FROM THE RIVER TERRACEBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Starting the Next 50 – April 17, 2015 marked River Terrace’s 51st

year as a Mitchell-Lama cooperative. As we set our sights on another fifty (50) years of excellence in a cooperative living environment, we acknowledge the great contributions made by so many over the past 50 years that have enabled us to be as far as we are today; we also appreciate the demand to address present needs in a way that will often require change and we are acutely aware of all of this within the added context of constantly working to ensure an even better, economically and physically sustainable future as noted by the items below.

Punch List / Corrective Action – Replacement of the cracked slabs on top of the brick piers at the front entrance, correct peeling paint and water flow issues on the canopy gutters / drains at the front entrance, correction of the ponding on the front entrance ramp and in the garage, ongoing maintenance of the courtyard pavers, malfunctioning radiator valves, unresolved elevator operation issues, side entrance / courtyard lighting, landscaping, are all items that remain prominent on the Housing Company’s to do list for follow up and resolution as soon as possible. Please note that final payments are withheld from vendors for work where outstanding issues have been / are identified.

Winter Work Starts Now – Spring is the time to prepare for the upcoming heating season. Among the projects involved in that preparation is the installation of a new oil tank, plumbing / construction work to enable oil to gas conversion and the replacement of heating system steam traps. All of this work will take place in the month of May in addition to the heat distribution system installation already in progress.

Rear Driveway – based upon the condition of the rear driveway, emergency repairs were executed in late April. This work was done to address the immediate needs. Comprehensive repair of the driveway and the corresponding negotiation of the allocation of shared costs with our neighbors who also use this driveway are also being addressed with the intent of having this project completed in calendar year 2015.

Local Law 11 / Building Façade – In accordance with Local Law 11 requirements, temporary scaffolding will be installed in May for the purpose of inspecting the external structure of the building, including terraces. Additional information including scheduled dates will be provided by the Management Office.

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The tiny acorn has the potential to become a giant

oak. Similarly, the potential for greatness lies within every child. Some

children are fortunate enough to be in an environment that is loving, caring, and nurturing. Such an environment empowers children and ignites the flame of intelligence, imagination and ambition that allows them to achieve greatness. One such place is his home.

Ravel was born to immigrant parents, Elizabeth and Lazanus Charles in New York City. One could not ask for a better incubator to be nurtured in. The city has everything religion, science, sports, culture, food, diversity, all of which shaped his tastes, and temperament. His moodsswing in sync with that of the city.

His parents who placed strong values on faith, hard work, honesty, education and self-improvement, scrupulously managed his education. This was the auspicious beginning of a long voyage of education. Ravel continued his education in the very demanding Jesuit tradition. He attended Regis High School wherehis grades earned him Honors and a National Achievement Scholarship Award and in 2011, he advanced to Boston College in the Pre-Medical program. Simultaneously, he moved to River Terrace.

Ravel’s interest in the medical world began when he was a child. On his many visits to his pediatrician, Dr. Khakoo of Harlem Hospital, the doctor who kept a photo of Ravel in his wallet, constantly affirmed, “You must become a doctor.” So, with Dr. Khakoo’sconstant reminder and his profound admiration and love for his work, Ravel decided to honor his request. Based on his belief that the highest attainable standards of health are fundamental human rights, regardless of class, Ravel’s ultimate dream is to base his practice inunderserved populations in the UnitedStates and in other countries.

SPOTLIGHTRavel A. Charles

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