MEET & GREET WITH MELINDA BY RACHEL LANDAU Melinda Katz, Democratic candidate for Borough President, was invited to walk around the North Shore Towers facilities with Felice Hannah, the Towers’ Political Action Chair. Hannah and Susan Bartelstone, a member of the Political Action Committee, accompanied Katz and her campaign advisors on their walk. The borough president hopeful took the opportunity to discuss the concerns of the residents she encountered while on tour around the facilities. Katz doled out warm smiles, handshakes and flyers that enumerated her goals for the borough. In addition to answering individual questions, Katz addressed community members in larger groups. She described her plans for Queens, notably her agenda to spur economic development and her hope to launch programs related to healthc are and improving the quality of seniors’ lives. “I am working to bring more health care to more people. Seniors need to have greater resources and services. In particular, I would like to work on adequate senior housing,” said Katz. Katz is still on the campaign trail. Although she won the Democratic primary, she still believes that in the short time before the November election it is possible to secure more votes. When asked why she was inclined to make a trip to North Shore Towers, Katz replied, “I have been here a few times. Everyone was very kind! I just wanted to thank the residents of North Shore Towers for their support in the primary. I am here Melinda Katz shakes hands with residents today to demonstrate my appreciation. I am taking nothing for granted.” The Political Action Committee organizes meet and greets and monthly forums. The committee intends to encourage more residents to be politically conscious. THE COURIER/Photos by Rachel Landau Felice Hannah, Borough President candidate Melinda Katz, Susan Bartelstone New face in Management Office BY MAGGIE HAYES Barbara Cronin knows she has big shoes to fill in the Management office, but she is off to a great start. The Glen Oaks resident came to the North Shore Towers from a job in property management in Manhattan. Since September 30, she has hit the ground running as the office receptionist and has been helping Towers residents with each and every problem they may have. “I just do what comes naturally,” she said. “I love this kind of element. I have no problem going out of my way. I’ll do something out of the ordinary for them, but I’m just being me.” Cronin has helped residents with move-ins, move-outs and mainly with the STAR application for property tax abatement, and loves every second of it. “The phone is constant. It’s like popcorn most days. But I can handle it,” she said. “The residents are so warm, they’re very nice. You learn so much from them.” Aside from the residents, Cronin said she works with “wonderful people,” and it makes coming to work a joy. Cronin took the position of the receptionist before her, who held the spot for almost 40 years. “In this position, you’re the information hub, and she knew everything,” Cronin said. “I hope I can be as good and informative as she was.” THE COURIER/Photo by Maggie Hayes Barbara Cronin recently joined the Management team as the office’s receptionist. 16 North Shore Towers Courier n November 2013
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