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Volume 26, Issue 3
Serving the residents of North Shore Towers since 1995
March 2021
MICHAEL KOHN GRAPHIC
Vaccination Tales
NST Residents Discuss Getting Their COVID-19 Shots
JACK SCHWARZ PHOTO
Snowstorm Blankets Towers Retired NY Times Editor
Stewart Kampel
COMING SOON!
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Warm Weather Outdoor Dining
NST Vaccination Tales
Compiled By Steve Auerbach
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orth Shore Towers residents began receiving their COVID-19 vaccination shots over the past month with mixed experiences and reactions. Some had an easy time, while others struggled with even making appointments online or by phone. Many solicited the help of their children and grandchildren to get them through the process and provide transportation. Shelly Kossover: The most frustrating thing was getting an appointment. I’m pretty computer savvy but found the process daunting and stressful. After securing slots for my husband and myself, I did try to help family and friends get appointments too. I think NY State did a terrible job, particularly considering that many seniors do not have the resources and support required. Hearing on the news that New York was out of vaccines made me constantly on edge, looking for my hard-sought appointment to get canceled. Thankfully, the state-run sites were supplied. My appointment was on a Sunday, at Aqueduct. It was easy to get there and parking was a cinch. They didn’t let my husband accompany me inside, because only those with appointments could enter, so he waited in the car. The National Guard guided people every step of the way, from entering, logging in at the windows, getting to the vaccine table, and the observation/rest area. The place is enormous, and when I went very few people were there. I was given a Pfizer vaccine, a card with its lot number, and my definite appointment for the second shot in three weeks. Everyone was courteous and efficient. I got there at 8:45 am and was back in my car at 9:10 am. I highly recommend this mega-site. Getting the first vaccine brings us one step closer to
hugging our children and grandchildren, so I am very grateful! It’s worth the sore and tender arm I had yesterday, which is much better today. I will continue to wear my KN95 masks and take the same precautions. The variant strains are more contagious and we have to protect each other whether or not we are vaccinated. Judith Tane: After several futile attempts myself, my computer-savvy granddaughter booked my appointment at Hillcrest High School. Fortunately, there was no line and no crowd. I am scheduled to receive the second dose on Tuesday, February 16th, but was not given a specific time. When I asked the nurse if I was to return to the same place, she said she didn’t know. Trying to get information by phone or online is impossible now. I am grateful that I was able to be vaccinated, but I think the entire process was grossly mishandled. To encourage senior citizens to get the vaccine as quickly as possible and then not provide them with the tools to do so, including the lack of local, easily reachable dispensaries, was a huge mistake. This entire program should have been directed and administrated by the federal government. I hope our new president will correct things as soon as possible. Good luck to everyone! Fran Gordon: I remember going through corn mazes around Thanksgiving times being blocked at every road bend and corner. After a while, the laughing stopped and the frustration of not being able to find the way to get out became infuriating. That’s is how I felt about making my vaccine appointments. Others were able to make and get their vaccines and I was still lost in the maze of computer links and breakdowns. How were so many others able to succeed and I was still so lost? So much is being in the right place at the right time. I
Reaching for the Brass Ring By Marian Nemetsky
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did finally get my first vaccine up in White Plains because of information shared from a friend. When I made my reservation, the Westchester County Center had just opened and there were hundreds of times available. An hour later there were none. So my friends, when you feel like a frantic mouse on the running wheel going nowhere, you are not alone. Please just keep trying and asking friends and neighbors for different ideas. Good health to all of us. Marty Silverstein: I went online to get an appointment on Tuesday, January 12th. I thought I had secured one at Hillcrest High School, but not being computer savvy and using a dinosaur cell phone with the inability to receive text messages, I was deluding myself. Not only that, I made several mistakes in inserting my personal information on the forms, which I realized after I saved the information that I could not edit. Despite all my mistakes, I was informed that I did have an appointment on Saturday, January 16th at 2:10 pm. But actually, I didn’t have one. I was turned away because I did not receive a code, because of my inability to receive a text. Upon returning home I tried once again to secure an appointment. There was no way to edit out the errors I made on my earlier application and there were no appointments available anywhere. I have since purchased a modern iPhone on which I hope to be able to receive texts. Meanwhile, I sit and wait, like everyone else, feeling Continued on Page 14
TOWER TIMES • March 2021 • 3
he thunderous, repetitious music of the merrygo-round pounded in my ears and drew me to it. I leaped onto my favorite exotic looking horse, which I rode up and down, up and down, as we twirled round and round. In addition to the feeling of exhilaration, was the challenge to grab the much sought-after brass ring from its metal dispenser. That prize gave the winner a free ride. I never got it. Now, in the Pandemic, the music and exotic looking horses are just a memory. However, I find myself going up and down, up and down on a merry-go-round, reaching for that elusive brass ring–an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination. Since all my doctors are affiliated with NYU Langone, I was elated several months ago when I received an e-mail from them stating, “Good news! We have the vaccines. DON’T call your physician. You’ll be notified through My Chart.” “Uh-Oh.”
Though I had signed my husband up for My Chart, I was paranoid that my information would be stolen, and didn’t do it for myself. Now, paranoid or not, I had to do it. This time there was an additional issue. It had to be downloaded as an app on my mobile phone. They texted me a secret number as if I was applying for a job at the FBI or the CIA. I had to swear that I was not a robot. It’s good that I didn’t have to mark the traffic lights, because I always fail that exercise. Finally, magically, an app appeared on my phone. “That wasn’t too bad, now I just have to wait.” Wrong! Eventually, we received notification that people in my age group could receive the vaccination. I immediately pressed my app, only to receive a notice that reiterated, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you.” So, I thought I’d try other avenues. There were websites for locations in Jamaica, Elmhurst, White Plains, and Albany, where, if we were lucky, we could get it. Excitedly, I showed this to my husband, Continued on Page 14
STEVE AUERBACH PHOTO
NST resident Jack Sevita getting his second shot.
Golden Age of Baseball, Boxing Icons By Howard Arkin
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he North Shore Towers Men’s Club hosted a Zoom meeting on Thursday, January 21st with guest speakers who treated our members to an interesting and informative lecture by St. John’s professors Howard Ehrlich and Harvey Sackowitz on “New York City Golden Age of Baseball.” The period following World War II was nothing short of pure ecstasy if you were a young baseball fan living in New York City. The city was the only one in the United States to have three major league teams, two of them being very good and the other one good every so often. From the years 1947 to 1964 one of the three teams, the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Dodgers appeared in the World Series. The back pages of the city’s newspapers introduced us to names such as Di Maggio, Berra, Stengel, Robinson, Reese, Mays, Thomson, and Durocher–names that would stay with us for decades.
This was the period that Major League Baseball finally broke down the race barrier when the Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson in 1947. Four years later Robinson would watch on as Bobbie Thomson circled the bases having hit “the shot heard round the world.” The next big occurrence discussed was the date “that will live in glory,” October 4th, 1955. The Dodgers defeated the mighty Yankees to win their first World Series. The Yankees were the dominant team in all of the baseball then and their exploits were not overlooked in the lecture. They were so successful that it was said “rooting for the Yankees was like rooting for US Steel.” But they did have two of baseball’s most humorous characters, Yogi Berra, and their manager Casey Stengel. Unfortunately, the era came to a crashing end in 1957 when the Dodgers and Giants whistling “California Here I Come” departed. Someone in the Zoom audience raised a good question on their departure. How did it happen and who was to blame? The consensus among the group was that it would not happen today, and Dodger President Walter O’Malley was to blame, with the
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10% Discount for NST Residents to their Covid Vaccination Shot
NYC parks commissioner a close second. After the lecture, Men’s Club President Toby Horowitz opened the mic for questions and opinions that the members might have. Jack Sevita recalled going to Yankee Stadium almost every weekend when the admission was only 60 cents. He might have bought a bag of peanuts from a member, Bob Mark, who was selling them then. Jerry Siegel was a little disappointed that the 1969 Mets were not mentioned– but fear not. Better times are a-coming. Gary Zwetchenbaum told us of his extensive memorabilia collection, which includes every Mickey Mantle card from his rookie year in 1952 to 1964. Last month, a 1952 Mickey Mantle sold for $5.2 million, so keep your door locked Gary. Howard Erlich and Harvey Sackowitz were quite entertaining and they do a lecture on other subjects. Hopefully, we will be seeing them again. Another Men’s Club Zoom was held on Wednesday, January 27th, with Denis Rappaport discussing “The True Stories Behind Some of the Most Iconic Boxers in America.” The choice must have been a good one because when Toby Horowitz began the session there was barely an empty box for me to get into on my laptop. We must have set a record with 60 Zoom attendees. Rappaport, a professional boxing promoter and manager, has lived at NST with his wife Linda for 28 years. He began his lecture by telling us about the origins of boxing, dating back to 3000 BC in Egypt.
Boxing continued into the Roman Empire, where the gladiators fought to the finish. And I do mean finish! The sport found its way to 18th century England, where the combatants fought with bare knuckles. The Marquis of Queensbury rules as well as the use of boxing gloves were introduced a century later. He then went on to discuss boxing in the United States, highlighting the famous John L. Sullivan vs. Jim Corbett fight in 1892. Rappaport’s introduction to boxing occurred when he was a youngster in Brooklyn and his father took him to a gym, where he met Sugar Ray Robinson. He still considers him to be the greatest boxer of all time. He reminisced about 1982 being one of the most fruitful years of his entire life. He not only married his beautiful wife Linda, but along with co-manager Mike Jones handled Gerry Cooney in his heavyweight title fight against Larry Holmes. Five years later he again managed Cooney in his championship battle against Leon Spinks. Both Rappaport and Mike Jones had reputations for the many creative and crazy ways they promoted their fighters, earning the title “the wacko twins.” Some of their more notable antics were having fighter Ronnie Harris wear a yarmulke while fighting, or getting a gorilla to come into the ring. Rappaport mentioned another funny story when Hector Camacho wanted to skip training and jumped out of a secondfloor window. When he confronted him, Continued on Page 5
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NY Times Editor Stewart Kampel By Fred Chernow Retired editor of The New York Times Stewart Kampel said he has been extremely fortunate, and proud, to have worked for more than 40 years “for the greatest newspaper in the world and to have contributed, I hope, to the enlightenment and enjoyment of our readers. Moreover, not too many people get to work for an organization under the protection of the First Amendment. And to have the greatest partner in the world, my wife, Susan, without whom none of this would have been possible.” Where did you go to school? I grew up on the border of Williamsburg and BedfordStuyvesant, with an older brother, now deceased, and both parents. We lived there until my senior year at Boys High School when we moved to Brighton Beach. After high school, I attended the Baruch School of City College. In my freshman year, I became a sports reporter for the undergraduate newspaper, The Ticker. I soon became the sports editor and in my junior year became editor in chief. For the summer I sought a job at The New York Times. On the day I applied, The Times had placed an ad for office boys. To eliminate unqualified people, the employment office asked applicants to take a spelling test: determine which of 10 words were misspelled. I must have done alright because I was offered a job in the wire room, where messages, and stories, appeared, and I then distributed them to the newsroom. After a couple of weeks, the employment office remembered that I knew how to type, and she guessed that I would be returning to college, so I was offered a part-time job as the assistant to the secretary to the foreign news editor, who had just won the Pulitzer Prize for international reporting. I worked four hours a day filing letters, typing envelopes, etc. through my senior year. I applied to the Columbia School of Journalism and asked the foreign news editor, who was the president of the alumni association, for a recommendation. At Columbia, I was awarded a half-tuition scholarship and worked
TOWERS TALES at another part-time job at The Times on the news desk preparing reports for WQXR. Tell us about your family. I met my future wife at a house-plan (poor man’s fraternity) dance while I was a freshman and she was still in high school. Susan and I married in Brooklyn upon my graduation from Columbia while she was an undergraduate at Brooklyn College. Susan worked for many years for the Social Security Administration, helping people get their benefits. We have three daughters and nine grandchildren. Caroline Danziger, a graduate of SUNY Buffalo who lives in Plainview, is a pre-school teacher and Hebrew School teacher. She and her husband, Mitchell, a State Supreme Court Justice, have two sons, Sam and Josh, and a daughter, Hannah. Daughter number two in age is Debra Magerman. She and her husband, David, have four children and live in Merion Station, PA. They formerly lived in Setauket, where David, who has Ph.D., worked for the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies. He is now a venture capitalist. Debra, who graduated from Smith College, is active in Jewish philanthropic activities. David founded the Kohelet Yeshiva in Lower Merion. Their eldest son, Elijah, is at the University of Pennsylvania, Zachary is doing a gap year in Israel before enrolling at Penn. Their daughters, Sydney and Lexie, are students at Kohelet. Allison Singer, a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, is a mortgage specialist for Citibank. Her husband, Marc, is a financial consultant specializing in health care. They have two teenage children, Molly and Jesse, and live in Plainview. What about your professional career? After six months of service in the Army, where I trained as a medic, I rejoined The New York Times as a clerk. A few months later, I transferred to the Reserve News Desk, a training spot for copy editors. After a long strike, I was
Golden Age of Baseball, Boxing Icons Yankees from Steinbrenner. Also, a new face appeared on the screen this evening, and we were introduced to new member, Joe Rosenberg. Our next Zoom session was held on Thursday, February 18th and featured Scott Shinberg, the former FBI Agent and writer speaking on Cyber Security. Coming up on Thursday, March 11th, Sal St. George will discuss Billy Crystal, and Ed Kranepool of the New York Mets will speak on the Mets 1962 through 2021. On Thursday, April 15th, Ann Margaret Carrozza, the noted Elder Law Attorney will make her second appearance before the club speaking on projecting your assets from new taxes, long-term health care finances, and other financial decisions. Finally, for information about membership to join The North Shore Towers Men’s Club you can contact Toby Horowitz at tmhmgt@yahoo.com.
assigned to a copy desk that handled obituaries, society, and cultural news. Years later I moved to the Metropolitan Desk as a copy editor and then got promoted to be an assistant to the Metropolitan editor, Arthur Gelb. I was one of two editors in charge on weekends during the New York fiscal crisis and the Son of Sam stories. Later I was asked to be the editor of the Long Island Weekly section. I held that job for 20 years, running a Sunday section, choosing stories, and hiring freelance writers. At the same time, I taught journalism classes, 16 years at City College and 15 years at New York University. A number of my students went on to full-time careers at newspapers and on television as reporters, editors, foreign correspondents, investigative specialists, best-selling authors, etc. I am the author, with Nate Cott, of the book “Fly Without Fear,” a self-help book for people afraid to fly. For the last dozen years, I have been reviewing fiction and nonfiction for Hadassah Magazine. When did you come to North Shore Towers? We lived in East Northport, on Long Island, for 42 years, where we raised our family and moved here 10 years ago. We also have had a home in Wellington, Florida since 2004. In Florida, I run a wine club, a current events discussion group, and a book club. For the book club, I have the author of the book under discussion visit us via Skype or Zoom. Susan runs an annual book-and-author luncheon that draws 500 people and benefits a research fund at Brandeis University. At North Shore Towers I enjoy playing tennis and swimming. Susan does water aerobics and plays Mah Jongg. We’ve traveled extensively and we love it here.
TOWER TIMES • March 2021 • 5
Continued from Page 4 Camacho claimed it was martial artist Bruce Lee who had jumped. This was unlikely, as he had been dead for about 10 years. I’m still wondering how he survived the fall. Rappaport also discussed a long list of boxing movies, going back to the 1930s. Raging Bull, a more current-day movie starring Robert DeNiro was noted to be more realistic than many of the older boxing films. Other notable fighters that Rappaport has either managed or promoted are Trevor Burbick, Tony Tucker, and the Russian champ Oleg Maskaev. Rappaport was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. There are not many people in their lifetimes that have met as many people in the entertainment and sports world as he has, among them Mohammed Ali, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Eddie Murphy, and George Steinbrenner. He was also part of a group that had made a bid to purchase the
Retired editor of The New York Times editor Stewart Kampel.
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Pages From Our Past MARCH 2012 Country Club Is Winter Hub During the winter months the North Shore Towers Country Club’s gym becomes an even more prominent focus of the co-op’s social activities, with members gathering not only to workout, but also to mingle, make dinner plans together and discuss current events.
Building One’s Barrie Miller tries to make it to the gym three times each week, even though she is also a personal trainer and teacher at other gyms and fitness centers. She chooses to workout at the Towers to meet with friends and neighbors, as well as the convenience of fitness being just an elevator ride away. She said it’s almost like having her own personal gym. MARCH 2016 Trash Talk Getting rid of kitchen waste and trash is so simple at North Shore Towers. Former homeowners no longer have to drag heavy cans to the curb or retrieve them in inclement weather. But where does your garbage go after you deposit it? It starts in the co-op’s compactor rooms. Guess how many we have? You should be aware we have 297 compactor rooms that require daily attention by the co-op’s staff. Three buildings, each building has three wings, with one room per wing and 33 floors. Do the math! Nearly 300 compactor rooms that need to be kept clean and maintained.
Marvelous Marvin Weisman, 90 This interview was started just after Marvin Weissman’s fabulous 90th Birthday Party at the Inn at Great Neck. Sadly it was interrupted by a hospital stay from which he never returned. This dynamic, ever-youthful, always positive life force left us on Sunday, January 17th. The funeral for this decorated World War II veteran was well attended and included a U.S. Marine detachment and speeches by his three sons and three of his grandchildren. Congressional Candidate Kaiman Visits NST Jon Kaiman, a Democratic Candidate for the 3rd Congressional District visited NST for a “Meet and Greet” on Wednesday, February 3rd. He was running for the seat currently occupied by Steven Israel, who will not be seeking re-election. Kaiman most recently served under Governor Cuomo as Long Island’s Storm Recovery “Czar” and as the Chairman of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority overseeing Nassau County’s efforts at financial recovery. Michael D’Innocenzo: ‘High Stakes for All’ The next election was a defining moment in US political history, accordin g to Professor D’Innocenzo. He described the prospect of a Democratic victory as a “watershed” and a “transformation” should the Republicans gain control of the Presidency. Rabbi Michael Klayman Rabbi Klayman is a modern Rabbi who inspires others to value and practice their faith. He was brought up in a
conservative home where his parents were active in the synagogue. He went to a Hebrew speaking camp which they suggested. He was active in a youth movement in High School and worked his way up to the state and national level. His interest in a Jewish spiritual life led him to enter the Jewish Theological Seminary, a post-graduate five-year program, and was ordained in 1981. He was at the Lake Success Jewish Center for the past nine years.
Steven Kanowitz of Gutterman’s
Snowstorm at North Shore
Licensed Funeral director Steven Kanowitz has helped families in New York and Florida for nearly six decades. A partner at Gutterman’s for more than 30 years, he prides himself on being “old school,” committed to making things better for everyone who comes to him. He’s enjoyed a great career built on a simple approach—he loves to help people. His deep concern for others allows him to treat everyone with dignity and compassion. He also brings a comprehensive understanding of the Jewish traditions to individuals and families who have lost a loved one. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Syosset, Kanowitz is the face of the business at Gutterman’s and one of the principal reasons it is so well-known and respected in New York and Florida. If you’ve met him, you’ll understand why he doesn’t need a business card—he’s his own walking business card. He loves his job and it shows. He’s a great listener
By Bud Bank Snow began falling Sunday night, January 31st, and when I woke up Saturday we had lots and lots of snow. I looked in my refrigerator and I was in trouble because it was empty. I went downstairs for my daily Arcade walk, and I could not believe the two food stores were open, as was Buffy’s and the drugstore. I bought lunch at the food stores and ordered dinner at Buffy’s. Thank you all for getting here safe and sound.
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To my surprise, our mail arrived, and I received two letters–both were bills. I made my first appointment for the COVID-19 shot, and I have my fingers crossed (pleased with no side effects). I think it’s time for me to take my Arcade walk to say “hello” to lots of nice people. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.
JACK SCHWARZ PHOTO
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who cares deeply about people. He works hard to be accessible and easy to reach, available 24/7 if necessary. He’ll carefully answer all your questions and provide you with guidance and insight throughout the funeral and grieving process. Kanowitz has a great passion for golf, both as a player and in his capacity as charity golf chairman at two different country clubs. A hole-in-one at a charity golf outing years ago spurred him to become actively involved in the sponsorship and promotion of charity golf outings, and he’s now involved with 40 to 60 such events every year in Florida and New York. He’s also been a key player in Gutterman’s philanthropic efforts, supporting Jewish and community organizations. He has been honored many times for his charitable work. A resident of Nassau County, Kanowitz is a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather of six.
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Women’s Club: Room With a Zoom By Vicki Mazel
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oomers of the Woman’s Club had a special guest on Wednesday, January 20th, welcoming Professor James Coll into their midst to speak on “Free Speech And The Constitution,” Part One. The special Zoom broadcast was arranged by Women’s Club program chairman, Gloria Beck, and with the able technical assistance of Judy Paris, Professor Coll was able to come to virtual life for this special lecture. Part II took place on Wednesday, February 17th. Dealing with our freedoms with the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment, Professor Coll cited the fact that Congress shall make no law-abiding freedom of speech and its defining principles. It was noted by him that protection of this freedom is pertinent to the minority, but the Constitution dealt with the issue of protection from that minority as well. He said politicians try to appeal to the majority while seeking election. In spotlighting certain issues, Professor Coll cited the case before the first World War. A citizen, Charles Scheck declared the draft to be unconstitutional and advocated the 13th Amendment, “In a democratic country each man must have the right to say whether he is willing to join the army.” Cases before the Supreme Court deal with questions of where does free speech end. Are rights different when a country is at war? Although a wartime constitution has not been written, according to Professor Coll this is essentially added to the First Amendment. In Scheck vs. US of 1919, a clear and present danger must be present. Another case cited by Professor Coll in
this fascinating and informative meeting was Brandenburg vs. Chicago in 1969. The leader of a KKK group in suburban Cinncinatti wanted to hold a rally. In Cinncinatti it is illegal to, “advocate crime, sabotage, violence or unlawful methods as a means to accomplice political reform.” The Supreme Court ruled that the lawlessness must be imminent. In presenting another case, Professor Coll discussed Edwards vs. South Carolina of 1963, where 181 black protesters held a peaceful protest at state buildings. The police wanted them to disband due to the unpopularity of their message to bystanders. The case went to the South Carolina Supreme Court where the protests were deemed an expression of free speech and the right to assemble. It was also noted that the state, “cannot make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views.” In the National Socialist Party of American vs. the Village of Skokie in 1971, the Nazi Party picked a predominantly Jewish area to use the political system to get the government to reflect their views. The Nazi rights were upheld. Professor Coll pointed out that in 1989 in Texas vs. Johnson, a case was charged dealing with flag burning. Although the case mentioned dealt with freedom of expression, Coll described what is acceptable in terms of action and reaction. He suggested that it is easier to prosecute a violation of property and broken windows rather than ideas and words. The session ended bringing up the subject of pardons, and the question of “can Presidents pardon themselves?” This fascinating series continued in February and is a testimony to why Professor Coll is one of our favorite lecturers. Watch for his Zoom presentation, and put your name on
Trip to the Morikami Museum
By President Bobby Gould
Pandemonium Poetry By Vicki Mazel Arcade Chatter Walking ‘round the Arcade With inner jubilation, People strutting their stuff, After the second vaccination. Now they all belong To the growing hub, Pfizer or Moderna? They get to join the club. They ride the elevators, Smiles transfixed on face, Talking ‘bout reactions, And finding parking spaces. Now with their heads held high, They completed the task. They have to talk about, Can’t wait for you to ask.
Did you get yours? Always the queries, First or second shot? Finish the series? Trumpets are aionblare. With a hint of percussion. All have to join in, On left or right arm discussion. Venues are all over, Recommended by a yenta, Jones Beach, Commack, Hillcrest, Bronx, Brooklyn and Javits Center. Masks in place we march, Feeling more secure. The shots were really fine, T’is questions I can’t endure! So, What’s Next? Make arrangements to join the virtual Lunch Bunch. Bring your lunch and enjoy the camaraderie and discussion right in your own home. Set aside Thursday, February 25th, 12:30 pm for friends and fun. Noted lecturer Mel Haber is leading a special and exciting program on Wednesday, March 10th, 3:00 pm. Haber, a lecturer on the cultural arts and all phases of show business, will present a special Zoom program on “Life Of The Divine Bette Midler,” judyparis@twc.com. Virtual Bingo is coming. Now you can join us on Wednesday, March 31st, 3:004:30 pm. Bingo cards will be distributed to your building. Limit three cards per person. Sign up with Dawn Steinberg at (718) 229-1448, or Selma Baumgarten at (347) 502-7123. As always, we thank our Zoom and technical adviser Judy Paris for her expertise, professionalism, talent, and patient cooperation. Membership, new or renew? Contact Chickie Kaufman for membership information at (718) 819-8176. Spring programs in the works with our wonderful program chairmen Gloria Beck already working hard to make our time more valuable, fun, and creative. Except for TV 995 programs, all other events are open to our members only. If you have not joined yet, do it today. Look for reminders on the door of the Towers Restaurant, and the lighted boards in your lobby and the Arcade. Finally, the Women’s Club Virtual Tea Party will be held on Wednesday, April 7th at 2:00 pm. We will supply the tea, a cookie, and a sweet treat. Sign up by March 24th, Chickie Kaufman at (718) 819-8178.
TOWER TIMES • March 2021 • 13
Greetings From Florida–North Shore Towers South. The pandemic continues here, and everyone is scrambling to get vaccinated. It is not easy. We must be very careful, wear our masks and stay six feet apart. The only difference here is that the weather is warmer. We sit outside in small groups, as we did at North Shore Towers when it was in summer and fall. There are the same discussions. Do we eat in a restaurant, in or out, or not at all? We are going to meet at the Morikami Museum on Thursday, March 4th, at 10:00 am. With a guide, we will tour the beautiful
gardens making sure we keep our distance and wear a mask. It is a very peaceful spacious place with many benches available. It will give us a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy each other’s company. There is a beautiful outside Japanese restaurant with very good food that overlooks a lake. Those who chose to eat there will be seated in small groups. And last, but not least, there is a small gift shop selling unique items. Soon it will be spring and we will all begin to plan our return to North Shore Towers. We miss you and are looking forward to all of us being together again. Be well and stay safe.
the members sign up list with Judyparis@ twc.com. March Cinema Club Look for the March Cinema Club on Monday, March 29th at 11:00 am, channel 995. The selected film for March, “The Dig,” is a Netflix presentation based on a true story. This British drama deals with a 1939 excavation that unearthed a vessel replete with so many artifacts that the British Museum had an array of major and dramatic proportions. The all-star cast is headed by Ralph Fiennes, along with Carey Mulligan, Ben Chaplin, and Lily James. The burial site, found on private property, sets off a series of events and conflicts. The Office of Works wants to take over the site due to its importance, however, the owner of the property wants her choice of excavator, Basil Brown, to remain. Both groups merge and work the site alongside their relationships and the historic proportions of the findings. A love affair is thrown into the mix with Lily James, one of England’s most popular young stars and a family member helping with the dig. The review of the film will be conducted by Vicki Mazel and Dr. Nurit Israeli. All residents are welcome to attend the viewing. Mask Task Contest Judging for the Women’s Club Mask Contest will take place in early March, with prizes from our vendors being awarded. Masks will be judged on originality, eye appeal, and wearability. Send a selfie or picture of your mask to Glutsky@aol. com or maz3711@yahoo.com.
Vaccination Tales
14 • TOWER TIMES • March 2021
Reaching for the Brass Ring Continued from Page 14 who replied, “Nah, they’re too far. Besides, we’re waiting for NYU, right?” “Yes, but who knows when that will be?” Then I heard about several other phone numbers and websites, such as Affiliated Physicians, NYC, and Northwell. I filled out the New York State Covid form for both of us and still heard nothing. The New York State website still showed appointments in Buffalo. When I awoke the next morning, I saw that I had received an e-mail during the night, which indicated that my husband could get an appointment with NYU Langone. We were giddy with excitement. “Yes, your husband can get an appointment. Where would he like it?” “Lake Success?” “All filled up until July.” “Huntington?” “All filled up until July.” “Mineola, the hospital? “Yes, yes.”
We hit the jackpot, and it could be for the next day. “Wonderful, now what about ME?” “Hmm, don’t see your name or date of birth.” “We have to go together, uh, he can’t hear without me.” “Sorry, your name isn’t here.” “Is it by alphabetical order, size places, or what?” “I suggest that you get it elsewhere.” “OMG. It’s not fair. I did all the work, and HE got the appointment.” I took a deep breath and counted to 10. It was the day of the Inauguration, so I went to watch it. Like Scarlett O’Hara, I decided I’d worry about it tomorrow. Afterward, filled with hope, I decided to try one more time. I tapped my app again, and the miracle of miracles, a box came up that said I was eligible for the appointment. I was even able to get it at the same time and place as my husband! So, this time, after going up and down, up and down on a merry-go-round, reaching for that elusive brass ring, I finally got it…the appointment for the Covid vaccine.
JACK SCHWARZ PHOTO
Continued from Page 3 foolish that I blew the opportunity to receive one on Tuesday, January 12th. Rhonda Schorr: I assisted Jason with getting an appointment for his first shot of the Moderna vaccine. We worked with a laptop, an iPad, two iPhones, and a house phone. It was a terribly frustrating experience, entering information to multiple sites, making phone calls, staying on hold for hours, and receiving conflicting information. When the appointment was finally secured, we felt as if we had won the lottery. Then, considering we heard appointments had been canceled, we only celebrated after the shot was actually in his arm. There was not much reaction, only soreness and swelling at the site of the shot. We have been told not to worry regarding his second dose. They are supposed to contact us soon with the time and place. When this actually happens Jason will continue to be careful but will feel somewhat protected. They are saying even after the second dose you can still be a carrier. Therefore Jason will still wear a mask, socially distance, and avoid crowds in order to protect friends and family. George Kizner: Helene and I have been trying for the last two weeks, maybe more, to get an appointment for the vaccine from NYC, NYS, NYU Langone, and Northwell Health. We are both registered to their portals, but still no success. In fact, the websites from NYC And NYS are difficult to navigate. By this I mean if you attempt to register one time and cannot get an appointment one has to re-enter the same personal data again, which makes it very frustrating. So, we are just going to wait it out until a new shipment comes in from a slow boat from China. Margi Karmitz: I received the first Moderna vaccine on Sunday, January 10th, as a medical professional, one day before 75 and over were eligible at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica. There was no parking in the vicinity and long lines outside in the cold and inside as well. There seemed to be minimal training of staff or vaccinators and
confusion reigned. I received the vaccine from an RN school nurse, who admitted that he had never vaccinated anyone before and had no training. He gave it too high and caused bleeding! He had to search for a band-aide. Side effects were minimal, sore injection site pain and tiredness. There was no immediate lifestyle change, and all precautions are in place until herd immunity is reached (maybe in the spring), even though antibodies should be much increased two weeks following the second dose. It is now possible that a third booster may be necessary with changes for the new strains–especially the South African variant. I will not feel or act more protected for several months when hopefully supplies of vaccines increase and most people are vaccinated. Dianne Stromfeld: My son found an appointment for me perusing many sites at 10:00 pm on a Saturday. The appointment was for 4:15 am in Manhattan on Worth Street. He picked me up a 3:00 am and I was home at 5:15 am. It was a Dept. of Health pop-up and was very well run with no real wait time. Parking in that area is quite difficult and all streets are one way, with no traffic at that hour. I did have a reaction though. Pain in the arm, no big deal, nausea, a fairly big deal for about three days, and spiked blood pressure for four days. General tiredness for five days. If this is what my reaction to shot one was I am not really looking forward to number two. That is also scheduled for 4:00 am. I am blessed to have a son who found the appointment and willingly drove me. By the way, I had four family members and me almost constantly online trying to get an appointment, so I didn’t dare not take this one. Those second doses are critical. Most sites are extremely short of vaccine and equipment to deliver it. My sources have told me that supply is being shipped, but not in great quantity. There simply was no stock on hand. Howard Arkin: After spending a few hours on the computer, I got an appointment at the Aviation High School in Long Island City. My next appointment was scheduled for Sunday, February 14th. Being a pessimist at heart, I thought, “It ain’t gonna happen,” but hoped I
June Schwarz wears her “I got my COVID-19 vaccine” sticker. was wrong. Harold Hershman: Barbara and I received our first dose of vaccine at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica on Monday, January 11th. On Friday, January 8th, Gov. Cuomo announced that he was including Group 1B eligible as of Monday, Jan. 11th. I immediately tried booking the appointment, but the web site wasn’t amended and wouldn’t accept Group 1B applicants. On Saturday, January 9th, I tried calling the phone number given on the website. After waiting 40 minutes, an agent, Carmella, did answer. She was clueless in rendering any meaningful help. Hearing my frustration, my wife called the same phone number on her phone and ultimately got a different agent, Gary, from Texas. Gary, a most helpful agent, was able to book both of us for our appointments on the phone. Carmella, the Agent I was talking to, even called me back later in the day, but couldn’t help me. She told me to wait until they amended the website to include Group 1B, which would allow me to make the appointment on my own. I am sure that if I had followed the advice of Carmella, I would still be trying to make my appointment for the first dose. We were so lucky to find Gary in Texas! Arlette Sanders: I had my first shot in a school in the Bronx. It’s only 11 miles from NST. The wait was very short, the nurses capable and I suffered no after effects, except for a mild ache at the shot site. Toby Kemelor: I signed up on the first day, got an appointment for the next week, and experienced no side effects. I used Hillcrest, easy parking, no crowd. Chickie Kaufman: I still haven’t been lucky enough to obtain an appointment. I’m not going crazy because eventually I’m sure one will come thru. Dan Broad: The first appointment I could get is on Thursday, February 28th at Mt. Sinai in NYC, and I am supposedly medically connected. It’s not going to bother me. Where am I going? Barbara Leonardi: I am one of those that doesn’t oppose the vaccine, but I will wait till it comes with less confusion. Till then I double mask, wear eye shields, and limit my risk rate, just as I have been doing for almost a year now. Each to their own.
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TOWER TIMES • March 2021 • 15
444 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights, NY
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As we look forward to the SPRING season, if you are thinking of SELLING your apartment, you will benefit from my endless network of prospective buyers. If you are thinking of BUYING, I always have a large selection of inventory. Choosing a BROKER is a very important decision! I encourage you to meet with me and join with the thousands of satisfied residents with whom I have worked. I offer PERSONALIZED SERVICE and most importantly, EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS! I take great pride in having assisted so many of you in the BUYING and SELLING of your apartments. I have specialized in apartment sales at North Shore Towers for the past 35 YEARS Through my non-stop dedication, professionalism and 7-day a week commitment, I MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SATISFACTION IS MY # 1 GOAL!
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16 • TOWER TIMES • March 2021
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