Meet New York Yankees Legend Ron Blomberg FREE event brings the “Great Jewish Hope” to NST Major League Baseball’s first designated pitcher and first Jewish player to suit-up in pinstripes, Ron Blomberg, will be speaking at Towers on the Green, Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. This special event is sponsored jointly by the Men’s Club and UJA Federation and is open to everyone, both members and non-members, residents and non-residents. "I’m so excited to help bring Ron Blomberg to North Shore Towers,” resident Gary Zwetchkenbaum said. “Not only is he a Yankee legend, he’s also known throughout the country and the world for his philanthropic work in supporting Jewish causes." Heralded as “the next Mickey Mantle,” Blomberg was the number one over-all pick in the 1967 amateur draft and within two short years was debuting for the Yankees. Though his career was shortened by injuries, Blomberg compiled an impressive .293 batting average, .360 on-base percentage and .473 slugging average (hitting with players in scoring position) over eight seasons. And yet despite always being a productive member—even once leading the team in batting average during the 1973 season—the man nicknamed the “Great Jewish Hope” was the victim of cruel anti-Semitism from players, fans and teammates, throughout his career. However, the former Yankee slugger prefers to speak about the joys of baseball and what he is doing now. In his 2006 autobiography, Designated Hebrew, Blomberg wrote about his journey as he learned to balance life, religion, and ultimately, baseball. He’ll share his experiences as a Bronx Bomber, as well as his stint managing the Israel Baseball League’s Beit Shemesh Blue Sox and being a proud member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Celebrating its Centennial this year, the UJA remains true to its founding principles. “The very essence of UJA, what was true in 1917 and remains true today, is that we care for one another,” NST resident and dedicated UJA lay leader Eneas Arkawy explained. “Once we understand what UJA accomplishes— putting compassion into action to better humanity and our lives— we're easily moved to support it.” Go Left! BY FELICE HANNAH, NORTH SHORE TOWERS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (NST PAC) CHAIR Photo by Linda Rappaport Sunday, March 12, 2017, is a day to remember. Why, you ask? Let me tell you a long story in a few words… at least I will try. n 2013, I became alarmed by the many North Shore Tower residents experiencing near accidents, and others who were involved in collisions, while making a left turn at Little Neck and Grand Central Parkways. With no left turn signal to protect them, motorists making a left turn did so at their own risk. Pedestrians crossed at their own peril, since crossing signals were non-existent. I decided to do something to make the intersection safer. Innocence is bliss. I had no idea four years of my life would be consumed with letter writing to Elected Officials and the New York City Department of Transportation, attending meetings, holding rallies, researching four years of the 105th Precinct’s reported intersection accidents and deaths, and many other activities. In 2016, I was appointed to Community Board #13 and immediately became a member of the Transportation Committee. The left turn signal was always on the agenda of the North Shore Towers Political Action Committee (NST PAC). The NST PAC submitted a 20-page request to Community Board #13 for safety improvements at the intersection. Our request was #1 on the list of community improvements. For two years, PAC Member Jeri Cutler was one of the two members on the Left Turn Signal Sub-Committee. When the other member no longer attended PAC meetings, I asked Jeri if she would Chair the committee. Without hesitation, she responded yes. She formed an impressive Committee, consisting of Sylvia Weprin, Raymond Goodman and Howard Kimmel, and assigned members tasks. She and Raymond met with the administrator of the Yeshiva Torah School. Sylvia continued conversations with Councilmember Barry Grodenchik. Howard contacted Federal Elected Officials. In February 2017, during a card game (yes, a card game), Jeri shared with Carol Pally her frustration over trying to get a left turn signal at the intersection. Carol volunteered to ask her son Mitch Pally to get involved. Mitch is a Chief Executive of the Long Island Builders Institute and serves as the Suffolk County representative on the board of the MTA. Jeri gave me Mitch’s contact information and I emailed him more than 20 documents dating back to 2014. Mitch agreed to help, and the rest is history! On Sunday, March 12, 2017, a designated left turn light was installed at the intersection of Little Neck Parkway and Grand Central Parkway. Work is continuing at the intersection to make it safer for pedestrians and motorists. Thank you, Jeri Cutler, Carol Pally, Mitch Pally, Sylvia Weprin, Raymond Goodman and Howard Kimmel for a job well done! Also many thanks to Councilmember Barry Grodenchik; Richard Gippetti, Queens Borough Assistant Commissioner of Traffic; Mark McMillan, General Manager Community Board #13; Bess DeBethum, Chairperson Transportation Committee, Community Board #13; Mr. Fox, Administrator of the Torah School; and NST residents who attended the rally and sent letters to the City Council members. Legendary Yankee Ron Blomberg Meet Yankees Legend Ron Blomberg THURSDAY, JUNE 8 AT 7:30 P.M. TOWERS ON THE GREEN ADMISSION IS FREE TO EVERYONE Left Turn Committee (l. to r.) Howard Kimmel, Chairperson Felice Hannah, Sylvia Weprin, Raymond Goodman, Jeri Cutler May 2017 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 3
NST052017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above