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University Club speaker James Coll discusses The Constitution of the United States BY VICKI MAZEL Photos by Julie Weissman The topic of the April 28th meeting of the University Club was: THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES President Shirley Wershba introduced guest speaker, James Coll, whose credentials include service as a decorated EMS police officer and detective with the NYPD, plus a Master’s Degree in history, with a focus on the U.S. Constitution. His current title is Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University and the Nassau Community College where he teaches… what else?... American History and The Constitution! Coll’s expertise provided an evening of stimulation, information and a refresher course to the members of the University Club on the principles on which our nation was built. Bringing to life our founding fathers—among them Alexander Hamilton and James Madison— Coll called The Constitution “A never ending quest to understand 4,440 words, and 8000 words with amendments.” He went on to focus on the three branches of government: The Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The branches were designed to provide checks and balances on governmental power, including limitations. The engaged audience often participated in the “text” Speaker James Coll talks with members before his presentation of the lecture, with the Speaker’s expertise strongly apparent. Coll traced the origin of Article 2 of the Executive Branch, going back to the time in history when the Constitutional Convention was taking place. The imposing presence of the 6-foot, 1-inch General George Washington was strongly felt, with the knowledge he was destined to be the first president of the 13 colonies. Washington was a figure who commanded much respect, and the framers of the document paid homage to their hero by granting the Executive Branch strong powers. Continuing with an illustration of the Presidential Seal, Coll described the various symbols imprinted on it: eagle head, olive branch, ribbon with the Latin phrase, “e pluribus unum” (“out of many, one”), all representing strength, security, freedom and liberty. Who can be president? The requirements include being of at least 35-years-old, a natural born citizen and a resident of the U.S. for no less than 14 years. Coll mentioned there weren’t any references to race, gender, or land ownership as a pre-requisite for eligibility. In discussing The Judiciary, Coll described it as the most powerful of all the branches. The domain of the Judiciary Branch can cover everything from elections to referendums, all handled by the courts. Our presidential elections today have become more consequential due to court appointments to the Supreme Court by the sitting president, the terms of which are for life. Oftentimes judges remain on the Supreme Court well after the president who appointed them is no longer in office, assuring their legacy for years thereafter. Coll explained the court’s role is to ease controversies, therefore life tenure provides insulation from the people. In turning towards congress, Coll lamented today’s political climate becoming an instrument of partisanship. Many University club members brought up areas of constitutionality, such as gun control, impeachment proceedings and state laws versus federal laws. In spotlighting our founding fathers, Coll displayed a dazzling array of historical knowledge, and club members spent a satisfying and informative evening. We The People… Lens Crafters Camera Club celebrates opening of new NST exhibition STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEPHEN VRATTOS Board Members, residents, family and friends swarmed Coleridge Lounge for the official opening of the Camera Club’s new exhibition, Monday evening, May 1. Dozens of photos from all 18 members now brighten the lounge walls, as well as the corridors between Buildings #2 and #3. It is hoped that the Club’s artistry will decorate more trafficked areas of the Arcade in the future. A good measure of any exhibit is the level of discussion among the attendees at the event, and there was nary a moment of quietude the entire evening as people excitedly oohed and aahed over the exotic locals, poignant faces and surprising images captured by Camera Club members. Further proof could be found no further than the tables of sandwiches, cookies, snacks and beverages, which were barely touched. Though the photographers appreciated the moment to step from behind the camera and meet their adoring fans, most are happy enough knowing their work is on display and entertaining the NST community. NST Camera Club (l. to r.) Front row: June Cooperstone, Julie Weissman, Rose Tracey, Lloyd Kaufman, Judy Paris; middle row: Carol Highman, Jill Tulchin, Kathy Bitetti, Arlene Kelvin, Leo Tujak; back row: Roseann Michaelson, Allen Michelson, Dawn Steinberg, Terry Feit, Irwin Robinson, Jamie Troise, Jack Schwarz (missing: Theresa Oropallo) June 2017  ¢  NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER  33


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