PAC Joins Forces with Local Police
BY VICKI MAZEL
Photo courtesy of Vicki Mazel
Members of the NST Political
Action Committee
(PAC) attended a crime
seminar on Wednesday, November
26, at LIJ Community Room. Under
the leadership of Chairperson
Felice Hannah, the participating
members were given information
on different ways crime can be
approached. The program was under
the auspices of the local 105th
Precinct, which covers the eastern
portion of Queens, including North
Shore Towers.
Developed by Deputy Inspector
Neteis Gilbert, it proved a way
of promoting positive relationships
with the local community.
Gilbert, along with Officers Shawn
Gallagher and Joseph Contessa
were also present, and had previously
held a safety seminar at the
Towers (see PAGE 16–17).
A PowerPoint presentation gave
the audience insight into police
training, weapons and different
ways to avoid confrontation. He
described the training process
all personnel must go through.
A life-size simulcast of criminals
(portrayed by actors) caught in
a criminal act ensued—How to
approach the situation was quite
dramatic.
Some audience members volunteered
to apply techniques, which
had been illustrated in the presentation.
Hannah did a credible job of
stopping a crime, as did Glen Oaks
Board President Bob Friedrich. As
formidable proponents for justice,
the audience participants were
enthusiastically applauded.
PAC Crime Class (l. to r.) Carol Klinger, Arlene Greenwood, Felice
Hannah, Gloria Beck, Vicki Mazel and 105th Precinct Officer
A large array of police personnel
attended to lend support to the informational
evening. Insight was given
on the steps, which must be followed
before weapon confrontation can
be used, and gave the audience a
greater perspective of crime-stopping.
The next phase of the police
and community information will be
a “Drive Along.” PAC members have
been invited to drive in police cars
with officers while they attend their
duties. Participants hear all local
calls coming in and bear witness to
the varying response techniques of
the police.
Who says the senior years have
to be dull?
The Poetry of Rosanna Oh
Daughter of Arcade proprietor featured in exhibit at Queens Historical Society
ODEN WOODCUT
BY ROSANNA OH
Now that it is almost winter, the
ravens
Have begun their migration to
a place I have taken
Care to forget.
Crab-like, barbarian, they
scuttle
Back and forth in the high trees,
Cawing staccato to one another,
frantic.
As though this part is new.
But to the west, the sky has
become strange—
The cumulus clouds look like
series of sheep.
Crowing louder and louder.
The ravens think they are
outnumbered.
And you Freya, how would you
insist on your swans,
Conveniently beautiful, your
companions
Through the years, obedient,
their grand wings settling into
serene wetland.
Look at the clouds, they are
scattered—
In their triumph, the ravens
depart into the night,
Echoing one another to remember
the way home.
BY BOB RICKEN
Photo courtesy of Bob Ricken
This prestigious presentation
was held on Sunday, December
2. Rosanna, the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Oh from North
Shore Towers, is a nationally famous
poet with degrees from Yale University,
Johns Hopkins and Cambridge.
She is a “Pushcart Award” nominee,
whose poetry encompasses the many
numerous aspects of language.
Although a classic poet, Oh is able
to share her words and feelings with
people of all segments of our society.
Believe it or not, she teaches poetry
to convicts in several of America’s
most dangerous prisons. Her incarcerated
students write poems which might
someday appear as hip-hop songs.
Coming from a Korean-American
background she feels a strong identity
with immigrants from all nations.
Although Oh is a scholar and
accomplished writer, she believes
poetry should not be the exclusive
domain for the intellectual elite.
Although her work has appeared in
“Measured” and “Best New Poets,”
she continues to bring her skills to all
segments and ages of society.
As a Long Island native, Oh has
gained the reputation of a leader in
the field of poetry. Her dual areas
of expertise, include the ability to
write publishable poetry, as well as
the sensitivity to teach it as a creative,
joyful, and satisfying activity. She’s
also contributed to book reviews,
and published poetry and essays to
“Blackbird,” “The Harvard Review”
and “The Hopkins Review.”
The Recent Queens Historical
Society event was attended by
more than 50 people. Oh’s poems
were exhibited in one room on large
attractive posters which were professionally
displayed. In the second
room there were posters of poets,
such as Walt Whitman, who she felt
influenced her in work.
There was a capacity audience
in the room who heard Rosanna
and a colleague discuss Oh’s written
work and life-long interest in the
power of poetry. Her interest in the
field began in the Jericho schools
and was enhanced by her studies
in Yale and Johns Hopkins. On a
visit to Google, I discovered her
biography and poems are known
throughout the country. One of the
poems—written below—captured
my imagination. Her words are both
sophisticated and imaginative.
(l. to r.) Mr. Oh, Rosanna Oh, Bob Ricken, Mrs. Oh and brother Neal
10 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ January 2019