BY FRED CHERNOW
Veterans' Day programs have
always been an important
part of our events calendar.
In recent years they were held in
the Towers on the Green with maximum
crowds present. In addition to
speeches honoring our military, we
had musical tributes that featured
our assembled residents singing
familiar, spirited songs, led by Russell
Targove and his associate, Mike
Jones. Both gentlemen enthralled
the audience with their own solos.
But this would not be possible in
2020 because of restrictions on large
gatherings. Of course, we had the
availability of our in-house Channel
995. This would make it possible for
all our residents to view the program
in the privacy of their apartment.
But what about the stirring
music and the animated audience?
Thanks to the creativity of our videographers,
John Virga and Marty
Ragusa, we came up with what we
called a 'hybrid' Salute to Veterans.
First, we invited NST veterans
and interested residents to videotape
a three minute presentation,
days before, without an audience.
We then selected some of the music
from our 2019 program which John
and Marty magically and seamlessly
joined together into an uplifting
single program.
Among the speakers this year
were Ed Phelan, Vietnam Delta
Force veteran and NST Board
President; veteran Joe Reveman,
Purple Heart recipient and Air
Force veteran; Lorraine Bertan,
who described the significance of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
in Washington; Irene Baron, who
grew up in war-torn London and
introduced Vera Lynn singing,
“We'll Meet Again”; and Judy Tane,
who proudly introduced her grandson
in-law, Captain Jon Frieman,
an Iraqi War veteran who talked
about veterans transitioning into
civilian life.
The final product was a program
that mixed joyous singing and
soulful reflection. At its conclusion,
Gerry Gilbit of our local American
Legion Post 103 sounded Taps on
his bugle.
President Roosevelt said of veterans,
“The greatest casualty is being
forgotten.” That will never happen
at North Shore Towers.
NNST Board President Ed
Phelan is continuing his
innovative approach to
better communicate with residents.
Each month, Ed is presenting
a video report on Channel 995
featuring a discussion with one of
the Board’s committee chairmen.
In November, Ed sat down with
NST House & Grounds Chairman
Steve Kirschner, and currently airing
is his conversation with Marty
Schwartzman, Chairman of NST’s
Finance Committee. Coming up
in January will be a chat with Fred
Chernow, Chairman of Screening &
Cultural Affairs.
The videos are made available
on NST’s in-house Channel 995 as
well as via a link that is accessible on
your computer or smartphone. It’s a
great way for all North Shore Towers
residents to stay informed. Be sure
to check BuildingLink for the links
and upcoming dates.
Gym Protocol Update
HVAC: Our HVAC system is
equipped with the required MERV
13 air filters. These filters are
designed to capture up to 98% of
micro particles from the air, including
bacteria and droplets like those
released in a sneeze. Additionally,
we have added air purifiers with
HEPA filtration and UV light
sterilization.
Cleanliness: We continue to follow
stringent sanitation protocols
for proper disinfection, operation
maintenance, as well as adding additional
procedures to achieve a new
level of cleanliness. There will be
continuous scheduled disinfection
of high-touch surfaces throughout
the club and club hours have been
adjusted to allow for additional deep
cleaning by our cleaning staff.
Reminder to Members: For member
and staff safety, we asked that
members disinfect all equipment
you use before and after your use.
Disinfectant spray and paper towel
stations are readily available for this
purpose as well as disinfectant wipes.
Hand-sanitizing stations are conveniently
located throughout the gym.
President’s Report –
NOW ON VIDEO!
Veterans' Day Salute to Veterans at NST: 2020 Hybrid Edition
The Pandemic: Alone Yet Together
Join the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Phone Call Chat Line
BY KAREN PERRY AND IRIS
LITTMAN
The past eight months have
been difficult for all of us. We
have faced uncertainty, fear
and frustration. Our relationships
with family and friends, travel and
daily pass times have all been curtailed.
Who could have imagined
this situation a year ago? Will we
ever return to the life we knew as
“normal?”
For now, the challenge is to
remain hopeful and live each day
the best we know how. We at North
Shore Towers are fortunate to live
in a caring and close-knit community.
Some of us may feel alone now.
They must know we will be there
for each other. We will get through
this most challenging time. That is
why the Special Projects Committee
is coordinating a Neighbor-to-
Neighbor Phone Call Chat Line.
You might feel the need for some
cheering up or want to connect
with a NST neighbor. We hope
you can share your feelings with
someone experiencing the same
concerns and pressures. Chat Line
coordinators will pair each person
requesting this service with a NST
resident who has volunteered to be
a telephone companion.
The process begins with a welcome
call from the telephone
companion. Brief introductions
and backgrounds are shared. After
informal conversation, the parties
should know if there is a rapport
between them. Together they will
decide if more phone chats might
be helpful. Hopefully, a supportive
relationship has begun.
Like to try having a telephone
companion? Think you could help
by being a telephone companion?
Join the Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Phone Call Chat Line by contacting
one of our coordinators:
Iris Littman (718) 229-5160
iris77771@aol.com
Karen Perry (718) 225-0107 perrykdale@
aol.com
Florence Klein (718) 279-4316
fklein30@nyc.rr.com
You may sometimes feel alone,
yet we are always together as neighbors
and friends.
December 2020 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 3
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