Vol. 54 No. 38
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Board, Management address shareholders’ concerns in open session Overnight garage attendants will stay gone, for now BY JASON CHIREVAS
Before they voted on flooring, they let shareholders have the floor. Co-op City residents got a select opportunity to both see the Riverbay Board of Directors and Management in action as well as test them with questions and concerns Sept. 18, as the Board met in open session inside room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. The occasion drew about 300 shareholders, many of whom were concerned with the Board’s recent decision to remove garage attendants from the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift. (Continued on page 4)
Power Plant begins seasonal shutdown Monday, Sept. 23 Co-op City Power Plant will begin its seasonal change-over on Monday, Sept. 23, at which time air conditioning will be shut down and preparation will commence for the upcoming heating season.
Heat preparation begins
$1.25
Waterfront clean-up by Riverbay Grounds Dept. About 2,000 feet of proper ty along Co-op City Blvd. east of Garage #6 and Buildings 24 and 25, and north of the Rivers Run Community Garden to Building 12 has been cleared of overgrown weeds and debris by the Riverbay Grounds Department. Long considered an eyesore by shareholders, the southern end of the stretch along the Hutchinson River closer to the trailers was previously used by the Grounds Dept. for landscape recycling and mulching activities. Photos by Rozaan Boone
Resolutions begin on page 6
(Continued on page 2)
Congratulations! Riverbay Board President Linda Berk has been recognized by City and State New York as one of the 2019 ‘Bronx Power 100.’ Ms. Berk, at #90, joins other notables such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congressman Eliot Engel, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., chair of the Bronx Democratic Party Marcos Crespo, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Chancellor of NY State Board of Regents Betty Rosa, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation Linda Berk Marlene Cintron, NYS Commissioner of Human Rights Angela Fernandez, and many others who have made significant impact on their local communities, New York City and New York State. “I’m honored to be recognized by City and State New York as one of the ‘Bronx Power 100’,” said Riverbay Board President Linda Berk. “It is truly gratifying to know the many hours spent volunteering on behalf of shareholders of our great community does not go unnoticed. I’m humbled to be sharing the spotlight with so many other distinguished individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others in our borough, city and state. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the other volunteers on our Riverbay Board who work tirelessly day in and day out to move the business of our corporation forward, improve our homes and maintain a high quality of life for our shareholders. Together, we will continue our journey to preserve Co-op City as a shining beacon of affordable housing and cooperativism for many years to come.” First Vice President of the Riverbay Board of Directors Bernard Cylich said that the honor is a fitting recognition and tribute to Ms. Berk’s accomplishments as president of Co-op City’s board. “During her brief tenure of 2½ years, she has kept the Board united and focused while raising morale and cooperative spirit in our community,” said Director Cylich. “It was her exceptional organizational ability, rich experience and talent that were responsible for the historic 50th Anniversary Gala celebration last December. We are very fortunate to have Linda as our leader.”
Expelled directors will be banned for three years, Riverbay Board says BY JASON CHIREVAS Any member of the Riverbay Board of Directors removed for cause by a vote of eight or more of his or her fellows, will be barred from running for the Board again for three years. So decided the current Board in a contested vote Sept. 18 after some 300 shareholders left the Bartow Center’s room 31 following a gallery session. “When you are removed for cause, it shows … they were not being ethical,” Board President Linda Berk said in support of the resolution. Ms. Berk, along with Directors Mary Pearson and Kevin Lambright, said they would be in favor of a lifetime ban for directors removed from the Board for cause and would certainly vote for the three years indicated by the resolution. The first to question the three-year ban was Director Daryl Johnson, who said language should be added to the resolution to preclude a three-year ban for doing something like missing three Board meetings, currently an invalidation of a director’s position on the Board. Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss said, in order to remove a director for cause, as the resolution states, a procedure outlined in Article 3, Section 3 of the corporation’s bylaws must be followed. If it is, Mr. Buss said, then the director has, by definition, been removed from the Board for cause. (Continued on page 2)
Co-op City drivers, take note…
The city’s Department of Transportation has installed a second speed camera in Co-op City at 920 Co-op City Boulevard. The other camera is on Baychester Avenue in the vicinity of education park, a school zone. Speed limit on city streets is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. The hours of operation for speed cameras has been expanded to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Violators are issued tickets of $50 when they exceed the posted speed limit by 10 miles per hour. Installation of additional speed cameras throughout the boroughs has been part of the city’s “Vision Zero” and traffic calming measures implemented especially in school zones and residential roadways to help decrease the number of crashes and vehicular fatalities. Please be mindful of how fast you are driving on our roadways and slow down.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Director ban
And once that’s done, Ms. Berk said, that person should not be allowed to try to return right away. “The community was up in arms that we removed someone from the Board and allowed them to run again,” she said. “How do you do that?” The resolution follows the removal of former Director Junius Williams, whom the Board expelled for cause in 2018, only to run again in this year’s Board election. He finished twelfth in a field of 13 candidates. And that, Director Rod Saunders suggested, was perhaps reason to “leave well enough alone” and let shareholders decide – as they did in Williams’ case – who should be allowed back onto the Board and who should not. Director Saunders also said the three-year ban could be damaging to a director who is unjustly accused of wrongdoing and voted off the Board on that basis. Director Jerome Rice added the ban could also be unfair to a director who is on the wrong side of a vindictive board majority. Countering those arguments, Director Pearson said there could be a case in which a director is removed from the Board for cause and, in the ensuing years, the public simply forgets about it and votes to restore that person to the Board when they otherwise wouldn’t if they remembered why he or she was removed the first time. The resolution passed by a vote of 8 to 5 with one abstention and one absence. Director Johnson warned, with the three-year ban in place, a director unjustly accused of wrongdoing would be well advised to quit the Board before he or she could be voted off. In the end, President Berk said, the matter is a simple one, in her view. “If you’re honest, you don’t have any problem and you don’t have to worry about it,” she said. “If you’re not, then you are going to have some concerns” The three-year ban for directors removed from the Board for cause becomes effective immediately. (Continued from page 1)
There’s still time to turn in your MTA survey
Look for members of the ad hoc Committee Against the MTA Cuts at upcoming community events and be sure to turn in your surveys so they can be counted. You can also find survey forms in the Saturday, Aug. 10 & 24, 2019 issues of the Co-op City Times.
DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist NOW ACCEPTING GHI!! NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!! • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We
accept most health insurance plans
Dr. Lewis Wolstein
Call:
Power plant
During the shut-down period, Power Plant staff will inspect the boilers, conduct annual inspection on the gas turbines, wind down the chillers and prepare them for overhaul so they will be ready for the next cooling season, clean the cooling towers and do other maintenance activities such as tie-ins for the new boiler #2, and perform other work identified during the summer. “This will primarily consist of cleaning and retubing the heat exchangers and preventive maintenance on equipment to get them ready for the winter,” said Power Pant Asset Manager Anthony Ligato. Heating season in New York City runs from Oct. 1 to May 31, and NYC residential building owners are required to provide enough heat to ensure indoor temperature is at least 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. if outdoor temperatures fall below 55 degrees. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., indoor temperature must be at least 62 degrees regardless of outdoor temperature. Mr. Ligato said the Power Plant will be ready on Oct. 1 when heat has to be turned on by city law.
My First Love It was not so long ago that I can still remember, the magic of her morning kiss so gentle, sweet and tender.
BY FRANK MAYES
The mornings would be cold unlike her warming smile, I always felt secure knowing everything was then worthwhile.
It was just her beauty that sat all standards high, but her charm and grace that set forth the pace that I would follow until the day I die. This was my introduction to the lure of the female gender.
Every man longs for that one who cares like that sincere and conditional love that he and his mother shared. She could be graceful and charming ask those who know, but “cross her” and without warning all hell would then show.
She prepared me for those bitter days that would surely come my way, she primed my heart from the very start to never go astray.
Although her time has ended and she’s no longer here on Earth, I know now what she intended. She made me all that I am worth.
My mother was not a holy sort and by far not quite a saint, but she gave my heart a perfect start, and the picture of life to paint. Thanks, mom.
Please Refrain From Littering.
• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program
Keep Co-op City Clean!
• Evening and Saturday appointments
Thank You!
“Se Habla Español”
718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place
Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
(Continued from page 1)
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
COMBING
Co-op City Times 2 n d
Front Page
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Co-op City Spotlight Recognizing WWII Vet Santiago ‘Santy’ Rodriguez
brating his sister’s birthday, Mr. Santiago The year was 1941 when 17-year-old Sanlearned about the attack on Pearl Harbor on tiago “Santy” Rodriguez Jr., volunteered to December 7, 1941. He immediately returned enlist in the United States Navy. Not knowing to his base in Norfolk, VA, where he was aswhat was yet to come, he was optimistic. But signed to the USS Hornet and took off for the West Coast – headed to California. less than six months after joining, he was as“We ran into a Japanese fleet, we spotted signed to the USS aircraft carrier, the Hornet, them, and their planes spotted us [the Amerand was soon amid WWII’s explosive Battle ican fleet], so as our planes went on to attack of Santa Cruz Island. the Japanese fleet, the Japanese planes came He reflects on the moment his ship was to attack us.” first hit by the opposition – Japanese torpedoes and kamikaze suicide planes, often summing At this point, the now 18-year-old didn’t up his WWII experience in one word, “hell.” realize at first there was an attack on his ship, “The Navy was good, but the war wasn’t, it but thought it was just a routine drill he’d was hell,” he said. practiced before. He further explained the process when under attack and what it means During his four years in the Navy, the war to “man your battle stations” – a phrase most was by far Mr. Santiago’s most traumatic people are only familiar with as a kid playing memory throughout his tenure. He describes the table game Battlestations. the moment he felt the first hit while on the “There were a lot of alarms going off on ship. “It was hair-raising excitement, chaos, the loudspeakers, and I heard someone on and commotion. I was thinking ‘We’re in it now.’ The Japanese kept coming back, attack- Santiago Rodriguez, 1941 the loudspeaker yell, ‘man your battle staing us; they hit us three times. The Japanese tions.’ As soon as you go into some engageput three torpedoes into us and kamikazes.” ment, you should man your battle stations, which means While on leave from boot camp back in New York cele- everybody aboard the ship has (Continued on page 30) BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...
NCNW Health and Wellness Fair Invest in your health Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bartow Center, room 31. Free admission. Nutritional counseling, holistic health, vegan food demonstrations, ear acupuncture, genetics, Zumba, yoga, prizes, light refreshments and much more! The mammography van will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call for advance registration for a mammogram at 917319-6758. Ask for Sheila Richburg.
Assemblyman Benedetto’s Lobby Visits Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will be visiting the lobbies of more Co-op City buildings according to the following schedule: Tuesday, September 24 – 4160 Hutchinson River Pkwy. (Bldg. 32B) Wednesday, September 25 – 120 Co-op City Boulevard (Bldg. 22B) Both visits are from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. These lobby visits give Co-op City shareholders an opportunity to discuss a broad range of topics with Assemblyman Benedetto and to hear about key highlights of the 2019 Legislative Session.
Save the date – Medicare Information Session On Saturday, Oct. 12, UnitedHealthcare, in conjunction with the Bronx Clergy Task Force and the Riverbay Disabilities and Accommodations Committee, will cosponsor a Medicare information session in Co-op City. The presentation will be held in the Einstein Center, room 49. There will be a Continental Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and the morning session will begin at 10. At 11:30 a.m., light lunch will be served followed by the afternoon program at Noon. If you have questions about Medicare, this is your chance to get answers. The guest speaker will be Maggie Vazquez, a representative from UHS. To RSVP, please call 1800-983-6998.
Co-op City dads turn out for 11th Annual Dads Take Your Child to School Day BY BRANDON ORTIZ The eleventh annual Dads Take Your Child to School Day was celebrated at P.S.153x on Tuesday morning. Over 250 community fathers were in attendance from both P.S.153 and M.S.180 to honor the “fathers who support their children academically and socially,” said Ron Hartridge, parent coordinator of P.S.153x and initiator and host of the program. Mr. Hartridge is also a long-time Co-op City resident. The day started with the tradition of dads high-fiving all the kids as they head into school, followed by speeches from special guests. The keynote speaker for this year’s celebration was Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. There were also remarks by New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey and others. “They come together, and they provide services and support to other members in this group or other children who don’t have positive role models in their lives,” Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. told News12Bx. What started out as a small event has grown to involve
P.S.153 and M.S.180 simply because of the overwhelming growth in support. “The message was clear – dads, you matter to the development and success of your child. All of our students had smiles from ear to ear as our dads greeted them entering the school that day,” Mr. Hartridge said. In addition to celebrating fatherhood, the theme for this year’s event was “Community Partnerships,” so fathers in attendance were encouraged to network with each other in order to continue fostering the community of support being built for the students of P.S.153 and M.S.180. Omari Gay, chair of the Fathers of Hellen Keller at P.S.153 and Master of Ceremony for the event, remarked how important it is to build that family so when his daughter and her classmates graduate, “we all know each other so we’re still there for each other throughout.” With overwhelming continued support, look out for “Dads Take Your Child To School” Day being a tradition at P.S.153 and M.S.180 for many years to come. Photo courtesy P.S. 153. See page 28 for more pictures.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Open session
The concerns were enough to compel Board President Linda Berk and Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer to say it will be possible to revisit the issue at a later date but, for now, data gleaned from camera and scanning technology installed in Co-op City’s eight garages is enough to suggest removing the attendants from the overnight shift — and the $800,000 in savings in the Riverbay budget — is a safe and financially prudent thing to do. It took a few pointed exchanges between shareholders and Board members — and between Board members and Board members — to get there though. “That parking attendant will not be everywhere but a person coming in at night, such as myself, feels more confident with someone there,” shareholder Lauren Council said. “Removing those parking attendants at night is not something the community wants. They need somebody there each and every night.” In response, President Berk, who voted for the measure, said she’s someone who often has occasion to use her garage late at night and she often finds the garage attendant on duty either asleep, occupied with a smartphone or otherwise distracted. That, she said, combined with the lack of incidents and the data suggesting few entrances and exits from the garage during the overnight shift, was enough to earn her vote to reassign those personnel to other roles within Riverbay. Added to which, she said, the garage attendants, sleeping or awake, do not provide the security shareholders might imagine they do. This drew a response from Director Jerome Rice, who voted against removing the overnight garage attendants. He said, if someone is attacked in a Co-op City garage, a camera is not going to do a thing to save that person. “We’ve got to be proactive and not wait for something to happen,” Director Rice said. “[The garage attendants] can at least hear if something goes off. They can at least hear a scream or somebody yelling for help.” Addressing the Board president’s assertion garage attendants are often asleep or otherwise inattentive during late-night hours, Director Rice said such instances should be reported to garage department supervisors, who should then cite the employees found derelict in their duties. Mr. Rice also dismissed the notion of data as the lead cause for removing the garage attendants, saying there wasn’t enough data as yet to support the notion it was safe to go without the attendants overnight. Mr. Klehammer said the perception of security and the actual security the garage attendants provide, or don’t provide, are two different things, adding the attendants have already been removed from the weekend overnights and people still have cameras and the two-way radio connection to the dispatcher on duty if they need help in the garage. “The call volume we’re getting from people who need help since we took the attendants out of the garage [on the weekends] has been minimal,” he said. “No issues so far.” That said, the executive general manager concluded, the overnight garage attendants can always be replaced if the $800,000 to pay and provide them benefits can be restored from somewhere else in the budget. Board President Berk said to leave the garage attendants in place overnight would have meant another one-half of a percent increase on shareholder carrying charges. Director Claudia Sampson said she spoke to Co-op City Department of Public Safety Chief Joseph Riley about the possibility of installing panic alarms in the garages. Also of some shareholder concern was the cost of the training Board members receive in weekend sessions held in Westchester County’s Rye City as well as the Board’s recent decision to determine the feasibility of developing the property along Co-op City’s western edge as a waterfront park. About the former, President Berk said the expense is well worth the investment of time and money in the training process. “When you have 15 people coming to sit on a board to make decisions over a budget that is a quarter of a billion dollars … it is in your benefit to spend money for them to be trained,” Ms. Berk said. “It is part of doing business and, actually, the Board … has gotten a lot better.” Backing up the president’s point, Director Michelle Marbury said she calculated the cost for Board member training to 65 cents per shareholder. That, she said, is worth it because, in her case, though she comes from an entertainment and communications background, there are things — like real estate and finance — in which she was not an expert when she was elected to the Board earlier this year. When it comes to potential waterfront development, President Berk assured shareholders, though she supported the idea two years ago, she has no interest in returning to the notion of donating the land in question to the city in exchange for shedding the development costs for the waterfront park. That, she said, is off the table and a distant memory after residents made it clear they were not interested in such an exchange two years ago. (Continued from page 1)
In votes both before and after the gallery session, the Board granted a new four-year lease to H&R Block in the Dreiser Center. The new lease represents a 63 percent increase in revenue for Riverbay over the previous one, according to Director of Parking and Commercial Leasing Danielle O’Connor, and includes money contributed by H&R Block to common area maintenance charges, which the last lease didn’t. The Board approved the lease by a vote of 13 to 1 with one absence.
H&R Block, the Times and flooring get the go-ahead
Report names Co-op City as ‘best neighborhood’ in the Bronx when it comes to food grading
Renthop.com recently conducted a breakdown of New York City restaurant health by neighborhood. According to the site, the Department of Health inspects restaurants to ensure that restaurant operators meet health code requirements. The study found that although the Bronx is “falling behind” with 9.1% of the borough having B or C grade establishments, it named Co-op City as “best neighborhood” in the district. Co-op City has 67 restaurants in total, two having B or C grades. Manhattan leads the list, with 93% of its restaurants receiving an ‘A’ from the City’s health department.
Photo courtesy NYC Department of Health
Also on the agenda was the matter of the printing contract for the Co-op City Times, which was awarded 14 to 0 with one absence to Garden City-based Richner Communications, the paper’s current printer. Achieving unanimous approval from the directors present as well was the purchase of more Mohawk square flooring tiles as well as a supply of Revwood flooring planks. The former, Mr. Klehammer said, are the flooring tiles currently used in most apartments in Co-op City and will be used to replace compromised tiles as needed. The Revwood planks, the executive general manager said, are a newer, more modern wood product currently in use in some apartments that will also be used in all vacant apartments going forward, eventually replacing the Mohawks. The Revwood planks are further desirable, Mr. Klehammer said, because they can be connected to each other and installed without an adhesive and will not require any kind of asbestos abatement when they are taken up. The Board also approved a study to investigate the feasibility of installing electric car charging stations in Co-op City’s garages.
One of the reasons Board President Berk wanted as many shareholders in the open session as possible, she said, was to hear the report from the independent auditor concerning Riverbay’s finances. That report came from Jonathan Zuckerman, a partner with PKF O’Connor Davies, a Manhattan-based accounting firm with branch offices in four other states. Mr. Zuckerman told the assembled shareholders Riverbay’s finances are, for all intents and purposes, just as they were presented in the company’s financial statements last week. “The financial statements of Riverbay were fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,” he said. “During our audit process, we received full cooperation from Management and we had access to and reviewed all the supporting documents that are necessary to render our opinion.” Mr. Zuckerman said Riverbay’s gross revenue for last year was about $61,000, a tiny fraction of the company’s overall budget and in line with what’s appropriate for a limited profit housing company like Riverbay.
Riverbay finances are on the level, auditor says
Before Mr. Zuckerman took the floor, Executive General Manager Klehammer delivered his report to the Board and the assembled shareholders, providing updates on some of the various capital projects underway around Co-op City: • Thirty elevators have been replaced so far with the next 10 to be completed by the end of the year. There are 160 elevators that need to be replaced, so it should take about three more years to complete the entire project. • Local Law 11 façade improvement work that began in Section 5 should take two years to complete. Work on sections 1 through 4 will be bid out and the hope is it will start in 2020. • Removal of the cement and steel from the top of the garages will be completed this year, likely by the end of November. • Portico work in Buildings 6, 18, 20 and 24 is ongoing with work expanding to other buildings next year. • The replacement of all the chevron lobby entrances will also be completed this year. Lobby work on the tower and triple-core buildings is going out to bid and should start in 2020. • The rehabilitation of Dreiser auditorium is expected to take eight months and should be back in service next year. • Installation of the power plant’s long beleaguered boiler #2 is about 60 percent completed and should be done by the end of December. There will then be two months of final commissioning, testing of the system and other prep work with an eye toward finishing the project by February 2020. • Several buildings’ laundry rooms have already been replace at a rate of one per week. That work is expected to continue at that rate. Management is troubleshooting the new machines as problems arise and will update the community with new information soon. He also introduced Lutitia Matthias, Riverbay’s new associate call center director, to shareholders. She asked for patience while she reprograms Riverbay’s customer service systems and staff.
Other business
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
It’s
HAPPENING in Co-op City!
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Section One Summer Blowout Family Funday Fair 2019
NCNW Career forum
From left, Lori Melton, National Council of Negro Women president; Deja Vu, radio personality; Leah Richardson and Yvonette Powell, co-chairs of NCNW Career Forum.
Deja Vu presenting Ignite your Hustle journal to audience participant Jasmine Wade-Mapp.
Sabrina Dobbs, center, Customer Success Manager; with Leah Richardson, left, and Yvonnette Powell. Left, Gaitre Lorick, SVP, HR, Brookdale Hospital during the resume writing presentation; right, Sharon Devonish-Leid, CEO NetstrucPR, branding presenter.
See page 28 for more “It’s Happening in Co-op City”
See page 18 for article. Photos by Elena “Mamarazzi” Marrero
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor – can•verify the• authors. or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. – •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • –L•etters – •cannot – •exceed – •–350•words. – • –Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor: Robert Mugabe, the former leader of Zimbabwe, was called “a hero” by a director in last week’s Co-op City Times. The truth about Mugabe is his reign cost at least an estimated 45,000 lives, more than half of them black. Under
Praise for Mugabe?
his leadership, much of the country’s farmlands became wastelands. While the average person suffered, Mugabe and his government bureaucrats lived lives of luxury. He helped turn a relatively wealthy country into a land of privation and want.
Zimbabwe suffered from famine due to its wild inflation. One hundred trillion Zimbabwe dollars couldn’t even buy a loaf of bread! As with Venezuela, socialism inevitably destroys a country’s economy and shatters its freedom. —David Hammer
No late-night garage attendants is bad news for shareholders
To the Editor: I have lived in Co-op City Section 5 since 1973. In all my years, we have had a garage attendant in the garages during the midnight tour. I, for the life of me, can’t understand why anyone would agree to eliminate that position. I read the reason in the Co-op City Times and, as usual, it is about money. Our cars that we use to get to and
from work so we can pay our maintenance are parked there. Some of us work the afternoon shift and get home after midnight. What about the ones who work the midnight shift and leave for work at 11 p.m., 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.? We who work those special hours have to be in that garage at night and we feel safer knowing an attendant is there. When
I have to go in late at night, I can ask the attendant to make sure I get out of there or to make sure he is watching the cameras. Who do we ask to do that now? No, an attendant can’t deter all the crime that takes place in the garage but they can hear a scream! The voice box will not be able to hear that. —Andrea Mayo
Shareholder input needed in elimination of overnight garage attendants
To the Editor: I am totally dismayed our garages will not have attendants working between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. In the Sept. 14 Co-op City Times, the director of parking facilities states, “Although customers might feel safer with an attendant in the booth overnight, the reality is attendants don’t make the garages safer than they already are. They can’t help in those types of situations – they don’t offer any security or protection.” How’s that? They are a deterrent to anyone entering the garage for nefarious purposes, such as assault, robbery and vandalism.
What is meant that they don’t offer security or protection? They would do what they do now if confronted by a situation, which would entail calling Public Safety. We have keyed entry to our garages, which is good, but what about the open entrance/exit way during the absence of an attendant? This is an open invitation for unauthorized persons to enter the garage at will during these late hours. There are people who come home in the late hours or leave home at late hours. There is a much lower sense of security and actual security without an attendant, and a potential greater risk to them since there is an unprotected entrance/exit.
The decision to take the aforementioned action seems to be a subjective decision. If viewed objectively, the elimination of the night garage attendants would be a no go. This decision is being forced upon us without discussion with the garage users and the community at-large. It seems very similar to the decision process used by the MTA to arbitrarily eliminate bus routes, but reason prevailed in some sense since the MTA decided it would allow community input before a final decision was made. It would be wise to allow input from the community on this important issue. —Ed Rudyk
Board of Directors’ Meeting - September 18, 2019 Second Reading - Resolution #19-44
SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones & Jerome Rice SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano & Leah Richardson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Sept. 18, 2019
has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed three (3) year Contract # 3386 with Waste ManWHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited bids agement of $525,000.00 Commercial Rubbish Removal and for Bid 3386 a three (3) year contract for the Commercial Recycling is approved as submitted by Management in accorRubbish Removal and Recycling to ten (10) vendors selected dance with Resolution #85-16 and as amended by Resolution #95-44. by the Blue book and also the internet; WHEREAS, two (2) bids from 1) Five Star Carting Inc. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Jones, Lamand 2) Waste Management were submitted and reviewed by bright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders the Project Manager; and ABSENT FOR VOTE: Jenkins WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends that this ABSENT: Leslie contract be awarded to Waste Management as the lowest PASSED responsible bidder (See attached memo and spreadsheet). WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director (See page 14 for more resolutions) 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 Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief
Jason Chirevas Managing Editor
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez Production Manager The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
Important Notice to Shareholders of Buidlings 27 A, B & C Building 27 A, B & C
Building 27 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Erdman Place
Current Lease Expiration Date
Dec. 31, 2019
New 3 yr. Expiration Date
Dec. 31, 2022
If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Public Safety Report
CCPD urges drivers and passengers to buckle up for child passenger safety
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The week of Sept. 15 to Sept. 21, 2019, is known as Child Passenger Safety Week. During the back-toschool season, it may be likely drivers might take more trips, transporting children or other passengers in their vehicles. Motor vehicle accidents are the number-one killer of children. It is very important all drivers are aware of the rules and regulations regarding the appropriate restraint system for passengers of all ages. Using the proper car seat greatly increases children’s safety when they ride in a vehicle. Every person riding in a vehicle should be appropriately buckled up every time you drive your vehicle. Car seats and seat belts do save lives but they must be used every time. Today, Saturday, Sept. 21, is National Safety Seat Check Day across the country. Car Seat inspection check sites are available via seatcheck.org or via nhtsa.gov. Local sites are as follows: NYC Department of Transportation Access Safety City, 672 W, 158th St., New York, N.Y. 10032 Hours: Car seat checks by appointment. Phone: 212-795-3046. Bronx Safe City (NYC DOT) 837 Brush Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10465 Hours: Spanish speaking technicians, by appointment only Phone: 718-822-4116. Never put a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat of any auto. Almost every vehicle manufactured today has driver and passenger side airbags. Some cars have manual or weight sensitive disable switches but mechanical devices can fail in some situations. The airbag can propel the car seat into the seatback with enough force to seriously injure or kill the child. Never hold a child on your lap while driving or while seated in the front seat. The force of the airbag throwing the child against you could be fatal. You should never take a child out of a car seat if they are fussing. Car seat in the rear seat is always the way to go; never regard not sitting in a car seat or sitting in the front seat as a reward. Children need to be buckled up in the rear seat of the vehicle, properly restrained. Children aged 8 or over, weighing 100 pounds or more and taller than 4 feet, 9 inches may use a seatbelt. Children between 4 and 8, shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall, regardless of weight, should use a booster seat. Children 1 to 4 years of age should be placed in a child safety seat with a five-point harness. Children younger than 1 should placed in a rear facing infant seat in the back seat of the auto. Never use a car seat that has been in an accident, it may have sustained damage that is not visible. Car seats are now made with expiration dates; never use one beyond this date or five years after the manufacturing date. Car seat installation can seem difficult at first. It is very important that you carefully read the owner’s manual for both the car seat and for your auto. The LATCH system is an attempt to make car seat installation easier and make it universal from one car to another. The acronym LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It includes Lower Anchorage points and top tether straps to fasten car seats. All vehicles manufactured after 2003 must have at least two LATCH points in the rear seat. Seat belts can still be used to install car seats. This is an option for a third seat or if installation in the center seat is desired. Information regarding the LATCH system and the installation of car seats may be found at the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration at 1-888-DASH2DOT or on their website at nhtsa.dot.gov/. It is reported that up to nine out of 10 car seats are not properly installed. Please have an expert confirm your car seat is correctly installed. Certified child passenger safety technicians are available at various locations to check for the proper installation of car seats. To find out about car seat check locations, call 1-866SEAT-CHECK or the website seatcheck.org. Every person riding in an automobile should wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts and are designed to be used in connection with seatbelts. An airbag comes out of the steering wheel or dashboard at a speed of 250 miles per hour. Without a seatbelt the force of an airbag can cause serious injuries to the front-seat passenger and driver. Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle equipped with airbags will minimize injuries in otherwise life threatening collision. Seatbelts will prevent the wearer from being thrown from the automobile in the case of a collision. Today’s automobiles are designed to keep the passenger compartment intact in the event of a collision. Without a seatbelt, you will not remain within that safety zone. Unsecured persons in a vehicle continue to travel at the vehicle’s speed until they strike a solid object within or outside the vehicle. Internal organs of the unbelted person then collide with the skeletal system, causing serious internal injuries. An unbelted person also serves as a projectile and can cause injuries to other persons in the vehicle. A person properly restrained stays within the vehicle’s safety zone and comes to a slower stop, thereby minimizing injuries. Drivers should consider taking a defensive driver training course. These courses teach drivers tactics in becoming a safer driver plus provide an insurance discount and possible point reduction. The National Safety Council offers a course locator or an online 6-hour course at ddcnsc.org/ny. Each driver in the household must
Public Safety Blotter 09/08/2019 – 09/14/2019
Sept. 10, 2019 100 Donizetti Place CCPD officers responded to a report of a dispute. Upon arrival and after an investigation, the dispute was determined to be family related. A female was arrested after assaulting a person. A male was also arrested after it was determined to be a cross complaint. Both parties were treated at local hospitals and released. Einstein and Elgar Place A motorcycle was reported stolen from this location.
Sept. 12, 2019 - 120 Einstein Loop A cooperator found an empty Amazon box in a stairway that was determined to be stolen from her. The complainant was referred to Amazon for replacement and recommended to have future order shipped to a nearby Amazon locker.
Sept. 13, 2019 - 100 Debs Place A female was arrested and charged with assault after a fight broke out between the female and another female.
have the course for the maximum discount. If you own more than one car and have more than one driver in your household, only one car per driver taking the course will receive the discount. The course is an interactive, informative course. You have one month to complete the online course in as many sessions as you choose. The online course offers the same benefits as the live course. A computer with a flash drive is required. Visit the website for more information. School is open, drive carefully. Never pass a stopped school bus with a stop sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely. If you consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State. The department of Public Safety would like to remind cooperators it is a violation of your lease to place food out for animals to eat. A Community Complaint may be issued for littering to anyone who puts food out for any reason. Well intentioned cooperators may think they are putting food out for stray cats or birds but the food ends up attracting rats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes or other animals that can be a threat to residents. Feeding wildlife such as geese also tends to change the migration pattern of these animals, as they end up not flying south for the winter. This was the case last winter in the New York area when many geese were found starved to death when they did not fly south for the winter and their normal food source was covered by deep snow. Food placed out for animals is often lacking in the nutrition needed by the animals and serves to upset their ecological balance. Please resist the urge to place food out for animals in Co-op City or elsewhere. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the department of Public Safety at 718-671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. (Continued on page 30)
If You See Something, Say Something!
Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe! • Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door. • Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises. • Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked. • Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible. • Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.
Emergency: 718-651-3050 or 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Politics Most Rank
Director’s Viewpoint
Mary Pearson Secretary Ranking the Presidents: #1 Bartlet. # 2 Obama I’ve been watching West Wing reruns a lot lately. For all the Camelot talk – and I was old enough throughout JFK’s short run to remember most of it — in my opinion, there’s only one actual, real president who comes close to the fictional Jed Bartlet. Twenty years later, episode after West Wing episode, the stories feel so current, so “ripped from today’s headlines.” Racism, terrorism both foreign and domestic, misogyny, ideologically stacking the Supreme Court as well as the lower courts, Red and Blue battling over immigration, Social Security, healthcare, climate change, endless politicking and electioneering, ethical conundrums and crises of conscience, and scandal-scandal-scandal, all packed into 42 minutes – 40 and a half if you skip the opening and closing credits. And here it is September, time to swing into all that political calculus and activism for real. Time to get involved and get ready for Election Day on November 5. Well actually, the November 5, 2019, Election Day is starting in October this year. Early voting, coming to a poll site, TBD, near you! They’ve picked the days: October 26 through November 3. Ten days of voting, but with one day off in between on the Monday before the 5th to be able to get ready for the official real Election Day. Whatever you do, don’t try to vote on Monday, November 4! Rank Choice Voting (RCV) and Other Proposals Did you know Rank Choice Voting (RCV) is on the ballot in November? I mean October/November. In case you don’t know about RCV, here’s the CliffsNotes version: In a crowded field of candidates, the voters list their favorite candidates from #1 to up to #5. Why? The theory goes, it results in an overall happier electorate. If your number-one favorite doesn’t win, maybe your next favorite might and your least favorite just might not. Another justification for RCV, aka Instant Run-off Voting, is to avoid the additional cost of runoff elections if no individual hits 40%. (That percentage does not always apply in special elections.) Another important point regarding RVC is if one candidate surpasses 50%, he/she’s the winner no matter how many voters would have been satisfied with
the alternate #2. And another point, a pretty unimportant point actually, Rank Choice Voting is number one in the acronym competition (according to the one online source I bothered to check). It has beaten out Replacement Cost Value, Refuse Collection Vehicle, Red Cell Volume, Roll Call Vote, Remotely Controlled Vehicle, Robotic Combat Vehicle, and a slew of other terms, many of which are in French. This New York version of RCV would not apply in general elections, just primaries and special elections, like the special election that was held in February for Public Advocate. That election had, at one point, more than two-dozen candidates vying for the job. RCV is part of Ballot Question/Measure/Proposal #1. The second part of that question asks to extend the amount of time required to fill a vacancy and the third deals with adjusting the timeline so that all redrawing of the City Council districts is finished before the candidates start gathering petition signatures to make a run for those seats. There are four additional ballot questions being decided on November 5, or before, also comprised of several parts. You can find details at BallotPedia or the NY Board of Election site. Speaking of proposals, even though the February Public Advocate race was won by Jumaane Williams, the race is on again in October/November and then on again, again, in 2021. Yes, it’s taking three separate elections to fill Leticia James’ exited term. Now there’s a ballot proposal that should be considered down the road. How many millions of dollars should be spent to keep neat little four-year packets of elected officials compiled for history? The Bronx District Attorney race is also on this year and the only other elections on our Autumn ballot are for judgeships of several varieties. Currently, all candidates seem to be running unopposed, except for the write-in option. That’s the skinny for this year, but next year, all our other elected officials are facing challengers in June. Seems like a pretty good time to ask Daddy to buy us a pony, don’t ya think? And continuing in the
If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!
718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety
“hushabye, I’ll buy you this and that,“ refrain, but on a whole ‘nother, more exciting subject…$51 BILLION dollars is being (tentatively) earmarked for NYC transit. Now that’s an interesting development! Andy Byford’s reaction? He said, “I’m not even trying to keep the smile off my face…This plan exceeds my wildest expectations…We talked about reimagining and transforming bus service. Check!” Forget the pony! “Hey Daddy, I want a brand new car (shuttle to the Soundview Ferry, a bifurcated Bx30, a bidirectional Q50, and 24/7 discount senior rides on express buses), champagne, caviar. Hey Daddy, you oughta get the best for me.” You Talkin’ to Me? The Mary Pearson bashers are correct. I’m no team player when, in my opinion, the team starts heading toward the wrong basket, um…goal post, um…end zone? If it weren’t for me going rogue, Co-op City’s northern section, in my opinion, would have lost the 38 only to be replaced by a meandering 28 (adding time to everyone’s commutes). We would not have gotten the 25 at all, in my opinion. And, in my opinion, we all would have lost several bus stops. (Don’t believe me? There’s actually evidence, as a matter of fact, not opinion, if anyone cares to examine it.) So when I’m accused of needing to be right at the expense of the community’s needs, I respectfully reply, “I’m rubber and you’re glue.” In my opinion. So how about we start acting like we’ve left Junior High (aka Middle School) and continue to work together to retain, regain and improve our bus system, especially now that the piggy bank might be growing fatter. You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Debs Place Townhouse Association
The Debs Place Townhouse Association held its season opening meeting Sept. 12. We had a good turnout and the meeting proved to be a productive one. Thanks to Dreiser CSO Director Lois English, our misgivings about a possible room conflict were groundless. Our guest speaker, Assistant CSO Director Ray Fraticelli, arrived with lots of information and forms. He urged us to update our emergency contact forms and to file forms for Star Credit, RUOK, SCRIE and DRIE if they were needed to apply for these programs. In addition, he described how the new call center was going to work under its newly hired associate director, Lutitia Mathias, who was already training staff in nearby room 9. We all hope the system will be a great improvement over the old system and we will no longer have to put up with long wait times when we call for service. Ray also informed us the Dreiser CSO will also be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in addition to the usual hours. Mr. Fraticelli proved to be a dynamic speaker and he provided good answers to our questions. We were glad we departed from past practices when we did not invite a guest speaker for the first meeting of the season. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Oct. 10, when our speaker will be a representative from the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. We look forward to meeting our Debs Place Townhouse residents then. —Nels Grumer
Building 12 Association
Hello. Hope you enjoyed the summer. Our next meeting is Monday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m., activity room. Our topics are MTA and building issues. We are in the process of making a list, floor-by-floor, of what has to be done. When completed, the list will be given to our CSO. Other topics will be planning for Halloween and the rest of the year. Congratulations to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who suffered a lost and our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in. If you see something, say something by calling 911 or CCPD at 718-671-3050. We can be reached at 718-379-7841 or MLSAH@aol.com. —Sonja Maxwell
Apartment downsizing program for seniors
The first ever apartment downsizing program approved by the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) for a Mitchell-Lama development was implemented in Co-op City in July 2019 and eligible shareholders who are 62 years of age and older, and those who are eligible for DRIE, can now submit an application to downsize their current residential unit. The downsizing program was pursued by Riverbay Management at the request of the Board of Directors to free up larger apartments and allow seniors who no longer require large apartments the opportunity to downsize without having to pay the current equity for the new apartment and three months carrying charges for the old unit as required by HCR regulations, which, for many living on fixed incomes, is cost prohibitive. Transferring shareholders will, however, be required to pay for any damages to the old unit beyond normal wear and tear, as well as, incidental charges associated with the application process to secure the new unit. This is a one year pilot program which ends June 30, 2020. Only shareholders who are 62 years or older at the time of application, and those who qualify for the New York City Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), are eligible for the waiver as long as their annual household income as reported on their income affidavit does not exceed $59,000 and they are not currently paying a surcharge, or in arrears on their carrying charges, and they apply by June 30, 2020. Eligible shareholders who wish to transfer to a smaller apartment must submit a completed Transfer application (Form HM-80T) to the Riverbay Sales Department. All household members on the application must be documented as living in the current unit. Individuals being added as co-owners of the new unit must have a FICO score of at least 650. All persons 18 and older must submit their most recent tax returns. Anyone 18 years and older being added to the transfer application who was not listed on the applicant’s original application must undergo a criminal background check and Home Visit. Co-op City shareholders under 62 years of age applying for the downsizing pilot must provide documentation of their handicap that would qualify them for eligibility purposes under the city’s DRIE program. In other words, the shareholder must provide proof of award of federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or US Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or compensation, or Disability-related Medicaid if the shareholders received either SSI or SSDI in the past. Applicants adding a co-owner to the new unit who was not on their original application will be responsible for paying the criminal invention fee of $117.58, plus a Home Visit fee of $84.92. At the closing for the new apartment, the applicant must pay the first moth’s carrying charge for the new unit in advance. They will then be billed the pro-rated amount based on their scheduled move-in date for the new apartment. There is also a non-refundable administrative fee of $75 which must be paid to Riverbay Corporation by certified or bank check or money order — personal checks and cash payments are not accepted. Upon closing on the new unit, the total equity built up on the old apartment will be transferred to the new apartment. Riverbay does not warrant or represent that shareholders who downsize their apartments will continue to be eligible for the same Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) or DRIE benefits after their transfer. It is advised that shareholders interested in downsizing their apartment should therefore confirm their continued eligibility for these respective programs with SCRIE and/or DRIE. BY ROZAAN BOONE
Section 4 Partnership
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The next S4P Gathering will be Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 Mark your calendars, set your phone reminders and join us in the Gathering Room at 7 p.m. sharp Friday, Sept. 27, rear of Building 21B, 120 Bellamy Loop. It’s fundraising time Have you seen the 50th Anniversary Tshirts with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back? They are beautiful and on sale now. Pictured is Riverbay Board Director Francine Reva Jones and S4P Treasurer Laverne Hugine clad in the limited edition collector’s items. The Section 4 Partnership is raising funds for its 3rd annual Christmas caroling event. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, we will have our Christmas parade and hopefully you will come along with us. Come support our fundraiser, be a part of the parade and ride the Christmas parade float. Information is available by emailing section4partnership@gmail.com or phone 347-915-4939. All are welcomed to participate. Everyone’s input is necessary for a positive impact The Section 4 Partnership is making an important impact on the community of Co-op City each time we show up for events like Pioneer Day, the MTA rallies, Gospel on The Greenway, Wicked Wednesdays, Tunes on Tuesday, July 3 fireworks, Hoops and Beats, the ice cream socials, the grand opening of the Section 4 basketball courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings. About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in Co-op City that makes up the section referred to as Co-op City’s Section 4 — i.e. Building 20, Asch Loop; Building 21, Bellamy Loop; Building 22, Co-op City Boulevard; buildings 23, 24 and 25, Benchley Place; the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses. Come and get involved. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939. Help us continue this positive effort Help us reap the benefits of a united community. You don’t have to live in Section 4. You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. Let’s show up! Let’s get it done! —Michelle Marbury
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
These MTA Promises Probably Won’t Go Anywhere Director’s Viewpoint
Daryl Johnson Unfortunately, some people might still believe that the MTA is going to help us. But, as you continue to read, you’ll see exactly what has been going on with the MTA. It Is What It Is Prior to meeting with our community, the NYC Transit Authority made plans to almost devastate our bus service. For instance, with the exception of our express bus and the Bx23, they stated that all of our other buses would no longer travel throughout Co-op City. So, our residents would have to take the Bx23 to specific locations in Co-op City first. Thereafter, they could take another bus to travel outside of Co-op City. So, they knew that they had a bargaining chip. Also, do you think that they knew that we would be upset over their ridiculous plans to cut our bus service? From my perspective, they knew that we would be furious over their plans. So, based on these two points, do you think that they had a plan on how to negotiate with our community? Of course! For instance, they claimed that the Bx23 bus would be traveling throughout Co-op City at 3minute intervals. But, with horrific financial issues, they had to know that they could never fulfill this promise. Regardless, they knew that they could use this issue to bargain with us. Nevertheless, with political pressure, Andy Byford, the president of the NYC Transit Authority, decided to visit Co-op City on Thursday, June 27, 2019. And, if you recall, you’ll see that he never made a promise to improve our bus service. In fact, an article in the Co-op City Times, dated June 29, 2019, stated on page one that Byford “stood in front of more than 600 Co-op City shareholders June 27 and told them what, for now, was close to exactly what they wanted to hear.” Then, the article pointed out that Byford stated: “We will take a look at any proposal you put up, we will look at it in good faith, we will look at it with an open mind and we will see what we can do.” Thereafter, members of an ad hoc committee had a meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, with Byford
DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center Public Safety office. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.
at the MTA headquarters. Then, we found out that we would lose the Q50 bus and we would gain some more buses on the Bx23 line. Additionally, another express bus could possibly travel to Wall Street. But, if you go online, you’ll see that we might have some problems with the promises that Byford made. For instance, Byford was hired in 2018 to improve our subway system. Then, a firm named AlixPartners was hired to do similar tasks as Byford. AlixPartners then made a shocking proposal to split the subway and the buses into two separate agencies. Really? That’s right. Thereafter, Byford would only be involved in the subway system. That’s it! Buses? No! So, have there been rumors about Byford quitting? Absolutely. Anyway, let’s hope that the MTA will not continue to destroy our bus service here. Also, we know what’s up with the MTA and how they’ve conducted business with us. So, let’s see if we can deal with them accordingly. Bottom line: If you type in: ‘Alixpartners organization plan, June 30, 2019,’ you’ll see how they laid out their plans to fix our transportation system. For instance, they’re looking to consolidate a lot of functions and to “reduce” between 1,900 – 2,700 positions. Furthermore, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently suggested that the MTA should try to reduce their staffing by up to 3,886 jobs. Additionally, he stated that we could face higher fares and higher tolls. So, we’re going to have to reevaluate our options on how we’re going to deal with the MTA. Store Closings Big internet sites have forced a lot of stores to reevaluate the way that they conduct business. And, now, a lot of brick-and-mortar stores have decided to shutter some of their undisclosed store locations. So, let’s review a few of these stores. Bed Bath & Beyond is going to close 40 stores. Footlocker said that they will close 165 stores. Then, they’re going to open 80 new stores. The Gap is going to close about half of their stores. GNC is
going to close 233 stores. J.C. Penney is going to close 24 stores. And, we’ll see if they’re going to start selling toys in their stores. Macy’s is going to close 8 stores. Party City is going to close 45 stores. Sears/Kmart said that they will close more than 140 stores. Can you believe that Sears used to be the largest retailer, with catalogs containing hundreds of pages, in the United States? Victoria’s Secret said that they will close 53 stores. Bottom line: There are a lot of lessons to be learned from these store closures. For instance, people that are considering going into business or are in business must learn to be adaptable to their circumstances. Moreover, as a community, we need to look at additional ways to improve the way that we conduct business. Example: As mentioned before, it was stated that our operators receive too many calls. So, I suggested that we should develop our phone systems and our website to handle service requests. Also, I suggested that we should reduce our nearly $90 million payroll budget. Making these changes will help us to keep our community affordable. Close My next viewpoint is going to cover the business that was conducted during our board meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Building 10 Association
Broun Place Townhouse Association
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Greetings, fellow cooperators. Welcome all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting. General membership meeting Our next general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. in the Building 10 association room located in the rear lobby of Building 10B. We will have nominations for the vacant positions on the executive board of the Building 10 Association. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served. Collection of non-perishable items The NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210, in conjunction with NYCDOC Disaster Relief Association and the Association of Caribbean Americans in Correction, is currently collecting non-perishable items to help assist the people of the Bahamas impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The deadline for drop-offs will be Oct. 31, 2019. For more information, please call 718-320-3210. Suicide prevention If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help in New York City is 1-888-NYCWELL — 1-888-692-9355. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. If you see something, say something For emergencies, call CCPD at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies call 311. Association dues Collection of building association dues has begun for the year 2019. Building association dues are $10 per apartment. If you missed the dues collections in your building, you can bring it to the association meeting or please see any executive board member. We would like to wish all September babies a very happy birthday. To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences. School is open. Drive carefully. Have a great week. —Jewel Crawford-Duncan
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Over last week, each of us honored and paid respect to those lost in the Sept. 11 horror. In Co-op City, a man who gave his life stands out and needs to be especially remembered. Christian Regenhard, a firefighter from Building 17 and the son of community activist Sally Regenhard, is always remembered. He gave of himself 24/7, out of uniform or in. He was the nicest, sweetest young man who would always acknowledge and help you. Rest in peace, Christian. Remember, this terror touched us all. Hopefully public attendance for this week’s open board meeting is good. In this week’s Co-op City Times, it was important to read about the new grounds responsibilities formerly done by the maintenance department and now are assigned to the grounds department. It was interesting coming right after we wrote about the grounds department and Broun Place neighbors speaking on what they want from the grounds department. In fact, neighbors wanted more bush pruning. The article said more to come this week, so we will keep our eyes and ears open. One thing for sure, we hope at least two more trained workers will be assigned to this team dedicated to grooming and renovating. This can’t be a one-time done assignment. It must be ongoing. Our first meeting is 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25. It will be an election meeting. All members of Broun Place Townhouse Association are eligible to vote. To be on the ballot, membership in the association is required. Dues are $12 per household. Pay by check or cash to our treasurer, 22A. If you wish to run for office, place a note in 31B or 22A. Welcome to new cooperators in 30A and 4A. New residents, please follow Co-op City rules, especially regarding BBQ. Only electric grills are allowed, and please take your newspapers in from your front door. Uncovered mattresses were dumped in our dumpster pad. Mattresses must be wrapped to be discarded properly. Any information on the doers, submit a note to 31B. Please bring your garbage to the main dumpster sites and follow the recycling color chart. Lids need to remain on pedestrian garbage cans. A disgusting bag of garbage was disposed of on the grounds by the flyer posting window box. Disposing of house garbage, dumping it on the grounds, is disgusting. If anyone saw the person leaving the bag between the pedestrian garbage bin and posting box, let a committee member know. Several condolence messages to acknowledge this week. Sincere condolences to the Bill Stuttig family, as his mom, Alice, recently passed. Readers, remember Bill? He is the former associate editor of the Co-op City Times. Thea Colombo and the Gray-Whitfield families are also sent condolences on the occasion of the passing of Mrs. Sandra Whitfield, Ms. Colombo’s former mother-in-law. Broun Place sends prayers to all those who are sick for their steady recovery. Please send us your tidings. Keep dancing and we guarantee happy days ahead! —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
Building 21 Association
Congressional Candidates Forum at our next 21 association gathering Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. is your opportunity to hear from candidates running for Congress. Mark your calendars, everyone from all buildings, plan to attend. If you have any questions regarding The 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information. Email: 21association@gmail.com, call: 347-504-1821, and you can attend the monthly meetings, which are usually held every fourth Thursday in the Gathering Room in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. We will host candidates for Congress in the upcoming election. It is sure to be a spirited gathering. All are welcomed. MTA surveys and letters available in the lobbies Be sure to stop, fill out the survey and letter. The rest will be taken care of for you by your building association and the MTAAd Hoc Committee. The struggle for what we want and need from the MTA continues. Please do your part. The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City is planning its third Christmas extravaganza Dec. 14 Have you seen the 50th anniversary T-shirts with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back? This limited edition collector’s item is beautiful and on sale now. The Section 4 Partnership is raising funds for its third annual Christmas caroling event. Saturday, Dec. 14, we will have our Christmas parade and hopefully you will come along with us. Come support our fundraiser, be a part of the parade and ride the Christmas parade float. Come, have some fun. Be involved. Make a difference. Floor Captains are an absolute necessity in every building Thanks to the cooperators of Building 21 who have stepped up to the plate and volunteered to be floor captain for their floor. You are truly appreciated. We need more volunteers. All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a floor captain is as follows: 1. Contact numbers for your floor only. List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor 2. Co-op City Times: Place them at each apartment door, delivered on Saturdays 3. Elevator notices: Read them and talk to your neighbors about them 4. Promote: Meetings, clubs and gatherings 5. Encourage your neighbors to: • Vote, vote, vote in the Riverbay election • Make calls to the Riverbay offices: Security: 718-671-3050; CSO: 718-320-3300 Where do your passions lie? We are passionate about this community; our community. Aren’t you? Come and join us at Building 21 sometime. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Assemblyman Benedetto to sponsor team in Breast Cancer Walk Looking for volunteers to join “Team Benedetto”
Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto is calling for volunteers to join him in the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Orchard Beach beginning at 10:00 a.m. This is Assemblyman Benedetto’s 13th year participating in this important event and the 12th time that he will be sponsoring a team. “Everyone joining together and giving a little will make a large impact and in the end the proceeds will be used towards much needed research, prevention, early detection and support programs,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. Anyone interested in signing up for “Team Benedetto” can do so by either calling his East Tremont Avenue office at (718) 892-2235, his Co-op City office at (718) 320-2220, or registering in person at either of these locations. You can also register online at makingstrideswalk.org/bronx, click on “Donate to a Team” and look for “Team Benedetto.” Assemblyman Michael Benedetto is asking all “Team Benedetto” members to make a minimum donation of $20. With their $20 contribution, each participant will receive a personalized “Team Benedetto” polo shirt.
Rivers Run Community Garden
When music is added to the landscape that is Rivers Run, the garden’s magic intensifies. Truly, I believed the tomato tasted sweeter as Juan Ortega serenaded the birds, the butterflies and the people gathered to celebrate Spanish American Heritage Month. Getting excited as the schools schedule their visit to the garden. Six hundred tulips and other bulbs await their arrival. Please contact us and make an appointment for your school to visit before the season ends. Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place, where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement toward improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops, including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools and daycares as well as residents and neigh-
bors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Event Dates (All are welcome): Sept. 21 – Members meeting at 1 p.m. Oct. 15 – P.S. 153 Fourth graders visit the garden Beginning May 1, 2019 Rivers Run is open: Tuesday, 4 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. —Gail Sharbaan
Committee meetings
International Peace Day
The Riverbay Fund’s History Committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. in room 28 in the Bartow Center. All members are urged to save the date and plan to attend. In addition, on Thursday, Sept. 26, the Riverbay Board’s Construction/Power Plant/Restoration Committee will meet in the board room, #26, in the Bartow Center. All committee members are advised to arrive promptly at 7:30 p.m. so the meeting can begin on time. First Vice President Bernard Cylich chairs both the History Committee and the Construction/Power Plant/Restoration Committees.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Resolutions
(Continued from page 6)
Second Reading - Resolution #19-38 SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk, Claudia Sampson SECONDED BY: Francine Reva Jones, Michelle Marbury, Andrea Leslie BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, Co-op City is committed to a leadership role in fighting climate change and improving public health; and WHEREAS, Electric vehicles can reduce omissions that contribute to climate change and help reduce ecological damage; and WHEREAS, Co-op City Garages provides 10,676 parking spaces and surveys have found there are presently 70 plug–in electric/hybrid vehicles using Co-op City garages. WHEREAS, Installing electric car charging equipment in Co-op City garages would increase the convenience and affordability for those residents who drive electric vehicles; and WHEREAS, Management should evaluate and report to the Board on the feasibility and costs of installing and managing electric car charging stations, including but not limited to, charging equipment choices, equipment purchase & leasing options, cost recovery options, recommended number of stations per garage, usage guidelines, benefits to the Co-op City Community and grant funding opportunities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That Management is directed to evaluate and submit a report to Board within 60 days of the approval of this resolution on the feasibility and costs of installing and managing electric car charging stations, including but not limited to charging equipment choices, equipment purchase & leasing options, cost recovery options, recommended number of stations per garage, usage guidelines, benefits to the Co-op City community and grant funding opportunities. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders ABSENT: Leslie PASSED
Second Reading - Resolution #19-42
SUBMITTED BY: Sonia Feliciano SECONDED BY: Leah Richardson, Mary Pearson & Jerome Rice BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MEETING DATED: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, Patriot Hardwood Flooring & Supply, Inc./Belknap White Group is Armstrong Flooring’s sole source New York distributor of the Hartco Floor tile used by Riverbay; and WHEREAS, Riverbay will continue to purchase Hartco Floor Tiles, in order to meet the demand for repairs of floors that contain the Hartco product; and WHEREAS, the tiles will cost $2.46 per square foot, which is no increase over the current price and will be delivered in truckloads directly from the factory; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract # 3423 with Patriot Hardwood Floor & Supply, Inc./Belknap White Group for the purchase of Hartco wood floor tiles at a not to exceed cost of $300,000 + tax for two (2) years and a one (1) year extension option for $100,000 be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders NO: Johnson ABSENT: Leslie PASSED
Second Reading - Resolution #19-45
SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Francine Reva Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, the Procurement Department sent out ten (10) requests for proposals for Bid 3369, a two-year contract for the printing of the Co-op City Times; and WHEREAS, two (2) proposals were received and reviewed by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager, recommends that this contract be awarded to Richner Communications, as the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendation and Spreadsheet attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation
Second Reading - Resolution #19-40 SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk, Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Cheryl Jenkins, Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, Article III, Section 3(a) provide that members of the Board of Directors bear a high public responsibility since they have elected to operate under a state–aided program and to effectuate public policy by encouraging the building and operating of housing projects for families of moderate income; and WHEREAS, A person removed for cause from the Board of Directors, in compliance with the mandates of By-Laws Article III, Section 3, is not qualified to meet the degree of public responsibility necessary to carry out the public policy of maintaining and operating a housing project for families of moderate income; and WHEREAS, the makers of this Resolution believe that to maintain the high level of public responsibility necessary to maintain and operate Co-op City that any person removed from the Board of Directors for cause be barred from being a candidate for election for three years after their removal from the board. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That any person removed from the Riverbay Board of Directors for cause, in compliance with Article III, Section 3 of the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, be barred from being a candidate for election to the Riverbay Board of Directors for three years after their removal from the board; and BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall take effect immediately. YES: Berk, Cylich, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Sampson NO: Feliciano, Johnson, Rice, Richardson, Saunders ABSTAIN: Rosario ABSENT: Leslie PASSED
Second Reading - Resolution #19-43
SUBMITTED BY: Sonia Feliciano SECONDED BY: Linda Berk & Leah Richardson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, Riverbay has been purchasing 9X9 wood floor tile from Mohawk Industries (a.k.a. Mohawk Carpet Distribution) as a sole source, due to the fact that we are buying direct from the manufacturer; and WHEREAS, Riverbay will continue to purchase the Mohawk 9X9 wood floor tile product at $3.37 per sq. ft.; and WHEREAS, Riverbay will also purchase the Mohawk Revwood Driftwood floor product at $1.59 per sq. ft. and Underlayment $14.61 per 100 sq. ft. as option 1. Option 2 is purchase of the RevWood Driftwood with attached pad at $1.79 per sq. ft. (memo attached); and; WHEREAS, Mohawk agrees to hold noted pricing for each product for one year and any price increase after the first year shall not exceed 2% for either Mohawk products; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract #3422 with Mohawk Industries for Mohawk products for two (2) years not to exceed $5,000,000 plus tax, and a one (1) year extension option of $2,000,000 be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #9544 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders ABSENT: Leslie PASSED Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: The Board approves awarding Contract # 3369 to Richner Communications not to exceed $400,000 for two (2) years be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #9544 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders ABSENT: Leslie PASSED (Resolutions cont'd on page 15)
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Second Reading - Resolution #19-46
SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MEETING DATED: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, Riverbay’s Restoration Department uses Henry 660 Floor Adhesive for installation of Wood & VCT floors; WHEREAS, Procurement sent out eleven (11) request for proposals for bid 3397, Purchase of Henry 660 Floor Adhesive; WHEREAS, three bids were received and evaluated and Home Depot proposed the lowest cost of $86.50 per 4 gallon pail; WHEREAS, Riverbay will order approximately 5,760 pails over a two year period with the capability to order more or less according to the needs of the Flooring Department; WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends the contract be awarded to Home Depot as the lowest responsible bidder; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that Riverbay enter into a 2 year Contract #3397 with The Home Depot for a not to exceed cost of $500,000.00 plus tax be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and as amended by Board of Directors Resolution 9544 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the contract and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders ABSENT FOR VOTE: Jenkins ABSENT: Leslie PASSED
IT: Chapter Two The losers club reunites 27 years later after making a pact, bonded by blood, to the creepy town of Derry, if ever Pennywise the clown returns. Mike, the only one in the group who never left Derry, Maine, calls his old pals one-by-one to return to town to fight their demons of the past. Although apprehensive about returning, the adult group bands together to face their childhood fears to save the helpless kids of Derry from the kid-eating-clown, Pennywise. My take: IT Chapter Two oversold and under-delivered in its genre of horror. It wasn’t as good as its predecessor, “IT: Chapter One.” I laughed more than I like to while watching a Stephen King movie – especially “IT.” Although there were moments of thrill, that was it. Where was the scare? The fright? The horror? All the actors in the film were well cast for their roles, though I don’t predict anyone will be walking away with an Academy Award for their performance. This movie was much longer than Chapter One, almost three hours in total, but I didn’t find myself checking my watch or wanting to refill my popcorn during the film; I was hoping not to miss anything scary, which never happened at all. I was also just enjoying the movie. Overall, the anticipation of “IT: Chapter Two,” left me wanting more. The movie had nothing I’d expect from the horror film or at least what I was expecting following the hit that was “IT: Chapter One.” This film reminded me of one of those classic ‘80s coming of age films, but with adults; filled with friendship, comradery, and light romance – like an adult “Goonies.” I guess the big takeaway would be to be fearless and face your fears – meh! Better yet, don’t talk to strangers? Not terrible lessons to learn even as an adult. Who wouldn’t want to learn that from a horror flick? Where the film missed in its horror genre it made up for in casting, special effects and adventure, sprinkled with a pinch of thrill. I’m rating this movie a 6/10. BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
Lease Resolution #19-47
SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, H&R Block Eastern Enterprises Inc. has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 169 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, New York, to be used for conducting a financial services business, including, but not limited to, tax preparation, tax audit assistance, electronic tax filing, refund transfers, refund anticipation loans, and for selling such other products and services as are offered in an H&R Block location; and WHEREAS, the term of the lease is 4 years and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for the premises at 169 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and H&R Block Eastern Enterprises Inc., Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders NO: Lambright ABSENT: Leslie PASSED
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, room #36, Bronx, New York 10475; 718-320-3210; Email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com. Save the Date: 5th Annual Community Service Awards Dance, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 at 135 Einstein Community Center, room 45, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Advance: $40. Membership Meeting: Sunday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m., Einstein Center, room #36. All welcomed. Bring a guest. NAACP 83rd NYS Annual Convention: Oct. 5-7 to be held in Crowne Plaza White Plains, NY. Contact office for further information. Honoree Spotlight: In the coming weeks, we will feature bio highlights about the honorees. This year’s 2019 Community Service Award Honorees are Carlton “Chuck” Berkley, Ronald J. Hartridge, Francine “Reva” Jones, Lori Melton, Leah Richardson, Virginia Stewart and the youth honorees are Stephen Oyunbiyi, RickiLee Riley and Jean-Pierre Santiago. This week we are proud to honor Ronald J. Hartridge, Francine Reva Jones and Lori Melton. Congratulations! We look forward to celebrating all honorees at our event on Sept. 21, 2019. Come out and be part of this celebration of our community. For tickets and table reservations, please call 718-320-3210 or visit the branch office. —Jerome Rice
Reminder – Feeding animals
Shareholders are reminded that it is a violation of your lease to place food out for animals to eat. A Community Complaint may be issued for littering to anyone who puts food out for any reason. Well intentioned cooperators may think they are putting food out for stray cats or birds, but the food ends up attracting rats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes or other animals which can be a threat to residents. Feeding wildlife, such as geese, also tends to change the migration pattern of these animals as they end up not flying south for the winter. This was the case a few winters ago in the New York area where many geese were found starved to death when they did not fly south for the winter and their normal food source was covered by deep snow. Food placed out for animals is often lacking in the nutrition needed by the animals and serves to upset their ecological balance. Please resist the urge to place food out for animals in Co-op City or elsewhere. Thank you for your cooperation. We welcome your letters to the editor, however, if you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed, and include your address and telephone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 38 Years!
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
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Section 1 Association
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
The Section 1 Association of Co-op City would like to extend its sincerest thanks and gratitude to all who had a hand in our summer blowout Family Funday Fair 2019. A special thanks goes out to Joe Garnette for all of his hard work and dedication. Thanks also to the Section 1 Association Committee members as follows: Fernando Garcia and Steven Vega. I also resoundingly applaud all of our volunteers and participants who helped make this event a huge success: Khalil Abdul, Marquis Anderson, Theodora Bernstein, Obie Carr, Carl Chambers, Sonia DaCosta, Gloria Grant, Asia Gray, Shirley Holliday, Janiah Lyons, Jessica Ocasio, Steve Paintner — creator/program specialist) — Sandra Perry, Penelope Petterson, Barbara Pratt, Margie Rodriguez, Ray Torres and Louise Williams. A wide range of individuals and groups worked diligently together to make that day an enjoyable one. I am also pleased to share my gratitude with Co-op City Public Safety as well as the following vendors and merchants: Frank Bees, Aldi’s, American Cancer Society, MSK Breast Examination of Harlem, Lung Cancer Damage Awareness, AARP, Albert Einstein Multicultural Diet study, American Red Cross, Montefiore and Visiting Nurse Service of NY. Kudos to DJ Cubanito and Louie from Eddie Diaz Sound Crew and Jesse Williams and Kendric Durham for their professional photography services. To Tamira King for her impeccable way of supervising the Riverbay Staff that kept the grounds clean and presentable. Their contributions made this event a flawless and memorable 50th anniversary celebration. Another heartfelt shout-out to our very talented and inspired performers: Ray Martinez and Legacy live band, The Soul Latin Line Dancers, Xonia and the Belly dance group, l and Young Ambition dance group, Pitbull impersonator Carlton Jumel Smith, our back-up master of ceremonies, and Lt. Pam Apollo, our opening ceremonies’ speaker. Also a special shout out to Bianca and her Double Dutch Exhibition Team. Thanks also to those individuals behind the scenes: John Lowe, Michelle Sajous, Leandra Peterson and Leslie Peterson along with the Riverbay Corporation support staff, stage engineers and groundskeeper. To the porters and other set-up staff, we humbly appreciate all that was done to make this a presentable and safe environment for all who participated in these festivities. To Bronx 10 Co-op City CERT, JASA, AARP and FDNY, thank you for your continued loyalty and support within this thriving and vibrant community. To Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Congressman Elliot L. Engel, the Riverbay Fund, Mister Softee, Flava Flave — Pedro — Two Brothers Shoe Repair and Amalgamated Bank: Thank you for your generous monetary donations. In short, gracias, one and all, from all of us to all of you. Stay tuned for a fifth annual extravaganza in 2020. —Adelina Martinez
Building 30 A and B Association
Hello, every shareholder in Buildings 30A and B. We will be starting our dues collection on the A side Tuesday, Sept. 24, and on the B side Thursday the 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dues are still only $5. I hope that everyone handed in their survey for the MTA. There has been a change to the day of the week we will have our crochet classes from Wednesdays to Thursdays. For those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and new additions, congratulations. For those who have suffered a loss, our condolences. Those under the weather, get well soon. —Linda Werner
Building 6 Association
Our building has new washing machines, and soon the express side will have our first new elevator done and they will be working on the two express-side elevators after the first one is done. I hope everyone got their new wash card from the CSO office with their $5 on it. The Building 6 Association is still looking for building board members. The association is looking for volunteers to help with building events. Without your help, the building association events can’t happen. If we don’t get volunteers for Halloween, we will not be giving out any candy this year in our lobby. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, right, The Bronx Democrats had an awe- with Jeffery Schwartz some BBQ and softball game on the little league fields last Saturday. Great seeing some people at this event. Plus Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz and Congressman Eliot Engel were at this event too. Let’s make this building better together. I can’t do it alone. —Jeffrey Schwartz
Building 32 Association
Hello, Building 32 cooperators. Hope you had an amazing summer. I know I did. Well, with the summer winding down, making way for autumn, the time has come for us to get back to a little business. Our Building 32 Association general meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. The topic of discussion is to be determined, but with the Riverbay open forum in our rearview, I’m sure we will find an issue from that event to talk about. Be on the lookout for our fliers containing more details. Also at the meeting, we will hold a raffle with a great prize and a 50-50. So make sure you come join your friends and neighbors Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. for the next Building 32 Association general meeting. —Ezekiel Springer Jr.
Building 18 Association
Good morning, neighbors. Here’s hoping you had a loving, happy summer and now you are back and your goal is to make our association the best ever. Please remind your neighbors about the meetings and encourage them to attend, and reach out and help us to keep our motto — Together we can make a difference — alive. Our first general meeting for this season is Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, in the meeting room at 7 p.m. Our guest speaker is Tony Barzelatto on fire safety. This is very important. Do you know how to prevent fires? Do you know what to do if there is a fire? Come on down and ask questions and voice your concerns. A 50/50 drawing and refreshments will be served. The association committee is developing certain building activities. Your input is important to us. To our sick and homebound, we pray for a speedy recovery. And to the bereaved families, we give our sincere sympathies. Happy birthday to all with that special day this month. Please stay alert. If you see something say something, —Gertie Brown
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Building 13 Association
Thank you all for attending the recent building meeting. Please remember to check the bulletin board to stay current on upcoming events. We are planning a meet and greet, date to be announced. Get to know your building representatives and neighbors. Our Building 13 Association meeting is an information portal that both keeps you informed and provides you the opportunity to speak to directors of various departments. The association invites the department heads so you can inquire and be provided with accurate information. This is done as a courtesy because we know many work and have busy schedules. If you want us to extend an invitation to someone please let us know, we will do our best. The renovation of one high-rise elevator is completed and in service. Unfortunately, there have been at least three outages since it has been placed in service. Please call the maintenance department immediately if this happens so they can have a record of the outage. Work has now begun on the second high-rise elevator and it is shut down. Again, we appreciate the patience you have shown. Please do your part to preserve the beauty and integrity of the elevator cab. You, the shareholder, are paying for these improvements so take care of your investment. Soundview Ferry One of items we requested in the MTA ad hoc committee proposal was an express bus Wall Street stop and/or a shuttle to the Soundview Ferry. The Soundview Ferry is operated by Hornblower. The ride to Manhattan is about 46 minutes. Several
communities have received free shuttle service to their ferry location sponsored by Hornblower. Please Google: Contact us – NYC Ferry by Hornblower and request Co-op City, a community of more than 55,000 residents, is provided free shuttle service to the Soundview Ferry. Our recent interaction with the MTA as a community allowed us to make significant progress but there is more work to be done. Women Keeping It Real This series returns Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the association room. Women Keeping It Real is an inspiring, insightful and informative social gathering of women of all ages exchanging information, empowering and encouraging each other. Join us. The atmosphere is fun, the refreshments delectable and the topics varied. We welcome new guests but you must be 18 and over to participate. Something on your mind? Let’s talk. Rivers Run Community Garden The garden will be host the NCNW Book Club, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 at 4 p.m. The breeze is nice and the view awesome. They are currently reading The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Association, Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Contacts: Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370 or at daddpeterson@aol.com. Our website is bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson
Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City
Chavurah Temple Beth El is having services for the High Holidays this year in Dreiser. You were here with us in the past and we look forward to seeing you again this year. Please bring your friends. Your support is rewarding as we keep Judaism alive in Co-op City. Hear the sound of the Shofar. Bring in the new year, 5780 2019. The High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, are just around the corner and you are invited to worship with us. There is no cost for tickets. Just come. Services are as follows. All services are to be held in Dreiser room 1. Rosh Hashanah Evening: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, 8 p.m. Morning: Monday Sept. 30, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur Kol Nidre: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Day: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 Morning service, 10 a.m. Public Yiskor, 1 p.m. Public Yiskor, 2:30 p.m. Mincha and Neliah, 4 p.m. There is no charge for tickets for all services. Just come. Tickets have been mailed out to all our members along with the form for names to be read or added on our Yartzeit list. If you have names you wish to have read, please fill out the form and mail it back. Please come and worship with us, as many of you have done in the past. We have books for you to use. On Yom Kippur, we will read the list of the departed loved ones who are dear to your hearts and are on our Temple Yartzeit list as well as the names of those who have also been given to us. Chavurah Temple Beth El is dedicated to serve our Jewish community, and we are doing this for you and your families. A safe atmosphere to be with friends and worship. For further information, please email Rabbi Dennis Tobin at RabbiDennisTobin@aol.com or call him at 973-769-3915. We look forward to beginning the year of 5780 with you and your families. —Rabbi Dennis Tobin Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is unlawful, dangerous and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.
Building 27 Association
Hello, neighbors, summer is about over, the kids are back to school. We wish them all a safe and educational environment and all will do well. School zone The speed zone sign of 20 miles speed limit is now in place on the Hutchinson Parkway of the vicinity of P.S. 160 in Section 5. It will be photo enforced. Please drive with caution through Section 5 and throughout the community. Ad hoc committee Good work; it appears there will not be major changes. Thank those on the committee for the hard work being done. With 10 buses provided by MTA in serving the mall, the Bx5, Bx12, Bx23, Bx26, Bx28, Bx29, Bx30, Bx38, BxM7and the Q50, surely MTA can also provide proper bus service for this community. Tropicana Casino The Building 27 Association Fundraising Committee presents a bus outing Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The coach bus departs at 8 a.m. sharp from Einstein Community Center. $25 slot rebate. Government ID required. Don’t miss the bus! Pick up at Einstein only, three drop-offs: Bartow/library, Dreiser/H&R Block and Einstein Center. For information, contact Margie at 718-379-4629 and Sharon Sargeant, 718-6711905, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We thank you, one and all, for your support. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. The best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of an illness, or the death of a neighbor. Pray for peace among the world leaders, now more than ever. “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are hard work, second, stick-to-itiveness and third, common sense.” —Thomas A. Edison —H. Overman
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Co-op City Working Families Party
Last meeting At our last meeting, we decided if we would back the national WFP-picked democratic nominee, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, or go rogue; if we were ready to seriously promote rank Choice Voting — a November ballot proposal — how involved we would like to be in the upcoming one-more-time 2019 public advocate race and if we wanted to sponsor a Section 5 art show. Watch this space for the answer to these queries and more. Mission As progressives, Co-op City Working Families members work to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation. As a civic action group, Co-op City Indivisible, an aspiring Co-op City certified community organization, promotes progressive causes. As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in at home, in the Bronx, in Albany and in Washington, D.C.
Who ya gonna call? Want to reach out to an elected official? Locally, that would be: NYC District 12 Councilman Andy L. King; Andy.King@council.nyc.gov; 135 Einstein Loop, room 44, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; 718-684-5509. At the state level: Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, benedettom@nyassembly.gov; 177 Dreiser Loop, room 12, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; 718320-2220, 718-892-2235, 518-455-5296. Sen. Jamaal Bailey, bailey@nysenate.gov; 959 East 233rd St., Bronx, N.Y. 10466-3207; 718-547-8854. And for federal level issues: U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, engel.house.gov/contact-me; 177 Dreiser Loop, room 3, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; 718-320-2314. Next meeting Join us next month on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Einstein Community Center, room 35. We usually meet monthly on third Tuesdays, from September to June. Remember, you don’t have to have a family or a job to join. You can be single or retired and still join the Co-op City Working Families Party. All progressives are welcome. Text 718-219-2211 or email mpjazz@optonline.net. —Mary Pearson
Building 9 Association
Greetings, Building 9 family. Thankful, grateful, blessed continues to be the Building 9 Association’s affirmation. The Building 9 Association Executive Board endeavors to foster positive ideas, engagement and empowerment through diversity and tolerance. The association is scheduled to convene for its first 2019-2020 membership meeting Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the association room located in building 9B, rear lobby. Please join us. Also, please continue to peruse our lobby bulletin boards for meeting notices, meeting minutes, event flyers, activity photos and pertinent information about our building and our community. Please be advised and exercise caution when using our garages between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.; the overnight shift for parking attendants had been eliminated effective Sunday, Sept. 15, due to automation technology. We have spoken with Mr. Ambo about next season’s plantings. We have been assured we will see a great improvement in our floral displays next year. The new entryway door fobs have been tested; however, the requisite shareholder-specific, integrated software has yet to be successfully uploaded to our property management computer system. New washer/dryer installations are ongoing. Building 9 is scheduled to receive the new machines, laundry carts and new folding tables as well as a spruce up of the laundry room and bathroom by the end of the year. Be reminded our laundry room will not be accessible for approximately one week. New laundry cards will be available from the CSO once our laundry room is online. The new machines will be 25 cents more and you will pay for additional cycles like extra wash and extra rinse. Our warm welcome to Lutitia Matthias, who is supervising Riverbay’s new call center staff, which will respond to shareholders’ maintenance and restoration service requests. Stay tuned for information on the elevator rehab project schedule as well as the lobby upgrade project. The NAACP is conducting a non-perishable food
We are shareholders, not tenants! Become involved in your building association!
and clothing drive for the Bahamian people devastated by Hurricane Dorian. If you have not already done so, please submit your completed MTA survey to the ad hoc committee. Your responses are needed to justify additional service requests/tweaking suggestions by the committee and to document the ridership numbers/clusters. Also, please ensure you indicate any disabilities you or your family/visitors who use our buses have. This helps to substantiate our need to retain the proximity of all bus stops without transfers in our community. The negotiations continue. Stay tuned. The Rivers Run Community Garden hosted Latin-Jazz by Juan Ortega on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 3 p.m. The weather was good. It was great to see so many of you there! Vivian and I harvested Serrano peppers for hot sauce again last week. We anticipate one more yield this growing season. —Linda Collins
Black Forum of Co-op City
Emergency food pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A. The pantry faces the yellow schoolhouse and basketball court at the back of the building. We are open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. Please check back for new hours beginning in October. Pantry guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or place of worship to receive food support. We are not affiliated with any state agency/program and do not share your personal information with anyone. Guests must live within 10475 due to budget constraints and food shortage. Please bring an up-to-date photo ID when registering or picking up food for the first time. The only accepted IDs are the ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license. Your ID must show a 10475 address. Bring three clean, doubled shopping bags and a shopping cart. Guests will be issued a card that must be shown at every visit in order to pick up anything, even non-food items. Canned food pick up occurs on a 30-day rotation, once a month. Defensive driving Next class is Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, room 4. $35 per person. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10 percent and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Checks and money orders can be made payable to Black Forum of Co-op City and mailed to 920 Baychester Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least one and a half weeks before class. Please include your name and phone number. Walk-ins are welcomed but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class, no checks. Call by noon the Friday before to register for seating priority. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Leave a message at 718-320-8035. Kindly leave your name, telephone number and brief message. Harrah’s Casino Trip Join us Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, for a trip to Harrah’s Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania. The cost is $45. Money is past due. Money can be brought to the pantry during hours of operation listed above. Rebate: TBA. No refunds. Call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions. Contact We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. —D. Illis
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
National Council of Negro Women
Miracle of Christmas Join Co-op City Section NCNW Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, as we travel to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Sight & Sound Theatres to see “Miracle of Christmas.” Price is $170 per adult and $120 per child under 12 years of age. Ticket price includes admission to Sight & Sound, roundtrip motor coach transportation and lunch at Golden Corral. The payment schedule of $50 was due by Aug. 24; balance is due by Sept. 30. Non-refundable checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section may be mailed to P.O. Box 93, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Our bus will depart from 177 Dreiser Loop at 9 a.m. sharp. For more information, contact 718-379-3788, 646-270-1985 or 917-399-2643. African-American Day Parade NCNW Co-op City Section was represented at the 50th anniversary of the African American Day Parade in Harlem on Sept. 15 along with our NCNW sister sections across New York State. Love and pride filled Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, and it was an honor to not only be a part of that moment, but to also represent NCNW while doing so. Economic empowerment and professional development Thank you to all who came out to our career forum Sept.14. Land the job. Excel at the job. Develop your career. Our keynote speaker was Deja Vu, syndicated radio personality — WBLS, Sirius XM, ABC Radio — who spoke on social media as a resource. We NCNW represents at the African Amerreceived a wealth of information ican Day parade in Harlem, Sunday, from all of our presenters: Sab- Sept. 15. rina Dobbs, customer success manager from LinkedIn, spoke on the importance of preparing for a successful career and being purposeful in planning your future, and gave useful tips on utilizing LinkedIn as a professional resource. Sharon Devonish-Leid, CEO of NetstrucPR, a pubRadio personality and key- lic relations business, spoke on branding and took the time to help the note speaker Deja Vu at the guests realize their strengths with their work and volunteer experience. NCNW Career Forum on SatLinda Mitchell, president, Career Ink Occupational Services, spoke on urday, Sept. 14. making a career change even being over 50 years young. She also gave wonderful tips on excelling on the job in addition to resources for those 50 and older looking for employment. Gaitre Lorick, VP, human resources, at Brookdale Hospital, and Flora Quik, VP of Quick Resume Writing Services, shared great tips on resume writing and cover letters as well as dressing for success. A great wealth of information was shared to help those in attendance land the job, excel at the job and develop their career. The presenters brought their A+ game to the Co-op City community. Thank you to our co-chairmen, Leah Richardson and Yvonnette Powell, for a job well done. Health fair Mark Sept. 28, 2019, on your calendars now. On that date, NCNW will have our community health fair in room 31, Bartow Community Center, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a mammography van from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but you must register in advance at 917-319-6758. The mobile van will be located in front of the NY Public Library at 2049 Asch Loop. More details next week. —Joyce M. Howard
Co-op City's 8th annual College, Career & Resource Fair
Goose Island Seniors
I would like to thank all our members and friends for coming to the Goose Island members’ get-together last Saturday. We had a great time. Thank you to all who helped make it a success by setting up and taking down. Those who donated the delicious food, and those who served it. Thank you, Ella Thorne, for collecting the donations. Congratulations to the prize winners and a big thank you to our special guests: Harrison Jones (from the Ink Spots) and Duane Lammers (The Wedding Singer) and the other karaoke singers. We pray for a speedy recovery to our special karaoke singer Allen Usher (Cowboy). Wind Creek (Sands) Casino – Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 at Bethlehem, PA. Price: $40. Time: 8:30 a.m. at Einstein Loop; 8:40 a.m. at Asch Loop; 8:50 a.m. at Dreiser Loop. More information will follow. Waiting list only. All money due by Oct. 9. Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members only, in our club room 39. Admission, $5 for 3 cards, 12 games and Jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢ each. Sunday bingo will be the fourth Sunday, Sept. 22; all are welcome, you don’t have to be a member. Karaoke – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. All are welcome. Our Lounge – Come sit and relax, read a book from our library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from l0 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members only. Join our senior club for $15 per year. Special: $8 from now to the end of December. To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of September — Mary Smith, Patricia Harris, Alma Alequin, Veratta Rhames, Bettie Ward, Joyce Wilson and Beryl Hines. Our sick and shut-ins: Please say a prayer for Mary Pilla going through neck therapy upstate with family; Milton Schlanger in Montefiore Hospital, and Miriam Lunenfeld. We miss you. Note: Call Ann or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit us at the Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, NY 10475. Office hours: (mornings) Mon., Fri., 10 a.m. to noon. (evenings) Mon., Wed. & Fri., noon to 8 p.m., and Tue. & Thu. evenings, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stephen cell: 347-847-1941. Good health to all. —Stephen Roberts, Sr.
The annual Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Middle School 180, 700 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., we have stimulating, thought-provoking activities for students in Grades 3 to 7. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., students in Grades 8 - 12 focusing on college and careers will have an opportunity to speak with representatives. Parents who are a vital part of the planning process will have an opportunity to attend a series of Scholarship Workshops from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A new resource will share information about a paid program that once a student is enrolled in college, this program will work with the student all the way up to the PhD level. This resource prepares students to finish college on time thereby saving money and time. Students don't get involved in debt and they don't keep changing their major because they are on track in the program. Because so many students are borrowing so much money, and thanks to technology, we are developing a way for students and parents to continually access scholarship and grant resources after the College Fair. A special thanks to the National Give Back for Kids Foundation founders for featuring me on BronxNet to talk about this upcoming community event. Thanks to cooperators who continue to reach out and connect us with new resources. For example, for parents looking for an After-School Youth Science Program (founded by a young female Caribbean physicist) or a mentoring program for ages 16-24 year olds who are interested in engaging in a 10-month advocacy, policy and grass root organizing training program ($1,000 stipend), attend our event. Interested in volunteering, email evelyntinez@aol.com. —Evelyn M. Turner
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
AARP Chapter #4997
Travel events Price includes coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block. Oct. 14, Monday, MGM casino, Springfield, Massachusetts. Sold out; wait list. Contact Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722 or Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. Theatre Committee Price includes van transport from Dreiser Loop, front of rehab center Nov. 15, Friday, “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” Showtime: 2 p.m.; price, $80. Down payment, $40. Dec. 10, Tuesday, The Edwards Twins, Westchester Broadway Theatre. Price: $80. Down payment, $40 ASAP. Balance, $40 due Oct. 25, 2019. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949. We accept checks payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser club room 19, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Good and Welfare To our members and friends on the mend, we hope each new day brings you renewed strength and a little sunshine. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Mark your calendar Our next Jazz Up Your Health With a Senior Spa Day will be in October, date to be determined. Call Claudette D., 718-379-4784 or Hattie L., 718-671-8449, if interested in joining us. “Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard things were, tomorrow’s a fresh opportunity to make it better.” -Unknown author —Claudette Davis
Reminder Welcome-Back Luncheon and Fashion Show scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, noon to 4 p.m. at Marina Del Rey. $90, transportation provided for a small charge. Tickets available. Contact Stella Baker, 718-379-2088, for tickets. Reminder Ellie Minor will be conducting an AARP Driver Safety Class on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Classes will be held in the American Legion room 41, 135 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. Cost, $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-members. Check or money order only, no cash. To register, call 718-379-4429. Please contact Good and Welfare Coordinator Frances Wilson at 718-6715493 if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. 2019 tour activities Dec. 10, 2019, Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Theater with lunch at Golden Corral. Includes motor coach transportation. 11 a.m. show. $150, $40 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-379-3370. When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders should be made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is open Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m., for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name. They may also be mailed to the group/trip leader. —Delores Debnam
Cooperators United of Co-op City
Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City
Greetings. We hope you enjoyed the summer. Our next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Bartow, room 31. It’s important you attend this meeting. If you cannot, please send a representative. Our next meeting will focus on the MTA, and we have secured two guest speakers. There are questions and some confusion as to where we are regarding the MTA. It’s important we have some clarity. More importantly, we can answer questions from our neighbors or know where to go to seek answers. If you are still experiencing problems with the Connor Street Post Office, let me know. You can also file a complaint with the USPS by calling 1-800-2758777. When filing your complaint, get the name of the person you are speaking to, date and time. Our thoughts and prayers to all who have suffered a loss or are sick and shut-in. A shout out to everyone enjoying a special day this month. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com or 718-379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell
Co-op City Toastmasters Club #3824
Greetings, members and potential members of Co-op City Toastmasters Club #3824. We welcome you once again to visit us if you want to improve your communication skills and/or leadership skills. Members, remember our mantra: DNQ — Do not quit — and prospects, we would love to see you and find out how we may help you. Does anyone get butterflies in the tummy or palpations at just the thought of speaking in front of strangers? If so, you’re not alone; everyone does and that’s a fact. Yes, Toastmasters is about public speaking and fending off those normal and natural tendencies that can make our knees buckle when it’s our turn to speak. Toastmasters International has been in the public speaking business more than 90 years all over the world, so its members know a little about what works and what doesn’t to help everyday people improve their confidence and skills set. The Co-op City club is proud to have a chapter right here in our very own neighborhood dedicated to that mission. Our meetings are held every first and third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. sharp — your time is very valuable — in Bartow Community Center, lower level, room 28 or otherwise noted. We encourage you. Why not take a moment and jot down the next meeting dates — Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 — and plan to visit us? In addition, did I mention we also like to have fun? Yes, we do. In fact, founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley says people learn and retain much better when they are having fun. So come out and join the fun. For more information, you may contact toastmasters46.org, coopcitytm @gmail.com or toastmasters.org. —L. Jaysura Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming constantly at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Noise complaints may lead to a fine. Please, let’s work together to make —CSO Department Co-op City a peaceful community.
Greetings to our coalition members and friends, we hope you are enjoying the summer. The Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City’s next general membership meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, at noon in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. We are requesting all members to please attend. Please watch this column for further information. It is important that two representatives should be sent from each organization to attend all coalition meetings. Please inform the coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the president of the coalition. Her phone number is 718-671-4506. The coalition is a nonprofit 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 when there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor the Friends & Family Day Celebration and the Annual Kwanzaa celebration events, both events are free for the community. Members of the coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. We also welcome our two new members, American Legion Post 1871 and Faith at Work Christian Church. Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by calling 718-671-4506 or 718-671-9610 for a membership application, which should returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the minister/president. Read the 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
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DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.
718.239.7110
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Faith at Work Christian Church
120 DeKruif Place, street level. Praise and worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Church telephone: 347-202-7006. Email: fatwcc@aol.com. Web: faithatworkchurch.org. Weekly worship experiences Wednesday prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Bible study resumes Saturday, Oct. 19, at noon. Sunday morning worship: 9:30 a.m. Church motto: “We are Christ-centered and family-focused with power and authority.” Church mission To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us, where we honor tradition but are not bound by it. All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, in love, through teaching and preaching the word of God from the Bible. Leaders and Scholars Afterschool Program is now back in session. We have a few open slots. Stop into the office Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. for an application. You may leave a message in the church office at 347202-7006. Join us for our church’s 14th anniversary Oct. 13, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. with our guest preacher, Minister Evangelist Onleilove Chika Alston, author of Prophetic Whirlwind: Uncovering the Black Biblical Destiny. She will have copies of her dynamic book to sign if interested. Light brunch will be served. Please join us Remember it’s never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins
Pentecostal Tabernacle
100 Co-op City Blvd. Building 22A, main lobby, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 Phone: 718-324-0334 or 718-320-4218 You are invited to attend services on the following days. Sundays: Sunday school for all age group starts at 10:30 a.m. Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held in the morning from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting and Bible will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Fridays: Youth service starts at 7:30 p.m. Focus God is touched by the problems and difficulties of His people, and He will rescue them from oppression. Exodus 6, 6 -7 Wherefore, say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgements. And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. While leading bleating sheep along the backside of the desert, and after arriving at Mount Horeb, Moses witnessed an amazing sight, a burning bush that was not burned by fire. A voice addressed Moses from the bush commanding to remove his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. There God revealed himself to Moses and gave him the command to go and tell Pharaoh to let my people go. The Hebrew children had been reduced to slavery in a foreign nation; the pathetic cry of the Hebrews had not gone unnoticed. A loving compassionate God delivered them by raising up a miracle man Moses. God providentially rescued Moses from certain death as an infant, allowed him to be raised in the Egyptians palace, received proper nursing care and later received very good Education. However, Moses had to leave Egypt and spend several years in the wilderness caring for his father in law’s sheep’s. Then God called him and prepared him with a miraculous ministry, — Exodus 6:13, 30 — And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out the land of Egypt. And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? God sent Moses to Pharaoh to secure the release of the Israelite slaves, obstinately refusing to comply with Moses request, Pharaoh saw his kingdom ruined around him by God’s judgments. After the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians, Pharaoh ordered the Hebrews to leave. However, he pursued them, and his army was destroyed in the red sea. Today God still hear our cry for help, and He knows our emotional and physical pain. And he will hear and deliver us. —Rev. R. Sibblies
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, N.Y. 10469. Telephone: 718-8629172. Regular church schedule Sunday school, 9 a.m. Worship service, 11 a.m. Communion service every first and third Sundays Noon day prayer, Hour of Power, Wednesday at noon Prayer meeting and Bible study, Wednesday at 7 p.m. The following program is at the church’s annex: 2053 Asch Loop North Neighborhood Bible study, Thursday at 10 a.m. Sunday school is now in session every Sunday at 9 a.m. In Sunday school, in a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Worship service begins at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant. Other scheduled events Beautiful 50th anniversary commemorative T-shirts in celebration of Community Protestant’s half century anniversary are being sold by the missionary ministry. Sizes range from small to 2X. Donation, $20 each. To place an order for T-shirts, please contact Sister Julia Nicholson at 917-836-9701. Tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3:30 p.m., please join us for our annual celebration of the hospitality and missionary ministries anniversary. We are blessed to have Rev. Derrick Porter, pastor, Agape Ministries, New York City as our guest preacher. Sunday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m., Observance of All Clubs Day, honoring some of the organizations of our church. On these special occasions of the organizations we are celebrating, we extend our prayers and thanks for their continued, loyal support of our church. All are welcome. Saturday, Oct. 5, the missionary ministry sponsors a positively inspiring gospel lunch cruise departing from Chelsea Pier at 12 noon until 2 p.m. and featuring live Gospel Entertainment by the New York Gospel Choir, live DJ and dancing, fresh buffet lunch, onboard games and outdoor observation deck. Bus departs Community Protestant Church at 9 a.m. and CPC Annex in Co-op City at 9:15 a.m. sharp. Donation, $94, $50 deposit due immediately; $44 balance due by Sept. 15. For additional information, contact Julia Nicholson at 917-836-9701 or Sarita Tidball at the church, 718-862-9172. Saturday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. at the church, the trustees ministry sponsors a gospel extravaganza featuring Bishop Mary Freeman, Rev. Dr. Lois Giles, Rev. Audrey Jones and Sister Keisha Washington, with Renewed in Christ and the Angels in Christ, Liturgical Dance Ministry. Brother Troy Murray, worship leader. Donation, $25 in advance; $30 at the door. 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
If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!! 718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety
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DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO • FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Evangelical UM Church of Co-op City Open Doors, open hearts and open minds
Come visit us You’re always welcome in God’s house, your house. We are a Bible centered congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are welcome. Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across from Building 30. Parking is available. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. Telephone number: 718-320-3795. Email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com. Schedule for Sundays: Come and receive a blessing English service: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Spanish service: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bilingual service: First Sunday of each month 10 a.m. to noon. Children Sunday school: 9:45 a.m., bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult Sunday Bible study: English, 8:45 a.m./Spanish, 10 a.m. English prayer/Bible study night and Spanish prayer/Bible study afternoon Monday evening Bible study: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday Spanish prayer/ Bible study: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday English prayer service: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., young adults Bible study: Tuesday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come, let’s pray together. “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” 2 Chronicles 6:40 Friday night is Fun Night for youth ages 13 to 21, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word, enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. There will also be many activities. Exciting things are happening. Food pantry Food pantry distribution center at our church serves Buildings 26 A, B, C; 30 A, B; 31 A, B; 34; 35 and Earhart Townhouses. We are registering and distributing food on Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued, up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18 of age or older can register. Only one participant per household may register. Health education workshop Join us for a health education workshop on causes of memory loss Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the church, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Flea market Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date: Saturday, Sept. 28. Vendors wanted. Registration, space a chair, $35. Additional chair $5. For application, contact Pauline, 718-320-1552; Jackie, 361-249-7033, or the church, 718-3203795; if no answer, leave a detailed message an someone will get back to you. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” —1 John 4:16 —Marilyn Méndez-González
Church of the New Vision
Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for more than 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome. Order of services Sunday Worship Service, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult and youth Sunday school, 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible study is canceled until further notice Wednesday night prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Youth ministry, Fridays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Upcoming events/programs Tomorrow, Sept. 22, come one, come all to uplift the Lord in an afternoon of praise, worship and fellowship. On this day, our morning service will be at 9:30 a.m. We will also have a 3:30 p.m. service to celebrate the anniversaries of the New Vision Choir and Pastor’s Aide Ministry. Theme: “Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord” Psalm100:1. Sunday, Sept. 29, the youth ministry will sponsor a breakfast sale after the 8 a.m. service. Reserve your space now. Church of the New Vision’s women’s retreat is scheduled for Oct. 17 to 19, 2019, at Eddy’s Farm in Sparrow Bush, N.Y. This two-night, three-day event’s theme is “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Double occupancy, $400 per person, single occupancy, $550. Includes meals, transportation, workshops and retreat material. Entire balance is now due. We ask each person bring one person. See Sis. Loretta Scott, Sis. Sadie James or Sis. Hermena Smith for additional information or call the church. Youth retreat, Oct. 25 to 27, 2019. Calling all youth to join us on God’s mountain at the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat Center for a weekend full of faith, fellowship and fun. Adults 18 and older, $166; Teens 13 to 17, $146; Children 4 to 12, $118. Includes two nights, five meals and transportation. If interested, please see our youth leaders, Rev. Deborah Hodge, Sis. Indria Drayton or Sis. Dominique Hodge. Save the date Church annual banquet, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seashore Restaurant on City Island. Donation: Adults $75, youth 12 and under $30. Notice We are seeking a minister of music who is familiar with hymns and songs of the Baptist Church. Feel free to contact the church or the pastor. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Office: 718-671-8746 or 203-374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Visit our Facebook page, Church of the New Vision, concerning upcoming events and trips. Email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or call the church office. —Sis. Carol Haque
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly schedule 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m. Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 22, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant. 2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon. 3. On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the bible 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a short noon-day service. 4. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m., and we are always looking for new members. Group activities The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday of each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month. Fundraising events Our next fundraiser will be the annual dinner sale at the church on Saturday, Sept. 28, from noon until sold out. Do not cook! Tell your friends. Come out and enjoy home style dinners. Saturday, Nov. 30, annual Atlantic City trip to Bally’s Casino. Deluxe motor coach will leave from Dreiser Loop in front of the rehab center at 8:45 a.m. $40 per person. Please contact June Grimes at 347-457-8249. General information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of September, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more. To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery. There is still time to submit your 2019 pledge cards and you are encouraged
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to complete and submit them as soon as possible. Outreach program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect nonperishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844. You may also visit our website: st.josephsepcbronx.org for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:11 —Merville Chambers
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Einstein
Dreiser
MENU
Room 49 unless otherwise noted
Room 7 unless otherwise noted
Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
Mon., Sept. 23
Word Games 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Health & Wellness Support Group 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. YOGA w/Peggy 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., JASA main office Arthritis Exercises11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dominos 2:30 p.m.
Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dominos 10 a.m. rm. 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m. rm. 45 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bingo 1-3 p.m. rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 2nd Mon. 1 p.m. rm. 49 Computer Class for Beg. 9:30 a.m.; Int 10:30 a.m.; Adv 11:30 a.m.
Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m. New: Social Worker Royvi 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Walking Club 10:30 a.m. Caregiver Support Group 1:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tues. Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 27 Thu., Sept. 26
Wed., Sept. 25
Bartow Room 31 unless otherwise noted
Tues., Sept. 24
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 9 – 10 a.m. Games 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10 - 11 a.m. Line Dancing 11a.m. - 12 p.m. Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m. NORC Computer Class Bartow main office 11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. Smartphone Class Beginner 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Intermediate 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Bartow main office Library 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Word Games 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Spanish Class 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., JASA main office Dancercise w/Damion 1 - 2 p.m., JASA main office Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Health & Wellness Support Group 10 - 11 a.m. Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10 a.m. Body in Motion w/Ola 10 a.m.– 11 a.m. Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab Zumba 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 4 Arts w/Becky 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection Meeting & Exercise class 1st Thurs., rm. 40, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 Arts w/Becky 10 a.m.-12 p.m., rm. 49 Men’s Line Dancing 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Word Games 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Art 10 a.m., rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Women’s Line Dancing 10 a.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 11:30 a.m. Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 Chat Session 10 a.m. a.m. - 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free Oil Painting Classes 10 a.m. – Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. 11:30 a.m., rm. 38
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation– JASA will not accept checks under $5. All trips must be paid in advance. Drivers will no longer accept money for trips on the bus! In order to participate in any JASA senior activities or go on any senior trips you must be a member of JASA. You may pick up an application in the main office or at any of the three senior centers. FREE LiveOn NY - SCRIE/SNAP (food stamps) Assistance – Fri., Sept. 27, Oct. 11 & 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. JASA main office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments! Walk-ins! First come! First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office. Social Worker, Royvi, will be on staff at the Bartow Senior Center, rm. 31 on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Walk-ins! First come! First served! Social Worker, Royvi, will be on staff at the Dreiser Senior Center, rm. 7 on Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins! First come! First served! Dreiser Sr. Ctr Walk w/Ease – 6 weeks starting Fri., Sept. 20 – Fri., Oct 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Meet in room 7. Walking the greenway weather permitting; rainy day option will be in the Dreiser Loop Community Center hallway. Empire Casino – Tues., Sept 24, $5. Bartow - 9 a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m. Fall Prevention Presentation – Tues., Sept 24, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 177 Dreiser Loop, room 2.
Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m. rm. 2 Basic Cell Phone & IPad training 11 a.m. Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m. rm. 4 Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Bereavement Counseling 1p.m. rm. 8 Gentle Yoga 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. rm 2 Intermediate Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Kosher
Non-Kosher
Juice Rib Eye Roast Mashed potatoes Steamed carrots Fresh fruit Whole wheat bread Alt: Baked breaded fish
Beef pot roast Italian blend vegetables Roasted potatoes
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Juice 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Baked breaded Alert & Alive 10:30 – 11:30 chicken cutlet Cultural Dance 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Aud. B w/mushroom gravy Computer Class 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Barley, Beet salad Mind Teasers 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., rm. 4 Whole wheat bread Zumba 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Aud. A Fresh fruit Matinee 1 p.m. New: Social Worker, Royvi 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Alt: Veggie burger
Baked chicken quarters Brown rice Cabbage carrot slaw
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Sewing 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (New) Tai Chi 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., rm. 10, until Aug. 28 Art Class 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 2
Juice Stuffed peppers w/turkey Cous Cous Roasted eggplant Whole wheat bread Fresh Fruit Alt: Egg Frittata
Sweet & sour pork loin Cauliflower w/carrots & parsley Instant mashed potatoes
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Line Dancing, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Drama Club 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Juice Baked salmon Baked sweet potato Roasted zucchini Whole Wheat bread Fresh Fruit Alt: Chicken salad
Curried chicken legs Broccoli w/toasted garlic White rice
Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Meditative Moments 11 a.m.-12 p.m. rm 8 Purple Life Trail Fitness 11 a.m. Greenway Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Bingo rm. 7, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Yoga w/Peggy 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 2
Juice Moroccan chicken Brown rice Whole Wheat bread Italian cut green beans, Fresh Fruit Alt: Gefilte fish
Baked fish w/black bean sauce Egg noodles Steamed green beans
Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest
ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
Upcoming Events/Trips
IKEA/Christmas Tree Store/Bed Bath and Beyond – Wed., Sept 25, $15. Bartow – 9 a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m. 14th Street Farmers Market – Wed., Sept 25, $5. Pickups: Bartow – 9 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:15 a.m.; Einstein – 9:30 a.m. Only 12 seats available. Mary’s Pool – $3, Fri., Sept. 27 & Fri., Oct 4. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m. JASA Closed Mon., Sept 30 & Tues., Oct 1, in Observance of Rosh Hashana Day 1 & 2. Aldi – Wed., Oct. 2, $3. Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m. Stew Leonard’s – Wed., Oct. 2, $6. Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m. Walmart –Thurs., Oct. 3, $15. Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m. Paint & Sip – Thurs., Oct. 3 & 31, $5, JASA main office, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Space is limited, only 12 participants. Join us for this painting class, have fun while you paint on canvas. No experience necessary. Juice will be served. To register, call 718.320.2066. Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., Oct. 4, $4. Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m. FREE Diabetes Self-Management 7-week Program – Tues., Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29; Nov. 5, 12 & 19; 10 a.m. to noon with free lunch in the senior center lunchroom, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45. Certificates for the completion of the program will be distributed at the Diabetes Event on Thursday, Nov. 14. Call the Bartow main office to register ,718-320-2066. Only 12 seats available.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer – JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Tue., Oct. 15, $4; join us in celebrating “A Survivors Story.” Einstein Senior Center, rm. 45, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets available at Bartow and Einstein senior centers. Breast Cancer Awareness Month Presentation – Wed., Oct. 23, 12:30 to 1 p.m. 177 Dreiser Loop, room 2. Call Dreiser senior center, 718-320-1345, to sign up for lunch. Halloween Party – Wed., Oct. 30, $7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Einstein senior center, rm. 45; 100 tickets available. Music by “DJ Woody.” Tickets will be sold in all three senior centers starting Mon., Sept. 23. Menu TBD! FREE Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementia 4- Week Program – Mon., Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25. Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7. Participants will receive a free giveaway at the last session. Call the Bartow main office to register, 718-320-2066. Only 12 seats available. JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers Present “Hope for a Cure” Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – Sat., Nov. 9, Einstein Senior Center, rm. 38, 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call JASA main office to register for lunch, $2. Please sign up at Bartow or Einstein Senior Center for lunch. Only 50 seats available. Sight & Sound Theatre – Thurs., Dec. 5, $150. See the Miracle of Christmas w/center stage seating. Enjoy a Penn Dutch luncheon at Good N Plenty. Bartow – 9 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:15 a.m.; Einstein – 9:30 a.m. Deluxe Motor Coach Bus. Depart destination at 5:30 p.m. Payment deadline: Fri., Nov. 8. No refunds! Waiting list.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 Word for the week You are in the process of spiritual transformation, which sometimes seems to be cruel and unusual punishment. However, remember the caterpillar as it progresses through the stages of transformation to become a butterfly. Would you stop short of your potential because of the difficult process? You have a purpose and destiny to achieve. Senior pastor and presiding elder, Boyce Landrum, Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family invite you, friends and family to worship with us Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Greater Love Refuge Ministries is a multi-generational, teaching, preaching faith-and-Bible-way church with an old school flavor and a new school feel. The SWAG youth church/morning worship is held on the first, third and fifth Sunday. Interactive Bible School for children and adults is held on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd., Building 2A, on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475, main entrance, red button. Parking vouchers are available at the church. Our telephone number is 347-920-5607.
CSO Contact Numbers
Cooperators who live in Buildings 1-14, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, Room 6, at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.
CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, Room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 3203300, and follow the prompts.
CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in Room 37 in the Einstein Center. The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3300 and follow the prompts.
Greater Love Refuge Ministries Christian prayer line All are invited to join our weekly prayer line Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday night from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dial-in number is 712-775-7031 and the access code is 578165132# New York State Chaplains Task Force Certification Program Began Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s not too late to participate. Greater Love church is a host site only. For more information, please contact Rev./Chaplain Kim Osorio, the program instructor, at 646-265-2173. Two Fish and Five Loaves Food Pantry and Prayer Station Will open Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. Our neighborhood food drive is currently underway and we gratefully accept donations from our com-
munity, family and friends. We appreciate your continued support. Discipleship/Bible study: Building your life in Christ New start date: Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., bi-weekly. Seasoned saints ministry This will launch Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The purpose of the ministry is to meet the needs of those who are growing older, ages 55 and older, in God’s family. It is a ministry designed to reach the psychological, social, spiritual, emotional and financial needs that are seen and unforeseen. God’s plan is for us to utilize the collective strengths, seasonings, testimonies and experiences of our seasoned saints to guide our walk through life’s journey. All are welcome; light refreshments will be provided. —Pastor Carol Landrum
Scheduling Activities Calendar
28
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Dads Take Your Child To School Day
(Continued from page 3)
(L-R) Marcus Payne, executive Board member of Bronx Fathers Taking Action; and Kevin Riley, Community Liaison for State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith Jr (right) and Omari Gay, chair, Fathers of Hellen Keller at PS 153.
Mr. Hartridge (right) with daughter Patty, who came out to assist dad on this special day.
State Senator Jamaal Bailey delivering an inspirational message to the fathers.
Ron Hartridge (left) with Jamaal Bowman, principal, Cornerstone Academy for Social Action.
Rita Henry, parent coordinator at MS 180, welcomes Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Bronx Borough President Diaz greets dads in the audience.
Mr. Payne (right) shares a moment with community fathers.
Megan Kelly, principal of PS 153, with Mr. Hartridge. Photos courtesy P.S. 153
It’s HAPPENING in Co-op
City!
Rivers Run Community Garden hosted a Latin Jazz celebration in honor of Spanish Heritage Month, Sunday, Sept, 15, featuring one-man-band sensation, Juan Ortega.
“Creativity in the Air” featuring Juan Ortega at Rivers Run
29
Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Traditional Synagogue
General information The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The 5780 High Holidays This year, Rabbi Daniel Kronengold and Cantor Joseph Ringel will conduct our High Holy Day Services. For information about holiday tickets, please call our office at 718-379-6920 and leave your name and phone number and we will get back to you. The following is the schedule for candle lighting and services. Erev Rosh Hashanah - Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. Candle lighting at 6:23 p.m. Mincha service at 6:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah - Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 Services at 8:30 a.m. Shofar at 10:45 a.m. Candle lighting, not before 7:20 p.m. Rosh Hashanah - Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 Services at 8:30 a.m. Shofar at 10:45 a.m. Sermon by Cantor Ringel Rosh Hashanah ends at 7:19 p.m. Shabbat Shuva - Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 Services at 9 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur - Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019 Candle Lighting at 6:08 p.m. Kol Nidre Services at 6:15 p.m. Yom Kippur - Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 Services at 9 a.m. Yizkor at noon Mincha at 4 p.m. Neila, closing of the gates, at 5:15 p.m. Maariv at 6:50 p.m. Shofar Blown fast ends at 7:06 p.m. Please come on time so our prayers will not be rushed, and we will not be forced to fast until later than required. Saying Yizkor for a loved one requires a pledge of Tzedaka, or charity. Please support our shul. The Synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The Synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue’s finances. The synagogue needs men, to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at 7:46 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, is 6:24 p.m. Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov, to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing all good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person. you should make your donation to the Synagogue. To all members, happy birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in September. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in September, please send me your names and I will add them to the list. Fun and games After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue, is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members, and friends, peace, and good health. —Bruce Gitelson If you are having work done in your apartment, shareholders – especially those who are elderly and/or who live alone – are reminded that all personal items should be secured in a safe location. This is for your own peace of mind, as well as the protection of the Riverbay workers/ contractors coming into your home.
Be careful and ask to see Employee ID
Riverbay employees wear identification badges and so do the various Riverbay-approved contractors seeking access to your home. Ask to see identification before allowing anyone to enter your apartment. If you are unsure, you should contact your local CSO at (718) 320-3300 (follow prompts), or Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.
Open Door Ministries
Driven by purpose A man goes to the doctor and tells him he has pain all over his body. The doctor asks him to touch where it hurts the most. The man touches his head and winces in pain. The doctor says touch somewhere else. The man touches his chest and again screams in pain. The doctor tells him you don’t have pain all over your body, you have a broken finger. We also suffer in the same way, blaming the wrong thing for our pain when in fact we are suffering from being unaware of our purpose and place in this world. We wander, lost, but the directions are written on our soul and transcribed in the Bible. God places a fire in us. There must be a fire, something internal that moves us. There is a desire, a motive, a purpose an overwhelming feeling we are called for something. The most miserable people are those unaware of their misery, as Proverbs 19:24 says “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.” Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful in service and use the gift God placed in him. 2 Timothy 1:5 I am calling up memories of your sincere and unqualified faith, the leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust in His power, wisdom, and goodness, a faith that first lived permanently in the heart of your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. 6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of) the gracious gift of God, the inner fire that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands with those of the elders at your ordination. We have the example of the life of Jesus that although he said He would give us peace He was also focused on His mission to the world. Luke 12:49 I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and how greatly and sorely I am urged on until it is accomplished! General George S. Patton said, “Achievers are resolute in their goals and driven by determination. Discouragement is temporary, obstacles are overcome, and doubt is defeated, yielding to personal victory. You need to overcome the tug of people against you as you reach for high goals. Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” How many books have you written in your head? How many jobs have you held in your head? How many degrees have you attained in your head? If the idea doesn’t get out of your head it will never prosper. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. Contact Pastor Luis by text to 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net. —Pastor Luis Ramos
Co-op City Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for worship service. Sunday school for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at coopcitybaptistchurch.org. You are invited to join us for a mid-week spiritual pickup at our worship service held Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Prayer service is held Fridays at noon. Prayer service is also held Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Using available technology, prayer service is held using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. you can call 563-999-2090. When asked for the PIN, enter 660065 and you will be connected. Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month. The last leadership class for 2019 is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The presenter will be Minister Yolanda Richard, faith-based engagement and outreach coordinator for the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. CCBC ministry officers, members and friends are invited to join us as Minister Richard introduces attendees to FPWA and how to assist CCBC members and our community at large to access FPWA services. You are invited to join the scholarship ministry on a trip to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota July 17, 2020. The trip includes motor coach transportation, 10 nights lodging, 18 meals, visits to the spectacular Badlands National Park, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and much more. The cost for double occupancy is $1,145. A $100, nonrefundable deposit is due by Oct. 27, 2019. For additional information, call 718-379-0541, 718-671-1271, 718-671-1918 or 917-612-1245. 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
The deadline for submitting club articles is Mondays at 5 p.m.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019
Public Safety
(Cont’d. from p. 7)
The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability. September is known as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Cholesterol Awareness Month as well as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day were recognized on Sept. 18. Sept. 21 is known as World Alzheimer’s Day. This is a good opportunity to learn about disabilities or conditions that may affect your friends, family members or neighbors. It is also a good opportunity to schedule a full physical examination with screening tests recommended by your physician. Knowledge is power, the more you learn the stronger you become. Save the date: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Einstein Community Center. The Riverbay Corporation Disabilities and Accommodations Committee, in conjunction with the Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, will celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with the NYC Disabilities Expo. The title of this year’s expo is “Building Inclusionary Bridges through the Arts.” The expo features exhibitors, speakers, interactive arts, clinics and workshops. This is the fifth annual disabilities expo. I would like to wish a happy one-year retirement anniversary to former Co-op City Times Associate Editor Bill Stuttig. I hope you are reading this article out in cyber world. The Co-op City Times has been my second Riverbay family since 1980 when I worked as a freelance photographer while in high school and college. During the 16 years I have been writing the Public Safety report, the Co-op City Times staff has always treated me like one of their own. I will miss the wit, wisdom and friendship we developed. Wishing you all the best of health and happiness in your retirement.
ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE
If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).
Santiago Rodriguez
(Continued from page 3)
a specific place to go when the ship is under attack. Some guys go to man the guns top side. I went below because my job was to send ammunition up to the top side on hoists.” Once operating his station, Mr. Rodriguez checked his equipment to make sure all functioned correctly. “After I tested my equipment, because that’s the first thing you do when you man your battle stations, I threw my life preserver on the ground and went to sleep because I thought it was a routine test. I didn’t realize at the time what was happening,” he continued. The next few minutes would change the course of his Naval career dramatically. “The next thing, there was a big boom! I felt the ship get hit by a torpedo. The torpedo threw everything on the ship out of commission; equipment stopped working, and everything went dark. I said to the guys, ‘let’s get out of here’.” The new USS Hornet was unrecognizable by the end of the attack on the ship, badly damaged by missiles. “The Hornet was put into commission on October 20, 1941, and sunk on October 26, 1942.” The Hornet wouldn’t be found again until recently, February of this year, miles underwater where she originally went down. Hundreds of men lost their lives during the battle of Santa Cruz Island, and Mr. Rodriguez is fortunate to be among the men who survived that day in 1942. Looking back at the number of friends he lost, Mr. Rodriguez feels that he’s fortunate to be alive having lived through such an experience. He said: “The Navy opened my eyes up to a lot of things. It was a good experience for me because I was born and raised in New York City. I was very green to the outside world. It didn’t take me too long to catch up; I went in as a boy and came out as a man.” Knowing what he knows now, Mr. Rodriguez says he would have made the same decision when it came down to volunteer for the Navy. “I don’t see myself changing my opinion if the war had already started. I felt it would’ve been my duty to serve.” At the age of 21, Mr. Rodriguez returned home to New York City. “When I got released from the service and returned home, I found myself kind of lonely,” he said. “When I came back, everybody that I knew moved on, and I found myself kind of lonely for a little while. It took me a few months to get back to reality. I had to start my life all over again.” After settling back into the swing of things as a civilian, Mr. Rodriguez often went to the Veterans Administration for services, but decided to get jobs on his own, most paying very little. “Those days when I worked, the jobs didn’t pay no more than $50 to $60 a week and coffee was only 5 cents,” he said playfully. He went on to eventually get married at the age of 26. “Meeting my wife Lucy was the best thing that’s happened to me,” he professed. The love birds were married for 60 years and had four children together. Thirty years after enlisting in the Navy, Mr. Rodriguez moved into Co-op City in 1971 into Building 29B. He said: “This is the same apartment I moved into, and this is the same apartment I’m going to leave in.” At 95 years old, the Co-op City pioneer finds himself passionate about fishing and is known to many in the area as “the fisherman.” “Fishing is my hobby,” he proclaimed. These days he spends time with friends, family and watches a lot of baseball games. On September 1, Mr. Rodriguez received a tribute during the 7th Inning Stretch at Yankee Stadium (right) for his service in the military. In November, residents should tune in to CNN Español for Mr. Rodriguez’s Veterans Day feature, to learn more about his experience in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands during WWII.
Be respectful of your neighbors. Please be aware that not all disabilities are visible, so be considerate and respectful of all members of the community.
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019 HOME IMPROVEMENT
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St. Paul’s Episcopal/Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul’s Place off Washington Ave., Bronx. 1. Church Worship Center on first level that can seat over 300 worshipers available for rent on Sundays after 2:30 p.m. and other weekdays can be arranged. 2. Worship center on lower level that seats over 100 people also available for rent. If interested in renting any of the spaces, call or text Father Horton Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment. 9/28
Grout & Carpet Cleaning
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10/26
Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight (8) garages. If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City’s property, please call Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material. All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter. Thank you for your cooperation.
9/28
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 If you SEE something, SAY something! www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc
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Co-op City Times / September 21, 2019