6 North Shore Towers Courier n December 2014 TONY AVELLA AT NST DAYS AFTER RE-ELECTION (l to r) Mort Gitter, NST Board President; Felice Hannah, NST Board member and head of the political action committee; and State Sen. Tony Avella at a political roundtable event at Tower on the Green. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Program at North Shore Towers BY SUSAN BARTELSTONE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCACY CONSULTANT; MEMBER, POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE On October 21st, I presented a Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) program at North Shore Towers, sponsored by the Political Action Committee. With an estimated 4 million victims of domestic abuse per year, every single person at North Shore Towers has most likely been touched in some way by this social epidemic. Almost fifty people (women and men) attended the program, proof that this issue DOES affect all of us despite our age, gender, race or economic status. It’s a sad fact that most of the women and children in the domestic violence shelters leave their homes with little or nothing but the clothes on their backs and the shelters must supply them with everything. So, in conjunction with the DVAM Program, we asked people attending to bring such items as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower caps (travel samples we all collect from hotels are perfect in this regard), unused cosmetics, new or gentlyused clothing, school supplies (pens, pencils and drawing implements), new or gently-used children’s books and new toys, which will be donated to various domestic violence shelters. These donations allow shelters that are hardpressed financially to use their money for other necessities. North Shore Towers residents answered the call magnificently, and we received a whole shopping cart full of items. Of particular note, the North Shore Towers Knit and Crochet Club donated two large bags full of absolutely beautiful knitted blankets and baby items. These will truly brighten the lives of the destitute victims and their families. Political Action Committee Chairperson Felice Hannah and I took the donations to the Pilgrim Cathedral of Harlem for distribution at their upcoming holiday party. Last year, more than 250 women and children, from four shelters in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, were treated to a wonderful lunch and presents. This year, they hope to double that number. So, a heartfelt thank-you to all who donated; your offerings are truly appreciated! And, if anyone would still care to make a contribution, we’re able to take donations until December 8th. Please leave your items with the Building Three concierge in care of Susan Bartelstone or call 718-225-9284. If anyone would like a copy of the handout “10 Tips to make Domestic Violence Awareness Month Meaningful All Year” for your group or organization, leave a phone message with your name and building number and I’ll see you get a copy. While other New York State legislators were in snny Puerto Rico, State Senator Tony Avella was at North Shore Towers. The NST PAC hosted a Round Table meeting for the senator on Wednesday, November 5. The event was well attended. The senator discussed a bill that he has sponsored to change the tax category of co-op and condos. He stated that he would fight to keep housing affordable for middle income people. When asked about fracking, Senator Avella stated that he opposes it because of the potential environmental hazards . Three proposals on this year’s general election ballot were passed. He addressed questions regarding Proposals Number One and Three. Proposal Number One, “Revising States Redistricting Procedures,” would establish a redistricting commission to determine lines for state legislative and congressional districts beginning in 2020. Proposal Number Three, “The Smart Schools Bond Act 2014,” would allow the state to borrow up to $2 billion to improve public and nonpublic schools by adding classroom space for pre-kindergarten, replace classroom trailers with permanent space and install high technology equipment. Senator Avella added that our public schools do not have the infrastructure for the installation of high tech equipment. Senator Avella was generous with his time. He remained after the meeting ended listening to individual residents concerns about varied issues. Felice Hannah Board of Directors, Political Action Chairperson Sen. Avella says he opposes fracking but is sponsoring a bill give tax relief to co-op and condo owners. Felice Hannah introduces Avella at the latest of her ambitious slate of public political events.
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