Friday, January 15, 2016

SPONSORED POST - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket Product Specials & Sales For January 15 To 21- 10% Off Coupon And Free Quart Of Milk Coupon Too (See Details)


 Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket invites you to check out their:
  • Meat, 
  • Deli, 
  • Bakery &
  • Produce
Department Offerings for January 15 - January 21.
Also, Gristedes $10.00 OFF COUPON if you spend more than $100.00 in one shopping visit (See details in picture)


and FREE SHOPRITE QUART OF MILK COUPON if you spend more than $15.00 in one shopping visit (See details in picture).


Gristedes representative Bob Capano invites Roosevelt Island residents to check out their various product departments for all of your shopping needs.



Also, don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Wednesday and Sign Up For Gristedes Bonus Cards online or in person at the store.

More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site and Twitter feed.

New York Public Library Presents Plans For New $7.5 Million, 5,500 Square Foot Roosevelt Island Branch Library To Applauding Residents Last Night


Last night, representatives from the New York Public Library (NYPL) held a community conversation with Roosevelt Island residents to discuss plans for the new, approximately $7.5 million, 5,500 square foot, Roosevelt Island branch library scheduled to open in late 2017/early 2018.


The NYPL reported:
The new branch will now triple in square footage and will contain numerous new features including:
  • A 670 sq ft community room with assisted listening devices (there was no community room before)
  • A newly formed children's room (640 sq. ft; no children's room before)
  • A dedicated space for teens
  • 5X as many PCs available for patron usage and twice as many laptops.
  • New, padded flooring, furniture and dedicated wall spaces
Construction of the new building begins in Fall 2016, with an expected completion date of late 2017-early 2018.
and released results of their Roosevelt Island community survey of library needs:
SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS: WE HEARD YOU

What you want in your library:
  • Access to books, information, and expert librarians 
  • Programs for children and teens
  • Exhibitions and lectures
  • Access to public computers and technology
  • Spaces to research, write, study, and learn new skills
What you think is important to your community:
  • Access to technology
  • Larger children’s area
You requested:
  • Community room
  • Quiet spaces
  • Wider selections of DVDs, foreign language materials, and electronic resources

Here's full video of the NYPL Roosevelt Island community presentation last night at the Cultural Center Theater.

Part 1 - Introduction,
  • history of Roosevelt Island branch, 
  • overview of plan and space layout for new library 
  • and survey results (456 responses). 
There were 88,000 library visits last year by Roosevelt Island population of approximately 13 thousand residents. Also,  44% of people on Island have a library card.



Part 2 - Roosevelt Island Branch Librarian Nicole Nelson describes some of the programs and services to be available at the new branch.



Part 3 - Roosevelt Island resident Sharon Berman expresses frustration that the NYPL presentation at the Cultural Center theater did not include Americans With Disability Act accommodation for people with hearing disabilities. The NYPL representatives said that the new Roosevelt Island library branch will have looping technology for people with hearing disabilities.



Part 4 - Questions from residents.
  • Use of outside space adjacent to library controlled by RIOC - may be used for tables and chairs and tot lot play space,
  • size of community rooms for adults, teens and children,
  • integration of Cornell Tech population,
  • storage of historical materials and exhibits,
  • English Learning programs and
  • comments from NYC City Council Member Ben Kallos.


Part 5 - Comments from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.



More pictures and info from last night's presentation below.

    Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend Says MTA, That's Seven Weekends In A Row

    According to the MTA Weekender, there will be Roosevelt Island F train service


    to and from Manhattan this weekend.

    That's seven weekends in a row without Roosevelt Island F Train service interruptions.

    Also:
    F Trains run local in both directions between 21 St-Queensbridge and 71 Av
    and:
    E Trains run via the F in both directions between W 4 St and 21 St-Queensbridge

    Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Cookies Available At Saturday's Farmers Market Or Order By Phone



    Help out Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Troops 3244 & 3245 by purchasing one or more boxes of thin mint, peanut butter or other flavored cookies at the Saturday Roosevelt Island Farmers Market

    Image Of Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Leader Janine And Brownies Selling Cookies At Farmers Market

    or call in your order


    by January 25.

    Cookie delivery begins the end of February.

    Thursday, January 14, 2016

    Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Twice Weekly RI MoM Walking And Exercise Group Meeting Friday Morning At Tram Kiosk - Dads Welcome Too

    Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

    Dear all,

    The next free RI Moms on the Move (RI MoM) walk, exercise, chat and play will take place this FRIDAY (please note a change this week to our usual schedule) January 15 2016, at 9:30am a the Tram kiosk.


    We will enjoy the walk lead by Renate and later a "Boot camp with Amy" at the 405 playroom. Thank you ladies!

    We had a great group last Monday.  For now we are meeting twice a week, mostly on Mondays and Thursdays (this week on Friday) at 9:30am at the Tram kiosk and later around 10am in the playrooms.


    Not a problem at all if you are late, join us at any time!

    How RI MoM works: We meet at the Tram kiosk and go for a walk if everyone is up for it first. Moms (dads are welcome, too!) bring strollers and children of any age. After the walk we go to one of the playrooms (405 tomorrow) where the kids can play


    and we can chat and/or exercise. All for free. We hope you can join us!:)

    See you there.

    Please send me a short e-mail if you are interested in joining us.

    Wednesday, January 13, 2016

    $1.5 Billion Powerball Fever Hits Roosevelt Island Today - 20 Minute Wait To Purchase Tickets At Gristedes Supermarket

    Powerball lottery drawing tonight is for $1.5 Billion.



    The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports on tonight's Powerball lottery drawing.

    A photo posted by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on

    A photo posted by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on


    Ya gotta be in it to win it.

    Some suggestions in song for spending your millions if lightening strikes and you win the Powerball from the The Barenaked Ladies and Alan Doyle.



    But if you win, the taxman cometh.



    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

    Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Jobs Available - RIOC Seeking Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Of Operations And Facilities Manager


    Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island? If yes, the job web site Indeed reports that the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is hiring.

    According to Indeed, RIOC is seeking to full several positions.

    1- Vice President, Chief Financial Officer with a minimum of 10 years experience:
    The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is a New York State Public Authority, created as a public benefit corporation to develop, operate, maintain, and manage Roosevelt Island. We provide many vital services; from general maintenance and upkeep to landmark preservation, Public Safety, inter-agency partnerships, and even an automated vacuum-assisted trash removal system! We are committed to open, honest, and effective communication in our working relationships both internally and externally. For more about our responsibilities and mission, visit us at rioc.ny.gov or facebook.com/RIOCny

    ...POSITION DESCRIPTION

    Title: Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
    Department: Executive Management
    Salary range: $137,500 - $150,000

    POSITION SUMMARY:

    Responsible for the corporation’s accounting activities / practices, maintenance of fiscal records, safe-guarding the corporation’s assets, preparation of financial reports, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, financial control systems, audit and reporting. Other responsibilities include, but not limited to, providing direction and input on corporations financial policies and practices, developing and maintaining relationships with corporation’s consultants (auditors, investment advisor, real estate consultant, public relations firms and legal counsel) and working with real estate developers and housing management companies....
    Click here for more information and to apply.

    2 - Vice President Of Operations with 15 years experience.
    POSITION DESCRIPTION:

    TITLE: Vice President for Operations
    DEPARTMENT: Executive Management
    SALARY RANGE : $137,500 to $150,000

    POSITION SUMMARY

    Reporting to the President/Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President for Operations will plan, organize, direct, manage, review and evaluate the activities, operations, programs and services of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. Ensures that the corporation's operations and core functions effectively serve the needs of Roosevelt Island residents and other stakeholders, while complying with applicable laws and regulations; and performs related duties as assigned by the President/CEO....
    Click here for more information and to apply.

    3 - Facilities Manager with 5-7 years experience:
    POSITION DESCRIPTION

    DEPARTMENT : Engineering/Operations Department
    TITLE: Facilities Manager
    SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – $75,000

    POSITION SUMMARY:

    Under the general direction of the Engineering or Operations Department Head, the incumbent supervises and monitors the upkeep of all RIOC facilities, supervises employees working in Facilities Maintenance, including seasonal employees and any assigned staff....
    Click here for more information and to apply.

    Good luck!

    You're Invited To January 14 New York Public Library Community Conversation About New Roosevelt Island Branch - Share Your Ideas For Programs And Services At New Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch

    The New York Public Library (NYPL) invites you to a community conversation about its new Roosevelt Island branch scheduled to open in late 2017/early 2018.

    NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Library Renderings from Smith-Miller+Hawkinson Architects LLP

    According to the NYPL, on:
    Thursday, January 14th at 6pm, the New York Public Library will be holding a community meeting to present plans for its new Roosevelt Island library. The meeting will take place at the current branch, located at 524 Main Street, New York, NY. (UPDATE 1/14 - MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET)

    The meeting comes at the heels of survey results of over 500 Roosevelt Islanders who were asked what they were hoping for in the new branch.

    The new branch will now triple in square footage and will contain numerous new features including:
    • A 670 sq ft community room with assisted listening devices (there was no community room before)
    • A newly formed children's room (640 sq. ft; no children's room before)
    • A dedicated space for teens
    • 5X as many PCs available for patron usage and twice as many laptops.
    • New, padded flooring, furniture and dedicated wall spaces
    Construction of the new building begins in Fall 2016, with an expected completion date of late 2017-early 2018.
    Last November 9, Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects and representatives from the NY Public Library presented plans for the new 5,200 square foot NYPL Roosevelt Island branch to a joint meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate and Operations Advisory Committee (audio web cast of meeting here).

    Full video of the November 9 presentation and additional plans for the new NYPL Roosevelt Island branch available at this previous post.

    Also, video of the December 2014 NYPL Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting is here.

    (UPDATE 1/14 - MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET)

    Tuesday, January 12, 2016

    Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA, Principal & Brownie Girl Scouts Honored By Council Member Ben Kallos At State Of The District Address

    Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos held his State of the District address last Sunday, January 10.

    Roosevelt Island resident Christina Delfico shares these photos and reports on the Kallos State of the District Address:

    City Council Member Ben Kallos honored PS IS 217, Girl Scout troop leaders Janine Schaefer, and Aiesha Eleusizov, and Roosevelt Islanders at his State of the District event on January 10, 2016 for winning the 2015 Participatory Budget Vote. Roosevelt Island's community garnered half a million dollars towards the STEM Green Roof Project.


    There were loud cheers when Principal Beckman and PTA president Olga Shchuchinov were mentioned along with 217 students and the Brownies and Girl Scouts from troops 3001, 3244 and 3245 for their winning efforts.


    Also, Roosevelt Island Brownie Girl Scout Emily Eleusizov discussed school lunch quality with Council Member Kallos.


    The hour long event was attended by the Manhattan Borough President Brewer, Assembly Member Seawright, Senator Krueger, and Comptroller Scott Stringer who enjoyed several photos of Roosevelt Islanders and 217 on the big screen. What a great way to start 2016.

    City Council Member Ben Kallos honored Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 and Girl Scout troops 3001, 3244 and 3245 at his...
    Posted by Girl Scouts of Greater New York on Monday, January 11, 2016
    Click here for the January 2016 State of the District newsletter from Mr. Kallos.

    Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Center Kiosk Goes Crazy For Dogs - Insane Asylum Water & Food Dog Bowls Available For Your Roosevelt Island Pooch At RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk

    Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy reports:

    The RIHS Visitor Center is going crazy for dogs. Just arrived are our exclusive dog bowls. Large bowls are $24- and small ones are $20- each. One side features our Lunatic Asylum logo


    and the other side features either "water" or "food".


    Special orders can be arranged.

    Also, our Asylum mugs are in stock at $12- each.

    Stop by the kiosk to choose your favorite for Fido. 


    Kiosk is open 12 noon to 5 p.m Wednesdays thru Sundays.

    Monday, January 11, 2016

    Roosevelt Island's Landmarked Church Of The Good Shepherd Community Center Chapel Getting A New Floor

    The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is replacing the floor of the landmarked Good Shepherd Community Center Chapel.

    Last Friday, contractors


    were working on the 


    floor replacement.

    RIOC completed an $800 Thousand Good Shepherd Roof Restoration in 2013.

    More background on the landmarked Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Community Center from the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and NYC Landmarks Conservancy.

    UPDATE 5:50 PM - Roosevelt Island St Cabrini Catholic parishioner Frank Farance comments below that religious groups who use the Good Shepherd  Chapel were upset they were not notified of the Good Shepherd Chapel floor replacement. Mr. Farance says that Church objects were damaged and worship services disrupted due to the floor replacement.

    I asked RIOC President Charlene Indelicato to comment on the matter. Ms. Indelicato replied:
    All three parishes were notified last week that Good Shepherd would not be usable this weekend. Each one had alternate arrangements through myself and their parish managers. Public safety was also notified and instructed to allow access to set up/move what was necessary for mass at times that weren't listed on the booking report.

    Sunday, January 10, 2016

    Beautiful Double Rainbow Over New York City Seen From Roosevelt Island Today - Did You See It?

    There was a beautiful double sunset over the New York City East River waterfront this afternoon

    seen from Roosevelt Island.


    Image From Judy Berdy



    The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse shows us today's rainbow
    A photo posted by Kevin Scheller (@kscheller) on

    and sunshowers too.