Congressman Tom Suozzi
Visits North Shore Towers
Distributes Thousands of Free Protective Masks
Debra Markell-Kleinert and Tom Suozzi hard at work
BY JILL DAVIS
Photos by Dawn Steinberg
Congressman Tom Suozzi
has been doing the rounds
around Queens lately, dis-tributing
thousands of masks to
residents and civic groups in the
borough.
On Friday, June 12, following
visits to the VFW in Bellerose and
the We Love Whitestone civic asso-ciation,
Suozzi made a special stop
at North Shore Towers to hand out
3,000 surgical masks to NST’s res-idents,
management, maintenance
and concierge staff. The masks were
donated by New York City.
It was Suozzi’s only appearance
at one of Queens’ many coopera-tive
complexes. “I came here today
because we have to look out for
the people of our residential com-munities,”
Suozzi explained, “and
North Shore Towers represents
one of the largest, most diverse
co-ops in Queens.” He added, “I
also wanted to take the opportu-nity
to emphasize the importance
of management and staff wearing
protective equipment.”
NST’s Political Affairs Committee,
which is chaired by Board Member
Debra Markell-Kleinert, organized
the event in coordination with
NST Management, led by General
Manager Glen Kotowski. “I am so
pleased that our congressman Tom
Suozzi cares about our North Shore
Towers community and provided
masks for all,” Markell-Kleinert
said.
Hundreds of NST residents came
out to meet the congressman and
take advantage of the free give-away—
not to mention enjoy a nice
bit of fresh air on a sunny spring
day. Everyone distanced appro-priately
and arrived wearing face
coverings.
Nevertheless, an extra mask or
two will certainly come in handy as
the practice is certain to continue
for some time to come. “This is the
new normal going forward,” Suozzi
said, “especially for at least the next
six months.” He concluded simply,
“We have to be careful.”
With care in mind, Markell-
Kleinert reminds residents, “If you
need a mask, just ask and one will
be left for you. And thanks to all
for participating.” Most of all, she
said, “Stay safe!”
Residents lined up
Who is that masked man?
l-r: NST Board Member Debra Markell-Kleinert; Congressman Tom
Suozzi; NST GM Glen Kotowski; NST Superintendent, Building 2,
Melbis Peguero; and NST Supervisor of Security Clarence Sookoo
Waiting patiently to meet the congressman
July 2020 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 13