by Stephen Vrattos The sad passing of former Board President Mort Gitter late last month prompted a quick response by the Board to fill the seat left vacant to ensure that none of the projects or initiatives underway would suffer any undo delays. Still, the Members were careful to choose a replacement carefully and with utmost fairness to the residents of North Shore Towers in mind. Heeding the coop’s By-Laws, they voted in current Board Vice- President Mario Carmiciano as new President and welcomed Dr. Stanley J. Goldsmith. Almost fittingly, Dr. Goldsmith’s vote tallies in June’s elections (1,126,243) directly followed those of Gitter (1,450,002), the fourth of the quartet of candidates voted in. Here’s what Dr. Goldsmith had to say about joining the NST Board: How do you view the role of the Board of Directors and what do you hope to accomplish? I view the Board of Directors as Representatives of the Shareholders and as Trustees and Guardians, entrusted with the decision making authority necessary to manage the North Shore Towers and Country Club facility and its resources in the best interest of the Shareholders. What are the top concerns for the Board in the next year (12 months)? North Shore Towers and Country Club is a complex entity that requires regular assessment of its physical and financial health and its programmatic needs. Specifically, one of the immediate concerns thrust upon us is the assessment of the integrity of the buildings external structure consistent with legal requirements. In addition, there is a need to stabilize the status and performance of the restaurant facilities within NST & CC to everyone’s satisfaction. Currently, there is also debate about a No Smoking policy and the Parking policy as well as the policy on pets, including visitors with pets. None of these issues are simple as there are often conflicting opinions and needs, many of which have merit. Is there anything further you’d like to say to the residents? First of all, I want to express my regret about the passing of our late President of the Board, Mort Gitter. Mort was a dedicated leader and servant of this community and his wisdom and guidance will be missed. In the brief period since I have been asked to serve on the Board until the next election, I am impressed with the dedication of those serving as Directors, the time that they donate and their desire to satisfy the needs and wishes of the Shareholders. I am optimistic that I can contribute to furthering these goals. Speaking for myself, I would like to contribute by improving communication of these ideals between the Board and the Shareholders. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these questions. Stanley J. Goldsmith Board Approval By-Laws followed to fill vacated seat Photo by Stephen Vrattos A little goes a long way Your donations help those affected during Domestic Violence Awareness Month By Susan Bartelstone October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Every year, an estimated four million people from every race, economic status, gender (though most are women) and age group are victims of domestic violence and abuse. Another sad fact is that most of the women and children in domestic violence shelters leave their homes with little or nothing but the clothes on their backs and the shelters must supply them with everything. For the past three years, in conjunction with DVAM, I, as a member of the NST Political Action Committee, collect donations of travel samples and other supplies for the Heart 2 Heart Community Outreach Project, affiliated with the Pilgrim Cathedral of Harlem, which throws a wonderful Holiday Party in December for women from domestic violence shelters in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn and The Bronx. Last year, more than 300 women and children attended and were treated to a delicious lunch and holiday presents. I’m collecting again this year and asking anyone in the North Shore Towers community interested in contributing toiletries, such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower caps and small hair brushes (travel samples are perfect in this regard). Also needed: Unused cosmetic samples, school supplies such as pens, pencils and drawing implements, new or gently-used children’s books and new toys. Please leave them for me with the Concierge in Building #3. I’ll be accumulating items during the whole month of October AND November. If anyone would like more information about this, call 718-225-9284. Susan Bartelstone is a nationally-respected Domestic Violence Advocacy Consultant and Crime Prevention Specialist, former host of the award-winning radio show Crime Prevention 101 and former Chairperson of Domestic Violence Initiatives Taskforce for the prestigious New York Women’s Agenda. Her tips and articles have been featured in a long list of media, including Yahoo Home Page, MainStreet.com, Time Out New York and the Today Show. For more information, go to www. domesticviolence101.info or crimeprevention101.com or email solutions@fightsafe.com. North Shore Towers Courier n October 2016 3
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