34 North Shore Towers Courier n January 2017 Happy Chanukah! BY STEPHEN VRATTOS Photos by Stephen Vrattos Though the start of Chanukah was week and a half away, more than 180 residents and guests filled Towers on the Green the evening of Wednesday, December 14, to celebrate the Festival of Lights at the annual Chanukah party, hosted by the Migdal Chapter of Haddassah. Migdal l eaders were delighted with this year's turnout, which was much larger than last year's. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday, as a good portion of the proceeds go toward such important causes as Alzheimer’s and cancer research. “Though it’s not yet Chanukah, we’ll create our o wn magical moment of this beautiful holiday,” announced Roz Chumsky, who opened the party. As such, the ceremonial Menorah beside the podium was lighted in its entirety as though to honor the week-long holiday as a whole. The roomwas filled with residents intoning the Chanukah Prayer, led by Doug Leblang, the night’s featured entertainer, who’s no stranger to North Shore Towers, having entertained for the Women’s Club and at the Country Club in the recent past. Performing since the age o f six, “One Man Klezmer Band” has entertained at synagogues, senior centers, JCC’s, YMHA’s and health care facilities throughout New York, including the distinguished 92nd Street Y. Deftly switching from electric keyboard to clarinet and back, Leblang filled the evening with reverence, song and good humor, performing a variety of musical styles from traditional Jewish and Yiddish favorites to disco, horas to swing, including a smattering of jokes that would make the Borsht Belt proud. When the dance floor wasn’t filled with revelers, Leblang had the room clapping and joining sing-alongs, like “BeiMir Bist du Schein” and “Those Were the Days.” At one point, there was even a conga line, weaving its way among the tables. Platters filled with latkes, jelly- lled sufganiyot, fresh fruit and homemade pastries, were served to each table throughout the evening. Angelo even had his pastry chef make hundreds of Greek cookies, specially for the event.Despite the extra attendees, Buffy and her staff were prepared with plenty of food for all! Kudos to Gloria Beck, Zona Schreiber, Judy Paris, Roz Chumsky, E va Kessner, Lilly Cohen; Alyce Zaller and Marcia Jacobson, who did a tremendous job putting together this great celebration. Chanukah helpers! (standing; l. to r.) Gloria Beck, Zona Schreiber, Judy Paris, Roz Chumsky, Eva Kessner, Lilly Cohen; (seated) Alyce Zaller, Marcia Jacobson Service with a smile - Conga! Doug Leblang plays by candlelight ” Let's party! Roz Chumsky welcomes everyone Ceremonial lighting of the Menorah; (l. to r.) Eva Kessner, Doug Leblang, Helen Schecterson and Zona Schreiber 34 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ December 2016
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