March - May 2025 Newsletter
"Connecting Residents, Building Community"
Announcements
- Daylight Savings Time:
Begins March 09, 2025 - Spring Break:
March 17 - March 21
School resumes: March 24, 2025 - Dickson Police Department
Non-Emergency Dispatch:
615.446.8041
Emergencies:
Dial: 911
Launching New Payment Options, Streamlining Rent Processing, and Offering Greater Convenience.
Transition to Cashless Payments
Effective August 1, 2025
Starting August 1, 2025, the DHA office will move to a fully cashless payment system. All payments must be made via digital methods such as online payment, check, money order, or direct debit.
- Why the change?
- Security: Less handling of cash reduces theft and fraud risks.
- Efficiency: Digital payments are faster and easier to track.
Environmentally friendly: Less reliance on paper and coins.
- How to Prepare:
- Set up digital payment
- Contact the office for assistance in setting up payments.
Get Moving at the Community Center Gym!
We're excited to announce that the gym at the "Reed" Community Center will now be open exclusively for walking from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Monday to Friday. This is a great opportunity for residents to stay active, improve their fitness, and enjoy a safe, indoor walking space.
Why Walk at the Community Center Gym?
- Safe, climate-controlled environment
- Convenient morning hours for busy schedules
Whether you're looking for a quick daily walk or a consistent routine, the gym is the ideal place to get your steps in.
Open to residents only.
We look forward to seeing you there!
How to Fill Out a Money Order or Check:
Money Order:
- Recipient's Name: Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
- Amount: Write the amount in numbers and words.
- Purchaser's Address: Fill in your address on the "From" line.
- Memo Section: Optional (e.g., "Rent for January").
- Signature: Print your name in the "Purchaser's Signature" line.
- Keep the Receipt for reference.
Check:
- Date: Write the current date in the top-right corner.
- Payee's Name: Write the name of the person or business you're paying.
- Amount: Write the amount in both numbers and words.
- Memo Line: Optional (e.g., "Rent for January").
- Signature: Print your name in the bottom-right corner of the check.
Payment Drop-Off Instructions:
- No Cash in the Dropbox: Cash will not be processed if placed in the Dropbox. Only checks or money orders are accepted.
- The Dropbox is for afterhours use only. Payments made during business hours must be brought inside for processing.
Community Rules & Guidelines:
- Animal Care & Control: All animals must be kept inside or on a leash. Residents are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Playground: Children under 10 must be supervised. Residents are responsible for their children's actions.
- Property Maintenance: Residents must maintain cleanliness around their units.
- Smoking Policy: No smoking inside units or within 25 feet of any unit.
Lease Reminders
Tenant Obligations:
- Report pests in the dwelling unit immediately.
- Reasonable accommodations for disabled household members are available upon request.
Guest Policy:
- Guests may stay for a maximum of 14 days in 12-month period.
- Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests.
Maintenance Emergency
If you have an emergency during office hours please call the office before calling maintenance.
Dutch - 615.417.0813
Todd - 615.607.8639
James - 615.607.8640
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. You are responsible for your trash. If we have to dispose of it for you, a fee will be charged.
Outside of Units Nothing should be 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 to store these items.
Trash Cans There is a Cumberland Disposal trash can issued to every unit. Look on the inside lid to find your unit number. After trash has been picked up, please return YOUR can to your unit.
Plants Any plants potted/planted in the yard must be weeded and kept up by the resident. Before planting, check with management first.
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. Our staff does not want to step in waste and then track it into your apartment, our office, etc. If this continues to be a problem, pet fees will increase.
Leashes When your pet is outside, they are to be on a leash at all times. They ARE NOT to be leashed and then left outside. You must stay with them. When restrained, the leash must be tied up so that neither the leash, nor the pet, will 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.
Reminder... Please report any issues immediately, especially water leaks, to ensure prompt resolution.
Simple Winter Tips: Let Faucets Drip. Open Cabinet Doors. Set Heat to 68 Degrees F or Higher.
DHA Mission
The Dickson Housing Authority is committed to building strong communities by providing quality housing and empowering families in partnership with community resource providers.
Staff
Administration:
- Executive Director: Bernadette Mekalska
- Financial Officer: Dan Henderson
- Accounts Payable: Averey Reneau
- Program Specialist: Sarah Leegan
- Receptionist: Estrella Rodriguez
Public Housing Property Management:
- Property Manager: Tosha Curtis
Maintenance:
- Maintenance Supervisor: Dutch Denker
- Technicians: Todd Stokes, James Coke
Section 8:
- Coordinator: Christine Clark
- Inspector: Wayne Sensing
Contact Us
Dickson Housing Authority
333 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd.
Dickson, TN 37055
Phone: 615.446.9371
Website: www.dicksonhousing.org
Stay in the loop - Sign up to receive alerts from Dickson Housing Authority. You will be among the first to learn about new posts published on our site.
How to Sign Up for Alerts & Updates
- Visit the Website: Go to www.dicksonhousing.org
- Locate the Signup Section: Find the "Sign Up: News" sign-up area on the top right hand of the homepage.
- Select Preferences: Choose the types of alerts you want to receive, SMS Text Messages or Email.
- Enter Your Information: Provide your email address, or Phone number.
- Confirm Your Signup: Check your email or phone for a confirmation message and click the link to verify your subscription.
Feedback & suggestions
Thank you for reading the DHA newsletter! Your Voice Matters! Share your thoughts, ideas, or feedback with us - together, we can make our community even better. We hope you find this information helpful. Contact us today! Stay safe and have a great spring!
Entertainment Jokes:
- What does a storm cloud wear under his raincoat? - Thunderwear.
- What is fast, loud, and crunchy? - A rocket chip.
- What's the smartest insect? - A spelling bee!
- What do you call an ant who fights crime? - A vigilANTe!
- Why are snails slow? - Because they're carrying a house on their back
- What do kids play when their mom is using the phone? - Bored games
Recipe of the Month.....
Ingredients:
- 2 Bone-In Pork Chops
(preferably rib chops, 1 1/2
inches thick, 8 to 10
ounces each) - 3 cups Room-Temperature
Water - 1/2 cup Kosher Salt
- 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar (or packed light)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 2 cloves Garlic (peeled and smashed)
Instructions:
- Brine the Pork Chops
In a large bowl, mix the room-temperature water, kosher salt, and dark brown sugar until dissolved. Add the pork chops to the brine and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps ensure they stay juicy and flavorful. - Prepare the Pan
Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. - Sear the Pork Chops
Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them sear nicely. Place the chops into the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Add Flavor
After searing, add the garlic cloves and fresh thyme to the pan. These will infuse the chops with a delicious aroma and extra flavor. - Finish Cooking
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the pork chops, turning them occasionally, for another 4-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. - Serve & Enjoy
Once rested, serve the pork chops with your favorite sides (mashed potatoes, vegetables, etc.) and enjoy the juicy, flavorful result!
Tips:
If you want extra crispiness, you can add a bit of flour to the pork chops before searing them.
Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding black pepper, paprika, or any other spices you like!
Spring Clean Up
As the season changes, it's the perfect time to refresh your space. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Tidy Up: Start by organizing clutter in common areas like living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Deep Clean: Wipe down surfaces, dust furniture, and give your windows a shine.
- Check for Repairs: Spring cleaning is a great time to report any maintenance issues, like leaks, for immediate attention.
Dump Trailer Locations & Dates
The dump trailer will be available in the following locations on these dates for spring cleaning:
- Evans Heights Location:
- Units 1-8 - March 3-9
- Units 9-12 - March 10-15
- Units 13-16 - March 16-22
- Units 17-24 - March 23-29
- Units 25-28 - March 30-April 5
- Units 29-30 - April 6-12
- North Main Location:
- April 13-19
- Crossby Terrace Location:
- April 20-26
Please Note: Do not place tires or appliances in the trailer. You can leave them beside the trailer for proper disposal.