Serving as Mistress ofCeremonies, Saundra Robersonof NYCHA’s Department ofCommunications, welcomed themany NYCHA and CUNYexecutives who came to theevent, which was held inHunter’s light-filled facultycafeteria. “The most importantwelcome of the evening goesto our VIPs – the residentscholarship recipients as well astheir family and friends,” Ms.Roberson said.

NYCHA Chair John B.Rhea mentioned that NYCHAhas been celebrating its 75thAnniversary this year, and inthat context told the audience,“Through the decades NYCHAhas withstood the test of timeproviding not only a place to live,but resources for residents togrow and thrive. This partnershipwith CUNY will build on familyinvestment and promote intellec-tual capital. Education is animportant equalizer that givespeople real opportunity.”

The Resident Scholarshipprogram was established in2005 by NYCHA’s Departmentof Communications to help

enrich the lives of youngNYCHA residents enrolled inthe City University System. Thescholarships have been fundedprimarily through donationsreceived from movie and televi-sion production companies thatfilm on NYCHA property.Teresa Mann, a former NYCHAemployee, also contributes to thescholarship program, as doesChase Bank.

According to CUNY’s SeniorVice Chancellor for UniversityRelations Jay Hershenson, whospoke at the event, there areapproximately 55,000 to 60,000NYCHA residents who attendCity University schools. Sincethe scholarship program wasstarted, NYCHA has awarded 44scholarships to residents.

A program distributed at thereception provided a brief bio ofeach of the scholarship winners,many of whom have overcomeadversity on their paths to acollege education.

“Despite many obstacles, Iwas the first in my family tograduate from high school,” saidShatavia Green, of Brooklyn’s

Vol. 39, No. 11 www.nyc.gov/nycha NOVEMBER 2009

First-ClassU.S. Postage

PaidNew York, NY

Permit No. 4119

PAGE 5ELEVATOR OUT OF ORDER?A STAIR CLIMBER CAN HELP

PAGE 2WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWABOUT THE H1N1 VIRUS

PAGE 10ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONSFOR PINK AND WALD HOUSES

(Continued on page 5)

CRIME PREVENTION (from left) Resident Association Presi-dents Marie Boone of Tilden Houses and Laura Morgan ofBrownsville Houses, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, HousingBureau Police Chief Joanne Jaffe and Brooklyn BoroughPresident Marty Markowitz announce $3.4 million for CCTVsat Tilden and Brownsville Houses in Brooklyn.

SCHOLAR Jermaine Anderson of Twin Parks West inthe Bronx, with NYCHA Chair John B. Rhea (right) andCUNY’s Senior Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson at theResident Scholarship Reception.

NYCHA and CUNY Host Reception forNYCHA Resident Scholarship Winners

By Deborah Williams

ON THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2009, THE NEW YORK CITY

HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) JOINED THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW

YORK (CUNY) TO HOST A RESIDENT SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION AT

HUNTER COLLEGE IN MANHATTAN, WHERE NINE NYCHA RESIDENTS

WERE AWARDED WITH $1000 SCHOLARSHIPS EACH.

THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSINGAUTHORITY’S (NYCHA’S) TILDENAND BROWNSVILLE HOUSES INTHE BROWNSVILLE NEIGHBOR-HOOD OF BROOKLYN ARE GETTING$3.4 MILLION FOR CLOSEDCIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEMS(CCTV) IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCECRIME AND IMPROVE THE QUALITYOF LIFE THERE FOR NYCHA’SRESIDENTS. Funding for theCCTVs comes through thecombined efforts of U.S.Senator Charles Schumer whoallocated $400,000, BrooklynBorough President MartyMarkowitz who allocated $2million, and City CouncilMember Darlene Mealy, whoallocated $1 million.The elected officials

joined NYCHA Chair JohnB. Rhea for a press confer-ence at Tilden Houseson September 18th toannounce the installation ofthe cameras, which willbe strategically locatedin lobbies, elevators andbuilding entrances.

CCTV Moneyfor a Numberof BrooklynDevelopments

“The safety and well-beingof our residents is of thehighest priority to NYCHA,”said Chair Rhea. “Thesecameras deter crime, allowus to see what is takingplace and who to look forif a crime occurs, as wellas provide proof in court ofwhat occurred.”“The residents of public

housing deserve thebest in crime prevention

technology and these newsecurity cameras will go along way in providing theprotection they need,” SenatorSchumer remarked.Resident Association Presi-

dents Marie Boone of TildenHouses and Laura Morgan ofBrownsville Houses also spoke.“We salute...everyone who

made this possible,” Ms.Boone said.

GARDEN AND GREENING AWARD WINNERS(Continued on page 5)

PLANTING THE SEED NYCHA held its 47th Annual Garden and Greening Awards Ceremony at theBronxdale Community Center in the Bronx on October 14th. Of the 600 gardens cultivated byNYCHA residents Citywide, 71 won 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place prizes for each borough in the Flower,Vegetable and Children’s Theme categories, as well as honorable mention. Marion Dolphus of SouthJamaica Houses in Queens won 1st-place prize Citywide for the Flower and Vegetable Categories,the Garden of Zodiac and Garden of Venus, respectively, while Laura Johnson of Marcy Houses inBrooklyn won 1st-place prize Citywide for the Children’s Theme Garden, Ebony’s Garden. This is the13th time Ms. Dolphus has won in the Garden Competition! Shown above (left to right) areCommunity Operations Deputy General Manager Hugh B. Spence, General Manager Michael Kelly,Ms. Dolphus, Garden Coordinator Howard Hemming, Chair John Rhea, Ms. Johnson, GardenCoordinator Rob Bennaton, and Vice-Chair Earl Andrews, Jr. holding one of Ms. Dolphus’ trophies.See page 14 for a full list of winners of the 2009 Garden and Greening Competition.

2 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

WhatYou Should KnowAbout H1N1or “Swine Flu” This Flu Season

NEW YORK CITY IS ON THE MOVE

AGAINST INFLUENZA. The H1N1virus, also known as “Swine Flu,”that affected the city last springwas new and its potential impactwas unknown. Now that H1N1 isbetter understood, informationand guidance on prevention andtreatment have been updated.

Seasonal influenza shots andnasal spray are now availablefrom many doctors, clinics andpharmacies. The City has also

begun to distribute the H1N1 vaccine, and will offer free vaccinationto students whose parents want them to receive it.

Following is some basic information from the Department ofHealth about the H1N1 influenza.

Like regular, seasonal influenza, H1N1 influenza is caused by avirus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It causes fever and acough or sore throat that can last a week or more. It can also causeheadaches, body aches, chills and tiredness. Some people also getdiarrhea and vomiting.

H1N1 has caused severe illness in some people, but the vastmajority recover completely without any medical treatment. Only alaboratory test can tell which type of influenza a person has. H1N1influenza has the same symptoms as seasonal influenza, and itresponds to the same treatments.

Knowing which type of influenza you have will not change theway you take care of it. For that reason, the Health Departmentdoes not recommend laboratory testing for people with symptomsof influenza.

People can get infected by breathing in droplets released when aninfected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching something withinfluenza viruses on it, then touching their mouth or nose.

Seasonal influenza vaccine will not give you immunity against theH1N1 virus. To protect against both kinds of influenza, people willneed two different vaccinations: one for seasonal strains, and one forH1N1. You can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/flu for more informationabout vaccinations.

To protect yourself and others against influenza: cover your mouthand nose when you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or the inside ofyour arm (not a bare hand), and wash your hands often with soap andwater, especially after you cough or sneeze, or use an alcohol-basedhand cleaner. Don’t get too close to people who are sick. If you getsick yourself, avoid close contact with other people.

If you have symptoms of influenza— fever with a cough orsore throat — stay home from work or school until you havebeen free of fever for at least a day. You should consult yourdoctor right away if you develop symptoms of influenzaand you have a medical condition—such as heart disease, immunedeficiency, diabetes or severe asthma— that increases your riskof severe illness. If you aren’t sure where to get care, call311 or visit nyc.gov/flu for information. Care is always available ifyou need it, and no one will check your immigration status.

People with influenza don’t normally require hospital care, but thecondition can be serious. Here are some signs that you may needmedical treatment. For adults: trouble breathing or shortness ofbreath; pain or pressure in the chest or stomach; sudden dizziness;confusion; severe vomiting that won’t stop. In children: fastbreathing or trouble breathing; bluish skin color; fever with a rash;refusing to drink fluids; vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop; notwaking up or not interacting; being too irritable to be held; havinginfluenza symptoms return with fever and worse cough after startingto get better.

There is no need to keep children home from school or other activ-ities unless they are sick. Teach your children to wash their hands andto cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when theycough or sneeze.For up-to-date information about seasonal influenza, H1N1, and

where to get an influenza vaccine, including free or low-costvaccines, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/flu.

Michael R. Bloomberg

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000

Published monthly by the New York City Housing AuthorityDepartment of Communications

250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358

nyc.gov/nycha

Michael R. Bloomberg...........................................Mayor

John B. Rhea....................................................................................ChairEarl Andrews, Jr. .....................................................................Vice-ChairMargarita López ...............................................................Board MemberVilma Huertas............................................................................SecretaryMichael Kelly ...............................................................General ManagerLynn Godfrey..........................................Chief Communications OfficerEileen Elliott ...................................................................................EditorHeidi Morales......................................................Editor, Spanish EditionHoward Silver ....................................................Editor, NYCHA BulletinTischelle George.......................................................Online News EditorDeborah Williams..................................................................Staff WriterPeter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza.........................................Photography

If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please callour marketing representatives in the Office of Business and RevenueDevelopment at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in thisJournal does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority ofthe advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by theHousing Authority with respect to such products or services.

JournalThe Housing Authority

NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITYBOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

Notice is hereby given that the New York City Housing Authority’s Board Meetingstake place every other Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. (unless otherwise noted) in theBoard Room on the 12th Floor of 250 Broadway, NewYork, NewYork. The meetingsfor the remainder of the Calendar Year 2009 are as follows:

Please note that these dates are subject to change. Any changes to the scheduleabove will be posted on NYCHA’s Website at nyc.gov/nycha and in the NYCHAJournal to the extent practicable at a reasonable time before the meeting. Thesemeetings are open to the public. Pre-registration of speakers is required. Thosewho wish to register must do so at least forty-five (45) minutes before thescheduled Board Meeting. Comments are limited to the items on the agenda.Speakers will be heard in the order of registration. Speaking time will be limited tothree (3)minutes. The publiccommentperiod will conclude upon all speakers beingheard or at the expiration of thirty (30)minutes allotted by law for public comment,whichever occurs first. For Board Meeting dates and times, and/or additionalinformation, please visit our Website at nyc.gov/nycha or contact us at (212)306-6088. Copies of the agenda can be picked up at the Office of the Secretaryat 250 Broadway, 12th floor, New York, New York, no earlier than 3 P.M. on theFriday before the upcoming Wednesday Board Meeting. Any person requiring areasonable accommodation in order to participate in the Board Meeting shouldcontact the Office of the Secretary at (212) 306-6088 no later than five (5)business days before the Board Meeting.

November 10, 2009(Tuesday)November 25, 2009

December 9, 2009December 23, 2009

IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS ALONE THE CITY’S DEPARTMENT OF INVESTIGATION(DOI) ANNOUNCED THE ARRESTS OF 11 PUBLIC HOUSING AND SECTION 8 RESI-DENTS WHO WERE CAUGHT BY A DOI INVESTIGATION AND CHARGED WITH

DEFRAUDING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF MORE THEN $175,000 BY NOTREPORTING ALL OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME. DOI also arrested a StatenIsland development resident who failed to report on her Affidavits ofIncome that she owned her own home in Staten Island that she rentedto her own tenants. Three applicants for NYCHA Section 8 housingwere arrested by DOI and charged with submitting false documentswith their applications in an attempt to jump the waiting list.

Fraud against NYCHAhurts all of us. As DOI Commis-sioner Rose Gill Hearn said,“Concealing income to obtainpublicly funded housing subsi-dies is a foolish act. It’s also acrime that saps the City’s limitedsupply of housing fundsintended for those householdsmost in need.” CommissionerGill Hearn has made it clear that,“Housing fraud is a crime thatdeprives needy families oflimited subsidies and will resultin arrest and prosecution.”DOI's Office of the Inspector

General for NYCHA investigatescorruption, criminal activity,conflicts of interest, and uneth-ical conduct by NYCHA officers,employees, residents, and otherswho do business with, or receivefunds from NYCHA.Maybe you know someone

who lives in public housing butdoesn’t report their income, orsomeone who rents or subletstheir apartment. DOI also inves-tigates employee fraud andmisconduct. If you have seen aNYCHA employee steal time,money or resources fromNYCHA, you should report thisinformation to the InspectorGeneral because money is beingwasted that could be put to workwhere it belongs: in yourNYCHA development where itcan be used for play areas,community centers, land-scaping, after-school programs,activities for seniors or hundredsof other things. All residents areencouraged to report fraud,waste and serious mismanage-ment that occur on NYCHAproperty, to ensure that your rentmoney and taxpayer dollars arebeing well spent.There are several ways to

contact NYCHA's Office ofthe Inspector General to makea report: You can call(212) 306-3355; Fax: (212)306-6484; send an email toig@nycha.nyc.gov; or fill out aDepartment of Investigationonline complaint form atwww.nyc.gov/html/doi. You canalso send a complaint by mail to:

City of NewYorkDepartment of Investigation

NewYork City HousingAuthority Office of the Inspector

General250 Broadway, 28th Floor

NewYork, NY 10007Attn: Complaints

When making a complaint tryto give as much information asyou have. Who was involved?What happened? When did ithappen? Where did it happen?Why was it done? It’s best toreport incidences of fraud imme-diately while the facts are stillfresh in your mind. All reportswill be kept confidential.

The NYCHA Office of theInspector General works dili-gently to protect the identitiesof complainants, or individualswho make reports. Youmay also ask to be kept anony-mous, but by disclosing youridentity to the OIG, you canhelp expedite the pending caseby making it easier for theOIG to contact you withfollow-up questions.Let’s work together to keep

fraud and corruption out ofpublic housing.

Let’s Keep Fraud and CorruptionOut of Public Housing

WhereWe Go From HereONE DEFINITION OF THE WORD

“CULTURE” IN THE WEBSTER’S DICTIO-NARY IS “THE SET OF SHARED ATTI-TUDES, VALUES, GOALS AND PRACTICES

THAT CHARACTERIZE A COMPANY

OR CORPORATION.” To be sure, theNew York City Housing Authorityhas a very discernable cultureand changing the way we do thingsat NYCHA means changing thatcorporate culture. Why are NYCHA’sinternal changes important to resi-dents? Because the ultimate goal

of all we do, our mission, is to deliver the best possible service to themore than 400,000 New Yorkers who make their homes inNYCHA developments.

That means better maintenance at your developments, timely capitalimprovements, courteous interactions between NYCHA staff and resi-dents, and more effective communication.

As I’ve mentioned in this column before, shortly after I arrived atNYCHA I made a survey available to all employees to give me a sense ofthe challenges NYCHA faces, as perceived by those who work here, aswell as a sense of what is working well.When the survey was handed out Iemphasized that it was voluntary and anonymous. I also emphasized that Iwanted honest and open responses, which should be delivered without fearof retaliation.

I’m happy to say that NYCHA’s staff was incredibly responsive. Of11,963 NYCHA employees, 4,960 completed the survey, that’s 41%, andwe also received 7,423 written comments. In addition, during two days ofinteractive Town Hall meetings I held with all NYCHA staff up at theArmory in Harlem, we received 5,811 text messages and immediate feed-back about the state of NYCHA’s affairs, which will help as we formulateour plan to move forward.

This is powerful evidence of the dedication and commitment ofNYCHA’s employees. Residents should rest assured that NYCHA staffcare about the jobs they are doing and meeting the goals of our mission ofproviding decent, safe, affordable housing for low- and middle-incomeNewYorkers.

As we work together to change the culture of NYCHA, our goals aresimple: to be transparent, accountable and open, with clear communicationand consistent follow-through. This applies not only to relationshipsbetween staff but between staff and residents as well. The responsibility tobring about that change begins with each NYCHA employee and as theentire organization begins to run more efficiently and more thoughtfully, itfollows that residents will benefit.

The survey consisted of 77 questions covering seven topics: the currentstate of affairs at NYCHA, key initiatives, organizational structure, depart-mental effectiveness, resources, the culture at NYCHA and residentservices. Let me share a few results of the survey with you, here, now.

The survey made clear that NYCHA must change. However, it alsohighlighted significant strengths. Most employees are enthusiastic aboutour “green agenda,” indicated that their colleagues are talented, and saidthey received the necessary training to do their jobs and that the processesinvolved were well defined within their departments. This was offsetsomewhat by the significant percentage of employees who indicated thatthey need more resources to do their jobs.

As we move forward we will focus on four key areas: our culture, strate-gies, operations and service. Culture change is fundamental to all changewithin the organization, hence we will strive for unified values, goals andnorms. Wewill learn to develop trust between employees, their supervisorsand the administration, and resolve to be open and transparent. We willencourage feedback and be open to change and new ideas. We will treateach other with respect.

On the larger scale we will emphasize the critical role NYCHA playsproviding essential housing to 650,000 NewYorkers through conventionalhousing andSection 8,while also generatingmillions of dollars for theCitythrough our capital projects. We will work to mobilize residents aroundNYCHA priorities, which will be clearly set, and diversify our reliance ongovernment funding. We will invest more resources at the developmentlevel by listening to frontline staff and seeking resident input on perfor-mance. We will reward superior customer service.

NYCHA has a great story to tell and we’ve been telling it for 75 years.As we set out on the next 75 years, let’s all work together to create a newstandard for public housing nationwide.

John B.Rhea

ANYCHA Scholarship GoesA LongWay—OnSeptember 17, 2009 in honor of NYCHA’s 75thAnniversary, a special reception was held atHunter College to acknowledge the scholasticachievement of nine NYCHA residents with a

$1000 Scholarship.All nine residents attend one ofthe City of New York (CUNY’s) colleges and were

chosen for the scholarship after submitting an essay to the selectioncommittee. Here’s what some of them had to say:

As the child of two immigrant parents from Belize, JermaineAnderson was raised in a strict environment. His parents’ divorce,however, changed everything. Jermaine lost interest in his studies andbegan to follow his friends into the culture of the streets. It took thedeath of his best friend in a drive-by shooting and the intervention ofhis uncle to reverse this path. Jermaine graduated from high schoolwith a high grade point average and is now studying business atLehman College, where he is a Dean’s List student. He hopes that thisscholarship will ease his mother’s financial burden and help to pay forhis textbooks. Jermaine is a resident of Twin Parks West in the Bronx.

Michelle Cantey was inspired to go into education afterhomeschooling her son for two years when he was facing some diffi-culties in public school. Michelle wants to teach English at a college oruniversity. She was selected as a fellow in the CUNY GraduateCenter’s Pipeline Program, which is designed to increase diversityamong the professoriate. Michelle plans to pursue her Ph.D. inEnglish. Michelle is a resident of the Wald Houses in Manhattan.

Boris Moncayo is sometimes amazed at the person he has becomesince he began his studies at CUNY.AlthoughBoris lackedmotivationduring his early academic career, once he transferred to BrooklynCollege and became involved in filmmaking, he began to succeed,devouring every aspect of the subject. Boris is a resident of theGowanus Houses in Brooklyn.

Motivated by the illnesses of both her parents, Gessel Moraleswants to become a physician in order to help those who are suffering.She has chosen an unconventional path to medicine, majoring inforensic psychology while taking all of the science courses required bymedical schools. Gessel has interned at a hospital and is amember of the pre-med society on campus. She is a resident of theLaGuardia Houses in Manhattan.

Barbara Vencebi has lived with her grandmother since she lost hermother at age five. She recalls spending most of her childhood indoorsbecause her grandmother was very protective. After a friend encour-aged her to go to college, a new world opened up for her. Barbarachose to major in photography. With only photos by which toremember her mother, she was inspired to use photography not only asa creative tool but also as a means of documentation. Barbara lives inthe Cypress Hills Houses in Brooklyn.

Lena Williamson is a full-time student, full-time employee, andsingle parent.A decade after graduating from high school, Lena beganher college studies. She is in the English Honors Program at theBorough of Manhattan Community College and wants to become ajournalist and writer. Lena hopes that herAssociate Degree will enableher to advance in her career. She plans to continue her education bypursuing a Baccalaureate Degree in the evenings and on weekends.Lena was raised in theWaltWhitman Houses and is currently living inthe Bushwick Houses, both in Brooklyn.For the complete story about the NYCHA/CUNY Scholarship recep-tion and program, check out the article on page 1. Congratulationseveryone!You are today’s hope and NYCHA’s future. Good luck on allof your future endeavors!

Identities Saved— Joseph Garber, resident of Independence Towers,while walking down Wilson Street in Brooklyn discovered a box infront of P.S. 16 filled with documents containing the personnel recordsof former custodians that listed social security numbers, addresses, taxwithholding allowances and other information that could easily beused to steal the identities of unsuspecting individuals. He immedi-ately notified the Department of Education which is launching aninvestigation. According to an article in the Daily News, the schoolcustodians are responsible for destroying documents containingpersonal information. Instead they were tossed outside for all to see.“If the custodians are doing this to their own people, who knows whatthey’re doing with other files,” said Mr. Garber. So, bravo Mr.Garber—your quick thinking and handling of the personnel recordshas saved many identities. Congratulations and thanks!

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 3NOVEMBER 2009

DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah WilliamsNYCHA’S 5thAnnual SeniorBenefit andEntitlement Fair

INSTEAD OF ROLLER-BLADERSCIRCLING RIVERBANK STATEPARK’S OUTDOOR RINK IN UPPERMANHATTAN ON A BRIGHT SUNNY

SEPTEMBER 24TH MORNING,APPROXIMATELY 1,500 NEW YORKCITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA)SENIORS FROM ALL FIVE BOROUGHS,SOMETIMES USING CANES AND

WALKERS, MADE THEIR WAY TO

FOLDING CHAIRS SET UP IN THE

SPACE FOR THE KICK-OFF SPEECHES

TO NYCHA’S 5TH ANNUAL SENIORBENEFIT AND ENTITLEMENT FAIR.Building on the success oflast year’s Fair, the themethis year was “Health andFinancial Fitness II.”“We have partnered

with over 50 City andprivate medical and finan-cial agencies to provide youwith access to a widevariety of services, informa-tion and programs,” saidNYCHA Chair John B. Rhea.“In addition, representa-tives from various hospitalsand health organizations,including the New York CityDepartment of Health andMental Hygiene, are on handto provide free blood pres-sure, glucose, cholesterol,and eye and feet screen-ings.” The Chair thankedeveryone involved, espe-cially NYCHA’s Departmentof Community OperationsResident Support Servicesstaff, for hosting the event.Special guests included

Department for the Aging(DFTA) Deputy CommissionerCaryn Resnick, Departmentof Health and Human Services(HHS) Acting RegionalDirector Dennis Gonzalez,New York City Office of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preser-vation Regional Director RachelGordon, and North RiverCommunity EnvironmentalReview Board President andCEO L. Ann Rocker. NYCHAVice-Chair Earl Andrews, Jr.also attended.Resident Support Services

Director Richard Greene,served as moderator,thanking the 60 or so volun-teers from NYCHA, DFTA andother City agencies whowere there to help out. Heencouraged the seniors totake advantage of the freeseasonal flu vaccinationsavailable at the Fairand also emphasized the

By Eileen Elliott

(Continued on page 13)

In this issue we continue publishing the names of individualswho have been permanently excluded from our public housing devel-opments. The purpose of this list is to keep residents informed of theHousing Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life forall New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful andsafe use of our facilities. What follows is a partial list of the peopleexcluded after hearings were held on June 10, 17 and 24 and July 1,2009. For a full list of the “Not Wanted” visit NYCHA’s website atnyc.gov/residentscorner. Please note:These exclusions are based onNYCHA’s Administrative Hearing Process and should not beconfused with the Trespass Notice Program under MayorBloomberg’s Operation Safe Housing Initiative.

REMEMBER,IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON

HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALLYOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595.

Prohibited as of June 10, 2009Donnell Smith Case 3931/09 formerly associated with the third floor of

885 East 56th Street, Glenwood Houses, Brooklyn.

Monique Howard Case 9856/07 formerly associated with the first floor of218 East 115th Street, Jefferson Houses, Manhattan.

James Ford Case 2919/09 formerly associated with the fifteenth floorof 77 Tompkins Avenue, Tompkins Houses, Brooklyn.

Diamond Graves Case 3987/09 formerly associated with the first floor of135 Richards Street, Red Hook West Houses, Brooklyn.

William Hamilton Case 3834/09 formerly associated with the thirteenthfloor of 435 East 105th Street, Wilson Houses,Manhattan.

Jason Burgos Case 3854/09 formerly associated with the second floorRichard Cruz of 2715 Third Avenue, Patterson Houses, the Bronx.

Prohibited as of June 17, 2009Hassan Sheftall Case 3632/09 formerly associated with the fourth floor

of 1043 Myrtle Avenue, Sumner Houses, Brooklyn.

Jacqueline Garcia Case 3383/09 formerly associated with the eighth floorBernard Garcia of 1505 Park Avenue, Clinton Houses, Manhattan.

Joseph Wright Case 4105/09 formerly associated with the fifth floor of774 Park Avenue, Tompkins Houses, Brooklyn.

Randolph Ortiz Case 4023/09 formerly associated with the sixth floor of40-10 12th Street, Queensbridge North Houses, LongIsland City.

Prohibited of June 24, 2009Talissa Green Case 4185/09 formerly associated with the third floor of

85-02 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Hammel Houses,Far Rockaway.

Kenneth Moore Case 4227/09 formerly associated with the nineteenthLionel Moore floor of 3204 Park Avenue, Morrisania Air Rights

Houses, the Bronx.

Delquan Blackmon Case 4276/09 formerly associated with the fourth floorof 455 Fountain Avenue, Cypress Hills Houses,Brooklyn.

Joel Simmons Case 3238/09 formerly associated with the second floorof 2331 West 11th Street, Marlboro Houses, Brooklyn.

Curtis Darby Case 4214/09 formerly associated with the first floor ofWillie Darby, Sr. 456 Richmond Terrace, Richmond Terrace,Willie Darby, Jr. Staten Island.

Jessica Tirado Case 4339/09 formerly associated with the sixth floor of3020 Surf Avenue, Surfside Gardens, Brooklyn.

Richard Reed Case 9227/07 formerly associated with the fourth floorof 284 Sutter Avenue, Brownsville Houses, Brooklyn.

Justin Bussey Case 4313/09 formerly associated with the fifth floor of2726 Linden Boulevard, Pink Houses, Brooklyn.

Prohibited as of July 1, 2009Jason Carter Case 854/09 formerly associated with the sixth floor of

3162 Bayview Avenue, O’Dwyer Gardens, Brooklyn.

John Brown Case 4008/09 formerly associated with the sixteenthfloor of 865 Amsterdam Avenue, Douglass Houses,Manhattan.

Gilbert Rivera Case 52/09 formerly associated with the second floor of806 Henderson Avenue, West Brighton Houses,Staten Island.

For a full list of the “NotWanted”visit NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/residentscorner.

THENYCHANOT WANTED LIST

4 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPSWITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON UPON US, MOST PEOPLE ARE PREOCCUPIED WITH THE

DETAILS OF HOLIDAY PLANNING AND SHOPPING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS WE NORMALLY TAKE CAN BE FORGOTTEN AS THE EXCITEMENT OF THE

SEASON CAUSES US TO LET OUR GUARD DOWN. The NYPD wants this to be asafe holiday season for all, so we remind you to follow these simpletips. Enjoy the City and the season!

— Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminalsoften target people who are distracted.

— Whether driving, walking or taking public transportation,plan the trip in advance. Know how to get to yourdestination by the most direct and safest route.

— If possible, stay in designated waiting areas or in view ofthe station booth clerk while awaiting your train. Never walk orstand near the edge of the subway platform.

— Travel on populated, well-lit streets. If possible, travel with a friend.— When driving, keep your doors locked and the windows closed. Make sure the gas tank is full.

Maintain your car in good working order to avoid breakdowns.— Always lock your car. Before getting into your car, check the back seat to make sure no one is

hiding there.— Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Whenever possible, place items out of sight in the trunk of

your vehicle prior to reaching your destination. Never leave packages in the passengercompartment unattended.

— Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash or number of credit cardsnecessary to make the purchase. If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash betweenyour purse, pockets and wallet.

— Cancel credit cards you don’t use and keep a record of the account numbers for each credit cardyou possess. This will facilitate reporting the theft or loss of the cards.

— Carry your purse close to your body. Place one end of the purse in the palm of your hand and theother in the bend of the elbow. Never wrap the strap around your body.

— If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in the breast pocket of your jacket or in your side pantspocket. The rear pants pocket is the easiest to pick.

— When in a restaurant, don’t leave your handbag over the back of your chair or on the floor.— Don’t leave belongings unattended.— Don’t wait until you have reached your front door to look for your keys. Have them ready in your

hand. If a stranger is standing near your door, it may be a good idea not to go in until thesituation feels safer.

— Lock your front door immediately upon entering your home.— If you live in an apartment building, don’t buzz in someone who rings your bell until you have

verified who they are. This will help protect both you and your neighbors.— If you have elderly family members or neighbors, please remember to check in on them.— Remind children to be wary of strangers, including those on the internet.— Be wary of con artists. Con artists use a number of ploys to trick you and steal your property. Some

divert your attention while another picks your pocket, some pose as utility workers or as a tradesperson to gain access to the inside of your home, while others conduct scams that are moreelaborate involving several con artists.

— Be wary of telephone and email solicitations asking for personal information about your accounts,passwords or social security number.

— As a consumer you should avoid illegal vendors selling goods on the street. Purchase merchandiseonly from licensed vendors or reputable stores. Follow your instincts. Remember, “If it seems toogood to be true, it probably is.”

PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!In case of emergency, dial 911(Non emergency dial, 311)

Help us fight terrorism, report suspicious activity to theCOUNTER TERRORISM HOTLINE

1-888-NYC-SAFE

HOUSING BUREAU POLICECHIEF JOANNE JAFFE

THE CHIEF’S CORNER

Are You Happy with theNYCHA Journal?Is there anything you’d like to seemore of or that you would like tochange? Whether you are a resident orNYCHA employee, we’re open to yourfeedback! Please send e-mails to theEditor: eileen.elliott@nycha.nyc.gov

On October 7, 2009, City Council Member Charles Barronand State Senator John Sampson teamed up for a pressconference at Pink Houses in Brooklyn to announce a totalallocation of $4.5 million for CCTV systems at Pink, CypressHills, Linden, and Boulevard Houses.“NYCHA will work with the resident leaders at these

devellopments and with the NYPD’s Housing Bureau tostrategically place the cameras,” said Chairman Rhea.“When these cameras are installed it sends out a loudmessage to criminals: Keep away from these developments.If you come here you will be viceo recorded andthe police willknow what crime you have committed.”NYCHA has already installed over 5,600 cameras in 447

buildings in 80 developments Citywide. On average duringthe first year following installation of CCTVs in a develop-ment, crime goes down by 25%.

NO NEED TO SUBMIT YOUR SS OF SSI AWARDLETTER AT YOUR ANNUAL REVIEW!Residents can help further NYCHA’s Green Initiative by not submittingcopies of their Social Security (SS) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)award letters with the yearly Annual Review Booklet. When the Third PartyVerification – Consent to Release Information form in the Annual ReviewBooklet is completed and signed by all family members in your householdage 18 or older, NYCHA management office staff is able to verify the SSand SSI award information electronically for all residents via theDepartment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Enterprise IncomeVerification (EIV) system. Paper copies of your award letter are nolonger needed when you hand in your Annual Review booklet to yourmanagement office.

Electronic verification of social security and supplementary securitybenefits also helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) to providemore efficient services to their customers. Since public housing, ProjectBased Section 8 and city/state development residents no longer have tocall or visit the Social Security Administration office to request copies oftheir award letters, customers requiring assistance from SSA with othermatters will have to wait less time on the phone or at local officesfor assistance.

SO HELP NYCHA AND THE SOCIAL SECURITYADMINSTRATION “GO GREEN” BY NOTSUBMITTING COPIES OF YOUR SS ORSSI AWARD LETTER WITH YOUR ANNUALREVIEW BOOKLET.

The New York CityHousing Authority has aprocedure in place topromptly and safelyaccommodate wheelchair-bound, mobility impairedand medically impactedresidents during unex-pected elevator serviceinterruptions that occurduring an extended periodof time in buildings orstairhalls with only oneelevator or in buildingswith more than oneelevator, when all elevatorsare out of service at thesame time. This procedureis in addition to, and doesnot replace, existing proce-dure to accommodateresidents with disabilitiesduring elevator rehabilita-tion. Stair climber machinesare used to transport resi-dents in need to andfrom their apartments forelevator service interrup-

tions that occur duringregular business hoursand nights, weekendsand holidays.

If you are a wheelchair-bound, mobility impairedor medically impacted resi-dent, how can you requeststair climber machineassistance during anextended elevator serviceinterruption? It would behelpful if at all possible togive your managementoffice as much notice aspossible if you need stairclimber assistance in orderto be transported fromyour apartment to yourbuilding lobby in order togo to a scheduled appoint-ment such as a visit to yourdoctor. Or you may be inyour building lobby, duringan elevator service inter-ruption that is expected tolast more than two hours

and need to be transportedup the stairs to yourapartment. During busi-ness hours, call yourmanagement office, if youneed stair climber machineassistance. After businesshours, weekends orholidays, call theCustomer Contact Centerat 718-707-7771 torequest stair climbertransport assistance.

Stair climber machines areonly able to transportindividuals who weighup to 265 pounds or 285pounds, depending onthe type of machine.If you are a wheelchair-bound, mobility impairedor medically-impactedresident who weighs morethan 265 pounds and needstransport during anemergency, call 911.

Gowanus Houses, who attendsCity University. A youngwoman of many talents, Ms.Green is majoring in mediacommunications/f ilm produc-tion and performing arts. Shehopes to establish her ownentertainment business and useit as a vehicle to give troubledyouth a second chance.

Another scholarship recipientis Peter Collazo, also ofGowanus Houses. Mr. Collazois a political science major witha concentration in urban poli-tics at Brooklyn College. At anearly age he chose a path thatled to trouble, and he eventu-ally dropped out of high school.His mother’s hospitalizationmade him realize that he wason a downward spiral. Heearned his GED and enrolled inBrooklyn College’s SEEKProgram. He is now a memberof Chi Alpha Epsilon(SEEK Honor Society) and ison the Dean’s List. He alsotutors other SEEK students.Mr. Collazo plans to attend

law school and then hopes tohave an impact on poorcommunities like his own.

Sara Bracero, a resident ofJohnson Houses in Manhattan,said her goal “is to dispel thenegative stigma associated withyoung people living in publichousing by setting an exampleas an accomplished Latina.”She is pursuing a Bachelor’sDegree in journalism at BaruchCollege and will also be thefirst in her family to graduatefrom college. In addition to thecoursework she has completed,she has held several internshipsand studied abroad in Spain.

The program closed withChair Rhea’s comment that theScholarship Recipients repre-sent “the best that NYCHA hasto offer.”

Check the Residents’ Corneron NYCHA’s websiteat nyc.gov/residentscorner forinformation on next year’sscholarship program. Applica-tions are available in April.

(Continued from page 1)Resident Scholarship Winners

CCTV Money for a Numberof Brooklyn Developments

(Continued from page 1)

(left to right) Boulevard Houses Resident Association Presi-dent Inez Rodriguez, Senator John Sampson, City CouncilMember Charles Barron, NYCHA Chair John Rhea andAssembly Member Inez Barron at Pink Houses announcefunding for CCTV.

Is Your Elevator Out Of Order?A Stair Climber Machine is Available for Residents Who Need Them...

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 5NOVEMBER 2009

6 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 7NOVEMBER 2009

LOOK FOR THE NEXT NYCHA JOURNALIN JANUARY 2010!

8 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 9NOVEMBER 2009

10 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 75Years of Public HousingAs the NewYork City Housing Authority (NYCHA) celebrates its 75th year, we take special note of devel-opment anniversaries. Pink Houses in the New Lots section of Brooklyn andWald Houses on Manhattan’sLower East Side both recently celebrated their 50th and 60th Anniversaries, respectively. The historicalphotos and captions below are courtesy of the LaGuardia andWagner Archives.

The development’s name-sake, Louis Heaton Pink(1882-1955), who was onNYCHA’s first Board, wrotethe plan and the bill that led tothe creation of the New YorkCity Housing Authority in1934,whenhewasChair of theNew York State HousingBoard. Pink was a scholar,businessman and humani-tarian. He was also Chair ofthe New York State InfantileParalysis Foundation andState Insurance Superinten-dent, later to become head ofthe health insurance plan thatevolved into the Blue Cross.He was also head of theUnited Housing Foundation.In response to the housing

shortage created by a steadyflow of German, Italian,Russian and Polish immi-grants, and veterans followingWorldWar II, planning beganin 1955 for the new federallyaided, low-rent public housingdevelopment. The Cityacquired the site for PinkHouses inMarch 1957 andThe

Board of Estimate approvedthe revised plan to develop 22eight-story buildings on thatsite just over one month laterin April 1957, with the goalof housing 1,500 families.The Pink Houses Commu-

nity Center, a sponsored site, ishome toaBeaconCenter, runbythe City’s Department of Youthand Community Developmentand the East NewYork Devel-opment Corporation, offeringyoung residents day camp inthe summer and an after-school program during theschool year. The Center alsohas a program for seniors.The Pink Playground,adjacent to Pink Houses,underwent an extensive reno-vation in 1989 that includednew play-ground equipmentand a handball court. Theplayground is owned byNYCHA but operated by theParksDepartment.Pink Houses is part

of NYCHA’s new “green”initiative. Residents have

actively participated in theAuthority’s Annual Gardenand Greening Competitionand new trees have beenplanted on developmentgrounds through the Million-TreesNYC initiative, a collab-oration between the NewYork Restoration Projectand NYCHA. Pink Houses isslated for the installation ofa new centralized trashcompaction system that willbe housed behind a hedgeof tall evergreens andfurther screened by a six-foot steel louvered fence.On October 7, 2009, City

Council Member CharlesBarron held a press confer-ence at the development toannounce the allocation of$4.5 million funding bySenator John Sampson andhimself for Closed CircuitTelevision systems at Pink,Cypress Hill, Linden andBoulevard Houses.

President Harry S.Trumansigned the landmarkHousing Act of 1949, thesame year that Lillian WaldHouses was completed. Thelegislation provided federalfinancing for slum clearanceprograms and the construc-tion of new public housingunits. The Housing Act of1949 would result in a sevenyear period (1952 to 1958)during which NYCHA built arecord number of federallyfunded dwelling units.The development’s name-

sake, Lillian Wald (1867to 1940), was a dynamic forcefor social reform. She was anurse, social worker, publichealth official, teacher, author,editor, women’s rights activistand is widely regarded asthe founder of American

community nursing. Shefounded the historic HenryStreet Settlement in 1893,which today delivers a widerange of social serviceand arts programs to morethan 100,000 New Yorkerseachyear.There are two Community

Centers located at WaldHouses, both of which aresponsored by the HenryStreet Settlement, locatednearby at 265 Henry Street.Since 1968, at the uniqueBoys and Girls Republic, asone of the Centers is named,children in the afterschoolprogram between the agesof six and 15 yearsold hold annual electionsfor a mayor, comptroller,judge, prosecuting attorney,city clerk and eight city

council members, to serveas a self-governing bodythroughout the year. Theother center located at thedevelopment houses aWork-force Readiness Program for19- to 24-year-olds. There isalso a senior center at WaldHouses sponsored by theUnited Jewish Council.Major capital improve-

ments at the Lillian WaldHouses include nearly $52million in exterior brick-work, roof replacement,structural concrete repairs,and hallway apartmentrepairs over the course of2004 to 2007.

(left to right) Supervisor of Caretakers George McAddley,Administrator Harry Rodriguez, Assistant Manager MartinSafdia, Superintendent Michael Ovaduke, ManagerOommen Varghese, Resident Association President PatriciaJones, Deputy Director Brenda Allen, Assistant Superinten-dent Carl DelliBovi, and Supervisor of GroundskeepersSaturnino Felix Jr. with a proclamation from MayorBloomberg celebrating Pink Houses’ 50th Anniversary.

Pink Houses’ 50th AnniversaryPink Houses consists of 1,500 apartments in 22 buildings that are eight-stories high, in theNewLots section of Brooklyn.Completed on September 30, 1959, the development sits on 31acres and is bound byCrescent Street, LindenBoulevard, Elderts Lane, and Stanley Avenue.It is home 3,734 residents.

Wald Houses’ 60th AnniversaryBound by Avenue D and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Drive and East Sixth and HoustonStreets, the federally funded LillianWald Houses was completed on October 14, 1949. Ithas provided affordable housing for six decades to residents onManhattan’s Lower EastSide.The 16.46-acreWald Houses has 1,861 apartments in 16 buildings that are 11 to 14stories high. It is home to 4,299 residents, and is part of what has been called the “EastRiver Wall of Public Housing,” together with Jacob Riis and Bernard Baruch Houseswhich flank it.

(left to right) Wald Houses Superintendent James Artis,Resident Association President Charlotte Miles, andManager Elaine Nunez with a proclamation from MayorMichael R. Bloomberg commemorating the development’s60th Anniversary.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 11NOVEMBER 2009

Enroll in a Medicare PrescriptionDrug Plan (Part D)

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan)provides prescription drug coverage.Youmay sign up for Medicare Part D duringthe Open Enrollment Period fromNovember 15th through December 31st.Call 1-800-633-4227 to sign up or formore information.This service is available24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Say“Agent” to speak to a live person.

Seniors already enrolled in a MedicarePrescription Drug Plan may change plansduring this Open Enrollment Period.Seniors who also have Medicaid or ‘ExtraHelp’ may switch plans at anytime and thechange will take effect on the 1st of thefollowing month. Call 1-800-633-4227 tochange your plan.

Join the more than 20,000subscribers who receive the

NYCHA Journal online each monthby signing up at www.nyc.gov, or by

visiting NYCHA’s Website atnyc.gov/nycha.

WHEN 40-YEAR-OLD LLOYD GRAY BROUGHT HIS JUNE RENT RECEIPT TO THE HIGHBRIDGE GARDENSMANAGEMENT OFFICE OF HIS NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) DEVELOPMENT INTHE BRONX THIS PAST SUMMER, HE HAD NO IDEA THAT THE SIMPLE MEETING WITH HIS DEVELOP-MENT’S MANAGER WOULD CHANGE HIS LIFE.“He asked me if I wanted a

job,” Mr. Gray said.That’s because the roof

repair and brick work thatneeded to be done atHighbridge Gardens wasamong 75 NYCHA “shovel-ready” capital projects thatreceived funding through theAmerican Recovery andReinvestment Act, signed intolaw by President BarackObama in February.Of the $4 billion in capital

stimulus funding allocatedto the U.S. Department ofHousing and Urban Develop-ment, $423 million came toNYCHA, allowing progress tobe made on projects that hadpreviously been stalled. Andout of that, $1.94 millionwent for repairing the crackedparapet walls and leaky roofsat all six of HighbridgeGardens’ residential buildings.Thanks to the federal

requirement known as Section3, recipients of certain HUDfinancial assistance, to thegreatest extent possible,must provide job training,employment, and contractopportunities for low- or very-low income residents inconnection with projects andactivities in their neighbor-hoods. So, the contractorsperforming the work atHighbridge, STV Construc-tion, needed to hireNYCHA residents.And what was Mr. Gray’s

answerwhenHighbridgeGardensManager Ricardo Rodriguezasked him if he wanted a job?A resounding “Yes.”Mr. Gray, who had been

living at Highbridge Gardensfor half his life, lost hisposition as a porter atRockefeller University onManhattan’s Upper East Sideabout a year-and-a-half earlier.By the time he was ready tolook for work again, his work-ers’ compensation had run outand the economy had tanked.Today, Mr. Gray works as amason tender, or laborer,making $32.99 an hour. Hebegan work on July 15th.

“We get the same pay as theworkers hired by the union,”he said proudly. And, he isabout to become a member ofthe union, Construction andGeneral Building LaborersLocal 79, so that when theHighbridge job is finished, hewill still have work. “I’m justwaiting for the paperwork togo through,” he said. “It willbe any day now.”Mr. Gray said no special

training was involved for hisjob as a mason tender. “Weassist the people who do thebrick work, the roof work.Basically whatever they need.We clean up, we learn as we goalong. Once we get into theunion though we’re going tolearn all about construction.”“I’m one of the lucky

ones,” Mr. Gray continued. “Ihappened to be in theright place at the right time.I brought my rent receipt tothe Management Office,one thing led to another, Italked to the lady at

Highbridge Gardens Resident Finds Employment, aannddCCaarreeeerr in Project Funded by Stimulus $$$

SECTION 3 PROFILE

By Eileen Elliott

NYCHA’s Resident Employ-ment Services and here I am.”I asked Mr. Gray if, when

he heard about PresidentObama’s Stimulus Plan, he thought it would have adirect impact on his own life. “To be honest with you,I didn’t think it would reachhere. But something good is happening,” he said.

Lloyd Gray

12 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 13NOVEMBER 2009

importance of getting a H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination.“The event just gets

better and better eachyear,” said DFTA DeputyCommissioner Resnick.“What a wealth of resourceswe have gathered heretoday. Now, more than ever,it is particularly importantfor seniors to ensure youreconomic security as well asyour health.”HHS Acting Regional

Director Dennis Gonzalezencouraged those seniorswho are unhappy with theirMedicaid Plans to stop bythe Centers for Medicareand Medicaid Services tableand make any changes theyneed to, and also mentionedthat those who are 65 or olderare not as susceptible to theH1N1 virus, though theyshould be sure to get theirregular flu vaccination.Following the opening

program, the seniors madetheir way to the CulturalCenter for Financial FitnessWorkshops and one-on-onefinancial service counseling,or the Athletic Building for health screenings, infor-mation on reduced fareMetroCards, Access-A-Ride,

Medicare, Social Security, the American Association forRetired Persons, or a host of other organizations offeringsenior services. The outdoor plaza, renamed Nutrition Plazafor the day, included a Greenmarket stand, and there wasexercise and massage therapy in the courtyard.“I think the Fair is gorgeous,” said one volunteer, Esther

Johnson. “The seniors have paid their way, now it’s time forus to give back to them.”“My sugar’s 95 and my blood pressure’s good!” said a

smiling Petra Canelario, 63, of Frederick Samuel Houses inManhattan, to a friend. “I’m going to get my eyes checkednext. I want to get everything done!”Seniors are the Housing Authority’s largest, and fastest

growing population, with 30% of NYCHA’s households headedby persons over 62 years of age. Fifteen percent of NYCHA’s403,000 residents are 65 years of age or over. NYCHA directlyoperates 40 Senior Centers and the DFTA operates 90 SeniorCenters on Authority grounds.

NYCHA’S 5th Annual Senior Benefit Fair(Continued from page 3)

STAYING HEALTHY Chairman Rhea gets a flu shot at theSenior Benefit and Entitlement Fair.

CALL 311 FOR ALLNON-EMERGENCY

CITY SERVICES

14 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNALNOVEMBER 2009

2009 GARDEN AND GREENING COMPETITION AWARDSCITYWIDE WINNERS:

FLOWER: Garden of Zodiac, South Jamaica Houses, QueensVEGETABLE: Garden of Venus, South Jamaica Houses, Queens

CHILDREN’S/THEME: Ebony’s Garden, Marcy Houses, Brooklyn West

BRONX FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Rain Forest Garden, Patterson Houses2nd Prize: Liberty Garden, Throggs Neck Houses3rd Prize: Love & Peace 1 Garden, Boston Secor HousesHonorable Mention: Garden of Paradise, Bronx River Houses

BRONX VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: National Garden, Throggs Neck Houses2nd Prize: El Bohio Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation3rd Prize: En Memoria De Don Tony Garden, Soundview Houses

BRONX CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation2nd Prize: Butterfly Garden, Parkside Houses3rd Prize: 785 Pelham Parkway Garden, Pelham Parkway Houses

MANHATTAN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Heavenly Scent Serenity Garden, Isaacs Houses2nd Prize: Abraham Lincoln’s Senior Glory Garden, Lincoln Houses3rd Prize: Garden Party, Carver HousesHonorable Mention: Harvest of Happiness Garden, Isaacs Houses

MANHATTAN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Anna’s Garden of Love, Isaacs Houses2nd Prize: 2185 1st Avenue Vegetable Garden, Jefferson Houses3rd Prize: Troche’s Garden, Wald HousesHonorable Mention: Senior’s Green Lane, P.S. 139 Conversion

MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Mrs. Potts’ Garden, Isaacs Houses2nd Prize: East River Community Center Vegetable Garden, East River Community Center

SOUTH BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Morning Glory Garden, Breukelen Houses2nd Prize: Beach Front Garden #1, Coney Island Houses3rd Prize: Breukelen Sight Garden, Breukelen HousesHonorable Mention: Tropical Oasis Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses

SOUTH BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Green House Garden, Marlboro Houses2nd Prize: God Is Love Garden, Marlboro Houses3rd Prize: Minnie’s Vegetable Garden, Marlboro HousesHonorable Mention: Lucky Garden, Marlboro Houses

SOUTH BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: The Green Thumb Kid’s Garden, Glenwood Houses2nd Prize: Garden of Youth, Bayview Houses3rd Prize: The Land Before Time Garden, Bayview Houses

WEST BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Brandy’s Garden, Gowanus Houses2nd Prize: Carrie Knox’s Flower Garden, Ingersoll Houses3rd Prize: Sweet Success Gardeners, Armstrong HousesHonorable Mention: Arnetha Singleton’s Flower Garden, Ingersoll Houses

WEST BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: The Cabbage Patch Garden, Walt Whitman Houses2nd Prize: Bengie’s Vegetable Garden, Sumner Houses3rd Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Armstrong HousesHonorable Mention: A Thing of Beauty #2 Garden, Armstrong Houses

WEST BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Butterfly Garden, Sumner Houses2nd Prize: MMMM – Smells Like Mint & Herbs & Flowers Garden, Stuyvesant Gardens3rd Prize: Walkway of Beauty Garden, Armstrong HousesHonorable Mention: Nature/Splendid Independence CommunityCenter Garden, Independence Community Center

EAST BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Bundles of Love Garden, Tilden Houses2nd Prize: Gerry-N-Sarah’s Garden of Togetherness, Brownsville Houses3rd Prize: Eve’s Garden, Saratoga SquareHonorable Mention: Elba and Friends Garden, Ocean HillHonorable Mention: Fannie’s Garden of Love 1, Pink Houses

EAST BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Bountiful Garden, Tilden Houses2nd Prize: God Bless Garden, Pink Houses

QUEENS FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Paradise Garden, South Jamaica Houses2nd Prize: Happy Acres Garden, Conlon-Lihfe Tower3rd Prize: Love & Peace Garden, South Jamaica Houses

QUEENS VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Hawaiian Kitchen Garden, South Jamaica Houses2nd Prize: I Did It! Garden, South Jamaica Houses3rd Prize: Smith’s Vegetable Garden, South Jamaica Houses

QUEENS CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Granny Bloomers Garden, Astoria Houses2nd Prize: Shelton’s Horizon Garden, Shelton Houses

STATEN ISLAND FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Flower’s of Happiness Garden, New Lane Shores2nd Prize: Gift of Beauty Garden, New Lane Shores3rd Prize: The Rainbow Garden, New Lane ShoresHonorable Mention: My Serenity Garden, New Lane Shores

STATEN ISLAND VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Mariner’s Harbor2nd Prize: Bright Corner Garden, New Lane Shores3rd Prize: Dina’s Garden, Berry Houses

STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS:1st Prize: Childhood Memories Garden, New Lane Shores2nd Prize: “Sea of Hope” Garden, New Lane Shores3rd Prize: Kitty Kat Everything for Cats Garden, Cassidy-Lafayette Houses