HIGHLANDER - 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
February, 2015
THE
Fax: (732) 985-6485
HIGHLANDER
January was a month for our HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
history books! We had a
As we celebrate one of our favorite
sudden and major flood and
events, Valentine’s day, let’s take a moment to read about some
then two snowstorms back to unique and old Valentine’s day traditions from around the world!
back! It sure tested our
Scotland—Valentine’s Day is celebrated by having a festival.
nerves, our patience and cer- There are an equal amount of young unmarried men and young
unmarried ladies who get together. Each of them writes their name
tainly our tolerance! But as
on a piece of paper which is rolled up. The names are placed in 2
we all know, life is full of ups hats one for the men and one for the ladies. They draw names to
pick their Valentine!
and downs, chutes and ladSpain—It is customary for courting couples to exchange gifts and
ders. We never know what
for husbands to send their wives a bunch of roses.
is lurking around the corner.
France—A custom of “drawing for” would occur where unmarried
We had enormous support
people would go into houses facing each other and start calling out
across from one window to another, pairing off with the one they
and expert help from all the
emergency services in High- have chosen. If the young man didn’t fancy his valentine he would
desert her and as a result afterwards a bonfire would be lit where
land Park during our flood.
the young ladies would burn images of the young man and would
Their dedication, expertise
yell out abuse as she burnt the image of the young man! This cusand cooperation made things tom eventually fell into dishonor because it left too much room for
ridicule and even malice. As a result, the French govso much smoother. Yes, we nastiness,
ernment was forced to hand down a decree that there would be no
are still not out of the woods, more pairing or calling of Valentines!
with more repair and restora- Italy– Valentine’s day is celebrated as a Spring festival and is held
in the open air. The young would gather in leafy glades or ornation and certainly inconvenmental gardens where they would listen to music and hear poetry
ience to many but we are
read and then they would stroll off with their valentine together into
working to resolve, repair
the garden. In the Italian city of Turin it was customary for an enand restore and we hope that gaged couple to announce their engagement on this day. Shops
life will come back to normal were decorated and filled with all sorts of bon-bons.
Australia—During the gold rush, miners who were flushed with
soon. Thank you once again new found wealth were willing to pay a pricey sum for elaborate valfor your understanding, paentines like satin cushions perfumed and ornately designed with
flowers, colored shells & even taxidermy humming birds adorning it.
tience and cooperation.
RUNI SRIWARDENA
SO WHICH CUSTOMS DO YOU LIKE? LET’S JUST KEEP OUR
GOOD ’OLE AMERICAN CUSTOMS!!
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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 February 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
February, 2015
COMMISSIONER’S CORNER
I Just heard that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and is predicting another six weeks of winter. We can only hope his prediction is not accurate!
As the newly appointed Chair of the Highland Park Housing Authority, I want to take a moment to thank the commissioners for
electing me to this office. You will recall many challenges we
faced during the past few years. There were significant changes
in levels of staffing, many of our professionals changed and there
were changes on the board as well. Fortunately there was some
stability and we counted on those staff members, professionals,
commissioners and residents to guide the way. After all the upheaval we found ourselves in a very new place. We are so fortunate to have the benefit of our experienced colleagues from
Woodbridge, Donna Brightman, Executive Director; Kathy Blaha,
Director of Housing; Runi Sriwardena, Director of Housing; Kathi
DiTomasso, Director of Finance; Mike Yanuzzi, Maintenance Manager; Larry Stecker, Director of Maintenance & Modernization as
well as our own Highland Park staff Lauren Adams, Administrative
Assistant; Gus Patino, Maintenance Manager; Jeff Marder, Custodian; Bill Snyder, Section 8 Coordinator; Kettly Gilles, Tenant Services and Jani Masur, Nurse and our professionals Terrence Corriston, Esq. Authority General Counsel and Bill Katchan, Accountant, Josh Fine our borough council liaison. We have a terrific
board of dedicated volunteers, Evelyn Sedehi, Morgan Chen,
Charlotte Quaintance, Amanda Thomas, Burt Weltman and Steve
Chudnick. And of course most important of all, all of you the residents! I think being Chair will be a breeze with this esteemed
group and I will not be shy about asking for help from all of you.
I have to thank EvelynSedehi for her leadership and professional style throughout the past two years. I can’t imagine anyone
else more capable and I will continue to rely on her experience
and friendship for the next two years. Evelyn has set an atmosphere and tone to board meetings where everyone’s ideas and
comments are seen as valuable and I will do my best to follow her
model.
I am sure the next two years will bring changes and challenges
as well. Very soon you will begin to hear more about the RAD
program “Rental Demonstration Program”, an initiative that is just
beginning and that will lead to better service and upgrades to the
buildings. As we start this new phase for the HPHA I look forward
to working with you.
Please try to attend our public meetings. Our next meeting is
February 11, 2015 at 6;30 pm in the community room at the Samuel Kronman Building at 242 South Sixth Ave., Highland Park, NJ.
So whether Punxsutawney Phil is correct or not our next
public meeting on February 11th is only 36 days till the first
day of Spring!
Diane Reh, Chairperson
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February, 2015
A NOTE FROM OUR TENANT SERVICES COORDINATOR
KETTLY AND NURSE JANI
Each year beginning on February 1st, an entire month of events are planned nationwide honoring the history and contributions of African Americans. The theme for 2015 is “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.”
Black History Month began in 1926 as part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson who
launched Negro History Week in 1926. Woodson proclaimed that Negro History Week should always occur in the second week of February-between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln . Since 1976, every American
president has proclaimed February as Black history Month. Today, other countries such as Canada and the United
Kingdom also devote an entire month to celebrating black history.
We will be celebrating black history month on Wednesday, February 18th at 3 pm. Come down to talk about our
important people in history. If you have something or an experience to share, please come and participate.
VALENTINE’S DAY: A DAY OF ROMANCE
Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed-as it was deemed “un-Christian” at the end of the
5th century when Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that
the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and
England that February 14th was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear
until after 1400. The oldest known Valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of
Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.
(The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England). Several years later, it is
believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a Valentine note to Catherine of Valois.
Come down Tuesday, February 10th at 3 pm to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Make a Valentine’s Day card, share love
stories and cupcakes!
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February, 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 10th—Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Kettly and Jani
Feb. 18th –Celebrate Black History Month with Kettly and Jani
Feb. 20th, 12:00 PM …. Celebrate Chinese New Year ( Year of the Sheep) at the
Senior/Youth Center. Dine on Chinese food from Sultan Wok.
SPECIAL THANKS GO OUT TO
 Regis Methven for jumping right in, rolling up his sleeves and helping us when the
flood happened. Your help was greatly appreciated.
 Pastor Seth for reaching out that night of the flood and for many ways in which he
helped us through the crisis.
 The HP EMT, Fire Department, Police Department, OEM, Commissioners, WHA
staff, who came out and helped us in so many, many ways.
RESIDENT NEWS
• It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Doris Nadella on Saturday,
January 17,2015. Doris participated in most activities in the building and had many
friends. She will be missed. Our condolences to the Nadella family.
 Florence Peters enjoyed her niece’s visit!
 We wish Nili Miot and Bobby Gates a speedy recovery. Come back home soon!
 Our condolences to Terry Barnes (Park Terrace) on the death of her father.
ARTHIRITIS SUFFERERS………
THINGS I FIND COMFORTING BY DONNA L. HARING, APT. 6-H
1. Positive Distraction by reading, watching TV, getting absorbed in a craft.
2. Relax by listening to music, meditation, guided imagery, affirmations.
3. Spill the beans, reduce coffee consumption and share with others your struggles
and strengths.
4. Smell the roses and make sure to take your allergy pill first.
5. Go for a slow leisurely walk, engage in photo journalism, create a scrapbook.
6. Soak in a tub with bath salts and aromatherapy beads.
7. Laugh more than ever, beat arthritis to the punch line.
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SMILE AWHILE...
SENIOR JOKES
Q: Why should seniors use valet parking?
A: Because the valet won’t forget where
the car is parked.
Q: What is the most common remark
made by seniors while browsing an Antique Shop?
A: I remember that !
Q: Where should seniors look for their
glasses?
A: On their foreheads !
February, 2015
Chinese New Year 2015
This year is the year of the sheep
according to the Chinese calendar.
Those people born in the year of the
sheep are highly creative and focus their
energy on creative pursuits.
Some famous people born in the
year of the sheep are : Michelangelo,
Mark Twain, Mel Gibson, Barbra Walters,
Jamie Fox and Rudolph Valentino.
Other years of the sheep were ;
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991,
and 2003.
Chinese New Year or “ Spring Festival”, will fall on Thursday, February 19th
this year.
CHEF’S CORNER
VALENTINE’S DAY SALAD
1 6oz pkg. strawberry jello
2 cups boiling water.
16 oz. pkg strawberries partially frozen
2 bananas peeled and diced
20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed
In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring water to
a boil and add gelatin. After gelatin has dissolved,
add strawberries, bananas and pineapple. Mix well,
remove from heat.
Spoon mixture into individual heart shaped molds or
a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Chill until firm.
Top each serving with whipped topping if desired.
Makes 12-14 servings.
ATTENTION SENIORS
Highland Park Senior/ Youth Center is
in the process of collecting the yearly
membership fee for 2015. Membership
fees are $10.00 a year payable by
check, cash or money order made out to
the Borough of Highland Park. Payment is due before Friday, February
27,2015.
We hope and encourage you to pay this
fee so you can continue to participate in
and benefit from all our activities, programs, trips and transportation services
we afford you. Please see the office if
you have any questions. Thank you for
your anticipated cooperation.
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February, 2015
By Bonnie Bonanno
In September of this year my
Meet the Residents
THIS MONTH WE FEATURE..........
KARIN JACKSON
SAMUEL KRONMAN, APT. 3-P
Hi my name is Karin. I was born in 1939 in Cologne, Germany. I had just one brother who is
sadly deceased now. My father is still missing in
action in Russia after World War II. My mother
looked after my brother and me well. I graduated from school in Cologne and then went to a
special school for further learning. I also did a 3
year course in Book Binding.
I have one daughter, Sylvia who is married
and lives in Yardsville, NJ. Sylvia and I moved
to the United States in 1968 and lived in many
places including Ohio, California and New Jersey.
My very first job in the US was actually in Highland Park in a book printing company. I fell in
love with Highland Park and wished I could one
day retire in this town. I am glad my wish came
true!
I worked for a Book Binding Company in
New Brunswick until I retired. I moved here in
2001.
I love to crochet, knit, cook, take care of my
flowers and plants in my balcony. I enjoy nature
and bird watching. I recently started painting in
the Senior Center.. I absolutely love it.
WARREN THOMPSON
SAMUEL KRONMAN, APT. 3-G
I was born in Queens, NY in 1930. I graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in
Queens and worked in an Insurance Company for 10 years. I met my wife Anne there.
We were married in 1954 and have been together 60 years now! We moved to Jersey
City and eventually to Edison and then to
Highland Park.
We have 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. One
son lives in Texas and one in California. Fortunately the rest of them live in NJ! We are
also blessed with 10 grandchildren of whom
4 are quadruplets!
I worked for a religious publishing company
for 15 years and when they went out of business I worked for Tops Appliance store and
then for Nobody Beats the Wiz. My last job
was at Home Depot in Edison.
I was involved in basketball most of my life.
I was a coach and also served as Recreational
Director and Human Rights Commissioner in
Highland Park when Mayor Bermen was in
office. I watched the Samuel Kronman building go up and was so happy to move in here
18 years ago. We love living here and have
many friends.
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Remember When …
1965
Cost of Living
New House……………….. $ 13,000
New Car…………………….. $ 2,469
Average Rent ……………... $ 118.00
Gasoline …………………….. 31¢ gal
Milk …………………………… $ 1.00
Bread ……………………………. 21¢
Coffee ……………………….. 87¢ lb.
Ground Beef ………………… 42¢ lb.
Eggs ………………………….. 35¢ dz.
Postage Stamp …………………... 5¢
-------------------------------------
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Black History Month
Feb. 1……………. Super bowl Sunday
February, 2015
2015 Pest Inspection Schedule
Notices will be sent to individual dwelling units to
advise the resident of the week that the annual
UPCS along with a pest control inspection will
be conducted. In addition to that particular inspection, the following is the tentative schedule of the
days that the Pest Control Manager will be conducting additional pest control inspections. Next
year’s annual inspections will begin in October
2015, which will provide more time for completion
and hopefully allow for pest control inspections to
be conducted more regularly in 2016. Please keep
in mind that a number of variable issues can occur
throughout the year causing this schedule to be
interrupted and/or require adjusting. We will do our
best to keep residents informed of changes to this
schedule, but sometimes things happen at the last
minute that prevent us from informing you.
Please remember that should you experience
any type of pest problem at any time, please
call in a work order and it will be addressed as
quickly as possible. We thank you for your cooperation.
April 13, 2015 through April 24, 2015
July 27, 2015 through July 31, 2015
Sept. 1, 2015 through Sept. 8, 2015
Oct. 6, 2015 through Oct. 14, 2015
(All HP dwelling units except the 6th floor units at
Samuel Kronman Apts)
Feb. 2……………….. Groundhog Day
Feb. 4 …………… World Cancer Day
Feb. 8………………..Grammy Awards
Feb. 12……………...Lincoln’s Birthday
Feb. 14………………..Valentines Day
Feb. 16 ……………….President’s Day
Feb. 19 …………...Chinese New Year
Feb.22 …………Washington's Birthday
Feb.28 ………...National Pancake Day
The annual UPCS along with the pest inspection will
begin again in October 2015. The 6th floor residents
will receive a separate notice advising them of the
dates. As stated above, this will allow us to spread out
the required annual UPCS inspections, allowing more
time for more frequent pest control inspections.
Please remember that we utilize an “integrated Pest
Control System”. Continuously spraying chemicals has
been found to be dangerous to humans and virtually
useless in the control of pests. A thorough inspection
of the premises to determine if there is any sign of infestation and then arranging an effective treatment
plan is much more conducive to safe, productive pest
control.
HPHA MANAGEMENT
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February, 2015
SAMUEL KRONMAN PHOTO GALLERY………….
THE AWFUL FLOOD ON JANUARY 11, 2015
EMILY HARRIS
AND HULDAH
(HOPE) ROHAN
WRAPPING
GIFTS FOR OUR
PARK TERRACE
KIDS.
THANK YOU,
LADIES!!
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February, 2015
SNOW, SNOW GO AWAAAAY!!!
THE HAPPY
PARKER HOUSE
PROGRAM BUNCH
PLAYING BINGO!
DOLORES, LORI
THE INSTRUCTOR, PATTY, INABELLE, EMILY &
GEORGENE.
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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February, 2015
VALENTINE QUOTES TO PONDER
“I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.”Unknown
“Love– a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens
the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise, and the lips to pucker.”Unknown
“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is
compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”
-Unknown
“If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?”-Unknown
“Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.”-Robert Browning
“Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket, or a
holding pattern over Philadelphia.”-Judith Viorst
“True love stories never have endings.”- Richard Bach
“Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold.”-Zelda Fitzgerald
“Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart.”-Unknown
“Come live in my heart and pay no rent.”-Samuel Lover
“Better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all.”-Saint
Augustine
Sincerely, Donna Brightman