Tower Times - April 2022

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Volume 27, Issue 4

Serving the residents of North Shore Towers since 1995

April 2022

Gen. Manager Retiring

JACK SCHWARZ PHOTO

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Gen. Manager Retiring Kotowski Leads Search for His Replacement

By Michael Kohn

A

FILE PHOTO

North Shore Towers General Manager Glen Kotowski recently announced his retirement after 20 years. skills necessary to become General Manager of North Shore Towers,” Chairman and CEO of Charles H. Greenthal Management Corp. William West said at the time.

Before serving with the police department, Kotowski worked as an oil burner mechanic in Glen Oaks Village and as a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration repairman for Metropolitan Life Insurance.

When he first began working at NST, Kotowski recalled watching North Shore Towers being constructed while he was attending Van Buren High School in Floral Park, Queens. “I watched NST go up as I walked north on 264th Street, which is dead south of here, as I walked up to catch a bus for school,” he said. “To my surprise, they made me

“We are looking for someone experienced in managing a complex of this size with all of the types of systems we have here. I would like somebody who gets along with people well and listens to them.”

Interim Bd. President Dan Nachmanoff

the Police Commander of the precinct I grew up in, and I got to work in these wonderful buildings I watched go up when I was a teenager.”

The board approved the choice of Kotowski after the field of applicants was narrowed down to three by Greenthal Management. Although the selection had nothing to do with the board’s desire to make security the main priority following 9/11, the board president at the time called the appointment of a police department leader “a big plus.”

Although some residents challenged appointing someone with little property management experience, Kotowski said at the time, “I’m a good manager, and I’m sure I will be more than capable of handling it. If they give me a chance, I’m sure they’ll be pleased with the results.”

He also stated, “I would say my prior position before I came here with the police department was similar in many ways. Basically, it’s a customer service business.”

In other news, Nachmanoff reported that after two months the co-op is still waiting for NYC Fire Marshall to approve the VIP Room’s kitchen. “Once they’re here, we’ll be open very shortly afterwards,” he said.

The Bd. President also announced that he just signed Continued on Page 4

TOWER TIMES • April 2022 • 3

fter serving North Shore Towers for over two decades, Gen. Manager Glen Kotowski has announced his retirement and is working with the co-op’s management company in the search to find his replacement.

“I think he’s done a superior job maintaining these buildings for 20 years,” NST Interim Bd. President Dan Nachmanoff said. “I think this is a difficult job, where you have 3,000 clients that can be on your back all of the time.

It requires a lot of patience and understanding.”

Kotowski plans to retire around June, while Charles H. Greenthal Management Corporation’s contract continues until 2024. “Some people don’t understand that Greenthal is not retiring. It’s Glen,” Nachmanoff added.

The exact timing of Kotowski’s retirement might be based on when his replacement is finally found. The plan is for the current general manager to stay for a few weeks to work with his replacement and then to leave in June or possibly July, according to Nachmanoff.

“We are looking for someone experienced in managing a complex of this size with all of the types of systems we have here,” he added. “I would like somebody who gets along well with people and listens to them.”

The board will have final approval of the manager selection Nachmanoff explained. “The board is the final word on all of this,” he said.

Board decisions have become more challenging as a result of the discord between members, according to Nachmanoff. “The board still doesn’t have a good relationship with each other, so it is difficult to reach an agreement on things, but we are moving forward,” he said in a recent in-house broadcast.

Although Nachmanooff stated that a “vocal group” has opposed Kotowski over the years, the board president added that the timing was completely Kotowski’s decision. “He decided now that this is the best time,” he said.

Kotowski replaced Manager Nancy Gentile-Ivey at the Towers on Monday, December 17th, 2001.

The former Deputy Inspector/Commanding Officer of the 105th Precinct in Queens began with the NYC police department in 1979, rising to second in command of Midtown North in Manhattan and Commanding Officer in two different precincts.

“To achieve this level of respect required the same

NST General Manager Retiring Continued from Page 4 the contract to begin garage repairs, most likely sometime in April. Planning and movement of parking cars will be handled by management during that period. Plans include utilizing unused spots, and moving vendor and employee parking outside. If all else fails, the board is considering hiring a parking consultant.

“This is an important project for us, and it’s taken a long time to get started,” Nachmanoff said. “For that, I apologize, and

frankly, the whole board should apologize, and the management. But we’re going forward. At least we’re starting now.”

In addition, with the co-op’s aging 50-year-old oil tanks no longer being covered by insurance after 2024, Nachmanoff said they need to be removed and replaced with ceramic tanks.

The board is also studying electric vehicle charging stations and possibly working with ConEdison on the project. They have also received one bid so far for bringing wi-fi to the NST garage.

Election Dates Announced Four seats on the North Shore Towers Bd. of Directors will be up for election this June. This year there will be no ballot boxes in the lobbies, but shareholders will be able to vote by regular mail, online with a special code, or in person at the annual shareholders’ night.

Important Election Dates • Tu e s d a y, M a y 1 7 t h : E n d o f nominations at noon.

•Wednesday, May 18th: Candidate orientation.

•Tuesday, May 31st: Mailing of

ballots and notice of election.

•Tuesday, May 31st: Meet the candidates night at the movie theater, 7:30 pm.

•Thursday, June 16th: Annual shareholders meeting.

Nachmanoff also said that the board is still in the discussion stage of considering changing terms from two to three years and running three candidates each year, so there are always six experienced board members.

4 • TOWER TIMES • April 2022

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NST Capital Improvement Projects

By Richard Levine Capital Improvements Chairman

T

he new year promises to be very busy and eventful for the board, especially concerning addressing several major capital improvements and the November 2022 maturity of the John Hancock first fee mortgage, in the amount of approximately $61 million. This loan is estimated to represent approximately a 7 percent loan to value ratio, which is an exceedingly low ratio, providing a very low risk to the lender. That should translate into a very attractive lending opportunity to lenders, resulting in favorable loan terms to NST. Concomitantly, the loan recast could provide NST with a source of funds to cover some of the needed capital improvements through an increase in the amount of principal.

The major items that must be replaced and/or remediated over the next several years include: •The garage interior.

•The removal and replacement of underground fuel tanks.

•Upgrading the 24 building elevators.

•Replacing the roofs of the three towers.

•Repairing and/ or replacing the electric generators.

•Repairing the masonry work on the exterior of the Arcade windows.

•Upgrading parts of the Arcade interior.

•Providing cell service in the parking garage.

Other possible projects include replacing the original apartment windows in the three residential towers, but that requires first resolving questions concerning interior air pressure problems that allegedly would come about if new, double-pane windows in air-tight frames were installed.

Additionally, a plan to share the project’s cost with the individual homeowners has been suggested, but no program has been established. Some apartment owners continue to replace their windows independently.

Some of the above-noted projects are mandated by various governmental agencies, and some are consistent with the concept of good management in maximizing the quality of life in our community. Furthermore, they may be needed to keep our apartments competitive in the marketplace and maintain our reputation as a luxury residential property.

Concerning the projects described above

and other potential issues, together with a few of my board colleagues, I recognized the need for a rational, organized system for anticipating future capital projects by accruing funds in the reserves allocated explicitly for the remediation and/or replacement of various, recognized building and site components. This system is known as a Reserve Study. We convinced the board of the need to create a Reserve Study that requires an engineering firm specializing in creating this vehicle. After several board presentations and discussions, we were authorized to identify several firms and seek three bids for engineering firms capable of preparing a Reserve Study.

Subsequently, we presented three bids.

The board approved one firm (Kipcon Engineering) to begin the study, supported by a firm recommended by Kipcon, known as Cool Sys, responsible for analyzing the electric generating system. We anticipate work on the Reserve Study to commence late in March 2022, resulting in a written report by early May. General Manager Glen Kotowski is responsible for furnishing a list of supporting documents to Kipcon and CoolSys that are necessary aids in preparing their written study. The G.M. has also agreed to get updated bids on removing and replacing the

underground fuel tanks that Kipcon will review.

I believe that the Reserve Study will be extremely helpful as a guide to anticipate major repairs and replacements and will aid the community in prioritizing projects and accruing sufficient funds to complete the projects in the most cost-efficient manner.

Concerning the necessary work to be undertaken by Desman Engineering in the interior of the garage, a contract with Desman has been approved by the board that initially is for one year, with the understanding that it will evolve into a multiyear contract. The reason for this approach is the need to establish an effective system for moving vehicles parked in the garage, creating sufficient workspace while causing the least amount of inconvenience to shareholders. During this initial year, the focus will be on repairing the most critical areas in the garage. We expect the actual work to commence in late April after the subcontractor is selected to perform the actual work.

Originally, the estimate was that the entire project would require 10 years to complete. Some of my colleagues and I found this projection unacceptable. Such a time Continued on Page 11

In Memory of Dawn Rita Steinberg

By Leo Tujak

A

Photos on display at Dawn Steinberg’s Manhasset Public Library show.

TOWER TIMES • April 2022 • 5

12-year resident of North Shore Towers, Dawn Steinberg was a member and past president of the Camera Club. She participated in many other activities and clubs here at North Shore Towers. She passed away on Saturday, February 26th after a four-month battle with cancer. Her family, friends, and fellow club members will greatly miss her.

She was a world traveler, and it allowed her to take photos. Steinberg was a person who loved photography, and one of the last things that she texted me about was her desire to have another one-woman show. This one is at the Manhasset Public Library on Northern Boulevard and Onderdonk Ave. Her desire to have this show has come to fruition.

It is a unique creative show and demonstrates her personal touches that show her ability and places. Every photo she took had her own story behind it. The other onewoman show at the Glen Oaks Public Library was smaller.

With the gracious help of her son and his family, she got her wish but did not survive seeing it in person.

Her photography can also be seen here at North Shore Towers in all the venues where we hang photographs.

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St. Patrick’s Day Tribute To all our Irish residents, a very When I got back, he said, “Welcome Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. home Mr. B., hope you had a good time.”

I thought to myself, I don’t think I was told that we are all Irish I had a good time, but I think my on March 17th. On that day, my doctor did. name is Buddy O’Bank.

There were three green carts I’d like to thank the full of groceries in the lobby, wonderful residents who sent and a woman was looking at me get-well cards and the them. She said to me, “They all gentleman who emailed me to Bud Bank look alike. I don’t know which keep punching, to the lady that offered me a bowl of soup, and to my one is mine.” So she decided to get her next-door neighbor who offered to go mail and then figure it out. While she was to the supermarket for me. He told me getting her mail, I spoke to someone else to call him anytime I needed help.He’s in the lobby for 10 minutes, and then the woman came out of the mailroom. Now a wonderful young man.

I know we are all looking forward there was only one cart there. She said to opening the VIP room. I was told we I figured it out, and this one is my cart.

Most people that live here have seen wouldn’t be waiting much longer.

Yesterday, I got on the elevator to go and done it all. We’re at a point where we to the lobby. Two other people were also can handle anything. I hope the younger on the elevator, and everybody seemed generation will learn from us and do the so happy. We were all going out for the right thing.

I can always say some wonderful day. My doorman said, “Have a good day, Mr. B,” and I replied, “Thank you.” people are living here and you should be Of course, he did not know my day was glad to be one of them. a visit to the doctor.

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NST Women’s Club: Smarts and Arts

By Vicki Mazel

F

ebruary and March were booming months for the Ladies of Learning North Shore Towers Women’s Club members. Enriching and elevating our minds with culture and knowledge, Professors James Coll and Thomas Germano discussed their areas of expertise to a captive audience. Coll presented articles of the U.S. Constitution, and Thomas Germano held forth on the most expensive art in the world. Co-President Gloria Beck has future programs scheduled on related topics with these two professors. The possibility that these lectures could be held live is also being discussed.

Coll’s Goal: Who Has Control?

What’s The Fate? Federal or State?

Professor Coll discussed the national government versus the state government on Monday, February 14th. He cited some of the important issues that came into play: same-sex marriages, gun control, immigration, legalization of marijuana, voting locations, and even COVID vaccinations.

Bringing the subject to light, Professor Coll discussed who has the authority on these issues.

Federalism is defined as the power delegated to the U.S. in the Constitution.

Raising questions of which government is supreme, Professor Coll remarked that this debate is the longest lasting in our history.

The Federal government is now considering many controversial issues that were State-regulated. Citing the most important clause, Article 1 Section 8, states: “Congress shall have the power to levy and collect taxes, commerce, and coin money for standards of weights and measures.” As far back as Thomas Jefferson, debates were over “necessary and proper” powers delegated to both legislative groups.

Professor Coll raised many thought-provoking issues on federalism, the expanse of federal powers, and voting challenges.

Individuals’ voting restrictions could ultimately be challenged constitutionally, creating a slippery slope for democracy.

Do voting restrictions exist, and to what extent? Everything from levying taxes to the declaration of war on foreign powers can be subject to interpretation in the U.S.

Consitution.

Gerry Who? Gerrymander–That’s Who! Professor Coll’s lecture on Gerrymandering on Monday, February 28th,\ explained its origins and provided for another fascinating talk. Gerrymandering deals with redistricting areas to reflect population shifts and counting residents to provide a census. Why a census? This serves to allocate money at the federal level and voting profiles for favorable or non-favorable election districts.

The term “gerrymander” came into being in 1812 after Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved redistricting that favored his political party. The districts would be carved up to his party’s advantage, and in so doing, the shape of the area resembled a salamander; thus, the concept of “Gerrymandering” was born. The census becomes a key to population control.

Today, state legislatures nationwide approve congressional maps to give their parties more seats. This is a practice of both major political parties, but what does the U.S. Supreme Court have to say? Does the Constitution protect us from partisan Gerrymandering?

A recent editorial in a local newspaper had a screaming headline: “Gerrymandering Is Always Wrong.” Redistricting is used to destroy competitive elections and could subvert the people’s will. So far, no definitive solution to this problem has been adopted, so Governor Elbridge Gerry opened up a can of worms that exists to the present day.

District drawing powers can be in the hands of state senators and state assemblies. So many decades and the problem still exists. There is no power in the Constitution or within reach of the Federal Courts date that addresses this issue. Where are James Madison and Thomas Jefferson when we really need them?

From Gerrymandering to Graffiti: The 36 Most Expensive Paintings The series continued, and on Wednesday, March 9th, co-president Gloria Beck introduced Professor Thomas Germano, whose extensive art background provided the riches of information for Women’s Club members. Germano is a full professor of Art and Art History at Farmingdale State College. He teaches graduate semiContinued on Page 13

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Men’s Club Open Mic Program a Hit

By Howard Arkin

T

he Men’s Club experienced a change in its usual open mic orogram, held every Monday, on February 21st, which became extra stimulating and quite informative. Toby Horowitz, President of the Men’s Club, coordinated a panel discussion led by Dan Nachmanoff and Effie Phelan to discuss the recent NST Board discussions regarding numerous projects facing North Shore Towers and the future financing that will be needed.

Participants of the panel included Barry Berman and Richard Levine, which all are members of the Men’s Club.

Levine spoke about the decaying condition of the garages, which is a significant concern to many. When the work begins to waterproof the garage, space will be needed for the workers to operate their equipment. The work can only be done in warmer months, and those months are almost here. Estimates for this work have run from $14.4 million to $20 million, depending on the time of the loan. The job will also entail moving cars to temporary parking spots while doing the work.

Another important topic was the renewal of our 62-million-dollar mortgage, which is due November 22nd of this year.

Everyone agreed that getting this done as soon as possible was crucial because of the potential rise in interest rates.

Barry Berman discussed the need for Wi-Fi in the garages to give residents clear telephone reception. He also stressed the need for electric car charging stations. It

might not seem like an urgent matter, but the future beckons.

Pickleball was another topic that was discussed. Many of us have seen the last of our athletic abilities, but there are still too many people who would like to play, and one court is not sufficient.

Many in the Zoom audience (I believe that we had over 40 viewers) were interested in why Ed Phalen chose to resign as president of the board two weeks ago. He explained that the reason for his resignation was the board’s denial of his motion to seek out other property management companies to succeed Charles H. Greenthal at the expiration of their contract in three years.

He was followed as president by Dan Nachmanoff but did not resign from the board. The residents are fortunate to have both of them.

One subject that we did not get to was the re-opening of the VIP Room. At breakfast the day after this article was written I asked if anyone at the table knew when the room might be opening. Two people told me that it would be in March. Most of you will be reading this article in April. If the VIP Room is still not open, file the last sentence under “rumors.” * * * The Men’s Cub breakfast numbers have been rising over the past few weeks, possibly due to COVID19 statistics falling.

Last Friday’s main topics, you might suspect, were the Ukraine war, with everyone sharing the same point of view. How could just one person be responsible for this disaster? Of course, our members are at their best when discussing lighter areas

such as: Do you tip a waiter on your full check, or do you not tip on the tax? And why is Joe Namath making so much money on his Medicare commercials? Of course, Namath deserves the money (Jets16, Colts 7).

Unfortunately, one person (whose name I forgot) said that he read an article claiming that left-handed people are more intelligent and more talented than those who are not. Someone asked those at the table to raise their hands if they were right-handed.

Could you believe that the only hand that did not go up belonged to yours truly?

Hopefully, I will be getting a little more respect in the future.

Fast Tuesday’s breakfast had stimulating moments as television’s past and present subject came up.

Showing very little patience with Governor Hochul or Mayor Adams, Jack Sveta lamented the rise in crime statistics. One hundred days might be a little too soon to evaluate the Governor and Mayor, but unfortunately, the figures are there.

Officer Joe Bolton and James Gordon were two names that might help reduce the crime rate. Bolton was the host of a very popular kid’s show on WPIX in the mid-1950s. Gordon was the popular police commissioner of Gotham who would call on Batman and Robin when things got out of hand in his city.

I asked the men if they were watching the series “The Guilded Age” on HBO. It is a series set in New York City at the end of the 19th century. It tells the story of a family, which could easily be the Vanderbilts , trying to gain entrance into the established society led by the Astors. I heartily recom-

mend it.

Our next club dinner is scheduled for the end of the month at The Jolly Fisherman, and watching Harold Hershman show his disapproval, I asked him if he knew if a better local seafood restaurant. Without hesitating, he said Le Bernardine. Being a Stuyvesant graduate, Hershman knows his restaurants, but I suspect his geography.

Ron Levin’s choice was Anthony’s Pier 4 in Boston. Paying $4.50 per gallon, scratch Anthony’s.

With COVID 19 fading and club members returning from Florida, seats at the table that some have compared to the Algonquin Round Table might be at a premium.

Come on down and partake in the wit and wisdom of The North Shore Towers Men’s Club at 9.00 am on Tuesdays and Fridays.

With the increase of club members coming down to the Tuesday and Friday breakfasts, I find it harder to get a choice place at the table. A choice place is at the center of the table, thus enabling me to choose the discussions that I find the most interesting and would like to partake in.

Yale Kessler arrived at this morning’s breakfast, as usual, sporting his ever-present David Letterman “Late Show” jacket.

It’s been seven years since the last time the show was seen on TV, but If you are fortunate enough to come to one of our breakfasts in the next seven years, you can rest assured that Yale will be wearing old faithful. He did tell us that with the change of seasons, the jacket will be given to the cleaners and probably won’t appear again until October.

Jack Sevita, who last month told the Continued on Page 14

Capital Improvement Projects •Utilizing some of the current Reserve Funds.

•A special assessment.

•An increase in the Flip Tax when units are sold.

•Some combination of the above.

I have endeavored to provide a summary of capital projects that the board is planning to bolster the physical plant and the financial underpinnings of NST, placing our community on a prudent course to enhance its reputation as a preferred residence further. I hope that I have provided its residents with another window into the efforts of the NST Board to provide its shareholders with the quality of life to which they are entitled.

Editor and Publisher Michael Kohn

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TOWER TIMES • April 2022 • 11

Continued from Page 11 frame would appreciably increase the total project cost by as much as an estimated 40 percent. Moreover, it would subject homeowners to an unacceptable period of dislocation. We are now studying what we can do to reduce the time frame to no more than five years, and perhaps a shorter time period, if possible.

Once the Reserve Study is completed, the board should have a clearer picture of its financial needs over various time periods. We can then determine the most financially prudent methods of providing the necessary funds. The possible sources could be: •The Recast of the maturing mortgage.

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NST Women’s Club: The Dynamic Duo Continued from Page 9 nars at the New York Academy of Art and has MFA in painting from Yale University and BFA in Painting from Cornell University. He has also exhibited his artworks frequently in the U.S. and throughout Europe with this impressive background.

Germano also lectures in many venues locally and has a very popular program dealing with “The 36 Most Expensive Paintings in The World,” which was the subject he addressed at the Zoom meeting for the Towers Women’s Club. Professor Germano displayed paintings valued at multi-millions of dollars as they are sold at auctions and through other art vendors. A painting by Leonardo da Vinci was valued at $800 million and is said to be like the male Mona Lisa.

Artwork must be appraised at $60 million and more to make the list. The roster of artists includes many familiar names such as Van Gogh, Klimt, Picasso, Modigliani, Rothko, Gaughin, Cezanne, and Renoir.

While not in this category, Professor

Germano gave the nod to Graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who rose to fame in the 1980s. His paintings were often done on public spaces as well as canvasses. Dying at a very young age from heroin abuse, the value of his work has risen.

Professor Germano will be returning soon to provide us with many more illuminating areas of the art and sculptor world.

Cinema Club–Movie Review In-house channel 995 will air the next movie review for the Cinema Club on Monday, April 25th at 4:00 pm, which will feature the film “The Power of the Dog.” This western psychological drama film is by noted filmography Jane Campion. It is based on a 1961 novel that tells a story about how masculinity and sexuality can lead to destruction.

The title comes from a bible verse that the underlying power of the dog is a warning about uncontrollable feelings that can be destroyed. Pivotal plots and characters get roped in, and the excellent cast handles this delicate subject with superb

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Street. Roslyn, NY. Transportation on your own. Seating requests: include checks in one envelope with a list of tablemates.

No individual requests after that. Checks only–no cash. Singles are welcome and will be placed where seating permits.

Bring checks to concierges: Faith Wolitzer, Building 1, Apt. 4Y. Gloria Beck, Building 2, Apt. 17G. Chickie Kaufman, Building 3, Apt. 1T. Leave an envelope with your building representatives and their apartment number with concierges.

Verse by Vicki I’m always on an academic role, After a class with Professor Coll.

Now have a greater understanding of the concept of Gerrymandering.

It’s so much clearer to relate, Federal Government versus State.

Gun control and immigration, Who gets the final regulation?

Federalism is the topic of the hour, Is there really a division of power?

Why can’t they work as a team, Which government is supreme?

While we spin out our faxes, Which government levies our taxes?

At morn while we eat our Wheaties, Do we know who makes treaties?

Whiling away happy hours, Who deals with foreign powers?

Answers? Don’t try to bet it, Like who can enter bills of credit?

In these facts we do immerse, Like how to deal with commerce.

Thomas Jefferson’s right I guess, Congress does what’s right for the U.S. So our Monday Zooms have been great, Professor Coll is great and never late.

Just in case you feel a bummer, He’s coming back in the summer!

(Maybe sooner) That’s it for now, dear members. Please look for our flyers with the yellow rose in the following locations: the door to the Towers Restaurant, billboards in all lobbies and outside restaurants, library, and mailrooms.

For any new membership information, please contact our Co-president Chickie Kaufman at (718) 819-8176. Dues are $25.

TOWER TIMES • April 2022 • 13

Womens club bingo night: Womens club Bingo night: Eva Kessner, Vicki Mazel, Chickie Kaufman, Gloria Beck, Dawn Steinberg, and Roberta Gould.

and award-nominated acting. Headed by the English actor Benedict Cumberpatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and an enigmatic Kodi Smit McFee, the Oscar-nominated film deals with an abrasive rancher, his brother and wife, and their son, the rancher, and nephew having an unexpected connection.

The film explodes with emotions, anger, frustration, loneliness, and courage. Tune in to channel 995 on Monday, April 25th, and Women’s Club members Vicki Mazel, Dr. Nurit Israeli, and Gloria Beck will be there at 4:00 pm.

A Farwell to Dawn Steinberg The Women’s Club bids farewell to one of our beloved members. Dawn Steinberg was with us from the start and actively participated in our activities. She was a gardener, the club photographer, Bingo co-ordinator, steering club, and most of all, a dear friend. Her professional interest in photography made her a member of the North Shore Towers Photography Club and the Manhasset-Great Neck Photography Club. An exhibition of her photos is currently on exhibit at the Manhasset Library.

Some of her quotes spotlight the beautiful person she was: “Beauty surrounds us. We just have to open our eyes to take it in.” She also said, “I have been taking photographs as a creative writing tool since the beginning of my career. I enjoy finding beauty in the mundane, whether it is a line up of bikes or a kettle.”

Steinberg has been our neighbor at North Shore Towers since 2009. Her interest in gardening led to her providing many of us in the Women’s Club with cucumbers and other vegetables she grew in abundance. Our memories of her will always be with fondness and love, and we all miss her dearly.

What’s Coming Up? James Coll will be returning, and the date, subject, and time will be listed. Ron Brown, International Scholar, will be part of our upcoming speakers. Bingo and Game Day are in the planning stage. International Night is coming back! Vic Vincent musical trio is coming back! Stay tuned.

Calendar of Events: Thursday, April 7th, Towers On The Green, luncheon, $20, speaker Family Court Judge Phoebe Greenbaum.

Wednesday, April 13th, John Kendrick, Lower Card Room, 7:15 pm, Barbara Streisand.

Wednesday, May 18th, Spring Luncheon, Jolly Fisherman, 12-2:30 pm, $35 (full luncheon-Subsidized), 25 Main

Towers Men’s Club Continued from Page 14 group that he thought Eric Adams would become the worst mayor in the history of New York. Sevita’s gem this morning was his disappointment in the NY Yankees trading “the great” Gary Sanchez. He is not great.

One area where Sevita does shine is in TV movies. I don’t think many people have seen as many Netflix and TCM movies as he has. Having Dr. Ron Levin at breakfast can play some handsome dividends. Free advice can always come in handy.

Last month I had the unfortunate experience of seeing my dentist on two separate

occasions. On my first visit, he found and treated an abscess. The second was to fill a cavity. Ironically his fee was $350 to treat the spot and $350 for the filling. I asked him if he thought $350 was the right price for those two procedures. He felt that they were. My dentist thought that I needed an implant too, and I’m thinking of calling him, and if he tells me that his fee is $350, we can get to work immediately.

On a more serious note, the opening of the VIP room came up again this morning.

It seems that we are waiting for the FDNY to issue their permit. I suggested that perhaps someone on the NST board or Green-

A Simple Request

By Marian Nemetsky

14 • TOWER TIMES • April 2022

I

n the delightful poem “The King’s Breakfast” by A.A. Milne, the king’s simple request for “some butter for the royal slice of bread” was rebuffed at every turn. He became so frustrated that he jumped into bed, sobbing.

My simple request for the 1099 from Social Security for the not-so royal tax purposes was also rebuffed at every turn. I, too, was so frustrated that I felt like jumping into bed, sobbing. I knew that wasn’t an option since I wasn’t the king.

At the beginning of January, my relationship with Social Security was amicable enough. My husband and I had received our new Medicare Benefit Statements which had been forwarded to Florida, our winter abode.

My husband then remarked that I should call Social Security to see if our 1099’s, had been sent to us.

“OK,” I replied, never dreaming of the tortuous road that lay ahead.

After waiting for two hours on the phone, a voice came on.

“Don’t worry,” they said. “They’re being sent out during the whole month of January. Yours and your husbands haven’t been sent out yet.”

So, for two days, I was calm. Then my husband’s arrived. Mine was nowhere to be seen. I went into high gear and called the local New York office twice. After what seemed like interminable wait times, voices came on. They assured me that they saw my form, pressed print, sent, and admonished me not to worry. In the meantime, the clock was ticking. Days passed, and it still didn’t come.

All the voices had indicated that I should

set up my own Social Security account and print it myself. They didn’t know that I have a love-hate association with anything computer-related. However, you do what you gotta do.

So, I began.

The screen came on with a box to type in my name, Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.

Easy enough. WRONG! A banner in red came across indicating that I was fraudulently representing…myself.

Finally, the realization came that professional help was needed. I called our accountant, whose services we’ve used for over 30 years. He knew that I wasn’t committing a fraudulent act.

He began walking me through setting up my Social Security account on the computer.

We went through all the screens, gave the correct information, and created a new password to add to my 16 pages of passwords. There was a glimmer of hope for the first time when the word “great” appeared under the new password I created.

I was on my way.

Then, miraculously, another red banner appeared. “Congratulations, you now have your Social Security account. You may print your 1099.” Then, slowly, what to my wondrous eyes should appear? My 1099!

I marveled at the sight and blessed my accountant soundly.

In the poem, the king eventually got his butter and bounced out of bed, declaring, “Nobody could call me a fussy man, but I do like a little bit of butter with my royal slice of bread.”

Though I had never jumped into bed since I wasn’t the king, I too declared, “Nobody could call me a fussy gal, but I did need my 1099 from Social Security for the not-so royal tax purposes.”

thal Management might contact Fireman Ed for help. For those of you who might not know. Fireman Ed was the retired fireman who would show up at Jets games and cheer them on. He no longer goes to the games, and he probably could be of great assistance.

One of our meetings fell on Monday, March 28th, a day after the Academy Awards. Needless to say, the slap was the big topic of conversation. The table was divided, with half of the men thinking that Will Smith was right in slapping Chris Rock. Should Rock have turned the other cheek?

Finally, here is an invitation for those who haven’t been to any of the club’s breakfasts. You”ll leave more informed and possibly somewhat confused.

Upcoming Men’s Club Events •Men’s Club Guest Dinner at the Pearl

East Thursday, April 7th at 6.30 pm.

•Bingo, Thursday, April 24th at 7.30 pm in the Main Card Room.

•Open mic, Monday, April 4th, either on Zoom or The Coleridge Room, TBD. For further information, please contact Jerry Siegel at (347) 235 4513 or Toby Horowitz at (718) 235 0082.

•On May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 the Men’s Club returns to the Coleridge Room with current events hosted by Gary Darche and Harold Hershman.

•Thursday, May 12th at 7.30 pm, Richard Knox will give us an Alfred Hitchcock perspective via Zoom.

•On Sunday, May 29th, it’s Bingo in the Main Card Room at 7.30 pm, with Irwin Shanes calling the games. Don’t hesitate to contact Toby Horowitz at (718) 279-0082 or Jerry Siegel at (347) 235-4513 for details.

Ethisphere Names Northwell One of World’s Most Ethical Companies Northwell Health has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2022 by Ethisphere, one of nine health systems in the nation to be recognized and the only one from New York State.

It’s the seventh time on the list for Northwell, joining 135 other honorees from 22 countries and 45 industries. Ethisphere is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Northwell continues to earn recognition for its culture, practices, and inclusive and compassionate care in the face of a pandemic that has raged over the last two years.

“Our health care heroes have been repeatedly tested by COVID-19 and answered the call with amazing grace, compassion, and determination,” said Michael Dowling, president, and CEO of Northwell. “I believe that can-do culture is reflected in Ethisphere’s inclusion of Northwell Health among its annual World’s Most Ethical Companies list. I’m proud of how the entire organization kept on soldiering on in the face of adversity and

remained true to its mission of ethical and inclusive care for all New Yorkers.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain.

Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

“Northwell’s practices, which emphasize transparency and accountability combined with a team approach, bear out that we’re accomplishing something great,” said Greg Radinsky, senior vice president and Northwell’s chief corporate compliance officer. “Ethisphere’s recognition of our work is an exciting validation of what Northwell Health stands for.”

For the complete list of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies, go to: https:// worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

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Pages From Our Past APRIL 2013 GAP: Gym, Aerobics, Pools Now that spring had finally arrived, North Shore Towers snowbirds returned to their nests at the co-op. This is the time of year when people’s minds gravitate towards getting back into shape, but whether (no pun intended) it is warm or cold outside, the climate is always pleasant inside the NST gym, especially for the GAP (Gym, Aerobics and Pools) committee’s highlighted activities and events that contribute to the community’s many enticing amenities.

Heiman Gets Child Advocacy Award Resident Todd Heiman was presented with the NYC Commissioner’s Child Advocacy Award on Thursday, March 7th, for his work helping to locate family members and investigating cases of sex crimes and domestic violence against children. The former NYC Police Detective retired from the force in 2004, and served as a Protective Agent-Investigative consultant for Children’s Services.

Dr. Lurie, Early Retirement at 93 Dr. Abe Lurie was considered by his peers to be one of the greatest innovators in social work. Programs he developed in psychiatry, healthcare and discharge planning are internationally known, as are his contributions to the resocialization of schizophrenics and the application of group methods in healthcare settings.

Movie Theater and Playground Upgrades After two years of discussing the upgrade of the movie theater’s seating, digital projector, new screen and décor,

the board voted to go ahead with a $250,000 total renovation of the facility. The children’s playground was seriously damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The support systems for the roof and netting were beyond repair, and repairs were under discussion by the board. The lighting poles on the tennis court also did not survive Sandy.

APRIL 2017 Country Club GAP Update Many NST country club members go to warmer climates for the winter season, but so many remain at NST. New equipment included a new seated rowing machine to replace the stand-up machine that would be less stressful on the body.

Arcade Librarian Meg Salwen Meg Groberg Salwen recalled a wonderful childhood living on Ocean Avenue, between Avenues H and I in Brooklyn. She was a speed ice skater at the Brooklyn Ice Palace, played Maj Jongg and Bridge, and when World War II broke out she volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at the local hospital, helping relieve nurses who went to war. Salwen was skilled at horseback riding and roller skating.

Podiatrist Dr. Lauren Schwartz Towers Podiatrist Dr. Lauren Schwartz used to do surgery 25 percent of the time, and now it’s down to 10 percent. She found that her patients currently require more in-the-office treatment and less surgery than previously.

The cases that required surgery include limb salvage, hammertoes and fractures.

Medical Examiner Speaks to Men’s Club The speaker at the March Men’s Club meeting, Dr. Elliot Gross, provided a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a medical examiner’s office, and a great example of how complex a determination of the cause of death can be. In a medical examiner system the person determining the cause of death is a physician trained as a forensic pathologist.

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16 • TOWER TIMES • April 2022

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