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Seniors’ New Year’s Eve Ball

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Kingston, December 31, 2011:

Thanks to the generosity of community supporters, Kingston NY area seniors danced the night away waiting for the 2012 ball to drop. The annual New Year’s Eve event was held at The Hillside Manor, a leading fine dining and events facility. Host Denni Demosthenes managed to get all guests to the table despite the many attendees who arrived up to an hour early! Over 350 seniors attended and enjoyed a full dinner and dessert, dancing to both live and DJ’d music, a champagne toast and, of course, New Year’s hats and noisemakers. The music makers mixed it up with the predictable old favorites and many contemporary hits that got everyone on the floor rocking.

For the third year, the main sponsors were Birchez Associates, the Bruderhof, and the Demonthenes family which owns The Hillside Manor. Other local purveyors also helped out. For example, Adams Fair Acres Farms donated beautifully prepared (and delicious) cookie platters for each table, Deisings Bakery provided the dinner rolls.

The smiles of the seniors were evident at the festively set tables in both the full rear ballroom and the restaurants front function room. Not to be outdone by the decor, many of the ladies were “dressed to the nines.” As one quipped, “Where else am I going to get the opportunity to get so dressed up. I love it!” Join the festivities via video (only a minute and a half in length) in which Birchez principals Steve and Judy Aaron welcome one and all.

Several political leaders stopped by to lend their support, most notably Congressman Maurice Hinchey who greeted many by name. Outgoing legislator Walter Frey and encumbent councilman Jimmy Bruno traveled from Saugerties. Majority Leader for the Kingston Common Council Tom Hoffay was in early attendance. Newly elected Alderperson Deb Brown, 9th ward Kingston, shared her thoughts on the video.

Seniors who attended and who would like to comment on the evening can contact us at birchezassociates@gmail.com. We’d love to share your thoughts as we enter 2012!

The Birches gets ‘green’ recognition

Friday, July 15th, 2011

KINGSTON — As Ulster County’s population ages and energy resources grow scarcer and more expensive, there will be a need for more affordable housing, especially for those on a fixed income and the working public.

The Birches at Chambers in the town of Ulster is a 62-unit senior affordable housing complex and is the first multi-unit facility in the Hudson Valley to be given a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award for its green building technology.

Willie Janeway, regional director for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said that as housing remains in demand for baby boomers and the workforce, The Birches at Chambers fits the bill.

“The state is encouraging and doing all it can to support housing such as the housing we are celebrating today that is affordable for seniors and is also built ‘green,’” he said.

Steve Aaron, founder and managing partner of Birchez Associates, which operated The Birches at Chambers, thanked U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, and Ulster County Executive Michael Hein for helping to create a climate that’s conducive to going green on a mass scale.

Hein, in turn, praised Aaron’s efforts to combine pressing needs to build more affordable housing that have minimal impact on the environment.

“It’s an enormous undertaking that you’re meeting the highest standards of building (technology),” Hein said.

Birches At Chambers Affordable Housing Development Awarded LEED Platinum Certificate

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

BYVICKI DISTEFANO

KINGSTON – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY 22nd district), Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, and others gathered on Monday, July 11 to celebrate the LEED Platinum certification of The Birches at Chambers affordable housing development here and to discuss the findings of a report on Green Housing & The Baby Boomers.

Discussion points included economics, health, affordability, population projections, and the local green connection. Others who spoke about the importance of green building, sustainability, and affordable living were Steven L. Aaron, founder and managing member of Birchez Associates LLC, Greg Watson, assistant commissioner for regional affairs for NYS Homes and Community Renewal, William C. Janeway Region III director, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Joseph Malcarne LEED AP and president of Malcarne Contracting.

Following the formal remarks outside The Birches at Chambers, the multi-apartment, affordable senior housing received its LEED Platinum certificate, the highest attainable green building label by the U.S. Green Building Council. Tours of the facilities, conducted by LEED knowledgeable guides, followed.

The Birches at Chambers is the only Hudson Valley multi-family to attain LEED Platinum certification. With 66 one- and two-bedroom apartments, it is the third largest low-rise multifamily affordable project in the US or Canada, and one of only two on the East Coast (the other being a 32-unit project). The building is also a NYSERDA Energy $mart Building. In addition, the cottages and caretaker’s unit that are part of this senior community achieved LEED Gold certification.

The Birches at Chambers is the fifth affordable community developed and managed by Birchez Associates LLC of Kingston. Completed in spring of 2010, the 66 apartments are for seniors age 62 and over, at up to 60 percent of area median income. The units are powered by solar thermal and photo voltaic (PV). All units are handicapped ready and many are handicapped accessible.

The Birches at the Chambers is one of five of Birchez developments. For more information about Birches at the Chambers or any other Birchez development visit Birchez.com

Maurice Hinchey salutes Hudson Valley LEED Platinum award winner

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Kingston, NY, 7-11-2011 At a panel on “Green Housing & The Baby Boomers,” U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY 22nd District) spoke of the significance of healthy green buildings, especially so when it is provided at the affordable senior housing level. At the presentation held at The Birches at Chambers, Hinchey spoke with pride that his district now has a LEED Platinum award winner in the multifamily category, the only one in the Hudson Valley.

Hinchey is shown here with Steven L. Aaron, the Founder and Managing Member of Birchez Associates LLC, the developer and management company for The Birches at Chambers. Hinchey addressed an audience of elected officials, business and civic leaders during the presentation at Birchez’ latest senior community in the town of Ulster.

The event, “Green Housing & The Baby Boomers” covered issues of health and dignity for seniors, especially with the start of the impact of the burgeoning Baby Boomer wave upon the country and the county. Hinchey honed in on how important LEED Platinum is to The Birches at Chambers, a 66-unit community adjacent to Chambers Court, the 72-unit original Birchez’ senior housing community completed just seven years ago.

The Birches at Chambers is now in an elite international group that has achieved LEED Platinum, developed by the US Green Building Council. The largest East Coast affordable low-rise multi-family housing project, this is the third largest in the US or Canada to earn this certification. Additionally, The Birches at Chambers is:

One of only five multi-family Platinum projects in the state of NY.
Third largest affordable project in the state of NY.
Ninth largest low or mid rise multi-family (including custom and market rate) in the US and Canada.
Only multifamily project in the Hudson Valley to achieve LEED Platinum.

In addition to using local workers on the construction, Aaron pointed out the local sourcing of the solar panels which both helps the local economy and decreases the use of fossil fuels in transporting materials.

Other panelists were Greg Watson, Assistant Commissioner for Regional Affairs, NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR), William C. ”Willie” Janeway, Region III Director, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Michael Hein, Ulster County Executive Officer, LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH, Director of Public and Mental Health for Ulster County, Joseph Malcarne, LEED AP, member of the US Green Building Council and President of Malcarne Contracting, and the host of the event, Steven L. Aaron, Founder and Managing Member of Birchez Associates.

Following the panelists remarks and the presentation of the LEED Platinum award to Steve Aaron and his wife Judy who contributed to design work (both interior and exterior), attendees were treated to tours of the building including mechanical rooms to see how the solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, high efficiency condensing boilers and state of the art circulating pumps all came together to help towards the LEED Platinum designation.

The tours of the building included the fitness studio with a specially trained senior fitness instructor, crafts room, library/game room, computer lab, and much appreciated on a hot day, the state of the art theater which cooled visitors after spending time in the warmth of the mechanical room. To the left is a partial view of the array of solar thermal and photovoltaic panels on the roof of the main 62-unit building which received the award. (LEED Gold was attained for the cottage units and caretaker’s home.)

‘Green’ senior housing receives praise

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

KINGSTON, 7/12/2011 – As Ulster County’s population ages and energy resources grow scarcer and more expensive, there will also be a need for more affordable housing, especially for those on a fixed income, and the working public.

The Birches at Chambers, in the Town of Ulster, is a 62-unit senior affordable housing complex, and it’s the first multi-unit facility in the Hudson Valley to be given a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award for its green building technology.

Willie Janeway, regional DEC director, said as housing remains in demand for baby boomers and the workforce, this housing fits the bill.

“The state is encouraging and doing all it can to support housing such as the housing we are celebrating today that is affordable for seniors and is also built ;green’, Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED), which is the gold standard for environmental green building,” he said. “It makes it more sustainable and in the long term it will save money.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) said the project could serve as a model around the nation.

Steve Aaron, founder and managing partner of Birchez Associates, thanked Hinchey and other local officials like Ulster County Executive Michael Hein for helping to create a climate that’s conducive to go green on a mass scale.

Hein praised Aaron’s efforts to combine some future pressing needs to build more affordable housing that will have less impact the environment.

“It’s an enormous undertaking that you’re meeting the highest standards of building (technology),” said Hein. “We have to make sure places like this exist, so people can live with dignity regardless of their financial means.”

Hinchey Hosts Medicare Educational Forum

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Kingston, October 18, 2010: Congressman Maurice Hinchey (NY 22nd) lead a panel of experts to discuss Social Security, Medicare, the new Health Care Plan and proposed legislation before an audience of seniors at The Birches at Chambers. The site, an affordable senior housing community completed this year by Birchez Associates, drew readily from its residents and those of the adjoining Chambers Court and Seven Greens complexes. Some residents from other Birchez communities also came for the forum.

The Congressman addressed concerns over seniors affected by the donut – having to pay full price for medications before supplemental coverage kicked in. He said close to 8,000 of his constituents fell into this category. Hinchey continues to work on legislations that he has proposed which he hopes to see passed after election to further help seniors both those trapped in the donut and on issues related to COLA (cost of living adjustment) — or lack thereof — as seniors see a second year without any increase. For a summary of Hinchey’s support in standing up for Seniors, click here.

Hinchey, who has served in the Congress since 1993, brings a historical perspective to many of the issues discussed. He spoke of proposals in the past to privatize Social Security. “Had we done that, can you imagine what would have happened to Social Security during the stock market of recent years?”

Speakers brought the message home to seniors. Kathy Dunphy, director from National Government Services (the contractor that handles all Medicare issues) spoke about the new benefits that Medicare enrollees would gain from the new health care bill

Dunphy also warned that healthy, working seniors often wait too long to enroll in Medicare. Then when they need it they may have to wait months without coverage. Ways of simplifying enrollment through internet signup were stressed, although with the local Social Security office nearby (809 Grant Avenue, Lake Katrine, NY 12449), visiting the office is also an option. Especially after hearing from Ed Sarkies, a Field Representative from SSA in Lake Katrine. Sarkies has been with SSA since 1966 when Medicare started.

Sarkies provided practical information for the assembled seniors: when to sign up for Medicare, the Medicare Prescription Drug plan and the Extra Help feature for lower income people.

Ronnie Hauser from National Government Services and MaryJo DeForest of the Ulster County Office for the Aging were also on hand to help seniors with specific questions after the forum. Several attendees kept the forum participants “after school” for one-on-one sessions to answer individual questions.

For video coverage of the forum from YNN.com, click here

In the picture to the left, Congressman Hinchey listens to concerns over Veteran Benefits and how senior Vets are affected as expressed by Joe Vanacore, a World War II vet.

Pictured above right, Congressman Hinchey at the podium with a partial shot of the Community Room at The Birches at Chambers.

Sharp Hinchey Aide Foils Medicare Scam

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Carmel Wilson, who works as an aide to Rep. Maurice Hinchey in his Middletwon office, was one of the first people to notice the proliferation of Medicare recipients complaining of procedures they said they never received, in places they had never been.

Photo credit: STEVE BORLAND/Times Herald-Record

By Stephen Sacco

Times Herald-Record 10/15/2010

MIDDLETOWN — Right made might in the three-year hunt to get to the bottom of who was responsible for absurdly suspicious Medicare charges that began to appear on medical statements of people in the Hudson Valley in 2007.
A modest public servant and Orange County mother of two played a huge role in bringing down what the FBI says is an international crime organization that bilked Medicare out of millions with bogus claims.
Carmel Wilson, a longtime aide to Rep. Maurice Hinchey who works in his Middletwon office, was one of the first people to notice the proliferation of Medicare recipients coming into her office with charges for procedures they said they never received in places they had never been – like California or Arizona.
118 sham clinics
On Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney General unsealed two indictments, charging 44 alleged members and associates of an Armenian-American crime organization with Medicare fraud.
Wilson provided information used against 40 of the defendants, according to officials in Hinchey’s office. The mobsters worked out of New York City and Los Angeles, but many of the identities used for the claims likely were obtained from a 2005 data breach at Orange Regional Medical Center, authorities said. Hospital spokesman Rob Lee said the hospital has reached out to law enforcement officials to help them determine if the breach occurred within the hospital or at another site.
The FBI said Armenian mobsters billed more than $163 million in false claims to Medicare, making this the largest, single Medicare fraud case in history. Medicare paid out over $35 million in U.S. taxpayer money to at least 118 sham clinics in 25 states, according to the indictment.
Wilson is a shy, sweet woman with short red hair who roots for the Mets. She says she loves her job as a liaison between ordinary folks and the federal government because she can help so many people. Before working for Hinchey she worked for former Rep. Ben Gilman.
She’s an unlikely candidate for striking a blow against what the FBI says is a Mafia-like organization complete with a Tony Soprano-like boss, called a vor, which is roughly the equivalent of a Mafia godfather, who once threatened to “disembowel” a man who owed him money and to kill an associate who failed to show him proper respect.
Wilson goes to FBI
Wilson, nevertheless, relentlessly documented each suspicious billing incident. Then she would send out letters with the support of her boss to both the Medicaid fraud division and the Medicare billing contractor.
Since states usually contract their Medicare billing out to other states — New York’s billing is done in Minnesota, for instance — there was a fair amount of red tape involved.
When Wilson didn’t see enough movement to resolve the issue, she contacted the FBI.
Warren Smith of Middletown says he estimates about $50,000 was billed under his name in fraudulent claims. At first, he tried to report the fraud to Medicare himself. “Have you ever called Medicare?” Smith asked. “You wait forever.”
Medicare asked Smith to contact the provider to see if it was a clerical error. It was pretty hard to contact nonexistent clinics, he said.
Frustrated he turned to Wilson. Subsequently, he was involved in the FBI investigation. “I was glad to learn about the indictments,” Smith, 76, said. “(Wilson) is awesome.”

Alfred A. DelliBovi Honored on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Hinchey honors FHLBNY for its Affordable Housing Program

NEW YORK, July 15 Forbes.com – Since 1990, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York has provided more than $220 million in grants to more than 750 affordable housing initiatives across New York State through its Affordable Housing Program (“AHP”). These projects have helped create, rehabilitate or preserve more than 30,000 affordable homes for low-income families, seniors and the workforce across the Empire State, and have generated more than $3.5 billion in total development costs for local economies. On July 8, at the dedication ceremony of The Birches at Chambers, a state-of-the art, affordable senior living community in Ulster, New York, which was partially funded by the AHP, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York President and CEO Alfred A. DelliBovi was honored by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (NY-22) for the Bank’s contributions to affordable housing.

“Under the guidance of president and CEO Alfred A. DelliBovi since 1992, the Federal Home Loan Bank ofNew York has helped community lenders across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands advance housing and community growth,” Congressman Hinchey said in a statement for theCongressional Record.

In his comments at the event, Mr. DelliBovi thanked Congressman Hinchey for his continued support of affordable housing initiatives across New York’s 22nd District. The AHP has been especially active in the 22nd District, supporting 51 projects with grants of more than $18 million, helping to create nearly 2,300 affordable homes.

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York

The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is a Congressionally chartered, wholesale Bank. It is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a national wholesale banking network of 12 regional, stockholder-owned banks. The FHLB of New York currently serves over 330 financial institutions in New Jersey, New York,Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The mission of the Federal Home Loan Banks is to support the efforts of local members to help provide financing for America’s homebuyers.

CONTACT: Eric Amig
(212) 441-6807
Brian Finnegan
(212) 441-6877

SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of New York

Senior complex dedicated in Ulster

Friday, July 9th, 2010

By Michael Novinson, Times Herald-Record, 7/9/2010

ULSTER — Boca on the Hudson?

Between a 50-seat movie theater with plush, reclining seats, a fitness studio with a trainer certified in physical therapy, and a mahogany-paneled game room that looks and presumably smells like the library from the board game Clue, The Birches at Chambers seems like an elegant, exclusive community.

“I feel like I live in Florida again, except that the ocean isn’t nearby,” said Birches resident Margrit Salimone, who spent 23 years in the Sunshine State.

But The Birches at Chambers, in the Town of Ulster, isn’t an affluent, gated community — it’s an affordable senior housing complex, with monthly rents ranging from $331 to $862. The $16 million complex has 14 two-bedroom apartments, 52 one-bedroom apartments and about 75 residents.

U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, state Sen. John Bonacic and Ulster County Executive Michael Hein spoke at the formal dedication of The Birches at Chambers on Thursday, but the complex was filled long before then. In fact, the complex was fully rented by the February 2009 groundbreaking ceremony, thanks to a 400-person waiting list at the adjacent Chambers Court, said Birches founder Steve Aaron.

People 62 or older — or under that age with a disability — with an annual gross income of less than $29,480 for a single person can live in The Birches at Chambers.

Even though the complex is Aaron’s fifth affordable living community to open in the past half-decade, he doesn’t plan on stopping now. Several dedication speakers mentioned a proposed senior complex in Fishkill.

At The Birches, no detail is left unpolished. Chambers resident Candy Belles said fellowresidents were unnerved by footsteps outside their rooms late at night. To quell their fears, Aaron had his security guards don bright yellow T-shirts.

“We’ve added years to these folks’ lives,” Aaron said.

mnovinson@th-record.com Photo: Candy Belles and Rabbi Yitzchok Hecht share a laugh in Belles’ new apartment at The Birches at Chambers in the Town of Ulster on Thursday. A dedication ceremony took place earlier at the state-of-the-art senior living community. CHET GORDON/Times Herald-Record also credit for introductory photo.

Community Dedication Ceremony at The Birches at Chambers, Town of Ulster

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010, Senator Bonacic attended and spoke at The Birches at Chambers Community Dedication Ceremony. The Birches at Chambers is a state-of-the-art, affordable senior living community located in the Town of Ulster.

L-R: Joel Brink, Town of Ulster Councilman, Hon. Alfred A. DelliBovi, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Senator John J. Bonacic, Steven L. Aaron, Michael Colgrove from NYSERDA, Josh Aaron, Judy Aaron, Joseph Malcarne and Bryan Smith from Rhinebeck Savings Bank.

Source: http://www.nysenate.gov/district/42 State Senator John J. Bonacic’s website; picture under photo and videos tab