THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
Vol. 50. No. 3
March 2014
SERVING OVER 25,000 COOPERATORS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
inside
An update on NORC-p. 5
Visit www.rochdalebulletinonline.com/womenshistorymonth2014.html for more on the women featured.
Questions and Answers: Cooperator Responsibility Ownership of the shares entitles the shareholder to a long-term proprietary “lease” that grants he recent Group meetings have them the right to occupy an apartment as long as highlighted the need to discuss he/she wants. Cooperator rights and responsibilities. Housing cooperatives are unique in COOPERATIVE CORPORATION the sense they are neither rental apartments nor (LESSOR) REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY The lease states that the cooperative single family homes. Shareholders are often confronted with confusing issues when they corporation is responsible to repair all parts of have some privileges of a renter but assume some the buildings and grounds except the interior of the apartments. The cooperative is responsible responsibilities of a single family homeowner. It is important to remember the relationship for keeping all of the buildings, including the between a cooperative corporation (“Lessor”) sidewalks, grounds, equipment and apparatus in and a shareholder (“Lessee”). The cooperative good repair. Rochdale has 117 acres with about corporation owns title to the land and 25 buildings including a power plant. This is a improvements which make up the property. large footprint to keep in good repair. The shareholder owns shares in the corporation. From Management
T
Continued on page 3
“Black Wall Street” a hit -p. 12
Rochdale Village
Home Improvement Guide
S p r i n g 2 0 1 4
aaa Special home improvement guide-pp. 25-27
President’s Message - Page 2 • Committee/Storage Room Rules - Page 3 • Manager’s Report - Page 4 • Happenings around RV - Page 16
Page 2 ROCHDALE VILLAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Rochdale Village Board of Directors serves 5,860 middle income families and more than 25,000 people in the world’s second largest housing cooperative, located at 169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434; Tel: 718-276-5700 ext. 336.
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Chairman of the Board David Jeffries President Jean Randolph-Castro Vice Presidents Janine Cross Eddie Douglass Joe Evans Talib Bey Treasurer Lisa Stark Assistant Treasurer Joseph Mathieu Secretary Ron Hollie
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 Gary Hawkins Community Center Edward Douglass Community Relations Jean Randolph-Castro Legal & Management Jean Randolph-Castro Maintenance Ahmed White Orientation Talib Bey 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
Alex Freedman, MSI and Lynn Walker, RVI
Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014
President’s Message
W
e
- by Jean Randolph-Castro
are
to have so many services that help make us a community here at Rochdale Village. The Rochdale Village Community Center (RVCC) hosts a wide array of programs which service seniors, our youth, outside programs that enrich our lives, and hold multiple venues for celebrations. To keep this space vital, we have recently completed renovation of our main kitchen to be more energy efficient, improve logistics, and provide a general facelift. Management, with the Board’s approval is also moving forward putting plans in place to renovate the entire RVCC facility. fortunate
As a cooperator, though, you also have access to the Community Rooms on the ground floors of your individual apartment buildings. These areas are also undergoing a facelift to enhance these rooms and make the spaces uniform. You can use these rooms for your special events and in the near future, we will open these
spaces up as Day Rooms to gather and spend time together, especially during inclement weather. The community rooms also host the Board’s informational Circle Meetings which we will continue in 2014. Additional chairs will be purchased so that we can reach out to even more cooperators comfortably during our gatherings. As you are aware, each room is managed by a key holder who is responsible for the room’s overall function. The Board wishes to thank all the key holders for their hard work providing this service so diligently for the community. We have built and continue to grow working together and it has been gratifying for me as a Board member to see these rooms utilized. Rules and regulations governing these spaces were passed by the Board in June, 2009. We must, however, refresh the rules and your Board is working to update these rules to better fit the safety and transparency
Jean Randolph-Castro
of the corporation. For safety sake, cash will no longer be accepted as payment for room rental. Beginning April 1st, 2014 all room rental payments must be made via money order payable to Rochdale Village, Inc. – the widely accepted form of payment used throughout Rochdale including the RVCC. Each month, proceeds from room rentals will be deposited with the Rochdale Village Controller so that all revenue, as well as expenses can be appropriately tracked. We look forward to these upgrades for the comfort and safety of our cooperators.
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 Rochdale Village Board Of Directors’ Meeting is Scheduled For Monday, April 28, 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014
Cooperator Responsibility Continued from page 1
The only time a shareholder is responsible for repairs in these common areas is if the repairs are due to an act of negligence or carelessness by the shareholder or their invitees (family members, guests, etc.). SHAREHOLDER (LESSEE) REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY The lease states that a shareholder is responsible to repair the interior of the apartment including interior walls, floors and ceilings, windows, frames, entrance and terrace doors and saddles. The shareholder is responsible for the maintenance and repair of plumbing fixtures and equipment, as well as stoves, refrigerators and other appliances. They are also responsible for all electrical fixtures and equipment including meters, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, electrical wiring and conduits throughout the apartment. The shareholder must do all of the painting and decorating required for their apartment. It should be noted that kitchen cabinets and kitchen hardware is part of the behind the door obligation. RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOMEOWNERSHIP Homeownership carries responsibility. Shareholders receive low carrying charges including heat, utilities and low cost parking for most residents. With these benefits comes the responsibility for behind the door maintenance, including replacement of functionally obsolete equipment and deteriorated kitchen cabinets. BUT I DON’T MAKE MONEY WHEN I SELL MY APARTMENT! Shareholders often ask why they would spend money to fix their
apartment when there is no financial benefit when they make upgrades and then sell the apartment. The answer is that hopefully shareholders move to Rochdale to join the community and stay for a long time. If that’s true, shareholders should make improvements to their home that keep it in good repair and make their lives comfortable. The purpose of Rochdale and other Mitchell Lamas was to keep the equity and carrying charges low. If Rochdale changed the rules and started paying for apartment upgrades the equity would skyrocket for everyone. Under state law, shareholders do not make a profit when they sell the apartment because they want to “pay it forward”. Incoming cooperators should have the same opportunity to make a low equity payment as the outgoing shareholders. BOTTOMLINE The primary advantage of a housing cooperative is the pooling of shareholder resources so that their buying power is leveraged, thus lowering the cost per member in all the services and products associated with homeownership. While cooperative living allows a low maintenance lifestyle, there is still the obligation to upkeep and maintain your apartment to protect the investment of your fellow shareholders. Rochdale is not a rental complex and should be kept as a family complex of homeowners dedicated to safeguarding the investment of 5,860 families. That is where your occupancy at Rochdale coincides with being a single family home owner.
Surcharge re-calculation due to carrying charge increase Submitted by Darius George, Controller
T
he maximum household income income limit. The effects of the allowed prior to receiving a change are as follows: surcharge (additional rent) has been increased as a result of the March 1. Increase in the amount billed for non-filers and high income earners 1, 2014 carrying charge increase. For cooperators that are affected 2. Decrease in the amount billed by this surcharge, effective April 1, for those on the margins 2014 surcharges will be billed based 3. Elimination of the surcharge on the new maximum household Please note your records accordingly.
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Changes on community room/ storage room rules and regulations From the Board of Directors—Effective April 2014 BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOMS
Room rentals: The cost of renting the room is $50.00. Money orders only, payable to Rochdale Village, Inc. Monthly reports: All documents (monthly calendars, receipts, accounting sheets and money orders) are due in the Board office no later than the 5th of each month. Room supplies: The key holder will submit a request every three (3) months to purchase supplies utilizing the monies allocated for this purpose. For major purchases such as equipment, furniture, blinds, etc., the request will be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors/ Management for approval. Refunds: In order to receive a refund, you must submit a written request for cancellation at least three (3) weeks prior to your scheduled event. Refunds will be processed and returned to the cooperator.
Exceptions: extreme emergency such as death, accident or severe illnesses.
BUILDING COOPERATOR FREE STORAGE ROOMS
Seasonal items: Three (3) items per household. All items can remain in storage for one (1) year maximum. We will attempt to contact cooperators with a written request up to three times to request removal or update of your items within thirty (30) days. Items left in storage rooms after the due date stated on the third written notice will be disposed of. Exceptions: extreme emergency such as death, accident or severe illnesses. The storage room will be open a minimum of eight (8) times per year (April, June, September, November, two times in December and two times in January) to store items. Rochdale Village, Inc. is not responsible for items left in the storage rooms.
Take your time; don’t hit the gates
Please be patient while waiting to enter and exit the parking lot areas. Instances of hitting the parking lot gates have been reported. Please note that once the parking lot remote control is pressed, there is
approximately a five to 10 second delay, which allows residents to enter or exit. Pressing the clicker remote multiple times only delays access. As always, your cooperation is appreciated.
Group Meetings The Board of Directors and Management will be presenting a series of group meetings. Listed below are the dates, places and time:
20-minute parking reminder
Group 5, Building 17, Thursday, March 6, 2014 - POSTPONED
Please be reminded that there is a limit of twenty (20) minutes for parking on ramps to load and unload your car.
Group 4, Building 14, Tuesday, April 15, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m.
Group 3, Building 10, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m.
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 4
March 2014
Monthly Report
- by Marion Scott
General Manager’s Monthly Report for February 2014 EXPIRING UNION CONTRACTS Contracts for the two major unions, Security and Maintenance, are expiring shortly. Rochdale Village is well aware of the legal boundaries of collective bargaining and we recognize that both the union and management are required to follow certain legal requirements in connection with contract negotiations. Most private employers are covered by the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”), which is enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”). The basic premise of labor law is the protection of the organization and bargaining rights of the employees. The law does not dictate the terms of a particular contract nor resolve all issues of industrial injustice. It provides a framework where management and labor can negotiate a contract stipulating wages, hours and working conditions. The law limits the unilateral power of employers, protects workers’ rights to organize and engage in “concerted activity for mutual protection” and prohibits discriminating against workers exercising these rights. Rochdale Village has a stellar record for good faith bargaining. That doesn’t mean that we must
paperwork to Albany by the July deadline. We will widely circulate this mandate in the weekly sheet and the March and April editions of the Rochdale Bulletin. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Along with the Income Affidavit we want to remind the shareholders that they must submit their cooperative insurance renewal. We will publish the minimum coverage requirements in the Weekly Sheet and the Bulletin. Finance Law, it is required that we examine cooperator income once a year to determine eligibility for continued occupancy. We have started to recruit staff for this arduous and time consuming procedure. Each year no later than April 30th, cooperators are required to submit a completed and notarized Annual Income Affidavit. The process has become expensive because management has to grant several extensions because of lack of compliance. Last year we didn’t complete the process until November. It is bad public relations when we OCCUPANTS’ ANNUAL have to assess surcharges because AFFIDAVIT OF FAMILY INCOME of non-compliance. We think we Under the New York Income need to grant only one extension Affidavit State Private Housing so that we may submit the required
agree to all union proposals, but it does mean that we must negotiate with the union in good faith. Taking a strong position does not violate the laws, but surface bargaining, (meeting and merely) going through the motions of negotiations with no intent of reaching a contract is bad faith bargaining. Rochdale has always been watchful and prudent during union negotiations and we have had only one stoppage in the last 25 years. We are proud of that achievement because no one benefits from a strike.
COMMUNITY CENTER KITCHEN UPGRADE We are working to upgrade the facilities in the community center and the renovation of the ballroom was the first step. The next stage underway is the renovation of the community center kitchen which is used on a regular basis by the Senior Center. This upgrade will not only provide better facilities for the daily meals cooked for the seniors, it will also boost the rental of the other rooms. A new kitchen will make it more convenient for large parties and catered events in the ballroom and rooms 12 and 13.
Job Postings A/V Support (Community Center) The Community Center is seeking part-time assistance with audio/ visual (A/V) support in the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom. This position will be on an as-needed basis when Ballroom users request use of Rochdale’s audio video system for their events. Scope of work consists of opening A/V equipment room, plugging in lessee’s or lessee’s DJ/Band equipment to Rochdale Village’s system, monitoring the sound and light level and security of the system during the full course of the event, as well as providing troubleshooting and technical assistance to include but not limited
to microphone preparation and pre & post equipment testing. Events typically run approximately 5+ hours which will include set-up through clean-up, and are more often, but not always, on weekend nights into early mornings. The position pays $200 for the full course of the event. Payment funded by Lessee (the person renting the Ballroom). Training will be provided. Once committed to a date, “No Shows” will be taken off the rotation for future events. Please email your interest in a brief message to: rvhr@rochdalevillage.com.
March 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Monthly Report
- by Robert Woods
Contract Summary/Status — February 2014 I. Following is the Status of I. Non Schedule B Projects: Schedule ‘B’ Projects: BOILER/BURNERS (Power Plant): Bids were due and opened on 2/19/14 with costs ranging from $6,570,000 to $12,743,881.50. All documents were sent to our Consultant, Lizardos Engineering, P.C. to conduct a bid analysis. We should have more details on how we plan to proceed with this project in our next report. EXCITER REPLACEMENT: Project completed. Project Management is awaiting final report from Consultant to close out project. DIESEL ENGINE GENERATOR OVERHAUL (Power Plant): Lizardos Engineering provided the lowest responsible bid for Generator Overhaul Consultant in the amount of $46,000. Legal Counsel has reviewed the Agreement between Consultant and Rochdale Village and has signedoff ‘as to form.’ The Documents were mailed to the NYS Homes & Community Renewal on 3/5/14 for their review and approval.
LOCAL LAW 11, CYCLE-7 BUILDING FAÇADE REPAIRS: The Contractor, Xinos Construction Corp., has informed Management that they no longer wish to work in Rochdale Village. As a result, Consultant, Robert J. Stahl is preparing bid documents for a new contractor to complete this project. EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS: Maintenance continues roof repairs to Buildings 12,11,1 and the small mall. LOBBY CEILING REPLACEMENTS & ASBESTOS ABATEMENT: After demolition of the existing lobby ceiling in Building #16, it was discovered that the dual temperature pipes were in disrepair and needed to be replaced before the project could be completed. Contractors were called, on an emergency basis, to provide quotes to rectify the situation. Noble Mechanical Corporation provided the lowest responsible bid in the amount of $34,544.24. A telephone vote was conducted on 3/5/14 in favor of hiring Noble Mechanical Corporation.
BUILDING EMERGENCY GENERATOR UPGRADES: Contractor is mobilizing his work forces for 3/10/14. Layout for Exit Signs is complete. ELEVATOR CATEGORY 1 TEST WITNESS: Request for Proposals were sent to elevator consulting companies with a bid due date of 1/24/14. Bids ranged in total cost from $51,124 to $102,805. The Proposal is for a (2) two year period and includes price per device, filing fee and re-inspection. Savkon, Inc. not only provided the lowest responsible bid but they are familiar with the complex, having perform Cat 1 & Cat 5 successfully in previous years. A resolution will be presented to the Board consideration. POWER PLANT NEW WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: Projects Department is awaiting a decision by the Engineering firm supplying the units for cost savings. POWER PLANT SWEET WATER TANK: Sweetwater tank installation is complete.
POWER PLANT CONDENSATE TANK ASBESTOS ABATEMENT: Now that the Sweetwater tank is installed, Noble Mechanical will submit a schedule for the work. Projects will schedule asbestos abatement prior to tank installation. Work will commence 3/10/14. COMPACTOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT: All correspondence pertaining to entering into contract with Premier Compactor Systems, LLC in the amount of $4,950 per month has been sent to the NYS Homes & Community Renewal. Their approval of the Contractor was received on 3/6/14. CRAWL SPACE PIPING AND INTERIOR SPACE PIPING: Project pending NYSHCR approval of credentials submitted by Power Plant Director and Projects Director to oversee work. SITE UTILITIES/ UNDERGROUND PIPING: Project pending NYSHCR approval of credentials submitted by Power Plant Director and Projects Director to oversee work.
NORC FUNDING - an update from RV Social Services, Inc. February 26,2014 Dear Rochdalers: We’re writing to alert you that funding for Rochdale’s now 14 yearold Naturally Occurring Retiring Community (NORC) program - a social and health care service referral and advocacy program for some 400 Rochdale seniors in our ongoing case management files, and another 200 to 300 older Rochdale residents who periodically call upon us to receive help, referrals and services - will end after June 30. Our funding source, the New York City Department for the Aging, rejected the Rochdale NORC program’s $274,000 annual funding renewal
request, for July 1,2014 and beyond. This means that the Rochdale NORC program’s staff of six including three social workers will come off the payroll as of July 1,2014, and those same NORC employed staffers will no longer be available to give free health and social service provider referral and advocacy help to NORC clients, age 60 and older. All previously developed Rochdale NORC programsponsored partnerships and community program affiliations - such as Visiting Nurse Services of New York, senior companion programming, health lectures, medical counseling, screenings and assessments, the R.U.O.K automated telephone service, transportation to
medical appointment, assorted help offered by college interns from York College, Adelphi University and Stony Brook University, etc., also come to an end July 1. From the year 2000, Rochdale’s NORC program had one goal: to maximize the health and wellbeing of resident senior citizens so that they can maintain their independence and comfortably maintain their apartments, as they age in the place they call home: Rochdale Village. Our refunding proposal, 121 pages in length, was submitted to the Department for the Aging, last August (2013), prior to the requested deadline. On Jan. 13, 2014, we received a rejection letter. Betty Lee, agency chief contracting officer of the
Department for the Aging, has not given any specifics about why the Rochdale community did not fare well in the solicitation for competitive bids. Continued on page 9
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014
Controller’s Report Cash Receipts & Disbursements - February 28, 2014
- by Darius George Summary of Corporate Funds at February 28, 2014
The corporation cash, investments and escrow balances as of February 28, 2014 was $75,143,214.00. The amount available to pay operating expenses are $6,193,711.00. The following accounts are encumbered:
The Housing Company must obtain approval from NYS Homes & Community Renewal to disbursed funds from the contingency and replacement reserve accounts. The self insurance escrow fund is restricted by Board resolution. Funds can only be used to pay damages and other claims against the corporation during the period it was self insured. It also covers claim below the company liability insurance retention program. The debt service, insurance, completion repair and real estate tax escrow accounts were created under the terms of the mortgage refinancing agreement with Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, Inc.
March 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Controller’s Report
- by Darius George
Accounts Receivable Activity - February 2014
Tenant Arrears Report Ending February 28, 2014
Community Center Report For February 28, 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
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March 2014
Public Safety Report
- by Chief Thomas Mason
Public Safety Monthly Report February 2014 Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale Village, Inc., Public Safety Department during the month of February 2014. Public Safety maintains twenty-four hour coverage. LOITERING: During the month of February 2014, 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-eight (178) complaints of loitering which were resolved as follows: 1. Conditions corrected – eighty-four (84) loiterers complied with officer’s directive to leave. 2. Unfounded – ninety-four (94) loitering complaints (officers responded but no loiterers were present) 3. Violations issued – one (1) loitering violations was issued The Rochdale Village Public Safety Department will continue to organize to better serve the community. During the month of February the following arrests were affected: There were a total of 5 arrest(s) and 1 in-house detained for the month of February 2014; the incidents are as follows: Arrests for February 2014 February 5, 2014 – Bldg. #3, Queens North Narcotics, accompanied by RV Officers, responded to a warrant. Narcotics officers gained entry and encountered four (4) individuals, one which is the owner of the apartment. Central was advised that the four (4) individuals will be placed in police custody. One individual is a Rochdale resident. February 19, 2014 – Building #20, 113th Pct. Officer responded to a woman that disobeyed a court order of protection. She was taken to 113rd Pct. for processing. Central was notified. Not a Rochdale resident. February 24, 2014 – Bldg. #5, RV Officers and Paid Detail responded to seven (7) individuals loitering in an unauthorized area of the staircase. One individual was detained because of disorderly conduct by the Paid Detail. Paid Detail spoke with that individual’s parent and the juvenile was released. One individual is Rochdale resident.
DVR UNIT ACTIVITY Total Incidents= 61 Total Risk Management= 50 Violations = 0 TOWED VEHICLES The Public Safety Department towed five (5) vehicles during the month of February for violation of parking rules on the complex. 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:.......................................................................................824 SPECIAL VERTICALS: ...................................................................1530 TOTAL: .............................................................................................2354 TOWING:................................................................................................5 WARNING ISSUED:............................................................................34 TOTAL:..................................................................................................39 ESCORTS:...........................................................................................164 SECURITY RESPONDED TO THE FOLLOWING CALLS:.........2805 MAINTENANCE CALLS:.................................................................466 TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICES:....................................................3271 INCIDENT REPORTS:.......................................................................132 MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER:........... 1904 ARREST(S):............................................................................................5 IN HOUSE DETAINED:.........................................................................1 TOTAL:....................................................................................................6 VIOLATIONS ISSUED:........................................................................43 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO:.............................................................1 EVICTION(S):.........................................................................................8
The RV Church Corner Provided for your reference, here are some of the houses of worship that are in the local community area. New Jerusalem Baptist Church 122-05 Smith St. • Jamaica, NY 11433 (718) 978-5777 ext. 300 • www.gonjbc.org Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor Service Times: Sunday services: Christian Life Development School: 9:00 a.m. New Jerusalem at Worship: 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper: Every 1st Sunday 7:30 & 11:00 a.m. Thursday services: Prayer: 7 p.m. Bible study: 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Springfield Gardens Seventh Day Adventist Church 14594 176th St. • Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 276-6191 Clifford Manie, Senior Pastor Service Times: Sabbath morning: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:15 a.m. Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.
Maranatha French Seventh-Day Adventist Church 17304 Linden Blvd • Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 297-8784 Service Times: Sabbath School: 9:30 am Worship Service: 11 am
Bethel Gospel Tabernacle
St Mary Magdalene Parish
110-25 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11433 • (718) 291-2676 www.bgtfi.us Bishop Roderick R. Caesar, Pastor
218-12 136th Ave Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 (718) 949-4311
Service Times: Daily Prayer 6:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 7:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 10:00a.m. Joppa Morning Worship: 11:15 a.m. Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m. Weeknight Services Tuesday 7:30 p.m. - Men’s Fellowship Thursday 7:30 p.m. - Bible Study/ Transformation Class
Service Times: Weekend: Sunday: 8:45, 11:00 AM Weekday: Mon thru Fri: 8:30 a.m. Sat: 9 a.m. Holy Day & Vigil: 8:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m. The Rochdale Village Church Corner lists churches in the nearby vicinity, giving residents a detailed array of houses of worship to attend. In the local area? List your church! Call (718) 276-5700 ext. 359-360.
March 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 9
NORC FUNDING - an update from RV Social Services, Inc. Continued from page 5 Betty Lee, in her letter sent to John C. Scott, the president of Rochdale Village Social Services, Inc., the volunteer policy-setting body for Rochdale NORC program, wrote: I am writing to inform you that the proposal submitted by Rochdale Village Social Services, Inc. for the site located at 169-65 137th Avenue, Room 19 in response to the Department for the Aging’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities solicitation is not being considered for a contract award at this time in the best interest of the City. The Agency appreciates the time and effort spent preparing your proposal and we encourage you to respond to future solicitations. Sincerely, Betty Lee Agency Chief Contracting Office
Rochdale Village Social Services Inc. initially mailed a Feb. 11, 2014 dated letter to the Department for the Aging, asking just what Betty Lee meant when she wrote that funding Rochdale’s NORC program, after June 30, 2014, was “not in the best interest of the city.” Betty Lee’s superior, Steven Foo, then-Acting Commissioner of the Department for the Aging, in a Feb. 13, 2014-dated response letter, did not answer that question. He only reminded Rochdale Village
Rochdale Village Social Services, Inc. is preparing to file a formal “Vendor Protest,” and not let that Feb. 11,2014 inquiry letter serve as a defector vendor protest. For everyone’s information, NORC is designed to serve only the qualifying residents within the apartment building or apartment complex in which the program operates. Rochdale’s NORC is exclusively for residents of this complex. In short, Rochdalers cannot receive NORC referral services somewhere else.
“...NORC clients and their families are invited... [to write] letters supporting Rochdale’s NORC program...” Social Services Inc. that the NORC funding process is “a competitive solicitation.” Foo said he upheld the decision to stop funding Rochdale’s NORC program. Foo also said he considered the Rochdale Village Social Services, Inc.’s inquiry as a vendor protest, under the NYC Procurement Policy Board Rule.
To that point, other Queens NORC programs - Big 6 Towers on 47th Avenue in Woodside, Clearview Whitestone on 17thAvenue in Whitestone, HanacRavenswood on 35th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens View and North Queens View on Crescent Street in Astoria, South Ridge and North Ridge on 94th Street in Jackson Heights,
Fresh Meadows Senior Programs on 192nd Street in Fresh Meadows, and Forest Hills Co-op NORC ON 62nd Street in Forest Hills - are funded to serve qualifying seniors living only within those specific residences/ apartment building complexes. As for the fate of Rochdale’s NORC program, Rochdale NORC clients and their families are invited and strongly urged to take an independent stand by writing a personal letter and describe what the loss of the Rochdale NORC program’s offerings personally means to you and/or your family member(s)/friend(s). Letters supporting Rochdale’s NORC program should be sent to: Donna Corrado, Commissioner NYC Dept. for the Aging 2 Lafayette St. New York, N.Y. 10007 Sincerely Yours, John C. Scott, president Rochdale Village Social Services, Inc.
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014
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.
Lotess P. Cright
Before
Lotess P. Cright was born in Asheville, North Carolina on December 3, 1931 to parents John and Agretta Priestley. She married George Cright (deceased) and was blessed with one daughter, two grandchildren and one niece whom she raised as her own. Lotess attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina and Brooklyn College where she received a Master of Arts degree. She was employed by the City University Daycare for seventeen years until her retirement in 1997.
After
Lotess has been an active member of the Rochdale Village community since 1995. She is a member of Saint Bonaventure Church for the past 52 years and volunteers as Vice President of a daycare center organization. She has always worked with children all of her adult life and she loves it.
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 contact the Rochdale Village Bulletin Newspaper at (718) 276-5700 ext. 359/360 to work out the details.
March 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014
“Black Wall Street” comes to Rochdale Village The arts are alive in Rochdale Village; Shades of Truth Theatre presents a 1920s era drama to a full Grand Ballroom By Lelio Dalencour
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hades of Truth Theatre performed “Black Wall Street”, a drama based upon the thriving AfricanAmerican town of Greenwood, Oklahoma in the 1920’s, at Rochdale in front of an audience of over 200. A sound script, a passionate cast, and moving musical selections made the show memorable. The play, a drama about the 1921 Tulsa race riots, focuses on merry families living in Greenwood, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greenwood was known as a “Black Wall Street” for its thriving community of business owners, who were predominantly Black. For over 15 years, non-white citizens owned approximately 600 businesses and founded a dozen churches in the area. “Black Wall Street” was produced by Michael Green in 2013. Youth Planning, a Board Committee led by Mario Turner, hosted the theatre production in Rochdale Village on March 16. Featuring twelve able cast
members, Shades of Truth Theatre put on quite a show, receiving a standing ovation from the audience at its dramatic conclusion. Roles revived in the play included factory owners, shoe shiners, doctors and butchers. The play also acknowledged Greenwood’s diversity by featuring a Hispanic widow and a mixed Black Native American patriarch. “Black Wall Actors from shades of Truth Theatre portray the lively residents of 1921 Greenwood, Street” and other plays Oklahoma, a thriving multiracial town known as “Black Wall Street”. The play was offered by Shades of hosted in the RV Grand Ballroom by RV Youth Planning. Truth Theatre entice Learn more about Shades of Truth in the past. In February 2013, the RV the community for their historical accuracy and visual Social Services Board hosted “The Theatre by visiting their website at aesthetic: viewers young and old Meeting”, a production imagining a www.shadesoftruththeatre.com. You see and hear history retold through discussion between the two 1960s can also learn about Youth Planning’s vibrant actors, 1920s-era costumes civil rights pioneers Malcolm X latest events by calling the Board of and old southern dialect. Each play and Martin Luther King, Jr. The Directors office at (718) 276-5700 is an intellectually rewarding and following April, Youth Planning ext. 336. collaborated with Shades of Truth to equally entertaining experience. Shades of Truth Theatre has offer “A Whistle in Mississippi”, a collaborated with Rochdale Village drama about the Emmet Till tragedy.
March 2014
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Participants at the Rochdale Village Senior Center celebrate those with birthdays in January, February, and March at RV’s Grand Ballroom.
Raffle winners were pleasantly surprised during the Jan/Feb/March Birthday Celebration.
Friends gather for an eventful birthday celebration with Rochdale Village Seniors.
Maintenance workers receive a demonstration on how to use new equipment from a manufacturing company.
Out with the old, in with the new! Maintenance workers discard dead grass from winter and prepared the soil to plant new seeds for a luscious lawn.
March 2014
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The cast of “Black Wall Street” performed for a full house in the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom.
Board Member and Youth Planning Committee Chair Mario Turner thanks the audience for attending “Black Wall Street” on March 16.
The cast and producer of “Black Wall Street” pose with the Board of Directors after a successful production.
Anthony and Kirk represent Success Academy during an open house in the Community Center on March 20.
Governor Andrew Cuomo and others are honored at the Queens County Democratic Organization annual luncheon at Antun’s. Photo credit: Jean Castro
Ms. Griffith (right) leads an ensemble in song honoring Women’s History Month at the Senior Center. Photo credit: Denise Gyarbin
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March 2014
Happenings around Rochdale Village Women’s History Month Celebrated at the Senior Center
(Left) Ms. Cathy performs a skit about being homeless and a senior; (Right) Delores Winslow plays the saxophone. Photo credit: Denise Gyarbin The Senior Center continues its trend of making talented seniors the center of the festivities during the Women’s History Month celebration on March 20. And with great success: attendees were treated to a wide scope of talent, from musicians to actors and poets. Performances included music by the Breath of Life singers, a performance by Ms. Denise, Love my Life Camp Organizer, and a musical piece by Delores Winslow played on the saxophone. The Senior Center celebrates nearly every holiday for seniors by seniors. Learn about becoming a member by stopping by the RV Community Center or calling (718) 525-2800.
Youth Planning: calling all residents involved in the arts and sports!
From the Youth Planning Committee: Volunteers are needed to develop an arts collective program for the Rochdale Village Youth Planning Committee. Artists, poets actors & other artistic expressions are needed and welcome. Youth Planning is also seeking coaching volunteers for sports activities such as basketball, baseball, soccer, volley ball, girls softball. All interested can contact youth planning chair person Mario Turner @ 718-810-3724 or attend any Youth Planning meetings Fridays at 6pm Room 17 in the Community Center.
THE WALK-IN CLOSET YOU’VE BEEN WISHING FOR
IS BEING INSTALLED RIGHT DOWNSTAIRS! Bargold Storage will be constructing fully enclosed, solid steel storage units in your building. Reserve your storage unit by calling 718-247-7000, option #2. The storage units will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a limited number of units available.
Call (718) 247-7000, OPTION #2 www.BARGOLD.com
Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014
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Steps towards achieving an eco-friendly home By Susan Van Brackle Achieving eco-friendly home design is much easier than most people think. There was a time when many home products were mainly comprised of chemicals and components that were toxic to humans and equally dangerous to the atmosphere. As a result, limited options created an environment that was at times unhealthy. With time and consumer watchdog legislation came knowledge and then Yankee ingenuity on how to make home decoration products safer for those that use them. In many cases manufacturers were required to consider how they could develop comparable household products that would reduce the world’s “carbon footprint”. Now products for creating an eco-friendly home are a mainstay on store counters and shelves. Following are just a few simple options that are available and ready for use by consumers today: Buy Low VOC paint Do you remember when being in a painted a room without proper ventilation caused your head to
swim? Now there is such a thing as Low-VOC Paint, which is a healthy organic alternative. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) were found to be harmful to the atmosphere and the ozone layer. Currently, all of the major premium paint brands from Benjamin Moore to Behr stock low-VOC paint as part of their standard line. While lacquers and enamels still tend to have high fumes, there have been substantial improvements in the odors emitted from these formulations. To purchase zero VOC paint products, yes zero, check out the collection at ecopaints.net. Try Plant Based Home Treatments The renewable supply of sturdy, bamboo plants make it a perfect fit for developing eco-friendly home product categories. It is not unusual to find bamboo-derived bathroom towels, flooring and other home treatments in furnishing centers. Bamboo is hypo-allergenic grass that when incorporated into user
friendly materials can be durable in high traffic areas, and can come in an array of colors and finishes. Repurposing The advent of home shows like Martha Stewart Living, DIY and HGTV have actually made repurposing extremely common. The concept of taking items that are old and making them new again has become a mainstay of home decoration. The benefits
of repurposing are many. For example, repurposing minimizes the amount of “stuff” that one purchases. Repurposing adds new interest to items that one already has. And, by repurposing less refuse gets tossed into our already overflowing waste system. Home Gardening Rochdale Village apartments are in the enviable position of having wonderful open plan layouts with tons of natural light. This creates the perfect setting for in-home gardening. What you get in return is loads of oxygen that are given off by the plants and in some cases herbs and seasonings that can be used at the dinner table. Consider purchasing an indoor Italian herb garden for your kitchen countertop. In addition to having a fragrant room deodorizer, you will have sprigs of basil, oregano, rosemary or thyme for your use in no time.
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Upcoming Events at NORC
NORC Outreach Program - April 2014 No Outreach every 1st Wednesday of the month WEDNESDAY, April 09, BLDG # 10 WEDNESDAY, April 16, BLDG # 14 WEDNESDAY, April 23, BLDG # 18 WEDNESDAY, April 30, BLDG # 1 Program/Social Services Information Benefit & Entitlement Information, Blood Pressure Screening from: 10:00am - 12:30pm, Room 19
NORC Nurse’s Schedule Mondays and Thursdays: 11am - 4pm Other healthcare services, call VNS Nurse for appointment at 718-949-3499. 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 Friendly Visitor Program
Volunteer a few hours weekly to visit with our sick, homebound, isolated and frail seniors in their home. Your visit can make a difference! Join the NORC Group; call (718) 949-3499 VAN SERVICES (Doctor appointments, shopping, trips, etc.)
9:30am-3:00pm. Call NORC Office for appointments (718) 949-3499 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP can put more food on your table! Council of Senior Centers and Services’ (CSCS) highly trained SNAP Outreach specialists will assist you with the application process. Tuesday, April 08 & 22 - 10am - 4pm Room 19 To Register Contact NORC @ (718) 949-3499 or (718) 949-3474 NOTE: Income Eligibility: $1,862.00 (Single- Elderly Seniors) $2,522.00 (Couple- Elderly Seniors) AARP Driver’s Safety
Monday, April 07, Monday, May 05, Monday, June 09, 2014 8:30 am. - 3:30 pm. Room 18. Members-$20.00. Non-Members-$25.00. Instructor: Gwendolyn V. Vaughn. Contact: Nadine Robinson, MSW @ NORC - (718) 949-3499. Seats are LIMITED. Note: **Check or Money Order Only**
Senior Companion Program Must be 60 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 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)
Basket Party
Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm Room 12 & 13 Admission: $5.00. GAME DAY!!! Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 2:00-5:00 pm Rooms 17 & 18. Cost: $3.00 Come out & have some fun! Refreshments served!
Seminars (Thursdays @ 1:15pm in the Club Lounge) Thursday, April 03, 2014 Nadia Polack (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) “Financial Retirement/Social Security” Thursday, April 10, 2014 Karen Betton-Wong (VNSNY) “Ways How to Handle Stress”
Weekly Trips/Activities
Tangers Outlet in Riverhead Tuesday, April 15, 2014 9:00am, Room 19. Cost: $10.00. Contact # 718-949-3499. Yonkers Empire Wednesday, April 16, 2014 9:00am, Room 19. Cost: $15.00. Contact # 718-949-3499. Aqueduct Racino Wednesday, April 23, 2014 9:00am, Room 19. Cost: $7.00. Contact # 718-949-3499.
Meetings Volunteer Workshops Tuesdays - 1:15 pm Room 17 Mind-Over-Matter Group Thursdays - 10:30am Room 17 Living Independently Support Group Mondays - 1:15pm Room 17 Intergenerational Group Mondays - 4:30pm - 5:30pm Room 17 (NEW) Line Dance for seniors - Wednesdays - 1:15pm Room 18 (Except first Wed. of each Month). Come out & join us! Computer Lab Wednesdays (Seniors Only) 10:30am Room 1 Computer Lab Wednesdays and Fridays (Seniors Only) 1:00pm - 3:00pm Room 1
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
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March 2014
~Poetry Corner~ A Pep Talk Between a Father and Son By Anthony Blake
Deep conversation between a father and son It was encouragement in preparing a son in becoming an adult From generation to generation it is an indication in felt Father explaining in what responsibilities in being a man This was anecdote as a demand Also being a man you must be able to give and take command It means take control in what you can control Life wonders will turn into behold Always remember that as you get old Don’t throw your life away Also certainly don’t let your thinking go astray You are the o in obedience and the k in keep forming ok Survival is about defend with a cause Protect what is yours Take your father’s advice Be the best you can possibly be Your teachings will be for all to see.
The Sneeze
By Gloria Williams Sometimes I have to sneeze not now oh heaven please I feel it coming from my toes to my knees Sometimes I have to sneeze
A Place Called Iwo (USMC - ‘45)
Sometimes what’s in the air It’s a tickle like a feather or a tiny hair From my toes to my knees Sometimes I have to sneeze One day went out to lunch With a Very Important People bunch (VIP’s) Pass the salt and pepper please (one) Sprinkle sorry I have to sneeze The lady wearing the red leather hat said “it’s so rude to sneeze like that” I sneezed so loud I woke the crowd Sometimes I have to sneeze I cover with hankies in hand My unruly sneeze takes no command Pardon me will you please At you at you at you Sometimes I have to sneeze
Rochdale Village Community Center Events
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 (6:007:00pm) 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, 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.
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.
“The Spirit of Excellence” - 169-65 137th Avenue Tel: 718-276-5700 ext. 337/339 • Fax: 718-276-7504
By Ed Miller
I saw the flag aflutter Above the mountain top Suribachi was taken But the fighting didn’t stop. I saw the flag unfurling Heard my buddies cheer There I visited the gravesite Where I stood and shed a tear. We have the Arlington statue And memorials to the men Who died on Iwo Jima Not to come home again. Most never knew the reason Nor ever understood Buried in the black sand Of the heroes’ brotherhood.
Rochdale Village Senior Center Calendar of Events Posted at Senior Center Weekly Activities • Daily Activities
Monday-Friday Wednesdays 10:00 am 12:00 pm 11:00 am 1:00 pm
Social Hour Coffee / Tea Lunch is served Bingo Pool and Card / Board Games
10:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm
Stay Well Exercise Alert & Alive Discussion Bingo Movie
Mondays
Thursdays
8:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 1:30 pm
8:00 am Walking Club 9:00 am Aerobics 10:00 am Yoga
Walking Club Aerobics Bingo Spanish Class
Tuesdays
Fridays
10:45 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
10:30 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
Chair & Floor Exercise Dance Class Drama Class Pool & Card Games
Tai Chi Bingo Arts & Crafts Pool & Card Games
Reading Food Labels Easter Program Nutrition Seminar - Tuesday, April Thursday, April 17 @ 1pm 1, 2014 at 1pm Retirement/Investment Nutrition SeminarThursday, April 3 @ 1pm Drug & Nutrients interaction Health Presentation Tuesday, April 29 @ 11am By Queens Library - Wednesday, April 9 @ 1pm Game Day with NORC National HealthCare Decision Day Wednesday, April 16 @ 1pm.
Every third Tuesday from 2-5pm in Rooms 17 & 18. Come and have some fun!
“Serving Vibrant Seniors” 169-65 137th Avenue Tel: 718-525-2800 • Fax: 718-525-0691 • Funded in Part By NYC DFTA
March 2014
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Environmental Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 4, 2014 7:00 p.m. Club Lounge should be made aware of this by advertisements in the newspapers, and the Chair: Kamal Saleem Board would have to be involved. The venue would be the community center Members in Attendance: K. Saleem, Norma A. Dean, so a request would have to be made regarding space for these events. This Karen Corenthal, Angelia Euell, Janette Caines should take place on Saturday or Sunday afternoons in March. The Chair has Agenda: begun to reach out to vendors to acquaint himself with them. • ECC Committee Members Spring Planning: Now is the time to get ready for the Going Green • Winter Symposium Series Expo which will be held in the last week of June. There are materials from Spring Planning the last time. Maybe the committee can push the pilot programs to have • Open Discussion the recycling bins changed for one building so that this project can get off The Chair asked for nominees for Co-Chair, Secretary and Events the ground. There could be a clean-up day also held in the park so that the Committee. Janette Caines was elected Secretary. community can become engaged in this project. Winter Symposium Series: Two films were selected (Gas Land and Open Discussion: Mr. Watkins spoke about food share programs Inconvenient Truth) because they dealt with environmental issues that Queens where the community could become involved in the CSAs. He mentioned and New York City are dealing with. Also proposed was an expo with natural Corbin Hill farms. products and an interactive session, where Derek Watkins could speak about how food systems destroy nutrition and he could also give information to K. Saleem moved to adjourn the meeting, and K. Corenthal seconded. people who want to change diets. There could also be films on nutritional Meeting adjournment – 8:13 p.m. education. It would also be good to have a yoga teacher. The community Minutes Respectfully Submitted by, J. Caines Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 4, 2014 7:00 p.m. Club Lounge CIub should participate. Derek Watkins had attended a kids’ food festival Chair: Kamal Saleem the week before at Bryant Park and he said that there was a lot of interesting Members in Attendance: K. Saleem, Norma A. Dean, Angela Euell, Janette booths with new foods for children. He had information on Greenfestivals. Caines, Johnny Solomon, Patricia Adams, Fredrika Wilson, Delores Watts. org where vendors could be sourced, and the Chair could get a jump on Agenda: emailing vendors to inform them of the festival at Rochdale. • Symposium Series Winter Symposium Series: The Chair said that the proposal for the • Proposals Winter Symposium Series was turned down. The series was composed • Going Green Expo of 3 symposiums, but the Board wanted to have one and then check the • Open Discussion attendance and participation to justify holding the event. Now we have to Open Discussion figure out how to get the Board to approve the symposium. The Chair noted that Patricia Adams was attending the meeting and she A request has been sent to the Assistant Manager for the use of the Audio was welcomed, and everyone was introduced. The minutes for the February Visual equipment in the Club Lounge. No A/V equipment could be used in 3, 2014 meeting were read by the Secretary. Rooms 12 and 13. The projected amount of attendees is 75. But Management Going Green Expo: The Chair said that the 2014 Going Green Expo will asked the Committee to rent the A/V equipment, and the Committee thinks be held in the last week of June to expose everyone to green products. He that is a waste of money since some rooms are already equipped with A/V hoped that this year would be better than the two former years. The event was equipment. Maybe a community room could be rented to host seminars to moving back indoors and would be set up the night before and the committee speak about flooding procedures and evacuation procedures for Rochdale would coordinate with Management. Volunteers were needed to help set Village, and also the disposal of food, medications and empty food containers. up. Flyers were to be placed inside and outside the mall and the Rochdale Councilman Donovan Richards is on a committee dealing with environmental newspaper and bulletin would be contacted for space to advertise the event. issues and the JFK extension. The next symposium date is April 19, and Maybe local papers should also be used and Senators should be asked if they Norma Dean was asked to get information for a room for that date. wanted space so that they could participate. The budget from last year is Incomplete Proposals: The Chair wondered if, at the next Board meeting, attached so that the committee would know how much to ask for this year. members were willing to speak up about proposals which were submitted. The Chair mentioned that in 2011 some of the vendors were Walgreens, DEP, Maybe this was what was needed to push the Board to make changes. York College, Royal Waste Services and the Botanic Garden. In 2013, the Future Proposals: The future proposals involved proper recycling and expo was held in conjunction with Senator James Sanders’ event and some making new, large signs which would be understood, having white roofs which of the participants were health organizations, Zipcar, NY Auto Steamers would be cool and therefore not get too heated, planting evergreens in winter to which cleans cars without detergent. There were also fitness demonstrations, beautify the environment, mulching, composting and a ground beautification members of the Garden Club were present and there was someone who sold project for getting rid of the wood planks which form the fencing. environmentally responsible clothing and jewelry. Some of the exhibitors in 2013 were gleaned from the Green Expo at Jacob Javits Center. K. Saleem moved to adjourn the meeting. This year there would be a kids’ food festival (that is new) and there Minutes Respectfully Submitted by: J. Caines would be special vendors with products for children and also the NY Sports
If You See Something, Say Something. Call Public Safety at (718) 276-2400
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March 2014
Youth Planning Committee Meeting Minutes for February-March 2014 Meeting Dates: 2/28/14, 3/7/14, 3/14/14, and has tabled the proposal for the New Youth Task Movement. All further 3/21/14 inquiries about the participation in Youth Council will be directed to the Youth Council Chairperson and Committee members. Schedule Meeting Time: 6:30pm of Upcoming Events- The Youth Planning Committee fully intends to provide events and activities for the calendar year. A list of tentative Agenda: Discussion on events planned for the events is listed below. Activities for the Community Center- A list Rochdale Village Community and developing of activities will be developed based on community requests, Youth a list of activities that promotes education, and Planning Committee members and the Chairperson. Youth Development. 8. Theater in Motion- Sharnae Jenkins is proposing a theater project on Anti-Bullying. As of present date, the Youth Planning Committee hasn’t OLD BUSINESS determined a date for the program. The date will be determined based 1. They Call me Hela- Charnell Covert provided the Youth Planning on approval, availability and scheduling. Committee with a proposal to provide a presentation in honor of 9. Little League Baseball- There are no further recommendations for Henrietta Lacks. As of present date, the Youth Planning Committee Little League Baseball. The Youth Planning committee has tabled the hasn’t determined a date for the program. The date will be determined proposal for Little League Baseball. based on approval, availability and scheduling. 2. The Black Wall Street- The Black Wall Street performance was NEW BUSINESS scheduled for March 16, 2014. The activity and event is currently closed. 1. Youth Debate Team- The Youth Planning Committee will discuss the 3. Youth Council- All further inquiries about the participation in Youth initiative for a youth debate team. A proposal will be developed. Council will be directed to the Youth Council Chairperson and Committee 2. Daddy Dash Marathon- The Youth Planning Committee is proposing to members. The Youth Planning Committee has tabled the discussion until have a marathon in honor of Father’s Day. A proposal will be developed further notice. and all advertisements will be reviewed with Management and the Board 4. Earth Day Clean-up 2014- The Youth Planning Committee has of Directors for approval. tabled the Earth Day Clean up 2014. The Youth Planning Committee Chairperson, Mario Turner will discuss the activity with the Green UPCOMING EVENTS: Initiative Chairperson to determine whether a presentation during the Rochdale Village Youth Easter Egg Hunt April 12, 2014 month of April can be done in honor of Earth Day. Mommy and Me Jewelry Making for Mother’s Day (May 2014) 5. Arts Collective- The initiative for the Arts Collective Program is still The Ties that Bind (June 2014) open for the Youth Planning Committee. The Youth Planning Committee Daddy Dash Marathon (June 2014) fully intends to work with Youth Council in developing a program for End of School Year Jamboree (June 2014) the youth Theater in Motion Anti-Bullying program (date to be determined) 6. Youth Knitting Program- There are no further recommendations for They Call Me Hela (date to be determined) the Youth Knitting Program. Ms. Young’s program will be forwarded to the Youth Council and the Community Center Committee for review QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, COMMENTS & AND OPEN DISCUSSION: and the recommendations from the Community Center Committee will There was no Q&A addressed at this time. All Comments, Questions and be forwarded to Management and the Board of Directors. The Youth Answers were addressed during the course of the meeting specifically Planning Committee has tabled the proposal for Youth Knitting Program. pertaining to the topics addressed. 7. The New Youth Task Movement- There are no further recommendations for the New Youth Task Movement. The Youth Planning Committee Meeting Adjourned- 8:30pm
Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes for March 11, 2014 Meeting attended by: Tina Young; Ethel Gomez; • Jean Castro/Yvette has a list of vendors Gwen Henderson; Jean Castro; Jasmine Coward; • We’ve chosen to go back to the big mall because there’s more traffic there, giving us more participation Keyshia Lane; Charkeet Castro • Flyers will be posted on April 1st. Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 • Jean Castro will have Yvette contact the vendors Time: Called to order: 7:00pm Adjourned: 8:15pm New procedure: Jean Castro will bring all ideas to the Board before proceed we move forward. Facilitator: Chairman, Jean Castro Meeting was opened by Chairman, Jean Castro. We welcome our new members Keyshia Lane and Charkeet Castro
Action Items: We will have breakfast and lunch for vendors • Bagels; wraps & salad
Agenda Topic: Health Fair
Future Events: • Forum about Guns & Drugs • Karaoke
New Business: Discussion was made regarding the Health Fair: • • • • •
Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm Date: June 14, 2014 We will be in the big mall again Looking for full participation We are looking for Vendors that specialize in Health and Wellness
Next Meeting: TBA Respectfully submitted by: Jean Castro, Chairperson Jasmine Coward, Co-Chair Tina Young, Secretary
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Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - February 24, 2014
Resolution 03-14: WHEREAS, Carewell Medical Associates, Inc. d/b/a Carewell Medical Associates will open a medical office for Internal Medicine, Weight Loss Counseling and Nutrition in Mall #2 with a five (5) year lease; and WHEREAS, Management is recommending that the Board approve said lease with said tenant under the agreed upon terms which are attached. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Carewell Medical Associates, Inc. d/b/a Carewell Medical Associates lease is approved by the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors.
Resolution 04-14: WHEREAS, Council Member Ruben Wills’ lease is to be renewed with a four (4) year lease; and WHEREAS, Management is recommending that the Board approve the renewal of said lease under said tenant with the agreed upon terms which are attached. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Council Member Ruben Wills’ lease is approved by the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors. Moved by: Edward Douglass Seconded by: Tim Mercer
Moved by: Ahmed White
Seconded by: Edward Douglass FOR Janine Cross Edward Douglass Ron Hollie Tracey Irvin Jean Randolph-Castro Kamal Saleem Ahmed White
Talib Bey Joe Evans Tim Mercer Mario Turner
Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Ahmed White
FOR Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem
Joe Evans Tim Mercer Mario Turner
ABSTAIN Gary Hawkins Lisa Stark
ABSENT David Jeffries
Janine Cross Joe Mathieu
Eleven for, four absent; motion passes.
Gary Hawkins Lisa Stark
ABSENT David Jeffries
Ten for, one abstain, four absent; motion passes.
Orientation Committee Meeting Minutes for February 2014 Orientation is being conducted twice a month, in the beginning of each month, and at the end of each month. During the month of February, six (6) cooperators were oriented on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 by Management/Allocations and six (6) cooperators on Saturday, February 22, 2014 by the Board of Directors for a total of twelve (12) overall. All attendees were fully briefed on the cooperative before completely moving in. They received their keys and booklets and were also informed on all of the do’s and don’ts required by the cooperative. Respectfully submitted by, Talib Bey, Chairperson Orientation Committee
Meeting Minutes for March 2014 Orientation is being conducted twice a month, in the beginning of each month, and at the end of each month. During the month of March, three (3) cooperators were oriented on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 by Management/Allocations and ten (10) cooperators on Saturday, March 22, 2014 by the Board of Directors for a total of thirteen (13) overall. All attendees were fully briefed on the cooperative before completely moving in. They received their keys and booklets and were also informed on all of the do’s and don’ts required by the cooperative. Respectfully submitted by, Talib Bey, Chairperson Orientation Committee
Joe Mathieu
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March 2014
See What’s Going On in, and Around Our Community... a Little Something for Everyone!
Rochdale Village Community Calendar
ROCHDALE VILLAGE BULLETIN
Share What’s Happening in Our Community 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 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.
Largest housing cooperative 718-276-5700 • rochdalebulletin@gmail.com
169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434
Susan Van Brackle
Managing Editor
Lelio Andre Dalencour Assistant Editor
Anthony Blake, Ed Miller, Marjorie Robinson, Gloria Williams REGULAR 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.
March 2014
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HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE FOR ROCHDALE VILLAGE SHAREHOLDERS Always wanted to improve your living space, but you weren’t sure what is and is not permissible? All cooperators are able to make modifications to their apartments—with some limitations. This guide will equip you to upgrade your home to be all that you imagined it to be! Read below to learn about apartment upgrades, and how they affect your apartment’s value.
HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW AT RV
Multiple vendors have been invited to sell their products at the upcoming Home Improvement Expo; Rochdale Village Inc. encourages shareholders to upgrade and maintain their apartments but does not endorse any of the items sold. Vendors at the fair are each responsible for their own product(s). Rochdale Village Inc. is not party to any sale between the vendor(s) and purchaser(s), nor does Rochdale Village Inc. warranty any products purchased by a shareholder.
CLOSET DOORS
If a cooperator replaces their closet doors they will not be charged for the doors when they move out, provided that the replacement doors are in good condition with similar design and materials.
THE VALUE OF KITCHEN CABINETRY
Kitchen cabinets may be left behind when you move out as a part of the apartment sale, provided they are in good condition, with standard finishes and conventional design. Cabinets that do not meet these requirements will be removed and replaced with Rochdale Village Inc. cabinets. This is done as Rochdale Village Inc. only keeps repair/replacement parts for the cabinets it sells and cannot repair/replace parts from other vendors. Moreover, you will be charged for the removal and replacement (deducted from equity reimbursement) should the incoming cooperator refuse your cabinet selection.
Did you know? Earth Hour takes place on March 29, 8:30-9:30pm (EST). Power down all lights and devices during that time for the environment!
A NOTE ABOUT SINKS
Cooperators purchasing new sinks other than those from Rochdale Village Inc. either from the bathroom or kitchen will be responsible if the new sink unreasonably prevents Rochdale Village from making a repair, i.e. backups, replacement washers, etc. The cooperator will have to hire a plumber to make such repairs when needed. Rochdale Village does not keep replacement parts for sinks it doesn’t sell or stock.
TAKE BATHTUB LINERS WITH YOU
Cooperators installing bathtub liners are responsible, at their own expense, to remove and reinstall such liners if the need arises for Rochdale Village to make plumbing repairs. Any and all problems associated with the bathtub liner will be the responsibility of the cooperator.
March 2014
Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 27
MOVING IN, MOVING OUT, AND ACCEPTING NEW FURNITURE When moving in, out, or accepting new furniture, you must obtain a permit from the Allocations Department. You may only move items between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. The Allocations Department should be notified no less than one day in advance for a permit.
CONSIDER ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS (APPROXIMATE) Elevator dimensions should be considered when ordering new appliances or furniture: • • • • • •
Elevator door to the rear wall 50 inches Front wall to rear wall 42 inches Front wall to rear rail 40 inches Elevator Width 70 inches Floor to Ceiling 94 inches Elevator Door 36” x 83”
APARTMENT INSPECTIONS Apartment inspections take place six months after you move in, then annually thereafter.
WHAT’S IN/WHAT’S OUT IN RV APARTMENTS: IN: • Ovens • Microwaves • Entertainment Systems • Cable • Hair dryers • Computers
OUT: • Dishwashers • Laundry machines • Animals • Satellite dishes • Terrace enclosures
Page 28
Rochdale Village Bulletin
March 2014