Tower Times July 2021 Edition by Tower Times

WWW.TOWERTIMESONLINE.COM

Volume 26, Issue7

Serving the residents of North Shore Towers since 1995

July 2021

JACK SCHWARZ PHOTO

The New Directors

Berman, Schwartzman, Oropallo, Levine Elected Challenges and Accomplishments Discussed at Annual Meeting

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Bd. of Directors Election

1 Incumbent, 3 Newcomers Win NST Seats “You have to listen, not start with preconceived notions,” he said. Berman believes in finding “some median position” on ne incumbent and three new members were elected to the North Shore Towers Bd. of Directors, issues since different groups have different interests. He according to results announced Friday, June 18th. said he is also seeking to learn from the more experienced Barry Berman received the most votes, with board members. In the upcoming term, he hopes to utilize his back2,220,785 shares. He attributes his ticket-topping victory to effective marketing and addressing issues that are con- ground in real estate with a specialization in marketing. “I fronting the co-op. Berman said he met daily with resi- want to develop a long-range plan with the board. I think all the board members should be working together with a dents during the campaign to discuss important issues. common goal.” Focusing on marketing the co-op to outsiders, Berman suggested presenting events for different audiences. He believes the board should concentrate promotional efforts on areas such as Great Neck, the Five Towns, and Jamaica Estates, communities that have resulted in many empty nesters moving to the Towers. “If you look at the lifestyle and convenient amenities, there’s no facility in Nassau County or Queens that matches us. I view it as resort living with city conveniences.” Berman also called the election “very clean, with no name-calling,” and said JACK SCHWARZ PHOTO that he looks forward to Ballot boxes supervised by YesElections at the annual shareholder’s meeting. serving the residents.

By Michael Kohn

Marty Schwartzman 2,024,016 Shares

“I thought it was a good election. I was very happy with the election company, and I think elected excellent candidates to the board. I believe all of them will contribute greatly, and I look forward to working with them.” Director Marty Schwartzman

Teri Oropallo 1,969,475 Shares

Richard S. Levine 1,765,866 Shares

TOWER TIMES • July 2021 • 3

Barry Berman 2,220,785 Shares

Incumbent Marty Schwartzman came in second place with 2,024,016 shares and was appointed the board’s first vice-president. He believes that the shareholders will be pleased that the newly elected directors are very eager to put time and effort into focus on what is best for the residents of North Shore Towers. According to Schwartzman, this includes a great emphasis on infrastructure, maintaining property values, as well as increasing communication. “I’m looking forward to working with them and believe it will be a very successful year,” he added. Schwartzman said his priorities for the new term include helping to maintain the co-op’s fiscal stability and to increase communication from the board and management to shareholders. This can bee accomplished, according to the director, with greater use of in-house cable channel 995, soliciting feedback from residents to incorporate their concerns into those video presentations, and enhancing the capabilities of the BuildingLink app. As the co-op’s treasurer, Schwartzman believes a top Continued on Page 10

Men’s Club: We’re Baaaack! By Howard Arkin

t had been almost one and a half years since our last club breakfast, and you could sense the excitement as the first members began to arrive at Buffy’s at 9.00 am on June 1st. The wit and wisdom of the club would soon be on display for all to see and hear. Some have compared us to the Algonquin Round Table of bygone days. The main difference is that we have more members and our table has more of a rectangular shape. We had a nice crowd for the first three breakfasts. It included a few new members and some newly arrived Florida expatriates. As usual, the discussions were very eclectic, ranging from elections both board and mayoral to the collapse of the Knicks. The men’s club was well represented in the board election. having three members: Richard Levine, Barry Berman, Henry Greenberg, and Rhonda Schorr, the wife of club member Jason Schorr running. It was good to play the guess the picture game again. This is a game in which Artie Rose shows us a picture that he has put on his iPhone, and we guess the location of the photograph. I’m still basking in my glory, having guessed correctly the Canarsie Pier last year. I’ve had no success since. Artie, have you taken any pictures of it or the Statue of Liberty recently? As many of you might know, the men’s club breakfast of choice is Buffy’s worldrenowned oatmeal, in this case, the world extending to the ATM in the arcade. At our first breakfast, something went terribly wrong. Arnold Feldman and Yale Kessler’s oatmeal was too watery, as was mine. They chose not to send theirs back as

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FULLY LICENSED

I did. When my perfect lumpy replacement arrived, I offered them a few tablespoons of mine, which they both graciously accepted. Alls well that ends well. During the COVID 19 pandemic, we had the misfortune to lose two of our breakfast regulars, Howard Kimmel and Paul Detkin, who were both gentlemen of the highest order and are sorely missed. The breakfasts are only the first step in the club’s return to action. Toby and Jerry are planning the return of bingo, our monthly dinners, the BBQ, and some other surprises. To those members who have not attended any of the breakfasts, consider them an invitation. We know how to make the table longer. Rodgers and Hammerstein On Satrurday, June 19th, Richard Knox made his second Zoom appearance before the North Shore Towers Men’s Club, speaking from, of all places, Omaha, Nebraska. Richard discussed the careers of musical composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. These enormously talented men were responsible for revolutionizing Broadway musical theater. Their collaboration gave us the shows that ushered in Broadway’s Golden Age. Their first show, and considered by many to be their best, was “Oklahoma, opening on March 31st, 1943 to overwhelming reviews. The show was scheduled to run for five years. In 1955 it reached the silver screen and won an academy award for the musical duo. Their second success, which followed two years later, was “Carousel.” Despite having a tragic plot, the songs were very uplifting. Three of the most well-known were “June is Busting Out All Over,” “If I Loved You,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” That same year they gave us the music to “State Fair,” this being the

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only time they wrote a score directly for a film. The film won an Oscar for the song “It Might As Well Be Spring.” Their last great hit of the 1940s was “South Pacific,” which opened in April 1949. The story was based on James Michener’s book “Tales of the South Pacific.” In one of the show’s songs, “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught,” they hit on issues of racism and injustice. This would become a theme in some of their later shows as well. One such show was “The King and I,” which opened in 1951 and ran for almost four years. Yul Brenner’s performance in the show was instrumental in launching his film career. It also helped Gertrude Lawrence revive hers. In 1957, Rodgers and Hammerstein made their only collaborative effort for television, when “Cinderella” was televised nationally. That same year they did

the composition for “Flower Drum Song.” Despite both productions being deemed successful, neither “Cinderella” nor “Flower Drum Song” had the blockbuster musical hits as some of their other shows. But wait, the best was yet to come. One day actress Mary Martin, a personal friend of Rodgers, came to him with an offer of a show on the condition that she was given the leading role. The leading role was that of a governess to an Austrian aristocrat’s children during Hitler’s rise to power. As we all know, Rodgers accepted the offer, and on the evening of November 16th, 1959, “The Sound of Music” opened at the Lunt Fontaine Theater. Six years later “The Sound of Music” movie followed, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time. “The Sound of Music” was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s last collaboration. The Continued on Page 10

And NST is also Back

oday I took a tour, and people are restaurant, where lots of hungry people in the pool, and lifeguards are hap- were enjoying very good food. I was so glad to see that. pily working. Residents were We all had the option of sitting around and enjoying wearing a mask or not wearing their friends in the shade and a mask. I’m still wearing my then the sun. In the garden, mask only because I look betevery seat was taken. I love ter with it on. seeing that. I then went to the And don’t forget our movie ladies’ card room, and all the Bud Bank theater is now open. ladies were having fun with The North Shore Towers board of lots of smiles. At the country club entrance was Amy, who was answering Directors election is over, and we have the phone and answering all questions some new board of directors, so let’s of the people around her. She was very thank them for running and wish them all well. professional and knowledgeable. Be healthy and happy. Opposite building two is Buffy’s

Challenges, Accomplishments Annual Shareholders Meeting Reviews an Uprecedented Year By Michael Kohn

he multitude of issues created by the COVID pandemic over the last year at North Shore Towers were addressed by Bd. President Ed Phelan at the annual shareholder’s meeting, Thursday, June 17th, in the center park area near the visitor’s parking lot. These issues include running virtual meetings, enforcing public health mandates, and assessing risk over convenience. “The pandemic confronted us with issues that no board had ever faced before,” Phelan said. “…The board had to adapt to an ever-changing wheel without reinventing it every day. It was the governor’s wheel, or the department of health’s wheel, or our mayor’s wheel.” Phelan said he believes one of the board’s primary responsibilities was to keep everyone at the Towers safe during a very challenging period. He also reviewed the board’s accomplishments over the last year, including hiring a new general counsel to replace Errol Brett, who recently retired. Adam Finkelstein will represent Manhattan’s Kagan Lubic Lepper Finkelstein & Gold, LLP for the co-op, a multi-faceted law firm with a reputation in real estate. The Bd. President said other accomplishments include the $1.5 million center park project completed by this board, bringing in a new vendor, ordering equipment, and

MICHAEL KOHN PHOTOS

Bd. President Ed Phelan speaks at annual meeting. for this type of debate. If you’re questioning our integrity, I take umbrage to it.” Another resident told the General Manager, “I have been shocked by the election procedures that have been promulgated by YES.” Kotowski also explained that ballot counting for the board election could be viewed by shareholders at Yes Election’s Mineola offices. Yes Elections General Manager Chris Backert explained that NST is operating under NY State Business corporate law, and while individual ballots cannot be challenged, the election itself can be challenged. He also said the co-op’s practices were not uncommon and would discuss in the future possibly reducing fees for supervising the pick up of ballots.

“The pandemic confronted us with issues that no board had ever faced before…The board had to adapt to an ever-changing wheel without reinventing it every day. It was the governor’s wheel, or the department of health’s wheel, or our mayor’s wheel.” NST Bd. President Ed Phelan

TOWER TIMES • July 2021 • 5

Yes Elections General Manager Chris Backert.

applying for a liquor license. The VIP Room project is scheduled for completion by the end of September. Phelan said that the in-house cable channel 995 features a weekly scheduled program for residents to keep up-todate on projects around the co-op. He also explained that the courtesy bus runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and is reserved for nine passengers per bus with mask and social distancing mandates. Treasurer Marty Schwartzman reported that the co-op’s financial position remains strong. “Despite the challenges throughout the year with the pandemic, it’s much easier for me to give you this report because it’s all good news,” he said. Income and assessments total $7.1 million, he said. “I think that puts us way ahead of most other co-ops.” Other major budget items included: •$4.1 million from operations. •$750,000 from transfer fees. $675,000 from country club operations. •$3 million from capital assessments. The majority of that income went to the capital improvement fund, according to Schwartzman. Approximately $1.7 million of capital improvements were funded this past year, including $500,000 for the elevator door lock monitoring system, $1.1 million for expansion joints, roadways and sidewalks, and other small projects. Coming into this year, total cash on hand totaled $24.3 million, an increase of $3.4 million over the prior-year. This occurred partially because expenses were reduced significantly during the pandemic. Reserve funds at the end of last year totaled $16.4 million. The mortgage balance was $63 million at year’s end, with a 3.13 percent interest rate. Responding to a shareholder’s question, General Manager Glen Kotowski explained the board election process and that NST security has keys to the ballot boxes. He said sometimes the boxes need to be opened, such as when a resident inadvertently places mail inside, and to ensure that the co-op has a one-third quorum to hold the annual meeting. Kotowski said this had been the procedure for 20 years. Management then delivers the ballots to the election supervisors, this year Yes Elections, to save the fee they would charge to pick up the ballots. When further questioned about the integrity of the process, Kotowski responded, “I don’t think this is the place

6 • TOWER TIMES • July 2021

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Pages From Our Past her apartment in NST,” her daughter, Roni Epstein, said. “She really loved North Shore Towers, and she loved the people.” GAP Upgrades for Summer Season Evan Esar bragged about getting his daily exercise walking to his car. The residents of the NST can do better than that. They can brag about the gym, aerobics, and pools (GAP). They can keep their bodies fit and flexible in summer, as well as all year long, with the help of the equipment that is available, and the very competent and licensed instructors who are always present to assist them. GAP Committee Chairperson Phyllis Goldstein was very enthusiastic about upcoming upgrades, including a new Cybex machine, and a cosmetic face-lift of the indoor pool. Chris Stahly: From Subways to Jiu Jitsu Director of Security at North Shore Towers Chris Stahly came on board in the middle of May, and made a positive impression on his staff and residents. He seemed to appear everywhere and at every event, his blue eyes scanning the venue while he chats with residents and mentors his staff. Born and raised in Nassau County, he worked his way up from patrolling the subway system to the highest commands in Wall Street and midtown. NST Men’s Club Hosts Urology Lecture About 40 members of the Men’s Club were held in rapt attention by a tutorial given by two eminent Long Island urologists, Jeffrey Lumerman and Gary Oshinsky, on

Thursday, June 9th. Dr. Lumerman’s topic was on BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), or urinary problems. NST Women’s Club Scores Another Home Run A capacity crowd attended the NST Women’s Club program on Wednesday, June 15th. Summer Season Sizzles for Golf, Tennis The summer season at North Shore Towers Country Club arrived, and the golf and tennis clubs were in full swing, with many exciting events planned.

TOWER TIMES • July 2021 • 9

JULY 2012 Bd. of Directors Election Results Bd. Directors Herb Cooper and Mort Gitter won reelection, with newcomers Mario Carmiciano and Fred Chernow also victorious, according to certified results on Fri., June 23rd. “I honestly expected the incumbents to win in the first two positions,” Bd. President Robert Ricken said. “For the most part I believe the members of the co-op believe the board has done a very good job.” NST Board Annual Meeting Report Ricken reported at the Annual Meeting that reserve funds had risen to over $21 million. Highlights of the previous year included negotiating a six-year contract agreement with Greenthal Management, and no increase in maintenance charges and country club dues. JULY 2016 Bd. of Directors Election Three incumbents and one newcomer were elected to the North Shore Towers Bd. of Directors. Director Fred Chernow came in first, with 2,268,477 shares. “Our residents have shown their support for the three incumbents by sending them back to serve another term,” he said. Tower Times Columnist Harriet Epstein, 94 Harriet Epstein called NST her home from the moment she moved into her brand new Building One apartment in 1979. She passed away in the co-op she loved on Thursday, June 16th, four days after her 94th birthday. “She died a happy person because she got to die in

Bd. of Directors Election

10 • TOWER TIMES • July 2021

Continued from Page 3 priority will be to focus on mortgage refinancing and working with the finance committee and board to develop an excellent long-range plan for infrastructure improvement for the future. “I thought it was a good election,” he said. “I was very happy with the election company, and I think the residents elected excellent candidates to the board. I believe all of them will contribute greatly, and I look forward to working with them.” Teri Oropallo received 1,969,475 shares and is a very active and familiar face around the Towers. “I think people understood that I really was sincere,” she said. “I think my work on committees or for the American Cancer Society meant enough people knew who I was and had faith in me that I can get the job done. I’m very grateful that they felt that way.” One of the main things Oropallo said she would prioritize is installing wi-fi in the garage for increased safety. She also believes that more communication with the residents is needed, perhaps by getting to know people in small group meetings. Oropallo said she would be primarily “listening and learning” for the first few

months. “I didn’t run for the board with a plan in mind except to improve communication,” she said. “I’m a blank slate. I appreciate the residents putting their trust in me, and I hope I live up to their expectations.” Richard S. Levine won the final seat with 1,765,866 shares. “It was a very competitive race, and we had all excellent candidates,” he said. “I’m happy to have won a spot on the board and am going to do my best to utilize my experience, knowledge, and skills to try to help my community solve any problems. I feel confident that the board members will all work together in a collegial manner, and it will be a group effort.” Levine said he would like to utilize his experience and expertise in real estate, finance, construction and other areas to serve the community. “I’m certain that they’ll be an opportunity to provide my skills.” He concluded, “I look forward to meeting the challenges by producing results that help move our community forward toward an even brighter future.” The other candidates in the race were Rhonda Schorr (1,659,000 shares) and Harry Greenberg (1,645,443 shares).

Michael Kohn............................................. Editor and Publisher email: TowerTimesPublisher@gmail.com Advertising information: (516) 431-2001 The Tower Times is published monthly by Tower Times Publications, Inc., and is distributed to the residents of North Shore Towers and the surrounding area. The Tower Times is an independent publication, and is not affiliated in any way with the management of North Shore Towers. COMPOSITION RESPONSIBILITY: The Tower Times will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertisement beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Copyright © 2021 Tower Times Publications, Inc. No part of this publication including advertising may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publishers.

Men’s Club: We’re Baaaack!

Continued from Page 4 song “Edelweiss,” which our moderator Richard played for us, was their previous composition together. Oscar Hammerstein passed away at 65 years of age, one year after “The Sound of Music” opened. Rodgers died 19 years later at the age of 77. As usual, after the lecture, Toby opened the microphone for questions and comments, which proved to be interesting as well as insightful.

The morning after, during breakfast at Buffy’s, the men could not have been more complimentary regarding the lecture. The melodies that were heard really resonated with them. Jerry told us that he would try to get Richard to do another lecture in the future. I’m sure that if that entails him having to fly to Omaha, Jack Sevita would be more than happy to write the check. LOL!

NST Women’s Club Zooms: Sal’s Pals By Vicki Mazel

an early evening time. Meet and Greet New to the Towers? The Women’s Club would love to meet you and tell you about our activities, programs, entertainment, and workshops that will keep you busy and happy. Please join our welcoming of new residents at our Lunch Bunch Get Together. The date is Thursday, July 29th, at 12:30 pm in the Towers Restaurant. Please RSVP to our chairs, and give $5.00 to hold your reservation. For further info, call: Marilyn Goldberg, (347) 502-7309, or Eva Kessner ,(718) 631-7637. Good Golly–It’s Time For The Jolly– Fisherman, 25 Main St., Roslyn, NY. Our annual luncheon at the Jolly Fisherman could not take place last summer, but this time...we’re on! Wednesday, August 18th, 12:00 pm, The cost of $32 includes tax and tip. (Please note that this luncheon is being subsidized by the Women’s Club). Separate checks per person. The outstanding menu will include various appetizers, three entree choices of beef, fish, and chicken, three desserts, and an array of rolls and soda. Due to the seating of the room, the earliest reconsiders will be accommodated, so make hour reservations ASAP. Dues must be paid before you can attend the luncheon. Include upper seating

preference in the envelope, leave a $32 check with your building concierge and put your building rep’s name on it. Building 1, Sylvia Landau, 7W. Building 2, Marilyn Goldberg, 9M. Building 3, Chickie Kaufman, 1T. If reservations are filled, we will have a waiting list. Remember–your dues must be paid in order to be eligible for the luncheon. Guests are advised not to arrive early, as the room must be set up in advance, and the doors will not open before noon. Transportation on your own. In the works: Bingo Bagel Bash, Thursday, September 30th, at the Towers On the Green. Includes dinner and Bingo (more info to come). Gloria Beck and her crew are busy baking bagels and printing bingo card for another upcoming event. The Bingo Bagel Bash is headed by Selma Black and Dawn Steinberg and will give you more bang for your buck, along with a bingo card, prizes, and a bagel dinner. Open seating and members only. Member status will be checked at the door. Stay tuned to the newspapers and check posters on Towers restaurant door for updated information. Selma Black, (718) 819-8840. Dawn Steinberg, (718) 229-1448. Continued on Page 15

Verse By Vicki July is with us Stay part of the hub It’s time to renew For the Women’s Club. So if you’re new With the lonely blues, All you need do Is pay the dues. No need to get Hot under collars, Membership is only… Twenty Five dollars. We’ve many meetings, Be one of the smarties, Come to our lectures, Enjoy our parties. Luncheons to go to, Small charge per diem,

And a wonderful trip To the Nassau Museum. Get yourself going, Ready to bedeck. Take out your pen, And write out a check. That’s all you do, To stay in the hub. And poof you’re in, Towers Women’s Club. Include phone number, Apartment number too. Email address also, All you have to do. Now’s the time to join, All queens we dub. You’ll have lots of fun, With The Women’s Club.

TOWER TIMES • July 2021 • 11

ur guest lecturer for May was noted theater historian Sal St. George. Treating the Women’s Club to a Zoom program on the comics from Brooklyn, he covered Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, The Three Stooges, Phil Silver, Jerry Stiller, and Jimmy Durante, to name a few. He traced Durante to Las Vegas with strains of “Inka Dinka Doo” and the origins of his Mrs. Calabash tag line ending to his act. Mrs. Calabash was a nickname for his wife. Larry, Moe, and Curly, aka The Three Stooges, held a place of honor on his list of comic heroes. The Stooges claimed that Abbot and Costello stole material from them, but it turned out that the sketch they were referring to had its roots in comedy from 1899. Making the switch from movies to TV, the question was raised of their form of low comedy would be successful today. St. George moved on to cover Sergeant Bilko, citing that Phil Silvers was also a red-blooded Brooklyn boy. What we didn’t know was that Silvers was also the producer of “Gilligans Island.” This little-known fact pointed to the diversity and entrepreneurship of Silvers, who was not only a funny man. “Take my wife, please,” the plaintive cry from Henry Youngman’s routine was also included by St. George as an anemic reference. One of Youngman’s stumbling blocks was that he did not do any major roles in movies and was relegated to games only. Jerry Stiller’s emergence in the 1950s was noted, along with his ultimate role as George Costanza’s father on the comedy hit “Seinfeld.” St. George pointed out that Stiller had a genius for making a line funny. After covering Woody Allen, he also included Buddy Hackett and his bits with Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Carol Burnett, and Dean Martin, to name a few. Burt Reynolds was one of Hackett’s biggest fans, along with Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder. Hackett also starred in a movie called “Fatso,” which was written and directed by Anne Bancroft. St. George’s final thought on this program was that mentioning these successful stand-up, slapstick, and situation comics from Brooklyn was only the tip of the iceberg. Bronxites, let’s hear from you! Cinema Club: Waiting for Rainman Day The highest-grossing film of 1988 and

nominated for eight Academy Awards, this film about the savant Raymond and his yuppie brother Charlie proved to be an enduring winner. On Monday, July 25th at 4:00 pm, it will be reviewed by Vicki Mazel and Dr. Nurit Israel. Focusing on the developmental disabled, the film stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, and it was a tremendous hit with both critics and audiences. Winning four academic awards and two Golden Globes, the film remains relevant and powerful to this day. Barry Levinson impressively directed it, and the strong performances by Hoffman and Cruise make it a winning ticket. Watch it on Netflix and join us for the review. Dues News Due to the Pandemic, the Women’s Club did not collect dues last year, although we continued to have programs. Co-President Gloria Beck had monthly speakers on Zoom, and their fees were paid for by our treasury. This was a gift to our members to encourage them to remain involved and pass their time in a rewarding way. Presently, Gloria and the Program and Events Committee are planning a large array of programs for the coming year. Several events will continue to be subsidized. However, we need your support by joining us and paying your dues promptly. Currently, in the offing are lectures, holiday parties, museum trips, in-house luncheons, and an array of workshops to help your hands and your heart. Programs are open to members only, and all events will be carefully monitored to ensure that everyone present has paid their dues. Time to rejoin or join for the first time if you are a new resident or a non-member. Here’s what you do: make out a check for $25 and include name, address, apartment number, e-mail address, and home and cell phone numbers. Indicate if you are a Florida resident. Leave the envelope with the concierge in your building, addressed to your building representative: Building 1, Sylvia Landau, 7W. Building 2, Marilyn Goldberg, 9M. Building 3, Chickie Kaufman, 1T. The Doom of Zoom! With the advent of “in-person” meetings now returning, our July speaker, James Coll, will be on hand in person to deliver his lecture on Wednesday, July 14th. Due to the demands on this popular speaker, Coll will appear at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 14th, in the lower card room. His topic will be “The History of the American Declaration of Independence.” In the future, our programs will be presented at

12 • TOWER TIMES • July 2021

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NYC District 23 Primary Election Upstanders 1st Anniversary In the highly competitive NYC Council District 23 Democratic Primary on Tuesday, June 22nd, Linda Lee holds a slim early lead with first-choice, inperson votes. With over 90 percent of the voting machines reported, Lee has 31.2 percent of the vote, with Jaslin Kaur close behind with 26.3 percent and Steve Behar at 13.2 percent. Final results are not expected until mid-July, after all absentee votes have been counted and ranked-choice calculations have been made. North Shore Towers resident Debra Markell received 9.87 percent of the vote. “We’re encouraged by the initial early voting and Election Day returns, but there are still ballots to be counted and choices to be ranked,” Lee said. “Once every vote is accounted for, I’m confident that the constituents of District 23 will have made history and elected their first female and first Asian American Councilwoman. What I do know right now is that my team and I have worked incredibly hard over the

past year to get to this point, and I can’t thank my supporters enough for their efforts.” Lee is president of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan NY and a commissioner of the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. She’s raised $223,601 and has been endorsed by five elected city officials, along with about 10 activist and political organizations, including the United Federation of Teachers and the Detective’s Endowment Association. She said she wants to bring services to seniors in the district, including expanding the Meals on Wheels and Northwell Health’s Medical House Call programs, as well as create a registered Naturally Occurring Retirement Community at the Towers to receive increased senior resources. Protecting the QM6 bus route and expanding Medicare to include transportation to healthcare services are also a priority. Lee plans to change property tax codes as well to separate residential and commercial taxes.

By Judith Schwager Upstanders have had a busy first year, partnering with various local community organizations to help them achieve their goals. Early on, we held a Clothing Drive for people served by INN at Hempstead’s Kitchens throughout Long Island. Later, we connected with the Sid Jacobson JCC for two successful food drives to help Long Island’s food-insecure people. Next we learned about Commonpoint Queens, a resource for several organizations offering programs for men, women, and children. Upstanders supported the Women’s Shelter with carloads of donated plastic bags filled with new toiletries for women who arrive at the Shelter with none of these personal resources. Recently, we helped another Commonpoint Queens program with a special clothing drive for youth entering the workforce for the first time. In addition to supporting local community not-for-profits, Upstanders offers diverse educational programs focusing on current issues. We have had speakers discuss criminal justice, including the bail system, qualified immunity, and the concept of implicit bias, as well as

a pharmaceutical representative from Regeneron who explained how the anti-virus drug works. Other speakers included State Senator John Liu together with Michael Brovner, Bureau Chief in the Queens District Attorney’s Office, examining Asian American discrimination. Please let us know about the organizations and topics you would like to see Upstanders support in the future. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, August 10 at our Meet and Greet.

Meet and Greet The Upstanders is having a meet and greet on Tuesday, August 10th from 3:00-5:00 pm in Buffy’s tent. The cost is $10 per person, cash only, reservations required and limited seating. RSVP by August 3rd by leaving your reservation at the concierge desk in your building: Bldg. 1: Virginia Malmstrom. Bdg. 2: Adele Birnbaum. Bdg. 3: June Stelboum. For more information contact Vernetta Nelson at (917) 855-8485.

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La Belle Epoque and Andy Warhol By Lorraine Bertan NST Cultural Affairs

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a Belle Epoque and Andy Warhol: A Life in Pop Art represent different historical periods in which art was associated with the conditions of the times. La Belle Époque originated during a peaceful period in Europe, after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 and the onset of World War I. The power of the British Navy (Pax Britannica) provided stability to the countries of Europe, and economic growth was encouraged. The economy of Europe was flourishing, and colonial expansion was extending national boundaries. Louis Pasteur and Marie Curie were the scientists of the time, and advances in science and technology improved the population’s lives. The general prosperity and political calm added to a feeling of optimism that encouraged the arts. The 1889 World’s Fair in France introduced extravagant displays and venues that excited the public. The Eiffel Tower was constructed at this time, and the ironwork of the Paris subway architecture introduced the sinuous organic forms of Art Nouveau. Art Nouveau permeated the design of furniture and crystal, exemplified by Lalique. French society became obsessed with orchid cultivation. Pierre Bonnard, Jean Puy, Henri Le Sidaner, Edgar Degas, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the painters of the time, are represented in the museum exhibit. The lifestyle of wealthy people in that period reflected extravagance in entertainment, dining, and dress, as shown in the museum exhibit on the first floor. French couture and home furnishings became symbolic of the Belle Epoque, which found its way to the other parts of Europe. The work of Louis Comfort Tiffany was admired, and Tiffany lamps appeared in the homes of the wealthy. Opera, ballet, and theatre required sumptuous buildings ornamented in the Arte Nouveau style. Grand theaters like the Garnier Opera in Paris and

the Follies Bergere and the Moulon Rouge were constructed, as well as lesser venues like the cabarets of Montmartre to accommodate audiences enjoying the performing arts. La Goulue and Jane April were performers who modeled for posters created by Toulouse-Lautrec, a form of advertising that became an iconic art form for the period. Andy Warhol used commercial advertisements in his work, creating art out of commercial advertising. Warhol was born in 1928 and suffered chronic illness and anxiety during his childhood. His mother encouraged him to draw, which he enjoyed and exhibited talent. Upon graduating from high school, he entered the Carnegie Institute of Technology to study pictorial design and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He worked for Glamour Magazine and was very successful, becoming a wellknown commercial artist in the 1950s. In the late 1950s he began concentrating on painting, and in 1961, he introduced the concept of “Pop Art,” painting commercial objects that were familiar to all. In 1962 he exhibited the “Campbell Soup Cans,” which symbolized Pop Art. The period of Pop Art was characterized by student protests and protests against the Vietnam War, a troubling environment compared to that of the peaceful and prosperous La Belle Epoque. Pop Art rejected conservatism and reflected the hippie lifestyle. The rise and popularity of rock and roll music and a change in clothing styles occurred during this time. Warhol’s paintings of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Mao Tse Jung, and Mohammed Ali exemplify the celebrity cult of the time, which Warhol enjoyed as well. His studio named the “Factory” produced the silkscreens of his work and was a meeting place for celebrities from many fields. The “Flowers” silkscreens represent the most abstract form of his work. The Nassau County Museum of Art exhibit explores the art of two unique periods.

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Andy Warhol exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art.

Sal’s Pals

Golf Tournament and BBQ Luncheon Thursday, July 8, 2021 &

TOWER TIMES • July 2021 • 15

Continued from Page 15 Forget Arsenio–We Have Carminio Treated to a ballet program by Marilyn Carminio in June, we learned about Roberto Bollo and Misty Copeland. The ballet lecture dealt with the cultural icon Bollo and his partner Misty Copeland, who was the first black female ballet dancer to rise to principal dancer in the ABT company. Bollo is slated to give his final performance in June, which is a real loss to the ballet world. Carmine pointed out that the classic choreography of their famous ballet, “Romeo and Juliet,” set to the music of Prokofiev, is legendary in the ballet repertory. Lyricism and psychological tension were their trademarks, and their talents are well recognized. Walking Club–Monday Marchers (A new innovation) Anyone who wants to walk the grounds on Mondays with friends from the Women’s Club? A walking club is a work in progress. Walkers will meet at the flagpole in two-time sessions: 11:00 am or 2:00 pm. No reservations are needed. Just shows up at the designated time, put on your sneakers and get moving! The walking route is slated to be alongside the golf course. The Crown Jewels: A new workshop in progress Also in the works is an arts and craft project which will focus on jewelry making as its first activity. Instruction will be provided by an experienced person, and a nominal fee for materials will be charged. Watch for further details and get ready to make the crown jewels. Nassau County Museum Our committee is currently working with the Nassau County Museum for a trip on Wednesday, July 24th to the Andy Warhol exhibit. An email blast will be sent to members with updated info. A Tribute to Roberta Gould: We will be six years old soon, and one of our founders, Bobby Gould, has been president since our inception. Bobby has handed over the active presidency to Gloria Beck and Chickie Kaufman, but she will remain active both here and in Florida by leading an outreach program. The program will include small pod discussions and focus on new membership as well as regular members. Bobby will be writing about her new endeavor in a forthcoming issue. Her contributions to the Women’s Club have been invaluable and helped make us the success we are. So that’s it for today, my friends. Watch for our yellow rose posters designating programs and activities.

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