Rochdale Village Bulletin Newspaper - April 2023 Edition

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).

(Photo Credit: NyreeCyrusPhotography).

ROCHDALE VILLAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-2022

The Rochdale Village Board of Directors serves 5,860 middle income families and more than 25,000 people in the world’s second largest housing cooperative, located at 169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434; Tel: 718276-5700 extension 3360..

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

Chairwoman of the Board

Althea Hicks

President

Jean Hall

Vice Presidents

Maryam Hubbard

Kamal Saleem

Keysha Beasley

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Treasurer

Letisha Azizah

Assistant Treasurer

Althea Hicks

Secretary

Stacey Francis

Assistant Secretary

Nadine Browne

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Letisha Azizah

Keysha Beasley

Nadine Browne

Clifton Stanley Diaz

Edward Douglass

Stacey Francis

Jean Hall

Gary Hawkins

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Althea Hicks

Maryam Hubbard

Sheila McKenzie

Jean Randolph-Castro

Kamal Saleem

Derrick Shareef

George Simon (State Representative)

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Budget & Finance

Althea Hicks

Commercial Services

Letisha Azizah

Community Center

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Community Relations

Maryam Hubbard

Legal & Management

Jean Hall

Maintenance

Keysha Beasley

Orientation

Letisha Azizah

Public Safety

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Senior Citizens

Jean Hall

Youth Planning

Nadine Browne

Environment, Parks, & Recreation

Kamal Saleem

Parking Kamal Saleem

Media & IT

Stacey Francis

MANAGEMENT

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.

General Manager

Jay Williams

Assistant Managers

Herbert Freedman

Wilfred Rodriguez

Controller

William Young

Director of Maintenance

Kelvin Pantaleon

Public Safety Chief

Adolph Osback

Power Plant Director

Corey Jones

Human Resource Director

Dolores Benner

General Counsel

Robert Bernstein

President’s Message

- by Jean Hall

It is important that we understand that each of us plays a role in where we live. No matter how small you matter. We are a community and whether you lend a helping hand, attend meetings, make comments on social media, become a board member, or simply smile and say hello to someone, what you do matters. Remember that working together we will achieve great things it is only when we allow negativity to fester and grow that we jeopardize realizing our full potential as a thriving and productive Rochdale Village! Find your passion and continue the work in shaping your wonderful community!

We continue to be on track with the building community rooms: buildings 1, 5, 10, 14, and 18. Maintenance has verified that the final punch list for these rooms has been completed. We are awaiting the delivery of new refrigerators.

Next step will be for the keyholders and board to meet to finalize the revised guidelines and policies that will govern each community room. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2023. A notification was sent to each existing keyholder and those expressing interest in becoming keyholders. Thus far only a few keyholders/perspective keyholders have indicated they will be in attendance. Only building community rooms where there are at least two (2) key-holders who have received and agreed to the updated guidelines and policies will reopen. The schedule for the

remaining building community rooms to re-open will be obtained from maintenance and made public. We will continue to keep you updated.

Cooperators have been asked to rank the following apartment upgrades:

» Upgrade USB outlets

» Upgrade Kitchen faucets

» Upgrade Bathroom Medicine cabinet and light fixtures

Each cooperator has the opportunity to indicate your choice by ranking the potential upgrades – choice 1, choice 2, and choice 3. The information was available at committee meetings, management will post online and there will be a form in this month’s bulletin which you can return to the board office.

Civic engagement what is it and why should it matter to us in Rochdale Village?

“Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and nonpolitical processes.”

There will be an intense focus on civic engagement. Rochdale Village does not exist in a vacuum and therefore we must reach out to our neighboring civic associations and work collaboratively on issues that we have in common. Presently,

the issue of having the MTA restore the Far Rockaway Line to provide connections back to Atlantic Terminal particularly during rush hours deserves our collective attention. When service on the LIRR was extended to Grand Central Station, the Far Rockaway lines were rerouted to support the Grand Central station leaving our residents without direct access, connections and service to Atlantic Terminal station in Brooklyn. Thus far we have gathered 1,303 signatures via change.org and now we will take our petitions to our elected officials. We are looking for individuals to assist with letter writing and organizing. Please contact me at jhall@ rochdalevillage.com if you have a passion to get things done!

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

~Martin Luther King

President, Jean Hall

The Rochdale Board will meet on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. online or in the Ballroom.

YPC Teenager Restaurant & Lounge

YPC understands the importance of providing a safe space where our teens can connect with each other, break bread, converse, and have fun. We welcomed our teens for an evening of Haddi’s Kitchen, drinks, music, laughs, a birthday celebration, and a bit of dancing.

Co-Buying Real Estate for First-Time Buyers Event

OnApril 1st, 2023, The Community Relations Committee partnered with Nikki Merkerson, a former resident who was born and raised in Rochdale Village, and the founder and President of Pairgap Inc., The Rochdale Village Chase Bank location and Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, to focus on co-buying real estate for first-time buyers. The event was a workshop setting that was held in the Club Lounge of the Rochdale Village Community Center. The event was well-attended by commu-

nity members and attendees were able to gain valuable information on co-buying real estate with family, friends, or partners.

The workshop was broken down into five steps each covering an important aspect of the co-buying process. Step One focused on where to invest. Step Two focused on buying power. Step Three focused on finding co-buyers and how it increases buying power. Step Four focused on Pairgap’s Real Estate pre-nup, discussing co-buyer protections, the importance of a real estate pre-nup, and how to customize it to meet co-buyer needs. Lastly, step five focused on the importance of a home buying team and

how it can contribute to success.

Overall, attendees walked away with valuable information and positive feedback was received. Pairgap plans to break down the topics further that were discussed in future mini workshops, focusing more on the topics that people care about based on where they are in their process. The committee is looking forward to working with Pairgap to bring more of an in depth structure series of workshops to our shareholders looking to own real estate that will help with financial freedom for many.

Submitted by maryam Hubbard CHair, Community relationS Committee

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).

YPC Committee Chair Nadine Brown (center), Co-chair Shawn Chandlar (center back) with committee members and volunteers.

Community Relations Committee Chair Maryam Hubbard (fifth from left) with workshop presenters .

Monthly Report

- by Marion Scott

- by Jay Williams

General Manager’s Monthly Report for March 2023

Who is Summit Building Management?

In short, Summit Property Management Services, Inc. (“Summit”) is me. I am changing the Marion Scott Real Estate (“MSI”) name to Summit. The reason for the change is simple. I need to distinguish myself and my company as something different from MSI. In the same way a child will learn from their parents but grow into their own person. I learned a lot from Mr. Scott and Mr. Freedman using management aspects from them both. However, I am a very different manager than either. Mr. Scott would say, I am moving from environmental support to self-support. This change will be effective May 20th, 2023.

The summit, by definition, is the highest point of a mountain. For me, the name Summit is not what I am, so much as it’s a goal I want to achieve. The name is commensurate with my singular focus at a major inflection point moving from career into ownership. I am at the beginning of my journey or the bottom of the mountain, so to speak. I understand that this venture is going to be difficult and uncertain. The road less travelled usually is. I am fully committed to the task at hand and looking forward to a continued partnership with Rochdale as I travel this path.

Managing Rodents in Multifamily Buildings

Rodents are a city-wide problem. While the City is mandating new curbside garbage disposal laws, mainly targeting rats, rodents remain a challenge in Multifamily living. I am glad that we do not have to contend with rats infiltrating apartments at Rochdale. However, we do have mice and they are an annoying pest to contend with. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers for your review.

How are these mice getting into my apartment?

You might hear that they are coming from the fan coil unit (“convector”). That’s not quite accurate. They use the pipes conduits that connect to the convector and connect with each floor to access apartments. In some cases, they also use the old intercom line conduit

located in the front closet of some apartments and old copper phone lines in other closets. In very rare cases they may even enter under your front door.

How do I stop them from coming in?

1. Ask us to check/seal all conduits behind the old convectors. (As part of the new convector installation all conduits are sealed. Also, the new convectors also have a solid back preventing mice from entering the apartment after installation).

2. Ask us to check/seal any potential conduits in closets.

3. (Optional) – you may have a door sweep installed as a precaution.

What else can I do?

1. Clean and dispose of waste food particles daily.

2. Store food in airtight containers.

3. Reduce clutter in the apartment (to include inside closets and cabinets).

4. Refrain from leaving garbage bags containing food particles on the service hallway floors.

What preventative steps Management does to limit rodent activity?

1. Schedule exterminating services in common areas.

2. Inspect and close common area entry points.

3. Mass cleanout of apartments yearly.

4. Make sure all garbage is in a plastic garbage bag before disposing down hopper

chute.

5. Keep shrubs and vegetation trimmed back from foundation of buildings and Parking Lots.

6. Ensure anti rodent ‘open hole’ cover or lid on garbage disposal bins in Parking Lots, along walkways and grounds throughout the campus.

7. Cover catch basins with mesh wire to prevent rodents from entering the Parking Lots through the drainage system.

8. Exterminate laundry rooms, service hallways, crawl spaces, ashcan rooms, garbage pits, and compactor rooms weekly.

As new convectors are installed, I predict that we will see a drastic reduction of rodent activity in our apartments. Management will continue to be vigilant regarding our efforts. Please make sure to alert your group manager, Central Maintenance or the Management Office regarding any rodent related issue you see.

STaTemenT From Board memBer STacey FranciS

Good Morning Fellow Shareholders,

To all who showed up or logged in via Zoom and witnessed/heard the chaos of the Cooperators’ Session on Monday, April 22, 2023:

Serving as a duly elected board director is a strictly volunteer position. Shareholders who sit / have sat on the board are stewards of the corporation’s finances, must seek professionals to deal with day-to-day operations, and cultivate cooperative living.

Board members receive training from management and DHCR in order to properly fulfill their legal obligations. We, also further that education by attending workshops and other cooperative meetings.

The Cooperators’ portion of the Board Meeting is the venue where shareholders bring their concerns to the board and management in a public forum. It was never designed to be a dais where volunteer board members are quizzed on Private Housing Finance Laws and or the history of Rochdale. Nor is it the venue to accuse board members of censorship, racism, fascism or genocide.

The board consists of various age groups, genders, and work status. Serving on the board is a part of our lives which we balance with working, elder care, rearing children/ grandchildren etc.

So, I want to encourage you to continue to attend your monthly board meeting despite the bullying that took place last night. I pray we all agree as a community of color that bullying has no place in the village.

Peace and blessings!

ruleS goVerning The cooPeraTorS SeSSion

• The Cooperators session will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Cooperators will sign up for speaking time using the sign-up sheet which will be available at 6:30 p.m.. The sign-up sheet requests the following information: Name, Building/Section, Apartment Number and if the cooperator is representing an organization.

• Speaking times are as follows: three (3) minutes for cooperators and five (5) minutes for cooperators who represent an organization.

• The Board Member who is chairing the Cooperators session has the authority to rule a cooperator out of order and terminate their speaking time if their language becomes abusive or their conduct becomes threatening. If a cooperator is ruled out of order because of conduct or language, they must leave the podium.

Public Safety Report

- by Chief Adolph Osback

March 2023

The Public Safety Department maintains 24-hour / 7 days a week coverage.

The statistical data for the month of March 2023 is outlined below:

COMPLAINTS:

112 Loitering complaints of which 37 were marked as unfounded (officers responded but no loiterers were present)

129 Noise complaints of which 87 were marked as unfounded (officers responded but no noise could be heard)

INVESTIGATIVE

These verticals resulted in (1) arrest, (1) Criminal Trespass notice being issued, 25 violations, and encountered 118 loiterers during the vertical patrols.

Note: Directed verticals are additional post inspections performed in order to proactively reduce quality of life conditions in designated “hot spots” as determined by community complaints and analysis of various patrol reports.

4,437 building verticals, ground floor inspections and parking lot checks were conducted in the month.

293 Directed verticals were conducted in the month.

4,730 total post inspections conducted in the month. Filtering

Provided by 113th Precinct Sergeant Kevin Watz, Crime Analysis Division to Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback, Public Safety Chair Khedda Hayden-Ryan

28 DAY ROCHDALE VILLAGE INDEX CRIMES SUMMARY:

Controller’s Report - by William Young Profit and Loss Financial Statement Narrative

For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023(FISCAL 2023)

Rochdale Village Inc. PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FY 2022 and FY 2023 vs. Budget

For tHe eleven (11) montHS ended February 28, 2023, Controllable inCome beFore intereSt, depreCiation, amortization, and inCome taxeS deCreaSed $(2,708,000) to $5,013,000 aS Compared to $7,721,000 in tHe budget below you will Find an explanation oF tHe aCCountS witH SigniFiCant CHangeS vS tHe budget:

Controllable Income is defined as income less variable expenses that can be managed by the Company (“A measure of Operation efficiency of the Company). It is commonly known as EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization).

Operating Revenue and Expense variances are explained below:

REVENUE

Total revenue - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Total revenue increased $1,143,000 to $77,197,000 as compared to $76,053,000 in the Budget. The increase Total Revenue was related to the following accounts within the Total Revenue category:

Apartment revenue - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Apartment revenue increased $749,000 to $67,585,000 as compared to $66,836,000 in the Budget. The increase of $749,000 was related to the impact of the 3.76% carrying charge increase February 1, 2023 and an increase in surcharge rent.

Other Rental Revenue - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Other Rental Revenue increased $280,000 to $1,947,000 as compared to $1,666,000 in the budget. This increase is principally due to the increase in monthly parking charges in August 2021 from $39.50 to $45.00 and no such increases were anticipated in the Budget.

EXPENSES

Total expenses - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, total expenses increased $3,852,000 to $72,184,000 as compared to $68,331,000 in the Budget. This increase is explained in the following expense categories:

Administrative - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28,

2023, Administrative expenses increased $637,000 to $5,575,000 as compared to $4,938,000 in the Budget. This increase is principally due to (1) Account 505.30 Commercial Leasing Fee – an increase of $92,315 related to 6% fee for each lease renewal or new lease which is paid to management (2) an increase of $210,000 in collection costs related to the courts opening up (3) an increase of $237,000 in administrative office expenses related to inflation impacting purchases of office expense and other related costs which was not Budgeted for.

Maintenance and operating costs - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Maintenance and Operating costs increased $3,550,000 to $14,204,000 as com-

pared to $10,654,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the following expense categories:

Contracted Services - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, these accounts increased approximately $3,172,000 to $8,484,000 as compared to $5,312,000 in the Budget. This increase is principally due to the increase in Apartment Repairs (account 620.50). This increase is related to: (1) the cost impact of supply shortages (2) an increase in requests for floor tile replacements in FY 2023 which is related to the impact of covid delaying work in the prior year (3) the impact on expenses due to the significant increase in Inflation.

Public Safety - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Public Safety costs decreased $(1,404,000) to $4,675,000 as compared to $6,079,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to the Budget reflecting a full staff.

1. Guard Salaries - The Budget reflected 100 Guards at full staff and we have 78 actual Guards with 22 vacant positions.

Power Plant - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Total Power Plant expenses increased $1,465,000 to $17,052,000

as compared to $15,586,000 in the Budget. There were both positive and (negative) fluctuations in the expense categories which are explained below:

1. FUEL & UTILITIES

- (Fuel Oil, Fuel Gas & FuelOil - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Fuel increased approximately $391,000 to $435,000 as compared to $44,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the additional fuel-oil costs related to the installation of a new aerator in FY 2023 which required running the oil fueled generators.

2. Fuel, Heating and gasFor the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Fuel expenses increased $183,000 to $6,396,000 as compared to $6,213,000 in the Budget. The reason for this increase is related to increased usage: offset, in-part, by lower costs related to National Grid and Engie (our Natural Gas supplier) as describe below:

(1) National Grid - The favorable impact of the Change in our Service Rate Classification from a SC4AHigh Load Factor Service ($0.2640 per Therm) to a SC21 – Baseload Distributed Generation Sales Service classification ($0.0327 per Therm) from National Grid that management was able to obtain

through a 3rd party Energy broker. This rate classification change has reduced our National Grid bills from over $300,000 a Month to approximately $120,000 a Month. If usage remained constant, the savings would be over $2,000,000 a year!! The savings would be offset by any increase in usage.

(2) Natural Gas Prices (Engie) –In September 2020, when the Natural Gas market was at a 25-year low, Management executed a 5.5 year forward contract at $0.392 per Therm (a measurement of natural gas purchases). This locked in the price of Gas prices for 5.5 years. This means that Rochdale Village Inc. is protected from Natural gas price fluctuations till March 2026.

2. Water & Sewer - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Water and Sewer expenses increased approximately $1,193,000 to $5,619,000 as compared to $4,425,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the Budget projecting savings from the water conservation project being delayed due to COVID. Further analysis indicates that the savings are not as beneficial as anticipated in the Budget. In addition, more residents continue working from home which results in an increase in water usage.

Insurance Expense - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Insurance expenses increased $1,143,000 to $7,464,000 as compared to $6,321,000 in the Budget. The increase is due to the 2021 and 2022 insurance policies renewals. In the renewal, the most significant policy increase was the General Liability including umbrella. During discussions with our insurance broker, he explained that there have been significant industrywide increases in insurance costs related to COVID and our claims experience is negatively impacting on our costs.

Employee Benefits - For the Eleven (11) Months Ended February 28, 2023, Employee Benefits expense decreased $(1,092,000) to $7,854,000 as compared to $8,946,000 in the Budget. The decrease is related to (1) a decrease of $(528,000) in Local 32 BJ benefits due to the contract reducing the 32BJ benefits to offset the impact of the one-time $3,000 bonus payment to 32BJ employees (2) A decrease in SSOBA benefits due to the vacancies as compared to the Budget at Full Staff.

1. Reserve Funds (Wells Fargo and HCR) - The reserve and escrow balances were $30,682,000 as of February 28, 2022.

Rochdale Village, Inc. BALANCE SHEET FY 2020, 2021 FY 2022 and FY 2023

- by William Young

EASTER SPECATULAR

By antHony CHarleS blake

Holy one Death with a surprise

The outcome with a rise

The sun shining hope

The smell of Spring

Flowers of beauty

Colorful eggs

Jelly Beans jumping

Egg Hunts

Picture taking moments

Easter garments

Don’t forget the Bonnet

Strike a pose in parade fashion

Duracell Bunny who is energized

Going Going Going Easterized

Easter surrounding the Spiritual Host master

Deserves praise

Enriched in Earthly spirits

Excellence in merits

Easter bound

Holy sounds

Easter view

Faith to pursue

Praying always due

Easter time

All events combined

Happy Easter

Poetry Corner ~

THE CLOCK OF LIFE

By ed miller

Still in our mother’s womb the Good Lord puts upon our tiny wrist the invisible but moving, clock of life.

Unknown to us are numbers that tell the date we’re born how many times we’re saved from danger, near death.

The silent ticking as we grow year by year, from childhood to adolescence, with the promise of a great life ahead, longevity.

The second hand keeps pointing at the moments in our life school, success, adulthood with family, friends, dear neighbors

Still unknown on that clock is a spot to indicate the day the hour, the minute, the second The Lord has marked our end.

We mortals cannot ascertain why some clocks run on and on and others, like dear beloved’s are terminated at this time.

That clock has taken ever so many dear ones, like our deceased, the tear on our heart a reminder how precious every moment is.

May peace and God’s love be with her…. Amen!

SPRING IS THE AIR

By alanda i waSSerman edwardS

Spring is now upon us in the air what a gift to see the flowers bloom.

Flowers do beautiful and grass so green the trees are yielding its colors too

What an array of colors to see it’s a wonderful gift to smell and take in – Blessings bestowed upon us

Let us never take any season For granted like life – God blesses us to have an array of colors and fragrances that touches our heart strings to be able to appreciate His creation.

This gift called life another season Spring is in the Air Another reminder of the gift of life and we are blessed to still be here to appreciate God’s season of Spring is in the Air!

Share Your Voice

Submit your original poetry or spoken word to get published in the Rochdale Village Bulletin!

Send to ookeniyi@rochalevillagebulletin.com

by CyntHia bernadine

The Rochdale Village Community Center is a central meeting hub for the residents of Rochdale Village, as well as well-known friends and visitors – such as local politicians and community organizers. Therefore, it came as no surprise that on Friday, April 21, 2023, Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, chose the Community Center as the ideal location to host a Clergy Safety Summit Series event. The

Summit’s goal is to bring together faith-based and community leaders to discuss the challenges and safety concerns that plague Queens communities. The Community Center was the perfect backdrop for this event, utilizing one of the many rooms available that can accommodate events of all sizes.

At around 11a.m., people filled the spacious room, and had the opportunity to spend time mingling and enjoying a delicious breakfast before the program began: first with an

invocation by the Reverend Dr.

followed by a greeting from Executive Assistant District Attorney, Collen Babb. District Attorney Melinda Katz then took the floor, explaining the importance of this safety summit and introducing her team to the audience. The clergy and community leaders then had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers to their concerns before a benediction was given by Reverend Dr. Francko Harris.

John Boyd, II,

Queens DA Hosts Clergy Safety Summit Series in Rochdale

(Photo Credit : Mikell Richards).

JameS alVerTiS WyaTT Obituary

Sunrise: July 24, 1925 – Sunset: February 23, 2023

James Alvertis Wyatt was one of the first residents of Rochale Village, moving into the community 59 years ago during a time when residency was limited to white-collar professionals or members of the NYPD or NYFD. As a member of NYFD, this made James one of the first few African American firefighters to live in Rochdale Village, and he was even recognized for his long-time residence.

He was born to Ernest and Pearl B. Wyatt on July 24, 1925, in Kansas City, Kansas, where he was formally educated. One of six, he was often referred to as “Jimmy” or “Wyatt” by his loved ones.

After high school, James enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, the Merchant Marines and even the United States Army.

James lived a faithful life of service and devotion. After his time in army ended in 1957, he then set his sights on becoming a New York City Firefighter. A true African American hero, he wanted to imitate Jesus after all, “the greatest one among us is the one that serves”.

It was during his time as a firefighter that he met the love of his life, Hazel Louise Pickell. They got married on October 6, 1958, and shared 54 years of wedded bliss before his beloved Hazel proceeded him in death in 2012. After retirement from the NYFD

in 1981, James joined the United States Postal Service where he became a letter carrier and a motor vehicle operator until 1992. While off the job, James was very athletic and particularly loved track and field. He was a highly regarded member of the

Rochdale Village Runners Club and took part in several marathons and mini marathons, including the New York Marathon where he performed admirably.

He also devoted time to encouraging younger men and women to pursue their dreams. Among his nephews and nieces, he served as an example of what true service and courage looks like in the African American community.

While he toiled in the shadows, his efforts did not go unnoticed before his passing on February 23, 2023. For his honorable and outstanding service, he received the Merchant Marine Emblem, a Victory Metal, an Honorable Service Button and even a Presidential Letter. More recently, / City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams gave him a City Citation.

We say goodbye to his noble gentleman, whose tremendous work ethic, contributions and perseverance can only serve to inspire the next generation. He leaves behind two brothers, one sister, several in-laws, and his nieces and nephews to carry his memory and legacy.

Longtime Rochdale Employee, Miles Beecham, Retires

by olayemi okeniyi

OnFriday, April 14, 2023, Rochdale Village celebrated Miles Beecham as he retired after 26 years of exceptional and dedicated service.

A familiar face on the cam-

pus, Beecham was a handyman in Rochale’s Maintenance Department. His collegues lined up to shake the hand that helped most of them when the joined the Rochdale workforce. We wish him the best of luck as he embarks on a new era of life.

Photo Credit :Olayemi Okeniyi.

Word Search

Puzzles

Hibiscus Lavender

Hyacinth Lily Of the Valley

Narcissus

Viburnum

Zinnia

Daffodil

Primrose

Forsythia

Magnolia Hellebore

Hebe

Hydrangea

Freesia

Muscari

Buddleja

Dahlia

Gardenia

Jasmine

Anemone Ranunculus

Chrysanthemum

Tulip

Camellia

Lemon Verbena

Agapanthus

Sweat Pea

Azalea

Across

3. This color is the color of royalty and also considered an Easter color.

4. Cheerful, yellow spring flower.

5. These white, trumpet-shaped flowers are popular at Easter.

7. The name of the Easter Egg that broke in two (song).

9. Bunny tails can create a knismesis aka ____.

10. You bake Easter cookies in this.

12. These are put into easter baskets and are often made of jelly.

13. Bright, glowy colors or paint.

16. A type of Bunny dance.

17. Traditionally this material is what baskets are made of.

19. A big piece of candy that is put into every Easter basket.

23. What you dip your eggs in to color them.

23. Who was the first female Supreme Court Justice?

Down

1. The season in which Easter is celebrated.

2. Lop eared rabbits have ears that do what?

6. Easter Bunny’s monogram.

8. What a woman wears in the Easter Parade?

11. The Energizer Bunny runs on this.

14. A big pile of eggs made by the Easter Bunny.

15. Irving Berlin wrote a song called “Easter __ “

18. Mr. Cottontail’s first name.

20. What you send to your friends and family on Easter either via the US Mail or on-line.

21. “A-Tisket, A- __ .. (Song)

22. The 1948 movie “Easter Parade” took place in this state. Chocolate Easter Bunny Crossword Answer

Our Rochdale Village

Easter Basket Giveaway

Happy Easter Rochdale! On April 8, 2023, RV Youth Planning Committee (YPC) welcomed the Spring and over 400 Rochdale youth, parents, grandparents and families for a fun filled day of an Easter Egg Hunt, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Dancing, Arts & Crafts, Rolled Ice Cream, Chocolate Bunnies, Cotton Candy, Pinatas, Refreshments, Kite Flying and a Easter Basket giveaway to all participants! We thank everyone for coming out as a community, having a great time and creating memories. A special thank you to our awesome and spirited YPC Volunteers, and our RV Maintenance and Public Safety Officers.

(Photo Credit: NyreeCyrusPhotography).

Village Community

THE ANNUAL SPRING FLING POP-UP AT ROCHDALE VILLAGE

Despite the inclement weather, many people made their way to the Rochdale Village Community Center on Saturday, April 29, 2023, to take part in the annual Spring Fling Pop-up organized by the Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee, led by Committee Chair Maryam Hubbard. The event, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. was a great opportunity for local vendors, most of them Rochdale cooperators, to network, sell and show off their products to potential customers. With books, clothes, jewelry, and intricate one of a kind handcrafted goods on display, every purchase came with a raffle ticket and a chance to win a prize.

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).

Saying Yes to the Right Prom Wear

by olayemi okeniyi

OnApril 15, 2023, the collaboration between the Rochdale Village Community Center and Shonda’s Prom Closet to give away prom attire and accessories to High School Seniors across New York went off without a hitch. The High School seniors came from all over the City - the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, and definitely Queens - to the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom for a chance to snag the showstopping prom outfit of their dreams.

According to Candace Hutson, Director Shonda’s Prom Closet, “Shonda’s Prom Closet

strives to create an experience for the students. When they arrive, they are welcomed by amazing volunteers. They walk into the Grand Ballroom in awe, they hear the music, see all the dresses, tuxes, accessories and think is this all for me? And yes, it is! We celebrate every student. When the student chooses their dress or tux, we all stop and shout, She/ he said yes to the dress or tuxedo! Then they take a picture with their volunteer in front of a backdrop. Although we are a charity, we want the students to feel this is their reward for their efforts to do well in school. They leave feeling empowered and excited to attend prom. The smiles let us

know the job was well done.”

She explained that Shonda’s Prom Closet (formerly Operation Prom, Queens, NY) was started in memory of her sister who had helped a family friend find resources for her prom. This act of service is what inspired her to assist 40 young ladies in 2011, and since then the organization has assisted over 1,000 students get ready for prom. To be eligible, students need to be in good academic standing with their school, though the Shonda’s Prom Closet does not verify income.

Shonda’s Prom Closet is a member of the Operation Prom National Network, Inc. This

year 140 students registered online, and close to 100 students showed up. While below prepandemic attendance, the turnout is still amazing.

Hutson added that the success of this day was predicated on weeks of preparation. Early in March, a call went out to organizations and individuals to bring or mail in their new to gently used formal attire. Right up until Monday, April 10, 2023, the organization received close to 800 dresses, 30 tuxedos, and other accessories including shoes, jewelry, cummerbunds, ties, bow ties and other formal fittings, which were sorted and prepared for the students.

New LIRR Line Brings Changes, Chaos and Confusion

altered the original destination station to Grand Central. With the new designated Atlantic Terminal tracks comes confusion, marathon transfers, overcrowding, and longer commute times; making it a huge inconvenience for many living in Rochdale and particularly for those who need to go to Brooklyn or Penn Station from Queens.

new service plan is a big change for our Brooklyn and Penn Station customers. We are paying close attention to ridership data, including service options to and from Brooklyn during peak periods. We have already started to lengthen our busiest trains and will continue to monitor ridership patters under the new schedule to see what future adjustments may be necessary.”

by CyntHia bernadine

The new Grand Central Madison LIRR line was welcomed with excitement on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. However, excitement quickly turned to resentment as commuters on one branch of the LIRR say it has made their commutes worse.

Over 1000 people have

signed an online petition saying that their commute has gotten longer and more difficult since the completion of the billion-dollar MTA project.

The petition calls to restore the LIRR Far Rockaway line back to its original times and connections on the regular tracks. The line that serves Rochdale Village had undergone a route change that

In a statement to the press, LIRR Interim Presi-

dent Catherine Rinaldi stated, “We’re closely monitoring train operations and ridership data every day. These new schedules are the largest overhaul of timetables in the LIRR’s history. While we are thrilled many people are saving time on their commute with the opening of Grand Central Madison, we understand that the

The petition has collected enough online signatures for it to be sent to elected officials to be reviewed. However, continuing to gather signatures will help increase the chance of getting the word out.

If you would like to sign the petition you can at https://www. change.org/p/restore-lirr-farrockaway-line-back-to-atlanticterminal.

Rochdale Village Maintenance Committee

Annual Shred Fest

Safely Dispose Confidential Documents

Avoid Identity Theft…..Fight Fraud …Declutter

Join Us for Two (2) Days of Shredding

Day One

Saturday, May 06, 2023

9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Mall 1 - Chase Parking Lot

Day Two

Saturday, May 20, 2023

10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M Small MallPublic Safety Lot

Rochdale Village Board of Directors Calendar

May 2023

See what’s going on in and around our community... There’s a little something for everyone!

aBouT rochdale Village commiTTeeS

Cooperative living embraces the principle that we are a community that works together for the common good. This means each resident plays an active role in supporting their community, and ultimately, each other. Cooperators may join any committee by simply calling the board office, 718-275-5700 ext. 3360 and request your name be added to the members list. You are free to join as many committees as you choose!

communiTy relaTionS commiTTee

Monthly Meeting Minutes

Date: 04/12/2023

Location: Community Center Rm., 11,12

&13

Chairperson: Maryam Hubbard

Planned Agenda

* Spring Fling Pop Up Shop 2023

* Karaoke Dance Party

* Annual Health Fair 2023

* Juneteenth Father’s Day Festival 2023

Meeting began @ 7:05pm

Announcements

Spring Fling Pop Up Shop 2023, 04/29/2023, 9-7pm Community Center

Ballroom (Red Brick area)

Karaoke Dance Party Night, 05/19/2023, 8pm-1am (11,12,13)

Evening of Relaxation, 06/10/2023, 5pm10pm (11,12,13)

Annual Health Fair 2023, 06/17/2023, 10am-4pm (Big Mall)

Juneteenth Father’s Day Festival, 06/18/2023 12pm-7pm

Discussion:

⁕ It was discussed that the committee should meet for a debrief after events held by the committee, to discuss ways that we can improve. The com-

Meeting Minutes April 5, 2023

Date:10:00AM

mittee discussed the latest event The Woman’s History event in which the committee collaborated with Senator James Sanders Jr. The Senator and his team had a scheduled event for March 17th, 2023, and decided to cancel their event and partner with community relations. With only two weeks of collaboration the committee was able to pull together a successful event that was hosted for nearly 550 individuals in our Rochdale Village Grand ballroom. Overall the event was successful and well received by the community at large. Tea Party went well and over 125 attendees attended an afternoon of tea, dessert and community.

⁕ The Annual Spring Fling Pop Up Shop will be held on Saturday, April 29th, 2023. Tables are sold out!! Both the Ballroom and the redbrick area will be utilized for this event. Vendors have purchased single tables @$50, double tables @$85 and food/dessert stations @$125. Vendors will be allowed to arrive to the ballroom for set-up as early as 7am, to be prepared to open for 9am. The committee has hired a DJ for entertainment and former Rochdale Village dancing school Genesis will be showcasing their program. Our very own girls scout troop will be setting

up shop with tons of other Rochdale village vendors. The committee chair will be giving away raffles for anyone that purchase from any vendor for their chance to win prizes. The event will end at 7pm and allow vendors to break down in a timely manner.

⁕ Our very first Karaoke night dance party will be held on Friday May. 19th ,2023 and will be open for all residents as well as non-residents adults to attend and have good community fun. There will be a small ticket price of $20 to cover entertainment and refreshments. Individual may bring their own Spirits to partake in. Tickets will be slightly more at the door $25.

⁕ The Committee has partnered with Prayer and Pampering for an evening of Relaxation on Saturday June 10th, 2023, 5pm-10pm. Space is limited and in order to make this a fair event where everyone can partake, the committee will be collecting names at the board office and entering them in a drawing. We will have 30 guaranteed senior slots and 45 slots for adults only. This is not a children’s event and anyone wishing to attend need to be 18 and over.

⁕ Annual Health Fair 2023, will be held on Saturday June 17th, 2023, in the Rochdale Village Big mall. The Board office have already begun to reach out to vendors who have participated in the past and are looking for new vendors to join us. The event will start at 10am and be over by 4pm. Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch refreshments will be served to all participating vendors.

⁕ Juneteenth Father’s Day Festival, Sunday June 18th, 2023, 12pm-7pm. Planning is underway and will be discussed in more detail during the May committee meeting.

Attendance Number of people present- 15 Minutes submitted by: Maryam Hubbard

Senior ciTizen commiTTee

LOCATION: GRAND BALLROOM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

⁕ Annual Shred Fest – Maintenance Committee – Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9AM – 1PM in Mall 1 – Chase Parking Lot and Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10AM – 2PM in Small Mall – Public Safety Lot (flyer given out)

⁕ Rochdale Village Board of Directors will host annual July 4th Celebration – details will follow

The monies for the upgrades will come out of our operating budget and there will be no additional cost to the shareholder. Also, if you do not wish to have the upgrade you do not have to have it, or if the bathroom medicine cabinet and light fixture is chosen, you only want the medicine cabinet, that is fine or vice versa.

tial merchants that he brings in stores that the community residents want. As an incentive anyone who completes the mall survey will be eligible for a chance to win a $100.00 gift card!

CHAIRPERSON: JEAN HALL (JH) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes from last meeting read and approved

PLANNED AGENDA

1. Welcome

⁕ Rochdale Village will celebrate its 60th Anniversary on Saturday, November 18, 2023 – Save the Date – more details and events to be announced.

DISCUSSION

Chair JH explained the handout provided regarding the potential upgrades in shareholders units. There are three choices, USB outlets upgrade, kitchen faucet upgrade, bathroom medicine cabinet and light fixture upgrades. Each shareholder should decide and mark on the handout how they rank each upgrade by indicating your 1 choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice.

Once you complete your choices you may leave the handout on the front table as you exit the meeting.

Mr. Leacroft Gordon, Commercial Coordinator was introduced by Chair JH. She indicated that there are a number of vacant commercial spaces and residents were asked via a survey to provide input as to what type of stores they would like to see. However, the response has been very light – less than 25 responses received from a community that has 5,860 units – over 20,000 residents.

Mr. Gordon stated he was happy to spend time providing information on the commercial stores. He indicated that it is important as he talks to poten-

Mr. Gordon participated in a Q&A session responding to questions such as what does RV do to attract minority businesses. He responded that whenever a minority business owner inquires he makes sure they submit a business plan and if they are awarded a lease his department will provide the necessary support to assist them in promoting their business.

In closing Mr. Gordon again stressed the importance of businesses providing services that benefit the community. He looks forward to working with everyone!

Next, Chair JH introduced our Maintenance Director, Kelvin Pantaleon and Assistant Director, David George. Mr. Pantaleon stated that maintenance is here to provide a service to all residents in a timely and professional manner. He stressed the importance that his staff are here to make sure our buildings

2. Shareholder’s Input – Potential Upgrades in Units

3. Presentation – Leacroft Gordon, Commercial Coordinator

4.Presentation – Kelvin Pantaleon, Maintenance Director & David George, Assistant Director

Chairperson, Jean Hall.

Chairperson, Maryam Hubbard.

and grounds are clean and maintained properly. He then opened the floor for a Q&A session.

Among the questions that were posed during this robust and informative session:

• Can maintenance mop and wax the floors in the evening as there is a lot of traffic in the mornings. Reply: We will look at the feasibility however during the business hours there are scheduled times to perform the work and maybe we need to better communicate when we are going to strip and wax the floors. Also, contrary to thought, the night has just as much traffic as there is in the day.

• A shareholder wanted to recognize the outstanding work that is done by the maintenance staff in building 11!

• Is there a plan to paint the apartment doors. Reply: There is no campus wide plan to paint all of the doors however if you wish to have your door painted contact your group office and make an appointment.

• Is there a shortage of maintenance staff the reason that appointments are not kept or missed altogether. Reply: We do not have a staffing shortage; however, Mr. Pantaleon will stress to all group managers the proper protocols to be followed regarding appointments. Cooperators must be notified in a timely manner if we cannot keep an appointment.

• Question regarding extermination –it appeared this was a specific issue involving a particular building the information was taken down and Mr. P will address accordingly.

• Question regarding transparency and information on what can be upgraded. Chair JH advised that the price list should be printed at least twice a year. There has been a reluctance with management in printing the list however, Chair JH stated if they publish the list and add “prices are subject to change” that should take away the apprehension by management.

• Question the toilet seats are too low for me as a senior, if I purchase a

new toilet will maintenance install it for me. Reply: Yes, call your group office and make a appointment.

• Mr. Pantaleon / Mr. David George answered questions on door slamming, improved efficiency in reporting practices and shareholders submitting work orders online.

• Items to be referred to public safety: hanging out in front of vacant stores in Mall 1 – where the cleaners used to be and persons riding bikes in the small mall area.

• Items that will be followed up on or additional information provided to shareholders involved – tub reglazing and how to maintain the tubs, if shareholders make improvements to their units will their equity increase and does the rule still apply that the apartment must be restored if I did make certain upgrades. Also, will the kitchen cabinet project be re-started.

• Laundry Rooms – when are we getting new machines? Chair JH explained that there is a construction defect issue that has impacted

the performance of the dryers. If we do not address that issue – having new machines will not improve our overall performance. The contract will our current vendor ends December 2024. However, as long as the vendor is under contract he will be required to address machines that are not working. However, we must make sure we call in the issues. Chair JH will speak with the Maintenance Committee Chair to make sure the vendor sends her a report monthly on all repairs involving the laundry room.

JH thanked Mr. P and Mr. David George for the time they took in addressing shareholders issues and concerns!!!!

UPCOMING EVENTS: N/A NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 10:00AM.

MEETING ENDED AT 11:35AM ATTENDANCE 91

MINUTES SUBMITTED BY Chair – Jean Hall

youTh Planning commiTTee

Monthly Meeting Minutes

Date: March 31, 2023, 7:00 P.M.

Location: Club Lounge

scarcely filled.

⁕ It was agreed to increase the themed easter baskets to 200 and assemble bags of candy so that anyone after the first 200 would still receive an easter bag.

• Check-in:

o After much discussion about the necessity and the pros/cons of holding pre-registration, three days were identified where cooperators would present a photo ID with a Rochdale address. This would be the same requirement on the day of the event. Two color wrist bands would be utilized to distinguish between the first 200 registrants and additional participants.

YPC Youth Spotlight

Chairperson: Nadine Browne

Co-Chairperson: Shawn Chandler

Planned Agenda

* Second Quarter Planning (April, May, June)

* Open

Meeting began at 7:00pm

Announcements: Old Business

• Chairperson Nadine Browne gave a recap on most recent events held

Discussion:

• YPC will host an Easter Egg Hunt event to include, an egg hunt, arts & crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, rolled ice cream, refreshments, DJ, dancing bunnies, races, pinata and basket giveaway.

• Baskets:

o To date (150) Themed Easter Baskets were purchased at price points of $12.98, $14.98 or $17.98. Samples were dis played for the members to view and was received positively.

o Baskets were procured by management from a vendor used in the pass without notifica tion or approval of current Chair.

⁕ Committee members shared that historically the baskets were of poor quality and they gave out 300 every year. It was also shared that not much activities were offered and participants left after receiving their basket(s). This year’s event will have a lot of activities to keep our youth and community engaged.

⁕ The baskets delivered were of the same and

• Other activities were discussed and reached committee agreement as follows;

o Egg Hunt & Races

o Light refreshments of snacks, water and juice.

o Volunteers, will arrive at 11am for setup and needed until 5pm for breakdown. All attendees confirmed their availability to serve as volunteers.

• Discussion on additional ideas on second quarter activities and events were tabled until next meeting in the interest of time.

Upcoming Events

• April 8th YPC Easter Egg Hunt: 1pm – 4pm

Meeting ended at approx. 9:15pm

Attendance:

Nadine Browne (Chair) Karen Beasley

Keysha Beasley Shawn Chandler (Co-Chair)

Jasmin Coleman Karen Corenthal

Saaliyah Greene Cynthia Harris

Evelyn Hicks Courtney Hogue

Maryam Hubbard Dorothy Jackson

Kathy Johnson Tresha Mason

Robin Sparks Tina Young

Minutes submitted by: Nadine Browne

Knock Knock! Who’s There?

Amir Theodile Amir Theodile who?

Amir Theodile is a gifted junior at Bayside High School who loves physics. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA and his goal is to be a physicist. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Robotics Club, and he is the president of his school’s Physics Club. And he also set up a physics Olympiad for his school.

In Rochdale, Amir is a volunteer for the Youth Planning Committee. He is the first cooperator to ever lead a Physics Club for our youth. During club, Ms. Humphrey, a certified science teacher and neighbor advises Amir. The club is for middle school and high school students who live in Rochdale Village. The meetings are held in the Community Center Club lounge on Mondays from 5:30pm6:30pm until June 19, 2023.

In the summer, Amir will be attending the 2023 Harvard Secondary School Program at Harvard University. We wish him quantum leaps!!!!

Chairperson, Nadine Browne.

SynoPSiS oF cooPeraTor’S SeSSion

- For marCH 27, 2023 board meeting

Chair Dr. Althea Hicks opened the cooperator’s session at 7:04PM.

Question: Update with the washing machines.

Response: I need a little bit more on the question because there is a lot with the laundry rooms and I am not sure what aspect she wants an update for. So there has been clarification asked on this question, so we will come back

Question: My question is about occupant’s annual affidavit of household income for calendar year 2022. Last year I noticed that it was a fillable version, but the problem was that the form requires legal paper for printing. Long story short, I now see on this year’s form, at the bottom it says, however the form must be printed on legal size paper, signed and notarized. What can you do to help us print this out?

Response: Management advised we usually send those door to door, so there shouldn’t be any need to print one out, even if there is a fillable form online. We send you the physical form, to your door, and the way that the State would like it now is they are actually itemized by apartment so we can’t just send out an income affidavit that is a blank. It actually is for that apartment and that’s the way they want it, so you should probably use that form that is sent to you and fill it out by hand because the State wants it in that way. The State has advised us that they want those income affidavits sent by apartment, so if you were able to do it last year, I will have to talk to my assistant, about it, just to see if we can accommodate you this year, in the same way.

Question: When can we expect brand new laundry room machines? The washer/dryer issue is major issue at this point. The hours should be lengthened due to the lines waiting for the dryers. Is there a special committee to tackle this community wide problem?

Response: Management stated, regarding new machines, there is an existing time frame on the contract that we currently have. Off the top of my head I want to say it is about a year from now, maybe a little more than that. I know that the Board is going to be looking at options with regard to new machines and a different way to do this, so that is coming down the line.

Question: I am here on behalf of our neighbors in our building. There is a tremendous problem with mice. The problem has increased. These incidents are being reported but I would like to find out if we can get a plan together. We haven’t had a mass clean out in a while. All of us in Building 14 still have the old convectors. Many of those convectors are sealed up, including mine, but the mouse problem is completely out of control. Group four management office representative suggested that we get some new traps and we have and mice are now being caught that way, but there has got to be some type of solution. This is a health hazard. People in my building have a group chat so everyone has been discussing different solutions and we have been trying everything, peppermint spray, getting stuff from Home Depot, but the problem is beyond what any particular cooperator can actually do at this point. I think that there has got to be some other method.

Response: Management replied, they would like to check a couple of things, including rechecking the shareholder’s unit. I do know that even after my convectors were sealed when I lived here, there was still a conduit in the front closet associated with the old intercom lines that also needed to be sealed and, in some apartments, there are issues with the closets, so I would really like to recheck your apartment if possible, that’s one. Number two, when we contact you I would love a list of everyone

else that is having these problems so we can check their apartments as well. I think that that is the best way to do it. Ultimately the answer that I believe will work are the new convectors, because that conduit of the chase wall behind the old convectors is the way that they travel and even after sealing it, it is just very difficult to get it completely sealed because even over time I find that they still, without upkeep, manage to get back into your apartment, so the ultimate answer is the new convectors. The immediate answer is that we should recheck your apartment as well as everyone else’s to make sure that everything is sealed up and that the exterminator has visited. I will take down your information after the meeting.

Question: I am going to address -- first of all I think it was at the last Board Meeting or the meeting before, when the Board voted to allocate $300,000 and distribute it among the various committees. I would like to know, what was the rationale for that and what good is it going to do the cooperators? How will the cooperators benefit from that? That’s the first thing. The second thing that I would like to know is, what is the rationale for teaming House Congress and starting a tenant’s association.

Response: Board President responded by stating the budget for the Board Committees was passed for transparency. Board Committees spend money on not only refreshments but also having events for the community residents. That budget represents .4 percent of our annual budget, so while $390,000 may sound like a big number, it does not even equate to one percent of our overall operating budget.

Question: What is it, the Tenant’s Association and House Congress joining together and who came up with that idea? What is the rationale for that? Do you know anything about the history of each one of these institutions or organizations or setups?

Response: Board member advised it was her understanding that House Congress was here first, that they helped to setup some of the organizational structure of the Board. What has happened over the last couple of years is that -- over the last ten or so years House Congress has been relegated to managing community rooms and that’s it. They used to run a candidate’s night. They used to have forums where candidates would come and speak to cooperators. They used to work with the Board. The new Governor passed a law that stated that tenants could form an organization, so since we already had House Congress that used to advocate and work with the shareholders here in Rochdale, that was my rationale for putting a motion up for the Board to recognize House Congress as the defacto tenant association.

Question: Being that the funds allocated for the expansion of parking lots 3A and 3B on Bedel Street are no longer sufficient due to the pandemic and inflation, what is going to be done with that money?

Response: Management advised those funds were supposed to come out of a combination of the Wells Fargo and the HCR Reserve Account. While we do have extra funds in the Wells Fargo, we probably are going to those monies on power plant infrastructure. We are looking at the cooling tower. There will be further conversations with the Board with regard to the overall infrastructure of Rochdale moving forward. Management is working on a comprehensive plan for what is left to update and improve.

Question: When are the new parking spots are getting built?

Response: Management stated the expansion of the parking was slated for spring/summer of this year. I have met with a representative of the board regarding the proposed expansion. Based on feedback, the scope of

SynoPSiS oF cooPeraTor’S SeSSion

- For marCH 27, 2023 board meeting

work may be adjusted. We are still on target for beginning in the spring/ summer. We will keep shareholders updated as we get closer to a firm starting date.

Question: When will the balcony repairs be finished? I want to install an enclosure.

Response: Management replied we applied for funding from the city and we are awaiting a decision. It is anticipated we should be notified within the next two months. If funding works out, we will continue the work in group 4, and plan for all work to be completed by September 2023 in group 4.

Question: What happened and are you saying the laundry contract cannot be broken? We should not have to deal with these broken machines for another year. Can you provide more details on the laundry machines?

Response: Management responded, yes, we can break the contract, but we are not in a position, as of right now, having not done the proper research on what to replace this current contract with. We will hold the contractor accountable for maintaining the machines that are currently here. We have increased the amount of communication with Facebook and emergency alerts. It is important for shareholders to use all available

reporting systems when you have service problems with either the washers or the dryers.

Question: I went to visit someone who had the new convector, and you can hear the sound. I couldn’t believe it. It’s too noisy and this is a recording, a clear recording. So what can be done to the convectors? Can they be removed, replaced? Are they damaged because they were out in the elements? What can be done besides them bleeding it?

Response: Management stated we tested these convectors extensively before installing them in shareholders units. We also installed them in the management offices and each building’s community room. Thus far, our experience has not been the convectors making excessive noise. However, any shareholder that is currently having excessive noise problems contact the group manager’s office and arrangements will be made to have all convectors in question evaluated. Once we have that information, we will understand if additional action is required.

The Chair advised since the time allotted for the cooperator’s session has ended, all questions remaining in the chat will be answered online. Accordingly, the Chair thanked everyone for their participation.

Cooperators Sessions ended at 7:34pm.

rochdale Village Board oF direcTorS meeTing

reSolutionS - marCH 27, 2023

R04-23: CF ROCHDALE, LLC RESTRUCTURES

Moved by: Stacey Francis

Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro

WHEREAS, CF Rochdale, LLC (“Crunch Fitness”) currently rents eighteen thousand (18,000) square feet in Mall 1;

WHEREAS, the owner of Crunch Fitness would like to restructure his current businesses under one corporation called AD Fitness, LLC; and

WHEREAS, the majority shareholder, terms, use and d/b/a name Crunch Fitness will remain the same.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves the assignment of CF Rochdale, LLC to AD Fitness, LLC.

FOR

Keysha Beasley Nadine Browne

Edward Douglass Stacey Francis

Jean Hall

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Althea Hicks Maryam Hubbard

Jean Randolph-Castro

Derrick Shareef

Kamal Saleem

ABSENT

Letisha Azizah Clifton Stanley Diaz

Gary Hawkins

Eleven for, four absent: motion passes.

Sheila McKenzie

BOARD MEMBERS

Althea Hicks

Chairperson & Assistant Treasurer

Jean Hall President

Maryam Hubbard (Arrived 7:50 p.m.)

First Vice-President

Kamal Saleem

Second Vice-President

Keysha Beasley

Third Vice-President

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Fourth Vice President

Stacey Francis Secretary

Nadine Browne

Assistant Secretary

Letisha Azizah (Not Present) Treasurer

Clifton Stanley Diaz (Not Present)

Edward Douglass

Gary Hawkins (Arrived 8:00 p.m.)

Sheila McKenzie (Arrived 8:00 p.m.)

Jean Randolph-Castro

Derrick Shareef (Not Present)

MSI REAL ESTATE

Jay Williams

General Manager

Wilfred Rodriguez

Assistant General Manager

Lance Williams

Director of Operations

Robert Bernstein, Esq.

Corporate Counsel

William Young Controller

Kelvin Pantaleon

Director of Maintenance

Adolph Osback

Chief Public Safety

David George

Assistant Director of Maintenance

Dean M. Roberts, Esq.

Norris McLaughlin

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

Project Name: Convectors

Description: Replace all (20,000) convectors with modern convectors with washable filters, thermostats, and leak prevention.

Status: Installation is complete in the following Buildings: 20,19,18. Awaiting delivery of additional units to complete building #17. We anticipate resuming work in October 2023.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $32,419,478

Money Spent: $12,688,337

Projected Completion: June 2025

Project Name: Federal Pacific Breaker Panels in Apartments

Description: Replace electric panel located in hallway in every apartment.

Status: In Progress: (3359 installed)

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $2,380,480

Money Spent: $1,859,806

Projected Completion: December 2023

Project Name: Building Capacitors

Description: Upgrade to improve quality of electrical distribution and replace electric panels at ground level.

Status: All capacitors were installed, and the specialized breakers are back ordered. Once received, a schedule for replacement will be put together.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,210,325

Money Spent: $1,139,113

Projected Completion: May 2023

Project Name: Parking Lot Repair & Sidewalk/Curb Repair Architect

Description: Repave, restripe, and add expansion parking lots 1, 2,4,5,9a/9b and Big Mall.

Status: O&S submitted revised drawings after receiving the Board’s input. Jay to create RFP for Parking Lot repair/expansion. O&S created RFP for Sidewalk/Curb Repair HM-23AE pending approval.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,390,686.09

Money Spent: $519,169.05

Projected Completion: June 2023

Project Name: Parking Lot Repave/ Repair Contractor

Description: Repave and restripe parking lots 1,2,4,5,9a/9b and Mall 1.

Status: Three Lots completed: #2 (11 new spaces), #9A (1 new space), 9B. Stasi- Brothers were the lowest responsible bidder awaiting board approval

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,390,686.09

Money Spent: $519,169.05

Projected Completion: June 2023

Project Name: Sidewalk & Curb Repair Contractor

Description: Concrete repair of worst areas campus wide.

Status: Completed: Groups #1, 2, 3 & 5. Group 4 is on hold for Façade work. MSS is the lowest bidder at $360,000 and Board approved.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,390,686.09

Money Spent: $519,169.05

Projected Completion: June 2023

Project Name: Deaeration Tank

Description: Used to remove oxygen and other gases from the water that feeds into boilers that generate steam and prevent corrosion.

Status: Deaeration Tank: Installed May 10, 2022. The Unit will be connected to the existing system soon. We anticipate completion in the spring of 2023 as work needs to be done in the shoulder season (Power Plant switches from heating to cooling).

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,169,000

Money Spent: $957,600

Projected Completion: May 2023

Project Name: Diesel Generators

Description: Replace or rebuild two emergency backup diesel generators in Power Plant.

Status: In Progress - Diesel #2 Is dismantled and parts and quotes for the for necessary work are being reviewed by the project representative.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $4,529,672

Money Spent: $201,392

Projected Completion: July 2023

Project Name: Various

Description: Engineers and Architects and Construction mgmt. - allowance for architect, engineer, and con-

struction mgmt. fees.

Status: Ongoing

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $400,000

Money Spent: $238,258

Projected Completion: For duration of work associated with Wells Fargo repair escrow.

Project Name: Central Plant Engineering Work

Description: Remedial Work for Cooling Towers and Tower Dunnage, Screen-Wall, and other necessary control, filtering and piping life-cycle evaluation and energy management work.

Status: Revaluating the most effective approach for new condenser lines (plumbing) and steel dunnage (cooling tower structural supports and beams).

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $115,300

Money Spent: $38,840

Projected Completion: April 2023

Project Name: Fire Alarm/Sprinkler in Big Mall

Description: Install sprinkler system as required by FDNY in Mall 1 common area.

Status: Fire Alarm: Sprinkler and Smoke Purge system completed. As of August 11, 2021, we are still awaiting NYC FDNY approval of system. FDNY Application was re-submitted, and we are awaiting FDNY approval. Sprinkler: Completed as of 2/7/2020

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $815,000

Money Spent: $525,600

Projected Completion: TBD

Project Name: Fire Alarm for 18 Bldgs.

Description: Install fire alarms in building community rooms as required by FDNY.

Status: Eleven (11) rooms completed (#1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, & 20) Bldg. #4 is completed and inspected by FDNY. Bldg. 15 filed at FDNYAwaiting approval. Eight (8) bldgs. approved by management and sent to contractor for FDNY filing. Awaiting NYCFD approval.HM-23 pending at HCR. HM-180 approved 10/23/19

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $438,857

Money Spent: $338,194

Projected Completion: October 2023

Project Name: Public AssemblyPA’s

Description: Certificate required for places where people gather for parties, meetings, etc.

Status: This work is on track with the other renovations of the community rooms. Architect - DOB search for all 20 Bldgs. Architect will file when fire alarms are completed for all 16 social rooms and the 4 nurseries.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: TBD

Money Spent: N/A

Projected Completion: October 2023

Project Name: Bldg. Community Room Renovation

Description: Renovate all building community rooms including main area, bathrooms, and kitchens. The lathe and plaster ceilings will be removed and re-placed with 24’ x 24’ dropped ceilings.

Status: Twelve (12) Bldgs. are completed: #1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, & 20. Three (3) bldgs. remaining for 2023 & drawing pending at DOB for approval. #2, 7, 15. HM-23 pending at HCR & HM-180 approved.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $1,995,612

Money Spent: $1,138,460.09

Projected Completion: October 2023

Project Name: Sitewide Roofing Replacement/Repairs Consultant

Description: Long-term contract for roof repairs and replacement throughout Rochdale Village.

Status: Consultant is William Davis.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $100,800

Money Spent: $95,653.52

Projected Completion: June 2023

Project Name: Sitewide Roofing Replacement/Repairs Contractor

Description: Long-term contract for roof repairs and replacement throughout Rochdale Village. The contractor is Bay restoration. Roofing Mfr. is SIPLAST. Completed work carries a 20 year no dollar limit guarantee.

Status: Eight (8) Bldgs. Completed: #1 - 5, 12, 17 & 20. Year 1 (#1, 3, 4, 12 & 17); Year 2 (#2, 5, & 20). Manage-

ment, Architect & Contractor agreed to close out/ place this project on hold until funding is available. Five (5) remaining buildings (#6, 7, 8, 18 & 19) will be re-bid and done later.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $8,277,850

Money Spent: $4,572,351

Projected Completion: May 2023

Project Name: Bulkhead Repairs

Description: Repairs include Pointing, Lintels, Caulking, brick replacement, and Coping Stone Replacement.

Status: Start date: 7/27/21. Nine (9) Bldgs. Completed: #1 - 6, 12, 17 & 20. This project will be placed on hold until funding is available to complete the remaining buildings (7-11, 13-16, 18-19).

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $700,000

Money Spent: $205,533

Projected Completion: Re-evaluating

Project Name: Façade

Description: Long-term plan for brick and terrace repairs including Local law 11 work every 5 years.

Status: Four (4) Bldgs. are completed: #5- 8. In progress: #15 (75%) & 16 (75%). Will recommence with inspection and probes once funding has been approved by the Board. HM-23 pending at HCR. HM-180 approved.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $12,764,400

Money Spent: $5,119,204

Projected Completion: November

2024

Project Name: Façade

Description: Long term plan for brick and terrace repairs including FISP each 5 years.

Status: RJSA selected by Management HM-23AE pending at HCR as of 1/28/2020.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $880,000

Money Spent: $730,159

Projected Completion: November

2024

Project Name: Air Monitoring

Description: Service contract

Status: Ongoing

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $200,000

Money Spent: $19,904

Projected Completion: N/A

Project Name: Mold Assessment

Description: Service contract

Status: Ongoing

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $100,000

Money Spent: $30,080

Projected Completion: N/A

Project Name: Brownfield SSDS Mall 1 & 2

Description: Air clean up underground

Status: Exhaust fan installation completed. Awaiting the Certificate of Completion (COC) from DEC. Mall 1 - JS Cleaners Remediation is completed. Mall 2 - HIP cleaners Remediation is completed.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $411,800

Money Spent: $341,500

Projected Completion: N/A

Project Name: Pylon Signs

Description: Merchant list signs for Mall #1.

Status: New design - signs awarded to ASG.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $288,683

Money Spent: $117,769

Projected Completion: June 2023

Project Name: Pylon Signs

Description: Merchant list signs for Mall #1.

Status: Structural work for pylon bases was competitively bid and awarded to Sky, Inc.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $145,400

Money Spent: $14,580

Projected Completion: June 2023

Project Name: General Consultant

Description: Service contract.

Status: Ongoing

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $210,000

Money Spent: $90,855

Projected Completion: N/A

PROJECTS ON-HOLD

Project Name: Lobby Enhancement & Door Replacement & ADA Acces-

sible Vestibules

Description: Replace 20 lobby entrances, doors and make ADA compliant.

Status: On Hold. Management is working with Wells Fargo and Freddie Mac on reallocating funds from this project in order to fund necessary work on the cooling towers. This project will be revisited at a later date.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $800,000

Money Spent: $323

Anticipated Re-start: This project will be reevaluated once funding is available.

Project Name: Elevators/Utilities/ Demising Walls - Mall 1

Description: The installation of an elevator, demising walls and utilities to 2nd floor of mall.

Status: On Hold. All work complete and funded except the 2nd elevator which is no longer being done. Management is working with Wells Fargo and Freddie Mac on reallocating funds from this project in order to fund necessary work for NYC Speaker’s buildout.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $750,000

Money Spent: $83,100

Projected Completion: N/A

Project Name: Elevator Modernization & Preventative Maintenance

Description: Elevator modernization including new maintenance.

Status: On hold however, we are moving forward with the preventative maintenance portion.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: N/A

Money Spent: N/A

Anticipated Re-start: This project will be reevaluated once funding is available.

Project Name: 15 Cardboard Balers

Description: Machine to compress cardboard waste into small and compact bales.

Status: On hold

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: N/A

Money Spent: N/A

Anticipated Re-start: This project will be reevaluated once funding is

available.

PROJECTS TO BE REMOVED

Project Name: Lot 3A/3B Tier 1 Architect

Description: Design Work for Building a tier above Lot 3A/3B to create additional parking

Status: To be removed. Original budget of $5 million no longer applies due to Covid-19, supply chain issues and inflation total cost ow exceeds $12 million for adding approximately 300 new spaces. These considerations make this project financially infeasible. Management will continue to look at other alternatives to address the parking issues.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: N/A

Money Spent: N/A

Anticipated Re-start: N/A

Project Name: Lot 3A/3B Tier 1

Contractor

Description: Building a tier above Lot 3A/3B to create additional parking.

Status: To be removed. Original budget of $5 million no longer applies due to Covid-19, supply chain issues and inflation total cost now exceeds $12 million for adding approximately 300 new spaces. These considerations make this project financially infeasible. Management will continue to look at other alternatives to address the parking issues.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: N/A

Money Spent: N/A

Anticipated Re-start: N/A

PROJECTS COMPLETED

Project Name: Maintenance Department Dump Truck

Description: Purchase of a new Hino truck to handle bulk garbage and large deliveries.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $ 97,962.46

Money Spent: $ 97,962.46

Completion Date: Jan. 2023

Project Name: Federal Pacific Breaker Panels PURCHASE

Description: Replace electric panel

located in hallway in every apartment

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $2,380,480

Money Spent: $1,859,806

Completion Date: Oct. 2022

Project Name: Main Federal Pacific Breaker Panel

Description: Upgrade to im-prove quality of electrical distribution and replace electric panels at ground level.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,210,325

Money Spent: $1,139,133

Completion Date: Jan. 2022

Project Name: Augers

Description: Machinery to eliminate bulk garbage reducing larger items (such as furniture) to splinters.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $412,057.51

Money Spent: $412,057.51

Completion Date: Jan. 2022

Project Name: Interior Compactors

Description: Indoor machine used to reduce household garbage by crushing into small and manageable pieces. All are being replaced (60 total).

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $564,000

Money Spent: $564,000

Completion Date: July 2021

Project Name: Exterior Compactors

Description: Next two to arrive on site in 6 weeks. Out-door machine used to reduce household garbage by crushing into small and manageable pieces. Replacing all (30 total) compactors site wide and the concrete pads.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $397,500

Money Spent: $397,500

Completion Date: Dec. 2021

Project Name: Isolation Valves

Description: Replace valves which isolate dual temp risers per apartment line plus provide shut off at all convectors.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $3,078,682

Money Spent: $3,078,682

Completion Date: Oct. 2020

Project Name: Site Wide Camera Installation

Description: New cameras throughout common areas and in all elevators.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $703,332

Money Spent: $703,332

Completion Date: Nov. 2021

Project Name: Test Underground Electric Feeders

Description: Test lines to ensure proper electric distribution from Plant to buildings.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $516,244

Money Spent: $516,244

Completion Date: Nov. 2021

Project Name: Elevator Door Lock System

Description: Monitoring system to help keep elevator doors closed. Elevator cars will only be able to move when doors are properly closed.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $1,926,758

Money Spent: $1,926,758

Completion Date: Feb. 2020

Project Name: Mall 1 Atrium Roof

Replacement

Description: Roof System - Replacement of the shopping center roof (atrium section).

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $278,953

Money Spent: $278,953

Completion Date: Jul. 2020

Project Name: Natural Gas Risers (Bldg. 15)

Description: Emergency replacement of gas pipes in entire building.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $899,883

Money Spent: $899,883

Completion Date: Nov. 2019

Project Name: Cooling Tower Motor

Description: Replace original motors with more energy efficient.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $58,335

Money Spent: $58,335

Completion Date: Jun. 2019

Project Name: Community Center

HVAC

Description: Upgrade heating and cooling system in Community Center.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $149,500

Money Spent: $149,500

Project Name: Pump Rooms Upgrade

Description: Upgrade to domestic water distribution which delivers hot water to apartments from the Power Plant.

Funding Source: Wells Fargo

Contract Amount: $2,146,473.86

Money Spent: $2,146,473.86

Completion Date: Aug. 2021

Project Name: Egress Stairs in Big Mall

Description: Build wall which divides Crunch and Hibachi Grill spaces and supply utility connections for both new tenants.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $222,536

Money Spent: $222,536

Completion Date: Dec. 2021

Project Name: Big Mall Purge System

Description: To be added to the installation of the fire alarm system throughout the Big Mall.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $275,000

Money Spent: $275,000

Completion Date: May 2021

Project Name: Parking Lot Cameras

Description: Added/Upgraded surveillance in parking lots.

Status: Complete

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $86,400

Money Spent: $86,400

Completion Date: Nov. 2020

Project Name: Group Signs

Description: Directional/informational signs for each group.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $80,000

Money Spent: $80,000

Completion Date: May 2020

Project Name: Pump House Roof (Power Plant)

Description: Replace roof located at Power Plant pump house that is beyond its useful life.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $20,400

Money Spent: $20,400

Completion Date: Mar. 2020

Project Name: Pipe Insulation Phase 2

Description: Insulation of pipes in crawl spaces.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $186,550

Money Spent: $186,550

Completion Date: May 2021

Project Name: Building 5 Emergency Work

Description: Renovations needed due to violations from DOB.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $131,943

Money Spent: $131,943

Completion Date: Nov. 2019

Project Name: Parking Lot #2

Description: Restriping/Reconfiguration to enlarge parking spaces.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $33,478

Money Spent: $33,478

Completion Date: Nov. 2019

Project Name: Pump Room Ceilings in Each Building Description: Pump Room Ceiling Asbestos Abatement and Re-Insulation Insulation.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $320,000

Money Spent: $320,000

Completion Date: May 2021

Project Name: Satellite Dish Area Rehab

Description: Make the place usable for party and rental.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $296,700

Money Spent: $296,700

Completion Date: Sept. 2022

Project Name: Purchase of (3) John Deere Tractors

Description: Grounds Equipment.

Funding Source: Reserves

Contract Amount: $179,396

Money Spent: $179,396

Completion Date: Nov. 2022

Rochdale Village NORC Calendar - May 2023

A Day of Healthy Aging Education For Rochdale Seniors

by CyntHia bernadine

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne

Adams joined forces with one of the leading providers of medical education, Touro University, to train local seniors on ways to promote health and wellbeing. On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, the free full-day program kicked off at 9:00 a.m. with a healthy breakfast.

The crowd was welcomed by the Rochdale Village Senior Center Director, Sheree Shivers, who introduced Adams. Speaker Adams is a longtime proponent of the elderly, who she affectionately calls “jewels”. In the past she has sponsored community events that address the needs of seniors, and the youth her in Rochdale Village

In her speech, Adams stated that “our seniors are the jewels of our communities, whose contributions and sacrifices paved the

way for us to follow. It is critical that we prioritize their health and well-being through investments, services, and programs that promote dignified, connected living. I was proud to host our Healthy Aging Educational Day for Seniors to equip them with the information they need to make informed decisions. I thank Touro University, Rochdale Village Senior Center, and all of our community partners who helped make this informative event a great success.”

Touro University was pleased to partner with Speaker Adams to provide a day of education in support of healthy aging for the residents of Rochdale Village,” said Patricia Salkin, Touro’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Touro is the leading provider of health and medical education, and our faculty and students were pleased to share their knowledge with the men and women of Rochdale Village.”

Recent data has shown that many individuals are living well past retirement age. Recognizing the role older adults play in fostering connection and engagement to build strong resilient communities, it is important to have events like this that provide information and resources to ensure a long yet healthy aging process.

A Healthy Aging Educational Day for Seniors took place in Rochdale’s very own Grand Ballroom. Attendees experienced a series of group presentations as well as small group activities and health clinics on speech, language, voice and hearing screenings, medication review and identifying lower extremity PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease).

Everyone took a break at noon to enjoy a healthy lunch before jumping right back into the day’s activities before concluding at 4:00 p.m.

Rochdale Seniors Have an Afternoon to Remember

by mikell riCHdardS

OnMarch 17, 2023, Rochdale

Village seniors had a chance to listen to the cool R&B sounds of Mr. Bobby Harden, known as having been the lead singer of the world-famous Original Blues Brothers Band. Mr. Harden was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and from a young age it was known that he had a voice and that he was meant to make music. After spending a brief amount of time at-

tending college in Houston, Bobby Harden embarked on a journey to New York City to pursue his passion and dream of making music. In 2012, Mr. Harden was invited to join the Blues Brothers Band, and he spent several years with them before starting his own live band, Soul Purpose. So, of course, the seniors were in for a real treat.

The event, called “An Afternoon to Remember”, was a joint effort, facilitated by the

Queensborough Performing Arts Center and the Rochdale Village Senior Center, and funded in part by the NYC Department for the Aging. It was also sponsored by NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams as a good will gesture, who is a well-known friend to Rochdale Village. Right after lunch in the Jewel Café, the seniors gathered in the Community Center’s Grand Ballroom to be entertained with the soulful voices of Mr. Harden and his band.

Speaker Adams attended and took an opportunity to speak to the audience, “our jewels” as she calls them. After speaking highly of the seniors of this community, Adams was encouraged by the audience as well as the band to take the mic, singing a beautiful rendition of “I Will Always Love You” by the late Whitney Houston to a thunderous applause from those in attendance. It was truly an afternoon to remember.

(Photo Credit : Mikell Richards).

(Photo Credit : Mikell Richards)

(l. to r.) Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, Speaker Adrienne Adams and Provost Patricia Salkin.

Senior Center Director Sheree Shivers.

(l. to r.) Speaker Adrienne Adams and Singer Bobby Harden.