The Staten Island Board of Realtors kicked off its 90th Anniversary with an Installation Luncheon at the Grand Plaza in Great Kills on January 7th for its 2005 officers and directors, and honored Past President Charles Bartels, who recently retired after serving 60 years in the Staten Island real estate industry.
The SIBOR Board of Directors announced a $10,000 matching fund that will be presented to the Staten Island Relief Fund for the Tsunami victims. SIBOR will match contributions from members up to $10,000. Over $4,000 in donations were collected by people attending the installation function. On hand to recognize the donation was Father Jack Ryan of Project Hospitality, one of the host organizations of the Staten Island Relief Fund. Checks were also presented to two local charities from money raised at recent SIBOR events.
The 250 people who attended the event also heard from Borough President James Molinaro who complimented SIBOR for its rapid response to the Tsunami relief effort and congratulated the incoming officers and directors. He commented on his warm feelings for Realtors, reminding them that he had a real estate license earlier in his career.
Sari Kingsley was installed for a second term as 2005 President. Also installed were President-elect Mike Diaz, Vice-president Frank Reali, Secretary/Treasurer Ann Coppola and seven directors: Thomas Aiello, Linda Garber, Marge Holton, Linda Labetti, Neil Litvin, Betty Pappas and John Vernazza. Director Dawn Carpenter was also installed as the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Staten Island Multiple Listing Service. The officers were sworn in for a one-year term and the directors for two-year terms. They will be joining directors serving the second year of two-year terms: Linda Castelli, Al Giordano, Kathy O’Leary, Jon Salmon and Christopher Stivanello. Diane Birrell will again serve as Immediate past president.
The oath of office was administered by New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) 2005 Secretary/Treasurer Max Gurvitch. Mr. Gurvitch is a resident of Staten Island and a five time President of the Brooklyn Board of Realtors. “I was delighted to install Sari Kingsley as president of the Staten Island Board of Realtors for a second year as well as the other officers and directors,” Mr. Gurvitch said. “The invaluable role that SIBOR plays in the community is 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. SIBOR is fortunate to have a leader with Sari’s remarkable record of accomplishment to help meet these and other challenges that lie ahead. And let me be one of the first to congratulate SIBOR on its 90th Anniversary. Coincidently 2005 marks the 100th Anniversary of NYSAR and my home board – the Brooklyn Board of Realtors.” he said.
Mrs. Kingsley founded Kingsley Real Estate in 1981, served as SIBOR’s President in 2004, Secretary in 2002 and 1998, as Treasurer in 2001 and Vice President in 1999. Mrs. Kingsley has also chaired several SIBOR committees including MLS, Rules, Budget, Spring Dance and RPAC and has been a member of the Grievance, Computer and Professional Standards Committees. She received her Real Estate License in 1975, Broker’s License in 1978 and earned the GRI designation in 2000. She recently completed the requirements for the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation.
Mrs. Kingsley is currently serving as an NAR and NYSAR director, appointed by the SIBOR Board of Directors. In 2001, she was part of the Realtors Housing Relief Fund Review Team. She is a four-time $1,000 RPAC Contributor, and has been a regular Convention/Meeting attendee on both state and national levels. Mrs. Kingsley has also been a volunteer with local charitable organizations including Meals on Wheels, March of Dimes, the JCC, Staten Island University Hospice and the American Cancer Society.
Mrs. Kingsley and her husband Robert have two children and two grand children.
Mrs. Kingsley said, “Thank you to Max Gervitch for taking time out of his hectic schedule to install me for a second term as President of SIBOR. I look forward to attending his inauguration when he becomes the President of the New York State Association of Realtors in 2007.”
She added, “I am honored to be president of SIBOR during its 90th Anniversary year, which will culminate with a gala reception on September 29th. I’m extremely pleased to have President-elect Mike Diaz and the other officers and directors on my team. Our focus is to continue the momentum gained from last year's strategic efforts and to focus on Staten Island and its constantly changing landscape. I look forward to the challenges and anticipate that SIBOR’s leadership team will be a pro-active participant within the community and the real estate industry.”
Plaques were presented to outgoing directors for their service to SIBOR. These included past president’s Lydia Ragucci, Gerry McClean, Henry Setaro and Fred Shayewitz. Also included were directors Pat Pappalardo and Julie Porowski. Ms. Porowski has relocated to North Carolina.
In honoring Charles Bartels, the organization’s oldest living Past President, SIBOR recognized his 60 years of service to the Staten Island community. Licensed in 1945, Mr. Bartels served as SIBOR president in 1961-62 and remained active and a major force in the industry until his retirement on December 31st of last year.
During the reception SIBOR donated checks to three local charities. Community HealthAction of Staten Island received $6,000, which were the proceeds from SIBOR’s Annual Holiday Party held December 16th at the Excelsior Grand. Diane Arneth, Executive Director and Ronnie Di Giacomo, Director of Resource Development accepted the check on behalf of the organization.
“Community HealthAction of Staten Island is a marvelous organization,” said Kathy O’Leary, Holiday Party Committee Chairwoman. “I am very proud my fellow Realtors responded in the manner they did. Giving something back to the community is a major part of what SIBOR does. I know this money will be used to assist those most in need.”
On hand to accept $1,000 for the GRACE Foundation was Executive Director Joe Gambale. The money came from the proceeds of SIBOR’s Halloween Party held October 28th at The Staaten. Barbara Crawford who chaired the Halloween Party Committee said, “We are happy to be able to help an organization that accomplishes as much as the GRACE Foundation. In some small way we hope this contribution can make a difference.
The third charity was the Joan Anne Kennedy Memorial Pre-School. SIBOR donated $500 to the school to help offset the purchase two new computers. The school will be placing plaques on the computers to acknowledge SIBOR’s contribution.
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