VOL. 45 NO. 7 NOVEMBER 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 6 8

Meet Robert White: A Frank Sandy Outreach Discussion College Dreams Worker About Safety Come True

Meet Robert White: NYCHA Recovery to Resiliency Community Beauty in the Bronx Outreach Worker and Resident of Red Hook Houses East What do you do as a Community Outreach Worker? As a Community Outreach Worker we visit residents in Sandy-impact- ed developments to see how the storm affected them. These hous- ing developments are people’s homes and the team respects that. We bring info to the residents, if they’re looking for work, if they’re looking for training, if they have issues with NYCHA, with the condi- tions in their building, outside of their building, we’re there to listen. And we always follow-up.

What’s today’s meeting about? I’m facilitating a meeting where the PMO (Project Management Office) informs the Resident Association president, the maintenance superintendent, and property managers the scope of work to take place in their development. We want to make sure that what we do is approved and informed because it’s disrespectful to come on site without giving residents The new Bronxchester façade. the information, so it’s a courtesy and a responsibility. We don’t S PATRICIA LAMONDA recalls, want to displace trees, we don’t people were skeptical. “We want to displace where kids Ajust didn’t understand what have been playing, and we don’t they were talking about,” the Tenant want large structures blocking Association President of Bronxchester someone’s window—so we have explains. “NYCHA said it didn’t have to understand (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) money to fix our buildings so they were going to sell the building so they could fix it. Well, you know, how exactly was that supposed to work? It just didn’t (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) make sense.” Bronxchester is one of six Section 8 properties NYCHA received from the City of New York in the 1970s. In 2012 NYCHA entered a partnership with two developers in which NYCHA relin- quished a 50 percent stake in ownership All apartments now have new windows and screens, plus air conditioning and heating units that in these developments in return for the tenants can control themselves. developers’ commitment to renovate and maintain the properties. Residents how this arrangement was really going Development partner L+M began retain all of their rights, including rent to benefit them. Residents worried that renovations in June 2015 and are due to Members of the OnPoint Security capped at 30 percent of their income. their rent would increase, or they would wrap up this December. Work includes workers’ cooperative at the Doorways According to Ms. Lamonda, despite lose their housing, or both. Fortunately, a new building envelope significantly to Opportunity launch in July 2015. many community meetings, no one what has actually come to pass has updating the look and feel of the could sufficiently explain to residents turned out to be a real crowd pleaser. exterior; landscap- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA LETTER FROM THE CHAIR A Life of Advocacy THANK YOU FOR From a North Carolina Lunch Counter YOUR PARTNERSHIP to the NYCHA Boardroom WILLIE MAE LEWIS, Houses in 1968. “When Sandy-impacted developments by one of the three resident I came to New York, I finding out how they were affected, members of NYCHA’s didn’t have any political helping to facilitate repairs for board, has a fascinating ties. But a neighbor took them, informing them of what work story to tell about the interest in me and asked is planned to repair the damage beginnings of her lifelong if I wanted to run for to their developments, and acting commitment to progress president of the Resident as a resource and sounding board. and opportunity. “I was a Association. I said no, but Robert is one of the almost 80,000 student at North Carolina every time I saw him, he NYCHA residents who were State in the early Sixties, said they needed people impacted by Sandy. I admire his where I was studying like me. It was because I dedication to helping his fellow classical singing on a was outspoken — about residents and community. scholarship. Black people the right things. He kept You’ll also read about how were not allowed to eat at pestering me and so I NYCHA is partnering with residents the local lunch counters finally ran for president to address safety concerns. NYCHA at that time. Through the in 1979. Once I pursue Resident Board Members Beatrice NAACP, which was on campus, volun- something, and if I believe in it, I really go Byrd, Victor Gonzalez, and Willie teers were requested for demonstrations, after it. I got to learn a lot of things, just as Mae Lewis sat down for a lengthy which started in Greensboro, North I am now as a board member. And I got discussion with Gerald Nelson, Carolina, and had spread throughout the to help people, which I really enjoy and NYCHA’s new VP for Public Safety, South. We met in the basement of a Bap- have always done from a very young age. to examine safety issues at NYCHA tist church and got banners, five dollars I’m not the type of person to sit by idly.” developments, the first of many or so to order with, and our instructions. Ms. Lewis served as St. Nicholas’ conversations to make sure your Some students from Duke University also president for a total of 27 years, taking BRAND NEW DREAM Charter concerns are heard and addressed. joined us. Together, we marched in front a six-year break toward the end of her School, the Harlem RBI Additionally, throughout October of a store in Durham. Then the white tenure to go back to school to get her headquarters, and the Yomo we held workshops to provide safety students went in, sat down, and ordered bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 2013, Toro Apartments for low-income training to NYCHA Resident Watch club sandwiches, which they could cut up she was appointed to NYCHA’s board by households, this new 143,000 volunteers. 900 residents attended, into squares and share with us. We went former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “As square-foot complex is the result of demonstrating how committed in after they ordered; we just sat down a resident board member, my pledge collaboration with a variety of non- you are to increasing safety at your without saying anything. It was like I com- is to NYCHA first of all as well as to the profit, private and City organizations developments. mitted a murder when I put a straw into residents. It’s been very interesting and and agencies who collaborated with I also want to thank our 3,500 the same glass as a white student. The educational, and I’m enjoying it.” NYCHA to accomplish something resident gardeners who tend police came, arrested us, took us to jail, While working for the Housing Author- none of us could have done alone. NYCHA’s 700 individual and and fingerprinted us. Eventually, though, ity as a community center director and Sixty percent of the children who community gardens. Many were they threw out the case.” then as a family worker for the Board of attend the DREAM charter school recognized at the 52nd Annual After moving to New York in 1963, Ms. Education, Ms. Lewis raised two success- and a quarter of the people who Citywide Garden Competition Lewis met the man who later became her ful daughters. “I’m very blessed. I’ve had will live in Yomo Toro homes are Awards, including Marian Dolphus, husband. She lived in what’s now called some ups and downs in my life, but I’ve NYCHA residents. 84, winner of the 2015 NYCHA King Towers, and moved to St. Nicholas had more ups than downs!” Partnerships are integral to Garden and Greening Program NextGeneration NYCHA in every Lifetime Achievement Award. She imaginable way. I am grateful to has been keeping South Jamaica NYCHA’s many partners—elected Houses beautiful and stocked with NYCHA BOARD officials, community and private fresh vegetables since 1975. Marian: organizations, and most importantly I hear you grow the City’s best you, our residents—for working collard greens! MEETINGS together to accomplish our goals. In this season of reflection and YCHA’S BOARD MEETINGS, open to the public, take place on Wednes- In this issue of the Journal, you’ll gratitude, I am deeply grateful for days at 10 am in the NYCHA 12th floor conference room at 250 Broad- read the stories of residents who are your partnership. NYCHA is stronger way. People who wish to speak during the public comment period must helping NYCHA create safe, clean, and more resilient because of it. N pre-register at least 45 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin and and connected communities. Thank you for helping us build a can only comment about items on that meeting’s agenda. Each speaker’s time is October 29 marked the third better Housing Authority for the limited to three minutes. The public comment period concludes either when all anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. next generation of New Yorkers. speakers are finished or after the 30 minutes allotted by law for public comment, Robert White, Red Hook East whichever comes first. resident and one of NYCHA’s Copies of the calendar for the upcoming board meeting are available on Recovery to Resiliency Community NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Outreach Workers is profiled in this Shola Olatoye 250 Broadway, 12th floor after 3 pm on the Monday before the meeting. Copies issue. As an outreach worker, Robert Chair and CEO of the dispositions of prior meetings are available on NYCHA’s website or can assists residents in Superstorm be picked up from the Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3 pm 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 November 18, 2015 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY December 23, 2015 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS * Note: There will be no board meeting in August. The November and 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 • Tel 212-306-3322 • Fax 212-577-1358 December board meetings are scheduled for the second-to-last Wednesday. www.nyc.gov/nycha

2 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Annie Cotton Morris A Home Run for Harlem The East Harlem Center for Living and Learning Elected as CCOP Chair Makes Its Debut we can proudly call home. I want to T WAS A day of celebration in East • A newly renovated Blake Hobbs bring our communities, along with Harlem on October 15 as the ribbon public park NYCHA as transparent partners, into I was cut to officially welcome commu- In addition to NYCHA chair & CEO the future with stability and assurance nity members to the new East Harlem Shola Olatoye, speakers at the ribbon- that our homes are safe and secure Center for Living and Learning, home cutting ceremony included U.S. Con- places to raise our families,” says Ms. to the DREAM Charter School and the gressman Charles Rangel; New York Cotton Morris. “I want to make sure Yomo Toro Apartments for low-income State Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez; our residents are informed on all the households. New York Yankee & Harlem RBI Board changes and new initiatives that are The East Harlem Center is a project Member Mark Teixeira; Richard Berlin, being presented to us so we can have a of Jonathan Rose Companies, Harlem Executive Director of Harlem RBI & Chair voice in how we need to be governed.” RBI and Dream Charter School, and Civic of the DREAM Charter School; Jonathan During her tenure as a resident Builders and this unique development is F.P. Rose, president of Jonathan Rose leader, Ms. Cotton Morris founded nu- the product of a wide range of partner- Companies; and David Umanski, CEO & merous programs that have enhanced ships including NYCHA, New York City Co-founder of Civic Builders. resident life and connected them with Department of Housing Preservation “I’m pleased to celebrate a part- the community, including: Sister in the and Development, New York City Hous- nership that has brought vital invest- Hood, which enabled young women, ing Development Corporation, Enter- ment to the East Harlem community,” ages 13-21, to set goals and recognize prise, and Chase. The new $82 million, Chair Olatoye said. “We’re thrilled that their full potential; Sister 2 Sister, a 143,000 square-foot complex, located at our residents are beneficiaries of this women’s activism group challenged 1991 Second Avenue, is home to: good work. A quarter of the homes issues that residents faced in the com- • A beautiful, state-of-the-art 54,000 have been designated for NYCHA munity; and Woodside Gents, which square-foot home for the DREAM residents, and more than half of the connected adolescent males with adult Charter School, serving almost 500 DREAM Charter School’s student body men to mentor them through sports children in grades K-8; DREAM Charter is NYCHA children.” and education. School is the first new school to be The event included special perfor- ANNIE COTTON MORRIS was elected Ms. Cotton Morris was educated built in East Harlem in 30 years mances by famed jazz musician Wynton Chair of the NYCHA Citywide Council in New York City public schools and • 88 affordable housing units; the Yomo Marsalis and Carlos Henriquez, former of Presidents (CCOP) in August 2015. majored in Early Childhood Education Toro Apartments, named for the late band mate of Yomo Toro, as well as the A NYCHA resident for over 60 years, at City College of New York. After a Puerto Rican musician Yomo Toro, Dream Charter School Chorus. Following she has served as the president of three-decade career at Verizon, she “The King of Cuatro” the program, community members were Woodside Houses for over 30 years; as retired in 2002. In addition to spend- • Office and program space—6,000 invited to tour the school, office space, the District Chair of Queens for nine ing time on her extensive community square-feet—for Harlem RBI and housing. years; and Vice-Chairperson of CCOP service, Ms. Cotton Morris and her for four years. An active community husband are the proud parents of leader, Ms. Cotton Morris was Vice one adult son, Julius, who is a former President of the Regular Democratic NYCHA employee, and grandparents Club for 10 years and a member of of Jazmine, Ahje, D’anna, and Jules. ERDA (Urban Upward Bound). Ms. Cotton Morris also has a step- “Our main desire is to live in a place daughter, Shaneek Morris. 100 DAYS OF NEXTGENERATION NYCHA NYCHA IS TAKING meaningful • the average number of days actions to change the way it does it takes NYCHA workers to business and become a more mod- complete repairs. You can also NYCHA Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye (third from left) joins representatives from Harlem RBI and ern, effective, and efficient landlord. compare current wait times to last DREAM Charter School, Jonathan Rose Companies, Civic Builders, New York City Housing Recently, the Authority launched year’s to see if NYCHA is meeting Development Corporation, and JP Morgan Chase cutting the ribbon. Transparency & Reports, a webpage its response goals. that provides residents and the public • NYCHA’s repair requests response with up-to-date, straightforward rate in days. Currently, NYCHA information about NYCHA’s repair responds to repair requests within Have You Downloaded performance, how many apartments 10 days—the response rate has are occupied or vacant, the physical improved compared to last year. state of each development, what kind • Physical Needs Assessment (PNA): the MyNYCHA App Yet? of capital projects the Authority is A summary of current building SINCE THE LAUNCH of MyNYCHA working on, and more. conditions at each development. in September, more than 9,400 The PNA is conducted every five residents have downloaded the Key parts of NYCHA’s years and an updated assessment is app. With the free app residents can Transparency page: currently in progress. create, schedule, and manage work • NYCHA Metrics: This database • Contract Disclosure: Details on all tickets from their mobile devices, tracks repairs and also includes open capital construction contracts including smartphones and tablets. program data by development from the past five years. Nearly 11,900 work tickets have been and is updated monthly. Some of • Award Results: Monthly updates created and almost 8,000 tickets the information on NYCHA on award results on all contracts, scheduled through the app. Resi- Metrics includes: proposals and bids. dents can also subscribe to NYCHA • how many NYCHA apartments Alerts for outages in their develop- are occupied or available to View the webpage here: ments and view inspection appoint- move into www1.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/ ments. The free app is available for • how many apartments are rented reports.page. NYCHA residents citywide; down- by people with Section 8 vouchers load it now from Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 3 I am NextGeneration NYCHA

RESIDENTS KEEP AN EYE ON SAFETY Resident Watch 2015 LMOST 3,600 RESIDENTS Community Center together. Vasquez volunteer their time to help has been a Resident Watch member A increase safety at their develop- since 2004, Serra for more than 20 years. ments as members of Resident Watch. This was the first training both women To keep these committed volunteers attended. Vasquez said, “We have to be prepared, NYCHA has hosted an annual aware and really observant of what’s go- “We need to make sure our seniors are healthy and training since 2012. This year’s training ing on around us.” Serra agreed and said eating well, but out here in East New York, we live in was held from October 5 to October 22 that she was glad she attended because a fresh food desert. So we started our own farm.” in community centers throughout the five there was a lot of good information. boroughs and over 900 Resident Watch The training also included fire safety volunteers registered to attend. with Lieutenant Jeff Scherer from the “We train our volunteers in order to FDNY, who talked to residents about car- —Caroline Thunder, Master Gardener, Pink Houses Farm equip them with indispensable informa- bon dioxide alarms, using baking soda to tion and widen their scope of knowl- put out small grease fires, and the dangers edge,” said Zulenmi Castillo-Martinez, of heating their apartments with the oven Resident Watch Citywide Coordinator. and using candles. Maya Milanytch from “When knowledge is gained, volunteers the NYC Office of Emergency Manage- are transformed into community leaders.” ment talked to the group about emergen- The four-hour training developed by cy preparedness and encouraged them to the Family Services Department and the join New York City Community Emergency New York City Police Department includ- Response Teams and help prepare their ed two presentations from the NYPD’s communities for various disasters. Housing Bureau Community Affairs: Harold W. Smith, Captain of Resident Police Officer Kenneth C. Moore talked Watch at Amsterdam Houses since 2002 I earned Social Security about the history of gangs and how to said he’s been to every training and identify them, while Detective P. Simone though some of the information has been and Medicare, and when I Redrick discussed how to help victims of covered in the past, “It’s information that a crime, communicate with others, and needs to be repeated because it helps couldn’t afford healthy food, how to provide accurate descriptions of people address problems they have, this suspects to police. training is important.” Aida Vasquez and Iris Serra from If you are interested in joining the Resi- SNAP HELPED. LaGuardia Houses Resident Watch at- dent Watch in your development, contact - ANDRES, RETIRED BUSINESS OWNER tended the training at Rutgers Houses your Management Office. Harlem

WATCH MY STORY AT FoodHelp.nyc

Now it’s easier to apply online at FoodHelp.nyc

Need help applying for food help or public health insurance, or having trouble making rent? Call 929.221.0050 to reach an Outreach Specialist, available on-site at several NYCHA developments in all ve boroughs.

L A N N P IO T C A S ’

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Y A Call 311 for more information M R IGH B O H OOD N E S A F O R E T ©2015 The City of New York, Human Resources Administration. All Rights Reserved. ACCESSNYC F Y 10/2015

4 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Gardeners’ Delight The 52nd Annual Citywide Garden Competition Awards Ceremony bloomed with joy. HE SUN SHONE bright on Octo- something beautiful, or something nutri- ber 16, a picture perfect day for the tious, you are making our developments Tannual Citywide Garden Competi- greener, more beautiful, and healthier tion Awards Ceremony, held this year at places to live.” Then came the presenta- Williamsburg Community Center. Over tion of the awards. 200 gardeners filled the festive, flower- and In 2015 the Garden and Greening Pro- balloon-filled hall, enjoying a pre-awards gram provided gardening and greening catered luncheon, music provided by DJ education and support to over 3,500 adult, Andre Cirillo, a passionate performance children, and senior resident gardeners. from the NYCHA Senior Choir under the The program’s expanded mission includes: direction of Linda Brockington, and, most the planting of large trees and shrubs; a of all, the company of like-minded folks year-round environmental education pro- from developments across the City. gram; increased production of and access NYCHA’s Garden and Greening Pro- to nutritional organic produce; increased gram is one of the oldest urban garden- efforts to harvest storm water; and promot- ing programs in the country. It provides ing low maintenance pollinator gardens. year-round technical assistance, free seeds Most resident gardeners enter the and flowering bulbs and other garden Annual Citywide Garden Competition. resources to resident gardeners citywide. Their gardens are judged by a diverse NYCHA Creative Arts staffer Delores panel of horticultural professionals who Martin performed a stirring rendition of choose a citywide winner in each catego- the National Anthem before Master of ry from among first-place borough Ceremonies and NYCHA Garden Program winners. During this year’s preliminary Director Lee Trotman introduced keynote judging phase, about 700 NYCHA speaker Rasmia Kirmani-Frye, NYCHA’s gardens were identified. Director of Public Private Partnerships. She This year’s judges included: Greg thanked the more than 3,500 gardeners Anderson, Just Food; Jared Sessum and South Jamaica Houses resident Marian Dolphus, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. who tend over 670 gardens at about 200 Jessie Kerr-Vanderslice, Grow NYC; Jobe developments, saying “you’re showing our Walker, NYC Parks and Recreation; John children what it means to turn a seed into Reddick, NYCHA Garden & Greening Program; Nancy Kohn, Green Thumb CITYWIDE WINNERS: Community Gardens Program/City of FLOWER: Breukelen Sight, New York Department Parks & Recreation; Breukelen Houses Onika Abraham, Farm School NYC; and VEGETABLE: Cabbage Patch Rasheed Hislop, GreenThumb Commu- Garden, Walt Whitman Houses nity Gardens Program/City of New York THEME: Dreams Do Come True, Department Parks & Recreation. Beach 41st Houses Citywide Theme Garden Winner: “Dreams Citywide Flower Garden Winner” Do Come True,” Beach 41st Houses “Breukelen Sight,” Breukelen Houses

BRONX FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1ST PRIZE: Peace Garden of Breath & Love, Parkside Houses 2ND PRIZE: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Union Avenue Consolidated 3RD PRIZE: Tina’s Paradise, Citywide Vegetable Garden Winner: “Cabbage McKinley Houses Patch Garden,” Walt Whitman Houses HONORABLE MENTION: Garden of Eden, Throggs Neck Houses MANHATTAN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1ST PRIZE: A Magical Garden BRONX VEGETABLE Two, Fulton Houses Citywide winners (front row, left to right) Janet Roldan, Best Theme Garden; Prince English, GARDEN WINNERS: 2ND PRIZE: Sweet Success, Best Vegetable Garden; and Anna Maria Rameau, Best Flower Garden, with NYCHA staff and 1ST PRIZE: Maria’s Vegetable Manhattanville Houses Resident Board Members. Garden, Union Avenue 3RD PRIZE: Bernadette’s Garden, Consolidation Houses Chelsea Elliot Houses 2015 COMMUNITY BUILDER AND PARTNER 2ND PRIZE: El Bohio, Union HONORABLE MENTION: OF THE YEAR AWARDS Avenue Consolidation Houses 950 East 4th Walk, Wald Houses 3RD PRIZE: Tina’s Paradise Garden, Manhattan Community Builder Award The 2015 NYCHA Garden & McKinley Houses Straus Addition – Maria Trinidad Greening Program Citywide HONORABLE MENTION: Pelham MANHATTAN VEGETABLE Queens Community Builder Award Partner of the Year Organics, Pelham Parkway Houses GARDEN WINNERS: Beach 41st Houses – Elise Archer New York Restoration Project 1ST PRIZE: Morning Glory Staten Island Community The 2015 NYCHA Garden & Vegetable Garden, Builder Award Greening Program BRONX THEME Polo Grounds Houses Cassidy – Lafayette Houses – 1st Time Gardener of the Year GARDEN WINNERS: 2ND PRIZE: Skyward Garden 1, Ms. Dorothy Skylar Boulevard Houses – Latoya Druck 1ST PRIZE: Butterflies are Free, Fred Samuel Houses Bronx Community Builder Award The 2015 NYCHA Garden & Soundview Houses 3RD PRIZE: Fatima Garden, Parkside Houses – Lilithe Lozano, Park- Greening Program Life-Time 2ND PRIZE: Bright Lights, Johnson Houses side Resident Association Leader Achievement Award Gun Hill Houses HONORABLE MENTION: Brooklyn Community Builder Award South Jamaica Houses – 3RD PRIZE: Miriam’s Community Grant Resident Community Garden, Pink Houses – Caroline Thunder, Resi- Marian Dolphus Garden, Throggs Neck Houses Grant Houses dent Green Committee Captain

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 5 A Roundtable Discussion About Safety NYCHA’s New VP for Public Safety Gerald Nelson Meets with Resident Board Members

From left to right: Willie Mae Lewis, Resident Board Member; Gerald Nelson, VP for Public Safety; Victor Gonzalez, Resident Board Member; and Beatrice Byrd, Resident Board Member.

Gerald Nelson (GN): Thank you all for Part of my job is to make sure that if a VG: And that is modern day technol- new refrigerators, and then they get taking time to come meet me here at NYCHA employee has been assaulted ogy. Some of the residents took it upon broken into and they take the stoves NYCHA. As you know I’m new on the by somebody, a resident, or even some- themselves to install security cameras on out, they take the refrigerators, they job. I want you to know that this is a part- body off the street, an arrest is made. It’s NYCHA property. We have to find a way take the cabinets out, so the thou- nership, I’m here to work with you. not just crime issues, it’s quality of life, where the police have access to these sands of dollars that you spent— the betterment of the community. cameras and that becomes a problem. Victor Gonzalez (VG): One of the We asked NYCHA to come up with their GN: It hurts me when I see things concerns that I feel should be addressed Willie Mae Lewis (WL): The vertical IT people, we’ve asked NYPD to come like that. In locations when they’re as far as safety and security is laundry patrol needs to come back because you up with their IT people. We need to sit building homes for the community rooms. You want to bring a smile to a have a lot of undesirables that hang out down and bear down and get this access you have to have a guard because resident, you tell them, “Listen, we’re in the lobbies, as well as on the floors to the NYPD to those cameras. the moment they put in certain things putting a laundry room in your develop- that don’t live there and they cause a lot the bad element will come take it out, ment and we’ve got cameras and we’ve of problems. You can’t patrol from the WL: Can I just interject? CCT Cameras: that’s something that NYCHA has to got a system in place where you can just streets. Another thing, they don’t send they have them in a lot of developments, provide the coverage to make sure go and do your thing.” policemen out on a regular basis. Now we have them in our development. The that doesn’t happen. we may get two policemen, say the day managers don’t really like to look at GN: I understand what you’re saying, is Monday. Tuesday you may not see those cameras unless you have a rob- BB: So you’re suggesting that it’s the that is a serious issue. If NYCHA is in the them. Maybe Wednesday or Thursday bery or shooting or something, I think coalition workers who want those business of opening up laundry rooms they may come back. It needs to be that’s wrong. Also, with the CCT cameras Section 3 jobs and because they’re like they used to, I will make sure this is more of a constant thing, where you it only last for seven days. So, now if not getting the jobs, they figure “I put on the Housing Bureau’s list to check have visibility. you’re going to watch it you know they’ll can’t get the job so then I’m going to periodically to make sure everything ask you what time you know this incident destroy what you fix?” is okay. A walk-in will keep people off BB: We just got two in Red Hook and happened. Usually if it happened the guard because you never know when the they introduced themselves. They said, night before you can actually give them GN: I would say to things like that, housing officer is going to walk in. “We are the community officers and that date and it should be on the cam- if anybody should have any inkling our office hours are from this to this.” era. But after I think they say seven or 14 or suspicion that something like that Beatrice Byrd (BB): The police officers So, that was something that I wanted days, it erases, it’s no longer there. So, is happening, report it to the local should visit the managers’ office. I know because like you said, back in the day we what we need to do is to sit down with police, report it to the management, they go to the managers’ office when were used to this, they knew us we knew captains and they need to at least watch and now you know who I am, report it there’s a shooting or there’s something them, it cut down on a lot of escalating and look at those cameras. to me. happened detrimental in the community. issues because they could nip it in the My concern for the residents yes, but I bud. GN: I heard you all and I get it, I get it. BB: The position you’re holding now, just want to focus in on management and Giving the NYPD access to all the stand was there a predecessor or you’re the workers., In Red Hook our whole manage- GN: If I may, you bring up a good point, alone cameras in NYCHA or within this first to have this? ment team had to be moved out because of course you do. What you’re looking city is not as easy as everyone would they were threatened by drug dealers. for is the old-fashioned cop on the beat. think. There are so many video opera- GN: NYCHA felt there was a need tions throughout NYCHA from so many for this position. It doesn’t just entail GN: Part of making a safe environment WL: People don’t know, like Ms. Byrd different units. It is a hodgepodge of fighting crime or things of that nature, within NYCHA is protecting our employ- just said, back in the day the policemen everything you could think of. Some of it covers the gamut in terms of public ees. A person who doesn’t feel safe in knew the residents and not only that, if it’s very up to date technical, some of it safety within the Housing Authority. his or her environment, how can they they saw little Johnny doing something is not. We’re working on this, what you produce? There was a recent law that he didn’t have no business doing, they were talking about, because we would BB: Where are you at? NYCHA employees will be treated just took him by the nap of whatever, took like to be able to tap in to those various like any other city worker— him up to his parents. cameras, so that we could know what’s GN: Right here in this building, on the going on. Next topic. 10th floor! BB: Yeah, it’s in the NYCHA paper. VG: Now that we’ve done the back in the day, now let’s go to the current issues BB: Vandalism. In Coney Island, they’re WL: I wish you the best of luck. GN: So if an employee is assaulted, it’s I believe should also be addressed. renovating for Sandy. The first floor no longer harassment, it’s kicked up to apartments were destroyed so they GN: Thank you so much ladies and an assault two, which would be a felony. GN: Sure. renovate them, they put in new stoves, gentlemen, thank you so much.

6 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Fast Track to 21st Century Careers High Tech Job Training for NYCHA Youth

YCHA’S OFFICE OF Resident into one of three possible paths: Economic Empowerment & 1) Per Scholas’ IT Support training N Sustainability (REES) is proud program; 2) a prep course for IT to be part of a new grant-funded Support that helps people gain the program to recruit 250 youth, ages necessary math and English skills; 18-24, to receive training to pursue and 3) alternative BYC programs to careers in technology. REES partner help participants finish school, at- Per Scholas received $250,000 from tend college, and/or start a career. the Youth Opportunity Fund to assist Per Scholas has partnered with city programs that prepare low-income NYCHA REES for several years youth for future career success. and has trained more than 5,000 Per Scholas already provides free individuals through its free IT job technology job training, placement, training programs from which 85% and career development to under- of participants graduate and 80% of RED HOOK SENIOR CENTER RENOVATIONS BEGIN served communities. The organiza- graduates become employed. The On October 29, the third anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Chair Shola Olatoye (second tion will work with REES and The average starting wages in these jobs from left) welcomed residents and reporters to view the renovation in progress at the new Bronx Youth Center to expand Tech- are 400% more than pre-training Red Hook Houses Senior Center. The original senior center was flooded during the storm, Portal, an education and career path incomes—and no debt to the student. destroying the building’s infrastructure, furniture, computer equipment, and more. This $2.9 option for low-income young adults NYCHA, Per Scholas, and BYC million project is an important sign of progress for Red Hook Houses residents, who will be who have graduated from high are currently in the planning phase able to learn, socialize, dine, and exercise in a beautiful new facility. school or received their equivalency and will begin recruiting youth for degree to pursue careers in tech- the program in November. For more nology. NYCHA will refer youth to information, about TechPortal contact BYC and BYC will direct participants REES at 718-289-8100. GIRLS

GIRLS Department of Community Programs and Development

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FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 7 “I Have A Dream”–NY: Making College a Reality T’S ALMOST THE end of the first pretty well so far and it’s nice to know is having a second family. There is always was a wonderful bonding experience. semester for freshmen at colleges I had a part in it, but so much of it was going to be someone there for you no The greatest lesson I learned from I across the country. Some of them and the organization telling them matter what. One of the most memo- being a Dreamer is staying focused on these freshmen, kids from NYCHA’s that they were going to college and that rable experiences I’ve had through the your goals no matter how difficult the DeHostos Towers and Ravenswood that’s what they need to do for their lives.” program was attending my first Dreamer ride might be. Life is not perfect, but Houses, knew since third grade that The Ravenswood II Program is Conference in Denton, Texas at University with a positive mindset and a strong they’d be attending college thanks to directed by Karlisle Honore and Matthew of Northern Texas. It was my first time in willingness, any dream is attainable. the encouragement they received as Wright. They have worked with their Midwest and it was a great experience. I Dreamers with the “I Have A Dream” cohort of 58 since the Dreamers began got to attend a rodeo and explore other Foundation-New York (IHDF-NY). in third grade; 32 are high-school seniors parts of Texas, including Dallas. The IHDF-NY’s mission is to motivate and 23 are currently enrolled in college. greatest lesson I have learned from being and empower children in low-income Dreamers receive financial a Dreamer is: know where to seek help so communities to succeed in school assistance with college through IHDF- that when you’re in a predicament, you’re and their future careers by providing NY. Some of the colleges Dreamers not as overwhelmed. them with comprehensive mentoring, attend include CUNY schools, such academic support, community as Borough of Manhattan Community service, college preparation, life skills College, Brooklyn College, Hunter education, mental health services, College; SUNY schools, including health and wellness programming, Albany, New Paltz, Oneonta, and arts programming, and more private colleges such as Haverford beginning in elementary school. It College, Delaware State University, was founded in 1981 by businessman the University of Connecticut, and Eugene Lang and has affiliates Skidmore College. nationwide and in New Zealand, IHDF-NY recently began the serving more than 16,000 Dreamers. College Success Program, where “We do so much more than Dreamers receive additional support Karina Carino, Ravenswood II academics, we provide everything through the first three years of college Senior at Cascades High School in you can imagine a young person to ensure college success. To learn Manhattan would need to be prepared for more about IHDF-NY visit Would like to attend Hamilton College college and go off to have successful www.ihaveadreamny.org. or Guttman Community College careers and do great things with their Hear from three Dreamers about their I’ve been a Dreamer for practically lives,” said Thierry Cazeau, Executive invaluable experience with IHDF-NY. all my life. I think the best part is Director of IHDF-NY. “We work Jakira Custodio, DeHostos-Wise that Matt and Ms. Honore (program with them for ten to 12 years, every Freshman at Saint John’s University directors) are like family to me... year building on what they learned Communications and TV/film they’ve been with me through thick the year before. We are a holistic production major and thin, helped me out not only organization, focusing on a healthy The best thing about being a academically but also with personal mind, body, and spirit.” Dreamer is discovering new aspects issues. There have been so many In addition to DeHostos (Class of about yourself through the memorable memorable experiences and all 2014/2015) and Ravenswood (Class of experiences the program provides. I am impacted me greatly. One time we 2015/2016), IHDF-NY cohorts include proud of the strong, intelligent young worked with blind people for the day. Chelsea Elliott (Class of 2016/2017) woman I have developed into today. My mentor and I helped a woman and East Harlem (Class of 2023/2024). “I Have A Dream” has shaped me to named Sharon; we helped her do IHDF-NY would like to start a second prepare and conquer whatever obstacle shopping, we took her to Starbucks program at DeHostos next year. gets thrown at me through the power and the park. I thought it was going to DeHostos Program Director Leslie of knowledge and self-confidence. One be hard to figure out how to help, but Gately, LMSW has worked with her of the most memorable experiences it turned out to be fun. Sharon didn’t 36 Dreamers for the past six years. I’ve had through the program was the see her blindness as a disability. I am Currently, 29 are enrolled in college, overnight college trip where we visited more appreciative about what I have one starts in the spring, one is in the Janssen Espinal, DeHostos-Wise different colleges, such as Buffalo State in my life. Through “I Have A Dream” Navy, and one is a senior in high school. Freshman at SUNY Geneseo College and Syracuse University. It was I learned how to be a better person, “There have been a lot of tears this Wants to study economics fun to visit parts of New York that we not just for yourself but for the people last year,” Gately said. “They are doing The best thing about being a Dreamer would not otherwise visit on our own and around you and the ones you care for.

(MEET ROBERT WHITE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) to their units because they think (BEAUTY IN THE BRONX, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) what the community wants but also they’re going to be in trouble. We’re ing and outdoor seating, new play- provide what’s necessary. not trying to catch you with a washing ground and basketball courts; an open, machine and raise your rent. The old lighter, brighter lobby with enhanced How long have you been a Sandy way of NYCHA has a lot of people security; new paints, lighting fixtures, Community Outreach Worker? fearful but we’re changing minds and and floor tiles in every hallways; new I have been a Community Outreach hearts. People tell us, “It’s never been laundry rooms, plus a laundry card with Worker for over a year. I was in Red done, nobody ever called us just to $5 preloaded onto it for each resident; Hook for the storm. I was without say, “Did that repair happen?” But this 5,000 square feet of additional common heat, without electricity for over a is the new NYCHA. I think it’s because areas on the ground floor housing new month so when I joined the team, I this is from the top down. Because programs provided by Bronxworks. And brought that background. When I my immediate supervisor, her of course, new kitchens and bathrooms address residents I come to them immediate supervisor, and all the way in every apartment. The just completed Tenants Association room, as a worker and a resident that’s up to Shola Olatoye and the General “This has been just great for complete with a full kitchen. experienced what they have. Manager—they don’t play around. Bronxchester: we have a super on They’re out here in the community premises 24/7, we get repairs done right rooms — we have been wanting those What is one issue you run into as just as well. So, lots of things are away. We can control our own heat and for years.” Ms. Lamonda says. “If a Community Outreach Worker? happening and we’re a part of it, air conditioning. We have brand new NYCHA was smart, they’d do the same A lot of people are cautious; they everyone is working together. kitchens and bathrooms, new windows thing they did at Bronxchester at all of didn’t want to have any repairs done and new screens we didn’t have to buy the smaller developments. We are really, ourselves. We have new community really happy here.”

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3324_HealthFirst_4Q_Print_TheJournal_NYCHA_R1_102115.indd 1 10/21/15 5:08 PM FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 9 NYCHA Digital Van Schedule Pomonok Dreams OPERATING THROUGHOUT the five Reminiscing about the Good Old Days boroughs, Monday through Friday “POMONOK DREAMS,” IS a new The filmmakers interviewed more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the NYCHA documentary that tells the story of than 120 people, including former and Digital Vans provide NYCHA residents the early days of Pomonok Houses current Pomonok Houses residents; and other members of the commu- through the eyes of the first residents. they also collected lots of vintage nity with free internet and a mobile The film was a four-year labor of love photos and super-8 home movie foot- hot spot. Each van has an instructor that is a love letter to Pomonok Houses age. In reminiscing with people about on site and is equipped with eight and an amazing example of how af- Pomonok’s past they found that they laptops, wireless Internet access (Wi- [email protected]. fordable housing builds community. weren’t the only ones who thought Fi) and printers. For more information Schedules are subject to change Pomonok Houses was completed they had a special thing going at about the NYCHA Digital Vans e-mail: or cancellation. in 1952; it has 35 buildings, 2,070 Pomonok—many former residents apartments, and houses about 4,200 formed lifelong friendships because BRONX BROOKLYN MANHATTAN people. Filmmakers Terry Katz and they felt the community was open, MITCHEL HOUSES STUYVESANT GARDENS EAST RIVER Alan Stark both grew up at Pomonok, people looked out for each other, and Also serving Mott Haven SENIOR CENTER Also serving Wilson though their time overlapped—Katz everyone felt safe. and Mill Brook. 150 Malcolm X Boulevard and Metro-North. lived there from 1954 to 1979 and Katz recalled how Pomonok had a 200 Alexander Avenue between Gates Avenue 425 East 105th Street Stark lived there from 1954 to 1977— mixture of people coming together at 137th Street and Monroe Street Wednesdays the two knew each other back then after having lived in homogenous eth- Mondays Mondays 12/23/15 but didn’t hang out together because nic communities and how, “Pomonok 11/30/15 11/30/15 01/06/16 of a three-year age difference. helped create the diversity that helped 12/14/15 12/14/15 01/20/16 Katz created a Facebook page make Queens the most diverse area in 12/28/15 because he had the idea to tell the the country.” CASTLE HILL LEXINGTON/ story of Pomonok Houses with a focus The film was first screened at the 625 Castle Hill Avenue OCEAN HILL WASHINGTON on a neighborhood fixture back then, National Museum of Public Hous- Mondays Parking Lot at Building #1, Near 1773 3rd Avenue Jack, the ice cream man. Katz has ing in Chicago in April and an official 11/23/15 24 Mother Gaston or Ground Shop on worked for over 30 years as a film and private screening was held in June 12/21/15 Boulevard 3rd Avenue between television editor and teaches at St. at Queens College for current and 01/04/16 Tuesdays 98th-99th Streets John’s University and Fashion Institute former Pomonok residents, close 12/01/15 Thursdays of Technology. Stark, who had been friends, and family of the filmmakers. MELROSE 12/15/15 12/03/15 thinking of doing a film on Pomonok They are currently entering the film in Also serving Jackson and 12/29/15 12/17/15 since the 1980s, reconnected with film festivals. Morrisania Air Rights. Katz through the Facebook page and The filmmakers say the film is not Morris Avenue between KINGSBOROUGH LINCOLN presented the idea of doing a larger just for Pomonok residents—it’s for 153rd and 156th Streets Kingsborough 3rd Walk, Tenant Annual Review project. Stark is the Director of the anyone who grew up in public housing, near Classic Center between 1880 Pacific Recertification Near M.S. 216 Beacon Program in Fresh for anyone who has an interest in af- Mondays Street and Bergen Street 60 East 135th Street Meadows, where he has served in fordable housing for the working class. 11/23/15 Tuesdays Mondays various roles for the past 21 years. The “I hope that people today living in 12/21/15 11/24/15 12/07/15 two men met over coffee on the P.S. public housing could watch the film 01/04/16 12/22/15 01/11/16 201 playground and began mapping and get some of the sense of what we 01/05/16 01/25/16 out a plan for the film. had back then,” Stark said. “I know FOREST 01/19/16 Tuesdays “We didn’t have a budget or a times are different, I know life has Also serving McKinley. 12/08/15 money person directing us which way changed in so many different ways. Between 980 and WARREN STREET 01/12/16 to go—this was mine and Al’s vision,” We were very lucky, the buildings 1000 Trinity Avenue HOUSES 01/26/16 Katz said. “We basically wanted to were new, the services were there, the Tuesdays 572 Warren Street, Wednesdays tell the story of our childhood, tell the infrastructure was strong and we had 12/01/15 between 3rd and 4th 12/09/15 story of a great community. The film a lot of advantages that I’m wishing 12/15/15 Avenues 01/13/16 touches on the importance of afford- many people today in public housing 12/29/15 Wednesdays 01/27/16 able housing for working class people. could have the same feelings.” 11/25/15 Thursdays When you have the resources to do it For more information visit MORRIS 12/23/15 12/10/15 right, it breeds good community.” www.pomonokdreams.com Also serving Butler 01/06/16 01/14/16 and Webster. 01/20/16 01/28/16 3673 Third Avenue near Fridays boiler room rear entrance MARCY 12/11/15 Tuesdays Park Avenue between 01/15/16 11/24/15 Marcy and Nostrand 01/29/16 12/22/15 Avenues 01/05/16 Thursdays QUEENS 01/19/16 01/07/16 ASTORIA HOUSES 01/21/16 4-20 Astoria Boulevard, PATTERSON at Maintenance On 143rd Street TOMPKINS parking lot between 3rd Avenue Myrtle Avenue between Wednesdays and Morris Avenue Throop and Tompkins 12/02/15 Wednesdays Avenues (close to 12/16/15 12/02/15 Throop Avenue) 12/30/15 12/16/15 Fridays 12/30/15 12/04/15 STATEN 12/18/15 ISLAND EDENWALD NEW LANE In front of Management Office BUSHWICK 70 New Lane 1145 East 229th Street 372 Bushwick Avenue, in Thursdays Thursdays front of baseball field 12/03/15 12/24/15 Fridays 12/17/15 Alan Stark (left) and Terry Katz (right) are the filmmakers behind “Pomonok Dreams.” They 01/07/16 01/08/16 12/31/15 are currently entering film festivals and screening the film around the City. 01/21/16 01/22/16

10 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA New Staten Island Family Justice Center Announced Facility will open in 2016

N OCTOBER, DOMESTIC Violence The estimated $5.9 million, Awareness Month, Mayor Bill de 10,000-square-foot Family Justice I Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray, Center will be located at 126 Stuyvesant Commissioner Rosemonde Pierre- Place in close proximity to various Louis of the Mayor’s Office to Combat court buildings, including Criminal, Domestic Violence (OCDV) and Acting Family and Supreme Courts, and the Staten Island District Attorney Daniel District Attorney will co-locate Assistant Master celebrated the groundbreaking District Attorneys from the Domestic of the City’s fifth Family Justice Center, Violence Bureau. NYPD Domestic and the first in Staten Island. Violence Prevention Officers and staff “Today we have a simple message for from multiple community organization any New Yorker suffering from domestic partners offering a variety of supportive abuse: you are not alone,” Mayor Bill services will be on site. de Blasio said. “All of the City’s Family OCDV currently operates four NYC Justice Centers offer free, confidential Family Justice Centers in the Bronx, services, regardless of income, sexual Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. In orientation or immigration status. I am total, they have served 129,630 clients proud to break ground today to bring and have had 337,051 client visits over that same support to Staten Island, and the past 10 years. These walk-in facilities Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray greet attendees at the groundbreaking for the cement NYC as the largest network of provide free and confidential services, Family Justice Center in Staten Island. Photographer/Mayoral Photography Office. Family Justice Centers anywhere in the including: civil legal representation country. We stand ready and willing for immigration and Family Court on-site childcare, counseling for victims OCDV on Twitter @NYCagainstabuse. to give all those who need it access matters, prosecution of domestic and child witnesses, support groups, For help from the Family Justice Center to justice, to safety, and to hope, and violence crimes, safety planning and risk financial literacy, and job and vocational near you or to support the Family are coming closer to the day when assessment, assistance with emergency training. Justice Center Initiative visit every New Yorker can live their life with shelter and housing, assistance with For more information, go to www. www.nyc.gov/domesticviolence or dignity and security.” filing police reports, public benefits, nyc.gov/domesticviolence and follow call 212-788-3156.

Get Your Holiday Treats REES Programs NRTA Janitorial Training FREE Healthcare Training from NYCHA’s Food Is Currently Recruiting and Education Information Successful applicants will receive 4 and Session (18-24 Years Old) Business Pathways a half weeks of FREE full-time training Jewish Home Lifecare is recruiting which includes OSHA 10 certification, NYCHA residents for their Geriatric equipment and compactor operation, Career Development Program: hands- Graduates! floor stripping and finishing and other on paid internship at Jewish Home Looking for some delicious food and desserts for your holiday gatherings? hands on cleaning techniques; job Lifecare, 3-week HHA training and HHA Check out some of the scrumptious fare made by NYCHA’s Food Business placement assistance for Caretaker J certification, job placement assistance Pathways Graduates and treat your guests this holiday season. positions. Sessions fill up fast, don’t miss and transition services following HHA your chance. Training, Metro cards and free lunch. NYC’s Best Dressed Cupcakes LLC Taylor Made Creations for You must be 18-24 years of age, pass a A bakery/catering company that All Occasions Inc. Interested in owning your own home or apartment? background check and medical screen- provides an assortment of baked A bakery that produces comfort and ing, have a desire to help others, and goods, pastries, and chocolate specialized baked goods that taste Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) is partnering with NO High School Diploma or GED is confections such as cakes, cupcakes, good and are economically correct for required. pies, fruit tarts, puddings, mousse, the community. The company’s tagline REES to host a mortgage and homeown- ership workshop for NYCHA residents Tuesday, December 8, 10 a.m. alcohol infused cupcakes and is “Baking A Difference in The Bronx.” Bronxworks Job Plus, 391 chocolate covered strawberries, Phone: 646-228-6088 and NYCHA Section 8 voucher holders. Participants will learn about NACA’s low East 149th St., Suite 520, chocolate lollipops, and more. Twitter: TM__Creations BX, NY 10455 Web: Instagram: @TMCREATIONSJT interest rate mortgage program that enables thousands of working people www.nycsbestdressedcupcakes.com Take the Right Steps to Phone: 917-733-4077 Ritta’s Treats LLC to buy an affordable home or an apart- ment. Note: Invited attendees will Getting Ahead Facebook: An affordable, custom pork-free treat FREE PERSONAL FINANCE CLASS NYC’s Best Dressed Cupcakes LLC creator. Ritta’s Treats take the ordinary come from the waitlist compiled in August 2015. If you would like to for Brooklyn NYCHA Residents spon- Twitter: @Joanncakes and make it extraordinary. Located in sored by Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Instagram: @nycsbestdressedcupcakes Brooklyn. be added to the waitlist for future workshops, please call REES at Credit Union. Classes meet for 2 hours Phone: 929-265-1733 each week for 5 consecutive weeks. ImVictoriouz Creationz Email: [email protected] 718-289-8100. Thursday, December 3, 5:30 p.m. 90 Church St., NY, NY, 10007 Residents who complete all 5 work- Offers services in event and party Facebook: facebook.com/RittasTreats shops will receive a certificate that will planning, catering of soul food, Move your business allow them to access services from and homemade cakes, set-up & Chef Sherri’s Catering LLC forward with FREE and Neighborhood Trusts’ network of com- decorating, hosting, serving and clean- Providers of soul food that is good Low-Cost services! munity partners. The first class is open up. ImVictoriouz Creationz can create for your soul, as well as hand crafted Resident Business Development orienta- enrollment. “Creationz Just For U.” Located in holiday candies and cocoa made to tion, connect to: Free legal services, Thursday, January 7, 6 p.m. Brooklyn. order. Located in Brooklyn. financing, fee-free business checking ac- Brooklyn Cooperative – DeKalb, Web: www.imvictoriouzcreationzllc.biz Phone: 347-435-6446 counts, business planning services, and 834 DeKalb Avenue, BK, NY 11221 Phone: 347-356-0529 Email: [email protected] special industry programs. If you are interested in any of Instagram: Facebook: Wednesday, December 9, 6 p.m. these events please call the @imvictoriouzcreationz facebook.com/chefsherriscatering REES Office, 787 Atlantic Avenue, Hotline at 718-289-8100. Instagram: @chefsherriscatering 2nd Fl., BK, NY 11238

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 11 Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Cooking Smoke Detectors

• Keep flammable • Replace the batteries in your items away from smoke detector if it is the stove. “chirping.” • Never use the • If it continues to chirp, call oven to heat your the CCC and request a apartment. service visit. • Unplug appliances • In the event of a fire, follow when you aren’t the instructions on the sticker using them. located behind your apartment • Don’t leave the kitchen when entrance door. you’re cooking. • Smoke alarms can be set off by • Never cook when sleepy or bathroom steam or cooking vapors. after drinking alcohol. Open the windows and turn on vent fans to clear the air. Or, quiet the alarm by • Use a timer to check food on pushing the “hush” button. the stove or in the oven. • Make sure everyone in your home recognizes what the smoke alarm sounds like.

Extension Cords • Never use 3-pronged plugs in Decorating outlets with two slots. • Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. • Only use fire-resistant artificial trees. • Never force a plug into an • Fresh green trees are safer than dry trees. outlet if it doesn’t fit. • Place a tree away from radiators and other • Don’t use a cord with a heat sources. wattage rating lower than the • Keep the tree in a stand that is always filled appliance plugged into it. with water. • Unplug any extension cord • Use only indoor lights on an indoor tree. that feels hot. • Never use electric lights on an artificial tree. • Only one appliance per • Artificial snow sprays cause lung injuries if extension cord. inhaled. • Multiple plugs cannot be • Never use lighted candles on a tree. chained together.

12 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA