Co-op City Times 03/10/18

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© Copyright 2018 Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s Official Newspaper Serving The World’s Largest Cooperative Community. Vol. 53 No. 10

Saturday, March 10, 2018

STAR Deadline For The 2018/2019 Tax Year Is Thurs., March 15 Applications for the 2018-2019 STAR Credit must be postmarked by Thursday, March 15. All Co-op City shareholders are eligible for the New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program, but it is not an automatic credit; it must be filed for. You do not have to reapply for STAR if you are already receiving the credit. You only need to reapply if you were receiving Basic STAR and you are now eligible for Enhanced STAR. Shareholders 60 years and older who need assistance completing their STAR application may contact the JASA Senior Services Office at (718) 320-2066, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or you may also walk in. Applicants must bring their 2016 taxes, if filed, and photo ID. You must also know how many shares you own and the specific date of purchase of your apartment. If you cannot locate your stock certificate, you can obtain this inforBY ROZAAN BOONE

mation from the Riverbay Finance Department. Eligibility for the upcoming 2018/2019 STAR credit, which will be received by those who qualify next year, is based on income information from the 2016 tax year. Shareholders who did not file taxes in 2016 must attach proof of their 2016 earnings to their STAR application, such as a Social Security statement, a1099 or W-2. Co-op City shareholders will also need the following information to complete their STAR application: • Cooperators who live in Sections 1-4, and in the Adler, Asch, Cooper, Debs, DeFoe and Broun Place townhouses – “Block #: 5141; Lot#: 120. • Cooperators who live in Section 5 and the Earhart Lane townhouses – Block#: 5135; Lot: 51. Since the 2016/2017 tax year, first time applicants are now required to register with the New York State Department of Taxation (Continued on page 2)

CB #10 District Manager Shares Information On Ongoing Projects

In lieu of the monthly meeting of Community Board #10’s ad hoc Co-op City Committee being cancelled due to the winter storm earlier this week, District Manager Matthew Cruz shared with the Co-op City Times and its readers some of the projects he was prepared to discuss at the meeting. District Manager Cruz has been an outspoken opponent of the effort by Baychester Retail III LLC to erect enormous electronic billboards on the property of the new mini-strip mall at Baychester and Bartow Avenues. He testified before the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals last week and has reached out to the New England Thruway Authority to have its engineers determine whether the existing signage is in violation of regulations limiting how close such signage can be from a highway. He said recent developments also initiated through his office have included multiple clean-ups of areas in and around Co-op City that have not been properly cleaned by the city and state agencies responsible for their maintenance. The new district manager, who has been on the job for approximately nine months, said this week: “My office, in conjunction with New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey’s office, have gotten areas along the New (Continued on page 4)

25¢

“It Was The Best Of Times, It Was The Worst Of Times1”

Last week on the heels he made to our commuof celebrating a victorious President’s Message nity. He served on the challenge of the superBoard for many years, sized LED lighted billheaded up the Black board on the edge of Forum that distributed President Co-op City, the commfood through the food unity was shaken by the loss pantry and was a founder of of a young life. Simutathe Coalition to Save Affordneously, we came together able Housing (CTSAH). For to celebrate the life of a forall that Tony did, we salute mer Board director and him as a trailblazer in this community trailblazer, Tony community. Illis. Needs Of Our Our deepest condolences Community go out to the family of In my last report, I talked whose young life ended about the many changes for too soon. We hold you in the better that have occurred our prayers at this very difficult here at Co-op City since the election time. of the new Board that has spearheaded While I did not work with Tony the new direction to lead Riverbay Illis during his tenure on the Board, I into the 21st century. However, there am very aware of the contributions (Continued on page 2)

Linda Berk

REMINDER!!! Set Your Clocks Ahead! This weekend, it's time to set your clocks ahead one hour, and, where able, change the battery in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.

BY BILL STUTTIG

March Snow Storm

March For Our Lives - March 24, 2018 Riverbay Corporation is sponsoring two buses to Washington, DC for the March 24th March for Our Lives to call for an end to the epidemic of mass shootings in America. The cost is $35 per person. Families and young people of Co-op City who would like to attend the march may board the bus at 2085 Bartow Avenue. The bus will leave at 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, and is expected to return to Co-op City at 11:30 p.m. Youth 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. See flyer on page 3 for ticket and booking information.

Riverbay crews worked through the day Wednesday and continued the clean-up on Thursday morning clearing a few inches of a slushy, icy wintry mix from the pathways and sidewalks of Co-op City. The New York City region fared well as the ten inches of snow failed to materialize as predicted. Communities to the north and west were not so lucky as strong winds and up to 20 inches of the white stuff brought down trees, leading to even more power outages. Photo by Toriea McCausland


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President’s Report

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018 (Continued from page 1)

is still more work to be done and we have identified many and the list grows. We have had a very successful Speaker’s Series for the Disability and Accommodations Committee, bringing out many shareholders each month to advance their understanding and collect new resources on various topics. With that success, I am recommending that we have a Speakers Series for the community as a whole. There are so many issues we need to address to improve the circumstances of our youth, adults and seniors. Some of the topics we will address are bullying, hoarding, caregiving, how to improve our environmental impact through green technology, and the 50th Anniversary/history of Co-op City. If you have an idea of a hot topic, I ask that you send it to me or drop it off at the Board Office in Bartow Center. After the two recent storms we experienced last week, it became clear that awnings over our entrance ways to the buildings could serve as a safety feature from falling ice from winter storms. I will ask Management to solicit drawings from architects for feasibility and cost. As a community that has a power plant that is capable of producing more power than we use, it is important that we look forward to how this plant can continue to serve this community. One way is to provide electric charging stations in our garages for the future growth of electric car purchases by shareholders. In my opinion, it is a no-brainer with our capacity to produce electricity. This is on a list of future projects. If you have plans to or are seriously considering the purchase of an electric car, please let me know. It would be more encouraging if we knew there was a growing need. Youth March On Washington As the young people of America have reached a point of no return regarding their lives and gun safety, they will be marching on Washington on Saturday, March 24, 2018, coming from all over the country. Once again, Co-op City

STAR Deadline

and Finance for the STAR credit. New applicants are those who purchased their apartments in Co-op City after March 15, 2015 or those who did not apply for the STAR exemption by the March 15, 2015 deadline. First time applicants or those who did not have STAR on their apartments in the 2015/2016 tax year must register with New York State at https://www.tax .ny.gov/star/, or by contacting New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-2036. There are two types of STAR credit. Basic STAR is available to any owner of a house, cooperative apartment, condominium or other property as long as at least one owner lives in or uses the property as their primary residence. Married couples owning more than one property can only have STAR on one property unless they are divorced or legally separated and can provide documentation to support their claim. There is no age limit to receive Basic STAR, however, the combined household income of the owner(s) must be $500,000 or less. Enhanced STAR applicants must also use the residence they are filing for as the primary residence of at least one owner. Therefore, for a married couple applying for Enhanced STAR, if one owner is absent from the property because they are receiving inpatient health related services at a residential health care facility, such as a nursing home or any other facility that provides lodging, board and physical care, as long as the property is not occupied by anyone other than the remaining spouse or co-owner, the property may qualify for Enhanced STAR as long as the following criteria are also met: the property owner(s) must be age 65 or older as of December 31 of the exemption year and have an annual total combined household

(Continued from page 1)

income of $86,000 or less to qualify. Total combined household income is the federal adjusted gross income minus the taxable amount of IRA distributions. If you are a shareholder of Co-op City and you applied for the STAR program last year, 2017/2018, and did not receive a credit, you should contact the New York City Department of Finance by calling 3-1-1. If you have not yet filed an application and, as a result, did not receive a credit this year, you should fill out an application before the March 15th deadline for a credit next year. All applications must be postmarked by Thursday, March 15, 2018. You can obtain a STAR application by calling 3-1-1, or by logging onto the DOF website at www.nyc.gov/star. Completed STAR applications should be mailed to: New York City Department of Finance, P.O. Box 311, Maplewood, NJ 07040-0311. You should retain a copy of the completed application for your records. Current Basic STAR enrollees who would like to apply for ENHANCED STAR can download the STAR application from the NYC Department of Finance website. www.nyc.gov/star or contact 3-1-1. This year, eligible shareholders who applied for the 2017/2018 tax year before the March 15, 2017 deadline, received their credit on their Feb. 1, 2018 carrying charge statement. Recipients of the 2017/18 Basic STAR received $96.64 and those who qualified for Enhanced STAR received $211.56. Out of Co-op City’s 15,372 apartments, 8,171 received the credit for 2017/2018, which amounted to a total of $1,154,062 that was shared by those households for Basic and Enhanced STAR.

will have a presence. Riverbay is sponsoring two buses to take the youth of this community to Washington to make their voices heard. Civic involvement, community engagement and getting involved in the world that impacts them is an important lesson for our youth and we are supporting their efforts to do just that. The buses will be leaving from Bartow Avenue at 5:30 a.m. and will return by 11:30 p.m. the same day. The cost for the trip will be $35 and breakfast and lunch will be provided. There is an Eventbrite page set up for registration and payment at www.getonthebuscoopcity/eventbrite.com. There is also a flyer posted around the property with all the information. There is much work to do here at Co-op City and while we cannot tackle all the projects at once, it is important that the community know we continue to think of how we can make our living at Co-op City even better. I continue to be interested in your thoughts and ideas. Please know that while I may not be able to get back to you immediately, I will respond! I can be reached at 347-913-4224 (leave a message); 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com. Thank you to one and all. (Note: 1. Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens)

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight (8) garages. If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City’s property, please call Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material. All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter. Thank you for your cooperation.


Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

Use Of Co-op City Apartments That Are Grounds For Eviction

Shareholders who cease maintaining their Co-op City apartments as their primary residence face eviction in accordance with the terms of their occupancy agreement and state regulations. According to the occupancy agreement of the Riverbay Corporation, which is signed by every new incoming shareholder, the shareholder agrees: “Not to sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, encumber or create any charge upon this Agreement, nor sublet the leased premises or any part thereof or cause the leased premises or any part thereof or suffer the same to be used for any business, commercial or professional purposes or for any purposes other than as a private dwelling apartment of the primary residence of the Member and his immediate family. The Member further agrees that no boarders or permanent guests shall be permitted.” Section “FOURTH,” Subsection 10. Furthermore, the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR), the state supervisory agency for Mitchell-Lama developments such as Co-op City, in Section 1712-5.3 (a) of its regulations, itemizes several grounds for termination of a lease by the housing company, one of which is item #12 which states, “Tenant, cooperator, or other individual does not occupy the dwelling unit as his or her primary residence;” and item #13, “The dwelling unit is used for illegal or immoral purposes, including but not limited to the unlawful trade, manufacture, distribution, storage, and/or sale of marijuana or any controlled substance as defined in Public Health Law, Section 3306, and Penal Law, Section 220.00.” While the state regulations outline several other grounds for the housing company to terminate the lease of a shareholder, this article highlights the use of apartments for illegal or immoral purposes and failure of the shareholder not to maintain the dwelling unit as their primary residence. Increasingly, ads are showing up on Craigslist and other websites advertising apartments either for sale or sublet in Co-op City, as well as apartments being used for illicit business endeavors. Michael Munns, Riverbay’s Senior Attorney, said shareholders BY ROZAAN BOONE

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

CCLL’s Free Baseball Clinics The Co-op City Little League will host its final free baseball clinic at Truman HS, 750 Baychester Ave. (rear entrance) tomorrow, Sunday, March 11. Times for boys and girls, ages 9-14 years old, are from 9-11 a.m.; children, ages 5-8, are from 11:15-12:45 p.m. You may register your child for Little League at the clinics. For more information, visit coopcityll@yahoo.com or call (914) 262-9697.

Sign Up For IDNYC Shareholders who would like to sign up for a FREE IDNYC card can do so on Mondays-Fridays from now through Thursday, March 22 at Assemblyman Mike Benedetto’s Co-op City office, room 12, 177 Dreiser Community Center, between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5p.m. The IDNYC site is closed every day from 1-2 p.m. IDNYC is a New York City municipal identification program and all NYC residents 14 years and older are eligible for the ID, regardless of immigration status. To explore the many benefits of an IDNYC card, please visit www.nyc.gov/IDNYC. To make an appointment for your free IDNYC card, call 3-1-1 and say “IDNYC.” Walk-ins available, but appointments are preferred.

Next CB #10 Co-op City Committee Meeting The meeting of CB #10’s ad hoc Co-op City Committee which was scheduled to be held on March 7, was cancelled due to inclement weather. The next meeting of the committee will be on April 4 in Dreiser Auditorium A at 7:30 p.m. All Co-op City residents are welcome to attend and to bring their questions and concerns related to cityrelated municipal services.

Please Refrain From Littering. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank You!

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cannot sublet their apartment because it must be used as their primary dwelling. For the most part, vigilant neighbors report abuses to the occupancy agreement to their CSO Office. They oftentimes report when the shareholder of record has moved out, but is illegally subletting the apartment, or when there’s a lot of traffic in and out of an apartment at all times of the day and night. Complaints to the CSO office may be made anonymously and should contain as much details as possible. Helpful information, if known, includes, approximate date shareholder moved out, where shareholder moved to, names and family composition of illegal subletters or any other information that may help establish that the shareholder has moved out of the apartment. Riverbay investigates complaints of possible illegal subletting or an illegal business operating out of an apartment and if reasonably confirmed, legal action is commenced to evict the shareholder. Mr. Munns said that if a shareholder is evicted for violating the primary residence provision of the lease, the shareholder faces costs and fees including, attorney fees, court costs, marshal fees, locksmith fees, moving and storage costs and possible adverse credit ratings.


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Cruz

England Thruway on Baychester Avenue cleaned. These locations are common for litter, so please continue to contact us so that we can have our partners in state government address this quality-of-life issue. If there are any other areas that need litter or high weeds removed, please call at (718) 892-1161 or email us at bx10@cb.nyc.gov.” District Manager Cruz added that the area underneath the Hutchinson River Bridge in Section 5 is another area where debris and litter is a chronic problem. “We have had the underpass in Section 5 cleaned and the graffiti at this location is my next target. I am told it will be removed during the spring season.” He added: “My office also alerted the Department of Sanitation to areas off of Exit 13 of I-95 that need cleaning, and I personally have spoken with local business owners at this location to kindly remind them of their responsibility of maintaining

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018 their businesses’ sidewalks and properties.” Another matter of local concern that has come to the attention of Mr. Cruz is the status of vacant property at 801 Co-op City Boulevard. “After speaking with the administrator of the Bay Park Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, I was told it will be a parking lot for the facility,” he said. “If there are any properties, vacant lots or addresses that you have questions about, please feel free to contact us,” he added. “My office has been working with the 45th Precinct to remove derelict vehicles off of our streets in Co-op City. If you know of a vehicle without license plates or is in poor condition and has been abandoned, please call 3-1-1. After calling 3-1-1, please contact us at 718-892-1161 with the complaint number, location and model of the vehicle and we will check and follow-up on your complaint to make sure it is being acted on.”

(Continued from page 1)

Late Winter Storm

It Could Have Been Worse … Forecasts called for more than a foot of snow and strong wind gusts throughout the day on Wednesday, but temperatures in New York City stayed just warm enough to melt much of the snow upon contact, resulting in only 2 to 3 inches for most of New York City. Riverbay Grounds workers, prepared for much more, worked Wednesday afternoon and evening and Thursday morning removing the slushy mess from the community’s paths and sidewalks. Communities to the immediate north and west of Co-op City were not so lucky as more than a foot of heavy snow combined with strong wind gusts brought down power lines in communities still trying to recover from the damage of last Friday’s nor’easter. Photos by Toriea McCauseland

District Manager Cruz apologized about the need to cancel the public meeting of the Co-op City Committee, but added that the meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 4th in Co-op City. “As many of you know, this committee will help us monitor medium and long-term developments in Co-op City,” he said. “Each Co-op City Committee meeting will be held in Co-op City and I want to thank the Riverbay Corporation for lending us space for these meetings.” Aside from the Co-op City Committee meetings, the district manager also said that he is available to speak and update the community at building associations and other community organization meetings. He said arrangements can been made by visiting the Community Board #10 District office at 3165 E. Tremont Avenue, calling the office 718-892-1161 or sending an email request to bx10@cb.nyc.gov.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Clean-Up From Nor’easter A powerful nor’easter last Friday into Saturday with gusts recorded as high as 60 mph here and as high as 90 mph along the New England coast caused a total of 52 trees to come down throughout Co-op City. Other damage included part of the fence on the roof of Building 17 becoming dislodged and blowing away. Reports of debris from balconies was also a danger due to the high winds. Workers from Riverbay’s Building and Grounds and Construction departments, along with Public Safety, Janitorial and Maintenance, worked throughout the day Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd, clearing debris and keeping the community as safe and as passable as possible despite the extreme weather conditions. Firefighters from FDNY also assisted in keeping residents safe throughout the gusty winds. No injuries due to the high winds were reported in Co-op City and the Power Plant reported no problems with power. Close to a million customers lost power in the northeast region due to last weekend’s storm and the snowstorm on Wednesday, and many of those customers have remained without power for days. —Bill Stuttig

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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor – can•verify or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. – •the– authenticity • – • – of•–the•authors. – • Anonymous – – • –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 are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

United We Stand Against Billboards To the Editor: My hats off to the awesome group of cooperators whom I had the opportunity and privilege of accompanying to the meeting before the Board of Standards and Appeals at 22 Reade Street for the public hearing on Feb. 27 concerning the massive billboards on Bartow & Baychester Avenues. We arrived at approximately 10:40 a.m. We waited for about 2½ hours before we were able to voice our views. In my overall opinion, the presentation was worthy of a 5-star plus rating. The initial presenter was Councilman Andy King. Followed by others, namely, Noel Ellison, Linda Berk, our

legal representative, Board member Leslie Peterson and Community Board #10 District Manager Matt Cruz. Special note and kudos to those cooperators who took the time to research and provide photos and petitions. To each of them who stepped up to the plate, batting in home runs. However, the battle is not over. We must continue to strive and pool our resources. Tuesday was a prime example of what can happen when we do. I urge all who were present to share the experience with their neighbors, building associations and other social affiliations in an effort to show that we should all care about the space we share. —Novella Thomas

Co-op City Citizens, United To the Editor: You have heard, haven’t you? Victory on the billboard battle front! A unanimous decision by the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) to refuse the billboard owner’s appeal to complete erecting “The Monopole” was decided last week. The BSA commissioners’ answer? No, no, no, no. So many magnificent speakers pressed the human side of the issue. And they were HEARD. Thanks to Board President Linda Berk for her no-nonsense classy stand, thanks to Tony Fields for the visuals that left the BSA agape and convinced that the existing and the proposed lighted advertising is a detrimental-to-thequality-of-life issue, and thanks to the Master of PlainTalk Persuasion, Noel Ellison, for a thunderous applauseinducing reaction (in the no-clapping zone) as he pushed the argument over the top. You can watch it all yourself since the BSA February 27th Public Hearing is up on YouTube. Find it at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals — http://www1.nyc.gov/site/bsa/ index.page, click “Public Hearings,” then click on “Public

Hearing Videos” for the 2/27/18 footage. The billboard case begins at the two hour and 57 minute mark on the tape. Video of those speaking on the community’s behalf begins at the three hour and 20 minute mark, starting with Councilman Andy King. Linda Berk’s appeal can be found at 3:36, Noel Ellison at 3:40, etc., leading to the unanimous decision at the 4:15 mark. Please know that this is just another step toward justice for our visually assaulted neighbors facing the offending ads. The monopole issue may be temporarily dormant, but be prepared, we may have to do it all again if the business folk take their case to the Bronx County Supreme Court. And remember, those other billboards are still there, annoying our neighbors day and night. In the meantime, thanks to us all: the speakers, the residents who joined the proceeding, and to those who signed and gathered the petitions. How nice that the community came together on this issue. Let’s hear it for common ground. Co-op City citizens, UNITED! —Mary Pearson

Weapons Made For War In The Hands Of Children To the Editor: The United States has the highest rate of mass shootings in the entire world, many, if not most of them, occurring in schools or churches, with most of the victims either children or adolescents. Just this one fact alone should have been enough to have legislators ban the sale of assault weapons to the general public and certainly ban their sale to children as young as 18. But ridiculously, we have been debating the idea of tougher gun laws in this nation, getting nothing done while more and more innocent people lose their lives in the most senseless of violence. And recently the debate became even

more absurd as the President suggested arming teachers which was perhaps the dumbest idea yet as we bring the mayhem of the wild, wild west to our schools. The powerful gun lobby has taken control of our legislators and the citizens have to take back that control and demand the passage of sensible gun control laws or else elect legislators who will. Weapons made for war do not belong in the hands of teenagers or anyone else who does not have the professional background and skills to use them. The citizens of this nation must take control of the gun control debate. —John Rose (See more letters on page 10)

Shareholders, not tenants! Become involved in your community organizations! Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 10 Building 10

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Building 10 100, 120 & 140 Debs Place

June 30, 2018

June 30, 2021

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

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


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Public Safety Report

CCPD Reminds Cooperators To “Spring Ahead” For Safety As We Set Our Clocks Ahead For Daylight Saving Time BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 11, at 2 a.m. Do not forget to set your clocks ahead when you go to bed on Saturday night. This year is the fourth year the clocks change in early March rather than April. As you change your clocks also remember to test your smoke detector and change the batteries in it. If you have a smoke detector newly installed by Riverbay, it is not necessary to change the batteries as the new smoke detectors have a ten-year battery. For persons outside of Co-op City or those who have not yet received the new smoke detector, it is a good habit to always change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks. Don’t forget to “Spring Ahead” and also change your smoke detector batteries. A smoke detector only works if it has good batteries in it. No matter which type of smoke detector you have, while we are thinking about fire safety, it is also a good time to review fire safety with your family. The Public Safety Department would like to provide these fire safety tips. It is always good to have a plan and make certain all members of the family are familiar with it. Every family should have a plan in place for when they are at home. When traveling, make an alternate plan for your temporary accommodations. Also make certain that children away at school have a plan in place for their living quarters. Be sure your college student has working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their college dormitory or apartment. The buildings in Co-op City are fireproof. This means that a fire will not travel from one apartment to another. Unless the fire is in your apartment or if directed to leave by emergency personnel, in most cases, it is safest to stay within your apartment. If it becomes necessary to leave your apartment, close the door, but do not lock it. Take your keys if you can safely reach them. Never go back in the apartment for anything unless deemed safe by emergency personnel. Call 9-1-1 and Public Safety, (718) 671-3050, from a safe location. Go to an established meeting place so that you know all family members have gotten out of the home safely. Always feel a door before you open it. If the door feels hot, do not open it. Keep the door closed, call 9-1-1 and Public Safety, (718) 671-3050. Wet towels can be placed at the bottom, sides and top of the door to keep smoke from entering. Apartment windows can be opened for ventilation if there is no smoke outside the window. Remember, smoke rises; do not open windows if you are above a fire location. If it becomes necessary to travel through smokefilled areas, stay close to the ground where there is less smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and mouth. Provide wet towels for all family members. If clothing should catch fire, do not run and fan the flames. Instead, “Stop, Drop and Roll.” This serves to effectively smother any flames. Have children practice these procedures so that in the event of an emergency they know what to do. School children will be familiar with these procedures as they have most likely seen them demonstrated at school. These drills may seem silly, but they can save your life if you are familiar with them in an emergency. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Avoid using candles for any reason. They are a leading cause of fires in the home. Candles can easily be knocked over by children or pets. Safer

battery operated L.E.D. simulated candles are an their differences. Don’t forget to say “hello” to your excellent alternate. Smoking is also an extreme fire neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway hazard. Many fires are caused by lit smoking mateor in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate rial catching fire to beds, couches or upholstery. all persons. As Stevie Wonder said at the Grammys, the time change, “We need to make every single thing accessible to If you are speaking about remember it is called Daylight Saving Time. It is every person with a disability.” often erroneously referred to as Daylight Savings March is known as American Red Cross Month, Time. The time change has nothing to do with bankCerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Developmening, just about “saving” daylight. It has been put in tal Disabilities Month. It is a good opportunity to effect for the purpose of saving energy because it take a First Aid course or learn about a disability that stays light longer during the summer months. The affects your friends or neighbors. March 16, 2018 is dark period in the morning is a time when most peoknown as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This is a Time is not good opportunity to make sure that all members of ple are asleep anyway. Daylight Saving observed worldwide. Puerto Rico is one place that your family have proper fitting helmets for any does not utilize Daylight Saving Time. New York sports or activities they participate in. Staying time will be in sync with Puerto Rico time once we healthy is a key component in staying safe. spring ahead on Sunday. When we fall behind, we Stay safe as you “Spring Ahead.” Always rememare one hour behind Puerto Rico. ber, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 Remember if you plan to consume alcoholic bevand the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671erages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, desig3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. Always nate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Also remember, if you see something, say something. be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would Co-op City is a diverse community with people like to thank all persons who have called in suspiof all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons cious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate should remember to respect each other and embrace remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

Contract 3262, Turnkey Apartment Renovation Project Pre-bid Meeting: March 13 at 8:00 a.m. at green construction trailers, 98 Co-op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475 Bids Due: March 27, 2018 by end of business day. Insurance: Insurance is required from winning bidders.

Bid 3246, AE Services for Modernization of Tower & TriCore Lobbies: Professional Services for the modernization of Riverbay lobby entrances Pre-bid Meeting: March 15, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids Due: April 3, 2018 by the end of the business day (4:00 p.m.) Bonding: Bonding is NOT required Insurance: Insurance is required

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please Visit The Bartow Administration Office To See All Jobs Posted.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Inez Barron, Women’s History Month Honoree

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary

New York City Council Member, Inez Barron, will be the honoree and guest speaker at the AfricanAmerican Association gathering on March 13th. Council member Barron represents the 42nd District in Brooklyn and has made tremendous accomplishments in her community, along with her husband, NY State Assembly Member Charles Barron. All are invited to attend on Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, rm. 15. Admission is free. Some of the issues that Council Member Inez Barron has promoted and/or supported are: • “Raise the Age” and additionally, she proposed further legislation directing all 16-17 year olds be removed from adult county jails and placed in youth facilities; • Demanded that Mayor de Blasio fire all the NYPD officers responsible for the death of Ramarley Graham; • Supported the Central Park five who were found to be innocent of rape after they were coerced, accused, convicted and served ten or more years in prison by our criminal justice system; • Presently a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, NY State Assembly; Task Force on Legislative Women’s Caucus, NY State Assembly; • Contended to become the first Black NYC Council Speaker. All are invited to attend on Tuesday, March 13th in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. Admission is free. Success at BSA The Co-op City community was united in their position that the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) should uphold the ruling by the Department of Buildings (DOB). Its position was to deny Baychester Realty LLC the right to construct more LED billboards on the property at Bartow and Baychester Avenues, the 7-Eleven store. On Tuesday, February 27th, cooperators traveled to the BSA for a hearing to deny the appeal of the 7-

Eleven property owners. They had erected huge LED billboards which were distracting and annoying to nearby residents, disturbing the quality of life that they had enjoyed since residing in Co-op City. The property owners had planned to construct another LED billboard that would stand 19 stories high. The decision by the DOB was upheld by the BSA and would temporarily stop the property owners from constructing more billboards. Approximately 40 people took the bus to 22 Reade Street, NYC and filled most of Spector Hall where the hearing took place. I was proud of everyone who testified at this hearing in support of our neighbors, including NYC Councilman Andy King, Board President Linda Berk, Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison, Community Board #10 District Manager Matthew Cruz, Board Director Leslie Peterson, yours truly, etc. Several cooperators testified. I was especially impressed with the cooperator who presented pictures displaying the brightness of the lights during the daytime and the nighttime. He also presented several hundred signatures on petitions. Following the evidence presented, the spokesperson for the property owner offered a compromise. Notwithstanding the offer, the BSA made a unanimous decision to deny the appeal. All of the Co-op City people stood up and cheered. I extend a thank you to Ms. Virginia Stewart who heads the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. who helped to acquire petition signatures, as well as to everyone who gathered signatures. Starz As you probably know by now, Starz and Altice USA have reached a multi-year agreement that has brought back Starz and Starz Encore channels, OnDemand, HD On-Demand and online services across Optimum's cable systems. Was this the result of complaints and requests by cooperators and Management? I cannot say. However, the members of the Sales and Leasing Committee, which I chair, discussed this matter, as well as their increased rates and the desire for a location in Co-op City where cooperators could transact business. It is my understanding that Management is working on these issues. Gun Reform The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida are standing up in sup-

port of gun reform. In this year alone, it was reported that there have been 18 school shootings. Seventeen people were killed in the Valentine’s Day Massacre in Parkland, Florida, 14 children and three adults. The youth of Florida have organized a March on Washington scheduled for Saturday, March 24th. It is unethical for politicians to accept support from the National Rifle Association (NRA) for the proliferation of guns. Number 45 has even suggested that teachers be armed. However, I believe that most politicians prefer gun safety reforms that make more sense. While the gun massacres at schools were tragic, the gun violence in the inner cities is just as bad or worse. If there are some Americans that lack the moral or mental ability to make decisions concerning the care and respect for life, then government laws should be enacted and enforced for the safety of the masses of American people. Background checks are needed. In a recent interview, Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) stated that she had proposed eight gun safety bills, none of which have passed into laws. I support the March of Washington on March 24th and intend to GET ON THE BUS. I believe that buses will be leaving from Co-op City. Won’t you join us? Memorial Service Many family members and friends came out for the Celebration of Life of Heneroso Antonio (Tony) Illis (5/4/42–2/21/18). Everyone spoke of him with admiration and respect. Many admitted, with a smile, that Tony had a stubborn streak. Despite his vision disability, Tony was a brilliant strategist and organizer. He headed the Black Forum of Co-op City and served as a member of the Board of Directors on and off for about 30 years. He was instrumental in organizing the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Coop City, Inc. to be a force in our community. This organization sponsored the start of the community food pantry that he operated for many years. Tony gave advice to and befriended many cooperators who will sorely miss him. May he rest in peace. Contact I can be reached at: Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or fjones @riverbayboard.com or call 718-671-5957.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

In Memoriam – Lydia Ruas October 8, 1931 – March 5, 2018

Lydia Ruas, a Bronx native and early Co-op City resident until her death, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, March 5, 2018 at Cedar Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Ossining, NY. She was 86. Lydia was born on October 8, 1931, to Alejandro and Guadalupe Sanchez. She graduated from the School of Industrial Arts and began her first job shortly thereafter with the Reuben H. Donnelly Company in Manhattan, NY. After raising her two children, Lydia returned to work as a bank teller and had a long career as an international teller with Bank Leumi New York until she retired in 1992. When Lydia became ill with breast cancer in 1977, she vowed, if she survived, to do all she Lydia Ruas could for breast cancer research. With a group of friends and other breast cancer survivors, she founded the Einstein Cancer Fund, a non-profit group that arranged trips, outings and social gatherings to raise awareness and funding for organizations such as Cancer Care, Inc., Memorial Sloane Kettering and other hospitals, treatment and cancer research centers. It became her life’s work and mission up to just months before her passing. Lydia was a 40-year breast cancer survivor until it had returned recently, which led to her death. Lydia was a loving mother, a caring neighbor and friend to many. She is survived by her two children, Albert and Laura; her grandson, Albert III; and her brothers, Raul Sanchez and Ruben Sanchez. She was predeceased by her brother Alex Sanchez. A family service was held at Ferncliff Cemetery with a Memorial service to be held in the Spring in Co-op City, date TBD. Family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to a cancer charity of donor’s choice.

Deepest Condolences

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Morris Halfon on November 4, 2018. He was 97. Mr. Halfon was an original Co-op City shareholder who lived in Building 5, and a long-serving president of the Sephardic Synagogue which met in Building 22. In Feb. 2015, Mr. Halfon and his beloved wife Esther, moved to Long Island to be closer to family. Nevertheless, he continued to stay connected with Co-op City by keeping his old telephone number (thereby receiving all of the official Riverbay alerts and notifications that were sent out) and staying in contact with his friends, neighbors and quite a few Riverbay staff members, some of whom he called every Morris Halfon day to see what was “going on in the Co-op.” Those who knew Morris knew him to be always honest, outspoken, conscientious, caring and exceptionally quick-witted. He had a great sense of humor and tried to leave every conversation with a laugh. He would say, “See, I made you laugh.” News of Mr. Halfon’s passing has left those who knew him heartbroken. His daughter, Marlene, said that he passed peacefully. She is forever grateful to everyone who has called her to express their condolences and relay stories and memories of their interactions with Morris and how deeply his passing has personally affected them. Morris, if you’re listening, “we miss your voice.”


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. • –350 • –words. • –Ideally, •–• – should •–• – •every – •Monday – • –to • • – • for –• – – • –exceed (cont’d from pageCenter, 6) by –• Letters cannot they be – typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community 3 p.m. be – considered publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

…And A Little Child Shall Lead Them!

Sensible Gun Laws To Protect Safety Of Citizens

To the Editor: To the Editor: Wow, Youth Committee!!! What a great idea you had, to have a trip to AMC In the small, tight knit community of Parkland, Florida, at the Marjory StoneTheatre at Bay Plaza to see “Black Panther.” Important to give note to this “first man Douglas High School, death walked the corridors of this institution of learntime” trip as it was perfectly planned in celebration of Black History Month and ing and preparation of the next generation of professionals and leaders on Valenin concert with the children’s week off from school. Keep it up, Youth Commit- tine’s Day, Feb. 14, a day American culture celebrates love. tee! We hear that you have more fantastic ideas and initiatives of involvement in Fourteen beautiful children and three courageous teachers fell to the polished and for your community. Kudos to your committee chairman, Riverbay Board floors, their bodies ripped by a weapon of war, an AR-15, designed to kill numDirector Kevin Lambright. bers of people in a short period of time. If you would like to be informed and kept abreast of what’s happening around This horror has been repeated in places now part of our national conversation: CO-OP City, come to Think Tank at Building 21. Three of our own found out Newtown Elementary School, Newtown, CT.; Columbine High School, Colabout this event by attending (i.e., every Friday, 8:30 p.m. in the Gathering orado; Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas and Pulse, a popular night club in Room, in the rear of Building 21B, 120 Bellamy Loop). Word of mouth is pow- Orlando, Florida. The reality is that every valued life was snuffed out by a erful. “Blank Panther,” an American superhero film based on the Marvel weapon of war. They were not killed by sling-shots, bows and arrows or knives. Comics character of the same name, produced by Marvel Studios. The response from our elected leaders: “Let’s pray for the families; let’s have Parents need to know that “Black Panther” is the first film in the Marvel cin- a moment of silence or “It’s too soon to talk about solutions.” ematic universe to center on a superhero of color: African prince-turned-king What the USA needs in order to live out the vision of the founders is sensible T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), aka the Black Panther. There’s an interesting gun safety laws in order to bring forth safety and security for all our children and and well-plotted story with themes of family loyalty and community responsibil- citizens. ity. It is witty and exciting and very entertaining. Especially positive is the repI’d like to suggest a course of action that brings all the stakeholders together. resentation of Black heroes, both male and female. If your child has seen other First, organize and vote. Hold every candidate running for elective office to pubsuperhero films like the Avengers or Thor, or reads superhero comics, this is lic examination and ask directly: “Will you put the needs of the nation over party along those lines. and/or donors?” “Black Panther” features the first mostly Black ensemble cast in superheroSecond, lend our voices to those of millions of young people across the counfilm history, and an all-female royal guard and a brilliant female inventor/engi- try, and women engaged in cleansing the swamp of greed, injustice and divisiveneer. Families who see Black Panther will have plenty to talk about afterward, ness, pitting one group of Americans against another. from its portrayal of race and gender to the overall importance of having Black Third, purge sexism, ageism, homophobia and xenophobia by changing the superheroes as main characters, rather than sidekicks. existing arrangement – how much money should not determine how must access Bravo, Youth Committee of CO-OP City, and to the Riverbay Fund, and its staff! you’ll have at the table of decisions. Each one of us, divided by all of us, equals a force for good. See you around The words of Psalmist is a reminder of His special children” Psalm 127:3, the neighborhood! “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb – a reward.” —Michelle Marbury —Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr.

Building 31 A/B Association

Spring is around the corner and most of us are awaiting it anxiously. We have a lot on our schedule to get done. With your support, we can keep our goals on track. We will be collecting annual dues of $5, a notice with an attached envelope which has an affixed label will be placed under each apartment door by March 10th. The notice will explain our purpose and why dues are needed. Collection in lobby: Friday, March 16th and Saturday, March 18 or bring envelope to apt. # on envelope. You will be given a membership card for 20182019 as your receipt. Our Scholarship Committee will also be selling raffles during the collection to raise funds for this year awards. Please help. Another fundraiser will be our bus trip on May 23rd to see Steel Magnolias at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, NJ then proceeding for more fun to the Sands Casino for three hours in PA. Call Marilyn, 718-320-2631; tickets are on sale for $100 now and we will accept a 50% deposit and selection of seat after full payment has been made. Check bulletin board in lobby for flyer with additional telephone numbers and information. We are preparing ourselves for the June 2018 scholarship as you’ve read and flyers will go up in April so high school graduates, be on the lookout. There appears to be less representation of cooperators from the A-side at every meeting. Please get involve with your association so you will become more knowledgeable about the functioning of your building, such as the cleanliness and safety. As a cooperator, you should want to take care of your investment and have a voice in the association Don’t forget our knitting and crochet group every Monday and the Pokeno game night every other Friday. Hopefully, you will join us. Winning 50/50 at the February 27th meeting was Sharon Clarke and the door prize went to Lucille Jones, both from the B-side. Our general meeting for March will be on the 27th at 7:30 p.m. We will be looking for you. —Marilyn McDaniel


Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

We Won The Fight Against Those Bright Lights

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

As you might know by now, our residents went downtown and won a contentious battle over a massive billboard that a developer wanted to erect on Bartow Avenue. Going Overboard In a show of power, our residents went downtown and stopped a developer's plan to erect a second large billboard on Bartow Avenue. According to the Co-op City Times, this massive billboard was supposed to be 9,000 square feet. Then, that billboard was supposed to have been placed on top of a 19-story pole. Earlier, controversy erupted because the developer erected a large billboard on Bartow Avenue. Thereafter, residents complained that their sleep was affected by those bright lights shining into their apartments. Protests were then held at the controversial site of those billboards. News outlets then interviewed some of our residents about the effects of the first billboard. "The lights are very annoying," stated one cooperator. Thereafter, Channel 7's Eyewitness News reported that the developer was not willing to work with our community. Working with our board, some of our residents went downtown to a hearing with the city's Board of Standards and Appeals on this matter on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Then, after hearing testimony from several witnesses, the city rejected the plans for this monstrous new billboard. So, I want to thank our board members and all of our residents for working together to help our community. A New Hotel For Bay Plaza As I reported on February 17, 2018, a new hotel is going to be built on the grounds of Bay Plaza. According to plans, the Hilton Hotel will be built near the rear of BBQ's Restaurant. This 6-story hotel will have 130 rooms, conference areas, and a swimming pool. Hotel prices can vary in the Bronx. For instance, the prices for a popular-named hotel next to Co-op

City can range from $149 - $189 per night during this time of year. Prices then escalate dramatically from $249 - $399 a night for a hotel on Eastchester Road during this time of year. Visitors to the city usually pack out some of these Bronx hotels on a consistent basis. So, the developers at Bay Plaza know that there will be a strong demand for a reasonably-priced, quality hotel in Bay Plaza. Bay Plaza - Starbucks As previously reported, a new Starbucks is being built near Staples. According to plans, this popular coffee shop should be ready within the next few months. Bartow Mall - Arby's Restaurant An Arby's Restaurant will be opening up in the Bartow Mall. Massive Storm Knocks Down Trees, Causes Traffic Delays How long did it take for you to get home on Friday, March 2? In some cases, it took 3-4 hours for some people that were traveling from other parts of the city to get home. NYC had one of the worst storms that I can remember in a long time. Trees were uprooted, cars were destroyed, homes were damaged, and buses and trains were horribly affected. The winds were so strong that two trucks flipped over on the Mario Cuomo/Tappan Zee Bridge. Then, another truck flipped over on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. In Co-op City, we lost our traffic lights along Co-op City Boulevard and in other areas. Plus, we lost about 52 trees here. Lock Your Door Just recently, two cooperators called me to say that their apartments were burglarized. These brand new alleged burglaries did not occur on Casals Place. Nevertheless, I told them to call our Public Safety Department. Unfortunately, some residents think that they can leave their door unlocked while they run to the laundry room, the store, and to other places. But, they don't realize that horrible thieves – possibly, their own neighbors – might be watching them on the television. Then, those thieves can easily run into their apartment and steal several items. Therefore, please make a strong decision to get very good locks for your door. Then, please make a strong decision to lock your door when you leave

Shareholders Are Urged To Update Contact Info.

Riverbay Cooperator Services Office (CSO) reminds shareholders that if there have been any changes in their contact information, they should update their files with Riverbay Corporation as soon as possible so that if there is a need to contact them in an emergency, the information on record with Riverbay will be the most current and accurate. To update your contact information, two important steps are involved. First, 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 and update the “Key Card.” Secondly, shareholders should request an Emergency Contact form from their respective Cooperator Service Office (CSO). This form must be completed by the shareholder and returned in person to their respective CSO, along with photo identification. Their new contact information will then be updated in the Maintenance system and forwarded to the shareholder’s file. Once the 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.

Co-op City Public Safety Dept. Emergency: 718-651-3050 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us @CCPDnyc

your apartment. No excuses! Bottom line: You will feel horrible, scared, and completely disgusted if someone breaks into your apartment and throws everything that you have on the floor as they look for money and other valuables. This will be one of your worst nightmares. So, please make a positive decision to protect everyone in your apartment and your possessions. Eventually, the thief or thieves that are committing these burglaries will be caught. Thereafter, they will be arrested, prosecuted, and then thrown into jail for a very long time. And, of course, they will be evicted from their apartment if they live there. Summer Youth Employment Program Deadline – Friday, March 16, 2018 The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is looking for young individuals between the ages of 14 and 24 to work in a variety of industries. During this upcoming summer, young individuals can work up to six weeks in the following industries: "Arts and recreation, educational services, financial services, healthcare/medical, hospitality/tourism, information technology, manufacturing, marketing/public relations, media/entertainment, real estate/property, and retail." Young ones can apply online at: https://application.nycsyep.com, or they can simply look up this program by typing: Summer Youth Employment Program. It's important to note that selection into this program is based on a lottery system. So, there is no guarantee that someone will be selected once they submit an application. Close Parents, please remove this page from the paper today and show it to your children. Then, please make sure that they go online and apply for this Summer Youth Employment Program. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner Suicide Prevention As a recent graduate of the Mental Health First Aid Class and the recent unfortunate, heartbreaking tragedy in our community, I would like to share the following: First of all, the SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE IS 1-800-273-8255. These are the Suicide Warning Signs: u Talking about wanting to die or killing oneself. u Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun u Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. u Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain u Talking about being a burden to others. u Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. u Acting anxious, angry or agitated; behaving recklessly u Sleeping too little or too much u Withdrawing or feeling isolated. Withdrawing from family, friends and society. u Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. u Displaying extreme mood swings. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among persons aged 10 to 14, the second among persons aged 15 to 34,the fourth among persons aged 35 to 44, the fifth among persons aged 45 to 54 and the

Valuable Resources

17th among ages 65 or older. Males complete suicide at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 77.9% of all suicides. At least 90% of people who died by suicide live with a mental illness, most often depression. 42,773 suicides were reported in 2014. What can you do to help someone struggling with a mental illness or experiencing a crisis? First, listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance and information. Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Other Resources Did you know that the Bronx ranks as the 62nd unhealthiest NY county for 6 years in a row? On, March 10, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., a BRONX PATIENT DIALOGUE will take place facilitated by the Bronx Community Research Review Board (BxCRRB). Call 718-590-2965 2018 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY is Saturday, March 24. From 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. – READING OF NAMES OF THE FALLEN and also honoring our post-9/11 fallen, Church of Our Lady Rosary, Seton Shrine, 7 State Street, NY 10004. Also, a TRIBUTE MARCH & WREATH LAYING CEREMONY: SIGN UP AT UWVC.ORG/VIETNAM. YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – Ages 16 to 24 years old. Internships with various industries such as Tourism, Security Companies, Museums, Radio Stations, Retail Stores, Colleges & Universities, Law Offices and more. Apply at 1377 Jerome Avenue on the corner of 170th Street; 4 Train to 170th. Bring BC, SS card, Photo ID and proof of address. Call 718-293-2230 for more information.

SERGEANT’S TIME – ALL COMBAT ERAS & GENDERS WELCOME – Monthly presentations on topics of interest at the Bronx Vet Center. A Toll Free phone number will be set up so veterans can call in and remotely listen to presentation. Contact: Mr. Bongioanni (Mr. B), 718-367-3500. Hosted by the Bronx Vet Center, 2471 Morris Avenue, Suite 1A. Bronx, NY. BUILDING A BETTER BRONX JOB FAIR: Thursday, March 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Construction, Banking, Food Service, Government, Healthcare, Education, Technology and More). Meet employers and bring resumes. Where: Harriet Tubman Charter School, 1176 Frankly Avenue, Bronx, NY. RSVP: Ivy Brown, 718-589-7858. UNION TRANSPORTATION JOBS TO OPEN NEW DOORS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (60 Hour Auto-tech Track – New York Mechanic’s Apprenticeship Program – Commercial Driver’s License Track) Contact: Amanda Farias, afarias@ cwe.org, 212-647-1900. James J. Peters VA Medical Center’s Veteran’s Information Fair. April 20th – “Help Is On The Way – Veterans The Future, Are You Still Looking? Contact: johnnieh@mindsspring.com, 646-417-2178. http://www.helpisonbewayforveterans.net. Please share, as sharing is caring. “One of the truest signs of maturity is the ability to disagree with someone while still remaining respectful.” Yours in truth and service: Evelyn M. Turner, LCSW, 917-324-1033; eturner@riverbayboard.com.

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

The “thrill of victory” is undeniable! Kudos to all cooperators who called city agencies to complain, protested in freezing weather, signed the petitions and boarded the bus to impress upon the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals to do the right thing by removing the intrusive LED billboards. Yes, the developer will likely appeal the BSA’s decision, and we will remain diligent in our fight. The agony of defeat must remain his. In another instance, I was pleasantly surprised and took note of the huge LED billboard on the first floor atrium of Bay Plaza Mall, which brightly proclaims, “Reinvest Your Tax Refund.” This is exactly one of the messages of our upcoming “52Week Personal Savings Challenge.” The 52-Week PSC will incorporate two saving options: one option utilizes a saving strategy that starts with one dollar and progresses, and the other option allows a more aggressive savings plan. Regardless which option you choose, the goal is to change bad habits and control where our hard-earned dollars or income goes. The time will fly by and you’ll be wealthier for it! Gain the skills and confidence to become the master of your money! Get sound, expert financial advice from Paula McLarren-Johnson of McLarren Accounting and Bookkeeping, Inc. Text “Yes, I accept” to 917.612.1951 to learn about and/or join the 52-Week Personal Savings Challenge! Do you know the “ins and outs” of Social Media? No worries. Errol Olton, director of Adult Education at Equality Charter School, will educate you. Parents, this is a must attend segment for you! Our annual dues collection will run through next weekend, March 15-17. Details to be posted. Look to see you on the March 29th Association of Building 14 Cooperators meeting room at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Questions are welcome. Best and blessings to all! —Josie Ferguson


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Building 18 Association

Hi, neighbors. Thanks to all who attended our last general meeting on February 27th. Our guest speaker was Officer Kiona Singleton of Crime Prevention from the 45th Precinct. She spoked on Senior Safety and handed out some trinkets and information at the end. Thanks to Officer Singleton for a great presentation. Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27th at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. These meetings are very important and we are asking all to attend when possible. A guest speaker for this meeting is being considered. Membership Dues: We have been collecting membership dues all week; today is the last day that we will be collecting in the lobby so if you can make it today, please do. Dues is only $10 per household. For those of you who missed this collection period, you can still pay your dues to any member on the association executive sheet posted in the lobby. Thank you. Scholarship Awards Applications: Flyers will be posted in the lobby informing eligible students when and where to obtain applications for an award of $500 each for two (2) high school students graduating June 2018. Scholarship Fundraisers: Bake Sale: April 14, starting at noon; Fish Fry: Fish and chips, May 19, starting at noon in the association room. To all with that special day this month of March, Happy Birthday and may it be all you want it to be. ENJOY! To the sick and homebound, we pray that your health will be restored to your normal limit very soon. Be well. To the bereaved families, we give our deepest sympathies. Daylight Saving Time starts tomorrow so please set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed tonight. PLEASE STAY ALERT: IF YOU SEE SOME—Gertie Brown THING, SAY SOMETHING! The Executive Board of the Building 35 Association would like to thank all the cooperators who paid their dues last week during our membership drive. We would like to invite all of you to our next meeting on Monday, Mar. 12th at 7 p.m. in the association room. Our speaker will be Mr. Jerome Rice. Mr. Rice is the president of the Co-op City NAACP Branch and a director of the Riverbay Board of Directors. Thus, one speaker can handle two subjects. Mr. Rice can give us information on the latest NAACP initiatives especially in the area of voting and also the latest activities of our Board of Directors. We would like to see a great turnout for Mr. Rice. —Bill Gordon

Building 35 Association

Building 30 A and B Association

Our itinerary for the month of March is as follows: Movie Night Our movie night will be on Friday, March 23rd with the door to the association opening at 7 p.m. and the movie starting at 7:30. Meeting Our next schedule meeting will be Wednesday, March 21 with the door to the association room opening at 7 p.m. and the meeting starting at 7:30. Crochet We will have crochet the following Wednesday in March, the 7th, 21st, and 28th. There will be no crochet on March 14th. Crochet in the association room start at 1 p.m. For those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and new additions, congratulations. Those who just suffered a loss, our condolences. Those under the weather, get well soon. —Linda Werner

Cardiac Rehab Can Help You Thrive After A Cardiac Event So much of what we do impacts our heart health: what (and how much) we eat, how much we do (or don’t) exercise, levels of stress in our lives and, of course, our genetic make-up. Across the country, more than 28 million Americans have been diagnosed with heart disease. And, here in the Bronx, heart disease is the leading cause of death among white, black and Hispanic communities. The good news is there is much that can be done to help if, and when, someone suffers from a cardiac event. Cardiac Rehabilitation offers an opportunity for people to exercise, socialize and learn how to manage their heart disease under the watchful eye of professionally trained staff armed with a number of resources to help get them back on their feet – and manage their heart disease going forward. What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? Cardiac rehab is where you get moving again, and take control of your heart disease so it doesn’t take control of you. Physical activity is the cornerstone of all cardiac rehab programs. The type of activity will depend on the size and layout of the facility, as well as the training background of the program directors. Cardiac rehab programs can be run by physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners or exercise physiologists. What are the Benefits of Cardiac Rehab? Often, by the time patients get to cardiac rehab, they have seen many doctors, received new medications, may have undergone a cardiac surgery and are sometimes afraid to exercise. However, after facing any medical issue, includBY DAVID Z. PRINCE, M.D.

ing a cardiac one, regular exercise, as directed by your healthcare provider, will help you feel better. In fact, when it comes to heart disease, the American Heart Association notes that people who participate in a cardiac rehab program have 20-30% lower rate of mortality than those who experience a cardiac event and do not participate in cardiac rehab. They also have higher quality of life scores, as well as increased ability to return to work and leisure activities. How is Cardiac Rehab Different From Regular Exercise? Cardiac rehab is more than just exercise. Patients can benefit from more than just physical rehabilitation – rehabilitating the mind is equally important. In cardiac rehab, people realize they are not alone. As they exercise with their classmates, the sense of isolation and loneliness they many feel following a heart event or procedure can be alleviated. And, all cardiac rehab programs are required to monitor their patients with a heart monitor while they are exercising. This can help put people at ease (and ensure what they are doing is safe for their heart). How Else Can Cardiac Rehab Help? Cardiac rehab staff is trained to teach patients and share information about heart healthy diets and stress management, two important elements for heart healthy living! Cardiac rehab is a place where people learn about staying “heart healthy” all year long. If you have heart disease, ask your cardiologist or primary care provider if you qualify for Cardiac Rehab – your heart will thank you.

Health News

(David Z. Prince, M.D. is the Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Montefiore Health System in New York City. He has practiced Cardiac Rehab for over 15 years. His area of expertise is recovery following cardiac events. Dr. Prince is an active member of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.)


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Cooperators United

Greetings! We won this round regarding the billboards. A special thank you to all who represented us at the hearing. Stay vigilant. At our meeting Tuesday, February 27th, it was decided that we ask for a meeting regarding Connor Street Post Office: 1) Poor mail delivery, often mail delivered to the incorrect address or the mail is late or not delivered at all; 2) Poorly run Connor Street Post Office—long waiting time to pick up a package, mail a package or purchase stamps; 3) Not enough window clerks; and 4) NO Post Office lock boxes in our lobbies. Our request for a meeting was sent to Postmaster/Manager Connor Street PO, Bronx Postmaster and Congressman Engel. Just as we got involved regarding the billboards, the Connor Street P.O. issues affect us all. Our thoughts and prayers to go out to all who have suffered a loss or is sick and shut-in. Make sure you check to see whether or not your front door locks need to be upgraded and, above all, lock both locks when entering or leaving your home. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com or 718379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell We welcome your letters to the editor, however, if you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed, and include your address and telephone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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17

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Broun Place Townhouse Association From Broun Place Townhouse Association: From Broun Place, attention, please be on the look out for young adults throwing pebbles at our Broun Place apartments. Sunday, March 4, there was an incident. We weren’t fast enough to get photos of the perpetrators, but descriptions were given to Public Safety. The nor’easter of last Friday was brutal and, here, it identified who listens and who doesn’t. Some of you have got to tie your belongings down better. If you saw the results following, you understand, and Grounds did a great job cleaning up behind the storm. Some of our old trees were even blown over. Good luck and “tie it down” in preparation for more storms of 2018. The Memorial Service for Tony Illis was a beautiful gathering of friends and family celebrating a life devoted to this community and family. The recollections of Ellie Minor and Jay Mackenzie told how Tony brought them together. Andrea Leslie spoke on Mr. Illis’ guidance. The Ghanaian Club remembered Tony’s support. Remembering the wrestling shows brought in by Tony was fun. Cooperators like this are an important part of the history of Co-op City. Thank you, Tony Illis, for your contributions to Co-op City. Thank you to Elder Johnson, the family and Jeanette Graves for hosting this “homecoming tribute.” Congratulations on the win at the BSA. The case made to the BSA was strong and clear. Testimony was undeniable. If you went on the bus, tell us your story. Thank you, Leslie Peterson and Linda Collins, for sharing your experience. These two ladies spent half their day on the hearings, then attended “Cooperator’s United” in the evening. Bravo to their citizenship! The 7-11 lot is registered to Baychester Retail III, LLC at (347) 850-7446. The owner listed on the (public) building documents is Joshua Goldman at (646) 660-4254. Call 3-1-1 and the Planning Board to complain. The conversation regarding gun control continues and evolves hopefully to new and better laws preventing purchasing automatic rifles and similar. This is a national conversation about the “AR-15” rifle. “AR” stands for ArmaLite rifle, after the company that developed it in the 1950s. Innocent children are at stake here. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all the folks in pain. We must create a safer environment. We will be following up on the “key” situation with the Garage Department. How about you getting in on this discussion? We have noticed the extreme deterioration of the road, Bellamy Loop South by Building 21. We must get them repaired, call 3-1-1 and put your complaint in. Have you directed visitors and cabs, deliveries, etc. “drive down past Bellamy Loop, Broun Place is the townhouse cluster at the end?” High rise buildings are getting new lobbies, do you think we could get a sign or two? Thank you, Maintenance, for the paint job on the flyer display box. Get well wishes for the ill and disabled. Wakanda forever! —Eva Lazaar

A Message from C.S.O.

Using felt pads under your furniture will reduce the noise created from dragging them on the floor.

Felt pads can also protect your floors from being damaged or scratched.

The C.S.O Dept. suggests all cooperators use felt pads under their furniture.

Building 25 Association

WOW, that was some nor’easter we had last Friday. There were a lot of downed trees, debris falling from terraces, but glad that no injuries were reported. The storm may have left trees that are still standing weakened, so please be aware of your surroundings. The Grounds Department may not have detected all affected trees, so if you see an unstable tree, report it right away to 718-320-3525. Donovan Plummer is the Grounds Department director. There are several tell-tale signs that a tree could be at risk of falling: Root damage, two main tree trunks, decay and rot damage and longitudinal cracks. Another subject that needs to be addressed is a clear definition for a shareholder. You live in a cooperative apartment, you are the owner (shareholder). You own shares in the corporation which owns the buildings. You are considered a shareholder/cooperator.

Our next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building annual dues is $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilet, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer. I will close with the following: “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” — John Ruskin —Wanda Bailey


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Building 9 Association

Greetings. This is what democracy looks like: We met, we planned, we rallied, we got on the bus, we testified at the public hearing, we won the battle because 'we showed up.' Wars are won battle by battle. Council Member Andy King, CB #10 District Manager Matthew Cruz, Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison, Linda Berk, Leslie Peterson, Francine Jones, Linda Collins and others Linda Collins speaking at Board of Stanspoke on behalf of the share- dards and Appeals hearing on Feb. 27. holders in Co-op City at the Board of Standards & Appeals Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 27th. A special thank you to our Building 9 neighbors, Wanda Rodriguez, Wanda Randall and Michele Chester. They took the early morning bus to Spector Hall in support of our community's fight to stop work on the massive monopole being erected at Bartow and Baychester Avenues. As Council Member Andy King is fond of saying, "People pay attention to people who participate." In order to have good neighbors, we must be good neighbors. It is the right and the responsibility of every shareholder to contact your CSO and/or Public Safety Department regarding any matter which affects your safety, security or quality of life. Please make safety and security your priority. Lock your door when you exit your apartment, no matter how briefly you intend to be gone. When you enter your apartment, lock your door behind you. I encourage each and every shareholder, with the interest and the time, to join a Riverbay Board committee. It is your duty as a shareholder to participate in, and to educate yourself on, how the corporation you have ownership in is run. We are planning to tour the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, courtesy of Wanda Randall. Please let us know if your well-behaved young ones between the ages of 12 and 18 would like to join us during the Easter/Spring break to visit one of our country's most famed financial institutions. The Federal Reserve Bank's vault contains the world's largest depository of gold, stored on behalf of numerous government institutions from around the world. To Our Young People: Pain and sadness will go away. Just hold on. Talk to someone; a teacher or other adult. Tell someone how you feel. We are all here for you. The YOUTHLINE for Teen to Teen Support, (877) 968-8491, or the Suicide Prevention LIFELINE, (800) 273-8255, OPTION #1. Our 3rd Annual International Food Night event is scheduled for Saturday, March 17th. Bring an ethnic/cultural/ family dish. Tell us about its origin or significance to you. Our 2nd Annual Women's History Month event is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th. Annual dues collections have begun. Please support your building association by becoming a member. We thank those who have already joined in 2018. Please peruse our lobby bulletin boards to see the work we do to inform and engage our members. We appreciate our Volunteer Committee members who work so hard on your behalf. "Chance favors the prepared mind."–Louis Pasteur —Linda Collins

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

Building 26 Association

March came in like a lamb with very warm weather, but quickly roared like a lion with the nor'easter last Friday. So, March greetings to our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. March is Women's History Month. We celebrate Bessie Blount Griffin, a physical therapist, an inventor, and forensic scientist who invented an electronic feeding device in 1951 to help amputees feed themselves. She also invented the cardboard disposable emesis basin. Congratulations to everyone celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, new births, and other celebrated events during the month of March. Well wishes for a speedy recovery to those who are sick, hospitalized, or homebound. Our sincere condolences to those families who have unfortunately lost a loved one. May God bless you with strength during your difficult time of bereavement. Come out to our building association meeting Tuesday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m., 2420 Hunter Avenue, rear lobby meeting room. Refreshments will be served and a 50/50 raffle drawing. STAR Program – Every Co-op City resident is eligible to apply for the NYS School Tax Relief Program. March 15th is the deadline. Recipients of the 2017–2018 Basic Star received $96.64, and those who qualified for Enhanced Star received $211.56 credit on their February carrying charge statement. You can obtain information and/or an application by calling 3-1-1, or apply online by logging onto the Dept. of Finance website at nyc.gov/Star. Please apply today. If you see something, please say something by immediately calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for all non-emergencies. Please help to keep our community beautiful and clean by properly disposing your garbage in a receptacle. —YuVonne Lewis

Building 2 Association

Greetings, neighbors! First, we would like to offer our “thanks” to Linda Berk, president of the Riverbay Corporation Board of Directors, for taking the time to speak at our last meeting on February 13. Ms. Berk provided a great deal of information on the capital projects that are underway. Thank you, neighbors, for taking the time to sign the petitions that were presented at the Board of Standards and Appeals on February 27 regarding the LED billboards erected in front of the 7-Eleven on Bartow and Baychester Avenues. Your signatures and support helped to contribute to Co-op City’s victory at the hearing. We must continue to work together and fight to protect our homes and community. Our next general building association meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in the association room behind Building 2B. Light refreshments will be served and a 50/50 raffle will be held at the end of the meeting. Please plan to attend this meeting. The more, the merrier! Cheers to those celebrating a birthday or other celebratory event in March. We extend a hearty welcome to our new neighbors; wish a speedy and complete recovery to those recovering from surgery or fighting an illness and our most sincere condolences to those who have suffered a loss. —Georgianna Rodriguez


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Building 32 Association

Meeting Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. in our association room in 32B, first floor rear. Our special guest will be Mr. Warren Mitchell, assistant general manager of the Riverbay Corp. Mr. Mitchell is a great speaker who is very knowledgeable about all that is happening in Co-op City. This will be an informative meeting that you should not miss. There will be refreshments, a fifty-fifty, door prizes, and everything that you associate with our meetings. You can also pay your dues of $5 for the year per family even if you don't stay for the meeting. Additionally, you don't have to be a member of the building association to attend a meeting. We hope that our new cooperators will attend. Our meetings generally end at 9:00 p.m.; you are not obligated to stay until the end. —Lorna Smith

Building 21 Association Please Place and Read The CO-OP City Times Each Saturday, there are copies of CO-OP City Times left by the elevators of too many floors in every building here in CO-OP City. You can put a stop to that. It only takes 30 seconds – tops, to place a copy of the CO-OP City Times at each door of your floor. We don’t ask you to cover your entire building, just your floor. Be that “force for good” on your floor. You just might be the inspiration that someone in the community needs to become a real cooperator and an asset to us all. Each Saturday, Theron Marbury, “Floor Captain” for his floor here in Building 21, places the CO-OP City Times at each of his neighbor’s door. Remember, a stack of CC Times is delivered to every floor of every building, EVERY WEEK. Now, consider what the action that Mr. Marbury takes promotes. 1. That he cares about what is happening in and around his home and community, and encourages others to do so as well. 2. Respect for the hard work that goes into producing and distributing this newspaper, so that you can be informed. 3. A spirit of cooperative living; the reason we all share this magnificent property as shareholders. THINK TANK at Building 21 is in session every Friday at 8:30 p.m. THINK TANK at Building 21 is where we develop “each other’s” ideas, in the Gathering Room in the rear of the B Section. ALL are welcome. Come and bring a friend with you. Be a part of something to change your life and preserve this community for all of us and the generations to come. What are you doing for this community to help make it better? Meet us at THINK TANK or one of our other gatherings. Rewards Points Program is going “21 Strong” The 21 Association Rewards Point Program is underway. The rewards are for all 21 Association members, BUT NOT 21 ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS. Note: A member is ANY shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the Building 21 Association. Every shareholder of CO-OP City is eligible to be a paid member of the Building 21 Association. Last year’s winner is a resident of Building 20 and won $300!!! Our next 21 Association gathering will be March 22. Regarding questions about The 21 Association; EMAIL: 21association@gmail.com. CALL: 347.504.1821. ATTEND the monthly meetings which are held every 4th Thursday in the Gathering Room in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. FYI, all monies collected (i.e., annual dues, etc.) are turned in to our treasurer and installed in the association’s bank account. Floor Captains are an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY IN EVERY BUILDING. Have you done your part? Your building, your block, your community needs you. We are passionate about our community. Come join us at Building 21 some time. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

Greetings! We won this round regarding the signs on Bartow and Baychester. Thanks to all who represented us at the hearing. Spend Your Pre-Mother’s Day With Us. We still have seats available to see “JESUS” at the Sight And Sound Millennium Theatre, on Saturday, May 12, leaving at 7 a.m. from Building 12. Adults: $165 per person, each child under the age of 11 is $140. Payments due by March 31. Please make checks payable to Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association, 120 Casals Pl., 26L, Bronx, NY 10475. Contact Sonja, 718-379-7841; Sonia at 718-379-8305 or Donald, 917-848-0122. “Straight Outta Co-op City” shirt purchases can be made by contacting president of Building 11, Deborah Henry, 718-379-6312. Sizes are children (smallxl $10.00), adults (small-xl $12.00), adults (2x-3x $15.00). P.O. boxes in our lobby. Most of us agree that’s not a good idea to place P.O. boxes in our lobbies. We hope to meet with the Bronx postmaster, manager of the Connor Street Post Office and Congressman Engel’s office regarding the above. Best wishes to all who are celebrating a special event this month. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has suffered a loss or is sick and shut-in. If you see something, say something. To contact CCPD (Public Safety), call 718-671-3050. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com or 718-379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell

Building 13 Association

A representative from Altice was the guest speaker at our last meeting. He was knowledgeable, informative and graciously responded to many questions shareholders posed. Thanks to the many who came to our association meeting and were vocal in letting the representative know we would like a business office in our community and wi-fi service in the basements throughout the community. Women Keeping It Real: WKIR is always an inspiring, insightful and informative social gathering where we exchange information, empower and encourage each other. Join us at our next gathering on Saturday, March 17 (6:30 - 8:30) so make a note and save the date. We welcome new participants so just drop by, but remember, you must be 18 and over to participate. Earth Day Parade: On April 21 (rain date April 22), the Rivers Run Community Garden, in conjunction with the Co-op City Little League, will have a parade starting approximately 10 a.m. at the Greenway stage and proceed to the little league. Garden tours, baseball games, workshops and BBQ is on the agenda. Save the date and participate. Learn to Reduce, Recycle and Reuse in your community. New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR). Ask your neighbor if they receive a STAR credit. They have made it easier for you register. If you have questions or wish to register, you can call 518-457-2036 for additional information. Who couldn’t use some extra dollars? Call now! The community mourns the loss and extends condolences to the family of the recent loss of such a young life. If you think someone needs assistance, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Hungry for some lobster, shrimp, chicken, ribs, and all types of deliciousness? Then join us Saturday, July 14, for our 2nd All-You-Can-Eat bonanza LOBSTERFEAST at the NORDIC LODGE, and 4-hour casino stay at Foxwoods with outlet shopping at Tangers. The cost is $165 per person (includes taxes and gratuities). To reserve your seat, your deposit of $85 is due now. Final payment is due April 30, 2018. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970, Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 (daddpeterson@aol.com). Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Again, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

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

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

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

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Spanish-American Community Club

Please join us on the second Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Nomination of Club Officers and Elections Nominations took place on March 8th. We will also be raffling off two individual tickets to the Installation Dinner. Everyone present at nominations was eligible for a chance to participate, but the winners must be present on Election Night, March 22nd, in order to receive the prize. Members: Please plan to attend Election night. The Fair Committee is sponsoring a Food Fair on Saturday, March 10th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the club room, room #16 of the Dreiser Community Center. Food and monetary donations will be gratefully accepted that day, beginning at 9:00 a.m. March’s ‘Social Friday’ will take place on Saturday, the 31st, at 7:00 p.m. The Installation of Officers Dinner and Dance is scheduled for Friday, April 28th at Maestro’s. Tickets are $60 for members, $80 for non-members. Due to space issues, we will only be able to accommodate the first 100 people who have paid. The payment deadline is April 12th. If you have not renewed your membership as of February, you will be required to pay the non-member rate. Please contact Alfonso Gonzalez at (347) 249-3403 for more information. Applications for the Tony Mondesire Scholarship are now available. The forms will be available in room #16 of Dreiser Loop Center at any of our monthly meetings, either the 2nd Thursday of every month or at the Board of Directors meetings on the 1st Tuesday of each month. Applicants must be from member households, at least 18 years of age and residents of the Bronx. Students must carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester at an accredited institution for at least one year. Applications must be returned by May 10th, either by mail, or to a member of the Scholarship Board of Trustees. Coming up: ‘El Batey’ Picnic on Sunday, July 22nd. Members can now request permits. Each permit is $5. We welcome Gloria M. Bobyn, Paula Calderon, Debbie Fernandez, Judy & Rufino Garay, Connie Garcia Limas, Francis & Reyes Ramos, Alex & Domingo Soto and George & Vivian Vasquez, to our club family! Membership renewals for this year are past due. A penalty fee of $48 for the year ($4 a month) will now be assessed. Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: http://spanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also email the club at SpanAmCCCC@gmail.com or find us on Facebook (search for ‘spanamcccc’). —Carmen Rodriguez

Please Drive Slowly and Cautiously in all Co-op City’s Parking Facilities!

Building 22 A&B Association

Congratulations on our victory against the BSA – the city denied the appeal on electronic billboards. Thank you all. Please check out the locker in Building 20A lobby; the post office wants to put in special buildings to save cooperators from going to Connor Street. We want the post office to hire more staff and do more training. We will do a survey later. If you have problems in your building, please call Safety and Maintenance to report. You must report it yourself, not Maintenance porter or lobby attendant. The more reports will help. Happy birthday to all. Sympathies to all who lost loved ones. Pray for the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something. —Betty Leak

National Council Of Negro Women

Membership – Our next membership meeting will be held tomorrow, Sunday, March 11, in room 11 Dreiser Community Center at 3 p.m. Since this is the first day of Daylight Saving Time, it will still be daylight when our meeting and refreshments are over. Please come with ideas of services we can bring to the Co-op City community and ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work! If you can’t come to our meeting, remember you can contact us at Facebook.com/ncnwco-op or ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com or at P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. Women’s Celebration Program – Save the date, Saturday, April 21. This will be an afternoon free event in room 4, Dreiser Center. The theme is “Love Yourself.” This will be a literary afternoon of poetry, book excerpts, play monologues and recitations that will all encompass selfcare, self-esteem and the strength of Black women. If you are interested in taking part, please email worrellswords@aol.com. Spirit Cruise Pre-Mothers’ Day Celebration – Back by popular demand, we will once again celebrate Mothers’ Day on a Gospel Luncheon Cruise on Saturday, May 12, for a delightful 2-hour cruise with a lunch buffet, DJ and dancing, skyline views on New York Harbor and great gospel music as well. Mother will be delighted! No last minute desperate arrangements for you! For just $80 per person, your preparations are complete. For more information, contact (718) 379-3788 or (347) 602-5600 or (917) 670-4012. Checks are payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and can be mailed to PO Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. No refunds please. Bethune Height Recognition Program – Plans are underway for our 44th Annual Bethune Height Recognition Program that will take place on Saturday, May 19, at Russo’s On the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, NY. This is a celebration in which all NCNW sections in New York State come together to support and live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Chair/President Emerita, by contributing to the work for which they dedicated their lives. The luncheon will be from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and will cost $100. The theme for this year’s BHRP is “National Council of Negro Women, Strong through Multi-Generational Commitment.” Bethune Statue in US Capitol – The Florida State Senate and House of Representatives have voted to place a statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in the US Capital. Each state is permitted to select two representatives in National Statuary Hall. Dr. Bethune’s likeness will become the hall’s first African American statue selected by a State. She not only founded Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, but she also founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in 1935, which continues to be an advocate for women of African descent, their families and communities. Just for Fun – Five members of Co-op City Section had fun attending the TV airing of “The View” and “The Chew” last week. —Joyce Howard

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21

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing

Mardi Gras Dance Last Saturday morning and afternoon, Coalition members transformed Bartow 31 into Mardi Gras City and that evening Dr. Rock cooked up a musical gumbo that the party goers feasted on all night. We only took a break to give out door prizes, hold a 50/50 raffle, a best mask contest and a memorial tribute to former Board member Tony Illis who passed away just prior to the dance. Mr. Illis was a founding member of the Coalition and served as a Board director and also organized the Food Pantry. He overcame serious physical disabilities and cared greatly for our community. Dance chairperson Yolanda Canales-Schumann led us in a moment of silence to remember and honor Tony. We thank all those who attended for supporting the Coalition and invite everyone to join us again at next year’s Mardi Gras Dance. The Board Election After we review the dance, we’ll resume planning our upcoming Board election campaign. If you’d like to get your feet wet in Co-op politics or just want to discuss issues affecting Co-op City, join us as we work to strengthen our cooperative spirit and build a stronger community. Interested and active cooperators provide the best hope of preserving the affordability of our Co-op City homes. We’ll meet on Monday, March 12th at 7:30 in Bartow 28. I hope to see you then. —Bruce Silberman

Rivers Run Community Garden

Black Forum

Defensive Driving Course Next course: March 10, 8:50 a.m. - 3 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Please make checks of $35, payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 177 Dreiser Loop, room 20, Bronx, NY 10475 at least 1½ weeks before class. Include name and phone number. Walk-ins are welcomed, but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class – no checks. Call by noon Friday to register and assure seating. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. (718) 320-8035. Nordic Lodge & Foxwoods Casino The Saturday, August 18th trip to Nordic Lodge and Foxwoods Casino is now sold out. We appreciate everyone who expressed interest. The last payment of $55 is due March 16, for those with reserved seats. Please make checks payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 177 Dreiser Loop, room 20, Bronx, NY 10475. Include name and phone number. Those who missed payments must catch up immediately to keep their reservation. The last two payments were $55 each. Please pay cash in person for missed payments. NO REFUNDS. Pick-up and drop-off are at Dreiser Loop, Asch Loop and Section 5. Please call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions. Emergency Food Program (10475 residents only) Our mission is to provide food pantry

Please join us for our meeting on Thursday, March 15th beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser, room 4. All are invited. We will continue collecting the membership dues at the March meeting. If you cannot attend, please mail your $20 check (no cash) to Rivers Run, 100 Casals Pl. #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Please note: Dues must be paid by March 16th. Unpaid membership will result in loss of bed. We are scheduling work days to prepare for spring planting and events. All are welcome to volunteer. Important dates (All are welcome): • Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m. – Dreiser, room 4, Member Meeting • Friday, April 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Garden Clean Up with Osborne (On-site) • Sunday, April 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Garden Clean up (On-site) • Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Garden Clean up (On-site) • Friday, April 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Garden Clean up with Osborne (On-site) • Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – Earth Day/Family Day Parade • Saturday, April 28, 1 p.m., Member Meeting (Garden) Membership Requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. —Gail Sharbaan

services to those facing economic hardships. Brand new guests must bring a current photo ID to register for the program. ONLY accepted IDs: are driver’s and nondriver's licenses, and the ID NYC card. Bring four clean shopping bags and cart (if available). You'll be issued a card that must be shown on every visit to pick up food. Only ONE participant per household. Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food on Thursdays at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. Buildings 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., also on Thursdays. Section 5 townhouses can visit either church. Other buildings and townhouses must pick-up at Dreiser, room 20. Dreiser food distribution hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.12:45 p.m., room 20. Pilot Program: Dreiser hours extended Tuesdays, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays, March 10, April 14, May 12 and June 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. All hours are subject to change based on demand. New and currently registered guests are welcome to participate in extended hours. Re-certification for 2017 guests: April 3 - 13 during regular hours. Contact Reach out to us if you have questions, (718) 320-8035 or coopcityblackforum @gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. —Jeanette Graves

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22

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

American Legion Post 1871

General Meeting As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I need to remind the comrades that our next general meeting will be Saturday, March 17. We hope to have a guest speaker to talk to us especially about women experiences in the military. Details of our guest speaker will be made known to us by telephone notification. During this meeting, some of our women in the service’s experiences will be shared for their meritorious services. Let us all come out and be part of the session. Post Everlasting Wall The section of the wall that had been voted for use as “The Post Everlasting Section” is still unused. Thus, Commander Toba is using this opportunity to seek out anyone who knows a professional who can assist in artistic drawing and/or craft to call the office. American Legion Post 1871 will be designating part of its wall to honor Legionnaires who were once with us, but are no more. We need experts to come and help accomplish this task. Any moment from now, the Post is ready to embark on the laudable assignment to honor our past individuals on our Post Everlasting Wall. The weather is presently harsh, especially with what we experienced in the past weekend. Thus, I hope our veterans will take precaution in dressing accordingly. A whole lot of neighborhoods are not having heat and light in their homes. Glory is to God that our people in this part of the city are not affected. However, if a veteran, or member of the military, or family member needs immediate help, please reach out to one or more of the following agencies that operate 24/7 and will answer you confidentially: Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 - Press 1); NYC Department of Veterans Services (212-416-5250 or 311); NYS Division of Veterans Affairs (1-888-838-7697). Please, don't be quiet. If you see something, say something It is that time of the year again, comrades, when we start work on our Memorial Day event. First on the agenda is the sale of our raffle tickets. I want to encourage every comrade to go above and beyond in selling those tickets. I am also using this medium to appeal to the general public to support the veterans by selling the tickets as well. Needless to remind us that our only source of making money is the Memorial Day celebration. Thus, let us continue to reach out to our friends and families to support the course of the American Legion here in Co-op City. Bus Tour Our Washington, DC trip to the National Black Museum will be in June. The flyers will be out soon and anyone planning to go should call the office for details. So, we are using this opportunity to inform those who will be travelers to start making arrangement. This will be a joint venture between the Legionnaires and the Auxiliary. Let us get out there and having fun. Details later. Plan to attend and invite a veteran as well. —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown O'toba

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Retirees Of Dreiser Loop Travel Events: (price includes Coach Bus; located at Dreiser Loop, in front of H&R Block) • March 13 (Tues.), “SANDS CASINO RESORT.” Price: $40. Payment Due Date: Mon., Feb. 5. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. • May 17** (Thurs.), “HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE THEATRE,” NJ. Showtime: 11:00 a.m. Price: $75. Deposit: $40. Balance $35 due Mon., April 19. (**Date changed). Contact: Serita G., 347564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. • July 10-12 (Tues.-Thurs.), “DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO.” Price: Double $400/Single $490. Deposit required $100. Two payments each $150 Double/$195. FINAL payment: May 21. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718 3200500. Theatre Committee: (price includes van transportation, from Dreiser Loop opposite Rehab Center) • April 29 (Sun). Price: $70. “FESTIVAL OF PRAISE PRESENTS TEXTURE OF A MAN” gospel show featuring Fred Hammond, Donny McClurkin, Take Six and others. Lehman Center, 6 p.m. show. Deposit $35. Balance $35 due by Thurs., March 22nd. Contact: Eleanor Barlow, 718-3247847. • May16 (Wed.). Price: $65.** “SISTER ACT” at

African American Association

New workshops are opening up this summer. Most are all based on personal development with professional guest instructors from money matters and relationship building to character building. These are all amazingly very low cost certification courses. For more information, email us at aaacc power@gmail.com. The next amazing play coming to Co-op City May be the award winning live production of “The Meeting.” This well versed performance allows us to be a fly on the wall as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcom X meet in a hotel room to plan…Well, just cross your fingers and hope that they bring it here on April 14th. Our next general meeting will be Tuesday, March 13th in room #15 at the Dreiser Center. All are welcome to attend at 7 p.m. Our special guest will be Councilwoman Inez Baron. There will be other announcements and important information available. Culture, economics, health and education will be our focus in 2018. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact: Meca Talent. For more information, call us at: 646-373-4122 Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438. Specialized Workshops /Programs – Life Group workshops (Understanding My Money/My Relationships/My Politics/My Culture). Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein, Section #5. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. Institute of Youth/Adult Study Group – Meets every second and fourth Monday, Dreiser Center, room #15, 7 p.m. Contact Haru Maat, harumaat@ msn.com. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718671-8364. Yoga And Zumba – Classes on Saturday start at 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 13th. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/email us at: aaaccpower@gmail.com. —Kevin Lambright

Westchester Broadway Theatre. Deposit $35 ASAP. $30 balance due by April 12. (**Price correction). Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949. Remember – Your deposit, along with your name and telephone number, is required to reserve your trip &/or theatre seat. A check or money order only payable to RETIREES OF DREISER LOOP will be accepted. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-3790377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Good And Welfare Get well wishes to Harriet Ford and to Wally Bowen who is back home recuperating. And to those of you still under the weather, know that you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine lowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavments. Our next JAZZ UP YOUR HEALTH WITH A SENIOR SPA DAY, will be Wednesday, March 28th. Call Claudette D., 718-379-4784 or Hattie L., 718-671-8449, if interested in joining us on our upcoming SENIOR SPA DAY. “Do you want to be happy? Let go of what’s gone, be grateful for what remains, and look forward to what is coming.” –Author unknown —Claudette Davis


23

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Co-op City Working Families Party

No-IDC Phone Banking Every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, it’s No-IDC phone banking time. What’s an IDC and why do we want no part of it? IDC stands for Independent Democratic Conference. But don’t let the word “Democratic” fool you. The IDC is an eight-member group of New York State Senators who are “Democrats In Name Only” (DINOs) who vote with the Republicans on most progressive social issues. When we phone bank (from home), we call people who live in the Senate districts represented by these non-Democrats to make sure those residents know exactly who their state senators are! Those citizens consider themselves Democrats and they think they voted a Democrat into office. Our phone call lets them know they indeed did not! All of the eight IDC senators are facing challengers in the upcoming primaries. Guest speaker Andrew Smith of No-IDC joined us at our last meeting and explained how easy phone banking is. Go to http://www.noidcny.org/take-action/volunteer to join the effort to turn NYS officially BLUE. Gun Regulation A good portion of our last meeting was spent discussing what we — as a community — can do in the fight for gun safety. The March For Our Lives, organized by the survivors of the Florida massacre and joined by youth of our entire nation, will take place in Washington, D.C. on March 24th. What can we do to support them financially and otherwise? Let’s come up with an answer quickly! The Co-op City Working Families Mission As a political party, Working Families works to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation. Hence phone banking with No-IDC. As a civic action group, Co-op City Indivisible (an aspiring Co-op City certified community organization) promotes progressive causes; such as aiding the exciting new push for gun safety. As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. Next Meeting The next meeting of the WFP is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20th at 7:30 p.m. in room 35, Einstein Community Center, Section Five. WF meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, through June. All progressives are welcome. For more information please email mpjazz@optonline.net. —Mary Pearson

Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

Newsong Church

This Sunday’s Schedule Location: 135 Einstein Loop (room 45). Service Time: 11 a.m. *Kidsong available in rm. 49; *Deaf Interpretation available during adult service. For more information, please go to our website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org. Learning to trust God – Part Two 22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. –Acts 20:22-24 (NIV) As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us to discover and to walk in. Learning to trust God will help us to navigate the road He’s leading us down. Last week, we discovered two steps that the Apostle Paul took in his journey with Jesus. Step one: The Spirit’s Prompting. He was sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, and he was willing to move forward. Step two: Certain Uncertainty. Even though Paul was willing to move, he was uncertain of all the detail. Let’s look at step three! Predictable Resistance 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Paul didn’t have all the details, but what he did know about his future wasn’t exactly comforting. God had revealed that prison and hardships were coming as a result of his obedience. Many will tell you that if God’s in it, there will be no resistance. However, the scriptures reveal that most of the time, you will experience resistance when you’re doing something significant for God’s glory! Don’t dismiss your calling based on resistance. Keep moving forward! Which leads us to step four. Uncommon Confidence However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Even though Paul didn’t have all of the details to God’s plan, and those that he did have were enough to make most of us quit, Paul had a confidence that came from his personal relationship with Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we must understand that our confidence doesn’t come from our ability to do things, but from God’s ability. Paul went on to plant churches and ended up in prison for his faith in Jesus. However, while he was in prison he wrote letters encouraging and instructing those churches. Those letters, inspired by the Holy Spirit, became part of our Bible today! Do you want to know God’s will for your life? Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, know that you won’t have all the details, understand there will be resistance, but be confident in God’s ability to see you through! Trust God’s process! —Pastor Mike Tolone

Building 27 Association

Greetings, neighbors. Did we not have a blast of rain and wind; hope all are being careful when outside. Public Hearing – was held Tuesday, February 27, before the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals located in Downtown, Manhattan, regarding the LED billboards installed at the site of Bartow and Baychester Avenues. Co-op City cooperators showed up and stated their case. Kudos to them and we will stay the fight. Also take note that a state-of-the-art animal shelter is in the works by the city. A permit has been filed to build a six-story hotel in the vicinity of 2100 Bartow. However, it appears our youth are not worthy of a state-of-the-art facility and what happened to our ongoing request to the city for our youths? By the way, there is now a Starbucks built at the Checkers location in Bay Plaza. Checkers is long gone, and we were not aware that this was going to happen as well. Stay alert to what’s happening around us, and begin to become proactive as opposed to reacting.

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Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11; move your clock forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. It has come to the attention of the association that garbage is again being thrown from Building 27B of the east side of the building. Garbage also has been left in the elevators of Bldg. 27A. Come on, folks, get it together and appreciate your building and community. There are cameras everywhere and you will be fined a healthy community fine. Bldg. 27 General Meeting is to be held on Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m. Possible guest speaker, stay tuned. Remember others who are in bereavement. Contact Lydia Rondon at (718) 583-3030 to share news of any sickness or if a neighbor has deceased. Please continue to pray for our Board members to make the best decisions for our homes and community. Pray for peace amongst the nations leaders. —H. Overman

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24

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172. Regular Church Schedule Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. Worship Service – 11:00 a.m. Communion Service – Every first and third Sundays Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday at 12:00 noon Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following program is at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Neighborhood Bible Study – Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Is Now In Session Every Sunday At 9:00 A.M. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. In Sunday School, in a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you. Other Scheduled Events On Wednesdays, at noon, you are cordially invited to NOON DAY PRAYER AT CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony. Refreshments will be served. RSVP (718) 862-9172. Tomorrow, Sunday, March 11th, 11:00 a.m. – Please join us in Service as we celebrate the anniversary of the Ushers of Community Protestant Church. Come Out And Enjoy Gospel Comedy At CPC! LOL GOSPEL COMEDY SERIES AFTERNOON OF LAUGHTER WITH THE COMMUNITY, Saturday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m., hosted by Kenny Williams, presented by the Women’s Guild and Hospitality Ministry. Tickets: $25 in advance; children 12 and under, $15. Contact (718) 3208576, (718) 671-6122, or the church, (718) 862-9172. As James 2:26 reminds us, “…Faith without works is dead.” Thus, the Sunday School Outreach Program is asking your help in collecting eye glasses for the needy among us. Eye glass donations may be placed in the box which will be located in the vestibule outside the Sanctuary on Sundays. Please support this worthy program by donating your old or outdated prescription eye glasses which will be of immense benefit to someone else. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell

Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Faith of Children Who can forget the gentle rebuke of the Savior in Matthew 19:14, “But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (NLT) This week, we will take a look at the ministry through the eyes of Children’s Ministry Director, Angel Dyer. The following are her words: One extremely significant point of the spiritual importance of Children’s Ministry in worship is, just as prayer by a man or woman brings each of them into a love relationship with God and the praise due is to God alone, children experiencing God for themselves by reading the Bible, being enthusiastically willing to serve God, worshipping their Maker, experiencing the Sabbath as “a delight” is in fact active praise to God alone. As Christian parents, we are instructed to return our children to the Lord as did Hannah and Elkanah with Samuel, Elizabeth and Zachariah with John and, of course, Mary and Joseph with Jesus. Children in God’s care eventually, by His grace, become His leaders for His purpose. Another immensely significant point of the spiritual importance of Children’s Ministry in worship is their need to be nurtured into ‘wholeness’ in the reflection of God. The formative years (ages 0-8), diligently infused with Biblical precepts and teachings shaping them in God’s character steer children to be, by His grace, into “whole” Christian adults. Young children, too, can discover a love relationship with God. It is intrinsically pure when a young child says or does something in the clear likeness of Christ or simply “for their age” – making a profound impact that an adult could not achieve (This should never beget amusement) – as the child is painfully or pleasantly honest, unceasingly forgiving and forgetting, unpretentious, beautifully naïve, impressionable, and welcoming; a disposition that makes God smile with favor. God’s Word states this about children: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6) “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. (Matthew 18:1-5) “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10) Services and Community Outreach Wednesday — Food Pantry every 1st and 3rd, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wednesday — Night Prayer meeting, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday — Sabbath School, 9:15 a.m. Saturday — Divine Worship, 11:00 a.m. Saturday — Adventist Youth Program, 2:30 p.m. The Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 1010 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; http://coopcity22.adventistchurchconnect.org/ —Cheryl C. Silvera

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. And, be sure to extend your worship with us today and every Saturday, 4 – 5 p.m. on Principle Centered Living Radio, redeemradiofm.com. Also, learn more about our pastor and the principles of our church, while enjoying a laugh or two on Facebook (Principle Centered Living with Rev. Sheldon Williams). Please “Like” the page and share the posts. Only those who “LIKE” the page will qualify for upcoming contests and rewards. Join us for a midweek spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study classes are held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Bible Class will also be held on Wednesday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon. Prayer Service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Making use of available technology, Friday evening prayer service is held using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., you can call 563-999-2090; when asked for the PIN, enter 660065 and you will be connected. PLEASE NOTE: Prayer conference call line will no longer be held on the 1st Friday the month. The First Lady’s Ministry will sponsor its annual Women’s History Month event, “Herstory,” on Saturday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m. Central to this event is hearing from an African-American female community leader focusing on her life’s journey to her current status. Their 2018 presenter will be Ms. Patricia Myers, manager of McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, Inc. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 17. All are invited to join us. The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas

Fraud Alert!

It has been reported that an inordinate number of Co-op City shareholders are receiving phone calls allegedly from the IRS telling them that their tax accounts are in arrears and they may face tax evasion charges. They are then advised to call a given phone number and speak to an attorney.

Shareholders, this is a scam. Do not return these phone calls. They are most likely an attempt by unscrupulous individuals to gather your personal information.

No government agency, including the IRS, will contact you by phone. If you must, contact the IRS directly. Do not use the number provided in these unsolicited phone calls.

NYPD’s Enforcement of Angle Parking Regulations The NYPD strictly enforces parking regulations pertaining to angle parking spaces. Shareholders should be aware that vehicles in angle parking spaces on streets such as Asch Loop, Einstein Loop and Hutchinson River Parkway East, must be parked within the marked lines or they will be summonsed.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Open Door Ministries empathize and understand how to share. Listen to the Holy Spirit to prioritize when to share. Intentional evangelism requires sincerity. Lost people are not projects. If you use evangelism to feel better about yourself, then it’s likely you are being disingenuous about the gospel message. Intentional evangelism requires sacrifice. Sacrifice always hurts. God’s best is typically difficult, but rewarding. Intentional evangelism makes us decrease while God increases. The most evil thing a person can do is intentionally prevent another from hearing Truth. Be an ambassador of good news. Share Jesus. –Sam Rainer Jesus made an amazing statement in Matthew 4:19 when speaking to a couple of fishermen. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Notice He didn’t say, “I will make you holier, more spiritual, or bless you exceedingly.” He gave them a purpose for living and a new occupation. It is more important to be used by God than to be blessed by God. We have been blessed by God to be used by God and He wants to use us to go fishing for men! When you are blessed by God, you can go out and make a difference in a person’s life. –Marcus Whitman Sunday Services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program offers free counseling. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries .net. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis Ramos

Fishers of Men - Apologetics is the defense of a belief using historical, scientific, and testimonial evidence. For Christians, this means defending the Bible through academic, as well as spiritual means. Join us every Sunday in March and on Easter Sunday as Dr. Christina Torres and Pastor Luis Ramos speak on why the Bible is relevant in modern society A Plea for Church Leaders to Say & Do Intentional Evangelism Evangelism is falling off the radar for many churches. The solution is simple: Church leaders must show the way by being more intentional about evangelism and talking about these efforts. Intentional evangelism is not obnoxious. Yelling at people is rarely the best approach. The call to repentance should not come wrapped in insults. Intentional evangelism is not easy. Intentional evangelism requires work. You should work to get in front of people. You must work to build trust. You should work to share Jesus with them. Intentional evangelism is not superficial. My neighbor knocked on my door, something he’s never done. “You said we could talk if I ever needed it.” We sat, talked about some deep issues in his life, and prayed. He heard the gospel clearly. He was receptive. And he knows I’m going to be all over him about it. It took two years of building trust, intentionally reaching out. Intentional evangelism requires listening. You must listen to two parties: The Holy Spirit and the lost person. Listen to the lost person to

Church of the New Vision

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome. Order of Services Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Adult and Youth Sunday School: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Youth Ministry: Fridays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. We Welcome You To Our Upcoming Events Sunday, March 11th, there will be one morning service at 10:00 a.m. There will also be an afternoon service at 3:30 p.m. We will be celebrating the birthday of Rev. Kenneth Hodge and his second year anniversary as

pastor, as well as Rev. Deborah Hodge as assistant pastor. Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Liz Townes Schuler, pastor of Jubilee Baptist Church. There is one inside stateroom available at the group rate $1,025 per person based on double occupancy. Cruise with us in 2018, July 20th to July 27th on the Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Sea. Going to Port Canaveral, Fl., Cococay, Bahamas, and Nassau, Bahamas. Entire balance is due by April 1 (price Includes taxes, fees, port charges and transportation to/from cruise ship in Cape Liberty, NJ). Gratuities not included, can be charged to your stateroom upon checkin. For additional information, please contact Sadie James at 718-652-8943 or Hermena Smith at 917-974-9282. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 75303, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church. —Sis. Carol Haque

No Co-op City Times? Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Circle of Christ Church

The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center). La familia de la Iglesia Circulo de Cristo les extiende una cálida invitación a usted y su familia para que vengan a alabar a Dios junto con nosotros. Nos encontramos en el 147 de Dreiser Loop, al nivel del patio (localizado en el centro Comunal de Dreiser). We are a multicultural church that embraces Gods love for all. Family unity is very important to us. We have a wonderful children ministry focus on learning God’s Word. Somos una Iglesia multicultural que recibe y da del amor the Dios para todos. La unidad de la familia es muy importante para nosotros. Our youth ministry is very active and dynamic. The youth are involved in music, retreats, concerts, debates, conferences, drama, counseling among many other activities. Tenemos un ministerio para los jóvenes que es muy dinámico. Los jóvenes disfrutan de música, retiros, conciertos, debates, conferencias, dramas , consejería, y mucho mas. We also have a food pantry for those in need in our community. Our phone number is 347-945-1992. In case there is no one in the office, please feel free to leave a message, we will call you back. Suplimos comida a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que lo necesitan. Nuestro teléfono es 347-945-1992 de no haber nadie en la oficina sientan-

cen libres de dejar un mensaje, le devolveremos su llamada. Thought for the week Psalm 145:18 New International Version (NIV) 18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Reflexion para la semana Salmos 145:18 Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI) 18 El Señor está cerca de quienes lo invocan, de quienes lo invocan en verdad. English services Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study Friday, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., Boys and Girls Club Friday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Youth Night Sunday, 11:00 a.m., Worship and the Word Children Church, 5 years old to 12 years old Little lamb nursery. Thursday, 9:00 a.m., Prayer and the Word Horario de Servicios en Español Domingo, 9:00 a 10:30 a.m., Alabanzas y Predicación Jueves, 12:00 p.m., Oración y Estudio Bíblico Special Events Boys and Girls Club – This is a free outreach, every Friday at 4:30 p.m. Woman’s One Day Conference – Called To Be March 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. —Pastor Sam Colon


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Einstein

Dreiser

MENU

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Mon., Mar. 12

Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. NEW Health & Wellness Support Group Bartow Center 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Arthritis Exercises11 a.m.-noon Bingo 1-2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominos 2:30 p.m.

Library 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Dominos 10 a.m., Rm 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Rm 45 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Bingo 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm 35 Diabetes Support Group 2nd Monday - 1:00pm Computer Class for Beg, Int. & Adv. 9:30am, Rm. 34

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

Dominoes 10 a.m.

Fri., Mar. 16 Thu., Mar. 15

Wed., Mar. 14

Bartow Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Tues., Mar. 13

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

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

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:3010:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m. Rm 2 Color Your Stress away 11:00 a.m. Rm 4 Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m. Rm 4 Diabetes Support Group 1:00 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m. Rm 13 Gentle Yoga 1:15-2 p.m. Rm 2 Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m. Matinee Mons 1:00pm until June room 7

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30–10:30 a.m. Alert & Alive 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Matinee Movie 10 a.m., Rm. 45 (New) Computer Class – Rm. 13 Beginner 11:00 a.m. – noon Health & Wellness Support Group Cultural Dance 10:30–11:30am, Aud. B 10–11 a.m. Mind Teasers 12–1 p.m., Rm. 4 Choir/Singing class 1 p.m. Rm. 7 Karaoke by Steven 1–2 p.m., Rm. 45 Zumba 1–2 p.m., Aud. A Walk Group 9:30 a.m., Rm. 40 Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10 a.m. Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab Zumba 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Dominos 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., Rm. 35 10:30 a.m. Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., Rm. 45 Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Card Games 2–4 p.m. Pokeno 2–4 p.m., Rm. 35 Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Friday, 10–11:30 a.m., Rm. 45 Free Oil Painting Classes Rm. 38, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

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

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all three centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – JASA will not accept checks under $5. (FREE) LiveOn NY- SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – March 12th & 23rd, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments. Walk-ins! First come! First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office. Free Tax Help! AARP Foundation Tax Aide Free eFiling until Apr. 17, 10 a.m., Tuesdays & Wednesdays, JASA Einstein Senior Center, rm. #35. First come, first served (Walk-ins only). This free tax assistance program is for taxpayers with low- and moderate incomes with special attention to those 50 and older. Tax assistance is limited to the first 15-25 taxpayers. No exceptions! Call 718-3202066 for additional information. JASA’s Voter Education Workshop – Wed., Mar. 14th, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium. Light refreshments will be served. If you wish to have lunch at the Dreiser Senior Center, please call 718-320-1345 to reserve a meal. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – 42nd Street, NYC – Wed., Mar. 14th; $25. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Arrival time: 11 a.m. Self-guided tour.

Computer Class – Rm. 13, Beginner 10 a.m. –11 a.m.; Intermediate 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Only 6 seats available. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (NEW) S.A.I.L. Exercise Class 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Sewing 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. African Brazilian Dance 1 p.m., Rm. 2 Art Class 1–3 p.m. Yoga 2 p.m.–3 p.m., Rm. 2

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Orange juice Stuffed cabbage w/beef Curried chicken legs Mauzone toasted Bar- Black beans & rice ley & onion Cabbage Steamed carrots w/shredded Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Salmon salad Apple juice Lemon chicken Rice a roni Green beans Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Beef meatballs in tomato sauce Pasta Garden salad Mixed vegetables

Orange Pineapple Juice Southwest turkey meatloaf Kale w/tomato Mashed potatoes Whole wheat bread Canned pears Alt: Tuna salad

Homemade roast pork Spanish style Steamed kale Yuca

Orange juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Breaded Pollock fish fillet 9:30–10:30 a.m. Yellow rice Blood Pressure 10–11:30 a.m. 1st & 3rd, Rm. 8 Braised red cabbage Line Dancing 10–11 a.m., Aud. A Whole wheat bread Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Fresh fruit Drama Club 1:30–4:00 p.m. Alt: Curried chicken salad (NEW) S.A.I.L Exercise Class 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30–10, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Rm. 8 Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Bingo Rm. 7 1-3 p.m.

Apple juice Roasted chicken Sweet potato sauté Cauliflower soufflé Challah bread Fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte Fish

Teriyaki chicken breast Brown rice Steamed vegetables

Fish w/creole sauce Baked sweet potato Steamed spinach

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

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

Upcoming Events/Trips

Woodbury Commons Outlet – Thurs., Mar. 15th; $15. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 9 a.m. St. Mary’s Pool – $3. Fri., Mar. 16th & 30th. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. There is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility which can be paid at the pool by check or money order. Stew Leonard’s – Mon., Mar. 19th; $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 10 a.m. Empire Casino – Tues., Mar. 20th; $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. Tanger Outlet Mall – Wed., Mar. 21st; $18. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 8:45 a.m. BJ’s/Fairway – Thurs., Mar. 22nd; $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 10 a.m. Lighthouse Guild – American Diabetes Association Alert Day Health Fair, Fri., Mar. 23rd; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse. Screenings, information, free refreshments. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. (only 14 seats available). Comedy Night in Co-op City, 177 Dreiser Loop Audit., 2nd floor – Fri., Mar. 23rd; $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 50 years or older/BYOB/R. Rated material featuring comedy legends Kenny Williams, Cool Bubba Ice and Hamburger; special guest Monique Latise. Music by legendary DJ Kool Mike Ski. Tickets can be purchased

at all three senior centers. Doors open 4 p.m. Showtime, 6 p.m. End time, 10 p.m. Co-op City Passover Luncheon 2018 – A Celebration of Freedom, Mon., Mar. 26th, Dreiser Community Center, 2nd fl. Audit. A & B; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 in advance; $7 at door. Seder menu: 1/4 roast chicken, potato kugel, carrot tzimmes; dessert: macaroons. Tickets will be sold at all three senior centers. Entertainment: TBA. Pick-ups: Einstein, 9:30 a.m.; Bartow, 9:45 a.m. Apollo Theater Historic Walking Tour (1 hr.) – Wed., Apr. 11th; $20. Tour time, 11 a.m. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. (only 18 seats available). Bartow & Einstein Senior Centers Present: Spring luncheon on Sat., Apr. 14th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Einstein Sr. Ctr., 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45. $5 in advance & $7 at the door. Menu: BBQ pork ribs or grilled herb chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob & garden salad. Dessert: carrot cake or fruit salad. Entertainment: DJ Woody on the Wheels of Steel. Tickets will be sold at all three senior centers. Pick-ups: Bartow, 10:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 10:30 a.m. Peddlers Village Shopping (Bucks County, Pennsylvania) – Murder Mystery Show and Lunch, $89 CASH ONLY; Wed., May 23rd. Menu: salad, choice of Flounder stuffed with crab, or beef burgundy, side dish, apple crisp, rolls, butter, soft drinks, coffee, tea. Dreiser, 8:45 a.m.; Bartow, 8 a.m. and Einstein, 8:15 a.m.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Scheduling Activities Calendar

With sorrow, we announce the passing of a long-standing member, Loretta Polomeno. She passed away Sunday, February 25th. Our condolences to the family. Nunsense — Thursday, August 2nd at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, N.J. Date update: August 2nd. Time: 8:30 a.m. Price $79 for lunch and show. Very funny play. Run For Your Wife — Thursday, September 27th at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, N.J. Price for show went up for September, have to charge $3 more. $82 for lunch and show. Time 8:30 a.m. The play is hilarious. The food is delicious. Bingo — Wednesday, March 14th, 1:30 p.m., with Stephen, in our club room #39. Members only. Admission $5 for three cards, 12 games and Jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢ each. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Game Days — Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our club room is set up for Dominoes, Spades, UNO, Kalooki, Mahjong and now Exercise DVD and Wii game (bowling), etc. from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Come and play. Members only. (Members may bring a friend or two to play with them). ($1 is collected for snacks). Matinee Movie — Tuesday, March 20th at 10 a.m. Every third Tuesday, a movie will be shown in room 45. All are welcome ($1 is collected for refreshments and snacks). Feature Movie, “Kidnap.â€? Mother’s son missing at playground. Halle Berry. 1:30 mins. Spring Indoor Picnic — Wednesday, April 18th at 1:30 p.m. with Stephen in our club room #39. Members only. $3 donation. It’s a cover dish picnic, so if you want to cook or bring something,

AARP Chapter #4997

FYI – 1: Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 12, 1 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 9. FYI- 2: Smart Driver Class scheduled for Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For an appointment, contact Ellie Minor, 718-379-4429. Fee $20 for National AARP members; $25 for non-members. (ONLY check or money order). Good & Welfare – Please contact our Good & Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-6715493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. 2018 Tour Activities April 10 – April 11: Sight & Sound Theatre & Sands Casino – Motor coach trip to Sands Casino with casino bonus and shopping; next day (after breakfast) to Sight & Sound spectacular production of “Jesus� to experience the greatest rescue story of all time (reserved seating); dinner & breakfast coupons. $309/per person-Double; $395 – Single; $295/per person Triple; $50/per person Deposit + optional Travel Protection - $34/per person due ASAP. SOLD OUT (WAIT-LIST AVAILABLE). Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. April 23 (Monday): Pop the Cork Theme Party at Thomasville Winery (Hammonton, NJ) full luncheon, wine tasting, music and dancing; “Mommy Dearest� raffle; “beauty wins� door prizes; 4-hour stay at Resorts Casino w/$25 slot play; deluxe motor coach transportation. $125. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. July 21: Nordic Lodge & Foxwoods Casino – All-You-Can-Eat lobster buffet; 4-hour stay at Foxwoods Casino; deluxe motor coach transportation. $170. $50 deposit due ASAP; balance due June 1st. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962. 2019 Tour Activities April 1-12, 2019: Panama Canal 11-night Cruise on the Norwegian Jade – Price includes roundtrip flight to Miami (FL); ports of call include Cantagina, Columbia; Panama Canal/ Gatein Lake; Puerto Limon; Roatan Bay Islands; Harvest Cape, Costa Maya, Mexico; 3 days at sea; valid passport is required; all meals on board the ship. Cost: Inside Category - $2,459/person; Outside category - $2,729/person; Balcony - $3,069/ feel free. No cash donation if food, drink or dessert person – double occupancy; $350/person, deposit is donated. Come play games and have fun with us. due immediately to hold your reservation; insurSands Casino — Thursday, May 24th, in Bethance available and must be paid with deposit; lehem, PA. Price $35.00. Bonus: $20 slot play, $5 FINAL PAYMENT due October, 2018; only 5 cabfor food. ins available in each category. Contact Judith, 718 Sister Act—Friday, June 15th, at the Westch379-3370. ester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford, NY. Come and Attention: When signing up for the above trips, enjoy a delicious lunch and a terrific show. Price: please give your name, phone number and a $79. See Ann, Stephen or Mary. deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to To all members: Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all members who celebrate their day in AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the month of March: Dian Hosein, Stephen Roberts, the memo section of your check/money order. Sylvia Sabel, Ardelle Frank, Yvonne Starks, Vivian Room 0 (Dreiser Community Center) is opened Werner, Mercedes Pagan, Nilda Pagan, Michelle Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to Rosenthal, Benjamin Carter and Jeanne Delmonico. be dropped off (in an envelope w/Group/Trip Sick & Shut-In — Send cards to Lydia Ruas: Leader Name). They may be mailed to the Cedar Manor, 32 Cedar Lane, Ossining, NY 10562; Jean Delmonico, c/o Barbara Guarracino, Group/Trip Leader. —Delores Debnam 29 Peck Slip Road, Carmel, NY 10512; Marilyn DeLeonardis, Kings Harbor Care Center, 2000 Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY, Room 205; Regina " # $ " # $ $ Shackelton-Usher, Kings Harbor Care Center, " $ " # $ $ 2000 Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY, Room 116B. Our Lounge — Come sit and relax, read a book $ ! $ $ " # $ # from our large library. This is your club, a great ! $ " $ " $ ! $ !! place to hang-out. Dues, $15 per year. " $ ! " $" $ " Note: Call Ann, or Stephen at Goose Island ! $ # #$" #$ $"$ # Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit Ann, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at 135 Einstein # " # $! $ " $ " $

Loop, rm. 39. Visit or call Stephen in room #39, $ #$ #" #$ ! $ # ! $ !! # " ! every Mon. & Fri. from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tues. & #" # $ #

$ ! $ ! # # $ !$ " #$ ! ! Thurs., 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Wed., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. $"$ #" # $ ! or 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Call Stephen at 347-847-1941. Good health to all. ( '&$%# " # —Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Goose Island Seniors


28

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue Our first trip of the year is Sunday, March 18, which is almost the start of Spring, to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. This trip is only one week away. Please make a reservation ASAP, before we sell out the trip. The cost of the trip is $35 per person. You will receive $25 slot play. After slot play, it’s like costing you only $10 to Atlantic City. The bus only makes stops in Co-op City. All men and women over 21 years old can attend our trips and functions. You need a Resorts Casino card or a government ID, passport, non- or driver’s license to receive the bonus. On the bus, we provide a drink, snacks, play Bingo, 50/50 raffle and show a recent movie. We keep you entertained, the ride goes fast to Atlantic City. Enjoy the boardwalk, take a stroll, enjoy the sights, food and have a good time. The bus stops by all three shopping centers going and returning. This trip, we will be leaving Einstein Loop at 8:00 a.m. by the supermarket; Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. by the library, and Dreiser Loop by 8:25 a.m. For a reservation, call Gary at 718-671-8424 or Bruce, 718-320-2234. Please make out check or money order to Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue, 120 Erdman Place, Lobby, Building 27B, Bronx, New York 10475. We also accept cash. Hope to see you on the trip. Your support of the Men’s Club is greatly appreciated. Please remember on Saturday, March 10th, move your watches and clocks one hour ahead to Daylight Saving Time. Wishing everyone peace and good health. —Gary Schwartz

Try your luck with the Men’s Club

Please remember to curb your dog!

Traditional Synagogue

leave your name on the answer machine at 718-379General Information: The Traditional Syna6920 or call Beverly for more details. We have limgogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in ited space. the rear lobby of Building 27B. We are on the Bingo: The synagogue’s next Bingo is Sunday, ground floor of Building 27B; it’s handicap accessiApril 15, at 1 p.m. Bingo is open to all men and ble, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours women in the community who enjoy Bingo. Spend are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please the afternoon with your neighbors. The cost is $5 call the office before you attempt to come over. If no admission, which includes refreshments and 10 one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has services Saturday morning games of Bingo. Also, there is a 3-part Jackpot game in which you can win up to $30 if you win. starting 9 a.m. After services, we always have a nice kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. Rabbi Kronengold will conduct services. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to service. Please come by 9:30 a.m. so we can take out the Torah. We welcome all men and women from the YOUNG ISRAEL in Section 1 and also from the SEPHARDIC SHUL who want to attend services. We are now the only synagogue in Co-op City. Neighbors engaged in company and conversation Sabbaths ends on Saturday, March 10, at after the Purim Party held at Traditional Synagogue. 6:38 p.m. Good & Welfare: We sell tree certificates in Candle Lighting for Friday, March 16 at 6:45 p.m. Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only Passover Seders: The synagogue is planning two Passover Seders. Friday and Saturday night, $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the March 30 & 31, respectively. The cost is only $20 for each Seder. If you’re interested to attend a Seder, rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make a donation to the synagogue. Sorry to report the death of Morris Halfon, long time president of the Sephardic Shul; also his wife is in a nursing home on Long Island. Fun And Games: After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummy Cube game. Please remember on Saturday, March 10th, move your watches and clocks one hour ahead to Daylight Saving Time. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue, and Men’s Club is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members, and friends, peace and good health. —Gary Schwartz Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal served at our Purim Party.


Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house! No one is an island. We all need help sometimes. The Maker of the universe is the helper of God’s people. Let’s look at scripture to support this. Psalms 121 says: 1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; 4. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; 8. the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Invitation Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Vernon Little just released a new EP titled ‘Double Minded’ on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. It’s a fusion of Gospel, R&B and Rap. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we! —Pastor Vernon Little

Pentecostal Tabernacle

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The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons, and every 5th Sunday our young adults assist in the service. Please join us for an uplifting midday service on Wednesdays starting promptly at noon. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and we are looking for new members. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We look forward to welcoming you to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, when we will celebrate The Fourth Sunday in Lent. Our supply priest is Father Simeon O. Johnson who will be the preacher and celebrant. Members who have not yet submitted their 2018 Pledge Cards are encouraged to complete and submit them as soon as possible. Current Events and More Come out and enjoy some homemade cakes at our Annual Cake Sale on Saturday, March 17, from noon until sold out. Stay tuned for information on Holy Week Services. By popular request, the ladies are expected to wear their hats on Easter Sunday, April 1. Try your luck with the ECW Raffle. The tickets are $1 each and $5 for a book of 6. Drawing is on Thursday, May 10, and winners need not be present. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon on Saturday, May 26, as we celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with a luncheon at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx. The event starts at noon and ends at 5:00 p.m. Donation: Adults $100, children 12 and under $50. For tickets, contact Renee, 718-379-6511; Dorothea, 718-304-4335; Janice, 718-781-0273; Merville, 718-3202089; Yvonne, 718-671-8815. The Right Reverend Allen K. Shin visited our church on February 4. To celebrate his visit, special envelopes from the Diocese are available for those who would like to make a contribution. Reminder: Notary Public Service is available to the congregation (free of charge). If interested, please see Merville ahead of time. Outreach Program: Collection of non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms is ongoing. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-3200844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, * and his mercy endures forever.” —Psalm 107:1 —Merville Chambers

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A (main lobby), Bronx, NY. 10475; Tel. 718-320-4218 or 718-324-0334. Services Are As Follows Sunday School for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday morning: prayer and fasting service held 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Youth service will be held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Focus: Protection By Peace God provides a covering to equip and protect the feet, the gospel of peace to give stability and mobility that allows the believer flexibility to move and advance as God directs. Believers need to have their feet protected. Ephesians 6:15 stated: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The enemy is aligned against us whose purpose is clearly defined by the scriptures: “The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy’ (John 10:10) Satan is bent on the complete destruction of every child of God. He will take what he can from and what he cannot take he will seek to slaughter, what he cannot kill, he will attempt to ruin to render it unfit for its divine purpose. (Ephesians 6: 10-14, 16-18) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that he may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. We are absolutely engaged in a battle in which our enemy is more than willing and capable of being the aggressor. The armour of God in general and the gospel of peace in particular provide for us safety against his attacks. Our footing is sure, our foundation will never move or crumble. We are protected, God is our shield, our fortress, our high tower, our bulwark, and our refuge. For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 Psalm 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. —Rev. R. Sibblies

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church


30

Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

Baychester Visual Arts Association

The new year has begun and if you enjoy being creative, painting will give you much satisfaction. Come and join BVA’s art classes and you will be among the many who find pleasure in creating Our session of art classes began on February 6th with two class schedules to choose from which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Come and join us. Visit our studio room #5 and see beautiful paintings on display. You will be amazed at the artwork done by BVA members. Many of our members have won awards at art shows. Some of our members started to paint for the first time when joining BVA and they have been pleased with their completed work. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-862-0847 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information. You can register by mail by indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

“But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" Luke 18:27 Spiritual Food for Thought: To those who have been blocked from achieving what you want to accomplish: You have done what you were able to do on your own without success. But, you can trust Jesus to do what you cannot. He sees your dilemma and knows what needs to be done in a way that is most beneficial to you. Release your concerns and rest in the assurance that Jesus will undertake on your behalf, Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum and Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. (Sunday School begins at 10:00 a.m.). Worship at Greater Love Refuge Ministries means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior. Greater Love is conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance - red button. Parking is available for a nominal fee in Garage #1 on Darrow Place. Pastor Carol Landrum will celebrate her 60th birthday during afternoon worship tomorrow (Sunday) beginning at 3:30 p.m. The guest preacher for the afternoon is the anointed Rev. Dr. Betty Hosten, founder & pastor of Word in Heart Healing & Deliverance Ministry in Queens, NY. The Greater Love Choir will be in concert for the occasion. Chaplain Doreen G. Lesane, Domestic Violence Educator, Trainer, Founder of Sunshine in My Living Room and author of: “THRIVER: My Story to Tell: What Domestic Violence Taught Me and How I Learned to Live.” will hold an open forum on domestic violence at our Women’s Fellowship next Saturday, March 17th from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. There will be a book signing and a light Back to Eden lunch provided. RSVP required. “THRIVER” can be purchased on Amazon.

Schedule for Holy Week The commemoration of Holy Week begins on Sunday, March 25th (Palm Sunday) and ends with a time of reflection on Saturday, March 31st. The following is our schedule of services: Maundy Thursday (Foot Washing) service on March 29th at 7:30 p.m. On Good Friday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m., the Seven Expressions of Christ on the Cross. The speakers for the Seven Words of Christ are Chaplains: Carlene Hernandez, Gunjia Fullwood, Harvey Fullwood, Richard States, Elder William Yancey, and our sisters in Christ from Greater Love’s MOSAIC Women’s Ministry: Shanna Chapman and Alecia Benjamin. All are invited. Resurrection Sunday: Come out and celebrate our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, April 1st at 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be served. Weekly Schedule Church Phone: 347-920-5607 Adult & Children Sunday Morning Bible School, 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Continental Breakfast, 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship, 11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday), 12 p.m. Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class, Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Prayer – Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Prayer Line: Thursday, 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Dial 712-770-4010 – Access code: 527976) —Pastor Carol Landrum

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

Riverbay Provides Hearing-Impaired Shareholders With Special Accommodation Residents who are hearing impaired can, at no cost, request special accommodation from Riverbay Corporation for a light signal which notifies them when their bell is pressed in the lobby or someone is at their apartment door. The Riverbay electrical shop installs specialized modules in the apartments of shareholders who have difficulties hearing as a way of accommodating this particular segment of the community and improving their quality of life. This issue was raised about three years ago at a meeting of the Riverbay Board’s Disability and Accommodations Committee (DAAC), chaired by then-First Vice President Linda Berk. And, upon further investigation, it was learned that Riverbay was already providing the service. "There are so many shareholders living in Co-op City with hearing impairments, it is great news to know that we can provide a way to accommodate the hard of hearing with notice that there is someone at their lobby door,” Ms. Berk told the Co-op City Times in October 2015 when the paper first reported on this issue. “For those of us who don't have hearing problems, it's hard to appreciate how monumental this is for the hearing impaired community. Many thanks to the Riverbay staff for finding a way to solve this problem." Eddie Diaz, foreman in the Riverbay Electrical Shop, said that he has been installing these devices in the apartments of shareholders who contact their respective Cooperator Services Office (CSO) for the accommodation. The device is essentially a transmitter that is BY ROZAAN BOONE

installed in the affected shareholder’s apartment which triggers illumination of a designated light within the apartment when the bell is pressed in the lobby. In addition to the connection to the lobby bell, Diaz also installs a second device to the shareholder’s apartment door which also causes a light close to the door within the apartment to flash when the apartment doorbell is pressed. “The device is a trigger device being used by many homeowners to convert their homes into ‘smart’ home relatively quickly and inexpensively,” Diaz explained. “Instead of rewiring the entire apartment, we use the existing electrical wiring and plug the device into the nearest outlet and then that device sends a signal to another module plugged into another area of the house. You could install either a lamp or radio to it since the module has a plug. The particular device that we use powers up the bulb, so we could attach any strobe light or a lamp, you don’t even have to go out of your way to buy anything special.” The module within the apartment that Diaz refers to is mobile and can be plugged into any outlet in whichever room the shareholder will be in so they will be able to see the flashing light once the lobby door is pressed. In the case of the apartment door bell, Diaz installs a button on the outside of the apartment door which causes the strobe light to turn on when the button is pressed by someone on the other side of the door. “Lou Loscalzo and the staff in the electrical shop have always provided this service to shareholders for as long as I can remember,” said Diaz. “We are constantly researching new technology and have knowl-

edge about what is required, what industry standards are, and what options are available to us given our operation.” Diaz said that the new lobby intercom that will eventually be installed throughout the development may have a similar module built in for the hearing impaired. “Those intercoms have a unit already included which is ADA compliant which will make it easier going forward,” said Diaz. “We will still have to install the device at the shareholder’s apartment door, however, but not the one that connects to the lobby door.” Diaz also added that the electrical shop is also capable of installing a similar device connected to a strobe light which is triggered when the land line in the shareholder’s apartment rings. This service is available to any shareholder who is hearing-impaired. The shareholder will first need to either call or walk into their respective CSO who will provide them with a “Co-op City Rules and Permit Application for ‘Reasonable Accommodation’ (Other than service animal)” package. The application has to be completed and returned to CSO, along with the required documentation. Then, it will be evaluated by Riverbay management before being returned to the Legal Department who will then authorize the Riverbay electrical shop to contact the approved shareholder and proceed with making the appointment to get the work done. Any shareholder who is hearing impaired and would like the device installed in their apartment should begin the service request process so as to be placed on a waiting list for available appointments.


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018

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On the first and third Thursday of each month, the MetroCard bus will be at the Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd. (in front of the Bingo Hall and the eyecare center), from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop (Park on Debs Place) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop (Elgar Place) from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. enabling customers to sign up for or refill their Reduced-Fare MetroCard, purchase or add money to an existing MetroCard, and purchase E-Z Pass On the Go tags. The MetroCard Bus does not operate on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Re-installation of any types of Blinds. Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors! Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. 3/17

“When you see me, You’ll know me.â€? Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

3/31

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 If you SEE something, SAY something! www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc


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Co-op City Times / March 10, 2018


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