HIGLANDER - Highland Park Housing Authority

Housing Authority of the
Borough of Highland Park
Housing Authority of the Borough of Highland Park
242 South 6th Avenue
Highland Park, NJ 08901
Phone: (732) 572-4420
March, 2015
THE
Fax: (732) 985-6485
FROM THE EDITOR’S
DESK
What adjectives would you use to
describe the onslaught of weather
in the month of February?
Brutal...relentless…merciless!
The Snow just kept hitting us, one
storm after another, not giving us
time to regroup or take a breath.
Although the maintenance staff
worked so hard and did all they
could, it is virtually impossible to
clean every square inch of both
properties at the same time in the
same way! You must practice
caution and good judgment when
these storms hit us and not venture out unless it is imperative.
Wait until the sidewalks and lots
are cleared and salted. The more
traffic around, the harder it is to
do an effective job. Most importantly, we don’t want you to take
undue risks in this harsh weather.
Hypothermia is another real and
serious concern especially for the
elderly. So it is really okay to
hibernate a little during these
rough weather times!
Our restoration work after the
flood is still ongoing. Thank you
for your patience.
RUNI SRIWARDENA
HIGLANDER
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
You can tell a great deal about a culture by the way it celebrates its
holidays. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations give us great insight into
countries around the world simply by their method of honoring the
day. What began as a Catholic saint day or feast day has grown
into an international day of celebration. St. Patrick’s Day is the
most widely celebrated national day in the world which is observed
far more widely than other national days, like France’s Bastille Day
or the American Thanksgiving Day. How do people around the
world pay homage to the great St. Patrick?
Ireland is perhaps the only country that does use this day specifically to honor St. Patrick! It is common for the Irish to attend mass
on the feast day and to pray for missionaries, of which St. Patrick is
the most famed. Legend has turned the saint into somewhat of a
mythic being, but the Irish largely prefer to honor the saint for his
conversion efforts in Ireland.
Countries around the world have embraced St. Patrick and the
day is celebrated by Christians, non-Christians, Irish and non-Irish.
As people like to say, “Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day.” In the
UK, there are parades, the largest of which is held in Birmingham,
and this is said to be the third largest St. Patrick’s parade in the
world, behind only to Dublin, Ireland and New York City. In Manchester, the UK celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by hosting a two week
festival which includes an Irish Market, a large parade and other
cultural events.
The Italians know how to celebrate their Irish holiday. Florence
hosts the Festa Irlandese, a ten-day party featuring music, dancing,
food and drink. The best part is the Italian take on Irish cuisine.
Enjoy potato soup, beef in Guinness and pints of stout. Denmark
has started the St. Patty’s Day 3-legged charity race and Germany,
Russia and Norway hold parades. St. Patrick’s Day is also celebrated by the Eastern world. In Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo
there are small parades.
Canada and the US love to celebrate this holiday. In fact, some
groups have lobbied to make it a federal holiday in Canada. There
it is celebrated with massive parades and festivals including the 3
day festival in Manitoba. We all know how the US celebrates St.
Patty’s Day! It is always great fun.
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
RENT
Rent is due on the 1st.
If you are using the rent box,
your check must be in the box before
4 PM on March 7th.
After 4 PM it is late—No
exceptions!
*** Important***
 Do not post-date your checks.
When a check is received by the
Housing Authority, it must be deposited within 48 hours. We cannot
deposit checks that are post-dated
and cannot hold them until the following month. If you have a third
party paying your rent please make
sure your name & apartment number is on the check or money order.
ATTENTION
ALL RESIDENTS!
THE NEXT BULK
PICK-UP IN
HIGHLAND PARK IS
ON THURSDAY,
APRIL 2, 2015
March, 2015
COMMISSIONER’S CORNER
What good is the warmth of summer, without the
cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
- John Steinbeck
This quote from John Steinbeck renews my faith
that we will see spring flowers and feel the warm
breezes blowing soon.
I am honored to be appointed the Vice Chair for
the Highland Park Housing Authority. I would like
to thank the Commissioners for electing me to this
position. I have served on the Board for almost two
years and have truly enjoyed the experience. I was
lucky enough to come in at the time when Donna
Brightman, Executive Director and her fantastic
staff, Kathy Blaha, Runi Sriwardena, Kathi Di
Tomasso,Mike Yannuzzi, Larry Stecker, provided
their insight and passion for improving the Highland
Park Housing Authority. In addition to Donna and
her staff, Highland Park has an amazing staff comprised of Lauren Adams, Gus Patino, Jeff Marder,
Bill Snyder, Kettly Gilles, Jani Masur and our professionals Terrence Corriston, Esq., Bill Katchen and for
the Borough, Josh Fine.
The volunteers I serve with have made the environment of the board comfortable and inviting and
I thank Evelyn, Diane, Morgan, Charlotte, Burt and
Steve. The board fosters an environment of mentoring and guidance and creates a space for self improvement, which is so important to new members.
I would also like to give a big thanks to all of the
residents for keeping us on our toes.
I look forward to working with everyone over the
next two years, facing the hurdles together with
our combined strength of experience and expertise.
Amanda Thomas, Vice Chairperson
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
March, 2015
A NOTE FROM OUR TENANT SERVICES COORDINATOR KETTLY
AND NURSE JANI
Older Adults: 9 Nutrients You May be Missing
Getting adequate nutrition can be a challenge as you get older. With age, the number of calories you need begins to
decline. Every calorie you consume must be packed with nutrition in order to hit the mark.
Even then, you may fall short, “As we get older, the body becomes less efficient at absorbing some key nutrients.” says
Katherine Tucker, RD, PhD, chair of the department of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston.
Vitamin B12
B12 is important for creating red blood cells and DNA, and for maintaining healthy nerve function.
How to hit the mark: Eat more foods rich in B12. The richest sources include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk
products. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a B12 supplement.
Folate/Folic Acid
You may have heard of folate. Too little of this essential B vitamin is known for contributing to anemia. Older people
whose diets don’t include a lot of fruits and vegetables or fortified breakfast cereals may be falling short.
How to hit the mark: Now that breakfast cereals are fortified with folate, deficiencies are less common, “Still, if you
don’t eat breakfast cereals or plenty of fruits and vegetables, it’s wise to ask your doctor if you should take a supplement that contains folate,” says Katherine Zeiman, RD, director of nutrition for WebMD.
Calcium
Calcium plays many roles in the body. But it is most important for building and maintaining strong bones. Unfortunately, surveys show that as we age, we consume less calcium in our diets causing brittle bones and fractures.
How to hit the mark: Take 3 servings a day of low-fat milk and other dairy products. Other good sources of calcium
include kale, broccoli and juices fortified with calcium. The body needs both calcium and protein for bone health. So
the ideal source of calcium is dairy products, not supplements. If you tend to steer clear of dairy products, talk to your
doctor about whether you should take a supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Recent findings suggest
that D may also protect against some chronic diseases, including cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. In older people, vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to increased risk of falling. Many Americans fall short on vitamin D, which is mainly produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight.
How to hit the mark: Take foods fortified by Vitamin D including cereals, milk, some yogurts and juices. Few foods
naturally contain vitamin D. However, vitamin D is found in salmon, tuna and eggs. Many experts think people need to
take vitamin D supplements since the skin becomes less efficient in producing the vitamin from sunlight as we age.
For the best advice, talk to your healthcare provider.
Getting enough potassium in your diet may also help keep bones strong. This essential mineral is vital for cell function
and has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure and the risk of kidney stones.
How to hit the mark: Fruits and vegetables are by far the richest dietary source of potassium. Banana, prunes, plums
and potatoes with their skin are particularly rich in potassium.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a critical role in some 300 different physiological processes. Getting enough can help keep your immune system in top shape, your heart healthy and your bones strong. Absorption of magnesium decreases with age.
Some medications older people take, including diuretics, may also reduce magnesium absorption.
How to hit the mark: Fill your plate with as many unprocessed foods as possible, including fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts,
whole grains, beans and seeds, all of which are great sources of magnesium.
Water
Water may not seem like an essential vitamin or mineral but is crucial for good health. With age, sense of thirst may
decline. Certain medicines increase the risk of becoming dehydrated.
How to hit the mark: Drink 3 to 5 large glasses of water each day. One sign that you’re drinking enough is the color of
your urine. It should be pale yellow. If it is bright or dark yellow, you may need to drink more liquids.
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
March, 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
 Wednesday, March 11th—Tenant Meeting 3:00 pm

Monday March 16th, 12:00 Noon.....St. Patrick’s Day entertainment and traditional Irish lunch at
the Senior/Youth Center.
 Thursday, March 19th 12 noon—4:00 pm. Art Show.
 St. Patrick’s Day Party and “March is Women’s Month” TBA by Kettly & Jani
SPECIAL THANKS GO OUT TO
 Thank you to the staff of the Senior Center and the Sultan Wok Restaurant for a
wonderful Chinese New Years party.
 Thank you to Kettly &Jani for organizing a Valentine’s Day Party and also a cele-
bration of Black History.
RESIDENT NEWS
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of our resident
Debbie Kuperman of Apt.5-J on February 11th at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. Our
condolences go out to her family and many friends.
____________________________________________________________________
Here is some Help to Quite Smoking
Call New Jersey Quits
(800) 657-8677
Free two week supply of nicotine patches and gum
Free counseling on the phone
GOSSIP
Gossip achieves two things. It has the potential to do great harm to someone. It
keeps the person that is gossiping safe (an illusion) and protected from having to be
real with others and avoid being open and honest about the person they are.
I have two responses to a gossip. “I don’t need to know that” or “I don’t want to hear
that.:
It has always been my goal to treat others with kindness and respect
Submitted by: Marllene Perlmutter, apt. 2-E
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
SMILE AWHILE...
SENIOR JOKES
March, 2015
More Remember When …
1965 Music
Two old men were sitting on a bench
Back in My Arms Again– The Supremes
when one turns to the other and says: I’m
Downtown– Petula Clark
83 years old and I’m full of aches and
pains. You’re about my age; how do you
Eight Days a Week– The Beatles'
feel.” The other man says,” I feel like a
Get Off My Cloud– The Rolling Stones
new born baby! No teeth, no hair and I
think I just wet my pants!.
I Can’t Help Myself– The Four Tops
An old man was talking to his
neighbor. “ I just got a new hearing aid. It
cost $5,000 dollars, but it’s state of the art.
It’s perfect!” “ Really”’ answered his
neighbor.” What kind is it?”“ Twelve-thirty “
MARCH
I Got You Babe– Sonny & Cher
Satisfaction—The Rolling Stones
1965 Movies
The Sound of Music
( Academy Award Winner )
Birthstone: Aquamarine
Help!
Flower: Daffodil
Doctor Zhivago
March 3 ……..National Anthem Day
The Great Race
March 8 ………………Be Nasty Day
Thunderball
March 8 International Women’s Day
The Flight of the Phoenix
March 11…..Johnny Appleseed Day
March 17 ………..St. Patrick's Day
March 20 ………First Day of Spring
March 22 …National Goof Off Day
March 29 …………….Palm Sunday
March 30 ...Take a Walk in the Park
Day.
March is named for the Roman god of
war Mars.
SPRING AHEAD !
Remember to set your clocks
ahead, Sunday, March 8, 2:00 AM.
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
March, 2015
Meet the Residents
THIS MONTH WE FEATURE..........
LENA BENNETT
SAMUEL KRONMAN BUILDING, APT. 5-F
ROBERT BECHLER
SAMUEL KRONMAN BUILDING, APT. 3-K
Hi my name is Alean Bennett and everyone
calls me Lena. I was born in Memphis in 1935.
In 1958 I moved to Bronx, New York. I lived
there until 1993 when I moved to New Jersey.
I worked for Robert Wood Johnson Hospital
as a patient monitor and then as a patient information operator. After I moved to Highland
Park, I worked for the Highland Park Senior Center as a receptionist.
I have four living children, maybe 20 grandchildren and 7 great grand children.
I have lived here since 1997 and have enjoyed
living here. Although lately we have had many
problems in the building, it will be okay.
I am always busy in the Ministry. I teach the
Bible and tell people about the Kingdom of
God.
I enjoy good friends, good wine and good
company.
Hi, my name is Bob Bechler. I was
born in New Brunswick, NJ in 1949. I
grew up in Highland Park and graduated from Highland Park High School
and then Middlesex County College
with a Liberal Arts Degree. I worked
for a short time at Morrison Steel Company in new Brunswick. In 1973 I took
the Civil Service test and got employed
as a clerk at the NJ State Labor Department. I worked there for fourteen
years and did Disability Insurance and
the school lunch program as an accounts clerk.
I have one sister who lives in upstate
New York.
I like listening to music, watching
sports, especially the Yankees and
watching game shows on TV.
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
March, 2015
HARDSHIP EXEMPTION
All participants in the public housing program are given the option each year of selecting to pay
flat (market) rent, or income-based rent. Ninety-nine percent choose income-based rent, as flat rent
is a benefit to very few of our participants.
The formula for determining income-based rent, with the exception of the minimum rent option
that was added with the adoption of the Quality Work and Responsibility Act (QWARA) in 1999, has
remained the same for well over twenty (20) years. With the addition of minimum rent, which the
Highland Park Housing Authority (HPHA) has established as $50.00 per month, each participant’s
family rent is determined by comparing and taking the greater amount of 10% of the family’s total
gross annual income, 30% of the family’s adjusted annual income, or the minimum rent of $50.00.
(Adjusted income is the income remaining after all eligible allowances are deducted from the gross
annual income.) Almost all of our participants’ rent is based on 30% of adjusted income. However,
when a family’s income is so low, or non-existent, $50.00 may be the greatest of the three formula
options.
There are situations, which may require the HPHA to grant a family a hardship exemption and suspend the obligatory $50.00 minimum rent. The hardship exemption must be granted in the following
instances:
 When the family has lost eligibility for, or is awaiting an eligibility determination for a government
assistance program;
 When the family could be evicted because it is unable to pay the minimum rent;.
 When the income of the family has decreased, because of changed circumstances including loss
of employment;
 When a death has occurred in the family; and
 Other circumstances determined by the PHA or HUD.
If the family paying minimum rent requests a hardship exemption, the PHA must suspend the
minimum rent, effective the following month. The PHA may not evict the family for non-payment of
the minimum rent for 90 days following the request for the hardship exemption.
The suspension of minimum rent continues until the PHA determines whether or not the hardship
is temporary or long term.
If the hardship is verified to be temporary (less than 90 days), the PHA must reinstate the minimum rent and offer the family a reasonable repayment agreement of the minimum rent that was suspended.
If the hardship is verified to be long-term (lasting more than 90 days), the minimum rent must be
suspended until the hardship ceases. The family may not be evicted for failing to pay minimum rent
while the hardship is occurring.
If the PHA denies the minimum rent hardship exemption, the resident is entitled to file a grievance
and the PHA may not require the resident to make an escrow deposit to obtain the grievance hearing.
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
March, 2015
SAMUEL KRONMAN PHOTO GALLERY
VALENTINES PARTY
On Tuesday February
10th we spread the love with
a party. Jani made homemade cupcakes and Runi
gave each of us a rose and
told us what she loved about
each one of us!
CHINESE NEW YEAR
On Friday February
20th we celebrated the new
year with a wonderful meal
and entertainment at the
Senior Center. Happy year of
the Sheep!
HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
Page 9
March, 2015
CALLING ALL PUZZLE LOVERS!
Pictured here is Michelle Dewhirst, our resident puzzle captain! She is busy at work trying to solve a huge
puzzle! Michelle invites you to chip in anytime and
work on the puzzle. Feel free to work at it at your
convenience. Working on puzzles is a great exercise
for the mind and so relaxing!
FROM LORI OUR PARKER HOME PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Parker Home offers activities to all Highland Park Housing residents as well as AHEPA Highland Residents. We meet Monday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the community room at Samuel
Kronman building, 242 South 6th Avenue. The program cost is just $3.00 a day, averaging
$12.00 a month and includes approximately 3-4 varied programs along with a hot lunch.
The goal of the program is to help residents maintain an independent lifestyle by offering
cognitive, physical and social activities while having fun. During the month of March, we will
have a special promotion where you are welcome to drop in for free and see what we offer!
SAMUEL KRONMAN ART SHOW!
On Thursday, March 19th from 12 noon—4 pm arts and crafts created by the residents of Samuel Kronman building will be on display. Residents may submit pieces
to the office no later than Friday, March 13th. Submissions may include drawings,
paintings, wood carvings, needlepoint, sculpture and photos. We know there are
many talented artists at Samuel Kronman, let us showcase your talent!
- Party Committee
CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED !
Have something you want to share with the rest of us? How about writing about
it? Maybe you’re celebrating a special anniversary or birthday. Perhaps you have a
favorite recipe or a poem you’ve written. Use your imagination. If you’d like to have it
published in the “ HIGHLANDER” give your article to Runi or Ray Linares. Please
type or write neatly and keep your article to about a half or quarter of a typewritten
page so we can fit it in with the rest of our articles. Come on, give it a try!
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HPHA THE HIGHLANDER
March, 2015
Dear Residents:
An Old Irish Blessing
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart may desire.
May the “Luck of the Irish” be with all of you this March and
throughout the rest of the year.
Donna Brightman