Co-op City Times 12/21/13

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s a n d H a p p y H o l i d a y s f r o m t h e C o - o p C i t y Ti m e s !

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

Real estate group awards ‘General Management Team of the Year’ honors to Co-op City Vol. 48 No. 51

The leaders of Co-op City have been recognized as the “General Management Team of the Year” by a prominent New York City real estate association.

The New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM) will present the award at its annual dinner on Jan. 25, 2014. The award is being presented to the Riverbay Board of Directors; Riverbay’s Management, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.; also to Herbert Freedman, Vernon Cooper and Gail Badger-Morgan; Riverbay Corp. and Riverbay Board President Bill Gordon, and former Board President Helen Atkins.

“NYARM selected the Co-op City team as the recipient of this year’s award in recognition of the magnitude of the dedication required, and the focus that has to be constantly in place, to maintain and operate the largest

BY JIM ROBERTS

© Copyright 2013 Co-op City Times

Saturday, December 21, 2013

cooperative housing development in the world,” said Margie Russell, Executive Director of NYARM. “Many management books have been written on how the factor of complexity increases exponentially on projects such as this, and for the management team to have dedicated their professional lives to one mission, and for the Board of Directors to dedicate much of their personal lives, this warrants recognition.

“Additionally, they have been leaders in the apartment management industry allowing their peers the benefit of learning from their experience and expertise, and this improves both the City and State of New York,” Russell said.

Riverbay Board President Bill Gordon said, “This is recognition of the great work being done in this community (Continued on page 3)

Riverbay Holiday closings and Co-op City Times deadlines All Riverbay’s administrative offices will close at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24.

The following week, on New Year’s eve, Tuesday, December 31, all administrative offices, EXCEPT the Rent Bookkeeping office, will again close at 1 p.m.

Since December 31st is the last business day of the month, the Rent Bookkeeping Office will remain open until 5 p.m. ONLY on Tuesday, December 31.

Because of these holiday shortened work week, Directors’ viewpoints and community organizations’ articles must be submitted on time by their respective deadlines: For club articles, by 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 and again on Monday, Dec. 30. Directors’ viewpoints are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 and on Monday, Dec. 30. Material submitted after these times will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, December 28th, 2013

issue and the Saturday, January 4, 2014 issues of the Co-op City Times, respectively. Please note that the regular business hours of the Co-op City Times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday. Material for publication may be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com; faxed to (718) 320-2595 or slipped under the office door at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Rm. 21.

Although the administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday, and on Wednesday, January 1 for New Year’s Day, shareholders may contact Riverbay at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts for emergency maintenance, and the Co-op City Public Safety Department for emergencies at (718) 671-3050, as well as 9-1-1.

We wish our readers a merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa and Three Kings celebrations, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

25¢

Voting on Optimum Preferred bulk cable proposal ends

Riverbay Management, after consulting with the Riverbay Board President and Cablevision, on Wednesday announced that voting on the bulk cable proposal from Cablevision will end on Dec. 20 as reported last week with no further extensions until a review of the overall proposal has been conducted.

At this point, it has been determined that a more detailed review of the offer is warranted before shareholders are perhaps given a final, more controlled opportunity to vote on the cable bulk sale which would save shareholders a significant amount off of their cable TV bills each month.

In correspondence to the Board this week, Herbert Freedman, principal of Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.,

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Riverbay’s managing agent, stated that subject to discussion with the Board and Cablevision, the thought is to revisit this issue at a later time with proper ballots mailed to every shareholder of record, and a review of the overall proposal to be presented to all shareholders with enough time to question and decide whether they would like to enter into a bulk cable sale agreement with Cablevision except that this time, Management would be involved to ensure that proper procedures are being followed.

“We said from the beginning that this process would only go forward if a majority or 2/3 of the shareholders of this community participate in this exploration and if 2/3 of those participating (Continued on page 4)

Basic STAR registration deadline is next Tues., Dec. 31

Co-op City shareholders who receive Basic STAR (School Tax Relief Exemption) are reminded that the deadline to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in order to receive the credit in 2014 and in subsequent years is next Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Register at the New York State Taxation and Finance Department’s website at www.tax.ny.gov, or by calling the department at (518) 457-2036, Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Advanced price-fixed fuel purchases likely to save Co-op City residents more than $1 million this winter

An ongoing program through which Co-op City is able to pre-order fuel in advance, before the market-rate fuel prices rise on typical winter season demand, has already saved Co-op City residents more than $430,000 in energy costs for December.

Arthur Debowski, a Vice President for the energy consulting firm Great Eastern Energy, works almost daily with Riverbay Finance Director Peter Merola and management’s Herb

BY BILL STUTTIG

Freedman in consulting about the regular fluctuations of energy prices and the best time to lock in purchases.

Debowski told the Co-op City Times this week that due to a number of factors, principally Co-op City’s decision to purchase heating fuel in advance earlier this month before a recent sharp rise in market rate energy costs, the community will save approximately $430,000 in fuel-related energy costs (Continued on page 2)

Discounted parking in effect this holiday season (see p.2 for full story)

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Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Discounted parking in effect this holiday season On Christmas Eve, December 24; Christmas Day, December 25, and New Year’s Eve, December 31, visitors to Co-op City will be able to park in Riverbay managed parking facilities for only $5 from 12 p.m. until 6 a.m.

Visitors taking advantage of the reduced parking rate will pay the garage attendants upon entry into the garage. In those garages where the automated access Amano system is in place, the automated system will be suspended, tickets will be issued and the $5 parking fee collected upon entry as well.

“Most garages exploit the fact that it’s the holidays and an opportunity to make money,” said Warren Mitchell, Director of the Riverbay Parking Facilities Department. “In this instance, the residents benefit because hopefully,

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Energy costs

for December in comparison to December of 2012.

Debowski explained: “For December, on behalf of Co-op City, we purchased the combination of Nymex hedges and settlements (gas) and basis hedges (transportation to bring the gas to your facility) at average 0.53 per therm. An additional four contracts were bought at 0.527 at Transco Z6 index for total base load of 2,700,000 therms just for this month. Additional gas we are buying is on a daily basis on cold days using the least expansive points given to us by Con Ed. I am very confident that this monthly average should be around 53 cents per therm, considering a very cold month and spot market prices going to $1.70 per therm or $17 per dekatherm, Riverbay management and Great Eastern Energy did a very good job controlling energy prices. Year over year also, we saved almost $430,000 in one month.”

When asked, Debowski declined to speculate on a specific estimate on the amount Riverbay will save through advanced purchase for the rest of the winter given how changing and unpredictable weather conditions cause heating fuel prices to fluctuate. However, he did add that if we experience relatively close to an average winter in terms of average daily temperatures, then he expects that the savings for January and February will be roughly similar to the savings achieved for December.

If overall weather conditions and temperatures play out as typical for January and February in the northeast, then savings for those two months, plus December’s already realized savings, will likely be considerably more than a million dollars.

Debowski added that there are factors that could cut into those preliminarily-expected savings for January and February, the principle one being a prolonged arctic blast over a few weeks which would greatly increase fuel usage in this and other communities and homes throughout the region thereby adding to overall energy costs.

Ironically, it was an unexpected early season arctic blast through much

this is an opportunity for their relatives and friends to visit during the holidays without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money for parking.”

This year, the Riverbay Board extended the discounted holiday parking to Thanksgiving Day, and according to the Parking Facilities Department, the corporation collected more than $6,000 on that day alone.

Mitchell added that visitors will be directed to park on the roof of the garages where ample parking is always available.

“This is especially important in Section 5 where our garages are already overwhelmed with cooperator parking,” said Mitchell. “However, as long as the weather is good, we will have more than enough available parking on the roof in each of our garages.”

(Continued from page 1)

of this nation’s western and mid-western states in the first half of December which caused market rate fuel prices to jump after Co-op City had already prepurchased their fuel for the month at a much lower price.

While Co-op City was pre-purchasing their fuel and associated expenses at an average rate of just over $5 per decatherm, market-rate gas prices were rising to an estimated $17 per decatherm, meaning that Co-op City was able to purchase gas for much of the month of December at a price that was only one third of the current market rate.

In a memorandum to the Board of Directors dated November 25th, Herb Freedman explained to the Board: “Because we are dealing with commodities whose prices fluctuate wildly, we often hedge and buy future contracts in order to cushion your budget from the swings. We are genius if prices go up, goats if prices go down, but effective if we are able to remain within budget.”

Board President Bill Gordon said this week after the Board got another memo from Management detailing the realized savings: “When dealing with matters as unpredictable as winter fuel costs, I think it is smart not to go it alone, but depend on the inside-the-industry expertise that is available to a community of this size. At this early point in the winter season, it seems that the advanced strategic planning is paying off for the shareholders as a whole. I know that this is not a perfect world, and we are not going to be right all the time, but if most times we can stay ahead of the curve by pre-buying and bring our energy costs under budget even just by a few percentage points as a result, then I think this program is worth it.”

News of the December energy savings also comes on the heels of recently completed upgrades to Co-op City’s heating plant equipment including last month’s completed changeover of a 750,000 gallon storage tank from #6 oil to environmentally-friendly low sulfur #2 oil and the conversion earlier this month of Boiler #1 to burn gas and #2 oil.

It should be noted, however, that before 12 p.m. and after 6 a.m. on the three upcoming holidays—Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve—the community’s regular parking rates will be in effect—$5 for up to 3 hours, $10 for up to 6 hours; $15 for up to 12 hours and $27 for up to 24 hours.

In February, 2011, the holiday discount parking program was implemented after the Board approved Resolution 10-96, which was submitted by then-Director Raymond Tirado, to make discounted transient parking available between the hours of 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. However, last November, Mr. Tirado, submitted another Resolution, 12-84, amending Resolution 10-96 to extend the hours of the discounted parking dur-

ing the holidays from 12 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the named holidays.

Earlier this year, Resolution 13-106 added Thanksgiving Day to the list of holidays when the discounted holiday parking will be in effect. This resolution was submitted by Director Leslie Peterson and seconded by Board President Bill Gordon at the Board’s Nov. 20th meeting. In addition to Directors Peterson and Gordon, other Directors who voted in favor of the measure are Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Tony Illis, Daryl Johnson, Francine Jones, Othelia Jones and Khalil Abdul-Wahhab.

Directors Bernard Cylich, Leah Graham, Andrea Leslie and Evelyn Turner voted no, and Directors Rev. Calvin Owens and Al Shapiro were not in attendance.

d d d d d Happy Holidays to all of our Co-op City readers! Have a safe and joyous holiday! d d d d d

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

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

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

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Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Combing y op Citnext Co-Drive Blood

Community Feast and Fellowship, Dec. 25

The Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church invites the community to join them as they host their first community Feast and Fellowship on Christmas day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, from 12-3 p.m. at 1010 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Stop by and enjoy a meal prepared with love, pick-up a giveaway, fellowship, and/or simply pick up your meal to take out. This event is free and open to the community.

Invite your family and friends. For further information, please contact the church at (718) 320-0518.

17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

The Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. invites the community to attend its 17th Annual Kwanzaa celebration on Saturday, December 28, at 3 p.m. in Room 31, 2049 Bartow Community Center, Bronx, NY. Kwanzaa is the seven-day (December 26-January 1) African celebration of family, community and culture as personified in Africa “First Fruits” or harvest celebrations.

Coalition members attending the celebration are requested to bring an offering of a large, main dish of food (no pork, please) or dessert, etc. to share with others. Your attendance and participation are required to make this family/community/cultural festivity a success.

There will be a Kwanzaa Ceremony, vendors, dancers, drummers, and the Kwanzaa feast. This event is free.

GM Team of Year

by Marion Scott Realty and the Riverbay Board of Directors.

“Co-op City has seen marked improvements over the last ten years due to forward thinking Board Directors working closely with the highly competent, professional Marion Scott Realty Company. The New York Association of Realty Managers is just reaffirming what the cooperators of Co-op City already knew,” Gordon concluded.

Former Board President Helen Atkins said, “Being recognized by a prominent New York City real estate group is an outside acknowledgement of the success we’ve accomplished here in Co-op City over the past several years.

“In particular, the important achievement of refinancing our mortgage at a very low cost through Wells Fargo bank was critical to guaranteeing the future availability of affordable homes to all our current and future cooperators, and this award in particular recognizes the important role that Herb Freedman played in making that possible,” Atkins said.

Riverbay Assistant General Manager Gail Badger-Morgan said, “We are pleased that our colleagues in our industry are honoring us for the work that we have done and continue to do to make Co-op City affordable and keep it financially and physically viable.”

Since 1999, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. has been the managing agent of Co-op City. Working under the direction of successive Riverbay

2nd

FRONT PA G E

(Continued from page 1)

Boards of Directors, the firm has overseen numerous major Co-op City capital improvement projects during this time, and, in November, 2012, working closely with Wells Fargo, was able to secure an historic $621M mortgage refinancing with an interest rate of 2.9%, insured under HUD’s 223(f) program, which prior to Co-op City’s interest was only open to rentals, not condos and cooperatives like Co-op City.

Some of the numerous capital improvement projects that MSI has overseen in Co-op City since 1999 include reconstruction of the community’s eight garages, repair of all balconies, replacement of all windows and terrace doors in residential buildings, restoration of both the Section 1 and Section 5 greenways, roof replacement on a majority of the community’s buildings with others currently in progress, and the rebuilding of the Riverbay Power Plant into an upgraded co-generation plant, as well as continuing replacement of 40-plus year old equipment.

In addition, Public Safety’s technology and cameras were significantly enhanced through a new digital command center and the installation of additional cameras and call boxes throughout the complex, all lighting in public areas was replaced with energy efficient, cost saving fixtures, and a central garbage treatment facility was built to bring trash from the community’s homes as efficiently as possible on a daily basis.

MSI also oversaw the final stages of

the Ric-Wil in Section 5, the elevator modernization program, replacement of the ash cart room floors, building of a Central Storage area, upgrade of playgrounds, building of a water treatment facility and keyless entry for lobbies.

Most of these completed or nearly completed projects were made possible by the successfully refinanced mortgage in 2004, and in 2011 with New York Community Bank, negotiated jointly by Management and the respective Riverbay Board leadership at the time, while some newer projects are either budgeted for in the mortgage refinancing with Wells Fargo, secured

by HUD, the City and State of New York, or will be covered by the 1% increase in carrying charge that went into effect on Oct. 1.

Founded in 1958, NYARM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the standard of excellence for real estate and property management professionals in the New York City area.

This is done through education, information, legislative initiatives, and a peer network that makes NYARM the benchmark for technological advancement and career enhancement in the New York region.

The 600-member group is led by a President and Executive Director and an 18-member Board of Directors made up of veteran property managers and professional industry associates.

NYARM is also composed of various committees, and the organization offers a wide variety of monthly educational events and an annual real estate trade expo.

Bereavement Support Group continues in January

Church of the Savior’s Bereavement Support group for Co-op City residents coping with the loss of a loved one or close friend will take a recess this holiday season and pick up its regular weekly meeting schedule on Monday, January 6th.

Members in need of counseling during the recess period are asked to call the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith at 1917-504-4058.

Melba Moore in concert in Co-op City

On Friday, Dec. 13, Cablevision sponsored two free concerts featuring superstar entertainer Melba Moore in the Dreiser Auditorium in Co-op City. The first concert was at 6 p.m., and the second at 8 p.m. After each concert, Ms. Moore signed autographs and took photos with her Co-op City fans.

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Bulk sale vote

expressed that this is something that they want,” said Director Bill Gordon, President of the Riverbay Board of Directors. “At this point, while the majority of those who have returned their ballots appear to want this proposal, there are some issues that we need to address before moving forward.”

One of those concerns is the balloting process which evidently made a significant enough number of shareholders, including some Board members, uncomfortable.

“Because of the concerns that the residents have expressed to us individually as Board members, to Management, and also in their letters to the editor of this publication, we have decided that we will not extend the voting, but instead stop, review in depth, re-present and monitor this process in a more responsible manner,” said Director Gordon.

First Vice President Khalil Abdul-Wahhab said: “I was pleased to hear that there will be a pause in the process. As I mentioned in my Viewpoint, the current method for assessing cooperator’s positive interest for a bulk contract with Optimum can only be classed as a survey. A better process to obtain a formal vote needs to be put in place.”

Director Abdul-Wahhab went on to add that even though he was unsure about the number of responses from cooperators that have been received to date, he did not believe it was a clear two-thirds of shareholders.

As of press time yesterday, although ballots were still coming in, 6,220 ballots had been received by Riverbay, or more than half of the 10,238 needed to account for 2/3 of cooperators as the Riverbay Board had directed at its meeting on Nov. 6. Of those 6,220 ballots, 3,954 were “yes” votes for the bulk cable proposal and 2,266 were “no” votes.

“In my opinion, the hard sell tactics should stop and ballot-collection continue,” Director AbdulWahhab noted. “This could be a good deal for Co-op City, but some additional items should be included in the contract. Once the details are finalized, a clear, written description should be provided to cooperators so that they completely understand the entirety of the offer.”

At its meeting on November 6, the Riverbay Board gave approval to Management to poll the

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013 (Continued from page 1)

shareholders of the Riverbay Corporation to see if this is an offer they would be interested in taking advantage of.

The proposal from Cablevision offers its current Optimum Video subscribers in Co-op City the opportunity to pay $24 a month as opposed to the non-promotional $74.95 for the Optimum Preferred Package, which includes over 320 channels, resulting in a savings of $50.95 per month. As long as you are a current Optimum Video subscriber paying regular rates, you would be able to save up to $50.95 a month on your cable bill. Subscribers of the Optimum Value Package would be automatically upgraded to the Optimum Preferred package offered in the bulk agreement and pay only $24 per month. There were also incremental savings to those who subscribe to the Silver and Gold packages.

The second tier of the Cablevision bulk proposal allows for those who are not current Cablevision subscribers to receive Broadcast Basic Cable TV with the cost being picked up by the Riverbay Corporation.

These shareholders will be provided with one free cable box and a remote. With Broadcast Basic, these residents will receive more channels and better picture quality than they are currently receiving on the master antenna system.

A cable bulk agreement with Cablevision would require the housing company to pay one check for television service to all apartments in Co-op City, and then that cost would be passed on to shareholders on their monthly maintenance bills – another point of contention among some residents who attended the three open forums held by Cablevision in early December to discuss the proposal and answer questions and concerns about the offer.

According to the ballot that was distributed to shareholders, Option 1 stated: “If you’re a current Cablevision/Optimum subscriber and would be interested in receiving the Optimum Preferred Package for only $24 a month, including taxes and fees, for the first 2 years, and a 5% annual increase in years 3-5, through the proposed bulk rate offer for Co-op City residents, check this option.”

Although Cablevision would charge Riverbay $20

per apartment, Optimum subscribers would be billed $24 per month on their monthly maintenance to cover sale taxes that have to be collected, as well as vacant apartment and those shareholders who opt not to get cable services such as those on the master antenna.

In addition to the reduced cost for the Optimum Preferred package as part of the bulk cable offer, Cablevision would also provide an annual jobs fair in Co-op City for work at the company, a fourth community channel and a Cablevision presence in the development during the roll out of the program.

Cablevision, which has partnered with Riverbay since 1999 on a variety of community programs, has been a major sponsor of the annual Co-op City Fair, the Halloween Movie Night and two Melba Moore concerts last Friday. The company has also installed free Optimum WiFi for Optimum online subscribers in select Co-op City common areas.

Last week, as voting on the proposed bulk cable offer was approaching the final week, Cablevision expressed its appreciation to Co-op City residents for attending the various information sessions and events concerning the proposal.

“As a local company and a committed Co-op City partner for nearly 14 years, Cablevision is looking forward to continuing to serve Co-op City residents for many years to come with our Optimum TV, phone and internet services,” said Ben Topor, Vice President of Sales and Retention for Cablevision.

“Over the last several weeks, we’ve offered various opportunities to inform residents about the benefits of a long-term Optimum TV agreement with Cablevision, including the significant savings on monthly rates that residents will experience should they vote ‘yes’ for the proposal…”

As an added incentive to encourage residents to turn in their ballots by the Dec. 20th deadline in order to reach the required 10,238 number which represents 2/3 of the community, the company offered a raffle drawing for two prizes – a Grand Prize for a $1,000 American Express gift card and a runner-up prize for a 50” Magnavox LED HDTV. That drawing will take place in early January after the holidays, and all ballots, regardless of whether it is a “yes” or “no” vote will be included in the drawing.

Happy Holidays, everybody!

Wishing you all a merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa and many blessings to you and family.

I hope everyone enjoys some quality time with loved ones and/or some alone time to read a book, watch some T.V. or just relax. No matter what you choose to do this holiday season, please stay safe, warm and enjoy.

And please don’t forget our four-legged friends and keep them warm and well-fed, too!

Have a wonderful holiday season.

—Leah Graham, Director Riverbay Board of Directors

Deepest sympathy

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Luis Baez, former Community Center porter, on Tuesday, December 17, 2013. Luis was a member of the Riverbay family for over forty (40) years.

Please join us in keeping the Baez family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

If You See Something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

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

THANK YOU for your support for the last 2 years!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Open 7 days Mon - Sat: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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2093 Bartow Ave., Bronx

Management Report Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Recently, we reported to the comm- Management Corner ity pension or compensaunity that we have made another formal tion or be receiving disabilrequest to the New York City Department ity related Medicaid. Also, of Transportation to conduct a traffic your income must be study here at Riverbay. The study would below $20,148 if single, or potentially address a myriad of issues or below $29,100 if two or conditions we are experiencing, including the need for more persons reside in the household. additional stop signs and traffic lights, cross walk Applications for both the SCRIE and DRIE promarkings, school safety and speed limit signs, just to grams can be obtained at Riverbay’s Administration name a few. In our opinion, any study should take into Office. Applications can also be obtained by calling consideration the increase in traffic that the commNew York City’s general information hotline at 3-1-1. unity will be subjected to as a result of the expansion Regarding the STAR Program (School Tax Relief of Bay Plaza and how this increase will impact the resProgram) which is available for all New York State idents of Co-op City. residents’ primary residences. This year, New York Hopefully, the study will also help to identify strucState is requiring all Basic STAR recipients to re-regtural conditions that need to be addressed by the City ister with the New York State Tax Department – the of New York. To give an example, we have met in the past with the Bronx Commissioner of the D.O.T., Ms. Connie Moran, regarding streets or roadways that are not pitched properly toward sewer drains and, as a result, water collects in certain sections when we have heavy rain or snow. We’ve also discussed having raised sections of the street grinded down in order to make it easier to walk and drive over said areas.

A few years ago, with the help of Commissioner Moran, we were able to have the raised street at the Casals Place cul de sac, near Buildings 12, 13 and 14 removed, which was a major obstacle for many, many years, especially for motorists. It was an area where large ponds of water would collect because the huge lump in the street blocked the rain from reaching the sewer drains.

Towards that end, Management received a positive letter this week from the Commissioner’s office of the Department of Transportation, along with the Customer Service Division, concerning the condition of the street or roadway at Casals Place (the D.O.T. may further reduce the street in this area) and along Bellamy Loop, where another large lump exists, similar to the one that was previously near Buildings 12, 13 and 14.

Our request is being forwarded to their Roadway Repair and Maintenance Division to evaluate the conditions at that location and determine the appropriate course of action to resolve the problem. We are told that the division’s evaluation should be completed by the end of January, 2014 and that Commissioner Moran will advise us of their findings at that time.

As always, we thank the Commissioner and her staff for the timely response.

SCRIE & DRIE We want to remind all eligible seniors and persons with disabilities to apply for New York City’s SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program) or DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption Program).

Qualifying seniors must be 62 years of age and have a combined household income of below $29,000. You must spend more than 1/3 of your monthly household income on carrying charges. If you are approved, your carrying charges will be frozen. Once you are approved, you are required to re-certify every year.

Qualifying disabled persons must meet eligibility requirements which are that you must be receiving SSI (Federal Supplementary Security Income) or SSDI (Federal Social Security Disability Insurance) or receiving a US Department of Veterans Affairs disabil-

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.

Arrive alive!

Don’t drink and drive.

5 deadline to re-register is December 31, 2013. Even if you received the Basic STAR tax credit in the prior year, all shareholders must re-register with New York State Tax Department this year. Those receiving the Enhanced STAR credit do not need to re-register. You can re-register by calling 518-457-2036 or for those with internet access, go to www.tax.ny.gov. New York State is notifying everyone that they will not receive the 2014 credit if they do not re-register.

For additional questions regarding the STAR program, you can contact New York State Tax Department at 518-457-2036.

On behalf of everyone at Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., I’d like to wish the cooperators of Co-op City a happy Holiday Season and a happy and prosperous New Year.

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Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Letters to the Editor

Display of disrespect

To the Editor: In what was supposed to be a special meeting for Cablevision to explain the reasons for Riverbay Corporation to vote in favor of the Optimum Giant, I found it to be an astonishing display of disrespect on all accounts. Mr. Cooper’s statement that he did not expect so many residents to come out to find out about this major move was a slap in the face, or maybe it was his delivery. While the meeting was starting, I could hear kids screaming on the other side of the auditorium playing a sport that is paid for by them, I’m sure. If it was not paid for, then this session should’ve been cancelled to accommodate the many residents partaking in the special meeting for the RESIDENTS.

The Cablevision representative, Mr. Topor, was nice and in a position to explain to the residents that they will be saving money. I do appreciate anyone trying to save people money, however, there was no contract to look at, there was no memorandum of understanding in regards of a contract, or any paperwork between Riverbay and Cablevision available, just lip service.

To save $36 a month for 5 years sounds good for a lot of folks including me, but because there is no transparency throughout the process, I can’t blame the people for being extremely skeptical. No breaks when it comes to the phone and internet. My issue is with Riverbay Corporation not handling this process in

a businesslike manner.

On another note, I was truly saddened by the verbal hostility towards Mr. Cooper and Mr. Topor by our residents, however, I do understand why. When people feel that they are being used for others (Board of Directors) to benefit themselves and not even be part of a very important process, as this one is, how would you want the people to react? It looks like this process was a formality for Management and Cablevision just to say that they heard the people.

I learned a long time ago that if it is not written, then it did not happen, nor was it said.

—Joseph Ramirez

To the Editor: The process for a shareholder vote on the Cablevision bulk package I believe is tainted. Regardless of each shareholder’s position on this package, the method by which they are collecting our vote is illegal. Should another corporation (i.e. Cablevision/Optimum) with a vested interest in the outcome of the vote be the source of distributing, then collecting those completed ballots?

Should Riverbay Management and employees be the source for verifying and counting the ballots? In my opinion the answer is an emphatic NO!!!!!

Where are the Board of Directors and their responsibility to declare a referendum and set in motion a method required under New York State Business Corporation Law for a legitimate share-

Setting a precedent

hold a free celebrity concert and the admission ticket was a completed ballot collected by them at the door.

Cablevision is not part of Riverbay Corporation and should not be involved in the balloting process at all.

If shareholders allow this tainted process to go unchallenged, this will set a precedent for whatever Management and any other contractor wants to do in this community. All they will have to do is Xerox some trumped up shareholder ballot and allow the contractor to distribute and collect it then say the shareholders voted for it. Next, it may be laundry fees added to your rent or more seriously, the selling off of all the vacant land to a real estate developer turning Co-op City into a concrete jungle.

—Harriet Jeffries

holder vote? Have they abdicated their responsibility to Cablevision and Marion Scott, Inc.? Where is our Corporate Counsel? Do they think it’s acceptable for Cablevision/Optimum to hold a Riverbay Corporation shareholder referendum? Does Counsel sanction this tainted voting process that could bind the shareholders to a five year contract with cable fees that cannot be cancelled and will not only add to our monthly carrying charges, but will also become a line item debt in the corporation’s budget that collectively we must all pay?

These ballots are being handed out

by Cablevision to any and everyone; yet the law requires Riverbay Corporation mail a paper ballot to the shareholders of record. Cablevision has even gone so far with the sanction of Management, to

Safety Flash - Holiday Safety

If your holiday includes a real tree, make sure you take safety precautions. Water the tree regularly, inspect the lights for hazards and make sure the tree is away from a heater or a fireplace.

NAACP DAY CARE CLOSING

NAACP Day Care has been a part of the Co-op City community since September, 1985.

It is with mixed emotions that Riverbay Corporation reports that as of Thursday, January 9, 2014, NAACP Day Care, located in 100 Erskine Place (Building 31A), will be closing its doors.

—Riverbay Safety Department

Following is a list of available Co-op City day care centers: Allcare Provider Services, Inc. 100 Aldrich Street (Bldg. 15A), 718-618-0783 Garvey School (Yellow Schoolhouse) 950 Baychester Avenue 100 Dreiser Loop (Bldg. 9A) 4120 Hutchinson River Parkway (Bldg. 30A) 718-320-3902

Lil Rainmakerz, Inc. 4180 Hutchinson River Pkwy (Bldg. 32A), 347-346-4178

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

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Derek Alger

Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig

Associate Editor

Jim Roberts

Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be 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 everyone 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 Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 646.261.1761 or 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Letters!

Send us your

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 7

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

Co-op City Times

Building 7

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

120 DeKruif Place

March 31, 2014

March 31, 2017

s r Edito City Timee.

Co-opBartow Av 5 2049 , NY 1047 Bronx

email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Public Safety Report

CCPD wishes everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy and safe Holiday season. Whether you celebrate Chanukah (belated), Christmas, Kwanzaa or another winter holiday, we would like to wish you happiness and joy this season. Holidays are a busy time, but be sure to relax and enjoy yourself.

Frazzled holiday shoppers present a variety of opportunities for unscrupulous thieves. Auto crimes are heightened this time of the year. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and choose to break into your vehicle. Try to avoid leaving packages in your auto even when shopping. If this is unavoidable, place packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another parking spot, if possible.

Avoid the temptation of using your automobile as a location to store gifts you are hiding from family members.

Parking in the garages offers residents a safer and more convenient option than street parking. Co-op City’s eight garages are patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by the Public Safety Department. The Department of Public Safety offers these safety tips and requests the assistance of residents in keeping the garages as safe as possible.

Co-op City’s eight garages have all exits locked with entry by key only for authorized persons who possess garage leases. The exits on all four corners, as well as front and rear doors require a key to gain access. It is most important that residents make certain doors lock behind themselves. Garage parkers should also make certain not to open the door for anyone they do not know. It may seem rude not to hold the door, but granting access to persons who are not authorized presents a hazard to authorized parkers and their property.

Reports of suspicious persons or activities are investigated promptly. Any persons observed in the garage may be asked to provide identification, including vehicle registration for vehicle parked in the garage. Persons observed within the garages without a valid reason can be placed under arrest and receive a Universal Summons for Trespass. Arrests can also be made for crimes including Grand Larceny Auto, Burglary or Possession of Burglars Tools. If the arrested person is a Co-op City resident, a Co-op City Community Complaint, which carries a monetary fine, can also be issued in connection with the arrest.

It is most important that garage parkers notify the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 and 9-1-1 if they observe any suspicious persons or activity in the garages. Suspicious activity near vehicles parked on the street should also be reported.

If you see something that just does not seem right, be sure to call immediately. Your intuition that something is wrong usually is just that and is always worth investigating. Observations by residents have yielded many arrests over the years. Patterns of auto crimes are readily identified and put to an end with the arrest of the person(s) responsible. Active involvement by residents allows auto crime rates within Co-op City to remain among the lowest in the city.

Distracted shoppers also present an opportunity for thieves. As you bustle around to complete that holiday shopping, be sure to be alert to your surroundings.

Extra crowds provide an excellent opportunity for criminals, such as pickpockets. Shop with a friend and consider giving gift cards or cash for your remaining gifts. It’s always the thought that counts.

Don’t forget, the Department of Public Safety has a lost and found for keys and eyeglasses located at our office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower

level. Just this week, three cooperators were reunited with their property. If you find keys or eyeglasses, bring them to Public Safety. Be sure to check here if you are missing these items as well. Don’t forget to use up any money you have left in Flexible Spending Accounts for 2013. Schedule any end of the year medical appointments for the coming week, if necessary.

In New York State, the Expanded “Move Over” law has been in effect since January 1, 2012. This law makes it a violation to fail to move over a lane when approaching a service vehicle, such as a tow truck or a stopped emergency vehicle with or without its warning lights on. This violation carries a fine of up to $150 and up to two points on your license.

The purpose of this law is to protect emergency responders and other service vehicles.

This year, the Co-op City Department of Public Safety has joined City Harvest in its crusade to provide food to the hungry. Collection bins have been set up in all 3 community centers by Public Safety’s Sgt. Nat Diaz. The circular bins are white and gold in color and can be found next to the elevators on the lower level of the Dreiser and Einstein Community Centers, as well as the Public Safety base next to the Administration Offices at Bartow Avenue. There is 24-hour access to the last location. Please donate non-perishable items which are not expired. While

picking up your holiday items, select a few items for those less fortunate. City Harvest picks up the donations and delivers them to those in need. Collection bins will be in place until January 10, 2014.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is happy to be teaming up with City Harvest, an organization which helps to keep one million at risk New Yorkers from going hungry. If donating cash is easier or you would like more information, contact City Harvest. Call 1-800-77-HARVEST or visit www.cityharvest.org/dnrc.

In addition to this food drive, City Harvest also rescues unused food from stores and restaurants and delivers it to those in need. Donations are needed year-round for this excellent program.

Have a safe and healthy New Year 2014. Lieutenant Pam Apollo would like to thank all of my avid readers for their support and input throughout the year. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us.

Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

Tell your friends, relatives and employers about: CONTRACT SUMMARY

Contract P562, Purchase of Hollow & Kalamein Doors Bids Due: January 7, 2014

Contract P563, High Voltage Room Doors & Frames Bids Due: January 7, 2014

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Open to 32BJ Union members only December 16, 2013 – December 20, 2013 Open to all outside applicants December 23, 2013 – December 27, 2013 Originally posted: December 16, 2013 Job Reference # 13-54

Request for transfer/promotion must be received by the Employee Services Department by December 23, 2013. Employees who are promoted will receive the current union scale for respective union positions, or applicable rate increase for non-union positions.

Utilityperson.........................................Maintenance Under the supervision of a Maintenance Supervisor, candidate will be responsible for performing emergency and routine maintenance repairs throughout the development. Perform HVAC repairs, including clearing of condensation lines, blower fan and motor replacement. Perform plumbing repairs on lines up to 2 1/2 inches diameter. Snake sewer lines as required with manual and electric equipment as well as perform electrical troubleshooting and repair of apartment & public space circuits and

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devices. Performance of other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements - Knowledge of Maintenance techniques and procedures with an emphasis on plumbing and electrical repairs. Strong troubleshooting skills for the repair of various plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems related to hi-rise buildings and other smaller facilities. Knowledge of OSHA and safety requirements related to performing maintenance repairs. Must have effective written/oral communication in English and good customer service skills.

Applicant must have ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, climb ladders as well as lift and carry up to 100 pounds.

Valid Driver License (NY, NJ, CT, PA) Required – no exceptions.

Selected candidate must successfully complete interview/selection process as well as pre-employment screening (driver license review; urinalysis; criminal background check; verification of previous employment) Days and hours may vary.

Applicants for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES must apply IN PERSON at the Bartow Administrative Office, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. *Riverbay Corporation is an equal opportunity employer*

8 Hoopla and Hyperbole Hoopla: Talk intended to mislead or confuse.

Hyperbole: Language that describes something as being better or worse than it really is.

Neither the Board of Directors nor Management is preventing Verizon or any other cable service company from connecting and selling service here in Co-op City. By law, Verizon cannot be barred. If Verizon, Time Warner, Comcast, or RCN offered a package for service to our community, they would be welcomed.

Competition is the best scenario for bringing benefits to cooperators. However, there can be no competition unless you have competitors. Riverbay cannot force cable companies to compete.

Verizon (or any cable-service provider) must make the decision and take the steps to present their service to Co-op City. No amount of ‘robo-call’ hoopla or emotional hyperbole can change that fact.

A Balanced Approach Although it is obvious that there are benefits to be gained through a “bulk contract,” there are also some concerns.

In a memo to Management, I have asked where the money would come from (which budget) to pay for those cooperators that opt out of cable service or who will receive the “free” Basic service. I also asked if a cooperator was to discontinue cable service, how the $24/month charge will be removed from their monthly statement. Additionally, since cooperators cannot downgrade (switch) from a subscribed service (Preferred, Silver, etc.) down to the Broadcast Basic package, what alternative will be offered for television access?

Selling in Bulk (Part 2) Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Khalil Abdul-Wahhab

Director’s Viewpoint

First Vice President

There are both benefits and liabilities in this proposed agreement (extra emphasis on the word proposed). It should be understood that no deal can be finalized until a majority of cooperators agree to move forward. Even then, the responsibility of the Board and Management to ensure that the comm-unity receives the best result possible remains the same.

In my opinion, the current process to assess the level of cooperator interest with a bulk sale agreement can only be classed as a survey. For a true vote, the final details of the agreement need to be assembled and put before the community for review followed by a more formal voting process. A brief description of contract items and a formal ballot should be mailed to each cooperator of record. Cooperators can then review the details, cast their vote, and mail the completed ballot back to Riverbay for an accurate tally.

Judging by what I have heard and the size of the crowd at the Bartow forum (the one that I attended) cooperator interest is high. I’ve been told that there was energetic participation at both the Dreiser and Einstein meetings. I can only hope that this increased level of

attention continues for other community-based issues and concerns.

Buying in Bulk A finalized bulk contract should include some essential items. To start, there should be free Wi-Fi hotspots in building association rooms, laundry rooms, and in each of the three (Einstein, Dreiser, and Bartow) community center auditoriums.

We are a community of over 55,000 people and represent a customer base of significant size. There should be a permanent Cablevision satellite office in Co-op City to resolve billing and/or administrative issues, as well as handle any/all technical concerns. Any agreement should ensure that cooperators do not have to make numerous calls to resolve administrative issues, or travel a distance to change a cable box, or get a new remote.

Bonus Coupons Consider for a moment what an incoming cooperator, moving from one of the other boroughs into Co-op City gains: an affordable monthly maintenance for an apartment with spacious rooms, a low-crime neighborhood, utilities (lights, heat, and cooling) included in their monthly carrying charge, refreshing greenways with trees and flowers, and a broad spectrum of shopping availabilities just across the street.

That is the very essence of not just affordable living, but living at a truly appreciable quality of life level. If an agreement can be reached that provides cable service at the $24/month price, that is one more enticing item that can help keep our vacancy rate at the lowest possible

levels. Low vacancy equals more money for our operations budget.

Cablevision has said that they are ready and willing to increase their support of community events. Additionally, they will provide/support the presentation of live entertainment in both the community centers and on the greenways. If the finalized contract documents include these assertions and the other item previously mentioned, there is little reason to not proceed.

In her Viewpoint in the Co-op City Times (12/07/13), Director Evelyn Turner said, “All cooperators are encouraged to continue sharing your opinions about the Optimum Bulk Sale Proposal.”

Director Turner went on to say, “Please remember, it’s only a proposal and you [cooperators] will have the last word.”

There you have it: no contract will be finalized without cooperator agreement. Your participation is essential.

Once the details have been assembled, the community must be informed and allowed to submit their agreement to continue … or not to continue.

My sincere wish to all is that you enjoy a happy, safe, and peaceful Holiday!

If you see something, say something.

Share your suggestions, complaints, or special concerns with me. Address letters to Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave. Bronx, NY 10475, call 718-3320-3300, Ext. 3351, or e-mail kwahhab10475@ hotmail.com.

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Public Safety and 45th Precinct warn residents to be on alert as “knock-out” trend seemingly grows

BY BILL STUTTIG Public Safety officers, working in tandem with crime prevention officers from the 45th Precinct, have been warning residents, particularly elderly residents, to be on alert for a reported national trend of assaults on innocent victims by roving groups of youth.

Chief Frank Apollo of the Department of Public Safety, said that while no such incidents have been reported in Co-op City, he wanted the Public Safety Department to be extra vigilant to make sure the disturbing crime trend does not happen here.

“The best way we can prevent any Co-op City resident from becoming a victim of these vicious attacks is to educate the community and make them aware of the circumstances that lead up to the violent attacks and to remind them that the best crime prevention for this or any other

crime is to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid the use of modern-day distractions, such as smart phones and other devices which tend to distract people away from the reality that surrounds them when walking in public,” Apollo said.

Recently, Apollo said he reached out to the 45th Precinct’s crime prevention office to have the Public Safety Department work in tandem with their efforts to get the word out. Apollo and crime prevention officers from the 45th Precinct have visited with the community’s senior centers, including an appearance and talk at JASA’s Co-op City Senior Services’ annual Thanksgiving Luncheon.

In addition, flyers advising residents how to avoid being a victim have been distributed throughout the community

by Public Safety officers and lobby attendants.

The flyers were prepared by the 45th Precinct Crime Prevention Office and advise residents of the crime trend and to be aware of their surroundings at all times when walking in public.

Apollo said that residents, if they can, should avoid walking through large groups of youths not only in Co-op City, but anywhere their travels might take them.

In New York City, reports of these knock-out attacks are prevalent in Brooklyn. In the northeast, other reports have come from Jersey City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Attacks also seem to be prevalent in the major cities of the Midwest, including Chicago. One such attack in St. Louis in 2011 resulted in the death of the victim.

Crime experts have said that the crime trend has actually been around for many years, but has gained public notice in

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recent weeks due to a growing trend of group members making a video of the attack and then posting it online where it then becomes a social media sensation and then a mainstream media story.

Some law enforcement officials and others, including Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, have refused to label these vicious attacks specifically as being part of the knockout game for fear of trivializing the violent, dangerous, unprovoked attacks or adding to the publicity of the trend.

Some of the attackers who have been apprehended have been charged with the felony crime of aggravated assault because to the particularly vicious and random nature of these attacks which, in many cases, leaves the victim unconscious and in need of emergency medical care.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Daniele On this day, December 21, in 1963 my wife, Daniele, and I got married in Belgium. Today, we celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss and our love for each other. I look forward to many, many more years of happy memories with you!

—Jose Verschaffel

The community is cordially invited to bring in the New Year with the HTIDC. Funds will be utilized to provide a community youth with a scholar-

Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club ship in 2014. The event will be held on December 31, Einstein Community Center, Room 49, 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. Come one-come all. No need to allow the

New Year to come in without a HUG!!!

We also need funds for expenses related to innovative 2014 political initiatives.

Applications will be available for membership as we need YOUR voice.

Call 917-324-1033 or 718-320-8088 for tickets.

—Evelyn M. Turner

Thanks to all of you who attended our last general membership meeting.

We had a lively discussion regarding Cablevision and other issues concerning our building. As for our building, your floor issues have been sent to Riverbay and I will keep on top of it.

Also at that meeting, we agreed to have representatives from SCRIE and DRIE to speak to us at our next meeting, Monday, January 27, 2014. As soon as arrangements are made, an

announcement will be posted. And we will decide on a date for our next movie night.

If you have not already done so, please hand in your dues envelopes and thank you, Floor Captains, for your time and service and a special thank you to all our neighbors who have generously contributed to our once-a-year annual dues drive.

The winners of the Holiday raffle are 13A and 19C. And the winners of

the Floor Captains prize are 3D and 24L. As I mentioned before, our Lobby looks terrific. Going throughout the building seeing the floors decorated, you have topped yourselves.

Reminding you not to forget to register for the Basic Star Program.

You have until December 31, 2013 to do so. Sign up by calling 518-4572036, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or at www.tax.ny.gov. Apply

for STAR at the NYC Department of Finance, 212-504-4080, or dial New York City hotline, 3-1-1.

Greetings to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in and to our troops.

Have a happy holiday and a healthy and safe New Year.

We can be reached at 718-3797841.

—Sonja Maxwell

The North Bronx Cowboys Jr. Mite (ages 6-8), Mitey Mite (ages 8-10) and Jr. Midget (ages 10-13) traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to compete in the Queens City Youth Football Classic.

The Jr. Mites defeated the Baltimore Chiefs, 16-6, and Clemson Tigers, 13-6, to win the 8U portion of the Tournament.

The Mitey Mites competed in the 10U Division and defeated the East Lincolnton (Charlotte, NC) Falcons, 18-

6, and Savannah (Savannah, GA) Oilers, 13-7, to win their 10U Division.

The Jr. Midgets played against an older 14U Division team Columbia Seahawks (Columbia, SC) and were defeated, 12-0, and later played the 13U Clemson (South Carolina) Tigers and lost, 13-12.

The travel and weekend stay for the players, parents, coaches and program volunteers was a great experience for

everyone. The trip instilled a determination to prepare to compete this upcoming 2014 season to win the local championships to advance to compete in Florida for the National Championships.

Flag Football The Cowboys will conduct a Flag Football season and tournament that will run from March through May. Flag Football is open to all youth between the ages of 5-13. Registration will begin in

January. For more information, call our office at 718-684-4903.

The Cowboys 9th Annual Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25th.

Registration for 2014 season is now open. Please call our office to make arrangements to register or send an email to nbysa.nbc@gmail.com to receive a flyer by mail.

—Colville Bascom

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

North Bronx Youth Sports

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How did we get to this point?

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

I don’t know what to say about what’s going on with Cablevision in Co-op City right now except that it’s become a fiasco. I’m not sure how Riverbay even got involved in this fiasco, even though Management claims it has no stake in the process.

Someone gave Cablevision representatives entry to buildings and flyers were being posted all over, and what I consider illegal ballots are being passed out. Where has our Legal Department been? And why was this never brought before the Board of Directors for consideration and a vote, though I don’t see why we should be involved in this and I would’ve emphatically voted “no,” and would still vote “no.”

Cablevision representatives are handing out ballots when they have no authority to do so and when no legitimate referendum has been approved by the Riverbay Board. And who allowed Cablevision to sponsor a concert with Melba Moore, whom I admire, to use as an attempt to get cooperators to fill out ballots in favor of a five year contract for subscribers with Cablevision? It’s just wrong. No one has ever liked strong sales tactics, and from what I’ve been hearing from neighbors, it sounds like tales bordering on harassment.

Fortunately, this fiasco should be over

by Dec. 20th, and never should have occurred if Management and Legal

Tony Illis

Director’s Viewpoint

Second Vice President

have any common sense. I’m pretty sure the required two-thirds votes from all shareholders will not be reached, so, in reality, what did we have but an illegitimate attempt at a referendum allowing cooperators an opportunity to choose between Cablevision and Cablevision, to keep things as they are or to accept a five year contract.

One thing I’ve learned over the years in Co-op City is many times a fiasco leads to one group of Directors trying to use smoke and mirrors to create another fiasco for their own political gain. I have no idea why anyone wants to meet with Verizon, especially when Verizon has not wired our buildings yet, a task that will reportedly take at least a year and cost millions. No one is preventing Verizon from coming into Co-op City, but somehow that is getting lost in the confusion and game playing.

I also find it amazing that some Board Directors still don’t understand that they are not supposed to meet with vendors, potential or otherwise, for obvious reasons. It has been a stated policy for decades that no member of the Riverbay Board of Directors may

Riverbay Holiday Parking Rates

Holiday Parking Will Be Available On: December 24th December 25th December 31st

The reduced rate of $5 will apply between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Happy Holidays To All.

enter into discussion or negations with vendors or other interested parties regarding contracts, proposals for contracts, or supervision of contracts except with the express approval of the Board through directives from the President. The reason is obvious, since Directors are the ones who eventually vote to approve contracts, meeting with vendors potentially seeking such contracts could be viewed as an act of impropriety, whether it is or not, which was a major problem here in the past.

Some Directors seem to keep going back to the familiar theme where they keep forgetting that the Board is responsible for setting policy and Management is delegated the responsibility of running day-to-day operations in Co-op City. A Director, or even a cluster of Directors, has/have no business meeting with a potential contractor or vendor, and such a meeting could certainly not be considered just a matter of setting policy, and that’s another reason Carl McCall, former New York State Controller, released a report criticizing the Board for interference in day-to-day operations at Riverbay, and having direct contact with contractors and vendors.

This fiasco has been a complete waste of time, energy, and confusion, with the result that almost no one knows what they are talking about. What we

basically have is a situation where there is a questionable referendum being held over Cablevision vs. Cablevision. Now, Cablevision currently has over 13,000 subscribers in Co-op City so Verizon, after first wiring the buildings here, would have quite a task breaking into the Cablevision market, but then again, maybe not, but we’d still have quite a wait. Still, this may be seen as a good marketing plan, but for whom?

Cablevision would be the only one to truly benefit if a five-year bulk rate for subscribers was approved.

I want to get away from the negativity and think of this coming Wednesday morning when so many children will get up and rush to the living room with cheerful faces and excited eyes as they see presents under the tree on Christmas.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a happy Kwanzaa and that a happy holiday season has been enjoyed by everyone. Please be careful and safe, and enjoy your holiday with family and friends.

If you are a cooperator who has moved into Co-op City within the last 3 month, I’d like to hear from you. Were you satisfied with the condition of the apartment you were offered? Call me at (718) 320-8035 and let’s talk.

Let’s talk, give me a call at (718) 320-8035, or email me at tonyshome10476@gmail.com — no

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

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Greetings and salutations given the time of year. I first want to wish you all a wonderful and joyous holiday season.

May it be safe and filled with laughter, joy, wonderful memories of times present and past along with good health.

As chair of both the Youth and Community Relations Committees, I wish to update you on some of the programs and activities that we have worked on and helped facilitate during the summer months and until the present.

During the summer, we held “Tunes on Tuesday” whereby we had different bands and singers on Tuesday nights which were held either on the Greenway under the stars or in the Dreiser Auditorium when there was inclement weather. All of these events were well attended by our cooperators. On Thursdays, there were “Open Mic” performances where fellow cooperators

The Drammeh Institute is proud to announce that our new space for operations will be located in Building 6, ground floor. After many years and helpful efforts of fellow cooperators, we are pleased to have a place to call home for cultural programs, exhibitions, films, and technology workshops for youth and adults.

We have been planning for and

Season’s Greetings to all cooperators Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Eleanor Bailey

showed their stuff.

Who knew we had so much talent in Co-op City? These “Open Mic” sessions continue bi-monthly on Fridays (please see the Co-op City Times for dates). We have teamed up with Edwina Herrera, the Building 20 Association president, in having “Open Jam Session” every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center where cooperators show us their talent, be it playing an instrument, singing, rapping and reciting poetry.

Twice during the summer, we held

Splash Days, one on the main Greenway, and one on the Section 5 Greenway, all to the delight of our youth who were able to cool off on those hot summer days, not to mention some brave adults who went down the water slides as well. Additionally, we had our wonderful fun-filled days, such as our summer and fall Fairs; July 4th celebration with fireworks; National Night Out held along with the 45 Precinct and our Department of Public Safety; and for Halloween, we had our “Haunted House” and a movie night with a Carnival. Culturally, we celebrated Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage. Last, but not least, we celebrated the holidays of Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings and Christmas with our annual Holiday Lighting ceremony held in the Bartow Community Center which culminated with boys and

girls, as well as some mommies and daddies, taking their pictures with Santa, whether they were naughty or nice.

I must acknowledge and offer my thanks and gratitude to my co-chairs and cooperators who assist me on both the Youth and Community Relations Committees. As you can see, we do a lot of hard work and strive to offer a full array of activities and cultural events for the youth and adults living in this great cooperative community.

In closing, I’d like to once again wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

You may contact me with your comments, questions and concerns by addressing your letters to me, Eleanor G. Bailey, Director, at Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Remember, God is Love…

working toward this opening for a few months and are not yet up and running, but we hope to be soon.

During the next few weeks, we will reach out to neighboring community groups to introduce our model of operations, such as services to be offered including membership levels, volunteer opportunities and internships. In addition, we want to hear

your ideas about what you would like to see happen in this new space.

So, whether you are just now learning about the Drammeh Center or have been following its progress over time, please sign up and join our mailing list so that you can receive information about our scheduling.

Finally, please consider donating to our great cause to bring multimedia

technology to Co-op City. You may write to us and send your taxdeductible contribution by mail.

Make your check/money order payable to: The Drammeh Institute, Inc. Send to: The Drammeh Institute, P.O. Box 558, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475; Email: Drammeh center@gmail.com.

—Elise Edwards

Director’s Viewpoint

Assistant Secretary

Drammeh Institute

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

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13

14 Did you go to the Cablevision concert, featuring their $24 cable plan and Melba Moore, in Dreiser on Friday, December 13th? Did you see the promotional flyers in your hallway for this concert?

The Concert Cablevision just put on another show in Dreiser. However, this show was far different than the show they put on just a few days earlier.

On Monday, December 2nd, our cooperators packed out a partitioned area of the auditorium and the hallway.

Then, that show really began once that partition was pulled back. “Go home.

We want Verizon,” were some of the statements made to Management and the Cablevision representative.

But, for this latest 8:00 p.m. show, they had about 100 people--tops. No one was yelling. And, some people even started dancing. But, in order to get in, you had to have a yellow voting ballot from Cablevision.

The Ballots I've received a lot of comments about those ballots. "I don't want Cablevision's plan. Why do I have to pay for Cablevision's plan?"

Then, our cooperators zoomed in on Management. "Why is Riverbay counting the votes? Why is Riverbay having our Public Safety officers go door-to-door escorting the salespeople from Cablevision?"

Look, despite all of these shenanigans, I don't think that enough votes will be gathered from 2/3, or 10,248, of our 15,372 cooperators. As of Friday, December 13th, they only had a total of 3,700 ballots. However, supposedly, those ballots were not separated by yes or no votes. So, is this plan over?

Plan B This community had better be ready to

Cablevision Plan - Over?

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

deal with any nonsense, in a peaceful way, if this cable package plan is not finished.

Please remember that this plan is for 5 long years. So, if your name is supposedly on a yes ballot, then, you will receive a $24 charge on your monthly carrying charge statement for the next five years.

"Oh, I want to cancel my cable plan with Riverbay." No! You cannot cancel this $24 cable plan with Riverbay. Once you sign up, you are done. So, get ready to stay with this plan for the next 5 years.

Crazy! Now, if this plan is not over, then, my suggestion is that every cooperator here should peacefully go to Bartow and ask to see if a voting ballot exists in their name. Thereafter, every cooperator here should peacefully ask for a receipt to confirm their voting status. A vote of yes or no should be reflected on an approved receipt. Additionally, a person should receive an approved receipt even if they did not turn in a ballot. Or, if possible, Riverbay should print everyone's status on their monthly carrying charge statement. Thereafter, every cooperator here should keep that receipt for at least five years. Please do not throw that receipt away.

Updated Cable Information Here are the most recent changes to this cable plan. Cablevision will now bill

Riverbay $20 per subscriber. So, let's say that there are 13,000 cable subscribers in a month. Then, Cablevision will send Riverbay a bill for 13,000 subscribers times $20, or $260,000. However, Riverbay will send each subscriber a bill for $24. So, Riverbay should receive payment for 13,000 subscribers times $24, or $312,000.

Now, we have 15,372 apartments here.

However, if there are 13,000 subscribers, then we have a difference of 2,372 apartments that are not subscribing to this cable service. Therefore, Cablevision will bill Riverbay $5 per apartment that is not covered under a subscription to this cable service. Therefore, Riverbay will receive a monthly charge for 2,372 apartments times $5, or $11,860. Naturally, there will be sales taxes on this billing from Cablevision. And, the non-subscribers should not receive a bill for cable services.

Current Technology There are over 1,000 legal television channels, some in high definition, on the internet that can be accessed for free.

Plus, there are over 30,000 movies on the internet that can be accessed legally for a fee. And, all of this content can be streamed to your television with streaming media player devices that are available in stores. So, please do a search on 'Streaming Media Players.' You can also check out the most popular Streaming Media Player devices on YouTube.

STAR Credit December 31, 2013 is the deadline.

So, please make sure that you get your application in for your STAR credit.

According to the NYS website, "The New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR) provides homeowners with partial exemptions from school property taxes. If you earn less than

$500,000 and own and live in your home, you are probably eligible for the STAR exemption."

"I applied to this program last year. So, do I have to apply again?"

The answer is yes. Also, again, please look out for your neighbors, if they need assistance.

As mentioned before, there were only 8,714 apartments that received the STAR credit on their April 2013 statement.

The cooperators that were approved for the Basic STAR program received a $99.28 credit from Riverbay.

The cooperators that were 65 or older, and were approved for the Enhanced STAR program, received a $206.04 credit from Riverbay.

Okay, you can call 3-1-1 for more information or go to this NYC website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/property/star.shtml. You'll be very happy when you get that nice little credit on your statement next year.

Close The contract for our management company has expired. Nevertheless, can you believe that some Board members are promoting this management company and their cable plan? Crazy! Please continue to write letters to the editor.

Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@opt online.net (Please double-check the spelling of this address). Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message.

Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. is an organization dedicated to community service in the areas of health, employment, education and economic development.

The Adult Club welcomed three new members at the Friday December 13th meeting in Dreiser Center. The national membership drive will end December 31, if you are interested in joining our organization, dedicated to community service. Please call Sylvia Hicks, Membership Chairperson, 917921- 5445. If you are a young adult 18-35, you may inquire about our rap-

idly evolving leaders in the young adult section.

Ombudsmen are men of the community interested in decreasing the drop out rate of our youth. The Ombudsmen along with Trinity United Methodist Church of Morrisania are presenting a Men’s Conference “Addressing the Challenges of Minority Males: Each One Reach One.” The conference will be held in Dreiser Auditorium A, Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 10 a.m. We are reaching out to organizations in the community, who are serving the youth to participate. You are invited to present information about your organiza-

tion and enroll those interested in joining. Call Sylvia Hicks at the above number or Joetta Brown at 404-8039869 if you are interested in participating in this dynamic forum.

The Youth Club consists of youth 12 to 18 years of age. The Youth Club is dedicated to community service, higher education, technology and activism. If you fit this description, are interested in expressing yourself, obtaining community service credit, developing new programs and leadership skills, you should contact Sandra Hall, Youth Advisor, 917-972-7732.

This is your chance, as a young person, to help plan the year’s activities of

the club. Don’t delay obtaining your school’s required community service credits in a fun and interesting way.

Anyone wishing to render community service, assist with any of our programs, without joining any of our club areas, may do so. To obtain more information, contact Joetta Brown, First Vice President, 404-803-9869.

Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. may be found at www.nanbpwc.org or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475.

—Sylvia Hicks

Thank you to all who donated winter accessories, toys and canned goods, which will be delivered to the Town N’ Country Residence home and to another shelter in the North Bronx. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Save the Date: February 22, 2014, the NCNW Co-op City Section, Cosponsored with the Riverbay Fund will host the 13th Annual Black History Month Youth Celebration at Dreiser Auditorium B, at 1:00 – 4 p.m. Over the last thirteen years at the celebration,

there were Black Inventors table displays, African and praise dancing, poetry, spoken word, steppers, cheerleaders, singers theatrical presentations, art and craft and much more. One of our highlights was when Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Floyd Carter spoke to the audience about his experience as a Tuskegee Airman, plus encouraging the students to stay in school, earn good grades and never let someone stop them for fulfilling their dreams. If any youth or youth groups are interested in participating in

the 2014 celebration, please contact Lori Melton at (917) 399-2643.

Saturday Educational Program…

Children in Grades 3-6 will receive small group instruction in reading and mathematics each Saturday during the school year with certified teachers.

Registration: Beginning September 21, 2013 & continuing each Saturday as space allows from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Dreiser Community Center, Room 14.

Classes start: October 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. fee for total year: $225 includes

non-refundable registration fee: $25.

All fees to be paid by December 31. For further information, call (718) 6559034 or (718) 671-2555.

Reminder: Our next General Membership meeting will be held Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., Dreiser Community Center, Room 3.

Happy and safe holidays to family and friends.

Happy birthday to our December members.

—Maxine Sullivan

Hi, neighbors…Because the information for the column had to go in by Monday, I cannot comment on our final meeting. We had planned for a party-type meeting, but the weather may have interfered with our plans.

We apologize for omitting Chanukah

this year in the building decorations.

Our decorator didn’t realize that the time had changed this year. However, we know you had a happy holiday.

Well, our decorations are up and as usual, what a display. We have the best and our decorators know we are proud

to be a part of their talent. Please admire, but don’t touch. Also, the 21st and 31st floors have a great display.

Take a look when you can. I haven’t looked at all floors, but if others have decorations, thanks for being neighborly and spreading the holiday spirit.

Because you were so good to us this year, we hope “Santa” is good to you.

Have a happy, blessed, joyful Christmas and Kwaanza celebration -from your Building 24 officers, Dora, Eloise, Ruth and yours truly.

—Celestine Withey

Daryl Johnson

Director’s Viewpoint

Williamsbridge Club

National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

Building 24 Association

15

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Black Forum

Next Defensive Driving course The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Rm. 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course.

Remember, don’t text and drive.

Community garden If you have a green thumb, or you are willing to learn, call us today to volunteer,

(718) 320-8035.

Notice: All Section 5 food pantry participants All Section 5 residents must pick up their food packages on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Church of Co-op City. You must bring your white cards to pick up your food.

Volunteers needed for Wednesdays and Fridays. For information, please call (718) 320-8035.

Black Forum Lyon’s Mane Track Club Register your child(ren) 6-18 years of age for the Lyon’s Mane Track Club. Call for information, (718) 320-8035.

Volunteers needed The Black Forum is looking for volun-

teers to help out 2 days a week at the food pantry from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. You choose the days. Training will take place on Thursday only. If you are interested, please call (718) 320-8035.

Computer help The Black Forum is looking for an experienced computer savvy individual. If interested, please call (718) 320-8035.

Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two

Can you say NATIONAL MEDALS!!!!

On Saturday, December 7th, Velocity Track Club New York took 5 athletes to the AAU XC National Championship in Fort Gordon, GA and 3 athletes finished in the top 25, Jacqueline Kendall (18th), Giovanna Tolbert (21st) and Dontea Lindo (10th).

Adrian Swift-Henry injured his knee and this was Jaysiah Moore’s first National meet, which made him nervous. If not, I believe they would have been in the top 25 also.

AAU T-shirts and bags were giving to all athletes. Medals were awarded to the top 25 athletes and participation medals were given to the rest. To finish in the top 25 among the best in the country is an outstanding accom-

plishment, which they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Go VTC!!!!

On Sunday, December 15th, we traveled to Jersey City to compete in the NJ AAU Youth Indoor Track & Field Meet. Over 600 athletes from New York and New Jersey were registered. This is officially our first indoor meet. Most coaches will use the meet to evaluate athletes. VTC athletes’ performance showed why we are among the best in the Tri-State area. Awards were given to the top 3 athletes. The following VTC athletes received awards. Julian Caldwell, Jordan Ingram, Jaysiah Moore and Dontea Lindo took 1st Place in the 1600 meter sprint medley relay. Joseph Webster-Rutledge took 3rd

in the 200 meter race. Jordan Samuels took 3rd in the 55 meter race. Dominique Jackson was the top award winner; she won the 200 meter race and took 3rd in the 400 meter race. Plus, we had several athletes that finished in 4th and 5th place, which is a great accomplishment with the level of competition at this meet.

Great job.

Anyone interested in joining Velocity Track Club New York, please contact Coach Dinkins at 914-4416196 or you email me at WATCLT@ AOL.COM.

“Whatever is beautiful, whatever is meaningful, whatever brings you happiness – May it be yours this Holiday season.”

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., of which this organization, RETIREES, is a member, enthusiastically invites you to attend its 17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m. in Room 31 in the Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue.

TRAVEL EVENTS/2014: (Travel insurance encouraged) ▪ Wed., Jan. 15, 2014. RESORTS WORLD CASINO, at Aqueduct. Price: $30.

Come join in the fun. Seats going fast.

Rebates: TBD. ▪ Mar. 18-20, 2014. We are going back to Atlantic City to The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel. Double: $220/pp & Singles: $285.

Rebates: Atlantic Club casino: $20 slot bonus + $20 food credit + $20 cash bonus.

On day of return, will stop at RESORTS Casino – Rebate $25 slot bonus. How exciting! Contacts: Virginia S./Beverly J., 718379-0377.

▪ Thurs., MAY 8, 2014, Matinee price: $125. A spring trip to see the Biblical story of “MOSES” at the Sight and Sound Theatre, plus luncheon at Good n Plenty’s family style dining. Deposit: $75 to reserve your seat. Contacts: Serita G., 347-5645722/Beverly J., 718-379-0377.

▪ Sept. 20-27, 2014, (8 days/7 nights) CALIFORNIA COASTAL CRUISE on the CROWN PRINCESS. Day 1, fly into Los Angeles, board the Crown Princess ship, then we are off to begin our incredible cruise to key sunshiny California cities. On day 8, sail back to Los Angeles for departure home.

Deposit required: $325 for double pp/$650

pp single occupancy. Contacts: Claudette D., 718-379-4784/Beverly J., 718-379-0377.

THEATRE COMMITTEE: (prices include transportation. Van will depart 11:45 a.m.** SHARP): ▪ Sat. Jan. 4, 2014, 2:00 p.m.,** ALVIN AILEY Matinee show. Price: $57. SOLD OUT! Wait list available. Contact: Ione for ticket information.

On Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., Committee members will be in clubroom 19.

GOOD AND WELFARE: Our heartfelt condolences to Dorothy Harris, whose sister, Carol Saunders, recently passed, to Fred Lewis who lost his brother, and to DA Robert Johnson whose mother passed away. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Get well wishes to everyone getting their strength back. Contact: Elinor Gordon, Chair, at 718-379-8755, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Members and friends, we require your telephone numbers when you are signing up for shows and/or trips - with deposits to reserve your seat. There could be missed opportunities without a contact number.

Please note - Cash payments will no longer be accepted for security reasons effective January 1, 2014. Checks/money orders are payable to RETIREES of Dreiser Loop.

FYI - Committee members will be available Mondays and/or Thursdays after 3 p.m.

NOTE: The RETIREES’ next General membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014.

“Warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the special joys of the Season be yours today and always.”

—Claudette Davis

Velocity Track Club

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

clean plastic shopping bags. In order to receive food, you must present a current photo ID such as a non or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address.

You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future.

We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

Happy holidays to everyone. Please remember not to drink or text and drive.

—Tony Illis

Velocity Track Club sporting their National Medals in Fort Gordon, GA.

—Winston Dinkins

16

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

17

18

Responsibility to Cooperators Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Evelyn Turner

increase is very possible in the next 5 years.

The cost of labor, water, electricity, maintenance, sound fiscal management, vacancy rate, etc., will dictate an increase.

The service Cablevision is providing is appreciated. However, this may NOT be the time for a “Bulk Rate Agreement” for this community. We must ask and justify - should only 2/3 of the cooperators make a decision to benefit a single “for profit Corporation” for the next 5 years? Board members must ask and justify if we are endangering the financial welfare of a few to benefit a majority. Why should we as a corporation pick up the tab for an expense that was not budgeted? Again, this Director suggests “PAUSE!” This Director suggests that our lawyers explore the legality of this special arrangement of adding an expense to our carrying charges; regardless of voting yes or no for one (1) forprofit corporation at the exclusion of a side by side same-ballot choice with others? Why should the corporation and cooperators pay for incoming cooperators who may NOT want Cablevision services? Regardless of the upcoming count – PAUSE, PAUSE, PAUSE! Riverbay Board Meeting: Are you aware that Marion Scott Realty, Inc.’s staff has decided that it is NOT cost effective to have at least (1) “Licensed Plumber” on site for the 27,000 plus

apartments & townhouses in Co-op City?

Eight Board members were also adamant about this not being necessary. One Board member even made discouraging remarks about the examination that plumbers take for this trade/vocation.

Anyway, we were assured that those currently hired as plumbers have the expertise to do the job. For major plumbing needs, cooperators will be paying Girardi Plumbing, Inc., $200,000.00, maximum yearly. Unfortunately, we cannot have both at this time. What are your thoughts about this?

Another Board member questioned why the same architect firm, Robert J. Stahl, appears to beat out the competition for the $200,000.00 contract? The same appears the case with window replacements awarded to “Tindel.” Exploration of how RSVP’s are submitted is in process. A lively discussion about providing minorities an opportunity to bid for contracts in Co-op City was clarified.

DEVELOPMENT Thanks to cooperators who are sharing their Anti-New Co-op City Development opinions as it relates to giving up existing green space for more new building/traffic, etc. We are still interviewing forprofit developers. What do you think?

Speak now before the Board votes to give Marion Scott Realty’s Chief Principal the green light.

ABOUT ASBESTOS Just wanted to share information about asbestos since it is a great financial concern for the corporation. We are talking about an indestructible mineral that is mined from the ground. One of its physical properties is that it is indestructible. It must be disposed of properly. Asbestos fibers can float around in the air and that’s what makes them hazardous. The major asbestos mines are located in Russia,

Canada and South Africa. After World War II, asbestos was widely used in construction everywhere including (Co-op City) because it was cheap, sound, durable, fire, electrical and chemical resistant. Asbestos was once used as decoration purposes (fake snow). In the mid1970’s, Mount Sinai discovered these concentrated fibers may cause lung cancer. The major sicknesses research linked to asbestos were: Asbestosis – lung cancer & Mesothelioma. Asbestos did not get regulated until the mid 70’s. Reportedly, only 7% of asbestos in the country has been removed. Because of a long latency period for these fibers in the body if inhaled, air samples are required and adequate measures MUST be taken to keep the concentration regulated. Therefore, we have had to pay so as to never put cooperators at risk.

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER – MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE Your Director will be a participant in a Panel Discussion on January 19, 2014 – “Civil Rights-Capturing the Vision Fair.”

This event is open to the public.

Additionally, your Director has been recently inducted into The Williambridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Co-op City Branch.

It’s an honor to work with individuals in this community and nationally who are catalyst for change in a contemporary context.

“Our common stories and struggles and values are what make this country (Co-op City) great” – Michelle Obama Call or write: Evelyn M. Turner – Riverbay Corporation – 2045 Bartow Avenue, Bronx 10475 – evelyntinez@ aol.com, 917-324-1033 or 718-320-8088.

The Building Association says "Thank You" to the building cooperators who in the cold of Saturday came down to the lobby and decorated the lobby and the Christmas Tree.

I want to thank Sally 14C, Andrea Farges, Debbie Speller, Mary Potton, Wonder Rodriquez, Chip Mayo and a very nice young man who came down later and helped us by using the ladder.

Sometimes, you have to ask for help; We did, and were so happy when these cooperators came thru. Many thanks to Beckie, and Ms. Owens, Aanderina, and Sally for the nice decorations.

Saturday showed me how we can work together as a building and accomplish many things.

For the cooperator who took the time to deface our poster, I call you a coward. You can call me, come to the building meetings, read the paper on Saturdays, you will find your answers.

Writing on our signs just shows your true character.

The Association’s Porter collection is doing fine. You are giving for the good of our porters who I think do a great job in our building.

As I have explained many times, the

dues collection do not cover money that we need to give to 4 porters, and the lobby attendant.

As of today, we have collected dues from 135 apartments. This building has 384 apartments, do the math.

Times are hard, and I do believe there are people who really don't have the money. There are people in this building who I know for a fact, they do not pay because they are evil and refuse to do anything for the building. To them, I wish you a happy life.

On a happier note, the associates of Building 33 will be having a New

Year’s Eve party alone with the Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club in the Einstein Community Center, Room #45, 9 p.m. Call (718) 320-1861 or (718) 320-2960 for tickets.

Do not forget the Kwanzaa Celebration will be on Saturday, December 28th at 3 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, Room #31. Do bring a dish or a drink. All are welcome, no charge.

Get well wishes to the sick and shut-in. Hope you feel better.

Merry Christmas to all, happy Kwanzaa.

—Patricia Bonaparte

We wish everyone happy holidays. I want to thank everyone who donated to the kids’ Christmas party 2013. Our lobby looks so great. I would like to thank Madeline Bunce, Margaret McKinney, Joan Murrell for a beautiful job decorating our lobby. I want to thank everyone who donated to the porters’ and lobby attendant’s Christmas gift.

A lot of people are asking why we don't have a Christmas tree in the lobby this year. It is because we don't have a building board in place to pay for a new Christmas tree. The Christmas tree we had for years fell apart and we had to throw it out last year.

On that point, we are going to have a building meeting in January and are looking for new officers. The positions available are Second Vice President,

Secretary and Treasurer. We are not a large group as we used to be so we really need your help to make this the best building association. I am hoping for the day when younger residents take over our building board. We have tried to get this diverse building interested in the activities and the building meetings.

I don't understand why people in the building are not interested in anything this building association is doing. How can you live in a building and have no interest?

I hope to see people at our next building meeting which is in January.

Let’s all make this building one of the best associations in Co-op City. Your help is always appreciated, thank you.

Our thoughts and payers go out to everyone.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

Greetings to all.

“Tis the season to be jolly” yes, we should be in good spirits, and cheerfully festive at this time of year, but life isn’t always jolly. The shareholders in Building 20 truly understand that the Christmas and holiday seasons are a time for office parties; family gatherings; and gift giving. As we engage in these festive activities, let’s ever be mindful of our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, especially the elderly, or single parent households. We understand these are tough economic times; and everyone is feeling the crunch but, besides giving your money to “JCP, Macys, and ToysRUs,” stop and think about those who don’t have

food, clothing and shelter. Over the holiday season, you can donate time and money or you can donate food, Sergeant Nat Diaz, coordinator at Co-op City Public Safety Department; and Co-op City has clothing bins, men’s coats are desperately needed.

Building 20 is keeping the Co-op City community in their prayers, and hope you enjoy your holiday.

Building 20 would like to send our condolences to the Mabry family. She truly will be missed in our community; and our prayers go out to the Philippian community especially at this time of year; and the world’s greatest loss, Nelson Mandela.

—Edwinna Herrera

When you elected this Director to the Board, it was understood once the oath was taken that I have an obligation to ALL cooperators regardless of percentages. That said, I stand ready to HIT PAUSE, for that one-third minority who are terribly upset about the sudden push presented by Marion Scott Realty’s Chief Principal, Herbert D. Freedman, and others to enter into a “Bulk Rate” deal with Cablevision. When initially presented to the Board of Directors, several details were not shared BEFORE the vote that approved exploration. We had no idea of aggressive PR strategies; flyers posted all over, strangers knocking on doors, Riverbay staff and Public Safety’s presence with barricades at Dreiser Community Center on Friday, 12/13, where free entertainment was provided by Melba Moore. She shared her art and advocacy for Cablevision. An open box was present for ballots along with Cablevision and Public Safety staff.

Calls and emails have been received about the “legality” of how this initiative is being handled by Marion Scott Realty, Inc.’s staff and Cablevision. Our responsibility as Board members is “establishing policy covering administration of property, interest, business and transactions of the corporation,” etc. “Sound organization dictates that we not interfere with day-to-day management and operations of project or with its employees or intrude upon management functions.” Therefore, Board members have not intruded upon Management’s decision to allow Cablevision every PR opportunity they needed to get the 2/3 vote for a “bulk rate” to be added to our carrying charges for the next 5 years, if approved.

Additionally, another carrying charge

Director’s Viewpoint

Building 33 Association

Building 6 Association

Building 20 Association

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!! 718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety

19

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Broun Place Townhouse Association

In the coming week, Christmas will be celebrated in many homes and the Kwanzaa holiday will also begin. Our Broun Place Townhouse Association extends warm holiday greetings to all our neighbors and hopes you will be able to join us at our party, Thursday, January 23rd from 7 p.m., Bartow Community Center. It is not too late to contribute to the holiday Groundskeeper gift, today is the deadline.

It is never too late to join the Broun Place Townhouse Association; $12 is your annual membership.

Today, December 21st is your opportunity to donate if you haven’t done so already. Please drop your envelope to Apt. 31B, Apt. 10A or Apt. 22A. Please mark your calendar too; the holiday party is on January 23rd, not the 24th. I sincerely apologize for the mistake. Let’s make this a grand welcome the New Year party. All Broun Place neighbors are invited to attend. There will be music and prizes along with light refreshment.

Saturday, December 14th, members of your town-

house association went around and beat the weather.

Warm and hearty thanks to Secretary Grace Emanuel, and Treasurer Lillian Richardson for their work, especially with the storm brewing around us. Thank you, neighbors, for your generous contributions and a special thank you to those who joined or renewed their membership with Broun Place Townhouse Association Year 2014. Thank you to the Grounds Department for their amazing snow clean-up in Broun Place.

The new Executive Committee is working for the betterment of Broun Place. Your Broun Place Officers are Reverend Grace Emanuel – Secretary, Ms. Lillian Richardson – Treasurer, Mrs. Vivian Burrus - Vice President and Eva Lazaar, President. Ms. Lana Spaulding and Mr. Jesse Seise are our new support team. The collection of dues is ongoing and not prorated. Anytime you wish to renew and/or join, you can submit $12 cash or check to any board member. It will be forwarded to our treasurer.

We want to remind neighbors to call Public Safety:

“If you see something, say something,” call: 718-6713050. Additionally, isn’t it great to see the new uniformed officers on site? Warning, at this holiday season we have to repeat this, some folks as desperate as they are prey on others. Do not give your personal information out without confirming the authenticity of the recipient. Regarding recycling, please use the green street cans for street trash and recycle home garbage properly. Let’s help our neighborhood keep clean and, if necessary, pick up other folk’s litter.

The Broun Place press release is for you; please share your stories and events. Prayers are sent out to all recovering from an illness or injury. It was with deep sadness that the first anniversary of the Sandy Hook School Massacre was commemorated and deep prayers said as President Nelson Mandela was laid to rest. Congratulations to all celebrating a birthday or anniversary. You can let us know if you wish a celebration acknowledged here.

—Eva Lazaar

The Coalition’s next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 12 noon, 177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15. Wishing everyone a joyous Holiday season & prosperous New Year.

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. of which your (church/organization) is a member, enthusiastically invites you to attend our 17th Annual Kwanzaa celebrations on Saturday, December 28, at 3 p.m. in Room 31, 2049 Bartow Community Center, Bronx, NY. Kwanzaa is the seven-day (December 26-January 1) African celebration of family, community and culture as personified in Africa “First Fruits” or harvest celebrations. Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence, Commemoration, Recommitment and celebration; and evolves around Seven Principles, one for each day of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative econom-

ics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith).

The Coalition members attending the Kwanzaa celebration are requested to bring an offering of a large, main dish of food (no pork, please) or dessert, etc. to share with others.

Please contact (Ms. Jones) 718-671-5957 or (Mr. Leacock) 718-671-9610 by Dec. 22, to advise of what your food offering will be. Your attendance and participation are required to make this family/community/cultural festivity a success.

There will be a Kwanzaa Ceremony, vendors, dancers, drummers, and the Kwanzaa feast. This event is free.

Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Mrs. Joan Murrell is the President of the Coalition.

Phone number (718) 379-3494.

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

Day Celebrations, and Kwanzaa free for the community.

Members of the Coalition include the following: AfricanAmerican Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club.

Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Development of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 379-3494 or (718) 6715957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the Minister/President. Read Coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember, the Coalition’s motto is, “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.”

—Harman T. Leacock

Merry Christmas, happy Kwanza, and a belated happy Hanukah to our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. We wish all of you a very safe and joyous holiday.

Congratulations to all who are celebrating birthdays, new births, weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrated events during the month of December. Well wishes for a speedy recovery to all who are sick/shut in. Our sincere condolences to those families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. May they be eternally blessed. And may you and your families also be blessed during your time of bereavement.

Thanks to everyone who monetarily donated towards the porters’ holiday bonus. And a special congrats to everyone who collected the donations.

Our holiday party was successful and we thank everyone who participated.

Do a good deed today by checking in on your elderly, disabled, and/or home-bound neighbors. As you shop, it would be a blessing to also shop for them. You will blessed abundantly for your good deeds.

Do not forget to submit your STAR application before December 31.

Please help to keep our community clean and green by properly disposing your garbage in the appropriate receptacle. Bulk trash and large cartons are to taken to the basement. Be vigilant! If you see something, call 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for non-emergencies.

—YuVonne Lewis

The building association had a wonderful time at the Ace in the Hole on Saturday, Dec. 7th. It was a dinner and show, plus a hilarious comedian, we had a ball. We want to thank all of our neighbors that came with us. Many thanks to the Fundraising Committee, Sharon and Margie.

We also want to thank all who helped with the decorations of the lobbies of all 3 buildings, and the collection for our porters and for those of service to our building which took place on Dec. 5th and 6th. Thanks to all our fellow neighbors for your generous monetary gifts to let our porters and also our lobby attendant know that we appreciate them.

As we continue the rest of this month, shopping, etc. for Christmas is not far away, stay safe and alert.

CABLEVISION BULK RATE, please neighbors make a wise decision and turn in your ballot, allow your voice to speak for you.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Gloria Mabry, also to those that have lost a loved one.

Our prayers go out for the sick and shut in and for those that are on the mend. Happy Holidays to all, celebrate and enjoy life. Please continue to pray for leaders everywhere that we will do what is right in our service to and for the people.

—H. Overman

Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations

Building 26 Association

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Building 27 Association

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Today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., we will be having our Christmas Party. I hope that we will see many there to enjoy the festivities. There will be refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. We will be announcing the winners for the raffle and handing out toys to children, and possibly have some games to play. Toy distribution will be limited, so please RSVP ASAP, if you have not already, by no later then 3 p.m. today.

President’s Note I want to thank everyone who participated in the raffle which helped to fund the Christmas Party and thank those who donated to the gift for the Riverbay staff. We appreciate their hard work and dedication in maintaining the building and our homes.

I would like to thank those who came to the building meeting as well and participated in the 50/50 raffle. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday.

Peace, Blessings, Good Health and Happiness to all.

—Ericc Diaz

Building 30 A &B Association

Wishing all happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas.

This past Saturday, our building association had our annual holiday party and a great time was had by all. The association would like to thank our wonderful cooks and bakers who provided the scrumptious goodies for our party.

The association will be closed till 2014. Have a happy New Year.

—Linda Werner

The winners of the raffle will be announced today at the Christmas party.

20

Counting The Cablevision Votes Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Francine Reva Jones

By the time you read this issue, the voting will have ended for the bulk rate Director’s Cablevision deal. The deadline was December 20th. Many cooperators attended one of the three meetings and gained more information by getting answers to their questions. However, there were still unanswered questions as we entered the final week before the deadline. I have heard complaints that there are regular interruptions of service, especially late at night. Even so, Cablevision is working diligently to get the two-thirds vote it needs in order to succeed. It has offered an extra channel, the Melba Moore concert, and two raffle prizes, one being a $1,000 American Express gift card and the other, a 50” HDTV. The ballots were accepted by your local CSO or Maintenance Office, your lobby attendant or by the Administrative Office in the Bartow Community Center. It is unclear as to who will count the ballots, which need to total at least 10,238 votes or two-thirds of the 15,372 families. The proposed bulk rate deal includes: For Option 1: If you are a current Cablevision subscriber and would be interested in receiving the Optimum Preferred Package for only $24 a month, including taxes and fees, for the first two years, and a 5% annual increase in years 3-5, you will pay $24 per month.

For Option 2: If you are currently not an Optimum subscriber, but would be interested in receiving Cablevision’s Broadcast Basic Cable TV at NO charge, you will receive more channels and better picture quality than you currently receive on the master antenna.

For Option 3: If you have no interest in the offer, choose this option.

The bottom line is that it would be a savings for most families of $50.95 per month.

Why Not Follow the Rules?

Last week, the Co-op Times published Letters to the Editor, one of which was written by a cooperator and former Board Director. He complimented several of the veteran Board Directors for doing so much to improve Co-op City. Indeed, some Board Directors have a long history with this community, having been on the Board for 15 years or more. While on one hand having a wealth of knowledge and information about Co-op City is a good thing, on the other hand, it is my opinion that it makes for too much familiarity. Some Board Directors appear to want to overlook the rules of bidding for a different Management company or General Manager because it appears to me they have become so used to or friendly with the present Management company. After 14 years, the Board is finally in the process of evaluating Management, even though, for various reasons, all Board Directors have not participated. If we would merely follow the rules created by some of the past Board Directors, we might find that there are other less expensive entities out there that might be better than what we have.

Lack of Holiday Spirit It is unfortunate that some cooperators have no holiday spirit. They are going around pulling down and destroying holiday decorations. Cooperators should be on the lookout for these culprits who would do this damage during the holiday season. If you see something, say something. Please report them to the lobby attendant or the Department of Public Safety by calling 718-671-3050.

Kwanzaa Celebration The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., enthusiastically invites you to attend its 17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, December 28, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Community

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Kwanzaa is the sevenday (December 26-January1) African celebration of family, community and culture as personified in African “first fruits” or harvest celebrations.

Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence, Commemoration, Recommitment and Celebration; and evolves around Seven Principles, one for each day of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-determination); Ujima (Collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity); and Imani (Faith).

There will also be a Special Tribute to Madiba Nelson Mandela (7/18/1918-12/5/2013) who has joined the ancestors at the age of 95. In 1993, Mandela

Viewpoint

won the Nobel Peace Prize along with William de Klerk, for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa. Mandela was best known as an anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. This freedom fighter was the first Black South African to hold the office and the first elected in a fully representative, multiracial election. Mandela leaves a legacy as the Champion of World Peace.

In addition, there will be a Kwanzaa Ceremony, vendors, the Karamu (feast), dancers and drummers.

Everyone is required to bring an offering of a large dish of food to share with others (NO PORK, PLEASE). African garb is preferred, but not mandatory. We look forward to seeing you. Habara gani!

I can be reached at: Francine Jones, Board Director, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; or telephone number, 718-671-5957.

Happy Holidays to all my friends and neighbors.

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21

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

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22

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Co-op City Toastmasters Club

There are two major fears in society today: Death and Public Speaking!

Believe it or not, public speaking is #1.

This fact was shared in a recent speech

by TM Selma Newman, Secretary of Co-op City Toastmasters. Current research also supports her thesis. On Oct. 30, the New Zealand Herald reported that in a survey of 2,000 women, the overwhelming majority feared “humiliation while talking in front of a group,” over death itself!

Selma is a leader, mentor, and friend. Her accolades, accomplishments, and awards are highly visible. This year, Selma represented Co-op City in the Toastmasters

International Speech Contest at the district level, by finishing first place in the Humorous speech category. Yet, she speaks about the hidden battle she fought for most of her life. “I was painfully shy,” says Selma.

At the Toastmasters Training Day event, hosted by Co-op City Toastmasters on December 14th, Selma said, “I remember when I made the conscious decision not to be nervous.” She joined Co-op City Toastmasters, and began her journey. “It’s never too late,” said Selma.

Selma’s authentic and heartfelt speech highlighted the possibilities that exist

when joining Toastmasters. “There’s no cure for death,” she says, “but there is a cure for fear of Public Speaking: Toastmasters!!!”

Friends, guests and curious - Come get the cure! Co-op City Toastmasters is located at 2049 Bartow Ave., Bartow Mall, Rm. 28. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. All are welcome.

You only need to be 18 yrs. or older to join.

We wish a very Merry Christmas to all our friends, supporters and members.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Please note we will NOT meet on Thurs., Jan. 2, 2014. Our next meeting

will be in the new year 2014 on Thurs., Jan. 16, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Members, please plan to present a speech at this meeting so you will meet your personal speaking goals for 2014.

January is start of the Speech Contest period – sign up now. Do we have the next World Champion Public Speaker in our midst? It could be you, but you must sign up to compete.

Visit us at these websites: on FB: Co-op City Toastmasters or 3824.toastmastersclubs.org, or Toastmasters46.org and join the fun.

—Ralph Dunniehigh

Please join us at our general membership meetings, which take place at 8:00 pm, on the 2nd Thursday of every month in our club room, Room 16, of the Dreiser Community Center.

The Cultural Committee hosted our traditional Christmas event, ‘Cantares Navideños,’ on Saturday, December 7th. This wonderful gathering was a great way to start the holiday celebrations. Many thanks go to the always talented Juan Ortega and a special ‘Thank You’ goes to Joaquin Lugo for the phenomenal DJ experience! We

extend our gratitude to Lourdes Suarez, the Cultural Committee and the many volunteers, as well as those who joined us, for a very successful event.

The Holiday Season is in full swing!

Join us at our other upcoming events at the Dreiser Community Center: Tickets for the club’s annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 21st, are still available.

Dance the night away to the music of 2 live bands and the stylings of DJ Salsero. Enjoy a wonderful evening

for only $30 ($35 at the door). For tickets or more information, please contact Antoinette Toro at (917) 7444373 or Delia Anaya at (917) 5877143. Details are also available on the Flyers page of our website.

On New Year’s Eve, ring in 2014 in Auditorium ‘C’ from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ‘Swing y Sabor’ will be our live band, with music by DJ Salsero.

Tickets are $20. Bring your party hats and noise-makers and enjoy the evening with family and friends.

Contact Jose Lopez at (347) 202-

7930 for all the details.

The Three Kings will be visiting the young members of our community on Saturday, January 4th, 2014.

The Youth Committee will be sponsoring this holiday wrap-up event from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Room 16. Volunteers will be appreciated.

Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: http://spanamcccc.synthasite.com.

—Carmen Rodriguez

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Mailing address: P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475 President: Jerome Rice Office telephone: (718) 320-3210 Address: 135 Einstein Community Center, Room 36 Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com.

Please direct all correspondence inquiries, etc. to the mailing address.

Upcoming Calendar of Events at Einstein Community Center: Membership Holiday Party, December 22 at 3 p.m. All welcomed.

Jubilee Day Celebration on Saturday, January 4, 2014 hosted by the Church of the New Vision.

Effective January, 2014, Executive Committee monthly meetings will be held on the 2nd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. as follows: January 8, February 12,

March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10, 2014 Membership meetings are at 3 p.m.

Sunday, January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22, September 28, October 26, November 23, and December 28, 2014. All welcomed.

The 2014 Calendar is ready for distribution. If you did not receive one, please call the office.

Community Outreach Food Drive Collection Box: We are accepting nonperishable food items for Church of the Savior’s Food Pantry (e.g. canned goods, oatmeal, cereal, etc.). Please check expiration dates on all items. Thank you.

Voter Registration Forms available in English & Spanish: Voter registration is an ongoing activity.

Join us in signing the NAACP’s petition to the Department of Justice asking them to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman at http://www.

naacp.org/DOJ-petition. Petitions are also available at the office.

May your season be filled with bless-

ings of good health, love, happiness, peace and joy.

—Brenda Brown

Spanish-American Community Club

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Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Christmas Party - Due to several requests, the Association’s Executive Board has decided to present the Christmas Party today, Saturday, 12/21, 4:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room #15. It was canceled last Saturday due to inclement weather. Remember to bring an unwrapped toy(s) for children 5-12 years old.

2013, in all of its ups and downs, will not come to a close without a celebration of our culture, heritage, and love.

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., of which the Association is a member, enthusiastically invites you to attend its 17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, December 28 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue.

There will be a Kwanzaa ceremony, vendors, the Karamu (feast), dancers and drummers to celebrate the seven-day (December 26-January 1) African tradition.

With an emphasis on family, community, and culture, Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence, Commemoration, Recommitment and Celebration.

Everyone is required to bring an offering of a large dish of food to share with others (NO PORK, PLEASE). African garb is preferred, but not mandatory.

We look forward to seeing you. Habara gani!

The Association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation: Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. If your goal is to lose weight,

American Legion Post 1871

Greetings to all of our Post members who are homebound and recovering from various medical operations. We wish you a speedy recovery.

Happy birthday to all of our members who will be celebrating their birthday in December: Carl Ash, Junius E. Ayler, Wesley A. Banks, George G. Benjamin, Rafael Echrvarria, Theodore Byrd, Jr. Fernando Hernandez, Vernon N. Frazier, James L. Frieeson, Andre R. Greene, Herbert H. Kantrowitz, Lloyd R. Johnson, Jasmin A. Lirio, Lucius Kennedy, John E. King, Jr.; Jose Pacheco, Alfonso Rodriguez, David R. Walker, Vernon C. Taylor, Willie A. Thompson and Fred Lochansky. If you don’t see your name in this issue, please bring it to my attention and it will be placed in the next issue of the Co-op City Times.

Our Post is always looking for new members to join, so if you are a veteran from any branch of the military, stop by. Please bring your DD-214 with you.

Post 1871 is located in Section #5 in the Community Center, in 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office telephone number is (718) 320-8165 and our e-mail address is post1871@optimum.net.

Thanks to the Post members for helping our veterans in the Bronx VA Hospital by giving out canteen tickets and a blanket to our aging veterans in the Bronx VA Hospital on December 7. Thanks for your time and for representing our Post on that day. The veterans were so happy to see us on December 7th, if you could see their faces, they could tell you a story of their pain and suffering while lying in their beds or in a wheelchair. One thing for sure is they were not forgotten because they will never be forgotten. There is an old saying, “never leave a soldier behind.”

Flag etiquette: When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

The next EXECUTIVE meeting will take place on January 1, Wednesday, from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you can’t make the meeting, give us a call and let someone know. Thanks for your cooperation.

See you at the Commander’s Dinner. Please arrive on time. If you are serving, please arrive at the Post at 10:00 a.m. sharp to set up the room and get things started.

Wedding congratulations to our Post member Charles Lirio and his wife. Let love lead the way through your life together.

Q: What has wheels and flies? A: A garbage truck.

Q: Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road? A: He didn’t have any guts.

This information was provided by the Post information officer.

—Richard I. Lawson, Jr.

African-American Association tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques, then this is for you! Call 718-671-8364.

Belly Dancing Classes –Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. A fun and healthy way to stay in shape! No experience necessary. Call 646-3019438.

Evening Line Dancing Classes – Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music. Simple dance steps for easier participation. Come and enjoy! Call 917-903-7073.

Music Appreciation/Singing Classes – Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Sing along with us to sweet soul oldies, R&B, gospel, and popular classics. We accept all levels of vocal abilities.

Education – The Institute for Youth Study Group meets on 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m. and 4th Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Call 718-379-5555.

Employment Assistance – Call 718-379-5555 for

23 employment information.

Association Meeting – Our first meeting of the New Year will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 4 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. If you are unable to attend, look to our weekly column for upcoming events. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: “CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc.”

The Association would like to acknowledge the passing of Nelson Mandela and how he inspired a world during a time when the world could not see its own inspiration. During this holiday season, may the legacy of his life, and all it leaves behind, remind you to keep the ones who inspire you, close to you.

—Mercedes A. Terzol

24

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor; Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder; 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, inter-cultural, 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. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Co-op City community; A warm welcome awaits you!! A very special invitation to our new neighbors in Co-op City. We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-320-0002 or 917-734-4058 for more information.

Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God? Do you want to be connected to people who care about you, not what you have on or how much

Church of the New Vision

Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of the Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning.

The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality.

We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer Service takes place every Wed. evening from 7:30 to 8 p.m., followed by Bible Teaching from 8 to 9 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. List of Programs and Events: Adult Sunday School is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Youth Sunday School is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of the month.

Youth Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of the month.

Missionary Sunday takes place on the third Sunday of the month Memorial Sunday (Men's Day) takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month Seniors' Sunday takes place on the fifth Sunday of the month.

Singles' Ministry meets every third Tuesday evening of the month at 6:00 p.m.

Next Generation Choir & Club meets 1st & 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Seniors' Ministry meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m.

Mid-day Bible Study meets every Tuesday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

The Youth Department's Annual Christmas Sharing Session will be held on Sunday, December 22nd at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to join the youth. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Please join us on Tuesday, December 31, at 10 p.m. for our Watch Night Service, as we usher in the New Year with songs and praises unto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Come join New Vision's Partner in Reading and Mathematics Program on most Fridays from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Students in Grades 1 thru 5 are taught by trained professionals. Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program, taught by trained professionals. Registration is ongoing. You could contact the church at the number listed below.

The Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475.

Please visit our website at www.churchofnew vision.com.

—Carole Haque

Church of the Savior

money you make? A special seat and friend awaits you.

Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place – street level, (under Building #7 near Dreiser Loop).

Take the 38 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif Pl. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475.

Special Scripture Reading: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and God will give you the desires of your heart.”

Sunday Schedule: Meditation and Adult Bible Study - 9:15 -10:15 a.m.

Divine Worship - 10:30 a.m. Come and be blessed, we want an opportunity to love you. See you in church.

Our children’s Sunday School will teach and nurture your child/children in the word of God. All sessions are during worship service.

Dr. Smith’s Sermon Topic: “...And God said Yes!” Reading from Holy Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6 and Matthew 1:18-25.

Thought for Christmas: “This is not a story about humans groping for some scrap of insight about the divine, but rather the story of a God who speaks, the voice from the void that seeks us out.”

Weekly Activities – Every person is welcomed.

Bereavement Group - Cancelled during the month of December.

Bible Study Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for our in-depth study of the Gospel of Mark.

Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., Channel 70, Bronxnet. We apologize that some of you are missing the broadcast, we are looking into the scheduling issue.

Every other Saturday - Food Pantry. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call 718925-5052. Here’s how you can help: WE NEED NONPERISHABLE FOOD. No soda, potato chips, condiments etc... Please check expiration date on all items. You can drop off your donations at the church Mondays, 6-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, 6-8:20 p.m. or Sundays, 9-10 a.m. To arrange special drop off time, call Ms. Weir at 347-3753837. God bless all our donors.

Invitation to the Community: Please join us for our early Watchnight Service, Tuesday, December 31 at 7:00 p.m. We will be praying for the sick, bereaved, brothers/sisters healing from broken relationships and caregivers. Our doors and hearts are open to everyone.

—Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org.

Stop The Violence Prayer Walks are held each Saturday in each section in Co-op City. Please join one of these walks against violence in our community when you can. The walks begin at 3 p.m. at the following locations: Library (Bartow); Town House Restaurant (Dreiser) and Basketball Court (Bellamy and Benchley). The Section 5 Prayer Walk begins at 4 p.m. in front of the Teen Center.

Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service which is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, December 18 at 5 p.m. Prayer Service is held on

Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held monthly at 7:30 p.m., we invite the men of the community to join us on Tuesday, November 12, at the next Men’s Prayer Service.

On Tuesday, December 31, at 10:30 p.m., we will hold our Watch Night Service. We invite all to come to worship with us as we bring in the New Year.

The Scholarship Ministry invites you to join them next year as they sail to the Caribbean. They will be sailing on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas going to Kings Wharf, Bermuda, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Labadee, Haiti.

This 10- day cruise will be from Thursday, July 17, 2014 to Saturday, July 26, 2014. For additional information or reservations, please call 718-379-0541, 917-612-1245 or 718-320-3774.

The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

—Hattie L. Lucas

Co-op City Baptist Church

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

on premises • Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Personalized & Professional Care • 48 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

Serving all cultures & faiths

25

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 8629172.

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Bible Study -

Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM FOR OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Sunday School for children and youth is now in session. Our program begins at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast to follow. We welcome new and returning students and look forward to another opportunity to help train our children for a lifetime of faith and Christian growth.

OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS: Today, Saturday, December 21st, 3:00-8:00 p.m., come celebrate the Holiday Season with our Community Protestant Church family at our Annual Christmas Party sponsored by the North Carolina Team, Bartow Community

Center, Room 31, Co-op City. Music by DJ Lonnie Youngblood. Donation: Adults - $15; Children under 16 years of age free (must be accompanied by parent or guardian). For tickets, call (718) 9943751 or (917) 509-2030.

Sunday, December 22nd, at the 11:00 a.m. Service – Our Sunday School Department will present its Annual Christmas Program – “Into the Light: The Story of Christmas.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH, 9:00 A.M. - CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH. Before or after opening your Christmas gifts, come out and give God thanks for the greatest gift of all - His Son Jesus - and enjoy the fellowship of a wonderful Christmas Morn.

INSTEAD OF WATCH NIGHT SERVICE, COMMUNITY PROTES-

Just to be Close to You John 1.14 – “The Word became human and lived among us”…

The Christmas story is about more than the virgin birth—it is a picture of the extent to which God would go—just to be close to you.

Sin alienates us from God. Sin isolates us from God. Sin creates rifts chasms & canyons between what God wants for us & what we want for us. In spite of our persistence, arrogance, stubbornness, resistance—God keeps pursuing , knocking, pleading, prodding, waiting, teaching talking, urging—God will use any & every opportunity to get close to you— just to save you.

Could he be any closer to humans than to be placed in a womb?

God as a fetus.

Majesty in the midst of the mundane

Holiness in the filth of sheep manure & sweat.

The Creator of life being created — all of this — just to be close to you.

The rags that kept him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen; worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.

Vendors were unaware that God had visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. The people who memorized the prophecies that foretold the Messiah’s birth would never accept the fact that the baby born across town was “the Anointed One” the Desire of All Ages.

That night in Bethlehem, heaven opened herself and placed her most precious gift in Mary’s womb. At that time,

everything became personal; God came to me. God chose to look like me he came to rescue me; He was unjustly criticized, mistreated, tempted— like me, He had some hard times—like me—he lived, died & was resurrected for me, he’s coming back for me. …the Word of God became human & lived among us.

Matthew wrote: “a young woman will give birth to a son…she will call him Emmanuel meaning “God Is with Us” God wanted (wants) to be close to you— to save you.

One of the saddest verses in the Bible is-He came to the world that was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

(John 1.11) Message from Co-op City SeventhDay Adventist Church, 1010 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; www.coop citysdachurch.org; 718-320-0518.

Ephesians 4:29-32 says: 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, even

as God in Christ forgave you.

Invitations: Our Sweet Hour of Prayer will be today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Please come out and support these services.

Merry CHRISTmas to all. This is the season we honor Jesus’ birth, not ours.

We should put Him first, then our loved

Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name.

We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship, and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house!

Let’s go into some wise counsel.

Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

TANT WILL HAVE “AN END OF YEAR CELEBRATION SERVICE” ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST FROM 6:00 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. All are welcome to join in this special service of prayers and thanksgiving for the past year and looking forward with prayerful anticipation to the coming New Year 2014.

Our church family wishes you a blessed Christmas. We pray that throughout this holy season, you will feel our Savior’s presence near. May His peace and love become your Christmas gifts this year.

The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing.

—Evan G. Mitchell Important announcement to Co-op City community: Join us for a Christmas gathering as we host our first Feast and Fellowship, December 25, 12-3 p.m., Co-op City SDA Church, 1010 Baychester Ave., Bronx, NY 10475. For more information, call 718.320.0518.

Bread Ministry: Please pick up on Wednesdays (7 p.m.) available to anyone in need.

Our Services are open to everyone.

Regular Meetings: Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Morning Bible Studies: 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday Afternoon Bible Studies at 3:00 p.m.

Free Adult Exercise Program Sundays, 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.

—Pastor Terry Giles

ones second. Enjoy it.

If you’re into gospel rap/holy hiphop, go to www.sonicbids.com/vernonlittle and listen to and download music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone #’s are (347) 276-4925 & (718) 671-3627. Jesus loves you, and so do we.

—Apostle Gladys R. Little

LAW OFFICE

OF

Christopher W. Edwards, P.C. ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENTS • Auto Accidents • Slip & Fall • School and Playground • Death Cases • Fire & Explosions • Nursing Home Injuries • Scaffold Accidents

• Stairs & Elevator • Spinal & Brain Injuries • Construction Accidents • Birth Injuries • Medical Malpractice • Dog Bites • False Arrest

FREE CONSULTATION AT HOME OR HOSPITAL NO RECOVERY - NO FEE!!!!

3049 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469

(718) 671-4910

26

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Mon., December 23

Word Games 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Fri., December 27

Thurs., December 26

Wed., December 25

Word Games 9:30 – 11:00 am, Rm. 31 Bingo 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Rm. 31 Library 9:30 am -1:00 pm, Rm. 31 Weight Management Support Group 10:00 - 11:30 am, Rm. 25 ZUMBA Class 10:30 – 11:30 am, Rm. 31 Card Games 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 pm, Rm. 31

Tues., December 24

Bartow

Current Events 10 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31

Einstein

Dreiser

Library

Crochet and Knitting

9:30am – 1:00 pm, Rm. 49

10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7

Dominoes

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

10:00am, Rm. 45

9:30am -10:30am, Rm. 7

Line Dancing

10:00 – 11:00am, Rm. 2

10:00am-11:00am, Rm. 45

12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4

Stay Well Exercise

Around The Lunch Table 11:30am, Rm. 49

Date:

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Mon., Dec. 23

Apple juice Italian turkey sausage w/peppers & onion Peas & carrots Steamed zucchini Alt: Tuna salad

Barbecue pork chops Warm corn & black bean salad Tomato, onion, pepper, avocado salad

Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Tues, Dec. 24

Orange pineapple juice Rosemary turkey burgers w/onions & peppers Chicken paprikash Baked steak “fried” Toasted orzo potatoes Waxed beans Green salad (mixed Alt: Vegetable liver greens)

Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Mind Teasers Gentle Yoga w/Anne 1:15 - 2:00pm, Rm. 2

Intermediate Yoga 2-3pm, Rm. 2

Walking and Exercise w/Ms.Gaskill

Basic Cellphone & iPad Training course

2:00 – 4:00 pm

1:30 – 2:30pm, Rm. 7

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive Rm. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Mixed Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aud. B Mind Teasers 12 – 1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/ popcorn 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7

Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 49 Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Matinee Movie w/George 10:00am-12:00pm Rm 45

Dominoes 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31

Wed., Dec. 25

Thurs., Dec. 26

Christmas Day

Christmas Day

Senior Centers Closed

Senior Centers Closed

Happy Holiday!

Happy Holiday!

Fri., Dec. 27

CHRISTMAS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY

JASA CLOSED

JASA CLOSED

JASA CLOSED

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Apple juice, Gefilte fish w/horseradish, Bow tie Swedish meatballs w/sun dried tomatoes, Noodles Coleslaw w/green & red Honey glazed carrots cabbage, Alt: Vegetable Cutlet/Hard boil egg

Challah bread Canned peaches

Orange pineapple juice Roast chicken Parmesan baked tilapia Noodle kugel Brown rice pilaf Sautéed spinach String beans Alt: Poached salmon

Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Fee for lunch is $1.50 & $3.50 for guest

*Menu subject to change without notice. Lunch must be ordered a week in advance.

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Upcoming Events/Trips

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Dominoes

Library 9:00am-1:00pm, Rm. 31

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

10:00am, Rm. 45

9:30-10:30pm, Rm. 7

Word Games

Stay Well Exercise

9:30am-11:30 am, Rm. 31

10:00 -11:00am, Rm. 45

Chat Session

Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Thursday 10:00 -11:30am, Rm. 8

9:30am-1:00pm, Rm. 31

Spelling Bee

Line Dancing w/Ellie

Bingo

11:00am, Rm. 49

10:00am-11:00am, Aud. A

Mind Teasers

1:00- 3:30pm, Rm. 31

Card Games

Po-ke-no

12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4

2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 31

1pm - 2 pm, Rm. 49

Drama Club

Dominos 2:30pm, Rm. 31 Men’s Line Dancing w/Voncile 9-10am, Rm. 31 Word Games 9:30 – 11:30am, Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing w/ Jenifer 10–11:30am, Rm. 31 Chat Session 10am, Rm. 31 Bingo 10:30am – 12pm, Rm. 25 Sing along w/Charles Carrington 11am-12pm Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30pm, Rm. 31

1:30 – 4:00, Rm. 7

Piano Sing Along

Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49

11:00 am – 12:00pm, Rm. 7

Crochet and Knitting

Dominoes

10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7

10:00am, Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Art 10:00am, Rm. 45 10:00 -11:00am, Rm. 36

9:30-10:30am, Rm. 7

Meditative Moments

Bingo 1:00pm, Rm. 49

11:00 – 12:00pm, Rm. 8

Card Games

12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4

Mind Teasers

2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 49

Card Games, Dominoes 2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 7

Spanish Class

Blood Pressure 2nd and 4th Friday 10:00 -11:30am, Rm. 49

1pm – 2pm, Rm. 7

Therapeutic Yoga

1:30pm – 2:30pm, Rm. 8 (Schedule subject to change without notice)

WEEKLY TRIPS

DATES

WEEKLY TRIPS

PRICE

1st Mondays: 1st Mondays:

Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart

$5 $15

Tuesdays

Bowling

PICK-UP TIMES

Bartow Dreiser 9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m.

8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. $2.50 11:00am 11:30am (for transportation)

Einstein 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

11:15am

To register for trips, please call: (718) 320-2066

New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

No refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation!

STAR and SCRIE Help is available.

Please call 718-320-2066 to make an appointment. The deadline is Dec. 31.

Do not wait until the last minute!

Free Diabetes Wellness Workshops for Medicare Beneficiaries – Tuesdays, January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th, and 11th, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31. Each session covers a new topic. Sign up today and remember to mark your calendars, so you are able to attend all six sessions. To sign up for the sessions, please call the Bartow Avenue office at 718320-2066.

JASA closed Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25th AND New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2014 - Happy Holidays!

NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show — Friday, December 27th - $23. Arrival time: 10:15. Pick-ups: Dreiser Loop – 9:15 a.m.; Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein Loop – 9:45 a.m.

Shoprite – Monday, Dec. 30th, $3.

Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9 a.m.; Bartow - 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m.

Walmart – Friday, January 3, 2014, $15. Pick-ups: Bartow - 8:30 a.m.; Dreiser Loop - 8:45 a.m.; Einstein Loop 9 a.m. 10 seats available.

Stew Leonard’s – Monday, January 6th, $5. New time for pick-ups – Einstein Loop - 9:30 a.m.; Bartow - 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser- 10 a.m. 10 seats available.

Social Dance Club Music by Cecilia Tenconi – Friday, January 9th – 12:30 - 2 p.m., Bartow Senior Center,

2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31.

Refreshments will be served.

Fairway – Monday, January 10th, $3 for 3 hrs. Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9 a.m.; Bartow – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. 10 seats available.

Empire Casino – Friday, January 10th, $5. Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 10 a.m.; Bartow - 10:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop – 10:30 a.m. $5 voucher to play & $5 voucher for a meal.

Coat Drive — 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 7, December 5 to February 5, 2014.

If you have any used coats that are in decent condition, please bring them to the Dreiser Senior Center.

Parkinson’s Disease Presentation has been rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 27th, 1 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 9 Weight Management Support Group – Monday, December 23rd, 10 a.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 25, facilitated by social workers. Learn techniques and information that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. For information: 718-320-2066.

Caregiver Support Group – Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - 1 p.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31. The group offers resources as well as an atmosphere of understanding and support, whether you care for a loved one from a distance or in your home. Facilitated by a social worker. For information: 718-320-2066.

Grandparent Connection – Next grandparent caregiver support group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 16th @ 10:30 a.m. at the teen center in Einstein Loop. For information, you may contact Hatti.

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

AARP Chapter #4997

FYI: AARP Life @ 50+ heads to Boston, MA– May 8-10, 2014 and to San Diego, CA – September 4-6, 2014.

World-class entertainers, dynamic speakers, lifestyle and learning sessions and a jam-packed exhibit floor are the many reasons to register. Register now at www.aarp.org/atmbos — $25 for AARP National members and $35 for non-members (includes 1-year membership).

REMINDER: Our first meeting for the New Year is scheduled for Monday, January 13th, 2014, 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “A.” Please arrive early to pay and/or sign up for the below “2014” trips. Looking forward to having you join us in the New Year.

NOTE: To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493.

2013 TOUR ACTIVITIES December 30-January 1, 2014 – New Year’s Eve Gala: 1920’s Great Gatsby – trip includes Deluxe Motor Coach transportation; first stop at the Sands Casino in Bethleham (PA); then to the Desmond Hotel (Malvern, PA) w/dinner after

27

check-in; next day All-American buffet breakfast; side trips include a choice of sightseeing; or shopping at King of Prussia Mall; or a 4-hour stay at an Atlantic City Casino; New Year’s Eve entertainment w/surf & turf dinner and an open bar; hats, noise-makers and Champagne toast at midnight; buffet breakfast & show before departure for home – BUS DEPARTURE: 8 a.m.

SHARP from Asch Loop in front of the Library; arrive by 7:30 a.m. to get luggage tags and bus seating…A few seats available with FULL PAYMENT NOW!!! $535/person double; $645 single; $525/person triple; travel insurance (to be included w/payment, if you want it): $28/person double or triple; $37/single. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742.

2014 TOUR ACTIVITIES March 31-April 1, 2014 – Sands Casino w/a $20 free play & lunch voucher; then to the hotel w/dinner and a show; full buffet breakfast and then to see MOSES at the Millennium Theater; traveling on Deluxe Motor Coach transportation…$295/double; $285/triple; $345/single (travel insurance to be determined)…contact Jean, 718-3793742.

—Delores Debnam

Einstein Cancer Fund

Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION WEEKLY EVENTS Wii Gaming - Every Monday, 3:00 p.m.

Toddler Time - Every Tuesday, 11 a.m.

Teens TAG - Every Tuesday, 4 p.m.

Teen Lounge - Every Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., Chess Club - Every Thursday, 3:00 Teen Lounge - Every Friday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible)

HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado

718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

Resorts Casino on January 14th, 2014. Cost per person is $33. Casino bonus — $25 slot play. Pick-up time at 8 a.m. from Einstein Loop followed

by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse — Friday April 4th, 2014 for an hilarious comedy mystery “Busy Body.” The cost per person is $78. Entrée choice of Yankee pot roast, fried shrimps, chicken Cordon Bleu, summer herb cod, chef’s daily special, baked vegetable lasagna or vegetable kabobs.

Selection of homemade breads, salad, mashed potato, pancakes topped off with their miniature desserts, coffee, or tea. Please send a deposit of as little as $5 to hold your reservation. We are aiming for 35 to 40 people or more.

“Moses” at the Millennium Theatre, Lancaster, Pa. Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th. Day 1-

Lunch at the Hershey Farm Restaurant followed by “Moses” and dinner at Miller’s restaurant.

Overnight at the Hawthorne Inn and breakfast. After breakfast, off to the Sands Casino and bonus package of the day. Cost per person-double $245; triple-$235; and single-$287. Please send in your deposit to hold your reservation. All balances or full payments must be paid by March 17, 2014.

For the above, please call Loretta at 718-671-2958, Lydia at 718-671-3005 or Mildred at 718-320-0288, Mondays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Please remember those who are homebound and in nursing homes.

Give them a call.

Good health and healings are wished to all.

—Lydia Ruas

We are open two days a week, Monday and Thursday. Monday, 9:00 11:00 a.m.; Thursday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

We are now selling jewelry, many choices of necklaces and earrings and bracelets. Our soft covered books are 25¢ each or 5 for $1, hard covered

books are 50¢ each. There is also a small selection of canes for $5, walkers for $10.

We are located in Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room #13, second floor.

—Arlene Rodriquez

Wednesday, December 25—Christmas Day, all centers will be closed.

Wednesday, April 23—Going to Courtlandt, N.Y., to see “The Rat Pack.” Price is $69. Also having MARILYN MONROE singing and including members from the audience. Pick-up time is 9 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop, (back of library) and Dreiser Loop. A $5 deposit will hold your seat.

Menu: Appetizer, salad, choice of 3 entrees: prime rib of beef, chicken marsala, stuffed filet of Sole, dessert, coffee, tea, soda. Also, a complementary glass of wine or beer.

Monday, June 2—Going to Villa Roma. They are having “THE JERSEY BOYS.” Wonderful music of Frankie Vallie and Four Seasons.

Price: $79. Pick-up time is 8 a.m. at usual 3 usual bus stops. Also a small deposit will hold your seat.

Menu: Fruit cup, minestrone soup, half roasted chicken, London broil and Tilapia. All served with potato and mixed vegetable, dessert, coffee, tea, soda.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of one of our wonderful members, DOROTHY BEALE. All our staff and friends send their condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.

For more information, call Ann or Mary at 718-379-9613 from Monday -Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or call Mary at 718-379-4899 or come to 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39.

Good health to all.

—Mary Pilla

Handicapped Adult Association

Goose Island Seniors

28

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue

Wisdom comes from knowledge of your limitations. Happiness comes with cheerful acceptance of those limitations. To accept yourself with all your imperfections and all your limitations is the first step toward happiness. You have to be yourself and no one else.

You have to be true to what you are

and not whip yourself into a frenzy because you aren’t someone else or aren’t keeping up with someone else or conforming to their pet ideas. In the great orchestra of life, each one has a part to play and an obligation to play it well. This you do by accepting yourself as you are and by making the best of what you can become.

Young Israel of Co-op City

Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome.

On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candlelighting time. Saturday morning serv-

ices start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m.

The Rabbi's class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon.

For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invite you to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome.

Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month.

Membership is open to all women of the church and dues are $2 per month.

We look forward to welcoming everyone at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 22, when we will celebrate

the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Calendar of Events: a) Service of Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 22 b) Christmas Eve Service - Tuesday, December 24 (7 p.m.) c) Service with Christmas Pageant by children of our Sunday School Sunday, December 29.

Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate.

For additional information on the above, please call the church at 718320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephs epcbronx.org.

“Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; *show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. —(Psalm 80:18) —M. Chambers

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

SHALOM Jewish George Farr - Funeral Director Funeral “The Bronx Jewish Community Home, Inc. Memorial Chapel” (718) 828-9222 (718) 828-1700 1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements

The Co-op City Jewish Community Council wishes to announce that we will be OPEN on Thursday, December 26th. This is due to the Christmas building-wide closing on Wednesday. In addition, beginning January 1, 2014, our office will be open on Monday, Wednesday and

Friday and closed on Tuesday and Thursday. This is due to budget cuts at the state and city level. We regret the inconvenience to our clients, but we will strive to continue to provide our services to the community in a dedicated way!

—Lynn Levine

Co-op City Jewish Community Council

Community support for families in need

The Circle of Christ Church, located at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level, is collecting non-perishable items and supplies in order to provide and support families in need of food. The church also provides counseling and referral services for families in the community. If you need or know someone in need, please call 347-945-1992 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you.

Coins $ Silver $ Gold $ Diamonds $ Antiques $ Watches A n 20th niver sar

Studio Jewelers

Bay Plaza Mall

Next to Modell’s

2240 Bartow Ave., Bronx • 718-320-0388

BUY SELL PAWN

GOLD

WE

Open 7 Days

$

Highest Price Paid

$

Repairs

We Sell $ We Buy $ Cash Loans

Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc.

mittee. Bravo!!

Coming Events: Saturday, December 21, at 9:00 a.m. – Please join Rabbi Kronengold and the congregation in prayer. Be part of the minion.

Wednesday, December 25 - Our good wishes to all of our Christian friends for a Merry and Joyous Christmas.

Bingo resumes in January, 2014.

Jan. 12-Sisterhood and Jan. 19 for the Synagogue.

Good and Welfare: Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence? You can give a living gift for the cost of $15 per tree. For more information, you can call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526. We can accommodate you.

If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy, painless and complete recovery in double quick time. We wish a speedy recovery to Nathan Sherman. Our prayers are with you.

December brings happy birthday wishes on the 26th to Jerry Berlofsky and Gary Schwartz. Enjoy the day!

Your help is always appreciated.

Thank you.

Shalom!

—Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

y

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27Bat 120 Erdman Place (behind the Lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718-379-6920.

Note: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, December 27, is before 4:16 p.m.

Shabbat ends today, Saturday, December 21, at 5:22 p.m.

The Chanukah/End of Year Luncheon on Sunday, December 8 was well attended and unanimously enjoyed be all. We were addressed by our guests: Rabbi Solomon Berl and Rabbi Daniel Kronengold in the meaning of Chanukah. Daniel Sayani rendered some beautiful Chanukah songs which included all who attended this function and sang along. A friend of Rabbi Daniel, Mr. David Druce and his wife, Karen, were in attendance. Mr. Druce entertained us with Stand Up Comedy.

This luncheon would not have been such a wonderful afternoon without the service of our culinary crew. They all did a marvelous job of shopping, warming, plating and serving. Kudos to you all. Let’s not forget the decorating com-

Buy and Get 24 Months Interest Free

Reflections

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

29

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to worship service every Sunday morning at 120 Benchley Pl., Building 24, Bronx, and N.Y. 10475 Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Midday service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday morning fasting and prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting & Bible study will also be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Youth service will be held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Watch night service will be held on December 31st starting at 9 p.m.

Focus: The End Time, we are moving toward a grand finale. Therefore, be

ye also ready: for in an hour as he thinks not the son of man cometh.

Matthew 24: 44 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise

answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you, but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

And while they went to buy the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us .but he answered and said; verily I say unto you I know you not. Watch therefore, for he know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh.

(Matthew25:1-13). We must ever remain vigilant and be aware of the times in which we live, for the son of man will soon return in an hour that we think not.

It is important for us to be prepared for the return of Christ by giving ourselves to

prayer and patiently studying the word of God, and surrendering our lives and live in obedience to God. Signs and wonders have been shown by God to let us know that He will soon return. However, many people have never heard about the rapture and what is required of them to be ready, but let us remember that after death we have to stand before God to be judge and give account for all the things that were done during our time on earth, whether it is good or evil. Let us strive to live in holiness. We can join with Joshua and said as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

For further information, call (718) 324-0334 or 718-320-4218.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center) .

Thought for this week: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4: 7-9

Our natural tendency in hard times is often to try to go it alone. But in these turbulent times, it is vital that we hold fast to our faithful God and to the ones we love. No matter what challenges you face today, take comfort that God’s knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Hold fast to the faithful One. Your situation is not out of God scope; He has the ability to intervene, He is powerful and He is able. Don’t look at your situation, fix your eyes on your Savior. When you choose to trust Him, you will find peace

in the pain and strength in the struggle.

We want to remind you that we are collecting non-perishable items and supplies in order to provide and support families in need of food. We also are providing counseling and referral services for families in the community. If you need or know someone in need, please call 347-945-1992. Please leave a message and we will gladly call you back.

Come join us at Circle of Christ Church and experience the love of God. CHURCH SERVICE SCHEDULE

Wednesday - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study Friday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Youth Night and Children’s Bible Club Sunday - 11 a.m., Worship and the Word Children’s Church – 5 years old to 12 years old Little Lambs - Potty trained SPECIAL EVENT Every first Sunday of the month, the service is bilingual.

ALL ARE WELCOME. —Rev. Sam Colon

Circle of Christ Church

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

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

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted.

HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted.

We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans.

Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

30

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Records Wanted

Get Top Cash for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. Call Howard 12/21 at 212-873-4016 anytime.

Spaces for Rent

1. CHURCH WORSHIP SPACE AVAILABLE: St. Paul's Episcopal /Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul's Place off Washington Avenue, Bronx, wishes to rent out its Worship space on Saturdays and other week days. The Worship space can also be made available for rent on Sundays after 3pm.

The Church can seat over three hundred people.

2. 7,500 SQUARE FOOT SPACE, comprising a two story attached annex building to St. Paul's Episcopal Church available for rent. The space was used as a Pre-School until June 2012.

If interested, call Father Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment.

12/28

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COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE Call: A BEE R.A.G. SERVICE, INC. Residential: $60 for 3 man hours, $75 with supplies Commercial: Call to discuss Call us @ 718-798-4259 or email us @ Sales@abrags.org Website: www.abrags.org for a list of services. 3/22/14 1/11/14

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• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

Fully Insured NYC License #1233497

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L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

$20 OFF

JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

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

Hardwood floors installed - Sanding & Refinishing. Polyurethane, Fabulon & Moisture Cure Finishes. Staining in all colors. Free estimates.

10% Co-op City resident discount. Call Mike (718) 792-0024

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Fully Insured

12/28

Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!” 12/28

DR. STEVE’S APPLIANCE REPAIR

1-203-482-6337

Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair

NEW STYLE BLINDS

Removal & Re-installation of any types of Blinds Quality work! Lowest Prices in Town!

Repair Closet Doors and much more!

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290 12/28

Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers. Free service call with repairs.

Cell:

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

SERVICES

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General Cleaning — $80 + tax Semi-Heavy Cleaning — $90 + tax Super Heavy Cleaning — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days Accept Cash, Pay-Pal • 4 Hour Minimum

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12/28

Advertise! Call 718-320-3300, x3384 for affordable rates!

31

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS Home Improvement

Painting

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FAMILY LOCKSMITH

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

1. CATEGORY (Required): 2. AD TEXT:__________ ____________ ____________ ______________4 ____________

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ALL STATE DECORATORS

Locksmith

Display Classified: $8 first column inch, $4 ea. add’l. column inch.

Fee is payable in advance. No exceptions. No refunds. Checks or Money Orders ONLY payable to Co-op City Times must accompany ad. We no longer accept cash.

PRINT YOUR AD HERE CLEARLY.

— since 1969 —

• Don’t Pay More At Your Local Hardware Store •

Over 20 words, $6 plus 30¢ for each additional word. $2.40 per line for bold type (3 words max.)

Attach sheet if needed. Use Pen or Typewriter.

PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS

1-800-479-2667

CLASSIFIED AD FORM

Rates: $6 for 20 words or less

City or advertising businesses operating within homes in Co-op City cannot be accepted. No blind ads accepted. No personals.

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

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12/28

Makeup

Co-op City Times SUBSCRIPTION FORM $52/Year

Laundry Room Etiquette Please be considerate of others when sharing use of the laundry room. While using the machines or waiting for your clothes to finish: • Please refrain from playing loud music; • Keep an eye on young children accompanying you; 12/28

Painting

FATHER & SON Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Wallpapering, 2/1/14 Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or

917.325.5334

• Do not leave clothes unattended in washers and dryers for long periods of time; • Do not remove carts from laundry rooms; • Do not use the laundry baskets and/or laundry tables to sort dirty clothes.

(Includes postage and handling)

The Co-op City Times is FREE for all Shareholders.

WHO SHOULD SUBSCRIBE? • Local Businesses • Advertisers • Family Members of Shareholders • Potential Shareholders • Former Shareholders • ANYONE! NAME ___________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________ CITY ____________________ST____ ZIP_______ PHONE __________________________________ Subscribe for #______ year(s).

Send Check or Money Order for $52/year, made out to Co-op City Times 2049 Bartow Ave., Rm 21, Bronx, NY 10475

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32

Co-op City Times / December 21, 2013