WWW.TOWERTIMESONLINE.COM
Volume 26, Issue 8
Serving the residents of North Shore Towers since 1995
August 2021
Golf & BBQ Fundraiser
JACK SCHWARZ PHOTOS
Babes Against Cancer Tournament Raises $20,000
Reddy Care is so happy to announce that we have expanded and now have a clinic in the North Shore Towers! **Located in Pouran's spa
Have you noticed a change in your balance? The importance of physical therapy Do you experience any pain? Muscle mass and strength decrease with age, and Physical Therapy can help! the trend is even more pronounced in the elderly back pain who are deconditioned. Numerous studies have arthritis shown that physical therapy and exercise in older unsteady gait adults increases mobility, and enhances fear of falling performance of activates of daily living, improve knee pain walking, decreases falls, increases bone mineral strengthening foot & ankle conditions density to decrease the risk of fracture. and more.. Meet your therapist, Jess!
Dr. Jessica Armillay, PT, DPT graduated from Misericordia University in 2016 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She practiced for over 2 years in a high volume outpatient physical therapy clinic providing physical therapy services on land and in an aquatic therapy setting in Pennsylvania where she worked with patients of all ages to help them achieve their goals.
2 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
Jessica has experience treating a variety of conditions and with patients who have multiple comorbidities. She enjoys treating post-operative patients including total knee, hip, and shoulder replacements, rotator cuff repairs, lumbar spine, and cervical spine operations, and patients with balance deficits and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Additional Locations
718-224-8480 www.reddycare.net
Great Neck Farmingdale Bayside (coming soon with Aquatic Therapy) Woodbury (coming soon)
Established 2003
In-Home Therapy
Long Island Queens Staten Island Brooklyn Manhattan The Bronx
Golf & BBQ Fundraiser NST Babes Against Cancer Tournament Raises $20,000
By Michael Kohn
T
he annual Babes Against Cancer event returned to North Shore Towers on Thursday, July 8th, raising $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. The day included 84 golfers competing for the charity and was followed by a BBQ luncheon. Event Chairperson Teri Oropallo said the day was even “bigger and better” than their pre-pandemic events. “I was thrilled, and I thought it was a wonderful day,” she said. “The weather was the star–cool and sunny for golf, overcast for lunch, and stormy after the events ended. The minute we ended the storm came, so it was a wonderful day.” The golfers took to the links to compete for top net or gross scores and to win the longest drive or closest to the pin contests. Following the games, they joined another 30 of their friends and family to celebrate at the BBQ. Oropallo said this year’s program was also different from pre-Covid years because the organizers separated the golf and card parties into different days, with the card party scheduled for Monday, September 20th. The tent BBQ came about be-
cause some of the residents were not yet comfortable with indoor dining. “We made some concessions due to Covid, but we’re coming out of it,” Oropallo said. “I liked this event better because I felt it was more intimate. I think we had more residents golfing and non-golfers participating.” Oropallo said the raffle prizes this year “were phenomenal.” Despite the difficulties created by the pandemic over the last year and a half, many of the area’s restaurants donated gift cards, including Il Toscano, Limani, Uncle Bacala’s, Pearl East, Luigi’s, La Coquille, The Jolly Fisherman, Stress, Umberto’s, Galleria, New Fu, and Smokehaus. According to Oropallo, Iavarone Brothers and North Shore Farms’ baskets were huge and very popular. Those who participated in the enjoyed a BBQ prepared by the Towers on the Green staff. “It was a special day for a very special cause,” Oropallo said. She also thanked her committee of 23 women. “It was a tremendous effort on everybody’s part,” she said. “It was just a great day for both the American Cancer Society and our North Shore Towers community.”
JACK SCHWARZ PHOTOS
Publicity Chairperson Evelyn Pinsky, Country Club Manager Mary Anne Langone, and Babes Chairperson Theresa Oropallo.
Sam Lee, Kathy Paek, Janet and Steve Breden.
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 3
Renee Block, Jackie Cassel, Sivia Krakower, and Lee Seamens.
Men’s Club Returns to Normality By Howard Arkin
T
4 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
he Men’s Club took a giant step forward when on Monday, July 5th Gary Darche hosted the first live current events session in well over a year. Darche chose six topics to discuss, ranging from the Mets/Yankees subway series to Bill Cosby’s release from prison. A life-long Yankees fan, Darche was quite unhappy over the series result. The fact that he was born in Brooklyn and became a Yankees fan by choice was no reason for him to deserve any sympathy from us. The vaccination issue came up, and it was agreed upon unanimously that only in certain situations should everyone not be vaccinated. Unless the vaccine is detrimental to one’s health, it should be required. Regarding Bill Cosby’s release from prison, I was very surprised to find out that half of the men thought it was warranted. Is a current District Attorney bound by what many thought was a poor decision by his predecessor? Someone voiced his opinion by quoting Charles Dickens: “The law is an ass.” Donald Trump, a name that has not come up too much, recently, surfaced again. Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organization’s Chief Financial Officer, has been indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance for income tax evasion and fraud. Trump sees this indictment as a “witch hunt.” I think that the feeling of the men was that the indictment is not a “witch hunt” but that Trump will not face future indictments anyway because of it. At the time of the meeting, the New York City mayoral race results were still in doubt. We now know that the Democratic nominee will be Eric Adams and
that ranked-choice voting had no effect on the outcome. I’m still undecided, but Paul Arden’s argument did impress me. “If I wanted my second or third choice to be the mayor, I would have voted for the first,” he said. I think that most of us do not fully understand it, but it seems that ranked-choice here to stay. The public financing of NYC elections also met with criticism. Giving a candidate eight dollars for every dollar contributed to their campaign seems too excessive. If a candidate has money left over after the election, where does it go? The tragedy of the Surfside, Florida condominium was discussed in great detail. One focal point in the discussion was the need for assessments that were needed to make necessary repairs to the building. I think that it will take a long time before the investigations are completed, and we fully know how this tragedy happened. We could not get to the only topic was “The January Insurrection,” which was tabled until our next meeting. The meeting was well attended, but the Coleridge Room in Building Three can accommodate quite a few more. So why not come down next Monday? The class starts at 10:30 am. A Message from Toby Horowitz President North Shore Towers Men’s Club The Men’s Club is strong, and if you did not renew your membership, ask those who did and attended the luncheon at Umberto’s. It was good to see our members enjoying an afternoon with old and new members. See the photo on this page and don’t miss the upcoming event on Thursday, July 29th, Luncheon at The Jolly Fisherman. If you haven’t paid your dues, don’t miss out on these and other upcoming events.
Gifted Hands Night Aide Only Available
Over 30 years experience with excellent references to care for your elderly loved ones No agency fees 9:00 pm-7:00 am or 11:00 pm-7:00 am
Monday to Sunday Low Price
CALL NICOLA: (516) 670-2975
The North Shore Towers Men’s Club luncheon at Umberto’s.
I
A Very Special Group
was asked to meet with some very group. I know I’m going to have nice special woman called “The 4 Evers.” neighbors. I spoke to each member, They are a wonderful group of they all say the same thing, 12; some still work, some are “I am so lucky to be a 4 Ever widowed, single, and some member.” It was so nice talking are married. Their ages are beto these women, with no comtween 55 and 94 years old. plaints, and only love in hearts. They meet at Buffy’s for We could all learn from them. coffee and muffins every SatBud Bank urday at 11:00 am. To be part of the group, you must live on the fourth floor in building one. They are all best friends and loving neighbors. To be part of the 4 Evers, You must not only live on the fourth floor, but must be a good person. I am going to speak to my real estate agent. I’d like to know if any apartments are for sale on the fourth floor? Maybe I can be the first male to join the Jackie, Joan, Jackie, Faith, Paula, & Sylvia.
Ricken Retires From Bd.
By Michael Kohn
B
ob Ricken announced his retirement from the North Shore Towers Bd. of Directors and did not seek reelection in June shortly after his 90th birthday. He began his tenure on the board in 2006 and served as its president for five years. “I hit 90, and I felt that it was time for someone new to come in,” he said. “If they have any new ideas to share, I would encourage them to take my place at this time.” Looking back on his time on the board, Ricken said he is most proud of his administration’s openness during his time as president. Highlights included: •Open discussion of every resident’s letter at board meetings. •Writing monthly articles for both community newspapers. •Delivering regular reports to residents’ doors to share current information with all shareholders. “I was available to everybody,” he said. “I think most people appreciated that there was no tension between the community and the board, and I think that’s the biggest accomplishment, bigger than any individual accomplishment. We were all getting together quite well. That was a nice romance–it really was.” Some other significant accomplishments as board president included five years of no increases in maintenance or country club dues, a new $69 million mortgage at a 2.4 percent rate of interest, and an increase in reserve funds to $18 million from $6 million. Also included were instituting strategies to increase sponsored golf and tennis players and completing the $13 million generator project without
utilizing reserve funds. Ricken described what was accomplished as beyond his “wildest expectations.” “But I didn’t do it alone,” he continued. “You have to give the most credit to my wife Susan and the residents who offered their ideas and criticism.” Ricken also served as chairperson of the finance and country club committees and on the Presidents Co-op and Condominium Council. “I think we did some really great things for the co-ops,” he said. First appointed to replace Ira Rubin as a board director in September 2006, Ricken was elected president in June 2008 after winning by a substantial margin. This resulted in a shift of power at North Shore Towers away from sponsor-controlled outcomes and influence for the first time. “I think 100 percent of the people were surprised by the outcome,” he said at the time. “I was happily surprised. The people that I thought would carry the people’s agenda forward were all elected, and I was really thrilled by that.” When asked what advice he would offer future board directors, the 22-year resident of the co-op suggested that they pay attention to the community they are elected to represent. “Collectively, they have more ideas than any of us do as an individual,” he said. “I think I might have set a tone for people that come after me because they realize their responsibility to inform the people and have no secrets about anything going on, and that includes the good and bad,” he said. “We have
to be the leaders who are constructive and respond to the needs of the community.” After his retirement Ricken pledged to keep a low political profile at the Towers in the future and said he would not get involved in community politics. “I think that’s very important for any board retiree to do,” he said. He plans to spend his newly found extra time with his family, including his wife and their blended family, which consists of three sons and daughters-in-law, as well as four grown grandchildren. “That’s something I enjoy, and we do a lot together, so I’m pleased about the additional time,” he said. A retired school administrator and author, Ricken served as Principal and Superintendent of the Mineola School District for 22 years and as an Interim Superintendent in six other Long Island districts when they had a crisis in leadership and/or finances. He has also was a Senior Adjunct Professor at LI University, C.W. Post, teaching future school leaders budgeting, negotiations, and management. The subtitle of his last book was “How to be a Compassionate and Decisive Leader,” and it was recently translated into Chinese. Ricken said he plans on staying at North Shore Towers to enjoy the many amenities. “This is my home,” he concluded.
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 5
Bd. President Ricken addressing residents in 2009.
MICHAEL KOHN PHOTOS
Retired Board Director Robert Ricken in front of the North Shore Towers welcome sign in 2014.
Shop Close To Home. Support Arcade Vendors
6 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
(718) 352-0548
Regular Car Wash $17 • SUVs $20
To advertise In The Tower Times email: TowerTimesPublisher@gmail.com
Treatment at Home
Your On-Site Audiologist
The World’s first hearing aid with an on-board Deep Neural Network (DNN) A Hearing Aid that automatically learns & adapts for you! Science shows that we hear with our brains and not our ears. Our cutting-edge technology helps your brain decipher intricate details of relevant sounds for better speech understanding with less effort and the ability to remember more. All in a rechargeable hearing aid that delivers direct streaming from iPhone and Android™. This is why we’re excited to tell you about this new technology designed to bring you closer to life’s special moments.
STAY SAFE while getting the treatment you need to Hear Clearly, Stop Tinnitus and Reduce Dementia Risk!
Dr. Amy Sapodin, Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A
Dr. Patricia Salamone, Au.D.
NORTH SHORE TOWERS
269-10 Grand Central Parkway Building 3, Arcade 5
(718) 550-1227 www. hearbeautifuIly.com
THOMAS M. AMATO Co., Inc.
www.amatofurniture.com
105 Years of Service: You Can’t Put a Price on Trust
Free Estimate from Photo
pamato@amatofurniture.com, jamato@amatofurniture.com • (718) 391-0877 51-02 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 7
•Custom Reupholstery •Leather Reconditioning •Wood Refinishing •Antique Restoration •On-Site Architectural Woodwork Restoration
Harry Rosenberg CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
Accounting and Billing Management Services Service All Year–Not Just Tax Season
Call for a free consultation to discuss your individual needs
• Paying of monthly bills • Bank reconciliations • Financial tracking of dividends and interest • Aide & Household employee payroll taxes prepared • Income tax preparation
Tel: (201) 493-2278 • Cell: (201) 394-1501
8 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
Pages From Our Past AUGUST 2012 New Bd. Director Mario Carmiciano Mario Carmiciano was considered by many to be a dark horse candidate in June’s Bd. of Directors election, and he said he surprised even himself with his third place victory. Appointed Chairman of the House and Grounds Committee, Carmiciano has served on several NST Sub Committees, such as Capital Improvements, Towers Men’s Golf Association, and the Country Club. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and 15 other states. Wendy Kaufman, Snapple Lady Building two resident Wendy Kaufman had an 18-year run on TV in the 1990s hawking Snapple beverages. She was the iconic star of a long-running series of quirky and wildly funny commercials that helped to make Snapple, and Kaufman (the Snapple Lady, as she came to be known), household names. AUGUST 2016 Newest Bd. Director, WWII Hero Born in Germany, George Nagelberg came to America with his family in 1939 before Hitler invaded Poland. His cousin met with the principal of the local public school to seek the best way to enter the school system, since he was 14 years old and spoke no English. The principal suggested that he start in kindergarten. He said he would monitor his progress in learning the language and move him through the grades. In a few months Nagelberg
had advanced sufficiently to pass the entrance exam for Brooklyn Tech. Adele Deerson: Attorney for 70 Years Building One resident Adele Deerson was honored by the Nassau County Bar Association for her dedication as a volunteer for the Foreclosure Clinic. The ceremony was held at a dinner-dance in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. Vicki Cooper: NST’s Young Centenarian What an eventful year 1916 was: Woodrow Wilson was elected President, Albert Einstein published his Theory of Relativity, and Betty Grable, Van Johnson, and Gregory Peck were born. They’ve all since passed away but on June 6, 1916 a little girl was born on the Lower East Side of New York, and she is still very much alive and living in Building One of North Shore Towers. She is sharp as a tack, walks unassisted, and plays Mah Jongg and Canasta three times each week. She swam until age 95. Ladies on Links: Babes Against Cancer Theresa Oropallo, president for the last two years of the Towers Ladies Golf Association, was delighted with the Babes Against Cancer program that took place on Thursday, July 7th at North Shore Towers. A record turnout of 215 people took part in a fun-filled day of golf, games, and a wonderful lunch in the Towers on the Green, with raffles and prizes included. Most gratifying of all, she said, participants raised about $30,000 to date in donations to the American Cancer Society. In addition, for
the first time, a journal was issued and ads brought in an additional $2,400 for the cause. NST Men’s Club: A Light Has Gone Out The Men’s Club board member Jerry Gilbert passed away. The club reported, “He may be gone, but not the memory of his smiling face.” To honor him, their board decided that in lieu of their usual program they would devote the meeting on Thursday, July 14th to sharing the memories of individual relationships with him.
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 9
The Garden at North Shore Towers Photos and Article By Phyllis Jaslow To all our fellow North Shore Towers Garden members and our neighborhood friends, this is a little history of our beautiful and productive garden. We are located in between the pickleball court and the 17th hole of the Golf Course. During the Covid pandemic, the Garden Club kept people healthy by providing an outside time, a connection to the land, and, most importantly, exercise and fresh produce. We possess 60 lots in our garden site, and each lot is provided to our members for a nominal membership fee. Bob and Helen Bader were some of the club’s original founders, and Bob, in honor of the late Helen Bader, created The Giving Garden. The Giving Garden aims to provide the local food bank with fresh produce to distribute to the needy. The following photos are the results of the input of some of our gardeners: If you have any questions, please contact Bob Bader: (718) 224-7208.
Advertise in the TOWER TIMES
10 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
TowerTimesPublisher@gmail.com
Thinking of Buying or Selling Your Co-op Apartment? Before you do, obtain a FREE copy of Errol Brett’s Helpful Tips for Buyers and Sellers of Cooperative Apartments Errol Brett is one of the leading co-op attorneys throughout the metropolitan area. Specializing in the representation of Buyers, Sellers, Board of Directors, as well as representing individual shareholders, or those who have been denied the right to purchase.
For a FREE copy contact the Law Offices of Errol Brett Phone: (516)456-2956 or e-mail: eb@errolbrett.com
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 11
CO-OP CLOSINGS: $875
Shop Close To Home. Support Arcade Vendors
Advertise in the TOWER TIMES
12 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
TowerTimesPublisher@gmail.com
To advertise In The Tower Times, email: towertimespublisher@gmail.com
What Are They Saying About James Cole? By Vicki Mazel
T
he July speaker for the Women’s Club, Professor James Cole, is an adjunct professor of American and Constitutional History at Hofstra and Nassau Community College. The club meeting was held live in the lower card room. Professor Cole writes many articles for periodicals and is dedicated to promoting honest, open, and responsive limited government. As a retired NYPD detective, he brings a fresh eye to constitutional law and enforcement and is always a welcome speaker to the North Shore Towers Women’s Club. Having the first live meeting since the pandemic, Cole addressed questions such as, “What did the Declaration of Independence actually declare?” Other areas of expertise include Roe vs. Wade, the death penalty, understanding the presidency, women of the Supreme Court, and the road to revolution. While Cole is a very engaging speaker on the lecture circuit, it is interesting to
2021American musical is based on the show about life in Washington Heights and filmed on location. Written by Lynn Manual Miranda and Alegria Hudes, the release was delayed due to the pandemic. Playing at the North Shore Towers Theater and other venues, it had its premiere at Tribeca on Wednesday, June 9th and has an approval rating of 96 percent. Critical acclaim for story and musical numbers have given the film much momentum, and the NST Cinema received an increase in moviegoers, which we hope will continue. One musical number featured synchronized swimming and was shot over two days with 500 extras. Neighborhood characters form the basis of the storyline, from beauty shop workers, owner of the Bodega to Graffiti Pete. The soundtrack was produced by Miranda, with his rap style and hands-on guidance. One critic gushed: “Light’s up for In the Heights–A joyous celebration. Dazzling directions and singalong songs.” While it may not be for everyone, it is a statement on immigration, urban life, different music (rap), and excellent technical innovations. Calendar Until further notice: Monday Marchers has been postponed until cooler weather prevails. Thursday, July 29th, Lunch Bunch, 12:30 pm in the outside tent, weather permitting. $5.00 refundable fee reserves your
place at the Lunch Bunch table for conversation and camaraderie. Contact: Marilyn Goldberg, (347) 502-7309, Building Two, 9:00 am or Eva Kessner, (718) 631-7637, Building Three, 24V. Wednesday, August 18th, Jolly Fisherman luncheon, 25 Main St., Roslyn, $32 (Subsidized by Women’s Club), 12:00 pm. Leave checks with concierge in your building with representatives name on the envelope. One check per envelope and seating request if applicable. Transportation on your own. Sylvia Landau, 7W, Building One. Marilyn Goldberg, 9M, Building Two. Chickie Kaufman, 1T, Building Three. Thursday, September 30th, Bingo Bash. 4:00-5:30 pm, 5:45-7:00 pm, supper at Towers on the Green, $20 per person (subsidized by the Women’s Club), assigned seating). Checks to building concierges with bldg reps name on the envelope. Chairpersons: Dawn Steinberg, (718) 2291448 and Selma Baumgarten, (347) 5027123.Send checks to: Sylvia Landau, 7W, Building One. Marilyn Goldberg, 9M, Building Two. Chickie Kaufman, 1T, Building Three. If you have not paid your dues, send envelope to Chickie with $25 check. That’s it for now. See you in the lobby, the arcade, the pool, the gym wherever. Look for our yellow rose flyers–there’s more to come!
Requiem to Zoom Verse by Vicki Nothing can be more obnoxious, Than putting people in little boxes. Don’t you thinks it’s very mean, To line up faces on the screen?
Now that folks are on the mend, Maybe it’s time for zooms to end. Real people talking with conjecture, Time to go back to plain live lectures.
Are people really fully dressed, While listening to a special guest? During the pandemic it was a boom, Everyday was another Zoom.
Downstairs cardroom now the scene, Flor wisdom and interest and in between, The Women’s Club is on a roll, Starting off with Professor James Coll.
Along the screen the camera pans People talking without raising hands. Although not a crime like corruption, Many gabbers prone to interruption. Zooming is very often fraught, With lots of people getting caught. Sleeping or eating chicken wings, And then if the telephone rings????
Many more to follow through the year, No more little boxes to fear. Listen, Learn with friends in the room, Good riddance to that thing called Zoom!!!!
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 13
Outgoing Pres. Bobby Gould at her retirement luncheon in Manhasset.
note his college students’ reactions to him. So what are they saying? This is a random sampling: “Took his winter class, and I mean this guy knows the consitution like the back of his hand. He’s a constitutional genius.” “I wish all my professors were as straightforward. For a typically boring subject, he made it very interesting.” “He is so funny and really cares about his students. He makes history exciting.” “Professor Cole is one of the truly great teachers out there...I never had a class so thought-provoking...Take this, Professor, now!” Many of us agree with his students, and we are fortunate to have Professor Cole as our speaker on several occasions during the year and look forward to his return visits. Gould’s 6-Year Run Retired President and still active resident, Bobby Gould, one of the founders and first president of the Woman’s Club, has retired from the Presidency to pursue continuing areas of interest. A luncheon was held in her honor on Wednesday, June 30th, at Pearl East Restaurant in Manhasset, attended by Steering and Program Committee members of the club. In reminiscing about the origins of the club, Gould commented with amazement at its growth. With the yearly membership drive now in high gear, the success continues, and a large membership is predicted. Spending six months in Florida, Gould has formed Women’s Club South with other Floridians that wish to continue activities while away for the winter months. She is also forming a new outreach program for the Women’s Club, focusing on regular or new members who the pandemic has shutin. She, and her co-organizer, Judy Paris, are planning small pod groups of people to get to know each other and discuss questions of mutual interest. The first get-together will be a Wine and Cheese Party at the Coleridge Lounge on Thursday, August 26th at 4:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, please send an email including your name, address, phone number, building, and apartment number to Bobby Gould, gouldrl@msn.com, (561) 445-3029 or Judy Paris, judyparis@twc. com, (718) 819-8293. As Gould will remain instrumental in continuing activities, she turns over the reins to co-presidents Gloria Beck and Chickie Kaufman. Cinema Club The August movie up for review is “In The Heights,” playing in the movie theater and several streaming channels. The
The History of the Piano By Lorraine Bertan NST Cultural Affairs
T
14 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
wenty-one million Americans play the piano. Elton John and Billy Joel play the piano. Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman, and Richard Nixon played the piano. Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison played the piano. How many people in your family play the piano? The piano names associated with famous piano manufacturers Steinway, Bechstein, Bosendorfer, and Bluthner are German firms, but the piano was invented by an Italian harpsichord maker, Bartolomeo Christofori, in approximately 1700. The piano produces sound by striking strings with hammers that cause vibrations. The harpsichord plucks strings with “plectrums” when a key is struck. The piano can adjust the sound volume, from soft (piano) to loud (forte), and contains a pedal that can sustain the sound, which accounted for its popularity when introduced.
The piano includes 88 keys which provide a range of frequencies compatible with the frequencies detected by the human ear. Since both the piano and the harpsichord depend on strings, loosening becomes significant, so tuning is required. Pianos were extremely expensive, and after their introduction, only royalty and aristocrats owned them. Playing the piano afforded status, and women were encouraged to play the piano to enhance their marriageability status. The decoration of pianos allowed for displays of artistic opulence. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the music room became a cultural and artistic icon in the homes of the wealthy. Themes of composers and pianists of these times were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Hayden, Ludwig Beethoven, Clara, and Robert Schumann, Franz Schubert, Frederick Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Niccolò Paganini. The social history of the music room
Pierre Auguste Renoir’s painting “Girls at the Piano.”
with its piano and other musical instruments parallel the rise of the middle class and the industrialists during the 19th and 20th century. During the Victorian era, the piano and the music room were a symbol of social status. Emma Wedgewood, the daughter of industrialist Josiah Wedgewood, took lessons from Frederick Chopin and was an accomplished pianist. Her husband, Charles Darwin, was an appreciative listener to her playing when he took a break from writing the “Origin of Species.” During the 19th and 20th centuries, the piano became symbolic with education and culture, and public schools, public buildings, hotels all possessed pianos. The piano’s popularity became worldwide, and Japan became a center of piano manufacturing in the Far East along with European countries. Steinway moved to New York City and produced the first American Steinway in 1853. The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, The Curtis Institute of Music were founded during the twentieth century for the performing arts. All of Juilliard’s practice rooms contain Steinways, a
relationship that goes back to 1924 and the founding of the Juilliard Graduate School. When Juilliard opened its door in 1905, the first director was Walter Damrosch, Head of Music Education in New York City and the godson of Franz Liszt. During the Great Depression, piano sales declined, and many piano manufacturers went out of business. Beginning with the player piano, radio, television, and electronic keyboards have replaced the piano as the heart of the home. Mass entertainment has encouraged people to leave home. Pianos are still secure as expensive additions to the home. They are concentrated once again in the homes of the wealthy who want their children to acquire the discipline of piano study. Pianos appear in the lobbies of grand hotels, are always present in schools, and enjoyed in the concert venue, both classical and modern. Piano sales increased during the pandemic as people felt trapped in their homes and looked for ways to make their lives more interesting, like learning to play or playing the piano.
Are you having lower back pain with standing activities? keneticpt@gmail.com Call or text: (718) 218-3868
Call (718) 218-3868 for a FREE consultation
TOWER TIMES • August 2021 • 15
We provide medical massage and stretching at your home with a licensed physical therapist to improve your posture and ability to walk
Discover Resort Living at NORTH SHORE TOWERS Enjoy the Ultimate Luxurious Lifestyle A Community Ahead of It’s Time! THE ONLY GATED GOLF COMMUNITY IN NYC!!
ON THE BORDER OF QUEENS AND NASSAU COUNTY...JUST 16 MILES EAST OF MANHATTAN
EXPERIENCE the MAGIC of NORTH SHORE TOWERS with unlimited and endless opportunities beyond your expectations! Explore NORTH SHORE TOWERS and Country Club, located on 110 acres, with its own lushly manicured private 18-hole, par-72 golf course. This extraordinary award-winning 24-hour gated community, with doormen and concierge services, has a prime location on the border of Queens and Nassau County, just 16 miles east of Manhattan! The TOWERS will afford you a unique luxurious unparalleled residence with incredible views!
16 • TOWER TIMES • August 2021
NORTH SHORE TOWERS offers a sought-after first-class residential destination with a spectacular combination of exceptional amenities. PRIVATE 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE, 5 LIT HAR TRU TENNIS COURTS, CARD ROOMS, CLUBS, STATEOF-THE-ART GYM AND HEALTH SPA WITH AEROBICS CLASSES, HOT TUB, SUANA, STEAM ROOMS, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS, AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
Enjoy an indoor arcade mall that features a large variety of shops, including restaurants, Chase Bank, movie theatre, pharmacy, supermarket, fruit and vegetable store, and beauty salon. Additionally, enjoy the peace of mind of FULL-TIME GENERATORS–NEVER BE WITHOUT POWER. Only at NORTH SHORE TOWERS can residents have a resort lifestyle with all the comforts of home! Both a courtesy bus to local shopping and an express MTA bus to Manhattan stop at your front door. Be surrounded by amazing amenities and a dedicated professional service-oriented staff! If you seek a unique blend of city and country club living, to discover this hidden gem, please call ANNETTE KROLL, the only resale broker with 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, SPECIALIZING in apartment sales at NORTH SHORE TOWERS! Your dream lifestyle awaits! A whole new world is only a phone call away, (718) 631-8867 when you call for a personal tour to have ANNETTE help you find the home of your dreams!