Co-op City Times 01/03/09

28

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2009 Co-op City Times

Vol. 45 No. 1

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BY ROZAAN BOONE Co-op City shareholders have until this coming Monday, January 5, 2009 to send written comments to the State of New York’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) about the proposed 6% carrying charge increase slated for February 1, 2009.

Comments should be mailed to Ricardo Cabodevilla, Housing Management Representative, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Housing Management Bureau, 25 Beaver Street – 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004 In addition, a conference has been scheduled by DHCR for Friday, January 9, at 10 a.m. in Auditorium A of the Dreiser Community Center, for “cooperators, the housing company and other interested parties to discuss the financial data and proposed carrying charge increase and possible time frames for implementation,”

according to the DHCR notice to shareholders which was published in the Co-op City Times on December 6, 2008, along with the Riverbay Corporation Financial Reports. These financial reports are also available for shareholders’ inspection at their respective Cooperator Service Office (CSO). In addition to the December 6, 2008 issue of the Co-op City Times, notice of the increase was also posted on the bulletin boards in each building and townhouse.

Riverbay’s Board President Othelia Jones noted that although the state has once again scheduled the conference at an inconvenient time for shareholders who work, she encourages as many shareholders as possibly can to make every effort to attend and voice their opinion of the proposed increase in carrying charges.

(Continued on page 4)

Water main break results in blackout at DeFoe Townhouses

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New supervising engineer sees full co-generation operational by late spring

BY BILL STUTTIG Calling the Co-op City co-generation project one of the best conceived and constructed plants that he has seen in his more than 35 years of experience in overseeing energy generation projects, William May, a leading independent energy engineering consultant, said recently that he sees the plant fully operating in time for the start of the summer season.

“I love this project,” said May in an interview with the Co-op City Times last week, “because it was configured and built to meet the very specific, special needs of the community and it has done that extremely well. It is really a model for the rest of the industry because it is tailored so well to provide exactly what the community wants and needs.”

May, who came to the project as a supervising consulting engineer earlier this month, said that he will stay with the project as long as Riverbay needs and wants him. He added that he is determined to bring the plant up to full operation in the

coming months of 2009.

“I fully understand the frustrations within this community to have the plant operating,” May said, “but expectations for the project’s start-up were just too early.

When you are interconnecting an existing facility with major new components, you are always going to encounter unforeseen circumstances and it takes time to work through all these problems that are inevitable with any project of this size.”

May said that he sees his basic role here to be a consensus builder, someone who will work with the outside construction contractor and the internal operators to make sure that everybody is on the same page and working perfectly together.

“We will act methodically in making sure all the tasks required before the successful start-up of the plant are done.

Safety is the number one issue, safety for the plant and its staff, safety for the community and safety for the environment.”

(Continued on page 3)

2008: A year marked by both progress and setbacks 2008 saw significant progress on many fronts, including many of the capital improvements for the community that began four years before. While projects such as the massive window replacement and the building and roof repairs continued to move steadily towards their eventual completion in the near future, delays in the start-up of the cogeneration plant, a key element to Riverbay’s future financial projections, troubled many leaders and shareholders. The following is a recap of some of the key events which marked the last six months of this past year. Last week’s edition featured a recap of the first half of this year.

TRANSMISSION TUNE-UP

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34 ELECTRONIC IGNITION TUNE-UP FUEL INJECTION $

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Approximately half of the residents of DeFoe Place Townhouses lost power on Tuesday afternoon when a city water main broke at the wall leading into the basement causing approximately 4½ feet of water to flood the area, and power had to be shut down, as well as heat and domestic hot water so that repairs could be made. While the power shut down affected some residents, all residents experienced the loss of heat and hot water while personnel from Riverbay’s Power Plant, Maintenance and Construction Departments worked throughout the night and into the next morning to restore services. Power was restored around 9 p.m., the heating system went back online around 10:30-11 p.m., pipe repair was finished up around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and most of the domestic hot water was restored around 6-7 a.m. Wednesday. During the black out, the Commercial Leasing Department staff set up a room in the Dreiser Center where shareholders from the DeFoe townhouses were served coffee and pastries as they awaited the return of power and water. Public Safety and CSO staff were also on hand to relay updates to the residents as the work was being completed.

Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper said that although services have been restored, Riverbay will retain fencing at the location until next week so that the work can be monitored, as well as to analyze the grounds around the water main to ensure it is properly shored up and safe. “I want to thank the residents who were affected by this condition for their patience and cooperation and I would like to commend the men and women of the aforementioned departments who worked in unison in order to identify and correct the problem, while simultaneously working to inform and minimize the inconvenience to the shareholders,” he said.

Photo by Ralph Henriquez

July: Alarmed by the sharply rising energy costs, including a more than 20% rate increase for Con Edison customers, Riverbay continued its energy saving practices which included turning off every other light in public areas of the community. In addition, shareholders were asked to pitch in by reducing their usage of energy in any way possible, from turning off unused lights and appliances to using air cooling only in rooms that are occupied.

As Co-op City received the good news that the Co-op City Jewish Community Council would survive the city’s chopping block, another local

social service agency, the Gloria Wise Community Center, protested the threatened eviction of two after-school programs. Riverbay claimed their intention was not to evict the programs, but instead have them move to space in the community more proportional to the number of children attending the daily program.

The Independence Day fireworks display returned for the first time in five years on July 3rd. Shareholders were treated to a 30-minute display over the Hutchinson River. Lawn chairs were set up and local sports programs sold (Continued on page 2)

2

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Year in Review

CLASSIFIEDS

(Continued from page 1)

refreshments to raise needed funds.

Adler Place became a mock disaster scene on the evening of July 10th, as 35 local residents who volunteered to become certified emergency responders for the community were tested in skills ranging from putting out small fires to treating injured disaster victims. Many shareholders volunteered to pose as victims who needed emergency medical treatment. Aside from the testing of individual skills, the team was tested on its ability to communicate and coordinate with each other amidst the confusion of a disaster scene. All 35 volunteers passed the test and were sworn is as certified emergency responders the following week.

Nickhoulas Vitale, a former Co-op City resident who was the second defendant convicted in the bribery scheme involving a painting contract here, was sentenced to three months in prison and three months of supervised release.

The other defendant convicted as part of the scheme, former Riverbay President Iris Herskowitz Baez, began serving her six month term on July 1st.

Congressman Joseph Crowley intervened on behalf of the community to try to stop the U.S. Post Office from eliminating Saturday hours at two Co-op City postal substations during the summer months.

The Erskine Place entrance to I-95 south was finally reopened on July 25th after it was closed for nearly four months to allow repairs to be made to the highway as it crossed over the train tracks immediately to the south of Section 5. The highway entrance reopening eased some of the heavy traffic using Bartow Avenue to access the southbound highway.

Au gu st : Seniors in Co-op City got good news from New York City’s Department for the Aging when it increased the eligibility limits for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) to $28,000 per year. Residents here who are over 62 years of age and have less than $28,000 in income are exempt from paying future increases if they apply for the SCRIE benefits.

Barbara Elizabeth Brewster Whitehead, known to those in the community as “Lady Bess,” died suddenly in early August. Bess was an accomplished playwright, author and actress, who led the Dreiser Drama Group, a company of Co-op City seniors who regularly performed theater plays and skits for the community. Just months before her death, she directed seniors in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, which was then followed by a satire of the famous play called Madbeth in Purgatory.

One of her plays, Elegy to X, was performed at the National Black Theater Festival in North Carolina in 2007. Lady Bess also published a book in 2001 detailing her experiences in caring for her parents who suffered from the affects of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of loved ones from this community and elsewhere.

The 45th Precinct was assigned a new commanding

officer, Captain Dimitrios Roumeliotis, in early August.

Captain Roumeliotis introduced himself to the Co-op City community during this year’s National Night Out celebration in Co-op City, one of the best attended celebrations in New York City.

In mid-August, Public Safety reported that the community was having one of its safest summers in history as crime was down significantly here in all major categories through June, July and the first half of August.

One particular crime that was on the increase was graffiti. Management reported that graffiti was becoming more prevalent throughout the community and Public Safety was stepping up efforts to catch those responsible for this insidious type of vandalism.

Riverbay and community leaders met with representatives of the Transit Authority and the city’s Department of Transportation to convince them to run a portion of the Bx. 12 Select Bus Service through Co-op City. The service provides quicker access to the west Bronx, but residents here must go to Bay Plaza to pick up the bus. Transit officials promised to get back to the community on its request, but never did.

Co-op City lost power in eight buildings and three townhouse clusters early on the morning of August 22nd when a Con Edison feeder to the community failed. Power was restored to the affected buildings by late morning but the community operated under a power emergency for the rest of that day and night because it was forced to exist on only one feeder coming into the community until another feeder was brought online early the next day. Con Edison blamed Riverbay for the problem because they said that Riverbay was operating on two feeders, despite warnings not to, to facilitate work in the power plant related to cogeneration. Riverbay contended that the power failure was caused by the utility’s equipment failure and its delays in expediting approvals to the work going on in the Power Plant which the utility was aware of for months.

Sep t emb er : With the Section 5 Greenway fully restored, Riverbay held its Section 5 community fair on September 7th featuring a full array of games, vendors, music and informational presentations for the shareholders.

Truman principal Sana Nasser announced at the beginning of the school year that plans are being drawn up for the restoration of the Truman High School swimming pools. The pools have been empty since 1995, but repairs and reconstruction can begin as early as 2009, the principal said.

Co-op City youth sports organizations formed a coalition to work together on programs and funding that will benefit all programs. Charter members of the new sports coalition include the Co-op City Little League, the Zodiac Track Club, the Cowboys cheerleading and football programs, the Co-op City Tennis Club, a local girls softball team and a boxing program.

Riverbay simplified the procedures whereby residents

can file complaints or compliments regarding the activities of Public Safety officers. The move was part of a wide-ranging campaign to increase the level of transparency throughout Riverbay.

Mainly to help fund additional requirements involved with getting the cogeneration plants on-line in the near future, the Board approved the use of $5 million in reserve funds. Earlier in the year, the Board approved the use of $12.5 million of the corporation’s reserve funds.

Shareholders expressed frustration with the delays in the start-up of the cogeneration plant at a management forum on September 24th. Contractors charged with constructing the plant, said that stringent new requirements by city and state government agencies are the main cause of the required additional work which has caused the delays.

In mid-September, management announced that work on the restoration of the north sector Greenway would begin by the spring of 2009.

The Riverbay Board of Directors approved increased equity charges for new shareholders coming into the community. The new rates went into effect on December 1st.

All Co-op City schools received high grades in the annual assessment of school proficiency released by the city’s Department of Education. Two schools, P.S. 160 and P.S. 178, earned the highest grade possible largely because of the ability of both schools to work with underachieving students and significantly improve their reading and math proficiencies.

Oct ob er : Detectives from the 45th Precinct and the Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant on a home in Building 20 and arrested a man for allegedly dealing drugs from his apartment. Police became aware of the crimes after observations of an unusual amount of traffic going into the home.

Riverbay received nearly $1 million from the city’s Department of Finance believed to be credits on previous shelter rent tax credits related to the infrastructure improvements made in the community over the last four years.

In a similar vein, Riverbay applied to the Public Service Commission to participate in a program which pays communities for involvement in energy saving initiatives. The program is sponsored by New York State to encourage communities to reduce their reliance on the region’s electrical grid. C-Power, a leading power broker, said the move could mean more than $9 million being paid to the community each year when the cogeneration plant begins operating.

In mid-October, Public Safety revealed that more than 75% of the parking summonses that it was writing were for the illegal blocking of emergency vehicle access to the community’s buildings and public areas. “Just as we intended when we began lobbying the city for summons (Continued on next page)

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

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3

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Advertising Works! Call 1.718.320.3375

Combing Co-op City Caregiver support program in Co-op City The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) is hosting a support program for caregivers designed to help Coop City residents who are charged with providing care for a loved one who is unable to care for him or herself. Participants share their feelings and information and resources with other caregivers.

The program meets from 1 to 2 p.m. every other Tuesday in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. For registration information, call Frank Farkas at 718-365-4044.

Today is electronics recycling day at Pelham Bay Park Today, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Lower East Side Ecology Center will be accepting working and non-working computers (laptops and desktops), monitors, printers, keyboards, mice and cables, as well as TV’s and VCR’s (no wooden consoles models, only plastic cases) at Pelham Bay Park South as part of an electronic waste collection program.

Small household appliances such as microwaves, toasters, stereo equipment, radios and cameras are not acceptable.

Electronics account for 1% of the content of landfills by volume, but contribute up to 70% of the toxins found in landfills.

Those who would like to attend this event are asked to use the Middleton Road parking lot, off of Stadium Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. A tax deductible receipt for your donation will be available should you request one when dropping off your items.

This event is sponsored by the city’s Parks Department and hosted by the Friends of Pelham Park.

We wish all of our readers and advertisers a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Year in Review power and then finally were granted it earlier this year, the summons power has become an important tool for us in making sure that the streets remain clear and accessible to vehicles that provide vital, and in some cases, life-saving services for this community,” said Public Safety Commander, Deputy Chief Henry Milburn.

Two hundred trees were delivered to the community and planted along the Section 5 Greenway by staff from the Buildings and Grounds Department. The trees were provided through the New York City Million Trees Initiative. More than 1000 new trees are expected to be planted in and around the community over the next few years. In addition to the city trees, Riverbay harvested 100 more young trees provided through the Rye Conservancy. Those trees are housed in the community’s nursery this winter and will be planted next spring.

The Riverbay Board voted to temporarily stop payments to the outside cogeneration contractor until they finish the work required to make the long-overdue co-generation plant fully functioning.

In an unrelated manner, staff at the Power Plant discovered a noose placed inside the plant by unknown persons. In the weeks following, Riverbay worked with the Bronx District Attorney’s office to investigate and determine who placed the noose inside the plant and whether it represented a bias crime. The crime still remains unsolved.

For the first time in its history, Riverbay began making electricians available to residents for evening repairs. “There are many advantages to this new shift,” said General Manager Vernon Cooper. “To name a few, it is infinitely easier to repair exterior lighting and assess lighting needs at night when the electrician can actually see the conditions

Co-generation May added that among the tasks that lie directly ahead, is the cleaning of all components of the plant to ensure that construction residue and debris have been removed and will not impede the operation of any of the plant’s essential components.

He said that the community will feel minimum impact as the final preparations for full operation are made in the coming weeks and months. May noted that at some point, residents might see some release of steam from the plant, but that will be only for a short while and then there should be no impact on the community until that plant is fully operating before the start of this summer.

May said that most of the painstaking work that lies ahead in the months to come involves making and rechecking the numerous connections between the plant’s many components, the task of testing and retesting each component and their interaction with the rest of the plant, trouble-shooting any problems, correcting all of the inevitable problems no mater how minor and then final testing and bringing the

FRONT PA G E

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that exist. Also, the evening shift can continue work that was started during the day, but not completed because the job ran beyond the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule.”

Board Director Marie Heath and the Riverbay Youth Committee once again this year made Halloween safe and fun for everyone by hosting a massive costume party for the young people and then staging a haunted house full of thrills and chills and monsters and goblins all in the name of good fun. Again this Halloween, Public Safety reported no serious incidents of vandalism or violence.

Novem ber : Co-op City residents, young and old, began lining up at 5 a.m. for the chance to make Barack Obama the first AfricanAmerican man to be elected President of the United States. “It made me cry tears of joy when I saw all the people lining up early Tuesday morning,” said Democratic District Leader Shirley Saunders, “but despite the long wait, everybody was polite and happy, gracious and smiling because they knew their vote would be something truly historic.”

Riverbay and Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp., the contractor charged with completing Co-op City’s cogeneration plant, agreed to hire an independent engineer to assess the state of the project and determine what more needs to be done to bring the plant’s operation to fruition.

On November 19th, the Riverbay Board approved a 2–year budget which called for carrying charge increases in both February 2009 and 2010. The estimated increase for 2009 was projected at 6% and 4.5 % for 2010. Later in the month, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal projected that higher increases might be needed and a hearing on the mat-

ter has been scheduled for January 9th.

At the same meeting, the Riverbay Board approved borrowing an additional $10 million to be used from the community’s reserve fund to help continue ongoing capital improvements, specifically the replacement of windows, cogeneration and balcony repairs.

The Riverbay Sales Department announced in late November that the community had only 17 unsold units, its highest occupancy rate ever. “I think it’s incredible for a development of this size, with 15,372 apartments to have only 17 unsold units,” said Herb Freedman, principal of Marion Scott Real Estate, Riverbay’s managing agent. “It’s never been done anywhere. It’s absolutely unbelievable.”

The Riverbay Human Resources Department began a series of seminars for department supervisors and other management personnel designed to create new and better working relationships between supervisors and the staff and to reinforce the emphasis on putting the shareholders’ concerns and needs first.

Decem ber : The State of New York’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal notified the community that it projected a higher necessary increase in carrying charges than what Riverbay projected in its budget.

DHCR estimated that a 7.04 % increase will be necessary each of the next two years. Riverbay estimated that the budget could be balanced with just a 6% increase.

Riverbay announced that, beginning in January 2009, parking lease agreements of shareholders who are more than two months behind in paying their carrying charges or who violate the terms of the garage of occupancy agreement will be terminated.

(Continued from page 1)

plant up to full operation before the summer.

He emphasized that with any plant of this size and importance, the process cannot be rushed, but in the end, Co-op City will have the plant that it envisioned from the start, capable of producing up to 40 megawatts of power for the community and, in turn, selling that excess power to outside utilities in times of need to produce millions in revenue for the community and its shareholders in addition to the millions that will be saved from no longer having to depend on an outside utilities for the community’s energy needs.

All the permits to operate are fully in place, May said, and the regulating agencies will be on hand through the required testing procedures in the coming weeks and months and will give their final approval to the operation as each system completes its full set of tests.

“I will be with this project for as much time as is needed. If it requires my full time attention, then that is what it will receive,” May explained.

May is the owner of his own consulting

firm, Durfee Landing Company LLC, which consults and helps oversee the development of energy projects through the northeastern United States.

Prior to starting his own energy consulting company, May was the senior project manager to the New York Regional Interconnection Project, a 200 mile Transmission Development Project in upstate New York. Prior to that, he served as a site manager for General Electric Energy Services on several projects throughout New York and New England, was a development director on the Oak Point Energy Project in New Jersey and the Bronx, and was the Development Program Manager for the Astoria Energy Project, described as one of the first major in-city independent power generating facilities. Throughout a more than threedecade career, May has managed the development of several independent energy-generating facilities through the New York tri-state region and elsewhere including the development of hydro-electric facilities in Peru during the mid1990s.

4

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

DHCR Conference “I am looking forward to hearing what my fellow shareholders have to say on this matter,” said Jones.

“Basically, what they are saying is that we do not have enough funds with our current carrying charges to pay for our operations and so an increase is necessary.”

DHCR scheduled the conference with shareholders on Friday, and solicited their written input which must be postmarked by Monday, January 5, 2009, after Riverbay submitted an application for an increase in the maximum average monthly room carrying charges. The application asks for a 6% increase effective February 1, 2009, to be followed by a 4.5% increase to become effective on February 1, 2010.

The current average carrying charge in Co-op City is $172.61 per room, and the proposed 6% increase would raise this figure to an average $182.97 per room in apartments.

“It is important to point out that marginal carrying charge increases are necessary periodically in order to meet continual increases in costs associated with running a housing company and considering dramatic increases in fuel, other commodities, goods and services, caused by changes in the economy and other elements outside of our control,” said Cooper.

Although Riverbay has requested a 6% increase for next February, DHCR projection calls for a necessary one-time increase of 10.55%, effective February 1, 2009, or a 7.04% increase over each of the next two years.

DHCR’s projected increase is based on issuing a two-year budget using an adjustment factor of 87.5% (Shelter Rent 10% and Contingency, vacancy and bad debt 2.5%), with the DHCR projections subject to later DHCR review and revision. Any additional carrying charge increase ordered by DHCR will consider a DHCR Budget/Rent Review determination for Riverbay.

As stated in the notice to all cooperators of Riverbay Corporation on page 10 of the December 6th Co-op City Times, comments submitted by shareholders will be reviewed by DHCR accountants, attorneys and housing management representatives.

“After receipt of comments, additional analysis may be made of financial aspects of housing company operations and the financial schedules may be revised in light of information obtained.”

The notice to shareholders further states that after reviewing cooperators’ comments, DHCR staff will then make recommendations to the Commissioner regarding the carrying charge increase and the Commissioner, who has the power pursuant to provisions of the Private Housing Finance Law to fix carrying charges, appliance and parking charges, will make the final determination as to whether or not an increase is necessary and, if so, the amount required.

In determining the amount of the carrying charge increase, the DHCR Commissioner will consider “the extent to which the present carrying charges are sufficient to enable the housing company to meet its nec-

Church of God’s Children

(Continued from page 1)

essary expenditures, the vacancy rate, the size of the waiting list, the economic impact the carrying charge increase would have on the residents and the market demand for apartments in the housing development.”

Once the DHCR Commissioner makes a decision on the amount of the increase, each cooperator will receive a copy of the Commissioner’s determination in the form of a Carrying Charge Order, which will state the amount of the carrying charge increase, if any, and the Commissioner’s basis for the decision.

“The initial projected increases indicated by the State of New York’s Department of Housing and Community Renewal will be subject to further review after the conference and in the final analysis, may be less than that initially recommended by DHCR,” said Cooper. “In any event, it is also important to point out that even the projected increases are

25

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

smaller than those recently approved by DHCR at several housing companies under their supervision or jurisdiction.”

The last mandated carrying charge increase ordered by DHCR was a 5.8% increase that was implemented in September, 2007 after a conference was held in the Dreiser Auditorium where cooperators were given an opportunity to comment.

“Given the size of our development, along with very unique structural challenges associated with the period of time that the development was built, we must allow for added expenses,” said Cooper.

“Although we are addressing a number of structural issues that have existed for a number of years, we still have a lot more work to do and a number of structural concerns that we would like to tackle as soon as possible.”

Bishop Angelo & Nancy Rosario invite you to come and worship at Church of God’s Children Sunday at 9:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop – the lower level of Dreiser Community Center. 718-790-9120; church open for prayer, Tues.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pastoral care by appointment.

Order of service: Sunday Bible School for all ages – 11:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service – (English) – 1:00 p.m.

Sunday – Worship Service (Spanish) – 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday – Bible study for Adults – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday –Prayer Hour – 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

12-step program every Wednesday 7:00 p.m. at 159 Dreiser Loop Friday – Spiritual Warfare Studies – 7:00 p.m.

Fridays @ 10:00 a.m. - Bronxnet Channel 70.

New Year's Prayer and Meditation A prayer for reflection and meditation on personal and world peace.

"In the New Year may we remember Today's decisions shape tomorrow's outcomes That living each moment the best we can Creates a harmonious life.

May we remember

By holding fast to integrity Others see we are trustworthy.

When times are rough May we remember to turn in To our close and ready source of comfort.

On New Year's and every day May we remember that each new moment Can be a fresh beginning.

And may we especially remember that Personal peace preserved leads to World peace, well deserved."

– Bishop Nancy Rosario

Circle of Christ Church Hearts of Love Ministry of NY “Pressing towards the prize” Reverend Elisamuel “Sam” Colon and the Congregation of Circle of Christ Church would like to extend an invitation of love and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please join us for a time of adoring worship, praise and the Word of God. Allow the Lord to reach into your heart and help you see the road of light and joy.

Circle of Christ Church is a beacon which the Lord has lit onto Co-op City and it is our purpose as a Church and as children of God to serve, teach and bring forth the Gospel for all to hear and witness.

Focus Verse of the Week: The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. --John 1:4 Upcoming Events & Schedule Changes: • Sunday, January 4th at 11 a.m. – Communion Service: Please join us for a time of worship and praise as

we sit at the Lord’s table.

• Saturday, January 10th at 11 a.m. – Women’s Fellowship: Full Circle Life Enrichment Center, 2429 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY (2 blocks from Castle Hill Avenue) • Saturday, January 17th at 9 a.m. – Men’s Fellowship & Prayer Service: Full Circle Life Enrichment Center SCHEDULE OF SERVICE: Sundays: Worship Service** 11 a.m. start Children’s Church (4 - 12 years old) 11 a.m. start Fridays: Bible Study and Prayer*7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Topic: The Call to Follow Christ) Youth Fellowship/Bible Study 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Topic: The Bible from Genesis to Revelations) Saturdays: Women’s Fellowship, January 10, at 11 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship, January 17th at 9 a.m.

F Y I: • You can submit your prayer request online at

prayer@circleofchristchurch.org or give your request to an usher during Friday or Sunday services.

• Circle of Christ Church has opened Children’s Church on Sundays for ages 4 through 12. Please see Sister Diane Torres or Judy Melendez for more information or if you are interested in volunteering.

• The “Little Lambs Ministry” has opened for all parents with small children ages 2 through 4 years of age. The children will be cared for during service after worship. See Sister Esther Colon or Sis. Lynn Afanador for more information. Please pack a snack for your child.

Please mail all your inquiries or donations to the following address: Circle of Christ Church, 1304 Beach Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472-1909; 718-864-4002 Service Location: 2049 Bartow Avenue – Bartow Community Center, Room 31, Bronx, NY 10475.

Website: www.circleofchristchurch.org.

Harvest Restoration Ministries Pastor Anthony Davis and Pastor Andrée Davis, cofounders of Harvest Restoration Ministries, Inc., extend to you a warm invitation to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us.

We are a community oriented non-denominational church that preaches and teaches the Bible in an exegetical style. Our focus is to teach members of the ministry to use biblical doctrines in a practical sense to be a blessing to both the home and the community.

We are establishing nursing home ministries in the local area, as well as a Christian fraternity called FBIC (Firm Believers in Christ). The fraternity will be geared towards teaching men to take responsibility in the care and development of their families and community.

We also have the Tahilla Karar Praise Dance Ministry, which seeks young people of the community to come and join that they may learn to praise God and express themselves through the art of praise dance in our yearly Gospel

Concerts.

We meet at: 177 Dreiser Loop Community Center, Room 10.

Order of Services Sunday School – 11:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:30 p.m.

Family Night – 7:30 (on selected Fridays) Children’s Church – every 2nd Sunday of every month Communion – every 1st Sunday of every month Announcements 2/17/09 – Pastor Anthony Davis sponsors a “Boys’ Night Out” by taking the young men of Harvest to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks vs. The San Antonio Spurs at 7:30.

4/18/09 – Harvest Restoration presents: The “Ten Bridesmaids” play in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium.

Tickets: $10. (Time TBA)

5/9/09 – Harvest Restoration, along with JAIS Entertainment Enterprises co-sponsors a Gospel Jam in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. Tickets: $10. (Time TBA) For more information, please log on to our website at: www.harvestrestoration.org or call us at (718) 690-4974.

C h r ist m a s Tr ee Disp osa l Please wrap or bag your tree so that the falling pine needles will not pose a trip hazard or clog the elevator door tracks.

Kindly place your tree under your building’s portico directly outside the ash cart room.

Thank you for your cooperation.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season.

--Riverbay’s management

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24

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Reflections

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue After a long and bitter presidential election campaign, the political cease-fire between the parties has given us not only a respite from harsh rhetoric, but an opportunity to take stock of the state of our democracy.

Though those who supported the Republicans are, no doubt, disappointed by the outcome of the vote, there is no question that the election of an African-American as president is a watershed event in American history that is something in which we can all take satisfaction.

Ours is a nation that was, as Abraham Lincoln put it, "conceived in liberty." But it was burdened by the horror of slavery,

and after that evil was ended, by the sin of racial segregation and discrimination.

Though legislation and judicial decisions put an end to "Jim Crow" laws decades ago, the election of Barack Obama puts an official period on this tragic aspect of the life of our nation.

Obama's win is the living-proof that, though still flawed, we have now become a nation where people are not, in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s memorable phrases "judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

No matter whom you may have voted for in the presidential election campaign, this realization of King’s dream for America is a victory for all of us.

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5, 115 Einstein Loop, welcomes you to pray with them.

NOTE: Regular office hours on Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and on Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, January 9 is no later than 4:28 p.m. Shabbat ends today Saturday, January 3 at 5:25 p.m.

Coming Events: The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship.

End of Year Party--January 1st: CANCELLED Much to our regret, the January 1st end of the year party has been cancelled due to lack of participation. We are so sorry! We wish all a healthy New Year.

Sunday, January 4 at 1:30 p.m.--Sisterhood sponsors a great afternoon of Bingo. The cost is $30 and includes refreshments. Hope to see you here!

Monday, January 5 at 1:00 p.m.-Sisterhood General Membership Meeting Sunday, January 18 at 1:30 p.m.-Sisterhood is sponsoring a card and dessert party.

Good and Welfare: Happy birthday and anniversary greetings

to all who are celebrating during January.

We all are wishing a very Happy Birthday on January 19 to Adele Elliot. Have many more for lots of years to come.

This past weekend was both happy and sad. The happy part was the beautiful Kiddush that was tendered in honor of Rabbi Melvin Sachs and the Rebbitzen Sharon. It was well received and appreciated by the honorees. In order to continue the happy, we had our Annual Chanukah Party and served the traditional Chanukah fare of hot potato latkes and donuts and plenty of noshes. We sang songs appropriate to the holiday and heard the tale of “T’was the Night Before Chanukah.” Everyone went home with a raffle prize and a sack of “Chanukah Gelt” (chocolate coins). Now for the Sad. Rabbi Sachs has been with Traditional Synagogue for the past 15 months and has enriched our lives with his wisdom and caring ways. He has touched each of us in a special way and we thank him for his guidance. We are happy that he has found another position in Rivervale, NJ and wish him and his lovely wife, Sharon, good luck in all that they do. The Board of Traditional Synagogue and members presented a gift of thanks to the Rabbi.

Shalom!

—Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

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5

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Co-op City Jewish Center We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City looking for a conservative synagogue that all are welcome to our Saturday 9 a.m. service. Try to take a Saturday and come to services when you can.

Donations are always in order. Frieda

will be in the office Monday from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Get well wishes to all who are ill.

For information regarding the synagogue or questions, please get in touch with Frieda Epstein at 671-3679.

Happy & healthy new year to all.

—Frieda Epstein

Co-op City Jewish Center Sisterhood We hope you all had a very Happy Chanukah Holiday.

Monday game days will continue as usual for your pleasure. There is always room for new players, canasta, mahjong, rummy-O, etc.

For a $3 donation, you can enjoy company and refreshments. Hoping to meet new players and members.

You may call Frieda for any other information at 718-671-3679.

—Frieda Epstein

Fire Safety Tips for cooperators HOME OR HIGH-RISE FIRE • If you smell smoke or the smoke detector goes off, call the Fire Department and activate the nearest pull-station at once.

• Before you open the door, feel the door by using the back of your hand.

• If the door is hot or warm, DO NOT open the door.

• If the door is cool, open it just a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke, DO NOT leave.

• If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door. Go directly to the stairs to leave.

• If you can’t escape, use wet towels or tape to seal the door and any room supply vent.

• If you have a balcony and there is no fire below it, go out.

• If there is fire below, go to the window.

DO NOT open the window, but stay near the window.

• If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near the open window.

• Hang a blanket or a towel out of the window to let people know that you are there and need help.

• Be calm and wait for someone to rescue you.

• NEVER use the elevator.

COOKING FIRE • Call the Fire Department immediately.

• Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a

grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools.

NEVER carry the pan outside.

• Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. NEVER use water or flour on cooking fires.

• Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE • DO NOT enter a fire-damaged building unless authorities say it is OK. • When entering a fire-damaged building, look for signs of heat or smoke.

• Have an electrician check your household wiring before the current is turned back on. DO NOT attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself. Leave this to the Fire Department and other authorities.

• Beware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair.

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, if you need housing, food, or personal items, which were destroyed in the fire.

• Call your insurance agent. Keep records of all clean up and repair costs.

• DO NOT throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.

• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.

• Secure personal belongings or move them to another location.

Co-op City still stands as a viable community As we enter a new year, I wish everyone the best in the days and months ahead. I look forward to the new year and will continue to do my part to keep Co-op City moving forward. All one has to do is pick up a newspaper or turn to the news on television and you will be bombarded with horror stories and disasters from all sides, with people of all walks of life suffering. Whether it’s the stock market or the slumping housing market, I, for one, am grateful to be able to call Co-op City my home. We have so much, and if one compares with any degree of honesty, we certainly remain the best housing buy in New York City and the surrounding region.

We’ve encountered bumps and obstacles and challenges in recent years, but Co-op City is still standing as a viable community within the Mitchell-Lama housing program. The key to all this, of

Director’s Viewpoint

Al Shapiro Treasurer

course, is the refinancing we successfully obtained with New York Community Bank. That major accomplishment enabled us to pay off our mortgage to the State of New York’s Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and also allowed us to start work on a number of capital improvement projects, such as installing new windows and repairing our collapsing garages.

Also of great importance is the fact that we were able to eliminate some $153 million in alleged arrearages the state claimed we owed for construction repairs, even though there was no record or documentation of any such work being done. This was quite a victory for us in Co-op City and could not have happened

without the energy, effort and help provided by former Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman. I know $153 million may sound like an abstraction that is hard to imagine in real terms, but those alleged arrearages represented actual money which the state not only wanted, but also expected us to pay. For anyone to believe, much less assert, that the state is our friend, simply is not dealing with reality.

As usual, a small group of vocal rabble rousers will continue to complain that Co-op City is all doom and gloom, which makes me wonder, why they don’t move somewhere else if they really think everything is so horrible here. The belief that the State of New York will come to our rescue and we will never ever need a carrying charge increase is a false one, a complete pipe dream, a fantasy. Just consider, if Gov. Paterson wants and needs millions from Washington to help bal-

ance the State of New York’s budget, it’s hard to envision legislators in Albany ever bestowing money on Co-op City, it’s just not within the realm of possibility at this given time.

Folks, it ain’t going to happen. We’re on our own, and I think we’re doing pretty well under the leadership of President Othelia Jones.

Another development of note is that Co-op City has a record low number of vacant apartments. Families are moving here, and people in the NewYork City area recognize what a great place Co-op City is to live. Even during tough economic times, things are good in our community. And for those who seem to be obsessed with tearing Co-op City down, why do such people never have anything constructive to offer or say about anything?

Once again, I want to wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year.

Residents urged to obey city’s recycling regulations

BY ROZAAN BOONE Riverbay’s Cooperator Service Office (CSO) continues to remind shareholders of the importance of properly disposing of garbage in the compactor rooms, especially when it comes to recyclables.

“It is very important that every cooperator abides by these rules as they will help Riverbay tremendously in our efforts to adhere to the city’s recycling regulation,” said Juanita Net, Riverbay’s Director of CSO. “Failure to do so will result in fines to Riverbay, which in the end, the shareholders end up paying. As the corporation attempts to comply with the rules, we expect each cooperator to be good neighbors and do their respective part.”

Net advises that all recyclables should be washed and placed in the plastic bag in the compactor room before being left for the porters to cart away.

No raw garbage, plastic bags or cans should be left on the floor of the compactor room. Only newspapers and magazines should be left on the shelf in the compactor room. All bulk items, such as cardboard boxes of any kind and sizes, including pizza boxes, must be taken down to the lower ash cart room in the basement.

“Cooperators must comply with New

York City’s recycling regulations,” said Net. “Failure to do so will result in a community complaint and a fine of $125 if the cooperator is identified.”

Riverbay’s Cooperator Service Office (CSO) has three branches in each of the three community centers—Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein—which are charged with providing essential services to residents of Co-op City in a timely and efficient manner.

These services run the gamut from maintenance to social work, and each CSO office is staffed by an Area Manager, Assistant Manager, Secretary and two maintenance service representatives.

In addition to inspecting damaged apartments, walls and floors due to fire or floods, CSO staff take floor measurements for replacement and follow up with the flooring and plastering/painting departments, as well as with the Risk Management Department for personal damages to apartments which result from fire, air conditioning leaks and pipe breaks.

CSO processes requisitions and work orders for disbursement to Maintenance, as well as other departments, on a daily basis based on cooperators’ requests for services, for example, window replacement, tub re-

glazing, tub liners, lobby glass and apartment window glass replacements.

They allocate hall closets to cooperators interested in such rentals and maintain the waiting list for those rentals. In addition, CSO prepares lease agreements for shareholders with freezers and dishwashers and forwards all pertinent information to the Rent/Bookkeeping office.

Senior residents who require social services assistance are referred by CSO staff members to in-house case worker at JASA’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program. The CSO staff document these cases through the preparation of confidential reports.

(Continued on page 5)

Co-op Sales Servicing Co-op City since 1969

www.co-opsales.info · Tub Enclosures

· Range Hoods

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6

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Letters to the Editor

Co-op City Times

Complete the feasibility study To t h e E d it or : When it comes to ways of minimizing carrying charge increases, all options should be on the table.

That's why it is important for the feasibility study to be completed. The feasibili-

ty study will either prove or disprove the idea that Co-op City can become a conventional cooperative.

The "flip tax" levied on the sale of an outgoing shareholder could be used as revenue by the Riverbay Corporation. This

would be a brand new source of income for Riverbay apart from carrying charges.

But we will never know if this could become a reality unless the Board of Directors completes the feasibility study.

—G a r y G elesk i

To t h e E d it or : I’d like to say a special thanks to all the kind and caring people in Co-op City who give a hand to the handicapped and other people. I am a large man in a wheelchair. They hold the two doors so

that I can get in and out of the building.

However, I have observed that going to the Bartow Center, the sidewalk is very bad.

It would be good if Riverbay made a path on the outside at one side of the

playground with a yellow line for people in wheelchairs, and those with walkers and canes.

Also, at the garage side walkway, there is no ramp to go up or down.

—F r a n k C a r b on a r o

Shareholders urged to update contact information 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, 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 notarized before being 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 as well.

Notice to shareholders—Phone Tree Please be advised that auto- or to follow-up after appointmated phone calls to remind resi- ments will be suspended until the dents of restoration appointments new computer system can supply

the necessary information.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and patience.

Christmas Tree Disposal Please wrap or bag your tree so that the falling pine needles will not pose a trip hazard or clog the elevator door tracks.

Kindly place your tree under your building’s

portico directly outside the ash cart room.

Thank you for your cooperation.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season.

—R ive r b a y’s m a n a ge m e n t

Building Lease Renewal Notice Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 19 and Asch Loop Townhouses Regarding Lease Renewal Article SIXTH of your to submit for either a one (1) year be moving out at the end of your Occupancy Agreement provides, or two (2) year lease. You must lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, in part, that your lease automati- submit your completed form for a Attention: Sales Support Office, cally renews for an additional three short-term lease no later than thir- 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY (3) year period. You need to do ty (30) days before the expiration 10475, ninety (90) days prior to nothing if you want your lease to of your present lease. If you will lease expiration. extend for another three New Three (3) Year Late Date to Request (3) year period. If you Current Lease either a One (1) or Expiration Date desire a lease of less Expiration Date Two (2) Year Lease than three (3) years, Building 19 you may call 718-320140 Alcott Place March 31, 2009 March 31, 2012 March 2, 2009 3373 to request a form Asch Loop Townhouses

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Derek Alger

Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig

Associate Editor

Jennifer Flynn

Operations Manager

Thanks for caring

23

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Ralph Henriquez

St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 3200844.

Weekly Schedule: Sunday: Service 9 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.; Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m.

Friday: Youth Group 4 - 6:00 p.m.

Young Adults 6:30 - 9 p.m. The Sunday School leads services every fourth Sunday and the

Production Manager

Mary Ann Sowah Graphic Artist

Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar Advertising Sales

Deborah Harris Editorial Assistant

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give every one a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Letters cannot exceed 350 words.

Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor.

All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times.

Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Coop City Times must be obtained in writingCCT from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 >PickUp Art >SendUsUrLettrz.eps Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Send us your

Letters!

Young Adults lead services every fifth Sunday.

Upcoming Events Saturday, July 26 and every other Saturday following, the boutiques will open from 12- 4 p.m. We have a wide variety of items ranging from jewelry to items perfect for yourself or someone special in your life.

Have a safe and Happy New Year. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (Psalm 147).

Praise the Lord, everyone! God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! We thank Him for waking us up this morning. We thank Him for a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on our tables. We trust that everyone is having a good holiday season thus far.

Let’s go into the Word of God. We’re going to look at scripture that talks about love, unity, and humility. We are coming from the book of Philippians 2:1-11 in the Living Bible.

1 Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help me? Does it mean

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anything to you that we are brothers in the Lord, sharing the same Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all?

2 Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing whole heartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.

4 Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.

5 Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ,

occasion cards 25 cents each, Christmas cards 20 for $2, Christmas wrapping paper. Soft covered books 5 for $1 and hard covered books for $1 each. For a nominal donation, you can purchase an in-memory-of or in-honorof cards.

As of January 1, 2009 dues are due.

If you wish to join our organization, come into the office and fill out a membership application.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish our readers a very happy holiday and a happy, healthy New Year.

Get well wishes to those who are ill.

— A r l en e D e r m a n s k y

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6 who, though He was God, did not demand or cling to His rights as God, 7 but laid aside His mighty powers and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.

8 And He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Yet it was because of this that God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name which is above every other name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Invitations: Come out and fellowship with us on Sunday mornings. Our church doors open at 10 a.m. We have Bible School, followed by Worship Service.

There is Prayer Service on Saturdays at 3 p.m. All are welcome.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop on the lower level of shopping center #1. Our phone # is (718) 671-3627. Please call if you have any questions. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—M in . Ver n on L it t le

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Once again, we are asking Co-op City to come to our aid. Please help us pay for the repair on the van. Without the van, our clients cannot get to their doctor appointments. Any donation you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Our van operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 718-320-2069 to make your reservations.

We have an Invacare Pronto R/2 motorized wheelchair for sale. Stop by the office and check it out.

Our flea market is open all year round, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have many items for sale. There are all

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22

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite the community to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children will be held at 9:15 a.m. Bible class and prayer service is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study also is held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and at 7:30 p.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 on the lower level. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org to find out about our ministries and programs. For your travel needs, please visit www.ccbctravel.com.

“Feast Delivers,” hosted by the Just For Men Ministry, invites everyone to participate. Make your selection by circling the item(s) on the menu. Add $5 to

your total as a service charge and bring your receipt at pick-up time. The deadline for payment is January 4th and distribution will be at the church on Saturday, January 10th from 11 a.m. to noon. This month, the feast has a ham dinner special for $20. Checks are accepted, made out to the Co-op City Baptist Church. Call the church for additional information.

"Save the Date" - Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009 for the Ultimate Dining Cruise. We are inviting everyone to join us for dinner on the "Elegant Spirit Cruises" hosted by the Building Fund Ministry of the Co-op City Baptist Church. The cruise will be a three hour tour of the beautiful New York Skyline. Price: adults (aged 12 and above) - $125; children age 2 - 12 $55. We invite you to join us for good food, good music and good fellowship. A $25 non-refundable down payment is required. Final payment is due April 1, 2009. For

further information, call the church at 718-320-3774.

The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center’s Saturday Tutoring Program offers small group tutoring for students in the 2nd to 5th grades in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. The tutoring program will not be held on Saturday, January 3. The program will resume on Saturday, January 10.

We will be offering preparation for the 3rd, 4th, and 5tth Grade Math State tests which will be held in March.

Tutoring is held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 51 (lower level). Registration will be available during program hours the first two weeks of each month.

For additional info., call 718-671-8449 or 917-620-2859.

The Co-op City Baptist Church family extends wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed New Year to the Co-op City community.

– Hattie L. Lucas

Pentacostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend worship service at 120 Benchley Place Building 24 (street level).

Sunday School for all ages at 10:30 a.m. Mid-Day Service begins at 11:30 a.m. Sunday evening Evangelistic service begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night prayer begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday night Bible Study starts at 7:30 p.m.

If you are traveling by bus, take the #26, 28, & QBX #1 to Co-op City Blvd. to Bellamy Loop, turn right at Benchley Place to Building 24. By car, turn right on Bellamy Loop, then right at the stop sign at Benchley Place to Building 24.

The Work of the Spirit. As Christians, we are called to reverence (have a profound awe and respect for) the work of the Holy Ghost. Our appreciation and respect for the working of the Holy Ghost is evident by our words

and actions, which are a true and accurate reflection of our heart.

Focus Verse: Matthew 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

The Holy Ghost is powerful! By the Holy Spirit, there is preaching, healing, deliverance, and liberty. The Spirit helps our infirmities, intercedes on our behalf, and gives power for signs, wonders, and witnessing. The Holy Spirit comforts, washes, sanctifies, justifies, leads to truth, and produces good fruit in our lives. The Holy Ghost is truly wonderful. Jesus demonstrated the power of the Spirit of God when He healed the man who was blind, deaf, and possessed. Through the Spirit He healed, discerned, and had boldness to confront the Pharisees.

However, the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out dev-

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1871 Our monthly meeting will be held on January 8, 2009 in Room 0 at 11 a.m. in Dreiser Community Center.

On January 23 and 24, 2009, several members will be attending the mid-winter conference of the American Legion Auxiliary at the Albany Marriott Hotel. Our national President, Desire Story, from Bellville, Ohio will be the guest speaker.

Membership motto is to give service not to self. We are recruiting for members to join our unit to carry the conference theme of 2009 — Hope: Honoring Our Promise Everyday. Our veterans need our devotion with our regular volunteers to V.A. Hospital and to the community services.

We are venturing into a dynamic, challenging era of our world with a new President–elect Barack Obama.

Wishing you a blessed, healthy and joyous New Year.

– Olive Glasgow

45th Precinct - 2877 Barkley Ave., Bronx, NY 10465 -

Tel. (718) 822-5411 Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers (Spanish) Cop Shot Missing Persons Case Status Operation Gun Stop Organized Crime Control Bureau Sex Crimes Report Line

at Bay Plaza - Serving the Community

Love

Life

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ils by the prince of devils. Jesus then proceeded to systematically destroy their accusation and bring them to a place of decision. Jesus called them to decide on whose side they would be. The consequence of denying His power and attributing the works of God to Satan would result in their eternal damnation if they did not repent.

The real issue was a matter of the condition of their hearts. Jesus admonished them to observe the fruit in their lives because it indicated the condition of their hearts. Our attitude toward the work of the Spirit is evident by our words and our actions. As we walk after the Spirit, good fruit manifests itself to the world as a testimony to the good that lives in us. Lives are transformed as they come to realize the glory and the power of the Holy Ghost.

For further information, call Rev. Richard Sibblies at (718) 324-0334 or 718-320-4218.

Important N.Y. Police Department Phone Numbers:

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1-800-577-TIPS 1-888-57-PISTA 1-800-COP-SHOT 1-646-610-6914 1-866-GUNSTOP 1-888-374-DRUG 1-212-267-RAPE

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7

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

(718) 320-3774 SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:15 AM WORSHIP SERVICES - 8:00 & 11:00 AM PRAYER SERVICE - WEDNESDAY NOON BIBLE CLASS - WEDNESDAY 7:30 PM

COMMUNION SERVICE EVERY FIRST SUNDAY. YOUTH DAY EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US.

Co-op City Toastmasters Club Members and friends, please make a note that meetings for January have been changed. Due to the new year, January meetings will be Thurs., Jan. 8th and Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The regular meeting schedule, first and third Thursday, will resume in February.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our last meeting of the year and holiday party because you helped make it a great success. If you missed the meeting, you also missed the fun we had, as well as two exciting speeches.

Warren Maye gave Speech #2 entitled, Soldiers of Uncommon Valor, also the title of his recently published book, and Wendy Britton gave Speech # 4 entitled Professor, I know Thee Not. Both speeches were moving

and informative and held the audience absolutely engaged.

Wendy, a professional "signer," enthralled us with her signing abilities as she "signed" alongside Dorian King while he delivered the inspirational invocation.

Our club is very fortunate to have many such talented individuals and you can become a part of this distinguished club just by being over the age of 18 and attending a meeting. We come together twice a month to learn from one another, encourage one another and support one another in our individual quest to improve communication and leadership skills. I ask you, where else can you get this proven method of training at such

an economical cost?

Coming up is our club-sponsored speech contest in which the more proficient speakers, as well as those a little less proficient, get an opportunity to compete with others at the local level. Many leadership skills are enhanced by participating in a speech contest. Stay tuned for more information or log on to WWW.toastmasters46.org for additional Toastmaster information.

We wish each and every one a very healthy and happy New Year 2009. We also hope this will be the year that you decide to take that first step towards becoming a better public speaker and leader by visiting one of our meetings.

– L. Jaysura

Stay Alive - Don’t Drink and Drive!

Broun Place Townhouse Association With this, the first article of 2009, we look forward optimistically and with new enthusiasm to the transition in the White House.

Back to basics…if you were lucky enough to have a “real” tree, please dispose of it by wrapping it and bringing it to your respective dumpster site. Riverbay will pick it up for recycling. Due to the weather, the selection and distribution of our ”for members only” holiday gift is delayed. Broun Place is lit up for the holiday and at night sparkles, but please remember to turn your holiday lights off in the daytime.

Olivia and Yvonne are researching bus trip options for the spring.

Sorry to say, it has come to our attention that some cooperators who have gotten “satellite TV” have not installed the dish according to Riverbay rules. If you decide to purchase “satellite TV,” first you should call the CSO, 718-320-3405, 3406. You will be subject to a community complaint if you are reported to have installed the satellite dish incorrectly. Other community offenses subject to penalties are motorcycles parked on the sidewalk and garbage not being recycled correctly.

To everyone celebrating an event or anniversary, we extend congratulations. For those that are recovering from illness or accident, we wish you a speedy recovery. Should you have a particular problem, reach out to a Broun Place board member and see if we can direct you to getting assistance.

A happy and healthy New Year to all.

– Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Cooperator Services Offices: CSO 1 (Bldgs. 1-14, Carver, Debs and Defoe Pl. Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 3203453, Dreiser Center, Rm. 6 CSO II (Bldgs. 15-25: Adler, Asch, and Boun Place Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 3203403, Bartow Center, Rm. B CSO III (Bldgs. 26-35: Earhart Lane Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 3203591, Einstein Center, Rm. 37

8

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Recycling

(Continued from page 5)

Another important function of CSO is to process community complaints as they are received by logging and notifying the shareholder of such complaints through correspondence, and then forwarding the complaint to the Riverbay Board’s Cooperator Appeals Committee for a hearing, as well as attending these hearings if the shareholder requests their presence. In addition, CSO sends letters to shareholders for poor housekeeping, noise complaints, illegal appliances, throwing objects out of windows, mats outside of their apartment doors and dogs in the apartments.

“We are the information source for cooperators,” said Net. “In addition, we provide a wide range of services that many shareholders may not even be aware of.

Whenever there is doubt, call your CSO. We are the catalysts that will then go ahead

and disburse to every department. We make sure that we get back to the shareholders so that they don’t have to make fifty calls.”

New cooperators who may not be familiar with the CSO office and its services are given an information package during their Orientation session which includes the information on this office.

“In addition to the services already mentioned, we conduct face-to-face interviews with shareholders who have unresolved on-going issues,” said Net. “The CSO also sells small, over-the-counter items, such as towel bars, aerators, drawer rollers, hinges and glass shelves for medicine cabinets to cooperators and maintain an inventory of such items. So we provide a lot of services that cooperators need to familiarize themselves with.”

Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon

Cooper said, “The Cooperator Service Office is a vital part of the management operation for this community. Basically, cooperators can rely on this office to address their service requests, disseminate information regarding policies and procedures or just provide information about how management works.

Cooper added, “The CSO managers are seasoned individuals who work with and relate to the cooperators on a one-on-one basis primarily, but also in group settings, such as Association meetings. They are one of the departments that is instrumental in conducting inspections and subsequently, preparing reports to expedite needed repairs and make adjustments and revisions where needed. All in all, they are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the corporation because of their close relationship to the cooperators.”

According to Net, no appointment is needed and any cooperator can walk into the CSO office for service. In addition, they may also call their respective CSO or contact the office through the official Riverbay website, www.riverbaycorp.com “They can log onto us and we will go ahead and make out a Work Order accordingly,” said Net. Cooperators who live in Buildings 114, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, Room 6, at (718) 320-3453/54/55 and 56.

CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, Room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 320-3404/04/05 and 06.

CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in Room 37 in the Einstein Center.

The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3591/92/93 and 94.

TAPS—Final Salute

From the Garage Dept:

Senior Vice Commander William Tovbis of Building 20A and of the Jewish War Veterans Co-op City Post 500 died on December 22, 2008.

The Post gives him a final salute.

May he rest in eternal peace.

—Marvin M. Warm, Quartermaster

It’s come to our attention that cooperators parking their cars in the garages are not parking within the designated lines and are taking up space which prevents other drivers from entering or exiting their vehicle.

Say you saw it in the Co-op City Times Advanced De ntal G ro up Smile with WHITER! BRIGHTER! HEALTHIER TEETH!

Please be courteous to your fellow cooperator.

Park your vehicle within the lines.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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Co-op Insurance Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

21

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 28 years!

Riverbay Requires

Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your co-op is an investment worth protecting!

Protection to cover your belongings against: Fire Smoke Water damage from plumbing Vandalism/Riot

We offer:

Low Premiums Protective Device Discounts 55 & Retired Discounts

Certain personal liabilities/ Guest medical protection And so much more!

Auto-Home Discounts Convenient Hours/ Courteous Staff

The Wright Agency Contact Anthony Wright

We are conveniently located between Boston Road & Co-op City (near Eastchester Road) Hours: Owned & 1435 East Gun Hill Road Monday: 9 am - 8 pm Operated by Tuesday: 9 am - 8 pm Only blocks away from Co-op City!

Wednesday - Friday: Anthony 9 am - 5 pm Wright Saturday: 8 - 3

718-671-8000

20

On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone (718) 862-9172.

CHURCH SUMMER SCHEDULE Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Communion Service - Every first and third Sunday Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE AT THE CHURCH’S ANNEX: 2053 ASCH LOOP NORTH (CO-OP CITY) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” - every Friday (except 4th Friday) 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS: Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 a.m. – Sister to Sister Annual Breakfast. “Women United in Spirit Through Faith and Prayer.” Guest Preacher, Rev. Patricia Lawson,

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Community Protestant Church

National Council of Negro Women

The Riverside Church, New York City. All are welcome.

Sunday, January 11th, 3:30 p.m. -- Observance of Annual Official Boards’ Day. The Soul Sisters Reading Network will reconvene on Saturday, January 17, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at the Annex to read and discuss The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. This is an intense story of an evangelical preacher who moves his wife and four daughters from Georgia to a village in the Belgian Congo in 1959. The family drama is told in the voices of mother and daughters, as they seek to understand each other and the continent that tore them apart. A very interesting read! RSVP your attendance at cpcsisters@aol.com by January 15th.

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY Look where the Lord has brought us from! We will celebrate 40 years of steadfast, devoted Christian service on April 19, 2009. Many activities and programs are planned in observance of this great milestone in the life of our church and we invite the community to come and celebrate with us on the following dates:

Church of the Savior Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor, Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder, and Rev. McMillian Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, intercultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place - street level, (under Building 7 near Dreiser Loop). Take the 26, 28, 30 or QBX1 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif P1.

Winter is coming soon, bitter cold days, especially without a warm coat, this can be a health hazard for brothers and sisters who cannot afford a coat. Church of the Savior is collecting coats that are clean and in good

shape to be given to a person in need. Please bring your donation to the church at 120 DeKruif Place on Sunday, December 7 at 9:00 a.m. We thank you for your contribution.

Dr. Smith's Divine Message for January 4 is "What do you have to offer the Lord?" Scripture reading: Matthew 2:1-11.

Thought for the Week - "Worry ends where Faith begins."

Weekly Activity Thursday — 1:15 p.m.: A support group to persons who grieve the death of a spouse, significant other, child, brother, sister or treasured friend. All sessions are confidential. A caring environment awaits you.

For more information, call 1-718-320-0002.

Sunday, February 15th at 3:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Reverend Peter Wilson, Mount Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY. Saturday, March 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Anniversary Banquet at Villa Barone Manor Sunday, March 29th at 3:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service.

Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Phillip Joubert, Sr., Community Baptist Church, Bayside, NY Sunday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Community Protestant Church Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m. – Gospel Extravaganza For additional information, contact the church at (718) 862-9172.

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

We welcome women and men to join this historically distinguished organization. All that is required is your INTEREST, COMMITMENT, FOCUS AND INVOLVEMENT. CO-OP CITY NCNW ON THE MOVE: Gladys Osborne and her team have done a great job gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza.

Lori Melton, on behalf of NCNW, thanks all of you for your generosity in the giving of gifts as requested.

On Saturday, January 31st, our Book Club will be meeting in Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza Shopping Center at 3:30 p.m. to discuss “My Sister's Keeper,” by Jodi Picoult.

February 28, 2009, Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m., Black History Month - 8th Annual Youth Celebration: Dreiser Community Center 1, Auditorium A. Calling on all youth groups, choirs, steppers, dancers, poets, actresses, musicians, etc., who would like to volunteer their time and talent to participate in the celebration, please contact

Donizetti Building 4 Association

We had two beautiful holiday parties on Saturday, December 20, (children & adult) in the Association Room. I appreciate and thank all the wonderful cooperators that help in the decoration, food shopping, cooking, setting up the food, clean-up, etc. Also, the DJ was great and Panera Bread’s donation was wonderful.

Our casino trip on December 13, got off to a rough start, and was fixed within a short time. Thanks to all the cooperators and friends that supported me on all our trips. You are extraordinarily great people and without you, it could not have happen. I'll be talking to you in 2009.

Special thanks to Mr. Edgar Perez, Mr. Vernon Cooper and the Public Safety Department for your continuous assistance. Also, thanking Mrs. Reed’s (Broun Place Townhouses) daughter, Ms. Valdez.

This is your community, when you see something, say something.

Congratulations if you're celebrating a special day.

Condolences if you lost a loved one. Remember the sick and shut-in.

Your participation is louder than your voice.

— Anna Lucas

The building association will have a holiday brunch and all members whose dues for 2008 are paid up are invited.

If you haven’t paid your dues, you may do so at the brunch.

The Holiday Brunch will be held Jan. 10, 2009 in the meeting room (rear of 4B). The brunch begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Come down and join us in a fun day of playing games, listening to music, talking and eating.

We will start collecting building dues for 2009, starting the 23rd, 24th and 30th of January.

We are planning a tentative trip to Mohegan Sun in March. Would you be interested? Let me know.

Happy January birthdays (that’s me) and get well soon wishes to all of our sick and shut-in.

Happy and healthy New Year to all!! – Yvonne Burrus

Shareholders asked to notify Sales Office if receiving furniture delivery

BY ROZAAN BOONE Shareholders who are expecting new furniture delivery should notify the Riverbay Sales Office so that arrangements can be made to protect Riverbay’s property, in particular, the elevators, from damage.

According to Steve Gold, Riverbay’s Director of Residential Sales, as soon as cooperators have confirmed the date and/or time of delivery of their new furniture or appliances, even if they cannot get to the Sales Office right away, they should contact the office at (718)

9

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

320-3373, Ext. 3000, so that the information can be put into the computer and the Buildings and Grounds Department can be notified to pad the elevators and take any necessary precautionary measures to avoid scratches and other damages.

No permit needs to be issued, but the Sales Department must be notified so steps can be taken to protect Riverbay property by placing pads in the elevators.

If a shareholder has someone moving in or out the home, and moving their furniture with

C O O K I E ’S Quality OverNight and Weekend Child Care Certified and Licensed

Please Call Cookie at

them, the Sales Department again needs to be notified and in this case a permit must be issued before the move-in or out can be allowed to proceed.

Two years ago, Riverbay’s Board President Othelia Jones, then and current chair of the Board’s Cooperator Appeals Committee, brought to light the fact that shareholders were being issued community complaints and fined if their furniture arrived after 4 p.m. in adherence of a Board resolution which allows move in and move out traffic

only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

However, by Board resolution, shareholders who are expecting retail delivery of furniture or other household items, and can produce a valid invoice, bill of sale or other relevant document confirming that delivery, can continue to accept such deliveries beyond the 4 p.m. deadline.

“No shareholder will be fined or receive a community complaint if they receive furniture after 4 p.m.,” said General Manager Vernon Cooper.

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY 1659 EAST GUN HILL ROAD BRONX, NY 10469 REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR

(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179 CHURCH

An interdenominational Church of love and understanding, consisting of people of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds, seeking to live the spirit of Christ with relevance.

718-944-5711

CHURCH SCHEDULE WEEKLY:

And Arrange A Visit With Your Child’s Environment

3449 Edson Avenue, Bronx, New York 10469

CHURCH SCHOOL - 9:00 A.M. WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY - 11:00 A.M. BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY 7:30 PM

(Off Boston Road between Baychester & Grace Ave.)

MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Building 1 Association

Boxing program off to the second hit semester at Mosholu Center Chris Pinto, Director of Sports and Fitness at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, recently announced that the community center’s new boxing program for children, teens, and adults had a wonderful first fall semester and is now registering for the winter session.

Professional boxers teach the skills associated with the sport of boxing at the center on Saturdays afternoons, and Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m. Classes are broken down by age group.

On Saturday, January 10th, the center will hold an Open House where free demonstration classes will be held.

For complete information, call Chris Pinto at (718) 882-4000, Ext. 280 or the main desk at Ext. 0, or log onto www.mmcc.org.

Please submit your articles for clubs and organizations via email to:

cctimes

@riverbaycorp.com

Mrs. Melton at (917) 399-2643.

April 16 – 21, 2009, we invite you to join us on a trip to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Laughlin. We still have a few seats available. The price of this tour is $1,550 per person double occupancy & gratuities included. Please send your $250 deposit. The accommodations include: bus transportation to and from the airport; flight and air taxes; land tours with Tour Director; fully air-conditioned motorcoach; quality hotel accommodations; dinner in Laughlin and shows in Las Vegas. The balance of the trip is due by January 31, 2009. There will be no refunds after December 5, 2008. Not included: travel protection insurance at $119 – for those who chose to purchase this plan, you must do so with your initial payment. Please make checks payable to NCNW/Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, please call 718-671-4804, 718-671-6910 or 718320-2366. Don’t miss out on this special event.

Please begin to prepare for our Shopping Spree on

Saturday, May 9th. More information will follow as our flyers are produced and distributed.

September 15 - 28, 2009 – Plan your fall trip with us to Spain and Morocco. Come with us to the Casbah.

Thirteen (13) days and twelve (12) nights of travel visiting in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Tangier, Casablanca and more exciting cities of which you may have heard. This is a great tour for $3,500. For additional information, please call 718-862-9009 or 718-655-9034. Yes, we still have seats available.

NCNW also has a shopping website, please visit at www.shopNCNW.com. If you desire more information regarding travel and other events indicated, please connect with us online through our website: www.ncnwcoopcity.org. Our email address is: mail@ncnwco-opcity.org. Thank you and join us!

The National Council of Negro Women wishes each and every one of you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

– L. Holloway-Mills

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

African-American Association of Co-op City Happy New Year to all our members, friends and neighbors. We trust that 2009 will be happy, healthy and prosperous for you.

Association Meeting – The general membership meeting will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15. The new bylaws have been ratified and all members may receive a copy at that time. If you are unable to attend, you may send your membership dues of $15 for individuals and $25 for families, to our mailing address: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Kwanzaa Celebration – At the Kwanzaa Celebration last Saturday, we were proud to announce the establishment of the Kojo Adimu Research Library. Sen Ur Kojo Adimu is a long-time member of the Association and for about ten years has been the leader of the Communiversity of Afrikan-Centered Education. He is also a member of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC), has mentored at the Blue Nile

Rites of Passage Program and affiliated with the AllAfrikan People’s Revolutionary Party. We honor him for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to upholding our Afrikan history, culture and legacy.

Beginning in February, you will be invited to donate books to the Kojo Adimu Research Library and we will be happy to receive them.

A huge THANK YOU is extended to all who helped the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., of which the African American Association is a member, present the 12th Annual Kwanzaa celebration. You and all the attendees helped to make it a huge success.

FREE African Dance – The next dance workshops will be on Wednesdays, January 7th, 14th, and 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room #2. It is open to women, men, boys and girls, age 7 - 70. Wear comfortable clothing.

Yoga & Pilates – The Yoga & Pilates class continues to meet on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 2.

After School Program – You are invited to register your child in The Learning Source where they will receive homework assistance, recreation and loving care. Call 718-379-5555.

Obama Victory Celebration – The Co-op City Coalition for Obama has planned a celebration for Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium. You are invited to come for an evening of dancing, food and fun. Ticket: $25.

Call today: 718-320-1706 or 718-379-5874.

The President-elect Barack Obama has asked for input into his Agenda for CHANGE. Some of the items that were proposed included: More affordable housing, reduce college tuition, expand vocational training, revise drug laws, reinstate rehabilitation inside the prison system, end discrimination against former prisoners, establish a singlepayer health care system, extend unemployment, revise the food stamp program, reform the foster home care system, etc.

– Francine Reva Jones

ing units of affordable Mitchell-Lama apartments. These measures may now get through the Senate as well.

In the context of these developments, the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing is pleased to invite the community to attend our next meeting on Monday, January 12, 2009 in Room 28 at the Bartow Community Center for an open discussion with Riverbay Board Director and Coalition members Andrea Leslie, Tony Illis and Cleve Taylor.

Join the Coalition To Save Affordable Housing Join us in the effort to speak truth about privatization and about avoidable financial pressures on the community.

Follow this column for notices of meetings. Become a member by sending $10 for annual membership to the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing (postal address below).

For information about us: Visit our web page www.ctsah.net; Write – PO Box 64, Bronx, NY 10475.

– Bernard Cylich

Harriet Tubman Democratic Club: Thurs., 1/8; 7:00 pm (Einstein Room 35)

CULTURE & ARTS African-American Yoga Practice: Thurs., 1/8; 6:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 2)

The Drammeh Institute: Thurs., 1/8; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room 10) EDUCATION Williamsbridge Club Meeting: Fri., 1/9; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 8) Economic Development: Sat., 1/10; 9:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 9)

HOBBIES Co-op City Duplicate Bridge: Wed., 1/7; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 9)

RELIGIOUS Circle of Christ Church: Fri., 1/2; (NO SERVICE); Sun., 1/11, 9:00 am (Bartow Rm. 31)

Deeper Life Church: Tues., 1/6; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1) Church of the New Vision Bible Study: Sun., 1/11; 9:00 am (Einstein Rm. 38) Faith @ Work Christian Church: Bible Study Church Service; Sun., 1/11;

Sun., 1/11; 10:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 10)

SENIORS Seniors Nutrition Program: Mon. - Wed., 1/5 - 1/7; 8:00 am (Bartow Rm. 31; Dreiser Rm. 4; Einstein Rm. 49) Retirees of Dreiser Loop Meeting: Mon., 1/7; 1:00 pm (Dreiser Aud. A)

SERVICE & CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program: Tues., 1/6; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 4)

SPORTS Black Forum Aerobics & Track Practice: Mon., 1/5 & Wed., 1/7; 5:30 pm (Dreiser Loop Aud. A, B, C) New York Lyons Athletic Club: Tues., 1/6 & Thurs., 1/8; 5:30 pm (Einstein Rm. 45) Zodiac Track Team: Tues., 1/6 & Thurs, 1/8; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Aud. A, B, C) Happy & Healthy New Year to all Co-op City’s organizations from the scheduling office!

AARP Chapter #4997 F YI : Did you make your New Year’s resolution yet? Well, think about joining AARP Peachtree Chapter #4997 in 2009…Meeting every 2nd Monday, 1 p.m., Dreiser Loop Auditorium “A”.

Find out what’s happening in Washington, Albany and in New York State. Join other 50+ cooperators making a difference in their community.

Here’s wishing all Co-op City friends, neighbors and members a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous NEW YEAR!!!

To notify the AARP Peachtree Chapter of illness or bereavement, contact Frances Wilson, (718) 671-5493.

2009 AC T I VI T I E S: January 15, 2009 (Thursday) – Atlantic City Casino w/an American Bandstand Review; $45/person with $20 in coins and $5 food voucher. Check-in at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Library (Asch Loop). Call Wini, 718-671-6386, for details.

May 6 – 9, 2009 – Washington, DC to visit the Spy and Media Museum; and a show at the Kennedy Theater w/2 meals; $770/double; $980/single. Contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

June 10 (Wednesday) – Dine on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer thru the Catskill Mountains with Shopping at Woodbury Commons - $85/person. Contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

August 30 – September 6, 2009 – Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) – Ports of Call: Rome, Genoa (Italy), Nice (France), Barcelona, Palma deMallorca (Spain) and Sardinia, Rome (Italy); includes cruise, roundtrip air from JFK Airport, taxes and insurance; PASSPORT REQUIRED; Deposit $250 NOW DUE; Additional information to be given at the January 12, 2009 AARP meeting. Contact Jean, (718) 3793742, or Wini, (718) 671-6386.

R E M E M BE R : All trips, 2 or more days, must be completely paid 45 days before departure.

You don’t have to be a member of AARP to reserve any of the trips listed.

Signing your name for a trip does not insure you a seat on the bus -- your “PAYMENT” will hold a seat for you.

First come, first seated, so be prompt with your promise to pay or lose your —Delor es A. Deb n a m spot.

Goose Island Seniors Happy, happy new year 2009.

Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all those who celebrate in the month of January.

On Wednesday, January 7, Bingo game in Room 38 at 1:30 p.m. for members only. Admission is $2. Refreshments served.

On Tuesday, January 27, we are going to Atlantic City to the Showboat Casino.

The price is $27. Rebate is $25, plus $5 towards food. Pick-up time is 8 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops.

Goose Island Seniors is open for new

members. Dues are $12 per year. (1) We have a large library. (2) We have Mah Jongg game every Monday and Wednesday. (3) We enjoy music and good conversations. (4) We go to Atlantic City once a month. (5) We make trips to dinner theatre and shows.

For more information, call Ann or Mary at 1-718-379-9613 or come to Room 39 at 135 Einstein Center, Monday - Thursday, from l0 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Speedy/recovery to our member Esther Waxman. Good health to all.

—M a r y P illa

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Building 13 Association Building 13 Association wishes ALL our cooperators a very happy new year. I hope you are all ready to re-dedicate yourselves to a New Year full of hope and promise.

Yes we can, IF we put our minds to it.

Our first meeting of the year will be on Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the back of the building (in the Voting Room).

Have you heard? Building 13 Association is going to see Ain't Misbehavin’ at Lehman Performance Center on Saturday, May 16, 2009 featuring American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis. To get your tickets, contact: 1) Leslie Peterson at (718) 320-1370 2) Lorraine Holmes at (917) 207-8648 3) Robin Frazier at (646) 579-5766 for tickets.

Please observe the following quality-of-life regulations: a) NO DOG is allowed in the apartment; b) NO LOITERING in the lobby and on the stairways. c) NO SELLING in the lobby. Period. d) NO VANDALIZING the stairs and the elevators.

Unannounced police sweeps are conducted day and night to enforce these rules.

Report any criminal activities to the 45th Precinct at (718) 822-5411 and/or Riverbay Public Safety at (718) 320-3050.

For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1.

NEW - For traffic updates, call 5-1-1.

"If you see something, say something" – Olubiyi Sehindemi (Mr. B)

(Bartow Room 28)

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: Sun., 1/11; 10:00 am (Einstein Rm. 35) Greater Love Baptist Church: Sun., 1/11; 2:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1) Harvest Restoration Ministries: Wed., 1/7; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 10);

Affordable housing – an issue moving onto the front burner families currently finding themselves unable to afford home ownership, the need for affordable rental housing is a crying need.

Roger K. Lewis, a practicing architect and professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Maryland, writes, “Let’s now do something for renters as well as for the country. Revive the economy by investing in infrastructure, but also revive the nation’s commitment to producing sustainable rental housing that families can afford.”

Legislators getting the message Legislators in Albany are getting the message. For the first time in at least a generation, there appears to be a real chance that a new Democratic majority in the State Senate will be able to bring pro-tenant legislation to the Senate floor for a vote.

Assembly-member Jonathan Bing, head of the Assembly’s Mitchell-Lama subcommittee, has achieved Assembly approval, but bottled-up in the Senate, of half a dozen measures protecting the endangered 78,000 remain-

BUILDING & TOWNHOUSE ASSOCIATIONS Fellow Residents Equity Association: Wed., 1/7; 7:30 pm

8:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 8)

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing Next General Meeting 1/12/09 The next general meeting of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2009 will take place in a time when strong winds of change are swirling in the nation. Washington is planning huge investments that will provide jobs - and mass purchasing power - while restoring neglected roads, bridges, schools, etc.

For decades, federal housing programs spurred production of housing for the less affluent. Establishing the Department of Housing and Public Affairs in 1965 demonstrated recognition of that commitment.

Public pressure could put re-consideration of public policy regarding affordable housing onto the table, nationally.

Decent, affordable housing in short supply Decent rental housing for low and moderate income families - exemplified by New York State’s Mitchell-Lama program - are in critically short supply. With millions of

19

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Baychester Library Events Adult Film • Today, Saturday, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 • 2:00 pm • Game On – Monday, January 5, 12, 26 • 3:00 p.m. for all ages

Family Owned and Operated

Teens Tag — Tuesday, January 6, 13, 20 • 4:00 p.m.

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

Adults Computer Classes — Wednesday, January 7 • 10:30 a.m.

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Library Closed

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

Tuesday, January 20 — President Obama Barack’s Inauguration Kids Reading Aloud — Wednesday, January 7, 14 & 21 • 3:30 p.m.

Personalized & Professional Care

All areas are handicapped accessible

Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

Chess for Everyone — Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, 29 • 3:30 pm

The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

NEW HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-8; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6 & Friday & Saturday, 10-5 Serving all cultures & faiths

Libros En Español (Books in Spanish) Horario de la biblioteca: Lunes

The Retirees welcome new members, so come join us. Annual dues of $20 are being accepted now for 2009.

We are located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475 in Co-op City. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Retirees will be Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A. Please come out for the first meeting of the New Year. We will be selecting a nominating committee to recruit candidates for office in the Retirees.

For information regarding all trips and events, you may call 718-379-0377.

T H E AT E R T R I P S: January 24, 2009: Doo Wop Night at Lehman College, $55 April 25, 2009: Dionne Warwick at Queen’s College, $57 For information and reservations, see

the Theater Committee in Room 19 on Thursday afternoons.

SAVE T H E DAT E ! The Retirees presents an exciting trip to Las Vegas May 27 – June 10, 2009. The trip features deluxe motorcoach transportation, 14 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in a Las Vegas Casino Hotel, 18 meals, gaming and sight-seeing on the famous Vegas Strip and much more.

All for only $1225 per person, double occupancy. There are a few seats left.

Reserve now and insure your place for this wonderful experience. The second payment is due now. For information and reservations, call Eleanora Jones at 718671-5707.

To notify the Retirees of illness or bereavement, contact Elinor Gordon at 718-379-8755.

The Retirees wishes all of our friends and neighbors a happy holidays and a prosperous and healthy new year.

—Vir gin ia St ewa r t

10-8, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-8, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado

718.379.6700

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

Healthy & Happy New Year!

18

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

JASA SENIOR LUNCH MENU

JASA SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM OF CO-OP CITY

Bartow

Gloria Wise

Dreiser

11

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Kosher

Date:

Non-Kosher

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Beef Lasagna, Green Beans

Whole Wheat Bread, Diced Peaches

Monday, January 5

Cranberry Juice,

Alert & Alive 10:00 in rm. 31

Bereavement Support Group 1:15pm in Rm. 34

Dominos 12:30 in Rm. 31

Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice

Tuesday, January 6 Wednesday, January 7

Bingo 11:00 in Rm. 31 Dominos 10:30 in Rm. 31

Bingo 11:00 in rm. 31 Stay Well Exercise 10-11, rm. 31 Word Games 10:30 – 11:30, rm. 31 Dominos 12:30 in rm. 31 Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 49 Bingo 1:00 in rm. 49 Advanced Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Spelling Bee 10:00 in rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class 10:30 in rm. 35 Merry Melodies will be cancelled until further notice

Crochet & Knitting 9am Rm. 7 Stay Well Exercise 10:00 in rm. 2 Walking Club 11:00 in rm. 7 Bingo 11:00 in rm. 4

Alert & Alive 10:30 in rm. 7 Bingo 10:00 in rm. 4 Cultural Dancing 10:30 Aud. A

Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 2 Art 1:00 in rm. 7 Minor Musical Workout & Merry Melodies will be cancelled until further notice

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Stay Well 10:00 in rm. 45

Drama Club 1:30 in rm. 7

Merry Melodies will be cancelled until further notice

Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49

Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice

“Movie Madness” 9:30 a.m. rm. 31

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49

Art 10:00 in rm. 45 (At Einstein)

Art 10:00 in rm. 45

Crochet & Knitting 9:00 in rm. 7

Bingo 11:00 in rm. 31

Bingo 10:30 in rm. 31

Bingo 1:00 pm in rm.

49

Meditative Moments 11:00 in rm. 2

Spelling Bee 11:00 in rm. 31

Tues., 1/6 Wed., 1/7

Oriental Blend Apple Juice, French Onion Soup, Honey Mustard Homemade Tuna Salad, Chicken Wings, Potato Tossed Salad, Salad, Tossed Salad Potato Salad w/dressing Orange Pineapple Juice, Beef Meatballs, Beef Stew, Rice, Egg Noodles, Mixed Veggies Winter Blend

Rye Bread, Diced Pears

Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Apples

Thurs., 1/8

Chicken Breast, Baked Potato, Collard Greens

Orange Chicken, Shell Pasta, Oriental Blend,

Rye Bread, Mandarin Oranges

Fri., 1/9

Orange Juice, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Fish Tilapia, Corn on the Cob, Pickled Beets

Fresh Pea Soup, Fresh Tilapia, Baked Potato, Winter Blend

Whole Wheat Bread, Apricot Halves

*Schedule subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066 ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Gloria Wise Center (718) 671-5161

Happy Holidays!

We, the JASA family, wish everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year.

From the JASA family to your family.

BE INFORMED SOCIAL ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAM IN CO-OP CITY If you are caring for someone with a memory impairment disorder like Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia JASA can help. Our Social Adult Day Care Program in Co-op City is designed to promote cognitive stimulation, increase socialization, and engage participants in therapeutic recreational activities.

Where: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 25, in the Riverbay Administration Building.

When:Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday Time:10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please call 718-379-2228 for additional information and speak with Maria Gonzalez.

Looking forward to...

January 21st, NORC Lecture Series on “Financial Management.”

Trips for the New Year Palisades Mall, NY-Scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009; Price: $10; Empire City Gaming at Yonkers Raceway-scheduled for; Thursday, January 29, 2009; Price: $25.

For more information, please pick-up one of our newsletters at your senior center. Registration will begin January 7th at 10 a.m.

Volunteers Wanted

WEEKLY TRIPS 1st Monday: 1st & 3rd Mondays: Tuesdays: Fridays:

Mon., Breaded Fish w/tartar sauce, Fried Rice 1/5

All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Bereavement Support Group 1:15pm in Church of the Savior

Dominoes 10:30 in rm. 31

Thursday, January 8

Bingo 1:00 in Rm. 49

Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31

Current Events 10:00 in Rm. 31

Friday, January 9

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49

Stew Leonard’s Super Wal-Mart Bowling Swimming

$5 $8 $12.50 $3

To register for trips and classes, please call

(718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation

We are looking for volunteers for the new year to lead daily activities at the senior centers. If you are interested, please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Judy Washington, at 718-320-2066.

Blood Pressure Trained volunteers are providing FREE blood pressure screenings to the 60+ community. Conveniently, located at all three of the Co-op City Community Centers. All you need is to become a member by simply filling out a short application form available at any of the local centers.

L oca t ion s & Sc h e d u le : 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon.; 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room TBA, every 2nd & 4th Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Hours: Monday: 9 am - 8 pm Tuesday: 9 am - 8 pm Wednesday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm Saturday: 8 am - 3 pm

12

Congratulations to the Zodiacs' athletes who qualified and went to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championship in Decatur, AL. on December 6th. They all performed well. We especially congratulate Quinten Perrineau and Kadreya Simeon, who medaled in the primary division (7 - 8 age group).

On Saturday, December 21st, the team went to an indoor meet in New Jersey and won the sub-bantam girls and boys (9 age group) and youth girls (14 age group), 4 x 200 meter relays, plus other individual medals.

On Friday, December 26th, Zodiacs competed in the PAL’s first indoor meet, and USATF and AAU Regional champ Spencer Jackson won the 1500 meter run. We had many other individuals who medaled.

This past weekend, we competed in the Colgate Women's Games, and many girls won points. The Colgate Women's Games will continue for the next 4 weekends and the finals will be at Madison Square Garden on January 31st. Come out and see some of the best athletes on the east coast compete.

Building 33 Association The Association of Building 33 wants to thank all of the parents who came with their children to the children’s Christmas party on Friday, December 19. We had a very enjoyable time. Mr. Sydney Brown played Santa to the excitement of the children and the parents. He did a very good job, and everyone had a nice time. The children who did not attend missed a good time. The purpose of these parties is to entertain the kids. The building association works very hard to bring entertainment to the building and it is a puzzlement as to why you, the cooperator, do not take more interest in the activities that we plan.

The pot luck Christmas party for the adults was another successful affair we had on Saturday night, December 20. It was well attended. Everyone came with a dish. It was a very enjoyable evening. We had a nice time dancing to the music of DJ Keith Peterson. Keith lives in the building along with his wife, Jane, who was very helpful. It was a pleasure to have Sydney and Keith volunteer their time to make the party a success. Thank you, both.

The porters and the lobby attendants received their Christmas checks on Wednesday, December 17 in the lobby.

They took pictures with the board and the Christmas tree. In January, I will put together a survey to send around to all the apartments in the building as to why more of you do not take part in the building association’s meetings and affairs we plan for the building. We have a multicolor building with a lot of different cultures in it. It would be nice if you came to the party to mix and experience the different foods that we make. That's the fun. Let us come together in 2009, mix and enjoy each other.

The Kwanzaa celebration in the Bartow Center was a big success. Children from the teen center in Section Five danced to the music of the drummers. It was very delightful to see positive young people perform. We wanted more. Get well wishes go out to all the sick and shut-in. A Happy New Year to all.

—Patricia Bonaparte

Building 30 Association Our next building association meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening on January 8, 2009. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.

We will conduct a 50/50 raffle. There will be a guest speaker, so come on down.

Good wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah; a Reflective Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year.

The Building 30 Association (A & B) is here for you!

You must be a paid up dues member in order to take advantage of the parties and celebrations listed above. Please bring your dues money to the meetings. Watch the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for the dates and times. Get involved and make a difference!!

Looking forward to meeting and greeting you at the meetings.

-- Miriam E. Berlofsky

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Zodiacs Track Team

Black Forum

The Zodiacs Track Team develops and trains girls and boys for track and field competitiveness on a local and national level. The team provides an activity where girls and boys can channel their energies in a positive manner, helping them to build self esteem and through successful competition, see themselves as achievers. We develop young minds through trips, cultural affairs, fun activities and by exposing them to a sport filled with other athletes of all colors, nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

School report cards are checked to make sure academic standards are being met. We strive to provide an atmosphere where members are encouraged to attend college or other institutions of higher education and become responsible adults; to enable the boys and girls to showcase their skills to potential college admissions and athletic department personnel, particularly the major regional competitive meets. This exposure will give those athletes additional leverage in competing for college scholarships.

Your children will be in good hands with over 30 years of history and experience. We have 4 coaches and 1 assis-

tant coach. We also have a Certified Strength Trainer (Hawkins Family Fitness) in Section 5. Anyone interested in joining the Zodiacs Track Team, should contact us.

For information to have a clinic at your school or for your organization or if you wish to sponsor a child or give a donation to the Zodiacs Track Foundation, send your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Zodiacs Track Foundation and send to P.O. Box 67, Bronx, New York 10475. For additional information, please contact President Thomas Francis at 718-679-2060 or copresident Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196, email WATCLT@AOL.COM or visit our website ZODIACSTRACK.ORG. The Zodiacs Track Team is a member of the Northeast Sports Federation; the federation has multiple sport teams.

If you’re looking to get free tennis lessons, baseball lessons or join a football team, girls softball team, or be a cheerleader, email me at WATCLT@AOL.COM and I will provide you with a contact.

–Winston Dinkins

Working Families Party Club of Co-op City SEASON GREETINGS. The WFP Club of Co-op City takes this opportunity to wish all our friends and neighbors a healthy and happy New Year! This past year has been a year of trying times and triumph. One of those triumphs, we as members of the WFP Club are happy to have been active participants in the get-out-to-vote for the election of President-elect Obama, encouraging some 158,891 votes that helped put him in the annals of history. Yes, there is still much work to do and we look forward to you, members, friends and neighbors as we pull together working towards accomplishing the quality of life and fulfill our dreams today for a better tomorrow.

This past week, we celebrated our annual holiday celebration. There was plenty of good food, good friends and a good time was had by all. We especially want to thank our special invited guests who joined with us, Assemblyman Benedetto, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson and Assemblyman Rubin Diaz, Jr. We also had several likely candidates vying for the 12th council seat, as well as a very good friend from Brooklyn, Ms. Tulani Kinard, who is seeking the council seat in the 41st CD, so if you have friends,

family, etc. living in Brooklyn, tell them to be on the lookout for her, a committed community activist. I would truly be re-miss if I did not recognize the members of the Co-op City Club, our friends and neighbors who came to help make this year’s event the enjoyable success it was, a heartfelt thanks to everyone.

Remember, it takes all of us working together to succeed in effecting positive change. We look forward to 2009 as a more productive year. There is much work ahead to do and we will need everyone who is willing to work for the betterment of our community. The WFP Club of Co-op City is likened to EF Hutton, when we speak everyone listens.

Join with us, become a member of the WFP Club, as we together raise our voices to effect positive change. We meet every 4th Tuesday, in Einstein Community Center, Rm. 35.

Mark your calendar, our next meeting will be January 27th, at 7:30 p.m. All are welcomed and we hope you will join us.

Again, we the members of the WFP Club want to wish everyone for the year 2009, a healthy, happy, productive and prosperous year! United for a positive 2009!

--Judy Roberson

Start the New Year Right!

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Defensive Driving Course The next Black Forum Defensive Driving Course will be held on Saturday, January 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dreiser Community Center, Room 1. Cost is $35 which must be pre-paid. Send check/MO to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. At the completion of the defensive driving course, you will receive up to 4 points removed from your driver’s license and 10% discount off your auto insurance. No walk-ins available. Call 718-320-8035 today to reserve your seat.

Black Forum Aerobic classes Get in shape. Join us every Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, for aerobics classes by Body by

Andrea. Classes are $3 per person. Please call to register, (718) 320-8035.

Black Forum and the Lyons Mane Track & Field Club If your child, 8 - 17 years old, would like to run track, join the Black Forum and Lyons Mane Track and Field Club, under the professional guidance of Don Lyons. Call to register, 718-320-8035.

Farm Fresh Vegetables returns next year The fresh organic vegetables program has been suspended until next year. We will announce when the program will resume as the information becomes available.

Black Forum Emergency Food Program - New Hours Due to a shortage of food, we are tem-

Building 15A Association It’s that special time of year to acknowledge a dedicated group of cooperators residing in Building 15A, who possess that special thing known as “holiday spirit” and to sincerely thank them for the exceptional job accomplished with decorating the building lobby for the holidays.

The annual tradition has again been perpetuated and outstandingly fulfilled.

The team has definitely made “coming home” for the residents warm, cheery and uplifting, as well as a “welcome” sign to visitors. Those neighbors who should stand up and take a bow are: Robbin Vails, Andre Thomas (cheered on by his twin daughters), David Rodriguez, Michael Robinson, Carmen Molina, Clarice Frierson and Dorothea Castle (organizer/designer). Also, a special mention of Armand Dickerson for his photography. The excitement and wide-eyed, awestruck expressions of the children is the best [part of it all, along with the multitude of smiling faces coming and going throughout the holiday season at 100 Aldrich Street. Hopefully, our neighbors in other buildings will stop in by January 6 (Three Kings Day) to take a glance at the exceptional creative endeavors which personifies the spirit and hearts of this multi-holiday time of the year.

Many thanks go to the cooperators who so generously contributed to the collection of funds needed to upgrade and/or replace some of the extensive decorations. It really helped make the difference.

Mention must be made of those cooperators (and there were many) who took the time and made the effort to decorate their individual public hallways. Kudos to them for participating in adding to the celebratory atmosphere once again.

Especially during these rough times, it is comforting to see people still pitching in to help sustain some old time tradition.

A warm WELCOME to the new cooperators of Building 15A. Once you are settled in, it is hoped by your neighbors that you will take some time to get involved in helping to maintain solidarity, safety and cleanliness in your new domain. It’s extremely important to always remember that your responsibility to the property extends outside to the grounds. We look forward to getting to know you.

A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to one and all! May the year 2009 bring everyone all good things and peace everywhere.

– D.A. Castle

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Building 15A lobby all decorated for the holidays.

- $5 payable to the Black Forum of Co-op City.

It’s Time To Get Involved Now is the time for us to get involved.

Membership is $5 per year/person. Call us, (718) 320-8035.

We Need You - Join Us Today The fee is only $5 a year, per person.

Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: tonyshome10475@gmail.com.

Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Tony Illis

Coalition of African- American Churches & Community Organizations The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City thanks everyone who came to our 12th annual “Kwanzaa Celebration” on Saturday, December 27. It was well attended. Special thanks to the Guest Speaker Hon. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene (Cultural Performance Activist). Also, thanks to The Ellie Minor Dancers, Section 5 Teen Center Dancers, Harambee Drummers, and also special thanks to Ms. Francine Reva Jones for a job well done.

The Coalition next general membership meeting is on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at 7.00 p.m.,177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15.

The Coalition continues to plan activities that will enhance the quality of life in our community. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Patricia Bonaparte is the President of the Coalition. Phone number 1-718-3201861.

The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators and providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. Members of the

Coalition include the following: AfricanAmerican Association, Church of the Savior, Co-op City Baptist Church, Faith@ Work Christian Church, Gloria Wise Community Center, Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club, NAACP, Co-op City Branch, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, St. Joseph Episcopal Church and the Zodiacs Track Club Please support our efforts by sending us your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., Post Office Box 619, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 320-1861 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s stationery and signed by the minister/president.

Read Coalition’s weekly column for the information about events and issues.

Remember the Coalition motto is: “Coming Together is a Beginning, Keeping Together is Progress, Working Together is Success.”

The Coalition wishes everyone a healthy and prosperous new year.

—Harman T. Leacock

The Building 16 Association meeting for January is on Monday, January 12 at 7 p.m. on the “B” side.

We will have a holiday brunch on January 17 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the meeting room. Members only!

Our last meeting was held on December 15. We aired on problems with our building to be addressed with Ms.

Lois English, the area manager.

Thanks for the porters’ donation. You all were very helpful. They were very happy. The lobby attendants were very thankful also.

I want to thank everyone who came out and helped decorate the lobby. Your help was appreciated.

--Clara Coston

Building 17 Association

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porarily open on Wednesdays and Fridays only, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. These new hours will stand until we are able to acquire more food for distribution. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, as of July, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program.

Computer needed If you have a computer that you can donate to the Black Forum, kindly contact us at (718) 320-8035.

Please help us to help you Food is available, however, we will have to pay the pick-up and transportation costs. We ask all cooperators to donate $1

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17

Building 17 lobby was decorated by cooperators to spread holiday cheer.

Your president, James Payne, and the Executive Board would like to thank all cooperators of Building 17 for their hand in keeping this building’s quality of life at a high standard. Special thanks to those who took part in decorating the lobby (see photo, bottom left). It was a job well done. All year long, I’ve called on Barbara Johnson and Betty Thomas for overtime duty. Special thanks to you both.

All blessings to the sick and shut-ins.

Here’s hoping everyone has a blessed and healthy holidays.

Bring your ideas to the next meeting which will be held on January 12, 7:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. The door will be open at 7 p.m. The Special Guest will be Mr. Vernon Cooper.

Remember, if everyone does a little, no one does a lot. See you at the meeting.

– James Payne

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A very happy, healthy new year is wished to one and all and may the spirit of good will continue throughout the year. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month.

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Einstein Cancer Fund

New York Lyons Mane Track Club

Monday, January 12—Showboat Casino. Cost per person is $25 with a cash bonus of $25 and a $5 food voucher. Time of pick-up is at 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop with the usual

stops following. Please bring your casino card along with a valid photo I.D. For the above trip, please call Mildred at (718) 320-0288, Lydia at (718) 671-3005 or Loretta at (718)

671-2958 for the above as well as for memorial cards.

Our prayers of healing and good health is wished to all.

—Lydia Ruas

Section Five Teen Center offers a wide variety of activities for teenagers Joining the Section Five Teen Center is a great choice for any teenager who wants to spend their non-school hours meeting new people, learning new things and developing new interest or hobbies. The center offers 13-18 year olds a variety of activities free of charge six days a week. Membership applications can be picked up at the reception

area during normal program hours.

Anyone interested in becoming a member must be between the ages of 13 to 18, return a completed application and have the information verified, attend the orientation program and pick two structured activities and maintain 75% attendance.

All 7th, 8th, and 9th graders must also

complete at least two sessions per week in the Homework Help program.

Arts activities include cartooning, design, neighborhood art project, dance, drumming and cooking. Sports and recreation programs offered include: fundamentals of basketball, open gym, weights & calisthenics, flag football, and softball.

The educational programs include: homework help, computer technology, open lab, discussion groups, and money matters.

To register, pick up your forms at the club located at 141 Einstein Loop in Section 5, Co-op City on Wednesdays, 3 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. or call Leo Johnson for information at (718) 671-2655.

Benedetto: 2009 Co-op City Scholarship Applications Available Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto has announced that applications for 2009 Co-op City College Scholarships are now available for young people in the community.

The Co-op City College Scholarship Committee has been giving out three $500 scholarships for the past three years to deserving Co-op City high school seniors who plan to attend college in the following

fall.

The Co-op City College Scholarship fund is the brain-child of Co-op resident Rose Kaufman who felt a duty to help those who might need a little assistance in paying the high cost of a college education. She took her idea to Assemblyman Benedetto who gladly volunteered to help and pledged his own $500 scholarship.

The Assemblyman then asked

Congressman Joseph Crowley to join the effort and the three $500 scholarships took final shape.

The scholarship fund is dedicated to fostering the education of deserving Co-op City residents who have shown the academic ability to move on to higher education and who also have an interest in community service and in helping others.

Applications can be picked up at vari-

ous locations: the offices of Assemblyman Benedetto (Dreiser Community Center, Room 12), Congressman Joseph Crowley (Dreiser Center, Room 4), the office of the City News (Dreiser Center - lower plaza level), the office of Riverbay (Bartow Community Center) and from local high school college guidance counselors.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 15, 2009.

For news or to advertise, call the Co-op City Times at 718-320-3375.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

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Coupon cannot be accepted unless mentioned at the time order is placed.

Sunday, December 21, a small group of athletes from the New York Lyons Mane Track Club traveled out to Suffolk, Long Island to compete in the Long Island Associations United States of America’s Track and Field (USATF) track meet. The meet was held at Suffolk County College, Brentwood Campus. Despite the early departure time and the freezing weather conditions, on arrival, the group warmed up to the challenge.

Putting in a top notch performance, Briel Biggs, a midget division runner, won first place in both the 400 meter dash and the 800 meter run, winning gold medals for first place in each event. Also putting in a good effort was Brittany Biggs, twin sister of Briel, finishing second for a silver medal in the 800 meter run, and winning the

third place bronze medal in the 400 meter dash. In the sprint events, a new runner, Zuri Straker, in bantam girl division, finishes in second place in the 55 meter dash winning a silver medal. Benjamin Straker, in bantam boy division, also a new runner and older brother to Zuri, finished in third place winning the bronze medal in the 55 meter dash. Benjamin is still working to perfect his start which will significantly improve his performance. Carlene Brooks, although a new runner, acquitted herself in the youth girls division finishing third and winning a bronze medal in the 55 meter dash. Carlene believes that Sunday’s event helped in preparation for the Colgate Women’s Games, which began December 28, 2008.

Kaelin Brooks, the younger sister of Carlene, performed

well but missed medaling by placing fourth in both the 200 and 400 meter dash. Vincent Payne in the midget boys division, shot put thrower, continued his winning streak earning a gold medal for first place. Vincent is still working to perfect his technique. He is already being compared by some as the next C.J. Hunter. Also, new and joining the shot put unit of Vincent and Malik Dixon (not in attendance at this meet) was Joshua Alfred, also in the midget division, who won a bronze medal for placing third on his first outing.

Any runner interested in participating in track and field, can contact New York Lyons Mane Track and Field Club, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, New York 10475 or call (718) 320-8035.

Building 18 Association The month of December began with the spirit of sharing and giving in Building 18. Gertie, Ann, and Lorraine decorated the lobby beautifully. Our new tree was a donation from a cooperator who had no further use for a Christmas tree. The tree came with lights and decorations and we received it in the spirit of gratitude. Gift boxes were placed under the tree to add to the holiday atmosphere. Of course, we had displays for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Our Christmas raffle was great; the firstprize winner bought the ticket the night of the drawing.

Thank you to everyone who gave for the porters’ gift.

You were very gracious in doing so.

Our holiday party was held on Friday evening, December 19th. As usual, we had an enjoyable time, good food, conversation and music. The highlight of

the evening was from the young people of the Scholarship Incentive Award Program. About a dozen of them attended the party wearing sweatshirts designed by Ruth, and each of them gave a “Word or Two” of Thank You to all, followed by a presentation of a plaque to the Building Association. What a group!

Most of all, these young people are an example of what can happen in your building as well. The activities they are involved in are educational and cultural. Sunday, they will all attend the Alvin Ailey show and have dinner at a “haunted” restaurant. This group has our support to the fullest and we continue to tell Ruth, the founder, how we appreciate her, what she has done and is doing with these young people.

We held our last meeting for 2008 on December 15th.

We will not meet again until February 2009. Lawson reports that the attendance of the Men’s Meeting for Building 18 has increased tremendously. So, as our motto goes, Building 18 has it going on and on ….

Continue to read the bulletin board for updates and other information. Also, read your newspaper! On a personal note, my thanks to all of the cooperators in Building 18 for what you have done this past year.

Nothing done was too small. Let us continue in the same spirit with respect for one another and become more active in your building activities. Thanks, Gloria, for returning! Cooperators Iris and Marcella passed away this month and we extend our sincere condolences to the families.

Happy New Year to all!

American Legion Post 1871 To reach Post 1871, it is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 41, and if you have a computer, you can get in touch with us by email at post1871@optimum.net.

Greetings to all our members of Post 1871, located in Co-op City, who are residing in the Bay Park Nursing Home. Our minds and hearts are with you each day hoping that you will have a blessed day. Happy Birthday to all our Post members that have a birthday in January-Nehemiah Eutsey, Julio Figueroa, Leonard Blascovich Jr., Rodney Gaulden Sr., Carl Barr, Arthur H. Gelman, William Martinez, Ruben McCann Jr., Lowell A. James, Hector R. Rosado, Hector M. Rosario-Flores, Richard Shade, Donald L. Young and Lawrence Shaheed. The importance of birthdays is not how many you've had; but rather, how well you've celebrated.

To all our Post members that celebrate Kwanzaa, may the joy of Kwanzaa touch you and your family.

Common cons in cyberspace. A sham seller asks you to send money to an escrow service for the car, appliance or other big-ticket item he advertised on the internet auction site. He is conspiring with the crooked escrow service. It is a lose-lose for you. Do not let this happen to you.

Q. In what year did the Air Assault Badge come out?

A. In 1978, the soldiers in air assault units had an official Air Assault Badge.

If you bump into a 1871 Post member in the street, ask him if he has paid his dues for the year yet? Then tell him how important it is to pay his dues. Thank you for helping the Post as a member.

A little history about Ret. General Eric K. Shinseki. He was born on November 28, 1942 in Lihue, Hawaii. He is married with two children. He has a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Military Academy, 1965. In addition, he has a master of arts in English from Duke University, 1976.

Rt. General Shinseki served in the U.S. Army from 1965

to 2003, with two combat tours in Vietnam and many commands. He served as Army Chief of Staff from June, 1999 until his retirement in 2003. I am sure he will serve the veterans well on his next mission. That's why the president-elect picked him for his new job in the White House.

The next Executive meeting will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. sharp. Please arrive on time. The Tuesday, January 6, 2009 meeting will be at the City Island Legion Post 156. All are welcome at 7:30 p.m. sharp. The Post is located across the street from the Shore Diner in City Island. Uniform baseball cap casual dress, please.

You cannot light another's path until you have removed yourself from darkness.

Semper Fidelis. This means "Always Faithful."

Your information officer of Post 1871 provided this information to you.

— Richard I. Lawson, Jr.

Single Source Single Source is not just for singles. It’s a single source whose goal is to create an atmosphere for healthy fun for the over 50. A modern organization that demonstrates that high quality activities can be designed to help live an exciting, healthy life in spite of the aging process. YOU DON’T STOP BECAUSE YOU GET OLD, YOU GET OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP. SATURDAY SITES: (1) On Saturday, January 24, 2009 come with us to Fulton Avenue in Brooklyn to visit the SIMMONS COLLECTION AFRICAN ARTS MUSEUM and dine at the Joloff Restaurant, a traditional West African cuisine Senegalese restaurant. The price for the museum and transportation is $33 (the bus leaves from Einstein at 9:30).

Please pay Ellie immediately if you are still interested.

(2) On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009: Spend a unique afternoon at the day-at-the races at the clubhouse, at Aqueduct ($75). This is a fundraiser for South African children (See 2010 travel information under the travel club). The Tracpace luncheon menu offers appetizer: soup/salad - entree: pot roast/Caesar salad/Triple Crown salad/Mojito crabcake sandwich/Cubano chicken sandwich; desserts: apple tart-

let, strawberry shortcake, tartufo. Bus leaves Einstein at 10:30 a.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Co-op City, Bronx, NY. Contact Ellie.

The Travel Club: (1) June 2 -7, 2009, NYS Senior Games, Cortland, NY- Approximately $500 (non-refundable) includes lodging, most meals, transportation, registration, games (except bowling & golf). (2) October 2009-Las Vegas, NV, AARP Convention plus. Come with me.

(3) SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - Waiting list? Newly interested? Contact me immediately. TO GET ON THE LIST. First come first serve…Taking 42 people.

AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program for people over 50, 10% insurance discount. $12, AARP MEMBERS/$14, NON MEMBERS. Mon., 2/9/09, 1 p.m. to 5, & Tues., 2/10/09, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (691003 at the American Legion).

Call Ellie for application.

Next class: Tues., 4/7/09, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Thurs., 4/9/09, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Exercise classes to promote a healthy and fit existence.

Exercise/Line Dancing/Belly Dancing Fitness – Wed., 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., reduce your "core;" 10:30 - 11 a.m., Belly Dancing. Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Line Dancing.

Thurs., 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Handi-Flex exercise for the handicapped.

See the Single Source television show on Sundays on CABLEVISION (Bronxnet Cable), Channel 68, 7:30 p.m.

Filler: Tues. & Sundays, 4 a.m. Mon./Wed./Thurs./Fri., 6 a.m.

Walking Club groups meet Mon. - Fri.: 5:30 a.m., Bldg.

33; 6:45 a.m., Gloria Wise Center (Einstein); 6:45 a.m., Bldg. 31B; 7:15 a.m., Casals. Need more information?

Call Ellie.

The C&C (Camera/Computer) Discussion Club: Jan. 7, 2009, 5 to 7 p.m. Ellie’s house. Call Ellie if interested, 718379-4429.

FUTURE ACTIVITY: (1) Annual PartyBoat fundraiser for South African children. (2) Lehman College: (a) The National Acrobats of China, March 8, 2009, $40/15. (b) Cirque Le Masque, Sunday, April 19, 2009, $40/15 (all prices includes a $5 handling fee).

Single Source Productions, P.O. Box 377, Bronx, NY 10475; 718-379-4429; imaminor377@yahoo.com.

–Ellie

14

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

15

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Absolute E y e c a r e STATE OF THE ART OPTICAL NOW IN SECTION 5 CO-OP CITY

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129 79 19 $ 99 69 Includes: Eye Exam, Frame & Lenses The No-Line Bifocal Lens That Provides Clear Vision at Near, Mid & Far Distance. Select frames only w/clear plastic lenses +/-sph, 2 cyl up to 3.00 add. Not valid w/any other offer, sales, vision plans or packages. Present prior to purchase.

167 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475

(Single Vision) Complete

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99

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Includes: Eye Exam, Frames & Lenses

With Frame Restrictions Apply

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1 Box (6 Lenses) ACUVUE2 & Clear Comfort Lenses Professional fees additional. Purchase 1 years supply.

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2100 Bartow Ave, Suite 216C, Bronx NY 10475 The Professional Building, 2nd Floor (In Bay Plaza behind Pathmark, next to Bally’s Total Fitness)

WE ACCEPT MOST UNIONS & INSURANCES

Selected frames only w/clear plastic lenses. +/- ph, 2cyl up to 3.00 add. Not valid with any other offer, sales, vision plan or packages. Present prior to purchase.

FREE EYE EXAM AVAILABLE

Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. w/Purchase Only Contact Lenses Not Included

ONE HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE With some prescriptions only

14

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

15

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Absolute E y e c a r e STATE OF THE ART OPTICAL NOW IN SECTION 5 CO-OP CITY

HAPPY NEW YEAR! e Buy OnPair, r D e s i g n e nd Pair o Get Sec

E E R F es of lens e s a h c r with pu

We are a friendly, state-of-the-art, ophthalmology practice providing a full range of eye care services, including the latest treatments for: CATARACTS GLAUCOMA DIABETIC EYE DISEASE DRY EYES

s o m a Habl ol! ñ a p s E

LASIK VISION CORRECTION CHRONIC TEARING MACULAR DEGENERATION GLASSES EVALUATION

Over 40 insurances accepted, including HIP, GHI, 1199, United, Empire, Oxford, Medicare and others Convenient Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 6:30 PM, Saturday, 9 AM - 2 PM

Single Vision Reading or Distance Eyeglasses

7 1 8 - 8 6 2 - EYES ( 3 9 3 7 )

Disposable Contacts

Progressive

EYEGLASSES

KIDS EYEGLASSES

129 79 19 $ 99 69 Includes: Eye Exam, Frame & Lenses The No-Line Bifocal Lens That Provides Clear Vision at Near, Mid & Far Distance. Select frames only w/clear plastic lenses +/-sph, 2 cyl up to 3.00 add. Not valid w/any other offer, sales, vision plans or packages. Present prior to purchase.

167 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475

(Single Vision) Complete

BIFOCAL PACKAGE

$

99

89 99

$

99

Includes: Eye Exam, Frames & Lenses

With Frame Restrictions Apply

99

w/Polycarbonate Lenses & Frame Restrictions Apply

• Contact Lenses • Designer Frames • Eye Exams • Sunglasses • Prescriptions • Vision Plans Filled Accepted

718-862-3655 Fax 718-862-3656 Transition Lenses

99 $

99 $

$

1 Box (6 Lenses) ACUVUE2 & Clear Comfort Lenses Professional fees additional. Purchase 1 years supply.

After manufacturer’s rebate. Not valid w/any other offer, sales, vision plans or packages. Present prior to purchase.

2100 Bartow Ave, Suite 216C, Bronx NY 10475 The Professional Building, 2nd Floor (In Bay Plaza behind Pathmark, next to Bally’s Total Fitness)

WE ACCEPT MOST UNIONS & INSURANCES

Selected frames only w/clear plastic lenses. +/- ph, 2cyl up to 3.00 add. Not valid with any other offer, sales, vision plan or packages. Present prior to purchase.

FREE EYE EXAM AVAILABLE

Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. w/Purchase Only Contact Lenses Not Included

ONE HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE With some prescriptions only

16

A very happy, healthy new year is wished to one and all and may the spirit of good will continue throughout the year. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month.

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Einstein Cancer Fund

New York Lyons Mane Track Club

Monday, January 12—Showboat Casino. Cost per person is $25 with a cash bonus of $25 and a $5 food voucher. Time of pick-up is at 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop with the usual

stops following. Please bring your casino card along with a valid photo I.D. For the above trip, please call Mildred at (718) 320-0288, Lydia at (718) 671-3005 or Loretta at (718)

671-2958 for the above as well as for memorial cards.

Our prayers of healing and good health is wished to all.

—Lydia Ruas

Section Five Teen Center offers a wide variety of activities for teenagers Joining the Section Five Teen Center is a great choice for any teenager who wants to spend their non-school hours meeting new people, learning new things and developing new interest or hobbies. The center offers 13-18 year olds a variety of activities free of charge six days a week. Membership applications can be picked up at the reception

area during normal program hours.

Anyone interested in becoming a member must be between the ages of 13 to 18, return a completed application and have the information verified, attend the orientation program and pick two structured activities and maintain 75% attendance.

All 7th, 8th, and 9th graders must also

complete at least two sessions per week in the Homework Help program.

Arts activities include cartooning, design, neighborhood art project, dance, drumming and cooking. Sports and recreation programs offered include: fundamentals of basketball, open gym, weights & calisthenics, flag football, and softball.

The educational programs include: homework help, computer technology, open lab, discussion groups, and money matters.

To register, pick up your forms at the club located at 141 Einstein Loop in Section 5, Co-op City on Wednesdays, 3 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. or call Leo Johnson for information at (718) 671-2655.

Benedetto: 2009 Co-op City Scholarship Applications Available Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto has announced that applications for 2009 Co-op City College Scholarships are now available for young people in the community.

The Co-op City College Scholarship Committee has been giving out three $500 scholarships for the past three years to deserving Co-op City high school seniors who plan to attend college in the following

fall.

The Co-op City College Scholarship fund is the brain-child of Co-op resident Rose Kaufman who felt a duty to help those who might need a little assistance in paying the high cost of a college education. She took her idea to Assemblyman Benedetto who gladly volunteered to help and pledged his own $500 scholarship.

The Assemblyman then asked

Congressman Joseph Crowley to join the effort and the three $500 scholarships took final shape.

The scholarship fund is dedicated to fostering the education of deserving Co-op City residents who have shown the academic ability to move on to higher education and who also have an interest in community service and in helping others.

Applications can be picked up at vari-

ous locations: the offices of Assemblyman Benedetto (Dreiser Community Center, Room 12), Congressman Joseph Crowley (Dreiser Center, Room 4), the office of the City News (Dreiser Center - lower plaza level), the office of Riverbay (Bartow Community Center) and from local high school college guidance counselors.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 15, 2009.

For news or to advertise, call the Co-op City Times at 718-320-3375.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BARTOW PIZZA 671-7898 2045 BARTOW AVE (NEXT TO “DOLLAR TREE”)

FREE D E L I V E RY !

13

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

ONE FREE TOPPING ON LARGE PIE! LIMITED TIME OFFER, THIS WEEK ONLY! Coupon expires 1/10/09.

Coupon cannot be accepted unless mentioned at the time order is placed.

Sunday, December 21, a small group of athletes from the New York Lyons Mane Track Club traveled out to Suffolk, Long Island to compete in the Long Island Associations United States of America’s Track and Field (USATF) track meet. The meet was held at Suffolk County College, Brentwood Campus. Despite the early departure time and the freezing weather conditions, on arrival, the group warmed up to the challenge.

Putting in a top notch performance, Briel Biggs, a midget division runner, won first place in both the 400 meter dash and the 800 meter run, winning gold medals for first place in each event. Also putting in a good effort was Brittany Biggs, twin sister of Briel, finishing second for a silver medal in the 800 meter run, and winning the

third place bronze medal in the 400 meter dash. In the sprint events, a new runner, Zuri Straker, in bantam girl division, finishes in second place in the 55 meter dash winning a silver medal. Benjamin Straker, in bantam boy division, also a new runner and older brother to Zuri, finished in third place winning the bronze medal in the 55 meter dash. Benjamin is still working to perfect his start which will significantly improve his performance. Carlene Brooks, although a new runner, acquitted herself in the youth girls division finishing third and winning a bronze medal in the 55 meter dash. Carlene believes that Sunday’s event helped in preparation for the Colgate Women’s Games, which began December 28, 2008.

Kaelin Brooks, the younger sister of Carlene, performed

well but missed medaling by placing fourth in both the 200 and 400 meter dash. Vincent Payne in the midget boys division, shot put thrower, continued his winning streak earning a gold medal for first place. Vincent is still working to perfect his technique. He is already being compared by some as the next C.J. Hunter. Also, new and joining the shot put unit of Vincent and Malik Dixon (not in attendance at this meet) was Joshua Alfred, also in the midget division, who won a bronze medal for placing third on his first outing.

Any runner interested in participating in track and field, can contact New York Lyons Mane Track and Field Club, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, New York 10475 or call (718) 320-8035.

Building 18 Association The month of December began with the spirit of sharing and giving in Building 18. Gertie, Ann, and Lorraine decorated the lobby beautifully. Our new tree was a donation from a cooperator who had no further use for a Christmas tree. The tree came with lights and decorations and we received it in the spirit of gratitude. Gift boxes were placed under the tree to add to the holiday atmosphere. Of course, we had displays for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Our Christmas raffle was great; the firstprize winner bought the ticket the night of the drawing.

Thank you to everyone who gave for the porters’ gift.

You were very gracious in doing so.

Our holiday party was held on Friday evening, December 19th. As usual, we had an enjoyable time, good food, conversation and music. The highlight of

the evening was from the young people of the Scholarship Incentive Award Program. About a dozen of them attended the party wearing sweatshirts designed by Ruth, and each of them gave a “Word or Two” of Thank You to all, followed by a presentation of a plaque to the Building Association. What a group!

Most of all, these young people are an example of what can happen in your building as well. The activities they are involved in are educational and cultural. Sunday, they will all attend the Alvin Ailey show and have dinner at a “haunted” restaurant. This group has our support to the fullest and we continue to tell Ruth, the founder, how we appreciate her, what she has done and is doing with these young people.

We held our last meeting for 2008 on December 15th.

We will not meet again until February 2009. Lawson reports that the attendance of the Men’s Meeting for Building 18 has increased tremendously. So, as our motto goes, Building 18 has it going on and on ….

Continue to read the bulletin board for updates and other information. Also, read your newspaper! On a personal note, my thanks to all of the cooperators in Building 18 for what you have done this past year.

Nothing done was too small. Let us continue in the same spirit with respect for one another and become more active in your building activities. Thanks, Gloria, for returning! Cooperators Iris and Marcella passed away this month and we extend our sincere condolences to the families.

Happy New Year to all!

American Legion Post 1871 To reach Post 1871, it is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 41, and if you have a computer, you can get in touch with us by email at post1871@optimum.net.

Greetings to all our members of Post 1871, located in Co-op City, who are residing in the Bay Park Nursing Home. Our minds and hearts are with you each day hoping that you will have a blessed day. Happy Birthday to all our Post members that have a birthday in January-Nehemiah Eutsey, Julio Figueroa, Leonard Blascovich Jr., Rodney Gaulden Sr., Carl Barr, Arthur H. Gelman, William Martinez, Ruben McCann Jr., Lowell A. James, Hector R. Rosado, Hector M. Rosario-Flores, Richard Shade, Donald L. Young and Lawrence Shaheed. The importance of birthdays is not how many you've had; but rather, how well you've celebrated.

To all our Post members that celebrate Kwanzaa, may the joy of Kwanzaa touch you and your family.

Common cons in cyberspace. A sham seller asks you to send money to an escrow service for the car, appliance or other big-ticket item he advertised on the internet auction site. He is conspiring with the crooked escrow service. It is a lose-lose for you. Do not let this happen to you.

Q. In what year did the Air Assault Badge come out?

A. In 1978, the soldiers in air assault units had an official Air Assault Badge.

If you bump into a 1871 Post member in the street, ask him if he has paid his dues for the year yet? Then tell him how important it is to pay his dues. Thank you for helping the Post as a member.

A little history about Ret. General Eric K. Shinseki. He was born on November 28, 1942 in Lihue, Hawaii. He is married with two children. He has a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Military Academy, 1965. In addition, he has a master of arts in English from Duke University, 1976.

Rt. General Shinseki served in the U.S. Army from 1965

to 2003, with two combat tours in Vietnam and many commands. He served as Army Chief of Staff from June, 1999 until his retirement in 2003. I am sure he will serve the veterans well on his next mission. That's why the president-elect picked him for his new job in the White House.

The next Executive meeting will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. sharp. Please arrive on time. The Tuesday, January 6, 2009 meeting will be at the City Island Legion Post 156. All are welcome at 7:30 p.m. sharp. The Post is located across the street from the Shore Diner in City Island. Uniform baseball cap casual dress, please.

You cannot light another's path until you have removed yourself from darkness.

Semper Fidelis. This means "Always Faithful."

Your information officer of Post 1871 provided this information to you.

— Richard I. Lawson, Jr.

Single Source Single Source is not just for singles. It’s a single source whose goal is to create an atmosphere for healthy fun for the over 50. A modern organization that demonstrates that high quality activities can be designed to help live an exciting, healthy life in spite of the aging process. YOU DON’T STOP BECAUSE YOU GET OLD, YOU GET OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP. SATURDAY SITES: (1) On Saturday, January 24, 2009 come with us to Fulton Avenue in Brooklyn to visit the SIMMONS COLLECTION AFRICAN ARTS MUSEUM and dine at the Joloff Restaurant, a traditional West African cuisine Senegalese restaurant. The price for the museum and transportation is $33 (the bus leaves from Einstein at 9:30).

Please pay Ellie immediately if you are still interested.

(2) On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009: Spend a unique afternoon at the day-at-the races at the clubhouse, at Aqueduct ($75). This is a fundraiser for South African children (See 2010 travel information under the travel club). The Tracpace luncheon menu offers appetizer: soup/salad - entree: pot roast/Caesar salad/Triple Crown salad/Mojito crabcake sandwich/Cubano chicken sandwich; desserts: apple tart-

let, strawberry shortcake, tartufo. Bus leaves Einstein at 10:30 a.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Co-op City, Bronx, NY. Contact Ellie.

The Travel Club: (1) June 2 -7, 2009, NYS Senior Games, Cortland, NY- Approximately $500 (non-refundable) includes lodging, most meals, transportation, registration, games (except bowling & golf). (2) October 2009-Las Vegas, NV, AARP Convention plus. Come with me.

(3) SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - Waiting list? Newly interested? Contact me immediately. TO GET ON THE LIST. First come first serve…Taking 42 people.

AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program for people over 50, 10% insurance discount. $12, AARP MEMBERS/$14, NON MEMBERS. Mon., 2/9/09, 1 p.m. to 5, & Tues., 2/10/09, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (691003 at the American Legion).

Call Ellie for application.

Next class: Tues., 4/7/09, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Thurs., 4/9/09, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Exercise classes to promote a healthy and fit existence.

Exercise/Line Dancing/Belly Dancing Fitness – Wed., 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., reduce your "core;" 10:30 - 11 a.m., Belly Dancing. Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Line Dancing.

Thurs., 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Handi-Flex exercise for the handicapped.

See the Single Source television show on Sundays on CABLEVISION (Bronxnet Cable), Channel 68, 7:30 p.m.

Filler: Tues. & Sundays, 4 a.m. Mon./Wed./Thurs./Fri., 6 a.m.

Walking Club groups meet Mon. - Fri.: 5:30 a.m., Bldg.

33; 6:45 a.m., Gloria Wise Center (Einstein); 6:45 a.m., Bldg. 31B; 7:15 a.m., Casals. Need more information?

Call Ellie.

The C&C (Camera/Computer) Discussion Club: Jan. 7, 2009, 5 to 7 p.m. Ellie’s house. Call Ellie if interested, 718379-4429.

FUTURE ACTIVITY: (1) Annual PartyBoat fundraiser for South African children. (2) Lehman College: (a) The National Acrobats of China, March 8, 2009, $40/15. (b) Cirque Le Masque, Sunday, April 19, 2009, $40/15 (all prices includes a $5 handling fee).

Single Source Productions, P.O. Box 377, Bronx, NY 10475; 718-379-4429; imaminor377@yahoo.com.

–Ellie

12

Congratulations to the Zodiacs' athletes who qualified and went to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championship in Decatur, AL. on December 6th. They all performed well. We especially congratulate Quinten Perrineau and Kadreya Simeon, who medaled in the primary division (7 - 8 age group).

On Saturday, December 21st, the team went to an indoor meet in New Jersey and won the sub-bantam girls and boys (9 age group) and youth girls (14 age group), 4 x 200 meter relays, plus other individual medals.

On Friday, December 26th, Zodiacs competed in the PAL’s first indoor meet, and USATF and AAU Regional champ Spencer Jackson won the 1500 meter run. We had many other individuals who medaled.

This past weekend, we competed in the Colgate Women's Games, and many girls won points. The Colgate Women's Games will continue for the next 4 weekends and the finals will be at Madison Square Garden on January 31st. Come out and see some of the best athletes on the east coast compete.

Building 33 Association The Association of Building 33 wants to thank all of the parents who came with their children to the children’s Christmas party on Friday, December 19. We had a very enjoyable time. Mr. Sydney Brown played Santa to the excitement of the children and the parents. He did a very good job, and everyone had a nice time. The children who did not attend missed a good time. The purpose of these parties is to entertain the kids. The building association works very hard to bring entertainment to the building and it is a puzzlement as to why you, the cooperator, do not take more interest in the activities that we plan.

The pot luck Christmas party for the adults was another successful affair we had on Saturday night, December 20. It was well attended. Everyone came with a dish. It was a very enjoyable evening. We had a nice time dancing to the music of DJ Keith Peterson. Keith lives in the building along with his wife, Jane, who was very helpful. It was a pleasure to have Sydney and Keith volunteer their time to make the party a success. Thank you, both.

The porters and the lobby attendants received their Christmas checks on Wednesday, December 17 in the lobby.

They took pictures with the board and the Christmas tree. In January, I will put together a survey to send around to all the apartments in the building as to why more of you do not take part in the building association’s meetings and affairs we plan for the building. We have a multicolor building with a lot of different cultures in it. It would be nice if you came to the party to mix and experience the different foods that we make. That's the fun. Let us come together in 2009, mix and enjoy each other.

The Kwanzaa celebration in the Bartow Center was a big success. Children from the teen center in Section Five danced to the music of the drummers. It was very delightful to see positive young people perform. We wanted more. Get well wishes go out to all the sick and shut-in. A Happy New Year to all.

—Patricia Bonaparte

Building 30 Association Our next building association meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening on January 8, 2009. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.

We will conduct a 50/50 raffle. There will be a guest speaker, so come on down.

Good wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah; a Reflective Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year.

The Building 30 Association (A & B) is here for you!

You must be a paid up dues member in order to take advantage of the parties and celebrations listed above. Please bring your dues money to the meetings. Watch the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for the dates and times. Get involved and make a difference!!

Looking forward to meeting and greeting you at the meetings.

-- Miriam E. Berlofsky

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Zodiacs Track Team

Black Forum

The Zodiacs Track Team develops and trains girls and boys for track and field competitiveness on a local and national level. The team provides an activity where girls and boys can channel their energies in a positive manner, helping them to build self esteem and through successful competition, see themselves as achievers. We develop young minds through trips, cultural affairs, fun activities and by exposing them to a sport filled with other athletes of all colors, nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

School report cards are checked to make sure academic standards are being met. We strive to provide an atmosphere where members are encouraged to attend college or other institutions of higher education and become responsible adults; to enable the boys and girls to showcase their skills to potential college admissions and athletic department personnel, particularly the major regional competitive meets. This exposure will give those athletes additional leverage in competing for college scholarships.

Your children will be in good hands with over 30 years of history and experience. We have 4 coaches and 1 assis-

tant coach. We also have a Certified Strength Trainer (Hawkins Family Fitness) in Section 5. Anyone interested in joining the Zodiacs Track Team, should contact us.

For information to have a clinic at your school or for your organization or if you wish to sponsor a child or give a donation to the Zodiacs Track Foundation, send your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Zodiacs Track Foundation and send to P.O. Box 67, Bronx, New York 10475. For additional information, please contact President Thomas Francis at 718-679-2060 or copresident Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196, email WATCLT@AOL.COM or visit our website ZODIACSTRACK.ORG. The Zodiacs Track Team is a member of the Northeast Sports Federation; the federation has multiple sport teams.

If you’re looking to get free tennis lessons, baseball lessons or join a football team, girls softball team, or be a cheerleader, email me at WATCLT@AOL.COM and I will provide you with a contact.

–Winston Dinkins

Working Families Party Club of Co-op City SEASON GREETINGS. The WFP Club of Co-op City takes this opportunity to wish all our friends and neighbors a healthy and happy New Year! This past year has been a year of trying times and triumph. One of those triumphs, we as members of the WFP Club are happy to have been active participants in the get-out-to-vote for the election of President-elect Obama, encouraging some 158,891 votes that helped put him in the annals of history. Yes, there is still much work to do and we look forward to you, members, friends and neighbors as we pull together working towards accomplishing the quality of life and fulfill our dreams today for a better tomorrow.

This past week, we celebrated our annual holiday celebration. There was plenty of good food, good friends and a good time was had by all. We especially want to thank our special invited guests who joined with us, Assemblyman Benedetto, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson and Assemblyman Rubin Diaz, Jr. We also had several likely candidates vying for the 12th council seat, as well as a very good friend from Brooklyn, Ms. Tulani Kinard, who is seeking the council seat in the 41st CD, so if you have friends,

family, etc. living in Brooklyn, tell them to be on the lookout for her, a committed community activist. I would truly be re-miss if I did not recognize the members of the Co-op City Club, our friends and neighbors who came to help make this year’s event the enjoyable success it was, a heartfelt thanks to everyone.

Remember, it takes all of us working together to succeed in effecting positive change. We look forward to 2009 as a more productive year. There is much work ahead to do and we will need everyone who is willing to work for the betterment of our community. The WFP Club of Co-op City is likened to EF Hutton, when we speak everyone listens.

Join with us, become a member of the WFP Club, as we together raise our voices to effect positive change. We meet every 4th Tuesday, in Einstein Community Center, Rm. 35.

Mark your calendar, our next meeting will be January 27th, at 7:30 p.m. All are welcomed and we hope you will join us.

Again, we the members of the WFP Club want to wish everyone for the year 2009, a healthy, happy, productive and prosperous year! United for a positive 2009!

--Judy Roberson

Start the New Year Right!

Before

LOCKOUT Mousescreens Patent Pending

After

Mice Freely Enter

3 convector apartments...$75 4 convector apartments...$100

Defensive Driving Course The next Black Forum Defensive Driving Course will be held on Saturday, January 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dreiser Community Center, Room 1. Cost is $35 which must be pre-paid. Send check/MO to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. At the completion of the defensive driving course, you will receive up to 4 points removed from your driver’s license and 10% discount off your auto insurance. No walk-ins available. Call 718-320-8035 today to reserve your seat.

Black Forum Aerobic classes Get in shape. Join us every Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, for aerobics classes by Body by

Andrea. Classes are $3 per person. Please call to register, (718) 320-8035.

Black Forum and the Lyons Mane Track & Field Club If your child, 8 - 17 years old, would like to run track, join the Black Forum and Lyons Mane Track and Field Club, under the professional guidance of Don Lyons. Call to register, 718-320-8035.

Farm Fresh Vegetables returns next year The fresh organic vegetables program has been suspended until next year. We will announce when the program will resume as the information becomes available.

Black Forum Emergency Food Program - New Hours Due to a shortage of food, we are tem-

Building 15A Association It’s that special time of year to acknowledge a dedicated group of cooperators residing in Building 15A, who possess that special thing known as “holiday spirit” and to sincerely thank them for the exceptional job accomplished with decorating the building lobby for the holidays.

The annual tradition has again been perpetuated and outstandingly fulfilled.

The team has definitely made “coming home” for the residents warm, cheery and uplifting, as well as a “welcome” sign to visitors. Those neighbors who should stand up and take a bow are: Robbin Vails, Andre Thomas (cheered on by his twin daughters), David Rodriguez, Michael Robinson, Carmen Molina, Clarice Frierson and Dorothea Castle (organizer/designer). Also, a special mention of Armand Dickerson for his photography. The excitement and wide-eyed, awestruck expressions of the children is the best [part of it all, along with the multitude of smiling faces coming and going throughout the holiday season at 100 Aldrich Street. Hopefully, our neighbors in other buildings will stop in by January 6 (Three Kings Day) to take a glance at the exceptional creative endeavors which personifies the spirit and hearts of this multi-holiday time of the year.

Many thanks go to the cooperators who so generously contributed to the collection of funds needed to upgrade and/or replace some of the extensive decorations. It really helped make the difference.

Mention must be made of those cooperators (and there were many) who took the time and made the effort to decorate their individual public hallways. Kudos to them for participating in adding to the celebratory atmosphere once again.

Especially during these rough times, it is comforting to see people still pitching in to help sustain some old time tradition.

A warm WELCOME to the new cooperators of Building 15A. Once you are settled in, it is hoped by your neighbors that you will take some time to get involved in helping to maintain solidarity, safety and cleanliness in your new domain. It’s extremely important to always remember that your responsibility to the property extends outside to the grounds. We look forward to getting to know you.

A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to one and all! May the year 2009 bring everyone all good things and peace everywhere.

– D.A. Castle

Mice Are Locked Out

Don’t let your apartment be a breeding nest for mice!

• If you see mice • If you see droppings • If you want to prevent mice from entering your home

Building 15A lobby all decorated for the holidays.

- $5 payable to the Black Forum of Co-op City.

It’s Time To Get Involved Now is the time for us to get involved.

Membership is $5 per year/person. Call us, (718) 320-8035.

We Need You - Join Us Today The fee is only $5 a year, per person.

Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: tonyshome10475@gmail.com.

Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Tony Illis

Coalition of African- American Churches & Community Organizations The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City thanks everyone who came to our 12th annual “Kwanzaa Celebration” on Saturday, December 27. It was well attended. Special thanks to the Guest Speaker Hon. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene (Cultural Performance Activist). Also, thanks to The Ellie Minor Dancers, Section 5 Teen Center Dancers, Harambee Drummers, and also special thanks to Ms. Francine Reva Jones for a job well done.

The Coalition next general membership meeting is on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at 7.00 p.m.,177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15.

The Coalition continues to plan activities that will enhance the quality of life in our community. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Patricia Bonaparte is the President of the Coalition. Phone number 1-718-3201861.

The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators and providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. Members of the

Coalition include the following: AfricanAmerican Association, Church of the Savior, Co-op City Baptist Church, Faith@ Work Christian Church, Gloria Wise Community Center, Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club, NAACP, Co-op City Branch, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, St. Joseph Episcopal Church and the Zodiacs Track Club Please support our efforts by sending us your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., Post Office Box 619, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 320-1861 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s stationery and signed by the minister/president.

Read Coalition’s weekly column for the information about events and issues.

Remember the Coalition motto is: “Coming Together is a Beginning, Keeping Together is Progress, Working Together is Success.”

The Coalition wishes everyone a healthy and prosperous new year.

—Harman T. Leacock

The Building 16 Association meeting for January is on Monday, January 12 at 7 p.m. on the “B” side.

We will have a holiday brunch on January 17 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the meeting room. Members only!

Our last meeting was held on December 15. We aired on problems with our building to be addressed with Ms.

Lois English, the area manager.

Thanks for the porters’ donation. You all were very helpful. They were very happy. The lobby attendants were very thankful also.

I want to thank everyone who came out and helped decorate the lobby. Your help was appreciated.

--Clara Coston

Building 17 Association

Avoid surprises & embarrassment! Do like your neighbors and get our ONE TIME only payment, money back GUARANTEED, safe and effective way to protect your home from mice. www.lockoutmousescreens.com

718-671-4115 • 347-804-7196

porarily open on Wednesdays and Fridays only, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. These new hours will stand until we are able to acquire more food for distribution. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, as of July, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program.

Computer needed If you have a computer that you can donate to the Black Forum, kindly contact us at (718) 320-8035.

Please help us to help you Food is available, however, we will have to pay the pick-up and transportation costs. We ask all cooperators to donate $1

Building 16 Association

5 convector apartments....$125 6 convector town house....$150

Protect your home:

17

Building 17 lobby was decorated by cooperators to spread holiday cheer.

Your president, James Payne, and the Executive Board would like to thank all cooperators of Building 17 for their hand in keeping this building’s quality of life at a high standard. Special thanks to those who took part in decorating the lobby (see photo, bottom left). It was a job well done. All year long, I’ve called on Barbara Johnson and Betty Thomas for overtime duty. Special thanks to you both.

All blessings to the sick and shut-ins.

Here’s hoping everyone has a blessed and healthy holidays.

Bring your ideas to the next meeting which will be held on January 12, 7:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. The door will be open at 7 p.m. The Special Guest will be Mr. Vernon Cooper.

Remember, if everyone does a little, no one does a lot. See you at the meeting.

– James Payne

18

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

JASA SENIOR LUNCH MENU

JASA SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM OF CO-OP CITY

Bartow

Gloria Wise

Dreiser

11

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Kosher

Date:

Non-Kosher

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Beef Lasagna, Green Beans

Whole Wheat Bread, Diced Peaches

Monday, January 5

Cranberry Juice,

Alert & Alive 10:00 in rm. 31

Bereavement Support Group 1:15pm in Rm. 34

Dominos 12:30 in Rm. 31

Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice

Tuesday, January 6 Wednesday, January 7

Bingo 11:00 in Rm. 31 Dominos 10:30 in Rm. 31

Bingo 11:00 in rm. 31 Stay Well Exercise 10-11, rm. 31 Word Games 10:30 – 11:30, rm. 31 Dominos 12:30 in rm. 31 Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 49 Bingo 1:00 in rm. 49 Advanced Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Spelling Bee 10:00 in rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class 10:30 in rm. 35 Merry Melodies will be cancelled until further notice

Crochet & Knitting 9am Rm. 7 Stay Well Exercise 10:00 in rm. 2 Walking Club 11:00 in rm. 7 Bingo 11:00 in rm. 4

Alert & Alive 10:30 in rm. 7 Bingo 10:00 in rm. 4 Cultural Dancing 10:30 Aud. A

Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 2 Art 1:00 in rm. 7 Minor Musical Workout & Merry Melodies will be cancelled until further notice

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Stay Well 10:00 in rm. 45

Drama Club 1:30 in rm. 7

Merry Melodies will be cancelled until further notice

Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49

Line Dancing will be cancelled until further notice

“Movie Madness” 9:30 a.m. rm. 31

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49

Art 10:00 in rm. 45 (At Einstein)

Art 10:00 in rm. 45

Crochet & Knitting 9:00 in rm. 7

Bingo 11:00 in rm. 31

Bingo 10:30 in rm. 31

Bingo 1:00 pm in rm.

49

Meditative Moments 11:00 in rm. 2

Spelling Bee 11:00 in rm. 31

Tues., 1/6 Wed., 1/7

Oriental Blend Apple Juice, French Onion Soup, Honey Mustard Homemade Tuna Salad, Chicken Wings, Potato Tossed Salad, Salad, Tossed Salad Potato Salad w/dressing Orange Pineapple Juice, Beef Meatballs, Beef Stew, Rice, Egg Noodles, Mixed Veggies Winter Blend

Rye Bread, Diced Pears

Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Apples

Thurs., 1/8

Chicken Breast, Baked Potato, Collard Greens

Orange Chicken, Shell Pasta, Oriental Blend,

Rye Bread, Mandarin Oranges

Fri., 1/9

Orange Juice, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Fish Tilapia, Corn on the Cob, Pickled Beets

Fresh Pea Soup, Fresh Tilapia, Baked Potato, Winter Blend

Whole Wheat Bread, Apricot Halves

*Schedule subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066 ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Gloria Wise Center (718) 671-5161

Happy Holidays!

We, the JASA family, wish everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year.

From the JASA family to your family.

BE INFORMED SOCIAL ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAM IN CO-OP CITY If you are caring for someone with a memory impairment disorder like Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia JASA can help. Our Social Adult Day Care Program in Co-op City is designed to promote cognitive stimulation, increase socialization, and engage participants in therapeutic recreational activities.

Where: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 25, in the Riverbay Administration Building.

When:Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday Time:10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please call 718-379-2228 for additional information and speak with Maria Gonzalez.

Looking forward to...

January 21st, NORC Lecture Series on “Financial Management.”

Trips for the New Year Palisades Mall, NY-Scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009; Price: $10; Empire City Gaming at Yonkers Raceway-scheduled for; Thursday, January 29, 2009; Price: $25.

For more information, please pick-up one of our newsletters at your senior center. Registration will begin January 7th at 10 a.m.

Volunteers Wanted

WEEKLY TRIPS 1st Monday: 1st & 3rd Mondays: Tuesdays: Fridays:

Mon., Breaded Fish w/tartar sauce, Fried Rice 1/5

All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Bereavement Support Group 1:15pm in Church of the Savior

Dominoes 10:30 in rm. 31

Thursday, January 8

Bingo 1:00 in Rm. 49

Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31

Current Events 10:00 in Rm. 31

Friday, January 9

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49

Stew Leonard’s Super Wal-Mart Bowling Swimming

$5 $8 $12.50 $3

To register for trips and classes, please call

(718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation

We are looking for volunteers for the new year to lead daily activities at the senior centers. If you are interested, please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Judy Washington, at 718-320-2066.

Blood Pressure Trained volunteers are providing FREE blood pressure screenings to the 60+ community. Conveniently, located at all three of the Co-op City Community Centers. All you need is to become a member by simply filling out a short application form available at any of the local centers.

L oca t ion s & Sc h e d u le : 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon.; 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room TBA, every 2nd & 4th Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Hours: Monday: 9 am - 8 pm Tuesday: 9 am - 8 pm Wednesday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm Saturday: 8 am - 3 pm

10

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

African-American Association of Co-op City Happy New Year to all our members, friends and neighbors. We trust that 2009 will be happy, healthy and prosperous for you.

Association Meeting – The general membership meeting will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15. The new bylaws have been ratified and all members may receive a copy at that time. If you are unable to attend, you may send your membership dues of $15 for individuals and $25 for families, to our mailing address: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Kwanzaa Celebration – At the Kwanzaa Celebration last Saturday, we were proud to announce the establishment of the Kojo Adimu Research Library. Sen Ur Kojo Adimu is a long-time member of the Association and for about ten years has been the leader of the Communiversity of Afrikan-Centered Education. He is also a member of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC), has mentored at the Blue Nile

Rites of Passage Program and affiliated with the AllAfrikan People’s Revolutionary Party. We honor him for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to upholding our Afrikan history, culture and legacy.

Beginning in February, you will be invited to donate books to the Kojo Adimu Research Library and we will be happy to receive them.

A huge THANK YOU is extended to all who helped the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., of which the African American Association is a member, present the 12th Annual Kwanzaa celebration. You and all the attendees helped to make it a huge success.

FREE African Dance – The next dance workshops will be on Wednesdays, January 7th, 14th, and 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room #2. It is open to women, men, boys and girls, age 7 - 70. Wear comfortable clothing.

Yoga & Pilates – The Yoga & Pilates class continues to meet on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 2.

After School Program – You are invited to register your child in The Learning Source where they will receive homework assistance, recreation and loving care. Call 718-379-5555.

Obama Victory Celebration – The Co-op City Coalition for Obama has planned a celebration for Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium. You are invited to come for an evening of dancing, food and fun. Ticket: $25.

Call today: 718-320-1706 or 718-379-5874.

The President-elect Barack Obama has asked for input into his Agenda for CHANGE. Some of the items that were proposed included: More affordable housing, reduce college tuition, expand vocational training, revise drug laws, reinstate rehabilitation inside the prison system, end discrimination against former prisoners, establish a singlepayer health care system, extend unemployment, revise the food stamp program, reform the foster home care system, etc.

– Francine Reva Jones

ing units of affordable Mitchell-Lama apartments. These measures may now get through the Senate as well.

In the context of these developments, the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing is pleased to invite the community to attend our next meeting on Monday, January 12, 2009 in Room 28 at the Bartow Community Center for an open discussion with Riverbay Board Director and Coalition members Andrea Leslie, Tony Illis and Cleve Taylor.

Join the Coalition To Save Affordable Housing Join us in the effort to speak truth about privatization and about avoidable financial pressures on the community.

Follow this column for notices of meetings. Become a member by sending $10 for annual membership to the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing (postal address below).

For information about us: Visit our web page www.ctsah.net; Write – PO Box 64, Bronx, NY 10475.

– Bernard Cylich

Harriet Tubman Democratic Club: Thurs., 1/8; 7:00 pm (Einstein Room 35)

CULTURE & ARTS African-American Yoga Practice: Thurs., 1/8; 6:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 2)

The Drammeh Institute: Thurs., 1/8; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room 10) EDUCATION Williamsbridge Club Meeting: Fri., 1/9; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 8) Economic Development: Sat., 1/10; 9:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 9)

HOBBIES Co-op City Duplicate Bridge: Wed., 1/7; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 9)

RELIGIOUS Circle of Christ Church: Fri., 1/2; (NO SERVICE); Sun., 1/11, 9:00 am (Bartow Rm. 31)

Deeper Life Church: Tues., 1/6; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1) Church of the New Vision Bible Study: Sun., 1/11; 9:00 am (Einstein Rm. 38) Faith @ Work Christian Church: Bible Study Church Service; Sun., 1/11;

Sun., 1/11; 10:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 10)

SENIORS Seniors Nutrition Program: Mon. - Wed., 1/5 - 1/7; 8:00 am (Bartow Rm. 31; Dreiser Rm. 4; Einstein Rm. 49) Retirees of Dreiser Loop Meeting: Mon., 1/7; 1:00 pm (Dreiser Aud. A)

SERVICE & CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program: Tues., 1/6; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 4)

SPORTS Black Forum Aerobics & Track Practice: Mon., 1/5 & Wed., 1/7; 5:30 pm (Dreiser Loop Aud. A, B, C) New York Lyons Athletic Club: Tues., 1/6 & Thurs., 1/8; 5:30 pm (Einstein Rm. 45) Zodiac Track Team: Tues., 1/6 & Thurs, 1/8; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Aud. A, B, C) Happy & Healthy New Year to all Co-op City’s organizations from the scheduling office!

AARP Chapter #4997 F YI : Did you make your New Year’s resolution yet? Well, think about joining AARP Peachtree Chapter #4997 in 2009…Meeting every 2nd Monday, 1 p.m., Dreiser Loop Auditorium “A”.

Find out what’s happening in Washington, Albany and in New York State. Join other 50+ cooperators making a difference in their community.

Here’s wishing all Co-op City friends, neighbors and members a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous NEW YEAR!!!

To notify the AARP Peachtree Chapter of illness or bereavement, contact Frances Wilson, (718) 671-5493.

2009 AC T I VI T I E S: January 15, 2009 (Thursday) – Atlantic City Casino w/an American Bandstand Review; $45/person with $20 in coins and $5 food voucher. Check-in at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Library (Asch Loop). Call Wini, 718-671-6386, for details.

May 6 – 9, 2009 – Washington, DC to visit the Spy and Media Museum; and a show at the Kennedy Theater w/2 meals; $770/double; $980/single. Contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

June 10 (Wednesday) – Dine on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer thru the Catskill Mountains with Shopping at Woodbury Commons - $85/person. Contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

August 30 – September 6, 2009 – Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) – Ports of Call: Rome, Genoa (Italy), Nice (France), Barcelona, Palma deMallorca (Spain) and Sardinia, Rome (Italy); includes cruise, roundtrip air from JFK Airport, taxes and insurance; PASSPORT REQUIRED; Deposit $250 NOW DUE; Additional information to be given at the January 12, 2009 AARP meeting. Contact Jean, (718) 3793742, or Wini, (718) 671-6386.

R E M E M BE R : All trips, 2 or more days, must be completely paid 45 days before departure.

You don’t have to be a member of AARP to reserve any of the trips listed.

Signing your name for a trip does not insure you a seat on the bus -- your “PAYMENT” will hold a seat for you.

First come, first seated, so be prompt with your promise to pay or lose your —Delor es A. Deb n a m spot.

Goose Island Seniors Happy, happy new year 2009.

Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all those who celebrate in the month of January.

On Wednesday, January 7, Bingo game in Room 38 at 1:30 p.m. for members only. Admission is $2. Refreshments served.

On Tuesday, January 27, we are going to Atlantic City to the Showboat Casino.

The price is $27. Rebate is $25, plus $5 towards food. Pick-up time is 8 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops.

Goose Island Seniors is open for new

members. Dues are $12 per year. (1) We have a large library. (2) We have Mah Jongg game every Monday and Wednesday. (3) We enjoy music and good conversations. (4) We go to Atlantic City once a month. (5) We make trips to dinner theatre and shows.

For more information, call Ann or Mary at 1-718-379-9613 or come to Room 39 at 135 Einstein Center, Monday - Thursday, from l0 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Speedy/recovery to our member Esther Waxman. Good health to all.

—M a r y P illa

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Building 13 Association Building 13 Association wishes ALL our cooperators a very happy new year. I hope you are all ready to re-dedicate yourselves to a New Year full of hope and promise.

Yes we can, IF we put our minds to it.

Our first meeting of the year will be on Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the back of the building (in the Voting Room).

Have you heard? Building 13 Association is going to see Ain't Misbehavin’ at Lehman Performance Center on Saturday, May 16, 2009 featuring American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis. To get your tickets, contact: 1) Leslie Peterson at (718) 320-1370 2) Lorraine Holmes at (917) 207-8648 3) Robin Frazier at (646) 579-5766 for tickets.

Please observe the following quality-of-life regulations: a) NO DOG is allowed in the apartment; b) NO LOITERING in the lobby and on the stairways. c) NO SELLING in the lobby. Period. d) NO VANDALIZING the stairs and the elevators.

Unannounced police sweeps are conducted day and night to enforce these rules.

Report any criminal activities to the 45th Precinct at (718) 822-5411 and/or Riverbay Public Safety at (718) 320-3050.

For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1.

NEW - For traffic updates, call 5-1-1.

"If you see something, say something" – Olubiyi Sehindemi (Mr. B)

(Bartow Room 28)

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: Sun., 1/11; 10:00 am (Einstein Rm. 35) Greater Love Baptist Church: Sun., 1/11; 2:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1) Harvest Restoration Ministries: Wed., 1/7; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 10);

Affordable housing – an issue moving onto the front burner families currently finding themselves unable to afford home ownership, the need for affordable rental housing is a crying need.

Roger K. Lewis, a practicing architect and professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Maryland, writes, “Let’s now do something for renters as well as for the country. Revive the economy by investing in infrastructure, but also revive the nation’s commitment to producing sustainable rental housing that families can afford.”

Legislators getting the message Legislators in Albany are getting the message. For the first time in at least a generation, there appears to be a real chance that a new Democratic majority in the State Senate will be able to bring pro-tenant legislation to the Senate floor for a vote.

Assembly-member Jonathan Bing, head of the Assembly’s Mitchell-Lama subcommittee, has achieved Assembly approval, but bottled-up in the Senate, of half a dozen measures protecting the endangered 78,000 remain-

BUILDING & TOWNHOUSE ASSOCIATIONS Fellow Residents Equity Association: Wed., 1/7; 7:30 pm

8:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 8)

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing Next General Meeting 1/12/09 The next general meeting of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2009 will take place in a time when strong winds of change are swirling in the nation. Washington is planning huge investments that will provide jobs - and mass purchasing power - while restoring neglected roads, bridges, schools, etc.

For decades, federal housing programs spurred production of housing for the less affluent. Establishing the Department of Housing and Public Affairs in 1965 demonstrated recognition of that commitment.

Public pressure could put re-consideration of public policy regarding affordable housing onto the table, nationally.

Decent, affordable housing in short supply Decent rental housing for low and moderate income families - exemplified by New York State’s Mitchell-Lama program - are in critically short supply. With millions of

19

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Baychester Library Events Adult Film • Today, Saturday, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 • 2:00 pm • Game On – Monday, January 5, 12, 26 • 3:00 p.m. for all ages

Family Owned and Operated

Teens Tag — Tuesday, January 6, 13, 20 • 4:00 p.m.

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

Adults Computer Classes — Wednesday, January 7 • 10:30 a.m.

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Library Closed

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

Tuesday, January 20 — President Obama Barack’s Inauguration Kids Reading Aloud — Wednesday, January 7, 14 & 21 • 3:30 p.m.

Personalized & Professional Care

All areas are handicapped accessible

Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

Chess for Everyone — Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, 29 • 3:30 pm

The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

NEW HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-8; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6 & Friday & Saturday, 10-5 Serving all cultures & faiths

Libros En Español (Books in Spanish) Horario de la biblioteca: Lunes

The Retirees welcome new members, so come join us. Annual dues of $20 are being accepted now for 2009.

We are located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475 in Co-op City. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Retirees will be Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A. Please come out for the first meeting of the New Year. We will be selecting a nominating committee to recruit candidates for office in the Retirees.

For information regarding all trips and events, you may call 718-379-0377.

T H E AT E R T R I P S: January 24, 2009: Doo Wop Night at Lehman College, $55 April 25, 2009: Dionne Warwick at Queen’s College, $57 For information and reservations, see

the Theater Committee in Room 19 on Thursday afternoons.

SAVE T H E DAT E ! The Retirees presents an exciting trip to Las Vegas May 27 – June 10, 2009. The trip features deluxe motorcoach transportation, 14 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in a Las Vegas Casino Hotel, 18 meals, gaming and sight-seeing on the famous Vegas Strip and much more.

All for only $1225 per person, double occupancy. There are a few seats left.

Reserve now and insure your place for this wonderful experience. The second payment is due now. For information and reservations, call Eleanora Jones at 718671-5707.

To notify the Retirees of illness or bereavement, contact Elinor Gordon at 718-379-8755.

The Retirees wishes all of our friends and neighbors a happy holidays and a prosperous and healthy new year.

—Vir gin ia St ewa r t

10-8, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-8, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado

718.379.6700

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

Healthy & Happy New Year!

20

On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone (718) 862-9172.

CHURCH SUMMER SCHEDULE Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Communion Service - Every first and third Sunday Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE AT THE CHURCH’S ANNEX: 2053 ASCH LOOP NORTH (CO-OP CITY) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” - every Friday (except 4th Friday) 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS: Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 a.m. – Sister to Sister Annual Breakfast. “Women United in Spirit Through Faith and Prayer.” Guest Preacher, Rev. Patricia Lawson,

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Community Protestant Church

National Council of Negro Women

The Riverside Church, New York City. All are welcome.

Sunday, January 11th, 3:30 p.m. -- Observance of Annual Official Boards’ Day. The Soul Sisters Reading Network will reconvene on Saturday, January 17, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at the Annex to read and discuss The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. This is an intense story of an evangelical preacher who moves his wife and four daughters from Georgia to a village in the Belgian Congo in 1959. The family drama is told in the voices of mother and daughters, as they seek to understand each other and the continent that tore them apart. A very interesting read! RSVP your attendance at cpcsisters@aol.com by January 15th.

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY Look where the Lord has brought us from! We will celebrate 40 years of steadfast, devoted Christian service on April 19, 2009. Many activities and programs are planned in observance of this great milestone in the life of our church and we invite the community to come and celebrate with us on the following dates:

Church of the Savior Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor, Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder, and Rev. McMillian Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, intercultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place - street level, (under Building 7 near Dreiser Loop). Take the 26, 28, 30 or QBX1 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif P1.

Winter is coming soon, bitter cold days, especially without a warm coat, this can be a health hazard for brothers and sisters who cannot afford a coat. Church of the Savior is collecting coats that are clean and in good

shape to be given to a person in need. Please bring your donation to the church at 120 DeKruif Place on Sunday, December 7 at 9:00 a.m. We thank you for your contribution.

Dr. Smith's Divine Message for January 4 is "What do you have to offer the Lord?" Scripture reading: Matthew 2:1-11.

Thought for the Week - "Worry ends where Faith begins."

Weekly Activity Thursday — 1:15 p.m.: A support group to persons who grieve the death of a spouse, significant other, child, brother, sister or treasured friend. All sessions are confidential. A caring environment awaits you.

For more information, call 1-718-320-0002.

Sunday, February 15th at 3:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Reverend Peter Wilson, Mount Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY. Saturday, March 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Anniversary Banquet at Villa Barone Manor Sunday, March 29th at 3:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service.

Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Phillip Joubert, Sr., Community Baptist Church, Bayside, NY Sunday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Community Protestant Church Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m. – Gospel Extravaganza For additional information, contact the church at (718) 862-9172.

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

We welcome women and men to join this historically distinguished organization. All that is required is your INTEREST, COMMITMENT, FOCUS AND INVOLVEMENT. CO-OP CITY NCNW ON THE MOVE: Gladys Osborne and her team have done a great job gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza.

Lori Melton, on behalf of NCNW, thanks all of you for your generosity in the giving of gifts as requested.

On Saturday, January 31st, our Book Club will be meeting in Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza Shopping Center at 3:30 p.m. to discuss “My Sister's Keeper,” by Jodi Picoult.

February 28, 2009, Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m., Black History Month - 8th Annual Youth Celebration: Dreiser Community Center 1, Auditorium A. Calling on all youth groups, choirs, steppers, dancers, poets, actresses, musicians, etc., who would like to volunteer their time and talent to participate in the celebration, please contact

Donizetti Building 4 Association

We had two beautiful holiday parties on Saturday, December 20, (children & adult) in the Association Room. I appreciate and thank all the wonderful cooperators that help in the decoration, food shopping, cooking, setting up the food, clean-up, etc. Also, the DJ was great and Panera Bread’s donation was wonderful.

Our casino trip on December 13, got off to a rough start, and was fixed within a short time. Thanks to all the cooperators and friends that supported me on all our trips. You are extraordinarily great people and without you, it could not have happen. I'll be talking to you in 2009.

Special thanks to Mr. Edgar Perez, Mr. Vernon Cooper and the Public Safety Department for your continuous assistance. Also, thanking Mrs. Reed’s (Broun Place Townhouses) daughter, Ms. Valdez.

This is your community, when you see something, say something.

Congratulations if you're celebrating a special day.

Condolences if you lost a loved one. Remember the sick and shut-in.

Your participation is louder than your voice.

— Anna Lucas

The building association will have a holiday brunch and all members whose dues for 2008 are paid up are invited.

If you haven’t paid your dues, you may do so at the brunch.

The Holiday Brunch will be held Jan. 10, 2009 in the meeting room (rear of 4B). The brunch begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Come down and join us in a fun day of playing games, listening to music, talking and eating.

We will start collecting building dues for 2009, starting the 23rd, 24th and 30th of January.

We are planning a tentative trip to Mohegan Sun in March. Would you be interested? Let me know.

Happy January birthdays (that’s me) and get well soon wishes to all of our sick and shut-in.

Happy and healthy New Year to all!! – Yvonne Burrus

Shareholders asked to notify Sales Office if receiving furniture delivery

BY ROZAAN BOONE Shareholders who are expecting new furniture delivery should notify the Riverbay Sales Office so that arrangements can be made to protect Riverbay’s property, in particular, the elevators, from damage.

According to Steve Gold, Riverbay’s Director of Residential Sales, as soon as cooperators have confirmed the date and/or time of delivery of their new furniture or appliances, even if they cannot get to the Sales Office right away, they should contact the office at (718)

9

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

320-3373, Ext. 3000, so that the information can be put into the computer and the Buildings and Grounds Department can be notified to pad the elevators and take any necessary precautionary measures to avoid scratches and other damages.

No permit needs to be issued, but the Sales Department must be notified so steps can be taken to protect Riverbay property by placing pads in the elevators.

If a shareholder has someone moving in or out the home, and moving their furniture with

C O O K I E ’S Quality OverNight and Weekend Child Care Certified and Licensed

Please Call Cookie at

them, the Sales Department again needs to be notified and in this case a permit must be issued before the move-in or out can be allowed to proceed.

Two years ago, Riverbay’s Board President Othelia Jones, then and current chair of the Board’s Cooperator Appeals Committee, brought to light the fact that shareholders were being issued community complaints and fined if their furniture arrived after 4 p.m. in adherence of a Board resolution which allows move in and move out traffic

only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

However, by Board resolution, shareholders who are expecting retail delivery of furniture or other household items, and can produce a valid invoice, bill of sale or other relevant document confirming that delivery, can continue to accept such deliveries beyond the 4 p.m. deadline.

“No shareholder will be fined or receive a community complaint if they receive furniture after 4 p.m.,” said General Manager Vernon Cooper.

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY 1659 EAST GUN HILL ROAD BRONX, NY 10469 REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR

(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179 CHURCH

An interdenominational Church of love and understanding, consisting of people of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds, seeking to live the spirit of Christ with relevance.

718-944-5711

CHURCH SCHEDULE WEEKLY:

And Arrange A Visit With Your Child’s Environment

3449 Edson Avenue, Bronx, New York 10469

CHURCH SCHOOL - 9:00 A.M. WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY - 11:00 A.M. BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY 7:30 PM

(Off Boston Road between Baychester & Grace Ave.)

MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Building 1 Association

Boxing program off to the second hit semester at Mosholu Center Chris Pinto, Director of Sports and Fitness at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, recently announced that the community center’s new boxing program for children, teens, and adults had a wonderful first fall semester and is now registering for the winter session.

Professional boxers teach the skills associated with the sport of boxing at the center on Saturdays afternoons, and Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m. Classes are broken down by age group.

On Saturday, January 10th, the center will hold an Open House where free demonstration classes will be held.

For complete information, call Chris Pinto at (718) 882-4000, Ext. 280 or the main desk at Ext. 0, or log onto www.mmcc.org.

Please submit your articles for clubs and organizations via email to:

cctimes

@riverbaycorp.com

Mrs. Melton at (917) 399-2643.

April 16 – 21, 2009, we invite you to join us on a trip to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Laughlin. We still have a few seats available. The price of this tour is $1,550 per person double occupancy & gratuities included. Please send your $250 deposit. The accommodations include: bus transportation to and from the airport; flight and air taxes; land tours with Tour Director; fully air-conditioned motorcoach; quality hotel accommodations; dinner in Laughlin and shows in Las Vegas. The balance of the trip is due by January 31, 2009. There will be no refunds after December 5, 2008. Not included: travel protection insurance at $119 – for those who chose to purchase this plan, you must do so with your initial payment. Please make checks payable to NCNW/Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, please call 718-671-4804, 718-671-6910 or 718320-2366. Don’t miss out on this special event.

Please begin to prepare for our Shopping Spree on

Saturday, May 9th. More information will follow as our flyers are produced and distributed.

September 15 - 28, 2009 – Plan your fall trip with us to Spain and Morocco. Come with us to the Casbah.

Thirteen (13) days and twelve (12) nights of travel visiting in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Tangier, Casablanca and more exciting cities of which you may have heard. This is a great tour for $3,500. For additional information, please call 718-862-9009 or 718-655-9034. Yes, we still have seats available.

NCNW also has a shopping website, please visit at www.shopNCNW.com. If you desire more information regarding travel and other events indicated, please connect with us online through our website: www.ncnwcoopcity.org. Our email address is: mail@ncnwco-opcity.org. Thank you and join us!

The National Council of Negro Women wishes each and every one of you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

– L. Holloway-Mills

8

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Recycling

(Continued from page 5)

Another important function of CSO is to process community complaints as they are received by logging and notifying the shareholder of such complaints through correspondence, and then forwarding the complaint to the Riverbay Board’s Cooperator Appeals Committee for a hearing, as well as attending these hearings if the shareholder requests their presence. In addition, CSO sends letters to shareholders for poor housekeeping, noise complaints, illegal appliances, throwing objects out of windows, mats outside of their apartment doors and dogs in the apartments.

“We are the information source for cooperators,” said Net. “In addition, we provide a wide range of services that many shareholders may not even be aware of.

Whenever there is doubt, call your CSO. We are the catalysts that will then go ahead

and disburse to every department. We make sure that we get back to the shareholders so that they don’t have to make fifty calls.”

New cooperators who may not be familiar with the CSO office and its services are given an information package during their Orientation session which includes the information on this office.

“In addition to the services already mentioned, we conduct face-to-face interviews with shareholders who have unresolved on-going issues,” said Net. “The CSO also sells small, over-the-counter items, such as towel bars, aerators, drawer rollers, hinges and glass shelves for medicine cabinets to cooperators and maintain an inventory of such items. So we provide a lot of services that cooperators need to familiarize themselves with.”

Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon

Cooper said, “The Cooperator Service Office is a vital part of the management operation for this community. Basically, cooperators can rely on this office to address their service requests, disseminate information regarding policies and procedures or just provide information about how management works.

Cooper added, “The CSO managers are seasoned individuals who work with and relate to the cooperators on a one-on-one basis primarily, but also in group settings, such as Association meetings. They are one of the departments that is instrumental in conducting inspections and subsequently, preparing reports to expedite needed repairs and make adjustments and revisions where needed. All in all, they are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the corporation because of their close relationship to the cooperators.”

According to Net, no appointment is needed and any cooperator can walk into the CSO office for service. In addition, they may also call their respective CSO or contact the office through the official Riverbay website, www.riverbaycorp.com “They can log onto us and we will go ahead and make out a Work Order accordingly,” said Net. Cooperators who live in Buildings 114, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, Room 6, at (718) 320-3453/54/55 and 56.

CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, Room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 320-3404/04/05 and 06.

CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in Room 37 in the Einstein Center.

The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3591/92/93 and 94.

TAPS—Final Salute

From the Garage Dept:

Senior Vice Commander William Tovbis of Building 20A and of the Jewish War Veterans Co-op City Post 500 died on December 22, 2008.

The Post gives him a final salute.

May he rest in eternal peace.

—Marvin M. Warm, Quartermaster

It’s come to our attention that cooperators parking their cars in the garages are not parking within the designated lines and are taking up space which prevents other drivers from entering or exiting their vehicle.

Say you saw it in the Co-op City Times Advanced De ntal G ro up Smile with WHITER! BRIGHTER! HEALTHIER TEETH!

Please be courteous to your fellow cooperator.

Park your vehicle within the lines.

Thank you for your cooperation.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

Your smile is your gateway to success BEFORE

• Practicing Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Co-op City since 1975.

AFTER

• Board Certified in Foot Surgery

1 0% DI S C O UN T With this ad ¥ New Patients Only

• ALL conditions of the foot treated.

Dental Emergencies No Appointment Needed

• Most insurance plans accepted.

GET A MILLION DOLLAR SMILE & PAY LATER 12 Month payment plan available

0% Interest - Based on Credit Approval • Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

PERMANENT SMILE RESTORATION SERVICES - Children and New Patients Welcome - Implants to replace missing teeth permanently - Crowns, Bridges and Dentures

- Periodontal Screening and Treatment - Painless Root Canal Treatment - Cosmetic Dentistry, Natural tooth colored fillings

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Ad va nc e d De nt al Gr ou p www.advanceddentalgrouppc.com 140-1 DeKruif Place, Co-op City Building 6 • Bronx, NY 10475

(718) 379-1700 We Accept: Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card / Dental Financing Plans available for qualified; Most Insurance Plans & Medicaid accepted as full payment; FREE PARKING

“We make saving your teeth affordable”

• Evening and Saturday appointments

“Se Habla Español”

Benjamin V. Katayev, D.D.S., P.C. Call:

Co-op Insurance Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

21

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 28 years!

Riverbay Requires

Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your co-op is an investment worth protecting!

Protection to cover your belongings against: Fire Smoke Water damage from plumbing Vandalism/Riot

We offer:

Low Premiums Protective Device Discounts 55 & Retired Discounts

Certain personal liabilities/ Guest medical protection And so much more!

Auto-Home Discounts Convenient Hours/ Courteous Staff

The Wright Agency Contact Anthony Wright

We are conveniently located between Boston Road & Co-op City (near Eastchester Road) Hours: Owned & 1435 East Gun Hill Road Monday: 9 am - 8 pm Operated by Tuesday: 9 am - 8 pm Only blocks away from Co-op City!

Wednesday - Friday: Anthony 9 am - 5 pm Wright Saturday: 8 - 3

718-671-8000

22

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite the community to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children will be held at 9:15 a.m. Bible class and prayer service is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study also is held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and at 7:30 p.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 on the lower level. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org to find out about our ministries and programs. For your travel needs, please visit www.ccbctravel.com.

“Feast Delivers,” hosted by the Just For Men Ministry, invites everyone to participate. Make your selection by circling the item(s) on the menu. Add $5 to

your total as a service charge and bring your receipt at pick-up time. The deadline for payment is January 4th and distribution will be at the church on Saturday, January 10th from 11 a.m. to noon. This month, the feast has a ham dinner special for $20. Checks are accepted, made out to the Co-op City Baptist Church. Call the church for additional information.

"Save the Date" - Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009 for the Ultimate Dining Cruise. We are inviting everyone to join us for dinner on the "Elegant Spirit Cruises" hosted by the Building Fund Ministry of the Co-op City Baptist Church. The cruise will be a three hour tour of the beautiful New York Skyline. Price: adults (aged 12 and above) - $125; children age 2 - 12 $55. We invite you to join us for good food, good music and good fellowship. A $25 non-refundable down payment is required. Final payment is due April 1, 2009. For

further information, call the church at 718-320-3774.

The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center’s Saturday Tutoring Program offers small group tutoring for students in the 2nd to 5th grades in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. The tutoring program will not be held on Saturday, January 3. The program will resume on Saturday, January 10.

We will be offering preparation for the 3rd, 4th, and 5tth Grade Math State tests which will be held in March.

Tutoring is held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 51 (lower level). Registration will be available during program hours the first two weeks of each month.

For additional info., call 718-671-8449 or 917-620-2859.

The Co-op City Baptist Church family extends wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed New Year to the Co-op City community.

– Hattie L. Lucas

Pentacostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend worship service at 120 Benchley Place Building 24 (street level).

Sunday School for all ages at 10:30 a.m. Mid-Day Service begins at 11:30 a.m. Sunday evening Evangelistic service begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night prayer begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday night Bible Study starts at 7:30 p.m.

If you are traveling by bus, take the #26, 28, & QBX #1 to Co-op City Blvd. to Bellamy Loop, turn right at Benchley Place to Building 24. By car, turn right on Bellamy Loop, then right at the stop sign at Benchley Place to Building 24.

The Work of the Spirit. As Christians, we are called to reverence (have a profound awe and respect for) the work of the Holy Ghost. Our appreciation and respect for the working of the Holy Ghost is evident by our words

and actions, which are a true and accurate reflection of our heart.

Focus Verse: Matthew 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

The Holy Ghost is powerful! By the Holy Spirit, there is preaching, healing, deliverance, and liberty. The Spirit helps our infirmities, intercedes on our behalf, and gives power for signs, wonders, and witnessing. The Holy Spirit comforts, washes, sanctifies, justifies, leads to truth, and produces good fruit in our lives. The Holy Ghost is truly wonderful. Jesus demonstrated the power of the Spirit of God when He healed the man who was blind, deaf, and possessed. Through the Spirit He healed, discerned, and had boldness to confront the Pharisees.

However, the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out dev-

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1871 Our monthly meeting will be held on January 8, 2009 in Room 0 at 11 a.m. in Dreiser Community Center.

On January 23 and 24, 2009, several members will be attending the mid-winter conference of the American Legion Auxiliary at the Albany Marriott Hotel. Our national President, Desire Story, from Bellville, Ohio will be the guest speaker.

Membership motto is to give service not to self. We are recruiting for members to join our unit to carry the conference theme of 2009 — Hope: Honoring Our Promise Everyday. Our veterans need our devotion with our regular volunteers to V.A. Hospital and to the community services.

We are venturing into a dynamic, challenging era of our world with a new President–elect Barack Obama.

Wishing you a blessed, healthy and joyous New Year.

– Olive Glasgow

45th Precinct - 2877 Barkley Ave., Bronx, NY 10465 -

Tel. (718) 822-5411 Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers (Spanish) Cop Shot Missing Persons Case Status Operation Gun Stop Organized Crime Control Bureau Sex Crimes Report Line

at Bay Plaza - Serving the Community

Love

Life

Health

ils by the prince of devils. Jesus then proceeded to systematically destroy their accusation and bring them to a place of decision. Jesus called them to decide on whose side they would be. The consequence of denying His power and attributing the works of God to Satan would result in their eternal damnation if they did not repent.

The real issue was a matter of the condition of their hearts. Jesus admonished them to observe the fruit in their lives because it indicated the condition of their hearts. Our attitude toward the work of the Spirit is evident by our words and our actions. As we walk after the Spirit, good fruit manifests itself to the world as a testimony to the good that lives in us. Lives are transformed as they come to realize the glory and the power of the Holy Ghost.

For further information, call Rev. Richard Sibblies at (718) 324-0334 or 718-320-4218.

Important N.Y. Police Department Phone Numbers:

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH MASSAGE THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER

1-800-577-TIPS 1-888-57-PISTA 1-800-COP-SHOT 1-646-610-6914 1-866-GUNSTOP 1-888-374-DRUG 1-212-267-RAPE

C O-OP CI TY BA PTI ST C HUR C H 135 EINSTEIN LOOP (Section 5) • Rooms 50-51 Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Pastor

Beauty

MANUAL LYMPH Reduce Edema, Lymphedema & DRAINAGE Cellulite, Assist in Weight Loss Frozen Shoulder, Fibromyalgia, MYOFASCIAL Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel RELEASE Syndrome, Neck & Back Injuries FACIAL Lift & Tighten Facial Muscles, TONING Reduce Appearance of Fine Lines, MASSAGE Feel Refreshed, Look Younger

LORRAINE JAYSURA, LMT • 1.917.346.1806

Major Medical • No Fault Auto Insurance Accepted • Visa/Mastercard

7

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

(718) 320-3774 SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:15 AM WORSHIP SERVICES - 8:00 & 11:00 AM PRAYER SERVICE - WEDNESDAY NOON BIBLE CLASS - WEDNESDAY 7:30 PM

COMMUNION SERVICE EVERY FIRST SUNDAY. YOUTH DAY EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US.

Co-op City Toastmasters Club Members and friends, please make a note that meetings for January have been changed. Due to the new year, January meetings will be Thurs., Jan. 8th and Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The regular meeting schedule, first and third Thursday, will resume in February.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our last meeting of the year and holiday party because you helped make it a great success. If you missed the meeting, you also missed the fun we had, as well as two exciting speeches.

Warren Maye gave Speech #2 entitled, Soldiers of Uncommon Valor, also the title of his recently published book, and Wendy Britton gave Speech # 4 entitled Professor, I know Thee Not. Both speeches were moving

and informative and held the audience absolutely engaged.

Wendy, a professional "signer," enthralled us with her signing abilities as she "signed" alongside Dorian King while he delivered the inspirational invocation.

Our club is very fortunate to have many such talented individuals and you can become a part of this distinguished club just by being over the age of 18 and attending a meeting. We come together twice a month to learn from one another, encourage one another and support one another in our individual quest to improve communication and leadership skills. I ask you, where else can you get this proven method of training at such

an economical cost?

Coming up is our club-sponsored speech contest in which the more proficient speakers, as well as those a little less proficient, get an opportunity to compete with others at the local level. Many leadership skills are enhanced by participating in a speech contest. Stay tuned for more information or log on to WWW.toastmasters46.org for additional Toastmaster information.

We wish each and every one a very healthy and happy New Year 2009. We also hope this will be the year that you decide to take that first step towards becoming a better public speaker and leader by visiting one of our meetings.

– L. Jaysura

Stay Alive - Don’t Drink and Drive!

Broun Place Townhouse Association With this, the first article of 2009, we look forward optimistically and with new enthusiasm to the transition in the White House.

Back to basics…if you were lucky enough to have a “real” tree, please dispose of it by wrapping it and bringing it to your respective dumpster site. Riverbay will pick it up for recycling. Due to the weather, the selection and distribution of our ”for members only” holiday gift is delayed. Broun Place is lit up for the holiday and at night sparkles, but please remember to turn your holiday lights off in the daytime.

Olivia and Yvonne are researching bus trip options for the spring.

Sorry to say, it has come to our attention that some cooperators who have gotten “satellite TV” have not installed the dish according to Riverbay rules. If you decide to purchase “satellite TV,” first you should call the CSO, 718-320-3405, 3406. You will be subject to a community complaint if you are reported to have installed the satellite dish incorrectly. Other community offenses subject to penalties are motorcycles parked on the sidewalk and garbage not being recycled correctly.

To everyone celebrating an event or anniversary, we extend congratulations. For those that are recovering from illness or accident, we wish you a speedy recovery. Should you have a particular problem, reach out to a Broun Place board member and see if we can direct you to getting assistance.

A happy and healthy New Year to all.

– Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Cooperator Services Offices: CSO 1 (Bldgs. 1-14, Carver, Debs and Defoe Pl. Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 3203453, Dreiser Center, Rm. 6 CSO II (Bldgs. 15-25: Adler, Asch, and Boun Place Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 3203403, Bartow Center, Rm. B CSO III (Bldgs. 26-35: Earhart Lane Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 3203591, Einstein Center, Rm. 37

6

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Letters to the Editor

Co-op City Times

Complete the feasibility study To t h e E d it or : When it comes to ways of minimizing carrying charge increases, all options should be on the table.

That's why it is important for the feasibility study to be completed. The feasibili-

ty study will either prove or disprove the idea that Co-op City can become a conventional cooperative.

The "flip tax" levied on the sale of an outgoing shareholder could be used as revenue by the Riverbay Corporation. This

would be a brand new source of income for Riverbay apart from carrying charges.

But we will never know if this could become a reality unless the Board of Directors completes the feasibility study.

—G a r y G elesk i

To t h e E d it or : I’d like to say a special thanks to all the kind and caring people in Co-op City who give a hand to the handicapped and other people. I am a large man in a wheelchair. They hold the two doors so

that I can get in and out of the building.

However, I have observed that going to the Bartow Center, the sidewalk is very bad.

It would be good if Riverbay made a path on the outside at one side of the

playground with a yellow line for people in wheelchairs, and those with walkers and canes.

Also, at the garage side walkway, there is no ramp to go up or down.

—F r a n k C a r b on a r o

Shareholders urged to update contact information 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, 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 notarized before being 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 as well.

Notice to shareholders—Phone Tree Please be advised that auto- or to follow-up after appointmated phone calls to remind resi- ments will be suspended until the dents of restoration appointments new computer system can supply

the necessary information.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and patience.

Christmas Tree Disposal Please wrap or bag your tree so that the falling pine needles will not pose a trip hazard or clog the elevator door tracks.

Kindly place your tree under your building’s

portico directly outside the ash cart room.

Thank you for your cooperation.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season.

—R ive r b a y’s m a n a ge m e n t

Building Lease Renewal Notice Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 19 and Asch Loop Townhouses Regarding Lease Renewal Article SIXTH of your to submit for either a one (1) year be moving out at the end of your Occupancy Agreement provides, or two (2) year lease. You must lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, in part, that your lease automati- submit your completed form for a Attention: Sales Support Office, cally renews for an additional three short-term lease no later than thir- 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY (3) year period. You need to do ty (30) days before the expiration 10475, ninety (90) days prior to nothing if you want your lease to of your present lease. If you will lease expiration. extend for another three New Three (3) Year Late Date to Request (3) year period. If you Current Lease either a One (1) or Expiration Date desire a lease of less Expiration Date Two (2) Year Lease than three (3) years, Building 19 you may call 718-320140 Alcott Place March 31, 2009 March 31, 2012 March 2, 2009 3373 to request a form Asch Loop Townhouses

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Derek Alger

Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig

Associate Editor

Jennifer Flynn

Operations Manager

Thanks for caring

23

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Ralph Henriquez

St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 3200844.

Weekly Schedule: Sunday: Service 9 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.; Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m.

Friday: Youth Group 4 - 6:00 p.m.

Young Adults 6:30 - 9 p.m. The Sunday School leads services every fourth Sunday and the

Production Manager

Mary Ann Sowah Graphic Artist

Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar Advertising Sales

Deborah Harris Editorial Assistant

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give every one a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Letters cannot exceed 350 words.

Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor.

All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times.

Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Coop City Times must be obtained in writingCCT from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 >PickUp Art >SendUsUrLettrz.eps Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Send us your

Letters!

Young Adults lead services every fifth Sunday.

Upcoming Events Saturday, July 26 and every other Saturday following, the boutiques will open from 12- 4 p.m. We have a wide variety of items ranging from jewelry to items perfect for yourself or someone special in your life.

Have a safe and Happy New Year. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (Psalm 147).

Praise the Lord, everyone! God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! We thank Him for waking us up this morning. We thank Him for a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on our tables. We trust that everyone is having a good holiday season thus far.

Let’s go into the Word of God. We’re going to look at scripture that talks about love, unity, and humility. We are coming from the book of Philippians 2:1-11 in the Living Bible.

1 Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help me? Does it mean

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anything to you that we are brothers in the Lord, sharing the same Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all?

2 Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing whole heartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.

4 Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.

5 Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ,

occasion cards 25 cents each, Christmas cards 20 for $2, Christmas wrapping paper. Soft covered books 5 for $1 and hard covered books for $1 each. For a nominal donation, you can purchase an in-memory-of or in-honorof cards.

As of January 1, 2009 dues are due.

If you wish to join our organization, come into the office and fill out a membership application.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish our readers a very happy holiday and a happy, healthy New Year.

Get well wishes to those who are ill.

— A r l en e D e r m a n s k y

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6 who, though He was God, did not demand or cling to His rights as God, 7 but laid aside His mighty powers and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.

8 And He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Yet it was because of this that God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name which is above every other name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Invitations: Come out and fellowship with us on Sunday mornings. Our church doors open at 10 a.m. We have Bible School, followed by Worship Service.

There is Prayer Service on Saturdays at 3 p.m. All are welcome.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop on the lower level of shopping center #1. Our phone # is (718) 671-3627. Please call if you have any questions. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

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Once again, we are asking Co-op City to come to our aid. Please help us pay for the repair on the van. Without the van, our clients cannot get to their doctor appointments. Any donation you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Our van operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 718-320-2069 to make your reservations.

We have an Invacare Pronto R/2 motorized wheelchair for sale. Stop by the office and check it out.

Our flea market is open all year round, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have many items for sale. There are all

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Reflections

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue After a long and bitter presidential election campaign, the political cease-fire between the parties has given us not only a respite from harsh rhetoric, but an opportunity to take stock of the state of our democracy.

Though those who supported the Republicans are, no doubt, disappointed by the outcome of the vote, there is no question that the election of an African-American as president is a watershed event in American history that is something in which we can all take satisfaction.

Ours is a nation that was, as Abraham Lincoln put it, "conceived in liberty." But it was burdened by the horror of slavery,

and after that evil was ended, by the sin of racial segregation and discrimination.

Though legislation and judicial decisions put an end to "Jim Crow" laws decades ago, the election of Barack Obama puts an official period on this tragic aspect of the life of our nation.

Obama's win is the living-proof that, though still flawed, we have now become a nation where people are not, in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s memorable phrases "judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

No matter whom you may have voted for in the presidential election campaign, this realization of King’s dream for America is a victory for all of us.

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5, 115 Einstein Loop, welcomes you to pray with them.

NOTE: Regular office hours on Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and on Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, January 9 is no later than 4:28 p.m. Shabbat ends today Saturday, January 3 at 5:25 p.m.

Coming Events: The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship.

End of Year Party--January 1st: CANCELLED Much to our regret, the January 1st end of the year party has been cancelled due to lack of participation. We are so sorry! We wish all a healthy New Year.

Sunday, January 4 at 1:30 p.m.--Sisterhood sponsors a great afternoon of Bingo. The cost is $30 and includes refreshments. Hope to see you here!

Monday, January 5 at 1:00 p.m.-Sisterhood General Membership Meeting Sunday, January 18 at 1:30 p.m.-Sisterhood is sponsoring a card and dessert party.

Good and Welfare: Happy birthday and anniversary greetings

to all who are celebrating during January.

We all are wishing a very Happy Birthday on January 19 to Adele Elliot. Have many more for lots of years to come.

This past weekend was both happy and sad. The happy part was the beautiful Kiddush that was tendered in honor of Rabbi Melvin Sachs and the Rebbitzen Sharon. It was well received and appreciated by the honorees. In order to continue the happy, we had our Annual Chanukah Party and served the traditional Chanukah fare of hot potato latkes and donuts and plenty of noshes. We sang songs appropriate to the holiday and heard the tale of “T’was the Night Before Chanukah.” Everyone went home with a raffle prize and a sack of “Chanukah Gelt” (chocolate coins). Now for the Sad. Rabbi Sachs has been with Traditional Synagogue for the past 15 months and has enriched our lives with his wisdom and caring ways. He has touched each of us in a special way and we thank him for his guidance. We are happy that he has found another position in Rivervale, NJ and wish him and his lovely wife, Sharon, good luck in all that they do. The Board of Traditional Synagogue and members presented a gift of thanks to the Rabbi.

Shalom!

—Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Co-op City Jewish Center We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City looking for a conservative synagogue that all are welcome to our Saturday 9 a.m. service. Try to take a Saturday and come to services when you can.

Donations are always in order. Frieda

will be in the office Monday from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Get well wishes to all who are ill.

For information regarding the synagogue or questions, please get in touch with Frieda Epstein at 671-3679.

Happy & healthy new year to all.

—Frieda Epstein

Co-op City Jewish Center Sisterhood We hope you all had a very Happy Chanukah Holiday.

Monday game days will continue as usual for your pleasure. There is always room for new players, canasta, mahjong, rummy-O, etc.

For a $3 donation, you can enjoy company and refreshments. Hoping to meet new players and members.

You may call Frieda for any other information at 718-671-3679.

—Frieda Epstein

Fire Safety Tips for cooperators HOME OR HIGH-RISE FIRE • If you smell smoke or the smoke detector goes off, call the Fire Department and activate the nearest pull-station at once.

• Before you open the door, feel the door by using the back of your hand.

• If the door is hot or warm, DO NOT open the door.

• If the door is cool, open it just a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke, DO NOT leave.

• If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door. Go directly to the stairs to leave.

• If you can’t escape, use wet towels or tape to seal the door and any room supply vent.

• If you have a balcony and there is no fire below it, go out.

• If there is fire below, go to the window.

DO NOT open the window, but stay near the window.

• If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near the open window.

• Hang a blanket or a towel out of the window to let people know that you are there and need help.

• Be calm and wait for someone to rescue you.

• NEVER use the elevator.

COOKING FIRE • Call the Fire Department immediately.

• Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a

grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools.

NEVER carry the pan outside.

• Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. NEVER use water or flour on cooking fires.

• Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE • DO NOT enter a fire-damaged building unless authorities say it is OK. • When entering a fire-damaged building, look for signs of heat or smoke.

• Have an electrician check your household wiring before the current is turned back on. DO NOT attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself. Leave this to the Fire Department and other authorities.

• Beware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair.

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, if you need housing, food, or personal items, which were destroyed in the fire.

• Call your insurance agent. Keep records of all clean up and repair costs.

• DO NOT throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.

• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.

• Secure personal belongings or move them to another location.

Co-op City still stands as a viable community As we enter a new year, I wish everyone the best in the days and months ahead. I look forward to the new year and will continue to do my part to keep Co-op City moving forward. All one has to do is pick up a newspaper or turn to the news on television and you will be bombarded with horror stories and disasters from all sides, with people of all walks of life suffering. Whether it’s the stock market or the slumping housing market, I, for one, am grateful to be able to call Co-op City my home. We have so much, and if one compares with any degree of honesty, we certainly remain the best housing buy in New York City and the surrounding region.

We’ve encountered bumps and obstacles and challenges in recent years, but Co-op City is still standing as a viable community within the Mitchell-Lama housing program. The key to all this, of

Director’s Viewpoint

Al Shapiro Treasurer

course, is the refinancing we successfully obtained with New York Community Bank. That major accomplishment enabled us to pay off our mortgage to the State of New York’s Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and also allowed us to start work on a number of capital improvement projects, such as installing new windows and repairing our collapsing garages.

Also of great importance is the fact that we were able to eliminate some $153 million in alleged arrearages the state claimed we owed for construction repairs, even though there was no record or documentation of any such work being done. This was quite a victory for us in Co-op City and could not have happened

without the energy, effort and help provided by former Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman. I know $153 million may sound like an abstraction that is hard to imagine in real terms, but those alleged arrearages represented actual money which the state not only wanted, but also expected us to pay. For anyone to believe, much less assert, that the state is our friend, simply is not dealing with reality.

As usual, a small group of vocal rabble rousers will continue to complain that Co-op City is all doom and gloom, which makes me wonder, why they don’t move somewhere else if they really think everything is so horrible here. The belief that the State of New York will come to our rescue and we will never ever need a carrying charge increase is a false one, a complete pipe dream, a fantasy. Just consider, if Gov. Paterson wants and needs millions from Washington to help bal-

ance the State of New York’s budget, it’s hard to envision legislators in Albany ever bestowing money on Co-op City, it’s just not within the realm of possibility at this given time.

Folks, it ain’t going to happen. We’re on our own, and I think we’re doing pretty well under the leadership of President Othelia Jones.

Another development of note is that Co-op City has a record low number of vacant apartments. Families are moving here, and people in the NewYork City area recognize what a great place Co-op City is to live. Even during tough economic times, things are good in our community. And for those who seem to be obsessed with tearing Co-op City down, why do such people never have anything constructive to offer or say about anything?

Once again, I want to wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year.

Residents urged to obey city’s recycling regulations

BY ROZAAN BOONE Riverbay’s Cooperator Service Office (CSO) continues to remind shareholders of the importance of properly disposing of garbage in the compactor rooms, especially when it comes to recyclables.

“It is very important that every cooperator abides by these rules as they will help Riverbay tremendously in our efforts to adhere to the city’s recycling regulation,” said Juanita Net, Riverbay’s Director of CSO. “Failure to do so will result in fines to Riverbay, which in the end, the shareholders end up paying. As the corporation attempts to comply with the rules, we expect each cooperator to be good neighbors and do their respective part.”

Net advises that all recyclables should be washed and placed in the plastic bag in the compactor room before being left for the porters to cart away.

No raw garbage, plastic bags or cans should be left on the floor of the compactor room. Only newspapers and magazines should be left on the shelf in the compactor room. All bulk items, such as cardboard boxes of any kind and sizes, including pizza boxes, must be taken down to the lower ash cart room in the basement.

“Cooperators must comply with New

York City’s recycling regulations,” said Net. “Failure to do so will result in a community complaint and a fine of $125 if the cooperator is identified.”

Riverbay’s Cooperator Service Office (CSO) has three branches in each of the three community centers—Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein—which are charged with providing essential services to residents of Co-op City in a timely and efficient manner.

These services run the gamut from maintenance to social work, and each CSO office is staffed by an Area Manager, Assistant Manager, Secretary and two maintenance service representatives.

In addition to inspecting damaged apartments, walls and floors due to fire or floods, CSO staff take floor measurements for replacement and follow up with the flooring and plastering/painting departments, as well as with the Risk Management Department for personal damages to apartments which result from fire, air conditioning leaks and pipe breaks.

CSO processes requisitions and work orders for disbursement to Maintenance, as well as other departments, on a daily basis based on cooperators’ requests for services, for example, window replacement, tub re-

glazing, tub liners, lobby glass and apartment window glass replacements.

They allocate hall closets to cooperators interested in such rentals and maintain the waiting list for those rentals. In addition, CSO prepares lease agreements for shareholders with freezers and dishwashers and forwards all pertinent information to the Rent/Bookkeeping office.

Senior residents who require social services assistance are referred by CSO staff members to in-house case worker at JASA’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program. The CSO staff document these cases through the preparation of confidential reports.

(Continued on page 5)

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

DHCR Conference “I am looking forward to hearing what my fellow shareholders have to say on this matter,” said Jones.

“Basically, what they are saying is that we do not have enough funds with our current carrying charges to pay for our operations and so an increase is necessary.”

DHCR scheduled the conference with shareholders on Friday, and solicited their written input which must be postmarked by Monday, January 5, 2009, after Riverbay submitted an application for an increase in the maximum average monthly room carrying charges. The application asks for a 6% increase effective February 1, 2009, to be followed by a 4.5% increase to become effective on February 1, 2010.

The current average carrying charge in Co-op City is $172.61 per room, and the proposed 6% increase would raise this figure to an average $182.97 per room in apartments.

“It is important to point out that marginal carrying charge increases are necessary periodically in order to meet continual increases in costs associated with running a housing company and considering dramatic increases in fuel, other commodities, goods and services, caused by changes in the economy and other elements outside of our control,” said Cooper.

Although Riverbay has requested a 6% increase for next February, DHCR projection calls for a necessary one-time increase of 10.55%, effective February 1, 2009, or a 7.04% increase over each of the next two years.

DHCR’s projected increase is based on issuing a two-year budget using an adjustment factor of 87.5% (Shelter Rent 10% and Contingency, vacancy and bad debt 2.5%), with the DHCR projections subject to later DHCR review and revision. Any additional carrying charge increase ordered by DHCR will consider a DHCR Budget/Rent Review determination for Riverbay.

As stated in the notice to all cooperators of Riverbay Corporation on page 10 of the December 6th Co-op City Times, comments submitted by shareholders will be reviewed by DHCR accountants, attorneys and housing management representatives.

“After receipt of comments, additional analysis may be made of financial aspects of housing company operations and the financial schedules may be revised in light of information obtained.”

The notice to shareholders further states that after reviewing cooperators’ comments, DHCR staff will then make recommendations to the Commissioner regarding the carrying charge increase and the Commissioner, who has the power pursuant to provisions of the Private Housing Finance Law to fix carrying charges, appliance and parking charges, will make the final determination as to whether or not an increase is necessary and, if so, the amount required.

In determining the amount of the carrying charge increase, the DHCR Commissioner will consider “the extent to which the present carrying charges are sufficient to enable the housing company to meet its nec-

Church of God’s Children

(Continued from page 1)

essary expenditures, the vacancy rate, the size of the waiting list, the economic impact the carrying charge increase would have on the residents and the market demand for apartments in the housing development.”

Once the DHCR Commissioner makes a decision on the amount of the increase, each cooperator will receive a copy of the Commissioner’s determination in the form of a Carrying Charge Order, which will state the amount of the carrying charge increase, if any, and the Commissioner’s basis for the decision.

“The initial projected increases indicated by the State of New York’s Department of Housing and Community Renewal will be subject to further review after the conference and in the final analysis, may be less than that initially recommended by DHCR,” said Cooper. “In any event, it is also important to point out that even the projected increases are

25

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

smaller than those recently approved by DHCR at several housing companies under their supervision or jurisdiction.”

The last mandated carrying charge increase ordered by DHCR was a 5.8% increase that was implemented in September, 2007 after a conference was held in the Dreiser Auditorium where cooperators were given an opportunity to comment.

“Given the size of our development, along with very unique structural challenges associated with the period of time that the development was built, we must allow for added expenses,” said Cooper.

“Although we are addressing a number of structural issues that have existed for a number of years, we still have a lot more work to do and a number of structural concerns that we would like to tackle as soon as possible.”

Bishop Angelo & Nancy Rosario invite you to come and worship at Church of God’s Children Sunday at 9:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop – the lower level of Dreiser Community Center. 718-790-9120; church open for prayer, Tues.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pastoral care by appointment.

Order of service: Sunday Bible School for all ages – 11:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service – (English) – 1:00 p.m.

Sunday – Worship Service (Spanish) – 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday – Bible study for Adults – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday –Prayer Hour – 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

12-step program every Wednesday 7:00 p.m. at 159 Dreiser Loop Friday – Spiritual Warfare Studies – 7:00 p.m.

Fridays @ 10:00 a.m. - Bronxnet Channel 70.

New Year's Prayer and Meditation A prayer for reflection and meditation on personal and world peace.

"In the New Year may we remember Today's decisions shape tomorrow's outcomes That living each moment the best we can Creates a harmonious life.

May we remember

By holding fast to integrity Others see we are trustworthy.

When times are rough May we remember to turn in To our close and ready source of comfort.

On New Year's and every day May we remember that each new moment Can be a fresh beginning.

And may we especially remember that Personal peace preserved leads to World peace, well deserved."

– Bishop Nancy Rosario

Circle of Christ Church Hearts of Love Ministry of NY “Pressing towards the prize” Reverend Elisamuel “Sam” Colon and the Congregation of Circle of Christ Church would like to extend an invitation of love and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please join us for a time of adoring worship, praise and the Word of God. Allow the Lord to reach into your heart and help you see the road of light and joy.

Circle of Christ Church is a beacon which the Lord has lit onto Co-op City and it is our purpose as a Church and as children of God to serve, teach and bring forth the Gospel for all to hear and witness.

Focus Verse of the Week: The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. --John 1:4 Upcoming Events & Schedule Changes: • Sunday, January 4th at 11 a.m. – Communion Service: Please join us for a time of worship and praise as

we sit at the Lord’s table.

• Saturday, January 10th at 11 a.m. – Women’s Fellowship: Full Circle Life Enrichment Center, 2429 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY (2 blocks from Castle Hill Avenue) • Saturday, January 17th at 9 a.m. – Men’s Fellowship & Prayer Service: Full Circle Life Enrichment Center SCHEDULE OF SERVICE: Sundays: Worship Service** 11 a.m. start Children’s Church (4 - 12 years old) 11 a.m. start Fridays: Bible Study and Prayer*7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Topic: The Call to Follow Christ) Youth Fellowship/Bible Study 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Topic: The Bible from Genesis to Revelations) Saturdays: Women’s Fellowship, January 10, at 11 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship, January 17th at 9 a.m.

F Y I: • You can submit your prayer request online at

prayer@circleofchristchurch.org or give your request to an usher during Friday or Sunday services.

• Circle of Christ Church has opened Children’s Church on Sundays for ages 4 through 12. Please see Sister Diane Torres or Judy Melendez for more information or if you are interested in volunteering.

• The “Little Lambs Ministry” has opened for all parents with small children ages 2 through 4 years of age. The children will be cared for during service after worship. See Sister Esther Colon or Sis. Lynn Afanador for more information. Please pack a snack for your child.

Please mail all your inquiries or donations to the following address: Circle of Christ Church, 1304 Beach Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472-1909; 718-864-4002 Service Location: 2049 Bartow Avenue – Bartow Community Center, Room 31, Bronx, NY 10475.

Website: www.circleofchristchurch.org.

Harvest Restoration Ministries Pastor Anthony Davis and Pastor Andrée Davis, cofounders of Harvest Restoration Ministries, Inc., extend to you a warm invitation to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us.

We are a community oriented non-denominational church that preaches and teaches the Bible in an exegetical style. Our focus is to teach members of the ministry to use biblical doctrines in a practical sense to be a blessing to both the home and the community.

We are establishing nursing home ministries in the local area, as well as a Christian fraternity called FBIC (Firm Believers in Christ). The fraternity will be geared towards teaching men to take responsibility in the care and development of their families and community.

We also have the Tahilla Karar Praise Dance Ministry, which seeks young people of the community to come and join that they may learn to praise God and express themselves through the art of praise dance in our yearly Gospel

Concerts.

We meet at: 177 Dreiser Loop Community Center, Room 10.

Order of Services Sunday School – 11:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:30 p.m.

Family Night – 7:30 (on selected Fridays) Children’s Church – every 2nd Sunday of every month Communion – every 1st Sunday of every month Announcements 2/17/09 – Pastor Anthony Davis sponsors a “Boys’ Night Out” by taking the young men of Harvest to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks vs. The San Antonio Spurs at 7:30.

4/18/09 – Harvest Restoration presents: The “Ten Bridesmaids” play in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium.

Tickets: $10. (Time TBA)

5/9/09 – Harvest Restoration, along with JAIS Entertainment Enterprises co-sponsors a Gospel Jam in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. Tickets: $10. (Time TBA) For more information, please log on to our website at: www.harvestrestoration.org or call us at (718) 690-4974.

C h r ist m a s Tr ee Disp osa l Please wrap or bag your tree so that the falling pine needles will not pose a trip hazard or clog the elevator door tracks.

Kindly place your tree under your building’s portico directly outside the ash cart room.

Thank you for your cooperation.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season.

--Riverbay’s management

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26

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

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3

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Advertising Works! Call 1.718.320.3375

Combing Co-op City Caregiver support program in Co-op City The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) is hosting a support program for caregivers designed to help Coop City residents who are charged with providing care for a loved one who is unable to care for him or herself. Participants share their feelings and information and resources with other caregivers.

The program meets from 1 to 2 p.m. every other Tuesday in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. For registration information, call Frank Farkas at 718-365-4044.

Today is electronics recycling day at Pelham Bay Park Today, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Lower East Side Ecology Center will be accepting working and non-working computers (laptops and desktops), monitors, printers, keyboards, mice and cables, as well as TV’s and VCR’s (no wooden consoles models, only plastic cases) at Pelham Bay Park South as part of an electronic waste collection program.

Small household appliances such as microwaves, toasters, stereo equipment, radios and cameras are not acceptable.

Electronics account for 1% of the content of landfills by volume, but contribute up to 70% of the toxins found in landfills.

Those who would like to attend this event are asked to use the Middleton Road parking lot, off of Stadium Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. A tax deductible receipt for your donation will be available should you request one when dropping off your items.

This event is sponsored by the city’s Parks Department and hosted by the Friends of Pelham Park.

We wish all of our readers and advertisers a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Year in Review power and then finally were granted it earlier this year, the summons power has become an important tool for us in making sure that the streets remain clear and accessible to vehicles that provide vital, and in some cases, life-saving services for this community,” said Public Safety Commander, Deputy Chief Henry Milburn.

Two hundred trees were delivered to the community and planted along the Section 5 Greenway by staff from the Buildings and Grounds Department. The trees were provided through the New York City Million Trees Initiative. More than 1000 new trees are expected to be planted in and around the community over the next few years. In addition to the city trees, Riverbay harvested 100 more young trees provided through the Rye Conservancy. Those trees are housed in the community’s nursery this winter and will be planted next spring.

The Riverbay Board voted to temporarily stop payments to the outside cogeneration contractor until they finish the work required to make the long-overdue co-generation plant fully functioning.

In an unrelated manner, staff at the Power Plant discovered a noose placed inside the plant by unknown persons. In the weeks following, Riverbay worked with the Bronx District Attorney’s office to investigate and determine who placed the noose inside the plant and whether it represented a bias crime. The crime still remains unsolved.

For the first time in its history, Riverbay began making electricians available to residents for evening repairs. “There are many advantages to this new shift,” said General Manager Vernon Cooper. “To name a few, it is infinitely easier to repair exterior lighting and assess lighting needs at night when the electrician can actually see the conditions

Co-generation May added that among the tasks that lie directly ahead, is the cleaning of all components of the plant to ensure that construction residue and debris have been removed and will not impede the operation of any of the plant’s essential components.

He said that the community will feel minimum impact as the final preparations for full operation are made in the coming weeks and months. May noted that at some point, residents might see some release of steam from the plant, but that will be only for a short while and then there should be no impact on the community until that plant is fully operating before the start of this summer.

May said that most of the painstaking work that lies ahead in the months to come involves making and rechecking the numerous connections between the plant’s many components, the task of testing and retesting each component and their interaction with the rest of the plant, trouble-shooting any problems, correcting all of the inevitable problems no mater how minor and then final testing and bringing the

FRONT PA G E

(Continued from page 2)

that exist. Also, the evening shift can continue work that was started during the day, but not completed because the job ran beyond the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule.”

Board Director Marie Heath and the Riverbay Youth Committee once again this year made Halloween safe and fun for everyone by hosting a massive costume party for the young people and then staging a haunted house full of thrills and chills and monsters and goblins all in the name of good fun. Again this Halloween, Public Safety reported no serious incidents of vandalism or violence.

Novem ber : Co-op City residents, young and old, began lining up at 5 a.m. for the chance to make Barack Obama the first AfricanAmerican man to be elected President of the United States. “It made me cry tears of joy when I saw all the people lining up early Tuesday morning,” said Democratic District Leader Shirley Saunders, “but despite the long wait, everybody was polite and happy, gracious and smiling because they knew their vote would be something truly historic.”

Riverbay and Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp., the contractor charged with completing Co-op City’s cogeneration plant, agreed to hire an independent engineer to assess the state of the project and determine what more needs to be done to bring the plant’s operation to fruition.

On November 19th, the Riverbay Board approved a 2–year budget which called for carrying charge increases in both February 2009 and 2010. The estimated increase for 2009 was projected at 6% and 4.5 % for 2010. Later in the month, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal projected that higher increases might be needed and a hearing on the mat-

ter has been scheduled for January 9th.

At the same meeting, the Riverbay Board approved borrowing an additional $10 million to be used from the community’s reserve fund to help continue ongoing capital improvements, specifically the replacement of windows, cogeneration and balcony repairs.

The Riverbay Sales Department announced in late November that the community had only 17 unsold units, its highest occupancy rate ever. “I think it’s incredible for a development of this size, with 15,372 apartments to have only 17 unsold units,” said Herb Freedman, principal of Marion Scott Real Estate, Riverbay’s managing agent. “It’s never been done anywhere. It’s absolutely unbelievable.”

The Riverbay Human Resources Department began a series of seminars for department supervisors and other management personnel designed to create new and better working relationships between supervisors and the staff and to reinforce the emphasis on putting the shareholders’ concerns and needs first.

Decem ber : The State of New York’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal notified the community that it projected a higher necessary increase in carrying charges than what Riverbay projected in its budget.

DHCR estimated that a 7.04 % increase will be necessary each of the next two years. Riverbay estimated that the budget could be balanced with just a 6% increase.

Riverbay announced that, beginning in January 2009, parking lease agreements of shareholders who are more than two months behind in paying their carrying charges or who violate the terms of the garage of occupancy agreement will be terminated.

(Continued from page 1)

plant up to full operation before the summer.

He emphasized that with any plant of this size and importance, the process cannot be rushed, but in the end, Co-op City will have the plant that it envisioned from the start, capable of producing up to 40 megawatts of power for the community and, in turn, selling that excess power to outside utilities in times of need to produce millions in revenue for the community and its shareholders in addition to the millions that will be saved from no longer having to depend on an outside utilities for the community’s energy needs.

All the permits to operate are fully in place, May said, and the regulating agencies will be on hand through the required testing procedures in the coming weeks and months and will give their final approval to the operation as each system completes its full set of tests.

“I will be with this project for as much time as is needed. If it requires my full time attention, then that is what it will receive,” May explained.

May is the owner of his own consulting

firm, Durfee Landing Company LLC, which consults and helps oversee the development of energy projects through the northeastern United States.

Prior to starting his own energy consulting company, May was the senior project manager to the New York Regional Interconnection Project, a 200 mile Transmission Development Project in upstate New York. Prior to that, he served as a site manager for General Electric Energy Services on several projects throughout New York and New England, was a development director on the Oak Point Energy Project in New Jersey and the Bronx, and was the Development Program Manager for the Astoria Energy Project, described as one of the first major in-city independent power generating facilities. Throughout a more than threedecade career, May has managed the development of several independent energy-generating facilities through the New York tri-state region and elsewhere including the development of hydro-electric facilities in Peru during the mid1990s.

2

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Year in Review

CLASSIFIEDS

(Continued from page 1)

refreshments to raise needed funds.

Adler Place became a mock disaster scene on the evening of July 10th, as 35 local residents who volunteered to become certified emergency responders for the community were tested in skills ranging from putting out small fires to treating injured disaster victims. Many shareholders volunteered to pose as victims who needed emergency medical treatment. Aside from the testing of individual skills, the team was tested on its ability to communicate and coordinate with each other amidst the confusion of a disaster scene. All 35 volunteers passed the test and were sworn is as certified emergency responders the following week.

Nickhoulas Vitale, a former Co-op City resident who was the second defendant convicted in the bribery scheme involving a painting contract here, was sentenced to three months in prison and three months of supervised release.

The other defendant convicted as part of the scheme, former Riverbay President Iris Herskowitz Baez, began serving her six month term on July 1st.

Congressman Joseph Crowley intervened on behalf of the community to try to stop the U.S. Post Office from eliminating Saturday hours at two Co-op City postal substations during the summer months.

The Erskine Place entrance to I-95 south was finally reopened on July 25th after it was closed for nearly four months to allow repairs to be made to the highway as it crossed over the train tracks immediately to the south of Section 5. The highway entrance reopening eased some of the heavy traffic using Bartow Avenue to access the southbound highway.

Au gu st : Seniors in Co-op City got good news from New York City’s Department for the Aging when it increased the eligibility limits for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) to $28,000 per year. Residents here who are over 62 years of age and have less than $28,000 in income are exempt from paying future increases if they apply for the SCRIE benefits.

Barbara Elizabeth Brewster Whitehead, known to those in the community as “Lady Bess,” died suddenly in early August. Bess was an accomplished playwright, author and actress, who led the Dreiser Drama Group, a company of Co-op City seniors who regularly performed theater plays and skits for the community. Just months before her death, she directed seniors in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, which was then followed by a satire of the famous play called Madbeth in Purgatory.

One of her plays, Elegy to X, was performed at the National Black Theater Festival in North Carolina in 2007. Lady Bess also published a book in 2001 detailing her experiences in caring for her parents who suffered from the affects of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of loved ones from this community and elsewhere.

The 45th Precinct was assigned a new commanding

officer, Captain Dimitrios Roumeliotis, in early August.

Captain Roumeliotis introduced himself to the Co-op City community during this year’s National Night Out celebration in Co-op City, one of the best attended celebrations in New York City.

In mid-August, Public Safety reported that the community was having one of its safest summers in history as crime was down significantly here in all major categories through June, July and the first half of August.

One particular crime that was on the increase was graffiti. Management reported that graffiti was becoming more prevalent throughout the community and Public Safety was stepping up efforts to catch those responsible for this insidious type of vandalism.

Riverbay and community leaders met with representatives of the Transit Authority and the city’s Department of Transportation to convince them to run a portion of the Bx. 12 Select Bus Service through Co-op City. The service provides quicker access to the west Bronx, but residents here must go to Bay Plaza to pick up the bus. Transit officials promised to get back to the community on its request, but never did.

Co-op City lost power in eight buildings and three townhouse clusters early on the morning of August 22nd when a Con Edison feeder to the community failed. Power was restored to the affected buildings by late morning but the community operated under a power emergency for the rest of that day and night because it was forced to exist on only one feeder coming into the community until another feeder was brought online early the next day. Con Edison blamed Riverbay for the problem because they said that Riverbay was operating on two feeders, despite warnings not to, to facilitate work in the power plant related to cogeneration. Riverbay contended that the power failure was caused by the utility’s equipment failure and its delays in expediting approvals to the work going on in the Power Plant which the utility was aware of for months.

Sep t emb er : With the Section 5 Greenway fully restored, Riverbay held its Section 5 community fair on September 7th featuring a full array of games, vendors, music and informational presentations for the shareholders.

Truman principal Sana Nasser announced at the beginning of the school year that plans are being drawn up for the restoration of the Truman High School swimming pools. The pools have been empty since 1995, but repairs and reconstruction can begin as early as 2009, the principal said.

Co-op City youth sports organizations formed a coalition to work together on programs and funding that will benefit all programs. Charter members of the new sports coalition include the Co-op City Little League, the Zodiac Track Club, the Cowboys cheerleading and football programs, the Co-op City Tennis Club, a local girls softball team and a boxing program.

Riverbay simplified the procedures whereby residents

can file complaints or compliments regarding the activities of Public Safety officers. The move was part of a wide-ranging campaign to increase the level of transparency throughout Riverbay.

Mainly to help fund additional requirements involved with getting the cogeneration plants on-line in the near future, the Board approved the use of $5 million in reserve funds. Earlier in the year, the Board approved the use of $12.5 million of the corporation’s reserve funds.

Shareholders expressed frustration with the delays in the start-up of the cogeneration plant at a management forum on September 24th. Contractors charged with constructing the plant, said that stringent new requirements by city and state government agencies are the main cause of the required additional work which has caused the delays.

In mid-September, management announced that work on the restoration of the north sector Greenway would begin by the spring of 2009.

The Riverbay Board of Directors approved increased equity charges for new shareholders coming into the community. The new rates went into effect on December 1st.

All Co-op City schools received high grades in the annual assessment of school proficiency released by the city’s Department of Education. Two schools, P.S. 160 and P.S. 178, earned the highest grade possible largely because of the ability of both schools to work with underachieving students and significantly improve their reading and math proficiencies.

Oct ob er : Detectives from the 45th Precinct and the Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant on a home in Building 20 and arrested a man for allegedly dealing drugs from his apartment. Police became aware of the crimes after observations of an unusual amount of traffic going into the home.

Riverbay received nearly $1 million from the city’s Department of Finance believed to be credits on previous shelter rent tax credits related to the infrastructure improvements made in the community over the last four years.

In a similar vein, Riverbay applied to the Public Service Commission to participate in a program which pays communities for involvement in energy saving initiatives. The program is sponsored by New York State to encourage communities to reduce their reliance on the region’s electrical grid. C-Power, a leading power broker, said the move could mean more than $9 million being paid to the community each year when the cogeneration plant begins operating.

In mid-October, Public Safety revealed that more than 75% of the parking summonses that it was writing were for the illegal blocking of emergency vehicle access to the community’s buildings and public areas. “Just as we intended when we began lobbying the city for summons (Continued on next page)

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Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

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Fee is payable in advance. No exceptions. No refunds.

Checks or Money Orders ONLY payable to Co-op City Times must accompany ad. (We will no longer accept cash.)

Deadline is MONDAY at 3 P.M., except when there is a holiday, in which case the deadline is moved up one day or as announced. Classifieds advertising the sale of land, homes, or apartments outside Co-op City or advertising businesses operating within homes in Co-op City cannot be accepted. No blind ads accepted.

PRINT YOUR AD HERE CLEARLY. Attach sheet if needed. Use Pen or Typewriter.

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28

Co-op City Times / January 3, 2009

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2009 Co-op City Times

Vol. 45 No. 1

NYS INSPECTION STATION

NYS INSPECTION STATION

AUTO DIAGNOSTIC CENTER THE ONLY ORIGINAL BEAR IN THE BRONX

2180 WEBSTER AVENUE BRONX, NY

(at 182 St.)

(718) 365-5300 HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY 8 AM - 3 PM

TOWING AVAILABLE!

OIL CHANGE SPECIAL NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY CAR CARE PACKAGE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

12

$

95

*Tune Up *PCV Valve *Cooling System *Antifreeze & Service *Tire Rotation *Clean & Adjust Brakes

UP to 5 quarts of CASTROL Motor Oil •

159

$

Premium Oil Filter • Lubrication • FREE Front End & Brake Checks • FREE Tire Rotation MOST AMERICAN CARS • WITH AD

29

$

95 Most Cars

AXLE

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

59

$

Spark Plug Replacement Oil Change & Filter • 4 Tire Rotation Drain & Fill Radiator w/up to 1 gal. anti-freeze Check Thermostat Complete Vehicle Inspection 6 CYL. ADD $10 • 8 CYL. ADD $20

$

99 *Parts Included

59

95

Most U.S Cars

99

95

$

SPECIAL

COMPLETE CV AXLE INSTALLED MOST U.S. CARS

FALL SPECIAL

BRAKE SPECIAL DISC or DRUM

• • • • •

Most American cars (6 cyl. & 8 cyl. slightly higher)

COMPUTERIZED WHEEL ALIGNMENT Service on Limos & Oversized Vehicles Now Available

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

TIRE SAVER PACKAGE 95 Includes:

Front or Rear Brakes Most Cars

State of The Art Hi-Speed Wheel-Balance $

5

per wheel Alloy & oversized rims additional, up to 24” wheels

RADIATOR $ 95 29 FLUSH Replace with up to 1 gal.

Anti-freeze • Check Belts, Hoses, Clamps, Thermostat MOST CARS

WE ARE AUTHORIZED GE CAPITAL & PHH & ARI DEALERS.

Wheel Alignment Balance Tires

FREE 21 point

vehicle inspection

39

$

99

Most U.S. Cars. Alloy & oversized wheels additional. Up to 24” wheels.

FREE COMPUTERIZED “Check Engine Lights”

ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC

29 $ 99 34 $ 3999

95

4 cyl

8 cyl

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

WE HONOR MOST EXTENDED WARRANTY PLANS.

BY ROZAAN BOONE Co-op City shareholders have until this coming Monday, January 5, 2009 to send written comments to the State of New York’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) about the proposed 6% carrying charge increase slated for February 1, 2009.

Comments should be mailed to Ricardo Cabodevilla, Housing Management Representative, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Housing Management Bureau, 25 Beaver Street – 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004 In addition, a conference has been scheduled by DHCR for Friday, January 9, at 10 a.m. in Auditorium A of the Dreiser Community Center, for “cooperators, the housing company and other interested parties to discuss the financial data and proposed carrying charge increase and possible time frames for implementation,”

according to the DHCR notice to shareholders which was published in the Co-op City Times on December 6, 2008, along with the Riverbay Corporation Financial Reports. These financial reports are also available for shareholders’ inspection at their respective Cooperator Service Office (CSO). In addition to the December 6, 2008 issue of the Co-op City Times, notice of the increase was also posted on the bulletin boards in each building and townhouse.

Riverbay’s Board President Othelia Jones noted that although the state has once again scheduled the conference at an inconvenient time for shareholders who work, she encourages as many shareholders as possibly can to make every effort to attend and voice their opinion of the proposed increase in carrying charges.

(Continued on page 4)

Water main break results in blackout at DeFoe Townhouses

Includes: Changing Fluid, New Pan Gasket, Clean Screen, Adjust Band if Necessary

95

$

Most Cars

CLEANING

DON’T DAMAGE YOUR SENSITIVE INJECTORS, PROTECT THEM FOR:

3995

Most Cars

WE DIAGNOSE & REPAIR: CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS • ELECTRICAL SHORTS. WE NOW SERVICE LARGE VEHICLES: STRETCH LIMOS, TRUCKS, VANS, SPOILERS, FOG LIGHTS, CUSTOM ACCESSORIES, XENON HEADLIGHTS, NEON LIGHTING and CLEAR TAIL LIGHTS.

25¢

New supervising engineer sees full co-generation operational by late spring

BY BILL STUTTIG Calling the Co-op City co-generation project one of the best conceived and constructed plants that he has seen in his more than 35 years of experience in overseeing energy generation projects, William May, a leading independent energy engineering consultant, said recently that he sees the plant fully operating in time for the start of the summer season.

“I love this project,” said May in an interview with the Co-op City Times last week, “because it was configured and built to meet the very specific, special needs of the community and it has done that extremely well. It is really a model for the rest of the industry because it is tailored so well to provide exactly what the community wants and needs.”

May, who came to the project as a supervising consulting engineer earlier this month, said that he will stay with the project as long as Riverbay needs and wants him. He added that he is determined to bring the plant up to full operation in the

coming months of 2009.

“I fully understand the frustrations within this community to have the plant operating,” May said, “but expectations for the project’s start-up were just too early.

When you are interconnecting an existing facility with major new components, you are always going to encounter unforeseen circumstances and it takes time to work through all these problems that are inevitable with any project of this size.”

May said that he sees his basic role here to be a consensus builder, someone who will work with the outside construction contractor and the internal operators to make sure that everybody is on the same page and working perfectly together.

“We will act methodically in making sure all the tasks required before the successful start-up of the plant are done.

Safety is the number one issue, safety for the plant and its staff, safety for the community and safety for the environment.”

(Continued on page 3)

2008: A year marked by both progress and setbacks 2008 saw significant progress on many fronts, including many of the capital improvements for the community that began four years before. While projects such as the massive window replacement and the building and roof repairs continued to move steadily towards their eventual completion in the near future, delays in the start-up of the cogeneration plant, a key element to Riverbay’s future financial projections, troubled many leaders and shareholders. The following is a recap of some of the key events which marked the last six months of this past year. Last week’s edition featured a recap of the first half of this year.

TRANSMISSION TUNE-UP

$ 6 cyl

Monday is deadline for comments on proposed carrying charge increase; DHCR conference next Friday

with Related Repairs. Most U.S. Cars

34 ELECTRONIC IGNITION TUNE-UP FUEL INJECTION $

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Approximately half of the residents of DeFoe Place Townhouses lost power on Tuesday afternoon when a city water main broke at the wall leading into the basement causing approximately 4½ feet of water to flood the area, and power had to be shut down, as well as heat and domestic hot water so that repairs could be made. While the power shut down affected some residents, all residents experienced the loss of heat and hot water while personnel from Riverbay’s Power Plant, Maintenance and Construction Departments worked throughout the night and into the next morning to restore services. Power was restored around 9 p.m., the heating system went back online around 10:30-11 p.m., pipe repair was finished up around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and most of the domestic hot water was restored around 6-7 a.m. Wednesday. During the black out, the Commercial Leasing Department staff set up a room in the Dreiser Center where shareholders from the DeFoe townhouses were served coffee and pastries as they awaited the return of power and water. Public Safety and CSO staff were also on hand to relay updates to the residents as the work was being completed.

Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper said that although services have been restored, Riverbay will retain fencing at the location until next week so that the work can be monitored, as well as to analyze the grounds around the water main to ensure it is properly shored up and safe. “I want to thank the residents who were affected by this condition for their patience and cooperation and I would like to commend the men and women of the aforementioned departments who worked in unison in order to identify and correct the problem, while simultaneously working to inform and minimize the inconvenience to the shareholders,” he said.

Photo by Ralph Henriquez

July: Alarmed by the sharply rising energy costs, including a more than 20% rate increase for Con Edison customers, Riverbay continued its energy saving practices which included turning off every other light in public areas of the community. In addition, shareholders were asked to pitch in by reducing their usage of energy in any way possible, from turning off unused lights and appliances to using air cooling only in rooms that are occupied.

As Co-op City received the good news that the Co-op City Jewish Community Council would survive the city’s chopping block, another local

social service agency, the Gloria Wise Community Center, protested the threatened eviction of two after-school programs. Riverbay claimed their intention was not to evict the programs, but instead have them move to space in the community more proportional to the number of children attending the daily program.

The Independence Day fireworks display returned for the first time in five years on July 3rd. Shareholders were treated to a 30-minute display over the Hutchinson River. Lawn chairs were set up and local sports programs sold (Continued on page 2)