Rochdale Village Bulletin Newspaper December 2013 Edition

THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER

Vol. 49. No. 12

December 2013

SERVING OVER 25,000 COOPERATORS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE

inside

RV abundantly blessed with holiday meals - p.10

“Annual Pictures with Santa” event features free lunch and over 300 toys for children

See what’s in store this holiday season - p.16-17

By Lelio Dalencour

F Poetry in Memorial - 25

Farewell to you Nelson Mandela - p.32

the last few years, the Community Relations Committee has hosted the “Photos with Santa” event in the Rochdale Village big mall. Created with Rochdale Village residents in mind, the Community Relations committee dedicates one day that 2-41 Entertainment takes professional photographs of neighborhood children on Santa’s lap. The day is filled with great music, hearty food, face painting and, of course, toys.

Miles and miles of smiles best describe the mood at the annual “Pictures with Santa” event and holiday toy giveaway and party.

Continued on page 20 or

President’s Message - Page 2 • Manager’s Report - Page 4 • Happenings around RV- Page 10 • Holiday Lobby Decorations - Page 34

Rochdale Village Bulletin

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: 718-2765700 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 & Lynn Walker, RVI

December 2013

President’s Message

H

Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year to all! The Rochdale Village Board of Directors wishes you peace and joy however you celebrate in this season. This is a time for celebration with family and friends, as well as a time for personal reflection on our lives.

Here at Rochdale, we can share a corporate reflection on the many exciting events of the past year.

We had a year full of celebrations for our 50th anniversary. We are truly blessed, and we must count our blessings.

Rochdale Village is a city within a city with our own Power Plant, full service shopping malls, schools, police precinct, post office, doctors, lawyers and a Community Center for young, old and everyone in between.

Not many New Yorkers can boast that they live in a location with so much to offer so close to home.

Better yet, our cost of living is the most affordable in the City!

We must, however, consider that our costs have not kept up with expenses in our community.

With the escalating cost of fuel and everything affected by that cost, the cost of labor including benefits, and the expense of repairs to an aging infrastructure, we have been overly and unrealistically fortunate. The reality is that we need to be more prudent and pay fairly for our services in order to maintain solvency. It is said that ‘Freedom is not Free’. I can go further and say cooperative living, though affordable, is not cheap. We have done as much as humanly possible to contain costs, but we appy

- by Jean Randolph-Castro are finding it necessary to take a hard look at our bottom line and make some changes.

Unlike other cooperatives and rentals in New York, we have done an amazing job of cost containment and we have not had a carrying charge increase since 2009. Your Board and Management are reviewing our corporate income gained largely through carrying-charges as it relates to maintaining the efficacy of our campus. We are concerned as to the impact on our cooperators with an increase in carrying charges and will remain mindful as we seek the least costly increase to allow us to maintain Rochdale Village effectively.

Also in line with watching our bottom line, the Business Judgment Rule is in effect for those few cooperators who are not keeping up their cooperative end of the bargain and paying the carrying charges on time.

For the majority of you who pay on time, thank you. For those who do not remember there are consequences for your inactions.

In an age where vehicle parking rates range from $50 to $200 a month, we have maintained our parking rate of $31.25, even when the cost to repair our parking lot surfaces and electronic gate servicing soars with costly repairs and needed improvements. We have been making do with under par parking rates for the financial comfort our cooperators. Continuing to do so will result in discomfort to our cooperators if repairs are not performed due to lack of funds and parking lots falter.

Our commercial tenants lend life blood to our financial picture

Jean Randolph-Castro

and we will continue to nurture our mall vendors, maintaining Rochdale Village as a strategic location to start and continue a business. We listened to you and are also seeking a candy store to join the small mall.

2014 will be a new year of exciting changes and renewal here at Rochdale Village. We will continue to make improvements on our infrastructure, manage our fuel costs even in this economic environment and remain competitive with our labor costs.

Additional funds gained from increased carrying charges and parking fees will help offset the costs of the maintaining a safe and efficient Rochdale Village.

Your Board of Directors will continue to keep you informed of the financial status of the corporation through Circle Meetings. We will resume these meetings in 2014. Remember to come and learn the details of our finances, our vision for the future and discuss any issues you may have. More information to follow.

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

To All Cooperators The Rochdale Village Board Of Directors Meeting Scheduled For December 23, 2013 Has Been Canceled.

December 2013

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Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 3

Fire prevention safety tips for holiday decorations at RV

hile tis’ the season to be

with family, friends and loved ones, cooperators should be aware of the potential hazards that can arise during this celebratory season.

The number one fire hazard in the home is caused by defective heating equipment especially during the frost. Please check any heating equipment that you may be using in your apartment.

• Christmas lighting can cause fires.

To reduce the chance of fires from to remember are: 1. Place your tree away from heat Christmas lights: sources and open flames.

1. Only use lights approved for 2. Check the lights before outdoor use outdoors. Check placing them on the tree. Look for Underwriters’ Laboratory for loose sockets or broken label. and frayed wires.

2. Make sure circuits are not 3. Keep water in tree base overloaded. container and check it often.

3. Place cords away from traffic 4. Turn lights off when you leave areas and heat sources, not your home unattended. under rugs.

4. Check cords and plugs for • Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or wear, frayed insulation, cracks, trees. and loose connections.

• Christmas trees are another serious • Natural trees always involve threat to holiday safety. An eightsome risk of fire. To minimize the foot pine can burn completely risk, get a fresh tree and keep it in just 27 seconds and create watered at all times. tremendous heat. Some safety tips • Do not put the tree within three

• Avoid using lit candles. If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

• Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame, candles, lighters or matches.

• • • •

•

feet of a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.

Never leave a tree or other decorative lighting display unattended.

Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.

Do not overload extension cords or outlets and do not run an electrical cord under a rug.

Inspect your holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bares spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them away.

Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Notice: The NYC Fire Department, Public Safety and RV’s Safety Department is requesting that no wreaths or other holiday decorations be placed on the outside of residents doors or on building floors.

This directive comes as a result of a recent fire that damaged both holiday decorations and other areas of an apartment floor here at Rochdale Village. i.e. wreaths, lights, wrapping paper on doors, etc.

Effective immediately, all decorations are limited only to the inside of personal apartments and in the front lobby of each circle’s building.

Have a great holiday season and let’s make sure Rochdale Village is free of any dangers and accidents.

Contributed by Herman Lessey

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 4

December 2013

Monthly Report

- by Marion Scott

General Manager’s Monthly Report for November 2013 CLOSED BOARD MEETINGS Many of the Boards around the City avoid open meetings in the interest of time, candor and productivity. The major problem with open Board meetings is the lack of respect for parliamentary procedures set forth by the corporation to cut short disruptive behavior. At the outset of the meeting, strict time controls are set to prevent certain members who continuously disrupt or dominate the cooperator session.

If faced with a hostile or difficult member who refuses to yield the microphone, the Board should not sit idly by and allow continued disruption from a member without action or comment. This passivity emboldens the speaker and severely challenges the Board’s resolve to control the meeting.

The current atmosphere in the open Board meetings seriously restricts Board members from properly performing their duties. The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to the corporation, and sometimes this means making decisions which are important for the health of the corporation but unpopular with certain shareholders. The Board has to be cautious and prudent because they can’t really address issues the way they need to if there are people in the room who do not have that fiduciary responsibility and cannot vote. Yet, the non-voters exert an inexorable amount of pressure on the Board with cat-calls, moaning and groaning when resolution or voting results are not to their liking.

Putting the brakes on a rogue Board member who feeds into the frenzy of an unruly shareholder and supports his/her behavior is also important. While most Board members serve with the best interest of the community in mind, a few bad apples can make it miserable for the entire Board because they pander to the audience to curry favor and bolster their stock for the next Board election. These individuals range from malevolent to the innocently self-absorbed who create a black hole inside the Board soaking up energy and goodwill.

When sensitive issues are brought before the Board, they must go into executive session because the subject matter cannot be discussed in an open forum. Similarly, most of the resolutions brought before the Board have been previously discussed and agreed upon at the Legal and Management Committee meeting. When the resolutions are presented for vote at the Board meetings the audience believes the Board is giving blind approval because there is little discussion on the motion and the vote appears to be predetermined and perfunctory.

Clearly, this lack of understanding of the process invites cries for transparency and the specter of wrong doing. What they are actually witnessing are the results of the Legal and Management Committee efforts on behalf of the corporation.

The Chairman of the Legal and Management Committee takes on the formal responsibility for managing the Board’s work and productivity during the committee meeting. The other Board members can consider the business at hand and deliberate more freely without worrying about the unseemly or unproductive behavior of spectators in the audience they are trying to impress.

It is not a common practice, but there are some Board members who will introduce a resolution that wasn’t agreed upon in Legal and Management and use the open Board meeting as an intimidation factor.

This tactic is effective because their fellow Board members don’t want to incur the wrath of the audience by not voting for a proposal that meets with audience approval, even though vocal members of the audience may not be representative of the entire community.

Rochdale has a population of over 20,000 residents. Only about 35 or 40 show up to the open Board meetings. The cooperator session of the Board has turned into a griping session for a small group of 7 or 8 members. They object to a closed Board meeting because it denies them a forum to aggrandize themselves by confusions of the

cooperators and the ability to perpetuate the notion that if the Board is operating behind closed doors something shady or untoward must be going on.

To provide better clarity, having quarterly group meetings would provide transparency and dissolve access to information complaints.

The meetings would allow the shareholders to become involved on a regular basis and save the Board countless hours of extraneous discussion at Board meetings. When the By-laws were enacted, the group meetings were included for that very reason. The By-laws specifically call for quarterly meetings which would allow the shareholders direct access to the Board and Management, allowing them to get accurate and immediate responses to their questions, needs and desires.

The decision to open Board meetings to the general membership rests with the Board. There are cooperatives that permit attendance by residents who are not allowed to participate until the question and answer period at the conclusion of the meeting. Others conduct meetings which are limited to cooperators who have received permission to attend; however, they are normally not allowed to participate but only act as observers. There are others that conduct closed Board meetings limited to Board members only.

How much is the Board willing to sacrifice and how much unhappiness must both the Board and Management endure to avoid closing the Board meetings? When people volunteer their time to serve on the Board, why must they sit in a room and watch as one individual - or a handful - waste their time, denigrate the staff’s work, or actively prevent the Board itself from getting work done. When this happens, control has definitely changed hands from the Board to the audience to the detriment of everyone.

Solving the problem of open meetings means finding the courage to speak up and speak out. The Board must guard against self-erosion and take charge of its destiny.

Every Board member has a duty to discourage unproductive behavior, avoid dysfunctional politeness, respectfully challenge behavior that is disruptive, destructive, or out of line and help re-establish its dignity, control and togetherness.

PROPRIETARY LEASE At a recent Legal and Management meeting a Board member made a sage observation that the average shareholder does not understand what it means to be a cooperator and the essence of cooperative living. A co-op has a dual relationship that doesn’t exist in rental housing. The duality exists because on the one hand it is a corporation in which all of the shareholders own shares. On the other hand the shareholders who have bought shares in the corporation are also leasing an apartment from the corporation who now becomes their landlord.

Here lies the rub; the document that addresses this singular relationship is the proprietary lease that shareholders acquire, along with their shares. The lease is called a proprietary lease because the lessee is not only a tenant but is also the owner of the stock that goes with the apartment.

The proprietary lease defines the rights and obligations of each leaseholder just as it would in public or conventional housing. It provides for the exclusive occupancy rights of the shareholder in the apartment unit and it provides for the rights and obligation of the housing company on how they are to routinely conduct their business and defines who is responsible for repairs and the operation of the buildings. When a resident is seeking information about their rights to have a leaky faucet fixed it is contained in the lease, along with their other rights and responsibilities.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Multifamily management has come a long way since 1979.

Continued on page 30

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Page 5

Monthly Report

- by Robert Woods

Contract Summary/Status — November 2013 I. Following is the Status of Schedule ‘B’ Projects: SHOPPING CENTER ELEVATOR: Project Completed.

TURBINE GENERATOR #2 OVERHAUL (Power Plant): Project completed.

BOILER/BURNERS (Power Plant): The NYSHCR has accepted bid documents and granted approval to solicit bids for this project.

However, due to the complex nature of the project, considerable time is required in order to expect responsible bids. Therefore, the site visit and bid due date will occur after the Holiday Season. Projects and Power Plant Director are reviewing Contract documents to ensure all work is included in the Project.

13, 15 & 16. As work is completed, the Consultant conducts a final inspection. Consultant is preparing Preliminary Façade Report for submission to the NYC Department of Buildings. The Report will outline future work to be executed by Xinos Construction Corp. over the next 18 months, weather permitting.

Project Manager intends to close down project during winter months. Xinos Construction Corp. has been informed that they must submit a schedule showing how they will complete Building#16 and close in building facades exposed to the weather.

EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS: The Projects and Maintenance Departments inspected areas of concern and issued Purchase Orders to have repairs made to Buildings Numbers 7,11,13,14 & 16. The Contractor has made repairs to roofs.

Work was completed at main roofs and EXCITER REPLACEMENT: The Contractor, Siemens Energy Small Mall roof over Kelly’s Café. has completed final tie-ins to new Exciter panels. Rochdale Village Groups 3 & 4 have existing rubber has digital panel system for Turbine roofing installed on their main Generators. Project Management is roofs. These roofs were installed in in contact with Siemens with regards 1995 and due age, they are leaking. to controls polarity issue. Some Maintenance continues to repair additional wiring will be installed to leaks as need arise. However, one of the problems experienced is alleviate incorrect calibrations. due to the type of roof, it is very hard to determine where the leak is DIESEL ENGINE GENERATOR emanating from.

OVERHAUL (Power Plant): Out of the 18 companies invited to submit a proposal, only two (2) CORRIDOR ROOF REPAIRS: companies expressed an interest. All work has been completed as per Projects is reviewing proposals for contract requirements, including punch list items. Project Manager, recommendation to Management. upon roof inspection, continues to note I. Non Schedule B Projects: that garbage is being thrown onto roof landings. Projects is concerned that LOCAL LAW 11, CYCLE-7 garbage mishaps may void warranties, BUILDING FAÇADE REPAIRS: or even worse, garbage lights on fire Xinos Construction Corp. is continuing causing more damage. This practice repairs on facades of Buildings #1, 10, of throwing garbage on the roofs must

end before something goes wrong.

LOBBY CEILING REPLACEMENTS & ASBESTOS ABATEMENT: All work is completed in Lobbies of Buildings 17 & 18. Notices have been posted in the respective Buildings prior to commencement of work.

The Department of Environmental Protection has delayed project continuing to lobbies in Buildings #10 & 16, until Contractor submits floor plans with exiting by Building Code.

Contractor will comply with DEP request and submit new schedule for remaining work.

Contractor submitted Change Order for additional work regarding firewall penetrations sealed, new air diffusers, bulletin board removals, camera room abatement and reinsulation and return duct through camera room to new H/V unit.

Projects and Management will determine the extent of extras and submit costs for approval.

BUILDING EMERGENCY GENERATOR UPGRADES A/E: Emergency Generators were inspected for running condition and voltage readings in Groups 5, 1 and 2. Exit signs are installed on apartment floors in Groups 1 & 5.

Main corridor (Ground Floor) Exit signs are being installed in Group 5.

Apartment Corridors will have one (1) illuminated Exit sign hung from the ceiling directing tenants to the closest exit. The Electrician will change signs installed on walls as per Project Manager’s direction.

on numerous occasions. Using the Electrical contract saves money and time for Rochdale Village.

During emergencies, NEC responds immediately and within one (1) hour at off-hours.

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. Controls are being installed this week. Minor punch list will need to be completed, but Power Plant has use of the new tank.

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.

COMPACTOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT: At the November Board meeting, a resolution was passed to hire Premier Compaction Systems, LLC at a cost of $64,597.50 per year.

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: ELECTRICAL WORK (Electrician): Project pending NYSHCR approval The Contractor, Northeast Electrical of credentials submitted by Power Contractors, is continuing work Plant Director and Projects Director as per contract. Projects and to oversee work.

Maintenance have utilized NEC

Guest Parking In the Large Mall Parking Lot • Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 6:00 a.m. to 12 Midnight. Overnight Parking is NOT Permitted Rochdale Village has extended the courtesy of allowing guests to park in the large mall parking lot on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day during the hours noted below. Please note, however, that overnight parking is NOT permitted and any vehicles remaining in the parking lot after midnight will be towed.

Parking is NOT permitted in reserved parking spaces or commercial tenant spaces located near the Key Food back gate.

Happy Holidays to all! Caution: Any vehicles remaining in the parking lot after midnight will be towed Towing Company Information: A&B Towing • (516) 239-8949 400 • Rockaway Turnpike • Lawrence, NY 11559

Page 6

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Controller’s Report Cash Receipts & Disbursements - November 30, 2013

- by Darius George Summary of Corporate Funds at November 30, 2013

The corporation cash, investments and escrow balances as of November 30, 2013 was $31,631,531.00. The amount available to pay operating expenses are $5,532,385.00. 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.

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 7

Controller’s Report

- by Darius George

Accounts Receivable Activity - November 2013

Tenant Arrears Report Ending November 30, 2013

Community Center Report For November 30, 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 8

December 2013

Public Safety Report

- by Chief Thomas Mason

Public Safety Monthly Report November 2013 Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale Village, Inc., Public Safety Department during the month of November 2013. Public Safety maintains twenty-four hour coverage.

LOITERING: During the month of November 2013, the Public Safety Department has continued to focus attention on loitering conditions. As a result, Public Safety officers responded to a total of sixty (60) complaints of loitering which were resolved as follows: 1. Conditions corrected – forty (40) loiterers complied with officer’s directive to leave.

2. Unfounded – twenty (20) 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 November the following arrests were affected: There were a total of 2 arrest(s) and 0 in-house detained for the month of November 2013; the incidents are as follows: Arrests for November 2013 (2 arrest(s) and 0 in-house detained) November 14, 2013 – Building #4 Apartment, a RV Officer accompanied a NYPD officer on a domestic dispute call; the cooperator was in dispute with a male that refused to leave the apartment; the male was arrested and transported to the 113th Pct. Not a Rochdale resident.

November 28, 2013 – Bldg. #10 Apartment, a RV Officer responded to a call of someone screaming; upon arrival a female stated she was assaulted by two men; one male that remained in the apartment was arrested and transported to the 113th Pct. No other information was given.

DVR UNIT ACTIVITY Total Incidents = 59 Total Risk Management = 45 Violations = 4 TOWED VEHICLES The Public Safety Department towed fourteen (14) vehicles during the month of November in violation of parking rules on the complex. This was due to lack of manpower from towing company attributed to Hurricane Sandy.

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:.....................................................................................1570 SPECIAL VERTICALS: ...................................................................1587 TOTAL:............................................................................................. 3157 TOWING:..............................................................................................14 WARNINGS:........................................................................................ 40 ESCORTS:...........................................................................................113 SECURITY RESPONDED TO THE FOLLOWING CALLS:.........3395 MAINTENANCE CALLS: ................................................................440 TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICES: ...................................................3835 INCIDENT REPORTS:.......................................................................113 MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER:......1903 ARREST(S):............................................................................................2 IN HOUSE DETAINED: 0........................................................................

TOTAL: 2...................................................................................................

VIOLATIONS ISSUED:........................................................................43 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO:.............................................................5 EVICTION(S):.........................................................................................2

Violations Listed are the classifications of Notice of Violations issued: 1. Illegal Move In/Out...........................................................................2 2. Negligence.........................................................................................1 3. Harboring a Pet..................................................................................3 4. Loud Noise........................................................................................5 5. Disorderly Conduct...........................................................................3 6. Fire Hazard........................................................................................1 7. Loitering............................................................................................1 8.. Harassment........................................................................................2 9. Damage to RV Property....................................................................1 10. Reckless Endangerment....................................................................1 11. Failure to Comply............................................................................14 12. Littering.............................................................................................2 13. Soliciting...........................................................................................4 14. Illegal Dumping.................................................................................2 15. Dispute..............................................................................................1 Total................................................................................................43

Happy Holidays to all the cooperators, Management, staff, and the Board of Directors!

From Director of Public Safety Chief Thomas Mason & the Rochdale Village Department of Public Safety

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Page 9

~Poetry Corner~ Christmas in New York, but Who Would Have Thought

By Anthony Blake The idea of maybe snow But one doesn’t really know It’s the dazzle of Christmas Spectacular The amazement with computer effects This I really didn’t suspect I saw Santa and Ms. Claus sipping Apple Cider under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree It wasn’t hard for me to see I began to break out in a Christmas song After while I had a chorus that stretched from Fifth to Madison Avenues as a choir sang along The song, “All eyes on Santa and his wife Always believe and never think twice The wonder of the streets seemed to come alive Then suddenly through the imagination of numerous eyes, the Dancing Christmas trees began their entertainment strive I was singing “Christmas trees of the trance, please help me spread Christmas cheer that will romance” Arrows upon arrows became directions As Christmas is on the left, but then again, it could be on the right But it doesn’t matter as long as Christmas is in sight It’s only in New York City where Christmas really begins The fat lady doesn’t need too sing, but it is where Christmas never ends The Rockettes are kicking up their heels Their movement being like a wheel The imagination of what Christmas would be like We haven’t left New York, as we have only enhanced it New York of red and white It’s the people from all nationalities that shine bright Well I have to go as Christmas is in sight Don’t be uptight Just let your smile be your light Well so long and have a good night.

Tell Me A Bed Time Story

By Anthony Blake It was a time with Little Earl He often sat on Grandpa’s lap that made him swirl Little Earl would often hear folk tell stories by the fireplace It was a heritage in the trace It would be as the snow fell There were many snowmen in their tell The blizzard of the season But it was winter and the reason

But there was a knock at the door Caution was on Grandpa’s face As Grandpa opened the door, there was a tall husky Lumberjack His name was Paul Bunyan He was a man who knew the woods My Grandpa told the story as if I was there and where I stood I listened carefully to the words my Grandfather suggested My ears opened ever so wide I wasn’t even thinking of a place to hide Yet as the story went on As little as I was, I broke into a yawn My eyes began to get heavy and was slowly heading for less response Suddenly I fell asleep My grandpa carried me to my bed was where I would keep The fireplace was shutdown My Grandpa then looked around Sleep tight my Grandson Tomorrow we both will be having fun.

Salute Rochdale Village

By Gloria Williams Congratulations Rochdale Village Co-op With your future bright Twin pine black green and yellow flags fly high Shooting stars at night 50 years packed with success Many struggles too Now is your time to shine The world is watching you Incredible leadership Lots of awesome ideas 21-gun salute Super sheroes and heroes and our pioneers Twenty tall buildings A city within itself Crown Jewel of Jamaica Blessed like no one else Diamond in the rough Experiment a success Still under construction Management at its best

Holiday Time

By Ed Miller Whether we celebrate Hannukah Christmas, Kwaanza, Ramadan Let our prayers for Peace and Love Be shared by everyone.

May the Lord give us ‘Wise Men’ And wise women too, With visions of justice, universal, Sincerely held and true For not only at holiday time Must we sing of love and joy Join hands with everyone Man, woman, girl and boy.

For only with love, brotherhood Can humanity succeed As the holiday carols reach us And teach us of our need.

No greater example of this spirit was embodied in the life and living of our beloved humanitarian NELSON MANDELA

The Bulletin documents the true history Testimony recorded for all the world to see Board of Directors making future plans Ad Hoc Committee accomplished Satisfying great demand Rochdale Village exemplified What Co-operative living should be Family friends and neighbors band A strong sense of community Do not tire or falter You are on the right track.

You’ve come this far by faith There is no turning back Many walk on footprints 50 years from now.

We applaud your future success Rochdale Village Mitchell Lama Co-Op Stand up and take a bow Encore Peace

2013 Holiday Playlist for Rochdale Village 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey) Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 8 Days of Christmas (Destiny’s Child) Little Drummer Girl (Alicia Keys) Wonderful Christmas Time (The MacDonald Bros.

6. Christmas, Baby Please Come Home (Darlene Love) 7. White Christmas (Bing Crosby) 8. Sleigh Ride (The Ronettes) 9. Let It Snow (Boyz II Men) 10. Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms)

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Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Happenings around Rochdale Village Senator James Sanders Jr. has RV in mind with generous meal donations

By Susan Van Brackle

O

By Susan Van Brackle

R

Village has a new dining option with the opening of Checkers Drivein Burgers and Fries located at 13318 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, just opposite IS72.

Longstanding residents will remember this location as an after hours lounge. Now this newly renovated establishment has space for seated family dining as well as drive-through service. As a matter of fact, the Checkers chain of drivein restaurants is one of the largest in the United States.

Their menu features American cuisine, and specializes in a wide array of succulent, seasoned burgers.

Also available are chicken tenders and wing options, what they refer to as “Monsterella Stix”, fish sandwiches, loaded hot dogs, frosty desserts and a mega French fry selection that you have to see to believe.

Night owls and late night “snacka-holics” will be happy to know ochdale

nly days before Thanksgiving,

a bounty of holiday meals were generously donated to the Rochdale Village Senior Center (RVSC) compliments of Senator James Sanders Jr. RCL Enterprises at 141-22 Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park prepared the hearty feasts as well as the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York where Reverend Floyd H. Flake presides.

The Senator stopped in to personally wish each and every member of the RVSC program a Happy Thanksgiving. Dara Bragg, constituent liaison for Senator Sanders, coordinated the logistics of meal distributions with Senior Center Committee Chairperson and Board President, Jean Castro, Rochdale Village Social Services President John Scott and Director for RVSC, Sheree Shivers. Special thanks go

New Checkers arrives in RV neighborhood

Senator James Sanders Jr. made a stop during his hectic schedule to share Thanksgiving feasts from RCL Catering. out to the dedicated team of servers that were also on hand to streamline and coordinate operations for this event.

York College students complete their internship at RV NORC

By Lelio Dalencour

T

By Lelio Dalencour

T

NORC Interns Angel Hyppolite and Hailiey Viacava graduated from the NORC Intern Program prepared to serve another day.

From day one, interns who come to NORC begin working with seniors in need of assistance. By the end of the internship, Hailiey Viacava says she had helped over 10 clients.

“I learned how to be a professional,” said Hailiey of the wo

internship. “I’m more mature, and I learned sincerity.” Hailiey Viacava is gaining her B.S. degree in Social Work, and already has secured her minor in Gerontalogy, a focus on the elderly population.

Both students were supervised

by Nirquette Guilliame, who started working with NORC as an intern in 2003 and secured an official position.

“It definitely wasn’t a waste of time,” said Angel Hyppolite.

The two students will continue their studies at York College.

that Checkers stays open late on weekdays and Sunday from 9am – 4am and Friday and Saturday from 9am – 6am. Kids meals are offered on the menu too.

Stop by and welcome Checkers to the neighborhood. Their telephone number is 718.413.5599.

Last call to send letters to Santa at Mailboxes in RV Subway Restaurants rying

NORC case worker Nirquette Guillame (left) and Social Services President John Scott (center) wish best success to intern Hailiey Viacava on her last day.

Get your grub on at Checkers DriveThru Restaurant on Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

to

get

your

wishlist out to the North Pole in time? RV Subway stores in both the large and small malls in Rochdale Village are your best bet. From the beginning of December, Subway Restaurants have had mailboxes set up to send letters to St. Nick.

How it works: The mailbox is set up on a table. Paper, markers, and envelopes are readily available for children to write their gift requests.

The mailbox fills up regularly, according to Subway Owner Doni Pitchford, especially when children are out from school.

The Santa’s Mailbox is just one other way that the Subway Restaurants in Rochdale Village get involved in the community. Stop by and see for yourself how easy it is to get your Christmas wish over to Santa!

(Above) Children stop by both Subway locations in Rochdale Village to write and deliver letters to Santa—no postage necessary.

(Right) A view of Santa’s Mailbox stuffed with letters

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 11

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.

Loretta Griggs

Before

Loretta Griggs was born on September 2 at Harlem Hospital in New York City to the parents of Leon and Hazel Burnham.

She married Lewis Griggs in 1956 and was blessed with two sons.

Her two children gifted her with three grandchildren.

Loretta has worked at The New York Telephone Company, The State Insurance Fund and New York City Off Track Betting until she retired in 1995. She is a member of The Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens.

After

Ms. Griggs is an active member of the Rochdale Village Senior Center and NORC. She has always been passionate about working with senior citizens and children. Loretta Griggs is one of Rochdale’s illustrious “first move-ins” and was among the many that were recently honored at the Pioneers Dinner.

“Before and After” is gearing up for the 2014 season. Will you be featured?

Would you like to appear in the next Before and After column? Whether you’re 95 or 45, collect your favorite old photos, gather the facts, and the Rochdale Bulletin at (718) 978-3007 to work out the details.

Page 12

M

Rochdale Village Bulletin

y how time flies! After a much-heralded countdown, numerous special events, blog posts, facebooking and a black tie gala to beat the band, Rochdale Village quietly turned 50 years old on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

The date is connected with when the “first-movein’s” took possession of their brand new residence.

In one of the first newsletters dated November, 1963, it states: “The long moving-in process at Rochdale Village will begin on December 10, 1963. Moving notices are in the process of being sent to cooperators who will move into Building One, followed by buildings

December 2013

two, three and four. The schedule calls for moving in eighteen families a day, per building. The moving-in process will continue as construction is completed on the other buildings. The office is making every effort to give each family approximately one month’s notice prior to their move-in date.”

How excited the cooperators must have been.

After all 5,860 families completed the process, a community, the first of its kind in 1963, was born.

Here’s wishing continued success and excitement about the capital improvements, expanded amenities and bright future that is ahead for Rochdale Village, The Jewel of Jamaica!

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 13

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 14

December 2013

The Healthy Home (NAPSI)-If you like to think of your home as a safe haven to escape pollution, you may want to take a deep breath before stepping through your front door.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor pollution levels are two to five times greater than those found in the outdoor air.

While this can be a serious problem for those suffering from asthma, allergies or emphysema, it’s not healthy for anyone, especially small children. Because they breathe in 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults, children are more vulnerable to the effects of pollution.

Efforts to rid your home of dust, dirt and allergens could even make things worse, as many poorly sealed and filtered bagless vacuums add to the pollution by releasing lungdamaging particles back into the air.

Here are a few tips to help reduce indoor air pollution.

• Properly maintain heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, changing filters regularly.

• Use only nontoxic household detergents and cleaning agents.

• Open the windows when weather permits.

• Clean up water leaks that can lead to the formation of mold.

• Choose a vacuum cleaner with a filtering dustbag and reputation for providing superior dust retention and filtration. Bagless vacuum cleaner bins can be an environmental hazard when emptied into the garbage. Dust poured from a bin emits fine particles back into the air. That’s also true for any open bag that’s pushed into a garbage bag.

A recent independent scientific study shows that some vacuums with HEPA filters do not effectively protect a home’s air quality and unfiltered air may escape, releasing as much as 2-14 million lungdamaging particles per minute into

“AFTER MIDNIGHT”

Broadway Show

Special Guest Star: “FANTASIA” WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5, 2014

CONTRIBUTION: $138.00 pp (Non-refundable)

PAYMENT DUE AT REGISTRATION! CHECK PAYABLE: ROCHDALE VILLAGE S.S. INC.

INCLUDES: TRAVEL “THE SHOW” & LUNCH SPONSORED BY: ROCHDALE VILLAGE SENIOR CENTER

CALL: (718) 525-2800 Pick-up Rochdale Library 9:30 am Note: Drop Off all 5 Circles No Refunds Please!!!!

PARTIALLY FUNDED BY THE DFTA

the air on average.

These particles can pollute indoor air quality for hours after the vacuum is turned off.

The scientific study showed that the Miele vacuum, with its Sealed System engineering, equipped with a unique AirClean Filter-bag and certified HEPA filter, had significantly lower rates of particle emissions than competitive models.

The vacuums captured Reducing Sources Of Indoor Pollution and retained over 99.9 percent of harmful and lung-damaging irritants, making mieleusa.com. them a serious cleaning tool for A bagless vacuum can contribute to maintaining an allergy-friendly indoor air pollution by releasing fine environment. particles back into the air.

For more information, visit www.

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 15

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 16

December 2013

RV’s holiday gift guide Treat your favorite BFF to lunch, breakfast or dinner with a gift card from subway. Load your card at either Rochdale Village Mall location.

Whether you gift a friend or gift yourself, there is something for everyone at the Malls at Rochdale Village this holiday season. Stay local and leave your Metrocard at home!

Gifts For

$5 to $15 For precision brows that are arched to perfection, treat yourself to NIPA’s Eyebrow Threading in Mall #1.

Lawson’s Unisex Barber Shop & Salon will keep you “sharp as a tack” this holiday season. seniors get 10% off on wednesdays!

Take a break from shopping. have a hot, delicious curry chicken dish with a side of roti at His Cafe in the big mall. They cater too! download a menu at www.hiscaferotishop.com.

Gifts For

$20 to $40

Treat someone special to Mani-pedi and spa services at any one of the many salons in and around Rochdale Village Malls.

Party over here! pick up a delicious holiday food platter from our grocery partner KeyFood. ready to serve so you don’t have to!

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Page 17

A SEASON OF CELEBRATION Stay connected with friends and family this season. Stop in to boost mobile to receive up to $50 in discounts on Activation Fees for new cell phones.

ROCHDALE VILLAGE STORES HAVE WHAT YOU NEED FOR LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS!

Gifts For

$30 to $50

Gifts For

$60 andUp

Rochdale Liquors has a fine selection of top shelf wines, champagnes and spirits to usher in the Holidays and coming New Year.

Sterling Optical in the Big Mall has the latest looks in designer sunglasses from the latest fashion brands. check them out!

Santa Baby, put a ZipCar under the tree for me.

Drive that special someone wild with a purchase of a holiday gift card at ZipCar.com/gift. *This is only meant to be a guide. Prices are variable and subject to change. Consult all retailers to determine proposed price ranges and special discounts

Page 18

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Willard Price and Sheree Shivers from Rochdale Village Senior Center distribute holiday lunches with constituent liaison Dara Bragg from Senator Sanders’ office.

A Rochdale Village senior enjoys one of the well balanced and delicious free meals provided by Senator Saunders’ office.

What would we do without the hardworking volunteers from our Senior Center? We can depend on them to keep the meals moving.

Seniors are served healthy and tasty food during the Senior Center Committee Christmas Party

It’s time to feast, dance, and be merry at the Senior Center Christmas Party!

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 19

Seniors attend the October/November/December Birthday celebration, socializing with friends old and new.

Vendors sell jewelry, floral assortments, and memorabilia during the October/November/December Birthday celebration.

Checkers drive-thru restaurant is here and open for business. Food-aholics will love the late hours that Checkers keeps.

Youth from PS80 perform a Christmas Cantata for the Senior Center, complete with choreographed dance and flute selections.

“Howe It’s Done” Hair Salon in the Small Mall is open for business.

Here a customer reeives a shape up.

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 20

December 2013

Highlights of the annual “Pictures with Santa” event at RV Continued from page 1 This year, the committee was able to give away over 300 toys to children in attendance thanks to generous donations from Mothers Against Guns (M.A.G.), Liberty Tax Service, and New York Grand Lodge, of which Board Member Talib Bey is a ranked officer. The Community Relations Committee also collected many toys.

The mall was filled with the Christmas spirit of giving, and not one child left without a gift. The Committee brought in a four-horse carousel. Restauranteur “His Café” catered delicious food. Between Board President Jean Castro, Board Members Mario Turner, his wife, Talib Bey (starring as Santa), and four other Community Relations Committee volunteers, the group was able to provide the children and adults with meals and toys.

Maintenance worker Walter, painted the faces of nearly every child in attendance during his time off, while his colleague DJ Kendo mixed the festive beats. Assemblywoman Vivian Cook and Councilman James Saunders Jr. joined in on the fun stopping to greet the cooperators and

commend those involved.

M.A.G. and six staff members from Rochdale Village Public Safety donated bikes to several fortunate kids. The children who received them in a raffle smiled from ear to ear. The Public Safety Officers who have contributed for seven years were Rosetta Love, Geraldine Huntley, Don Thomas, John Finlater, Patrricia Jones, and Anthony Nuzi, Sr. By partnering with several organizations, the Community Relations Committee functioned as a vehicle of kindness and generosity to the community from multiple donors.

“Magic Soul Food donated the Mac & Cheese, while Basiley Drugs donated water,” said Community Relations Chairperson and Board President Jean Castro of the local stores. “With His Café, everything was on time.” She thanked the store owners, as well as Mothers Against Guns, Liberty Tax Service, New York Grand Lodge and the Public Safety Officers for contributions.

Learn more about the Community Relations Committee and get involved by contacting the Board Office Secretary at (718) 2765700 ext. 336.

The well-coordinated celebration in the Large Mall included the Pictures with Santa display, a 4-hourse carousel, and tables for lunch and toys.

(Left) A Christmas carousel is made available for children to ride. (Right) Sisters pose with Santa, photographed by 2-4-1 Entertainment.

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

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 21 (Left) DJ Kendo spins Christmas and urban hits in the Large Mall.

(Below) Walter contributed face painting during the Photos with Santa event.

(Left) The Secret is out! Public Safety Officers John Finlater, Rosetta Love, Geraldine Huntley, and Cynthia Saunders (inset) are some of the officers who donate bikes for the children each year. (Center) The children who received the bikes from Public Safety.

(Right) M.A.G. President Elizabeth Goldsmith congratulates a youth who receives a bicycle from Mothers Against Guns.

This family came out to participate in the festivities!

A young boy enjoys the free carousel in the Large Mall

Each of the children received one gift courtesy of M.A.G., Liberty Tax Service, New York Grand Lodge, and the Community Relations Committee

L. Board Member and Grand Master Talib Bey (middle) of the New York Grand Lodge with Lodge colleagues (left to right) Most Worthy Supreme Grand Matron Sister Hanice Jiggets, Board President Jean Castro, Brother Lester Jigetts, and Board Member Mario Turner. C. Elaine Jackson, Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (left), Senator James Saunders, Board Members Jean Castro and Mario Turner, and Earl Roberts with a recipient of a Christmas gift donated by multiple organizations (center). R. NORC Volunteers made the afternoon a success.

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 22

December 2013

100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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Now accepting more insurance plans than ever!

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Eye Doctor On Staff.

Rochdale Village Mall, 165-24 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY 718-276-0055 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun Closed *Frames from select group. **With purchase of frames. Other restrictions may apply. Prices subject to change without notice.

Repair or replace your frame with our NO-Fault Warranty. We welcome outside prescriptions!

Call 1-800-EYES-789 or visit STERLINGOPTICAL.COM for a no-obligation appointment.

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 23

A beautiful start for “Howe It’s Done” salon

Rochdale resident-run business opens in small mall; attributes success to tenacity support, and spiritual fortitude

By Lelio Dalencour

F

or several months the Howe sisters have been working on a small vendor space in the Rochdale Village Small Mall. With the number of hours and weeks that it took to prepare the business arrangements, renovations, recruitment, and features of the salon, the sisters can assure you that building a new salon in the community was worth the effort.

The “Howe It’s Done” Salon

features standard services for the industry: a shampoo station, eight or more salon chairs, and a barber shop for men to get their hair cut.

The execution of these features is a different matter. This state-of-theart salon is wi-fi enabled. Each hair dryer comes equipped with a tablet preloaded with access to movies, shows, news channels and magazines.

Two 42” television screens are positioned back-to-back for waiting room guests and salon customers.

The minimalist interior design

z d i K er n r Co

Color Santa Claus and his friend Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for Christmas.

features approximately 20 different inspirational quotes that decorate the walls in the waiting room.

“We knew coming into this that we wanted to maximize our space,” recalled owner Natasha Howe, a Rochdale Village resident.

“Why do we have to go to Manhattan or College Point? Why do we have to leave our community to have an upscale, well-maintained business?” asked Natasha. “Our people work just as hard. This is a basic amenity that we should have.”

The store is open for business now; however, the official grand opening is expected for sometime in January. Of course there were challenges leading up to this point, but the Howe sisters thank God that they made it through.

“And family. That never changed. And stay positive,” Added Natasha Howe. “We felt like a canoe in the middle of the ocean, but we always knew that we would make it to the other side. “The true support was always there.”

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 24

December 2013

Upcoming Events at NORC

NORC will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day

NORC Outreach Program - December 2013 WEDNESDAY, January 8, CIRCLE 5 WEDNESDAY, January 15, CIRCLE 1 WEDNESDAY, January 22, CIRCLE 2 WEDNESDAY, January 30, CIRCLE 3 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

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)

GAME DAY !!!

Tuesday, January 16, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Rooms 17 & 18. Cost: $3.00 Come out & have some fun! Refreshments served!

Meetings Volunteer Workshops Tuesdays, 1:15 p.m. Room 17 Mind-Over-Matter Group Thursdays - 10:30 a.m. Room 17 Living Independently Support Group Mondays – 1:15 p.m. Room 17 Intergenerational Group Mondays-4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Room 17 (NEW) Creative Dance for seniors - Wednesdays, 1:15 p.m. room 18 (Except first Wed. of each Month). Come out & join us!

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the N.O.R.C. Office and Staff 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

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Page 25

Rochdale Village Community Center Events Programs, Trips & Events

Youth Programs • Spirit of Excellence • RVCC Women’s Development Center

Programs

SEQKWA

The Drum Extraordinaire & Elite Marching Band Class

The RVCC Drum Extraordinaire and Elite Drum Corp. classes are held Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm in Room #8 for ages 10-14 and 15-19.

RVCC Sports & Fitness Karate Classes

Martial arts classes for children and adults, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in the Community Center, Room 11. This program is more than a karate program. One major focus of this program is increasing self-esteem and awareness. Classes for children are held Saturdays (11am - 1pm) and Mondays (6:00-7:00pm) while adult classes are Wednesdays (7pm-8pm). Call Sensei Derrick Shareef at 718-723-7440.

The Clay Sisters Arts, Crafts & Needlework Program Thursdays & Saturdays @ 1pm - 6pm Community Center Room 5

The Southeast Queens Kids Wrestling Association is hosting ongoing registration for its wrestling program in the RVCC on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30pm - 8:00pm in Room #10.

GED - Free Basic Education Classes

Improve your reading and writing skills. Monday-Friday from 8:30 -11:30am. 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Pre-testing available. Contact the RVCC for additional information.

Moore2Salsa

Salsa Class for adults is offered on Sundays @ 4:00pm. For additional information contact moore2salsa@gmail.com.

Defensive Driving Dates for 2013

Defensive Driving is held on Saturdays from 7:45am - 2:00pm in the Club Lounge. The next Defensive Driving class will be held on December 28, 2013. Call the RVCC to pre-register at (718) 2765700 x337 or 339.

“The Spirit of Excellence” - 169-65 137th Avenue • Tel: 718-276-5700 ext. 337/339 • Fax: 718-276-7504

Rochdale Village Senior Center You are invited! For all activities, call 718-525-2800 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

Mondays

10:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm

Stay Well Exercise Alert & Alive Discussion Bingo Movie

Thursdays

8:00 am Walking Club 8:00 am Walking Club 10:00 am Aerobics 9:00 am Aerobics 11:00 am Bingo 10:00 am Yoga 1:30 pm Spanish Class

Tuesdays Fridays 10:45 am Chair & Floor Exercise 10:30 am Tai Chi 11:00 am Dance Class 11:00 am Bingo 1:00 pm Drama Class 1:00 pm Arts & Crafts 1:00 pm Pool & Card Games 1:00 pm Pool & Card Games

**Office closed on Christmas Day and New Years** Upcoming Trips—Seats are limited, payment due immediately.

Please call the senior center at (718) 525-2800 for more information.

MT. Airy Casino - Friday, January 17, 2013. Contribution $33.00 (Rebate $35.00, Food $10.00, Slot Play $25.00) AFTER MIDNIGHT Broadway Show- Special Guest Fantasia- Wednesday, Febuary 5, 2014. Contribution $138.00 (includes Bus transportation, lunch, and the show)

SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE: MOSES- Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Contribution $107.00 (Transportation, buffet lunch, and show).

New Class – Computer Basics for Beginners- Workshop held Tuesday Morning 10am - Noon starting January 7, 2014 January 28, 2014. Contribution $40.00. Call the office at (718) 525-2800 for more information.

Internet & E-Mail- Tuesday Afternoon Class 1pm-3pm starting January 7, 2014 - Jan 28, 2014. Contribution $40.00.

Power Point (Family Album)- Wednesday Morning Class (10am - Noon) and Afternoon Class (1pm – 3pm). Classes start January 8 – January 29, 2014. Contribution $ 40.00 TAI CHI - Offered every Friday 10:30-11:30am Game Day with NORC - Every third Tuesday from 2-5pm in Rooms 17 & 18. Come and have some fun!

Wii Sport/ Fitness and Exercise Equipment - Come out and learn the basics of the Wii program every Wednesday afternoon.

Seniors can also use our new treadmill and exercise bike. Call the Senior Center at 718-525-2800 for more details.

Bingo - Try your luck and come join us for exciting Bingo games at the Rochdale Village Senior Center.

Movie Videos - Come and enjoy lunch and a movie with us. Movies are shown on Wednesdays at 1PM. Light snacks will be served.

“Serving Vibrant Seniors” 169-65 137th Avenue • Tel: 718-525-2800 • Fax: 718-525-0691 • Funded in Part By NYC DFTA

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 26

December 2013

Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - November 25, 2013

Resolution 71-13: Resolution Grounds Equipment.

WHEREAS, the vehicles from the Rochdale grounds fleet are in need of replacement, including two (2) vans which are over twenty years old and expensive to maintain; WHEREAS, new vehicles will enable the maintenance department to cut grass and clean up snow more efficiently throughout the campus, which will save Rochdale Village money from overtime and make it safer for cooperators to traverse the campus after a storm; WHEREAS, bids for the items below were received ranging in price from $232,497.67 to $241,926.55: eight (8) vehicles eight (8) protective cabs; eight (8) cab heating units; eight (8) plows for snow; and five (5) mowing decks for cutting grass;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rochdale Village Board of Directors approves the proposal from Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. to make the additional improvements to the lobby ceilings, at a cost of $8,225 per buliding.

Moved by: Ron Hollie

Seconded by: Joe Evans

FOR Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner

Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin

Kamal Saleem

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Lisa Stark

ABSENT Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

David Jeffries

Janine Cross

Timothy Mercer

Ten for, five absent; motion passes.

Resolution 73-13:

WHEREAS, upon bid analysis, the Maintenance Department recommends acceptance of the lowest responsible bid from Chief Equipment in the sum of $232,497.67.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that Rochdale Village Board of Directors accepts the proposal from Chief Equipment, Inc., subject to approval from New York State Homes & Community Renewal.

Moved by: Ron Hollie

Seconded by: Edward Douglass

FOR Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner

Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Lisa Stark

ABSENT Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

David Jeffries

Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

Ten for, five absent; motion passes.

Resolution 72-13: Resolution Lobby Ceiling Change Order.

Compactor Maintenance.

WHEREAS, Rochdale Village has a total of sixty (60) interior compactors and ten (10) exterior compactors, which require preventative maintenance to remain in good working condition; WHEREAS, Rochdale spends approximately $120,000 a year to service the compactors as problems arise and believes it would be more cost effective for the compactors to be serviced under an annual contract; WHEREAS, Request for Proposals were sought from vendors, producing bids ranging in cost from $64,597.50 to $130,650 annually for maintenance of compactor rooms and to provide bi-annual preventative maintenance on the compactors; and WHEREAS, Project Management having analyzed all bids, recommends acceptance of the proposal from Premier Compaction Systems, LLC as the lowest responsible bidder for $64,597.50 per year including tax.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors accepts the Proposal from Premier Compaction Systems, subject to approval from the New York State Homes & Community Renewal.

Moved by: Ron Hollie

WHEREAS, Rochdale Village, Inc. entered into a contract with Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. to completely renovate the ceilings of four to six lobbies at Rochdale Village for the first time in fifty years, at a cost of $40,875 per building; WHEREAS, this project was intended to address the lobbies with the most problems first, in the hope that Rochdale could complete the other lobbies when additional funds became available; WHEREAS, after demolition of the existing lobby ceilings, it was discovered that additional items require work including dual temp piping over camera equipment which needs to be insulated, damaged heating ventilation diffusers which need to be replaced and masonry firewalls that need to be patched; WHEREAS, to have all of the above-mentined conditions rectified, Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. presented a proposal in the amount of $8,225 per lobby, which Project Management deems fair and reasonable.

Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro FOR Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem ABSENT Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Lisa Stark

David Jeffries

Ten for, five absent; motion passes.

Resolution 74-13: Locker Room Renovations.

WHEREAS, locker rooms in each of the (5) groups at Rochdale Village are in need of upgrades to meet requirements of the 32B-32J;

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Page 27

Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - November 25, 2013

WHEREAS, the upgrades will provide the maintenance employees with a safe and comfortable place to change and store their property; WHEREAS, new lockers have been received to install in the rooms but room repairs need to be made to install the lockers; and WHEREAS, proposals sought from contractors to renovate the rooms ranged in cost from $8,000 to $16,500 per room and Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. provided the lowest responsible bid, in the amount of $8,000 per room, for a total cost of $40,000.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village Board of Directors approves the proposal from Sigma Maintenance & Restoration Corp. to complete the locker room repairs.

Moved by: Ron Hollie Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

Seconded by: Edward Douglass FOR Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem ABSENT Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

Nine for, one against, five absent; motion passes.

Resolution 76-13: Laundry Room Machine Increase.

WHEREAS, the Laundry Room vendor Woodside Super Laundry Inc. (“Woodside”) provides monthly revenue reports which reflect a consistent monthly loss ranging from $13,600 to $33,068; WHEREAS, the Project Director along with Woodside, after research, discovered that revenue loss is attributed to the larger size of the new machines enabling cooperators to utilize half the machines they used with the previous laundry contractor; WHEREAS, Project Management surveyed what other laundromats in walking distance of Rochdale Village charge, revealing the closest vendor is twice the price and half the size of what Rochdale Village provides;

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Lisa Stark

WHEREAS, in order to rectify the long-standing lint release from dryer exhaust causing undue hardship on the health and safety of our cooperators, Woodside, at their own expense, researched and retrofitted a ‘misting’ system in conjunction with the external ductwork to resolve the problem; and

David Jeffries

WHEREAS, Woodside is requesting a reduction in their monthly payment to Rochdale from $85,000 to $71,500, which is the monthly fee which was paid by the prior laundry room vendor, Mac-Gray Services, Inc..

Ten for, five absent; motion passes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village Board of Directors accepts the reduction from $85,000 to $71,500 in monthly payments for Woodside.

Resolution 75-13: Budget for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015.

WHEREAS, Rochdale Village, Inc. (“Rochdale”) prepared operating and capital budgets for fiscal years ending March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016 with carrying charge increases of 2.5% in each budget year which will be the first carrying charge increase in five years.

WHEREAS, Rochdale also recommends that parking charges increase for the first time in fourteen years, from $31.25 to $39.50 per month or $1.32 per day; and WHEREAS, the budget must be approved as a condition for refinancing the current mortgage at a lower interest rate which will save Rochdale millions of dollars and enable Rochdale to complete much needed capital projects throughout the campus.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of irectors approves the budgets for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 and the increase for parking charges, pending approval by New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

Moved by: Ron Hollie

Seconded by: Lisa Stark

Talib Bey Ron Hollie Kamal Saleem

FOR Edward Douglass Joseph Mathieu Lisa Stark

Joe Evans Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner

AGAINST Tracey Irvin Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

ABSENT Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

David Jeffries

Moved by: Ron Hollie

Seconded by: Lisa Stark

Talib Bey Ron Hollie

FOR Edward Douglass Joe Evans Jean Randolph-Castro Lisa Stark

Tracey Irvin

AGAINST Joseph Mathieu

Mario Turner

ABSTAIN Kamal Saleem ABSENT Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

David Jeffries

Six for, three against, one abstention, five absent; motion passes.

Resolution 77-13: To The Board of Directors. The Community Relations Committee is requesting $2,500 for the annual Christmas event for the children.

The event will take place in the Rochdale Big Mall in December. There will be a professional Santa Claus and Santa Land set to take pictures with the children provided by 2-4-1 Entertainment; pictures will be given on the spot. Last year was such a huge success, that this year we have decided to create an additional weekend for the Rochdale Community to come out and take pictures with Santa.

The first weekend of the event will be Friday, December 13th from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.; Saturday December 14th from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.; and Sunday, December 15th, from 1:00 P.M. To 9:00 P.M. Continued on page 28

Rochdale Village Bulletin

Page 28

December 2013

Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - November 25, 2013

Continued from page 27 The second weekend of the event will include the following dates and times: Friday, December 20th from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.; Saturday December 21st from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., and the final date of the event will be Sunday, December 22nd from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The setup date will be December 8, 2013 at 9:00 A.M.

Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro

Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem

Joseph Mathieu Mario Turner

Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

ABSENT Gary Hawkins Lisa Stark

David Jeffries Ahmed White

On Saturday, December 14th from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Rochdale Village will celebrate our 50th Anniversary Christmas Party for the children.

The $2,500 requested will go towards food, drinks, toys, face painting, indoor kiddie rides and the DJ. The party will be exclusively for Rochdale Village residents. This is the ride that we expect to put out there this year.

The ride itself cost $1,000 for the kids for the day, so the balance will go for toys, food, DJ and face painting and the other things that will be going on there.

Nine for, six absent; motion passes.

As it was last year, all of the proceeds collected from the sale of photos and other novelties will go directly to the studio.

Moved by: Mario Turner

Seconded by: Talib Bey

In consideration, 2-4-1 Entertainment has agreed to donate $625 to Rochdale Village, Inc.

Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro

FOR Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Mario Turner

Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

ABSENT Gary Hawkins Lisa Stark

David Jeffries Ahmed White

Moved by: Jean Randolph-Castro Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro Mario Turner Janine Cross

Timothy Mercer

Seconded by: Ron Hollie

FOR Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem ABSENT Gary Hawkins Ahmed White

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Lisa Stark

David Jeffries

Resolution 78-13: WHEREAS the Maintenance Committee wishes to have a Christmas Dinner Party at our December 12, 2013 meeting. And understanding that we operate our committee on a limited budget, the Committee wishes to use funds from our January meeting which will be cancelled and use those funds to fund our December Meeting (Dinner Party).

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Maintenance Committee will be permitted to spend $600 to fund the December 12, 2013 Maintenance Committee Member Christmas Dinner party.

Moved by: Edward Douglass Seconded by: Ron Hollie FOR Edward Douglass

The Youth Planning Committee is requesting that the Board allow me to reallocate monies given to us for the Tea Party that was returned in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be used for The Christmas Arts & Crafts Project.

Nine for, six absent; motion passes.

Resolution 80-13:

Ten for, five absent; motion passes.

Talib Bey

Resolution 79-13:

Joe Evans

WHEREAS, the Rochdale Village Public Safety Department plans to have a Christmas Dinner for officers working on Christmas Day; the food will be ordered from a Plate of Soul Restaurant at a cost of $1,800.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village Inc. Board of Directors approves the invoice from A Plate of Soul Restaurant in the amount of $1,800 for one hundred (100) people; for the Public Safety Christmas Day Dinner.

Moved by: Talib Bey

Seconded by: Ron Hollie

Talib Bey Ron Hollie Jean Randolph-Castro

FOR Edward Douglass Tracey Irvin Kamal Saleem

Joe Evans Joseph Mathieu Mario Turner

Janine Cross Timothy Mercer

ABSENT Gary Hawkins Lisa Stark

David Jeffries Ahmed White

Nine for, six absent; motion passes.

Please Help Keep Rochdale Village Clean— Say No to Litter.

December 2013

Rochdale Village Bulletin

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Youth Planning Committee Meeting Minutes for October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2013

Meeting Minutes for November 1, 15, abd 22, 2013

Agemda: Discussion on events planned for the Rochdale Village Community and developing a list of activities that promotes education, and Youth Development.

Agemda: Discussion on events planned for the Rochdale Village Community and developing a list of activities that promotes education, and Youth Development.

OLD BUSINESS: 1. Female Faction Female Mentoring Program- The above mentioned activity was scheduled for October 13th and has been re-scheduled for November 2nd, 2013.

2. Halloween Party- the Youth Planning Committee will develop a list of items to be purchased and invitations/flyers will be completed by the Youth Planning Committee. The activity is scheduled for October 31st, 2013.

3. Masquerade Party- the Youth Planning Committee has decided to cancel the above mentioned activity. Based on further review the event requires more time, attention and planning to ensure that the event will be a success.

4. Activities for the Community Center- Suggestions are offered on a weekly basis of beneficial and engaging activities geared for Youth Programs.

There have been several requests to address the growing need of an After School Program and Summer Camp in light of the events in the community with organizations providing services surrounding the Rochdale Village Community. Based on the meeting and participation from Community partners, the services should be affordable, accessible and beneficial to the growth and stability of the children and parents in Rochdale Village. The Chairperson will continue to develop the list for presentation to the Board of Directors along with the budget in September 2013.

5. Game Room re-opening- Activity for purchasing items for the Game Room was approved. Activity on hold until the election is completed.

The next meeting is scheduled for the Board of Directors in October 2013 for further review.

6. Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014- This activity is still under review of the Youth Planning Committee and currently in the development stage for submission by the Youth Planning Committee Chairperson Mario Turner in October 2013.

7. Activities for the Community Center- A list of activities will be developed based on community requests, Youth Planning Committee members and the Chairperson.

OLD BUSINESS: 1. Female Faction Female Mentoring Program- The above mentioned activity is scheduled for November 2nd, 2013.

2. Halloween Party- the activity was completed, no further discussion is required about the above mentioned activity.

3. Activities for the Community Center- Suggestions are offered on a weekly basis of beneficial and engaging activities geared for Youth Programs. There have been several requests to address the growing need of an After School Program and Summer Camp in light of the events in the community with organizations providing services surrounding the Rochdale Village Community.

Based on the meeting and participation from Community partners, the services should be affordable, accessible and beneficial to the growth and stability of the children and parents in Rochdale Village. The Chairperson will continue to develop the list for presentation to the Board of Directors along with the budget in September 2013.

4. Game Room re-opening- Activity for purchasing items for the Game Room was approved. Activity on hold until the election is completed. The next meeting is scheduled for the Board of Directors in October 2013 for further review.

5. Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014- This activity is still under review of the Youth Planning Committee and currently in the development stage for submission by the Youth Planning Committee Chairperson Mario Turner in October 2013.

6. Activities for the Community Center- A list of activities will be developed based on community requests, Youth Planning Committee members and the Chairperson.

NEW BUSINESS: 1. New Programs- the Youth Planning Committee Chairperson received proposals for programs (Fencing and Track). As per protocol, the Chairperson will submit the above mentioned activity proposals for review to determine whether the activity will be beneficial to the community.

2. Holiday Craft Party- the Youth Planning Committee will develop a list of items to be purchased and invitations/flyers will be completed by the Youth Planning Committee. The tentative date will be in December approximately during the third week to prepare and plan for the event.

(December 20th during the scheduled time for the Youth Planning Committee meeting from 6pm-8pm)

UPCOMING EVENTS: Proposal for Jewelry Making Classes (to be determined) Female Faction, Female Youth Mentoring November 2, 2013 Halloween Party October 31, 2013 50th Anniversary Activities for Rochdale Village November 15th and November 16th PRESENTATIONS: There were no presenters during today’s meetings. Mr. Turner received information about Workshops and community services offered by several organizations. Mr. Turner will review the candidate’s proposals along with the Rochdale Board of Directors, Legal/Management and the Community Center Executive Director to screen the appropriateness of the workshops and services in association with Youth Programs.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, COMMENTS: There was no Q&A addressed at this time. All Comments, Questions and Answers were addressed during the course of the meeting specifically pertaining to the topics addressed.

Meeting Adjourned- 8:00pm

NEW BUSINESS 1. Female Faction Female Mentoring Program- Upon further discussion on November 15th, the Youth Planning Committee decided to schedule the next activity in March 2013 during Women’s History Month. During the Youth Planning Committee meeting in December 2013, a proposal for the activity and outline for the activity will be developed.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Proposal for Jewelry Making Classes (potentially included in the holiday craft activity in December) Female Faction, Female Youth Mentoring November 2, 2013 50th Anniversary Activities for Rochdale Village November 15th and November 16th PRESENTATIONS: There were no presenters during today’s meetings. Mr. Turner received information about Workshops and community services offered by several organizations. Mr. Turner will review the candidate’s proposals along with the Rochdale Board of Directors, Legal/Management and the Community Center Executive Director to screen the appropriateness of the workshops and services in association with Youth Programs.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, COMMENTS: There was no Q&A addressed at this time. All Comments, Questions and Answers were addressed during the course of the meeting specifically pertaining to the topics addressed.

Meeting Adjourned- 8:00pm

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December 2013

Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes for December 11, 2013 Meeting was opened by Chairperson Jean Castro.

Agemda: Christmas Party in the Big Mall Unfinished Business: 1. Christmas party will take place this Saturday, December 14th from 10:00am to 4:00pm • Tina Young and Gloria Young will meet Jean Castro in the big mall at 9:00 to finish setting up tables and decorating; Gwen Henderson will show up around 10:00am. Jasmine Coward is unable to attend.

Action Items: • The children will have Pizza, Juice and Wingetts for lunch • We will serve food to the Elected Officials, Board Members and Committee Members • Gwen and Gloria are in charge of the food • The smaller children will have pizza and juice • If anyone would like wingetts we will not turn them away • We will try to get macaroni & cheese, collard greens and wingetts for the adults Rides & Toys Action Items: • The Committee will be incorporated with Liz Goldsmith (M.A.G.) and Liberty Tax • Talib Bey will be the Santa Claus for the Day; His lodge will also donate toys • The Committee ordered a carousal for this event • Yellow tickets will be distributed for food & toys • We will distribute toys, hats & gloves for the children • We will have face painting (Walter)

Continued from page 4 Most housing companies were experientially weak beyond the one or two top people in the company.

Because of the low pay and lack of professional structure it was very difficult to recruit competent personnel to manage low and moderate income properties. Today, however, multifamily property management is recognized as an essential service industry and the practitioners are now recognized as highly skilled professionals with an enhanced educational base provide by the RAM course.

This recognition has been helped immensely by the Registered in Apartment Management (RAM)

• Jean and Tina are in charge of the Toys • M.A.G. will have toys for the homeless and The Committee’s toys will be exclusively for Rochdale residents; Liberty Tax will also have 100 toys to distribute • The Carousal will be monitored by the workers from company • Carousal only holds up to age 6 • The Committee will have toys for up to age 10 • We will also have hats & gloves for all ages Additional Gifts: • We received 7 Bicycles to raffle off • 3 will go to Liz Goldsmith and 4 will go to the Community Relations Music and Pictures: • There will be music photography • D. J. Kendo will be playing • There will be a photographer in the mall taking pictures Notes: • Jean sent out emails to each Board Member to attend this function The Committee will wear Red shirts and Santa Hats • Talib’s Chapter will assist the Committee in giving out toys • Child will need to be accompanied by an adult with ID in order to receive a toy Next Meeting: January 8, 2013 Respectfully Submitted, Jean Castro, Chairperson Jasmine Coward, Co-Chair Tina Young, Secretary

General Manager’s Report program, the longest running and best respected residential property management education and credentialing program in the industry.

We are proud to announce that 9 board members and 21 RVI staff members have recently completed this highly recognized industry program.

Gail Badger-Morgan, RAM Dean, was gracious enough to conduct the 45 hour class at Rochdale Village. Usually it is a 15-week program, but the class elected to do seven 6 hour classes to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on consecutive Saturdays. The participants were willing students and worked diligently to absorb

the information and increase their knowledge of the multifamily housing management field.

It is particularly encouraging to know that 10 members of the Board have their RAM credentials and will be able to give environmental support to Management based upon their understanding of how multifamily housing actually works. Rochdale will receive long term residual benefits from their increased knowledge and dedication to higher learning.

The good will established between the RAM students – Board members and Management together was an added bonus to this

training. All students were broken up into groups that contained both Management and Board members and these groups worked as a team to solve problems. This cross-pollination will increase the effectiveness of the working relationships here at Rochdale.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS The management and staff of Rochdale Village wish the entire community Peace and Good Will this holiday season. We look forward to continuing to work towards improving Rochdale Village in the New Year.

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Page 31

See What’s Going On in, and Around Our Community... a Little Something for Everyone!

Rochdale Village Community Calendar

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ROCHDALE VILLAGE BULLETIN

If you are a part of a community organization or have a special event that you would like to be posted, email Rochdalebulletin@aol.com with the date, time and the subject heading “Community Calendar.”

Postings will be at the Editor’s discretion.

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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. CORRECTION: A story, which appeared on page 19 of the August 2013 edition of the Rochdale Village Bulletin Newspaper for “National Night Out”, incorrectly listed Terry Calhoun as “Reverend Dr. Terry Calhoun”.

His correct title is Reverend Terry Calhoun.

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.

Page 32

Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Obituary Obituary Nelson Mandela

Sunrise: July 18, 1918 - Sunset: December 5, 2013

T

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is that of a politician, philanthropist, scholar and revolutionary leader whose steadfast courage, unchanging principles and governance directed the 20-year anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Mr. Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa and was the son of a tribal counselor in the Xhosa tribe. Early on, Mandela mastered the art of negotiations, relationship building and listening. Through the adoption of these skills, he recognized that to make a positive difference in his family’s future, he must sacrifice and dedicate his life to the struggle of overcoming the demoralizing human injustices that were perpetuated via the segregated system of racial apartheid. He and other brave freedom fighters banded together to join the African National Congress, then South Africa’s national liberation movement.

In 1962, Mandela began an odyssey of wrongful imprisonment for his efforts to promote racial equality in his country. After multiple minor arrests, he was jailed as a political prisoner and later sent to a maximum-security penitentiary called Robben Island in 1963. He was charged with treason and conspiracy and served a 27-year prison sentence for civil rights protests and violations against the apartheid regime.

While in prison, Mandela learned how to analyze and strategize his next steps in the struggle. He ultimately recognized that the antiapartheid movement would advance more effectively through the use of passive resistance tactics rather than the aggressive revolutionary acts, which initially landed him behind bars. Mandela was ultimately he legacy of

freed from what was originally supposed to be a life sentence in prison on February 11, 1990. Upon his release, he worked tirelessly to effect political reform and bridge differences between the races in South Africa. One such method was to use sports to unite the country of South Africa by hosting the 2003 Cricket World Cup and, the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Apartheid was effectively defeated once Mr. Mandela replaced then President F.W. DeKlerk and was sworn in as his country’s first black President on May 2, 1994. He served in this capacity until June 1999.

In addition to being a global civil rights icon and elder statesman, Mr. Mandela authored two written works. His first book is entitled “The Struggle is My Life” which was published in 1986 and, “Long Road to Freedom” released in 1994.

Nelson Mandela also received the Nobel Prize for his years of human sacrifice, remarkable gift for forgiveness and successful perseverance to overcome the apartheid regime in South Africa.

On Thursday, December 5, 2013, God called our brother and faithful servant, Nelson Mandela, home to rest. Nelson Mandela was buried in his ancestral home of Qunu near Umtata on Sunday, December 15, 2013 after a weeklong celebration of his life and legacy. Mr. Mandela’s memories will be shared and cherished by his wife, Graca Machel, a host of beautiful children, great grandchildren, and a world of family and friends. The journey is over. Rest well “Tata Madiba”.

Respectfully submitted by Susan Van Brackle, Managing Editor

December 2013

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Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013

Holiday building lobby decorations Each year, RV residents collaborate with building Maintenance workers to decorate the lobbies. This year’s embellishments were particularly remarkable—a product of planning and teamwork. Take a look at some of the lobbies that are full of the holiday spirit:

Building 3

Building 17

Building 16

Building 12

Building 15

Building 20

December 2013

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Rochdale Village Bulletin

December 2013