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Volume 27, Issue 7
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July 2022
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Bd. of Directors Election Phelan Elected President, 3 Newcomers Win NST Seats
By Michael Kohn
N
orth Shore Towers shareholders elected three newcomers and one incumbent to the Bd. of Directors last month, in what the winners described as a referendum for change at the co-op. The results were reported by YesElections on Friday, June 17th. Ed Phelan was the only incumbent reelected and was again voted Bd. President by his fellow directors. “We found a constructive way to appeal to the shareholders for their support,” Phelan said. “The shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the four because we advocated immediate change.” Phelan is returning to the board with a vote of 1,774,616 shares, and stressed the need to address the “long-neglected capital improvement needs of NST.” He said that management is “prolonging the time to begin the process. Change is apparent and needed.” “Perhaps it is time to make it clear to our shareholders what is at stake here,” he continued. “What this community may have been and where it is today are two different facts. Look at our unit prices. Consider the marketing period necessary to facilitate a sale and the negative spread between asking prices and sales prices. We need to return to the elegant...premier-residential real estate in all of the metro area. Let’s return to the way it was.” Phelan also stressed the need for board transparency and communication, stating that it is required as a fiduciary responsibility. “The board’s obligation is to act in the place of each individual shareholder, as defined in our bylaws,” he said. “Being a board member is not a ceremonial position. It can be a hard, time-consuming responsibility. It offers a wonderful opportunity to serve our community and use our accumulated knowledge and experience for the betterment of our friends and neighbors.”
Jeff Canarick 2,515,925 Shares
ogy capabilities to bring the co-op into the 21st century. These include wi-fi, cell service in the garage, and dead zones. “I really love it here,” she said. “There are a lot of things that don’t need to be fixed, but some things need to be paid attention to because the community is aging.” Vollweiler believes the board is “moving forward collaboratively and not butting heads with each other. I’ve seen that happen in just the first two meetings.” She continued, “I am thrilled to be part of this board and working with really smart, capable people who care as much about the community as I do. I appreciate the shareholders who voted me in, and I look forward to representing them all.” Jeff Canarick came in second place (2,515,925 shares) and said he was delighted with the results and optimistic that the new board will be able to take North Shore Towers in a positive direction. He also pledged that the new board would communicate more with the community. “I just think that it’s the right time and place for a Continued on Page 4
“I want to make sure that everyone is patient with us and understands that all good things take time, even with consensus among the board and a collegial approach.”
Harry Greenberg 1,853,980 Shares
Director Cheryl Vollweiler
Ed Phelan 1,774,616 Shares
TOWER TIMES • July 2022 • 3
Cheryl Vollweiler 2,827,820 Shares
Newcomer Cheryl Vollweiler received the most votes (2,827,820 shares) and said she believed the election results showed that the shareholders are ready for a change to upgrade the co-op’s facilities. She said she would also focus on ensuring that people outside of NST understand “the great community we have and everything we offer. We want everybody to have a much broader view of the Towers than they had in the past.” Vollweiler said her campaign platform resonated because she prioritizes dealing with the facts and not citing blame. “We have to move forward and fix things,” she said. “I was very careful to conduct a campaign that didn’t have any finger-pointing. I wasn’t getting mired in personality conflicts or why things didn’t happen.” Stressing a need for increased communication, Vollweiler added, “Shareholders need a lot more information a lot faster, so they have a comfort level that things are being addressed swiftly.” Her priorities include making sure the most urgent capital projects are attended to. “I want to make sure that we take a good hard look at budgets to balance costs and keep maintenance fees reasonable while still maintaining our excellent quality of life,” she said. “We have very lofty goals, but nothing happens overnight, and I want to make sure that everyone is patient with us and understands that all good things take time, even with consensus among the board and a collegial approach.” Vollweiler was appointed secretary of the new board and was named chairperson of what was formerly called the House and Grounds Committee, now named Operations, Maintenance, Technology, and Communications (OMTC). She explained that there would also be smaller sub-committees for her group that will go beyond the traditional House and Grounds issues, including interior and exterior design components, as well as addressing technol-
NST Meet the Candidates Night
Residents gathered in the North Shore Towers movie theater to meet the Bd. of Directors candidates on Tuesday, May 31st. LEO TUJAK PHOTO
Bd. of Directors Election
4 • TOWER TIMES • July 2022
Continued from Page 3 change of mentality concerning how the place is directed, not necessarily managed,” he said. “I think the community understands that it’s time for a change and a new direction in terms of modernization in the way the property is run.” Canarick will serve as the Mortgage Refinance Committee Chairman and co-chair the Country Club Committee with Phelan and Harry Greenberg. Canarick also said he was pleased that Vollweiler was elected with the most votes because “it’s time for women to have an equal say.” Supporting Phelan’s presidency, Canarick said he did many good things for the community before the previous board’s “mistake in judgment” replaced him. Election results indicated that the community supported him, Canarick added. “It’s not ideal for the presidency to just go to the person with the most votes because you need an opportunity for learning,” he said. “You need a runway of experience, and somebody who has been on the board with experience should be elected
president.” Harry Greenberg came in third (1,853,980) and agreed that the election results indicated that the community felt it was a time for a change. “People were tired of what was happening, and they gave the three new people and the former president a sweeping victory. I think what was happening was not satisfying the residents and shareholders, and they wanted a change,” As Country Club Committee Co-Chairman, Greenberg said his priorities include seeing “where the money comes in and goes out” and how the co-op can be operated more efficiently, such as utilizing savings through technology. “We’re going to have to make sure that the shareholders get the best bang for their buck,” he said. Greenberg, who achieved victory on his third run for the board, concluded, “It is going to be a lot of hard work, but that’s what we ran for.” Incumbent Dan Nachmanoff came in fifth (947,762 shares), followed by Fred Chernow (912,268), Steven Kirschner (749,299), and Dr. Stanley J Goldsmith (727,573).
NST Camera Club News By Leo Tujak The NST Camera Club is the group that is showing all those photos in the Arcade, the halls, Coleridge, and the library. We try to rotate them on some basis, but that has been set back and/or postponed because of Covid. But we are starting to get back on track. We have replaced the photos in the small alcove between Building 2 and 3, and also outside the management office. The hanging in the hall of Coleridge (they are all black & white) is also relatively recent. We will be putting up a small display on a wall in the Coleridge in memory of our late president Dawn Steinberg. We will be displaying photos from our members: Kathy Bitetti, Jane Tujak, Teri Oropallo, Bill Brickner, Rose Tracey, Suzanne Chemtob, and Leo Tujak, at the Glen Oaks Library, on Union Turnpike. They will be on display during July. The following month, in August, we will again display photos from the following photo members: Allen Michelson, Irwin Robinson, Jack Schwarz, Jill Tulchin, Maria Termini-Miller, Terry Feit, and Vicki Paley.
If you have the opportunity, stop in to see the displays. A little about the Camera Club–we are still meeting on Zoom. We usually meet on the third Monday of the month (subject to changes as necessary) at 7:00 pm. We do what is known as a gentle critique. That means there is no numeric scoring, only suggested changes that might make for a better photograph. Our range of photographers goes from newbies to fairly accomplished. They use everything from cell phones, bridge to DSLR cameras. As I always say, it’s not the camera that makes a better photo, it’s the photographer behind the camera. We all try to learn and better ourselves by interacting with other members at our meetings. If you are interested in the Camera Club, please contact me, Leo Tujak, at leotxrx@ gmail.com, (347) 408-4377, or (617) 480-6285. I will be glad to provide any information that you require. If you would like to sit in on one of our Zoom meetings, we would be happy to have you. We post our meetings in the mail rooms and on channel 994.
Mortgage Replacement, Capital Improvements By Richard Levine Capital Improvements Chairman
T
his is the second in a series of articles I have written discussing and clarifying the various influences on a mortgage selection for North Shore Towers and Country Club. Several months ago, the Board of Directors created the Mortgage Committee to focus on replacing the approximately $61 million John Hancock mortgage, due to expire at the end of November 2022. The committee’s mission is to consider how best to replace the maturing mortgage and deliver its findings to the board. The board will then make its final decision on the capital improvements to be undertaken, the timing of the projects, and the source or sources to provide the necessary capital to fund the projects. This article aims to offer our shareholders a window into the board’s efforts to make reasoned, well-advised decisions concerning refinancing NST’s maturing underlying mortgage and provide a sound,
fiscally responsible approach to making necessary capital improvements. We aim to keep NST competitive in the marketplace while controlling operating expenses and individual maintenance costs. In this way, we will help sustain the unique attributes of NST, bolster its quality of life for current residents, and attract a variety of future quality residents as apartments become available. As I described in previous articles, the mortgage maturity and the need for funds to make needed capital improvements and perform remedial work on various NST building and site improvements are occurring at an opportune time. I discussed that our maturing mortgage balance of $61 million has a particularly low loan-to-value ratio. Therefore it is an appealing lending opportunity to institutions willing to replace the existing mortgage balance with additional principal sums at favorable rates and on acceptable loan terms. In my previous writings, I noted that there are five methods available for NST to raise funds for the necessary capital improvements and property upgrades. They are: •By increasing the amount of principal
in the recast Mortgage Loan. •By taking funds from existing reserves. •By increasing the “Flip Tax.” •By imposing a special assessment or a series of special assessments. •By applying excess cash flow after tightening operating expenses. •Or applying some combination of the approaches outlined above. Some of our residents have grown impatient at the pace of the committee reaching a conclusion to the refinancing, expressing concern about rising interest rates. However, specific facts and requirements have affected our course of action. Firstly, we cannot recast or replace the current John Hancock loan for several more months without paying a substantial prepayment penalty. Secondly, we needed to accurately assay our capital needs via the reserve studies to make rational decisions concerning the following loan terms and conditions: •The amount of money we need to borrow. •When we need to acquire the money. •The appropriate lender. •The term of the loan.
•The most favorable available interest rate. •The amount and timing of the amortization of loan principal. •The timing of the rate lock. •Prepayment penalties. •Future draw-downs of additional principal. •Anticipated closing costs. •Lender retention of the loan. •Lender retention of loan servicing. •Minimizing the risk of losing front-end fees during the underwriting of the loan. •Loan:Value maximums. •Debt service coverage maximums. •The Lender Risk Increment above US Government bond rates that together comprise the interest cost. We received the reserve studies prepared by Kipcon Engineering and CoolSys Engineering, and are reviewing them. Shortly, we will meet with the engineers to fine tune the drafts. Meanwhile, we are talking with several lenders concerning the potential loan terms enumerated above. The capital improvements we are considering include the following: Continued on Page 12
Election Discussion at Annual NST Meeting By Michael Kohn
O
MICHAEL KOHN PHOTO
Interim North Shore Towers Bd. of Directors President Dan Nachmanoff.
TOWER TIMES • July 2022 • 5
utgoing Interim North Shore Towers Bd. of Directors President Dan Nachmanoff said he was proud of his four months of service at the annual shareholders meeting, held in the movie theater on Thursday, June 16th. “We were able to come together, achieve a consensus and move forward on all issues we faced,” he said. “We did this without name-calling or using inappropriate language, but with respect for all, including the general manager, staff, and you, the shareholders.” NST Controller Jim Cavanagh presented a positive treasurer’s report to the community. “The financial condition of the building is in great shape, he said. “We’re doing better than we did last year.” The co-op’s Reserve Fund at the end of 2020 was $22 million, $24 million at the end of 2021, and currently stands at $28.5 million. “So the reserve fund is doing better,” Cavanagh said. There have been $1.7 million of capital improvements at the co-op, including approximately $700,000 for the VIP Room, $250,000 for expansion joints, roadways,
and sidewalks, and about $200,000 for upgrades for the boiler and other small projects. Cavanagh said he expects the mortgage will be refinanced by the end of the year and that co-op officials are in negotiations with numerous lenders. “We’re in good financial health,” he concluded. Jonathan Zuckerman then presented the audit report. Resident Gary Zwetchkenbaum addressed the board concerning election reform at the Towers, including shareholder proxy voting. Since many proxy votes were cast in the NST election, he asked the board to consider initiating a signature verification system and called for establishing a committee to examine the co-op’s election process. “I really believe we can fix the way we run our elections,” he said. YesElections supervised this year’s board election at NST, and Chris Backert, the company’s General Manager, addressed questions from the audience. He explained that a quorum was reached through online ballots and opening mail-in ballots, the same process used last year.
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TOWER TIMES • July 2022 • 9
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Downtown With Professor Brown By Vicki Mazel
P
ship card will be given to you and admit you to our events. Don’t lose it. Discount programs available to members: Towers Restaurant, 10 percent once daily on the bill over $15. NST Car Spa $5 off car wash when you present your card. Bingo and Buffet Supper at Towers on the Green will be held on Wednesday, July 20th, Bingo 4:00 pm-5:30 pm. Cost $20 per person (subsidized by the Women’s Club). Supper 5:45 pm, doors open 3:45 pm. Supper: a variety of salads, bread baskets, diet soda, platters of fresh fruit and rugelach, coffee, and tea. Make out $20 checks to North Shore Towers Women’s Club. Give envelope to your building concierges addressed to Women’s Club representatives (see above). On Wednesday, July 27th, Professor James Cole, 7:00 pm, Large Card Room, “The Constitution and Modern Technology.” The Lunch Bunch is coming on Wednesday, August 18th, 12:00 pm, Towers On the Green, cost $20 per person. The speaker will be Jill Davis, Editor of the North Shore Towers Courier. Paid-up membersonly, special welcome to new residents (let us know who you are). Open Seating. Make out $20 checks to North Shore Towers Women’s Club. Give envelope to your building concierges addressed to Women’s Club representatives (see above). Get Art Smart on Wednesday, August 24th, Thomas Germano-Art Lecturer, 7:00 pm, Large Card Room, “Impressionism and Artists.” Monday, August 29th, Cinema Club
film to be announced, 4:00 pm, Channel 995. Stay tuned for further programs being developed by your Women’s Club in action. Verse by Vicki Bingo and Buffet Room Remember to save the date, Now’s your chance to be a winner. Join us for the special night, And enjoy a delicious dinner. Place your numbers on the card, Let’s play the bingo ballad, Winning a prize may not be hard, Then enjoy a choice of salads. Sit around with friends to greet, After numbers have been called. We finish with rugelach and fruit You’re sure to have a ball. And if you’re getting thirsty, While I write my rhyme, We’ll have sodas, tea and coffee, So mark the date and time. Enjoy our special bingo game Such fun with friends a-plenty See you on that Wednesday, Don’t forget that it’s July 20th. So that’s gonna be the event, With other members you’ll rub. Being held just for you By the Towers Women’s Club!
Women’s Club Co-President Gloria Beck and Professor Ron Brown.
TOWER TIMES • July 2022 • 11
rofessor Ron Brown of Touro College did a program for the Women’s Club about the immigration to the lower East Side of Manhattan to a full house in the large card room on Wednesday, May 25th. After opening remarks by Co-President Gloria Beck and an introduction by program member Kit Benton, the Touro professor took center stage and traced the history of the area from the 19th century through the large immigration wave of the 1900s. Citing the swamp land, lakes, and mosquitos that met the early English settlers, he gave the origin of the name Canal Street and why it was built to empty the waters. The East River and the Hudson River are used to empty waste of the growing populated areas. Professor Brown cited that the English Protestants built churches in 1876, which later became synagogues. Early English churches were segregated, with a section for blacks, and a slave market was located at the end of Wall Street. Professor Brown noted the arrival of the Irish and German immigrants, which began in the mid-19th century. Creating a legacy of churches of different sects, these eventually also morphed into synagogues as Jews began immigrating to the area. This also the beginnings of tenements, along with much-growing congestion. By 1900, half a million Jews had emigrated from Eastern Europe to escape persecution, and the first Yeshivas were established. Tracing this migration, Professor Brown noted the proliferation of funeral parlors, cemeteries, and brotherly aid societies, along with Yiddish theaters doing plays by playwrights from Shakespeare to Tolstoi. Pointing out a surviving building, he noted that the Eldridge Street Synagogue and Museum, with its Spanish-Moorish architecture, is still frequented by visitors today. Addressing what happened to the many places of worship that were prevalent then, Brown pointed out that the Chinese immigration saw the development of Chinatown. Many of the synagogues and churches were converted into Chinese houses of prayer. New York now has the largest Chinese city outside of China. With one million Chinese now living in New York, this East Side community has developed restaurants, offices, and apartment complexes along with their temples. Many entrepreneurs have invested in the area, and the Korean community has also developed a
foothold. With an eye toward business, the Koreans target certain sectors of the economy, such as nail salons, and concentrate efforts there. The Chinese have earmarked educational areas such as degrees in pharmacy and medicine. Professor Brown noted that the large Jewish population of the lower East Side moved on to many other areas of the city and beyond. The metamorphosis of the Lower East Side provided an interesting program for the Women’s Club, and Professor Brown’s polished and articulate presentation made it a welcome addition to our Ladies of Learning series. Professor Brown will be returning to North Shore Towers and will present a series of fascinating programs. Stay tuned in. Cinema Club Movie Review On Monday, July 25th, Channel 995, 4:00 pm, the British film “The Last Letter From Your Lover” is the July selection for review by Vicki Mazel Mazel and Nurit Israel, with an introduction by Gloria Beck. This 2021 British film is on Netflix, takes place in the mid-1960s, and travels back and forth in time to modern-day London. A car accident, marital issues, and amnesia form one story. The second timeline develops as a young female journalist uncovers several love letters in the archives of a present-day London storage area. A series of events and unforeseen circumstances provide the characters with lost and found relationships and new opportunities for romance. The film features an all-English cast, headed by Felicity Jones and Calvin Turner, with an appearance by Ben Cross of “Chariots of Fire” fame from 1981. It was written by English journalist Jo Jo Noyes, who has penned numerous romance novels and other screenplays. Join us on Monday, July 25th at 4:00 pm on Channel 995. Dues News and Membership Info Ending this calendar year with our largest membership on record, it is time to renew. July 1st starts our new calendar year, and all memberships are due, so you know the drill: $25 Check made out to North Shore Towers Women’s Club. Include the following info: address, apartment number, e-mail address, home number, and cellphone number. Give envelope to the concierge in your building addressed to the Women’s Club Representative: Building 1: Faith Wolitze, 4Y. Building 2: Gloria Beck, 17G. Building 3: Chickie Kaufman, 1T. To qualify for entrance to our programs and enjoy our club discounts, you must be a member in good standing. A member-
Pages From Our Past JUNE 2013 Board of Directors 2013 Election With three Board of Directors members retiring, at least that many newcomers were guaranteed seats this election. In one of the most wide-open races in the history of the co-op, incumbent Bd. President Robert Ricken was the only returning director, facing Mel Fox, Dolores “Dee-Dee” Goidel, Felice Hannah, and Bruce Savid at Meet the Candidates night, Tuesday, June 4th at 7:30 pm in the Towers Movie Theater. Apt. Sales Up, Generator Progress Bd. President Bob Ricken paid tribute to three retiring directors, Phyllis Goldstein, Murray Lewinter, and Phil Plafker, Thursday, May 16th at the Board’s open meeting at Towers on the Green. NST Camera Club Show Does It Again Over 150 residents of the Towers attended the second annual photography exhibit in the Coleridge lounge taken by members of our club, on Monday, May 6th. Some of the most popular photos were taken in the jungles of Africa, the shores of the Mediterranean, at local parks, beaches, zoos, botanic gardens, and right here at the Towers. The NST Billiards Room Gaucho NST Country Club’s new committee chairperson, Nelson Avila, worked hard to enhance the club’s Billiards Room. He assumed his new role with the same gusto, passion and commitment he has brought to his stellar career as a world class legendary Tango Star, choreographer, and producer of his own world-class Tango Shows.
In addition to his great talent as a dancing star, he found a new compelling passion: playing pool at North Shore Towers. It all began when his brother-in-law, Arthur Klein, began giving him tips and advice about the game and they began to play a few rounds on his own pool table in his apartment. This led to Avila beginning to play in the Country Club’s Billiards Room, now located near the gym. JUNE 2017 Yom Hashoah Observed NST residents filled the VIP Room to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Rememberance Day, on Monday evening, April 24th. A joint effort of Hadassah and the North Shore Towers Special Projects Committee, the Holocaust Memorial Program was presented featuring Rabbi Michael Klayman of the Lake Success Jewish Center, officers of NST Hadassah, resident survivors of the Holocaust, and featured guest speaker Gloria Glantz. TMGA Pres. Stan Yoel Stan Yoel, in his second term as President of the Tower’s Men’s Golf Association, took lessons with NST Golf Professional Bob Guido and enjoyed the game ever since. “All of our members not only enjoy playing with our friends, we also welcome new members and try to make them feel at home,” he said. “If they don’t have a group to play with we fix them up with one.” Ladies Golf Association Plans Season Judy Lev, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management of Morgan Stanley in Garden City, served as President of
the Towers Ladies Golf Association, and promised the members a very exciting summer season. Men’s Club-UJA Hosts Former Yankee The Men’s Club and UJA-Federation of New York announced that they would bring Ron Blomberg, former New York Yankee first baseman and the first Jewish player to ever suit up in pinstripes, to speak at NST for a community event on Thursday, June 8th at 7:30 pm. Nicknamed “Boomer,” Blomberg made history as the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball.
12 • TOWER TIMES • July 2022
Mortgage Replacement and Capital Improvements Continued from Page 5 •Remediating the accumulated damage to the 2,500-space underground garage. •Removing seven underground fuel tanks and replacing them with three tanks meeting currently required specifications. •Completing Local Law 11 remedial work to the building exterior. •Upgrading all elevators. •Repairing the masonry on the Arcade exterior to eliminate window leaks. •Equipment replacement in the electricity manufacturing plant. •Redecorating the Arcade. •Installing a garage communication system. •Redecorating the public halls in the three Towers. •Resurfacing macadam roads and paths where necessary. Currently, the US economy is experiencing some turmoil. The Central Bank has been attempting to slow the economy by applying monetary techniques that cause interest rates to rise because inflationary pressures are very much in evidence. This may result in an economic slowdown, possibly resulting in a recession. Meanwhile, while parts of the yield curve still show
the traditional positive slope, at the longer end of debt maturities, the slope inverts, indicating that some longer-term borrowings are cheaper than shorter-term borrowings. For the Mortgage Committee and ultimately the entire board, this presents the question of whether the mortgage maturity should be programmed over a longer term to lock in the lower interest rate. The board must consider all of these elements to be reasonably assured that it makes prudent decisions on behalf of the shareholders we represent. But realistically, we recognize that some external influences are beyond our control. Yet, they can affect the loan terms, property operating costs, the cost of capital improvements, and property upgrades. That is why we are proceeding carefully, performing sufficient market research, weighing the current and projected economic conditions, and properly investigating current, intermediate, and long-term NST needed capital improvements. This includes a realistic analysis of its impact on current and future maintenance costs. Of course, we have been meeting with various institutional lenders that are the logical mortgage loan source for a luxury complex
such as NST. Our analysis necessitated the Mortgage Committee to enlist the assistance of outside professionals to aid in our effort to reach sound, well-supported conclusions. The magnitude of the requisite expenditures and the long-term effect of a recasting of the underlying mortgage loan will have a long-term impact on the future economic and social vitality of NST. Therefore, where we deem it necessary, we engage non-Board professionals to give us counsel to assure that the committee members gain sufficient insight to make well-considered recommendations to the board. Bear in mind that the board makes the final decisions concerning the financing and capital
improvements. In future articles, I intend to focus on specific aspects of the underlying mortgage’s refinancing and the selection and details of capital improvements, reflecting your board’s commitment to keeping NST’s shareholders informed. I believe an informed body of residents is best equipped to deliver the necessary support to their Board of Directors. They strive to make decisions in the best interest of our community’s safety, security, quality of life, and fiscal soundness. Furthermore, I believe that facts are the best antidote to those rumors or contentious remarks that sometimes undermine the political equilibrium of our community.
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Men’s Club Breaks Covid’s Grip and Flies High By Howard Arkin
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he Men’s Club, for the first time since under Covid, had its first trip, which was to “The Cradle of Aviation Museum” on Long Island on Thursday, June 2nd. Seventeen members went, including Murray Ruben, who recently moved into North Shore Towers. He joined the club and went on the trip so he could meet some members. On our arrival, we were greeted by Erwin Wolf, the museum’s docent, who would who took us on our aeronautical journey for the next three hours. The Men’s Club members were overwhelmed by the history and the enormous content of the museum exhibits. As Gerald Adelberg said, you could spend a few days here and still not see everything. The museum has a replica of the Wright Brothers’ plane “The Wright Flyer.” Wolf told us an interesting story about the plane’s history. The Smithsonian Institute refused to acknowledge that the 1903 flight was the first and denied exhibiting the plane. The plane was sent to The British Museum in 1928. No, it was not flown there. Have you ever seen what that plane looks like? An agreement was finally reached in 1948 and is now in the Smithsonian. The space travel and lunar landings exhibits drew the most interest by many men’s club members. The Spirit of St Louis, the plane that Charles Lindbergh flew to Paris in 1927, was also interesting.
Aviation certainly played a big part in both world wars, and the exhibits cover it well, from the World War 1 double wingers to Grumman’s Wildcat and Hellcat fighters. In the early days of World War II, the Wildcat was not having too much success against the Japanese Zero. In 1942 the engineers at Grumman introduced the Hellcat, which turned the tables on the zero and helped shorten the war. The museum has artifacts pertaining to Sperry Gyroscope, another Long Island company. That was a factor in the Second World War. Coincidently, they are our neighbor’s next door. Before the tour progressed into the space and lunar age our docent asked us a question. He wanted to know if we knew who
Mitchel Field was named after. Howard Arkin threw out an answer. He knew that it was named after General Billy Mitchell. Wrong. It was named after John Mitchel, the New York City mayor from 1914-1917. The Men’s Club members also visited The Jet Blue Sky Theater Planetarium, where we viewed films of the anticipated mars landings. The tour lasted almost three hours, and considering we were on our feet most of the time, I thought we held up pretty well. The Men’s Club highly recommends a trip to the Cradle of Aviation. Speaking for all of those attending, we would like to thank Jerry Siegel and Toby Horowitz for their efforts and for keeping the events coming. For more information about the Men’s Club, contact Club President Toby
Horowitz at tmhmgt@yahoo.com. Open Mike Current Events Monday, July 4, 11, 18, 25 at the Coleridge Room, Bldg. 3, 10:30 am. Thursday, July 14th, Jerry Zezima lecture, “How to stay young and mature even when you are old,” 7:30 pm in the Main Card Room. Monday, July 25th, members only BBQ, VIP Room. Sunday, July 31st, Bingo in the Main Card Room, 7:30 pm. Mens Club Annual Event Why not join us at the Jericho Terrace on Tuesday, August 16th for The Men’s Club Annual Event? For information call Toby Horowitz (718) 279-0082, or Jerry Siegel (347) 235-4513.
The Men’s Club’s trip to the Cradle of Aviation Museumin Garden City at Mitchel Field on Thursday, June 2nd.
The Big 5 for Keeping Yourself Safe By Susan Bartelstone
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odically so you can act quickly and escape safely if something should happen. Consider including pepper spray in your safety plans and learn to identify common objects found in your immediate environment that can be used as “weapons of opportunity.” For example, hot or caustic liquid (coffee, cleaning fluid, hairspray) can be thrown into the eyes; a pen or credit card can be jabbed in the eyes, ears or throat; pillows, cushions or packages can be used as shields or thrown into an assailant’s face to create a surprise opening for striking. 5. Take a short self-defense course. Even though most courses only last four weeks, they increase confidence and skill immeasurably by teaching where the vulnerable body targets are, simple, effective techniques to use against them, and how to strike them with reasonable accuracy. They
also teach how to respond quickly to a surprise attack and do whatever you need to do to get away. Thousands of success stories attest that you don’t need perfect techniques to create a successful resistance. Most importantly, these courses teach how to get angry and “fight to win” by breaking through any mental barriers that may prevent you from hurting someone—even in your own defense—because no one has the right to assault, rape, or abuse you, ever! Remember that no absolutes exist in crime scenarios, and no advice can address every variable. Evaluate each situation individually and only respond in the way you judge will ensure your safety or survival. Susan Bartelstone is a nationally-recognized Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Specialist, an award-winning podcaster, and a prolific writer.
TOWER TIMES • July 2022 • 13
ith crime rates (and fear levels) rising, here are my “Big 5” general rules for staying aware and prepared for most common crime scenarios: 1. Avoid danger. Sharpen your commonsense and learn what actions and behaviors make you vulnerable to crime by reading safety information from as many sources as you can find. Be relaxed but aware of your surroundings and practice “peoplereading.” Always listen to your instincts (but try to avoid profiling) and take evasive action immediately if you sense danger. 2. Don’t look like a victim. A confident “non-victim” attitude and presence (head
up, shoulders back, brisk walking, and casual alertness) will discourage most assailants. Defuse confrontations by responding assertively: No crying, begging, or pleading. Deep breathing will help keep you calm and focused. 3. Yell! Don’t hesitate to draw attention to yourself or make a scene if you believe you’re in a dangerous situation. Attackers are often scared away by noise. Yelling also breaks through fear and panic and keeps you from shutting down. Yell fire, call the police, get away from me, just not “help, help, help.” 4. Be mentally prepared. Identify at least five safety problems in your personal life (e.g., coming home late at night, riding the subways, going to an unfamiliar place, home invasions). Formulate a safety plan for each scenario and rehearse it peri-
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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 • July 2022
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!