North Shore Towers Courier n December 2016 3 Historic Meeting NST plays host to by Stephen Vratos On Monday evening, November 21, for the first time ever, Community Board 13 held its meeting at North Shore Towers. This unprecedented event was the result of the efforts of indefatigable NST Board Member, recently-elected Board 13 Member and Political Action Chairperson Felice Hannah and her stalwart PAC crew, Vicki Mazel, Susan Bartlestone and Gloria Lewis. For more than a year, Hannah’s been working to get herself invited onto Community Board 13, of which North Shore Towers and its residents are a part. “Most people don’t even know we’re members of a community board,” Hannah said. Last spring, her efforts paid off with an invitation to join the Board, paving the way for this historic meeting. A Community Board provides a voice for its residents to be heard on decisions in their neighborhood, giving them a direct link to area politicians, NYPD Precincts and Fire Departments, among others. Hence, the importance of NST having its own representative among those of Community Board 13. After a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by all, Board President Mario Carmiciano Photos by Stephen Vrattos opened the proceedings. Joining him by the podium were Community Board 13 Chairperson Bryan Block, Second Vice Chairperson Verdell Boncoeur, District Manager Mark McMillan, Executive Secretary Jerry Wind and Treasurer Anup Ramnauth (First Vice Chairperson Angle Auguguaro arrived later). Carmiciano welcomed everyone and hoped the gathering would begin a tradition of at least one such meeting at North Shore Towers every year thereafter. Featured guests for the evening were Queens Fire Commander Edward Baggott, EMS Queens Division Chief Christine Mazzola and NYPD 105th Precinct Commanding Officer Jeffrey Schiff. According to Baggott, this year, firerelated deaths will have hit an historic low with 42. This is a remarkable statistic, when one considers the city reported a record high of more than 300 in the early ’70s. Even in the 1990s, the number of fire-related deaths in New York City was in the 200s. Still Baggott would love to see the number decrease to zero. He credited this achievement to the city’s EMS unit. “The medical care they provide on scene is unparalleled.” Baggott’s accolades proved the perfect introduction to Mazzola, who reported a jawdropping EMS responses in 2016. She noted the recent addition of more than 300 EMS responders, a good percentage of which have been targeted for Queens, as well as new “green” ambulances being added to the department. These environmentallyfriendly vehicles allow the engine to be turned off, while the electrical systems continue to function inside, reducing diesel fumes. A recent successful experiment to reduce ambulance response times in The Bronx is coming to Queens. Mobile ambulances will now be deployed at peak times in certain areas of the Borough. “At the end of the day, these types of buildings are very, very safe,” Baggott assured NST residents after retaking the podium. “If a fire is not in your apartment, do not leave. Shelter in place and call 911.” He finished by warning everyone of extra vigilance with cooking and candle-usage over the holidays. Commanding Officer Schiff of the 105th Precinct announce an 18% decline in crime in November and an overall 9% decline for 2016. The biggest increase occurred with identity theft. Residents were cautioned to shred all mail and documents, containing personal information, and steering clear of dangerous websites, which include “adult” sites and ones which glorify extreme violence. Both expose your computer to dangerous viruses and invasive malware, which could steal confidential information. Schiff reported Grand Larceny as being the major crime at NST, most often perpetrated by homecare aides. He urged only employing people from reputable companies which strongly vet their employees and installing cameras in the home, especially those residents who leave the premises for the winter. Residents under the aegis of Precinct 105, anticipating the opening of the planned new Precinct 116, which would divide 105’s zone along Francis Lewis Boulevard (tentative), easing the workload of the city’s largest Precinct, shouldn’t expect the new precinct to open until at least 2020. Schiff reported it would take at least that long to prepare the structure which will house the precinct, and train and supply staff. By George, He’s a Super-Centenarian! 110th Birthday honors for NST resident The historic inaugural Community Board 13 meeting veered momentarily off-agenda to celebrate the equally notable achievement of NST Resident George Feldman’s 110th birthday. Honorary citations were presented not only by QB13 Chair Bryan Block, but also by the office of Borough President Melinda Katz and District 23 Council Member Barry Grodenchik. To accept the honors were George’s nephew Richard Feldman and cousin Marcia Feldman-Goldberger. Richard donned a Chicago Cubs baseball hat, noting that his uncle was one of the few to be around for the team’s last World Series title in 1908 before their recent win this year. He also unscrolled a voluminous accounting of George’s family tree since his birth, which covered both sides! Festivities for the super-centenarian will be held on Saturday, December 3 at Towers Restaurant and Richard urged everyone to stop by to wish George a “Happy Birthday!” George and Sister-in-Law Cecile Feldman (Richard’s mom) Community Board 13 (l. to r.) NST resident Tom Lyons, Queens Fire Commander Edward Baggott, EMS Division Chief Christine Mazzola and Community Board 13 Member Mike O’Keeffe Community Board Chairperson Bryan Block joins fellow Member, NST Board Member and PAC Chair Felice Hannah and Board President Mario Carmiciano
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