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m Friday: Youth Group 4Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a vital congregation with spirit-filled worship services, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome to come and be a part of our diverse family. Services are every Sunday; 9 a.m. is the English Service, 10:30 a.m. is the Children’s Service, Youth Service (12 19 yrs.) and Adult Bible Classes in both English & Spanish. At 11:30 a.m. is the Spanish Service. Every first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service at 10 a.m., also part of the bilingual service is the communion service. Come and join us in a great time of rejoicing and spiritual uplifting. All services are at the church building, 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from
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McFadden, Jr. and the Jr. Disciples, Deacon Williams & The Soul Converters, Recording Mass Chorus, The Co-op City Baptist Church Mass Choir, our very own praise dancers and more. Dinners will be sold for $10. Tickets for adults are $35 until March 2, $40 after March 2, and $50 at the door. Children ages 4 through 12 pay $25. For additional information, call 718320-3774 or 917-620-2859. “Save the Date” - Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10 for the Ultimate Dining Cruise. We are inviting everyone to join us for dinner on the “Elegant Spirit Cruises” hosted by the Building Fund Ministry. Adults - $125; Children 2-12 - $55. We invite you to join us for good food, music and fellowship. Final payment is due April 1. For information, call 718 320-3774. The Scholarship Ministry invites you to join them on a five day French Canadian
6:00 p.m. Young Adults 6:30-9 p.m. The Sunday School leads services every fourth Sunday and the Young Adults lead services every fifth Sunday. Upcoming Events -The Women’s Guild is selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser. The raffles are a dollar each or a book of 6 for
$5. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 11. Cash prizes will be awarded. - February 1- Confirmation Classes begin Sundays immediately following service. -April 11- Men’s Club will be having a fish fry fundraiser.
Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC
Building 30. Come and see what the Lord can do in your life and worship with us in our beautiful sanctuary. After School Program - You can still register your children for the after-school program. The after-school program is in Room 43 in the Einstein Community Center at 135 Einstein Loop. For more information, call (718) 6711033, Monday thru Friday, between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Motorcycle Ministry - If you feel your calling is to go out into the highways and bi-ways to aid and support our brothers and sisters in ministry or maybe curious about what we are doing then by all means, please call William at (646) 528-6181 or e-mail him at willove42@yahoo.com. Membership is open to all. What a Blessing. May the Peace, Joy and Love of Jesus Christ be with you always. Your Brother in Christ, William Rivera, Christian Motorcyclist Association Road
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tour, August 3 to 8. Two days will be spent in both Montreal and Quebec. Enjoy guided tours of Quebec City and the Beaupre Coast, visits to Montreal’s Olympic Park and the Copper Museum and admission to Notre Dame Academy. The cost of the trip is $995 single, $775, double and $725 triple occupancy. A $100 deposit is required immediately. For information, call 718-320-3774. The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center’s Saturday Tutoring Program offers small group tutoring for students in grades 2 to 5. Tutoring is held 3 to 5 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop Room 51 (Lower level). Tuition is $50 a month. Registration is held during program hours the first two weeks of each month. For information, call 718-671- 8449 or 917-6202859. —Hattie L. Lucas
Captain, New York City Chapter. NEOS Program (12 to 19 years old) The NEOS Program is for youth of 12 to 19 years. At NEOS, we seek to educate, empower and encourage young people by being culturally relevant, mission driven and socially active. The teens will be doing art, music, dance and plays, all in a setting of love and caring, while learning what the Lord can do in their lives. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 8:00 p.m. every Friday night. Children Ministries (4 to 11 years old) - The Kids for Jesus (K4J) has now changed from once a month to twice a month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It will be every first Saturday and third Saturday of the month. The children will be meeting today for their first time back in the New Year. Kids will have a great time; they will have music, art and also learn what the Bible teaches. Next Saturday (3/7) will be K4J, bring the kids and they
will have a great time. Flea Market - We are having our next flea market on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. We will have all kinds of vendors selling household goods, books, jewelry, food, etc. If you wish to be a vendor, you can call Pauline (718) 320-1552 (daytime only), Ruth (718) 379-6589 (leave a message) or Barbara (718) 3794559 (leave a message). Spots will be $25 and tables are $5. Website - Visit our new web site at www.co-opcityumchurch.org to learn more about our church and worship. Also learn about Buy for Charity on our website and learn how to support our church while shopping online for no extra cost to you. Bake Sale/Also Hot Dogs – We are having a Bake Sale tomorrow after the bilingual service at 12:15 p.m. We will also have hot dogs for sale so you can have lunch and dessert. —Dr. Rev. Milca Alvarez-Plaud
Artcarved High School Rings Lower prices than in school Public and Catholic High Schools Any School — Any Year Go to:
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212-925-8854 anytime
26
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
JASA SENIOR LUNCH MENU
JASA SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM OF CO-OP CITY
Monday, March 2
Bartow
Gloria Wise
Dreiser
Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49
Crochet & Knitting 9am in rm. 7
Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31
Bingo 1:00 in rm. 49
Stay Well Exercise 10:00 in rm. 2
Dominos 12:30 in rm. 31
Bereavement Support Group 1:15pm in rm. 34
Walking Club 11:00 in rm. 7
Alert & Alive 10:00 in rm. 31
Bingo 11:00 in rm. 4
Tuesday, March 3
Current Events 10:00 in rm. 31 Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31 Dominos 10:30 in rm. 31
Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49
Alert & Alive 10:30 in rm. 7
Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 49
Bingo 10:00 in rm. 4
Bingo 1:00 in rm. 49
Cultural Dancing 10:30 Aud. A
Date:
Non-Kosher
Kosher
Sausage w/onions & peppers, Penne pasta, tossed salad w/dressing Homemade turkey burger, cream of spinach, corn on the cob
Soups, Breads and Desserts
Mon., 3/2
Orange juice, beef stew, rice, brussel sprouts, beans
Tues., 3/3
Cranberry juice, cranberry chicken, yams, broccoli florets
Wed., 3/4
Apple juice, stuffed cabbage, brown rice, chopped spinach
Sesame chicken, baked potato, carrots
Rye bread, pineapple tidbits
Thurs., 3/5
Tilapia (fish) w/lemon sauce, baked potato, summer blend
Shepherd’s pie, mashed potato, green beans
Wheat bread, fresh oranges
Pinapple juice, baked chicken, corn on the cob, tossed salad w/dressing
Chicken caciatore, spaghetti, broccoli florets
Whole wheat, bread, fruit cocktail
Fri., 3/6
Whole wheat bread, red apples
Rye bread, diced pears
All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Schedule subject to change without notice. We ask that members please
Wednesday, March 4
call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:
Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31 Stay Well Exercise 10-11 in rm. 31 Blood Pressure 10-12 in rm. 28 Line Dancing 11-12 in rm. 31 Word Games 10:30–11:30, rm. 31 Dominos 12:30 in rm. 31
Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Spelling Bee 10:00 in rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class 10:30 in rm. 35
Thursday, March 5
Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31 Dominoes 10:30 in rm. 31
Stay Well 10:00 in rm.45 Line Dancing 10:00 in Aud. A (at Dreiser)
Friday, March 6
Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49 “Movie Madness” 9:30 am in rm. 31 Art 10:00 am in rm. 31 (Einstein) Bingo 10:00am in rm. 31 Spelling Bee 11:00 in rm. 31
WEEKLY TRIPS
1st Monday: 1st & 3rd Mondays: Tuesdays: Fridays:
Dominoes 10:00 am in rm. 49 Art 10 am in rm. 38 Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49
Stew Leonard’s Super Wal-Mart Bowling Swimming
Bartow Center (718) 320-2066 ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Gloria Wise Center (718) 671-5161 Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 2 Art 1:00 in rm. 7
Line Dancing 10:00 in Aud. A Blood Pressure 10-12 in rm. 7 Belly Dance 12:30-1:00 in Aud. A “Handi-Flex” 1:00 in Aud. A Drama Club 1:30 in rm. 7
Crochet & Knitting 9:00 am in rm. 7 Beginner’s Comp 11-12 in rm. 34 Intermediate Comp Class 12-1 pm in rm. 34 Meditative Moments 11:00 am in rm. 2 $5 $8 $12.50 $3
To register for trips and classes, please call
(718) 320-2066
Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation
Trips for March
PALISADES MALL — Thursday, March 12th — Transportation/boxed lunch only $10. Pick-up information: Asch Loop at 9:00 a.m., Dreiser Loop at 9:15 a.m., Einstein Loop at 9:30 a.m. Phone registration will begin March 4th at 10 a.m. To sign up, call (718-320-2066). NY BOTANICAL GARDENS, BRONX, NY - “Orchid Show,” March 26th - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. – $ 29. Trip includes 10 a.m. Brazilian guitarist concert, Brazilian Orchids introduction, 11 a.m.--
Guided Tour-Orchid, area inside conservatory, 12 noon-lunch (boxed), Tram ride -1 p.m. — Arts and Crafts (participate) and a view of the Everrett Children’s Adventure Garden —3 p.m. Immediate payment and registration required. Pick-up information: Asch Loop at 8:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop at 8:45 a.m., Einstein Loop at 9:00 a.m. Phone registration will begin March 4th at 10 a.m. To sign up, call 718-320-2066. Transportation/lunch included.
NOTE: RESERVATIONS AND FULL PAYMENTS ARE DUE EFFECTIVE STARTING MONDAY, MARCH 2ND! Thursday, April 30th –10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Madame Tussauds Wax Museum — $28. Saturday, May 9th -- 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., “Sing Harlem Sing” - Dempsey Theatre — $46. Vy Higginsen’s New Musical: Saturday,
June 13th — 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. NYC Labor Chorus--Concert--Music sung by Paul Robeson/Civil rights/Labor Movement-$25. Please look for flyers and monthly newsletters located at the Bartow Office @ 2049 Bartow Avenue or at the JASA senior centers. Pick-up times will be posted at a later date.
Upcoming Trips
Swimmers, please note
Now that the weather will be getting warmer, swimming class will be every Friday starting March 6th. We will no longer take payments in advance for the month. We will collect money on a week-toweek basis and checks no less than $10 will be accepted. No carry-overs will be
accepted unless the participant has an emergency or due to weather conditions. A one-time courtesy carry-over will be allowed a month. Schedules are subject to change and participants will be notified in advance. For further details, please call the Bartow office (718) 320-2066.
Be Informed
Applications are being accepted for the JPAC Advocacy Training Seminar which will take place on Wednesday, March 25th and April 1st @135 Einstein Loop.
Applications are available at the senior centers. Each training session will have 15-20 people.
Blood Pressure
Trained volunteers are providing FREE blood pressure screenings to the 60+ community. Conveniently located at all three of the Co-op City community centers. All you need is to become a member by simply filling out a short application form available at any of the local centers.
Locations & Schedule: 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon.; 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 28, every 1st & 3rd Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
WEEKLY SCHEDULE BUILDING & TOWNHOUSES ASSOCIATIONS
Fellow Residents Equity Association Meeting: Wed., 3/4; 7:30 pm (Bartow Rm. 28)
Debs Place Association Meeting: Thurs., 3/5; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1)
CULTURE & ARTS
African-American Yoga Practice: Thurs., 3/5; 6:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 2) African-American Dance Class: Wed., 3/4; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 2) This class is FREE to the public
HOBBIES
Co-op City Duplicate Bridge: Wed., 3/4; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 9)
POLITICAL
Working Families Meeting: Tues., 2/24; 7:00 pm (Einstein Rm. 35)
RELIGIOUS
Circle of Christ Church: Fri., 3/6; 6:00 pm (Bartow Rm. 31) & Sun., 3/8; 9:00 am (Bartow Rm. 31)
Church of the New Vision Bible Study: Sun., 3/8; 9:00 am (Einstein Rm. 38) Deeper Life Bible Church: Tues., 3/3; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1) Faith @ Work Christian Church, Bible Study Church Service: Thurs., 3/5; 5:00 pm and Sun., 3/18; 8:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 8)
Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: Sun., 3/8; 10:00 am (Einstein Rm. 35) Greater Love Baptist Church: Sun., 3/8; 2:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1) Harvest Restoration Ministries: Wed., 3/4; 6:00 pm, Fri., 3/6; 6:00 pm & Sun., 3/8; 10:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 10)
SCOUTS
Girl Scouts Council of Greater New York: Fri., 3/6; 3:00 pm (Dreiser Rooms 1, 2, 9, and 10)
SENIORS
Seniors Nutrition Program: Mon. - Fri., 3/2 - 3/6; 8:00 am (Bartow Rm. 31, Dreiser Rm. 4; Einstein Rm. 49)
Retirees of Dreiser Loop Meeting: Wed., 3/4; 1:00 am (Dreiser Aud. A) Goose Island Seniors: Wed., 3/4; 1:30 am (Einstein Rm. 31)
SERVICE & CIVIC
Weight Watchers Nutrition Program: Tues., 3/3; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 4) Einstein Cancer Care: Tues., 3/3; 1:30 pm (Einstein Rm. 38)
SPORTS
Black Forum Aerobics & Track Practice: Mon., 3/2; & Wed., 3/4; 5:30 pm (Dreiser Loop Aud. A,B,C)
New York Lyons Athletic Club: Tues., 3/3; & Thurs., 3/5; 5:30 pm (Einstein Rm. 45) Zodiac Track Team: Tues., 3/3 & Thurs., 3/5; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Aud. A, B, C)
Baychester Library Events FEBRUARY: Films on Saturdays: 2:00 PM Today, Saturday, February 28. JUKE JOINT. 1947. 60 mm., b&w, 16mm. Directed by Spencer Williams. The story of Bad News Johnson and July Jones, two penniless conmen who head west to make it big. Saturday, March 7 @ 2:30 p.m. • An Afternoon of Hindustani Music — Priya Purushothaman, vocal • Swarup Swaminathan, Harmonium • Sai Shyam Mohan, Tabla — Hindustani raagsangeet is the classical music tradition of North India that meditative in nature and inspired with a variety of colors, textures and emotions. The concert features a detailed elaboration of a composition in one main raag, followed by several shorter renditions of compositions in other mid-afternoon raags and bhajans (devotional compositions. MARCH PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN — Teen Book Group — Fridays, March 6, April 13, May 1 @ 3:00 p.m. — How’s that book? Talk a book you like and learn about other teens’ favorite books! For ages 12-18. Game On: Nintendo Wii — Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 30 @3:00 p.m. Reading Aloud (For ages 5-12) — Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 3:00 p.m. Chess — Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 @3:00 p.m. Arts & Crafts (For ages 5-12) — Friday, March 13 @3:00 p.m. Game Day (For ages 5-12) — Friday, March 27 @ 3:00 p.m. U.S. Postal Service Day — Saturday, March 14 @ 2:00 p.m. — Learn about exciting services that: • make your life easier like “click N ship” • provide free carrier pickup and stamp delivery • are fun like customizing your own stamps and creating your own cards! Come! What’s TAG, anyway? TAG stands for Teen Advisory Group. Come and learn at the library; make suggestions; meet with other teens. For ages 12-18. Join us. Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24
& 31 @ 4:00 p.m. Fridays, March 20, April 17, May 15 & June 12 @ 3:00 p.m. Do you Yu-Gi-Oh? Check out Baychester’s Yu-Gi-Oh group! Meet new players! Start your own tournaments! For ages 12-18. Special Program for Children — Monday, March 23 • 3:30 p.m. “Playing with Polymers” — Chemistry basics will be examined as we brew up gooey polymers. For children ages 7-12. Presented by Mad Science of Westchester and Manhattan.
FREE Computer Class — Monday, March 2 • 10:30 a.m. • Wednesday, March 4 • 10:30 a.m. — Internet Search Basics — Friday, March 6 • 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration required
The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 NEW HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-8; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6 & Friday & Saturday, 10-5 Spanish Book Sale going on! Venta de libros en Español! Libros En Español (Books in Spanish) Horario de la biblioteca: Lunes 10-8, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-8, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado
718.379.6700
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
Handicapped Adults Association
27
The Handicapped Adults van operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 718-320-2069 to make your reservation. Sunday, May 17th, the Handicapped Adults will be holding their annual Spring luncheon, as well as the Honor Day, honoring Josephine and Andrea Betancourt. Our installation will also be held this day. There will be a choice of menu, our own D.J. Ramon Betancourt who will play oldies but goodies. The donation is $30 per person. We have two motorized wheelchairs for sale; one is a Jazzy 1133 and the other a Pronto M-71. Come into the office and look at them. Our flea market is open all year round
in Room 13, Dreiser Community Center. We sell jewelry both new and used. All occasion cards for 25 cents each. Also, for a donation, you can purchase in Honor of or in Memory of cards. Our soft covered books are 5 for $1.00 and hard covered books are $1.00 each. There are also video tapes and cassettes for sale. Come into the office and look around. If you want to join our organization, just come into the office and fill out a membership application. Dues are $12. Get well wishes to those who are ill. Don't forget to pay your dues. Pennies, pennies, pennies bring them into the office. —Arlene Dermansky
FYI: Come, join AARP Peachtree Chapter # 4997 in celebrating their 15th Anniversary on Thursday, June 11 at the Eastwood Manor; noon – 4:30 p.m., $50 donation. Tickets are available at the AARP office, Dreiser Loop Community Center Room “O” on Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. and Fridays, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. – call Stella, 718-379-2088. Get-well wishes to Clarence “Mitch” Mitchell; to Annette Harrison and to the daughter of Mattie Murrell. To notify the AARP Peachtree Chapter of illness or bereavement, contact Frances Wilson (718) 671-5493. 2009 ACTIVITIES: April 16 – The “Divine Comedy” – w/Father Aloysius Misgivings sharing stories and one-liners on growing up Catholic and other religious experiences; audience participation; church collection; bingo; raffle; hilarious entertainment at the Johnson & Wales Inn (Mass.); lunch prepared by the culinary Chefs of Johnson & Wales University; $85 – Be at the bus (in front of the Library on Asch Loop) at 7:45 a.m.; returning to New York at 6:30 p.m. Remember to sign-up for the luncheon at the March meeting or call Wini, (718) 671-6386, with your choice: grilled sirloin of beef or breast of chicken – served with potatoes, vegetables, a salad and dessert, coffee and tea. May 2nd & May 3rd – Pocono Casinos and Lobster Feast (return trip) – Mt. Airy Lodge and Mohegan Sun Casinos with 2 bonus; All-You-Can-Eat Lobster Feast (70+ items); open bar; dancing, 1 night hotel and full American breakfast - $280 (double), $330 (single) – Deposits now due; final payment due March 30th. Bus leaving (from Asch Loop in front of the
Library) at 7:30 a.m.; returning to New York at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. See Jeanne/Wini. June 10 (Wednesday) – Dine on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer thru the Catskill Mountains with Shopping at Woodbury Commons - $85 - See Daisy. July 15 – Return of the 3-in-1: Cruise, Bally’s Casino and Phillips Luncheon See Jeanne. August 30 – September 6 – Navigator of the Seas (Royal Carribbean Cruise Lines) – Ports of Call: Rome, Genoa (Italy), Nice (France), Barcelona, Palma deMallorca (Spain) and Sardinia, Rome (Italy); includes cruise, roundtrip air from JFK Airport, taxes and insurance; Passpost required; Deposit $350 NOW DUE; for additional information contact, Jeanne or Wini. September 22 – “Viagra Falls”, a Broadway show at the Art Center, Mohegan Sun Casino with buffet lunch and bonus – see Jeanne/Wini. October 31 – November 1 – Saratoga Dixie Land Jazz Festival - See Daisy/Wini. December 30 – January 1 – New Year’s Trip to the Desmond – See Jeanne/Wini. For information about the above trips, contact the Tour Committee: Wini – 718 671-6386; Jeanne – 718 379-3742; Daisy 718 671-3241. REMEMBER: All trips, 2 or more days, must be completely paid 45 days before departure. Signing your name for a trip does not insure you a seat on the bus -your “PAYMENT” will hold a seat for you. First come, first seated, so be prompt with your promise to pay or lose your spot. —Delores Debnam
General membership meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd in Room 38 at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Join us Tuesday, March 10th for a trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino. The cost per person is $25 and you will receive a $10 reel play, plus a $10 food voucher for your free buffet. Time of pick-up is at 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop with the usual stops at the library and Dreiser Loop. Monday, April 27th – The Hunterdon Hill Playhouse for “Over the River and Through the Woods,” an hilarious Broadway comedy. The luncheon menu is
of your choosing — breast of chicken with stuffing, fried shrimps and scallops, Yankee pot roast, catch of the day or baked ham with fruit glaze, including an array of delicious mini pastries, and cakes. You can also browse around in their boutique shop. The cost per person is $75 which can be paid in full or by deposit. All payments are dues by April 10th. Please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Lydia at 718-671-3005 or Loretta at 718671-2958 for the above trips, as well as memorial cards. Good health is wished to all. —Lydia Ruos
AARP Chapter # 4997
Einstein Cancer Fund
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue As was to be expected, Hamas and Iran declared victory over the Jewish state. And they were right. Israel may deny that its intended goal of the Gaza war was to break Hamas’ grip on the strip, but it failed for the second time to overcome an enemy whose character, in the words of Iran’s Ahmadinejad, is to “wipe Israel off the map.” In Israel’s fight with Hezbollah, the Israeli army was ill-prepared. With Hamas, they succumbed to the outcry of countries that could not care less if Israel existed or not. Those countries may even believe that all terrorist activities would cease were the Jewish state
eliminated. Had Israel continued the war until Hamas’ leader Haniyeh had waved a while flag or escaped with his family to another country, real peace would have a chance. One cannot make peace with an enemy that wants your destruction. No good intentions by the USA or any other country will prevent Hamas from re-arming with the help of Iran arid Syria and this with more sophisticated weaponry. In another war, Israel’s cities might be exposed to rockets that may reach every corner of the country. Israel missed its chance.
Co-op City Jewish Center
Saturday services are continuing, weather permiting. Our thanks to those people who attend services. Please try to attend whenever possible. We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City looking for a conservative synagogue that all are welcome to our Saturday at 9 a.m. service. Try to take a Saturday and come to
services when you can. Donations are always in order. Frieda will be in the office Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get well wishes to all who are ill. Get well wishes to Jean Hilsenrath. We miss you. For information regarding the synagogue or questions, please get in touch with Frieda Epstein at 671-3679. —Frieda Epstein
Monday game days will continue as usual for your pleasure. There is always room for new players, canasta, mah jong, rummy-O, etc. For a $3 donation, you can enjoy company and refreshments. We are hoping to
meet new players and members. You may call Frieda for any other information at 718-671-3679. Get well wishes to Ruth Kurnitz, and all who are not well. —Frieda Epstein
Co-op City Jewish Center Sisterhood
NO CO-OP CITY TIMES? CALL (718)
585-3331 BETWEEN
9 AM - 2 PM ON SATURDAYS
Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc. George Farr — Funeral Director “The Bronx Jewish Community Memorial Chapel” 1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462
(718) 828-9222 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision
Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue
Parking Facilities Pre-Arrangements
Young Israel of Co-op City
Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop Shopping Center) is a house of worship that opens, its doors every morning from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome. Every evening at 20 minutes before sunset and for one hour thereafter, the synagogue is open for evening prayers and a brief religious message from Rabbi Solomon I. Berl.
On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candle-lighting time. Saturday morning services start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at l0:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading of the week begins one-hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
The Co-op City Jewish Community Council is pleased to announce two upcoming Purim events. The first is a Purim Feast to be held at Bronx House on Tuesday, March 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call or come into the office in Dreiser Loop, Room #18, to pick up your ticket for this event. Seating is limited, and a ticket is required! A bus will pick us up from Dreiser Loop at 6:00 p.m., and you will be dropped off in front of your building after the
party. The second event will be held on Wednesday, March 11, in Room 2 of the Dreiser Community Center at 1:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the kids from Solomon Schecter School in White Plains, N.Y. We will have games, music, and, of course, hammen taschen! Please call or come into the office to reserve a seat for either event. Remember, you must have a ticket, which we will provide, for the Bronx House party.
The Festival of Purim will be observed on Monday evening, March 9th and March 10th. On Monday, March 9th, Mincha afternoon services will begin at 6:30 p.m. and Rabbi Solomon Berl will read the Megillah
(Book of Esther) at 7:30 p.m. Services on Tuesday morning, March 10th, will begin at 6:25 a.m. and Rabbi Berl will read the Megillah at 7 a.m. All are welcome. A Happy Purim to all.
PURIM IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER and the Sisterhood of Young Israel of Co-op City will be holding a gala Pre-Purim Party on Wednesday, March 4th starting at noon in the Young Israel Sanctuary. We will have all kinds of goodies and, of course, Humantashen, beautiful raffle prizes, entertainment, and sing along featuring our own Rabbi Solomon Berl. The cost is only $8 a person, payable at the door. So make plans to be with us on
March 4. Bring your friends, neighbors, and don’t forget that men are invited. Finally, we continue to extend invitation to all Jewish women to become part of the Sisterhood. Age and language are no barriers to your joining with us, making new friends and having a good time. Here’s hoping to see you all at the Purim Party on March 4th. Shalom. —Trudy Kaufman
Co-op City Jewish Community Council
Young Israel of Co-op City – Purim Services Schedule Sisterhood of Young Israel
To contact Riverbay Corporation, you must dial the new call center at 718.320.3300.
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29
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop/Dreiser Community Center, Room 8, 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Church telephone is (718) 644-0951. Pastoral counseling, Wednesday evenings by appointment only. Email: fatwcc@aol.com Weekly Worship Experiences: Thursday Prayer Worship: 6:00 p.m. Thursday Bible Study: 6:30 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church: 10:00 a.m., 2nd through 4th Sundays. Rehearsals: Acapella Angels, Children’s Choir following Worship 2nd and 3rd Sundays. Church Motto: “We are ChristCentered, Family-Focused with, Power and Authority.” Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, everyone! In all things, give thanks. We thank God for life, health, strength, the activities of our limbs, food, clothes, shelter, houses of worship, family, our jobs, and our schools. We do not take anything for granted. Let us now go into the Word of God. Today, our scripture reading is coming from the book of Ecclesiastes 5:8-17 in The Living Bible. 8 If you see some poor man being oppressed by the rich, with miscarriage of justice anywhere throughout the land,
Faith at Work Christian Church
Come worship with us—where we honor tradition but are not bound by it! MARCH 1: Community meal Fellowship. Join us as we observe the Lord’s Supper and break bread over a meal prepared by our members and as we discuss God’s Word. This will become our monthly contribution to the community every First Sunday. We recognize that the economy is affecting everyone so if you know anyone who is in need, please share this information with them. There is no cost to show the Love of Jesus Christ. Join us at 9:30 and dish donations are welcome, but not required. MARCH 13: YOUTH JAM. The children of the church will be attending the Calvary Baptist Church annual Youth Jam from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided by the church. FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY: In an effort to assist the community during these trying financial times, we will list job open-
ings and provide other resources when available or upon request. We have 100 copies of Eversave’s 100 Moneysaving Tips manual-free to the community. Make your request by phone or come out to worship with us and we will provide the copy for you. We will have a full manual of vacant positions available beginning 1st Sunday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Tell a friend—we are here to serve not be served! Full Circle Project 2009 - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Through an Impact Grant from the United Way of New York City in 2008, the Drammeh Institute successfully launched Co-op City’s first intensive filmmaking and spoken word workshop for local youth, and is now accepting applications for another great summer in 2009. APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: APRIL 15. Requirements: Individuals must be residents of Co-op City, or surrounding districts between the ages of 15 and 18. Applications
can be requested by email: FCProject@live.com or write to FCP c/o The Drammeh Institute, Inc., P.O. Box 558, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Koinonia Bible Fellowship, an interdenominational gathering addressing the needs and concerns of men, led by Kirk Lyons, PHd. Fellow at Union Theological Seminary. Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, Hillis Hall, 75 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (2/3 trains to Clark St. or A/C to High St.) We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation of everyone who believes! (Rom 1:16) What great power that is when you realize that you are not in this alone. Our witness is to God’s goodness and not our personal accomplishments. Remember, it’s never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah Jenkins
don’t be surprised! For every official is under orders from higher up, and the higher officials look up to their superiors. And so the matter is lost in red tape and bureaucracy. 9 And over them all is the king. Oh, for a king who is devoted to his country! Only he can bring order from this chaos. 10 He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings happiness! 11 The more you have, the more you spend, right up to the limits of your income, so what is the advantage of
wealth-except perhaps to watch it as it runs through your fingers! 12 The man who works hard sleeps well whether he eats little or much, but the rich must worry and suffer insomnia. 13,14 There is another serious problem I have seen everywhere-savings are put into risky investments that turn sour, and soon there is nothing to pass on to one’s son. 15 The man who speculates is soon back to where he began-with nothing. 16 This, as I said, is a very serious problem, for all his hard work has been
for nothing; he has been working for the wind. It is all swept away. 17 All the rest of his life he is under a cloud-gloomy, discouraged, frustrated, and angry. Invitations: We open up today at 3 p.m. for Prayer Service. Sunday School begins tomorrow at 10 a.m. followed by our Worship Service at 11 a.m. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop. Our phone # is (718) 6713627. Please come out and fellowship with us. Jesus loves you, and so do we! —Minister Vernon Little
Faith In God Church & Bible Institute Inc, HQ.
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM — CALL CENTER (718) 320-3300
• Press 1 if you have a Public Safety emergency
• Press 2 to dial a Riverbay extension/or access the directory
• Press 3 to report a maintenance problem in your apartment • Press 4 to reach Residential Sales
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
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31
Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009 Home Improvement
Painting
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Overeaters Anonymous
2009 can be the year you take the action to deal with your food problem. Do you eat when you're not hungry? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? If you are interested, Overeaters Anonymous (OA) may be able to help you. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins; we are a fellowship. Meetings: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Newcomers' meetings: first and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., followed by the regular meeting. Co-op City, Young Israel, 147 Dreiser Loop, lower/plaza level of the Dreiser Community Center. Call 866-841-9139, Ext. 2229 for more information.
It’s Black History Month! Let’s Celebrate together!
2/28
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Co-op City Times
PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS
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FREDERICK MCKINLEY JONES — Refrigeration Inventions Anytime you see a truck on the highway transporting refrigerated or frozen food, you're seeing the work of Frederick McKinley Jones. One of the most prolific Black inventors ever, Jones patented more than 60 inventions in his lifetime. While more than 40 of those patents were in the field of refrigeration, Jones is most famous for inventing an automatic refrigeration system for long haul trucks and railroad cars. Before Jones' invention, the only way to keep food cool in trucks was to load them with ice. Jones was inspired to invent the system after talking with a truck driver who lost his whole cargo of chicken because he couldn't reach his destination before the ice melted. As a solution, the African-American inventor developed a roof-mounted cooling system to make sure food stayed fresh. GEORGE CARRUTHERS — Ultraviolet Observations George Carruthers has gained international recognition for his work which focuses on ultraviolet observations of the earth's upper atmosphere and of astronomical phenomena. Ultraviolet light is the electromagnetic radiation between visible light and x-rays. George Carruthers first major contribution to science was to lead the team that invented the far ultraviolet camera spectrograph. He developed the first moon-based space observatory, an ultraviolet camera that was carried to the moon by Apollo 16 astronauts in 1972. The camera was positioned on the moon's surface and allowed researchers to examine the Earth's atmosphere for concentrations of pollutants. Dr. George Carruthers received a patent for his invention the "Image Converter for Detecting Electromagnetic Radiation specially in Short Wave Lengths" on November 11, 1969.
2/28
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Co-op City Times / February 28, 2009
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29
$
95 Most Cars
BRAKE SPECIAL DISC or DRUM
59
$
Spark Plug Replacement Oil Change & Filter • 4 Tire Rotation Drain & Fill Radiator w/up to 1 gal. anti-freeze Check Thermostat Complete Vehicle Inspection 6 CYL. ADD $10 • 8 CYL. ADD $20
$
99 *Parts Included
5995
Most U.S Cars
Most American cars (6 cyl. & 8 cyl. slightly higher)
COMPUTERIZED WHEEL ALIGNMENT Service on Limos & Oversized Vehicles Now Available
*New Spark Plugs *Air Filter *Adjust Idle & Timing *Oil Change & Filter *Transmission Service *Repack Wheel Bearing
• • • • •
95
Replace pads and/or shoes (semimetallic pads extra). Cut drums or rotors. Repack wheel bearings, inspect hydraulic system. Add fluid Front or Rear Brakes Most Cars if necessary, road test.
State of The Art Hi-Speed Wheel-Balance $
5
per wheel Alloy & oversized rims additional, up to 24” wheels
RADIATOR $ 95 29 FLUSH Replace with up to 1 gal. Anti-freeze • Check Belts, Hoses, Clamps, Thermostat MOST CARS
WE ARE AUTHORIZED GE CAPITAL & PHH & ARI DEALERS.
AXLE
$
SPECIAL
9995
COMPLETE CV AXLE INSTALLED MOST U.S. CARS
WINTER SPECIAL
TIRE SAVER PACKAGE Includes: Wheel Alignment Balance Tires
FREE 21 point vehicle inspection
39
$
99
Most U.S. Cars. Alloy & oversized wheels additional. Up to 24” wheels.
FREE COMPUTERIZED “Check Engine Lights”
ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC with Related Repairs. Most U.S. Cars
TRANSMISSION TUNE-UP
34 ELECTRONIC IGNITION TUNE-UP FUEL INJECTION 2995 $ 99 34 $ 99 39 $
4 cyl
Includes: Changing Fluid, New Pan Gasket, Clean Screen, Adjust Band if Necessary
8 cyl
• New Spark Plugs • Adjust Timing & Carb when needed • Inspect Emission Control • Inspect Cables & Hoses • Most American Cars • Foreign Plugs Extra
WE HONOR MOST EXTENDED WARRANTY PLANS.
95
Most Cars
CLEANING
DON’T DAMAGE YOUR SENSITIVE INJECTORS, PROTECT THEM FOR:
$ 6 cyl
$
3995
Most Cars
WE DIAGNOSE & REPAIR: CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS • ELECTRICAL SHORTS. WE NOW SERVICE LARGE VEHICLES: STRETCH LIMOS, TRUCKS, VANS, SPOILERS, FOG LIGHTS, CUSTOM ACCESSORIES, XENON HEADLIGHTS, NEON LIGHTING and CLEAR TAIL LIGHTS.