Vol. 32, No. 11 First Class U.S. Postage Paid — Permit No. 4119, New York, N.Y. 10007 November 2002 Meet The New Leader Of The NYCHA’S Sixth Annual Domestic NYCHA Symphony Orchestra AMNESTY ell, he’s not really new. Violence Conference In fact, W. Marshall PROGRAM Holding Offenders Accountable WSealy has now been the Executive Director of The New UPDATE York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Symphony Orchestra ew York City Housing for nearly a year. But for those of Authority (NYCHA) resi- us who have become used to see- Ndents who have not accu- ing Janet Wolfe in that role since rately reported their income the time she created the Orchestra and/or assets had a unique oppor- more than 30 years ago, Mr. Sealy tunity to “come clean” over a is certainly new. W. Marshall Sealy period of five months, beginning The NYCHA Symphony Or- NYCHA residents with a few on September 1, 2001, and ending chestra was one of the first or- professionals “ringers” brought on January 31, 2002, through chestras in the United States with in. Now there are only one or two NYCHA’s Rental Assistance the mission of achieving racial as actual residents who play in the Amnesty Program. well as musical diversity in classi- Orchestra but all residents can The Amnesty Program allows cal music. Over the years, the enjoy its music. current and former conventional Orchestra has offered extensive Mr. Sealy, a New York City public housing residents (those who live in NYCHA develop- performance opportunities to native, is well qualified for his PLAYS FOR LIVING, an acting troupe with a social conscience, pre- ments) and Section 8 Leased classically trained musicians of role, with a varied background sented “Apartment 3G” at the Domestic Violence Conference. Here ac- Housing residents to report previ- color. Initially the musicians were tor Robert Baumgardner takes actor Clark Jackson away in handcuffs. (Continued on page 8) ously unreported income and/or Jackson’s character, James, has just stabbed his wife. assets to NYCHA without fear of criminal prosecution or termina- By Eileen Elliott BRONX SOUTH COP INSTALLATION tion of tenancy/subsidy. Based on he New York City Housing Authority/Safe Horizon Sixth Annu- the newly submitted information, al Domestic Violence Conference held on October 29 at the New NYCHA will figure out what the TYork Academy of Medicine in Upper Manhattan made one point correct rent or subsidy should stunningly clear. That is that the not-so-long-ago days when police have been and will allow those would respond to a domestic violence call by taking the batterer for a who qualify to pay that amount walk around the block — to cool down — are over for good. We live in without interest or legal fees. a new era where the courts, the police, social service agencies, and Once all of the past due money is even, perhaps your neighbors, are all working together to make sure paid back to NYCHA, Amnesty is that the offender is held accountable. As NYCHA Chairman Tino granted. Hernandez said in his opening remarks on the topic of this year’s The Housing Authority re- conference, “Holding Offenders Accountable,” “There have to be con- ceived a total of 5,824 applica- sequences for people who abuse people.” tions from residents seeking Amnesty. Of these, 3,010 appli- Over 350 staff from NYCHA, “The purpose of this event is cations were from conventional Safe Horizon, the NYPD, and a for you to network with one an- public housing residents and variety of community-based orga- other, to share your resources, and 2,814 applications were from Sec- nizations participated in the day- to provide a forum for discus- tion 8 Leased Housing subsidy long event that featured a keynote sion,” said NYCHA’s Department recipients. Though most applica- address, a dramatic presentation, for Social Services Director Nora tions are still under review, based a panel discussion and work- Reissig-Lazzaro, who served as The Bronx South Council Of Presidents (COP) held its Executive shops. moderator. Board Installation Ceremony at the Classic Center at Melrose Houses on those cases that have been re- (Continued on page 7) on East 156th Street in the Bronx on October 21. Joanne Smitherman solved, NYCHA stands to recover (above), of Highbridge Houses, will continue as District Chair; Gary over $1 million. This includes Coleman of Butler Houses will continue as Vice-Chair; Linda Ballou of over $700,000 from conventional Millbrook Houses will continue as Recording Secretary; Gloria Tull of public housing residents and over Inside: Claremont Pkwy is the new Corresponding Secretary; Elsie Deans of $280,000 from Section 8 Leased 100 Teller Avenue will continue as Financial Secretary; Lutrell Sim- Housing subsidy residents. • It’s Time To Get Your Flu Shot ...... page 2 To date, of the 3,010 applica- mons of College Avenue Rehabs is the new Treasurer; and Cornelius • Celebrating The Holidays ...... page 3 Foster of Franklin Avenue will continue as Sergeant at Arms. Each of tions received from conventional nine districts in the City has a COP, which is made up of all of the Res- public housing residents, a total • More Dreamers At Melrose ...... page 4 ident Association leaders in that district. The Chair for each COP dis- of 1,496 applications have been trict is a member of the Citywide COP, where they serve as the voice of resolved. No further action was • ‘Baby Think It Over’ at Glenwood . . . page 7 the residents they represent. Elections are held every three years. (Continued on page 3) Happy Thanksgiving Page 2 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL November 2002

Message From The Mayor NYCHA Seniors Make Almost 1,000 Beds Elderly and At-Risk New Yorkers Should For Orphaned Cats And Dogs At CACC Get Flu and Pneumonia Vaccinations By Eileen Elliott nlike many of the cats ith the flu season who peered out of their approaching, I urge Ucages stacked three high Wall New Yorkers over in the showroom at the Center for the age of 50 and those with Animal Care and Control (CACC) underlying medical conditions Brooklyn Shelter on October 22, to get vaccinated against the flu Mittens didn’t seem to regard the as soon as possible. While most Cage Comforter Recognition people who get the flu are only Awards Ceremony as a time sick for a few days, you may be to play. Instead, this tiny black surprised to learn that the flu is kitten with white paws sat at the one of the leading causes of very back of her clean but stark death in New York City. steel cage while a smattering of According to the U.S. Cen- New York City Housing Authority ters for Disease Control and (NYCHA) seniors accepted awards Prevention, last year more than on behalf of their community 21,300 Americans died from the flu. So, if you are over the age of centers. 50, or have an underlying medical condition, please take the time to The Cage Comforter program make an appointment with your doctor and get a flu shot. For those is a collaboration between the of you without health insurance or a doctor, the City is making the CACC, which is a not-for-profit NYCHA seniors display the Recognition Certificates for their com- flu vaccine available through clinics and Senior Centers citywide. organization that runs the City’s munity centers at the CACC. (Inset) Mittens steps onto her new bed. Studies have shown that communities of color have lower rates animal shelters, and NYCHA. of influenza vaccination compared to the citywide average. In 2001, Over 150 seniors from 28 com- 63% of persons 65 years of age or older reported getting a flu shot, munity centers participated in the Sitting beside her, Doris Beavers, 68, of Sedgwick Houses, also in the but among African Americans, for example, the rate was signifi- program from July through Sep- Bronx, expressed her enthusiasm when she heard about the project, “I cantly lower —only 52%. As a result, this year we are actively tember, creating nearly 1,000 color- said, ‘Oh, isn’t that sweet.’ My heart poured out.” reaching out to communities of color in an effort to increase vacci- ful beds for cats and dogs in the The CACC is one of the busiest animal shelters in the United States nation rates. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene CACC’s five shelters. They also accepting nearly 60,000 animals a year. In July of this year the City (DOHMH) has partnered with community-based organizations, made over 1,000 toys. reduced the hours that the shelter can accept animals to 12 hours a day, medical providers, and faith-based organizations to increase flu vac- “We had a vision of how many seven days a week. It also reduced the number of hours the shelters cination rates in these communities. beds we would create, and we can operate their adoption programs. At the same time the Mayor As an active participant in the City’s Flu Immunization Cam- never shied away,” said Depart- announced the creation of the Mayor’s Alliance for Animals. The goal paign, NYCHA is canvassing its developments to make sure that ment of Community Operations of the Alliance, of which the CACC is a member, simply put, is to find public housing residents are properly immunized. You may have Program Manager for Citywide a good home for every cat and dog in New York City. seen the Flu Shot posters in your development’s Management Programs Ray Diaz, who oversees Ms. Jones thanked the seniors and NYCHA for their support. “It Office or Community Center. NYCHA Resident Association leaders the program. “Seniors often feel really helps us feel much stronger about what we do for these animals,” and Management Offices have received a list of vaccination sites, so underappreciated, or neglected she said. Then, Mr. Diaz presented the Recognition Awards and every- that they will be able to direct NYCHA residents who need flu or and forgotten about. This program one took a hand at placing the beds in the cages. The transformation pneumonia vaccinations to the nearest location. In addition, gives them an opportunity to was immediate. By the time the ceremony was over Mittens was sitting NYCHA staff are working with DOHMH and the Visiting Nurse make a difference and helps to contentedly on her bed in the front of the cage, increasing her chances Service to provide inoculations at 21 NYCHA-operated Senior raise their self-esteem.” of finding a home. Centers, at seven Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, CACC Director of Volunteers To find out more about the CACC, call 212-442-2076, or log and to the homebound elderly. Jody Jones had the original idea onto www.nycacc.org to view adoptable pets. DOHMH is also offering free immunizations to New Yorkers at for the project, but it was NY- walk-in clinics and Senior Centers throughout the City, in coopera- CHA’s Department of Moderniza- tion with the Department for the Aging and the Visiting Nurse Ser- tion Director and dedicated ani- The Housing Authority vice of New York. The Health and Hospitals Corporation is current- mal advocate Alice O’Neil, who 68years ly offering flu shots at their hospitals and Communicare clinic sites took the idea and ran (or sewed) of Public Housing In New York City as well. For information on where to get a flu shot, New Yorkers with it. In addition to being a Journal can call the City’s Flu Information Line (1-866-FLU-LINE), or volunteer with the CACC, Ms. visit nyc.gov/health/flu. O’Neil created CAT, or the Com- ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 Some individuals should NOT receive a flu shot, among them, passionate Action Team, made up those who have severe allergies to eggs, or anyone who has had a of NYCHA employees who are Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority serious, life-threatening reaction to a flu vaccination in the past. Department of Public and Community Relations dedicated to improving the lives 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 The flu shot is recommended for all individuals aged 50 or older. of animals. Tel. (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 Other groups who SHOULD get the flu shot include: Individuals “Not only do the comforters Michael R. Bloomberg ...... Mayor between six months and 50 years of age with heart, circulatory, lung help to alleviate stress for the Tino Hernandez...... Chairman (including asthma), or kidney problems (including renal animals during their stay at the Earl Andrews, Jr...... Board Member failure); diabetes or other metabolic disease; cystic fibrosis or shelters, they also help increase JoAnna Aniello...... Board Member hemoglobin abnormalities. Frank Marín ...... Secretary adoptions by making the animals Douglas Apple...... General Manager Because persons at high risk for the flu are also generally at high and the facilities more attractive,” Sheila Greene ...... Director of Public and Community Relations risk for contracting pneumonia, DOHMH recommends that all Ms. O’Neil said. “In addition, Ruth Noemí Colón ...... Editor, Spanish Edition people over the age of 65, and those with underlying medical they assist the animals in their Howard Marder...... Public Information Officer conditions, get the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine as well. Eileen Elliott ...... Editor transition to their new homes as Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer New Yorkers should ask their doctors for the pneumonia vaccine they take their quilts and toys with Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer when getting their flu shots. Unlike the flu shot, the pneumococcal them. If the animal isn’t lucky Carlos M. Casanovas ...... Translator vaccine generally provides long-term protection, and does not need enough to be placed in a home the Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography to be administered annually. tiny blankets can provide some If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, For each year’s flu season, a new flu shot is needed because flu comfort to them during their final please call our marketing representatives in the Department of viruses can change rapidly, making the previous year’s vaccine moments.” Economic and Business Initiatives at (718) 250-5907. The inclusion obsolete. So, don’t take any chances. Protect yourself and the ones “It’s nice to know that you can of any advertisement in this Journal does not constitute any you love from the flu and pneumonia. help animals that need to be endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its prod- Michael R. Bloomberg adopted,” said Ethel Wells, 65, of ucts or services or any other representation by the Housing Author- Highbridge Gardens in the Bronx. ity with respect to such products or services. November 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 3 AMNESTY Message From The Chairman UPDATE Deborah’s Diary (Continued from page 1) The Holidays Are A required in 1,117 of these cases. Specifically, in 865 of these cases, By Deborah Williams Time To Celebrate there was no discrepancy of in- an you believe that the come. In other words, the people holiday season is here who applied for Amnesty were Cagain? With Thanksgiv- not found to have any other Writers’ Update — In the August 2001 issue of the NYCHA Jour- ing just around the corner, fol- sources of income, other than nal, I featured an article about Davy Johnson of Woodside Houses, lowed by Chanukah, Christmas what they had reported during Queens. You will remember that he became a published writer when and Kwanzaa, there’s going to their annual review. In 252 cases, his book entitled “The Figure, A Short Story” was published. Since be a lot to celebrate between the residents were already paying then Davy Johnson has written over 18 books and seven of them are now and the New Year. the ceiling rent, so the additional currently published. His list of published books thus far includes: All over the country families income they reported did not af- “And Down Will Come Baby,” a tale about teenage pregnancy and will be gathering together to fect the amount of rent owed. In the affects it has on the teen as well as the teen’s parents; “The Dev- enjoy Thanksgiving Day on 177 cases payment plans were il Light,” a tale of horror in which unsuspecting folks become vic- November 28, during one of our arranged which will net the tims of prey; “Chameloman”, a tale of a contemporary superhero; most cherished holidays. Histor- Housing Authority more than “Three Short Stories,” a collection of short stories that form a trilo- ically, Thanksgiving has been a $700,000. Residents in another 18 gy of horror; “Dream Leapers,” a science fiction tale filled with ex- celebration of the harvest as well cases have already made full pay- ploding themes, and his most recent science fiction story entitled, as of the principles that drove ment, for an additional $18,000. “Walkers.” To obtain a copy of any of these intriguing books just log the first European settlers here to search for new freedoms in a new “We are very pleased with the onto Maverick Publishing at Mittymax.com or go to the Barnes and land. These days, for myself, and I think for most of us, Thanksgiv- apparent success of the Amnesty Noble site and type in the name of the author. ing is first and foremost a celebration of family and home. Program,” said NYCHA Inspector It has been a lifelong dream of Mr. Johnson to become an Those of you who don’t have any plans for the holiday, or who just General Steve Pasichow. “There author. It all began in the third grade when he read his first novel. want to mix and mingle with your neighbors, might want to stop in were many residents who chose to The novel took him to new heights and places he’d only dreamed of. at your Community Center for a Thanksgiving dinner with all the take advantage of this opportunity Mr. Johnson hopes to publish the remaining 11 books in the near trimmings. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will be by applying for Amnesty. I just future. Well, Mr. Johnson I see you’ve done it again. I congratulate holding its traditional citywide turkey distribution toward the end of want to stress, however, our com- you on all your publications and wish you success with the remain- the month, presenting a free turkey to each Resident Association mitment to continue aggressive ing books. president. Check with your Community Center for the date and time enforcement of the law by investi- of your development’s Thanksgiving dinner. gating and prosecuting those who Deborah’s Diary is a column that is for you, the residents of Not too long after Thanksgiving, the Jewish festival of Chanukah do not accurately report their in- NYCHA, to share significant events in your lives with your neigh- will begin at sundown on November 29. It will end on December 7. come and assets.” bors. As always, I plan to tell you about those individuals who are The word Chanukah means dedication. Each night for eight nights There were an unfortunate the “talk of the town,” but I need your help in getting that news. So, candles will be lit on a menorah to commemorate the rededication of 184 residents who applied for remember the Diary! If you have news, share it with me and I will the Temple in Jerusalem after its defilement, over 2,000 years ago. Amnesty but failed to comply share it with my readers. Drop me a few lines c/o The NYCHA NYCHA residents always go out in a big way to celebrate Christ- with the terms of the application Journal/250 Broadway/12th Floor/NY, NY, 10007, or by fax at mas, the birth of Christ, on December 25, and Kwanzaa, which be- for any number of reasons. These 212-577-1358. Or, hey, make it personal! Give me a call at gins on December 26 and is celebrated right up until New Year’s Day. included: refusing to sign the 212-306-4752. I can’t 100% guarantee it, but I’ll do my best to see Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in KiSwahili and is a application; not submitting addi- that your good news makes it into this column. time to focus on African and African-American heritage, history, and tional information requested in culture. To commemorate these holidays, NYCHA will hold a city- writing; submitting inaccurate in- wide Holiday Toy Distribution on December 17, at the Farragut formation; disagreements about Houses Community Center, and a Christmas/Kwanzaa Holiday Cel- the recalculated amount of rent SPEAK OUT AGAINST FRAUD AND CORRUPTION! ebration on December 18 at the VanDyke Community Center, both in due; and refusal to pay or failure If you or anyone in your family is aware of any fraud or Brooklyn. to submit a signed payment agree- These are just some of the many celebrations that are sure to take ment. corruption committed against the New York City Hous- place at NYCHA developments all over the City this holdiay season. In 11 of these cases, payments ing Authority (“NYCHA”) by any NYCHA employee, Check with your resident association or Community Center to see totalling nearly $74,000 were cal- contractor, vendor, or resident, we urge you to call the what else is planned. culated. Retrocharges have not yet NYCHA Inspector General (“IG”) at 212-306-3355 or been calculated for the remaining NYCHA is also pleased to announce a special concert, NYCHA the Department of Investigation (“DOI”) at 212-3-NYC- Holiday Sounds, to be held at the Fashion Institute of Technology in 173 cases. DOI or 212-825-5959. The IG and DOI rely on NYCHA Manhattan on December 12. The concert will feature the best of NY- Residents who have alerted CHA musical talent — the NYCHA Symphony Orchestra (see page 1), NYCHA to the discrepancies in employees, residents, people who do business with as well as the NYCHA Youth Chorus and Senior Chorus. their income and/or assets but NYCHA, and the public and large to report fraudulent The holidays will have come and gone by the time you receive have not complied with the terms and corrupt activity they see or hear. your next NYCHA Journal, with our special December/January issue of the application are in the worst due to arrive at your door by mid-January. In the meantime, howev- possible situation. Without er you choose to celebrate, I’d like to extend my wishes here that you Amnesty, which is only granted and your family all have a wonderful holiday season. once all of the back money is Visit NYCHA’s Web site at: paid, these residents could be sub- Tino Hernandez ject to criminal prosecution www.nyc.gov/nycha and/or lose their apartments. In addition, they may have to pay New York City Health Code Minimum Heating interest and legal fees. Requirements October 1 through May 31 Though it’s too late to apply to the Amnesty Program, if you have submitted an incomplete applica- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM tion, please contact your Housing Outside Temperature Below 55 Degrees Fahrenheit Assistant so that can you can take Minimum Inside Temperature 68 Degrees Fahrenheit advantage of this unique opportu- nity. If you have applied for Amnesty and have questions, 10 PM to 6:00 AM please call the Amnesty Pro- Outside Temperature Below 40 Degrees Fahrenheit gram Hotline at (212) 306-6600. Minimum Inside Temperature 55 Degrees Fahrenheit Page 4 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL November 2002

The NYCHA Dreaming Big At Melrose Houses “Not Wanted” List n this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of individuals who have been permanently excluded from Iour public housing developments. Listing the proscribed persons is part of the effort to keep residents informed of NYCHA’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to allow the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here follows a list of the people excluded after hearings were held on June 6, 13 and 20, 2001. REMEMBER, IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE PERSONS ON HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR THE POLICE! THIS LIST IS PROVIDED TO ALL POLICE SERVICE AREAS.

Prohibited as of June 6, 2001 Alberto Chevarria Case 2065/01 formerly associated with the fourth floor of 980 Trinity Avenue, Forest DREAM TEAM (left to right) NYCHA Board Member JoAnna Aniello, joins Sponsor Brian Heidtke, Houses, the Bronx. IHAD NY Metro Area Executive Director Kara Forte, Sponsor Stan Picheny, IHAD President Marina Winton, and Eugene M. Lang who created the IHAD program. The Dreamers pictured here are third-graders Vincent Ramos Jr. Case 2074/01 formerly associated with the Natalie Plaza, Rebecca White and Jose Ralon. eleventh floor of 40 Amsterdam Avenue, Amsterdam Houses, Manhattan. The Melrose II “I Have A Dream” Program held its Class of 2012 Kick-Off Celebration at P.S. 1 in the Bronx Lamont Grant Case 2101/01 formerly associated with on October 29, 2002. Thanks to the generous support of two individuals — former VP of Finance of the fifteenth floor of 240 Madison Street, Colgate/Palmolive Brian Heidtke, and private investor Stan Picheny — and the New York City Housing LaGuardia Houses, Manhattan. Authority (NYCHA), 60 more Melrose Houses third-graders are now officially “Dreamers.” These children will be supported by a team of trained educators and counselors throughout their elementary, junior and high Danny Herman Case 2115/01 formerly associated with the school years. Those who graduate from high school are guaranteed tuition for college or vocational schools, twelfth floor of 1960 Park Avenue, Lincoln paid for by their sponsors. Houses, Manhattan. NYCHA Board Member JoAnna Aniello brought greetings from Chairman Tino Hernandez. “We’re Michael Ortiz Case 2139/01 formerly associated with the proud to be partners with the I Have A Dream Foundation,” Ms. Aniello said. She then presented a letter ninth floor of 21 West 112th Street, King from Mayor Bloomberg to IHAD New York Metro Area Executive Director Kara Forte. “This wonderful Towers Houses, Manhattan. program will bring together the entire community to ensure the success of the children of Melrose Houses,” the letter said. “Your commitment is commendable.” Abner Osorio Case 2140/01 formerly associated with the This is the fourth partnership between NYCHA and the IHAD Foundation. The collaboration began in third floor of 383 East 143rd Street, Mott 1994 at Ravenswood Houses in Queens, with 75 Dreamers; then in 1996 at Chelsea Houses in Manhattan Haven Houses, the Bronx. with 97 dreamers; and in 1998 at Melrose Houses, with 54 Melrose I Dreamers. Prohibited as of June 13, 2001 David Villafane Case 355/01 formerly associated with the EARL ANDREWS, JR. RECEIVES AWARD sixth floor of 130 Third Avenue, Wyckoff FROM PRO-AM Gardens, Brooklyn. Watzen Villafane Case 2201/01 formerly associated with the NYCHA Vice Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr. was honored by the National Ubecca Bailey first floor of 775 Marcy Avenue, Armstrong Pro-Am City Leagues Association at its 10th Annual Achievement Houses, Brooklyn. Awards luncheon held on October 14 at the Madison Square Garden Theater Lobby. Mr. Andrews was one of nine awardees. Daniel Guzman Case 2189/01 formerly associated with the “These fine men and women are exemplary members of their second floor of 315 East 143rd Street, communities and are most deserving of these honors,” said Master of Patterson Houses, the Bronx. Ceremonies John Andariese. Mr. Andariese is MSG Network’s Knicks Juan Breton Case 2192/01 formerly associated with the Radio Analyst. Earl Andrews, Jr. third floor of 102 Cumberland Walk, Pro-Am City Leagues is one of the most successful non-profit, com- Whitman Houses, Brooklyn. munity-service organizations in the country. In addition to being responsible for sports events like the Pro-Am National Basketball tournament held in Las Vegas, the Greater Pro-Am Summer Tournament, and Prohibited as of June 20, 2001 The Ray Felix Classic, the National Pro-Am provides hands-on experience to young people interested in David Allen Case 2293/01 formerly associated with the sports administration, coaching, officiating, athletic training, and game operations. second floor of 1841 Fulton Street, Brevoort Houses, Brooklyn. THE RESIDENT ADVISORY BOARD AT CAMP MARIAH Patricio De La Cruz Case 2259/01 formerly associated with the eighth floor of 1440 Bronx River Avenue, How many Resident Advisory Bronx River Houses, the Bronx. Board (RAB) members can fit on a 4’ by 4’ foot wooden platform Anthony Rosa Case 2266/01 formerly associated with the while balancing a plank over their thirteenth floor of 60 East 106th Street, heads? That was the question for Carver Houses, Manhattan. the RAB members pictured here, Gregory Reed Case 2277/01 formerly associated with the who participated in this teamwork eighth floor of 681 Courtlandt Avenue, building exercise on the weekend Melrose Houses, the Bronx. of October 18 at the Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah in Fishkill, Malik Hicks Case 2287/01 formerly associated with the N.Y. A total of 33 residents and seventh floor of 2140/01 Madison Street, 18 staff made the trip. Activities Lincoln Houses, Manhattan. included leadership training Ellis Williams Case 2297/01 formerly associated with the workshops, arts and crafts classes, fifteenth floor of 785 Courtlandt Avenue, An- fishing, hiking, dancing, games drew Jackson Houses, the Bronx. and team courses. But it was more Lithaniel Singleton Case 655/01 formerly associated with the than fun and games. Residents also discussed issues related to the fourth floor of 3204 Park Avenue, Morrisania Annual Plan. Air Rights Houses, the Bronx. November 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 5 Albert A. Walsh Dies ‘Giant’ in Affordable Housing

lbert A. Walsh, who was Chairman of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) from AOctober 31, 1967 to January 7, 1970, died of A FEW TIPS TO KEEP YOUR lung cancer in Red Bank, New Jersey on October 10. He GAS STOVE OPERATING PROPERLY was 74. A spokesperson for the National Housing Con- ference, of which Mr. Walsh was a longtime member and ovember is turkey time, and a good time for a few tips on how director, referred to him as “a giant in the affordable to keep your gas stove working properly. By following the sug- housing industry, working in leadership positions for Ngestions below, you can cut down on maintenance calls. nearly a half a century.” Under Governor Nelson E. Rockefeller, Mr. Walsh Remove and clean gas burners and grates peri- was appointed Assistant Counsel to the Division of odically to keep the burners lighting. The burn- Housing and Urban Renewal, before becoming Counsel ers should be soaked in hot soapy water to soft- and then Deputy Commissioner of the agency. While there, he oversaw the state’s low-rent, middle-income Albert A. Walsh en any grease and grime that may have built up 1928-2002 and clogged the holes in the gas ring. If the housing and urban renewal programs. holes in the burner are stopped up, clean them with a fine wire, hairpin, At the time he was appointed Chairman of NYCHA, paper clip or pipe cleaner. You should never use toothpicks as they under Mayor Lindsay, there were 157 developments with 143,000 apartments and 533,000 residents. could break off in the holes. Rinse burners in clean hot water, and place During his tenure as NYCHA Chairman, Walsh was influential in persuading Washington to subsidize the them upside down to drain and dry before re-installing in the stove. The construction of public housing for low-income people. He also made social services, like addiction coun- grates should also be soaked in hot water and detergent for approxi- seling and child care, part of New York’s public housing program. Another of his achievements was mately half-an-hour and if necessary scrubbed with a brush, then rinsed obtaining an increase in the federal cost limit for building each apartment from $3,150 to $4,200. with clean water and dried. After he left the Housing Authority, Walsh became Chairman of the New York City Housing and Development Administration, where he oversaw the construction of thousands of apartment units for Remove and clean stove knobs with a non-abra- middle and low-income people. sive cleaner. This will help preserve the writing Albert Anthony Walsh was born in Yonkers on January 13, 1928 and attended Cathedral High School on the knobs. The sides, front and top of your in Manhattan, then Charles E. Gorton High School in northern Yonkers. He served on a submarine in the stove may be porcelain enamel, but are more Navy in the years immediately following World War II, before graduating from Fordham University and likely synthetic enamel. Synthetic enamel sur- Fordham Law School. Mr. Walsh is survived by his wife Nan; his sisters Roslyn Gilligan of Pittsburgh and faces scratch easily and may be damaged by Marie Albert of Wilimington, Delaware; his daughters Maryellen Walsh of Cross River, N.Y., and Nanette household chem- Walsh of Manhattan; his son, Mark, of Rye, N.Y., and three grandchildren. icals. Acids from milk, tomatoes, and vinegar can damage these surfaces; therefore wipe up any spills immediately. Do not use abrasive pads or scouring powders as they can permanently scratch the finish. Instead, clean with a non-abrasive cleanser and soft cleaning cloth. A creamy appliance wax can be applied to protect these sur- faces and make cleaning up spills easier.

Drip pans and bowls serve multiple functions. Not only do they catch food and spills, they also help radiate heat back to the pot or pan they are under. Drip pans should be wiped clean after each use and washed periodically with a non-abrasive household cleanser.

Oven door gaskets should be inspected to make sure that they seal properly. They should also be cleaned with a mild, soapy detergent to remove any grease that might prevent them from sealing. An improper seal will allow heat to escape from the oven, which makes cooking take longer and wastes gas.

Following these simple preventative steps will keep your stove operat- ing the way that it should and reduce the need for repairs.

Do you have a maintenance question? Please send it to: Mr. Maintenance, c/o New York City Housing Authority Journal, New York City Housing Authority, 250 Broadway, 12th Floor, New York, New York 10007.

Editor’s Note: In response to earlier Mr. Maintenance articles, we have received a number of letters from residents about outstanding repairs in their apartments. Please keep in mind that Mr. Maintenance is here to provide answers to general mainte- nance issues and procedures in your developments, not to address individual residents’ specific problems obtaining repairs or services. If you are having difficulty obtaining a needed repair or service, please contact your development’s Management Office first; if you are not satisfied with the response you receive at the development, you should then contact your Borough Management Office. Thank you. Page 6 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL November 2002 November 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 7 ‘Baby Think It Over’ Comes to Domestic Violence Conference Glenwood Houses In Brooklyn (Continued from page 1)

Chairman Hernandez com- parents’ bedroom. That his moth- mented on the success of the col- er’s particular incident ended with laboration between NYCHA and the hospitalization. Safe Horizon. “Through 15 years “I think I remember every of working together on domestic time my mother was beaten up,” violence issues,” he said, “we he said. “My father was allowed have developed an integrated to turn our home into a living hell approach to this very complex because no one — not the police, problem that has helped thou- not the district attorneys, not the sands of people.” After thanking judges — would do anything to NYCHA’s Social Services staff, help us.” Safe Horizon staff, and NYPD In 1990, when Hynes took of- officers, Mr. Hernandez intro- fice as Brooklyn District Attorney, Brooklyn District Attorney duced Safe Horizon Chief Execu- he vowed to place great emphasis Charles J. Hynes tive Officer Gordon J. Campbell. on domestic violence issues. He Mr. Campbell expressed the created a Domestic Violence Bu- “If it weren’t for the Domestic view of everyone who spoke that reau to handle the prosecution of Violence Aftercare Program, I day when he called for a wholistic, all misdemeanor and domestic don’t think I could have coped. coordinated approach to offender violence cases, as well as domes- There’s help out there,” she said, A young resident of Glenwood Houses in Brooklyn poses with her baby accountability. “Patterns of domes- tic violence homicides. It now has in a message to other domestic vi- simulator at the “Baby Think It Over” baby shower on October 10. tic violence can only stop once the 40 assistant district attorneys and olence victims. “You must be- men involved take responsibility 40 prosecutors. come a survivor so you can reach By Allan Leicht for their behavior,” he said. And “I’m particularly proud that out and help others.” he “Baby Think It Over” (BTIO) Program had its “baby shower” at to make that happen, “We must 911 is starting in Brooklyn,” he PLAYS for LIVING, a na- the Glenwood Houses Community Center in Brooklyn on October change our communities, our cul- said. “Next we’ll be transmitting tional nonprofit acting troupe then T10, and 19 teenage residents began a weekend adventure tures, our way of thinking, along pictures that can be viewed by performed, “Apartment 3G.” The designed to steer them away from early parenthood. Initiated by Glenwood with the criminal justice system.” judges. Soon every hospital in play clearly showed the dynamics Resident Association President Carolyn Walton and totally funded by Amy Barasch, who is Director Brooklyn will have Olympus of a violent household, as well as Brooklyn Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, the main feature of the BTIO of the Domestic Violence Re- cameras to take pictures of do- depicting the attitudes of friends Program is an “infant simulator,” a doll that looks, feels and sounds like a sponse Teams (DVRT) for the mestic violence victims and our and neighbors. It also illustrated real baby. The “babies” come complete with birth certificates and are newly created Mayor’s Office office will transmit them to the the roles played by social ser- irresistibly squeezable; but they are actually cuddly computers programmed to Combat Domestic Violence, courts.” vices, the police, and even NY- to “behave” like human infants and they judge those who care for them with described some exciting new ini- The pain suffered by a domes- CHA Managers and Housing no mercy. tiatives. They include the digital tic violence victim was made very Assistants in addressing the prob- 911 system, which provides pros- real when a woman using the lem. “Your baby is going to need four young people not to be too rough ecutors with clear, accurate name “Mary” gave a tearful ac- The issues raised during the kinds of care,” said Ms. Walton to with their kids. “Remember, when recordings of domestic violence count of her own experience. keynote address, Mary’s testimo- her group of prospective “parents,” the head falls back that’s instant calls made to the 911 emergency Mary, who was relocated twice ny, and the play were further dis- “burping, rocking, feeding and neglect.” Not to mention that baby response system within hours; an through NYCHA’s Emergency cussed in the panel discussion and changing. When you hear the beep, emits an ear-curling scream. extensive advertising campaign Transfer Program, ended her talk workshops that rounded out the that’s the signal for care. And if you Each BTIO doll costs over $100 which has already begun, aimed with an expression of thanks. day’s activities. take longer than two minutes to care and was purchased by the Glen- at the perpetrators of domestic for your baby, it will start to cry and wood Resident Association from the violence, using 12,000 posters on the computer inside the baby will “BTIO Program for the Prevention the City’s buses and subways; and record ‘neglect.’” of Teenage Pregnancy.” State As- the creation of the inter-agency The teenagers watched a video semblywoman Weinstein had spent DVRTs last May. DVRTs, which about how to care for their babies four years working on legislation to are operating as a pilot project in before being fitted with I.D. wrist- prevent teenage pregnancy, but even Brooklyn and the Bronx, pinpoint bands matched to their high-tech before it passed in Albany the high-risk households and offer tots. A button on the wristband, Assemblywoman responded to comprehensive services through a touched to the contact point on the Ms. Walton’s request with discre- multi-agency approach. doll’s back, identifies the parent and tionary funds from her own office. Reading a letter from Com- logs on to baby’s computer. If that The program was funded at the cost missioner Yolanda B. Jiminez, contact is not made in time, baby of $3,500. Ms. Walton donated a Ms. Barasch said, “My office is cries — nonstop — as a complete television to the community center. committed to prevention, inter- record of parental performance is There has never been anything vention, and enhancing the crimi- then chronicled on the computer. like it at NYCHA. The first phase of nal justice system.” How baby is handled, how long it the program actually took place the Keynote Speaker, Brooklyn cries, how often it’s fed, if it has previous September 23 when the District Attorney Charles J. been held or left alone too long, or teenagers, aged 13 – 18, registered Hynes, began his address by em- has been shaken, roughly handled, and continued to meet for further phasizing the dramatically in- or physically abused — it all gets orientation and evaluation. They got creased roles of the courts and the programmed into baby. At the end together every night for a week with Safe Horizon CEO Gordon Campbell (Center) joins (left to right) NY- police in combatting domestic vi- CHA Dept. for Social Services Director Nora Reissig-Lazzaro, Vice- of the trial period, a weekend in this the constant reminder to “think it olence. “Not long ago you would- case, “parents” get report cards. over” and to get their own parents’ Chair Earl Andrews, Jr., Chairman Tino Hernandez and Board Member n’t see police officers in the audi- JoAnna Aniello at the New York Academy of Medicine. BTIO babies are capable of a consent. (A crying baby, even make- ence, or someone like me speak- variety of baby noises, all recorded believe, can upset the most good- ing,” he said. from real infants: cooing, gurgling, natured household.) They had a He then went on to give a coughing and crying — very realis- class on child safety, care, learned wrenching first-person account of NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence tic crying that gets louder, more and CPR resuscitation, all in anticipation his own experience with domestic more exasperating, and can build to of the new arrival, culminating in violence that began when he was Hotline a true tantrum. this “baby shower.” just a boy of five, growing up in Glenwood resident Syrvella Ocean Parkway. It started with a Hall, who co-facilitated the project piercing scream coming from his 1-800-621-HOPE with Ms. Walton, cautioned the Page 8 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL November 2002 Symphony Orchestra (Continued from page 1) combining his talents as an ad- ministrator, a manager, and a per- former. He is an acclaimed and versa- tile musician — a French hornist — with over 25 years of experi- ence. He has played with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia and Boston Pops JCPenney Catalog Orchestras, the J.J. Johnson Or- chestra, David Murray Big Band, Max Roach’s So What Brass, the Get Free Catalogs and a Free Opera Company of Boston, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and Gift at: Orquesta Filarmonica de Jalisco MAN - 241 E. 10th St. (Mexico). He is also a former head of the Music Department at (1st / 2nd Ave.) the Harlem School of the Arts, (212) 533 1088 and a Master Craftsman in brass instrument restoration and custom modification. Over the summer, the Orches- tra played at more than 30 Family Days, at the NYCHA Salutes Harlem concert series on 125th Street, and at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors “Convergence” Concert in which performances took place at a number of venues simultaneously, beginning at Am- sterdam Houses, then converged at Lincoln Center. Other highlights of the year included playing at Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s Inaugu- ration and at the opening of the new Police Museum. The Orches- tra also plays regularly with well known artists at Alice Tully Hall and Aaron Davis Hall. In addition to the full Sym- phony Orchestra, there are also woodwind, brass, and jazz ensem- bles, and a string quartet. November 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 9

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