Rochdale Village Bulletin Highlights August'19 Edition

Vol. 55 No. 09

Community Center Committee brings healing power of music to residents - Page 15 & 18

Public Safety Committee Chairman Talib Bey kicks off annual event at RV

Public Safety Special Patrolmen and Task Force members receive service awards Pages 15 and 19

Republican challenger for Queens DA meets Melinda Katz in November 2019 election

By Susan Van Brackle

On Monday, July 26, the New York City Board of Elections confirmed Queens Borough President Melinda Katz as the official winner of the primary race for Queens district attorney against public defender and staunch Democratic challenger Tiffany Caban.

The heavily contested 34-day battle began with the June 25 primary election and was immediately fraught with too-close-to-call results and two ballot recounts. In the end it was disqualified votes as well as uncounted absentee and affidavit ballots that when factored into the equation pushed Katz ahead to win by a narrow margin of approximately two dozen votes.

This win of the primary election puts Borough President Katz in position to compete in the General Election for Queens District Attorney against Republican challenger Daniel Kogan on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Individuals that aren’t currently registered to vote in the New York City General Election must meet the following application deadlines: By Mail - Voter registration applications must be sent to the Board of Elections and postmarked no later than Friday, October 11, 2019 and received at the election office by Wednesday, October 16, 2019. In Per son - Voter registration applications must be submitted in person by Friday, October 11, 2019. New citizens or recently discharged military servicemen have up to *Saturday, October 26, 2019 to register in person. *Be sure to check beforehand whether the Board of Elections would be open on a Saturday to conduct registrations. If you’v e changed address - By mail or in person, Board of Elections must receive registration application for processing as of Wednesday, October 16, 2019. If You’v e changed party - Applicants have until Friday, October 11, 2019 for the Board of Elections to receive their change of political party for 2019, either by mail or in person. To avoid being told that you’re not able to vote or possibly having your vote disqualified, please make sure that you are in the correct polling place. Exercise your right to vote! Republican challenger for Queens DA meets Melinda Katz in November 2019 election

Councilmember Adams lists funding earmarked for programs in Rochdale area

By Susan Van Brackle

Councilmember Adrienne Adams recently provided an update on projects and programming that specifically impact residents of the Rochdale Village community. Funding awards were outlined in detail by the Councilmember’s office and allotments went primarily to youth and senior citizen initiatives. Funding for Senior Programs at Rochdale

Senior citizen programs at Rochdale Village were awarded $125,000 to support health and well ness initiatives, cultural program ming, computer training and other operational expenses of the Rochdale Village Senior Center. An additional $40,000 was allotted to NORC senior services, including cultural pro gramming provided by the Jewish Association for Services to the Aging (JASA). There is a future allocation earmarked in support of NORC’s nursing services.

A total of $15,000 is ear marked for medically appropriate meals that are available to elders from God’s Love We Deliver. Project Hope Charities’ Food Pantry, located at 170-20 140th Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11434 also receives fund ing from the Councilmember’s of fice and is dedicated to providing individuals of any age with access to food.

All seniors with medical bill ing questions or issues are encouraged to contact the Medicare Rights Center, funded by the Council per son’s office. Supportive alliances have been forged with the Queens Interagency Council on the Aging, which is a terrific advocate for Seniors in this district . Funding for Youth Programs at Rochdale

An allocation of $65,000 was awarded for computer train ing, cultural trips and after school academic and leadership programs for schools in and around this community.

Thurgood Marshall School (PS80Q) received $120,000 from Councilmember Adams’ office for use towards after school programs and other renovations.

The Catherine and Count Basie Educational Campus is comprised of three schools and re ceived in excess of $180,000 to be allocated towards technology up grades. The school also received a capital improvement award of $1.5 Million to install air conditioning in the school’s cafeteria.

R.I.S.E., a weekend sports and mentoring program at MS 72 also received budgetary funding.

The Councilmembers’ of fice is located in Rochdale Village Mall #1. Legal counseling servic es are available by appointment only, for residents that request it. To stay abreast of the activities of Councilmember Adrienne Adams, follow her on the official New York City Council webpage, Twit ter or Facebook. Councilmember Adams lists funding earmarked for programs in Rochdale area

NYC selects Rochdale as Early Voting Site for 2019 General Election

By Olayemi Okeniyi

On January 24, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed into law Early Voting after it was adopted by the Legislature earlier that month. By March 15, the Rochdale Village Community Center was designated as a site for Early Voting in Queens County.

This was done by the Commissioners of Election in New York City in accordance with Section 4-104 of the New York State Election Law. Rochdale Village Inc. received notice of this designation in writing from the Borough Coordinator, of the Election Operations Borough Administration, Logan Flotte.

Early voting means that voters will have the opportunity to cast ballots in person before election day by simply going to their designated early voting sites and voting as they would have at their regular polling place on Election Day.

Flotte explained that New York State Election Law gives authority to the Board of Elections to designate Rochdale Village as a polling place because Rochdale Village benefits from multiple tax abatements. He added that under, election law, “the expense, if any, incidental to its (Rochdale Village’s) use [as a polling place] shall be paid like the expense of other places of registration and voting.”

Flotte is expected to meet with Rochdale village management to go over the operational concerns that Rochdale Village, Inc. may have concerning Early Voting. Cooperators should note that Early Voting will be available between October 26 and November 3, 2019.

Music festival concerts bring Rochdale cooperators and guests to their feet

By Tara Michel and Susan Van Brackle

Guests and residents at Rochdale Village have come to look forward to the annual outdoor music festival that occurs every Sunday in August in front of the Community Center. The festival brings neighbors together to enjoy live music from a diverse range of talented artists and bands. Residents enjoyed R&B with the Mighty Kamm Band. Reggae with Planet Love Reggae Band and Jazz with Michael C. Lewis Soul Jazz Experience.

The first musical performance was opened by the Greater Springfield Community Church praise dance ministry. Mother and daughter duo; Erica and little Pat opened with a fabulous dance. Followed by the church choir who sang uplifting gospel songs. Rev. Phil Craig accompanied the choir and expressed thanks to the crowd. According to Rev. Craig “I want to say thank you on behalf of the choir for having us, I hoped you enjoyed my choir and the dances.” Every Sunday the festival kicked off after 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Committee members assisted with the food, cash handling, selling of t-shirts, and registration for spaces for upcoming fall festival held on Sunday, September 8.

Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, former New York State Senator Shirley Huntley and board of di rectors Ed Douglass, Clifton Stanley Diaz, Jean Hall, Joyce Williams and Jean Castro were amongst the at tendees at this well-attended event.(Photos on page 18) Music festival concerts bring Rochdale cooperators and guests to their feet

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Rochdale Village Annual Music Festival brings healing through sound

Bandmates from Michael C. Lewis and the Soul Jazz Experience perform for Jazz Night at the Rochdale Village Music Festival.

Photo credit: Larry Love Moore

Audience members enjoy cool jazz on a warm summer night.

Another amazing production by Community Center Committee seen here with board chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz, board president Jean Castro, board secretary Joyce Williams and board vice president Jean Hall.

Reverend Craig and the Greater Springfield Community Church Choir brought song and healing to the Rochdale Village Community.

Rochdale recognizes Public Safety Officers at National Night Out 2019

Evangelist Betty Smith leads National Night Out participants in an opening prayer.

Photo credits: Larry Love Moore

This year National Night Out featured entertainment with a cultural flair.

Board vice president and Public Safety committee chairman Talib Bey; board secretary Joyce Williams, executive director King of Kings Foundation Lance Feurtado, Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook, Public Safety committee member Norma Dean, board president Jean Castro, New York State Senator James Sanders, Jr., U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks, Todd Feurtado president King of Kings Foundation and wife, district leader Anthony Andrews, Ph.D.

(l. to r.) Queensborough President Melinda Katz and Councilmember Adrienne Adams attend National Night Out at Rochdale Village.

Photo credit: Larry Love Moore

FREE TUTORING PROGRAM FOR 3RD THRU 12TH GRADERS

LIMITED SPACE. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Program Offers: . One-on one tutoring and homework assistance. . Use of Study Island interactive tutorial program to help students prepare for their NYS Common Core ELA and Math standardized tests. . Help students maintain and even increase their grade levels of performance.

Dates: Saturdays from October 12, 2019 through May 17, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. to noon Location: Rochdale Village Community Center—Rooms 3 and 15 169-65 137th Ave. Jamaica, NY 11434 on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Academic Success Tutoring Program sponsored by the nonprofit RVSS is funded by New York City Council Discretionary funds given by Council member Adrienne E. Adams and administered by the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)

RV Summer Academy wraps up season with competition hosted by Young Debaters program

By Susan Van Brackle and Olayemi Okeniyi

Director Yolanda Brisbane held many culmination activities at Rochdale’s Summer Camp Academy to celebrate the end of this season’s fun and learning. One such event was spearheaded by lawyer Richard Celestin of the Young Debaters Pro gram. Over the course of the summer, campers met with Mr. Celestin for six weeks of hourly training on Mondays and Fridays to develop debating skills. The children’s final session concluded with a debate showdown on Monday, August 12, 2019.

Pairs of campers were given a debate topic, divided into teams then for two minutes were required to prepare and present their arguments for or against a position. Mr. Celestin reminded the debaters and informed their audience about the rules. The first rule centers on mutual respect. Celestin explained that in a debate, as in life people often fall on conflicting sides. He went on to say that when faced with such conflict each side should endeavor to treat the other side and their ideas with respect. The second rule involves listening. “If we are talking, then it is impossible to listen,” he said.

The two topics debated by youth in the final showdown of the Young Debaters Program were,

“Should New York City have the death penalty?” And “Should schools keep the grade system or switch to a pass or fail?” The merits of each team’s argu ments were decided based on audience applause. The children were engaged by both topics, but as students who would return to school shortly, the sec ond topic received a greater response for and against the grading system. The Young Debaters program was brought to RV’s Summer Academy by the Youth Planning Committee.

Congressman Gregory Meeks visits Jewel Cafe to host question and answer luncheon for seniors

(Left to right) Rochdale Village Senior Center director Sheree Shivers; chairman Rochdale Village board of directors Clifton Stanley Diaz, U.S. Representative Congressman Gregory Meeks, board president Jean Castro, vice president Rochdale Village Social Services Kevin Dilworth.

By Susan Van Brackle and Olayemi Okeniyi

Chairman of the Board of Directors Clifton Stanley Diaz and Board President Jean Castro welcomed U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks during lunch at Rochdale’s Jewel Café in the Senior Center on Thursday August 22. The Congressman who spoke about the importance of not growing complacent when it comes to voting explained that failure to get the right officials elected led to representatives that did not listen to their electorate. “I will stay and do my job, working hard, representing you, so that you receive what you have justifiably earned,” said Meeks. Before opening the floor to the question and answer session, Congressman Meeks invited Rochdale seniors to begin eating since he had paid for their lunch that day.

Community liaison Nathaniel Hezekiah III accompanied Congress man Meeks during this visit and lead the question and answer portion of the visit. During this time, the floor was opened to everyone and every issue. Senior participants were quick to raise concerns relative to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the cost of living and even the installation of traffic lights. Rochdale Village Social Services (RVSS) board vice president Kevin Dilworth took the opportunity to inform Congressman Meeks about a 2017-18 Visiting Nurse

Service of NY (VNSNY)/Advantage Survey that was underwritten by RVSS, the non-profit advocacy group for senior citizens and youth. Survey results revealed that “bathroom grab bars, money to buy handicapped accessible toilet seats and pay for medical alert device contracts” were the most pressing needs of senior constituents. According to Mr. Dilworth, this equipment is vitally important because more than 50% of Rochdale seniors have suffered falls in their apartments.

Rochdale Village Social Services

The plea made to Congressman Meeks came on the heels of a separate plea made to City Council member Adrienne E. Adams (Council District 28 - Rochdale Village, Jamaica, South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill), during a Monday, August 5, 2019 meeting at her legislative office in Rochdale Village Mall 1 where Dilworth, Rochdale Senior Center director Sheree Shivers and RVSS executive director Darius George met to discuss those and other funding needs. According to Congressman Meeks, he’s pledged to do whatever he could to find funding, to work hand-in-hand with City Council member Adrienne Adams on those goals, and, if federal funds were to become available, to funnel any financial help through Councilmember Adams’ office for Rochdale Village. Attendees that did not want to discuss their issues in such a public forum were invited to visit the Congressman’s office personally.

2020 US CENSUS RECRUITMENT DRIVE Queens Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. + Rochdale Village Social Services in conjunction with US Census 2020 invites you to attend our

Entry-level positions have flexible hours and pay $25 per hour. More senior positions and leadership positions are available.

Saturday, September 7, 2019 10:00am – 2:00pm

Rochdale Village Community Center: Computer Lab 169-65 137 Avenue – Jamaica NY 11434. For more info call: 718-709-0430.

Homegoing of Rochdale Village Pioneer Madeline Dash Pickett Sunrise: February 27, 1933 - Sunset: August 11, 2019

Mrs. Pickett at the place she called home since the cooperative began. She was larger than life and gracious enough to give the Bulletin this pose on a beautiful spring day. She is truly missed.

Today, some may mourn what they consider a great loss. Instead we give God thanks, glory and honor for the great gift he gave us when Madeline Louise Dash Pickett, the eldest of two children was born to Rufus Laval Dash and Bertha Lou McKelvy Dash in Orangeburg, South Carolina on February 27, 1933. She departed this life and went home to Glory on August 11, 2019. Madeline’s early years were spent growing up on her beloved Treadwell Street within a close knit family environment that included not just her parents, but her beloved younger brother, the late Reginald Laval Dash, grandparents and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins who were always willing to lend a hand to one another whenever it was needed. Madeline received her early education from the private boarding school Mather Academy in Camden, South Carolina. Upon graduation, she went on to attend West Virginia State College and later transferred to South Carolina State College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies. While attending Mather Academy, Madeline met and later married her former husband the late John Pickett, Jr.. From this union came Madeline’s beloved three children, Cheryl Lorraine Pickett Hofler, Robyn Renee Pickett Ford and Terrence Laval Pickett. Madeline and John relocated to Brooklyn, New York and eventually settled with their children in Jamaica, New York. While living in New York, Madeline embarked on a career as a history teacher within New York City’s Board of Education. She started teaching at Boys High School in Brooklyn and later transferred to spend the majority of her career at her beloved Eastern District High School in Williamsburg, New York. Madeline tirelessly poured in to the students and was affectionately called “Wicked Pickett” by them. While teaching, she earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from Long Island University. Madeline retired after 32 years from Eastern District High School as the Head of the Guidance Department. Madeline was a resident of Rochdale Village Cooperative for over fifty years and is recognized as a Charter Member who was called “The Legend”, because she was one of the few remaining “Original Rochdalers”. Madeline was always on the go and actively involved in her community. She was a long time member of the Rochdale Village Black Society, and served on the usher board at Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church. Madeline’s love of history inspired her to become actively involved in local and state politics as a member of the District Democratic Club and Community Board. In addition, she served as a board of director for the local NORC Program for seniors. Madeline was a go hard or go home member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She loved her pink and green, going to Regional Conferences and Boule’s and chairing her Chapter’s scholarship committee that awarded scores of students thousands of dollars for college over many years. Madeline was a generous and giving woman that always had a warm smile and a kind word for those who crossed her path, and was a good friend to those who she befriended. She will always be remembered as the best mother in the world and most outstanding grandmother to her beloved children and grandchildren. Madeline was preceded in death by her beloved parents and brother. She leaves to not mourn, but to cherish her memory her beloved daughters: Cheryl and Robyn and beloved son, Terrence; and the pride and joys of her life, her grandchildren, Perryn Ryan Ford and Marshall Catlin Ford and is survived by her Son-In Law, Ricardo Hofler and a host of aunts, cousins and dear friends. Submitted by the Family

(L. to R.) Candidate for Queens district attorney Queensborough President Melinda Katz and Councilmember Adrienne Adams.