HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!

On Thursday, September 29, 2005 the Staten Island Board of Realtors held its 90^th Anniversary Celebration at the Vanderbilt in South Beach.  Over 350 SIBOR members and guests were in attendance.  The function was co-chaired by past president Lydia Ragucci and her husband, Carmine, and by Borough President James P. Molinaro.  The keynote was given by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton also paid tribute via a video screened at the event.  Also in attendance were representatives from Realtor boards of each of New York City’s five boroughs, the New York State Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

Mayor Bloomberg said, “I am delighted to join with all those gathered to pay tribute to the board’s nine decades of contributions to strengthening the real estate industry in our great city…Tonight’s festivities provide a terrific opportunity for you to come together in celebration of all you have done to enhance the borough and our economic vitality.”

Honorary Co-Chair and one-time Realtor, Borough President Molinaro said, “The invaluable role that SIBOR has played in our community for nearly a century has become even more important now that Staten Island is the fastest-growing county in New York State, and boasts the greatest percentage of home ownership in New York City.”

The 90^th Anniversary Gala was intended to celebrate the past, present and future of the association and in particular the leaders who served as its presidents over the years.  In addition to Mrs. Ragucci (’96-’97), other past presidents in attendance were Egon J. Salmon (‘76-’77), Frank J. Frazer (’86-’87), Frank G. Volpe (’88), Lee Labita-Stanzione (’89), Victoria Nasta (’90), George K. Wonica (’91-’92), Doreen S. Frazer (’93-’94), Fred Shaewitz (’95), Gerry McClean (’98), Thomas A. Maira (’99), Henry Setaro (’00), Sophia Gibaldi (’01-’02) and Diane Birrell (’03).  Other living past presidents, who were honored, but were unable to attend, are Charles J. Bartels (’61-’62), August Alholm (’68-’69), Carl T. Schlichtinger (’80-’81) and Charlotte Furman (’82-’83). In total, including current president Sari Kingsley, SIBOR has had forty-four (44) presidents since 1915.  Each past president received a plaque honoring their service and the 90^th Anniversary.  In addition a video featuring all the living past presidents except Mr. Alholm was shown.

A journal highlighting each of SIBOR’s past presidents and highlights of Staten Island history over the decades was issued.

“It’s great to have so many past presidents at the 90-year anniversary,” Co-Chair Lydia Ragucci said.  “It’s really a milestone.” 

As the standing crowd of 350 guests raised their champagne filled glasses, Co-Chair Carmine Ragucci offered a toast.  “Congratulations and best wishes to past presidents, real estate brokers and sales agents, who since 1915 have contributed to the success of the Staten Island Board of Realtors.”

The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the Richmond County Real Estate Institute, RCREI, which officially occurred on September 15^th.  The school is owned and operated by the Staten Island Board of Realtors.  SIBOR CEO Sandy Krueger congratulated and thanked Debbie Lerner who was hired on September 15, 1980, the day the school opened.  He said, “Debbie has been making people like me look good for 25 years.  I salute her.”  He also congratulated two instructors who have been with RCREI continuously since its inception, William Coull and Richard Ruggerio.

SIBOR presented the mayor and borough president each a framed neighborhood map of Staten Island.  The SIBOR Board of Directors, in honor of the 90^th Anniversary, commissioned the map from mapmaker Chris Devane of Chicago.  It is the first of five neighborhood maps of the New York City boroughs that Mr. Devane is creating.  SIBOR plans to present a copy of the map to all Staten Island officials, agencies, schools and to each member broker.   

President Sari Kingsley said, “SIBOR presidents, with their leadership, vision and dedicated service are the cornerstones that have created our legacy.”  She also said, “We plan to endure for another 90 years.”