BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011
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BRHA BEAC
Fall 2011
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SUMMER HAS COME AND GONE MUCH HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED The Housing Authority got a lot of things accomplished this summer. Benches were installed througout the developments for the enjoyment of the residents. Bike racks were installed, we would like to encourage residents to make use of them. Speed bumps were installed at several sites for the safety of the residents. Handicap signs were replaced and new handicap signs were painted in the parking spaces. Please be considerate of residents that are handicapped and don’t use the handicap parking spaces. Renovations have started on the scattered Mosby sites. The roofs have been replaced, doors, windows and gutters will be replaced, new HVAC units will be installed.
Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority • 809 Edmond Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201
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BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011 Message from the Director
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www.brha.com Long Time Employee Karen Blackwell is retiring. Karen currently holds the position of Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for the Housing Authority. Karen has been an employee of the Housing Authority since 1981; she was initially hired as a bookkeeper, but has worked in every capacity with the exception of any maintenance position. Karen has seen many changes in her years here at the Housing Authority. Probably one of the biggest changes was going from doing everything manually to using computers. Karen has worked with five (5) Executive Directors and has actually held the position of Acting Director. Karen is married to Ron Blackwell, they have 2 adult daughters, a son-inlaw, granddaughter and 2 boxers. Karen has many interest that she plans to pursue after retirement. Those interest include: seamstress, quilter, singing in the church choir, teaching a monthly Women’s Bible Study, visiting church friends who are shut in and she is looking forward to more family time. Karen states that the first thing she is going to do is nothing!! Although the staff at BRHA will certainly miss Karen, we want to wish her the best in her retirement!!
BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011 Welcome to Dennis Sheer BRHA would like to welcome Dennis Sheer to the staff. Mr. Sheer is the replacement for Mrs. Karen Blackwell. Dennis holds the position of Vice President of Administration/CFO. Dennis has worked the majority of his career as the Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services for regional state offices of the United Methodist Church in Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Virginia. He was also the Executive Director of the Holston Conference Foundation which covered Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. His volunteer service included serving as an elected delegate to four international General Conferences and three board terms on the UM Publishing House in Nashville. His education includes a Business Administration degree from Northwest Missouri State University and continuing education in accounting, human resources, and information technology. Following graduation, he worked for the federal government and the Boeing Company. Currently, Scheer is serving on the board of directors of the Boone Lake Association. He works with the website, marketing presentations, and the annual cleanup event. His hobbies include beekeeping, gardening, kayaking, and hiking. He is excited about joining the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority and utilizing his nonprofit financial experience to contribute to the BRHA team.
BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011
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BRHA and New WORK ORDER Promotions E-MAIL FOR Hires ROUTINE WORK ORDERS
As Winter Approaches Be Prepared to Conserve Energy to Reduce Utility Bills The following tips will be helpful in savings on heating bills: • Did you know that for every degree you reduce the heat within the 60-70° range will save you 2% on your heating costs. Running at 5° less will save you 10% on your next bill. Turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees if possible. • Lower the thermostat when you are away for more than 4 hours at a time. The energy used to reheat your home will be less than what it would take to keep your home heated while you were gone. 55° is a good target. • Dress warmer for cold weather, wear sweaters and socks • Let the sunshine in during the day, open curtains for natural light and warmth, close them at night to retain the heat • Try to arrange furniture so that you are sitting near interior walls
We now have a way for our residents to report ROUTINE work orders after hours. You can email your request for Routine Work orders to workorders@brha.com 24 hours 7 days a week. Please continue to call 276-642-2006 during normal business hours for any work orders. Call 276 642-2006 after hours for EMERGENCY WORK ORDERS ONLY! Below is a list of items that are considered emergencies by Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority’s Maintenance Policy.
Maintenance Emergencies • Broken window on main level • Broken water line that cannot be shut off • Stopped up sewer line • Stopped up commode (if only 1 in unit) • No heat in apartment if outside temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit
• Replace bulbs with energy star bulbs. The price in these bulbs have started to decrease. These bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than regular bulbs
• Leaking domestic hot water heater
• Make sure lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms. Turn off TV’s when no one is in the room watching them. Put computers and monitors to sleep when not in use
• Refrigerator not cooling (Friday Afternoon
• Shorten showers • Turn off kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans when not in use • Use door sweeps to block air from outside
• Cannot shut and / or secure front or rear entry door and main level windows only) • No electrical power in apartment • Gas leak in or around an apartment • Stopped up sink in Jones Manor and Stant Hall only • Locked out of unit (must have BRHA
ID badge
www.brha.com Welcome to Dean Laws BRHA would like to welcome Dean Laws to the Maintenance Staff. Dean has worked several months as a temporary employee. He is now employed full time in the maintenance department.
BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011 Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority Notice of Public Hearing The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority announces that on 11/01/11 the PHA shall make available for public review a draft copy of components of it’s five-year and Annual Agency Plan per the guidelines of 24 CFR 903, a requirement of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1988. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday December 21, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Housing Authority Office. At this time, the Authority will receive and consider any and all comments prior to finalization of the plan and the submission to HUD on or before Jan. 14, 2012. Anyone wishing to make comments is urged to attend this hearing. Written comments may be made to the Executive Director at the address below. The documents will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the PHA office located at 809 Edmond Street, Bristol, VA 24201 for a period of 45 days.
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BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011
Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority FREE FALL/WINTER EVENTS NOVEMBER – DECEMBER SPEAKERS, PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS CALL 276-821-6269 OR SIGN UP AT THE FIND A WAY PLUS OFFICE (STANT HALL APARTMENTS) Space is limited so call today!!!!! November 9th at 10:00 am – Sign Language Classes – Learn how to communicate with hearing impaired individuals by using sign language. Classes are: November 9, 16, 30 December 7 & 14 at the Stant Hall social room. November 10th at 6:00pm – Coupon Lady – This is such an informative and fun program. Want to save on your budget – make your money go farther Stacy will share all kinds of things. Come to Stant Hall Social Room. Gifts to all attendees November 11th at 1:30pm – CPR class - Learn what to do if your family member or friend is having a heart attack, stops breathing, and more. You can be certified from this class. Stant Hall Social Room. November 14th at 2:30pm – Alzheimer Signs – Find out what the signs are, not the myths. Do you have early signs of Alzheimer’s or someone you know? What can you do to be aware? Stant Hall Social Room November 17th at 6:00pm – Coupon Lady – This is such a popular program – Stacy will be here again at a different location – please watch for flyers November 18th at 1:30pm – CPR class – This is such a popular program – it will be offered at the Resident Service Building. November 16th at 1:00-2:00pm - Computer Classes – Learning the Basics – This will be a 4 week class. Everyone will have access to a computer during training – Do not miss your opportunity to increase your ability to explore websites, email your family & friends. Classes are: November 16th, 18th, 28th, 30th, December 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, &12th November 21st at 7:30pm – Jeanne Robertson – comedian – Ms. Robertson is an expert in hilarious humor based on life experiences, such as being 6’2” Miss Congeniality winner in The Miss America Pageant. Limited free tickets. Paramount Theater on State Street. November – Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training – Dates will be announced – Look for flyers – Medical personal will be here to help you with day to day management of your diabetes to keep yourself healthier. Gifts to attendees ON GOING CLASSES: Tai Chi Stress Relief Exercises – Monday at 1:30pm at Jones Manor Social Room Wednesday at 1:30 at the Resident Service Building. This class is through November.
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BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011
Health Club – Wednesday at 4:00pm at Resident Service Building. American Home Care Nurses will come each week through November to discuss different health concerns (heart disease, diabetic foot care, nutrition, and more),
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BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011
The staff of the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority would like to wish every one Happy Holidays!!!
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Thanksgiving is coming soon and all of us should take time to give thanks for all that we have. Remember, there are always those who are less fortunate. Sweet Potato Casserole
Carrot Apple Salad
Ingredients:
Ingredients
•3 cups mashed sweet potatoes •1 cup brown sugar •2 eggs, lightly beaten •1 teaspoon vanilla •1/2 cup milk •1/2 cup melted butter •. •Topping: •1/2 cup brown sugar •1/3 cup flour •1/3 cup melted butter •1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 (8 ounce) can unsweetened crushed pineapple • 2 medium tart apples, diced • 3 cups shredded carrots • 3 tablespoons raisins • 3 tablespoons flaked coconut • 1/3 cup fat-free reduced-sugar vanilla yogurt • 1/3 cup fat-free plain yogurt • 3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation:
Directions 1. Drain pineapple, reserving juice in a bowl. Add apples to the juice; toss to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain. In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, carrots, raisins, coconut and apples. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over carrot mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until
Combine first 6 ingredients. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned. Serves 6 to 8.
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BRHA BEACON • • Fall 2011
The staff of the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority wants to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! Child’s Winter Craft What you’ll need: •Small paper plate •Craft paint: flesh tone •Red craft foam •Cotton balls •2 googly eyes •1 pink pom pom •Scissors •Glue •Paint Brush •Red marker or crayon
COOKIES
3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups flour BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 3 tablespoons butter, softened 2 1/4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Colored sprinkles
•Turn the paper plate upside down and paint it in the flesh tone of your choice. Set the plate aside to dry.
Instructions 1.Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter in a large bowl, gradually adding the sugar. Add the egg, salt, chocolate, milk, and vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
•Cut a hat shape out of red craft foam and glue a cotton ball to the tip of the hat and then glue a line of cotton balls along the bottom of the hat.
2.With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour until it is evenly blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
•Once the paper plate is dry, glue the bottom of the hat to the top of the paper plate.
3.Heat the oven to 375°. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and set them on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake on the center oven rack until set, about 10 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies.
How to make your Cotton Ball Santa Craft
•Glue a “beard” of cotton balls along the outside edge of the paper plate. •Glue two googly eyes onto the plate near the hat. •Glue a pink pom pom under the eyes as a nose. •Cut a cotton ball in half and glue above the eyes as eyebrows. •Cut a cotton ball in half and pull it slightly to form a mustache. Glue under the nose. •Use the red marker to draw a smile under the mustache.
4.For the buttercream frosting: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter in a medium bowl, gradually adding 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar. Add the milk, vanilla, and remaining confectioners’ sugar, mixing well after each addition. If needed, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency. 5.Holding each cookie around its edges, dip it facedown into the frosting, lifting it up with a twisting motion to allow any excess frosting to drip back into the bowl. Immediately decorate the cookie with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
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BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011 Thanks to the City of Bristol, VA!!!! Playground Equipment Installed at Johnson Court
The City of Bristol donated this piece of playground equipment to the Housing Authority. Staff of the Bristol Virginia Parks and Recreation installed the equipment at the Johnson Court Development. BRHA staff finished the job by putting timbers and mulch around the equipment. We hope the children of Johnson Court have enjoyed the additional play area.
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How to reach us: Main Phone: Fax: E-mail: Web site:
(276) 642-2001 (276) 642-2015 contact@brha.com www.brha.com
Property Managers: Patricia Tignor (276) 821-6257 Shiela Wambolt (276) 821-6263 Maintenance:
BRHA BEACON • Fall 2011
Dates to Remember BRHA Board Meetings
• Held the third Monday of each month at 1:30 pm
Applications
• Public Housing - Online Only-- www.brha.com • Housing Choice Vouchers - Waiting list Closed
(276) 642-2006
Mission Statement The BRHA will provide safe, attractive, affordable housing and housing assistance, and the opportunity for families and others in need to achieve a higher standard of living.
Office Closing: November 11 (Friday)– Veterans Day November 24 25 -Thanksgiving Holiday December 23 & 26- Christmas Holiday January 2 (Monday) – New Years Day Holiday January 16 (Monday) – Martin Luther King February 20 (Monday)-President’s Day
Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority 809 Edmond Street Bristol, Virginia 24201
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