HISTORY OF RHBA
Late in 1973, a group of concerned citizens from Richmond Hill decided to form The Richmond Hill Block Association for a better community life. Their dream was everyone helping one another in a non-political, non-sectarian organization with representatives from each block in Richmond Hill. “It’s people power which gives us a closer association with one another.” They wanted to fight the problems of Block Busting, Drug Abuse, Crime and those that were willing to destroy the community for their own quick profits. They also felt that the city agencies were not giving Richmond Hill the service that it deserved. They idealized that together--block by block-- they would form a union strong enough to gain political respect.
“Be Active”, “stop complaining about your community--help and do something about it” were statements proclaimed to inspire Richmond Hill residents to attend the very first meeting on October 26, 1973. The meeting was held at The Richmond Hill Regular Democratic Club. Residents Richard Galvani, Donald E. DeLoca and Mrs. Pat McHugh were instrumental in the organization of this meeting.
Before long, the Richmond Hill Block Association was in full operation, holding monthly meetings and distributing newsletters. They were able to gain a Certificate of Incorporation in January of 1974 with the first five directors of the Association--Richard Galvani, Patricia McHugh, Donald DeLoca, Judith Borgailo and Benjamin Parks. Other honorable, founding members of this association include:John Borgailo, Dario Centrocelli, Jim Compton, Vivian Curry, Mike Farmer, Vincent Ferrara, Martha Galvani, Doris-Lee Gilroy, Bill Holscher, Mary-Lou McHuges, Bill Myers, George Kasparian, Larry Materese, Pat McKenna, BerniMcLaughlin, Bobbi Panetta, Loraine Paolino,Tom Pugliesi, Bill Quinn, Nick Rispone, Tony Scarpa, Steven Smith, Trudy Strezeneo, John Trotter, Pat Valle, Harry Yrdess and Pat J. Woods.
This non-profit organization had meetings with 200 or more people in attendance. They were able to fund the organization through membership dues, newsletter ads and they began the wonderful tradition of the Annual Park Fair in Forest Parkthat we still honor today.
In February of 1976, The Richmond Hill Block Association began renting the first floor of a building on Jamaica Avenue and 114th Street in Richmond Hill to conduct business. They were able to gain needed recognition amongst the politicians and city agencies. Soon, they were addressing the issues that they had originally set out to resolve. They were able to get better services from the city agencies for Richmond Hill.
In 1984 The Richmond Hill Block Association was able to purchase property at 110-08 Jamaica Avenue. This permitted the Association to expand its services to the community by allowing residents to come in any time with their concerns. This also allowed the association to house many beneficial programs for the youth of Richmond Hill. As you can see, it really is “people power” that helped put this organization on the map and “people power” is the glue that holds this organization together. It all began with a few concerned neighbors and has expanded into what it is today.