THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
Vol. 55 No. 10
RV Management’s got your homes Covered!
September 2019
SERVING OVER 25,000 SHAREHOLDERS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
RV Management...
• Recovers $2.1 million in back Shelter Rent • Earns RV immediate tax savings • Secures Millions in tax abatements to RV, FOREVER
MANAGEMENT CLOSES ON $195,000,000 Refinance for Rochdale!
Story on pages 1 and 10
by
I
Susan Van Brackle
t took astute expense management and a cracker jack team at Rochdale Village to not only secure an immediate tax windfall for the cooperative but also millions of dollars in tax revenues in perpetuity. That’s FOREVER folks. Yes, forever, forever, ever, forever, ever. Only a year ago, officers of Rochdale’s management team received an exorbitant Shelter Rent
bill on behalf of the complex. The invoice charged Rochdale Village Inc. retroactively capturing years 2014 through 2018 and totaled approximately $2.1 million dollars. Management’s initial reaction to an additional NYC tax assessment of $1.2 million dollars charged to Rochdale Village in 2018 for years 2014/15 was ‘You must be kidding me!’ However, once the shock and awe of this looming payment wore off, management began a deep-dive into how an amount like this could (Continued page 10)
NYPD Police Officers meet in partnership with Rochdale Village Public Safety.
President’s - Pg. 2 Annual | General 4 | Report Youth-Planning’s ArtCommittee Gallery - Pgs. 14 &-17Pg. 22 | Notice ofReport Stockholders MeetingManager’s - Pg. 2 | Report General- Pg. Manager’s Pg. 4 | RV Reports
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RV Public Safety Committee’s Focus on Summer Safety Page 13 In Pg. 25 28& 28 | RemembranceHomegoings - Pgs.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
September 2019
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 Clifton Stanley Diaz President Jean Randolph-Castro Vice Presidents Talib Bey Mario Turner Jean Hall Timothy Mercer Treasurer Barbara Staples Assistant Treasurer Lisa Stark Secretary Joyce Williams Assistant Secretary Maryam Hubbard
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Talib Bey Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Ed Douglass Joe Evans Jean Hall Gary Hawkins Maryam Hubbard Tim Mercer Kamal Saleem Barbara Staples Lisa Stark Mario Turner Glynis Urquhart Joyce Williams Mark Busgang (State Representative)
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Budget & Finance Lisa Stark Commercial Services Timothy Mercer Community Center Jean Randolph-Castro Community Relations Maryam Hubbard Legal & Management Jean Randolph-Castro Maintenance Jean Hall Orientation Clifton Stanley Diaz Public Safety Talib Bey Senior Citizens Joyce Williams Youth Planning Mario Turner Environmental Conservation Kamal Saleem Parking Clifton Stanley Diaz Information Technology Kamal Saleem/Maryam Hubbard MANAGEMENT Managing Agent Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. General Manager Marion Scott Assistant Managers Lance Williams, MSI and Jay Williams, RVI Controller William Young Deputy Director of Maintenance Corey Jones Public Safety Chief (Interim) Adolph Osback Power Plant Director Gilbert Francisco Human Resource Director Dolores Benner General Counsel Robert Bernstein
Rochdale’s next Board of Directors meeting is Monday, October 28, 2019 at 7:45 p.m., in rooms 11/12/13.
September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin Paid Advertisement
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September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Monthly Report Monthly Report
-- by by Marion Marion Scott Scott
General Manager’s Monthly Report for August 2019 Rochdale is in Good Hands
Through action, reflection, study and synthesis we have strived to make Rochdale Village the most enjoyable living experience possible. Our management philosophy is based upon “high expectations”, and we expect Rochdale to be as new everyday. Without throwing flowers into our garden, it is safe to say, that after 25 years of dedicated attention we have exceeded our expectations and by all objective standards Rochdale surely looks as new every day. Housing management is a living process that requires performance, experience, action and knowledge. Our management team led by Herb Freedman, Lance Williams and Jay Williams have given us peak performance. I am particularly proud of how Lance and Jay have grown in their roles. Their knowledge, experience and professionalism provides in depth coverage and reciprocal support. They have dedicated themselves to the proposition that Rochdale will always be the “Jewel of Jamaica”, and “high expectations” will be their personal mantra which inspires them to be the very best they can be. Thank you Herb, Jay and Lance.
Meeting the Needs of the Community
With every project we’ve undertaken over the past quarter century, our number one concern is to make improvements that sustain and enhance the quality of living for all cooperators. To date we have effectively managed and completed well over $100 million in capital improvements campus-wide. Starting with the 1987 workout agreement we completed underground pipes replacement affecting our dual temperature and steam and condensate systems which are responsible for the distribution of heating and cooling as well as domestic hot water from our power plant to the buildings. With the 2003 refinance, our management team oversaw a window replacement program for all residential
buildings, inspection and repair of building façades, upgrades to the power plants electrical distribution equipment and replacing 120 elevator controls while adding cameras to each elevator car. We began the process of installing GFCI outlets in every unit, replacing with new all lobby air-handling units and upgrading all 20 buildings’ emergency generators with the 2011 loan. The 2014 refinance allowed for the rehabilitation of the shopping center (large mall) and community center in addition to the repaving and expansion of six (6) parking lots and four (4) new high efficiency boilers. In all cases we were able to leverage “other people’s money” to get the necessary work done while keeping Rochdale affordable; a philosophy we continue to subscribe to today. I won’t bore you with the details of every project slated with the pending $195 million recapitalization however, the replacement of convectors in every unit, repaving and/or reconfiguring of parking lots not previously done to add much needed parking and the addition of security cameras site-wide supports my assertion that this management team is prepared to meet current and future needs for Rochdale Villagers.
Mastering the Fundamentals
Every one of these projects is funded by the housing company which is sustained by your money as Rochdale does not receive any government aid or subsidies. Shareholder carrying charges is the vitality of a property. Our rent collection policy is administered evenly and across the board in fairness to everyone. The majority of the shareholders pay their monthly carrying charges on time and in full with no problem. There is an amorphous group of about 400 shareholders who struggle to meet their monthly assessments, thereby causing the corporation to spend an enormous amounts in court cost and legal fees. We recognized that management can’t be pitiless when it comes to collect-
ing past due carrying charges. Life isn’t always smooth and sometimes all a shareholder needs is a little help getting back on their feet. If they have a reasonable explanation why they will be late we will give them every consideration, rather than just not paying without offering an explanation. Multiple shareholders in arrears is costly both in legal fees and a disproportionate amount of staff time. At the end of the day there is a simple view of the problem, it’s their job to pay the rent our job to collect the rent.
Without You There is No Rochdale
As essential and relative to rent collection, there has to be warm bodies in the apartments. Our occupancy rate track record at Rochdale is stellar and surpasses industry preferred standards. Over the past decade plus, we have maintained a ninety-nine percent (99%) occupancy rate (or 1% or less vacancy). Collecting carrying charges would be a moot point with no one to collect from so MSI strives to keep the apartments filled with an aggressive approach to selling units. While filling apartments are imperative, just as important is the quality of incoming shareholders. We have devised one of the more stringent resident selection plans in the entire Mitchell-Lama portfolio. In order to become a member of this community one must have the pre-requisite credit history (680 or higher FICO score), full background check, pass a home inspection, and provide both landlord and employment verifications. In short, every incoming shareholder has to pass the “sniff test”. MSI takes great pride in our ability to provide quality services and implementing policies and procedures that continue to make Rochdale thrive. We work diligently to make this a community that not only attracts new residents but one where future and current shareholders call home for many years to come.
September 2019
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Profit and Loss Financial Statement Narrative: July FY 2019 Explanation of Significant Fluctuations
To ALL Board Members and Cooperators: OPERATING INCOME BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND INCOME TAXES MONTH: For the Month of JULY 2019, Operating Income decreased $(123,000 to $241,000 as compared to $365,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to increased shelter rent taxes YEAR-TO-DATE: For the year to date period ending JULY 2019 (4 months), Operating Income increased approximately $527,000 to $2,293,000 as compared to $1,765,000 in the Budget. The most significant variances are explained in the individual categories below: PRIOR YEAR For the 4 months ended JULY FY 2020 as compared to the same period in FY2019 For the 4 months ended JULY 2019, Operating income decreased $(1,846,000) to $2,293,000 as compared to $4,139,000 in FY 2019. The decrease is principally related to the sale of cell tower income stream
in FY 2019.
salaries were not at full staff, lower lawn sprinkler expenses and lower LandscapREVENUE ing labor expenses principally due to For the Month and Year-to-date JULY timing of work. 2019, revenue remained relatively in-line with the Budget YEAR-TO-DATE- Janitorial & Grounds expenses for the year decreased approxiTOTAL EXPENSES mately $(382,000) to $2,192,000 as compared to $2,575,000 in the Budget. This MONTH decrease is principally due to a decrease For the month of JULY 2019, total expens- in salaries that relate to the Budget rees were in line with the Budget. flecting a full staff and the actual payroll was less than full staff. For the 4 months ended JULY FY 2020,total expenses decreased $(497,000) or POWER PLANT (2.1%) to $24,126,000 from $24,623,000 in the Budget. The most significant vari- MONTH: ances are explained in each expense cat- For the month of JULY 2019, Power egory below: Plant expenses increased approximately $78,000 to $1,614,000 as compared to JANITORIAL & GROUNDS $1,536,000 in the FY 2019 Budget. This increase is principally due to expenses MONTH: related to an increase in Fuel costs from For the month of JULY 2019, Janitorial National Grid that were higher than the & Grounds expenses decreased approxi- Budget anticipated. mately $(91,000) to $494,000 as compared to $586,000 in the FY 2019 Bud- YEAR-TO-DATE- Power Plant expensget. This decrease is principally due to a es for the year increased approximately decrease in Groundsmen salaries due to $179,000 to $5,679,000 as compared to the Budget being aT full staff and actual $5,550,000 in the Budget. This increase
Rochdale Village, Inc. CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT Fiscal Year 2019 (for the months ended July 31, 2019)
is principally due to expenses related to an increase in Fuel costs from National Grid that were higher than the Budget anticipated. . INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE TAXES MONTH: For the month of JULY 2019, Insurance and Real Estate expenses increased approximately $295,000 to $911,000 as compared to $616,000 in the FY 2019 Budget. This increase is principally due to tax adjustments received in July that were not anticipated in the Budget. YEAR-TO-DATE- Insurance and Real Estate expenses for the year increased approximately $306,000 to $2,770,000 as compared to $2,464000 in the Budget. This increase is principally due to tax adjustments received in July that were not anticipated in the Budget. ALL OTHER EXPENSES – All other expenses either increased or decreased slightly or were relatively in-line with the Budget.
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September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Rochdale Village, Inc. BALANCE SHEET FY 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Rochdale Village, Inc. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
AGING FY 2020
September 2019
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Activity FY 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Carrying Charges (ONLY) >$100 in Aging FY 2019 and 2020
Rochdale Village Inc. Community Center Profit & Loss Statement FY 2019 and 2020 Actual vs. Budget
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September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Public Safety Report
- by Chief Adolph Osback
Public Safety Monthly Report August 2019
Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale Village Public Safety Department during the month of August 2019. Public Safety maintains 24 hour /7 days a week coverage.
COMPLAINTS: 1. During the month of August 2019, the Public Safety Department has continued to focus attention on loitering, trespassing, noise complaints and all other quality of life violations. As a result, Public Safety Department officers responded to a total of (64) loitering and (99) noise complaints from Cooperators which were resolved as follows: a) Founded-Compliant- (31) Loiterers complied with officers’ directives to leave and (49) of the noise complaint sources corrected the volume of the noise. b) Unfounded Calls- (22) unfounded loitering complaints and (49) unfounded noise complaints (officers responded but no loiterers were present or no noise could be heard).
c) Founded/Non-Compliant Calls- Loitering individuals and noise complaints - Non-compliant of directives – (11) received violations for loitering and (1) received a violation for noise complaints.
For the month of August 2019 there was a grand total of (1) arrest made on Rochdale Village Grounds. The Public Safety Department will continue to organize in order to better serve the Rochdale Village community. DVR UNIT ACTIVITY: RISK MANAGEMENT INCIDENTS 30 INVESTIGATIVE INCIDENTS 47 VIOLATIONS ISSUED 00 RELATED ARREST INCIDENTS 01 FIRE INCIDENTS 00 TOTAL INCIDENTS 78 TASK FORCE UNIT ACTIVITIES: Conducted (118) Directed & Routine Verticals. • Made (0) arrests, issued (0) Trespass Notifications, issued (0) C-Summonses, issued (5) violations to include (3) for loitering and encountered (72) Loiterers during routine & directed patrols. • Responded to assigned calls from Central Dispatch (5). • Conducted (5) Tenant Verifications TOWING ACTIVITY The Public Safety Department towed (10) vehicles and issued (162) warning stickers for the violation of various parking rules throughout the complex. Routine and *Directed Vertical Patrols by Rochdale Public Safety Officers and Supervisors: Vertical patrols are conducted on a daily basis. Officers and Supervisors patrol the stairwells, hallways, rooftops and parking lots at different hours in an effort to curtail unlawful activities. *Directed verticals are additional post inspections performed in order to proactively reduce Quality of Life conditions in designated “Hot Spots” as determined by community complaints and the analysis of various patrol reports.
BUILDING VERTICALS, GROUND FLOOR INSPECTIONS AND PARKING LOT CHECKS: 4731 *DIRECTED VERTICALS: 300 TOTAL POST INSPECTIONS: 5031
PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDED TO CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE 721 REFFERED CALLS TO MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT. 758 TOTAL CALLS RECEIVED FOR ASSISTANCE: 1479 COOPERATOR ESCORTS: 107 AIDED SICK/ INJURY & ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENTS: 80 TOTAL INCIDENT REPORTS GENERATED: 137 MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER: 1514 ARREST(S): IN HOUSE DETAINED: GRAND TOTAL OF ARRESTS:
1 0 1
VIOLATIONS ISSUED: 49 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO: 07 EVICTION(S): 02
VIOLATIONS Listed are the classifications of Notice of Violations issued: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
CLASSIFICATION Illegal Move out Illegal Move in Negligence Harboring a Pet Noise Complaint Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Language Loitering Illegal Sublet/Occupant Damage to Rochdale Property Littering Failure to Comply Reckless Endangerment Illegal installation of a camera Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance Criminal Activities Creating Fire Hazard Urinating/Defecation in Public Drinking Alcohol in Public (Open Containers) Gas Leak Trespass Offensive Apt. Odor Verbal Harassment Walking Dog on Premises Throwing things out the window Illegal Parking Health Hazzard Resisting Arrest Assault on Rochdale Village Personnel Bulk/Improperly Discarded Garbage Refusing to show ID Unauthorized Air Conditioner Theft of Property Curfew Smoking in unauthorized area Move In After Hours Assault Riding Bike On Property Reckless Driving Property Damage Delivery After Hours BBQ on Terrace Smoke Condition Total
AMOUNT 2 2 8 2 1 3 2 3 0 1 7 0 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 49
September 2019
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Monthly Report
- by Claude LeBorde
Contract Summary/Status — August 2019
Projects (Open):
Contract Awarded: Contract Amount:
6/12/17 NTE $100,000 per year (2-year contract)
Project: Contractor: Contract Awarded: Contract Amount: Paid to date: Status: Funding Source:
Asphalt Paving Stasi Brothers Asphalt Corp. 4/20/17 NTE $100,000 per year (2-year contract) $97,712.34 HM-23 pending at HCR Operations
Project: Contractor: Contract Awarded: Contract Amount: Paid to date: Status: Funding Source:
Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System (Large Mall) Elmhurst Electric Corp. 12/6/17 $815,000 $137,100 ($87,600 for P & P Bonds) Sprinkler – Work is in progress on the second floor. HCR Reserves
Project: Contractor: Contract Awarded: Contract Amount: Paid to date: Status: Funding Source:
Building Pipe Insulation Anglin Insulation Services Awaiting installation of fans. 6/5/18 Funding Source: Wells Fargo Escrow $138,190.00 $138,122.55 Complete – Phase 2 HM-23 pending at HCR HCR Reserves
Paid to date: $100,008 Status: Bids were received 9/4/19 and are currently being reviewed. Funding Source: HCR Reserves Project: Consultant: Contractor:
Brownfield Cleanup Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna LLP Tenen Environmental Sigma Maintenance & Restoration
Status: The NYCDEP mandated the installation of de pressurization wells in selected commercial stores in both malls. Mall 1 - Complete. Awaiting Consultant final report. Mall 2 - Pressure monitoring, suction pits and piping complete.
Projects – (Completed:
Project: Laundry Room Services & Renovations Contractor: Woodside Super Laundry Contract Awarded: Five (5) year extension granted on 3/26/18 Contract Amount: Monthly payments to Rochdale of $72,572 in year 1 with increases up to $76,862 over the 5-year period Paid to date: N/A Status: All Buildings have been renovated. The Keri Key system with sensors was completed in all Groups on 5/10/19.
Project: Parking Lot & Walkway Restoration Contractor: City & County Paving Contract Awarded: 9/2016 Contract Amount: $2,520,420 Paid to date: $2,520,420 (final payment to contractor on 12/6/18) Status: Complete (Lot #7 completed with the addition of 21 new spaces) Funding Source: Wells Fargo Escrow
Project: Contractor: Contract Awarded: Contract Amount: Paid to date: Status: Funding Source:
Building Group Directional Signs Youn Design 12/12/17 $80,000 $25,710 The NYC Department of Buildings has ap proved work permits. Color samples have been approved by Management. Shop draw ing have been approved by our Architect, Rob ert J. Stahl and the Contractor. Youn Design has revised their schedule. Work in Group 4 will start on 9/12/19. Operations
Project: Community Center Roof Repairs Contractor: AM&G Waterproofing Contract Awarded: 4/11/18 Contract Amount: $1,795,000 reduced by $72,325 resulting price $1,722,675 Paid to date: $1,550,407 Status: Complete (Awaiting sign off and warranties) Funding Source: Wells Fargo Escrow Project: Façade – Building #5 (Group 2) bulging bricks Contractor Proto Construction Corp. Contract Amount: $51,345.45 Paid to date: $0 Status: Complete Funding Source: HCR Reserves
Project: Contractor: Contract Awarded: Contract Amount: Paid to date: Status: Funding Source:
Mall Pylon Signs Youn Design 12/26/18 $113,300 $22,500 Waiting for work permit which is contingent upon Architectural pylon construction footing. Structural borings were completed on 6/5/19. Wells Fargo Escrow
Project: Consultant:
Air Monitoring-Various Locations A & B Inspection Services Corp.
ROOF LEAK RENOVATION: 1. Building 7C, Apt. 13C 2. Building 20C, Apt. 13A 3. Mall 1 – OB’S Restaurant 4. Building 17C, Apt. 13B 5. Building 19B, Apt. 13B 6. Mall 2 – Dry Cleaning 7. Building 7A, Apt. 13E 8. Mall 1 – Post Office 9. Building 1A, Apt. 13A
(Completed January 2019) (Completed January 2019) (Completed January 2019) (Completed February 2019) (Completed March 2019) (Completed March 2019) (Completed June 2019) (Completed June 2019) (Completed August 2019)
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
September 2019
Management secures Shelter Rent windfall for Rochdale Village (continued from page 1) have possibly occurred. In order for managemant to challenge the expense in a court of law the group first had to contest against the calculation New York State Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) used to arrive at the Shelter Rent amount. As Rochdale’s advocate and supervising agency, HCR is charged with and responsible for accurately and properly calculating Rochdale’s Shelter Rent in accordance with Private Housing Finance Law Section 33. Each year, HCR calculates estimated Shelter Rent for that year and forwards the amount of Shelter Rent to the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) and Rochdale’s mortgage lender, Wells Fargo. Subsequent to HCR’s estimated Shelter Rent calculation, HCR prepares a Final Shelter Rent calculation based upon Audited Financial Statements and forwards that amount of Shelter Rent to the DOF and Rochdale’s mortgage lender, Wells Fargo. Sounds reasonable so far however, if HCR’s calculation is off by any measure then the bill to Rochdale is also potentially off and most likely not in our favor.
gust 2019 issue of the Rochdale Village Bulletin, instead of real estate taxes based upon assessed value as a Mitchell-Lama affordable housing development, Rochdale pays what is called Shelter Rent. Shelter rent is calculated by taking the total rent (carrying charges) received from occupants plus several other revenue related items, less the cost of providing electricity, gas, heat and other utilities multiplied by 10% (carrying charge income plus several other revenue related items less utilities) x 10%). For example, if a housing company has rental income of $1 million with a total cost of $250,000 for utilities. The shelter rent in this example would be $75,000 ($1 million - $250,000 = $750,000 x 10% = $75,000). In a normal world this calculation would suffice however, when you introduce the fact that Rochdale produces its own power there are other considerations that must be accounted for. In the case of Rochdale Village, the corporation is in fact its own utilities manager. The co-op and the plant that powers it is How is Shelter Rent Calculated a self managed energy source that According to a recent General is entirely ‘off the grid’. HCR neManager’s report published in the Au- glected to consider this fact.
Negotiating Rochdale’s Settlement Management and Rochdale’s corporate counsel argued, in a court of law, that if utilities are to be deducted from the Shelter Rent equation then Rochdale Village, Inc. as a utility producer, is also able to deduct related overhead costs for the years they were billed. An article 78 legal proceeding against the City and HCR was initiated by Rochdale Village Inc. to protest the calculations of Rochdale’s Shelter Rent. The premise for the protest was that since Rochdale produces its own utilities there are more items in Rochdale’s budget, which should be included in the calculation. The power plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. There are significant costs associated with running and maintaining the power plant. The power plant has an operating staff of engineers, operators, and mechanics. The staff performs preventive maintenance on all plant equipment to assure that the plant is safe and reliable. There is also the cost of management of the power plant, regular maintenance/ cleaning, purchases of significant equipment and replacement of fixed assets, security, property taxes, etc. Negotiations took place first
with HCR which resulted in an agreement whereby 11.8% of various budget items were accepted for use in the calculations. The agreement with HCR resulted in a reduction of Shelter Rent calculations for years 2014 through 2018. Due to this agreement, management budgeted for a decreased shelter rent, which included a retroactive Shelter Rent credit from years 2014 through 2018 of approximately $2.1 million. The parties to the litigation agreed to settle the case with Rochdale’s management team. Then with appropriate utility expenses finally taken into consideration by HCR and New York City, Rochdale Village now stands to pay approximately $400,000 in Shelter Rent taxes every year due to the change in the Shelter Rent calculation. Moreover, Rochdale Village Inc. is the only housing cooperative in New York City to ever gain this form of tax reduction. These annual funds will continue to help keep carrying charges low at Rochdale Village, will yield millions of dollars to the cooperative over the course of time and will result in lower tax payments due to the offset of utilities expenses generated by management of the cooperative’s power plant.
Free computer technology and skills training available for high schoolers at RV By Susan Van Brackle
I
t was only a year ago that the Rochdale Village Bulletin introduced Rochdale Village Social Services (RVSS) and P.S. 80Q to technology driven programs taking place at Microsoft’s midtown headquarters in Manhattan. Through this introduction, non-profit RVSS is now able to offer a free computer technology and technical skills training colloquia that will integrate onsite computer lab sessions at Rochdale Village with periodic trips for tech skills training at Microsoft’s flagship education center on fifth avenue. This latest youth program offered by RVSS is earmarked specifically for high school students. Initial program plans specify that weekly 10 a.m. to noon Saturday classes will be held in the Rochdale Village Community Center's
Computer Lab and is scheduled to begin October 12, 2019. Saturday classes will be mixed with periodic charter bus trips to Microsoft where pre-arranged computer classroom workshops will be held. Curlene Nelson has been vetted for the role of Technology instructor for RVSS as appointed by executive director Darius George and board vice president Kevin Dilworth. Ms. Nelson has held a similar position in the Rochdale Community Center previously. Student seats are limited to the 14 computer stations that are available in Rochdale’s tech room therefore registration is on a first come, first served basis. This class is made possible due to a $20,000 discretionary funding award made available to RVSS by City Council member Adrienne E. Adams. Coursework may include
website design, coding, resume writing, product branding, and all aspects of Microsoft Office (including Power Point and Word's Resume Assistant powered by LinkedIn). Students will also be taught how to create and maintain a strong foundation in software development; real life skills; how to create and maintain a data base; how to manage a project; and how to create animation. Microsoft offers pre-arranged workshops on Getting to Know Windows 10; Office Fundamentals; PC safety and performance; On-Line Safety; Create digital art; Create one's own videos; how to start your own business; Word; Excel; OneNote; how to access and use all apps in Office or Office 365; how LinkedIn tools can be used for marketing, selling, hiring and learning; and how to de-
velop head shots for one’s profile. Thanks to the New York City Council’s Discretionary Funding award, the Computer Technology and Technical Skills Training, Academic Success Tutoring Program, Critical Thinking Through Chess, RVSS’s ability to underwrite part of the transportation, room and board costs of Teen Lift (an annual Easter week tour of colleges sponsored by the Queens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) have become realities. For the second year in a row, City Council member Adrienne E. Adams - who represents the 28th City Council district that comprises Rochdale Village, parts of Jamaica, South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill - is providing RVSS with an unprecedented $65,000 in funding for those four youth oriented programs in 2019-20.
September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Paid Advertisement
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
September 2019
Councilmember Adams requests community input for 2020 Participatory Budgeting By Susan Van Brackle Olayemi Okeniyi
I
t’s Participatory Budgeting season once again! This is the time when residents have an opportunity to provide input on how discretionary funding for southeast Queens’s district 28 will get spent. This year, funding amounts went towards capital improvements in schools, libraries and other needful areas in our part of the borough. Councilmember Adrienne Adams organized a Participatory Budgeting session at Rochdale’s community center on Wednesday, September 25. One million dollars of the councilmember’s discretionary funding is already allotted for community development through participatory budgeting. Ms. Adams’s deputy chief of staff and budget director, Katherine Mooney led Wednesday’s meeting to gather ideas for the Participatory Budgeting program. According to
Ms. Mooney, participatory budgeting is a democratic process by which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. Everyone who lives, works and has connections to district 28 and sees an unfilled need can make a suggestion however, only registered voters have a say about which projects get funded when they vote next spring. Mooney also added that all suggestions must be equitable and feasible. In order for a project to be eligible for funding, the project must cost at least $50,000 but no more than $1 million dollars. The project should also have a lifespan of at least five years. This is the second time Councilmember Adams has allocated funds through the participatory budgeting process in district 28. Last year’s budgeting suggestions and votes provided by the community resulted in monies being allocated towards tech upgrades in libraries and schools, high school renovations, and real time rider informa-
tion for bus stops. Rochdale seniors that attended the September 25 meeting submitted their budgeting recommendations and were encouraged by budget director Katherine Mooney to be as specific and descriptive as possible. “Don’t just ask for a new playground, ask for a swing set, two slides, concrete floors and three giant monkey bars with seven overhead lights. This will help us determine the cost and prevent people from being disappointed when the outcome does not match their idea,” she said. Cooperators that were unable to attend the idea collection session for Participatory Budgeting can go online to: ideas.pbnyc.org and submit their ideas. People can also read and comment on the ideas of others on the participatory budgeting website. Friday, October 11 is the deadline for new budgetary ideas. Submissions after that date will be deferred until 2020 for the year 2021.
Process for registering cooperator complaints with Ombudsman at Rochdale Village
G
len Keller is Rochdale’s ombudsman. He is the cooperator’s liaison to management that will register complaints and streamline resolutions for you. Mr. Keller is located in the Rochdale Village Management office and is available for scheduled appointments Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The campus is closed for lunch between 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily and 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Fridays. Some of the top complaints that land on Mr. Keller’s desk include excessive noise, loitering, park-
ing grievances, pets and noxious fumes (aka pot smoking) just to name a few. Cooperators may download a complaint form online at rochdalevillage.com or residents can fill out a complaint form during a scheduled visit with Mr. Keller. Residents that download the form from the website must bring their paperwork to the Management Office for Mr. Keller’s record keeping during their scheduled appointment. You will get a copy of the complaint and a copy of the complaint will also be
filed with Rochdale and its corresponding department for follow up. Complaints to the ombudsman may also be called in at 718-276-5700. The front desk will direct the call appropriately. Please know that Rochdale Village Management values your right to quiet enjoyment in your apartment. Complaint forms come in triplicate – Pink - stays with individual filing complaint Yellow – will be saved at rochdale village White – goes to the related department
September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 13
Public Safety Committee Focuses on Summer Safety at Rochdale Village
R
ochdale Village, coined the Jewel of Jamaica, has notably always been a diamond in the ruff. This statement is exemplified in many ways from our beautiful park settings, large apartments, affordability and our lower than average crime rate compared to the greater South Jamaica area. Even though crime overall is on a downward trend, this past summer the five boroughs experienced a spike in gang violence. We were fortunate that of the three shooting incidents that occurred, we saw no victims and no injuries. However, there was more at work than luck in ensuring our ongoing safety in the Village. Public Safety Committee Chair, Talib Bey, and Co-Chair, Clifton Stanley Diaz, in conjunction with Management and the 113th Precinct’s Commander Jerry O’Sullivan meet several times to strategize safety steps for Rochdale moving forward. As a result of these meetings, Rochdale saw an uptick in police presence in all circles, patrols through our grounds, throughout Family Day and during the 4th of July Extravaganza Event. Their omnipresence acting as a deterrent, welcomed by the community and Public Safety staff in the wake of the summer’s earlier incidents. Also behind the scenes, Public Safety’s supervisory staff and the 113th Precinct expanded on communications and intelligence sharing. This helped to identify wanted perpetrators leading to the arrest of several individuals and the recovery of one firearm. The Public Safety Committee also met
Detective Chris Bonomo volunteers to patrol Rochdale with K-9 partner ‘Kate’. with Management to push for extra high definition camera coverage and enhanced lighting for areas that tend to experience elevated activity. Such coverage will enable Rochdale Village to easily identify individuals suspected of engaging in illicit activities. This is a prime example of what can be accomplished when different groups are able to come together and pool resources towards a common goal. Rochdale wants to extend a special thanks
to commander Jerry O’Sullivan and Detective Chris Bonomo of the Emergency Service Unit Canine Team for providing support in this critical time. The concept of walking lockstep with our neighbors, neighborhood police and politicians to get things done is the underlying fabric that make up a community. Let’s expand on this collaboration to include the community at large so that we can continue to uplift South Jamaica.
Senior Center’s Roses and Gold bash illuminates July, August and September birthdays By Olayemi Okeniyi oses and Gold was the theme for the quarterly Senior Center celebration of members whose birth dates fall within the months of July, August and September . The birthday bash was held on Friday, September 20, 2019. Several seniors in their glittering rose and gold attire arrived early forming quite a line before the grand ballroom doors opened to receive them. Cooperator, Winnifred MacFarlane, was honored among the birthday celebrants. Ms. MacFarlane turned 102 years young earlier this month on September 2, 2019. Her two daughters Lois Lemasney and Ruby Bygrave accompanied their mother to the Roses and Gold party in order to help her celebrate the auspicious
occasion. According to Ms. Lemasney, her mother has always loved to help others. That is what dictated her calling as a nursing aide, work she continued to do well into her 80’s. She also added that when her mother moved to Rochdale Village over 10 years ago, she quickly became an active member of the senior center, until a recent illness put her out of commission. Both daughters acknowledged that 102 was considerable in age but declared that as long as their mother was happy, they wished her many more years. Almost 80 members in attendance celebrated their birthdays within the specified three months and several of them and their friends took advantage of Senior Center’s themed party that celebrates another year of life.
Many participants took the theme of gold to heart. Revelers showed up in an array of gold and yellow attire ready to eat, dance and generally have a good time with their friends. Rochdale Senior Center Director, Ms. Sheree Shivers acknowledged that a lot of planning and effort went into preparation for the themed celebration, but that it was all worth it at the end of the day to see the seniors having a great time out on the dance floor. The event ended with a raffle. Three lucky attendees walked away with baskets full of goodies. The Rochdale Village Senior Center hosts quarterly birthday recognition celebrations that are wildly successful. Next up: October, November and December. To reserve your space, contact the Rochdale Village Senior Center at 718-525-2800 extension 1.
Winnifred McFarlane (seated) flanked by her daughters and RVSC Director Sheree Shivers and coordinator Evelyn Wilson.
Just a few of the July, August, September birthday celebrants at the Roses and Gold.
Senior Center volunteers (l. to r.) Rosalind Mayfield, Gloria Williams, Sandy Thomas and Dorothy Ray.
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September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
ROCHDALE SENIOR CENTER HELP FIGHT GERMS, LIKE FLU (Best way to protect yourself, other team members and loved ones this season)
DATE:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
Walgreens pharmacists will be on hand to administer flu shots at this location
LOCATION: ROCHDALE SENIOR CENTER 169-65 137TH AVENUE JAMAICA, NY 11434 – 718 525-2800 TIME:
9:30 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. PLEASE BRING YOUR ID AND INSURANCE CARDS!
PLEASE COME IN OR CALL TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE…. Thank you.
September 2019
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Rochdale Village jump starts breast cancer awareness with its annual march By Olayemi Okeniyi
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aturday September 21, 2019 was a day set aside for breast cancer awareness at Rochdale Village. The Community Center Committee, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, held its fourth annual Cancer Awareness Walk. Volunteers and participants met in front of the community center by the flagpole. Assemblymember Vivian E. Cook was there to show her support as was Councilperson Adrienne Adams.. Most participants hung pink handwritten signs around their necks with the names of friends and loved ones who had won or in some
Musicians from Rochdale’s Elite Marching Band kept the beat as guests marched around Rochdale.
cases lost the battle against cancer. According to Board president, Jean Castro, this is done to acknowledge the fact that everyone is affected by the disease through friends or family members. Ms. Castro spoke on the necessity of taking a stand against cancer. “We walk to fight the fight, it’s our way of turning back cancer,” she said. The walk got underway at 10:30 a.m. It was led by Miss Rochdale Village pageant winners Saaliyah Green and Cristel Flowe. They attended the walk to fulfill duties extended to them by the office of the Miss Rochdale Village Pageant. Ms. Greene and Ms. Flowe were followed closely by the Elite Marching Band,
noted musical performers from this community that set the tempo and the pace of the walk with their musical instruments. Rochdale’s Cancer Awareness Walk was organized by the Community Center Committee to encourage heightened awareness, education and support for those in the Rochdale Village community who have been affected by cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts that cancer diagnoses will increase in the next ten years. This can be combated by early detection. People who detect their cancer earlier have a greater chance of recovery and survival. The procession made its way around three circles before returning to the community center where refreshments were served.
Participants at the cancer awareness march networked and shared experiences.
Participants wore pink signs in remembrance of loved ones affected by cancer.
Members from the American Cancer Society distribute cancer awareness info.
Volunteers at the cancer awareness march sign in marchers and collect donations. Winners of the Miss Rochdale Village pageant join the march for a cure along with dedicated volunteers, friends and guests.
Assemblymember Vivian E. Cook, a longtime advocate for Rochdale Village initiatives.
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September 2019
Rochdale Village Community Center Committee’s Fall Festival Photo credit: Larry Love Moore
The Honorable NYS Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman (D. 29) visited with the Rochdale Village community at this year’s Fall Festival.
The Fall Festival is one of the last opportunities to enjoy outdoor bouncy house at Rochdale Village.
New York City’s Comptroller Scott M. Stringer is a fan favorite that always stops by to network with cooperators and guests at Rochdale’s largest event.
Rochdale’s Fall Festival added something new this year and took gaming to a whole new level at the same time. Video entertainment was trucked in by mobile van so that gamers could game on the go.
Visitors at the Fall Festival made sure to stop by the Mission Marrow booth whose mission is to find suitable matches for bone marrow drives.
Smooth music from Renegade Entertainment got the crowd pumped at Rochdale’s Fall Festival.
September 2019
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The largest outdoor event that Rochdale hosts in southeast Queens. Photo credit: Larry Love Moore
Last year’s Fall Festival was all but rained out. This year vendors enjoyed much better weather.
Rochdale’s Fall Festival brings out a wide variety of vendors that sell everything from food to fashion and more.
New York’s finest from Rochdale’s 113th Precinct even participated in the Fall Festival.
Food is a big part of the fun at the Rochdale Village Fall Festival.
It’s always good to see Councilmember Donovan Richards (r.) at RV’s Fall Festival.
Miss Rochdale Village winners Atiya Bey (l.) and Cristel Flowe (r.) strike the pose with New Even young entrepreneurs, also known as ‘Kidpreneurs’, promoted their wares at York State Senator James Sanders Jr. (center) at the Fall Festival. Rochdale’s Fall Festival.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
September 2019
Maintenance Committee’s Shred Fest Helps RV Protect Against Document Theft
The Maintenance Committee’s Dream Team (l. to r.) Rose Hodgson, Catherine Wyatt, Camilla Williams, Norma Dean, Mary McElvene, Gwen Henderson, Mary Ingram, Margaret Cummings. By Olayemi Okeniyi
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hredding documents is a noted defense against identity theft because it keeps information out of the hands of people who could otherwise use it to commit various types of fraud. That is why the Rochdale Village Maintenance Committee hosts Shred Fest at the community, biannually.Shred Fest is a service that allows residents and people in surrounding communities to come and safely dispose of private, confidential or sensitive documents in a safe controlled environment. On Friday, September 13, members of
the Maintenance Committee and several Rochdale maintenance staff set up an area for shredding documents in the parking lot of Mall One. By nine o’clock, the ‘shreddersaurus’, a truck that is actually a massive paper shredder on wheels, was parked on the loading dock and poised to shred several bins full of documents for the next four hours. Shoppers in the mall, when made aware of the event, hurried home to grab their documents, while a few others resolved to bring their documents to Mall Two on the second day of the Shred Fest, in order to still benefit from the service.
As with past Shred Fests, each person was limited to only two trash bags of documents. After hosting Shred Fest for a few years, most cooperators know to not mix other trash in with their paperwork. Several people waited on the sidelines until the bin with their documents was shredded before going aback to their usual daily chores. Public safety was on hand to help, but things proceeded at a leisurely pace. “We have it down to a science. They come with their documents, it goes in, no drama and then it’s gone,” said committee chairperson Jean Hall.
Team members from the Rochdale Village maintenance staff, maintenance committee volunteers and Public Safety officers like Chief Osback and Special Patrolman Figueroa were on hand to assist the community with safe documents disposal during Shred Fest.
September 2019
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Senior Citizens’ Committee prepares for 2020 Census by hosting job fairs for residents By Susan Van Brackle Olayemi Okeniyi
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embers of the U.S. Census Bureau, Rochdale’s Board of Directors and Senior Citizens Committee organized a job fair on Friday September 6, and Sunday, September 8. More than 150 people participated and even more went directly to www.2020census. gov/jobs to apply for one of the 23,000 temporary 2020 census
jobs for people in the Queens area. Senior Citizens Committee Chairperson, Joyce Williams and Board Director, Glynis Urquhart, led the event designed to increase awareness and reduce misconceptions about the census. The purpose of the census is to allocate Congressional seats by population and to help determine fair resource distribution. According to Ms. Urquhart, there is a tendency in minor-
ity communities to avoid being counted because of a fear of where that information will go. She explained that the Census Bureau is bound by federal law and cannot disclose an individual’s information. “INS, ICE or even Rochdale Village cannot petition or demand the names or information of people who illegally reside in the area from the Census Bureau,” she said. Joyce Williams called on all cooperators to be counted,
(Center) Jamal Baksh, Regional Partnership Specialist from the U.S. Census Bureau, explains the expectations the bureau has for census takers.
“from the littlest baby to the most grown person, it is important that we get the funds and representation we need for our community.” Rochdale resident, Keisha William who took part in the 2000 census recommended the experience. She said it helped her gain a better understanding of her community. The 2020 census will begin on April 1 and will go through May in 2020.
U.S. Census Bureau representative Chang Chaolung (right), explains the application process.
Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Presents…
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For more information contact the Executive office: 718-388-3900
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Rochdale Village Social Services Inc. (RVSS) FREE TUTORING PROGRAM FOR 3RD THRU 12TH GRADERS
LIMITED SPACE. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED.
Program Offers: . One-on one tutoring and homework assistance. . Use of Study Island interactive tutorial program to help students prepare for their NYS Common Core ELA and Math standardized tests.
. Help students maintain and even increase their grade levels of performance.
Dates: Saturdays from October 12, 2019 through May 17, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. to noon Location: Rochdale Village Community Center—Rooms 3 and 15 169-65 137th Ave. Jamaica, NY 11434 �or re��stra�on� �onta�t �ha�e���a �u�us�ne at 7����������� ��t. 7 on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Academic Success Tutoring Program sponsored by the nonprofit RVSS is funded by New York City Council Discre�onary �unds given by Council member Adrienne E. Adams & administered by the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
September 2019
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
~Poetry Corner & Musings...~ Holding Pattern
Manhattan Silhouette
Mind Your Words: Final Say
By Anthony Blake
By Ed Miller
By Alanda I. Wasserman Edwards
Direction with no vision Reason serving no purpose Results on hold obvious The analysis is having a plan Organize and function in command Destiny arriving at destination Assurance in making one’s presentation Having an agenda being fully categorized Remember, you are your own enterprise Now that should make you feel energized The set up shouldn’t be any surprise This will also help your success to rise But be honest within yourself This is about the individual self So turn that holding pattern with a determined direction with a full destined movement So don’t conclude your success, but achieve in soothe.
From New Jersey’s hazy sunrise, Far from Brooklyn’s bright sunset, The vacant image haunts my soul Sounds, sights and silhouettes Two glorious, glistening towers That shadowed the Empire State Became an emblem of chaos Instead of something great We gather to hear every chime Eighteen painful, memorable years Read by baby mourners, adults who Can hardly pronounce through tears What has Bin Laden gained by this Death and destruction, cruelty,hate, A secret deep sea burial, by Navy Seals Who are sworn to secrecy of state Let us pass on the tragedy, the And never forget the innocent loss The terrible price to humanity and life The never ending brutality and cost
Last but not least Chew on the little feast Gossip is no good Its not healthy food for the soul It does not make any one whole It rots a person to their core So lets shut it down it’s a bore Select a kind poem, paint or chore Help someone in need Be the best you can be Build you fellow man up! But lets help each other up You understand Disabilities health injuries No matter what you have If you have breath you still can lend a hand! Be encouraged
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Maintenance Committee
September 2019
Minutes for Thursday, September 12, 2019
The meeting opened at 7:15 p.m.; a total of thirty-seven (37) members signed in. Also, present was Chairperson Jean Hall (JH), Maintenance Director Kelvin Pantaleon (KP), Assistant MainJean Hall tenance Director David George (DG), and Ombudsmen Glen Keller (GK).
behavior should be issued and if the cooperaroom which will identify any machines which tor continues then efforts to revoke their tenare out of order over the weekend. Manageancy should be implemented. ment should use these reports to evaluate the effectiveness and timeliness of service and reGroup 4 pairs.
• Where are the small garbage cans that used to be in the front of the building and at the elevaSpecific issues raised included: tor banks? Cooperators indicated the garbage • Bldg. 14, machines not working properly cans were supposed to be put back. What hapcooperator had to use building 15; pened? Building 15 has no garbage cans and • Various card readers throughout the combuilding 14 has two garbage cans. plex were reported to not be working; • Leaking in the lobby of building 15. • Laundry access in bldg. 8 is problematic, • Mice in building 14.
at times you cannot enter and sometimes Shred Fest cooperators have reported being locked in The Fall Shred Fest will be held tomorrow, the laundry room; Friday, September 13, 2019 in the Big Mall, near Chase Bank (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) and • Laundry room in building 1, has a leak and the push exit door is not working properly; on Saturday, September 14, 2019 in the Small and Mall near the back gate (10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). • Laundry room in building 15 has a leak. Committee members are asked to arrive thirty (30) minutes to the start of the event. We look Cooperator from building 9C, 9A continues to complain regarding leaking pipes and the forward to hosting another successful event. failure of maintenance to properly address the problem. Maintenance Director, Kelvin PanMaintenance Appreciation Day Maintenance Appreciation Day will be held taleon insisted the issue has been addressed. on Friday, September 20, 2019. This year the Chair, JH indicated if the cooperator continues event will be centralized in the community to state the issue is not resolved, then maybe center. The committee wants to make this a a personal visit with the group manager and special event for the entire maintenance staff. maintenance director will be required. This isWe will present an award to Corey Jones, sue must be resolved. former maintenance director for his service; time is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The menu Group Concerns & Issues: consists of sandwiches, fried fish, peas & rice, Group 1 pernil, chicken and vegetable pasta, salads, • Parking lot 1, continues to experience cars parking illegally in someone else’s parking desserts, sodas and juice. The committee will put food aside for the evening crew. All personnel, grounds, buildings, handymen, administrative staff, etc. have been invited to celebrate with us.
Group 5 • Building 19, there is a trip hazard in front of building 19. This has been reported for the last two (2) years and nothing has been done. • Bldg. 13/19 the wooden cattle fence has been removed; please use iron to replace the cattle fences. • Several trip hazards exist in the walkways, repairs are needed. • Building 18, C section, the electrical door panel does not work. • Cooperators feel the entire orientation process needs to be revamped. • People placing garbage under the bench in front of building 17 and public safety allows it. • Incident occurred in building 18, and a protocol for cleaning blood should be in place. KP indicated there is established procedures. • Building 20, A Section, the handicap door has been broken for three (3) weeks. • Storage rooms have leaks, and some indicate it is due to the waste line of which RV is responsible. spot. It was suggested that an inventory be • Building 20, roaches running wild. When the made to determine the number of cars parkguys clean the chutes, they should seal them – ing who are not legally assigned to the parkthis is not happening. ing spot. • Handicapped buttons in building 4, are not No further business requiring discussion the meetcovered properly and therefore they are break- ing adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ing. • In building 1, the electronic monitors have been out since July 2019. • Building 4 community room is still not finished.
Saying, thank you goes a long way, and this is the maintenance committee’s way of saying we appreciate all the hard work that is performed throughout the year. We appreciate you and we celebrate your service! THANK Group 2 YOU!
• Complaints about the laundry room and access.
Complaints Regarding Laundry Room & Leaking Pipes Group 3 There continues to be an unacceptable level • Building 9 lobby, cannot open front door, of complaints regarding the laundry room serthere is a leak in front of the building and vice and the poor functioning of the machines. buckets have been placed and water is now in Chair, JH stated it is time for management to the light fixture. take a more proactive role in requiring ac- • There is a cooperator by parking lot of buildcountability from the vendor. ing 11 who keeps throwing garbage out of the It was suggested that a every Friday, the vendor prepare a status report on each laundry
window. KP and GK indicated both maintenance and public safety have a good idea who is doing this. JH indicated violations for such
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September 2019
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Public Safety Committee Minutes for Thursday, September 5, 2019 Bldg. 20 – Cooperator was moving into building 20 at 9 p.m., monopolizing the elevator. • A violation was issued • There is no moving after 4 p.m. Suggestion: A follow-up letter should be Public Safety officers; sent to the cooperator. 113th Precinct; Tony Talib Bey Andrews; Mr. Keller There’s no presence of paid detail • O’Sullivan is working on getting the Time: Called to order: 7:13 p.m. riffraff’s out of Rochdale Adjourned: 8:40 p.m. Facilitator: Chairman, Talib Bey Bldg. 16 – 8 ladies constantly sit in Chairman Bey welcomed all and gave out the stairway between floors 9 and 12. awards for service rendered. Cooperator asked them to move but this is Awards an ongoing situation Todd Feurtado Lance Feurtado • A call was made 4 times Reina Ramera Clifton Diaz Question was asked: Do Rochdale still do Adolph Osback background checks?... Yes Tanya Joseph Concerns and Complaints: Can we get an officer in Mall 2? We discussed Concerns and complaints • There’s already an officer in Mall 2. with Rochdale Village: Chief Osback will work on adding an Meeting attendees: Public Safety Committee Attendance Sheet forwarded
additional officer; particularly near lot 9A • Solicitors are in Mall 2 • SUV drove through Mall 2 • Children are stealing from the convenient store next to Ideal There were no officers at the Reggae Music-fest – two motorcycles and a car drove through. A call was made to Public Safety two times. We need more lighting in the walkway by building 8 • Chairman Bey will follow-up to see if a report went in • There will be enhanced lighting going up cameras are already up We still have a dog issue Next Meeting: 1st Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m. Talib Bey, Chairperson Tina Young, Secretary
Community Relations Committee Minutes for Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. and chaired by Maryam Hubbard.
person and this cost will include light refresh- center on Friday October 18th from 7 p.m. ments, games and line dancing. All tickets sales to 9 p.m. and Saturday October 19th from 1 will cover the cost of the entire event. p.m.to 3 p.m.. There will be no registration after those dates. Agenda Annual Christmas party • SIP & PLAY 2019 Annual Christmas party will be held in Ro- All committee members who are volunteer• Christmas party 12/14/19 chdale Village Mall 1 (Big mall) Entertainment, ing are asked to meet at 8:00 a.m in Mall 1 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. food and gifts will be accessible for all registered (Big Mall) the morning of Christmas party. • Open children. Maryam Hubbard Date: December 14th, 2019 Open Next meeting we will discuss Domestic VioTime: 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. SIP & PAINT lence event, Valentine’s comedy show, Tea Upcoming Sip & Play on October 4th, 2019 @ 8 We will be holding pre-registration for all cooper- Party/book club, Community Job fair for p.m. to 1 a.m., is still scheduled to happen. Ticket ators looking to bring their children 12 and under. 17+. sales haven’t been that great. Tickets are $25 per Pre-Registration will be held in the community Meeting Adjourned.
Rochdale Village parks and playgrounds are open from dawn to dusk daily. Please supervise underage children while in the parks at all tmes.
September 2019
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Homegoing of Rochdale’s Special Patrolman
Marcus Adrian Blunte
Sunrise: January 14, 1960
Sunset: September 10, 2019
A
devoted husband, a loving father, a wonderful grandfather, a good brother, an uncle to several, and a faithful friend to all those who came across his path. Marcus was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago on January 14th, 1960. He attended Coffee Street Boys E.C. school, Naparima College, and San Fernando Technical Institute. He became a drummer in Les Effants Dance Troup, a musician in Hillside Symphony Steel Band, Skiffle Bunch Steel Band, and a singer in Southernaires Choir. He was a Security officer at Trinidad MTS Company, T & TEC Security, and a popular Taxi driver in the city of I San Fernando. At the time of his passing he was a Special Patrolman for over 12 years at Rochdale Village in Jamaica, NY.
He leaves to mourn, his widow Eleanora nee Fortune, two sons Jermael (Tameeka) and Kerron (Sachel), three grandsons Xavier, Shane, and Sean, and granddaughter Kristen. He was the brother of Reynold, Jacqueline, Withnold (deceased), Ivan, Marylin, Oliver, Sherba, and Sherman. Marcus, we will miss you and we will continue to love you until we meet again. He leaves behind many friends, coworkers, the old and young of Rochdale Village and beyond. The Blunte Family sincerely appreciated all the love and wishes to return our heartfelt thanks to all who supported us in any way. Marcus we love you but must now let you go safe in the hands of Jesus.
- Lovingly Submitted by The Family
What is Quiet Enjoyment? By Ivan D. Mossop
QUIET! SO QUIET!! SO QUIET SHHH!!! SO QUIET SHHH PEACE!!!! SO QUIET SHHH PEACE OUT!!!!! SO QUIET I CAN T’HINK MY THOUGHTS! SO QUIET I CAN HEAR MY HEART! SO QUIET I CAN SEE MY SIGHT! SO QUIET I CAN SMELL MY SCENT’! SO QUIET I CAN TASTE MY TONGUE! SO QUIET I CAN WHISPER A WORD! QUIET! HOPE YOU ENJOY!
This season and everyday, please save water and energy folks. Rochdale’s Power Plant thanks you in advance.
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September 2019
NORC Weekly Activity Calendar - October 2019
September 2019
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Rochdale Village Senior Center - October 2019
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September 2019
Homegoing of Rochdale Village Pioneer
In Memoriam: Herb Plever, 1924 - 2019
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, this picture of Rochdale Village Pioneer Herb Plever says it all. He was a life-long community activist, historian, devout family man, friend, neighbor and more. Happy Trails Mr. Plever. Until we meet again.
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erb Plever, an original cooperator, died on September 9 at the age of 95. He lived with his wife Sylvia in Building 15 until 2018 when Sylvia passed away. After 54 years in Rochdale, Herb spent the final year of his life in the Jefferson’s Ferry senior community in Suffolk County.
Herb sang in Rochdale’s chorus in the co-op’s first decade, and later became a member of the Rochdale Runners. He filled his apartment with bromeliads, a variety of tropical plants, co-founded the New York Bromeliad Society, and wrote the society’s journal, Bromeliana. A memorial will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, 38 Old Country Rd., Garden City, N.Y. Herb’s family requests no flowers but welcomes contributions to the American Civil Liberties Union.
In the co-op’s early days, Herb, an attorney, helped lead the effort to get city officials to fulfill on their promise of having schools built promptly to serve Rochdale’s children. Dedicated to justice and equity, Herb was extremely proud to live in Rochdale and participated in planning the co-op’s 50th Lovingly Submitted by the Family anniversary observance.
September 2019
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September 2019
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Rochdale Village Board Calendar October 2019
See what’s going on in and around our community... There’s a little something for everyone! 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@ gmail.com with the date, time and the subject heading “Community Calendar.” Postings will be at the Editor’s discretion. 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.
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Anthony Blake, Ed Miller, Gloria Williams 718-276-5700 X359 • rochdalebulletin@gmail.com 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.
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WILLIAMS
5
MERCER
3
8
JEAN RANDOLPH CASTRO
11
CROSS
JANINE
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STARK
LISA
THE INDEPENDENT LEGENDS
2008 – 12% surcharge made permanent – 6.47% carrying charge increase 2009 – 9% surcharge
Find us at: www.concernedcoalition.com or “The Coalition of Concerned Cooperators” on Facebook
If re-elected, we the majority Board believe we can roll this increase back from 2.9% to 2.0% and pledge to vote for the reduction.
2010 – No Increase 2011 – No Increase 2012 – No Increase 2013 – No Increase 2014 – 2.5% Increase 2015 – 2.5% Increase 2016 – No Increase 2017 – No Increase 2018 – No Increase 2019 – 2.9% Increase 2020 – 2.9% Increase
Now look what happened when the Coalition of Concerned Cooperators regained the Board majority in 2010:
They were UNABLE to: pay bills in a timely manner; collect the carrying charges; stop vacancy loss; provide proper security; or take care of the buildings and grounds. • Accounts payable ballooned from $3,200,000 to $5,600,000. • Delinquent rents increased from $189,000 to over $850,000. • Vacancy loss rose from $84,000 to $1,200,000.
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CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Many of the same group of people who held the Board majority in 2007 are trying again. Let’s look at their record during that time:
THE CONCERNED COOPERATORS
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Rochdale has never been stronger and we remain the Jewel of Jamaica.
“Stay with the team you know and trust.”
Rochdale Village is stronger than it has ever been and that is thanks to your majority Board of Directors. Your majority Board is doing the job that has to be done while rebuilding Rochdale Village at the same time. Carrying charges remain among the lowest in New York City.
JOYCE
TIM
ON WEDNESDAY 10/2/19
Coalition of Concerned Cooperators brings together organizations in Rochdale Village to build on the success of our past and develop our future.
Page 32 September 2019