Real Estate Blog - Joan Coogan

VETERANS DAY – 11/11/15

A Brief History of Veterans Day (borrowed from “Military.com”)

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954,…

2374 Views, 0 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (11/6 – 11/8/15)

Did you take advantage of the FDNY FREE smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation program in the St. George Ferry Terminal.  No?  If you have a smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarm, don’t forget to change the batteries.  So what did you dress up as for Halloween?  What was your costume?  Here are a few I encountered. The upside down man, the hillbilly. I even met my doppleganger!!

Don’t miss the 25th Annual Cranberry Festival at Bethel United Methodist Church, 7033 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, Friday, 11/6, 4:30-9, Saturday, 11/7, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.  Everything cranberry will be served.  Friday evening, a Turkey dinner with all the fixings will be available.  On Saturday, breakfast will be available beginning 8 a.m.  Call for reservations 718-356-8485…

2262 Views, 2 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (10/29– 11/1/15)

On the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Thursday, 10/29, Staten Islanders are invited to “Light the Shore” beginning with a “resiliency walk” at 6:30 at the Dolphin Fountain in remembrance of those who were lost.  The walk continues to Midland Beach Picnic Grounds on Capodanno Blvd. between Midland and Lincoln Avenues where a Service of Remembrance will be held.  A tribute created by Scott LoBaido—“Empty Chairs”, will be featured during the ceremony.  The names of the 24 Staten Islanders who perished will be read.  A candlelight vigil will be held at the Oasis Christian Center, 539 Greeley Ave. at 7:30.  The New Dorp Beach Civic Association will also sponsor a candle light walk to New Dorp Beach at 7 p.m. at Cedar Grove Ave. at the Memorial Rock. 

2410 Views, 0 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (10/22– 10/25/15)

How many of you are now Jazz fans after attending the Staten Island Jazz Festival last Saturday?  Have you or your offspring signed up for one of the many classes being offered at the Universal Temple of the Arts?  Visit: UTASI.org for information on classes.  Did you help plant trees at the Greenbelt last week?  

I suppose all thoughts are on Halloween--decorating the house or your yard and making or buying costumes for the kiddies.  My grandson helped me decorate with ceramics ghosts and pumpkins made by my Mom over the years.  He chooses the different paper decorations made or inherited to tape to all the windows and front door.  We both have fun, and he adds his creative touches.  How many of you decorate with your children and then change it to…

2532 Views, 1 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (10/15–10/18/15)

Attention all of you Jazz aficionados!  The 28th Annual Staten Island Jazz Festival, presented by the Universal Temple of the Arts, takes place on Saturday, 10/17 at the Music Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace.  Beginning at 10:30 a.m., you can participate in diverse jazz-themed workshops:  music, vocals, dance and collage art and a panel discussion titled “The History & Future of Jazz”.  From 2 through 7 p.m. enjoy five hours of live music.  For information on admission and acts, visit:  UTASI.org or e-mail info@utasi.org. Save $5 off advance tickets by calling 718-273-5610.

The co-founder and executive director of UTA is Sajda Musawwir Ladner, a lovely woman whom I have known for many years after sharing a pattern…

2388 Views, 0 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (10/9 – 10/12/15)

Have you read my blog on Volunteerism? http://www.gillanihomes.com/blog/the-importance-of-volunteering.html. It is never too early to start volunteering or encourage your offspring, nieces, nephews or neighbor youth to do the same.  The Staten Island Children’s Museum is accepting nominations for the 24th Annual Kid of Achievement Award.  The award, which acknowledges the hard work of an 11 to 18 year old whose volunteerism has made a difference in the community, comes with a $100 honorarium and a framed certificate that is bestowed at the museum’s Circle of Friends business luncheon.  It takes place on 11/12 at the Hilton Garden Inn.  For more information on how to nominate your child, deadline, etc., call 718-273-2060, ext. 151 or visit…

2078 Views, 0 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (10/1– 10/4/15)

My vegetable garden did not do as well as in summers past, but my grandson and I were able to harvest some beans (we ate them immediately after picking), a few small tomatoes, a few green peppers, a bunch of hot peppers, four butternut squashes and lettuce.  Luckily for us, our neighbors have shared their long green Sri Lankan beans which have also attached itself to my Rose of Sharon so we had plenty to keep our bellies filled. Below is the last of the long green beans and tomatoes. 

Even the figs have been slow to ripen.  Now is the time to get your composting sifted and placed on top of your flower and vegetable beds and around your fruit trees.  I was told that next year my apples will be perfect if I prep the soil correctly with compost.  If you…

2194 Views, 0 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (9/24– 9/29/15)

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Staten Island Museum took place on Saturday. The Museum, situated in Building A, is grand with plenty of room to meander throughout the exhibits.  The Mastodon exhibit was a hit as well as the fossils on the first floor!  I loved the art, science and history exhibits.  The Autumn Moon Festival was entertaining with music performances, martial arts demos, dragons in the midst of the audience and a fashion show by the New York Chinese Qipao Association.

Over 200 people attended the POW-MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday.  The Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421 hosted the event with membership and Honor Guard remembering POW-MIA’s…

2850 Views, 2 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (9/17– 9/20/15)

Did you dispose of harmful household products at the DSNY SAFE Disposal Event?  I don’t know about you, my gentle readers, but I have the best intentions when I say I’m going to do Spring Cleaning.  I clean windows, curtains and the usual a few days at a time.  I become lackadaisical when Summer arrives and hang out in my garden.  I try to have a garage sale but visit other garage sales instead. When Fall arrives, I again promise to do major cleaning.  Yesterday, I began going through drawers, closets and discarding what I have not used or needed in many years.  It felt like a burden was lifted.  As a real estate broker, I see houses being sold every day where my clients are forced to deal with a lifetime of clothes, jewelry, furniture and unwanted…

2491 Views, 0 Comments

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (9/11 – 9/15/15)

Did you take that first step toward improving your public speaking skills at the New Day Toastmasters group?  My readers told me the Staten Island Philharmonic Winds were spectacular at Snug Harbor.  Check out the pictures that were taken at the Richmond County Fair this weekend!  It was nice to meet some of my gentle readers as well as making new friends and meeting new customers/ clients.

You still have time to experience New York City Honey Week.  This week-long festival (which began 9/8 and ends on Sunday, 9/13) is designed to educate the public on the importance of the honeybee, beekeeping and to enjoy and purchase local honey products.  The honey-producing bee population is on the decline.  Activities feting honey will take place…

2410 Views, 0 Comments