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February 2023

Dickson Housing Authority: Resident Edition.

Dickson Housing Authority - Resident Edition - Vol. 2 | Edition 2
February 2023

A Word From Our Executive Director

Hello Residents,

I hope everyone's year is off to a great start.

As the weather continues to be cold, pay attention to your heating units. If it does not seem to be working right, please let us know. Make sure that your filters are changed regularly and that your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature. Also, take note of the new maintenance phone numbers. Keep these posted somewhere safe for your convenience.

Please read this newsletter thoroughly and highlight key dates and schedules as needed. There will be a Youth Paint Party on Feb 23rd for grades K-5. For this paint party, we are asking that the parents plan to leave the children with us and come back and get them at 7:30. A meal will be provided.

There will also be a Resident Association Meeting on the 28th. We will have Heather Monroe speak to us from the Dickson County Health Department. She will be explaining her new position and what programs she plans to do with our residents in the near future. As always...Let's Get Involved!!

Sincerely Sherry Lynch, Executive Director

Inside This Issue:

Letter from the Director
DHA News
Maintenance
Calendar
Resident Services
Employment Opportunity
Commodity Schedule

Maintenance Emergency

If you have an emergency and it's during office hours, please call the office before calling maintenance.

DHA News

Rent: We encourage all residents to use the online rent portal for rent payments. To access the portal, visit our website, www.dicksonhousing.org, and click on "Pay Online" You will have to create an account if you haven't already. Got questions or need help, please contact our office.
No Smoking!! There should be absolutely no smoking inside your unit.
Covid Rent Relief: The Covid Rent Relief payments are intended for rent payments only. All residents should continue paying utilities and any other fees due, as usual.
Roaches and Bed Bugs: If you suspect that you have roaches and/or bedbugs, it is extremely important that you let us know immediately. The longer this goes untreated, the harder it will be to get under control. Get in the habit of inspecting your beds, furniture, and curtains frequently. Do not bring used furniture, clothing, and other items into your unit.
Pets!! We are having a major issue with pet waste in the yards. If you have a pet, you signed a pet agreement that states that you are responsible for cleaning this up. If this continues to be a problem, pet fees will increase.
There is to be NO parking in the yard whatsoever.
Leashes!! When your pet is outside, they are to be on a leash at all times. They ARE NOT to be tethered and left outside. You must stay with them. When tethered, make sure that neither the leash nor your pet, will be able to cross over walkways, stairs, sidewalks, etc. When finished with the leash/chain, do not leave it on the ground. These can cause serious damage to mowers/weed eaters. If we pick it up, it will be discarded.

Maintenance

Trash!! If your trash does not fit in your trash can, Do Not set it on the ground. Cumberland Disposal will not pick it up. Do not store trash on your porches. If it doesn't fit, take it to one of the city trash receptacles.
Outside of Units!! There should be NOTHING stored outside of your unit other than lawn furniture and grills. Mattresses, old tires, bikes, toys, tarps, wagons, trash, etc., should not be stored on the porch or in the yard. Use your storage rooms or get rid of these items. Any trash on the ground around your unit is YOUR trash - Please pick it up.
Plants!! If you have planted any garden plants, shrubs, flowers, etc., that are annuals, remove them once they have died out. If you have perennials, keep them weeded and cleared up, or they will be removed. All trees, shrubs, and bushes must be planted more than 2 feet from any unit, or they will be removed due to potential damages done by root infiltration.
Yard Decorations!! Yard decorations-solar lights, statues, large stones, etc-are no longer allowed in the yard.
Colder Weather!! As colder temperatures approach, you should have all your water hoses disconnected, and the spigots turned completely off. Covers have been placed over the spigots. Do Not remove these. If you have failed to do this, and the pipes burst, you will be responsible for damages.
Grease and Scraps!! Do NOT throw food and/or grease outside, over a fence, or out the back door. For grease, use an extra grease bottle that the grease came in, an empty laundry detergent bottle, or something with a sealable top to put your old grease in. When it gets full, make sure the top is tight and put it in your trash. As for food scraps, small amounts of scraps or bones can be put in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator until the trash pick-up day. This will help prevent gnats, bugs, dogs, cats, and other pests around your unit.

February 2023 Calendar

February 12
Super Bowl

February 14
Happy Valentine's Day

February 20
Office Closed

February 23
Youth Paint Party - 6-7:30 PM

February 25
Soup for Souls

February 28
Resident Association Meeting - 1 PM

No Bingo this month.

Heather Monroe will be our speaker for the 28th. She will be introducing a class for diabetes education and enrolling residents who are interested.

Donations Needed: For some of our activities and events at the Community Center, we depend on donations. If you would like to donate, please contact Tracy or drop off items at the Community Center. Our current WISH LIST is:

Plastic Tablecloths for crafts and events (Cheap throw away ones from Dollar Tree)
Disposable Plates - any kind, paper of styrofoam
Colored Printing Paper

Resident Services

Store Days will continue to be every Thursday 8-11 AM. Rides must be requested no later than 24 hours in advance.
ALL riders MUST wear masks while inside the van. Please put the mask on BEFORE you enter the van AND wear them correctly. If you are sick., be honest and let me know.
Any doctor's appointments must be made before 11 am and must be in Dickson.
It is a new year, which means a new commodity schedule. In this newsletter, you will find a copy of the 2023 schedule and more information. Please keep this paper for your own records. I will be around in the next month or so to get those signed up who want to be. If I miss you, please reach out to me.
Please note that changes can be made pretty quickly. Stay connected to our Facebook page - DHA Resident Services - for any last-minute time changes, cancellations, or announcements.
As your Resident Services Coordinator, I am able to help with referrals and information for services such as community health programs, benefit programs, food distribution, educational opportunities, child care ....and much, much MORE! Feel free to contact me!!

Tracy Grigsby,
AmeriCorps Member & Resident Services Coordinator

Reminder Lease Violations

PET POLICY: Residents are reminded that there are pet policies and procedures that must be completed before you can have an animal at your apartment - whether they are a pet or you are requesting a support animal. ALL animals must be approved by the Housing Authority before they can be at your apartment. Visiting pets are NOT allowed on the property.
UNAUTHORIZED GUESTS: We continue to find some residents allowing unauthorized guests to live with them. Residents are allowed guests three nights per year, and upon approval, you may request up to a maximum of 14 days per year. If they are not on your lease, then they are unauthorized to live here. If you want someone to live with you, you must add them to your lease.
INCOME CHANGES: It is very important to report all changes in family composition and income, in writing, to the office within ten days of the change. For example, report a job as soon as you obtain it - do not wait until you receive your first check. Waiting will result in less than a 30-day notice of any increases and may result in owing back rent in addition to your regular rental payment.

We must have a current registration for each vehicle parked on the premises. If you get a new car or have not registered your vehicle, please file your registration with the office immediately. When you bring in your registration, you will get a parking permit.
All parking passes must be clearly visible in your vehicle while on the property or risk the possibility of your vehicle being towed at your expense.
Also, remember if you no longer have a vehicle that has been registered with us, let us know so that we can remove it from our records.

Employment Opportunities

Part-Time, Seasonal Groundskeeper

Dickson Housing Authority is accepting applications for a part-time, seasonal groundskeeper. The groundskeeper performs landscaping tasks using power equipment and hand tools to maintain the facility's grounds. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be able to pass a drug test and criminal history screening and post-offer employment physical if an offer of employment is made. The position is part-time, 24 to 28 hours per week, during the months of March through September 2023. Pays $16 an hour with a flexible work schedule.

Submit applications online @ dicksonhousing.org The position will remain open until filled.

Dickson Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Clerical/Accounts Payable Clerk - Dickson Housing Authority

Dickson Housing Authority (DHA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Clerical/Accounts Payable Clerk. The primary purpose of the position is to provide support in Public Housing daily operations, intake applications for housing assistance, and process accounts payable.

Experience/Education Requirements:
High school diploma or GED. Prefer an associate's degree with three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in bookkeeping, accounting, finance, low-income housing, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Compensation:
DHA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualification.
Apply for the position online at www.dicksonhousing.org. The position may remain open until filled.
Dickson Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

High School Seniors - Apply Now! Don't miss out!

The Brooks Jeffrey Beyond Scholarship is now open.

The application deadline is May 30.

Visit our Scholarships page for more information.

Did You Know...

February...

Is the shortest month of the year.
Is called "y mis bach", meaning "little month".
Is the 3rd month of winter.
Is a summer month equivalent to August in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Is from the Latin word "februum" which means "purification".

President Facts

Abraham Lincoln often stored things like letters and documents in his tall stove-piped hat.
George Washington was the only president unanimously elected. Meaning all of the state representatives voted for him.
James Madison & George Washington are the only presidents to sign the Constitution.
James Madison was the shortest president at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 100 pounds. Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president at 6 feet 4 inches tall (Lyndon B. Johnson was also 6' 4").
John Adams died on the same day as Thomas Jefferson, July 4th, 1826-the 50th anniversary of the approval of the Declaration of Independence!
James Monroe was the 5th president but the 3rd to die on the 4th of July.
Andrew Jackson was shot in the chest during a gun duel but managed to stay standing and shoot and kill his opponent. The bullet remained in his chest for the next 40 years.
On the day he was shot, Lincoln told his bodyguard that he had dreamt he would be assassinated.
At 42 years, 10 months, 18 days old, Teddy Roosevelt was the youngest man to hold the office of president. Ronald Reagan was the oldest at 69 years 11 months. John F. Kennedy was the youngest to be elected president.
The "S" in Harry S. Truman does not stand for anything.
John F. Kennedy was the first president who was a Boy Scout.
Woodrow Wilson is the only president buried in Washington, D.C.
George W. Bush & Donald Trump are the only presidents to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Barack Obama won a Grammy Award in 2006 for his voice on the audiobook Dreams From My Father.
After working at a Baskin-Robbins as a teen, President Obama no longer likes ice cream.
William Henry Harrison was the 9th president. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd president.
John Tyler had 15 children. The White House must have been hopping!
James K. Polk was the first president to have his photograph taken while in office.
William Henry Harrison died just 32 days after becoming president. He died from a cold he got while standing in the rain giving his inauguration speech.

Chinese New Year...

Is also known as the "Spring Festival because it signals the start of Spring and celebrates the start of new life.
Is celebrated for at least 15 days and ends when there is a full moon and a Lantern Festival.
Is celebrated with given children envelopes containing money that the children can spend how they like. However, the money cannot include the number 4, now can it be divided by four since "four" sounds like "death" in Chinese.
Is celebrated with fireworks being shot at midnight. This is done to "fight off evil monsters or a beast named "Nian" who doesn't like loud noises or fire. That same night, families burn fake money and printed gold bars in honor of their deceased loved ones. They also believe that it brings fortune and good luck to their ancestors in the afterlife.
Is celebrated with every family decorating in red. Red is an invaluable weapon that also scared away monsters. Red lanterns, strings of red pepper, pasted stripes of paper are added to doors and windows, and more.
In China, every year is linked to a different animal. The Chinese calendar goes in a 12-year cycle, and each year symbolizes an animal. The animal of 2023 is the Rabbit. The Rabbit symbolizes longevity, peace, and prosperity.

Valentine's Day...

One of the most traditional symbols of Valentine's Day is the red heart, pierced by Cupid's arrow. Symbolically, hearts represent love. So, when someone gifts a heart to their loved one on Valentine's Day, it represents handing over their love. Around the 12th Century, people were not aware that the function of the heart was to circulate blood throughout the body. However, they did acknowledge that when a person got upset or excited, their heartbeat would get faster. Therefore, they came to the conclusion that the heart was the center of all emotions and feelings. Poets, songwriters, and authors idolized the heart so much so over the years that there became a make-believe connection between the heart and love. Today, even though it has been scientifically proven that love and emotions come from the brain, the heart remains a powerful symbol of love and Valentine's Day.

USDA Commodities will be distributed on the following dates in 2023:

Wednesday, March 29th
Wednesday, June 28th
Wednesday, September 27th
Wednesday, December 13th

All distributions will be drive-thru events in the back of the Dickson County Fairgrounds. Food will be loaded into vehicles beginning at 9 am and will be available until noon, or while supplies last.

All participants must qualify with their income. Registration is available at each distribution event at the Dickson County Highland Rim office. *No advanced registration is needed*
Commodities are packaged the Tuesday before each distribution in the Greet Building beginning at 9 AM. We are always in need of volunteers to help with this effort! If you are interested in serving, please contact the office at 615.441.1153 for more information. 2023 packing dates will be:
- March 28th
- June 27th
- September 26th
- December 12th

DHA Community Center Gym

8-11 AM Walking
1-3 Adult Free Play
3-4 Youth Free Play

If school is on a scheduled break, the Free Playtime is reversed for Adults and Youth.

Masks ARE recommended!
(Be aware that changes may occur at any time)

Dickson Housing Authority
Sherry Lynch - Executive Director

Phone: 615.446.9371 & 615.446.4708
Fax: 615.441.1391
Email Dickson Housing

The Dickson Housing Authority's mission is to provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing conditions for low-income families and to manage resources efficiently. The Dickson Housing Authority is to promote personal, economic, and social upward mobility to provide families the opportunity to make the transition from subsidized to non-subsidized housing.

FYI... Some Things Never Change!

Maintenance:
Non-emergency maintenance issues should be reported to our office during business hours - 7:30 AM-4:30 PM.

Maintenance Emergencies before/after business hours should be directed to maintenance directly. (See phone numbers listed on the front of each newsletter.)

Emergencies Include:

Suspecting Gas leaks
Water leaks that may create a safety hazard or property damage
No heat/air conditioning in concerning weather conditions
Flooding
Any situation that may pose danger or property damage
You will be charged a minimum of $40 for NON-emergency, after-hour calls

Rent:

Rent is due on the 1st of each month.
A $25 late fee will be applied if rent is not paid by 4:30 pm on the 10th.
If rent is not paid by the 15th, an eviction is issued.
Residents are required to report all income changes within 10 days of the change.

Please discuss all income adjustments, changes in the household, employment changes, etc., with Tosha Curtis, Public Housing Manager.

Charges:

Trash Collection $10
Key Replacement $10
Locks Changed $25
Lock Out Charge (After Hours) $40
Disabling Smoke Detectors $50 each
Monthly Pet Fee $10
Pet Deposit $300
Maintenance Labor Rate (During Hours) $23.84 Hr
Maintenance Labor Rate (After Hours) $40 Hr