THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
Vol. 59 No. 7
July 2022
SERVING OVER 25,000 COOPERATORS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
Rochdale Welcomes New Deputy Inspector of the 113th Precinct (l. to r.) Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback, P.O. Chavez, General Manager Jay Williams, Board President Jean Randolph-Castro, Deputy Inspector Ray Jenkins, Board Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz, Sgt. Gilot and Det. Favard. (Photo Credit : Mikell Richards).
Pictures on Page 13 By Cynthia Bernadine
R
ochdale Village welcomes newly appointed 113th precinct commander, Deputy Inspector Ray Jenkins. Jenkins, who grew up in Queens, first joined the NYPD back in 2004. First assigned to Brooklyn as an officer, he has steadily been making his way up the ranks and back to Queens. He was promoted to Sergeant, then taking on the role of Lieutenant until finally making Captain in 2017. Before coming to the 113th precinct in July, Jenkins served as Commander at the neighboring 114th precinct in Queens. Prior to
that, he served as Commanding Officer of the Queens North Gang Unit. On Friday, July 29, 2022, Jenkins met with Rochdale Village’s General Manager, Jay Williams, Board Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz, Board President Jean Randolph-Castro, and Rochdale Public Safety Chief Osback to take a tour of Rochdale Village and gained a firsthand look at the community he will be serving. Jenkins was accompanied by a few of his officers. As they walked the campus, Board Chairman Diaz pointed out some of the problematic areas surrounding Rochdale Village.
According to Board President Jean Randolph-Castro, “It is an honor and privilege to have someone who grew up in Queens and who is familiar with the area working at the 113th precinct. The commander is ready to hit the ground running and will be hands on with the community and someone who can relate to our youths. We are excited to have him working closely with Rochdale Village.” As a graduate of the FBI Academy and the only person to receive the Daily News’ hero of the month award twice, the expectations are high for what Jenkins
will achieve. Chairman of the Board, Clifton Stanley Diaz stated, “I am very impressed with Deputy Inspector Jenkins for coming to the 113th and his quick response to action addressing recent shootings in the area… As Chairman of Rochdale’s Board of Directors and Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, I look forward to working closely with the Deputy Inspector to ensure his success.” Jenkins has taken his welcome to heart. “I am honored to be in Queens South, especially as the Commanding Officer of the 113th where I can proudly say OUR community” he said.
President’s Message - Pg. 2 | General Manager’s Report - Pg. 4 | Scrie Workshop - Pg. 14 | Independence Day Photos- Pg. 16 to 17
Page 2 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
Chairman of the Board Clifton Stanley Diaz President Jean Randolph-Castro Vice Presidents Timothy Mercer Janine Cross Ed Douglass Sheila McKenzie Treasurer Derrick Shareef Assistant Treasurer Lisa Stark Secretary Joyce Williams Assistant Secretary Jean Hall
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Letisha Azizah Keysha Beasley Jean Randolph-Castro Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Ed Douglass Jean Hall Gary Hawkins Khedda Hayden-Ryan Maryam Smith Hubbard Sheila McKenzie Timothy Mercer Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark Joyce Williams George Simon (State Representative)
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Budget & Finance Derrick Shareef Commercial Services Timothy Mercer Community Center Ed Douglass Community Relations Jean Randolph-Castro Legal & Management Jean Randolph-Castro Maintenance Janine Cross Orientation Lisa Stark Public Safety Clifton Stanley Diaz Senior Citizens Joyce Williams Youth Planning Gary Hawkins Environmental Conservation Keysha Beasley Parking Sheila McKenzie Information Technology Maryam Smith Hubbard
MANAGEMENT
Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. General Manager Jay Williams
Assistant Managers Herbert Freedman Wilfred Rodriguez
Controller
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
President’s Message Greeting Rochdale Cooperators,
- by Jean Randolph-Castro
Village – Gospel by God’s Creation Gospel Band Sunday, August 14, 2022 – Jazz by Professional Women of Jazz The summer is slowly coming Sunday, August 21, 2022 to an end, and I hope that every – Reggae by Gena Roots Reggae Band cooperator continues to have a Sunday, August 28, 2022 lovely, enjoyable and safe summer. – R & B by Petawane Experience Band Projects Construction is still going on with the new pavilion near the flag pole. We anticipate this project being complete by September. This area will be a beautiful venue for cooperators, use as well as to generate revenue for the corporation. I am grateful and honored that the Board and I were able to finally get the area upgraded, creating an attractive atmosphere. This area was an eyesore for too long and I am happy that we were able to change the atmosphere for the quality of life for all cooperators. I realize that there were some objections in this project being implemented, however hopefully as time goes on everyone will get the benefit of your property with the area in addition to the beautification of the area as well as gaining revenues the same as we did the ballroom. The new pavilion revenue will consist of rentals for small events, small weddings, jazz and music festivals during the summer, and much more similar events that will be conducive to the community ending at a reasonable time. Safety Our village children attending summer schools and camps trying to enjoy their summer, I would like for everyone to be very careful as we are still living with the highly infectious corona virus and currently there is another infectious disease that is already affecting New York City. Please take every precautionary measure to stay safe.
The Community Relations Committee will be hosting the annual Family Fun day on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.. This is an opportunity for cooperators to come out on the grounds for a full day of fun on 120 acres of your property. Bring out the grills. Looking forward to enjoying the day with Rochdale Village family. Come out on the grounds and enjoy your home and socialize with your family and neighbors. It is always a pleasure for the community relations committee to meet and greet everyone and serve our children with refreshments, hotdog, hamburgers and entertainment. This was always designed for children only. The Community Center Committee will the hosting the annual Fall Festival on Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. There are a few spots left for sale. Come out during the music festival to purchase a spot. Over 300 vendors selling food, clothing, jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, and much more. There will be entertainment for everyone. Come out and enjoy a day of fun and shopping. Since the pandemic, we were unable to host the Cancer Awareness Walk. Stay tuned for a meeting soon to discuss the preparations for the walk. I will be excited for everyone to come and walk with us to support the cancer awareness month. We would be delighted to have you. This year I am looking forward to a bigger and better event.
Corey Jones
Dolores Benner General Counsel Robert Bernstein
The Festival schedule is as follows: Congratulations Black spectrum theatre hosted a Sunday, August 07, 2022
Director of Maintenance Kelvin Pantaleon
Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback
Power Plant Director Human Resource Director
President, Jean Randolph-Castro
beautiful event with The Mayor of New York City Eric Adam. The Mayor presented Ms. Roberta Flack the key to the city. During that event there were a number of individuals who received awards for their exemplary work within and outside of the community. Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz got an award for his work within the community. Let us congratulate Mr. Diaz on his award. Also I would like to congratulate our new Captain Deputy Inspector Ray A. Jenkins of the 113th Precinct. The Board and I look forward to working with the new Captain and to continue the great work with the 113th Precinct. We are grateful that he comes to 113th Precinct with the wealth of knowledge and expertise. I would be remised if I did not congratulate Assistant Chief Kevin A. Williams, Sr. Commanding Officer in charge of all Queens Borough. Welcome Chief Williams, you are a blessing to our community.
Elections It is soon time for the Rochdale Village Board of Directors election in October. I encourage all cooperators to go out to polls in October and cast your vote. Your Past Event vote is very important to ensure the The Youth Planning Committee quality of life for every Rochdale hosted a wonderful End of School Village cooperator. Jamboree. It was such a great pleasure to see the children outside Wishing everyone a safe and enjoying the entertainment and enjoyable summer. refreshments.
Upcoming Events During the month of August, the Community Center Committee will be hosting the Annual Music Festival. Every Sunday there will be a different variety of music.
William Young
July 2022
Peace, Love & Blessings. Jean Randolph-Castro
July 2022
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale Village Star, Dalilah Muhammad Burns Up the Track
By Mikell Richards
T
he eighteenth edition of the World Athletics Championships took place in Eugene, Oregon this July. Oregon ‘22 ran from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 24, 2022, and included the World Track and Field Championships. Cooperators should be interested to hear that among the distinguished participants was Rochdale’s very own Dalilah Muhammad, who ran in the women’s 400m hurdle. Hometown star Muhammad, whose parents still reside in Rochdale Village to this day, is known for her athletic prowess and accompanying awards. She was second at both the 2013 and 2017 World Championships before winning her first gold in 2019 where she set a record of 52.16s. Muhammad is also a 2016 Rio Olympics champion, winning a gold medal for the United States of America, as
well as a 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist – an event where she became the second-fastest woman of all time, after Sydney McLaughlin whose current best time is 50.68 seconds. She was the second female 400m hurdler in history to win the Olympic, World titles, and break the world record. At both the 2019 World Championships and Tokyo Games, she also brought home gold as part of women’s 4×400m relay team. Muhammad took part in the 2013, 2016, and 2017 American National Champion and is a two-time Diamond League winner. Residents should note that Muhammad recently came back from a hamstring injury, making her run and victory on Friday, July 22 even more impressive. Muhammad came in third overall with a time of 53.13 seconds. We applaud her and look forward to her future escapades.
(Photo credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Good Thymes Bloom in the Rochdale Urban Garden Club
By Mikell Richards
I
n case you missed it, R.U.G., Rochdale’s Urban Gardeners Club, held its annual Fish Fry Fundraiser on Saturday, July 30, 2022, and the community showed up to give support and partake in delicious seafood. But what is the Rochdale Urban Garden Club, how has it mangaged to run for nearly 50 years, what is the story? Elaine Murphy, Head of the Sick and Distress Committee and member of Rochdale’s Urban Gardeners Club since 1994, sat down with the Rochdale Village Bulletin to give
us the scoop. According to Murphy, the Club was started in 1973 after an instructional visit from Cornell University. Back then it was called The Green Thumb and the ground wasn’t even suitable for planting, so members, including Ms. Murphy, had to pick rocks out of the dirt. The club has always been a non-profit with a goal to plant natural foods and herbs for the community. This goal was subsidized on fundraising, organized bus rides as well as sold dinners. These efforts paid for their gazebo, their topsoil, and even the dividers. Murphy explained that the garden was once bordered by string which failed to stop people from helping themselves to the produce or guys from using the growing cabbages and squash as makeshift basketballs on the court nearby. Club President since 1984, Tom
Scott, brought the issue to management and the board, who allowed a fence to be built in 1996. The club continues to strive for selfsufficiency and earns money primarily through the Fish Fry or through donations when that doesn’t suffice. Anyone interested in joining the garden club should know that it is run by a full board, that handles membership issues and decides on the club’s guiding rules and regulations. Residents of Rochdale Village are all welcome, just be on the lookout in the fall, normally between October and November, for the next registration opening. Murphy said this, “Rochdale Urban Gardeners really means a lot to me. It means, not only is it a part of our daily lives … it also comes from where we live. We grew it. We grew it from a little seed to what it is today. But also, you get to know your neighbors. You have comradery. You get to learn how to get along with others and other cultures.” She credited Marcus Pitter for introducing new vegetables (like callaloo), elaborating that the club started out Anglo-Saxon before there was an influx of African American, Caribbean, East Indian, and Chinese contributors. The Garden Club is clearly a great place to be, an actual jewel of Jamaica.
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July 2022
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Monthly Report Monthly Report
-- by Jay Marion Williams Scott
General Manager’s Monthly Report for July 2022 Parking Revisited
while maintaining the width of the spaces. We are also doing an analysis of 137th AvParking in Rochdale Village has grown enue vacant lot for additional parking for more challenging each year. With the de- group 5. More information to come at the velopment of adjacent high rises and more next parking committee meeting. cars per household the problem of parking continues to grow. The fact is Rochdale’s Rochdale’s Commercial Division original construction design put us “behind the eight ball”. To understand this issue, we While it is important to have retails stores, must start at the beginning. Rochdale was banks, restaurants, supermarkets and dry built in the early 60’s the towering 13 story cleaners on site for convenience, every combuildings dramatically changing the South mercial tenant is not a good fit for the comJamaica skyline. While Rochdale’s 5,860 munity. The board wants to ensure that all apartments made it the largest privately held of the commercial space is being utilized at cooperative development at that time it only the highest and best use and producing maxihad 3,200 original parking spaces. This mum income to aid in the operation, that is made sense in the 1960’s with only 57% of their duty. households owning only 1 vehicle and 1 out of 5 households without a vehicle at all. Leasing space to the right business and understanding the nature of the association/ In the past 31 years MSI has worked with the commercial tenant relationship is key to a Board to add spaces where possible while successful mutually beneficial arrangement limiting the impact on Rochdale’s park like between the parties. That’s why it is imporaesthetic. In 2017 and 2018 with the repav- tant to understand that we rent a large box to ing of parking lots 2, 3 (A & B), 4, 6, 7 and Key Food and we included all known provi8 we were able to not only improve but also sions in the lease to the benefit of Rochdale add parking to our lots which is at a premi- Village as landlord. um. In total, there were 75 spaces added for cars and 18 new motorcycle spaces. We are Supermarkets require a long lease because now in another phase of repaving and park- the size of their investment. The landlord ing lot expansion. Lot 2 was recently ex- (RVI) wants a long lease because sizeable panded adding 7 additional parking spaces space has been let with substantial income. and 1 additional motorcycle space. Lot 4 Even if the store fails, the supermarket chain and 5 are going to be expanded adding a to- is responsible for the rent until the space is tal of 63 additional spaces. Lot 5 is also go- relet. ing to be repaved for the first time in many years and cameras will also be added. Lot Now “here is the rub”, the board and share9A has been repaved and 9B is next in line to holders are under the impression that manget an overlay of fresh blacktop. agement can dictate terms to the tenant on matters not covered in the lease. If that is On the Guy R. Brewer side, we are recon- so, why not instruct Citibank to pay a higher figuring Lot 1 to maximize the overall space rate of interest? That is a bizarre example,
but no more so than we should try to instruct them how to run their businesses. So where do we stand now with commercial? So far out of our 45 storefronts we have 6 vacancies. 5 of those vacancies are currently in pre-negotiations for various uses from beauty salons to health food. We have also begun working with a regional brokerage firm to gauge the interest of national brands like Pizza Hut and Urgent Care. More updates will follow at the commercial services committee meeting. Lance Williams Coming Back to Rochdale I am happy to announce that Lance Williams will be returning to Rochdale Village. For those that do not know Lance, he began working for Rochdale in 2005 in the purchasing department. Over the next 9 years, training under Marion Scott, he was promoted to the Purchasing Director before going on to manage his own site in Brooklyn. He then returned to Rochdale as an Assistant General Manager in 2016. He is slated to return here as the Director of Operations, a position held here at one time by Mr. Vernon Cooper formerly Coop-City’s General Manager. I spent 6 years working very closely with Lance running the day-to-day operations here until his departure in 2021. I know him well and believe in his dedication to Rochdale’s well-being. He is probably one of the few people who knows the operation as well as I do. I trust his management capabilities implicitly and look forward to having him back on the team.
Please Note that the August meeting of the Rochdale Village Board of Directors is cancelled. Meetings will resume in September Enjoy the rest of the summer!
July 2022
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
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July 2022
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report - by William Young Profit and Loss Financial Statement Narrative For the Year Ended April 30, 2022 (FISCAL 2023)
For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Controllable Income before Interest, Depreciation, Amortization, and Income taxes increased $1,031,000 to $2,201,000 as compared to $1,169,000 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 Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Total revenue was relatively in-line with the Budget $13,507,000 as compared to $13,627,000 in the Budget. This decrease is explained in the Revenue analysis below: Apartment revenue - For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Apartment revenue was relatively in-line with the Budget at $11,899,000 as compared to $11,952,000 in the Budget. The following accounts contributed to this slight decrease as compared to the Budget: Commercial rental revenue For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Commercial rental revenue decreased $(39,000) or 4.3% to $887,000 as compared to $926,000 in the budget. The decrease is due to the seasonality of the Budget being spread out evenly over the Fiscal year.
Community Center revenue (accounts 441.10 thru 441.35) For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Community Center revenue decreased $(40,000) to $47,000 as compared to $88,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to the Budget reflecting the Community Center returning to normal operations and the Community Center return to normal operations continues to be delayed due to impact of COVID. NOTE: The Community Center has begun opening up operations and we anticipate that the revenue related to the Community Center will continue to increase over the remainder of FY 2023. Other revenue & Interest For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Other income decreased approximately $(40,000) to $262,000 as compared to $303,000 in the Budget. The decrease is principally due to the seasonality of the Budget. The Budget was spread evenly over the Fiscal year.
Account 585.10, 585.11 and 585.12 Salaries & Overtime The decrease of approximately $(261,000) is related to a decrease in salaries due to Budget reflecting a full staff and we were not at Full staff in May. Account 595.20 & 595.30 Compactor expense - For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Compactor and Compactor & Garbage expenses increased $21,000 to $91,000 as compared to $70,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the efficiencies projected in the Budget not as significant as was anticipated.
Account 597.50 – Landscape Seasonal - For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, landscape expense seasonal decreased $(24,000) to $0.0 as compared to $24,000 in the Budget. There was no expense for this account because the Maintenance Department has been unable to hire any seasonal Groundsmen. It should EXPENSES be noted that most recently, we Total expenses - For the Two have been able to hire a few emMonths Ended May 31, 2022, total ployees; therefore, we expect this expenses decreased $(1,151,000) trend to change in the near future. to $11,306,000 as compared to $12,457,000 in the Budget. This Maintenance and operating decrease is explained in the fol- costs lowing expense accounts: For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Maintenance and OperAdministrative ating costs decreased $(252,000) For the Two Months Ended May to $1,727,000 as compared to 31, 2022, Administrative expens- $1,980,000 in the Budget. This es were relatively in-line with the decrease is due to the following: Budget at $923,000 as compared to $905,000 in the Budget. Maintenance salaries - Accounts 601.12 to 601.50 For the Janitorial & Grounds costs Two Months Ended May 31, For the Two Months Ended May 2022, Maintenance salaries de31, 2022, Janitorial and Grounds creased approximately $(116,000) expenses decreased $(261,000) to $576,000 as compared to to $1,035,000 as compared to $693,000 in the Budget. This $1,296,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to the decrease is principally due to the Budget reflecting a full staff and following: we were not at Full staff in May.
Repair Material & Supplies For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, these accounts decreased approximately $(68,000) to $193,000 as compared to $262,000 in the Budget. This decrease is due to lower than anticipated volume of purchases compared to the Budget. NOTE: In addition, the Budget is spread out evenly over the 12 month period and actual expenses vary based upon needs. Public Safety For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Public Safety costs decreased $(208,000) to $727,000 as compared to $935,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to the Budget reflecting a full staff and Public Safety staff is not operating at full staff. Power Plant For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Total Power Plant expenses were relatively in-line with the Budget at $3,068,547 as compared to $3,055,000 in the Budget. There were both positive and (negative) fluctuations in the expense categories below: 1. UTILITIES (accounts 651.10, 651.20 and 651.25) For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Fuel expenses decreased $(238,000) to $1,133,000 as compared to $1,372,000 in the Budget. This decrease is due to the following: Account 651.10 - Fuel – Oil For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Fuel increased approximately $176,000 to $184,000 as compared to $8,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the additional fuel costs related to the installation of the new aerator. Account 651.20 - Fuel Heating and gas For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Fuel Heating
July 2022 and Gas decreased approximately $(399,000) or 30% to $928,000 as compared to $1,328,000 in the Budget. This decrease is due to lower costs related to National Grid and Engie (our Natural Gas supplier) the following: (1) National Grid - The favorable impact of the Change in our Service Rat Classification from a SC4A - High Load Factor Service (($0.2640 per Therm) to a SC21 – Baseload Distributed Generation Sales Service classification ($0.3027 per Therm) from National Grid that management was able to obtain through a 3rd party Energy broker. This rate classification has reduced our National Grid bills from over $300,000 a Two Months to approximately $120,000 per Month. Annualized, this equates to over $2,000,000 a year!! (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. (3) Seasonality in the Budget was based on prior % and the actual is trending in a slightly different volume. 2. Water & Sewer Account 651.30 - Water and Sewer For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Water and Sewer expense increased approximately $198,000 to $1,003,000 as compared to $804,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the Budget projecting a savings from the water conservation project being delayed due to COVID. In addition, more residents continue working from home which results in an increase in water usage. 2. Salaries & Other Power Plant Expenses For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, Other – Salaries & other expenses increased $53,000 to $931,000 as compared to $878,000 in the Budget. The in-
The Rochdale Village Bulletin crease is due to unanticipated as- tion will result in approximately bestos expenses. $300,000 of SRT credits for these years. Once I get the HCR estiInsurance Expense mates for 2019 and 2020, We will For the Two Months Ended May know what the additional SRT 31, 2022, Insurance expenses in- credits will be. creased $82,000 to $1,231,000 as compared to $1,149,000 in the For the years 2021 and 2022, I exBudget. The increase is due to the pect the calculation by Rochdale Rochdale insurance policies re- of the Final Shelter Rent Tax to newal in November 2021. In the result in substantial SRT credits renewal, the most significant pol- because the HCR estimates were icy increase was the General Li- not including the 16.5% allocation ability including umbrella. Dur- of corporate expenses. ing discussions with our insurance broker he explained that There Employee Benefits have been significant industry- For the Two Months Ended May wide increases in insurance costs 31, 2022, Employee Benefits related to COVID. In the Novem- expense decreased $(359,000) ber 2022, insurance renewal pro- to $1,267,000 as compared to cess, we will be looking at alter- $1,626,000 in the Budget. The native strategies to save on these decrease is related to the payroll costs. expenses accrued at year end for payroll paid in April 2022 that reReal Estate Taxes (Shelter Rent) lated to the last week of FY 2022. For the Two Months Ended May When this was paid in April 2021, 31, 2022, Real estate tax (Shel- the accrual was adjusted, and the ter rent) expenses decreased individual payroll accounts re$(80,000) to $719,000 as com- flect the payroll expense in April. pared to $800,000 in the Budget. The net impact between employee This decrease is related the impact benefits and payroll is $0. of previous Article 78 settlement related to allocation of corporate Bad Debt Expense expenses at 11.8% which saves For the Two Months Ended May Rochdale Village approximately 31, 2022, Bad debt expense (a $400,000 to $500,000 per year. non-cash expense) increased In addition, we have finalized the $66,000 to $150,000 as compared second article 78 legal proceed- to $84,000 in the Budget. This ining related to depreciation which crease is due to an increase in Tenwill increase the allocation of ant and Commercial receivables corporate expenses from 11.8% due to the impact COVID. The to 16.5% and save the Compa- courts did not open for legal prony an additional approximately ceedings until recently. $200,000 per year. All Other Expenses were relaThe total anticipated savings re- tively in-line with the Budget. sulting from the allocation of 16.5% of corporate expenses to Looking forward the Power Plant will save Roch- 1. Paperless Solution - This dale approximately $600,000 to project is currently being evalu$700,000 in Shelter Rent tax ev- ated. We are considering investery year!!! ing in certain software products that will allow Rochdale Village Note: HCR has agreed to let Ro- Inc. to work with our vendors to chdale Village prepare the Shelter have invoices electronically transRent calculation. mitted to Rochdale and uploaded to our software. This project was April 2022 update - During the delayed due to COVID-19. We last Two Months, Rochdale recal- anticipate that this project will be culated two years of Shelter Rent brought to the Board in FY 2023 Taxes (SRT) (2017, 2018). During the recalculation, it was deter- 2. Computer Software solumined that there were inaccurate tion - This project is currently becalculations. For the years 2017 ing evaluated. We are also invesand 2018, the inaccurate calcula- tigating certain software products
Page 7 to replace our current software. This will upgrade our current computer system to a windowsbased system. We anticipate that this project will be brought to the Board in FY 2023. 3. Overall, Rochdale Village Inc.’s Controllable Income results For the Two Months Ended May 31, 2022, are positive and trending above the FY 2023 Budget. OTHER SIGNIFICANT INFOMATION 1. PPP (Payroll Protection Program) – In April 2020, we received a $6,029,300 PPP loan that was be used to keep all employees employed. As required by the regulations, the funds were used to pay employees payroll, benefits and utility expenses. This loan was recorded in a separate cash account and set up as a liability until the loan is forgiven. We have completed our submission of all required documents to Citibank for forgiveness and Citibank approved $6,005,000 for loan forgiveness and Citibank has submitted the Loan Forgiveness application to the SBA for approval. The SBA has asked Citibank for additional financial information which was provided. We are still waiting to hear back from the SBA. 2. Reserve Funds (Wells Fargo and HCR) - The reserve and escrow balance were $40,874 502 as of May 31, 2022. 3. Loan Forbearance Wells Fargo granted Rochdale a loan payment forbearance for 6 Months from May 2020 to October 2020. This payment forbearance amounted to approximately $8,655,000 for the 6-Two Months period. However, Wells Fargo required us to pay the $8,655,000 amount back over a 24-Two Months period at $360,631 per Month beginning in November of 2020 and ending October 2022. NOTE: The Company’s payments are current and on track to end in October 2022. There are 3 more payments to be made!
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July 2022
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Rochdale Village Inc. PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FY 2022 and FY 2023 vs. Budget
Rochdale Village, Inc. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AGING FY 2023
Rochdale Village, Inc. BALANCE SHEET FY 2020, 2021 FY 2022 and FY 2023
July 2022
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Activity FY 2019, FY 2020, FY 2021 FY 2022 and FY 2023
Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Carrying Charges (ONLY) >$100 in Aging FY 2022 and FY 2023
Rochdale Village Inc. Community Center Profit & Loss Statement FY 2020, 2021 and 2022 Actual vs. Budget
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
July 2022
Public Safety Report
- by Chief Adolph Osback
Public Safety Monthly Report June 2022
Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale BUILDING VERTICALS, GROUND FLOOR INSPECTIONS AND Village Public Safety Department during the month of June 2022. Public PARKING LOT CHECKS: 4150 Safety maintains 24 hour / 7 days a week coverage. *DIRECTED VERTICALS: 301 COMPLAINTS: TOTAL POST INSPECTIONS: 4451 1. During the month of June 2022, the Public Safety Department has PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDED TO continued to focus attention on loitering, trespassing, noise complaints and CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE AND REFFERED 1023 all other quality of life violations. As a result, Public Safety Department CALLS TO THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT 653 officers responded to a total of (74) loitering and (135) noise complaints TOTAL CALLS RECEIVED FOR ASSISTANCE: 1676 from Cooperators which were resolved as follows: COOPERATOR ESCORTS: 307 a) Founded-Compliant- (37) Loiterers complied with AIDED SICK/ INJURY & ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENTS: 93 officers’ directives to leave and (41) of the noise complaint sources corrected the volume of the noise. TOTAL INCIDENT REPORTS GENERATED: 154 b) Unfounded Calls- (30) unfounded loitering complaints MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS: 2089 and (87) unfounded noise complaints (officers responded but no loiterers were present or no noise could be heard). ARREST(S): 5 c) Founded/Non-Compliant Calls- Loitering individuals & IN HOUSE DETAINED: 1 noise complaints - Non-compliant of directives – (17) received GRAND TOTAL OF ARRESTS: 5 violations for loitering and (7) received a violation for noise VIOLATIONS ISSUED: 63 complaints. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO: 0 EVICTION(S): 0 For the month of June 2022 there was a grand total of (5) arrest made on VIOLATIONS Rochdale Village Grounds. The Public Safety Department will continue to organize in order to better serve the Rochdale Village community. DVR UNIT ACTIVITY: RISK MANAGEMENT INCIDENTS INVESTIGATIVE INCIDENTS VIOLATIONS ISSUED RELATED ARREST INCIDENTS FIRE INCIDENTS TOTAL INCIDENTS
05 50 00 05 00 60
TASK FORCE UNIT ACTIVITIES: • Conducted (180) Directed & Routine Verticals. • Made (0) arrests, issued (0) Trespass Notifications, issued (0) C-Summonses, issued (36) violations to include (9) for loitering and encountered (44) Loiterers during routine & directed patrols. • Responded to assigned calls from Central Dispatch (19). • Conducted (1) Tenant Verification TOWING ACTIVITY The Public Safety Department towed (37) vehicles and issued (222) warning stickers for the violation of various parking rules throughout the complex. Routine & *Directed Vertical Patrols by Rochdale Public Safety Officers and Supervisors: Vertical patrols are conducted daily. Officers and Supervisors patrol the stairwells, hallways, rooftops, and parking lots at different hours in an effort to curtail unlawful activities. *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 the analysis of various patrol reports.
Listed are the classifications of Notice of Violations issued:
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Provided by 113th Precinct Sergeant Kevin Watz, Crime Analysis Division to Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback, Public Safety Chair Clifton Stanley Diaz Vice Chairs Talib Bey and Shiela McKenzie
0%
Public Safety Information from the desk of Chief Adolph Osback
Vehicle thefts continue to be problem for the 113th Precinct as they are currently experiencing a 47% increase as compared to last year under the pandemic. Unfortunately, and somewhat inevitably, this situation has made its way to Rochdale Village. During the last week of June, there were thefts of several motorcycles that were parked on the campus. In order to adequately combat these crimes, the Public Safety Department has increased patrols and made adjustments, but I urge all Cooperators to be mindful of suspicious activity/ unauthorized persons entering our parking lots and if you see something please call 718-2762400 extension 3670 or 3680 or 3690 to get ahold of the Public Safety Department immediately. On a positive note: As most of you have already no-
ticed, there is an increased NYPD presence in Groups 1 & 5. This “Rochdale Initiative” program consists of the NYPD taking all the newly graduated Police Officers assigned to several precincts in Queens South and rotating them on a weekly basis to have them work Foot Patrol posts in Rochdale Village. In speaking to Lt. McGivney, who oversees this program, he informed me that although the primary goal is to have the Police omnipresence deter shootings, quality of life incidents, double parking of vehicles in the circles, etc., their secondary goal is increased Community Policing and having the officers learn the importance of bonding with the community they serve. Therefore, I ask you to please take a moment and greet these NYPD Rookies as you pass them in your travels!
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July 2022
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(Photo Credit : Mikell Richards).
113 PRECINCT DEPUTY INSPECTOR TOURS THE ROCHDALE VILLAGE CAMPUS
BOARD CHAIRMAN HONORED ALONGSIDE GRAMMY WINNER
By Cynthia Bernadine
B
lack Spectrum Theatre Co. presented the 20th Anniversary of The St. Albans Jazz and R&B event at St. Albans Park in Jamaica, Queens, on Saturday, July 16, 2022. A ceremony honoring famous Grammy award winner and global icon Ms. Roberta Flack took place during the celebration. Mayor
(l. to r.) Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Senator Leroy Comrie, Council Member Nantasha Williams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and (Seated) Grammy Legend Roberta Flack.
Incredible turn out for The Black Spectrum Theatre’s 20th Anniversary of The St. Albans Jazz and R&B event.
Eric Adams presented Ms. Flack with the Key to the City, a symbol of civic recognition and gratitude given to people whose contributions to the public reach the pinnacle of achievement. A presentation of community awards was also included in the program where community members were honored for their exceptional volunteerism. Clifton Stanley
Diaz, Chairman of the Rochdale Board of Directors, who serves as the Chair for Rochdale’s Public Safety Committee and is the Chairperson of Queens Community Board 12 was one of those recognized with a stunning gold statue for his passion, commitment, and dedication to Rochdale Village and the surrounding areas of Queens.
Honoree Clifton Stanley Diaz and Mayor Eric Adams.
Gloria Thomas Black Spectrum Theatre (left), Clifton Stanley Diaz (second from left) proudly standing with Board President Jean Randolph-Castro (center) and his family members.
Board President Jean Randolph-Castro and Board Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
ROCHDALE VILLAGE MANAGEMENT HOSTS SCRIE WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS By Cynthia Bernadine
R
ochdale Village Management hosted a (SCRIE) Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Information and Application Assistance Workshop in the Grand Ballroom on Tuesday, July 21, 2022. SCRIE representative, Kim Stewart, who appeared via zoom to provide information and answer questions about the SCRIE program, joined the management team. SCRIE offers eligible seniors an exemption from future rent increases. The workshop helped Rochdale’s elder individuals learn more about the SCRIE pro-
gram, eligibility requirements, and how it can help them afford to stay in their homes. It was all hands on deck to provide attendees with application assistance. Chairman of the Board, Clifton Stanley Diaz, Board President Jean Randolph-Castro, Board Vice President Janine Cross, and Board Treasurer Lisa Stark as well as Senior Center Director Sheree Shivers and Case Manager Wali Baraka were all on board to lend a helping hand. General Manager, Jay Williams, stated, “Carrying charge/rent increases are an unfortunate reality that all housing companies must contend with.
Rochdale is no exception. Management and the Board have worked hard of the years to keep a tight budget enabling increases to be kept at a minimum. Keeping pace with an aging infrastructure was the primary impetus for both 2014 and 2019 refinances permitting us to complete over $70 million in necessary capital work to keep Rochdale standing. A byproduct of the refinancing process are increased carrying charges that pay for the work completed over time so as not to ‘shock’ the community with a $70 million bill due all at once. While everyone in the process remains concerned about how
these carrying charges affect everyone, Board and Management included, the senior population of retired shareholders have an arguably higher level of concern due to their fixed income status. Management was very happy with the turnout of approximately 150 senior residents at the event that took place via Zoom and in-person simultaneously.” Management is still waiting from official word from the State on when Rochdale Village’s increase will be implanted but plans on hosting a second event of this kind shortly thereafter. Cooperators should will be notified in advance. (Photo credits: Mikell Richards)
Several seniors arrive and sign in for the workshop.
Senior Center Director Sheree Shivers answers questions.
Management staff ensured everything ran smoothly.
Board Treasurer Lisa Stark helps cooperators with their applications.
Board President Jean Randolph-Castro, General Manager Jay Williams and Board Vice President Janine Cross.
Wali Baraka Rochdale Village Social Service Case Manager helps cooperators with SCRIE-related questions.
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Our Rochdale Vil
ROCHDALE VILLAGE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee and the Community Center Committee jointly host the Rochdale’s Annual Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 3, 2022. (Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).
Board Treasurer Lisa Stark, Hettie Powell, Community Relations Committee Chair Jean Randolph-Castro.
Community Center Committee Chair, Ed Douglass.
Officers from the 113th take time out with Councilwoman Vivian Cook (right) at the festival.
Little cooperator shows off her goodies – cotton candy and a coloring book.
The bouncy house was a definite hit.
Tina Young smiles for the camera.
Sometimes its hard to pick between cotton candy and bouncy castles.
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llage Community
ROCHDALE VILLAGE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee and the Community Center Committee jointly host the Rochdale’s Annual Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 3, 2022. (Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).
Board Directors Letisha Azizah and Keysha Beasley.
Beware of cotton candy bandits.
Rochdale Village Public Safety patrols on bicycles to keep everyone safe.
Committee members setting up food.
Cooperators bring their supplies to enjoy their Independence Day outing.
Cooperators revel in the Independence Day celebration.
Face painting was all the rage.
Cooperators were grilling up some good eats.
Committee members, Yvette Titus and Viola Treasure.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
The Rochdale Village Pavilion Project
Work in progress.
The Rochdale Village Pavilion will transform the space in front of the Community Center where a dilapidated satellite dish once stood into a functional location that the entire community can use and enjoy. The Rochdale Pavilion will serve as a venue that can be rented for wedding ceremonies and other events, which will eventually enable it to recoup the cost of its construction. When not rented, it will serve as an additional area where cooperators can enjoy while sitting outside, similar to the gazebo area.
Site before work began.
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Interior before renovation.
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Interior after renovation.
BUILDING COMMUNITY CLUB ROOM RENOVATION PROJECT PRESENTATION
The building community rooms renovation project has been moving along with phase one and phase two (buildings 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17 and 18) completed. The community room renovation project is a complete rehab of 16 community rooms. We are currently in phase three working on buildings 2, 7, 13, 15 and 20. The main room, kitchen and bathrooms all will be completely renovated. Gas stoves are no longer allowed in the rooms so food warmers will be added in its place. We will continue to keep cooperators informed of the progress and when the rooms will be ready for use.
Club Room Door before and after renovation.
Club Room Kitchen before and after renovation.
Club Room Restroom before and after renovation.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).
Jamboree END OF SCHOOL
Youth Planning Committee Chair Gary Hawkin (left) with Jamboree Performers.
The Rochdale Village Youth Planning Committee under Chairman Gary Hawkins hosted Rochdale’s Annual End of School Jamboree on Saturday, July 02, 2022, to usher in the summer break. Young cooperators were treated to a free afternoon of playful fun outdoors. Clowns, face painting, bouncy castles and refreshments are just a few of the things that were on the menu.
July 2022
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Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - July 25, 2022
R21-22: GURU HARI STATIONERS, INC. (“CARDS & FLOWERS”) WOULD LIKE TO SELL THE BUSINESS Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro WHEREAS, Guru Hari Stationers, Inc. (“Cards & Flowers”) currently rents two thousand (2,000) square feet in Mall 1; WHEREAS, the owner of Cards and Flowers has owned the store for thirty (30) years and would like to sell the business so that he can retire with his family; WHEREAS, Rakesh A Patel was presented as a viable buyer, as an experienced business owner passing all requisite financial and background credit checks; WHEREAS, this resolution R21-22 is a replacement for the previous resolution passed in April, R17-22; WHEREAS, an additional five (5) year option period has been added to the lease term extending the term from June of 2026 to June of 2031; and WHEREAS, the permitted use of the space will continue to be for the sale of stationery supplies, lotto tickets, American Express services, MoneyGram, payment of utilities, sale of cold drinks for off premises consumption and all related items normally and necessarily sold in a stationery store, including newspapers, magazines, cigars, cigarettes, greeting cards, candy, packaged ice cream for off premises consumption, novelties, toys, party goods, books, film, school supplies, book rental service and the sale of flowers. Lotto shall include New York State lottery games, e.g. lotto numbers, instant games and any future New York State Lottery games. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves the purchase of Guru Hari Stationers, Inc. by Rakesh A Patel. FOR Keysha Beasley Clifton Stanley Diaz Sheila McKenzie Jean Randolph-Castro Lisa Stark
ABSTAIN
Letisha Azizah Khedda Hayden-Ryan
Janine Cross Edward Douglass Timothy Mercer Derrick Shareef Joyce Williams
Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard
ABSENT
Gary Hawkins Ten for, four abstentions, one absent; motion passes. R22-22: AUGUST 2022 BOARD MEETING CANCELLED Moved by: Jean Randolph-Castro Seconded by: Joyce Williams WHEREAS, the August 2022 Board Meeting at Rochdale Village is scheduled for August 22, 2022 when many of the cooperators and their families are away for a summer vacation or busy get-
ting ready before the school year starts; and WHEREAS, this is a difficult time of the year for cooperators and Board Members to attend the meeting and the August meeting has been cancelled for many years at Rochdale Village. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors cancels the August 2022 Board Meeting. FOR Letisha Azizah Keysha Beasley Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass Jean Hall Gary Hawkins Maryam Hubbard Sheila McKenzie Timothy Mercer Jean Randolph-Castro Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark Joyce Williams AGAINST Khedda Hayden-Ryan Fourteen for, one against; motion passes. R23-22: ELECTION COMMITTEE APPOINTED Moved by: Timothy Mercer Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro WHEREAS, the President of the Board of Directors appointed an Election Committee consisting of Clifton Stanley Diaz, Ed Douglass and Sheila McKenzie and tasked the Election Committee to prepare proposed Election Procedures and related documents for the 2022 Annual Meeting and Election of Board Members, together with an Administrative Schedule and Notice of Annual Meeting and obtain a proposal from an election company to supervise the Board elections, as well as all other related activities; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Rochdale Village, Inc. approves Clifton Stanley Diaz, Ed Douglass and Sheila McKenzie to serve as the Election Committee for the 2022 election. FOR Janine Cross Edward Douglass Sheila McKenzie Jean Randolph-Castro Lisa Stark
Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Derrick Shareef Joyce Williams
AGAINST
Letisha Azizah Keysha Beasley Jean Hall Khedda Hayden-Ryan Maryam Hubbard Ten for, five against; motion passes.
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Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - July 25, 2022
R24-22: INCENTIVE FOR SHAREHOLDERS TO VOTE IN ANNUAL ELECTION Moved by: Jean Randolph-Castro Seconded by: Clifton Stanley Diaz WHEREAS, achieving a quorum for the Annual Election to the Board of Directors has been difficult in the past and the Election Committee would like to offer an incentive for Shareholders to vote increasing the chances for a quorum so that the money spent for the election proceedings is not wasted; and WHEREAS, the Election Committee proposes that at the close of the polls a random drawing of voter names will occur in each circle/group for the chance of one voter per circle/group to have an abatement of carrying charges for a period of one month. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Rochdale Village, Inc. adopts the Election Committee voting incentive. FOR Letisha Azizah Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Derrick Shareef Joyce Williams
Janine Cross Edward Douglass Sheila McKenzie Jean Randolph-Castro Lisa Stark
AGAINST
Keysha Beasley Jean Hall Khedda Hayden-Ryan Maryam Hubbard Eleven for, four against; motion passes. R25-22: TELEPHONE VOTE The Rochdale Village Public Safety Committee, in conjunction with the Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee will be planning to participate in the annual nationwide observance of “National Night Out.” National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhood safer and a more caring place to live. The National Night Out event enhances the relationships between neighbors and police and/or public safety while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and/or public safety and the neighbors together under positive circumstances. The event increases crime and drug awareness, engages support for anticrime efforts and fortify neighborhood spirit and police community partnership. Mr. Clifton Stanley Diaz, Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, along with Vice-Chairpersons Talib Bey and Sheila McKenzie are requesting that the Rochdale Village Board of Directors grant the Public Safety Committee $8,000 (eight thousand dollars) to fund this year’s event. The last National Night Out event took place in 2021 at a cost of $7,000 (seven thousand dollars).
The money will be used to purchase equipment and articles that are essential in ensuring a successful National Night Out event. This year’s National Night Out event for 2022 will take place on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. in front of the Rochdale Village Community Center. Please be advised that any unused funds will be returned immediately to Rochdale Village. FOR Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Sheila McKenzie Timothy Mercer Jean Randolph-Castro Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark Joyce Williams ABSTAIN Khedda Hayden-Ryan
UNABLE TO BE REACHED
Letisha Azizah Keysha Beasley Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard Ten for, one abstention, four unable to be reached Telephone motion passes. BOARD MEMBERS Present Clifton Stanley Diaz - Chairperson Jean Randolph-Castro - President Timothy Mercer - First Vice-President Janine Cross - Second Vice-President Edward Douglass - Third Vice-President Sheila Mckenzie - Fourth Vice President Joyce Williams - Secretary Jean Hall - Assistant Secretary Derrick Shareef - Treasurer Lisa Stark - Assistant Treasurer Letisha Azizah Keysha Beasley Gary Hawkins Khedda Hayden-Ryan Maryam Hubbard Also Present from MSI Real Estate Jay Williams - Assistant General Manager Wilfred Rodriguez - Assistant General Manager Robert Bernstein, Esq. - Corporate Counsel William Young - Controller Kelvin Pantaleon - Director of Maintenance David George - Assistant Director of Maintenance Adolph Osback - Chief Public Safety Corey Jones - Director of Power Plant
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Projects Report JULY 2022
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Rochdale Village NORC Calendar - August 2022
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Rochdale Village Senior Center -August 2022
July 2022
July 2022
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Calendar August 2022
See what’s going on in and around our community... There’s a little something for everyone!
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Nutrition Made Fun: Planting The Seeds of Healthy Eating By Julia Shaw Community Center Director
T
he Rochdale Village Community Center and Elizabeth Madison Nutrition, PLLC have once again collaborated to support healthy eating and lifestyles for the community. Our focus this summer has been our children, through the Rochdale Village Academy Summer Day Camp. Elizabeth Madison, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and her team facilitated weekly nutrition workshops and activities to teach campers about healthy eating, and simple strategies to help them develop and sustain healthier habits. Comprehensive, hands-on nutrition education in schools can be lacking. Incorporating nutrition education into the summer camp schedule provides a valuable opportunity to teach children healthy habits in a relaxed and fun environment. The nutrition knowledge learned helps the children stay healthy throughout their whole life, hence the earlier they
are taught these concepts, the better. Nutrition education must be fun, so the children are actively engaged in activities such as group games, recipe preparation, light physical activity (to learn how the body uses energy), and a variety of challenges each week. “We need to take advantage of every opportunity to empower our community with easy to understand and apply nutrition knowledge,’ states Elizabeth Madison, “Integrating these highly interactive nutrition workshops into the weekly agenda is a perfect way to prepare children for a lifetime of healthy habits.” In week one, the staff taught the campers the concept of GO, SLOW and WHOA. This food classification model teaches children how to manage food intake by placing foods into three categories: always, sometimes, and occasional. The concept relates to a traffic light, where green is GO, yellow is SLOW, and red is WHOA. After the teaching component, the campers participated in a physical activity where they had
to walk to GO, SLOW or WHOA signs that matched each food item. Finally, the kids made a healthy trail mix which included a variety of ingredients such as sunflower seeds, whole-grain cereal, unsalted pretzels, shredded coconut, dried fruit, and chocolate chips! The topics for the remaining five weeks were Making Healthier Choices On-the-Go, Reading Nutrition Labels, Whole Grains and MyPlate, All About Sugar, Fruits and Vegetables, and Proteins and Fats. As you can see, the workshop series covered a variety of healthy eating concepts to empower the children with knowledge. All recipes and handouts were sent via email to parents each week. Rochdale Village Academy Summer Day Camp was excited to have this opportunity to plant seeds of healthy eating into the next generation and was ecstatic to wait to see how much they learned and grew over the course of the summer.
~Poetry Corner & Musings...~ LIFE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES By Anthony Blake It all starts at the White House The President gets around like a mouse Confident Efforts Handling stress Meetings on top of Meetings Signing Laws Urgent matters Addresses to the Nation Talking to World Leaders Travelling within the United States and Overseas Never time to rest Always on the move The Commander of Chief must always prove Battle with Democrats and GOP The President is always in the Hot Seat It doesn’t matter if it comes down to defeat All the maneuvering while standing on his feet The President’s job is never done In order to get tasks complete, the President could take 8 Years to still be among Yet at the end of the day, I am the President looks for a place to be alone to just cry Every effort is a try Releasing the tension if the reason why.
PRAYER CHANGES THINGS By Alanda I. Edwards Just whisper a prayer I assure you it will be heard. For God it always listening He’ll hear your every word. He even sees the thoughts You feel too bad to share. He only wishes you tell Him Because he really cares. He sees you through Take your burden to the Lord, I know he’ll be there. It’s doesn’t matter what problem Or how complex the situation you present to Him I promise you my friend Prayer changes things
A GENTLEMAN AND A SCHOLAR By Ed Miller One never knows in a restaurant When you tell the server what you want If by being rude or being impolite, When your order comes, will it be right? When service is good do you compliment Or are you severe, irreverent Do you gripe, do you complain, When the waiter’s busy, and it’s in vain? Do you get hot under the collar Are you calm or do you holler If he’s old or if he’s young If it’s a lady, hold your tongue? You cannot tell from what you see Doctor, lawyer, teacher, to be A cheerful smile, tip 20% Everyone musty pay the rent! It may be a gentleman and a scholar College student earning a dollar Someday he may be in your seat Rich and famous, waiting to eat.
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Get to know Mr. Wali Case Manager for Rochdale Village Social Services Inc.
By Cynthia Bernadine
W
ali Baraka, affectionately known as Mr. Wali, is someone you should get to know if you are 60 years or older and living in Rochdale Village. Do not be distracted by his debonair appearance or his gentle tone. Mr. Wali is a force to be reckoned with. He can often be found conducting business in and around the Community Center. He has committed his professional life to serving the needs of the community as a case manager and in over 25 years on the job, he has helped families, and individuals of all ages by offering much needed support and guidance. A lesser man would put himself on plat-
form and demand recognition, but Mr. Wali is not that type of person. Instead, he continues to approach every case with passion and a down-to-earth realistic mindset, tailored to the unique needs of each person he serves. Mr. Wali took up the case manager mantle at the Rochdale Senior Center in 2006. As case manager, he meets with seniors to determine their eligibility for services such as Medicaid, Medicare, SCRIE and SNAP; then he assists them in completing applications for said services. After nearly 16 years, he says he tries to enjoy each day like his first, bringing the same dedication and commitment to the work he started many years ago.
According to Mr. Wali, one of the main roles of a case manager is to educate seniors and their families about services that are available and make referrals and connections when needed. This job does not stop there, he works to remain in contact with each person to ensure that they are meeting their service goals and assist with re-certifying them for continuation of benefits. Mr. Wali describes his years at Rochdale as “interesting and rewarding” and says he is happy to be able to be in this position for so long helping the community and will continue to do his part. When he is not behind a desk of papers, you can find him cutting a rug on the dance
floor at any Senior Center event, sharply dressed in his unique style, or just lending a hand. Just ask Sheree Shivers, the Senior Center Director, who said, “Wali has been with Rochdale Village Social Services Inc. for over 15 years. He is always willing to go above and beyond to make an impact that will improve the lives of the older adults in the community. He is one of a kind and he’s always willing to get the job done with kindness, laughter and encouragement. He is dedicated, committed and his hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we thank him for the outstanding services he provides.” To reach Mr. Wali you can contact the Senior Center at 718-525-2800 Extension 1.
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For more information call the Board office at (718) 276-5700 ext. 3360
July 2022
