Roosevelt Island Tram Operational Tests Up And Running Across East River To Manhattan - Pictures From Every Conceivable Angle

Roosevelt Island Tram Above East River Image From Duc Le

While walking by the Roosevelt Island Tram Station today, I looked into the Station but did not see the Tram Cabin. Then I looked up but still did not see the Cabin on the ropes. I started to be concerned there might be some problem. Fortunately, I learned that the Tram was on the Manhattan side of the East River as it was undergoing operational tests. Great News on that!

Since the Tram has started running operational tests yesterday, readers have been sending in some great photos covering almost every conceivable angle.

Here's the Roosevelt Island Tram viewed from below,

Image From Judy Berdy

Image From Judy Berdy

Image From Judy Berdy

from above,

 

 Image From Duc Le

 Image From Duc Le

looking towards Manhattan from Roosevelt Island,

Image From Duc Le

and from the Queensboro Bridge.

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Jonathan Weinberg writes:

I just happened to be biking over the bridge when I saw it going by and I stopped to snap some photos. I don't think they've put any guinea pigs on it yet. :)

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued the following press release:

The first of the two cabins on the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway was attached on the north track ropes on Tuesday, October 5th and system testing on that side can now begin. The Tram, undergoing modernization since March 2010, is projected as being in full operation in November 2010. The second cabin is expected to be attached in about two (2) weeks. According to RIOC President Leslie Torres, “Various milestones must be achieved before the Tram is commissioned for full operation by the New York State Department of Labor. The launch of the first cabin is a major milestone in this process.”

The Tram modernization contractor is POMA, SA of France, one of two companies world wide equipped to perform the “state of the art”overhaul. The cabin was attached to a double hanger arm on Tuesday. The double armed hanger is one of the important innovations of the new Tram system, providing for a more stable ride. The cabins of the previous system were suspended from a single armed hanger. The cabins can be operated independently on the north and south track ropes, another significant improvement over the old system. Each cabin has the capacity to carry 109 passengers and a cabin attendant. Cabin dimensions are 22 ft. 11.6 in. X 12 ft. 9.6 in. and each weighs 22,125 lbs empty and up to 41,525 lbs when fully loaded.

Originally opened in 1976, the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway System was in its 34th year of operation when it was closed in March for renovation. Its useful life expectancy had been predicted as17 years when originally installed. Having served ably for twice the expected time, it was well overdue for modernization. The Tram carries more than 2 million passengers a year and has been integrated into the MTA’s Metrocard system, so that Tram riders can transfer from and to City buses and subways.

The entire modernization project is expected to cost up to $25 million, $15 million of which was funded by the State of New York and $10 million with Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) funds. RIOC is the New York State Public Benefit Corporation which operates and develops Roosevelt Island, a community of about 12 thousand residents, developed pursuant to a 1968 General Development Plan between New York City and State, as part of the “new communities” initiative originating with federal Great Society programs. Three more high rise buildings and 2 new parks are expected to open in the next several years, completing the development plan. “The Tram modernization project anticipates increased capacity needs as the Island continues to grow,” according to Leslie Torres.

The first (North) Tram Cabin is expected to resume service in early November with the second (South) one a week to ten days later. Then, work will begin on Tram Station Improvements.

Recap Of Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League's First 2 Weeks With Current Standings And Game Summaries

 Image of Octagon Soccer Field Re-Opening (not of RI Youth Soccer League)

Here's a recap for the first 2 weeks of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League.

 The Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League started with some amazing soccer in all three divisions and best of all a great new turf soccer field.

Minor Division (7-8 yr olds)
In the Minor division, the Red team (C) has jumped out ahead of the pack with a 2-0 record behind strong performances from Simon Rickman, Galen Bennie and Madeline Chenn. The Light Blue(B) and Grey (A) teams are tied with a 1-1 record and Royal Blue(D) is 0-2. Grey, who opened the season with a strong 4-2 win over Royal fell short in game #2, losing to Red 1-0. Justin Evans made an outstanding attempt to save Simon Rickman’s free kick, but the ball bounced in. Lt Blue lost to Red in week one 4-2, but redeemed themselves in week 2 vs Grey. Goals by Luke Chavez and Manuel Correa of the Red team bested Max Thomle’s (Royal) awesome PK. Royal Blue also had strong play from Avanya Ganguly, Eric Leon and Charlotte Sakmar.

Junior Division (9-10 yr olds)
In the Junior Divison, the Royal Team has had dominating wins over both Grey and Lt. Blue. They are led by Karina Loureiro, Regis Enama, Ahmed Elshakshuki and Sam Merrick. They seem to be the team to beat. Meanwhile, the Red Team has quietly posted a 2-0 record also. They are led by twin brother Blaise Enama, Yousef Afif and Aammar Bennani. The Grey team has had strong performances by DJ Smith, Aaron Pazmino and Mateo Coullare. Lt Blue’s strong performers are Auki Elkaslasy, Mark Shinozaki, Ariel Navarro and Andrew Herlihy.

Senior Division (11-14yr olds)
In the Senior Division we have had balanced play all around. In Week one, the Red and Lt Blue teams played to a 3-3 tie, while Royal ousted Grey 5-3. In Week 2 Red (1-0-1) defeated Grey 4-1 behind strong offensive performances by Roman Bogolomny(2 goals), Mohammed Dia, Stefanos Kalogrias and Kerwin Barrera. John King played great goalie while sister Laura King and Sam Chun played tough defense. The Lt Blue(1-0-1)team is lead by offensive powers Kevin Leon, Luis Vilegas and Andrew Enock, tied Red in week one and beat Royal in week 2. Solid defensive play has been turned in by Natalie Ferdinand, Jordan Chambers. The Royal Blue Team opened the season strong posting a 5-3 win over Grey. In week two, Royal fought a tough game but lost to Lt Blue 6-4. Bill Fitzgerald played outstanding goal stepping in for Ahmed Elsamanoudy, who was unable to attend. Fitzgerald made a few ESPN high light saves to keep them in the game. Other great performances were turned in by Jean Marti, Tshering Penjor and Tristan Todorovic. The Grey team (0-2) has been in each game they have played. They have had strong play from Luca Deluka, Nick Loveless, Gabby Beola and Xena Ticona. In week 2, Grey had their chances with Deluka hit the crossbar twice but came up short. Gabby Beola and Xena Ticona have proved they can play with the boys, turned in solid consistent play both weeks.

Come on out and watch a game or two. Our League plays on Thursday and Friday evenings 6pm and most of the day on Saturday(9:30 am to 3pm)

Stay tuned for more reports from the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League. The current standings for the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League are posted on the blog's middle sidebar across from the comment sections together with results from most recent games.

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres To Roosevelt Island Residents - Tram Test Runs To Begin, New AVAC Compactors, OHNY Visits & More Project Updates

Image of RIOC President Leslie Torres

RIOC President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

Date: October 6th, 2010
Despite the continuing inclement weather the first Tram cabin was attached to its carriage and hoisted on to the north side track ropes this past Tuesday. This is an important milestone in the steps to commissioning operation by the New York State Department of Labor, expected now in November. You may see the cabin being moved back and forth as painstaking testing of all the Tram’s component operating parts on the north track can now begin. The south track cabin is expected to be attached and hoisted in about two weeks and then testing on that side can begin. RIOC appreciates the community’s patience as the overhaul of this “state of the art” Tram system is nearing completion. Once finished, this kind of necessary disruption to our Aerial Tramway system should not happen again for another thirty years. The skies lifted and the sun shone just long enough for our Annual Fall for Arts weekend celebration last week. Much thanks to Erica Wilder and her events team and to RIOC’s maintenance and field crews for their hard work in producing this and the so many other great annual community events on Roosevelt Island. Can’t wait for the Halloween parade on Saturday, October 30th. Get your costumes ready!

Projects Underway - In addition to the milestone reached in the Tram modernization project :

FDR Memorial - Phase I construction is on schedule, and construction of phase II is starting ahead of expectations. Thank you to our City and State legislators and to the Mayor and the Governor for increased funding for this exciting and long awaited project.

Southpoint Open Space (Green Rooms Wild Gardens) - The comfort station has been installed. Paving of the east drive near Strecker Lab has begun. Fall planting is underway and opening date is scheduled for spring 2011. We are working closely with the FDR Memorial developers to create a smooth transition between the two areas.

AVAC - Installation of the first of two new compacters has been completed. Delivery of the second compactor is expected shortly. The NYC Department of Sanitation is sprucing up the interior of the AVAC building in time for Open House New York (OHNY). RIOC's AVAC facility (along with other Island venues) has been chosen as a venue for New Yorkers to visit as part of the OHNY October 8 & 9, city-wide program. See below - Upcoming Events - for additional information.

Motorgate Roof Waterproofing & Stairwells - The stairwell work has been completed. Waterproofing of the rooftop and the exterior of the stairwell bulkheads is 60% finished with estimated completion at the end of November.

Good Shepherd HVAC – Demolition has been completed and the installation of new equipment has begun. The project to completely replace Good Shepherd’s HVAC system is on track and expected to be completed by end of November. RIOC regrets the continuing inconvenience to residents using this Community facility and looks forward to a long and healthy useful life for our new HVAC system, once installation is finished.

Green Cleaning Program – RIOC maintenance and field crews have completed courses in “green cleaning” best practices. More to come as RIOC continues efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Projects in the Pipeline:

Good Shepherd Plaza – Plaza restoration work is expected this spring. The trench in front of Good Shepherd was opened to accommodate the utility lines for the HVAC restoration project.

Octagon Field Border Landscaping – Bid proposals to replace the trees along the west side of the field have been received and are being evaluated. Arborists urge that planting not begin until spring to enhance the viability of newly planted trees.

Good Shepherd Roof Replacement - Responses to a Request for Proposals from qualified architects to provide plans and specifications for the roofing replacement were received and are being evaluated. The replacement work will be scheduled to start in spring 2011.

Blackwell House Interior Renovation and Disabled Accessible Ramp - Proposals are being reviewed and we are pursuing some value engineering opportunities to keep costs down. Because some funding is being provided by New York City, a VENDEX check (City system to verify contractors' bona fides) is required. Once the lengthy City approval process is completed, the project is expected to require six (6) months to complete.

Events and Recreation:

Sportspark Activities - Sportspark Activities have been expanded again. As of October 2nd, Wheelchair Basketball was introduced from 10am to 1pm every Saturday at Sportspark. Please see the RIOC website for last minute changes to expanded pool, ping-pong and basketball hours.

Run For Congo - The annual 5K run on Roosevelt Island was held on September 25 at 9am. More than 300 participants came out to support the cause.

Fall for Arts Festival – Hundreds of children and adults gathered at Blackwell Park and the lawn south of Rivercross to take part in the many arts and crafts workshops. Festivities included an outdoor performance of Oedipus Rex, live music, food and puppet shows. If you missed the festival you can catch some of the great works of art created as murals by the Child School, the Beacon Program RIVAA and others located on the lawns near Blackwell House. To view pictures of the event, please visit rioc.ny.gov/

Upcoming Events:

Open House New York- On October 8th& 9th, Roosevelt Island will be a host site for the annual city-wide Open House New York celebration, where our fair City shows off its best features. From 9-4 New Yorkers can have escorted tours of AVAC, the Octagon lobby, Sportspark and the Roosevelt Island Historical Society information kiosk.

From the RIOC Archives – An exhibit curated by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society of selected RIOC archival materials is on display in Sportspark’s central corridor. Please visit and take a brief tour through Roosevelt Island’s history. A panel discussion co-sponsored with the Roosevelt Island Historical Society will be held at Sportspark this fall, exploring some of the materials from the RIOC Archives. Date to be announced.

Halloween Safety Day – The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department is co- sponsoring a Halloween Safety Day with Safe Kids NYC on Wednesday October 27th from 5:30 -6:30 at the Public Library on Main St. Safety tips, reading to the children and treats will be available.

Roosevelt Island's Annual Halloween Parade - On Saturday, October 30th, in partnership with Urban America, managers of Roosevelt Landings, the parade of ghosts and goblins begins at Blackwell House at 12 P.M. and continues on to Capobianco Field. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in a Halloween costume. More fun and festivities are planned for immediately after the parade at Capobianco Field. In the event of rain, festivities will be held inside PS 217.

A version of the RIOC President's column will also appears on RIOC's web site and the October 9 Main Street WIRE.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Monthly October Meeting Tonight - Come Learn What Is Happening On Roosevelt Island

 Image of September 2010 RIRA Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) will be holding its October Monthly meeting tonight at the Good Shepherd Community Center Lower Level Room (8 PM). As always, prior to the start of each meeting there is a public session in which any resident can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Below is the Draft Agenda for tonight's meeting and reports from the RIRA Nominations and Island Services Committee.

If you are concerned about issues impacting Roosevelt Island - this is the place to be tonight.

AGENDA

Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Time: 8:00 P.M. - Finish
Place: Good Shepherd Community Center, 543 Main Street

1. Public Session (8:00)
- RIRA Informational Meeting on October 12 RIOC Board Meeting (45 minutes, ends at 8:45)
[Excerpts of RIOC Agenda]
V. New Business
1. Authorization to Amend the Engineering Consulting Contract with Shea Carr Jewell, Inc. in Connection with the Aerial Tramway Modernization Project (Board Action Required)
2. Authorization to Enter into Amendment of Cell Antenna License Agreement with Verizon (Board Action Required)
3. Authorization to Enter into Amendment of Cell Antenna License Agreement with Sprint (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Take Certain Actions to Comply with Chapters 174 and 175 of the 2010 Laws of the State of New York (Board Action Required)
5. Presentation of the Proposed RIOC Budget for FY 2011-2012 (Materials to Follow)
6. Presentation of the FY 2010-2011 QTR 1 Procurement Report
7. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
8. Public Safety Report
9. President's Report

2. Roll Call (8:45)
X 3. Approval of Agenda (8:50)
X 4. Approval of Minutes (8:55)
- May minutes
- September minutes
5. Treasurer’s Report (9:00)
- Report

6. President's Report (9:05)
7. Committee Reports (9:10)
Housing - J. Mincheff
Social, Cultural and Educational Services - N. Leopold
Island Services - A. Hamburger
- Report
Planning - M. Katz
Communications - E. Erickson
Nominations - A. Hamburger
- Report
Elections - J. Mincheff
Government Relations - A. Barfield
Public Safety - E. Feely-Nahem
8. Old Business (9:45)
9. New Business (10:00)
10. Adjourn

X Agenda items requiring action

Next Meeting of 2010-2012 Common Council: Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Here is the Nominations Committee Report

RIRA – NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT TO COMMON COINCIL MEETING – 10/6/10
The nominations process for the Nov. 2 RIRA elections is well underway.

An article in the 9/25/10 WIRE covered the nominations process for residents of RI. Nomination Forms are available for pick-up at the Public Safety office, the Public Library, a number of residential buildings and, by request to the Nominations Chair, thru e-mail (so far 8 people have gotten their Form by e-mail). Flyers promoting nominations are being posted on all the kiosksʼ and in many residential buildings.

On Oct. 1, we had 4 completed Forms deposited in the Collection Box at Public Safety. Deadline for Nomination Forms is Sunday, Oct. 24, 8 PM.

The Nominations Committee has members from 6 residential areas – Rivercross, Westwood, Manhattan Park, 2/4 River Rd., Southtown & Octagon. We expect to add 1 or 2 members from Roosevelt Landings by 10/6/10.

The Committee is now engaged in actively recruiting candidates for the open RIRA positions – President, Vice-President and the 42 Representatives to the Common Council.

Aaron Hamburger, Chair – Nominations Committee

and the Island Services Committee Report.

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING – 10/6/10

Red Bus Route Thru Southtown After Tram Is Operating. 
As far as we can determine, RIOC doesnʼt have a firm plan for the Red Bus route thru Southtown. RIRAʼs President, Planning Committee & Island Services Committee will meet with Fernando Martinez and his staff on Oct. 4 to discuss and review any plans for the Red bus route after the Tram is back in service. The ISC will report about this meeting at the 10/6/10 meeting of Common Council.

RIOCʼs Operations Committee
Information obtained at the 9/27/10 meeting of the Operations Committee includes:
o Tram – One cabin will be installed, weather permitting, on Oct. 1 and the second cabin about a week later. Cars will be operated throughout October to check on the equipment and train operators. Approvals must now be obtained from many government agencies (Police Dept., Fire Dept. OEM, etc.). This may take until the end of October. Whenever, the last agency signs-off on the Tram installation, passenger service can immediately begin.
o Motorgate Lighting – RIOC is now deciding between LED or fluorescent lighting for the parking building. o Bike Lanes – RIOC is commissioning a study of a bicycle lane along the entire perimeter of RI.
o Tom Turcic, Director of Engineering, will retire on 12/31/10.
Aaron Hamburger, Chair - ISC

Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Docked In Station, Attached To Carriage Track And Taking Test Rides Over East River - Service Resumes Early November

Image of North Cabin Docked In Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Dont' be surprised if you see a sight today, and the during the next few weeks, all Roosevelt Island residents have been waiting for - the Roosevelt Island Tram soaring over the East River

Image of North Cabin Docked In Roosevelt Island Tram Station

One of the Roosevelt Island Tram cabins is now docked in the Roosevelt Island station attached to it's carriage track and will be taking test rides over the East River today and thereafter until the resumption of regular service scheduled for early November.

 Image of North Cabin Docked In Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Yay!!!!!!

Earlier this morning Lucindacv followed the progress of the Tram Cabin to the station with a series of Tweets about this auspicious day for Roosevelt Island. First:

roosevelt island big day -- flat bed truck, fotogs, crane, many hand signals - looks like tram may be moving

Then:  

Roosevelt Island - we have liftoff and precision landing on flatbed - still underway

Finally:

gotta leave. probably have to live on Roosevelt Island to understand why this is worth watching.

Hope to have pictures and video of Tram in operation later.

It will be great to have the Tram back in service providing a needed option for getting off Roosevelt Island. Earlier this afternoon, I, along with many other Roosevelt Island residents was stuck waiting at our F Train subway platform for more than 35 minutes before the arrival of a Manhattan Bound F Train. Of course, there was no word or announcement from the MTA concerning this delay which I later found out from the Train conductor was caused by police activity in Queens.

UPDATE 10/6 - The Roosevelt Island Tram has taken off from the station and is flying.

Above Image From Jonathan Kalkin

Here's an image of the Roosevelt Island Tram over the East River from flaviofachel via Twitpic

UPDATE 10/6 - More pictures from today's Tram excursion.

Image From Duc Le

Image From DJ

NYC Wheelchair Basketball Played At Roosevelt Island's Sportspark Gym Saturday's 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.

You Tube Video of 2008 Mayor's Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

Good news for wheelchair basketball players from Roosevelt Island or elsewhere. According to Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates:

Every Saturday from 10AM to 1PM Sportspark Gym at 250 Main St will be open to all Wheelchair Basketball players.

For more information contact unclejim at 212 731-4527

The Columbia Journalist reported on the positive benefits wheelchair basketball had on the life of a young man undergoing rehab at Coler-Goldwater Hospital over 20 years ago and continues to do so.



The 2010 NYC Mayor's Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament will be held from October 8 - 10 at Manhattan College. More information on wheelchair basketball is available at the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

Scenes From 2010 Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival - Fun Time For Kids And Adults Of All Ages, Can't Wait For The 2011 Version!

 

Image of Oedipus Rex Faux Real Theater Performers

It was a beautiful day last Saturday for the 2010 Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival. There were fun things for children and adults of all ages to see and do.

You could paint on a big canvas while standing up,

on a small canvas with your friends while sitting down or

 

have your face painted by a clown.

 

There were Arts and Crafts to make,

funny clowns

 

balloon artists,

and Giants walking among us.

You could learn how to make fresh butter,

watch a puppet show,

play hacky sack,

learn about a new clean energy electricity program,

talk issues or just say hello to Assembly Member Micah Kellner,

have some Heavenly Delights to eat,

listen to music,

and take a look at the big butterfly sculpture on the Rivercross Lawn.

There were also poetry readings at the Gallery RIVAA. Despite some initial difficulties getting started, blogger/poet Ocean Vuong

Image From Ocean Vuong

describes what it was like to read at the 2010 Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival:

... Despite the loss of time, the gallery filled up and became standing room-only. The readers who did get to read were well received by a diverse and attentive crowd. It turned out quite well. I just hope curators and program directors do their homework before making impulsive decisions. There are so few people listening to poetry as it is, the least we can have is a decent place to read and be heard. However, to be fair with the director, she tried really hard to produce the program and clearly had the best intentions, in which, regardless of the outcome, I truly appreciate.

All in all, it was a great day: I got to see a wonderful little island which I never would have known without the invitation to read, I got to spend intimate and quality time with wonderful people and friends, and alas, I'd take muted poetry over no poetry at all any day.

Not to mention the Oedipus Rex performance staged by Faux-Real Theater Company.

You Tube Video of Oedipus Rex at 2010 Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival

All in all a great Roosevelt Island day during the 2010 Fall For Arts Festival.

Can't wait for the 2011 version.

Roosevelt Island Adult Soccer Game - Anyone Interested In Playing And Helping to Organize Pick Up Games?

 Playing Soccer On The Octagon Field at Night

I received a couple of inquires recently asking whether there is a soccer team(s) for adult pick up games on Roosevelt Island. The inquiries were made by the wife and girlfriend of guys looking to play a friendly, competitive game of soccer. I replied that I was not aware of any but would find out about any currently being played and if none, whether there was any interest in organizing soccer pick up games.

So, if there is no existing local pick up soccer game, is anybody out there in Roosevelt Island sports land interested in playing some pick up soccer and more importantly. willing to organize the games? The newly resurfaced Octagon Soccer Field would be a great place to play.

An excellent model for a pick up Roosevelt Island soccer group is the Roosevelt Island Pick Up Softball Group which began this spring and is hosting a very successful Saturday morning of Pick Up Softball.

Why not Roosevelt Island Pick Up Soccer?

UPDATE 5:15 PM - A reader did some Roosevelt Island soccer research and reports back:

... Regarding soccer, the league to join up to is at zogsports.

I checked now and the teams are full for the instant, but you can "waitlist". I am waitlisted for example.  Zogsports says $150 for the season. I am hoping to join a team, but have not as yet. Looking for teammates!

Plan B is to go by the field and just ask the teams...I know they are there most of Sunday.

Skills- I saw men and women. So I would say it's serious, but not over the top.

The UN has a league on Wed nights, but that also is booked out.

Congratulations To Roosevelt Island Residents Michelle & Paul Baker On Your Wedding - Best Wishes For A Happy Life Together

Image Of Michelle & Paul Baker

Congratulations to a very nice Roosevelt Island couple, Paul and Michelle Baker, who recently got married. The wedding mass took place September 5, 2010 right here on Roosevelt Island at St. Francis Cabrini Church and was officiated by Father Miqueli.

The Baker wedding party posed for pictures inside the Good Shepherd Chapel

and outside at the Boat Prow Dock.

Best Wishes to Paul and Michelle for a happy life together. Enjoy your upcoming one month Wedding Anniversary!

Annual Roosevelt Island Blessing Of The Animals At The Church Of The Good Shepherd On October 3, 10:00 A.M.

You Tube Video Of 2007 Animal Blessings At St John The Divine

Do you wish to have a blessing said over your pet? If so, no need to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine when you can have it done right here on Roosevelt Island. I received the following message from Roosevelt Island resident Francine Lange:

Church of the Good Shepherd, the Episcopal church, will be holding its annual Blessing of the Animals service this Sunday, October 3.

Pastor Lew Johnson will say a special blessing over your pet(s). You can carry it in your arms, lead it on a leash or in a carrier, or bring a photo.

At 10:00 a.m., 543 Main St., Church of the Good Shepherd, Roosevelt Island.

Image From Francine Lange

Charlie was dumped at birth on the side of the road in the Bronx. A Roosevelt Island resident adopted him and now, some five years later, he reigns in peace over his Island House "kingdom."

I wonder if there are any Roosevelt Island llamas or other unusual animals out there to be blessed with Charlie the Cat.

Author & Roosevelt Island Resident Mary Camper-Titsingh Reads From Her Historical Novel, The Man Who Kow-Towed, At Gallery RIVAA Saturday October 2

Image From Gallery RIVAA

Mary Camper-Titsingh is an 86-year old retired librarian and resident of Roosevelt Island. She is the author of The Man Who Kow-Towed, a historical novel about her ancestor, Isaac Titsingh, who opened the doors for the Dutch East Indies Company to trade with Japan, India, Indonesia and China in the late 18th century.

Ms. Camper-Titsingh will read excerpts from The Man Who Kow-Towed on Saturday, October 2 at 6:00 pm at Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street on Roosevelt Island. All are welcome to attend this free event and books will be available for purchase for $15.00.

An excerpt from The Man Who Kow-Towed is below.

Come learn about the beginnings of globalization from a Roosevelt Island author.