If you’ve lived here for any length of time you have met Phyllis. A tall, slim, attractive blond woman who can be found poolside in the summer, taking classes in the gym year-round, or at virtually every country club event. Many of you were interviewed by Phyllis as part of the screening process. She has served on the Board of Directors and has participated in many initiatives that have benefited our community. When did you first move into NST? I was a Bronx school teacher married to a lawyer from Brooklyn and we were looking for a larger apartment. We responded to a builder’s newspaper ad that described “hotel style living” in a new complex in Queens. We didn’t know that borough but took a ride one day. We fell in love with the complex and rented an apartment for $810 a month, which was a financial stretch and was against the advice of our accountant. It was October 1975 and we never had any regrets. In fact, we are still in the same apartment—remodeled, of course. What was it like in the early days? There were many young couples like us and empty nesters in their mid-fifties who sold their homes in neighboring communities. The landlord maintained an upscale bar/ restaurant where the catering hall is now. A then modern diner was a popular eating place and things were quite social. Building Three was not yet occupied. Many single parents lived here and school buses provided transportation to the many school children. Did you have a career? I was a special education teacher involved in a pilot program in the Bronx when we moved in and I continued working there. Later, I became a Crisis Intervention Teacher and transferred to Queens. After 25 years I retired with many wonderful memories. Some of my colleagues still live at NST. How did you become a member of the Board of Directors? We did not convert to a co-op until 1987. Prior to that we had a Tenants Association in which I became active and went to Albany many times to preserve Rent Stabilization laws which benefited our tenants. In 2001, I was elected to the Board of Directors of the co-op and served from its inception to the present in a variety of committees, including Screening, House and Grounds, and Political Action. You’ve been credited with spearheading the “Goldstein Gardens.” What was that about? The area behind the Arcade and abutting the golf course was paved with concrete and surrounded by a schoolyard anchor fence. As a member of the Board, I chaired a committee that wanted to create a park like setting where residents and club members could sit, socialize and sun. We chose architectural plans that included the gazebo, bar, benches, landscaping and pavers that are in place now. Residents use it nine months of the year. I’m proud of the other initiative that I led that instituted Mandatory Country Club membership for new residents. We needed a 2/3 majority vote to get it passed. We set up a system of floor captains who literally knocked on doors and got the votes needed to pass this change. In no way did it cost existing residents any money but it did enhance our resources so that no raise in country club dues came about for years. You are the Chair of the 40th Anniversary celebration of NST. What do you hope to accomplish? It’s an opportunity to make people aware of the uniqueness of our community. On Friday, June 12th, there will be two screenings of a just-made one hour DVD providing an oral history, narrated by early residents who still live here. On Saturday there will be a high-end show and dinner, and on Sunday our Arcade will be turned into a Street Fair complete with games and refreshments. What would you like to see in the way of improvements over the next ten year? I’d like to see a more diverse and vibrant community. We should always keep that in mind when we propose new initiatives. How do you relax in your free time? I’m compulsive about exercise. Five days a week I take gym classes, such as Zumba, Body Blast (full body workout with weights), line dancing, etc. I maintain these workouts when I’m on a cruise ship or at a hotel. It keeps me going as does my diet. I was brought up on meat and potatoes. Now I am a steak and salad girl. My favorite restaurant is Peter Luger. 4 North Shore Towers Courier n May 2015 PHYLLIS GOLDSTEIN: By FRED CHERNOW Woman of Achievement Phyllis with Mitchell, the love of her life.
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