4 North Shore Towers Courier n February 2014 RICKEN RETIRES -- Gitter gets the chair BY VICTOR G. MIMONI After five years at the helm, Robert Ricken stepped down as NST Board President in a move that took many in the city’s premier coop by complete surprise. The stunning revelation came toward the end of the Board meeting on Wednesday, January 22, when Ricken read a letter announcing his departure from office. By the following morning, copies had been distributed to every residence in the complex. “I wanted to leave on a high note,” Ricken told The Courier, calling his tenure “both exhausting and gratifying.” His term was to have run until June of 2015. Under the bylaws, first Vice- President Mort Gitter will serve out the balance of the two-year term as interim President. A decision on whether to hold a special election to fill the vacancy or wait until the usual June election cycle could be made at the next meeting, he indicated. “Bob did a great job and I wish him well,” said Gitter, a long-time Board member who previously served as president during 2006-2007. “The Board and the community should appreciate what a great job he did, as does each member of the Board,” he added. Board member Herb Cooper said he “certainly was surprised,” calling Ricken “the face of North Shore Towers in the coop community,” and praising his accomplishments, expressing confidence that “his successor and the Board will continue his accomplishments, which made NST the most outstanding co-op in the city, the state and probably the country.” “He had a long and successful run,” said Mario Carmiciano, who successfully ran for a seat on the Board two years ago. “It’s like a full-time job, almost 24/7, and he deserves all the Kudos.” “Bob spoke up for all the working co-op owners who don’t get interviewed,” Carmiciano said. Letters have been pouring in to The Courier, praising Robert Ricken’s tenure as President. Here is a sampling: Dear Editor, I was shocked to hear that Robert Ricken has retired as president of the North Shore Towers Board. “Doctor” Ricken did a superb job. His exceptional leadership spread throughout the coop world. He was very involved in the Presidents Council of Coops and Condominiums and made invaluable contributions to the council’s efforts. I will always consider him a friend and wish Bob and Susan all the best. City Council Member Mark Weprin Bob, You were a tremendous asset to our organization and someone that we could always count on. Your leadership and friendship has been very special and I know the shareholders and staff of North Shore Towers will surely miss those wonderful qualities. I want to wish you and your lovely wife the very best. Bob Friedrich Co-President, Presidents Council of Co-ops & Condominiums Dear Editor, We were all shocked and dismayed at Bob Ricken’s recent retirement announcement. While we respect Bob’s right to give up this “exhausting and gratifying” post after five years, we will miss him and his leadership style. Truly a consensus builder, Bob was a model president who always put our community first. He put forth dozens of initiatives that expanded and enhanced our amenities and life style at NST. We wish Bob and Susan many healthy years enjoying with their many friends and family at the improved coop that he helped bring about. Fred Chernow Dear Bob, To say that NST will never see the likes of someone like you again is an understatement. Your dedication to what you have accomplished for the good of all our residents is extraordinary. We have always viewed you as level headed, practical and fair. We feel the board will not be the same without you. It is truly our loss. We wish you good health and time to enjoy the rewards of your dedication with Sue at your side. We love you. Esther and Danny Bob, We were both so sorry to hear that you have finalized your intention of leaving the board. We wish you all the best. In our short time here we have come to appreciate the work and effort you have put into the co-op. We would like to take this time to thank you for all you have done. You are going to be sorely missed. I will continue to look forward to our occasional tennis game whether we are partners or not, and the tennis brunch on Sundays. Wishing you nothing but the best... Leo & Jane Bob, I was saddened by your last note to the coop and wanted to thank you for your many years of service. I know it is far from an easy job. Of course there is also the good stuff – deep satisfaction in a job well done, effecting change, and getting to know residents you might otherwise not have met. You handled the adversity like a gentleman and always kept the coop’s needs as your first priority. Hoping that you and Susan are well, and wishing you a happy new year with good health and relaxation. You both deserve time off. All the best. Jill Tulchin Photo by Victor G. Mimoni First Vice-President Mort Gitter will serve out the balance of the two-year term as interim President after Robert Ricken stepped down. LETTERS FOR BOB RICKEN
NST022014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above