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Caretaker Meet the Rescues Family NYCHA-CUNY Landscapes From Fire 2016 Scholars of Resilience

LIGHTS ON, CRIME DOWN $3.7M Ravenswood Project Completed OVER THE PAST YEAR, NYCHA has installed a $3.7 million safety lighting project at Ravenswood Houses, replacing the development’s outdated exterior lighting with 626 state-of-the-art, energy- efficient lights at entrances, walkways, and park- ing areas. During this period, crime decreased at Ravenswood, improving quality of life for residents. “NYCHA is focused on creating safer, cleaner, more connected communities across City—and this state-of-the-art exterior lighting will help brighten this development and move us toward those goals,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye at an August 18 event celebrating the project’s completion. “Thanks to a strong partnership with City Council Majority Leader , Raven- swood’s 4,380 residents can rest assured that we are invest- ing in their futures and the next generation of .” “The safety of my constituents is of utmost importance. Ravens- wood residents have complained for years that dim and broken lights were making the commu- nity unsafe. The investment in this

upgrade is already paying off—resi- GROUNDSWELL dents feel better walking at night, Residents of Tompkins Houses stand with City Council Member and their dazzling new mural. and crimes have dropped consid- erably,” City Council Member Van Bramer added. He contributed over $1 million to the project, guarantee- ing its success. “We love this new lighting,” Painted Poetry said Ravenswood Houses Resident Association President Carol VER SEVERAL MONTHS this year, about 150 muralists, who were paid for their participation, vividly Wilkins. “I am happy this project is young NYCHA residents created 15 stunning portrayed themes like peace, unity, and progress. The completed. It is a long time coming. Omurals at five developments, one in each project was made possible with guidance from com- We worked hard getting this, with borough (Castle Hill, Queensbridge, Saint Nicholas, munity arts organization Groundswell, funding from (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) Stapleton, and Tompkins Houses). Influenced by the City Council Member , and the support of hopes, dreams, and stories of their communities, the local resident associations. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6) FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA LETTER FROM THE CHAIR NYCHA’S RICH DIVERSITY

WE’RE PROUD OF the people partnership (page 10). The NYCHA community is full of people doing who make NYCHA communities interesting, extraordinary, compassionate, creative work. If you have a so vibrant and diverse, and this story you’d like to share, or know an individual we should feature in the issue of the Journal is full of stories Journal, please email [email protected]. about them. Like the 150 young This month, we’re also launching a financial advice column by John residents who spent the last Edward Dallas (page 11), whom you read about in our last issue. Mr. Dallas, several months painting 15 visually who was awarded by the City’s Office of Financial Empowerment and stunning and meaningful murals Human Resources Administration for holding more counseling sessions at five NYCHA developments. The than any other Jobs-Plus counselor in the City from 2013 to 2016, is a resident association president financial counselor at Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation’s Jobs- of King Towers, Ruby Kitchen, Plus site in . We’ve also provided some key info that will help you received a proclamation from prepare for, and stay safe during, large-scale emergencies such as natural Congressman Charles Rangel for disasters (page 7). And we’re bringing you a recipe from a celebrity chef her lifelong advocacy on behalf (page 16) as well as tips for planning a week’s worth of budget-friendly, of Harlem residents (page 3). And healthy meals, thanks to the SCAN organization, which works with a caretaker at Claremont Rehab residents to promote health and wellness in the East Harlem community was recognized for his bravery in (pages 14-15). rescuing five residents, including a baby, from a fire (page 3). Onward, That’s not all. We spoke with the winners of this year’s NYCHA- CUNY scholarships (page 5) and talked to a former NYCHA resident, Jeffrey Levine, who has donated Shola Olatoye $100,000 to fund City College scholarships (page 4). We learned how the Chair and CEO gardens at Beach 41st Street Houses are getting revitalized through a creative

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month NYCHA BOARD AWARENESS. HELP. HOPE! The Mayor’s Office to MEETINGS Combat Domestic Violence offers free, confidential services to victims of Intimate Partner Violence YCHA’S BOARD MEETINGS, open to the public, take place on regardless of age, income, and immigration status. Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the NYCHA 12th floor conference room at Call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). N 250 . People who wish to speak during the public comment period must pre-register at least 45 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin and can only comment about items on that meeting’s agenda. Each speaker’s time is limited to three minutes. The public comment period concludes either when all speakers are finished or after the 30 minutes allotted by law for Residents calling NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center (718-707-7771) now public comment, whichever comes first. hear voice prompts in Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and Russian, in Copies of the calendar for the upcoming board meeting are available on addition to English and Spanish. Callers are then directed to representatives NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary, who speak those languages. The Chinese and Russian prompts were added 250 Broadway, 12th floor after 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting. Copies in April 2016 as part of NYCHA’s efforts to better communicate with limited- of the dispositions of prior meetings are available on NYCHA’s website or can be English proficient residents. picked up from the Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3 p.m. on the Thursday after the board meeting. Any person requiring reasonable accom- modation in order to participate in the meeting should contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 212.306.6088 no later than five business days prior to the meeting. For additional information regarding the calendar of meetings, disposi- The NYCHA tions, dates and times, please call 212.306.6088. JOURNAL UPCOMING MEETINGS: ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 October 26, 2016 November 23, 2016 December 21, 2016 PUBLISHED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS * Note: The November and December board meetings are scheduled for the 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 • Tel 212.306.3322 • Fa x 212.577.135 8 second-to-last Wednesday. www.nyc.gov/nycha

2 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA A True Hero: Caretaker Mayor Talks Mental Health MAYOR visited Rescues Family from Fire Brooklyn’s Borinquen Plaza in September to talk about mental health services for seniors. In the photo, the Mayor greets Borinquen’s Resident Association President Eloise Rowe (right) and Sergeant-at-Arms Juanita Johnson.

Keeping It Cool at Sack Wern Houses

Resident Association President Maria Forbes (at left), City Council Member Vanessa Gibson (with microphone), and State Assemblywoman (in black) honor Caretaker Ivan Maestre (far right).

N AUGUST 10, the Claremont Con Edison employees soon joined Community Center in the this life-saving operation. Mr. Maestre OBronx hosted a ceremony for even ran back into the smoke-filled local hero Ivan Maestre, who grew up apartment on the fourth floor to save in Saint Mary’s Park Houses. Just a the family’s pet dog. Mr. Maestre week prior, he rescued a two-week-old reflected, “It really wasn’t much to me; infant and four other residents from a it was instinct. Life is precious, and we fire at the Claremont Rehab, where he only get one.” has been a caretaker for seven years. In attendance at the ceremony hon- With just martial arts training and oring Mr. Maestre were State Assem- a courageous heart at his disposal, blywoman Latoya Joyner, City Council Mr. Maestre sprang into action as Member Vanessa Gibson, and Clay soon as he heard cries of “fire, fire!,” Avenue Resident Association President MORE THAN 370 families at Sack new refrigerators. Also in attendance racing from door to door, in and out Maria Forbes. Ms. Forbes remarked, Wern Houses recently received new, were State Assemblyman Marcos of windows, and up and down fire “What he did was just amazing. He energy-efficient refrigerators thanks Crespo, City Council Member Anna- escapes. The smoke was so thick never thought about himself. He just to $200,000 in funding from New York bel Palma, and Sack Wern Resident that it was difficult to breathe, so Mr. ran right in without hesitation to warn State Senator Jeffrey Klein. On August Association President Loretta Master- Maestre told residents not to open the residents and save that family and 25, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye son. Senator Klein’s generous funding their doors (to keep out the smoke), baby. It was just his human instinct to joined Senator Klein at Sack Wern to is part of $4 million allocated toward and he rushed up the stairs to let the help. Many people here are grateful, welcome the first shipment of the 377 public housing needs in his district. smoke out by opening the roof door. and we are very proud of him.” Congressman Rangel Celebrates a NYCHA Activist

CONGRESSMAN CHARLES B. and a tenant since 1954. For many has worked directly with my office RANGEL proclaimed July 16, 2016 years Ms. Kitchen has led the charge to improve the living conditions for “Ruby Kitchen Day” in the 13th on the issues she cares most about: those residing in New York City public Congressional District—setting aside housing, education, and community housing. It was through the efforts of the day to celebrate one of Harlem’s development for Harlem residents. Ruby and members of her board that fiercest advocates. Ruby Kitchen, 81, The proclamation from Congressman the name of the development was has been the Resident Association Rangel reads: “Ruby has fought for changed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. President of King Towers for 35 years the people of Harlem since 1985 and Towers in 1969.”

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 3 ED GARCÍA CONDE Former NYCHA Resident Donates $100,000 to Fund for Public Housing Jeffrey Levine Gives Back to the City That Supported Him

NE OF JEFFREY LEVINE’S most vivid memories of growing up in Linden Houses is of jumping on Oconcrete turtles and playing on the monkey bars. He lived with his parents and two siblings in a two-bedroom apartment at Linden from 1956 to 1965. Mr. Levine is now well- known in the real estate industry as the Chairman of Douglaston Development, Levine Builders, and Clinton Management. He is the first former NYCHA resident to donate to the Fund for Public Housing, a new nonprofit dedicated to raising money to improve the lives of NYCHA residents. Over the next 10 years, Mr. Levine will provide $100,000 to The Fund for the Levine Family Scholarship, an annual award of up to 10 $1,000 scholarships to NYCHA residents enrolled at City College. “I’m very appreciative of all of the opportunities that were af- forded me as a resident of New York City, whether it be in our housing program or our city university educational program,” he explains. Mr. Levine graduated from the City University of New York’s City College School of Architecture in 1975, attending the school at night while he worked full-time. BRIGHT LIGHTS, BEAUTIFUL CITY Mr. Levine advises this year’s and future winners of the scholarship to do what he did Bronx resident Ed García Conde posted this photo of the August full while he was in college: “Always sit in the front row because it prevents you from falling moon illuminating Saint Mary’s Park Houses on his Instagram page asleep.” He adds, “Obviously, like anything else in life, if you’re going to get a degree, (welcome2thebronx) with this caption: “Shout out to all who live in #NYCHA get it in something that motivates you, inspires you. It’s a lot easier doing something you across and NYC. We, as a community, must do better to make sure love than something you don’t. I was blessed that I always had an attraction to the build- conditions improve at these developments aka #TheProjects or The#PJs. ing industry, construction, and real estate development. I love the sense of accomplish- Contrary to popular perception, the overwhelming majority living in NYCHA ment that goes with building and creating something.” are good, hardworking people who deserve better living conditions. I love the There’s also the sense of accomplishment that comes from giving back, and Mr. Levine diversity of our people and urban skyline, don’t you?” hopes other former NYCHA residents follow in his footsteps: “I believe that the most sin- cere way to express appreciation for all that has been done for you is to do that for others.” His family moved from Linden Houses when Mr. Levine was 10, but Linden Houses and the surrounding neighborhood remain special to him. Though the concrete turtles on the playground are long gone, Mr. Levine, who lives in with his wife Randi, recently got to show his three adult children his former home at 215 Cozine Avenue. He says it’s an experience he and his children will never forget.

Now’s the Time to Recertify Online

NYCHA HAS MADE completing your annual review easier than ever by putting the whole form online. Just log on to NYCHA’s self-service portal to access your application any time you want, from any computer (it’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer discusses NYCHA’s $3.7 million investment in new a week). Your information remains exterior safety lighting with residents of Ravenswood Houses. private and protected, and it stays in your application. That means you’ll (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) LIGHTS ON, CRIME DOWN only need to spend a few minutes many hours walking the grounds has aggressively expanded security completing your annual review pointing out all the dark spots and measures, spending more than $64.6 in future years. If you need help the hard-to-see spots. It’s good to million installing and upgrading CCTV with the form, ask your property know that you can walk past a person safety cameras, bringing the total manager or housing assistant for at night and actually see their face. number of CCTV cameras citywide assistance. And if you need access We feel safer at night. It’s nice to more than 13,000. NYCHA has to a computer, check out one of the and bright.” also greatly increased the number NYCHA Digital Vans or visit your Since 2014, the Housing Authority of Layered Access Control doors. local library.

4 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Meet the NYCHA-CUNY 2016 Scholars EACH YEAR, the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship program, funded by the , offers $1,000 to NYCHA residents enrolled full-time at the City University of New York (CUNY) to help support their studies. New this year: the first 10 scholars to receive the Levine Family Scholarship, funded by City College alumnus and former NYCHA resident Jeffrey Levine, which provides $1,000 to NYCHA residents attending CUNY’s City College.

SHAWNTAE GENEVA HIDALGO YANISLEIDY KA HO LO STEPHANIE LU JESENIA CLARA PENA BURGESS Psychology at the LEWIS MAGAN Civil Engineering at Sociology and RODRIGUEZ Biology at City Studio Art at the City College of NY Double major in Early the City College of NY Anthropology at Accounting at the College of NY City College of NY Childhood Education the College of Borough of Taft Houses and Children Youth Whitman Houses Staten Island Manhattan Butler Houses Jefferson Houses “I’m part of the RISE Studies at Brooklyn “I am studying Community College “I love learning about “I want to be an program at City College civil engineering Houses biology, getting to artist, so I am College and I do to give back to “I was a part of Henry Baruch Houses know different kinds constantly being research in ADHD Van Dyke Houses society by working Street Settlement and “My favorite part of people and inter- inspired. I want to and cognition lab. “There are so many on engineering it shaped a lot of who of college is being acting with my profes- write stories and I love working with programs available projects—to help I am today. I want there and learning. sors. There are many books. I want to participants and and opportunities NYCHA communities to give youth the I love to explore student resources, like make a children’s learning how we can at NYCHA. You give by building houses opportunity to learn the community of advising and tutoring book to help support understand IQs and people who have and improving their about going to college, people my age and that support me here. them.” mental disabilities.” their GEDs opportu- living conditions.” and taking college older. I love the It’s a great feeling nities; or if they don’t trips and tours.” environment where I knowing that you’re have their GEDs, you can learn not just from not alone.” encourage them to my professors and go get them. I think teachers, but also the that’s really cool.” people around me.

BASSIT MALAM Psychology and Pre- MARIA RODRIGUEZ CRISTIAN Med at City College Bilingual Childhood ELVIS RIVERA ALVARADO of NY Education and AMANDA RUEDA Criminal Justice at the Business Management Psychology at the Psychology at City Borough of Manhattan at City College of NY Clason Point City College of NY College of NY Community College SOBINA SIDDIQUE Gardens Civil Engineering at Williamsburg Houses “I am inspired by my Drew-Hamilton WILLIAM WHITE Marcy Houses City College of NY “NYCHA provides an father. He didn’t have Houses Political Science at “I’m not afraid of “I want to go into opportunity to move much parental sup- “Helping the kids Hunter College things because that theology next. I want Wagner Houses forward and advance port or much educa- from my community, limits you. As long to be a chaplain for “My 3-year-old in your life and I love tion. His ambition giving them the best Throggs Neck as I’m trying, I’m not the military. I want daughter is the rea- the people and sense was to do better for education possible Houses failing. Failing only to serve those who son I’m continuing of community. In his family. He traveled and guiding them “The drive to improve comes from giving up. serve us. Twenty-two with my education. Williamsburg Houses, through many coun- through the right track my life is to have I am inspired by Gan- veterans commit My dad worked hard where I live, every tries from Togo, in are only a few ways the opportunities dhi’s quote, ‘Be the suicide every day—if for us and I want to Sunday from around Africa, to find his way I’d give back to my to improve the lives change that you want I can save one, then do the same for my noon to 4 p.m., here, then brought community.” of others.” to see in the world.’” I’ve done my job.” daughter.” people of all different our family out of ages all come togeth- adversity.” *Not pictured: LEON JON, JENNEFER ABDULLAH, AYESHA KHAN er to play basketball.” FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 5 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) PAINTED POETRY

CASTLE HILL HOUSES QUEENSBRIDGE HOUSES GROUNDSWELL ST. NICHOLAS HOUSES STAPLETON HOUSES

STAPLETON HOUSES

QUEENSBRIDGE HOUSES TOMPKINS HOUSES

6 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA How to Prepare for a Storm She Inspires Me NYC • Register for Notify NYC. Enroll • Make an online at notify.nyc to receive official Emergency Contact A New Campaign to Honor Women Activists City information! Notify NYC sends List. This should IS SHE YOUR MOTHER, your favorite about women who are alive now or out alerts and updates regarding provide all phone teacher in high school, a coworker you lived ages ago; native New Yorkers or emergencies, significant events, numbers and email admire, a notable figure from history? who have lived anywhere in the world. public health, public school, and any addresses of your What woman inspires you? WomensActivism.NYC currently time there are unscheduled changes family, friends, neighbors, child care To celebrate the 100th anniversary has over 1,000 stories, so about 18,000 to parking rules. Notifications are providers, physicians, baby sitter, of women winning the right to vote in stories are still needed by 2020. Visit also available in sign language and anyone else who is important the in 1920 and all the www.womensactivism.nyc/share to video messages if needed. in the day-to-day life of your family. many contributions women have made share your inspirational story and help Also, make sure to include any to society, New York City’s Depart- build the City’s first permanent cata- • Tune into NWR and spot the important information such as ment of Records and Information Ser- log of women activists. If you know an storm before it comes! The NOAA prescription numbers, pharmacy vices is hoping to collect 20,000 stories inspirational current or former NYCHA Weather Radio broadcasts official information, and health insurance about inspirational women on Wom- resident, please share her story with warnings, watches, forecasts, and policy numbers. ensActivism.NYC by 2020. Visitors to The NYCHA Journal at journal@ other hazard information for weather the site can share inspirational stories nycha.nyc.gov. small and big. The NYC station is • Pack a Go Bag for each family KWO35 on 162.550 MHz. (You can member, with all emergency also find similar information on the essentials. The City recommends NYC Severe Weather website.) contents such as: important Get Out and Vote! personal documents (in a sealed • Subscribe to outage alerts through plastic bag), that emergency HE COUNTDOWN to General Election Day has begun! On November 8, 2016, MyNYCHA. The subscription will contact list, extra cash, a three- New Yorkers will elect representatives to every level of government: President notify you not only about outages day supply of food and water, Tof the United States, as well as new representatives in Congress, the State As- in your development, but also a flashlight, a cell phone, spare sembly and Senate, and the New York City Council. about building service news and batteries, a first-aid kit, a week’s NYC Votes, the City’s non-partisan voter engagement campaign, and NYCHA inspection appointments. supply of medications, a Swiss are working together to encourage New Yorkers to participate in choosing the next Army knife, toiletries, a change of people charged with advocating for our interests. The choices we make at the ballot • Be ready for a blackout. If there is clothes, and a whistle, among other box will affect our lives and our communities for years to come. indeed an outage of any kind, make items. Make sure to check out the sure you’ve thought ahead about NYCHA “Be Prepared” page under CAST YOUR VOTE: how to complete your possible alternatives for water, gas, “Emergency Preparedness” for • Circle and share these ballot. electricity (especially lighting), and more tips on your Go Bags. key dates: • You have the right to phone service. ––Friday, October 14— assistance if you need help • Give your pet the same care. last day to register to voting. Assistance can be • Identify your Hurricane Evacuation Make sure your furry friend has a vote in the Presidential provided by a person of Zone to find the emergency shelter collar, and its own emergency plan election your choice (except your nearest to you. and kit. The collar should have your ––Tuesday, November 8— employer or union repre- location and contact information. National Election Day sentative), including poll • Create a Safety Plan with your family. NYC Emergency Management has • Visit Vote.NYC, the one workers. Know where and how to find each a multilingual guide online to help stop for all your voting • You have the right to an other, and how you will all make it out with safety plans for your pet. And needs: interpreter at your poll site safely. And almost just as important, the emergency supply kit should ––Check your voter in certain languages in ar- practice your plan so that there’s no have the food, water, and medicines registration status. eas covered by the federal delay when disaster may strike. your animal needs. ––Download, print, Voting Rights Act. Call the complete, and mail a NYC Board of Elections voter registration form. (866-Vote-NYC) for more Or, register online with information. your driver’s license or state-issued ID. • You have the right to cast a paper ––Find your poll site. Polls will open at ballot, known as an “affidavit ballot,” 6:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. on if a machine is broken or your name November 8. is missing from the list of voters at • Refer to the NYC Votes Voter Guide, your poll site. a comprehensive, non-partisan elec- • You have the right not to be asked tion resource, to learn more about the for identification, unless you are a candidates running in your district: first-time voter. www.nyccfb.info/voterguide. REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: • Lead a voter registration drive in your • You have the right to bring materials building. Contact NYC Votes at into the polls when you vote (be sure to (212) 409-1800 or www.nyccfb.info/ take whatever you bring with you when nyc-votes/get-involved to get started. you leave). • Encourage friends and family to • You have the right to ask a poll worker register and vote. FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 7 Another Farm A Message from Animal Care Centers of New York City: Keeping Your Pets Grows in Brooklyn Safe This Fall By Lucy MacGowan, NYCHA Summer Intern Animals love the cooler weather of the autumn months almost as much as humans do. Yet, every change in season brings with it some hidden dangers for YCHA AND ITS NONPROFIT, your pets. Here are a few things to consider this fall: environmental workforce develop- N ment partner Green City Force are • Fall is back-to-school time. Keep truly a dream “green” team: Together we items like glue sticks, pencils, and launched our second urban farm, at How- magic markers out of reach of your ard Houses in Brownsville, Brooklyn (which pets. Although these items are not follows the success of our first farm at Red necessarily poisonous, they can cause Hook Houses). Since it formally opened stomach problems and blockages if • Always be sure that your pet has clean, this June, the Howard Houses farm has your pet eats them. Make sure your fresh water. Standing water can contain yielded over 1,900 pounds of fresh and kids put away their supplies when bacteria that may cause disease. healthy produce and hosted more than they’ve finished their homework. • The use of rat and mouse poisons 200 visits from members of the community. • Do you love holiday decorations at increases in the fall as rodents seek Green City Force’s Urban Farm Corps, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or the winter shelter from the cooler temperatures composed of young NYCHA residents, President Naomi Johnson said that holidays? Pets, like small children, by attempting to move indoors. helped set up the farm, and they tend to “The farm is a great thing for the residents are fascinated by shiny objects like Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets and, it by weeding, watering, checking plants of Howard Houses…I saw the beginning ornaments and decorations, and may if your pet eats them, the results could for pests, and removing dead or wilting and the finished product, and I am try to play with them and even eat them. be fatal. Be aware of City signs which leaves. Lexington Houses resident Paul very pleased.” Keep decorations and electrical cords indicate where poisons may have been Philpott is one of the many proud urban Green City Force members not only out of reach of pets, and ensure your used, and keep your pets away from farmers who are greening the Brownsville built the farms at Howard Houses and Red pets can’t get tangled in excess cords, treated areas. community with this innovative project. Hook Houses, but also presented environ- ropes, or lights which may injure or even • Finally, make sure your pet is registered He and two other Urban Farm Corps mental programming for local schools and strangle them. with NYCHA and the City. Not only is it members also work as farm engineers, hosted farm-based events for residents. • At Halloween, keep an eye on the candy. the law, but if your pet gets lost, it will which means that they are responsible for At each farm, a community-based partner Chocolate can be deadly to dogs. be easier to reunite your family! the vital farm structures like sheds, tables, organization helps with the ongoing work benches, and farm stands. needed to maintain it. Paul joined the effort because he “loved The NYCHA Farms project is part of a the idea of building community farms that mayoral initiative called Building Healthy bring local food to communities that do Communities, which joins local public not have access to healthier food than the and private partners to improve commu- chicken spot or McDonald’s.” He said that nity health in 12 neighborhoods across all “Urban farming has opened my eyes to five boroughs by expanding opportuni- the food injustice in our communities and ties for physical activity, increasing access how much of a change can be made just to nutritious and affordable food, and by having [the farm] exist in an open area promoting public safety. for all to see.” Paul especially enjoys the More farms are coming soon to cherry tomatoes from the farm, and “At developments in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and least once a week I have Swiss chard on my East Harlem. If you want more information plate—I had never known of it before my about them, you can email Ellen McCarthy, time at Green City Force.” Urban Farm Project Coordinator, at Howard Houses Resident Association [email protected].

NYCHA residents participating in Green City Force’s Urban Farms Corps launched a farm at Howard Houses – NYCHA’s second urban farm – which yields thousands of pounds of fresh, healthy produce every year. 8 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Preserving Affordable Housing Public-Private Partnerships Provide Critical Repairs and Guarantee Residents Retain Rights

a baby Central Park. And it’s wonder- ful to see different communities coming together there now.” “We have an historic opportunity to set a new standard for public housing, recreating what public housing can be, through Section 8 rehabs like this one [at Bronxchester],” Council Member Torres said during the Bronx tour. On the Manhattan tour, Borough Presi- dent Gale Brewer said she was pleased “to see the way in which public-private ESPITE THE SWELTERING August erate $360 million in revenue over 15 years BronxWorks]. We love it.” partnership has come together and has temperatures, Bronxchester Hous- for NYCHA’s operations and major repair At Milbank-Frawley in Manhattan, tour made a difference. It’s an alternative for D es’ Resident Association President work portfolio-wide. Tour participants in- participants marveled at the renovated residents to get the kind of living situation Patricia Lamonda was eager to show off cluded Public Advocate Letitia James; City private courtyard, and toured long-time they truly deserve.” the stately basketball court with stadium Council Members Inez Dickens, Vanessa resident Maxine Campbell’s apartment to During the tours, Chair Olatoye seating and the manicured shrubs by the Gibson, , Rafael Sala- see her new kitchen cabinets, floors, and stressed how similar improvements can be Bronxchester Houses’ entrance. manca, and Ritchie Torres; and Manhattan appliances and renovated bathrooms. Tour made through a federal program known as “They worked on everything, from Borough President Gale Brewer. participants also saw the work currently RAD (the Rental Assistance Demonstration the roof to the lobby to the basement to “Our bathrooms now look like hotel underway on the building’s façade and program). NYCHA is seeking to upgrade every square inch of the grounds,” she bathrooms,” Ms. Lamonda continued. retail space. Other upgrades at the devel- 5,200 NYCHA apartments through exclaimed proudly. “We’ve got new tubs, medicine cabinets, opment include two new laundry rooms, RAD, which shifts their funding from the Ms. Lamonda, a Bronxchester resident showerheads. Everything is brand new, security enhancements, and a new on-site public housing program to the Section 8 for 33 years, joined NYCHA Chair Shola down to the pipes and floors—they did management office. rental voucher program while leveraging Olatoye, who hosted a tour for elected it all. And they did it while we were in DeReese Huff is the Resident Associa- additional private funds for improvements officials of NYCHA Section 8 properties the apartment, and did a really good job tion President of Campos Plaza 1, which and maintaining tenants’ rights and in the Bronx and Manhattan that were keeping it clean. It took only five days was renovated through the same innova- protections. NYCHA is currently upgrading upgraded extensively thanks to NYCHA’s to renovate each apartment! Besides all tive partnership that transformed Bronx- 1,400 apartments at the Ocean Bay- recent partnership with community-based this, nothing changed. Our rent stayed chester and Milbank-Frawley. “I think they Bayside development in the Far developers. This public-private partnership the same. And we have free afterschool did a great job, and it was way overdue,” Rockaways through RAD. Visit NYCHA’s provided $80 million to renovate six Sec- programs and summer camp for children she said. “We got a whole new backyard, website, www.nyc.gov/nycha, for more tion 8 NYCHA developments and will gen- [provided by community organization including plants and benches. It’s like information about RAD and its benefits.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 9 Landscapes of Resilience: Gardening for Good at Beach 41st Street Houses MEHDI SALEHI By Renae Reynolds of the US Forest Service, NYC Urban Field Station, and Victoria Marshall, Till Design VICTORIA MARSHALL LARGE LAWN AND JAMAICA VICTORIA MARSHALL BAY are a scenic front yard to ANYCHA’s Beach 41st Street Houses in Far Rockaway. A hidden treasure within this development has been receiving great care and attention over the past two and a half years. Through the Landscapes of Re- silience research and design project, which is funded by the TKF Foundation, resident gardeners at Beach 41st Street Houses have worked together to revitalize their garden on the Bay. We gathered with them on the grounds one Saturday this July for a communal potluck meal under a newly constructed canopy. Resident gardeners Craig Shaw (left), Basheam Gardener Tina Marie Aerial photo showing Beach 41st Street Houses, the Workshop Garden, used vegetables from their gardens to cre- Reid (center), and Norman Neal-Evans (left) and and .

ate healthy dishes to share; one gardener Spurill (right) from Natural Vicky Anderson. VICTORIA MARSHALL used bellflowers grown in her plot to create Garden Landscapes. fun, said one resident gardener about delicious Korean pancakes. The group was the canopy. small and intimate—about 20 people in boxes for the gardeners, and NYCHA and At the time of the potluck, the cano- total—but the enjoyment shared was big the UFS hired an outreach coordinator to py was not yet finished—a few finishing enough to fill the entire space. support the new and returning garden- touches still needed to be made to the As part of the project, since 2013 ers. In 2015, we demonstrated how the roof, which will be covered in slate to researchers from the US Forest Service, gardeners can convey the meaning of their make it durable. (In addition, 15 tripods NYC Urban Field Station (UFS) and gardens to fellow residents and visitors. will be installed to provide simple irriga- landscape architecture firm Till Design For example, artist Carmen Bouyer, Renae tion as well as garden signs.) In June, have engaged resident gardeners at the Reynolds (the UFS Project Coordinator), 100 volunteers planted the Workshop development in their efforts to rebuild and gardeners created signs to display in Garden planting beds, and the healthy, their gardens after the massive disrup- their reoccupied plots. Beach 41st Street gardeners and guests new plants were growing beautifully. tion brought by Superstorm Sandy. After For the past year, the physical land- eat and socialize under the Workshop We look forward to future seasons the disaster, the gardens were closed, no scape has been reconstructed to lessen Garden canopy. of growth as the plants continue to one could plant, and all was still in the for- the flooding that often occurs at the site mature and the residents of Beach merly lush plots for a whole year. Fortu- during heavy rain or high tide. A “bio- through hand carving, rather than heavy 41st Street Houses continue their work nately, NYCHA partnered with this group swale” landscape feature was built in machinery, with slats and pegs con- in collaboration with NYCHA staff of researchers and designers to bring the lawn next to the gardens to improve necting the massive structure. “This is to promote gardening, beauty, and gardening back to Beach 41st Street. water absorption. A garden canopy a great space; I can see us using it for community togetherness. You can stay Till Design hosted workshops in 2014 to was built on higher ground, which can Family Day” and other neighborhood up to date on the project here: hear from resident gardeners about their be used for social gatherings as well as celebrations involving food, music, and http://b41communitygarden.tumblr.com.

needs for the new garden, which is called a staging area to distribute vital sup- VICTORIA MARSHALL the Workshop Garden and was designed plies in the event of an emergency. by Till Design. The NYCHA Garden and The canopy, which was built by Natural Greening Program provided new planter Garden Landscapes, was constructed MEHDI SALEHI Workshop Garden bioswale and new lawn area under construction. VICTORIA MARSHALL

Workshop Garden conversation Aerial photo showing the Workshop corner under Garden and Jamaica Bay. existing trees. 10 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Right on the Money

By John Edward Dallas

YOU MIGHT have read about John cash out of the banking system makes to individuals who keep their dollars Edward Dallas in the August issue of no “cents”—and certainly no dollars— homebound instead of sending The NYCHA Journal. As a financial in a number of very real ways. them to a bank. counselor, he has helped hundreds First, $1,000 squirreled away at John Edward Dallas is an award- of NYCHA residents become fiscally home, for example, remains $1,000 winning coordinator of financial smart and stable, able to pursue their over any period of time. On the services at the Bedford-Stuyvesant goals and dreams. We’re pleased other hand, its value would increase if Restoration Corporation’s Jobs- to launch a regular financial advice deposited in a bank—because banks Plus site in Brooklyn. Jobs-Plus is a column by Mr. Dallas, sharing his pay interest. There’s also the matter of national program with nine sites in wisdom with all Journal readers. security: Money deposited in a bank is New York City that help public hous- automatically insured by the fed- ing residents become economically Question: I keep my money at home, eral government. This definitely empowered. Mr. Dallas grew up in not in a bank. Is that ok? isn’t the case for money stowed Baruch Houses and is proud to serve away at home. Additionally, many the NYCHA community. Answer: As a financial counselor, I banks will offer account holders Residents, if you would like to meet regularly with individuals who in good standing products that request an appointment for a free, prefer to keep their savings stashed help them build credit, such as one-on-one session with a certified away in a shoebox, in a can, under a secured credit cards and credit- financial counselor, visit “Opportu- mattress, or in some other place at builder loans, even if they have no nity Connect” on NYCHA’s Self-Ser- home. The reasons for this include a credit history. However, these wealth- vice Portal (https://selfserve.nycha. distrust of banks, wanting instant and building opportunities, not to mention info). And if you have a financial fee-free access to savings, or a desire on savings accounts; more on this in highly effective financial-management question you’d like Mr. Dallas to to avoid a rent increase (which is a future column). Regardless of the tools such as bank statements and answer, please send it to unlikely due to current interest rates reasons, keeping one’s hard-earned mobile banking apps, aren’t available [email protected].

NYCHA-10,5x5_v2.pdf 1 8/24/16 1:02 PM

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FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 11 NYCHA Announces New Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Sandy-Related Construction Jobs JESUS LOPEZ worked as a financial jobs through the selected pre-apprentice- rebuilding damaged homes on Staten recruiter for seven years—but after hav- ship programs. The pre-apprenticeship Island through the NYC Build it Back ing to tell client after client they didn’t and placement program will be funded program. The work is meaningful, he says: get the job, he realized he wanted to through the U.S. Department of Housing “Turning the houses over to these people, go back to the career that made him and Urban Development (HUD) Com- you look at the finished product and think, feel like he was part of something great: munity Development Block Grant Disaster ‘I helped put two families back in their construction. With more than 10 years Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. homes. I was part of that.’” of construction experience, the First One of the goals of NextGeneration Mr. Lopez believes the new pre- Houses resident was referred to a Sec- NYCHA, the Authority’s 10-year strategic apprenticeship program will be a great tion 3 opportunity that provided a great plan, is to expand jobs and economic opportunity for residents and wishes the benefit: membership in Construction opportunities for residents. Since the program was around when he first started and General Building Laborers’ Local 79. beginning of the year, NYCHA has placed in construction. “I would tell any NYCHA NYCHA residents will have the oppor- more than 1,000 residents in the work- resident who’s interested to do the pre- tunity to join a union and be on the path force and more than 120 residents have apprenticeship program. Construction is to promising careers with long-term pros- Jesus Lopez hard at work rebuilding New York been hired through Section 3 to work on hard work, but it’s a great opportunity for pects like Mr. Lopez has. In September, City communities. Sandy-related contracts at NYCHA devel- anyone willing to work hard. This is a ticket NYCHA released a Request for Proposals opments as part of our Superstorm Sandy to get into any kind of union you want to seeking pre-apprenticeship training and provide residents with basic construction Recovery to Resiliency program. The new get to; this is an opportunity that could placement program providers to work safety knowledge and the skills necessary pre-apprenticeship training and place- open doors, that could change your life.” with NYCHA on a pre-apprenticeship to become an apprentice in a union. Resi- ment program will be a major part of how Residents interested in connect- training and placement program to dents who graduate from these programs NYCHA will help residents be part of the ing immediately to other training and provide access to job training and direct will receive help getting placed into a construction efforts while also launching employment opportunities can contact entry into skilled trade unions by working union apprenticeship, which provides them on a steady career path. NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic on Sandy-related construction projects at them with a pathway to union construction Though Mr. Lopez is not working on Empowerment & Sustainability NYCHA developments. jobs. NYCHA expects to recruit and place construction at a NYCHA development, (REES) at 718.289.8100 or visit The pre-apprenticeship program will up to 100 residents in Sandy construction he is helping with Sandy recovery by www.opportunitynycha.org. Primed for Success New Program Helps Residents Launch Businesses IGHT RESIDENTS OF Baisley Park that owning a business and being suc- Houses and cessful is not as easy as it looks; a business E spent the summer learning how to plan is the easy part, but making it a reality start or grow their own business, thanks takes hard work.” She plans to continue to the Queens Economic Development educating herself at seminars and refining Corporation’s (QEDC) Prime Skills pro- her business plan and recipes. gram. Over the free program’s 12 sessions, resident Minerva

the budding entrepreneurs attended Hodgers found inspiration in the pro- OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN WILLS lectures and participated in class discus- gram’s lessons on the history of African- Prime Skills graduates with City Council Member Ruben Wills, Instructor Yusuf Abdul-Wali, QEDC sions and small-group exercises. Guest American entrepreneurialism—of African- Deputy Director Ricardi Calixte (far left to right in the back row), Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook speakers imparted their knowledge of the American-owned businesses which helped (center, without diploma), and QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein (to her left). Caroline fundamentals of business success—adver- develop communities across the country. Comrie is in orange in the front row and Minerva Hodgers is at the far left in that row. tising, finance, marketing, and technology. “We learned about Black Wall Street, Participants developed individual business which impressed upon me that there were business, Ms. Minerva is pursuing certifica- continue to attend business workshops. plans for enterprises like child care, green many instances in the past where African tion as a social services case manager. Graduates of the program, sponsored construction, and express delivery. Americans were self-sufficient and pros- The program’s instructor, Yusuf Abdul- by City Council Member Ruben Wills One Prime Skills graduate, Caroline perous,” she said. “I feel we need to get Wali, remarked, “Over the course of the and the City’s Department of Small Comrie, a resident of South Jamaica Hous- back to that and develop businesses and six-week program, I watched the NYCHA Business Services, can take advantage es, plans to open her own organic/vegan jobs in our own communities.” participants in the class grow immensely, of additional assistance from the QEDC, restaurant. She has an associate degree in Ms. Minerva is co-founding a case man- both personally and professionally. I can’t including one-on-one business coun- culinary management and currently works agement agency that will help seniors ob- help but applaud their tenacity. This is the seling to polish their plans and register as a school lunch helper for the City’s tain life-enhancing services and supports. commitment it takes to start a successful their businesses. Graduates are also Department of Education. “The program She brings to the business many years of small business.” He praised the “eleva- eligible to compete for a grant worth up was very intense,” she said. “We spent late experience working with the elderly and tor speeches”—brief pitches highlighting to $10,000 from the QEDC to advance nights doing research about our industry developmentally disabled individuals, as their business goals—that participants their businesses. Visit QEDC’s website at and we learned about things we would not well as a bachelor’s degree in business gave at the program’s graduation cer- www.queensny.org to find out how to normally think about. It helped me realize administration. While she develops her emony, and noted how several graduates enroll in future Prime Skills classes. 12 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Social Justice as a Q&A with Mina Q. Malik, Public Service Executive Director of NYCHA RESIDENTS FROM and educators how to become the Civilian Complaint BronxWorks’ Betances, Classic, and active media participants, the St. Mary’s Park Community Centers middle school students learned Review Board showcased social justice public videography, editing, and how to service announcements (PSA) they design and produce their own media MINA Q. MALIK was appointed as Ex-

created about issues important message. Just as important, they ecutive Director of the Civilian Complaint CCRB to them, such as the Black Lives learned how to collaborate and Review Board (CCRB) in February 2015. Matter movement, healthy school communicate with their peers on a The CCRB is an independent agency lunches, and recycling, at the Bronx project. After the screening of their composed entirely of civilian employees Museum of Arts on August 24. Over PSAs for family and friends, several that mediates, investigates, and pros- the summer, through a workshop students shared how the project ecutes allegations of police misconduct led by NYC-based nonprofit The helped them learn how to speak up by officers of the New York City Police LAMP, which teaches kids, parents, on important issues. Department (NYPD). Ms. Malik answered The Journal’s questions to shed some light on the agency and how it operates.

Is the CCRB part of the NYPD? The CCRB is not part of the NYPD.

What kinds of complaints does the CCRB handle? The CCRB handles complaints involving the use of force, abuse of author- to decide whether and what type of ity, discourtesy, or offensive discipline is imposed. language by the police. What kind of outreach do How does one file a com- you do with the public plaint with the CCRB? to increase awareness There are four ways to file about police/community a complaint: relations? • Online at www.nyc.gov/ Our Outreach Unit con- ccrb. ducts presentations in all • By phone at 1-800-341- five boroughs at schools, 2272. tenant associations, advocacy • In person or by mail: 100 Church organizations, cultural groups, re- Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10007. ligious organizations, community boards, • By calling 311 or requesting a CCRB and precinct community councils. Our complaint form in any police precinct. presentations are designed to help com- munity members understand their rights The 2015 Annual Water Supply and Quality Report is now available for viewing at: What happens after a complaint is during police encounters. We also stress www.nyc.gov/dep/2015waterquality filed? What are the possible outcomes? the importance of de-escalation tech- This website contains important information about your drinking water. After a complaint is filed, victims and niques, which may limit how an encounter witnesses provide a statement about with police progresses. the incident to our trained investigators. Ce site contient d'importantes informations sur l'eau que vous buvez tous les jours. Investigators gather all relevant evidence What changes have you led at the Sitwèb sa a gen enfòmasyon enpòtan sou dlo pou bwè. and interview police officers. When the CCRB since your appointment? Il sito contiene informazioni importanti sull’acqua che bevete ogni giorno. investigation is completed, a panel of We have vastly improved our overall op- three Board members votes on the case. erations through enhanced investigations, Na tej stronie zawarte są ważne informacje dotyczące wody, którą pijesz. If the Board determines that the officer more proactive prosecutions, and greater На этом веб-сайте содержится важная информация о питьевой воде. committed misconduct, the case is for- cooperation with the NYPD in holding of- Este sitio web contiene información importante sobre su agua potable. warded to the Police Commissioner with ficers accountable for misconduct. Before a penalty recommendation. In the most I became Director, it took 324 days on serious cases, the Board can recommend average to investigate a complaint; that charges, and a CCRB attorney prosecutes number has decreased to roughly the case before an administrative law 90 days. Our outreach efforts in communi- judge. If an officer pleads guilty or is ties across the City have also multiplied found guilty at trial, the penalty can be so that people know about the CCRB and a reprimand, loss of time, suspension, its services, and have full access to CCRB www.nyc.gov/dep/2015waterquality dismissal probation, or termination. The resources if they feel they have been mis- Police Commissioner retains the authority treated by an officer. FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 13 Café Express: Lehman Cornerstone’s Delicious New Restaurant AST HARLEM RESIDENTS have favorite smoothie is the “Ms. Kelley,” a healthy, chic, new place to eat named after the director of SCAN’s Cor- E on Saturday afternoons: Café nerstone Community Center at Lehman, Express, staffed by NYCHA residents made with mango, blueberries, and and located at the Lehman Corner- orange juice. stone Community Center at Lehman Get Healthy East Harlem is unusual be- Houses. The pop-up café, launched by cause it was created by SCAN in partner- SCAN (Supportive Children’s Advocacy ship with NYCHA residents. “The whole Network) New York, serves the tasti- process was to do resident engagement est smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and and find out the hurdles to getting fresh snacks around. It’s part of Get Healthy food and what strategies moving for- East Harlem, a program SCAN launched ward made sense,” said Bill Fink, SCAN’s in 2015 to help residents learn to make Associate Executive Director for Devel- better nutrition choices. opment and External Affairs. “We did a Patricia Burns, Resident Association series of events, and found out that what President at Lehman Houses, said that was important was families cooking and before Café Express, if residents wanted eating together and learning culinary a smoothie in the neighborhood, they’d skills.” Residents advocated for hands-on Lehman Houses residents enjoy smoothies at Café Express, a pop-up café serving delicious have to spend $7-10, a price that’s out of cooking classes for families; producing smoothies, salads, healthy snacks, and more. reach for some residents. “I am proud, their own “Healthy Dance” videos; and grateful, and happy for our café. It shows managing marketing activities for the & Health Education for Families) and Red SCAN’s NYCHA community centers, at people how to do healthy things for café, including naming all the smoothies. Rabbit, an East Harlem-based healthy East River Houses, King Towers, Lehman themselves. Everything is fresh, plus it’s SCAN receives assistance with its cook- meals company. Village, and Wagner Houses, starting in affordable. Bringing this to the commu- ing education classes from the New York SCAN will also soon provide cooking 2017. For more information about SCAN, nity was the best thing to do.” Ms. Burns’ Junior League CHEF program (Cooking labs for families twice a month at four of visit www.scanny.org.

Eating good food that’s healthy, cheap, and convenient to prepare is challenging. But it’s not impossible.

Three-Day Menus for a Family of Four from SCAN NY DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 The three-day meals and recipes listed are designed to BREAKFAST appeal to various preferences and tastes while incorporating Oatmeal Tomato Scrambled Eggs The Fast Track Smoothie a variety of fruits and LUNCH vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy foods. Smoked Turkey, Kale & Cold & Spicy Noodles Artisanal Pita Pizza Butter Bean Soup Tips on Meal Planning on a Budget DINNER • Know your eating habits

Curried Lentil & Chickpea • Take inventory Tuna Ragout (Tuna Cook-Up) Oven Fried Spicy Chicken, Potato Stew (Dahl) With Flat Whole Wheat Pasta Yellow Rice & Gandules • Build your spice pantry Bread • Make an emergency list SNACK

Smoothie Oatmeal Cookie Yogurt Mash-Up

14 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Green Smoothie Smoked Turkey, Kale, and Bean Soup 2 cups water 3 (15.8-ounce) cans Great Northern 1 low-fat plain yogurt ¼ cup frozen spinach ¾ cup chopped onion beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup rolled oats ½ tsp vanilla extract ¾ cup chopped carrot 1 (14 ½-ounce) can fat-free, 1 banana, broken into chunks 1 ½ tsp honey ¼ cup chopped celery reduced sodium chicken broth 3 cups frozen chopped kale 1 (10-ounce) whole smoked Directions: In a blender, combine yogurt, oats, banana, and spinach. Add 2 tsps white wine vinegar turkey leg vanilla and honey if desired. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve. ¼ tsp pepper 1 bay leaf

Directions: Combine all ingredients except vinegar in a Dutch oven. Chickpea Calabaza Tagine with Couscous Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 1 hour and 1½ cup butternut squash (1 medium 6 cherry tomatoes, halved 15 minutes. Stir in vinegar; discard bay leaf. Remove turkey leg to small squash), sliced in half moons, 1 can chopped tomatoes from soup; discard skin. Remove meat from bone; discard bone. roasted for at least 30 mins 1 can chickpeas, drained Shred meat into bite-size pieces. Add turkey to soup. 3 garlic cloves, minced 1-2 tbsp red wine ½ tsp cumin (optional but definitely worth a try) 1 tbsp vegetable oil a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon (canola or coconut will do fine) a pinch of dried parsley, to garnish Tuna Ragout (Tuna Cook-Up) over Whole Wheat Pasta ½ red onion, chopped ½ cup couscous, dry 1 12-ounce pkg dry pasta 2 6-ounce cans tuna, drained 1 small chili, seeds removed ½ cup boiling water 1 tbsp olive oil 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 chopped onion 1 10 ounce frozen corn, carrot Directions: Pour boiling water over the couscous in a heat-proof bowl and let sit. Heat 2 cloves crushed garlic & green beans mix oil in a large pan on medium heat. Gently fry the cumin seeds and garlic for 3-5 min- 1 tbsp dried parsley 1 tbsp lemon juice utes, until browned. Add the red onion and chili and cook till soft (5 mins approx). The ¼ tsp red pepper flakes 1 4-ounce can pimiento onion should start to caramelize. Add the cherry tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, and chickpeas, and cook for five minutes. Add the roasted butternut squash and a few tbsp Directions: In a large sauté pan, heat oil over low heat. Add onion and gar- red wine, sprinkle over the spices, and cook for another 5 mins until the vegetables are lic, cook until onion is tender. Stir in pimiento, tomatoes, lemon juice, and mellow and tender. The couscous will by now have absorbed all the water. Fluff it up parsley. Add drained mixed vegetables. Season with red pepper flakes to with a fork. Serve the hot vegetables over the couscous and enjoy immediately. taste. Simmer gently for 5 mins. Fold in tuna and heat through. While sauce is cooking, add pasta to large pot of boiling water, cook till tender. Drain pasta, toss with sauce, and serve. Easy Corn Bread Casserole ¼ pound butter, melted 1 (8.5-ounce) package corn bread mix 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn 1 ounce sour cream Cold (and Spicy) Asian Noodles 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn (Adapted from “Eat Well on $4/Day” by Leanne Brown) 12 oz dried spaghetti, soba, 1 cucumber, finely chopped Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a mixing bowl, or any Asian noodles 1 bunch scallions, chopped combine butter, whole corn, cream corn, corn bread mix, and sour cream. 2 tbsp soy sauce Fold all ingredients together, pour into 2-quart casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour. Additions: spice oil, peanut sauce, grated carrot, shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, hard-boiled egg, chopped tomato

Popcorn Cauliflower(Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese) Directions: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. 6 cups fresh cauliflower ½ tsp turmeric Rinse them under cold water and put them in a colander to drain. Put the florets (about 1 head) ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground noodles in a bowl and add the soy sauce, spice oil (if you have it), scallions, 1 tbsp olive oil ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated and cucumber (and any other additions). Mix it all together. Add salt and ½ tsp kosher salt (Parmigiano-Reggiano suggested) pepper as needed. Let the noodles sit in the fridge for an hour.

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl, combine cauliflower, oil, turmeric, salt, and pepper; toss to combine. Transfer cauliflower to large baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Roast until cauliflower is golden brown, toss- Spicy Roasted Chickpeas ing occasionally, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, place in serving bowl and 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, ½ tsp salt sprinkle with cheese; toss to mix. Each serving is ¾ cup. rinsed and drained ½ tsp cayenne pepper 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions: Heat oven to 450 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with Oatmeal aluminum foil. Place chickpeas, oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well. 1 cup rolled oats ½ cup berries, fresh or frozen Spread on baking sheet in one layer. Place in the oven and bake for about 2 cups water 1 tbsp sugar 15 minutes. Remove pan, shake around to ensure chickpeas brown evenly, ¼ tsp salt and return to oven for another 15 minutes until brown and crunchy. Serve warm or at room temperature. Leave off the spice if you don’t like spicy Directions: Cook the oatmeal as usual, but 2 minutes before it’s ready, food. Got a sweet tooth? Make a sweet version with a sprinkle of sugar add some fresh or frozen berries, and the sugar, then stir to combine. and cinnamon instead of cayenne and salt.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 15 Roasted Summer Squash with Corn and Onions

Ingredients 2 summer squash, washed, cut into 1-inch pieces ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil 2 ears of corn, peeled, washed, then cut off the cob ½ onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1 tablespoon honey (optional) 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (optional) 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, no shell (optional) salt and pepper Celebrity Chef Gail Simmons (middle, blue and white shirt), Executive Chef Garrison Price (far left), and volunteers from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group helped distribute fresh fruit and COURTESY OF CHEF GARRISON PRICE Directions OF ASIATE AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL vegetables at the Mobile Market. HOTEL NEW YORK 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 2. In a bowl, toss the squash pieces, corn, kernels, and onion with 1 tablespoon Top Chefs Team with City of oil and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 375 Harvest for Five-Star Surprise degrees for about 10 minutes until the squash, corn, and onions are tender and have a light-brown color. Allow the vegetables to cool to room temperature. N AUGUST 24, Bronx resi- she has served as a judge since the show 4. Next, in a bowl, add the 1 tablespoon of honey, lemon juice, or vinegar and dents visiting City Harvest’s began in 2006. Also volunteering at the sunflower seeds to the corn and onions. Mix together until the honey and lemon OMobile Market at Melrose Clas- Mobile Market was Executive Chef Gar- juice or vinegar have coated the vegetables evenly. Enjoy! sic Center were in for a surprise: a visit rison Price of Asiate, a five-star New York from celebrity Chef Gail Simmons, who City restaurant located in the Mandarin joined employees from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Chef Price hosted a cook- (see recipe) for market-goers to sample. NYCHA sites in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Oriental Hotel Group to volunteer at ing demonstration where he prepared a City Harvest’s Mobile Markets are Manhattan, and Staten Island. They the market. You may have seen Chef light and healthy recipe of Roasted open-air, bimonthly distributions of are free of charge to residents who Simmons on Bravo’s Top Chef, where Summer Squash with Corn and Onions fresh fruits and vegetables located at qualify and live in the area.

FREE GROCERIES FOR SENIORS Serving Sweet Success NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES NYC HEALTH AND HOSPITALS is now offering free groceries to any low-income New Yorker over the age of 60, through its Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Customers need only bring photo ID, proof of age, proof of address, and proof of income for access to an array of foods: canned fruits and vegetables, packaged cereals, juice, cheese, milk, and other starches and proteins. This service is offered monthly from 7 or 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brooklyn and Queens sites.

BROOKLYN Kings County Hospital Center 840 Alabama Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11207 Bet. Stanley Ave. and Wortman Ave. 718-498-9208

QUEENS Kings County Hospital Center 91-29 143rd St. Jamaica, NY 11435 718-523-2220 NIANI TAYLOR (center), a Food Business Pathways program grad and Van Dyke Houses resident, discussed her thriving business, Munch Hours, with News 12 Brooklyn Reporter Emily Lorsch (left) and Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services. This summer, Ms. Taylor and a handful of other graduates from the groundbreaking business development program, which helps residents achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, showcased their delicious creations at Vendy Plaza, an outdoor market in East Harlem.

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