Happy 100th, Ruth Mirsky!

By Dan Guarino

Some might not recall their first birthday party. But, as celebrated at JASA’s Rockaway Park Older Adult Center on March 10, Ruth Mirsky’s 100th birthday party was surely one to remember!

Mirsky beamed an infectious smile as she came through the door of the facility located at 10620 Shore Front Parkway and was greeted by the cheers and loud applause of some 50 friends and JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging) clients, staff, family and guests. Her eyes twinkled as those enthusiastic greetings kept going.

Ruth Evelyn Scheon Mirsky Merenstein, known at the center as Ruth, officially turned 100 on Wednesday, March 15. But JASA’s staff was already hard at work making last Friday’s soiree a special occasion. Flowers were arranged with care; tables were decorated with banners and balloons. A very large birthday card was brought out for all to sign. Pictures of Mirsky as a baby, as a young mother and a bride, and in her WWII service uniform, were included on a large display. Included also were sayings, loving letters from a great-grandchild, newspaper articles and even a book cover from “Code Girls- The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II,” in which Mirsky is featured.

In 1942, she signed up for the WAVES, the U.S. Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service group. There she was part of the Allies’ ultra-top-secret team dedicated to breaking Japanese enemy codes and helping bring the war to a swifter close. In 2017, author Liza Mundy came to her home several times to interview her for the book, dedicated to the stories of these unsung women.

One woman at the party noted, “I read that book. It’s amazing what those girls did. And they couldn’t talk about it!”

JASA staff decorated one wall with a very large “Happy Birthday” banner for later picture taking. They brought in a cake adorned with red strawberries and white and blue icing and golden candles, and several dozen birthday cupcakes. Each had individual signs reading “Happy 100th,” “100 & Fabulous,” and “Awesome Since 1923.”

One woman at JASA was heard saying, “It’s really something to be part of an organization that has such an esteemed member. It’s like speaking with a living legend, and you can ask her questions and learn. And to see her and her children, the love there. I’d like to be here at that age with that love.”

Indeed, Mirsky was accompanied by her son, Stuart Mirsky, daughter Debra Aluisio, her granddaughter Leah Aluisio, and aide Maia. All together, she has two children, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Debra noted, “She’s a wonderful mother. We love her very much. She’s a special, amazing lady. She loves life and that’s how she gets through.” Speaking of a celebratory dinner which Mirsky’s six-years younger “baby-sister” would attend, she said, “They are very full of life and enjoy life.”

That lively essence was on display as Mirsky donned a silver birthday tiara and gold “Birthday Queen” sash over her glittering red dress. She even got up to dance with her daughter and granddaughter, as DJ Angela LoBianco rolled out musical favorites like a medley of “You Are My Sunshine/Baby Face/You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby/ You Made Me Love You,” “In the Mood.” “L-O-V-E” and a 1940’s Big Band medley.

“This is Ruth’s favorite song. Ruth requested it,” LoBianco announced, then sang a lovely rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight.”

“The one and only Ruth, ladies and gentlemen!”, she concluded.

Special guest State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato joined in, chatting and laughing with Mirsky and dancing.

“She’s a veteran. She’s a warrior. She’s a survivor,” Amato said, “I want to be like her. She’s awesome!”

Later she tweeted, “Ruth has had an amazing 100 years and I was honored to present her a Proclamation on the occasion of her 100th birthday.”

“I think we should all take a page out of “Ruth’s Wisdom-Chai,” referring to 18 of her printed principles on display. Among these were things like, “Be Good To Each Other,” “Be Kind” and “Find the Best In Life.”

On that score, Mirsky’s daughter recalled when, due to an injury, her mother was in a rehabilitation center during the Covid epidemic. “I couldn’t see her. But talking to her on the phone, she would tell me how she was cheering everybody up.” It was evident at her party and from all the genuine hugs, smiles and applause, that that spirit held through.

“I am overwhelmed,” said the birthday girl. “All the preparations! It’s all good! But I am happy to see friends and make some new ones!”

“I have always been happy. And this day has been remarkable. I am very happy. I’ve reached 100!”

“How does it feel now to be 100?” she was asked.

“I don’t really feel 100,” she said!

As she blew out all the candles on her birthday cake, all assembled cheered and wished her many, many more.

Sean Fitzgerald

Direct 917-860-6701

Coastalfitz@gmail.com

Office: 718-318-5030 coastalrealestateny.com

We are in search of Two and Three bedroom rental units. We have multiple applicants looking for long-term rentals. Call us if you have available apartments.

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Rockaway Park Multiple Dwelling

12 units on 80x100 lot, PS 114 S/DBeach block with two driveways

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Belle Harbor Short Term Rental

Available now through April. Three bedrooms, terrace, yard, private d/w.

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Off-Market

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Belle Harbor

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Ocean One Mint 2 BR, 2 Bath Condo. Unobstructed ocean views from every room. Laundry in unit. Private balcony. Offered at $685,000

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OFFER ACCEPTED

Brand New on the Market - Mint Belle Harbor Beach Block 60x100

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Belle Harbor – Legal 2 on 60x100 lot Mint one bedroom apt w top 2 floors 6 bed and 4 baths Needs work! $1.3M

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Building on Beach 116th Street with storefront. Think out of the box – Movie Theatre, Roller Rink. Create something great for the neighborhood!!! $2.8M

Belle Shores – Oceanfront duplex condo with open layout with galley kitchen, one large bedroom (can be made into 2), 2 baths plus large top floor terrace $799K

Rockaway Park - 80x100 - Oversized Legal 3 on beach block 3 bed 2 bath duplex, 2 bedroom 1 bath plus 1 bedroom on top floor Needs work! $1.3M

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This former hotel on a beach block features 14 rooms plus a commercial space that is rentable. The property could be a Spa or Restaurant or anything our community needs. According to the owner the building can be raised four additional floors!

Asking $2.8M Call for viewing.

House for Rent -

Beach block $25,000 p/mo

Beautiful renovated Studio

July & August $5500

BH Upper - Six rooms, 2 bathrooms in a two family house.

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RENTAL

·

B. 146: Summer home w/ 7BR, 7BA, jacuzzi, driveway & outdoor shower (LJ) $55,000

B. 140: Center hall colonial summer rental w/ 5BR, 4BA, full basement & pool (BF). . $25,000

B. 117: 2BR, 1BA seasonal or long term rental in multi family. Inc. all utilities (TC). . . . $3,500

B. 117: First floor 2BR, 1BA seasonal rental in multi family home (TC) . . . . . . . . . . . $3,250

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B. 118: Modern 3BR, 1BA apartment with W/D in unit and 1 car parking (ZP) $2,800

B. 96: Beautiful corner 1BR, 1BA apartment with views of Jamaica Bay (CF) . .

B. 121: Penthouse 1BR, 1BA w/ ocean & city views. Subject to board interview (BF) $2,200

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Brooklyn: Spacious and bright 1BR, 1BA, with EIK and closet space (TC) $1,900

Brooklyn: 1BR, 1.5BA condo unit in Bergen Beach with SS appliances (TC) . . . . . . . $1,900

B. 96: 1BR, 1BA apartment in elevator building with parking available (CF). . . . . . . . $1,813

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To advertise in THE ROCKAWAY TIMES call 718-634-3030 · ads@RockawayTimes.com

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By Robin Shapiro

In part 1 of this article, I used 7% as the mortgage rate. As of this writing, mortgage rates have declined to 6.5%. I’ll do the math again: a $600k mortgage at 6.5% would cost $3,792/month. This is $208/month less than the cost of the mortgage at 7%.

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The summer season has mixed effects on the Rockaway real estate market. On the one hand, we are a beachfront community and the draw of the summer activities does bring people here for: beaches, swimming, cycling, running, surfing, organized teams for kids and adults (although the pandemic may crimp some of these this year; thankfully the “end” is in sight). On the other hand, some sellers are reluctant to sell during the summer because they enjoy the aforementioned activities and don’t want to give them up so fast!

I recently spoke with Ken Weiss of Diversified Funding (718-7485737). He’s a great mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience. Ken emphasized that the current decline in real estate prices is a buying opportunity. He’d rather buy a house now which is $100,000 or more cheaper than it was last year and pay this year’s higher mortgage rate BECAUSE interest rates tend to cycle. He believes that it should be possible to refi to a lower rate down the road and in the meantime, he’d be $100,000 (or more) ahead. Of course, Ken does have an “ax to grind.” He wants people to take mortgages so that he can make a living! Nevertheless, he does make an interesting point.

It can be harder to sell real estate during the summer due to vacations by buyers and sellers alike. Summer activities can also occupy people instead of allowing them to focus on the home sale process.

Keep in mind that Ken’s approach to this year’s market can present a cash flow challenge with higher monthly costs due to the higher mortgage rate. HAVE A GREAT ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Call me. Love, Robin.

The spring season has been generally good for our real estate market. There has been action across the board in all price categories with an emphasis on the range below $1 million (approx). Prices have firmed up within the framework of recent comparable sales and in some cases are creeping higher. Inventory levels remain very low.

Call me, Love, Robin. 718-490-9463

Summer Rentals: Call Susan 347-260-3891

• B130’s - 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, use of indent parking

• B130’s – Studio, use of yard and parking

• Rockaway Park -2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

• Belle Harbor summer house rental

B90s steps to the beach 1 bed duplex oeanviews, hardwood floors throughtout, washer dryer accessibilty, bike & surfboard storage, no pets

$1,600

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BRAND NEW EXCLUSIVE LISTING

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Call Susan 347- 260- 3891

Studios available from ..................$1,100 - $1,400

Call Susan 347-260-3891

WONDERFUL PLACE TO CALL HOME

BH steps to beach, Extra large 3 bedrooms with a master suite, 2.5 baths, terrace plus spacious outdoor living to enjoy. Gorgeous eat in kitchen, large dining/ living room, lots of closets, lovely entrance-way with additional space to utilize as office, w/d & parking. A Great set up to work from home! Pay all utilities. No pets........................................................$3,400

Call Susan 347-260-3891

Beach 120’s extra large 1 bed, coop rental, hardwood floors throughout, new renovated kitchen. No pets. Pay electric $2300

Call Susan 347-260-3891

Beach 120’s – two bedroom, oceanfront w/terrace, no pets, pay electric. Available May 1st $2950

Call Susan 347-260-3891