THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
Vol. 49. No. 5
May 2013
SERVING OVER 25,000 COOPERATORS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
inside
A
aron Van Norris Slaughter
Mourning the loss of former Managing Editor of the Rochdale Village Bulletin Journalist, scholar and historian for many events at Rochdale Village
America’s Food Basket recruitment event at Rochdale Village - pg. 3
Happy Memorial Day
Committed colleague and friend to the community in which he served
With rememberance and special thanks to our nation’s fallen heroes
Qualities of a Leader Op Ed - Page 10 Poetry in Memory - Page 26 Obituary - Page 32
Poetry in Memorial - 25
Rest in Peace Sunrise: September 30, 1955 - Sunset: May 13, 2013
Groundswork and conscientious maintenance initiatives at RV - pg.3
President’s Message - Page 2
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Manager’s Report - Page 4
•
Board Resolutions - Page 28
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 2 ROCHDALE VILLAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Rochdale Village Board of Directors serves 5,800 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: 718-2765700 ext. 336.
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Chairman of the Board David Jeffries President Janine Cross Vice Presidents Jean Castro Timothy Mercer Joe Evans Talib Bey Treasurer Eddie Douglass Assistant Treasurer Joseph Mathieu Secretary Tracey Irvin MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Joe Evans David Jeffries Gary Hawkins Ronald Hollie Tracy Irvin Joseph Mathieu Timothy Mercer Jean Randolph-Castro Kamal Saleem Lisa Stark Mario Turner Ahmed White Arlisa Blackwell (State Representative) COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Budget & Finance Lisa Stark Commercial Services Joseph Mathieu Community Center Edward Douglass Community Relations Jean Randolph-Castro Legal & Management Janine Cross Maintenance Ahmed White Orientation Jean Randolph-Castro & Janine Cross Public Safety Talib Bey Senior Citizens Gary Hawkins Youth Planning Mario Turner Environmental Conservation Kamal Saleem MANAGEMENT Managing Agent Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.
General Manager Marion Scott
Assistant Managers
May 2013
President’s Message — by Janine Cross
T
oday we continue to mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Aaron Van Norris Slaughter. Many of you know Mr. Slaughter as the former Managing Editor of the Rochdale Bulletin Newspaper. Others of you know Mr. Slaughter as a long time cooperator. I’ve known Aaron Slaughter as a friend. Aaron has supported the Rochdale Village Board of Directors and me for more years than I can count. And, I count him as a friend and a confidante – an intricate member of the fabric that is Rochdale Village. His kind presence graced many an event and forum whether here at Rochdale or in Albany with New York’s movers and shakers. Aaron’s great intellect and literary excellence made him a valued employee. His humor and dry wit along with
his extensive cultural knowledge made him an interesting individual to chat with. Aaron will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and may we find solace in our faith that he is in a better place – a place without pain, or want, or need. Aaron’s passing brings to mind memories of the other loved ones that I have lost. The knowledge that someone has gone to glory does not negate the fact that your loved one is still gone. We must remember to love each other today because tomorrow is not promised to us. As cooperators, the same civility applies. Smile and say hello to your neighbors. If you have an elderly neighbor, feel free to lend assistance, if needed, even if it’s just to pop by their apartment and have a cup of tea with them. If they are not aware, advise them of the ‘Are You Ok?’ program provided by NORC.
Janine Cross
Any senior can sign up through NORC with their contact details and any medical condition they may have. Through this system, Public Safety will contact the individual every day to assure that they are OK. A little bit can go a long way.
Teen Activity Poll Parents/Teens, we want to hear from you! What are your interests? We are taking a survey of activities that teens are interested in pursuing. The purpose of this survey is to gain a better understanding of the interests, equipment and/or facilities that teens would ideally be interested in using so that we can better service the needs of the Rochdale Village population. Please complete the survey below and submit your interests to the Rochdale Village Community Center, attn: Ronald Borden or call 718-276-5700 x337. Teenager’s Age:
____________________________________________________________________
Male or Female:
____________________________________________________________________
Interest #1:
__________________________________________________________________________
Interest #2:
__________________________________________________________________________
Interest #3:
__________________________________________________________________________
Best time to pursue interests: ______________________________________________________________
Alex Freedman, MSI & Lynn Walker, RVI
Controller
Darius George
Deputy Director of Maintenance Corey Jones
Security Chief Thomas Mason
Power Plant Director Gilbert Francisco
Human Resource Director Elizabeth Goldsmith
General Counsel
William R. Greenspan
the next meeting of the rochdale village board of directors is May 28, 2013
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 3
America’s Food Basket shops on site for employees at recruitment event By Susan Van Brackle
T
he line of hopeful candidates had already begun to form by the time management from America’s Food Basket grocery store arrived for the on site recruitment event at the Rochdale Village Small Mall on Tuesday, May 7. Daniel Cabassa, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Food Basket, was on hand to singlehandedly meet, greet and distribute applications to all that had arrived in anticipation of the grand opening of Rochdale’s newest installation. Some applicants had even recognized Mr. Cabassa from his last visit which was during the ribbon cutting at the Community Center’s Grand Ballroom. The successful turnout was largely attributed to cooperative
efforts of getting the word out to the Rochdale Village community in a timely fashion. The Rochdale Village Social Services and Youth Council ensured that flyers broadcasting the recruitment event were distributed to every building in every circle. Notifications and alerts from Rochdale’s own Commercial Services division, allowed for timely information dissemination via the Weekly Sheets and Bulletin newspaper. With today’s changing employment scene and intergenerational candidate pool, it is not unusual for applicants to have multiple recruitment processes available to them. Fortunately, for this hiring event, people were encouraged to fill out and submit the application online, download the application from the computer and present it already
The highly anticipated small mall grocery store America’s Food Basket recently accepted applications for employees. filled out to the hiring manager or request an application by mail from the head office at America’s
Food Basket. Applications were also available distributed on site to interested candidates.
Conscientious maintenance continues with annual beautification of RV grounds By Susan Van Brackle
P
ursuant to management’s direct initiatives towards preserving Shareholders’ physical investment in the Rochdale Village cooperative, conscientious maintenance continues with the annual beautification of the grounds. In the early part of May, Gianelli Landscaping began copious planting of the much awaited flowerbeds. This year’s selection contains New Guinea impatiens, begonias, marigolds, petunias and dahlias that give vibrant color to the Rochdale Village landscape. The Maintenance team is performing laborious soil amendments and seeding to the surrounding fields and grounds. The results have been instantly
noticeable and immediately lush, beautiful green landscapes. Ongoing lawn cutting, tree pruning, weeding and hedge cutting are being performed circle by circle in several strategic areas. Such processes are necessary to avoid potential hazards, promote safety and increased aesthetics. Last year’s Hurricane Sandy provided an eye opening wakeup call relative to the necessity for continued tree upkeep and safety. In addition to methodical hose watering by Rochdale’s grounds crew, the sprinkler systems are being renovated to provide proper irrigation in preparation for the hot, dry summer months ahead. Rochdale’s green spaces are what lend to this cooperative’s reputation of being the “Jewel of Jamaica Queens”. As such, all cooperators
Recently planted flowerbed selections add color and vibrance to the paths in Rochdale Village. and children of cooperators are requested to observe the notifications posted throughout the complex that state “Do Not Walk on the Grass”. Conscientious maintenance is a
team effort that can be achieved with regular attention and care for the area in which we live.
Anniversary Symposium marks “Kick-off” of 50th anniversary festivities By Susan Van Brackle
R
Village is revving up for what is expected to be a monumental kick-off to this year’s celebratory anniversary festivities. On Saturday, June 29, 2013, an Anniversary Symposium is being coordinated by the Rochdale Village 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee which is sponsored by the Rochdale Village Board of Directors. This ochdale
event is designed to expound upon the past, present and future of this historic cooperative. As a result, the Committee has planned a daylong affair complete with informative panels, historians and nostalgic reflections on how this community’s past will shape its future. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 10am in the Rochdale Village Community Center Auditorium for swift program registration and
seating. The symposium will include multiple panel discussions that will review and encourage dialogue about periods of time in Rochdale’s trajectory. For example, Panel #1 will discuss “Building a Community” and reviews the period 1963-1974. Panel #2 will discuss “Fighting to Sustain a Community” during 1975-1987. Finally, Panel #3 captures 1988-2013: “Building a Future Community”.
Mini break periods will take place throughout the day and culminate with a reception at the end. Rochdale Village has always been a diverse community that has learned a lot from each other. Come reunite with old friends, neighbors and family to share memories of days gone by. Look out for further details which will be published in the upcoming Rochdale Bulletin Weekly Sheet.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 4
May 2013
Monthly Report
-- by Marion Scott
General Manager’s Monthly Report for April 2013 Our primary goal since the beginning of our engagement at Rochdale in 1991 was to preserve the Shareholders’ physical investment while providing for the safety and well-being of the residents. Conscientious maintenance may mean the difference between success and failure of a cooperative enterprise. If the grounds and buildings are well maintained and attractive, the value of the property should remain stable or possibly increase. This can be accomplished effectively and efficiently through a program of regular attention and care. In about six months Rochdale will celebrate its 50th anniversary. While this is a great milestone we have to deal with the facts of life that we are dealing with a 50 year old complex in need of constant care caused by age, deterioration and functional obsolescence. This is an expensive proposition and requires a heavy infusion of cash to cover upkeep of the building envelope, power plant and infrastructure. Several years ago we borrowed $20 million dollars to cover our short term capital needs although we needed more; at the time the money market was tight and that is all the funds Freddie Mac and Wells Fargo would lend. Management used those funds to take care of our short term needs with the realization we will have to seek additional funds when they become available at favorable interest rates. The most pressing problem in the capital budget was the repair and make-safe of the building facades
We are locked in through October, 2014. We will explore the feasibility of locking in past the existing contract. We want to put the Board on guard that we may need to explore alternative financing to handle our long term capital repair needs that will put a heavy strain on the capital budget.
which were in need of immediate attention to ensure the safety of the residents. Our consultants estimated that we would need up to $60 million dollars to satisfy the mandate of Local Law 11 to make the buildings safe and avoid any violations from the city. We have spent close to $7 million dollars so far to cure the worst buildings, but we think we will need an additional $6 million dollars to complete all 20 buildings covering the 13 stories. This cost will be about 78% less than the engineers and architects had originally predicted back in 2010. The fight to keep the facades safe and secure is expensive, fierce and ongoing. When this 5 year cycle is finished, we start phase 7 all over again. BIENNIAL BUDGET PREPARATION The staff has begun the groundwork to prepare for the
next budgetary period covering fiscal years 2014-2015 and 20152016. Preparing an accurate budget depends upon careful evaluation of historical data and known trends and probabilities of change and a detailed knowledge of all physical and economic conditions relative to the property. The staff has been provided the historical data for the past 5 years for a more thorough evaluation of the property’s operating history. Because the buildings and infrastructures are approaching 50 years of age the most formidable problems facing management is the remediation and replacement of convectors, dual temperature piping, roofs, gas leaks and fire standpipes. The power plant is constantly being upgraded and we are close to having replaced or repaired the major components. Natural gas prices have been the wild card in the budgetary process.
NEW COOPERATOR ORIENTATION It is clear from the last group meeting that we have to do a better job of orientation for new move-ins. Orientation actually begins when a person is still a prospect and being told about the cooperative’s policies and regulation of the community. The formal orientation class includes participation from management, including Public Safety and Maintenance representation. The next step in establishing a professional shareholder-manager relationship begins with the Group Manager. The Group Manager will now move the new cooperator into the apartment and will stress the importance of following the policies, rules and regulations of the cooperative. Management is in the process of developing a more comprehensive orientation presentation that will provide visual aid, which strengthens the new cooperator’s understanding of the Occupancy Agreement (proprietary lease), house rules, regulations and shareholder obligations in order to eliminate future misunderstandings and promote greater harmony.
Improvements in collection and renting of parking lot spaces 1. The corporation has experienced a 99% percent occupancy rate in Rochdale Village parking lots. 2. Non-payment of parking fees will result in immediate action to revoke the space. 3. Public Safety is conducting checks to identify vehicles that are not in compliance with the parking lease agreement. 4. Abandoned vehicles will be towed from parking lots. 5. Collection methods will be enforced to minimize parking rent arrears.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Page 5
Monthly Report
-- by Robert Woods
Contract Summary/Status — April 2013 I. Following is the Status of Schedule ‘B’ Projects: SHOPPING CENTER ELEVATOR: Project Completed. TURBINE GENERATOR #2 OVERHAUL (Power Plant): Project completed.
DIESEL ENGINE GENERATOR OVERHAUL (Power Plant): Project placed on-hold pending resources to fund the work.
I. Non Schedule B Projects:
LOCAL LAW 11, CYCLE-7 BUILDING FAÇADE REPAIRS: Xinos Construction Corp. has BOILER/BURNERS (Power Plant): returned to work at Rochdale Projects and Management met Village. They are continuing façade with National Grid to determine repairs to Buildings #15 & 16. if Rochdale Village is eligible for rebates on new boilers. The outcome Management and the Projects of the meeting was optimistic. The Team met with the Department of representatives needed energy Buildings on 4/16/13. A plan is consumption reports to evaluate being implemented to address DOB rebates. Power Plant Director concerns. provided information and National EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS: Grid is evaluating rebate amount. Roof repairs were made to Buildings The Project Consultant, Lizardos 13&14. The Group Manager was Engineering, commenced Design to notified upon completion so repairs accommodate two (2) new package could be made to damaged areas. boilers. The Engineer will provide a schedule and budget estimate for CORRIDOR ROOF REPAIRS: Xinos Construction Corp. complete next meeting. Change Order roof work in Group #1 which will ensure that this Group EXCITER REPLACEMENT: Phase I of Project is complete; receives the same warranty coverage Phase II is scheduled to commence as provided the other Groups. Johnsspring of 2013. The Power Plant Mansville made their inspection has scheduled the air conditioning of all roofs and Manufacturer’s shutdown to occur on May 20, 2013. Warranties will be sent. Project Siemens’ Electric is scheduling all Manager concluded his inspection sub-contractors and Engineers to tie- and all punch list items are complete. in main side of the switchboard. It was noted that garbage is being dumped on the roofs. The garbage
causes clogging to the drains However; due to scheduling therefore leaks will occur if roofs difficulties, the project will commence during the Power Plant flood and enter above flashings. fall shutdown. BUILDING EMERGENCY Projects developed an RFP to reGENERATOR UPGRADES A/E: Bids were due and opened on April 30, insulate tank and equipment. 2013. Project Manager is evaluating bids and checking references prior CRAWL SPACE PIPING AND to making a recommendation of INTERIOR SPACE PIPING: This project is awaiting HCR successful bidder. approval of credential submitted by ELECTRICAL WORK (Electrician): Power Plant Director and Projects The Contractor, Northeast Electrical Director to oversee work. Contractors, is continuing work as per contract. The main components SITE UTILITIES/ of this project consist of changing UNDERGROUND PIPING: the existing outlets to GFCI type. This project is awaiting HCR approval of credential submitted by AUDITORIUM A/C CONTROLS: Power Plant Director and Projects Thomas Brown Associates installed Director to oversee work. automatic controls to the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning COMPACTOR MAINTENANCE (HVAC) system in the Auditorium. CONTRACT: Projects issued a punch list to the Project will be re-bid. Contractor. The supplemental chiller bundle is being rebuilt at Boilermatic, CAT-1 &CAT-5 ELEVATOR TEST: Inc. As soon as the unit is completed, Testing has commenced utilizing it will be installed and start up of unit the same QE-1 for both inspections. will take three (3) days. This alleviated the need to have the elevators shutdown on two separate POWER PLANT NEW WATER occasions for each test. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: Project approval pending inspection RESURFACING OF PAVEMENT by NYSHCR engineer. IN CIRCLES: The NYC Department of POWER PLANT CONDENSATE Transportation completed repaving TANK ASBESTOS ABATEMENT: of Groups #1, 2, 3 & 5. They continue Condensate tank replacement to stripe circles as weather allows. has been approved by the Board.
Please Help Keep Rochdale Village Clean— Say No to Litter.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 6
May 2013
Controller’s Report -- by Darius George, Controller
Financial Overview - April 2013 Management held a preliminary meeting in advance of the budget preparation for fiscal years beginning April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 and April 1, 2015 ending March 31, 2016. The housing company current revenue structure is sufficient to meet current operating expenses. The housing corporation capital needs are large and cannot be funded from current revenues. Current estimates of capital work are expected to exceed $115,000,000. Management has identified the capital items. A few of the items are dual temperature and domestic water risers, convector replacement, domestic gas line replacement, buildings and shopping center roof replacement, diesel generator overhaul and replacement of four boilers in the power plant. The list also includes the ongoing repairs of the masonry and façade project. The corporation capital improvement requirements are grouped into short-term, intermediate and long term. The capital improvement projected cost is partially funded by $11,294,805 from the second mortgage leaving $95,000, 000 of unfunded capital improvement costs. Now that the need has been determined then question is how to
raise the capital to pay for those costs. In a typical business environment the monies could be raised from increase shareholder contributions, issuing of corporate bonds or other long term financing. Rochdale Village, Inc as a state regulated Mitchell Llama development is restricted as to the means of raising capital funds. Rochdale’s options are carrying charge increases, special assessments, or refinancing of its existing debt. Rochdale Village current mortgages balances are $67,854,091 and 19,080,964 respectively. Maintaining the viability and integrity of the development’s infrastructure is critical to having a safe and clean environment for the cooperator’s enjoyment. Having identified the projects, the Board of Directors and Management are exploring and weighing the various options that are available to secure the funds. The corporation needs to raise approximately $185,000,000 to fund capital projects and pay off its existing long-term debts which are comprised of two mortgages held by Freddie Mac. The monies can be raised from a variety of sources such as carrying charge increases, special assessments or financing. There are advantages and disadvantages to the various options. Carrying charge
increases or special assessments are the most onerous. Extrapolating from the corporation’s current rent roll a 1% increase in carrying charges would raise $640,000. To raise the projected $95,000,000 to do the work would require a carrying charge of about 148%. One of the advantages of refinancing is the ability to spread the payments over many years typically 30 to 40 years. With interest rates at historic lows it is prudent to study the feasibility and impact on the corporation’s bottom line. Shifting from long-term projections to current operations there are major improvements in the collection and renting of the parking lot spaces. As of April 30, the corporation had a 99% percent occupancy rate in the parking rents. There only two vacant spaces which are now sold. Attention has shifted to removing abandoned vehicles from the parking lots and aggressively enforcing the collection protocol to reducing parking rent arrears to zero. Public Safety is conducting checks to identify the vehicles that are not in compliance with the parking lease agreement. Owners of the vehicles will be notified to cure the violations before the vehicles are removed from the lots. Parking
is a privilege and non-payment of parking fee will result in immediate action to revoke the space. Twenty five letters were sent to tenants in arrears of parking rent, so far four spaces were revoked and six have paid their balances in full. Since the distribution of the letters, the housing company collected $22,442.50 in parking and rent arrears. As of April 30 working capital account consisted of current tenant accounts receivable in the amount of $1,463,846.40, accounts payable and accrued expenses in the amount of $2,744,517.24. Cash available as of April 30, were $4,880,401.00 compared to $4,107,212.00 last month an increase over last month of $773,189. As of April 30, cash held in various escrow accounts to fund contingencies and capital improvements are $19,050,960. The replacement reserve account is funded monthly in the amount of $195,133. That account is held and controlled by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. In addition, the corporation has a self-insurance escrow account with a balance of $1,520,619.00 to fund past and future losses not covered by existing and past insurance policies.
NEW HOURS FOR ROCHDALE VILLAGE LEGAL DEPARTMENT Beginning February 4, 2013, the Legal Department will see cooperators by appointment only. There will be no walk-ins. Available times for appointments with the legal department are set forth below:
Mondays: 12:00pm-3:00pm and 4:00pm-6:30pm Wednesdays: 9:00am-12:30pm To schedule an appointment with the Legal Department at one of these times, please stop by the management office and speak to the receptionist, Gwendolyn Springle. You can also call Ms. Springle at (718) 276-5700 during normal business hours to schedule an appointment. Please note that Jacqueline Young has replaced Selina Johnson as the Legal Coordinator. This schedule for appointments is being implemented in order for Ms. Young to efficiently carry out her duties, including scheduling court cases. Please note the Legal Department typically handles matters that include (but is not limited to) arrears and cooperator complaints. We thank you in advance for you cooperation with this policy.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Page 7
Controller’s Report
-- by Darius George, Controller Summary of Corporate Funds Cash Receipts & Disbursements - April 30, 2013 at April 30, 2013 EXHIBIT I
EXHIBIT I
Page 5
OPENING CASH BALANCE
RECEIPTS: Carrying Charges Commercial Rent & Utilities Nursery Schools and Democratic Club Community Center Programs/Rentals Section 8 Rent Apartment sales and transfers Parking Rent Rooftop leasing- Wireless communications Cable TV commission Bulletin Ads Credit check fees Ground lease Parking lots transmiters Transfer from Wells Fargo Pension litigation escrow Employee Cobra Miscellaneous ($1,000.00 or less) Total Collection NG Checks Funds Available for Operations OPERATING EXPENSES: Administrative Expenses: Management fee Managing agent- payroll reimbursement Marketing fee Other office expense Office supplies Equipment leasing Data processing fees Postage & Delivery Telephone Information Technology Legal Collection expense EXHIBIT I Page 6 Other professional services Miscellaneous expenses($1,000.00 or less) Total Administrative Expenses
MAINTENANCE EXPENSES : Floor machine Unifrom & cleaning Cleaning supplies Other Janitorial Expenses Exterminating Rubbish removal Compactor expense Compactor bags Landscaping Playgroung maintenance Parking lots expense landscaping labor- seasonal Penalties and violations Vehicle Maintenance, gas/oil Licenses and permits Carpentry supplies Electrical supplies Door repairs and controls Keys and locks Bathroom supplies Floor tiles Convector supplies Plumbing supplies Paint & glass supplies Other Maintenance & Operating Expenses Contracted Services - Intercom - Electrical - Plumbing - Elevator - Floor Repairs - Bathtub glazing - Apartment repairs - Apartment restoration - Pump and roof fans - Carpet cleaning Building repairs- Façade and mansonry Replacement - Corridor roofs Misc. Expenses ($ 1,000.00 or Less) Total Maintenance Expenses
Page 7
$
4,012,241
5,505,611 393,121 3,250 10,775 35,532 126,000 103,232 5,975 6,158 2,650 2,500 2,000 1,080 1,001,159 1,318 5,387 7,205,748 41,760 11,176,228
63,071 26,914 2,300 5,132 8,105 5,483 1,884 7,042 9,312 19,392 44,914 29,566 1,725 149 224,989
3,349 4,420 10,337 6,056 7,075 2,933 3,898 64,594 74,201 5,024 4,355 21,277 12,137 2,180 9,607 30,101 20,482 6,513 10,146 34,125 26,043 37,970 26,587 34,334 156,304 7,401 54,005 24,940 2,083 218,531 93,519 20,294 1,551 2,812 2,670 1,041,855
PUBLIC SAFETY EXPENSES: Office supplies Vehicle maintenance,gas,oil Surveillance system Office equipment leasing Uniform and cleaning Paid Detail administrative expense Other security expenses Misc. Expense ($ 1,000.00 or less) Total Public Safety Expenses
2,014 3,223 3,995 1,439 6,586 2,005 727 19,989
POWER PLANT EXPENSES: Fuel - Heating & Electric Gas Fuel - Cooking gas Water and sewer Material, tools and supplies Chemicals and lubricants Office expense OSHA compliance Turbine generator Boiler Cooling tower Pump rooms CS- Consultants CS- Electrical Distribution System CS- Building maintenance Cooling tower maintenance Meter reading services Misc. Expense ($1,000.00 or less) Total Power Plant Expenses
1,097,951 16,258 107,652 9,274 10,218 1,147 5,455 7,700 7,152 39,807 6,159 4,515 4,192 1,450 1,189 2,574 1,322,692
COMMUNITY CENTER EXPENSES: Equipment Ouside labor expense Furnishing & Fixtures Security refund Misc Expenses ($1,000.00 or less) Total Community Center Expenses EXHIBIT I
Page 8
1) OPERATING FUNDS: Citibank - Checking - Payroll Water and Sewer Escrow Total Operating Funds
EXHIBIT I
Page3 4,784,805 14,325 19,782 4,818,912
2) IN-HOUSE SHELTER FUNDS: Capital Improvement Equity Brokerage Money Fund Self insurance - Insured Money Market Self insurance - Checking Commercial Tenant Security- IMMA Total In-House Shelter Funds
110,545 80,457 1,516,290 4,329 519,449 2,231,070
3) ESCROW FUNDS: FFI Government Fund - Replacement reserve Replacement Reserve - Checking Completion Repair Escrows Total Escrow Funds
8,630,395 141,991 10,278,574 19,050,960
4) MORTGAGE ESCROW: Real Estate Tax Insurance Vapor intrusion Soil and Groundwater remediation Debt Service Escrow- Wells Fargo Securities Total Mortgage Escrow TOTAL FUNDS
821,622 495,502 375,427 724,367 3,609,302 6,026,219 32,127,161
$
3,543 3,543
The corporation cash, investments and escrow balances as of April 30, 2013 was $32,127,161.00. The amount available to pay operating expenses are $4,899,368.00. The The corporation cash, investments escrow as$32,127,161.00 of April 30, 2013 The corporation cash, following investments and escrow balances asand of April 30,balances 2013 was accounts are encumbered:
The available to pay expenses $4,899,368.00. The amount available to payamount operating expenses areoperating $4,899,368.00. Theare following accountsThe are fol en BOARD EXPENSES Office expenses Contribution- Rochdale Village Social Services Inc Bulletin expense
PAYROLL/ESCROWS/EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Salaries and Wages Fica expense Federal unemployment State unemployment tax Replacement reserve Contingency reserve Mall #1 New signs New HP Server CoolingTower repairs Security equipment Irrigation Well Deposit -Landlord Tenant attorney Mortgage Principal and interest Real Estate Tax Escrow Insurance escrow Workers compensation Disability insurance Health & Pension- 32BJ Health & Pension- 94 Health & Pension- SSOBA Health & Dental and Group life insurance Pension loan payment Pension contribution 401k employee contributions Information return penalty NYS sales tax Total Payroll/Escrow/Employee Benefits Total Expenses Ending cash balance
15,916escrows (a) Debt Service escrows (a) Debt Service 12,917 (b) Self Insurance (b) Self Insurance 706 (c) Contingency and Replacement Reserve (c) Contingency 29,539and Replacement Reserve Commercial Tenant Security Deposit (d) Commercial Tenant(d)Security Deposit (e) Equity Capital Improvement Equity (e) Capital Improvement Completion Repair Escrow (f) Completion Repair (f) Escrow 1,328,009 (g) Real Estate Tax Escrow (g) Real Estate Tax Escrow 118,542 (h) Insurance Escrow (h) Insurance Escrow 28,293 (i)Environmental escrow (i)Environmental 150,279 escrow
3,609,302 1,520,619 8,772,386 519,449 110,545 10,278,574 821,622 495,502 1,099,794 27,227,793
1
2 125,000 70,133 11,704 5,636 Companyfrom mustNYS obtain approval from NYSRenewal Homes &toCommuni The Housing78,836 CompanyThe mustHousing obtain approval Homes & Community disbursed from the contingency and replacement reserve accounts. 2,935 from the contingency and replacement reserve accounts. The Housing Company must obtain approval 19,870 from NYS Homes &fund Community Renewal 810 Thefund self insurance escrow is restrictedFunds by Board resolution. Funds can The self insurance escrow is restricted by Board resolution. can only be 616,950 to disbursed funds from the contingency and used to pay damages and other claims against the corporation during used to pay261,048 damages and other claims against the corporation during the period it was self the pe reserve accounts. insured. It also claim belowinsurance the company liability insurance retention insured. It also covers replacement claim below thecovers company liability retention program. 220,687 2,492 The selfservice, insurance escrow fundrepair is restricted 7,321insurance, The debt insurance, completion andaccounts real estate tax escrow ac The debt service, completion repair and real estate tax escrow 232,002 by Board resolution. Funds can only be used were created under the terms of the mortgage refinancing agreement with W were created under the terms of the mortgage refinancing agreement with Wells Fargo 205,224 to pay damages and other claims against the Multifamily Capital, Inc. Multifamily170,465 Capital, Inc. corporation during the period it was self insured. 49,641 10,399 It also covers claim below the company liability 4,482 insurance retention program. 13,858 14,200 The debt service, insurance, completion repair and 3,748,817 real estate tax escrow accounts were created under 6,391,423 the terms of the mortgage refinancing agreement $4,784,805
with Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, Inc.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 8
May 2013
Controller’s Report -- by Darius George, Controller
To Advertise in the Rochdale Village Bulletin, Call (718) 978-3007
Accounts Receivable Activity - Apr. 30, 2013 Description
Arrears
Base Rent Vacancy Rent Medical Office Commercial Electric Water Parking Fuel surcharge Surcharges Late Charges Dispossess NG Check Fee Others Totals
Charges
3,164,433.63 421,808.96 3,514.71 140,151.79 66,301.78 100.35 22,035.28 59,516.45 964,774.96 74,298.36 72,785.60 4,677.48 1,554,427.73 6,548,827.08
5,357,713.14 25,976.79 278,735.73 101,439.47 72,177.42 18,141.91 5,854,184.46
Adjustments
Payments
(182,213.93) 18,247.29 1,566.12 (9,435.59) (431.00) 1,728.72 250.00 (22,447.46) 11,933.18 5,153.50 625.00 245,168.38 70,144.21
5,274,106.20 2,667.42 32,223.15 318,051.72 39,506.33 158.19 102,857.41 54,362.87 12,436.46 9,143.71 649.88 241,453.51 6,087,616.85
1. Base rent was adjusted by the following amounts: a)Vacancy loss 56,635.53 b)Section 8 subsidy 35,853.70 c)SCRIE subsidy 67,888.57 d)DRIE subsidy 20,066.20 e)STAR (2,933.92) f)Bad debt & other adjustments 4,703.85 182,213.93 2. Commercial arrears are $119,435.54 including electricity balance of $26,364.45 and water & sewer in the amount of $1,670.88 3. Included in Other receivables are: Restoration charges Equity Deposits Move in & Move out adjustments Evictions Violations Three Day Notices Total
Tenant Arrears Report Ending April 30, 2013 CURRENT TENANTS In arrears for -
Residential Number
Tenants Amount Due
Community Center Report For April 30, 2013
Commercial Number
Tenants Amount Due
One month
1,654
280,653.94
42
71,112.97
Two months
489
205,530.88
9
14,405.36
Three months
344
158,536.68
9
11,911.68
Four months
302
116,961.01
6
2,945.22
5-12 months
543
477,361.33
8
37,272.94
12+ months
364
377,839.23
6
22,973.31
1,616,883.07
45
160,621.48
Sub-Total PAST TENANTS In arrears for -
1,858 Residential Number
Tenants Amount Due
Commercial Number
Tenants Amount Due
One month
58
61,672.32
-
Two months
47
94,666.38
-
Three months
51
52,879.06
-
Four months
32
29,295.33
-
5-12 months
116
479,185.30
1
10,214.62
12+ months
489
4,001,676.99
5
41,732.53
Sub-Total
592
4,719,375.38
5
51,947.15
GRAND TOTALS
6,336,258.45
1,437,245.52 16,564.39 (95,563.30) 103,217.66 102,251.65 12,568.59 1,576,284.51
212,568.63
REVENUES: Programs Room Rental Vending Machine Total Revenue
$
$
900.00 8,525.00 9,425.00
EXPENSES: Salaries - Administrative - Recreation Specialist - Porters Programs Equipment leasing Outside Labor expense Recreation and office supplies Repairs and maintenance Misc. (less than 100.00) Total Expenses Net Income/(Loss)
$
$
5,629.18 2,686.19 17,793.44 315.00 628.27 825.00 279.28 729.46 65.78 28,951.60 (19,526.60)
Note: The Community Center collected security deposits in the amount of $1,350.00 and made refunds of $700.00 These transactions have no effect on the community center profitability.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 9
Public Safety Report -- by Chief Thomas Mason
Public Safety Monthly Report April 2013 Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale Village, Inc., Public Safety Department during the month of April 2013. Public Safety maintains twenty-four hour coverage. LOITERING: During the month of April 2013, the Public Safety Department has continued to focus attention on loitering conditions. As a result, Public Safety officers responded to a total of one hundred seventy-nine (179) complaints of loitering which were resolved as follows: 1. Conditions corrected – one hundred-eight (108) loiterers complied with officer’s directive to leave. 2. Unfounded – seventy-one (71) loitering complaints (officers responded but no loiterers were present) 3. Violations issued – seven (7) loitering violations was issued
During the month of April the following arrests were affected: There were a total of 6 arrests and 2 in-house detained for the month of April 2013; the incidents are as follows: Arrests for April 2013 (6 arrests and 2 in-house detained) April 18, 2013 –Post #5, Ramp #20, a RV Officer observed a large police presence at the circle; the NYPD received a call that four males had weapons on them; the perpetrators fled the scene upon arrival of the NYPD, but were apprehended on the ramp; no weapons were found; three males were released and one detained for investigation. Not Rochdale residents.
SPECIAL VERTICAL PATROL BY ROCHDALE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS: Vertical patrols are conducted on a daily basis. Officers patrol the stairwells, hallways, rooftops and parking lots at different hours to curtail unlawful activities and have been positively reinforced. VERTICALS: 1310 SPECIAL VERTICALS: 2940 TOTAL: 4250 TOWING: 12 WARNINGS ISSUED: 64 ESCORTS: 141 SECURITY RESPONDED TO THE FOLLOWING CALLS: 3351 259 MAINTENANCE CALLS: TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICES: 3610 INCIDENT REPORTS: 140 MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER: 1476 ARREST(S): 6 IN HOUSE DETAINED: 2 TOTAL: 8 VIOLATIONS ISSUED: 55 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO: 4 EVICTION(S): 5
VIOLATIONS
Listed are the classifications of Notice of Violations issued: April 19, 2013 – Bldg. #20 Apartment, U.S. Marshall Task Force responded to an apartment with a warrant for the arrest of a known sex offender; the offender was taken into custody with two other males without incident. Two males were illegal occupants. April 23, 2013 –Bldg. # 18, 3rd Floor Stairwell, while conducting verticals; RV Officers observed two males and one female sitting on the steps; after a lawful search two had no contraband; one male was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Rochdale residents. April 26, 2013 – Bldg. #17, Apartment, detectives from the NYPD Task Force responded to the apartment in search of a male perpetrator; the male was apprehended and escorted out in handcuffs; the arrest was due to a family dispute off the complex. No other information given. DVR UNIT ACTIVITY Total Incidents = 40 Total Risk Management = 17 Violations = 3
TOWED VEHICLES The Public Safety Department towed twelve (12) vehicles during the month of April for violation of parking rules on the complex.
Classification Amount 1. Illegal Move In/Out......................................................................3 2. Negligence.....................................................................................3 3. Harboring a Pet............................................................................5 4. Loud Noise....................................................................................3 5. Disorderly Conduct.....................................................................4 6. Fire Hazard..................................................................................2 7. Loitering.......................................................................................7 8. Harassment...................................................................................2 9. Damage to RV Property..............................................................2 10. Illegal Occupant...........................................................................2 11. Assault...........................................................................................1 12. Reckless Endangerment..............................................................2 13. Disturbing the Peace....................................................................2 14. Failure to Comply......................................................................10 15. Criminal Mischief........................................................................3 16. Health Hazard..............................................................................1 17. Possession of Controlled Substance............................................1 18. Illegal Parking..............................................................................1 19. Walking on Grass.........................................................................1 Total...................................................................................................55
If You See Something, Say Something. Call Public Safety at (718) 276-2400
Page 10
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Qualities of a leader:
May 2013
The legacy of Aaron Slaughter, Former Managing Editor Mr. Slaughter built a concrete infrastructure, ushering the Rochdale Village Bulletin into the 21st Century, effectively passing the torch. an Op-Ed by Lelio A. Dalencour
A
Van Norris Slaughter began his career with the Rochdale Village Bulletin in 1988 after having been a Rochdale Village resident for a number of years. During that time, newspaper publishing generally involved physically “cutting” and “pasting” clip art, news stories, headers, and advertisements onto a hand designed layout. Employees would then deliver this master document to the printing press which mass produced the final result for distribution to the community. Mr. Slaughter owned this process, becoming familiar with making runs down to Bayside, Queens and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn to complete the job. Although the results were usually satisfactory, the described effort was delicate and time consuming. Thus, when the idea of digital print evolved from concept to reality, the Bulletin office would have to take the step from manual to digital desktop publishing into consideration. This undertaking would be overseen chiefly by the Managing Editor. aron
Early digital publishing programs and books can still be found in the Bulletin office in Community Center Room #3. Slaughter sought to own the printing process in the digital age just as he did with the former. Through toil and effort, he was successful. The Bulletin office received Macintosh computers capable of completing the work—models dating back to the early 90’s— which made digital publication a reality for Rochdale Village. The Managing Editor of nearly 25 years was well aware that physical newspapers were transitioning onto the internet and other mobile devices. He had every intention of navigating the Bulletin in this direction. The office planned and developed mockups with Adobe Muse and came up with a palatable website. Yet, as Mr. Slaughter’s health waned, it became apparent to him that he would be unable to lead the Bulletin Newspaper into online publication as he so desired. Mr. Slaughter’s involvement declined steadily in 2012, until he stepped down officially in November of that same year. Another aspect of Aaron Slaughter’s legacy in Rochdale Village was his knack for relationship
building. He had a number of friends, from senior citizens to community youth, legislators to porters, directors to community activists and he broke bread with all of them. Aaron Slaughter joined the NORC, Senior Center, and Community Center Director Remembering the late Aaron Van Norris Slaughter, offices located beloved Managing Editor of the Rochdale Village in Rochdale in Bulletin for 24 years. creating a corporate culture of unity, communication, and organizational worked in Rochdale Village and success through unhindered, continues to this day. This period of time reveals how his dedicated spirit. In my opinion, few corporations can boast of efforts came full circle. His voluntary maintaining such an atmosphere; yet investment into people keeps his studies in organizational behavior legacy alive even after his departure. Aaron Slaughter sought to and corporate culture readily agree that it is an ideal type of culture teach everything he knew about any company could establish. Work the Bulletin to the employees he output that stems from the heart; supervised. It is through patience and relationships built and founded devotion that the legacy of Aaron upon trust; this invaluable way of Van Norris Slaughter now transcends life in the community center was the Rochdale Village Bulletin as a maintained as Aaron Slaughter leader, mentor, innovator, and friend.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 11
Justice for Daja on heels of shooting in SE Queens Jamaica, Queens— Elected officials as well as religious and community leaders asked for the public’s assistance in apprehending the suspect wanted for the senseless and tragic shooting of 14-year-old Daja Robinson. Daja was killed last Saturday, May 18, 2013 after being hit with a stray bullet while boarding a Q6 bus in Queens. A press conference was called to denounce senseless gun violence in the city’s communities. At that press conference, it was announced that ongoing efforts to address gun violence in the city are currently in effect. Recently, $4.8 million was secured by local politicians and dedicated for initiatives like CureViolence, aimed at combating gun violence in high-crime neighborhoods. That weekend’s shooting was the first shooting in the South Jamaica CureViolence target area in 255 days. Anyone with information about this shooting should contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS.
Rochdale Village Senior Center Now Hiring The Rochdale Village Neighborhood Senior Center is looking for qualified people for the following positions: • Kitchen Aide (Back up position) - Applicant must have a valid food handling license and prior experience serving/handling food to large population. Hs diploma /GED required. • Van Driver ( Back-up Position)- Applicant must be mature, reliable, honest with a high school diploma/GED, clean drivers license for past three years, experience working with senior population, and able to operate lift mechanism.
PC: Facebook the late Daja Robinson, who was fatally struck by a bullet on the Q6 walking distance from Rochdale Village on Sutphin and Rockaway Boulevards.
• Porter (Back- up Position)- Applicant must be reliable and have prior experience as a porter or maintenance worker. Contact the office for more information. If you are interested in any of the positions please contact the office at (718) 525-2800.
Karaoke superstars revealed in the RV Community By Lelio A. Dalencour
I
ntrigued but slightly unsure of what to expect, 75+ residents chose to come out to the Community Relations Committee’s first Karaoke: Live! in the Grand Ballroom. With free admission, there wasn’t much to lose; yet as the night began, everyone could tell that they were going to have a genuinely good time. You may have participated in karaoke before, but this was no ordinary karaoke night. The lyrics were projected onto a 243-inch screen for everyone to see. The high quality speakers could be heard throughout the auditorium.
Left: top voted singer for RV Karaoke: Live! sings her heart out to “Neither One Of Us” by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Right: Rochdale resident swings to a karaoke selection
The night of karaoke also included friendly competition. Once a resident sang their selection, the audience was directed to vote by texting their ratings to a specific phone number that was connected to event. The results appeared onscreen in real time. Top songs included “New York, New York” and “I Will Survive”. From the wide array of songs available in the karaoke book, residents chose an eclectic selection that ranged from Gospel to Old School Hip-Hop. Their involvement and unique personalities made the night one to remember. Read the Bulletin for the latest community-centric events taking place around Rochdale Village.
Page 12
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Be Smart About Stroke (NAPS)—Knowing a little about stroke may help you to reduce disability or save a life. Consider what happened to Juaquin “Hawk” Hawkins, a professional basketball player, 34 years-old and in top physical condition. He had a stroke—and didn’t recognize the warning signs, nor did the people around him. According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, only two out of three Americans know at least one of the stroke warning signs. Yet stroke is the No. 4 killer for all Americans and the No. 1 preventable cause of disability.
That’s why the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, which is nationally sponsored by global medical products company Covidien, is helping Americans recognize the stroke warning signs in an easy way. Just remember F.A.S.T. and the symptoms that come on suddenly: F - Face drooping A - Arm weakness S - Speech difficulty T - Time to call 9-1-1. When you recognize a stroke and act fast by calling 9-1-1, you have a greater chance of getting to an appropriate hospital quickly and improving the outcome.
“Stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it is largely preventable, treatable and beatable,” says Hawkins. “The American Stroke Association can help to empower you to prevent stroke. When you learn to prevent stroke, you improve the outlook for your future and live a healthier lifestyle.” According to the American Stroke Association, the actions you take to prevent stroke can also help you to prevent heart disease. For more information about stroke and a complete list of the warning signs, visit www.stroke association.org/ warningsigns.
When you recognize a stroke and act fast, you have a greater chance of improving the outcome, as basketball star Juaquin “Hawk” Hawkins discovered.
The Sweet Truth Behind Honey (NAPS)—How much do you know about the honey bear bottle in your pantry? With recent confusion over pollen and filtration, the National Honey Board (NHB) wants to clarify any misconceptions surrounding this natural ingredient with harvesting, filtration and nutrition facts about honey. With more than 300 varietals of honey in the United States, honey adds its own unique profile to every recipe. Plus, honey has many benefits before and after it gets to the pantry. An Artisanal Craft: Harvesting honey is an ancient craft that begins with the honey bees. Honey is made from nectar, gathered by honey bees from flowering plants. The honeycomb is then removed from the beehive and honey is extracted by a beekeeper. Afterward, it is shipped off to a honey packer who places the golden liquid into honey containers, finally landing in a supermarket near you. It’s both an art and science that generates a myriad of honey varieties, ranging in both flavor and appearance. Filtering Honey: To improve clarity and delay crystallization, many honey packers use a filtration method. The honey is warmed up to help it flow through the filters to
remove pollen or residues from the beehive. Because filtered honey is cleaner and clearer than nonfiltered honey, it is less likely to crystallize as quickly and it’s more consistent in texture. Once the honey is filtered, it goes through the bottling stage. “Through our recent Attitude and Usage study1, the National Honey Board has learned that when purchasing honey, 48 percent of consumers say it’s important for honey to be brilliantly clear and golden,” Bruce Boynton, CEO, National Honey Board, said. “Also, based on a recent research study2, we learned that filtering honey did not impact its nutrient content. We think these two studies are important as we continue to educate consumers on the multifaceted journey of harvesting honey to distributing it.” Pure Honey Is Just That: Read the label: Honey contains only one ingredient: honey. With no added ingredients or preservatives, honey is just honey. Pure honey is sold in several forms: comb, liquid, creamed/whipped and organic. A honey blend or honey syrup should list the other ingredients or sweeteners. Take the stress out of finding pure honey in your area and visit www.honeylocator.com.
Versatility in the Kitchen: Honey can be used as something other than just a sweetener for your tea or on toast. Think of it as a natural flavor booster. Just take one look at the versatility of honey, and it’s easy to see why it’s a secret culinary weapon that can provide balance to any dish, complementing and enhancing a variety of foods and flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory. Honey also masks bitter flavors often found in gluten-free flours. This natural sweetener can also be used as an emulsifier in sauces and dips, a glaze for meats and vegetables, and as a humectant to attract and retain moisture in baked goods. Whole-Body Benefits: This versatile ingredient is traditionally found in the kitchen pantry, but can also live on the bathroom vanity, in the gym bag and inside the medicine cabinet. Did you know honey can be used as a natural cough suppressant? A teaspoon or two of honey can be taken to soothe and relieve the irritation of a cough, according to emerging research2. Plus, at approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates per one tablespoon, honey is an effective, all-natural energy booster. Honey is also a
Prosciutto Honey Wraps make for an easy, elegant appetizer. humectant. This means it attracts and retains moisture, making it an ideal ingredient for a natural skin care regimen. Add a little honey to your normal moisturizing routine, or enjoy a honey mask every once in a while and reap the benefits of this liquid gold. From being a vital component in a healthy ecosystem to providing whole-body benefits, honey is a sweetener with so much more. Visit www.storyofhoney.com to watch the minidocumentary “The Story of Honey,” which captures the many positives of honey.
1. National Honey Board, Attitude & Usage Study, 2013. Phone survey of 501 households nationwide, which consisted of men and women between the ages of 21 and 74. Ketchum Global Research & Analytics designed and analyzed this phone survey, fielded by Braun Research. January 5-11, 2013. Margin of Error: +/- 4.4% 2. Ropa, D. “Comparison of Vitamin, Mineral and Antioxidant Levels in Raw and Processed Honey.” 2012. Research project funded by the National Honey Board. 3.http://news.psu.edu/story/192001/2007/12/03/honey-proves-better-option-childhood-cough-otcs
Prosciutto Honey Wraps (Makes 8 servings) 1 large peach* 2½ tsp honey ½ tsp butter ¼ cup goat cheese 1½ cups baby spinach, loosely packed 4 sheets prosciutto Cut peach in half and remove pit.
Prepare grilling sauce by combining ½ teaspoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of butter. Brush peach lightly with mixture. Heat grill to low-medium heat and place both halves onto grill. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred but still firm. Cut
peach into ½-inch slices (about 12). Put 1½ teaspoons of goat cheese on each peach slice and place on top of 4 baby spinach leaves. Next, slice the prosciutto lengthwise into 8 strips. Wrap the center of each peach/cheese/ spinach bundle with 1 prosciutto strip.
Arrange on a serving platter and finish off by drizzling each bundle with ¼ teaspoons of honey. *Peaches can be canned, for a dressed-up recipe straight out of the cupboard! Grill gently for 30 seconds on each side.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 13
The Rochdale Village 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee Sponsored by the Rochdale Village Board of Directors Presents
©
50 Years of Rochdale: Celebrate the Past, Present & Future
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2013 Place: Community Center Auditorium Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
J
oin us on Saturday, June 29, 2013, as Rochdale Village cooperators past and present gather for a serious and fun; insightful and nostalgic look back at how our community’s history shaped us all-and take a look forward to the next 50 years of cooperative living.
A lot has happened in these 20 buildings over the past 50 years. We’ve had dances, meetings and children. We’ve had protests, friendships and strikes. We’ve experienced moments of great divisiveness and moments of great unity. We continue to be a diverse community that is learning to live together. We are a community that has learned a great deal from each other. Save the date. Let’s explore it all in a series of panel discussions on June 29th. Come out, meet your neighbors, reunite with old friends and share the memories!
Page 14
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Happenings around Rochdale Village
May 2013
Major Department store to return to Jamaica Queens Ceremony to mark deal for a 160,000 sf large format retail store in the historic, retail center of Queens & Nassau County
Nipa’s Eyebrow Threading Joins Rochdale
N
ipa’s Eyebrow Threading is a beauty salon that has recently opened at the rear entrance of the Rochdale Village Big Mall. The business is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm as well as on Sunday from 10am to 7pm. Nipa’s provides patrons with services ranging from waxing, eyebrow threading, henna arts and eyelash application. While Nipa’s is new to the Rochdale Village community, her business is widely familiar in southeast Queens. She opened her first eyebrow-threading salon in the mall strip that is located at the corner of Merrick and Baisley Boulevards. For the last five years, Nipa has been building a loyal clientele of brow threading devotees at her first location and wanted others to know that she has now branched out to Rochdale Village. Many women that are fans of eyebrow threading may currently opt to get the service performed closer to areas in Manhattan where they work. Usually in the time that it takes go out to lunch, patrons can expect to receive a quick, hygienic and long-lasting precision grooming experience. The good news is Rochdale residents can now enjoy the service closer to home.
The concept of eyebrow threading has become more and more popular in the Western world in recent years. What people may not know is that eyebrow threading is a beauty treatment that is centuries old. The origins of the procedure are somewhat unknown but were widely embraced and perfected by East Indian cultures and perfected as a traditional form of beautification. The procedure involves hair epilation by use of knotted string and the aesthetician’s expert technique which is said to render precise hair removal. Threading is not limited to just eyebrows arching. It is used for effective removal of unwanted hair on the chin, upper lip and sideburns too. But don’t take my word for it. Be sure to stop in to Nipa’s Eyebrow Threading salon for an introduction to beautiful eyebrows and a unique beauty experience.
Assistant Editor of Rochdale Bulletin Newspaper celebrates educational milestone Lelio Dalencour is the Assistant Editor for the Rochdale Village Bulletin. Lelio began his tenure with the Bulletin at the tender age of 16 as an intern. Under the tutelage of then Managing Editor, Aaron Van Norris Slaughter, Lelio’s work has been commissioned for RV Board Members wish Assistant Editor, numerous feature articles, Lelio Dalencour congratulations as he photography spreads and shows off his new graduation gift other design layouts in the newspaper. He maintained his study May 11, 2013 receiving a role at the Bulletin while holding Bachelor’s of Science degree in down the position of Student Business Administration. Please Government President at Nyack join us in congratulating Lelio on College. He recently completed his most recent accomplishment. his final year of undergraduate
Jamaica had first macy’s outside Manhattan; shared Market with Mays & Gertz; Downtown now to include new department store development. (Inset) the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation logo.
B
Development Group, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, and other State, City and Local authorities today marked a landmark occasion for Jamaica – the initial step towards bringing a department store to southeast Queens for the first time in over 35 years. Downtown Jamaica was once the home of three department stores – Macy’s, Mays and Gertz. In fact, the Jamaica Macy’s was the first Macy’s store outside Manhattan. Gertz and Mays were also institutions in Jamaica and helped make Jamaica the retail hub of post-war Queens, Nassau, Brooklyn and beyond. Greater Jamaica and Blumenfeld Development recently entered into an agreement for Blumenfeld to build a large form at retail structure on a parking lot now owned by Greater Jamaica’s parking affiliate. Greater Jamaica President Carlisle Towery said: “Thirty-five years ago and more, when Jamaica was the prime retail center for Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County and beyond, we enjoyed three of what were then among the major department stores in the Northeast. The return of this big format new department store, by one of the region’s foremost retail developers, is concrete evidence that Jamaica has once again turned the corner of economic recovery, retail strength and a major regional transportation hub.” David Blumenfeld, a partner at BDG, stated: “There is enormous economic potential in the Jamaica lumenfeld
business district and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in the community’s growth.” BDG is one of the most successful retail developers in the NYC market. Their projects include the creative adaptive reuse of the Bulova Corporate Center in Queens, the dramatically successful East River Plaza in Manhattan and the famous Arches in Deer Park. They have a reputation for top quality development and working with the community to ensure that their projects benefit the residents This project accomplishes a number of objectives. It creates what will be the only space downtown with the capacity to accommodate a modern big box retailer – 160,000 square feet. While a lease with a retailer has yet to be signed, Blumenfeld Development has vast experience in attracting retail tenants. It will create a state-of–the-art 500 plus capacity parking garage, which will enable Jamaica First Parking to maintain the number of critically important parking spaces downtown. Through Jamaica First, Greater Jamaica has invested in upgrading what used to be municipal parking facilities, giving a boost to economic activity downtown. Very significantly, the two projects will cost $50 million, will employ 180 people in their construction and create 400 permanent jobs.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 15
'# )"&(" % $!
Rochdale’s Environmental Conservation Committee !$ %"! %!$% " " $& " & !
Second Annual
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6- 26 7=: 4*:0. ;1788260 5*44 /:75 *5 85 76 <1. ďŹ :;< ďŹ&#x201A;77: ?2<1 7>.: ;9=*:. /..< -.;206*<.- /7: .@12+2<276 *6>.6-7: ;8*,. ). *6<2,28*<. :.>74>260 0=.;<; <1:7=017=< <1. -*A !=: 07*4 2; <7 26<:7-=,. 7=: ,755=62<A <7 0:..6 7:0*62, *6- .,7 /:2.6-4A 8:7-=,<; ;.:>2,.; :.6.?*+4. ,:*/<; 2667>*<2>. *:< *6- <7 8:757<. *6 .6>2:765.6<*44A ;7=6- ?*A 7/ 42>260 ). Th e Rochdale Village Environmental Conservation Committee will host the 178. <7 *,,75842;1 <12; +A 7+<*26260 A7=: ;=887:< 26 5*:3.<260 A7=: 0:..6 8:7-=,< ;.:>2,. Second Annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going Green Expoâ&#x20AC;?. Come out and shop for innovative green, 7: 26/7:5*<276*4 >*4=. !=: 8*;< ;=887:<.:; 1*>. 26,4=-.- )*40:..6; &1. .8*:<5.6< 7/ 6>2:765.6<*4 ":7<.,<276 75. .87< *6- 5*6A ;5*44 47,*4 +=;26.;;.; organic and eco-friendly products, services and renewable craft s.
GOING GREEN EXPO
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1 Day Only
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Place: Th e Rochdale Village Big Mall $7,1-*4. (244*0. 1*; <1. 87<.6<2*4 /7: 8.:,.6< 0:..6 ;=;<*26*+4. 42>260 ). 1*>. 7=: 7?6 ,7 0.6.:*<276 87?.: 84*6< * 4*:0. 0*:-.6 <?7 5*44; <1:.. ;,1774; <17=;*6-; 7/ (Baisley and Guy R. Brewer Boulevards) <:..; *6- 7>.: *,:.; 7/ 78.6 0:..6 ;8*,. ). *:. 76. 7/ <1. 4*:0.;< =;.:; 7/ .6.:0A 26 #=..6; &1. 6>2:765.6<*4 76;.:>*<276 7552<<.. 1*; *6 .@<:.5. -.;2:. <7 Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM +:260 -7?6 7=: .6.:0A ,7;<; *6- ,:.*<. 6.? 262<2*<2>.; <7 :.-=,. 7=: ,*:+76 /77<8:26< 26 *--2<276 <7 ;=887:<260 8:7-=,<; *6- ;.:>2,.; <1*< 1.48 =; 0.< <1.:. *6- 57;< 2587:<*6<4A 0.<<260 57:. 5.5+.:; 7/ 7=: ,755=62<A <7 .5+:*,. .6>2:765.6<*44A /:2.6-4A 8:*,<2,.;
*Past supporters have included Walgreens,
!=: .//7:<; 1*>. A.< <7 :.*,1 *44 7/ 7=: ,7 78.:*<7:; *6- 47,*4 *:.* :.;2-.6<; *6- ?. ?*6< The Department of Environmental Protection, Home 7=: 6>2:765.6<*4 76;.:>*<276 @87 <7 8:7>2-. <1. +77;< /7: * 4*:0. ;,*4. .6>2:765.6<*4 Depot, and many other local small businesses. *?*:.6.;; *6- *,<276 ,*58*206 26 7=: 6.201+7:177-; Check the upcoming Weekly Sheets for additional details. !$ !$ !$ & ! ( !$ !""!$&' & % ! & & % ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE 917-541-4697 EMAIL: GOGREENRV@GMAIL.COM
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT BOARD MEMBER, KAMAL SALEEM, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE AT 917.541.4697 OR GOGREENRV@GMAIL.COM
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 16
May 2013
by Marjorie Robinson
Before and After is a unique feature column where residents submit a photo and brief bio of their youthful days, followed with the details of their current lives. This side-by-side comparison provides a pleasant opportunity for the community to observe a glimpse of the past and the present, celebrating both the former years and the continuing episodes of an individual’s life.
Richard B. Burbridge Before
R
After
In 1959, Richard was employed with Air Canada Airlines and worked there until he retired in 1990. In his spare time, Richard has been a scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts from 1974 until present. In 1990 Richard was awarded Richard’s parents were William the prestigious Silver Beaver award Leslie Burbridge of Biloxi for outstanding service in Southeastern Mississippi and Victoria Queens. Catherine Raphael of New Orleans, Louisiana. Richard was Since 1992, Richard and his wife Doris have enjoyed doing genealogy his parent’s third and last child. research of their family histories. As As an adult, Mr. Burbridge was a a result, they have met many new military man with the United States Air Force. After four years of service, relatives and have traveled extensively to the West Indies and southern parts he married Doris Auerille DeVonish on May 28, 1960. They had one son, of the United States. ichard Bernard Burbridge was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1935 in Harlem, U.S.A.
Richard Clyde Burbridge.
Richard has been an active member of the Rochdale Village Senior Center from 2005 until present.
Would you like to appear in the next Before and After column? Whether you’re 95 or 45, collect your favorite old photos, gather the facts, and the Rochdale Bulletin at (718) 276-5700 x359 to work out the details.
Young Rochdale Village authoress pens first book entitled “Just Be Cause” By Susan Van Brackle
F
or
those
looking
for
insight into the direction of 21st century youth culture, just ask Rochdale’s own Syreeta Gates, author of the recently published book entitled Just Be Cause: AH HA Moments to Inspire the Next Generation of Change Makers (2013). As an in-the-know 20 something herself, Syreeta has made people stand up and take notice of her social research by being designated one of Glamour Magazine’s “Top 20 under 25” in 2010. Ms. Gates’s body of work has also contributed to other published works such as Tony Wagner’s new book Creating Innovators (2012).
According to Ms. Gates, her book, Just BE Cause, is “a collection of stories, anecdotes, and wisdom from community leaders, innovators, leverage experts, executive directors and CEOs. The book breaks down Social Entrepreneurship – providing definitions, examples, and history, – and ultimately advises Gen Y on how to use our unique values and ideology to create social change and spread the world’s wealth while doing it. Ideally, those who read it will use the gems to help them start their own socially-motivated entrepreneurial enterprise.” This accomplished graduate of New York’s CUNY Baccalaureate program provides a handy roadmap of encouraging professional options that are designed to help the
burgeoning youth population navigate professional options as they embark upon graduation into the real world. In addition to being an authoress, this busy young professional has also curated an exhibition called History MEETS Hip-Hop and is the founder of The SWT Life a company that “maximizes the likelihood of success for young innovators by providing entrepreneurial coaching, personal development training, and exposure to leaders in the arts, entertainment and business.” The major accomplishments of Syreeta Gates in her short 25 years have designated her as “one to watch”. Find out more about her initiatives at theswtlife.com or by Cover of Rochdale Village resident Syreeta accessing her book on amazon.com. Gates’ new book, “Just Be Cause.”
Preserve Rochdale’s Lush Green Spaces —
Please do not walk on the Grass!
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 17
Rochdale Village counts down to 50 Years of ever changing community news
Legend has it that the Rochdale Village Bulletin began as a way to maximize the exposure of the monthly reports that were sent to residents regarding the cooperative’s financials. The effort grew into what we now know as the Bulletin ”serving over 25,000 cooperators in the world’s second largest housing cooperative.” Managing Editors have since led the paper to cover news that is useful to the community, including close to 25 years of service by the late Aaron Van Norris Slaughter. The Rochdale Village Bulletin has chronicled stories ranging anywhere from criminal justice to community festivals to visits from the “Clintons”. So let’s toast to 50 years of news written for the community, by the community, and to the community. Cheers!
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Singers from and neighboring Rochdale Village came, saw and conquered the mic during the Community Relations Committee Karaoke: Live! event on May 17.
Tina Johnson of the Community Relations Committee delivers cooperator karaoke selections to the 2-4-1 entertainment DJ Christine Gibbons.
Members of the Community Relations Committee led by Board Vice President Jean Castro coordinated the free of charge event for residents
The Senior Center prepares for its 4th annual walk around the Rochdale Village grounds on May 15.
Nipa chose the Rochdale Village Big Mall to launch her second eyebrow threading establishment. The original Nipaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remains on the corner of Merrick and Baisley Boulevards.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 19
Over 30 models ranging from seniors to preteens participated in the May 4 Elegant Silver Tea Party and Fashion Show.
Team members of Rochdale Village Social Services and NORC seamlessly collaborated to create this fabulous event.
Ms. Yvonne Oliver is a vision as she models just one of the many elegant diaspora fashions at the tea party and show.
The ladies of Rochdale Village gathered for an afternoon of delightful refreshments and table chat
Family and friends of the community joined the festivities stopping to pose for a photo op.
Page 20
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
NORC 2013 Silver Tea
Social tea, amazing hats and sparkling refreshments were the order of the day at this lovely afternoon affair. By Susan Van Brackle and Lelio Dalencour
D
Seniors Gloria Williams (left) and Marie Wheeler pose during the fashion show
onning
their
best
chapeaus and attire, NORC’s Elegant Hat and Tea Party was well attended by Rochdale Village “ladies who lunch”. Each dining room table was tastefully adorned with genteel tea sets as well as other festive beverages. Generations of family members, friends and new acquaintances used this relaxing afternoon as an opportunity to connect at the Grand Ballroom. Ironically, this May 4th event fell on the same Saturday as the 139th
running of the Kentucky Derby; a gala that celebrates longstanding tradition, ceremony and of course the wearing of beautiful hats! The irony continues considering that the land Rochdale Village sits on what was originally the Metropolitan Jockey Club (1894-1903), then the Jamaica Racetrack (1903-1959). Once the Jamaica Racetrack was converted into what we now know as the Rochdale Village cooperative, a little piece of racing tradition still continued with the installation of the Off-Track Betting parlor in the Rochdale Village Big Mall. Elegant hats, social tea and historic tradition equaled a Saturday trifecta of fun.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Party & Fashion Show
The elegant collection models line up after strutting down the catwalk As for the fashion show portion of the event, NORC surely pulled out the stops. With a fashion coordinator, a live DJ, a host, the ballroom auditorium, and over 30 participating models, everyone contributed to make the program excellent. The participants contributed more than beauty—each woman and man brought their own outfit to the event.
Fashion categories included modern, elegant, and African garb. Having rehearsed the format prior to the performance, all participants strutted down the runway like professionals. Despite the event being hosted by NORC, there was an intergenerational twist: models from various community youth programs as well as relatives of NORC
Social Services President John Scott (right) with raffle winner employees graced the platform along with their seniors. Escorting the ladies onto the stage were Darryl Jackson and James Batts, who gladly volunteered their time. Nicholas Hannidal and Stacey Jones poured themselves into instructing the models, stylizing hair and makeup, and planning the event structure. As Emcee, Betty
Davis read descriptions of each participating model’s attire while DJ HandzSolo supplied the most appropriate background music. NORC proudly hosts the Elegant Silver Tea Party and multiple other events each year. For more information on the organization’s programs and events, call (718) 949-3499.
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
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Upcoming Events at NORC
NORC will be closed on May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
NORC Outreach Program - June 2013 Outreach on WEDNESDAY, June 05, 2013 WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2013, BLDG # 10 WEDNESDAY, June 19, 2013, BLDG # 14 WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2013, BLDG # 18
Senior Companion Program Must be 55 years old with low income (Guidelines for income required) • Must volunteer 20 hours weekly • Earn a small tax-free stipend • Initial 2 week program & training • Paid Sick Days & Paid Vacation Days
Please register at the NORC office: Room 19 or call 718-949-3499
Program/Social Services Information Benefit & Entitlement Information, Blood Pressure Screening from: 10:00am - 12:30pm, Room 19
Health care proxy forms available in the NORC Office Room 19. The New York Health Proxy law allows you to appoint someone you trust to make health care decisions for you. Please contact your case manager for additional information. (718-949-3499)
NORC Nurse’s Schedule
Services
Mondays and Thursdays: 9am - 4pm; Blood Pressure Screenings - Mondays only, 9am - 12pm. Other healthcare services, call VNS Nurse for appointment at 718-949-3499.
Pathmark Mon., June 3,10 & 17 - 9:30am, Room 19. Cost $3.00
Seminars (Thursdays @ 1:15pm in the Club Lounge)
Tanger’s Outlet in Riverhead Tues., June 25 - 8:00am, Room 19. Cost $10.00 The above services are transportation only.
“Let’s Talk” - Speech Challenges June 6 - Jacqueline Brathwaite, MS, CCC/SLP “Overview of Medical Services” June 13 - Joyce Lawrence, Queens Hospital Center “Special Needs Plan/Zumba” June 20 - Kissy Ramirez-Kara, United Healthcare
Rochdale Village NORC Friendly Visitor Program
Volunteer a few hours weekly to visit with our sick, homebound, isolated and frail seniors in their homes. Your visit will make a difference! Join the NORC Group, call 718-949-3499.
Tanger’s Outlet in Deer Park Tues., June 11 - 8:00am, Room 19. Cost $10.00
Aqueduct Racino Wed., June 12 - 9:30am, Room 19. Cost $7.00 Yonkers Empire Wed., June 26 - 9:00am, Room 19. Cost $15.00 Call for appointments – 718-949-3499 AARP Driver’s Safety Mon., June 24, 2013 - 8:30am, Room 18, Members $17.00 Non-Members $19.00. Instructor: Gwendolyn V. Vaughn **AARP Proof of Membership # (Card) is needed for each member
Weekly Meetings Game Day! Tuesday, June 18 - 2-5pm, Rooms 17 & 18 Admission is $3. Come out and have some fun! Volunteers Needed
Seeking retired professionals with experience in social work, nursing, computer literacy for clerical support. Seeking volunteers to assist planning events and fundraising efforts. Contact Carolyn Jackson or Ms. Austin, NORC Director @ 718-949-3499 Volunteers Meet every Tuesday at 1:15 pm in Room 17
Volunteer Workshops - Tuesdays, 1:15pm, Room 17 “Mind over Matter” Support Group - Thursdays, 10:30am, Room 17 Living Independently Support Group - Mondays, 1:15pm, Room 17 Creative Dance for Seniors - Wednesdays, 1:15pm, Room 18 NORC Senior Advisory Council Meeting - Wednesday, June 5, 1:15pm, Room 17 Creative Dance for Seniors - Wednesdays, 1:15pm Room 18. NO Creative Dance and Building Outreach on June 5, 2013.
VAN SERVICES (Doctor appointments, shopping, trips, etc.)
9:30am-3:00pm. Call NORC Office for appointments (718) 949-3499
169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica NY 11434 • Tel: 718-949-3499 • Fax: 718-949-2935 Naturally Occurring Retirement Community • Funded in Part By NYC Department For The Aging
Page 24
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Rochdale Village Community Center Events Programs, Trips & Events
Youth Programs • Spirit of Excellence • RVCC Women’s Development Center
Programs The Drum Extraordinaire & Elite Marching Band Class
The RVCC Drum Extraordinaire and Elite Drum Corp. classes are held Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm in Room #8 for ages 10-14 and 15-19.
RVCC Sports & Fitness Karate Classes
Martial arts classes for children and adults, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in the Community Center, Room 11. This program is more than a karate program. One major focus of this program is increasing self-esteem and awareness. Classes for children are held Saturdays (11am - 1pm) and Mondays (6:00-7:00pm) while adult classes are Wednesdays (7pm-8pm). Call Sensei Derrick Shareef at 718-723-7440.
The Clay Sisters Arts, Crafts & Needlework Program Thursdays & Saturdays @ 1pm - 6pm Community Center Room 5
SEQKWA
The Southeast Queens Kids Wrestling Association is hosting ongoing registration for its wrestling program in the RVCC on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30pm - 8:00pm in Room #10.
GED - Free Basic Education Classes
Improve your reading and writing skills. Monday-Friday from 8:30 -11:30am. 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Pre-testing available. Contact the RVCC for additional information.
Moore2Salsa
Salsa Class for adults is offered on Sundays @ 4:00pm. For additional information contact moore2salsa@gmail.com.
Defensive Driving Dates for 2013
Defensive Driving is held on Saturdays from 7:45am - 2:00pm in the Club Lounge. Below are the following dates for 2013: Call the RVCC to pre-register at (718) 276-5700 x337 or 339. June 29 August 24 September 28
October 26 November 23 December 28
169-65 137th Avenue • Tel: 718-276-5700 ext. 337/339 • Fax: 718-276-7504 “The Spirit of Excellence”
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Page 25
Rochdale Village Senior Center You are invited to become a member of the Rochdale Village Senior Center. We value your support. Register and enjoy all the benefits the center offers: daily delicious, nutritious lunch for congregate program and home bound seniors. Calendar of Events Posted at Senior Center Weekly Activities • Daily Activities
The following activities are offered: arts & crafts, bingo, card playing, movies, walking for fitness, low impact aerobics, educational seminars, line dancing, yoga, Tai Chi, transportation to/from center.
Wii Sport/ Fitness
10:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm
Mondays
Stay Well Exercise Alert & Alive Discussion Bingo Movie
Thursdays
8:00 am Walking Club 8:00 am Walking Club 10:00 am Aerobics 9:00 am Aerobics 11:00 am Bingo 10:00 am Yoga 1:30 pm Spanish Class Tuesdays Fridays 10:45 am Chair & Floor Exercise 10:30 am Tai Chi 11:00 am Dance Class 11:00 am Bingo 1:00 pm Drama Class 1:00 pm Arts & Crafts 1:00 pm Pool & Card Games 1:00 pm Pool & Card Games
You are invited! For all activities, call 718-525-2800 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Five week session, contribution $40.00. Thursdays from, Morning class 9:00am - 10:30am and afternoon class 11:00am - 12:30pm. Next workshop will begin May 6, 2013. To sign up call the Senior Center office. Introduction to MS-Word CONTRIBUTION- $40.00. Four Week Session - June 11, 2013-July 2, 2013. Class will be held on Tuesdays–1:00 pm3:00 pm. Please call (718) 525-2800 to sign up for the class. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION “HOT” White Birthday Blowout Friday, June 21, 2013 in the Ballroom from 11-3pm. Honoring birthday celebrants from April, May, June. Musical Entertainment, Lunch, Dancing and Raffles. Tickets $10.00. Get your tickets early !! Call (718) 5252800 for more information.
Yoga
Card Games
Exercise Equipment
Come out and learn the basics of the Wii program every Wednesday Afternoon. Seniors can also use our new treadmill and exercise bike. Call the Senior Center at 718-525-2800 for more details.
Monday-Friday Wednesdays 10:00 am Social Hour Coffee / Tea 12:00 pm Lunch is served 11:00 am Bingo 1:00 pm Pool and Card / Board Games
and
Game Day
with
NORC
Every third Tuesday from 2-5pm in Rooms 17 & 18. Come and have some fun!
Bingo Try your luck and come join us for exciting Bingo games at the Rochdale Village Senior Center.
Movie Videos Come and enjoy lunch and a movie with us. Movies are shown on Wednesdays at 1PM. Light snacks will be served.
Weekday Transportation Available transportation to and from the Senior Center on weekdays. For more information, call 718-525-2800.
Metro Card Van The Metro Card Bus comes to Rochdale on the first Tuesday of every month in the Rochdale Village Shopping Center behind HIP Cleaners from 1:30 - 3:30pm. Sign up at RV Senior Center.
SCRIE Applications
for
Seniors
Benefit Counseling The Senior Center provides assistance with SCRIE (Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption), STAR, and Food Stamps application. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
Birthday Celebrations
Bingo
Arts & Crafts
169-65 137th Avenue • Tel: 718-525-2800 • Fax: 718-525-0691 “Serving Vibrant Seniors” • Funded in Part By NYC Department For The Aging
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 26
May 2013
~Poetry Corner~ A Farewell Reel By Anthony Blake (In dedication to Mr. Aaron Van Norris Slaughter) As I wrote to heaven I received a reply at seven In the beginning, I really didn’t know what to say But the words seem to come on this day My invitation to the Heaven hotel had my name Just like your writing appeal It was God who gave his approval with the seal I am prepared to ride I was in darkness and tried to hide Today I must abide I leave now to reside Heaven a waits I have a date Words from where I stand I am my own man The gates are open The songs have been song You are the chosen one to be among.
The Writer who Wrote for Heaven Anthony Blake It was a story of glory The instinct of praise The emotions of amaze A heavenly spirit with a crave The Angels listened to the words The heavens opened up to applause It was an encouraging text Words that had their own blend Eternity wasn’t a complete end It was what was remembered in a writer’s past A heart touching memoir that will last The soul’s who read the writer’s personal book Eyes of the world to take a look Pages upon pages of being with the savior The closing chapter, “I am now with thee” My writing is at its best in what it should be It’s the example with the possibilities All I can say, “God has given my writing the ok”.
Upon My Death Ed Miller (In dedication to Mr. Aaron Van Norris Slaughter) Upon my death, no bells will ring No muffled drums, no choirs will sing No bugled “Taps” nor marching band No wreathed hearse or speeches grand. For at my end, no elegy Few friends left who remember me For l have lived beyond the years Long past folks, who would shed tears. I leave my world, my works behind The thoughts I once had had in mind
A feeble effort I shared with you The very best that I could do. As editor, I tried to give Poems and stories that would live Those who remain, remember well Endearing stories one could tell... Unlike the dinosaur or mastadon I leave no bones to look upon Perhaps a stone engraved to say This mortal soul has passed away.
Mother’s Love By Brian “JusB” (written by a son to his mom) Sometimes appreciation is like a special occasion. It predictably comes around. When it’s expected it’s often rejected like a pile of “lost and found”. Small things mean a lot. Overlooked is how many when you focus on how not to underestimate the quality of doing your best… simply with what you’ve got. A phone call, a knock on the door, a non-traditional bouquet… wonderful expressions of “thank you” for making my day. I remember what you did, never thanked you enough… never can. “BUT”… I’m full of appreciation. The result – I’m a better man. Humble yourself it’s good for your soul. It can help you mature, not just grow old. Position yourself in a receptive manner. “I appreciate you!” Wave it like a banner. Like tepid water and plenty of sunshine you’ll have deep roots and growth that will last a lifetime. It’s your face that paints the picture of what you feel inside. A morsel of emotion, an image of your pride. Managed by your instinct, financed by your heart. Maintain your position we both play a part. Together works better much more than apart. Measured in a moment gauged by what matters to me, not meant to be looked upon but rather for you to see. Understanding is sometimes not to be spoken but rather just to be. Happy Mother’s Day Ma!
A Soldier’s Salute Anthony Blake As the soldier stood tall It’s Memorial Day with a reflection for all All the soldiers in uniform Protecting the country from harm Many soldiers lost their lives
Many more continue in the mission of strives We salute them in every way There are many words that we could say We the Americans stand tall on this day We honor your dedication We commend your mission of a never end Happy Memorial Day to all our soldiers A worldwide affair with our troops handling with care.
Mother’s Day By Ed Miller When we were kids on Mothers’ Day Mom always made fried chicken Now that she’s old and gray We get her out the kitchen. We take her to a restaurant With grand children, girls and boys Can’t hear each other talk Because of all the noise. Mom tries to appreciate Her sentiments are sweet Leaves half the food on the plate There’s much to much to eat. She’d much prefer to be at home Cooking up fried chicken What she calls her pleasure dome Her pots and pans, her kitchen.
Find Love By Gloria Williams Have you ever loved someone other than yourself? Have you found room in your heart for that special somebody else? Maybe it was in your youth when you were just a child. Some elders would describe you as love sick and a little too wild. Maybe you were older, full of laughter and fun. Someone kissed you on the lips – told you that you were the only one. Maybe you took a sacred vow at the altar on one sunny day. Hope this love will last forever; you cross your fingers and pray. Maybe it had a happy ending or somehow didn’t last. Do you sometimes look at life in the distant past? That was yesterday. Today is brand new. It’s never too late to love someone – someone that is true. You can love another; why keep love to yourself? Cherish all your memories past; gently place them upon the shelf. Start to experience; see a different point of view. It’s never too late to find love. Love is searching for you.
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
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May 2013
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - April 22, 2013
Resolution 27-13: WHEREAS, in April of 2013 the Fire Department of New York began inspecting the Fire Standpipe System at Group 4 resulting in a failure to hold pressure in the building piping; WHEREAS, the Fire Department of New York issued an order to have the condition remedied as an emergency project or a summons would be served for violations of the Administrative Code of the City of New York; and WHEREAS, proposals from the Fire Standpipe System for Group 2 emergency repair were used resulting in a recommendation by Maintenance to use the lowest, most reponsible bidders, Servewell and Noble Mechanical Corporation and that work commence immediately, as set forth by the order issued by Fire Department of New York. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors accepts the proposals from Servewell and Noble Mechanical Corporation to make emergency repairs to the Fire Standpipe System in Group 4. Moved by: Ron Hollie Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro FOR Janine Cross Tracey Irvin Mario Turner Talib Bey David Jeffries Lisa Stark
Talib Bey David Jeffries
ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Joseph Mathieu
Nine for, six absent; motion passes. Resolution 29-13: WHEREAS, the second floor of Mall 1 at Rochdale Village has been vacant for many years; WHEREAS, Rochdale Village, Inc. (“Rochdale”) recognizes the need to attract a tenant to the second floor of the mall (“2nd Floor”) to increase commercial revenue and attract more foot traffic in the mall; WHEREAS, Rochdale seeks the services of a professional Real Estate Brokerage firm to assist with attracting a viable tenant; WHEREAS, Glen Equities, Ltd. has agreed to act as the exclusive agent to lease the second floor for the period of one (1) year; and WHEREAS, under the terms of the agreement, Glen Equities, Ltd. will not be paid any funds for their services until Rochdale is paid by a tenant.
Joe Evans Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Kamal Saleem Ahmed White
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors accepts the contract proposal from Glen Equities, Ltd. to act as its exclusive agent for one (1) year.
ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Joseph Mathieu
Moved by: Ron Hollie Seconded by: Lisa Stark
Eight for, seven absent; motion passes.
Janine Cross Tracey Irvin Mario Turner
FOR Joe Evans Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Lisa Stark
Resolution 28-13: AGAINST WHEREAS, on April 1, 2013 a gas smell was reported in Building #7 at Rochdale Village;
Ahmed White ABSTAIN
WHEREAS, National Grid performed tests which lead to the discovery of gas leaks in the meter room and Building 7 was shut down;
Kamal Saleem
WHEREAS, Noble Mechanical Corp. was approved by the Board as the lowest responsible bidder to perform work for a previous gas leak; and
Talib Bey David Jeffries
WHEREAS, Noble Mechanical Corp. was called to the site on an emergency basis to begin the process of repairs, which involved entering all two hundred and ninety-three apartments, running new lines and installing new gas valves where necessary.
Seven for, one against, one abstention, six absent; motion passes.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves Noble Mechanical Corp. to complete the emergency repairs to the gas lines in Building #7 based upon the previously approved unit prices. Moved by: Ron Hollie Seconded by: Ahmed White Janine Cross Tracey Irvin Lisa Stark
ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Joseph Mathieu Timothy Mercer
Resolution 30-13: WHEREAS, the lobby ceilings at Rochdale Village are in need of replacement; WHEREAS, requests for proposals were sought to repair 4-6 lobby ceilings over a two (2) year period, with no increase in costs; WHEREAS, the scope of work will include but not be limited to the repair of existing pipes and ductwork, pipe reinsulation and replacement of the ceiling tiles and grid; and
FOR Joe Evans Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Kamal Saleem Mario Turner Ahmed White
WHEREAS, base bids ranged from $40,875 to $59,523 per building and Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. provided the lowest responsible bid in the amount of $40,875 per building.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Page 29
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - April 22, 2013
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. to complete the lobby ceiling repairs. Moved by: Ron Hollie Seconded by: Lisa Stark Janine Cross Tracey Irvin Lisa Stark
FOR Joe Evans Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Kamal Saleem Mario Turner Ahmed White
Talib Bey David Jeffries
ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Joseph Mathieu
Resolution 33-13: WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Rochdale Village, Inc. will be holding hearings on the Chronic Late Payer Rule; and WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Board of Directors to have a Hearing Panel of Board Members conduct and make all findings in connection with the Chronic Late Payer Rule. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; 1: That the Board of Directors appoint the following Board Members as Hearing Members on its behalf under the Chronic Late Payer Rule: Ronald Hollie, Lisa Stark, Talib Bey, Timothy Mercer, Tracey Irvin, Jean Randolph-Castro, Joseph Mathieu, Janine Cross and Edward Douglass. 2: That the Board of Directors authorizes the Hearing Panel of Board Members to make any and all decisions on its behalf in connection with said Chronic Later Payer Rule.
Nine for, six absent; motion passes. Resolution 31-13: WHEREAS, Rochdale Village is planning its 50th Anniversary and has been in consultation with the Rochdale Village 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee; and WHEREAS, the Rochdale Village 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee has proposed a Memorandum of Understanding to the Board of Directors concerning the portion of the 50th Anniversary relating to the history of Rochdale Village and has created a three-panel discussion format, including Building and Community; Fighting to Sustain a Community; and Building a Future Community; and WHEREAS, Rochdale Village 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee has submitted the Memorandum of Understanding with the equipment needed for the program; number of Rochdale Volunteers and greeters needed; the budgeted cost of the panel discussions and evening reception.
3: That the Board of Directors will permit any of the Hearing Members to function at a particular hearing. The minimum amount of Hearing Members to be present in order to take proper action under the Chronic Late Payer Rule shall be three (3). If more Members are present, then all Hearing Members appointed by the Board may participate. 4: The Hearing Panel acting on behalf of the Board of Directors shall act by majority rule. Moved by: Ron Hollie Seconded by: Ahmed White Janine Cross Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner
FOR Ron Hollie Kamal Saleem Ahmed White
Tracey Irvin Lisa Stark
ABSTAIN NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Rochdale Village, Inc. approve the Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto and agree to the funding of the budgeted cost contained therein with a price not to exceed $8,100 and direct that all transactions involving the budgeted cost be recorded and paid for through the Controllerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office (Darius George); and
Joe Evans Talib Bey David Jeffries
ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Joseph Mathieu
Eight for, one abstention, six absent; motion passes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all actions of the Rochdale Village 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee, in connection with this Memorandum, shall be subject to the supervision of Rochdale Village Management and Board of Directors. Moved by: Ron Hollie Seconded by: Jean Randolp-Castro Janine Cross Tracey Irvin Lisa Stark
FOR Joe Evans Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Kamal Saleem Mario Turner
Resolution 34-13: The Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee is sponsoring a Karaoke event in Room 12/13 on May 19, 2013. The Committee is requesting $375 for the 2-4-1 Entertainment to perform this event. The Community Relations Committee generated eleven hundred dollars ($1,100) from the Women in Film event that took place in the Grand Ballroom Saturday March 31st, so therefore I am requesting profit gain of $375 for the 2-4-1 contract, and also an additional four hundred dollars ($400) to purchase decorations and refreshments that will be sold at this event (see contract attached.) All monies gained will be returned to operations.
ABSTAIN Ahmed White Talib Bey David Jeffries
Respectfully submitted by Jean Randolph-Castro, Chairperson. ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Joseph Mathieu Timothy Mercer
Eight for, one abstention six absent; motion passes.
Moved by: Janine Cross Seconded by: Ahmed White Continued on next page
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 30
May 2013
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - April 22, 2013
Janine Cross Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner
FOR Joe Evans Kamal Saleem Ahmed White
Ron Hollie Lisa Stark
AGAINST Tracey Irvin Talib Bey David Jeffries
ABSENT Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Joseph Mathieu Timothy Mercer
WHEREAS, a vote was taken by all members in attendance in regard to the new names suggested and the outcome of the majorities choice noted THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rochdale Village Board of Directors accepts and acknowledges the committees will to officially change the name of the Rochdale Village Going Green Committee to Rochdale Village Environmental Conservation Committee Moved by: Kamal Saleem Seconded by: Lisa Stark
Eight for, one against, six absent; motion passes. Resolution 35-13: Going Green Committee Name Change. WHEREAS, the committee currently recognized by the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors, whose mission is to educate cooperators and promote initiatives and practices in the spirit of Environmental Conservation is currently named “The Rochdale Village Going Green Committee”. WHEREAS, the committee members, at their monthly meeting on Tuesday April 4, 2013 thoroughly discussed changing the committee’s name to better reflect the mission of the committee, and
FOR Joe Evans Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner
Ron Hollie Kamal Saleem
Tracey Irvin Lisa Stark
AGAINST Ahmed White Talib Bey Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer
ABSENT Janine Cross David Jeffries
Seven for, one against, seven absent; motion passes.
Edward Douglass Joseph Mathieu
May 2013
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 31
Orientation Report Meeting Minutes for May 2013 Orientation is being The Corporation has added a new session to Orientation. Management conducted twice a month, in has included Maintenance and Security to help disseminate information the beginning of each month of their departments. The Corporation has also collaborated with a carpet vendor to attend and at the end of each month. This month (7) cooperators orientation twice a month. New incoming cooperatives had been given a were oriented on May, 2013 by carpet voucher at the orientation session. This enables the new cooperatives Management/Allocations, and to choose the carpet of their choice. They were pleased and satisfied with (10) Cooperators were also oriented on Saturday, May 11, 2013 for a total this new option. of (17) overall. Respectfully submitted by, All attendees were fully briefed on the cooperative before completely Jean Randolph-Castro, Chairperson moving in. They received their keys and booklets and were also informed Janine Cross, Co-Chair on all of the do’s and don’ts required by the cooperative.
Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes for Thursday, May 2, 2013 AGENDA Since there were no more concerns raised by the cooperators in 1.The Hon. Senator James Saunders Guest speaker attendance,the floor was turned over to the guest speaker The Honorable 2.Open Senator James Saunders. The Senator greeted everyone and covered several topics including some The meeting was opened at about 7:04pm by of the concerns the cooperators had regarding Stop and frisk, speed bumps, Chairman Talib Bey. The floor was then turned over and City Park. The Senator also spoke about a Debate that will be held at the to the Chief of Public safety Mr. Mason to give a Black Spectrum Theater on May 10, 2013. The topic of Debate will be;” The report on the status of security in Rochdale and to address any issues that the attack on Black Leadership, Corruption or theory”. The rebuilding of the long cooperators brought to his attention. Several issues were raised: Island railroad platform at Locust Manor and how the funds that are allocated • Illegal use of ramps. Specifically in circle 5 building 20. It was also for those type of projects are not evenly distributed. Capital improvement mentioned that there is a large amount of drug sales, usage, and gang money, formation of a committee to find government monies that is allocated activity in that circle. to fight Drugs and gangs, and how important it is to plan properly in order to • The issue of outlet usage by people in the building lobbies. solicit these governmental funds in a timely fashion. There was an attempt to • The issue of the stop and frisk policy being abused in our community. disrupt the positive direction of the meeting by an unruly cooperator, but the • The question of whether we were going to be getting speed bumps. futile attempt was thwarted by the professionalism of the senator. It was stated that the bumps cause a problem when snow plows have to come through. Respectfully submitted by, • The use of City park and the responsibilities of the park. Chief Mason responded by saying that the NYPD and Park police should be monitoring Talib Bey, Chairperson that park or turn the responsibility of control over to Rochdale Public Public Safety Committee Safety. The park is now allegedly used for “Gang Wars” or meetings.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 32
May 2013
See What’s Going On in, and Around Our Community... a Little Something for Everyone!
Rochdale Village Community Calendar
June 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1
2
3
Ecological 4 Conservation Committee (formerly Going Green Committee) Club Lounge, 7pm
Senior Citizens 5 Committee Rooms 12/13, 10am
Public Safety Committee Meeting Club Lounge, 7pm
Youth Planning Committee Meeting Room 17, 6pm
6
New Cooperator Orientation Club Lounge 10am
7
New 8 Cooperator Orientation Club Lounge 10am
Young Men’s Mentoring Program Room 17, 7pm
9
10
11
Community 12 Relations Committee Mtg. Club Lounge 7pm
Maintenance Committee Meeting Club Lounge 7pm
13
Youth Planning Committee Meeting Room 17, 6pm
14
Rochdale Village Annual 15 Health Fair 10am - 3pm Rochdale Big Mall
16
17
Legal & 18 Management Committee Meeting MGT Office Conf. Room 7:30pm
Commercial 19 Services Committee Meeting Club Lounge 7pm
Community 20 Center Committee Meeting Club Lounge 7pm
Youth Planning Committee Meeting Room 17, 6pm
21
Rochdale 22 Village Going Green Expo 9am - 4pm Rochdale Big Mall
24
25
26
27
Youth Planning Committee Meeting Room 17, 6pm
28
29
23
30
Board Meeting Rooms 12/13 7:30pm
31
NOTE: This Schedule is tentative. Committee Chairpersons, PLEASE CONTACT THE BOARD OFFICE TO CONFIRM, OR INFORM, OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR SCHEDULED MEETING DATES. Thank you.
Share What’s Happening in Our Community
ROCHDALE VILLAGE BULLETIN
If you are a part of a community organization or have a special event that you would like to be posted, email Rochdalebulletin@aol.com with the date, time and the subject heading “Community Calendar.” Postings will be at the Editor’s discretion.
The Cooperators’ Newspaper
Serving over 25,000 cooperators in the world’s second
Key
Largest housing cooperative
CL = Club Lounge RM = Room Within the RV Community Center Note: This schedule is tentative. Committee Chairpersons, PLEASE CONTACT THE BOARD OFFICE TO CONFIRM OR ADVISE OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR SCHEDULED MEETING DATES.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING MATERIAL TO THE ROCHDALE VILLAGE BULLETIN IS THE 2nd WEEK OF THE MONTH.
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169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434
Susan Van Brackle
Lelio Andre Dalencour
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Anthony Blake, Marjorie Robinson, Ed Miller, Gloria Williams CONTRIBUTORS The Rochdale Village Bulletin is published monthly. Articles submitted for consideration should not exceed three typed, double spaced pages. We reserve the right to edit all material submitted for publication. Please note that submission of articles does not guarantee publication. All material is subject to review for approval. All articles, advertising and photographs submitted for consideration must include the name, address and telephone number of the author or photographer. All materials submitted, as well as photographs become the property of Rochdale Village, Inc.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
Page 33
Obituary Barbara “Babs” Marlene Taylor November 21, 1941 - April 7, 2013
T
good bargain, so she rarely left one behind. However, her greatest love, as anyone who really knew her will attest was her love of dessert. Never a big eater, the meal was the warm up but the dessert was the main event.
o everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die...A time to weep, and a time to laugh... Today is the time to celebrate Barbara Marlene Taylor, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Marlene, or Babs, as she was affectionately known, was born in Kingston Jamaica on November 21 1941. She attended St George’s Girls School and graduated from Excelsior High School before migrating to the United States in 1963. While in Jamaica she worked with the Ministry of Agriculture as a secretary and these skills allowed her to fit easily into similar positions upon arrival in the United States. In the U.S., Babs worked as a Legal Secretary before joining the United States Court of International Trade from which she retired in 2001 after 32 years of distinguished service as a Case Manager for which she also received many awards for outstanding service.
Babs was always on the go, so on retiring she became a volunteer at NORC. A dedicated worker until her health no longer allowed, she never missed a meeting, function or trip and made sure she dragged everybody along with her. A doting mother and proud grandmother, her family was the center of her universe. She was always there for them and took their side right or wrong because she truly believed family sticks together.
Babs touched many lives with her kindness and quiet strength unless it had to do with her family and then it was not so quiet. She will be missed by all who met and loved her; but we are grateful for the gift of her life, a life of dedication, a good life, a life well spent. In the interim she met and married Larry Alford Taylor in 1964 Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest. and this union produced three children - Renee, Michael and Larry Jr. Babs is preceded in death by her mother Florfina (Sis) Collash, Babs loved many things but was an ardent sports fan and no sport husband Larry, granddaughter Leah Grace. She leaves to carry her compared to her passion for baseball and her beloved Yankees. She memory three children Renee, Michael and Larry Jr; granddaughters never missed watching a Yankees game if it was possible and could Chelsea and Sydney; sister Patricia Hamilton, daughter in-law argue the plays with the best of them. She also loved to shop and Melania Taylor, a host of family and dear friends that she held in her was the President of what we liked to call the Team Taylor Shopping heart like family, as well as her beloved feline Smokey who sat by Club. She approached shopping like a competitive sport and loved a her side through it all.
Safely Home I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder why I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s Will.
There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remainethYou shall rest in Jesus’ land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 34
May 2013
Obituary Aaron Van Norris Slaughter September 30, 1955 - May 13, 2013
B
September 30, 1955 in As a young adult, Aaron enjoyed sports, Norfolk, Virginia, Aaron Van Norris full tackle football and bicycle riding. Slaughter was the only son of Aaron He rode his bicycle from New York to Slaughter Sr. and Hattie Lewis-Slaughter. It Philadelphia on a regular basis and often was during his early days when twin participated in the Pepsi Marathon where tragedies struck young Aaron. After both of cyclists rode around Central Park for a 24 his parents died untimely, premature deaths, hour almost non-stop marathon. Aaron was orphaned before the age of 14. His Aunt, Ms. Zelma Lewis, stepped in and raised Aaron from thereon. Aaron combined his love for Rochdale Village with his passion for He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. journalism and community activism when he became the Managing Editor for the Rochdale Bulletin Newspaper, a position he held from Regardless of his loss, Aaron excelled at Stuyvesant High. 1988 until 2012. He loved politics and journalism because his mission School of Science where he was president of the freshman class. in life was to help his community, and the world to become a better He was one of the top student leaders who led numerous student place, a mission that he certainly accomplished. demonstrations against the war in Vietnam and led Stuyvesant students in Civil Rights actions. Aaron was an enthusiastic, kind, loving, gentle, forgiving being who will be sadly missed by all. Leaving behind to cherish his Later, Aaron was accepted to Harvard University but chose memory are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, mentees, instead to attend Pottsdam University where he was active in school Board members, legislators, friends, and many other people that he politics and the college newspaper. touched during his lifetime. orn
on
Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013
2013 Gospel Fest features local Queens churches
E
ach year, the
Senior Center hosts an evening of gospel that features church choirs from all around the boroughs. This year, the Gospel Fest was a little closer to home, inviting local churches to sing songs of praise in the Community Center. The event highlighted Queens talent, giving the stage to smaller yet skilfull church choirs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People get to know... that churches that are not so big and popular [are] just as good as the great ones,â&#x20AC;? noted Ms. Green, a member of
The Rochdale Village Senior Center Presents
HAWAII
with Norwegian Cruise Line on the PRIDE OF AMERICA 10 Days / 9 Nights October 24, 2013 For Reservation or more information, please contact Edith Culbertson - (718) 525-2800. Please encourage family, friends, neighbors, and church members to join us!
Voices of the Tabernacle Choir from Bethel Gospel Tabernacle on Guy R Brewer Boulevard. Praise was not limited to song; dancers expressed their devotion to their Creator through soulful mime choreographed to gospel songs. The Gospel Fest was hosted by the Rochdale Village Senior Center in the Grand Ballroom and welcomed over 100 guests. View the classes, programs and events the Senior Center hosts by visiting their events section on page 25. (Photo credits: Danny Leaks)
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
May 2013