Vol. 36, No. 8 www.nyc.gov/nycha AUGUST 2006 STARS SHINE AT THE ANNUAL TALENT SHOW By Deborah Williams

THE CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY’S (NYCHA’S) ANN- UAL TALENT SHOWHADANEW TWIST THIS YEAR: “REALITY TV MADNESS.” Staged as though it was a television production for “Channel 36,” the 36th Annual Talent Show, held at ’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on June 25th, featured par- odies of popular reality TV shows, interspersed with the res- ident performances. And the ver- HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES (Left to Right) City Council Members Daniel satile Comedian Brooklyn Mike, R. Garodnick and Melissa Mark Viverito, Mayor Michael R. whose real name is Mike Troy, Bloomberg, NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez, Holmes Houses Res- was the host. ident Association President Sally Maldonado, Assembly Member The program began with Jonathan L. Bing and Council on the Environment of “NYCHA Idol,” accompanied by Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen cut the ribbon on a new green- almost the same degree of market at NYCHA’s Holmes Towers. excitement as the real “American Idol.” As Brooklyn Mike said, Greenmarket at Holmes Towers “We don’t have Paula, Randy or Simon, but we do have song- By Heidi Morales writer, author and poet Eugene RIPE, RED STRAWBERRIES, APPLES OF ALL KINDS, CRISP GREEN BEANS AND Kitt; actor and songwriter Danny RHUBARB TO YOUR HEARTS DESIRE. This was just some of the fresh produce Madden; actor Jesus Martinez; sold at the Greenmarket Kick-Off event on June 25th at the New York actor, singer and former Rock- FIRST PLACE The graceful LaGuardia Dancers from the Lower East City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA’s) John Haynes Holmes Towers on ette Erika Vaughn; and director Side won first place in the 55 and Up Age Category. the of Manhattan. Jesse Wooden, Jr., here to judge In an effort to bring affordable and fresh produce to underserved com- the competition.” rium, but the NYCHA contestants pulled it off without a hitch. munities, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Council Member Daniel R. It’s not easy to get up and per- In the 6-12 Age Category, Tytiana Brown of Brooklyn’s Gravesend Garodnick (Council District 4) and NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez, form even in front of a small Houses took first place for her rendition of “If It’s Loving That You among other key organizers, announced the opening of the Holmes Tow- group, let alone the crowd in Want.” The second-place prize went to the dance group Latino Kids ers Greenmarket along with nine other farmer’s markets throughout the FIT’s enormous Haft Audito- of Brooklyn’s Morris Houses and the third-place winners, also from (Continued on page 4) (Continued on page 5) City Renames W. 103rd Street In Honor Of Humphrey Bogart’s Childhood Home DESPITE THE RAIN ON THE EARLY AFTER- he was 23. The brownstone now right,” said NYCHA Chairman NOON OF JUNE 24TH, REPRESENTATIVES on that site is part of NYCHA’s Tino Hernandez. “Once we were FROM THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING Douglass Houses Rehabs. made aware of this request we AUTHORITY (NYCHA) JOINED MOVIE-LEG- “It is an honor to be here with worked diligently to install a END LAUREN BACALL, HER SON STEPHEN Ms. Bacall, a legend in her own plaque.” BOGART, AND GARY DENNIS, WHO Also present were Records ISTHEOWNEROFTHEUPPER WEST Commissioner Brian Anders- SIDE VIDEO STORE MOVIE PLACE, son, City Council Member FOR A STREET RENAMING CEREMONY Melissa Mark Viverito, ON WEST 103RD STREET IN Assembly Member Daniel J. HONOR OF ITS MOST FAMOUS RESI- O’Donnell and Resident DENT AND MS. BACALL’S LATE HUS- Association President St. BAND, HUMPHREY DEFOREST Clair Clement. BOGART. The ceremony The effort was initiated by included a plaque unveiling Mr. Dennis, who said that he HONORING AN ICON (Left to Right) Council Member Melissa Mark at 245 West 103rd Street, was thrilled with the City’s Viverito, Movie Place’s Gary Dennis (partially hidden), Resident where the film icon, who response. The street’s new Association President St. Clair Clement, Lauren Bacall, Chairman starred in such classics as secondary name between Tino Hernandez and Stephen Bogart with the new street sign “Casblanca” and “The Mal- Broadway and West End honoring the actor Humphrey Bogart. At right, the plaque NYCHA tese Falcon,” lived from the Avenue is now “Humphrey installed at the site of Bogart's former home. time of his birth in 1899 until Bogart Place.” PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 5 MEET DREW-HAMILTON’S BOARD ADOPTS BUDGET FIRST CULINARY ARTS TAVELL FOX AND 2006 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRAM GRADUATES THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 AUGUST 2006

MAYOR’S MESSAGE Drew-Hamilton’s Tavell Fox: Success Knows No Limits! By Heidi Morales When Tavell was in the sixth Setting Priorities in the City’s TAVELL FOX NEVER BACKS DOWN grade and attending P.S. 92, Mr. Budget for Fiscal Year 2007 FROM A CHALLENGE. He is a deter- Grano was invited to be principal mined young man who believes in for the day and Tavell was chosen CREATING JOBS AND OPPORTU- facing obstacles head on. In fact, to escort him around the school. NITY IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS his motto is, “As long as I can say “At the end of the day we were AND CONTINUING FISCAL it I can do it!” And that’s how he talking about my life aspirations RESTRAINT AT CITY HALL — lives his life. and I told him I wanted to be a THAT’S THE RIGHT FORMULA This 18-year-old Harlemite and lawyer because there are so many FOR NEW YORK’S LONG-TERM resident of the New York City people in this world who are STABILITY AND GROWTH. And Housing Authority’s (NYCHA’s) treated unfairly and I’m inspired to it’s the foundation of the $52.9 Drew-Hamilton Houses has wis- change that. He said, “You are a billion budget agreement we dom beyond his years. Like many man of great courage. I want to worked out this summer with young men his age—he wears his help you pay for college.” the City Council. It covers Fis- pants baggy, he sports the latest Mr. Grano has been a great cal Year 2007 — the 12-month Nike Jordans, he loves to talk on financial supporter of Tavell’s period that began on July 1, the phone, is charming and has a ever since. In fact it was with Mr. 2006, and it funds key invest- killer smile. But what makes Grano’s help that Tavell was able ments that will help make the Tavell Fox “unique” is not his to attend Catholic middle nation’s safest big city even sense of humor or his academic and high schools. “Mr. Grano safer, enhance neighborhood quality of life, continue the historic achievements, which are many, paid for everything—uniforms, turnaround of our public schools and fuel our growing economy. not his chess-playing skills, which books, Christmas, whatever it It also makes down payments now on big future costs. are superb, not even Cerebral was I did. He’s been unbeliev- The budget deal gives the go-ahead for putting 1,200 more Palsy—a condition he was diag- able,” Tavell said. police officers on our streets by next July: 800 newly hired offi- nosed with when he was two years It doesn’t take much to feel TAVELL FOX WITH HIS HIGH cers and 400 officers re-assigned from desk jobs to patrol duty. old. What makes Tavell stand out inspired by Tavell. His words are SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND We’ll also keep our police officers safer by purchasing 18,000 is his positive attitude and his purposeful and his character is TROPHIES. new bulletproof vests over the next two fiscal years. These vests desire to succeed. incomparable. Perhaps this is the are designed to the NYPD’s own exacting specifications. And Cerebral Palsy, also known as reason he has such a solid support Tavell shares his home life with we’ll continue to build new police, fire and EMS stations CP, is a condition caused by injury system. “In school I have a whole his mother Laverne, his 13-year- throughout the City. to the parts of the brain that con- lot of friends. They’re always sup- old brother Bernard, his grand- The budget agreement also green-lights major improvements trol the ability to use the muscles portive; whatever I need they help mother Shirley, who visits often to neighborhood quality of life. That includes developing and the body. “A lot of people in me with. I have a great foundation. and who is very protective of him, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and a major new park at Fresh Kills on my situation get scared and don’t Everybody is always there, willing and an extended family that is very Staten Island, as well as continuing our ambitious $200-million know what to do but as soon as I to help me.” encouraging. plus expansion and improvement of parks across the Bronx. was born and my family realized However, not everything is “Whatever I need, whether it’s Together with Council Speaker Christine Quinn, we’re also that I wasn’t doing the normal pleasant for Tavell. Like all of us something small like cooking me a locking in annual City funding both for five-day-a-week ser- things like walking when I turned he encounters difficulties that per- meal, or taking me around the vices at all our public libraries and for summer jobs for young one, they immediately took haps are intensified because he world, I can just pick up the phone, people across our City. action,” said Tavell. And thanks to uses a wheelchair. However, over- call someone and they’re always The new budget also continues the City’s largest-ever school this quick responsiveness his fam- all, Tavell is very independent and there at the drop of a hat. They’re construction program. It’s a five-year, $13 billion plan (and earlier ily was able to get Tavell the care says that his daily tasks are no dif- there and they show me love,” this year, we persuaded the State to pay for half of it). We’re on he needed very early in his life. ferent than any other person’s. “It Tavell said. course to create 66,000 new classroom seats throughout the City, “Being diagnosed with Cerebral may take me a little bit more time, It’s obvious that his relationship and build the labs, libraries, gyms and other facilities our young- Palsy—I just never let it stop me; it so I have to plan ahead based with his mother is one very dear to sters need for a first-class education. actually means nothing to me. I around how quickly I do things.” his heart. “My mother, she’s my Better schools are essential to the City’s economic future. So use it as an advantage and a moti- (Continued on page 3) are the job-creating projects funded in the budget — projects vator,” Tavell said with a slight like extending the Number 7 subway line, building the new East speech impediment and a grin River Science Park, and redeveloping the Homeport on Staten from ear to ear. The Housing Authority Island. And the $400 property tax rebate once again included in 72 Tavell has proven that he has years this year’s budget will not only be good news to our hardworking of Public Housing never been defeated by his disabil- Journal in New York City homeowners; it will also support neighborhood businesses and ity. He not only has a “can do” atti- jobs in all five boroughs. tude, he does. He recently ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 As many New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) resi- graduated from Cardinal Hayes dents are aware, the City’s budget for Fiscal Year 2007 also High School and is getting ready Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority Department of Public and Community Relations includes $120 million for NYCHA, as it works to implement its to attend John Jay College of “Plan to Preserve Public Housing.” I was happy to be able to 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Criminal Justice in the fall. Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 allocate this transitional funding to preserve one of New York Tavell graduated at the top of his nyc.gov/nycha City’s most valuable resources: the 344 public housing devel- class with a 94 average, and was Michael R. Bloomberg...... Mayor opments which house 400,000 New Yorkers. the recipient of the CUNY-Vallone Tino Hernandez...... Chairman But we’re not only making investments; we’re also practicing Scholarship—a monetary award to Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice-Chairman Margarita López ...... Board Member rigorous financial responsibility. We’re reducing long-term debt help pay for college. by funding some big projects on a "pay as you go" basis. And this Vilma Huertas...... Secretary Besides the unconditional and Douglas Apple...... General Manager year, we’re adding $1 billion to the $1 billion we’ve already com- constant support of his family, Sheila Greene...... Director of Public and Community Relations mitted to our unprecedented trust fund to cover future costs of Tavell has a special man in his life Eileen Elliott ...... Editor Heidi Morales...... Editor, Spanish Edition health benefits for retired City workers. who has made it possible for him New Yorkers can be proud of the tremendous progress we’ve Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer to receive a top rate education, Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer made over the past four-and-a-half years. We’ve come further Joseph Grano. Mr. Grano is Chair- Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography faster than anyone ever thought possible. Now, by continuing to man and CEO of Centurion Hold- If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please make sound investments and responsible decisions, we can lock in ings LLC, a financial advising call our marketing representatives in Marketing and Revenue Operations and build on everything we’ve achieved. That makes this new bud- company for private and public at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal get good news for all New Yorkers. businesses, and the Chairman of does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the Michael R. Bloomberg the Homeland Security Advisory Council under the U. S. Depart- Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. ment of Homeland Security. To put it in Tavell’s words, he is “a man that is so nice.” THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL AUGUST 2006 3

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE BOROUGH DIGEST NYCHA Board Adopts Budget Brooklyn: The Fourth Annual Citywide Chess Competition and Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2006 Award Ceremony was held on the evening of June 15, 2006 at I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE the Williamsburg Community THAT ON JUNE 28TH, THE NEW Center. Players competed in YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHOR- tournaments at 25 sites ITY (NYCHA) BOARD ADOPTED throughout the boroughs to THE FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL choose the two teams that YEAR 2006 AND THE AMEND- would represent their borough in MENT TO THE ANNUAL PLAN FOR the Citywide Competition. The 2006, WHICH INCORPORATED Bronx’s Bronxdale Community SOME ASPECTS OF THE “PLAN TO Center won First Place, and Man- PRESERVE PUBLIC HOUSING.” As hattan’s and Jacob many of you are aware, this was Riis Community Centers took the culmination of a process Second and Third Place, respec- that included over 200 public tively. The NYCHA Chess Pro- meetings and a tremendous gram, which is open to youth amount of input from NYCHA between the ages of 9 and 12, residents, advocates, elected begins again in October. Call Baf- officials and other stakehold- GOOD NEIGHBORS NYCHA's newest Board Member Margarita López four Adjei at: (212) 306-3322 to ers. addresses the crown at NYCHA's Annual Senior Volunteer Floor find the participating Center I am confident that by adopt- Captain Recognition Luncheon. nearest you. ing this Plan, NYCHA is ensuring the future of public housing in New York City. The Plan is a testament to the hard work, thorough- 26th Annual Senior Volunteer Floor ness and dedication of NYCHA staff, as well as the diligence and responsiveness of residents. Captain Recognition Luncheon Many of you are aware of the highlights of the Plan, which was By Eileen Elliott designed to address a $168 million budget deficit for 2006 and FOR THE 26TH YEAR IN A ROW THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) provide structural fiscal balance to the Authority. This deficit was HELD A SPECIAL LUNCHEON TO THANK THE SENIOR VOLUNTEER RESIDENTS WHO created largely by flat federal funding that has not met the needs of WORK TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THEIR ELDERLY AND NON-ELDERLY DISABLED NEIGH- rising operational expenses, which include maintaining units in BORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS. This year’s Annual Senior Volunteer Floor 21,000 State- and City-built developments that no longer receive Captain Recognition Luncheon, once again held at the lavish any subsidy. Leonard’s in Long Island, honored 863 senior volunteers from 53 Foremost among those I have to thank for their contributions to senior and mixed population developments. the Plan is Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has made afford- Special guests included others if something is amiss. able housing a priority of his Administration, and who recognizes NYCHA Vice-Chairman Earl Just about every month we get how invaluable public housing is to maintaining the fabric of New The Bronx: On April 11, 2006, Andrews, Jr., Board Member a call about a neighbor who York City. Not only did the Mayor spend hours in discussions with East 170th Street between Web- Margarita López and Commu- often needs medical help. You myself and others on the Plan, he made the unprecedented deci- ster and Third Avenues was re- nity Operations Deputy General are our eyes and our ears. I sion to provide $100 million of funding to NYCHA as we work to named Thelma Boyd Boulevard Manager Hugh Spence, as well want to thank you. You do it put the elements of the Plan in place. I would also like to thank in honor of the late, long-time as Social Services staff and because of the spirit in your the City Council which, as I announced on the 28th, allocated an Morris Houses resident. Since development managers. Also in heart.” additional $20 million to NYCHA. This money will allow moving to the development in attendance were resident lead- NYCHA’s newest Board Mem- NYCHA to provide Section-8 vouchers to an additional 3,000 1963, Ms. Boyd worked for over ers Gerri Lamb, Connie Taylor, ber, Margarita López, brought people who are on the waiting list. 50 years to improve the lives of Rosia Wyche and Barbara G. greetings from the Chairman Briefly, the seven-points of the “Plan to Preserve Public Hous- Bronx residents, primarily in Barber. who was unable to attend. The ing” are: the aforementioned $100 million in transitional aid from Claremont Village. Among her Department of Social Service Board Member emphasized the City, which has recently increased to $120 million; achieving accomplishments, Ms. Boyd Director Nora Reissig-Lazzaro that NYCHA owes a special long-term structural balance by increasing rents for the 27% of was instrumental in obtaining welcomed the guests and debt to its seniors. “You are the NYCHA residents who are already at the ceiling rent and pay less health services for seniors at served as Mistress of Cere- generation that saw public than 30% of their incomes; the creation of a permanent funding the Martin Luther King Health monies for the afternoon. housing being built brick by stream to subsidize the operations of 8,400 non-federal apartments Clinic. As a member of the Clare- “Senior Volunteer Floor Cap- brick. You are part of a society by transitioning them to the Section 8 program; an accelerated and mont Village Board she advo- tains provide critical and sup- that fought hard to create a bet- comprehensive construction program to keep building infrastruc- cated for the development of a port services for over 3,800 ter life. You, the Chairman, the ture in good repair; efforts to improve the quality of service to res- youth center on East 168th elderly residents,” Ms. Reissig- Vice-Chairman and me all be- idents through increased efficiency and strategic uses of Street, and for the state-owned Lazzaro began. “They serve as lieve in a social contract: that technology; the diversification of NYCHA’s revenue streams so Butler Houses to become autho- escorts to appointments, help if you contribute today, tomor- as to create a cushion against potential future subsidy reductions; rized as a federal development, with light shopping and alert row we will take care of you.” and aggressive efforts to push legislative and executive actions in thereby increasing its subsidy. (Continued on page 4) Washington and Albany to generate new and expanded funding Ms. Boyd passed away in August for low-income housing and to provide relief from burdensome 2005 at the age of 72. Tavell Fox (Continued from page 2) regulations and unfunded mandates. From the time I first announced the Plan, our goal at NYCHA (Continued on page 5) everything; she’s a very special woman…She chose to keep me and love has been to send a loud message that we are committed to pre- me…that’s a big thing,” Tavell said with a shy grin on his face. serving public housing. And although the day the Plan was Tavell is enjoying his summer, playing chess, talking on the phone, approved was a great day for NYCHA, our work is not done. We going to the movies with friends and hanging out with his girlfriend of a must still await approval from the U.S. Department of Housing year and a half. He is excited about his future and can’t wait to start col- and Urban Development (HUD) before some of the key elements lege. He said that besides his family, one thing is always a constant in of the Plan can be put in place. Funding from Washington contin- his life — God — and he’s thankful. “No matter what I do in life, I know ues to be a challenge and could still have a significant impact on that God made it possible.” public housing in years to come. The “Plan to Preserve Public Tavell Fox’s achievements are many. Here is a list of some of his tri- Housing” was created with you, the residents in mind. Please work umphs: Coretta Scott King Award, Mr. Black History Award, Monroe with us as we continue to lead the great pioneering program of Award for Academic Achievement, National Honor Society, New York public housing into the 21st Century. State Attorney General’s Award for Character, Courage and Commu- Tino Hernandez nity Concern, Father Sheehan Memorial Award for Religion, Princi- pal’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, and the CUNY-Vallone Scholarship. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 AUGUST 2006 Senior Volunteer THE NYCHA NOT WANTED LIST West Nile Virus Mosquito Treatment In this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of Luncheon The New York City Housing Authority is in the process of treating individuals who have been permanently excluded from our public (Continued from page 3) all of the catch basins located in Housing Authority developments housing developments. This list is part of NYCHA’s effort to keep Ms. López then elaborated to reduce the mosquito population in an effort to minimize the trans- residents informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing effort to improve briefly on the four senior pro- the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for mission of the West Nile Virus. These applications will take place grams at NYCHA: The Senior the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here follows a list of the between June and October of 2006. The larvicides being used are: people excluded after hearings were held on July 20 and 27, and August Resident Advisor/ServiceCoor- dinator Program, which provides 3 and 10, 2005. Please note: These exclusions are based on Vectolex CG, EPA Reg. No. 73049-20, supportive services to elderly NYCHA’s Administrative Hearing Process and should not be Toxicity Category - “Caution” and non-elderly disabled resi- confused with the Trespass Notice Program under Mayor Bactimos Briquets, EPA Reg. No. 6218-47, dents in selected sites to help Bloomberg’s Operation Safe Housing Initiative. Toxicity Category – “Caution” them maintain independent liv- ing; the Elderly Safe At Home REMEMBER, Contact names and numbers for this application are: Program, which provides com- IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON prehensive crime prevention New York City Housing Authority: HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL services and crime victim assis- Jamal Rashid, Coordinator – 718-707-5808 YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S tance to elderly and non-elderly Available from 8:30 am -4:30 pm SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. disabled residents in the South Luis Ponce, Deputy Director – 718-707-5323 Bronx; the Senior Network Pro- Available from 9 am -5 pm Prohibited as of July 20, 2005 gram, which is staffed by Willie Miller Case 5153/05 formerly associated with the Department for the Aging work- NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Region 2, sixth floor of 81-03 Hammel Blvd., Hammel ers who serve as Senior Advo- Bureau of Pesticide Management – 718-482-4994 Houses, Queens. cates to assist elderly residents Christopher Case 5247/05 formerly associated with the with social service referrals, National Pesticide Telecommunications Network – Alvarez seventh floor of 751 East 161st Street, entitlement assistance, crisis McKinley Houses, the Bronx. 1-800-858-PEST intervention and crime victim Prohibited as of July 27, 2005 assistance; and the Congregate Inquiries concerning symptoms of pesticide poisoning should be Ajaron Beauford Case 5111/05 formerly associated with the Housing Services Program at directed to the Poison Control Center – 1-800-222-1222. fourth floor of 40 Paladino Avenue, Wagner Saratoga Square Houses in Houses, Manhattan. Brooklyn, which is designed to Robert Daniels Case 5135/05 formerly associated with the first meet the needs of the frail floor of 29 Warren Street, Stapleton Houses, elderly or persons with disabili- Staten Island. ties who would otherwise be Romale Felder Case 4132/05 formerly associated with the fifth vulnerable to premature institu- Marvin Sanders floor of 1435 Harrod Avenue, Bronx River tionalization. Houses, the Bronx. After the awards were pre- Renee Reeder Case 5226/05 formerly associated with the sented and the dessert plates sixth floor of 2007 Surf Avenue, Carey Gardens, Brooklyn. cleared away, the seniors danced to the music of the Andre Ociedo Case 5254/05 formerly associated with the first floor of 456 Richmond Terrace, Richmond NYCHA Symphony Orchestra. Terrace Houses, Staten Island. Leonard’s was truly the perfect setting for the celebration, with Prohibited as of August 3, 2005 its crystal chandeliers and Jonathan Joubert Case 5366/05 formerly associated with the mirrored walls reflecting the tenth floor of 90 Baruch Drive, Baruch Houses, Manhattan. youthful hearts of those resi- dents who represent the best Rasheem Zeigler Case 5370/05 formerly associated with the twenty-first floor of 2698 Eighth Avenue, of public housing. Drew-Hamilton Houses, Manhattan. Leslie Reese Case 5405/05 formerly associated with the second floor of 482 Marcy Avenue, Marcy Houses, Brooklyn. Greenmarket Ryan Squires Case 5425/05 formerly associated with the (Continued from page 1) Keith Squires second floor of 2977 Avenue W., summer within the five boroughs. Sheepshead/Nostrand Houses, Brooklyn. Beside the food stands, the kick- Larry Duhon Case 5428/05 formerly associated with the off featured a health fair complete twelfth floor of 681 Courtlandt Avenue, with tables offering educational Melrose Houses, the Bronx. materials on nutrition, health, diet Kwane Dower Case 5473/05 formerly associated with the and exercise. fourth floor of 3042 Avenue V., Sheepshead/Nostrand Houses, Brooklyn. “This new Greenmarket is a great thing for the tenants of the Ato Parsons Case 5557/05 formerly associated with the third NYCHA facility and people all floor of 67-14 Parsons Blvd., Pomonok Houses, Queens. over the neighborhood. Farmer’s markets are one way we can Prohibited as of August 10, 2005 address the widespread epidemics Ernesto Trossi Case 5461/05 formerly associated with the sixth of obesity, diabetes and high blood Ernesto Rivera floor of 411 Lafayette Avenue, Lafayette Gardens pressure by making healthy foods Houses, Brooklyn. readily available within our com- Heriks Agosto- Case 5463/05 formerly associated with the first munities,” said Mayor Bloomberg. Ramos floor of 165 St. Ann’s Avenue, Mill Brook Houses The ten new markets will be Samuel Velez the Bronx. open by summer’s end and will NYCHA residents and the surrounding community will be able to use Thomas Case 5505/05 formerly associated with the fifth operate through Thanksgiving senior coupons, WIC coupons and EBT cards at many of the markets for Patterson floor of 520-522 East 156th Street, Bronxchester weekend. the purchase of fruits and vegetables. Greenmarket organizers also Houses, the Bronx. “This market will make avail- encourage the public to participate in the Department of Health & Men- Dijenaro Williams Case 5722/05 formerly associated with the tenth able tasty, affordable and healthy tal Hygiene’s Health Bucks Program, which distributes vouchers floor of 100 Pitt Street, Gompers Houses, food choices to Isaacs/Holmes res- redeemable for the purchase of produce at farmer’s markets. Manhattan. idents on a regular basis, right out- The Holmes Towers Greenmarket opened for business on July 9, 2006. side their door,” said Chairman For a list of other Greenmarket locations, log onto the Council on the Hernandez. Environment at www. cenyc.org/site THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL AUGUST 2006 5 CULINARY ARTS GRADUATION NYCHA’S TALENT SHOW BOROUGH DIGEST CEREMONY AT WILLIAMSBURG (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 1) Manhattan: The Harlem Sum- Morris Houses, were the dancers merStage Concert Series has Too Cute. taken over Thursday nights on After each age group per- the plaza at the Adam Clayton formed another Reality TV Mad- Powell, Jr. State Office Building ness program “aired,” starting on 125th Street. On July 6th, it with “Dogg: The Bounty was jazz and R&B with the Bill Hunter.” “Dogg” captivated the Saxton Quartet, NuQ-Leus and audience. Additional programs P.J. Morton; on July 13th, gospel on Channel 36 that afternoon by the Singletons and the were “Survivor – Then and NYCHA Senior Chorus; July 20th Now,” “Girlz Behaving Badly” brought R&B with Shanice, The and “So You Think You Can Untouchables and NYCHA’s own Dance.” Hip Hop Story; and Calypso was In the 13–19 Age Category, featured on the 27th with the first place went to a troupe of Mighty Sparrow and the United dancers whose performance Sounds Steel Band. The free Tytiana Brown stole the show—Dance Factory Concert Series, which is spon- of Queensbridge Houses. Singer sored by NYCHA, the Apollo The- Saundra Amayo of Manhattan’s Straus Houses took the second-place ater and the New York State CHEFS A LA NYCHA Chef Kate Wayler (left) with the first class of Culi- prize with “To Sir With Love.” The third-place winner was dancer Office of General Services, nary Arts graduates, posing with their chefs’ hats and certificates. Elaini Rodriquez of Manhattan’s Baruch Houses. continues through September “I love to perform and write my music. When I get the inspiration By Deborah Williams 7th on Thursday evenings from it just comes out. Performing makes me happy because I get to touch 5:00 to 8:00 PM. See page 6 for people’s lives. This world has a lack of love and through music I can THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY’S (NYCHA’S) DEPART- more on upcoming perfor- provide love,” said rapper and first-place winner in the 19–54 Age MENT OF RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (RES) HELD ITS FIRST CULI- mances. Category Rasheem Richardson NARY ARTS TRAINING PROGRAM GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE Queens: Longtime Queensbridge of the Bronx’s Mill Brook WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER ON JUNE 15, 2006. As Commu- Houses Resident and former Houses. Singer Henry Watkins nity Operations’ Deputy General Manager Hugh Spence told the grad- Resident Association President, of Brooklyn’s Albany Houses uates, what makes this program particularly exciting is that, “NYCHA the late Lillian Brown, was hon- took second place with his ren- can assist the Culinary Arts Program graduates in establishing a cater- ored with the installation of a dition of “The Greatest Love.” ing service that will cater events at NYCHA Community Centers. Mr. plaque on the bench where she Singer Debra Rodriquez of Man- Spence called the nine graduates, “pioneers,” and said their success loved to sit and chat with her hattan’s Douglass Houses came would serve as a model to launch similar programs throughout the five neighbors in the development. in third with “Killing Me boroughs. The dedication, held on June Softly.” Other special guests at the cer- prepared for the event in the 16th, was initiated by Assembly The LaGuardia Dancers of emony included Board Member Community Center’s sparkling Member Catherine Nolan of the Manhattan’s LaGuardia Houses Margarita López, RES Director kitchen. The sumptuous menu 37th Assembly District, for whom took first place with an Asian Sonia Torruella and City Council included: cheese tortellini, grilled Ms. Brown worked. In addition to folk dance in the 55 and Up Age Member Diana Reyna. chicken breast with fresh herbs, the Assembly Member, the brief Category. James Dickson of Speaker after speaker encour- roasted turkey with cranberry- ceremony was also attended by Manhattan’s Drew Hamilton NYCHA General Manager Dou- aged the new chefs to become orange chutney, Mediterranean Houses took second place for his Dance Factory entrepreneurs and create their style tuna salad, and an assort- glas Apple, Queens Borough dramatization of a conversation own businesses — not to be sat- ment of wraps and quiches. More Manager Michael Cornelius, he had with his brother who died in the war. The Golden Girls — isfied with just having a job. international dishes in-cluded Queensbridge Manager Antonia that is, Francis Braxton, Henrietta Bryant and Lois Credle of Brook- Board Member López said, “I am Guianese peas and rice with Caraballo and Resident Associa- lyn’s Pink Houses — took third place for their skit based on the tele- looking forward to one day being coconut milk, baba ganoush, and tion President Nina Adams. vision sitcom. invited to your place of business Asian-style noodle salad with In honor of Mel Edwards, who was Director of NYCHA’s Talent for breakfast, lunch or dinner.” peanut sauce. Search Competition for 27 of its 36 years, the Mel Edwards Award is She called the graduation a rite of The six-week Culinary Arts reserved for the special contestant who demonstrated the most initia- passage and emphasized that Training Program was a joint ini- tive, enthusiasm, show biz spirit, “moving forward towards self- tiative between the United Way, and congeniality, and who wins sufficiency is the name of the NYC Works, the Consortium for the heart of the audience. This game.” And Council Member Worker Education and its Artisan year’s Mel Edwards Award was Reyna pointed out that gentrifica- Baking Center, and NYCHA’s presented to Tytiana Brown, tion in New York City’s neighbor- Department of Resident Employ- first-place winner in the 6–12 hoods is creating the need to ment Services. Funding for the Age Category. “become more advanced in our program was provided through a Each winner will receive communities by creating busi- grant from the New York City either dance, acting or vocal nesses of our own.” Council. lessons. Amanda Hamlet of Brooklyn’s The experience was summ- The last program to “air” on Armstrong Houses was enthusi- ed up best by resident and gradu- Staten Island: On June 29th the Reality TV Madness Channel 36 astic about the program. “I ate Rebecca Fleming of Brook- New York City Housing Authority was a surprise performance by learned to cook international lyn’s Marcy Houses. “I’m so (NYCHA) joined the City’s Universal Motown Recording dishes like Spanish and French happy today. I owe it all to RES Department of Housing Preser- Artist, Elijah – the real Elijah! cuisine, and exotic wraps. I and my teacher Chef Kate vation and Development, the With the help of a young female learned knife skills but more Wayler, who encouraged me and Housing Development Corpora- assistant from the audience, Eli- Rasheem Richardson importantly, I have learned that kept me afloat. This is the first tion (HDC), City Council Member jah rapped his way into the cooking is an art and a science. I thing that I have completed since Michael McMahon and State hearts of the audience. After the show was over he handed out auto- encourage anyone to take the the fifth grade and it’s the best Senator Diane Savino for a graphed photos. course.” thing that has ever happened to press conference at the nearby Musical accompaniment was provided by Bobby D. And The Fam- Although the graduates were me!” Richmond Terrace to announce ily. Present at the Talent Show were Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, thrilled to receive their chefs’ hats NYCHA hopes to assist the the development team that will Jr., Community Operations Deputy General Manager Hugh Spence and certificates, it seemed they residents obtain 501c(3) [non- rebuild Markham Gardens in and Director of Citywide Programs Ernesto Lozano. In his opening were just as eager to have the profit tax exemption status] or West Brighton. remarks Mr. Spence told the audience they were in for a really great audience taste the dishes they had a license agreement for catering. (Continued on page 6) show and indeed it was! THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 AUGUST 2006

YOU CAN GO TO COLLEGE NOW! BOROUGH DIGEST (Continued from page 5) “Attending SNR challenged me intellectually, The original buildings, com- sharpened my critical thinking skills, and gave pleted in 1943 as temporary me the confidence to go on for my law degree. housing for World War II shipyard SNR prepared me for a career that I love!” workers, will be replaced with Anita Monteiro, SNR ‘99 Howard University JD ‘03 $60 million in new apartments and houses to be completed The College of New Rochelle School of New Resources within the next two years. The is a pioneer in adult education. Arker and Domain Companies have been selected to do the • We customize your course of study to suit your interests and goals towards completing your Bachelor of Arts degree. work, in conjunction with Neigh- borhood Housing Services of •We offer six campuses and seven locations with flexible course schedules: • Brooklyn, Co-op City, New Rochelle, Harlem, lower Manhattan, Staten Island. The new complex the South Bronx and Far Rockaway will include 240 apartments, • Morning, evening, and weekend classes 25 two-family houses and a • Independent study options, including telecourses recreation center. One hundred • We’re goal-oriented: and fifty of the new apartments • Obtain your GED while attending college will be set aside for Section • Adult Career Counseling and Education and Support Services 8 voucher recipients referred • We give credit for learning from life and work experiences. by NYCHA. In his remarks, Chairman Her- nandez said, “The NYCHA resi- TM . Wisdom for life. R N

C dents who have lived in this 4 0 0 Call 1-800-288-4767, email [email protected] or log on to www.cnr.edu for more information. 2 neighborhood and made it a ©

TM community over the years will The College of New Rochelle. Wisdom for life. have the opportunity to come back to a new and better Markham Gardens.” At left:

Council Member McMahon,

Chairman Hernandez and HDC President Emily Youssouf. 4 7/8" w by 5 7/8" h KL THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL AUGUST 2006 7 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 8 AUGUST 2006 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL AUGUST 2006 9

To Find Out About the City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program for First-time Homebuyers, Call 311, or log onto: http://home2.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/buyers/downpayment.shtml

Qualified homebuyers can recieve up to 6% of the purchase price of their new home to be used for the down payment or closing costs. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 10 AUGUST 2006

VISIT NYCHA’S WEB SITE at WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA and SUBSCRIBE to the MONTHLY ONLINE JOURNAL

Join a mother-daughter drug and alcohol prevention study. Get GIFT CARDS to local stores! What is it? A four-year drug and alcohol abuse prevention study conducted by Columbia University School of Social Work.

Who Can Participate? Girls ages 11-13 and their Moms. You must have a computer at home.

What do you get out of it? Gift cards totaling up to $250 for each mother-daughter pair! You may also be invited to play a CD ROM designed to strengthen your mother-daughter relationship. How do you sign up? Call (212) 851-2282 or sign on at: www.ihearwhatyousay.com

Study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse