Tower Times June 2023

Barry Berman

Stuart Berland

Stanley Goldsmith

Sophia Mighty

Richard Van Allen

Theresa Oropallo

Martin Schwartzman

NST Bd. Election 2023

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Stuart Berland

Stuart Berland has been a shareholder of North Shore Towers since 2017 and said he understands the dynamics and requirements of serving on a board with the intent, knowledge, and time to contribute to the operations and revitalization of the community. “Over the past year, I have read board minutes, asked questions, and reached out to offer support,” he said. “I ask for your vote to add strength and continuity to our board.

Berland’s qualifications include serving as a board member, Vice President and President of a 150-unit Baybridge Bayside condominium.

He participated in hiring Akam, transitioning to a new management company, and training the on-site manager concerning requirements and expectations. He

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Theresa Oropallo

Since moving to North Shore Towers in 2010, Theresa Oropallo has served on the Country Club Committee and the New Residents Welcome Committee. She has served as President of the Ladies Golf Association and Chairperson of the American Cancer Society’s Babes fundraising events.

Oropallo’s professional career includes 21 years as a teacher of English and an Assistant Principal. She served as Principal of Northport High School for 12 years. For 15 years after retiring she was an Adjunct Professor at Stonybrook University, teaching leadership skills.

In 2021, she was elected to the Board of Directors and chaired the Country Club Committee during her first year, planning many diversified activities. Her assign-

Continued on Page 7

Barry Berman

Barry Berman and his wife, Linda, have lived at North Shore Towers for six years, and he has served on the NST Board for the past two years. He said his major accomplishments include extending Wi-Fi throughout the community, modernizing the co-op’s website, serving as chairperson of the Finance Subcommittee and the committee interviewing prospective shareholders, as well as organizing shredder events. With other board members, he has been involved in negotiating commercial tenant leases, mortgage refinancing, choosing contractors, and budgeting for significant capital improvements.

“Being president and treasurer of two condominium developments where we own apartments provides me with extensive real estate experience,” he said. “My

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Marty Schwartzman

Incumbent

Marty Schwartzman, CPCU, said he would continue to bring experience, integrity, and leadership to the board. His highlights serving the community include demonstrating fiscal responsibility and monitoring the co-op’s budget, conducting cost-benefit analysis, reviewing expenditures, and implementing a cost-effective plan of action.

“I have a deep understanding of the co-op’s operations, its finances, and our community,” Schwartzman said. “This experience makes me well-suited to continue serving by bringing continuity and institutional knowledge.”

He believes he offers strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with a vision for the co-op’s financial future. He also pledged to keep a watchful eye on share-

Continued on Page 19

Stanley Goldsmith

Stanley J. Goldsmith has been a shareholder at North Shore Towers for 15 years and is a past member of the Board of Directors for six years, serving as President from 2018-2019.

As President, he negotiated a solution to the decades-old dispute between NST and the Sponsor’s corporation concerning recovering several hundred thousand dollars of maintenance charges for parking spaces. As Chairman of the Country Club Committee, Goldsmith brought “new life” to the tennis program by making access to the tennis courts available to all Country Club members (virtually all shareholders) without additional charges. A Pickleball court was constructed by redesigning the basketball court rather than destroying one resource for another.

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Richard Van Allen

Richard Van Allen has been a resident at North Shore Towers since 2019 and just moved from Building 2 to Building 3. He is employed fulltime as the head of marketing and business development for the largest private neurosurgical practice on Long Island and has held a variety of marketing communi-

Sophia Mighty

Sophia Mighty is a public school teacher who, for over a decade, has navigated the various approaches of various NYC Schools’ Chancellors to best educate her students, many of whom are the children of new immigrants or have English as their second language. She works with individuals with different views to reach conclusions to benefit all.

NYC Council Member Barry Grodenchik appointed Mighty to Queens Community Board 13, which includes neighborhoods that geographically range from Floral Park to Rosedale and JFK International Airport. As a board member, she has become Chairperson of its Economic Development Committee and Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. Over the past seven months, she has brought in

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cations and advertising sales positions during his business career. He has worked for such companies as Forbes, Marketing and Media Decisions Magazine, The Tribune Company, and The New York Times. For nearly 20 years, he published and edited his own business-to-business newspapers serving the automotive service trade.

Van Allen has a BA in Political Science and a Master’s in Political Science and History from LIU/Post.

“I’ve learned that effective communication, both external and internal, can foster growth in all organizations,” he said. “Ad-

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North Shore Towers Annual Shareholder’s Meeting

Thursday, June 15th at 7:30 pm

Towers Movie Theater

RE-ELECT

BARRY

BERMAN

North Shore Towers Board

My Board Activities from 2021-Present:

• Extended Wi-Fi in the Garage, Arcade, Pool, and Garden

• Modernized the North Shore Towers Website

• Chairperson of Finance Subcommittee

• Co-chair committee interviewing prospective shareholders

• Member of committees involved in negotiating commercial tenant leases, securing mortgage refinancing, and selecting contractors and preparing budgets for major capital improvements

• Organized annual shredder events

I

MY EXPERIENCE:

• President and Treasurer of two Long Beach condominium developments, owning apartments in each; involved with mortgage refinancing, selecting contractors, and overseeing extensive renovations over a 20 year period

• Business Consultant to Duane Reade, NCR, Kohl’s, Singer, and Simon Property Group

• Ph.D. in Business from CUNY with specialization in Marketing

• Distinguished Professor at Hofstra for over 30 years

• Director of Hofstra’s Executive MBA Program for 20 years

• Author of major international texts in Marketing and Retailing and over 25 journal articles on business strategy

Akam, LL11, Garage Work, Wi-Fi Updates

By Cheryl Vollweiler Secretary NST Board of Directors

This month was absurdly busy. Some days I barely left my desk. Some days I could barely get to my desk. Most days, my phone rang non-

stop from early morning until late at night. Luckily, I love what I do (yes, Board work included), and it was a very productive month, so no complaints here. Plus, Teddy Roosevelt said, “Far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

I couldn’t agree more (as long as there’s pizza to help when things get hairy…and maybe some coffee ice cream). And as Martha Stewart said, “…when you have a real interest in life and a curious life, sleep is not the most important thing.”

Speaking of working hard, after a busy and productive transition period, we are excited to officially welcome to NST the AKAM management team headed by our new General Manager, Alexis KaminoffFritz, starting June 1st. On Monday, May 22nd, Alexis sent a letter to all shareholders explaining the transition of maintenance accounts and how to handle related issues going forward. If you have any questions after June 1st, call or stop by the management office, and they will be happy to assist you. Or, just stop in and say “hi” even if you don’t have any questions. Just remember to be patient with our new team as they get up and running.

The end of Local Law 11 (LL11) Cycle 9 is finally in sight. DOB approved the SAFE report for all three buildings, removal of the scaffolding/sidewalk bridges is complete for Buildings 1 and 3 and underway at Building 2, a vacate order is being filed for the Building 1 “V” line, and any open violations are being handled by our engineer, EDG. Woohoo (and whew)! Prat is still completing work on some of the railings they damaged during Cycle 9, which is also expected to be done shortly. LL11 mandates that Façade Inspection Safety Reporting (“FISP”) be completed every five years, so we have a few years’ respite before Cycle 10 begins in 2027. Garage work is continuing. Re-coating of Phase 1 Sections A and B is completed, and parking spots displaced for that phase

have been returned. Repairs to the phase 1B structural columns continue. Once the repairs are completed, the columns will be coated, and the surrounding concrete will be patched. We have now confirmed that column repairs are required in phase 1B on all three floors. As a result, approximately six visitor parking spaces will be unavailable for about a month or so, but removing the sidewalk shed from LL11 will restore some parking spots in the garage and visitor lot to balance it out.

We recently discovered old electric conduits in the garage that were not properly decommissioned. The conduits were promptly spliced and filled with concrete.

We also identified leaks from the Central Plaza into the garage, which are now being repaired. We further discovered that the eight exhaust fans servicing the garage, which are from the original construction, must now be replaced (sigh). We are now obtaining quotes for that. On a related note, we also discovered that the roof exhaust fans on all three buildings, also the originals, need replacement. We are obtaining quotes for both refurbishment and replacement and assessing ductwork and other related work that may be needed to increase efficiency and cost-effective operation going forward.

Section C garage work is expected to begin in June, and the permits are now being renewed to ensure no work stoppage. A new DOB inspection requirement took effect on January 1st, requiring weekly inspections, but it is unclear if it applies to this project because it was permitted and began before the law was enacted. Our engineering firm is assessing whether the new inspection requirement applies and will advise us once the permits are renewed.

Because the conditions and deterioration found during Phase 1 were more serious than originally expected, the entire plan for Phases 2, 3, and 4 is under review to ensure that we have an accurate view of the work required and to ensure accuracy in pricing, ordering supplies, and timing. As soon as this is completed, we will begin the RFP process to obtain competitive bids for phases 2-4.

Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCOs) have now been issued for Buildings 1 and 2, and the TCO for Building 3 is expected soon. In case you’re surprised, join the club. When this Board took office, we found out during the mortgage renewal

process that prior management had allowed the TCOs for all three buildings to lapse many years ago (like, 2017), with outstanding work to be done to get final COs. We immediately retained an architect familiar with the property to expedite the process, which satisfied the mortgage lender, who then gave us 18 months to complete the task. This will be completed well within the deadline.

Wi-Fi installation in the garage and Arcade is completed, and we will now be expanding Wi-Fi to the pool deck. Contrary to rumors floating around, the cost for Spectrum access powering the Arcade/ garage Wi-Fi will not be charged back to shareholders and will not increase your monthly maintenance fees.

We have also concluded the elevator refurbishment RFP process. After receiving competitive bids from seven companies, we narrowed it to the four lowest bids and interviewed all four companies. We then requested that each bidder revise their proposals and submit their best and final

bids. The contract was awarded to Kone, Inc., our long-time elevator vendor. With a mandatory compliance date of January 1st, 2027 and 24 elevators to be done, work will (must) begin in October 2023. The company has already taken measurements, so cabs and parts can be ordered. A kickoff meeting with Kone, the Board elevator committee, and AKAM is scheduled for May 31st to begin discussing logistics. I

I have said it before, but it bears repeating–this work is required by NYC law, and our existing elevators are too old to retrofit; they must be replaced. Failure to complete the project properly and by the deadline risks significant fines/penalties.

To complete the project on time, one elevator on each elevator bank in each building will be replaced simultaneously until the job is done. Each elevator is expected to take approximately 15 weeks to complete barring unforeseen circumstances. Plan to leave extra time on every trip to get to the lobby from your apartment

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S.

Meet the NST Bd. Candidates 2023

Stuart Berland

Continued from Page 3 communicated with the board and community on the needs, projects, and progress updates. Helping to create capital and operating budgets, Berland also analyzed actual monthly results against budgets and forecasts, reviewed performance/contracts (such as labor, insurance, gardening, roofing, paving, etc.) and recommended vendors. He also interfaced with the management company’s legal and accounting resources.

Since 2010 he has served as Managing Director of Secure Goals Insurance Services and family office. From 1994-2009 he was an Investment and Insurance Executive at Citigold/Personal Wealth Management, and from 1991-2021, as President of importer and distributor Highway Hardware Inc.

Barry Berman

Continued from Page 3

involvement with refinancing, competitive bids, and major renovations resulted in higher property values, lower costs, and improved services.”

Berman holds a Ph.D. in Business from CUNY and was the “Bud” Miller Distin-

guished Professor, Director of the Executive MBA program, and Associate Dean of the School of Business at Hofstra. His marketing and retailing textbooks are in their 13th edition. Consulting clients included Duane Reade, NCR, Kohls, and Simon Property Group.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve another term, continuing to improve the quality of life at NST,” he said.

Stanley Goldsmith

Continued from Page 3

For 50 years, Goldsmith served as a Department Director at major medical centers in Manhattan, including Mt. Sinai, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and NY-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell. He was responsible for budgets of many millions of dollars, decisions involving personnel recruiting, training, retention, and performance quality, and the selection and purchase of complex multimillion dollar equipment. In addition, as a member of the Medical Board at Mt. Sinai, Goldsmith proposed a peer-review process for the annual capital equipment budget for the entire hospital, and he chaired and oversaw the Capital Equipment Budget Committee for 12 years, providing transparency to what had been a private political process.

He retired from his positions as Professor of Medicine and Professor of Radiology at NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell in 2019 and has continued to provide lectures to residents and faculty via Zoom.

Goldsmith said he is seeking re-election to improve and stabilize Board procedures and performance, as well as to increase communication between the Board, management, and shareholders.

As a candidate two years ago, he proposed using the in-house channel 995 for weekly Board communication with the community. Although that proposal has been utilized, he believes further improvement is necessary.

As a Board Director, he said he is committed to improving transparency and is proposing monthly Town Hall meetings. Goldsmith said he believes NST can be fiscally responsible without sacrificing programs, vendors, and other resources that many have depended upon for years.

Campus with NYS Empire Development.

•NYS Office of Cannabis Management on “Framework for Adult Use.”

•US Customs & Border Protection to discuss its operations and employment opportunities at the NY airports.

She also served on a select committee opposing Governor Hochul’s “Housing Compact.”

Mighty secured a CBP truck for NST in June to assist in the Global Entry application process and is a member of the Upstanders, NST Community Affairs, and Political Affairs Committees.

Theresa Oropallo

Sophia Mighty

Continued from Page 3

Continued from Page 3 speakers to discuss:

•Programming opportunities for entrepreneurs with the Queens Economic Development Corporation.

•Housing development on Creedmoor

She said she is interested in contributing in ways that “enhance her community and keep it engaged on topical issues.” At NST, she is focused on management that addresses the co-op’s finances, infrastructure, and value. Continued on Page

ment was changed in the second year to the Community Affairs Committee. They sponsored events such as a successful Club and Vendors Expo, several speakers, an informational meeting focusing on Local Law 97, and a Holocaust Memorial evening co-hosted with Hadassah. Upcoming

North Shore Towers Meet the Candidates night, Thursday, May 25th in the Towers Cinema. Richard Van Allen, Barry Berman, Sophia Mighty, Stuart Berland, Theresa Oropallo and Martin Schwartzman

JACK SCHWARZ PHOTOS

Dr. Stanley Goldsmith.

STANLEY J.

GOLDSMITH

North Shore Towers Board of Directors

Experience and Past Performance Commitment to Shareholders

•Shareholder 15 years; Board of Directors six years, Past President two years

•Country Club; Political Affairs Committees

•Tennis: Opened Access to all Country Club Members

•Pickle Ball: Completed Dual Function Court preserving Basketball Court

•Parking Space Maintenance Lawsuit Resolved; Elimination Legal Fees for over 10 years

•VIP Room: Eliminated costly proposed expansion

•50 yrs: Management & Budget Experience

•Department Director: Leading NY Medical Centers

•Consultant & Advisor: City, State, National & International Commissions, Corporations

•Education: Columbia University; SUNY Downstate. Honorary Degrees: SUNY; European University

•Q & A Interviews on 995 with Candidates for recent NYC elections

A Lifetime of Caring, A Lifetime of Service

Improve Board + Shareholder Communication

•Monthly Town Hall meetings

•Improve 995 weekly reports

•Greater Shareholder involvement in committees, notably Country Club & Finance

•Maintain Fiscal Responsibility without destroying existing programs (tennis) and resources (vendors)

•Suffering

Get HIP WITH TERI

Experience:

•Resident 12 years

•Country Club Committee six years

•Former President Ladies Golf Association

•Chair Babes Against Cancer fundraising

•Principal, Northport High School–12 years

•Adjunct Professor SUNY Stonybrook Leadership Program

As a Board member I am committed to:

•Use my proven leadership skills to improve collaboration

•Prioritize prjects in a fiscally sound manner–roofs, elevators, windows, wifi in the garage

•Upgrade and modernize (within budget) lobbies, hallways, Arcade

•LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN WHAT

SCHWARTZMAN MARTIN

Do You Want:

•Fiscal Responsibility, Review and Controls of Expenditures

•Strategic and Budget Planning

•A diligent fighter against wasteful spending

•A strong proponent of elevating the quality of life at NST

Integrity, Experience, & Leadership

BACKGROUND:

•Former Senior Advisor Department of Financial Services, The Department of Financial Services supervises and regulates the activities of nearly 3,000 financial institutions with assets totaling more than $8.8 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2021

•Former First Deputy Superintendent NYS Insurance Department

•Currently owns an insurance and regulatory consulting firm

•Graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in accounting

Re-elect Martin Schwartzman as your Advocate and Watchdog for your funds, Vote #1

Join Retired Energetic Active People

Join REAP, Retired Energetic Active People, for engaging discussions, professional guest speakers and weekly clubs that keep your mind sharp and your social life thriving!

Our captivating guest and member speakers bring their expertise to our weekly Tuesday meetings on Zoom from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. From politics to technology, art to culture, socializing to opinion pieces, are discussed by our dynamic group of retirees.

But that’s not all. On Mondays from 10:00 to 11:00 am, we have one of our monthly specialized discussion clubs covering Science, History, Short Stories and Books. Connect with like-minded individuals and embrace the joy of lifelong learning with REAP.

To join this welcoming community of active retirees or for more information, email membership@reapli.org or call (516) 253-4744.

With REAP, retirement is just the beginning

RICHARD VAN ALLEN

FRESH LEADERSHIP FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

OBJECTIVES

• Implement a comprehensive internal communications program to keep shareholders informed and seek new ways to maintain engagement with community members.

• Apply my practical marketing experience to help rebrand NST and change the popular perception of our community.

• Actively monitor NST funds and to ensure our resources are allocated effectively and prudently.

• Advocate for the continued modernization of our property, including electric car charging stations and updated security.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Employed, full-time director of marketing and business development for the largest, independent neurosurgical practice on Long Island. Responsibilities include personnel management, planning, and budgeting.

• Extensive experience in planning and implementing advertising campaigns of all kinds on all media platforms.

• BA in Political Science and a master’s degree in political science and history.

Mon Diablo, He’s Talking About Pablo

By Vicki Mazel

Awell-filled room of Women’s Club members celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Pablo

Picasso’s demise with Professor Thomas Germano, Professor of Art and Art History at Farmingdale State College, on Wednesday evening, April 28th.

Opening remarks were made by CoPresident Gloria Back, citing that the North Shore Towers Women’s Club now has 465 members, with a new year for membership coming up on July 1st.

Professor Germano, an artist himself, studied painting and art history at Cornell University and received a Master’s of Fine Arts in 1985 at Yale. With this illustrious background, he presented a program rich in Picasso’s history and art influences. Without using notes, his observations and slide presentation preferred an array of Picasso’s influences, such as El Greco, Matisse, Cezanne, and Gaughin, to name a few.

Touted as the greatest artist of the 20th city, Picasso is noted to have said: “An artist borrows, but the great ones steal.” Instead of outright stealing, Picasso added and interpreted great artists that interested him, and his work became more reflective of new styles, such as cubism, with originality that made for his greatness.

In the early 20th century, Picasso entered his Blue Period with a spiral of depression. His painting palette was dominated by despondency until a turning point came with what is known as his Rose or Pink Period. Switching from melancholia to a better state of mind, he viewed himself as a performer in a circus, and the circus represented a number of his works.

The audience was rapt with attention as Professor Germano continued to describe

Cubism and Picasso’s development into using synthetic colors. His painting “Life with Chair Caning” was used as an example of the difference between analytical and synthetic cubism. Following Picasso’s progression, the audience learned about muted colors and decorative finishes used by the painter. Picasso considered Matisse an equal and often used the same subject.

Interspersed with the art descriptions, Germano also covered Picasso’s love life and his various female companions. His first wife was the ballerina Organizer Khokhlova who ironically hated modern art. Other women in his life who influenced Picasso’s style were Marie-Therese Walter, and in 1936, there was Dora Mann, a photographer.

The evening ended on a note of excitement and discovery by the audience of this International treasure of an artist who changed the art world and how we view life.

Spring Luncheon-A Jolly Time for All

The Women’s Club held its annual Spring Luncheon at the Jolly Fisherman on Wednesday, May 17th, with a full house of close to 150 members in attendance. The weather was beautiful, and the sun-filled rooms of the restaurant reflected an atmosphere of friendship and warmth. Anxious to meet and greet friends and neighbors, the diners were served a wonderful meal of warm rolls, salad, main course choices, and delicious desserts. Co-President Gloria Beck made welcoming remarks, and Vicki Mazel did a rap introducing the hierarchy of the Women’s Club.

This wonderful afternoon’s success was also due to the tremendous efforts of CoPresiendt Chickie Kaufman, whose organizational skills and artistry are evident in everything she undertakes, including individual candy to take home; thanks to all the workers on the luncheon for their time and

energy. Great job!

Cinema Club

Watch for the next program of movie reviews on Monday, June 26th, at 5:00 pm. The Cinema Club will be addressing the film “Still Alice,” a 2014 American film drama based on a novel by Lisa Genova. The film stars Julianne Moore, who plays a linguistic professor diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease shortly after her 50th birthday. Julianne Moore took on the role, and her extraordinary performance earned her an Oscar. The film was included as one of the ten top independent films. Elements of the story were lifted from the screenwriter’s personal experience with Alzheimer’s. Moore’s spectacular performance was based on her four months of preparation for the role and watching documentaries about the disorder. Several cast members set out for roles in the film after experiencing close relationships with Alzheimer’s patients.

Movie reviewers Vicki Mazel, Dr. Nurit Israeli, and Gloria Beck will spotlight much of the sensitivity and scalpel-sharp precision of the melodramatic theme, Monday, June 26th, Channel 995. See you then!

Shin Is In

The Women’s Club has a planned visit to the Nassau County Museum on Thursday, June 8th at 11:00 am, but please note that the exhibit will continue until July 9th for those who may want to re-visit on their own. Co-President Gloria Back, Trips Chairman Faith Wolitzer, and Vicki Ma-

zel did a recent jaunt to get a preliminary viewing and deemed a resounding success. The turn-of-the-century mansion housing the exhibit has morphed into a golden opportunity to view these international masterworks of art. It is helpful to know that if the Women’s Club June trip to the museum leaves you wanting more, there is time up to July 9th to return. Viewing these art treasures in an atmosphere of lush gardens, outdoor sculpture, classes, and workshops for artists and art lovers of all ages is most pleasurable. The Shin Collection is but another feather in the cap of this wonderful nearby museum.

Verse By Vicki

He’s as interesting as Ray Romano, Our own Professor Thomas Germano. Celebrating our Spring Luncheon again, At the Jolly Fisherman

The Cinema Club fid bring forth, “The Lion” on April twenty fourth Continuing with all the activities, Are the planning of more festivities.

Still going in the right direction

In June, it is the Shin Collection, His works knoweth no disasters, De Kooning and other masters.

We call ‘em as we seem ‘em With our day at the Nassau Museum.

Continued on Page 23

MARIA TERMINI MILLER PHOTO

Women’s Club Spring Luncheon, Wednesday, May 17th at the Jolly Fisherman: Adrien Brause, Linda Platkin, Gloria Beck, Nancy Fishbin, Faith Wolitzer, and Vicki Mazel.

NST Men’s Club News

By Toby Horowitz

After many requests, the NST Men’s Club finally had a large group go to Original Eddie’s

Pizza” of New Hyde Park for an Italian lunch that was more like a food fest. Gerald Adleberg knows the owner, and Arnie Cammeyer, a regular at Eddie’s, kudos for helping to make this luncheon a success. Nobody left hungry from their pie to hero (meatball parm, sausage parm, eggplant parm, chicken cutlet, grilled, sausage/peppers/onions). A few even wore the sauce home. Our hats are off to Eddie’s for serving up a fun and good luncheon.

The Men’s Club guest speaker for May was Greg Blank. He spoke on The Comedy of Larry David and looked at the career and writing of the creator of two of the great comedies of all time, “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” David is known for exploring social foibles and personal neuroses through his alter-egos–a version of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and George Costanza on “Seinfeld.” They based episodes on his real-life grievances.

Blank, a Long Island-based filmmaker, film historian, and lecturer, has over 15 years of experience as a producer, director, cinematographer, and editor. He is an award-winning producer for the show “Push Pause Long Island” on Verizon Fios1 and a documentarian for the films “Undocumented” (2016) and “A World Within a World: The Bay Houses of Long Island” (2020).

He has developed and produced over 30 lecture programs for public and private clients, including LIU Post Hutton House Lectures, Molloy College, The Huntington Cinema Arts Centre, and dozens of libraries and venues around Long Island and the northeast.

The Men’s Club Bingo, open to all residents, had another big turnout. As president of the men’s club, I had to fill in for Irwin Shanes as the “Bingo Caller” while Shanes has been dealing with a health issue. Paul Arden, who assists with the bingo team, told me, nobody can call Bingo like Shanes. His followers still show up for the bingo games rain, shine, or no Shanes. We try to make it fun, exciting, and entertaining, but winning is more important. Come on down the last Sunday, of every month at 7:30 pm, in the large card room, Building 2, lower level.

Who wants to go fishing?

Member Steve Zellman has made arrangements with the Hillcrest Jewish Cen-

ter for members of the Men’s Club to go fishing with them. He was kind enough to extend an invitation from Hillcrest Jewish Center’s Fishing Event to the NST Men’s Club. Contact Steve Zellman at (917) 9167032. Sunday, June 11th, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Captree State Park Boat Basin on the “Bay Princess.” The cost is $70, and includes use of rod, bait, and gratuities. Fish are free, but you have to catch them. Just bring your own food and drinks.

The Men’s Club Events Committee is planning other events, including luncheons, barbeque, and guest speakers.

Don’t forget, every Monday at 10:00 am, the Men’s Club hosts the “Open Microphone” on various topics with Gary Darche, Harold Hershman, Ron Levin, and yours truly.

We refer to it as Hot Topics. We encourage members to exchange their thoughts on the discussion topics, which can get heated, but we all remain friends. Come on down to the large card room in Building 2 lower level. The agenda goes out the Friday before so participants can come prepared with their thoughts and opinions or expand on the topics.

Men’s Club Guest Speaker

On the last Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm, The Men’s Club has a guest speaker in the large card room and guests are invited.

Upcoming Guest Speakers are:

Thursday, June 29th, 7:30 pm: Jonathan Darche, Esq., Executive Director of NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). Topic: “How the Civilian Complaint Review Board Handles Complicated Situations from Eric Garner to Jordan Neely/NYPD to Protest Policy.” Guests are invited to attend.

Thursday, July 27th, 7:30 pm, The Men’s Club has a guest speaker in the large card room Building 2, lower level. Guests are invited.

Alan Freedman is the director of the Jewish Sports Heritage Association (JSHA), a not-for-profit education organization. Topic: “Jewish Sports Legends” looks at the Jewish experience in American sports from the 1800s until today. By focusing on sports, from boxing to football to baseball, along with many other sports, “Jewish Sports Legends” shows us how Jews have significantly impacted the world of sports, an area of Jewish accomplishments.

To learn more about the North Shore Towers Men’s Club and membership, contact Toby Horowitz, President, tmhmgt@ yahoo.com.

Shredder Truck Event

NST Bd. of Director’s Report

Continued from Page 5

and from the lobby to your apartment. The project’s complexity will also affect moveins/move-outs, deliveries, etc. We regret in advance the level of inconvenience this will have for everyone, but it is truly unavoidable given the statutory deadline. We will be providing more information as the project gets closer. For right now, my best advice is: don’t forget to make a “pit stop” before you leave the house.

The UST project is back on track after contaminated soil was discovered adjacent to the fill line at one of the tanks. The DEC and our contractor, Empire Environmental, have agreed on certain methods for delineation of the contaminated soil, disposal, and assessment for planning. Clean-up is moving forward daily, with soil being removed, weighed, and logged. Air monitoring is being done during excavation as required. After Memorial Day, the crew will mark out utilities and make borings to track the contamination. In the meantime, two tanks have been completed, and five of seven tanks have been removed. As work progresses, you will notice the back roadway getting narrower–so drive carefully back there.

On Wednesday, June 7th, the new tanks will be delivered, and a crane will be brought in to place the tanks in position. The rear roads and restaurant parking lot will be closed that day–forewarned is forearmed. Once the replacement project is done, the site will be clean, and the new

tanks have double wall spill containment and electronic monitoring that will protect them from future pollution. We note that the cost of testing, excavating, decontaminating, and monitoring is expected to exceed $150,000. Accordingly, the matter has been reported to our Pollution Legal Liability insurer for coverage in excess of the applicable deductible.

As usual, the editor called and wants the rest of the newspaper back, so I will leave you with this. Arnold Palmer said, “The road to success is always under construction.”

While we have a lot of stuff going on around here, it is necessary for the longterm health, safety, and value of our beloved home. So even though our “road” is under construction, go outside and enjoy the amazing things right in our yard...literally. Kick off the season at the outdoor pool beginning on Memorial Day weekend with the usual festivities; play a round of golf (or take a few lessons if you don’t know how yet); play some tennis or pickleball; sit in the courtyard and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air; go to a movie when the sun goes down; get in some cards or mah jongg with friends; treat yourself to something at our restaurants and stores; get a beauty or spa treatment; or just enjoy the fact that you can do all of those things if you choose just by taking the elevator, and remember how incredibly fortunate we are to call NST home.

See you around the Arcade.

MARIA TERMINI MILLER PHOTO

The semi-annual shredder truck event at NST on Saturday, May 20th.

Pages From Our Past

JUNE 1996

Shareholders Candidates Defeat Incumbents

Although the previous administration called them a dissident group, the NST Shareholders Association candidates soundly defeated two incumbents and two others in the annual board of directors held the previous month. The Sponsor fulfilled his promise by casting votes in the exact percentages as the resident shareholders.

Chuck Robbins, who received the highest number of votes and was elected board president, said: “It affords an opportunity for the new board to pursue a course that we have been espousing for a number of years. It is my intention to pursue it in a harmonious way.”

Shareholders Pledge To Continue

Bob Silver, Interim President of the NST Shareholders Association, wrote a column declaring: “...our efforts will not cease. The NST Shareholders Association will operate as an oversight organization to ensure that these goals and promises are fulfilled. We will remain the voice of the people and will not hesitate to speak out. But for us to remain viable, we must have your continued support.”

JUNE 2014

NST Apartment Prices Surge

Apartment prices soared at North Shore Towers in 2014, according to a report by the Board of Directors at their Thursday, April 24th meeting at the Towers on the Green. “Low inventory together with high demand pushed the average sales price of our apartments even higher than

the last time I stood before you,” Screening Committee Chairperson Fred Chernow told the capacity crowd.

NST Men’s Club President Al Fuchs

President Al Fuchs explained that his idea for a men’s club at North Shore Towers came to him while he was in his winter home in Florida. He initially hoped for a showing of 20 men at the first NST meeting, which was announced in the Tower Times and held in a small area within the Coleridge Lounge. About 25-30 people showed up, and the group quickly outgrew the space. Fuchs said he never dreamed the group would grow to its current size of 90 men, with new additions almost every day.

GAP Report: Club Remodeling Completed

Remodeling of the club’s lower level, which included painting and installation of the new carpeting and new layout, was completed.

JUNE 2018

Golf, Tennis Seasons Arrive

Stan Yoel, President of the TMGA (the Towers Men’s Golf Association), Judy Lev, President of the TLGA (the Towers Ladies Golf Association), and Allen Kreiger, President of the North Shore Towers Tennis Association, were happy to see the return of warm weather on the co-op’s grounds and courts. Many activities and events crowded the country club calendar and forecast another exciting season for members.

NST Honors Victims O f Gun Violence

Over 200 people attended the North Shore Towers Po -

litical Action Committee’s “Step Up Rally” in memory of the victims of gun violence Saturday, May 12th, in the Towers Movie Theater.

The program honored the memory of victims of gun violence at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida; Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado; and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Theresa Oropallo

Continued from Page 7

events include a health van and a Global Entry van.

“Deciding to seek a second term was not an easy decision,” Oropallo said. “However, I strongly feel varied voices are needed. My human relations approach to all situations brings a unique perspective.”

Marty Schwartzman

Continued from Page 3 holder funds and expenditures.

Schwartzman pledges to work collaboratively with fellow board members to represent the best interests of all residents and advocate for better communication and shareholder input.

He said he is committed to protecting the co-op’s financial future, making it a better place for everyone, and serving residents with loyalty and dedication.

“I commit to providing my extensive financial, regulatory, and business experiences to North Shore Towers,” Schwartzman said. “My experience greatly benefits the residents of North Shore Towers. I will continue to advocate on behalf of all of us to ensure that all shareholder funds are protected and appropriately utilized.”

Schwartzman graduated from Hofstra University with a BBA in accounting and owned SBL Solutions LLC, which provides insurance, regulatory, and consulting services for various domestic and international clients.

Before retiring from government service, he was the Senior Advisor to the NY State Department of Financial Services Superintendent. In 2010 he was appointed First Deputy Superintendent of the NYS Insurance Department. Before that, he served as the Deputy Superintendent for Strategic Planning and Market Initiatives, meeting the needs of consumers and industry.

Richard Van Allen

Continued from Page 3

vertising to the right audience can change the popular perception of a product or service. Similarly, regularly informing community members about the initiatives affecting them ensures everyone is aware of what’s happening.”

Van Allen said he would apply his practical marketing experience to help shape a new NST branding campaign and implement a comprehensive internal communications program to keep all residents informed.

Sassoons at The Jewish Museum

By Lorraine Bertan Cultural Affairs Committee

The current exhibition of the fabulously wealthy and accomplished Jewish family, the Sassoons, follows their lives and possessions through the 19 th century through the end of World War II. Five rooms display the grand homes, art, and Judaica acquired by the family, and notebooks describing the collections are provided for the visitor.

The most well-known member of the Sassoon family was David, born in 1792 in Baghdad, then part of the Ottoman Empire. The Jews of Baghdad had lived there for over 1,000 years and numbered 7,000 in a population of 50,000. The family was involved in trading and collecting taxes, making them unpopular and subject to antisemitism, eventually relocating to Mumbai in 1829. They traded in cotton, tea, textiles, and opium, which was extremely lucrative. The British had colonized India then, and the Sassoons chose to ally themselves with the British Raj.

David Sassoon died in 1864, and the family business had become a global enterprise, extending to China, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. As custom dictated, the eldest son of David, Abdullah, became head of the family and moved his family and businesses to London, and the other sons followed.

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 allowed the family to utilize its connections in India, China, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. The mercantile and financial business prospered, and because of its success and the family’s contributions to the London financial world, Abdullah was elevated to a knighthood in 1872. His anglicized his name to Lord Albert, and the family became part of the nobility and elected office.

Their magnificent art collections and impressive mansions provided entry to the Royal Family. The exhibition shows the exchange of gifts and visits between the Sassoons and Queen Mary.

In 1887, Edward Sassoon, grandson of Sir Albert Sassoon, married Aline Caroline de Rothschild, bringing two

powerful and wealthy families together, and the exhibit includes a painting of Aline by John Singer Sargeant. John Singer Sergeant was the painter whose exquisite portrayals of the Sassoon women have been highlighted in museums and private collections and are a high point of the exhibit. He was a close friend and remained with the family through World War I.

The son and daughter of Edward Sassoon, Philip, and Sybil, became patrons of artists and architects. Philip had three magnificent homes, Park Lane in London, Trent Park, a villa in north London, and Port Lympne, a country estate in Kent. He enjoyed decorating his homes, filling them with great art and furnishings which were so compelling that famous artists painted them, including a well-known amateur painter, Winston Churchill, a frequent guest.

Philip’s sister, Sybil, married the Marquess of Cholmondeley in 1913 and restored his family home, Houghton Hall, in Norfolk. She and her husband acquired an extensive art collection and expanded the gardens to restore Houghton Hall to its role as one of the Great Houses. She was an elegant hostess and became Chief Staff Officer in the Women’s Royal Naval Service from 1939-1946. The Sassoon family had always contributed to Jewish causes, social, educational, and cultural.

The exhibit has an impressive collection of Jewish ceremonial art and books, including a Passover Haggadah, which follows the Baghdadi rite, including Hebrew text and translation into Judeo-Arabic, Arabic using Hebrew script. With Sir Victor Sassoon’s help, The Baghdadi Jewish Community raised money to shelter Jewish refugees in Shanghai during World War II.

The Sassoons served in the British military with Sir Edward Sassoon as a British officer. Sigfried Sassoon was a cousin of Philip Sassoon and served in the British army during World War I and saw action in France. Having seen so much destruction and death during his service,

he became a poet whose work reflected his anti-war feelings. The British War Memorials Committee invited John Singer Sergeant to create paintings that would show how the cooperation of the Anglo-American troops, almost like a war correspondent. His paintings in the exhibit show the horrors of the war, the results of a gas attack.

The beauty of the exhibit reflects the wealth and taste of the Sassoons. It also describes the opium trading and the mercantile and financial achievements and respect for the charitable efforts of this fascinating Jewish family.

The Sassoons runs until Sunday, August 13ust at The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave & East 92 St., (212) 4233100. Days and Hours: Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 am–6:00 pm all other days.

The Sassoons, a the fabulously wealthy and accomplished Jewish family, exhibit at The Jewish Museum.

Sybil Sassoon’s portrait. Nahson Sassoon’s portrait.

Memorial Day Dinner

Sold Out Comedy at NST

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

NST Women’s Club Report

Continued from Page 17

Getting hungry-having yens? How about the deli–Ben’s?

Again to save us from gloom and doom, We met on June 14th in the lower card room.

For Professor Candio - so renown, It talks about 1000 years of the Crown!

England’s no country with anarchy But the tradition of the monarchy. No commoners or in-betweens. Just lots of kings and queens.

So we really have an active hub, Lots on board for the Women’s Club. For $25, there’s ne’er to lose, In July, don’t forget to pay your dues!

Membership Time

Dues are $25, and checks made out to North Shore Towers Women’s Club with the following information:

Name, address, apt. number, phones (home and cell, and e-mail address. If you are a Florida resident, include Florida information as well.

Bring a check to the concierge in your building with your building representa-

tive’s name and apartment number on the envelope:

Bldg #1: Faith Wolitzer, Apt. 4Y.

Bldg #2: Gloria Beck, Apt. 17G.

Bldg #3: Chickie Kaufman, 1T. So What Else Is Coming?

Tentative, Wednesday, July 12th: Bingo Bash and Supper.

Other great programs are in the works. Your favorite professors are being booked. Check for flyers at the entrance to the Towers Restaurant and events boxes in lobbies and near the restaurant.

MARIA TERMINI MILLER PHOTO Coco Xi, Carianne Mazzei and Maria Termini Miller celebrating Cinco de Mayo at the NST Country Club, Saturday, May 6th.

MARIA TERMINI MILLER PHOTO

Comedian Sarge entertained a sold out crowd at the NST theater, in an evening also featuring Thalia Reesses, Monday, May 22nd.

MARIA TERMINI MILLER PHOTO Gloria Beck addresses the NST Women’s Club Spring Luncheon.

MARIA TERMINI MILLER PHOTO North Shore Towers residents brought in the Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27th in the VIP Room.

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