Tower Times, December 2019 by Tower Times

Volume 22, Issue 12

Serving the residents of North Shore Towers since 1995

December 2019

MICHAEL KOHN PHOTO

Veterans Day Tribute

American Legion Post 103 Commander Sedastiano Diagostino and Bd. Director Fred Chernow

NST MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLUB:

The Bronx, USA

1926-2019

Harriet Lane

TOWERS TALES:

The Prashkers

2 • TOWER TIMES • December 2019

Veterans Day Tribute By Barbara Levy

eterans Day commemorates veterans of all wars, and North Shore Towers residents and neighbors celebrated their service with a special program on Monday, November 11th at the Towers on the Green. The large attendance was standing room only, and many additional chairs were brought in for their comfort. Board President Bob Ricken led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. Korean War veteran and NST Board Director Fred Chernow hosted the event and welcomed the audience, filled with many veterans and their families. Some of them spoke to the attendees relating their experiences serving the country. NST resident Marilyn Goldberg spoke proudly about her father, who served in WWI. He headed to Europe in 1918, serving in England, France, Belgium, and Portugal, and received the Purple Heart. He sailed home with other returning veterans in 1919 to his welcoming family. The American Legion is the oldest and largest veterans’ organization, with an estimated 2 million members, and a number

of them from Post 103, of Douglaston and Little Neck, were present in the audience. Commander Sedastiano Diagostino spoke to the audience telling of their Veterans Day Parade, which has become the largest in the country. Chernow said he joined the Legion that day. State Senator John Liu also spoke to the community. He currently teaches municipal finance and policy at Baruch College and Queens College of the City University of New York and Columbia University and is a former NYC Councilman and Comptroller. He came to America with his father and two brothers on the 11th day of the 11th month, he said. “Today, when we honor all veterans, the soul of our country is at stake,” he said. “We must all be as active as possible and try to change the government by voting and in any other way that we can.” Irene Baron, an NST resident for seven years, was born in London, England. Her two brothers both served the country, one in the Air Force, one in the Army. “There were bombings every day in London,” she said. “We hid in the underground. We often recited this poem to each other, which is partially repeated here: ‘They shall grow old. Age shall not weary them. With the going down of the sun, we shall remember them.’”

Marilyn Goldberg with a photo of her father, a World War I veteran.

Chickie Kaufman and Judy Tane reported on the polished black marble wall, which memorializes veterans in Washington, D.C. There are 58,267 alphabetized names on the wall. There are women’s names and those who survived. The two women ended their speech with the following words: “There are no noble wars. Just noble warriors.” Delta Force Ranger Ed Phelan, NST Director, said, “We were known as the most elite group in the service, but we were not loved. There was a lot of negativism about the Vietnam War, and we were not treated as veterans who served in other wars were treated.” He then mentioned the Ranger’s Code of Ethics, some of which follow: •Never shall I fail my comrades. •Complete our missions though we be alone. •Never leave our fallen comrades. “We were the best of the best,” he said.

“It was an honor to serve with my outstanding comrades.” A video was presented of “God Bless America,” performed by a group of celebrities including John Wayne and others. The audience applauded the moving tribute, which also included two veterans reuniting after 72 years, naval aviators Ray Owen and Robert Turnell. They flew from a carrier against the Japanese. After an emotional greeting, they enjoyed talking about their past, and both felt lucky to have survived the war. WWII Corporal Murray Levine appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show performing “The House I Lived In,” which was a Frank Sinatra song at the time. He also performed for his fellow soldiers sent by the government to entertain the troops. Russell Craig sang to the troops all over the world, and led the audience in singing “America Continued on Page 14

TOWER TIMES • December 2019 • 3

MICHAEL KOHN PHOTOS

NY State Senator John Liu address NST residents on Veterans Day.

4 • TOWER TIMES • December 2019

Obituary: Harriet Robbins

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By Hailey Barton Harriet Robbins Lane was born on Friday, May 13, 1926, to Rose and David Arbeit. She passed at home in her muchloved apartment in North Shore Towers on October 26, 2019. She was 93. She was a gifted life-long artist from the age of 5. She trained at an arts high school in NYC and took subways alone at the age of 12. She went on to become a textile designer at the age of 20 and designed horse heads on lampshades for her first job. She then worked at Cohn Hall Marx where she met the love of her life, Herbert Robbins, at a water cooler. They married on Feb 2, 1947 when she was 21 and he was 27. Two years later a son, David Robbins, was born, followed by a daughter, Andrea Apter (nee Robbins). They moved to the suburbs of Westbury, NY, where she and Herbert enjoyed years of golf, travel (and buying tchotchkes), and cruising. She was an expert cook and knitter, read four books a week, did The New York Times crossword puzzle in pen, played endless rounds of mahjong and ran a full-time art studio, focusing her skills and talent on painting. After her first husband passed, she moved to North Shore Towers where she met her second husband, Louis Lane, in one of the art classes she taught at her studio (Studio 4). She decorated the window display in the arcade area of North Shore Towers for years with her partner, Ann Hoffman. She enjoyed the lifestyle here for over 40 years. She also ran the non-profit Babe Zaharias golf annual charity event. She was strong-willed, independent, smart as a whip, educated and opinionated. She had a wry sense of humor, a smile for

Harriet Robbins. everyone, and a deep sense of pride in her appearance, her art, and her family. Her greatest achievements were her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She leaves behind her son David (Linda) and daughter Andrea (Bill), and her grandchildren Lauren (Kevin), Hailey (David), Adam (Sarah) and Brandon (Erica). From these children came her four great-grandchildren Zadie, Lucy, Noa, and Julian. She was predeceased by her husbands Herbert and Louis, and her beloved sister Marion Zimmerman and brother-in-law Joseph Zimmerman. Instead of flowers, please donate to an arts organization of your choice in her honor and memory.

Towers Investment Club By Bud Bank The North Shore Towers Investment Club had a brunch/meeting on Sunday, October 20th in The Towers on the Green Restaurant. We had a full turn out, plus seven guests. Judy Lev, Vice president of Morgan Stanley, was our guest speaker. Her topic was, “Don’t Give Up, Look Ahead for the Blue Sky.” The meeting was longer than usual because of all the questions, but Judy answered them all. The club also met on Tuesday, November 12th in the Coleridge lounge. We discussed which stocks if any that we may want to sell, also talked about purchasing other stocks. Year to date the Dow is up 15.9 percent, and the club is up 17.02 percent. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30 PM in the Coleridge

lounge. All residents are welcome to join us please call Herb Cooper (718) 631-8264.

Seated: Shirley Cavan, Herb Cooper, and Judy Lev. Standing: Mort Ofsie, Bud Bank.

TOWERS TALES: Roberta and Gene Prashker

A Class Act at North Shore Towers By Fred Chernow

Gene and Roberta Prashker. Clark, and Metuchen, NJ, Oceanside, NY, of the dinner dances, parties and evening Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX, Gladwyne, programs. You can always find them at PA, and Manhattan, NY before coming to the VIP Club Room for Friday night dinNST. ner. They enjoy the Tai Chi and Ballroom After retirement, they decided to move Dance Classes. Gene belongs to the Men’s from the bucolic suburb of Gladwyne, PA, Club and they both go to their meetings, outside of Philadelphia, to the urban oasis dinners and never miss Bingo Night. of Manhattan. They greatly enjoyed living They play couples canasta, bridge and in Manhattan, and for 18 years took full scrabble, and Roberta belongs to a mah advantage of the theaters, museums, con- jongg group. You can find them walkcerts, the 92nd St Y, and Central Park. ing daily both outside in the surrounding One of the questions they are asked all neighborhood and in the Arcade, dependthe time is, “Why did you move from Man- ing on the weather. You will know them as hattan to NST?” Their answer is that the the couple checking their Fitbits to make hustle and bustle, and especially the noise sure they have achieved their number of of the city made them look for a quieter steps for the day. place that would be better suited for their Have you gone on many interesting later years. Also, Roberta had developed a trips? condition called hyperacusis, which makes Their most interesting travel experience her very sensitive to loud sounds. After was having the opportunity to visit Japan visiting Roberta’s cousins Felice and Frank for extended visits when their daughter Schmeyer at NST a few times they were was working there. While in Japan they sure this was the right place for them. were not only able to visit the major tourist What do you enjoy doing at NST? attractions, but they were also able to exIt’s been three and a half years that we perience everyday life in a fascinating part are here and we are both actively involved of the world. in clubs and activities. Roberta has already In addition to their Japan trips, they served on many committees, including have also visited many major cities in EuCountry Club, No Smoking, Welcome, rope, and the main attractions in the U.S. Special Projects, House and Grounds, and Canada. They especially enjoy the opand Cultural Programs. Gene has served portunity to fly to their two favorite cities, on House and Grounds, Country Club, London and Paris, to celebrate special ocand Capital Improvements. They have casions. made many friends here and go to most

TOWER TIMES • December 2019 • 5

oberta and Gene Prashker have enjoyed many fascinating experiences before joining us at North Shore Towers. They attended prestigious schools, small-town life, contrasting with 18 exciting years in Manhattan, many visits to Japan and Europe’s major cities as well as travel all over the United States. They are active members of a variety of service and recreational groups at NST. Also, they’re regulars at the Friday Night Happy Hour at our VIP Club Room. Where did you go to school? We both grew up in Brooklyn. Roberta at 2728 Kings Highway (two blocks from Bernie Sanders) and Gene at 918 East 14th Street (down the street from Woody Allen). While in her teens, Roberta moved to the upper west side of Manhattan where she graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. She received her bachelor’s degree from Barnard College. Gene graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and then went to NYU College of Engineering, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering. While at NYU he was a member of ZBT’s Gamma Chapter. What careers did each of you follow? Growing up in a household where her father was a school principal, Roberta always wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Barnard, she taught elementary school and then realized that she was very interested in helping those students who were falling behind academically. She received her Master’s Degree in Education and then became a reading specialist. For 25 years she worked with middle school and junior high school students who had difficulty reading and were testing substantially below grade level. At the same time, she was also an instructor at the Stanley Kaplan Center, preparing students for their SATs. During several summers she served as Director of the Elementary Summer School. Roberta has been invited to speak at professional conferences for experts in reading instruction. Her lectures on the topic of “What Really Works” were standing room only. In 1982, she was awarded membership in the “Four Chaplains Legion of Honor,” a prestigious award given

to those who have performed selfless service by going the extra mile to help others. Early in Gene’s career, he worked at some companies, including Merganthaler Linotype and Westinghouse Electric. He later held executive positions at both Continental Copper and Steel Industries and I.U. International. In 1978 he left I.U. and joined Omni Management, a managementconsulting firm, where he was Executive Vice President until retirement. Gene was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). While at Continental Copper and Steel, he was instrumental in bringing the first copper manufacturing plant to the state of Utah (the nation’s largest copper producer), in recognition of which he received the personal congratulations of Calvin Rampton, the Governor of Utah. Also, he was awarded the “Keys to the City” of West Jordan, the city where the new plant was located. Do you have a family? Roberta and Gene met on a blind date and were married after Roberta’s junior year in college. They have two children, Audrey and Mark. Audrey attended Wellesley College and Columbia Law School. After graduation, she joined the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison. After six years at the firm in New York, she spent four years in Japan at their offices in Tokyo. When returning to the United States, she joined Verizon, where she is now a Vice President and General Counsel-Capital Markets. Their son, Mark, attended Princeton University. He received his MD degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in public health from Boston University. Mark was a recipient of the American College of Rheumatology’s Physician-Scientist award. He served as Associate Dean of the School of Public Health at Boston University until his retirement. They have three granddaughters: Alison, who after recently graduating from Dartmouth College has started medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, and twins Betsy and Lauren who are seniors at Edgemont High School in Scarsdale, NY. Where did you live before coming to NST? Roberta and Gene have moved nine times. They have lived in many interesting places throughout the country including

6 • TOWER TIMES • December 2019

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Art Studio: Destination for Creative Events By Karen Perry and Bob Ricken

ounds of laughter were heard coming from the North Shore Towers Art Studio on Monday, November 11th and 18th as participating residents were enjoying the studio’s first major event, “The Art of Sculpture.” Led by guest artist Meagan Meehan, the first evening was spent with participants taking formless hunks of clay and fashioning them into unique art objects. The imaginative clay pieces produced included a frightening Halloween witch, an inviting Thanksgiving pie, and a warm Sabbath table. Gifts made for grandchildren included turtles, elephants, and even a unicorn. One week later, when the clay had dried and hardened, participants returned to the art studio to put the finishing touches on their creations. Choosing from an array of colors, each participant painted his or her clay creation, giving it definition and personality. Comments heard from participants included, “I feel like a kid again playing with clay,” and “I’m going to ask for some Play Doh for a holiday gift.” Mark your calendars: On Saturday, December 28th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Art Studio will host an event catering to families. Residents are invited to bring their children and grandchildren to enjoy this holiday art and crafts workshop together. A range of activities are planned for

children of all ages. This family party will include refreshments. To sign up for this exciting event, look for the flyers in the racks in your mailroom. Simply fill out the flyer, providing us with important planning information about your child’s age, artistic experience, and interests. Return the completed flyer to your building’s concierge. Future Events and Classes Be on the lookout for future Art Studio events and classes. We are looking into having a “Paint and Sip” evening. Guest artists guide you step-by-step to create a finished painting. In a variation of this event, participants can paint on glassware and glass shapes to create one-of-a-kind household objects and gifts. Our art class offerings are being redesigned to be lead by professional guest artists. These artists will teach classes of all levels from our popular Basic Drawing Class to small, themed groups at the intermediate and advanced levels. Residents will pay nominal fees to bring in these uniquely talented individuals. Look out for flyers in your mailroom that will ask about your artistic interests and levels of expertise. These will be used to plan class sizes and topics. Please address your questions and comments to studio manager Karen Perry at (718) 225-0107.

TOWER TIMES • December 2019 • 7

Hand sculpting in the art studio.

PHOTOS BY JUDY PARIS

‘The Art of Sculpture’ in progress at the North Shore Towers Art Studio.

THINK... NORTH SHORE TOWERS...THINK

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8 • TOWER TIMES • December 2019

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TOWER TIMES • December 2019 • 9

SUPER FIND! RENOVATED 1 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH WITH SPECTACULAR SUNNY WEST GOLF, CITY SKYLINE, BRIDGE, WATER AND SUNSET VIEWS! THIS SOUGHT AFTER 1,130 Sq. Ft. “CLOSET APARTMENT” WILL MAKE YOUR

“S”PECTACULAR 1 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH “CLOSET APARTMENT” WITH THE “BEST OF EVERYTHING.” INCREDIBLE LOCATION, VIEWS AND RENOVATION! NO EXPENSE SPARED! Sunny SE exposure with lush golf & pool views! This sought after 1,130 sq ft apartment, will make your move an easy one! Top of the line renovation. Large LR with new wood floors. Surround sound, 50 inch plasma TV. Sliding glass doors and BALCONY. DR/DEN w/pocket doors can be converted to a second bed. “State of the Art” kitchen with SieMatic wood cabinets, stainless appliances, Viking range, Miele dishwasher and Sub-Zero refrigerator. British slate counters and hand painted tile backsplash. Miele W/D. Master bedroom suite with outfitted closets. Master bathroom has been redesigned with Whirlpool tub, oversized stall shower and double sink vanity. Parking. $675,000.

10 • TOWER TIMES • December 2019

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Men’s Club: The Bronx, USA Documentary By Howard Arkin

orth Shore Towers members got to watch a documentary originally aired on HBO’s network, called The Bronx, USA, on Wednesday, October 30th. When Bronx native George Shapiro’s old Bronx buddy Howard West passed away, he decided to go back to the old neighborhood where it all began. You might remember Shapiro and his late business partner Howard West as the very successful manager(s) and producer(s) who helped create the Jerry Seinfeld show. The Bronx, USA is a story that follows George Shapiro as he returns to his old stomping grounds of the Bronx, where he grew up, accompanied by his long-time childhood friends, including fellow North Shore Tower’s residents Carl Golub and Jay Schwartz. Both Golub and Schwartz have known him for over 80 years. The documentary specifically covers Shapiro’s childhood, as well as his graduating year at his alma mater, DeWitt Clinton High School. The film also features interviews with other Bronx natives who share their expe-

riences and discuss what the area means to them. Retired General Colin Powell, hiphop pioneer Grandmaster Melle Mel, actor Alan Alda, Chazz Palmenteri, Hal Linden, Robert Klein, and Carl and Bob Reiner, were amongst these many commentators who narrated their experiences growing up in the Bronx during the 1940s and 50s. They often refer to themselves as the “Bronx Boys.” Some of the more interesting clips in the film were when Colin Powell talks about his childhood job as a “shlepper” in a toy store, quite a few levels below Secretary of State. He remembers the storeowner encouraging him to pursue a college education, which we all know he did. Chazz Palmenteri’s visit entering an old bakery on Arthur Ave. was another favorite of mine. The bakery even had a cannoli, “The Chazz,” named in his honor. Alan Alda’s romancing his future wife Arlene while a student at Fordham University also brought back some memories. However, the stories that resonated with me the most are the ones that Shapiro imparts, one of them being a visit to his old barbershop whose clientele has gone from

mostly caucasian to a mixture of ethnicities. The Bronx has become a true melting pot. I was perplexed by Shapiro’s ability to fall asleep with the Jerome Ave El rumbling outside his apartment. It would have kept me awake. His visit back to his old neighborhood and childhood apartment building resonated with me and brought back some fond memories. A family from El Salvador who now lives in his old apartment welcomed him with open arms. On occasion, I go back to my old house in Queens and it has only been five years since I left. This film was not just a trip back to nostalgia land. After visiting their former elementary school, PS 80, where they taught the students the long-forgotten game of stickball, the trio returns to DeWitt Clinton High School. We got a chance to see the next generation of today’s Bronx youngsters, the 2017 graduating class of Dewitt Clinton High School. We see how they dealt with the problems of their adolescents as Shapiro, Golubhas and Schwartz did seven generations ago. It is here where Shapiro passes on some words of wisdom and shares the impor-

tance of passion, drive, and friendship. They encourage these students to follow their aspirations and to never give Jay Schwarz. up on their dreams. Carl shares a quote his good friend Howard West once said, “Life is unfair, get over it” and I truly think that they will. I really would have liked to have known these guys, but alas, I was living about 25 miles away in Brooklyn at the time. All I knew about the Bronx was that they had a zoo, a majestic sounding street called the Grand Concourse, and a baseball team that almost every fall would beat my beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. Having a strong interest in New York City history, I found The Bronx, USA very much to my liking and would highly recommend seeing it. It can be seen at NST on HBO, Channel 510.

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The Profs Are Back, Ehrlich and Sack By Vicki Mazel

t. John’s professors Howard Ehrlich and Harvey Sackowitz have given many historical lectures at North Shore Towers; “The Trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg” being the most recent. The North Shore Towers Women’s Club held their November meeting in the Lower Card Room on Wednesday, November 13th with the professors addressing the subject of the Rosenbergs, accused and convicted of spying on behalf of the Soviet Union. The couple allegedly provided top-secret information, were convicted in 1951 and executed by the federal government in 1953. It is noted that their sons and many others have maintained that they were innocent. The professors will be returning to the Towers in April to speak at a Women’s Club meeting on “Behind Closed Doors– The Private Lives of our Presidents and First Ladies.” Tentatively slated for April 22, 2020, the date will be confirmed in this newspaper. Stay Luce The October Cinema Club presentation for review was Luce, presented on Mon-

day, October 28th in the Towers movie theater. The film, much admired by the audience, deftly captured complicated family dynamics with cultural themes and psychological elements. The story proved to be a powerful critique on many social issues. Reviewer Vicki Mazel provided background on the genesis of the film. The objectives of the writer/director Julius Onah, a Nigerian filmmaker whose interpretation of the story of the adopted Congolese young boy by an upper-middle-class family spotlighted the center of the plot. Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Octavia Spencer, and newcomer Kelvin Harrison, Jr. round out the cast of this provocative and outstanding movie. Psychologist Nurit Israeli provided intuitive and scholarly analysis of the characters with her usual expertise and sensitivity. The November film is slated to be “Pain and Glory,” on Monday, November 25th. The movie, from famed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. Almodovar’s past works and start in movie making will be addressed along with the international effect he had on filmmaking. Almodovar has recently been named head of the Cannes Film Festival, which is in keeping with the long line of movie honors he has received. Please note

VICKI MAZEL PHOTO

Prof. Howard Ehrlich, Acting Pres. Gloria Beck, and Prof. Harvey Sackowitz. that the Cinema Club review sessions are open to all residents December Bash Down South: A poetic message from our President, Bobby Gould. Hear ye! Hear ye! All members of the Women’s Club South Come one come all and answer our call: Thursday, December 12th, 11:30 am at

Polo Club we’ll meet. Join together in friendship and a delicious treat. RSVP to Bobby Gould (562) 496-6650 the number to call. Don’t miss out on the fun-you’ll have a ball!

North Shore Towers Cares for the Needy By Beverly Bord November was a double-header for North Shore Towers Cares for the Needy in conjunction with Commonpoint Queens. It was a month when the October collection of new socks were distributed through The

Soldiers Angels Warm Feet for Warriors campaign and November was also the beginning of the collection of detergents to be donated to the needy for the holiday season. Detergents come packaged in many

Facts of Life at NST

building’s mailbox room near to the newspaper racks are meant for donations only and not for newspaper circular disposal. The flyer on the top of the brown bin serves as a reminder for the month’s collection and should not be accidentally removed. Congratulations to Building Three, the winner for most collected socks for October. The following is a list of items for the months ahead. November: Detergents in new and sealed containers. December: New t-shirts, pj’s and underwear for Central Queens Y Food Pantry. January: Diapers and baby wipes, other baby supplies. Happy, healthy, peaceful New Year 2020 to all North Shore Towers residents, their families, and friends. Remember: The annual holiday season has begun, It’s a time for celebration and fun. Fill those brown bins with gifts of joy, for all the needy girls and boys.

TOWER TIMES • December 2019 • 13

hen I think of turkey, I think of maybe one, maybe two? stuffing, which brings me to enWas there a handyman who helped you velopes, which reminds me to get out? There’s always someone who is about. the holiday list from my concierge. I’m sure you know this is a great place to live and now is the time for you Did you get your mail delivered to give. today? To those who help you day by Was your garbage cleared day and make life easier in every away? way. Did your doorman take A special tip in words and packages from your car and greet money to those who make your you like you were a star? life so sunny. And may this Was there a porter you needed Pat Tulchin Thanksgiving be one of your best. to call because someone made a mess in your hall? As you realize the many ways you have Did you get a package addressed to you, been blessed.

different-sized containers and are widely stocked in your local supermarket or discount store. Next time you shop, think of the needy as you stroll the detergent aisles and remember to pick up a container or package of detergent powder, liquid or tablets for your holiday season donation. Newspapers and television programs bring home to us that many needy persons are unable to fully participate in the festive gift-giving and food-enjoying part of holiday celebrations. Consider that the Commonpoint Central Queens center’s food pantry, located in Forest Hill, Queens, is a good place for the needy to get the food, hygiene and cleaning supplies they need for themselves and their families. The pantry is a barrier-free facility that stocks kosher food for distribution to meet the needs of individuals and families for the holidays and all-year-round. Volunteers are available to register participants, to assist with the foodstuffs and other daily essential items. Reminder for all North Shore residents: The brown hamper-like bins in each

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum And the Great Art Theft By Lorraine Bertan Culture Committee

he Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is famous for its art collection, which represents the personal taste of Isabella Stewart Gardner, philanthropist and collector. It is also famous for the theft of 13 works of art stolen in March 1990, valued at $500 million. A reward of $10 million has been offered but never claimed. Isabella Stewart was born in 1824 to a wealthy family living in University Place, New York City. Her father David Stewart was an importer of Irish linen and expanded his business through investments. She was educated privately, traveling with her family through Europe, as most young women of that social class did in those days. She married Jack Lowell Gardner in 1840 and moved to Boston. Her father provided a house for the couple as a wedding gift. Their first child died from pneumonia and Isabella became extremely depressed and she and her husband went on frequent European, Asiatic and Egyptian trips which encouraged a passionate interest in art. She made meticulous notes of the journeys,

which are part of the museum collection. In 1887, she attended a reading of the works of Charles Elio Norton, the first professor of art history at Harvard, and she joined the Dante Society and became a collector of rare books. The couple became friends of Bostonians who collected works of art and were introduced to Bernard Berenson, a Lithuanian immigrant studying art and history at Harvard, and he became an art advisor to the Gardners and their friends. His knowledge of art and history was quite impressive, and the Gardners financed his trips to Italy to collect art for them. He became the foremost authority on Italian Renaissance Art. In 1891, Isabella inherited her father’s fortune and the Gardners had the means to exhibit their art collection in the Venetian Palazzo they were building to house their extensive art collection in Boston. In 1892, at a Paris auction, Isabella’s first major purchase, “The Concert” by Vermeer, established her reputation as a collector, since her agent outbid the Louvre and the National Gallery of London. Unfortunately, Vermeer is one of the stolen works of art. In 1896, Berenson advised the Gardeners to purchase Rembrandt’s “Self Portrait

at Age 23” and Titian’s “Rape Of Europa.” Both of these paintings are exhibited in the room where several paintings were stolen, and the empty frames are still on the walls. The theft was carried out during the early hours by two men posing as policemen claiming to respond to a disturbance. They overpowered the guards and spent about an hour removing 13 works of art valued at $500 million, including Rembrandt’s “Storm on the Sea Of Galilee.” Some of the more valuable paintings were not stolen. A reward of $10 million has been offered and remains an unsolved crime. In 1898 Jack Gardener died, and Isabella continued building the museum, which she called Fenway Court, buying land to expand the museum. It opened in 1903, accompanied by a performance of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. The four floors of the museum were expanded to include a concert hall, classrooms, and temporary exhibition galleries and a restaurant. The paintings include works by Monet, Matisse, Sergeant as well as tapestries, ceramics, furniture and a cloistered courtyard reminiscent of a Venetian Palazzo. Like many personal collections, the exhibits resemble an assemblage of interests and desires, like the painting of Isabella Stewart Gardner by John Singer Sargent and the various furnishings from the Italian Renaissance which embellish the rooms. The museum invites visitors to learn about Isabella Stewart Gardner during comfortable talks in the “living room,” and has “explainers” in some of the rooms to describe and engage with visitors about the exhibits. It is a beautiful and interesting museum reflecting the life of an art lover who wanted to share her treasures with the

Portrait of Isabella Stewart Gardner by John Singer Sargent. world. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, Boston MA 02155. Hours: 11 AM-5 PM except for Tuesday.

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Veterans Day Tribute Continued from Page 3 the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” and “Stand By Me.” And with his friend Mike Jones, they sang “Lean On Me.” Arlington National Cemetery has a Veterans Memorial Service Annually. Of the 16 million Americans who served during WWII, half a million were still alive in 2018. Chernow then recited a poem, “A Veteran Died Today,” which brought tears to the eyes of many attendees. At the end of the program, Jerry Veilbig, “Lady in Black” by Tintoretto.

a Korean War veteran who received a purple heart, played “Taps.” The Veterans Day Program was very well organized and touched the hearts of all in the audience. Chernow did a superb job in organizing the event and hosting the program, which was beautifully done and memorable. It was a fitting tribute to the servicemen and women who sacrificed so much to serve our country, many of whom never returned home.

Pages From Our Past DECEMBER 2010 Mayor Bloomberg returns to NST Mayor Mike Bloomberg could not be missed arriving for his 6th visit to North Shore Towers, wearing brightly colored orange pants and a matching tie, Friday afternoon, October 29th at the Towers on the Green. He was dressed to attend singer-actress Bette Midler’s Halloween party later that night, and joked with residents over his celebrity festivities, teasing, “Eat your heart out.” The Mayor traveled across the country before the election, endorsing and holding fundraisers for around 30 candidates. Padavan Concedes Senate Race Republican State Senator Frank Padavan conceded his reelection bid in the 11th Senate District on Monday, November 8th. This was his first loss since his initial election in 1973. No club dues increase for 2nd year For the first time in the history of North Shore Towers Country Club, membership dues would not increase for two years in a row, Bd. President Robert Ricken announced at the open club meeting, Thursday, November 11th in the VIP Room. “I’m very proud of this, and I hope you will be too,” Ricken told members. Towers Go Green Workshop, Part II The second North Shore Towers Go Green workshop was held Thursday, October 28th at the Towers on the Green, where experts discussed environmental issues and

co-op accomplishments since the first Green Workshop in 2008. Congressman Ackerman Reelected Incumbent Gary Ackerman won the 5th Congressional District election with approximately 62 percent of the vote on Tuesday, November 2nd, one week after he brought his successful campaign to North Shore Towers. Towers Restaurant’s 18-year-old Breakfast Club North Shore Towers hosted one of the longest-running coffee klatches in modern history. A group of eight residents gathers each morning at 8:00 am in the Towers Restaurant in the downstairs arcade to discuss politics, the NY Yankees, movies, and life in general. DECEMBER 2014 New Year, New Restaurant After 25 years of feeding North Shore Towers residents at the restaurant and Towers on the Green, Gus Gouvitsas and Harry Savoides announced they were saying goodbye on January 31, 2015. An agreement ordered by a City of NY Civil Court Judge has been reached to vacate the premises after they failed to pay rent since June based on a new contract, Board President Mort Gitter announced at the October 23rd Board of Directors meeting. Joe Revman: Publisher, Fund Raiser Just about everyone at NST met Joe Reveman at one time or another: honoree on many occasions by UJA, speaker at the Men’s Club, officer and Treasurer of the Men’s Golf Club for 20 years. But, there were many other

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TOWER TIMES • December 2019 • 15

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facets of Joe’s life that need to be explored. New Member Committee The job of the New Member Committee is to familiarize our new neighbors with the functioning of North Shore Towers and to help them meet new friends. Much time and effort are expended by the committee in making the initial contact with our new residents, as well as during the follow-ups, which may take place several months later.

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16 • TOWER TIMES • December 2019

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