Co-op City Times 12/09/2023

Vol. 58 No. 49

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Vandalism of Holiday Decorations in Bld. 25

25 were vandalized.

CCPD Chief Joseph Riley reported that while On Wednesday, Dec. 6, the Holiday displays for on a directed/routine building check at about 10:30 Christmas and Hanukkah in the lobby of Building p.m. that night, a CCPD officer observed Christmas and Hanukkah decorations pulled down to the floor. The officer reported the incident. CCPD immediately took photos of the location and the case was assigned to the Detectives Unit.

Early on Thursday morning, Board Director Daryl Johnson reported leaving the building through the rear door at around 4:45 a.m. for his morning exercise routine and upon his return through the front door at approximately 5:15 a.m., he too saw the vandalism that had occurred.

“Unfortunately, we have some shareholders and visitors who have a low regard for the Holiday expresChristmas and Hanukkah decorations in Building 25 lobby sions of their neighbors and fellow pulled down to the ground and damaged. CCPD detectives are shareholders,” said Chief Riley. “We

BY ROZAAN BOONE

investigating to identify the culprits.

Photos by Daryl Johnson

(Continued on page 5)

New Date for CB #10 Meeting with Cannabis Retail Applicant for 675 Co-op City Blvd.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Community Board #10’s executive board will meet with Mello Tymes, the applicant for a cannabis retail license for the property at 675 Co-op City Blvd. in the Peartree Mall, on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023.

Matt Cruz, District Manager of CB #10, reported this week that the community board has also received an application for a second Co-op City

location, and this second applicant may be included in the Dec. 18th meeting if a timely response is forthcoming.

Once again this week, Mr. Cruz emphasized that the Dec. 18th meeting is not a public hearing. Although the public may attend and observe the meeting, they will not be able to participate or ask questions. “The (Continued on page 5)

Bartow Holiday Tree Lighting

$1.25

Holiday Tidings to Our Shareholders President’s Report

Sonia Feliciano Dear fellow shareholders, On Thursday, December 7, 2023, we had our annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Bartow Mall. The entire Mall was lit with so many decorations and the lights and sculptures were simply beautiful.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made themselves available to take pictures with members of the community. Pastor Luis Ramos of the Circle of Christ Church opened with prayer and songs from their choir.

We thank the staff at Riverbay, the Grounds team, our Community Relations team and so many others for making this event festive in the tradition of the holiday season.

The staff made themselves available to give out cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate. In addition, Ms. Latanya Devaughn from Bronx Bound Books delivered books to our children free of charge. Our legislative officials were on (Continued on page 4)

Be on the Lookout …

IMPORTANT TENANT INFORMATION

ANNUAL SAFETY NOTICES ABC MANAGEMENT

COMPANY

c/o SiteCompli Safety Notice Processing P.O. Box 20240 Greeley Square Station New York, NY 10001-999 8

W YORK

NE

WHAT IS IT?

FIRST CLASS US POSTAGE

PAID

NY

PERMIT 482

IMPORTANT SAFET Y INFOR

In early January, look for a packet in the mail containing important fire & life safety, lead paint and window guard information for this building and your apartment.

MATION ENCLOSED

OFFICIAL NOTIC

E

Annual Lead Paint, Window Guard & Fire Safety Informatio n Enclosed

Dear Tenant This booklet contains important safety information. It contains important fire safety information and some questions that will determine whether your apartment requires a lead paint inspection or window guards.

For your safety, please take a few minutes to read the information provided. Be sure to complete the enclosed form and return it in the postage-paid envelope that is included to enable your landlord to ensure a safe environmen t for you and your family. ੡ıĀӮϢ ĔǕŇ७Ŕ̞ߒąȶđ ĀȫƼ Ʊʜ뼶Ⱥġ̞ಗąȶđ Āϥ֑ ȫƼѺնŠĂȏɝʚů ŗಉ‫ג‬ ǷĀȓ฿Ąۚ̀đɘDŽ ߒ໾Ѕ ࿚নзͱȫ̔‫ܢ‬е‫܀‬᢬ 뼶 ħąǷĀȫƼŐȒ뼷ɑ ɒǴŒ ѧĴǎ୯փĈȱƱʜ뼶 Ӫɑฒ ϶ʭઐȩϜ˄݇Ę࡬Ж ௾ƫ뼷 ̹ǷĀӭʁĻ‫̝ڨ‬ǷŠ ǷĀŝ ĉǃĈȫƼĀց‫ؗ‬뼶

Chè Lokatè Ti liv sa gen enfòmasyon enpòtan sou sekirite. Li gen enfòmasyon enpòtan oka gen dife ak kèk kesyon k ap detèmine si apatman w bezwen yon enspeksyon pou gade si gen plon nan penti kay bezwen enstale gad fenèt. la oswa gen Pou sekirite w, tanpri pran kèk li enfòmasyon yo bay lan. minit pou Tanpri ou ranpli fòmilè ki nan anvlop asire w lan, ajoute tenb lapòs lan, epi poste l pou asire l anviwonman an san mèt kay lan danje pou ou ak fanmi w.

Resident 123 Main Avenue New York, NY 10001

This includes a response card which you are required by law to return to building management.

Estimado inquilin

o

Este folleto contiene información importante sobre la seguridad.

Contiene información importante sobre la seguridad en caso de incendios y algunas preguntas que determinarán si es necesario a cabo una inspección para llevar detectar pintura con plomo o instalar rejas en las ventanas de su apartament o.

Por su seguridad, dedique algunos minutos a leer la información que se proporciona. Asegúrese de completar el formulario adjunto y de devolverlo en el sobre con franqueo pago que se incluye para que el propietario pueda garantizar un entorno seguro para usted y para su familia. ໞၮၴ ࿥೻ึ

ၦ ໴ᅙၴ࿝௴ თဠዽ ྦ႖ ၦ ༘ഛ౗࿌ ၰཀఁఋ ችᎁ શഏ ຫጃ ጷႁ શഏ ྦ႖ ຫጃ ෟ ໞၮ თဠዽ ၴఆၡ ྤኒቼਜ਼ இ ໜึၦ ዅጀౘ ኲ ᆷጄႦ ၦ࿝ ఝዽ ႙અၦ ዶဠ ၨቼച ವ௴ ᅖබ࿝ ෮ጭමၦ ዶဠዽ ዽხ ႜዻ௴వ ᅒધዾ ൢዽ ඘ ਜ਼ ხ൐ છ ხ ჲබ ၕ ዅጀዻધ ၰཀఁఋ

ໞၮၴఆၡ ྦ႖ၕ ၁ጄ ၻଉ གྷ࿌ ႞લ౗௴ ႜพ൐ ၪ࿌พ ᄁၕ ஏ ೦ఁఋ ౏ฦౘ ࿅ངၕ ၵໜዻགྷૺ ෡ ဨዑ൐ ฿࿥ ႔፻࿝઎ ဨኻၒ ཅ ፎ ጄ ჎གྷඓ ၭఝ჎ਜ਼ ໞၮၴ ึച ෧໽ ၴ ึ ਜ਼Ⴏၡ ྦ႖ዽ ჎੿ ጹ ઴ ໞၮ ၿዾ ༘ ၰ౅ഛ ிഎዻઔཀఁઠၕ พ ఋ

Your response helps us serve you better.

Уважаемый арендато

р

Данная брошюра содержит важную информацию по безопасности. найдете важную информацию В ней Вы безопасности и некоторые по пожарной вопросы, которые определят, нуждается ли Ваша квартира в проверке покраски или в оконных решетках. Для Вашей же безопасности, найдите несколько минут пожалуйста, для ознакомления с данной информацией. Пожалуйста, забудьте заполнить прилагаемую не форму, уплатите почтовые расходы, и вышлите обратно, чтобы Ваш домовладелец мог обеспечить Вам и Вашей семье безопасное проживание. © SiteCompli. All Rights

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Reserved.

1. Fill out and tear off the response card 2. Place card in pre-paid envelope 3. Drop in mail

OTHER WAYS TO RESPOND

L-R: Councilman Kevin Riley, Board Director Claudia Sampson, Mrs. Claus (shareholder Rebecca Couvertier), Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Riverbay Community Relations Director Michelle Sajous and State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and seated, Santa (shareholder Rafael Alomar), at the Dec. 7th Annual Tree lighting. Photo by P.M. Campbell

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

Riverbay Corporation held its annual Holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, in front of the Bartow Mall.

The holiday celebration started with a prayer by Pastor Luis Ramos of Circle of Christ Church in mem-

ory of the late Pastor Sam Colon. This was followed by remarks from Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano and Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton.

Guests received elf hats, reindeer antlers, raffles, cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes, as well as (Continued on page 13) free books from Bronx

For details on these methods refer to your information packet.

PHONE

ONLINE

FAX

Thank you for helping keep your apartment and building safe!

The annual Window Guard Notice (depicted above) will be posted in every residential building lobby. The Notice will be mailed to each unit beginning in January 2024 and must be completed and returned to Riverbay Corporation by February 15, 2024. That mailing will also include the Fire Safety plan.

2

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

MTA To Begin Public Review Process for Congestion Pricing

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

MTA officials voted on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to begin the public review process for the tolling structure of the Central Business District Tolling Program.

The Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) generated the final recommendations that the MTA will ultimately vote on.

Under the TMRB’s recommendations, the main headlines are that automobiles would have to pay a $15 toll for driving below 60th Street in Manhattan, while trucks would be charged either $24 or $36 depending on the size of the truck.

Overall, the MTA’s congestion pricing plan is designed to reduce the city’s congestion problem by establishing a toll for individuals driving below 60th Street into Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD), and at the same time, create a new channel of financial support from toll revenue for the MTA’s future capital projects and improvements.

For a specific list on what the TMRB’s recommendations entail, the following is a summary on the projected tolling structure for the CBD Tolling Program: • Tolls will only be charged when vehicles enter the CBD. Drivers will not be charged again for remaining or leaving the zone.

• Automobiles will be charged $15 for entering the CBD. • Motorcycles will be charged $7.50 for entering the CBD. • Trucks will be charged $24 or $36, depending on the size of the truck, for entering the CBD. • Buses not affiliated with MTA public transit will be charged $24 or $36, depending on the type of the bus, for entering the CBD. • Weekday daytime period for regular tolling exists between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

• Nighttime discount of 75% off the CBD toll rate between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends.

• A daytime crossing credit for commuters traveling through one of the four tolled tunnels to enter the CBD. The credit for motorcycles would be $2.50, cars would be $5, small trucks would be $12 and large trucks would have a $20 credit. The credit only applies to daytime CBD tolls.

• New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) taxis, and for-hire vehicle services would not be charged for entering the CBD. Instead, customers of those taxis, green cabs and black cars would incur a $1.25 toll per ride into or from the CBD on top of their trip’s fare. App-based for-hire vehicles would charge their customers $2.50 extra per ride into or from the CBD. • Emergency vehicles, vehicles carrying people with disabilities and specialized government vehicles would be exempt from the toll.

• Low-income drivers would be eligible for a 50% discount on the daytime

CBD toll after their first ten trips in one month.

During the MTA Board meeting, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber emphasized the impact congestion pricing will have on the MTA’s Capital Program and the need to establish the tolling system as soon as possible.

“I want to focus on one of the major benefits that congestion pricing will have, which is the MTA Capital Program and the progress that we are making, or in some cases, we’re not making, to implement what was a huge motivator for congestion pricing to be adopted as a law of this state back in 2019. We have a $52 billion Capital Program…Delays in congestion pricing are starting to impact the pace of our implementation of the Capital Program,” Lieber said.

“Congestion pricing does represent 30% of our overall Capital Program – $15 billion. And, more important for today, this is 50% of the funding remaining for the Capital Program. So, we’ve knocked out as many of the projects as we can that did not depend on the congestion pricing. Now, we’re coming to the point where we really start to need that money,” Lieber went on to say.

MTA President of Construction and Development Jamie Torres-Springer echoed Lieber’s sentiments and touched on the type of projects relying on revenue from congestion pricing.

“Congestion pricing is foundational to the Capital Program. It will raise $15 billion…Resignaling, ADA accessibility, electric buses, making the system more resilient, states of disrepair – they all depend on this funding,” Torres-Springer said.

As for how the TMRB ultimately reached their final set of recommendations, chair of the TMRB Carl Weisbrod discussed what the TMRB’s main objectives and focus were when developing their recommendations.

“We were all focused on the many and not the few…The many in the first instance of course being the million-plus commuters who use mass transit every day. But also, even within the driving population of 150,000 or so people, how we could most fairly serve that population and achieve, at the same time, the goals of the program. Among the ways we decided to do that were – I know we were all unanimous on this – was to keep fares as low as we possibly could…

Second to avoid diversions, particularly of trucks, into environmental justice neighborhoods,” Weisbrod said.

Looking ahead, the MTA anticipates hosting the public review sessions on the current recommendations from the TMRB in early 2024, according to the MTA. Following those discussions, the MTA board will hold a final vote on the tolling structure and determine whether to leave the recommendations as they are or adjust them. The MTA anticipates officially implementing the Central Business District Tolling Program sometime in late spring.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist – Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • Evening and Saturday appointments • Most health insurance plans accepted Se Habla Español

Call:

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

3

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Co-op City Times COMBING

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

Co-op City Comic Con The first ever Co-op City Comic Con will be held today, Saturday, Dec. 9, noon-7 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium, featuring special guest artist Will Torres, cover artist for the hit comic book, “The Boys,” from Dynamite Entertainment. There will be vendors, free gaming throughout the day and a cosplay panel at 6 p.m.

Come dressed to impress!

Kwanzaa Celebration The Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations will present the 27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration today, Sat., Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. in the Bartow Center, Room 31. This event is free and all are invited to attend.

The celebration will be highlighted by a Griot Ceremony, African dancers and drummers, a Karamu Feast, and much more.

There will also be speakers and vendors. Donations of storebought dessert or juice (no soda) to share with others would be appreciated. For more information, please contact the organization at (718) 671-5957 or by email: Franreva@aol.com.

FCC Program Provides Discounts on Internet Service

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Families can save on their monthly internet bill with the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The benefit program offers a discount of up to $30 off toward internet service for eligible families. Additionally, certain families may also qualify to receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet at “participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price,” according to the FCC. To be eligible for the program, monthly household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Additionally, households may be eligible if one family member meets “at least one” of the criteria listed below, as explained by the FCC. • If a family member has received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

• If a family member participates in an assistance program such as: - Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program - School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools - SNAP - Medicaid - Supplemental Security Income

- WIC - Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits - Participants in Lifeline, which is “an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers.”

• If a family member receives Federal Housing Assistance such as: - Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers) - Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/Section 811 Families interested in signing up for the benefit program can go to GetInternet.gov to submit an application or to print out a physical version to mail. Next, that household would need to contact a participating internet provider to select a plan. The FCC also highlighted that certain participating providers may have an additional application for customers who wish to use the discount.

Notably, Optimum is a participating provider in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, as confirmed by the FCC and Optimum. Families can go online to optimum.com/affordable-connectivity-program for more information.

For questions about the program, eligibility requirements or application status, families can call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575 or email: ACPSupport@ usac.org.

Bronx Students Lend a Helping Hand A group of students from Bronx Health Sciences High School, located in Truman High School in Education Park, have been assisting the Riverbay Community Relations department with pop-up food distributions held around Co-op City, co-sponsored

by Agatha House and Riverbay Corporation. Last Friday, with community volunteers unavailable, Michelle Sajous, director of Community Relations, reached out to the school and approximately 30 students responded. “Within one hour, they unloaded the truck and distributed the food to shareholders,” Ms. Sajous said. Yesterday, Friday, Dec. 8, the students returned to lend a helping hand for the Bartow pop-up food distribution.

JASA Holiday Party JASA Older Adult Centers and NORC invite you to a Holiday Party on Friday, December 15, 11 a.m.3:30 p.m. at the Dreiser Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop. There will be special performances.

Tickets are on sale at all three OAC’s in Co-op City.

Photo by Brandon Ortiz

Coffee with Mike Assemblyman Mike Benedetto will host the next Coffee with Mike session on Saturday, Dec. 16, at eeh Section 5 pizzeria in Einstein Loop, from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Contacting the Riverbay Call Center Riverbay Management has heard your concerns regarding “How do I reach the Call Center?” and will update the phone prompts to make the process easier and more direct.

Currently, callers to Riverbay’s main line, (718) 320-3300, select option #2 to be directed to Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections.

Once the phone prompt recording is updated, Option #2 will be dedicated to the Call Center, which will include Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections.

2nd

Front Page

This event is for CHILDREN. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

4

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

President’s Report ––––– (Continued from page 1) hand to bring in the holiday spirit, with some of our Board of Directors and our Executive Management team. I spoke about being compassionate, accepting, living, and caring for our neighbors. This is the time of year when we should embrace togetherness and identify those who are alone and could use a cheer me up through a call, visit, or just a friendly smile. Some of us have experienced the loss of friends and family. This is especially difficult during this time. I encourage each one to keep the families of those who have departed in their thoughts.

We celebrate Hannukah from sundown December 7 to sundown December 15. Hanukkah is often referred to as the festival of lights by lighting candles over eight days. Hanukkah means “dedication” marking the dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem in the 2nd Century. We wish our Coop City families who celebrate Hannukah a Happy Hannukah.

On December 25th, we celebrate Christmas. It is a festival of commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a religious and cultural celebration amongst millions of people throughout the world.

Families dedicate time to customs, where gift-giving is one of the highlights of this festive season.

Let’s wish our Co-op family who observe Christmas a very Merry Christmas.

As we enter into the season of Kwanzaa from 12/26 through 1/1, we celebrate cultural heritage and traditional values. Let the first fruits being our guiding principles through Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa is a time of celebration and reflection. We wish our friends and family who celebrate Kwanzaa a Happy Kwanzaa.

On Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., the African American Association will be hosting its Kwanzaa celebration at Bartow, Room 31; come and enjoy the celebration.

The Section 5 Association will be holding its Tree Lighting event at the Einstein Mall this Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the MMCC Teen Center at 141 Einstein Loop.

Please join Section 5 in this tree lighting event.

Next Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Riverbay Fund, with Renaissance Youth Center, will be hosting a Winter Wonderland concert in the Dreiser Auditorium from the hours of 2-4 p.m. Come and see our young men and women play and sing for the community. There will be gifts, food, and refreshments for the children. When you come, please bring a child with you. You must R.S.V.P. – text “RENAISSANCE” to 77948 or call 718-450-3466 to confirm your attendance and child’s age. You will not be disappointed.

As we look towards 2024, we reflect on the many global, national, and local challenges we face. Here in Co-op City, we are still standing tall, making strides to keep our community sustainable.

As a community, we are reemerging, looking for new ideas and ways to do things differently. We have exciting things happening in 2023 and only together can we accomplish our goals.

A special thanks to our Board of Directors and our Executive Management team, without whom we would not be able to accomplish many of the things we have done; our staff of employees who keep Riverbay running every day, and our community for your loyalty. Remaining affordable is our top priority as we continue to build on a community that is our Crown Jewel.

Wishing you all a Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays.

Let’s keep all of our traditions alive and may the New Year shed a shining light amongst all of you.

Happy New Year!

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach me at 917-992-7311. You can also reach me through the Board liaison’s office or via email, at sfeliciano@riverboard.com.

Stay well and be safe, We are Shareholders First – We Matter.

Informe del Presidente

Estimados accionistas, El jueves, 7 de diciembre de 2023, tuvimos nuestra ceremonia anual de iluminación del árbol de Navidad en el centro comercial de Bartow. Todo el centro comercial estaba iluminado con muchas decoraciones y, las luces y esculturas eran simplemente hermosas.

Santa Claus y la Sra. Claus se pusieron a disposición para tomarse fotos con los miembros de la comunidad. Pastor Luis Ramos de la iglesia Círculo de Cristo abrió con la oración y canciones de su coro. Agradecemos al personal de Riverbay, al equipo de Grounds, a nuestro equipo de Relaciones Comunitarias y a tantos otros por hacer que este evento fuera festivo en la tradición de la temporada navideña.

El personal se puso a disposición para repartir galletas, bastones de caramelo y chocolate caliente.

Además, tuvimos libros para los niños por la Srta.

Latanya Devaughn de Bronx Bound Books gratis.

Nuestros funcionarios legislativos estuvieron presentes para aportar el espíritu navideño, junto con algunos miembros de nuestro Consejo de Administración y nuestro equipo de dirección ejecutiva.

Hablé de ser compasivos, aceptar, vivir y cuidar a nuestros vecinos. Este es el momento del año en el que debemos abrazar la unión e identificar a aquellos que están solos y podemos animar a los que lo necesitan a través de una llamada, una visita o simplemente una sonrisa amistosa. Algunos de nosotros hemos experimentado la pérdida de amigos y familiares. Esto es especialmente difícil durante este tiempo. Animo a todos a que tengan presentes a las familias de los que se han ido.

Celebramos Janucá desde la puesta de sol del 7 de diciembre hasta la puesta de sol del 15 de diciembre.

Hanukkah se refiere al festival de las luces encendiendo velas durante ocho días. Hanukkah significa “dedicación” y marca la dedicación del Templo de Jerusalén en el siglo II. Deseamos a nuestras familias que celebran Janucá de la Ciudad Cooperativa unas Felices Janucá.

El 25 de diciembre celebramos la Navidad. Es una fiesta conmemorativa del nacimiento de Jesucristo. Se trata de una celebración religiosa y cultural entre millones de personas en todo el mundo. Las familias dedican tiempo a las costumbres, donde la entrega de regalos es uno de los aspectos más destacados de estas fiestas. Deseemos a nuestra familia de la Cooperativa que celebran la Navidad Felices Navidades.

Al entrar en la temporada de Kwanzaa, del 26 de diciembre al 1 de enero, celebramos el patrimonio cultural y los valores tradicionales. Que las primicias sean nuestros principios rectores a través de Umoja (Unidad), Kujichagulia (Autodeterminación), Ujima (Trabajo y Responsabilidad Colectivos), Ujamaa

(Economía Cooperativa), Nia (Propósito), Kuumba (Creatividad) e Imani (Fe). Kwanzaa es un tiempo de celebración y reflexión. Deseamos a nuestros amigos y familiares Felices Kwanzaa.

Este Sabado la Asociación Afroamericana tendra de su celebración de Pre-Kwanzaa empezando a las tres de la tarde en el Centro comunitario de Bartow, sala 31. Venga y participe en esta celebración Este sábado a las cinco de la tarde pm, la Asociación de la Sección 5 llevará a cabo su evento de iluminación del árbol de Navidad en el Centro Comercial Einstein, MMCC centro para adolescents en el 141 de Einstein Loop. Vengan y celebren esta occasion.

El próximo sábado, 16 de diciembre el Fondo Riverbay, acogerá con Renassiance, El Centro de Juventud un concierto de Winter Wonderland en el Auditorio Dreiser de 2-4 p.m. Venga y vea a nuestros jóvenes tocar su música y cantar para la comunidad. Habrá regalos para los niños en grupo de edad, comida y refrescos. Para confirmer su atendencia, envie un mensaje de texto con la palabra “RENAISSANCE” at 77948. Los adultos deben de traer a su niño o niña. Tambien pueden llamar al 718-450-3466. Usted no será decepcionado con la presentación que se llevara a cabo.

Al mirar al 2024, reflexionamos sobre los muchos desafíos, globales, nacional y aquí en la Ciudad Cooperativa que enfrentamos. Aquí en Co-op City seguimos de pie, dando pasos para mantener nuestra comunidad sostenible. Como comunidad estamos resurgiendo, buscando nuevas ideas y formas de hacer las cosas de manera diferente. Tenemos cosas interesantes que hacer en 2023 y sólo juntos podemos lograr nuestros objetivos.

Un agradecimiento especial a nuestro Consejo de Administración y nuestro equipo de gestión ejecutiva que sin ellos no seríamos capaz de lograr muchas de las cosas que hemos hecho, nuestro personal de los empleados que mantienen Riverbay funcionando todos los días, y nuestra Comunidad por su lealtad. Seguir siendo asequibles es nuestra máxima prioridad y mientras seguimos construyendo sobre una comunidad que es nuestra Joya de la Corona.

Les deseamos a todos un Feliz Janucá, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Kwanzaa, y Felices Fiestas. Mantengan vivos todas nuestras tradiciones y que el Año Nuevo brille con luz propia entre todos vosotros. ¡Un prospero y Feliz Año Nuevo!

Si tiene alguna inquietud, puede comunicarse conmigo de la siguiente manera: S. Feliciano, c/o Liaisons office @ 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 1075, correo electrónico: Sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com, o 917-992-7311.

Somos accionistas primero – Nosotros importamos.

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

5

CB10 ––––– (Continued from page 1)

Vandalism –– (Continued from page 1)

public hearing will occur at a later date,” he indicated.

Community Board #10 informed Co-op City shareholders about the application for 675 Co-op City Blvd. on Nov. 17. A meeting between Mello Tymes and the executive board of CB #10 scheduled for Nov. 29 was cancelled because the applicant was unable to attend.

For now, shareholders with questions and/or comments are encouraged to contact Community Board 10 at (718) 892-1161, Facebook: @BronxCommunityBoard10, Twitter: @BronxCB10, Instagram: @BronxCB10.

According to Section 76 of the New York State Cannabis Law, not less than 30 days or more than 270 days before filing an application for licensure as an adult-use dispensary or registered organization adult-use cultivator processor distributor retail dispensary or an on-site consumption licensee, the applicant shall notify the municipality (in this case, the local community board) in which the premises is located of such applicant’s intent to file such an application. “Applicants for a microbusiness authorized to conduct retail sales of cannabis products to consumers must also complete this notification in the same manner as an applicant for an adult-use retail dispensary license.”

The local community board can express an opinion for or against the granting of such a license for adult-use cannabis dispensaries and/or on-site consumption sites which then becomes part of the application record on which the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) makes a recommendation to the Cannabis Control Board to either grant or deny a license.

Before a final license is awarded, OCM considers a number of criteria including, but not limited to, distance from any existing or proposed adult-use dispensaries (1,000-2,000 feet, depending on the population of the municipality in which the dispensary will be located), whether a house of worship is on the same road and within 200 feet, and whether a school is on the same road and its school grounds, as defined in the education law, is within 500 feet of the dispensary.

“Community Board 10 has up to 60 days to issue an opinion,” District Manager Cruz said. “As constituents, the public is more than welcomed to pose a question or issue a comment to bx10@cb.nyc.gov. Our Executive Board will review and take into consideration your comments or questions.”

have multiple reports of Holiday decorations from multiple religions being tampered with in some of our buildings. We take this very seriously, we investigate and if we can verify or prove or identify a culprit, we will work diligently to make an arrest on one or more of these cases. In addition to any arrests, if the perpetrators are shareholders and we can trace them back to an apartment, a Community or multiple Community Complaints will be issued based on the revelations of the investigation.”

Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton said: “This type of behavior is simply reprehensible and will not be tolerated at Co-op City. We intend to use the public safety resources at our disposal to identify and hold these individuals accountable. I would like to take this opportunity to remind our shareholders that they are responsible for the actions of their family members and visitors. We are a community of decent, hard-working families. Let’s work together to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the holidays in a peaceful and safe manner, and remember, respect begets respect.”

Share Your Comments & Suggestions with Riverbay Shareholders are encouraged to submit input on how to improve services and service delivery as well as other ideas that impact the quality of life of Co-op City residents.

If you have a suggestion you’d like to share with the Riverbay Board and/or Management, visit the Home page of the official Co-op City website, coopcity.com, scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Comments & Suggestions” link.

Let us know… If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

6

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

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

– • Letters to the Editor • –

Our Friends, Israel

Not In My Name

To the Editor: First and foremost, my family and I are sending our prayers and standing with Israel, at the travesty they are experiencing, stemming from an ideology of hate and a disregard for life. American Center of Law and Justice gives a deeper perspective with historical facts, and a hands-on approach. ACLJ is there in the trenches of Israeli soil, and have witnessed the attacks firsthand. This bottomless ideology desires only to wipe off a people from the face of the earth.

The United States of America is a Judeo Christian country. In other words, to deny sending prayers and help is to deny our own selves at this time of war, that also includes USA citizens. Encouraging one another of the sanctity of life is what we ultimately stand for. If not us, then who?

—Elizabeth Penn

To the Editor: A heart-wrenching photo was posted on the front page of The New York Times (Saturday, December 2, 2023,) of a young Palestinian mother cradling the wrapped body of her dead baby daughter, who had been killed on Friday as the Israeli military resumed its bombardment of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The agony in the mother’s tearful face seems to ask, Why the bombing? Why is Israel blocking food, medicine, water, electricity and fuel delivery to Gazans?

The accompanying story gives an answer. Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, watching from inside an attack helicopter, the resumption, after a seven-day ceasefire of some 200 precision “massive bombing destroying critical infrastructure, civilian houses and neighborhoods,” said, “This morning we returned to hitting Hamas with full force. The results are impressive.”

International Red Cross reported on Gallant’s “impressive” findings: 193 Palestinians killed, including the innocent baby girl, but no mention of targeted Hamas fatalities, nor whether underground Hamas headquarters were discovered. In fact, before the brief ceasefire, over 14,800 Palestinians perished, including 6,000 children, from the relentless 50-day Israeli bombing not including thousands buried under rubble of bombed houses. Israeli attacks are deemed war crimes by multiple international laws. (Note: Israeli military weapons, bullets, and bombs are stamped “made in USA,” and paid for by our taxes.

Does that make our president complicit?)

Israeli prime minister Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that his military goal has been to obliterate Hamas and destroy its headquarters.

Yet after destroying Northern Gaza and pounding Gaza’s largest hospital – while patients and medical staff remained inside – with buster bombs, no Hamas headquarters nor any Hamas leaders were found.

I condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, and join with Jewish Voices for Peace, the United Auto Workers, and many other organizations and individuals worldwide, demanding an immediate ceasefire. Furthermore, as a Jew and a Holocaust survivor, I accuse the Israel government of committing, Not In My Name, War Crimes – desecrating the memory of the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis.

Diplomacy, not bombs, will bring peace and justice to Israelis and Palestinians.

—Bernard Cylich

Act Like You Own This Land …

Because You Do To the Editor: There was a Director’s viewpoint in the December 2, 2023, edition of the Co-op City Times that, in my opinion, was a little misleading. We are second level shareholders who don’t actually own anything. When we move into Co-op City, we don’t make an equity investment – we make a large security deposit. When we move out, we get the security deposit less any restoration charges.

When most people buy a home, they put in a down payment and get a mortgage for the rest of the sales price.

Most homeowner mortgages are paid off in 30 years, at which time, the property is owned free and clear. When the home owner sells the property, they get the full sales price.

There are approximately 75,000 rooms in Co-op City. The initial “buy-in” was $400/room or a total of $30,000,000. Initially, the mortgage was around $30,000,000. In private housing terms, that would have meant a total cost of $60,000,000 of which we were putting up half. Except that was not true. The $30,000,000 went to cover operating costs because UHF lowballed the initial carrying charges to get people to move in. I believe we are still playing that game – Keep increasing the mortgage to cover a deficit in the operating budget.

—Stewart Berman

Climate is Always Changing To the Editor: This is in response to last week’s letter on climate change.

It’s interesting that we, in the United States, are always being asked to change our lifestyles to remedy so-called climate change. China and India, just for example, is where the advocates should be looking for reform. They are far worse polluters than the U.S.A. Meanwhile, the persons speaking the loudest about this issue are usually the same persons who jet or yacht travel around the world.

The climate is always changing. This has always been true throughout history. There is also a wide divide among scientists as to whether or not mankind is responsible for these changes, or if these changes are occurring naturally.

In my opinion, the catastrophic changes predicted by many advocates have not been occurring. Many measuring stations have been placed near heat sources, which makes determining changes in temperature difficult, if not impossible. Climate change is being used by many oligarchs to attempt to change our constitutional system.

“You will own nothing, and you will be happy,” is their mantra.

I believe the goal of many persons behind the scenes is to create a one-world system, where the policies would be used to enrich the rulers, while the common man loses what little he has.

—David Hammer

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

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer 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 writer and include their address and phone number, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the author.

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 submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m.

Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor, only from Co-op City shareholders, at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The Co-op City Times does not publish anonymous material.

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so authenticity and residency of the writer can be verified.

Thank you for your cooperation.

7

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Public Safety Offers Home Repair Tips For Smart Cooperators Businesses, such as construction and home improvement, have been open even during the pandemic, therefore, cooperators may be considering hiring persons to help with these tasks. New window blinds, curtains and kitchen countertops are some of the most popular projects this year. It is very important that consumers take steps to make sure that the services they are paying for are the services they are getting. Fraud is very popular among unlicensed contractors especially during these difficult economic times. The Department of Public Safety offers these tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam.

Make sure when hiring someone to do work, you receive recommendations from friends or family who have used the contractor for similar work. Get at least three written estimates for the work you wish to have done. Make sure all estimates detail the scope of the job so that meaningful comparisons can be made. Remember that no structural changes to Co-op City apartments can be made without the permission of Riverbay Corporation. Please check with your Cooperator Service Office (CSO) if you have any questions about intended improvements. Also remember that your Co-op City apartment must be restored to the original condition no matter how nice improvements are and you will be responsible for the cost of that restoration.

It is also important to make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. Consult the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, (212) 487-4444, www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dca/home.html, or the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau Office of the Attorney General, (212) 416-8300, www.oag.state.ny.us. You can check with these agencies or the Better Business Bureau, (212) 533-6200, www.newyork.bbb.org, to see if there are any complaint records against an intended contractor or repair service.

Make sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to see if you are covered for any injury or damage that may occur. Be sure any valuables are locked up

while work is being done in your home.

Insist on a written contract that details the entire scope of the job. Be sure it states exactly what will be done, when it will be done and the quality of materials to be used. Any warranties or subcontractors should be listed. The total price and schedule of payments should be included. Make certain you understand all payment options and any financing charges. Never make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work performed.

Paying by credit card may give you any extra avenue of dispute resolution.

Always be cautious of the deal that seems too good to be true. Be wary if the contractor comes door-to-door to seek you out or just happens to have material left over from another job. Be alert to a contractor who quotes you a price that is out of line with other estimates. Do not allow a contractor to pressure you to make an immediate decision or asks you to pay for the entire job up front. Be cautious of a contractor driving an unmarked van or a vehicle with out-of-state plates.

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

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.

Public Safety Blotter

• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit • If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door • If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door • As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.

Public Safety Report

November 26 – December 2, 2023 November 26, 2023 100 Casals Place A male who was legally evicted from his apartment was observed by Public Safety officers in the building. The suspect was unable to provide a valid reason for being in the building. The male initiated hostile behavior towards officers. He was placed under arrest and issued Criminal Court summons for Trespass and Disorderly Conduct.

November 28, 2023 120 Elgar Place A cooperator reported a group of teenagers who ripped the Christmas decorations off of the wall on the 8th floor and fled in an unknown direction.

December 01, 2023 4220 Hutch. River Parkway A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package from CDL Global was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without his permission.

120 Alcott Place A cooperator reported returning to her storage locker and observing that an unknown individual damaged the lock to her storage locker.

120 Alcott Place A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual.

December 02, 2023 100 Aldrich Street CCPD Emergency Service Unit responded to a call of a special

needs individual who was observed wandering outside without needed assistance. EMS was notified and transported the individual to Jacobi Hospital for medical evaluation.

The individual’s parent and NYPD were notified and present at Jacobi Hospital.

99 Bellamy Loop A CCPD Supervisor was flagged down by a cooperator who reported that an individual known to him threatened him with a box cutter and demanded money. The cooperator fled the scene, and while running, he fell and sustained injuries.

The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction. NYPD and EMS responded and transported the cooperator to Jacobi Hospital for medical treatment. CCPD and NYPD canvassed the area with negative results. An investigation is ongoing.

140 Casals Place A cooperator was engaged in a dispute with her boyfriend who grabbed her and threw her to the ground causing pain to her stomach. The cooperator was transported to Jacobi Hospital for medical treatment. A canvas of the area was conducted by CCPD with negative results. NYPD also responded to Jacobi Hospital to interview the cooperator.

120 Erskine Place A cooperator reported an unknown individual removing the Christmas decorations from her apartment door.

Good Practices for Coping with an Active Shooter Situation

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO! www.dhs.gov

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for specific directions.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com • www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at either site.

Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023 Director’s’ Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

We Will Not Let Co-op City Go Down As you know, Community Board 10 is reviewing an application to bring a cannabis dispensary store near our housing development.

Therefore, I want to make it known that I am against having a cannabis dispensary store at the former Chase Bank location, 675 Co-op City Boulevard, or anywhere near our community.

Barking Up The Wrong Tree Some people might think that a cannabis dispensary store might be good for Co-op City. But, not surprisingly, they haven’t thought about the effects that this type of store can have on our community.

Or, to be blunt, they simply don’t care about the effects that cannabis, secondhand smoke, or other drugs can have on our cooperators.

For instance, some parents are doing their best to teach their family members to stay away from cannabis, cigarettes, and other harmful substances.

However, how do you think that these parents feel when they step off of an elevator with their children and are bombarded by high levels of secondhand smoke from marijuana and cigarette smoke?

Additionally, do you think that other cooperators that care about their health should have to contend with secondhand smoke from any substance? Overwhelmingly, they will tell you that the answer is no.

There are several reasons why some people would love to put a cannabis dispensary store in a predominantly minority community. And, if you think about it, those reasons say a lot of really bad things about the way that they feel about us.

Therefore, the big issue is that we need to educate our community and to reject the foolish ways that other people view us. So, why do you think that some people might want to put a cannabis dispensary near a school in a minority community? Is it possible that they could feel that some minorities won’t raise a fuss over the placement of their store?

Thereafter, with that viewpoint, do you think that they might have plans to get those young children interested in their products? Well, it’s possible! However, some people might think that some

of these store owners will not violate the law to accomplish their objectives. But, as you’ll see, that type of thinking doesn’t reflect what’s going on in many places.

Here is one example of what goes on in some of these cannabis dispensaries. In Denver, Colorado, the police had their eye on a dispensary for an entire year. Thereafter, they arrested 12 workers because they were allegedly selling excessive amounts of marijuana beyond their established legal limit.

Then, to make money on the side, some dispensary stores were selling cannabis and other cannabis-based products that were not purchased from their legally established suppliers. So, the police raided their business and made some arrests.

Now, based on these arrests, do you think that it’s possible that some customers might visit these stores to see if they can purchase some, let’s say, additional items? Now, if your answer is yes or maybe, do you think that those additional items can get some of our cooperators and some of our youths hooked on powerful drugs?

Then, do you think that a person might have to deal with some severe consequences because of their severe drug addiction? What about their family? Do you think that people that are addicted to drugs might have to commit some criminal activities to support their costly drug habit? So, then, what about our community?

Do you feel relatively safe walking throughout our community now? Regardless, do you honestly think that our crime numbers will increase if a lot of our cooperators get hooked on drugs? Absolutely! So, I hope that we will stand up and oppose a cannabis dispensary store from operating near our community.

Proposed Cannabis Dispensary Store Location There is a lot of controversy over the wording of a state law for the placement of a cannabis dispensary store. So, what is your interpretation of the following NYS Education law, section 409 (2): “A dispensary cannot be on the same road and within 500 feet of school grounds. A dispensary cannot be

on the same street or avenue and within 200 feet of a building occupied exclusively as a house of worship.”

There is a school named Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School, with grades 6-12, that is located at 755 Co-op City Boulevard. So, visitors can park their vehicles in the outdoor Pear Tree Mall and simply walk on the grounds to this school.

Therefore, yes or no, can the following argument be made: Should the grounds of this school include the grounds of the Pear Tree Mall?

Bottom line: Do you think that a proposed cannabis dispensary store at 675 Co-op City Boulevard should be near a school at 755 Co-op City Boulevard? In my opinion, the answer is no.

Close Do you see how terrible this cannabis dispensary store proposal is for our community? Therefore, we must do our best to keep this cannabis dispensary store away from Co-op City.

Thank you.

Contact Information Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard. com.

I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else.

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

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

9

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD: THEME: THE 1980s ACROSS DOWN 1. *“Heaven’s on Fire” band 1. Ornamental pond dweller 2. Deep black 5. *Setting of “Cheers” TV show 3. Greek promenade 8. Derive 4. Shakespeare’s output 13. “I’m ____ you!”

5. *Lou Reed’s “Home of the ____” 14. Gas station brand 6. Like thick smoke 15. Affirmatives 7. Campus military org.

16. Image in Orthodox Church 17. *Robert Wagner or Stephanie 8. Attractive to look at 9. *“Back to the Future” car Powers, on TV 10. One on drugs 18. *Vote for H.W. Bush, e.g.

11. Cecum, pl.

19. *Weird Al’s last name 12. Is, in Paris 21. Forum, pl.

14. “A horse is ____ ____, of course, 22. Dog-____ book of course” 23. Clingy plant 20. Resin-producing tree 24. Spiky succulent 23. Took the bait 27. Accumulates (2 words) 24. *Christopher Reeve’s sartorial 31. Turkish military leader style in “Superman II” 32. Consequence 25. Old World lizard 35. *Wintour of Vogue 26. Indigenous person from Suriname 36. Zoroaster follower or Guyana 38. E in B.C.E. 27. Surveyor’s map 39. #53 Down, third person singular 28. Mix-up 29. Not married 40. Do like exhaust pipe 30. Promenade in Spain 41. Hertz’ offering 33. Tournament ranking 43. Extra cost 34. Remains container 44. Expert, in U.K. (2 words) 37. *Washington’s volcano Mount 46. *Ricky Martin’s boy band ____ ____ 48. Arrival time acronym 49. *Piano player Lee Curreri on “Fame” 39. *Close of “The Big Chill” 41. Genetic initials 51. *Baltimore player 42. Entertained 53. *Mikhail Gorbachev’s policy 45. Affirm to be true 56. Recipient of money 47. Cavatappi or udon, sing.

57. *Umberto Eco’s 49. Scapegoat’s due “The ____ of the Rose” 50. Fiber crop variety 58. Oration station 51. Head of family 60. Some tournaments 52. Deed hearing 61. In the thick of 53. Chew on 62. Place, in French 54. Schooner canvas 63. Not at all good 55. *TV’s “Family ____” 64. Bitty 56. Sound of explosion 65. Other than what is 59. *“Peggy ____ Got Married” (Answer Key on Page 26)

10

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023 Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

Fret Not A Section 5 cooperator wrote to me with two worries: the noise MTA construction will cause and the price Local Law 97 will cost.

Of all the construction doom and gloom facing our particular section, this shareholder’s biggest concern was the noise sure to accompany the construction of the new and improved, taller and wider, Pelham Bay (Amtrak) railroad bridge replacement.

Indeed, neither Project X nor the Metro-North project are done with us yet. Not by a long shot. And though I tried to ease his concern by telling him that I have heard the word eventually mentioned in relationship to the pending construction, it’s really an about-to-be done-deal. Both US Senators showing up, making an announcement, taking bows for their part in bringing the long-awaited railroad station to the community, while gripping a 4’ by 2’ check made out for $1.6MM? Sounds pretty definite.

Does anyone remember the time when work was underway on Garage 7? For you upper section-ers who don’t have a map handy, Garage 7 is located between Einstein Loops North and South close to where Bartow curves to become the Hutchinson River Parkway East service road, aka Section 5’s only through-road.

It’s important to remember Section 5’s restricted layout when listening to outsiders’ plans for us, plans that involve taking away an access road, plans that involve bringing countless vehicles into an area without providing them an exit strategy, plans that involve any and all reaching the station via our side of the tracks, plans they insist will improve mobility. Those kinds of plans. But I digress.

Anyway, the noise achieved by the Garage 7 construction workers, all those years ago, reached end of the world levels. It lasted only days, maybe a week. Then something was done. Some kind of soundproofing.

Of course that project entailed work done on Riverbay’s dime, so hollers of too loud! did not fall on deaf ears.

Undoubtedly, new too loud! work is just around the corner for Section 5.

I relayed Bldg. 31’s noise concerns during the 11/8 Community Board 10 Metro-North update meeting. Some shareholders worried that we’d be slipped some recycled, clickity-clank, hand-medown railroad tracks for the rebuild. The zoomed-in MTA spokesman dismissed the concern by paying me some noise-muffling lip service.

That would be the same spokesman who’s telling us we can’t have south of the tracks access to the station because there’s nothing back there but marshland. (I wonder if he wonders what’s holding

up those two gigantic monopoles?)

Shareholder Lauretta Jaysura, reporting for the Co-op City Times, succinctly captured one of my pet peeves. (Co-op City is spelled wrong on the station graphic, doggonit!)

Her article also mentions my objection with the way increased decibel (dB) levels are conveyed to the public. The same, distorted minimization of raised decibel levels was conveyed to Co-op City in a DOT zoom regarding the exit-ramp-onto-Bartow portion of the Bruckner-Hutch Mobility Improvement Project a few years back.

Decibels are not measured the way other things are measured, the way length is measured in inches or feet or centimeters, the way temperature is measured in degrees, the way weight is measured in ounces, pounds, kilos. Decibels are not measured incrementally, decibels are measured by intensity.

The easiest way to try to understand increased decibel levels is by comparing the decibel level of quiet things to loud things. A humming refrigerator is 40 decibels, a police siren is 120 decibels (dB).

Are three humming refrigerators as loud as a police siren? We’re obviously dealing with a different kind of arithmetic when we’re dealing with decibels, especially since distance and duration are also factors.

Noise concerns are very real so if a DOT or an MTA spokesperson blows off a 3dB increase as insignificant, because it ain’t necessarily so.

OSHA, the worker protection agency, enforces a permissible dB level of putting in eight hours of work in an 85 dB environment. A noise level raised to 88 dB lowers that allowable time to four hours.

Raised to 91 dB? Two hours.

We’ve got to look out for our neighbors by holding power’s feet to the fire otherwise Co-op City’s Metro-North adventure might end up like poor old dissed and missed Ramp C. As for Local Law 97... Our new Executive General Manager has put together a small team of Power-Plant-obsessed staff, Management, and Board members to work on a carbon reduction plan.

When I ran for the Board last year (and

Reminder – No 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.

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.

lost) everyone was all a-flutter about new green energy regulations. I said, at the time, nobody can reach these all-electric-by-yesterday goals. We’re all going to have to wait for innovation to catch up with bureaucracy.

And already the aggressive list of fines for missing deadlines has been tweaked. I’m sure it will be tweaked again, if and when necessary.

Innovation is already in high gear.

I’m betting we’ll be getting some government subsidies, grants, or loans to explore some combination of homegrown solar, geothermal – maybe even some variety of wind – energy plan.

Absolutely, there is cause for alarm at the thought of our Power Plant being made obsolete. Action is indeed needed. But we’ve got time, we’ve got hope.

So don’t fret too much, dear neighbors, and try to enjoy the holidays.

Psst: 1.) See you tonight at the Section 5 tree lighting party? Tonight being: Saturday, December 9, 5 to 7 p.m. by the Einstein Mall.

2.) Go to https://ideas.pbnyc.org to cast your preliminary vote for your favorite 2024 NYC Participatory Budgeting projects.

3.) Go to https.//Bit.ly/Section5ProjectX to stay updated on the area roadwork and Metro North construction details and problems. We’ve been bulldozed and railroaded enough, Co-op City!

4.) Yes... Co-op City. CO-OP CITY is cool, and fancy two-level all-caps CO-OP CITY is cooler, but never Co-Op City, CoOp City, or Coop City! There oughta be a law!

You can reach “Nitpicky” Pearson at 718-2192211 or MPearson@RiverbayBoard.com. Thanks!

11

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Building 4 Donizetti Association

Building 23 Association

Dear shareholders, Since September, our Building Association has made a conscious effort to plan activities which would promote community awareness. These activities have allowed Management as well as local politicians to voice their opinions and outline all agendas directly to constituents.

Activities: September – November September: School supply distribution 12th October: Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s Open Forum 31st October: Halloween candy distribution 9th November: Guest speaker – Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin Walton. Open for question and answer session 16th November: 55 plus pre-Thanksgiving luncheon (pictured below) Note: All of these events we hope have created an opportunity for our residents to become familiar with their neighbors, and also, promote a coalition of individuals who share a common goal. Our collective goal is to improve issues in our community that need to be addressed, ultimately improving the quality of life for all cooperators.

However, we must take into consideration that certain issues have been developing over many years. Our present Executive Management has only been in place for a minimum of six months, therefore, it is imperative that we work with them to correct past issues in a timely fashion.

Please make an effort to become part of the solution. Bring attention to anyone or anything that impedes our efforts to accomplish our goals. If you see something, say something. Also, exercise your right as a cooperator to call, email, or develop petitions to bring attention to your dissatisfaction of any issues. There is strength in numbers. Do not wait for Building Association board members to be responsible for reporting incidents. It is imperative that you take an active role in our survival as a community.

Last, but not least, please be a good neighbor by checking on those who are elderly and/or shut in.

We must develop an attitude of gratitude for the beautiful community in which we live.

Everyone stay safe and Happy Holidays to all.

—Dawn L. Mitchell

Hello, shareholders and friends.

We appreciate your continued support and welcome your participation. As we enjoy the holiday season, we ask that you keep safe and aware as you travel in and around your neighboring areas at home and outside of your home.

Our Building 23 Association meeting on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m. brought together members from other associations to discuss various building concerns and community matters. Building 23 shareholders were provided updates regarding issues raised to the Riverbay Management team, such as unpainted hall walls from our March 2023 pipe break, hallway plastering needs, bathroom ventilation problems on the D-line and stairwell doors. We appreciate the collaborative efforts with Riverbay Management to address these concerns.

During the meeting, an overview of the Bronx Community Board 10 role and responsibilities was provided, including the names of appointed members representing Co-op City. A significant topic of discussion was the proposal for a retail cannabis shop at the old Chase Bank location at 675 Co-op City Blvd. Concerned members expressed several concerns and issues, offered alternative locations, and the Bronx Community Board 10 email address (BX10@CB.nyc.gov) was shared for submitting support or opposition to the dispensary. On December 18, the cannabis dispensary applicant is scheduled to present to the Bronx Community Board 10, and the opportunity to sign opposition petitions was highlighted.

For those interested in joining the community board in the Bronx, contact the Bronx Borough President’s Office at 718-590-6001 or reach out to your local Council member. Please stay informed about Community Board 10 by visiting www.nyc.gov/bronxcb10 for announcements, resources, minutes, and more.

The next NY Defensive Driving class is Sunday, December 17. To register, call 347-927-1069. A limited number of seats are available.

We encourage our members to stay updated by reading the Co-op City Times and participating in holiday collection for our Building 23 staff – refer to posted dates and times for details.

Let us remain engaged and continue to educate ourselves as we actively participate in shaping our community’s future.

––Betty Smith

Communities Speak Answer this anonymous survey to help Bronx Borough President and our city's leaders understand what you are experiencing and what your community needs.

Scan now to take the survey!

Your response enters you into a raffle to win a VISA gift card or other prizes!

Stay Vigilant Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

12

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Building 32 Association Hello, shareholders!

November 28 was an incredibly informative night. The Building 32 Association was graced with a visit from our City Councilman Kevin C. Riley (pictured left). He answered many questions and met shareholders in attendance. Special thanks to Association president Lyonne Hall, who secured the appearance.

The councilman spoke on a vast array of topics. He gave us his interesting and uplifting backstory on how he grew up near our area and how he became interested in politics. He touted his record on bringing in $100 million in total funding into our community for the Riverbay Fund, YMCA, and for schools like M.S. 180, M.S. 181 and Truman High School.

Closer to home, Councilman Riley stated he helped save Co-op City shareholders $1.6 million in additional costs from the Department of Buildings. And he stated how he negotiated with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Riverbay’s water bill and how it can now be paid over time. He is also still involved with having our concerns heard with the construction of the Metro-North Station here in Co-op City.

By the time you read this article, your Association will decorate both lobbies for the Christmas and holiday season on December 9. If you are available and want to volunteer time or decorations, drop by between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. We would love to see you and get your assistance.

Lastly, the Building 32 Association will open its Association room doors to vendors for our Crafts Fair Event on December 16. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, and things worth purchasing, call Rochell at 917-4061304 to rent a table. Large tables are $25 for rent and regular tables are $20 for rent. Act fast because there is an extremely limited supply of tables and space.

See you soon!

––Ezekiel Springer

Coalition To Save Affordable Housing The Coalition to Save Affordable Housing will hold a potluck dinner Monday, December 18, at 7 p.m. in Room 13 of Dreiser Center. Members, friends and neighbors are invited to join us to enjoy fine food, beautiful music and good company. In addition, we will be holding silent auctions of valuable donations.

We have much to celebrate. Just twenty-one years ago, a few of us got together in order to protect our community from being privatized — too many working families would have been priced out of apartments here. In essence, Coop City would have been gentrified. In addition, we were victims of corruption and our corporation was financially hemorrhaging. Although few in numbers, we represented the conscience of the majority of cooperators. In spite of being demonized by a controlling faction on the Board, and by Management as well as by a weekly newspaper owned and published by a real estate mogul, we defeated them all. After we won control of the Board, we suspended then-Management, stabilized our finances and ran that real estate mogul out of our community.

Although not immune from inflationary pressures, and requirements to finance costly but essential capital projects, our carrying charges have increased since 2014 by less than half of Cost of Living Indexes. Median rental for one bedroom apartments in the Bronx is $1,900 per month while our monthly carrying charges including electricity and gas — unlike rentals — for a one bedroom is only $900. We remain the best deal in town. Not only did our leadership address essential capital repairs, but improved the quality of life here — installed EZ-Pass-like garage access, retrofitted front lobby doors to ADA compliance, improved the delivery of services, etc.

Cooperators, join in celebrating our accomplishments and support our effort to continue on that trajectory on Mon., Dec. 18, in Room 13, Dreiser Center, at 7 p.m. And bring your favorite dishes and donations for our silent auction.

—Bernard Cylich

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

Building 22A&B Association Happy Holiday Season. I want to thank everyone for their generous donations for our mMaintenance staff. Our next Aassociation meeting will be on January 22, 2024, in the Association room on the “B” side at 7 p.m. We will take nominations for officers.

Please pick up the Co-op City Times for our community Holiday events.

This is a time to be careful of your surroundings: look, listen and stay alert.

Compactor Rooms: When you recycle correctly, Maintenance finishes quicker – this frees the elevators. We must keep our building clean.

Laundry Room Etiquette: It’s the Holiday Season; respect each other’s time.

Happy birthday to all. Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. Please check on the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something.

Thank you.

––Betty Leak

Building 19 Association Hello, Building 19 family. Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish neighbors. May it be a safe and joyous one for you and your families.

Thank you to those who attended our last Association committee meeting for 2023 this past Tuesday.

I also want to thank the members who helped put up the holiday decorations and the Christmas tree in the lobby last Saturday.

The Association is still collecting donations in the lobby for the Building 19 staff (porters and Maintenance workers). I want to express my gratitude to those cooperators who gave money last Friday and Saturday for the annual Christmas donation for the building staff. In addition to today at 11 a.m., we will be collecting donations next week on Friday, December 15th, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, December 16th, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Please give generously and help make this Christmas an even merrier one for the porters and Maintenance workers of our building.

Please save the date for our End-of-the-Year Party scheduled for next Friday on December 15th, at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held in our Association room. Due to limited space, the party is for Association members only. The event will be catered so you do not need to bring a potluck dish. However, please feel free to bring drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) if you wish.

I look forward to seeing you either today in the lobby or next Friday in the Association room at our party.

—Leon Tulton

Building 26 Association Embrace the Festivities: Building 26 Unveils Exciting December Events Step into the magical wonderland of Einstein’s 1st Annual Light It Up – Tree Lighting Event. It’s happening today, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Einstein courtyard, where the atmosphere is charged with excitement and holiday cheer.

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and immerse yourself in the festivities unfolding this evening. In collaboration with Section 5 Building Associations, MMCC Teen Center, Peoples United, and friends and Riverbay, enjoy free hot chocolate, coffee, and pastries while supplies last.

This is not just an event; it’s a memory in the making. As you read this, the holiday magic is unfolding, wrapping everyone present in a blanket of warmth and togetherness. The first annual Light It Up event is a testament to the spirit of unity and celebration that defines the holiday season.

So, if you’re not there yet, hurry down to the Einstein Community Center Courtyard because the magic of Einstein’s 1st Annual Light It Up – Tree Lighting Event is happening right now. Don’t miss out on the joy, the laughter, and the sense of community that fills the air. The tree is lit, and the night is alive with holiday spirit.

As the holiday spirit continues to shine bright, families are invited to a special Holiday Movie Night on Wednesday, December 13th, at 5:30 p.m. in Bldg.

26B Association room. Snuggle up with your blankets and lawn chairs for a heartwarming screening of the timeless classic, “The Grinch.” It’s a perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones and enjoy the enchanting ambiance.

For those with a competitive spirit, mark your calendars for the return of the Video Game Tournament on Friday, December 15th, from 5 to 10 p.m. The tournament kicks off from 5-7 p.m. for participants aged 14 and under, continuing until 7 to 10 p.m. for those aged 15 and over. Gaming enthusiasts, get ready for an evening of friendly competition and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual observer, this event promises an exciting atmosphere for all. Keep an eye out for tournament registration details to secure your free official gaming badge.

Building 26 Association encourages everyone to join in the festivities and create lasting memories this holiday season. These events are tailor-made for bringing friends and neighbors together in the spirit of joy and celebration.

For more information or inquiries about these exciting events, don’t hesitate to contact us at CoopcityTA26@gmail.com or give us a call at (860) 821-0475.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable, full of laughter, warmth, and community spirit.

—Tanya Cruz-Cooke

13

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Co-op City Creatives: Bernard Cameron

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

Seventy-eight-year-old Bernard Cameron sits in his Section Three apartment with a paintbrush in hand. He adds acrylic paint onto his palette, and increases the volume on an Archie Shepp jazz album. If he was painting a portrait, he would have used oil paint and played a different artist; Shepp and acrylic, however, are for his abstract sessions.

Cameron is a life-long artist, who has practiced creativity in the classroom, Air Force, and now in retirement. Once the art director for Trad Magazine, his eclectic area of inspiration allows him to create nuance in his depictions of everyday life. He has lived in Co-op City since 2009, and continues to make art which everyone can resonate with.

After attending Music & Art High School, Cameron earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts discipline in painting at City College, then went on to teach at King’s College after graduation. A decade into retirement, he has been an abstractionist for most of his life, but started creating portraits during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to combat loneliness. He sits not far from his portraits of friends like “Dr. Steve” (24”x30”) who stoically observes the viewer through prescription glasses, or “Phil” (34”x44”), who’s warmness complements the cold New York Day reflected in his shades.

Cameron took a class on interdisciplinary art at NYU, and as both a poet and a painter, he emphasizes that all art seeks the same thing in different mediums and languages.

“That divide [between visual and literary art] belongs to the individual, not to the spirit of the art,” said Cameron.

In a similar intersectional fashion, his pieces like, “True Blue Too” (approximately 8’ x 6’), align him with Jazz artists like Shepp.

Firstly, he reflects the expertly measured yet improvisational nature of jazz in his sharply rendered yet subtly customized and curated background of NYC signs, posters, and advertisements. Second, he mirrors the social influence which the Civil Rights movement had on avant-garde jazz pieces like “We Insist!” with his inclusion of signs like “TAL VEZ MATES TU MEJOR AMIGO,” referencing prevailing issues of the time like the AIDS crisis. Finally, Cameron’s subject, who stands alone and is characterized by his environment, parallels Jazz soloists who act independently yet never individually.

Tree Lighting –– (Continued from page 1)

Bound Books and Circle of Christ. In addition, elected officials, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto, and Council member Kevin C. Riley each addressed the audience.

“My message this holiday season is to make time before you’re out of time,” said Councilman Riley. “Co-op City is a very vibrant and very unique and very beautiful community, and we want to keep it that way.”

Once the audience counted down from five and the Christmas tree was lit up, Riverbay’s director of Community Relations Michelle Sajous thanked the Grounds department for their hard work decorating this year. Circle of Christ Choir and Miracle Sing each performed Christmas carols, such as “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” until the end of the event.

Photos by P.M. Campbell

“Phil”

“True Blue Too”

While Shepp’s saxophone solo may take center stage, drummer Max Roach and vocalist Abby Lincoln complement his playing just like the signs in “True Blue Too” contextualize the hooded man’s presence. “We tend not to look at the negative space but if you’re gonna be a decent figure artist, you’ve got to look at the negative,” he said.

The image’s background becomes an illustration of a United States which resembles a diverse salad bowl rather than a homogeneous “melting pot.”

To Cameron, negative space has nothing to do with good or bad; it is an opportunity to add depth. Rather than an intimidating and stereotypical hooded figure, Cameron presents the man sympathetically “Dr. Steve” by placing him in a reasonable context, and presenting him as just as American as anyone else.

“Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” Cameron said. “It is a gauge to help determine the humanity of a society.”

Cameron does not see his work as highbrow, nor does he see himself as a purist. Though he is familiar with the methods taught to him by the likes of Charles Alston, Romare Bearden, and Charles White, he is willing to break the rules and improvise. Like the chiaroscuro technique, where he applies layers upon layers to create a subtle gradient on his canvas, he layers mood, character, and environment into each of his pieces to depict a more rounded world.

If you are a Co-op Creative and would like your work featured in the Co-op City Times, please contact pmcampbell@riverbaycorp.com.

14

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

NEW YORK CITY’S

LARGEST

SHOPPING DESTINATION OVER 150 STORES AND RESTAURANTS

PHOTOS WITH SANTA LEVEL 3, FOOD COURT IN THE MALL

Now through Dec. 24.

Skip the line! Make your reservation now.

Scan the QR Code to make your reservation and receive a personalized phone call from Santa as a complimentary gift.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS BEGIN FRIDAY, NOV. 24

OVER 150 STORES AND RESTAURANTS Bus BX12 direct to Bay Plaza | new.mta.info Subway #5 to Gun Hill Rd. Station then transfer to BX28/BX38 Bus Subway #6 to Pelham Bay Park Station then transfer to BX12 Bus

200 Baychester Ave, Bronx, NY Exit 11 off 1-95/Exit 4N off Hutchinson River Pkwy MallAtBayPlaza.com

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

15

16

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Building 6 Association

African-American Association Open Mic Night

Greetings, neighbors. Hope when you read this it finds you in great spirits.

The holiday seasons are here. The Building 6 Association would like to give a huge thank you to Lauren (president), Lumari (secretary), Alan, Ralph, Calvin, Isandel, Garnet, Mark, Beaulah, Michael, Onyx, Romario and Emerald for the helping of decorating the lobby, and Mrs. Andrea Hall for donating some fabulous ornaments. Please remember that our next collection for the porters is on Friday, 12/15, 5-8:30 p.m. in the lobby.

Building Association annual dues are $20. You can feel free to contact the secretary, Mrs. Coriano. She has the new Association membership cards on hand: 347-268-9288; bldng6assoc@gmail.com.

I pray for safety over all. God speed.

My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. –Bishop Tutu ––Lauren K. Lassiter

Building 25 Association

Cooperators exhibited their talents and creativity at the first Open Mic, sponsored by the AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City. Hosted by Michelle Marbury, guys and gals brought their talents of song, rap, poetry and dance to the stage and it was electric! Thanks, DJ Dr. Rock, for a bang-up job on the 1’s and 2’s.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Marbury

Wishing all neighbors born in December a happy birthday. For those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon. For our neighbors who continue to lose loved ones, our heartfelt prayers go out to you.

Our next Building Association meeting will be held Tuesday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. Due to holiday scheduling, that date may change. Look for detailed information posted near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

We will close with following: “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree” –Roy L. Smith ––Wanda Bailey

Riverbay’s Website Address is: www.coopcity.com

CAR CARE SPECIAL

69

$

GET (4) FREE

LUBE, OIL & FILTER CHANGES

When you puchase a set of 4 tires.

Up to 5 quarts of conventional oil only. See store for details. Offer expires 12/31/2023.

200 VA

$

LUE

 Lube, oil change & new filter (up to 5 quarts oil)  Top off fluids under the hood  Complete tire rotation  Inspect brake pads  Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs  Check tread depth on all 4 tires

Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price.

Offer expires 12/31/2023.

10

$

Visit Us For New Tires & Full Service Repair

 Axle, CV Joint &  Differential Repair  Preventive Maintenance  Tire Services Driveshaft Repair  Electrical Systems  Transmission Repair  Starting, Charging  Belts & Hoses  Engine Diagnostics  Vehicle Inspection & Batteries  Brake Repair  Four Wheel Drive System  Steering &  Wheel Alignment  Climate Control Systems  Lube, Oil & Filter  Wheel Services Suspension Systems  Cooling System Repair  Mufflers & Exhaust  Tire Pressure And More!  Diesel Engine Repair  Nitrogen Inflation Monitoring System

95

OFF

REGULAR PRICE

BATTERY

REPLACEMENT THE INSTALLATION OF ANY DELCO BATTERY

Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price.

Offer expires 12/31/2023.

10

$

OFF

REGULAR PRICE

FRONT DISC

BRAKE SPECIAL (718) 994-9600 www.co-opcitytire.com

3525 CONNER ST BRONX, NY 10475

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm | Sat 8am-5pm

FREE BRAKE CHECK WITH COUPON Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price.

Offer expires 12/31/2023.

17

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Building 12 Cooperator’s Association

Building 13 Association

The holiday season is for celebrating with friends and family, a time to enjoy happy moments and memories that last throughout the year. With that in mind, the Building 12 Cooperator’s Association meeting focused on safety and how, by taking a few simple steps, you can minimize the opportunity for incidents to occur that could dampen holiday joy.

Home: The greatest number of residential fires occur between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), cooking is the leading cause of residential fires. CPSC data also shows that Black Americans have the highest rate of deaths from fire, nearly twice the overall rate across the population.

If there is a fire outside of your apartment, stay inside unless otherwise instructed. To keep smoke from entering your apartment, put wet towels, masking or duct tape around your door. Open windows only if the fire is above you; smoke rises.

If the fire is in your apartment, close the door on the area with the fire and leave immediately. Close your apartment door (but leave it unlocked for NYFD access). Call 911 and alert your neighbors.

Additional safety measures: 1) Have a small fire extinguisher (you can purchase one at all major hardware stores) available for easy access. 2) Make sure that your insurance provides adequate coverage.

Travel: Travel safety begins with packing. To avoid becoming a target, do not dress in expensive looking clothing or jewelry. Those items identify you as a potential target.

Leave a complete itinerary of your travel plans at home with your family or a friend so that your trip plans are known. Make sure they are informed if you change your plan.

Shopping: Consider these tips to keep your shopping experience a happy one: 1) Keep your purse close to your body or your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket. 2) Don’t take your money out until you are ready to pay. 3) Save your receipts and monitor your credit card activity by reviewing your bill.

If you have children with you, take steps to keep them safe: 1) Below the age of 7: Always keep the child in clear sight and close proximity. 2) Above the age of 7: If appropriate, select, and agree on a specific location to meet, if separated.

Parking lots can also be dangerous, so be on guard: 1) If possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit area. 2) Lock your vehicle. 3) Don’t leave valuable items in view. 4) Store shopping bags out of plain sight, in your trunk. 4) Make a mental note of where you parked.

Building 12 Cooperator’s Association will not have an Association meeting in December. We wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy Holiday Season!

To all: Remember – speak up! Your voices will be heard.

—Khalil Abdul-Wahhab

Hanukkah (Hebrew: ‫)הכונח‬, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival. On Thursday, December 7, the festival is observed by lighting the menorah, a unique nine-branched candelabrum, with one additional candle lit each night. Happy Hanukkah.

Holiday Party: This event held after Christmas but before the New Year is our “After and Before” party. Join us for this event on Saturday, December 30, at 7 p.m. with music by DJ VAL in the Association room. Most will be catered, however we welcome donations of dishes, desserts and sodas. We just ask that you let us know prior to the event to prevent many duplications. Contact information will be on the flyer located in the bulletin board in the lobby.

(Reminder) Donation Collection: We have recently completed our first week of collections and we appreciate all that gave so generously. Kudos go out to new volunteers for assisting with the collection process and, of course, to our faithful volunteers who always step up to the plate. Thanks go out to the vice president Wendell Mattison, who volunteers and sets up the schedule for the holiday donation collections. If you can assist, please see his number below and let him know. You can check the lobby flyer to see if any of the upcoming dates are available for you to assist. Contact information is listed below. We appreciate all volunteers.

Workshop: At this reading, we will have done the looming workshop with the Girl Scouts at the Capitol Prep Charter School. Thank you to those who joined the Loom Knitting Workshop, Part 2. The next workshop is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 16, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Association room of Building 13, located at 100 Casals Place. Our aim is to make items we can wear as well as make items we can donate to those in need.

Lobby Door: I have been speaking with Management regarding the mechanical problems we continuously have with our main entrance doors. They made what we hoped would be the final repair, but unfortunately, the doors still malfunction. I forwarded documentation to various management departments. I asked everyone to let me know if or when they witness problems with the door.

Building 13 Election: Nomination for offices shall take place at the regular membership meeting in February. The election shall be at the regular Membership meeting in March. The newly elected officers’ term shall commence April 1 following installations and shall be for a term of two years. Guidelines for eligibility and election for office is currently posted on the bulletin board.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” –Cesar Chavez Visit our Facebook page at Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City.

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@ yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

NAACP Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), it profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American History.

Reminder: Change of meeting date due to the upcoming holiday. General Membership Meeting is on Sunday, December 17, at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Meeting ID: 868 6261 8000, Passcode:573425 or dial-in: 646-558-8656.

Message from the Branch President Leslie Peterson: I want to share and remind everyone of the extraordinary people who were instrumental in the formation and continuation over the past 50 years of the Co-op City Branch NAACP. The NAACP Co-op City Branch received its Charter on July 5, 1973.

The founding president was Attorney Laura Valdez, who served from 1973 to 1992. Past presidents who served were Vivian Williams, Elayne Coles, Jeanette Graves, Dr. Jerome L. Rice, William “Bill” Gordon (interim), Brenda Brown (interim), and the current president, Ms. Leslie Peterson.

We honor, salute and recognize the achievements and accomplishments of all past presidents, officers, committees and members for their commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of service to this prestigious organization known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Inc. “The very serious function of racism…is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work and it keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.”

– Toni Morrison Youth Scholarship: The Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has published their 2024 Youth Scholarship. Applications must be postmarked by February 23rd, 2024. Please share this with anyone you know who may need it. You can find out more by contacting scholarship@dstbx.org Voting: For this election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans –– our vote. The issues that affect our community will make or break how we continue to thrive in this country. We can fix America’s broken democracy. For more information on the NAACP’s work to mobilize Black voters, visit naacp.org/vote.

The Reparations & Remedies Community Act: Get involved. Contact Governor Kathy Hochul at 518-474-8390 between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and tell her to sign the Bill S1163A today!

The NAACP office hours are: Monday, December 4 and 11; and Wednesday,

December 6 and 13, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Commemorative pins and journals available to purchase.

Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership: Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fight for our sacred right to vote. Annual Adult: $30. Youth: $10. Silver Life: $750. Make checks/money orders payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

To leave a message, call the office phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com. or naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com.

––Brenda Brown

The Wonders of Music

BY FRANK MAYES

Some memories are forever, and we carry them our whole life long, But none are more valued than old familiar songs.

One of the greatest gifts given to man by our illustrious universe is the wonders of music.

God displays the wonders of his creations in many ways, the castings of the blue skies that mirror the ocean to enhance its beauty, the rain showers that enable the blooming of beautiful flowers and vegetations that cover the earth. All creations are “accessorized.”

We are blessed with the ability to look at some object of scenery and project its image in our midset, and to a canvas, and each picture tells a story; no less is the journey of music.

The artistic values of man are endless but not appreciated.

Why is our love for music so great? Rather by songs are instruments music captivates and displays images from our brains that projects to our hearts and reveals feelings both good and bad, this explains our different choices, the same way our taste buds are enhanced by many types of foods, our hearts are enhanced and elated by music.

18

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

National Council of Negro Women

Building 15B Association

Christmas Party – It is almost here! Next Saturday, December 16, we will be having a ball at our “Tropical Holiday Party” from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eastwood Manor, located at 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY. There will be an open bar, live DJ, buffet dinner and good vibes. Invite all of your friends! The ticket price is $100. To purchase tickets, make checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mail to NCNW Co-op City Section, 3300 Connor Street, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. You may also purchase tickets via PayPal at our website, www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com. For more information, contact Candacie Daniels, 646-305-8013. It is not too late! Enjoy our sunshine fun in the middle of winter!

NCNW Co-op City Section – Members and associates, have you paid your dues? It is not too late to pay your annual National dues of $50 that must be paid by all except Life Members or Legacy Life Members. These national dues must be submitted directly to our National office via the website, NCNW.org.

Our local Section dues are $35 per year. These Section dues may be paid by check, or through our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com. Checks can be made payable and mailed to 3300 Connor Street, NCNW Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. National and Section dues must be paid to be fully financial, that is, able to vote or hold office. Those whose dues have been received by our January Membership meeting will qualify to be in a raffle.

Youth Committee – For our 17th Annual Holiday Drive, our Youth Committee will be accepting new and unwrapped donated items for women at a local shelter. This year, we will be concentrating on hats, scarves, gloves, socks, pajamas, thermal wear and feminine hygiene products. Over the years, we have always appreciated how the entire Co-op City community supported our efforts to give gifts to those in our community who are not as blessed as we are. This year, our donations will be focused on adult women instead of children. Donated items can be dropped off at Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 14 on the following dates: December 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; December 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; December 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; December 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please call 917-826-5644.

Got talent? The Youth Committee is seeking talented youth performers for its 21st Annual Black History Celebration, taking place on February 24, 2024 in the Bartow Community Center. For more information on this and other youth committee activities, contact Akeisha Neely at 917-826-5644.

Social Media – Remember, you can find us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; on X formerly known as Twitter:@NCNWCoop City; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

––Joyce Howard

Our next Building Association meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7:00 p.m. in our meeting room in the rear lobby of Building 15B. Mrs. Milsa Vega will be our guest speaker for the night; she is our new Jr. Property Manager (CSO#2). Please come down with your concerns and she will gladly answer any questions.

We would like to welcome our new cooperators to the building and invite them to join us at our meeting. Please make every effort to attend and bring a neighbor. Refreshments will be served. We will also have a 50/50 raffle.

We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

––Sandy Krasnove

Broun Place Townhouse Association Hi, neighbors. We have recovered from Thanksgiving but still have leftover containers with cake taking refrigerator space. Historically, a particular spaghetti sauce jars have been recycled here as the company wisely marks their jars with measure amounts. Recently, I have thoroughly washed salsa jars and jam jars. Juice now gets served in former jam jars.

Broun Place is collecting our holiday gift for our hardworking Grounds department staff. This is ongoing to December 27. Please participate and please indicate on your envelope what your apartment number is, so we will write that on the card we give to him.

Look out for the scam of the week coming by mail. It says: “Personal and Private.” It warns that our “Home Warranty” is expiring. Our Co-op City apartment does not have such a thing. This is a scam to get us to call their number and hear the talk. If you get this piece of mail, discard.

After being cooperators in Broun Place since 1996, we learned CSO installs safety handles on bathroom walls over the tub. This is great news for those of us over 65 years old. We will be looking to have this done.

Note the changes of direction and cone placement on I-95, the road cones change frequently. Pay attention and drive carefully. It is too dark over this construction area. Director Mary Pearson, describing the Section 5 road monstrosity, mentioned the entrance to I-95 north being closed from the righthand lane, going west from City Island. This change should have been communicated to Bronxites. A driver who does not know, realizes the entrance/exit is closed, and must move over two lanes to the center to get on the new combo ramp that receives traffic, going east on what is the end of Pelham Parkway.

Signage is minimal, scarce and hard to see. Be careful!

Share your tidings and remembrances here in your article. Just submit a note to our mailbox and it will be included. Broun Place Townhouse cluster is seeking Broun Place residents to serve on our executive board. Our executive committee includes: Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar, president; Vivian Burrus, vice president, and Lillian Richardson, treasurer. Come be a part of our Broun Place Association.

Garbage collects around the basketball court and the gutters even include fast food containers and is disgusting. Regarding garbage bins in the dumpster pad, they are assigned as follows: the white bin is paper, the blue and green are designated for house garbage, plastic and glass. Read the signs! Mattress disposal requires covering them to the dumpster pad.

Neighbors and drivers, please do not walk and hold your cell phone. Parents, teach your children to look before crossing. We are having too many close calls with kids running into the streets, especially at the basketball court. For news on Co-op City, read the Co-op City Times. May the sick have better and healthier days.

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Rivers Run Community Garden I sure do miss popping ground cherries in my mouth while sitting and talking to whoever is listening under the water catchment system. This is a comfort and ease we share between hard work and growing something at the garden.

Thoughts for next season’s kohlrabi, garlic and collards have already begun.

Hope to see you at Rivers Run Community Garden’s end of year party on December 14. Fun and food will be had by all.

Although the garden is officially closed, there are so many opportunities to continue gardening. Workshops and activities are available through the New York Botanical Gardens and the New York City Parks. Please check their websites for scheduled events.

Upcoming Events • December 14 – Holiday Celebration (Dreiser Loop Community Center, Room 4) at 5 p.m.

• December 15 – Award Ceremony/Train Show at the NY Botanical Gardens at 6 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. Please mail your due to Gail Sharbaan, 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475.

If you would like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me, Gail Sharbaan, at 718-671-3801.

Together, we evolve.

––Gail Sharbaan

Toastmasters Club Greetings, one and all from Co-op City and Bronx Advanced Speakers Toastmasters Clubs. What’s a Toastmasters Club? So glad you asked; “It’s where leaders are made.”

Our mission is to aid in the enhancement and improvement of better communication and leadership skills that we can all use. We do this with feedback in a pleasant and encouraging atmosphere following the mantra of founder Dr. Ralph Smedley who believed “people learn best in an atmosphere of fun.”

Toastmasters are helping all over the world – see members Eula Bickford in Singapore (top right) and Hugh Maynard-Reid in Jamaica (bottom right). We salute them both.

We’re excited to now be able to offer additional learning modalities here at home and a “bigger picture” of public speaking in our permanent room. We hope you will come out and join us at a meeting. See the following schedules for Coop City Toastmasters (CCTM) and Bronx Advanced Speakers (BAS). Hope to see you soon.

Who: Co-op City Toastmasters (CCTM) When: 1st and 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7:30 p.m.

1st Thursday, we meet online; and 3rd Thursday is a hybrid meeting.

Where: 1st Thursday on Zoom and 3rd Thurs. is hybrid at 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 5 Who: Bronx Advanced Speakers (BAS) When: 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Please note: BAS is an advanced speakers gathering but all are welcome to attend and participate.

Where: 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 5 December Events CCTM: 12/7: Regular club meeting – Theme: Gratitude. Zoom ID: 883 8450 3927/002143 12/16: Defensive driving sessions (highlights with donation) engaging communication, presentation and valuable road safety skills). Call: 347-9271069 for registration, limited seating, Rm 5.

12/9: “So You Want to Travel?” Help start a Travel Club. Call 347-4190570 to confirm 12/21: Special Holiday Meeting & Party – Come dressed in your favorite ugly holiday sweater. Feel free to donate a holiday treat; Rm. 5.

BAS – Advanced Club, but all are welcome to come and participate (call 347-749-0623) 12/12: Club meeting. Guest Speaker: Robert Share, DTM. “How to Judge a Speech Contest” 12/21: BAS & CCTM Special Holiday Party – Dress in your favorite ugly holiday sweater and feel free to donate a holiday treat, Rm. 5.

For additional information, go to 3824.toastmastersclubs.org or toastmaster46. org. You may also call 347-419-0570 or 718-344-6719 and leave a message.

––L. Jaysura

19

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Building 27 Association

Section Five Association

Hello, neighbors. We trust all is well. Stay vigilant, cautious and wear your masks in crowds. Now, we are being told Respiratory Synclinal Virus (RSV) is on the rise and contagious. Go to the doctor and take your flu shot.

Happy Holidays – We wish all happiness, warm wishes, love and that we will cherish the peace and goodwill amongst each other.

Thank You to Our Dedicated Shareholders – Building 27 has been graced with such dedicated shareholders who have held up and represented their perspective building since the establishment of a building association. The torch has been passed on to Mr. Aaron Carnegie, who hit the road running and has not stop. We take this moment to thank our dedicated shareholders who decorated our lobbies and volunteer in the collection of donations for our building staff. Building A: Aaron, Ardelle, Wanda, Dawn, Robert, Yevette; Building B: Thalia, Lillian, Yolanda, Sharon, Mamie, Fred, Hattie; Building C: Evelyn, Joann, Margie Lillian, Paquita. May God bless you faithful ones.

Laundry Room Carts – We, as cooperators of this building, are asking shareholders to not remove laundry carts from the laundry room. Remember, there are cameras and one can be identified throughout the laundry room area and building. One faces a Community Complaint and possible fine. Also, let us respectfully use the washing machines and dryers. There are more people than machines, so stay mindful of removing your clothes promptly.

Lobby – Cooperators are leaving the postal bin doors wide open, and this is very tacky,. Please close the doors as you found them. Our lobby is clean and neat, and we want to keep it that way.

Newspaper Bins – If we, as shareholders, see the Co-op City Times dumped into such nice bins, would you please take the time and a picture of this dumping and send it to the Co-op City Times editor. We should not allow this to take place Saturday after Saturday. We will not cater to an unconcerned attitude in our building.

Happy birthday to all in this month. We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the families that lost loved ones. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card; she is excellent in sharing good will.

Also, notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has deceased or transferred to a nursing home.

“For our community to be a better place to live is for the people of the community to understand and accept their personal responsibility for what happens.” –Davis Merritt Jr. ––H. Overman

The Section 5 Association trust all in Section 5 are doing well. We hope that you have a peaceful and good winter. Please stay vigilant; there are new variants and Covid-19 is on the rise again. Keep wearing your masks when around crowds. RSV and Covid-19 are still spreading.

Happy Holidays – We wish all the best of health, goodwill, peace and happiness. There are many celebrations going on; enjoy, have fun and stay safe.

The Association is comprised of presidents of all buildings associations in Section 5 as well as representatives of their perspective building. Nelson Sweeting, president of SFA, continues to encourage the building associations to be active in the community, and to focus on solving issues. To begin, Building 27 was in need of a steady postal carrier and suggestions were offered on what should be done. Also, requirements or expectations of a building association should be expounded on by Riverbay. This would be very helpful and beneficial to the community as a whole.

Section 5 Christmas Tree Lighting – Building 26 Association, Section 5 Association (SFA) and MMCC Section 5 Teen Center have joined in presenting the holiday tree lighting today at 141 Einstein Loop north from 5-7 p.m.

Picture with Santa Claus via RSVP. There will be carol singing, hot chocolate, arts and craft and much more. To all who are interested in volunteering, they should contact coopcityta26@gmail.com; or message 860-821-0475.

Garage Rates – For the holidays, discounted rates and multiday rates will be offered by Riverbay. Let your family and friends know.

Saturday Volunteers – Volunteers are needed for food distribution at 10:30 a.m. at the Co-op City Community Fridge. Interested in volunteering? Contact coopcitycommunityfridge@gmail.com.

One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president of SFA, at 646-644-4055.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford ––H. Overman

Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (basketball court). The pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick up or after. It is a 30/31 day rotation, on average. Black Forum will text registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with a handle and a shopping cart. Please do not bring black shopping bags, since they pose a health hazard. We require guests to wear masks when visiting the pantry.

Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Religious affiliation is not necessary to receive food.

During food distributions, we kindly ask that you behave in an orderly, courteous, and polite manner. Our goal is to distribute food as quickly as possible. Large guest attendance and deliveries made during distribution hours could cause delays.

We have no control over when deliveries take place. We respectfully request that you treat the volunteers with respect as they try to move the line forward. Not obstructing the entrance door is part of this. To answer questions, a staff person will emerge, thus, please refrain from approaching the front entrance. If stopping distribution is necessary to protect our visitors and staff, we will do so. Therefore, let us work together to ensure that our community gets fed.

New Client Registration & Re-Certification For Returning Guests The period of registration and recertification is January 4 through April 2024. Guests must be 18 years or older to apply or recertify. The required identification is as follows: NYC I.D. (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identification, and Access-A-Ride identification are not accepted.

At the time of registration or recertification, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identification. Every member of the household needs to have the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person at the office. Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester Avenue location. Those living in Section 5 will register or recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location.

Contact Us coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

—D. Illis

Building 10 Association Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Membership meeting.

General Membership Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Friday, December 15, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), in the Building 10 Association room (rear lobby of Building 10B). Face masks are preferred. This meeting will include a “Meet and Greet.” Come out and meet some of your neighbors. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Refreshments will be served.

7th Annual Holiday Gift Drive – We have begun accepting Holiday Gift donations for a shelter in the Bronx. Donate a new, wrapped gift and label it with the age (newborn to 18 years old) and if it is for a boy, girl or unisex.

Donations will be accepted from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Association room located in the rear of Building 10B (120 Debs Place) every Wednesday until December 20. We will also accept donations on Saturday, December 9, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Please see the flyer posted in your building lobby.

Holiday Gift Collection for Building 10 Staff: The holiday gift collection for the Building 10 staff has begun and will continue every Wednesday until December 20 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Building 10 Association Room located in the rear of Building 10B. We will also be collecting on Saturday, December 9, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Please see the flyer posted in your building lobby.

Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988. You can call or text.

Someone is available 24 hours a day.

Laundry Room – Remember, our laundry room is used by over 475 families in Building 10 and families from the townhouses. Please remove items promptly from the washing machines and dryers so others can use them. Please refrain from using the carts, benches and tables for dirty laundry.

Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

Deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Raul Rosario who passed away on November 27, 2023. He was a long-time cooperator of Building 10. Mr. Rosario will be missed.

We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday.

Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary!

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences.

Be kind.

Have a wonderful week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan For up-to-date communication from Riverbay Corporation, read the Co-op City Times, delivered to your building lobby and the community centers on Saturdays, tune in to the Crawler on your home TVs, watch the lobby monitors, and register for Phone Tree notifications.

20

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

African-American Association

Building 33 Association

Pre-Kwanzaa Day! We hope you will join the AAACC and the Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations today at the Bartow Center in Room 31 at 3 p.m. Come celebrate Kwanzaa, which is a time when families and our community comes together to honor the ancestors, to affirm the bonds between us and the ancestors, and a time of learning. This is our time to celebrate African and African-American culture, in an attempt to reclaim the knowledge of our history, which was taken from us in the middle passage. Come and enjoy the Karamu, which is the communal feast where all things are ceremonious and symbols of our heritage within this rich tradition.

Open Mic: Review!

Thanks to all the talented folks who came out to support the African-American Association of Co-op City in its first open mic, a fun fundraiser. You guys and gals brought your talents of song, rap, poetry and dance to the stage and it was electric. We will do this again in February. Thanks, DJ Dr. Rock, for a bang-up job on the 1’s and 2’s.

The AAACC Stimulus Package To show you how much we want your presence and impact on this organization, we are offering a gift. Our very own stimulus package. These are important and pivotal years. We are passionate about the struggle of all people and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of our “push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting and pushing each other into a bright, productive and prosperous future.

Our gift to each member is a complimentary four-night hotel stay or cruise.

Hopefully, you will be stimulated enough, refreshed and renewed enough that you will join us and enjoy your vacation on us, and make an impact just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map!

Join the African-American Association of Co-op City Membership is $25/year for single membership and $35/year for a family/ household. You can Zelle us your payment to become a member using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com, or call us at: 929-430-3255.

The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

History The African-American Association of Co-op City’s name emerged in 1989 from former incarnations, called the Afro-American Club of Co-op City, the African-American Caucus, and the Black Caucus, the first being formed circa 1970.

AAACC Meeting & Events Today! December 9 – Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration (with the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations).

AAACC Sponsors the Following Programs for your Participation Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena, at 917-863-1507.

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” with Joyce Smith – Contact: Joyce, 718-320-0714.

“Each one of us multiplied by all of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle Marbury

Good day, shareholders.

The holiday season is upon us! It is so beautiful to see all the lights, Christmas trees and decorations around Co-op City. We have some creative shareholders living here! Did you see our lobby? The Building Association would like to thank those who helped us, including Robert Jones, Valerie Williams, Carmen and others. We certainly appreciate your help. Thank you for the time you spent with us; we needed you.

The Building 26 Association, the Section 5 Association and the MMCC Section 5 Teen Center are hosting our first holiday tree lighting ceremony. This event is taking place on Saturday, December 9, in the Einstein Shopping Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa Claus will be there to take pictures, we will have hot chocolate, arts and crafts, refreshments and much more! Bring the kids out to enjoy this festive occasion. Volunteers are also needed, so if you are not doing anything, come on down and help. The more, the merrier! Also, keep an eye out for our building’s picture with Santa and holiday giveaway. The flyer will be posted soon. Our regular Santa had to change his schedule, so we need an alternative. If you are interested, please email us at building33association@ gmail.com.

Now, I must return to the regular business at hand. Unfortunately, it appears this building is losing its fight to keep the compactor rooms clean and the ability to stop our dogs from urinating on the pillars under the building. What is it?

Do you feel you do not deserve to live in an environment free from roaches, mice and the smell of dog urine? The look is unsightly, the smell is unbelievable and to open the compactor room door and see a roach scatter away is just disgusting. This year is coming to an end. Hopefully, whoever is doing these things will wake up for next year. Please! It might be hard for you to believe, but some of us want to live in a nice, clean community!

Lastly, for some shareholders, holiday time is not so shiny and bright. If you know anyone going through a tough time, reach out to them, or contact us to see if there is anything we can do.

Take care now, walk good.

––Andrea D. Mayo

Building 9 Association Seasons Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends!

The Building 9 Association held our monthly General Membership meeting on Thursday, November 30. Our esteemed guest speaker was Joshua Blake, director, Janitorial Services department.

Mr. Blake discussed the painting of the compactor room, stairwells, and common corridors of the buildings. He discussed upcoming scheduled stripping and waxing of the common corridors. He discussed the porters’ cleaning schedules, laundry room cleaning, and recycling. The discussion during Q & A was lively and enlightening. We thank Mr. Blake for his time and his vision.

As you may know, our bi-annual Building 9 Association Executive Board elections are scheduled for January 27, 2024. As per our own Association bylaws, the criteria for nominations are as follows: a candidate must reside in Building 9, must have paid Association dues in each of the two calendar years immediately preceding the election, and must have attended at least three General Membership meetings in each of the two calendar years immediately preceding the election.

The same criteria holds for nominating eligibility. In order to be eligible to accept a nomination, the shareholder must have paid Building Association dues in each of the two immediate preceding years and must have attended at least three Membership meetings in the past two years.

As we do each period preceding the bi-annual voting period, we will convene an Election Committee to glean the meeting and dues records to establish for eligibility. We will post offices as well as responsibilities of each office on our bulletin boards during the month of January 2024.

The Holiday Lobby Decorating Committee members: Rosemary Bailey, Barbara Cloud, Linda Holley, Wanda Randall, Janet Yarell, Karen Blanchette, Shirley Johnson, Dinora Tirado, and Liz Manning. We thank the Committee for their time and dedication.

Holiday collections are underway. Our Collection Committee members: Rosemary Bailey, Karen Blanchette, Wanda Randall, Darlene Walker, Evelyn Mavins, Dinora Tirado, Barbara Cloud, Linda Holley, Janet Yarrell, Shirley McCann, Pam Bryan, Shirley Johnson, Robert Rosario, Janice Rosario, and Theresa Gorden. We thank the Collection Committee for their commitment and diligence.

This year, we decided to change our ‘annual celebration’ from ‘Year-end Celebration” to “New Year Celebration.” The newly branded celebration will be held in January.

“For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eye on us. “ – Amanda Gorman ––Linda Collins

Get Involved!

Co-op City is Your Home!

21

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City Join us today for the 27th Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration sponsored by the Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. scheduled for today, Saturday, December 9, at 3:00 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31.

The guest speaker will be the dynamic Brother Larry Hamm, chairman of the People’s Organization for Progress. He is a social justice activist and will be recognized for his many years of leadership. In the 4th Annual Griot Awards Ceremony, the Coalition will recognize Mrs. Lorraine Alexander of the Co-op City Junior Tennis Club and Commander Antonio (Tony) Codrington Brother of the American Legion Co-op City Post 1871. Join us in honor- Larry Hamm ing them for their many years of community involvement.

The fourth principle of Kwanzaa is the Principle of Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics. We encourage attendees to support the vendors. Our neighbor in Section Five, who was recently featured in the Co-op City Times, Brother Ezekiel Springer Jr., will be one of the vendors. In addition, there will be sales of African fashions, jewelry, gemstones, coffees, teas, and much more. You may purchase your holiday gifts right here. This is an affirmation of what and why we celebrate this holiday starting from December 26 through January 1 every year. Thus, families and communities can come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, to celebrate African and African American culture, and to patronize each other’s businesses.

We would truly appreciate your active participation in the program.

There will be lots of food, beverages and entertainment. Those who attend should bring an offering of a store purchased dessert or juice to share with others. No soda, please. There will be activities for children and we encourage you to bring your children and grandchildren with you for this wonderful family affair. It would be no fun without dancers and drummers and they will be in the house to perform for us. Be sure to invite your family members, your friends and neighbors for an afternoon of fun and “edu-tainment.”

The members of the Coalition include the African-American Association, the American Legion Post 1871, Tthe Bartow Swingers, Co-op City Baptist Church, Coalition to Save Affordable Housing, NAACP #2210, the Retirees of Dreiser Loop, and Saint Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church. We look forward to seeing you on December 9.

If you are a registered organization in Co-op City that has yet to become a member of the Coalition, you can speak with our recording secretary, Francine Jones, for details.

––Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba

Newsong Church Make Room –– 2 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” –(Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) The word sign means “mark or signal.” Although Israel was in a spiritually dark place during this time, God was reassuring them that He had not forgotten them. He was going to send them a miraculous Sign, an extraordinary Son, and a loving Savior. Matthew tells us that this prophecy was fulfilled when Mary gave birth to Jesus. (See Matthew 1:22-23). Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. Just like God sent a sign for his first coming, so His word tells us what signs we will see for His second coming. As we see those signs, we know that His return is close at hand. He will guide you through these crazy times. You may be in a dark place, but He has not forgotten you. Join us tomorrow as we continue our series, “Make Room.”

About us: Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, find freedom, discover their purpose and make a difference in this world! No matter what you have been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. Check us out, we are located at 135 Einstein Loop!

Sunday Worship Experience: Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. (Colossians 3:16) says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” For us, that is what making music is all about. We sing to bring glory and honor to God, and celebrate who He is and what He is doing in our church! Our Adult Worship Experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. in Room 45.

Newsong Deaf Church (Room 35): Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong (Room 49): We have created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!

Newsong Church Youth: NSCY is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At NSCY, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. NSCY meets every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Room 42.

So, what are you waiting for? There is a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of Section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and find hope. Come and find healing. Come and find freedom.

Contact Us: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 BX NY 10475, Phone: 917-3422559. Social Media: Instagram: @newsongchurchbx; Email: CentralTeam@ newsongchurchnyc.org; Facebook: @newsongchurchbx; website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org; X: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC ––Pastor Mike Tolone

22

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Goose Island Seniors

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Goose Island Holiday Party – This Wed., Dec. 13, at 1 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39. Members only. Covered dish. Bring something or pay $15 at door.

Wind Creek Casino – Sat., Jan. 6, 2024, in Bethlehem, PA. Price: $60, bonus: $25 slot play. Bus pick-ups: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:40 a.m.; and Dreiser Loop at 8:50 a.m. Call: 646-579-1701.

Resort World Casino – Thu., Jan. 18, 2024, in Monticello, NY. Price: $55, bonus: $25 slot play, $15 food voucher. Balance due: Dec. 21. Waitlist only.

Bus pick-ups: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:45 a.m.; and Dreiser Loop at 9 a.m. Make checks payable to Goose Island Seniors. Mail to: 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, Bronx, NY 10475; or Zelle to 347-847-1941.

Villa Roma – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight on Tue., June 11, 2024. Price: $125. Down payment of $50 to reserve seat. Balance due by May 20, 2024. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Mail to 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, Bronx, NY 10475; or Zelle to 347-847-1941 2024 Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Aug. 31-Sept. 7, 2024. Call: 646-579-1701.

2024 Las Vegas Trip – Oct. 11, 2024. Call: 646-579-1701.

Notary – With Yvonne Menefee; Thursdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 135 Einstein , Room 34 or 39.

Bingo – Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for three cards; $0.25 each additional card. 12 games and jackpot.

Refreshments.

Game day – Tue. and Thu. from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Dominoes, Bid Whist, movies, socializing and more.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of December: Nellie Rivera, Paquita Myke, Janie Williams, Barbara Hines, Jose Lopez, Brenda Brown, Janet Coles, Clara Howell, Louise (Cookie) Hernandez, Mary (Pat) Randolph, Bobbi Chin, Barbara Owens and Elaine D. Whitty. The birthday cake celebration will be at the holiday party on December 13.

Sick and Shut-in – Our former president, Mary Pilla, is doing fine and says hi to everyone. Call her at (718) 753-1816. Ella L. Thorne (treasurer) sends her love.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475 in the Section 5 community center. Our number is (718) 379-9613. Stephen’s cell: (347) 8471941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

Good health to all ––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Greetings, retirees and friends.

We hope that everyone and their loved ones are doing well. We wish a happy Hanukkah to all of those who celebrate.

Entertainment Committee – Our annual holiday luncheon on Thursday, December 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the beautiful Marina del Rey is only a few days away. If you would like to purchase a ticket (tickets are $110), please contact Daisy at (718) 671-6122 or (917) 292-7010.

Carnival Cruise 2024 – Only a few cabins remain for our Eastern Caribbean nine-day/eight-night cruise (traveling to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turks, and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) on the beautiful new ship Venezia leaving from NYC on July 16 to July 24, 2024. Please contact Serita at (347) 564-5722 for additional information.

Membership Committee – New members and renewing members can remit a check for the $25 annual dues for 2023. Checks should be made payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” and mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Please note “new member” or “renewing member” in the memo line on your check. Questions may be addressed to Mary at (718) 655-9170.

Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our December birthday celebrants. We wish you an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Good and Welfare – Estelle Richmond is still undergoing rehabilitation in the Workman’s Circle MultiCare Center. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and healing prayers, along with all others who are sick or shut in. We hope they will all soon see brighter days ahead.

Condolences – Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones.

General Meeting – Thank you to all those who attended our general membership meeting on December 6, your attendance served to make this meeting a success. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in Dreiser’s Auditorium C. Please save this date and time in your calendar and plan to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

AARP Chapter #4997 We are approaching the end of another unbelievable year and there are already many changes for the new year. After all that has happened in 2023, it is difficult to realize that so many issues remain unsolved and are carrying over to the new year. Close to home, AARP Chapter #4997 is having the last General Membership meeting for the year of 2023! The meeting date is Monday, December 11, at 177 Dreiser Loop in the second-floor auditorium at 1 p.m. The meeting will be our holiday celebration get-together with fun, food, music and good company. There is no official business and no speaker for this end-of-year gathering.

Thank you to all who accompanied our group to see the “Miracle of Christmas” at the Sight and Sound Theatre. We are continuing to make reservations for the April 30 trip to Wind Creek Casino and the show, “Tribute to the Supremes.” While on this one-day trip, you will receive a food voucher and a casino voucher for your enjoyment. The cost is $169 per person and there is insurance available to make you more comfortable since it is months away.

The Hawaiian Cruise has some availability at this point, but we did reach our initial goal. Thank you. For any information or questions, please contact Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370; or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962. Keep in mind that these are home numbers, so do not call after 8 p.m. on any given day. If you leave a message, you will get a callback.

Our office is located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room “0,” second floor, and is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. from Monday-Thursday. Our telephone number is 718320-1946 and our email is aarp4997@gmail.com. We do return messages and emails on the next business day. With the increase in respiratory issues and the continuation of Covid-19, flu and RSV, all our meetings and offices are mask-mandated until further notice.

If you come by and do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. We find it necessary for the safety of all to follow the recommendations from the CDC and the NY State Health Department. When planning to travel near or far, be sure to check the requirements of where you are going. Vaccines are available for Covid-19, flu and RSV and your local medical personnel can advise you of what is best for you and your family.

A word of thanks to the members who continue to assist in the development of our Chapter. Ms. Baker, 718-379-2088 is our membership contact, and will address any issue you may have about new/renewal applications. You must be a member of the national organization to join our chapter. Mrs. Wilson, Good and Welfare, at 718-671-5493, indicates that our friends and members are improving, and Ms. Evelyn Watson has been upgraded to rehab. Condolences to Mrs. Diane Cooper, our partner and CEO of COME, Inc., and her family for the recent losses in their family.

We are to serve – not to be served.

––Ann Purnell

23

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities Until the end of December, the Bartow OAC is having their Annual “Give Back” Drive for the vets at the Veterans Hospital. They will be collecting brand new (not used) gloves, undershirts, sweaters and hats/scarfs for both male and females. Drop off at Bartow OAC, Rm. 31 only.

Einstein OAC offering Grab-n-Go frozen meals Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Free with a $2 donation.

Coming Soon: The JASA NORC office will be having a jewelry making class. The day, date and time will be announced. Please call the NORC office if interested in the class, 718-320-2066.

JASA NORC Nutrition/Education Workshops starting Thurs., Nov. 30, 2023 – Thurs. Jan., 18, 2024.

Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., in collaboration with the Department of the Aging (DFTA). Workshops will be held in back of the JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. Office number is 718-320-2066.

Bartow

Sat., Dec. 16

Fri., Dec. 15

Thurs., Dec. 14

Wed., Dec. 13

Tues., Dec. 12

Mon., Dec. 11

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED (NORC) Line Dancing w/ Bartow Swingers ONLY 12-1 p.m., every Mon.

Walk w/Odessa, On Break Until Spring 2024 Blood Pressure, 12-1 p.m.

(1st and 3rd Tues.)

Health and Wellness w/Ann, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

Smartphone and Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3-4:30 p.m.

Common Pantry is scheduled for Tues., Dec. 19, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The state still has a freeze and we will not be taking any new participants at this time.

JASA OAC invites you to come and see “Christmas Layers,” an interactive play w/Dazee & Friends.

When: Wed., Dec. 20, from 12:00-2:30 p.m. Admission: $4. Purchase tickets at 2049 Bartow Ave. OAC, Rm. 31.

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving representative will be in the Bartow Main Office every third Monday of the Month from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer and Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney Consultation and other services.

(NORC) Walmart SuperCenter, Fishkill, NY – Tues., Dec., 12. Coach bus: $45. Pick-ups: Asch Loop, 8:00; Dreiser, 8:15; Einstein, 8:30 a.m. Eight seats available. Depart time: 4:00 p.m. Call Bartow NORC: 718-320-2066.

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Mindful Mornings Tai-Chi, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Line Dance w/Sassy 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 noon.

Ageless Facials & Self Care, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Appointments Only

Dreiser

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler, 10-11 a.m. Virtual. 863-4924183, Passcode: Dreiser23

LUNCH: KOSHER: Spanish Style Rice & Beans, Plantain, Tossed Salad w/Dressing NON-KOSHER: Pork Loin with Curried Pineapple, Brown Rice, Baby Carrots & Parsley

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

OAC Town Hall Meeting 1:15-3:00 p.m.

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

NO DINNER SERVED

Walmart Supercenter, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

LUNCH: KOSHER: Poached Salmon, Baked Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Sweet Potato, Normandy Blend Vegetables Auditorium A Dancing Gents w/Sassy & Tommy – NON-KOSHER: Jerk Chicken, Rice & Red 1:15-2:00 p.m. (Twice a Month) Beans, Broccoli Toasted Garlic Tai Chi for Arthritis, 1:15 p.m.2 p.m., Auditorium A DINNER: BARTOW ONLY Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph KOSHER: Poached Salmon, Baked Sweet 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Potato, Normandy Blend Veg., Pear; NONDial in number: 347-893-2966; KOSHER: Pork Loin w/Pineapple, Brown Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300; Rice, Baby Carrots w/Sautéed String Beans Passcode: Dreiser23 Hair Care 4U, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

LUNCH: KOSHER: BBQ Grilled Chicken Arthritis Exercise w/Damion Appointments Only 11 a.m.-noon, Room 2 Cutlet, Toasted Egg Barley, Grilled Veg.; NONAfternoon Crafts w/Ines & Julesa, KOSHER: Breaded Fish Filet, Mashed Sweet Spring in Your Step Stretch, Potatoes, Cooked Cabbage w/Shredded Carrots & Tone w/Ola, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

Never Too Old To Learn Spanish 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35 Bridge To Care Arthritis Exercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Creative Arts & Painting, 1-3 p.m., Room 35 Go Easy on us Computers 2:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Bereavement Hour w/Dorine (1st Wednesday only per month) 12-1 p.m.

Action Bodies In Motion Line Dancing w/Cynthia 11 a.m.-12 noon, Room 45 Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Dominoes w/Jose, 1-2:30 p.m. Prize Bingo & Board Games 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 49A Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Arthritis exercise w/Damion, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Visual Arts Visual Arts w/Laura via Zoom 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Health & Wellness (AMOB) Knitting/Crocheting with Lynne 10-11 a.m. and Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Salsa Dancing Computer Learning w/Steve, 11 am-12 p.m.

1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Walk With Ease Card Games with Frankie, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

1-2 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-noon Coloring for Calmness 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 noon Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Line Dance with Cynthia Blood Pressure Screening 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

10:30 a.m.-noon Dinner Hour, 3-4:30 p.m.

JASA Holiday Celebration Drama Club w/Dazee Windley Dreiser Auditorium 3-4 p.m., in the back of the 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

JASA NORC Office Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-noon Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Word Games 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bingo on Saturdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the back of the JASA NORC Office.

Weight Mgt. Support Group w/Gigi – Second Wed. of every month in rear of JASA NORC Office, 11 a.m.-12 noon.

Steel Drum Classes – Every Wednesday in rear of JASA NORC Office from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Medicare Information – Thurs., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., JASA NORC Office.

Notary – JASA NORC Office, Tues., 9-10:30 a.m.; Weds. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. By appointment.

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – 12-1 p.m., Wed. and Fri. from 12-1 p.m. Dreiser Loop, Aud. A. Please call Einstein OAC – 718-671-5161 for: hair styling, first and third Wed. of the month, 9 -11 a.m.: braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials and manicure, every Mon., 1-3 p.m. Call for appointments.

Drama Club 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Emergency Preparedness Training Presentation by NY State 1:00-2:00 p.m.

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Stir-Fried Tofu w/Ginger and Scallions, Brown Rice, Tossed Salad w/Dressing, Banana; NON-KOSHER: Spanish Roasted Pork, Sweet Baked Yam, Normandy Blend Veg., Banana

LUNCH: KOSHER:Beef Hamburger, Garlic Morning Meditation, 10-11 a.m. & Rosemary Potatoes, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion & Cucumber Salad; NON-KOSHER: Chicken Pace Nursing Students Presenta- Parmesan, Penne, Normandy Blend Vegetables tion, 11:00-12:00 p.m.

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Hamburger w/Bun, Garlic & Rosemary Spanish Class w/Angelica Potatoes, Tomato & Cucumber Salad; NON1 p.m.-2 p.m. (twice per month) KOSHER: Breaded Fish Filet Mashed Sweet Potato, Cooked Cabbage w/Shredded Carrots

Game Time, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

JASA Holiday Celebration Dreiser Auditorium 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Payments for trips at 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.

LUNCH: KOSHER: Moroccan Chicken, Brown Rice, Steamed Green Beans; NONKOSHER: Soft Whole Wheat Tacos w/ Vegetables, Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/Parsley DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Vegetable Stuffed Peppers, Instant Potatoes, Steamed Carrots, Apple; NON-NONKOSHER: Chicken Parmesan w/Sautéed Onion & Garlic, Penne Pasta, Italian Blend Vegetables

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. until finished: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Moroccan Style Roasted Chicken Legs, Brown Rice, Steamed Green Beans, Plum NON-KOSHER: Soft Taco w/Vegetables., Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/Parsley, Banana

24

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718320-0844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell: 917-227-4303.

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic and related repairs to our space, St. Joseph’s Church has made some adjustment to our schedule of services until further notice. We are gradually getting back to normal.

In-person worship service, second Sunday of Advent, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, December 10, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Also, please remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Our church is a member of the Coalition that is sponsoring the Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration today at 3 p.m. in Room 31 at Bartow Center. You are all invited to attend this event.

Sincere condolences to our members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

To our sick and shut-in, we extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Happy birthday and best wishes to all the December birthday celebrants.

We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.

Grace and peace!

––Merville Chambers

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle (Liberal Catholic) 177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Room 2.

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The clergy and members of St. Thomas invite you to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) It is customary at St. Thomas to have a service of Nine Carols and Lessons during the Advent

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.

Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-of-Co-opCity to donate, or mail to the Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B. 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. Our phone number is 718379-6920. 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 synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10:00 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 needs men to help make a minyan.

There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 5:20 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, Dec. 15, at 4:09 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347-449-5005). Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you are ill, wishing you 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 Saul Weber and all members who will be celebrating their birthday in December.

Happy anniversary to Saul Weber. Please send me your name and I will add it to the list.

Fun and Games After services and Kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

season. This year, the service will be held on Sunday, December 10. This is always an enjoyable service featuring congregational singing of favorite Christmas Carols, as well as readings and solos provided by members of the congregation. We hope to see you there this Sunday.

Along with the Service of Nine Carols and Lessons, this Sunday is also the second Sunday in Advent. Just as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas, we are also called to prepare for His second coming to earth. St. Paul advises: “comfort yourselves together and edify one another, be at peace among yourselves…I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 11, 23) Second Sunday of Advent: Sunday, Dec. 10: • 11:00 a.m. – Service of Nine Carols and Lessons • Fellowship with light refreshments following the service Bible Lessons: • (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 13-23) • (Mark 4: 24-32) Prayer: O God, Creator and Preserver of mankind, we thank Thee for Thy never-failing love, and do most earnestly desire and resolve to show forth Thy praise not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

––Rev. Dorian Miceli

Circle of Christ Church/ Iglesia Circulo de Cristo Be Holy not just Motivated The first motivational speech that displaced God and exalted man was preached in the Garden of Eden. Satan convinced Adam and Eve that they needed more than they had.

(Genesis 3:4) “You will not certainly die, the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

The garden of Eden where God instituted fellowship with man was now a place of idolatry and lust. Instead of centering their worship on God, they opened their ears to the enemy. We worship what we obey by giving it power and influence over us. Eve worshiped the serpent, Adam worshiped Eve and God was left out.

Can Jesus be outside of the church?

(Revelation 3:20) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Myron Golden – The first temptation in the world was the temptation to focus on lack rather than abundance.

Adam and Eve walked past all the other trees to get to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disregarded all they had for the one thing they lacked.

Their minds got turned around by the deceiver.

As we enter the Advent season, let us be thankful for what we have instead of seeking more. There is an abundant blessing in receiving Jesus first and then prayerfully having Him guide us. Do not just be motivated to do good but be Holy.

Schedule 147 Dreiser Loop (lower level).

Every first Sunday of the month – Bilingual Communion Service Sunday: Spanish at 9 a.m. & English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Prayer: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wed. & Thurs.: Nonperishable food distribution from 12-2 p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study from 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace) from 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month from 12-3 p.m.

Young Adults, third Saturday of the month from 12-3 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month Blessings in Christ. ––Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

• Cremations • Casket Showroom All areas are handicapped accessible on premises Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment.

Personalized & Professional Care • 57 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 LIVE STREAMING WORLDWIDE.

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

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

25

Co-op City United Methodist Church/IEMU de Co-op City Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

Come and Visit Us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. Services are held in-person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 468-5745) or Facebook live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). You are always welcome.

–Pastor, David Jolly “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) In this second week of advent, we continue to be filled with hope for the return of our savior Jesus Christ as we seek God’s Peace. In (John 14:27), Jesus the promised Messiah, the Prince of Peace, makes a promise of peace to his disciples before his death on the cross. This promise is for us today as well as we face many adverse situations. But what does Jesus mean when he talks about His peace?

In context, Jesus’ peace is based on the intimate knowledge of God, who is in control of all things. This is an inner peace that surpasses all understanding and can only be obtained through a relationship with God and trusting Him faithfully in all circumstances of our life. So, what do we need to have inner peace?

First, we need to take time out from the business of the season. Instead, be intentional, to set aside time to be still and rest in the presence of God, to listen

to His Voice and open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, where we can find the peace and wisdom we need to face life’s challenges.

Second, strive to be at peace with yourself. Take time daily to reflect on your actions. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart, ask for forgiveness of any sins, and to clean you from guilt in order to have a peaceful conscience.

Finally, as followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors of peace wherever we are and in whatever situation we encounter. So, during this season of advent and beyond, seek and pursue peace with all.

May the peace of Christ cover the business of this advent season and give us inner peace!

Come and Receive a Blessing: Tuesday: Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745) Español at 12:15 p.m.; English at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service in-person: 10:00 a.m.

Food Pantry: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events – Save the dates. All are welcome!

Sunday, December 10: Spanish Service at 10:00 a.m. English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 17: Bilingual Service at 11:30 a.m. Celebrating Christmas • Bring food to share. Invite your families and neighbors.

Sunday, December 24: Bilingual Service at 11:30 a.m.

––Graciela Abadia

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in person only and at 11 a.m. in person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages are held at 9:30 a.m.

We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone, 718-320-3774. Masks are required.

The service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

The Church Free Conference Call Line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

Church of the New Vision Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2023 is: (Luke 10:27) “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.”

Sunday service will be at 11:00 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7:00 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646769-9900; Access Code: 3099388. Please mute your phone.

December 3 Worship Service Scripture: (Romans 8:14-18 KJV) “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Announcements & Save the Dates Church of the New Vision located at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 will host Co-op City Baptist Church’s Youth & Young Adult Department in conjunction with Latrell Antonetty in presenting, “A Bronx Christmas Story,” on Saturday, December 23, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Pricing information: children tickets, $10; and adult tickets, $20. If you need more ticket information or are interested in vendor opportunities, please do not hesitate to call: 646-926-1035.

Sunday, December 31, Watch Night Service will begin at 10:30 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID and passcode TBA. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, join us on a day trip to see “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theater. Showtime at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at the Golden Corral. Adults: $215; Youth: $175 (age 3-12 yrs.). Now accepting $50 deposit to reserve your seat. Final payment is due May 26, 2024. Bus departing from the church at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Sadie James, 718-652-8943; and Hermena Smith, 718-708-5035; or email us at: info@churchnewvisionbx.org.

We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all.

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you.

––Brenda Brown

Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above.

Sunday, December 10th, at 11 a.m., the Missionary Ministry will celebrate their 51st Anniversary. Rev. Grace M. Emanuel will be the guest speaker. All are invited.

The 1 p.m. Bible Study class is held on Wednesdays on Zoom. The 5 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study Class is not held this week. Prayer Warriors Prayer Service is held on Thursdays at noon; Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service is held at 10 a.m.; the 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service is held every week, except first Friday of the month – all on church conference call line.

The Co-op City Baptist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministry, in conjunction with Latrell Antonetty, presents, “A Bronx Christmas Story,” on Saturday, December 23rd, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. It will be held at Church of the New Vision, 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Price: children tickets, $10; adult tickets, $20. For further information, contact 646-926-1032.

Scholarship Ministry invites you to cruise with them aboard the beautiful Celebrity Equinox Ship on Tuesday, July 30, to Thursday, August 8, 2024.

Ports of call are Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Price for inside double occupancy staterooms is $3,995.00 per person. This price includes cost of cruise, airfare, transfers and taxes. Only two staterooms in this category remain at this price, per person. To make the required deposit of $450 per person double occupancy or $900 for single occupancy, please contact Ms. Hermena Smith, travel agent, at 646-780-9813. A credit card will be required for the initial deposit. You will receive an insurance quote at that time. All balcony staterooms at the price of $4,250 per person double occupancy have been sold. If you are still interested in acquiring a balcony stateroom, contact Sis. Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-379-0541.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in Co Op CBC. This APP is open to all.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 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.

—Marilyn C. Williams

26

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Crossword Puzzle ––––– (Continued from page 9)

Get Involved! Co-op City is your home!

Pentecostal Tabernacle 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A. Mailing address: P.O. Box 204, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; Tel.: 718-324-0334.

Sunday School for all ages starts at 10:30 a.m. Worship Service starts at 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday morning fasting and prayer service held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Regular prayer meeting & Bible Study held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Worship service and Bible Study held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

All night services will be on Zoom. To join, call 1-646-931-3860, Meeting ID: 7215501000, Pass Code: 505050.

May the rich blessings of God and good health be with you throughout this Christmas season.

Focus: The faith of the apostle Paul was active and visible, impacting the lives of multitudes everywhere he went. Likewise, our faith in Jesus Christ should impact those around us.

Paul was a native of Tarsus in Asia Minor and although he was Grecian Jew, he was a strict Pharisee. Paul was born a Roman citizen and after receiving his education in Tarsus, he came to Jerusalem and studied at the feet of Gamaliel who was a Pharisee and a celebrated doctor of the law.

However, he bitterly opposed the church and became one of the leaders in persecution against the Christians, until he met Jesus who said Saul, Saul why persecutes thou me?

Saul’s conversion shows how a man can be fearfully wrong and yet think that he is right. It also shows how no case is hopeless when we turn our lives over to God. Here we see how Paul wrote words of encouragement to the church. They are as follow: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jews first, and to the Greeks.

For therein is the Righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.” (Romans 1:14-19) Paul described his debt as being one to two cultures, to the Greeks and those who are not Greeks, whom the Greeks considered to be Barbarians, in other words, he was prepared to discharge his debt to all men. His commitment included the people of Rome, the most influential and cosmopolitan city in the world. Paul’s heart desire and prayer to God for all souls to be saved Jews and Gentiles.

The heart of Paul’s message was faith in Jesus Christ, by which all could come before the presence of God with equal standing, and all could receive eternal life.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

Garage Reminders: • Follow Speed Limit - 5MPH • Observe One-Way and Do Not Enter Signs • Park Centered Within Lines/Not Angled or Taking Two Spots • Watch For Pedestrians - Turn Corners Slowly • Avoid Walking Down the Middle of Ramps or Lanes • Be Mindful of Your Surroundings at All Times.

WORLD CLASS FOOT & ANKLE CARE

TWO LOCATIONS! SECTION 2 BUILDING 13 100 CASALS PLACE

SECTION 5 BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCH. RIVER PKWY E.

ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED RIGHT IN THE HEART OF CO-OP CITY!

718-671-2233 OPEN MON. – SAT. Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted.

Affordable Prices Available For Patients With High Deductibles/No Insurance.

27

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023 APPLIANCE REPAIR

CLASSIFIEDS

EMERGENCY SERVICE

718-320-3300 x3379 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

LOCKSMITH

COMPUTER CONSULTANT & REPAIR

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

12/9

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS

Fully Insured

20% Off Any Lock Job!

718.792.2655

2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor, Low Price!

9/28/24

NEW STYLE BLINDS

JB Ryan ComputeR RepaiR & upgRade 2/17

ASTROLOGER

Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack.

Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.

All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION • Repair Closet Doors Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • 7 Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290 12/30

12/16

HOME IMPROVEMENT PAINTING

1-800-479-2667

FATHER & SON

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

• HANDYMAN SERVICES • RANGE HOODS We BEAT • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • SINK VANITIES • KITCHEN CABINETS • SPACE SAVERS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• MATCHING HAMPERS • COUNTERTOPS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

CAR SERVICE

Executive Exotic Limo

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838

Casino Specials Atlantic City, NJ Foxwoods, CT Empire, Yonkers Resorts, Queens

Breathe Easy

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

CO-OP SALES BLINDS!

Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

www.co-opsales.info

12/30

Don’t Pay More at your LocaL HarDware Store! 12/30

CLEANING SERVICES LAUNDRY SERVICE

2/3/23

Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Tiles, Walls & Floors, Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or 917.325.5334 PUBLIC SAFETY

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

RECORDS WANTED

Old Records Wanted.

2/24/24

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, Soul Music, Latin, 50s, 60s, & 70s.

LP, 78 or 45.

12/30

LEGAL NOTICES 1/27/24

SPOONER

DOMESTIC SERVICE

• Basic Cleaning $120 • Deep Cleaning $180 • Move In/Out Cleaning $260 • 4 Hour Min. + Tax • Bonded • 6 Days • Zelle, Cash, PayPal www.spoonercleaning.com 12/16 (718) 320-5112

ENHANCE YOUR AD WITH COLOR FROM $5/ WEEK!

M.J. Notary Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/18/2023. Office: Bronx County, SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 100 Elgar Place Apt 11L, Bronx, NY 10475. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

1/6

Call Joe 917-952-4408 REUPHOLSTERY

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

Custom Craftsmen – 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers - Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up. Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made, Refinishing, Touch Up & Polishing of Furniture.

STYLISH DECORATORS

3314 White Plains Rd., Bronx, NY 10467

12/30

RIVERBAY ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

12/9

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 one of the following methods: • Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services.com/riverbaycorp, to complete online disclosure form; • Call independent third party whistleblower hotline: 1-833-290-0009 (English); 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); • Email reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); • Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

28

Co-op City Times / December 9, 2023

Holiday Price Drops in RED

1LB JUMBO COOKED SHRIMP (21-25)

Shrimp•Lobster•Crab!

FREE

with $150+ purchase

Same-Day Service Pick-up or Delivery 7-days a week Curbside Available

SEAFOOD FEAST! BONELESS FISH PORTIONS

5lb. Box

SHELL FISH

Fresh Clams...$9.99 dozen Stuffed Clams...$9.99 (9-pack) Cooked Clams (Small) ...$4.99 (pack) Mussels (Frozen)...$3.99lb Green Shell Mussels...$14.99 (2lb box) Bay Scallops (30-40ct.)....$9.99lb Limited Time!

Crab Meat (raw, 1lb. pkg.)....$29.99 box Lobster Meat....$29.99lb Conch Meat....$29.99lb Breaded Shrimp (3lb.)....$29.99 box

Salmon Fillet (8oz.)...$15.99lb Lobster Tails Swai Fillet (8oz.)...$4.99lb 6 oz. each Fillet of Sole (4oz.)...$6.99lb Approx. 13 ct.

Tilapia Fillets (5-7oz.)...$6.99lb 99

$149

SALTED BONELESS FILLET

Super Jumbo Bacalao...$18.99lb Pollack...$7.99lb Cod Fillet...$14.99lb

CARIBBEAN RED SNAPPER (1-2lbs.)...$12.99lb

JUMBO NATURAL SEA SCALLOPS (10-20ct. Chemical free) lb

$29.99

JUMBO SHRIMP ON ICE (16-20 CT.) 99

$9 lb/$5 2nd lb.

CLEAN SHRIMP (2lb Bag)

Large Shrimp (31-40ct.)...................$7.99lb Jumbo Shrimp (21-25ct.).................$8.99lb Jumbo Shrimp (16-20ct.).................$9.99lb Super Jumbo (under 15)................$11.99lb Colossal (under 12)........................$15.99lb

COOKED SHRIMP (2lb Bag)

Medium (61-70ct.)............................$8.99lb Large (31-40ct.).................................$9.99lb Jumbo (21-25ct.)............................$11.99lb Extra Jumbo (16-20ct.)..................$15.99lb

BABY LOBSTER TAILS

1 oz. Avg. .....................................$2.99 each 2 oz. Avg. .....................................$4.99 each

LOBSTER TAILS

3 oz. Avg. .....................................$5.99 each 4 oz. Avg. .....................................$8.99 each 5 oz. Avg. ..................................$12.99 each 6 oz. Avg. ..................................$15.99 each 8 oz. Avg. ..................................$21.99 each 10-12 oz. Avg. ..........................$29.99 each

SUPER JUMBO KING CRAB LEGS (6-9) $59.99lb JUMBO SNOW CRAB (Clusters)....$19.99lb IMITATION CRAB (2 1/2 lb).....$12ea.

CALAMARI (T+T, 2 1/2 lb)......$19.99ea.

CALAMARI (Tubes, 2 1/2 lb)......$19.99ea.

ANCHOVIES (Tubes, 28 oz.)........$15.99ea.

All Meats Custom Cut and Seasoned FREE! Butcher On Staff 7 Days a Week!

PLACE YOUR HOLIDAY ORDERS EARLY!! CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY. 5LB DEALS! GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN! • PEPPER STEAK: $40

• TRIPE HONEYCOMB: $25

• BEEF STEW: $40 • PORK CUTLETS: $30

• COW FEET: $15 • TURKEY WINGS SMALL: $50

• OXTAIL: $50 • GOAT MEAT: $20 • GROUND CHUCK: $25 • GROUND SIRLOIN: $35 • CHICKEN THIGHS SKINLESS BONELESS: $20 • PORK CHOPS BONE IN OR BONELESS: $20

MEAT RIB STEAKS.........................................................$19.99lb WHOLE FILET MIGNON (5-6lb. Avg.) Custom Cut into Steaks or Roast..............................$19.99lb

5LB PACKS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Italian-style Sausage

Choice Angus

Southern Spiced

100% Sirloin Philly Steak

JUST $9

99

lb

WOW!

JUST $399lb

Taste the Difference!

Highest Quality Available!

50 Years of HORMEL Freshly Sliced Serving SLAB BACON the Highest Quality Foods! Buy 1lb., Get 1 FREE

DOZEN EGGS FREE with $50+ retail purchase

SIRLOIN GROUND BEEF LIMITED TIME!

$699 lb.