Friday, October 6, 2017

Ghouls, Goblins & Ghosts, Start Planning Your Costumes For 2017 Annual Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade Saturday October 28 - Fun Time For The Whole Family

Roosevelt Island Ghouls, Goblins and Ghosts start planning your costume for the 2017 annual Roosevelt Island Halloween parade taking place Saturday October 28. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Happy Halloween! Join us, Saturday, October 28th from 12 PM until 3 PM, for Roosevelt Island's annual Halloween Parade & Extravaganza, taking place beginning at Blackwell Park (500 Main St.) and concluding at Capobianco Field. Join in the fun with FREE Halloween festivities, including performances from the Marching Cobras of NY, game booths, mechanical rides, balloon typhoon, spin art, cotton candy, popcorn, music, and more! We hope to see you there.

This event is sponsored by Urban American and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. Contributors: the Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Rivercross, Westview, Island House.

Here are some scenes from the 2016 Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade courtesy of Roosevelt Island photographer Irina Hage



More scenes from Roosevelt Island 20116 Halloween Parade at this previous post.

Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend But Rerouting In Manhattan & Brooklyn - No Late Night Service From Manhattan October 9-13 & 16-20

According to the MTA there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service to and from Manhattan this weekend. But, the MTA adds:


F Service is rerouted in Manhattan and Brooklyn...

... No F service at 57 St, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 23 St, 14 St, W 4 St, B'way-Lafayette St, 2 Av, Delancey St/Essex St, East Broadway, and York St.

F service operates between Jamaica-179 St and Lexington Av-63 St, and via the Q to/from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr (skipping DeKalb Av, days and evenings), and via the D to/from Stillwell Av.

Trains run express in Manhattan all weekend.
Also, no late night Roosevelt Island F Train service from Manhattan 11:45 PM to 5 AM


Monday thru Friday October 9- 13 and October 16- 20.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes Bonus Card Diamond Rewards Items For October 6 To October 19- Weekly Sales & Specials Too


The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


Diamond Rewards customer loyalty program items for October 6 - October 19 are now available .
Examples of featured items purchased from October 6 - October 19 that earn you big points include

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Could Roosevelt Island Vacant Indoor Pool At Island House Become Gorgeous NYC East River Waterfront Restaurant? Space Is On Market Now With Huge Sign On Windows

Here's a Roosevelt Island dream. A beautiful waterfront restaurant on the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade with spectacular views of the NYC skyline, East River and Queensboro Bridge.



It might happen if the right Restauranteur can be found for the long empty Island House indoor pool which has just gone on the leasing market


with the Eastern Consolidated real estate brokerage company.

The space is approximately 25,000 sq ft with high ceilings and huge windows facing the East River.

View Inside Island House Pool Space Taken From Outside Yesterday

Other potential uses include offices, gym, art galleries among others but I'm hoping for a restaurant.

But, at least one person does not like the huge billboard window signage.
I think the space has been empty for at least 20 years.

Any experienced restaurant owners out there?

Twitterverse Reports Dangerous Roosevelt Island Playground Conditions, Rusty Nails And Hole In Ground - RIOC Tweets Back That They Are Addressing Problem

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reported a dangerous condition for children at the Al Lewis Playground yesterday.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) responded.
Well, I do think RIOC should be given credit for replying to the info in Tweet but most important thing is to fix the dangerous condition immediately before anyone gets hurt.

During September 27 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting,  RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported that the RIOC Board approved safety improvements, including new flooring, for the Al Lewis and Blackwell Park playground.

Discussion begins below at the 1 minute 30 second mark.

Come Join The Colon Cancer Alliance NYC Undy 5K Run/Walk October 7 At Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field

The Colon Cancer Alliance is holding it's NYC Undy 5k Run/Walk here on Roosevelt Island Saturday October 7 starting at Firefighters Field.



According to the Colon Cancer Alliance:

The Undy Run/Walk isn’t your everyday run. As we head into our 10th year, we’re proud to share that we’ve raised more than 10 million through this underwear-themed event. We’re super proud, but we also know our work isn’t done. That’s why we continue hitting the streets in our briefs and asking you to join us.

In 2016, we reached new records and have our sponsors, supporters and participants to thank for that. We look forward to continuing this trend in 2017, we’re already jumpin’ out of our shorts with excitement! From new cities to new partners, this year may be our best Undy Run/Walk year yet.

A fun twist on a serious topic, the Undy Run/Walk is sparking much-needed conversations and kicking colon cancer’s butt, one city at a time. And if that’s not enough, you even have the chance to stroll through a larger-than-life inflatable colon on site! (How many chances do you have to do that in your life?) Thanks for your continued support. See you in your home town!

The Undy Run/Walk team honors our colon cancer warriors by providing FREE registration to all colorectal cancer patients and survivors. Contact the Undy team at 202-204-7561 or email at specialevents@ccalliance.org for the free code.
Click here for more information and to register for the October 7 Colon Cancer Alliance NYC 5K Undy Run/Walk on Roosevelt Island.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Monthly Meeting Tonight October 4 - RIRA Public Session To Raise Your Issues And Ask Questions Too

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will hold it's monthly meeting this evening, October 4, at 8:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).


As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a Public Session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.
AGENDA

If at all possible, please arrive 15 mins early to help set up tables and chairs

Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Time & Place: 8:00 pm, Church of Good Shepard, Basement

1. Public Session (please sign-in to be placed on the Public Session Speaking List)
  • a. Patrick Hayes, Starr Catering Group @ Cornell Tech
  • b. Christina Delfico, iDig2Learn
  • c. Mark Shinozaki, Roosevelt Island Time Capsule
  • d. Vorislav Psoncak, Electric Car Charging Station
2. Roll Call of Common Council Members

3. Adoption of Agenda

4. Committee Reports & Business

a. Island Services Committee

i. Approval of Committee Report

ii. RIOC Exec. Transportation Conditions Q&A

b. SC&E Committee Report

c. Public Purpose Funds Report (oral)

d. Planning Committee Report

5. Old Business

6. New Business

See you there?

NY Times Real Estate Article On Roosevelt Island Living Today - Part Of Manhattan But Apart From It


Part of the city, but connected to Queens by a bridge, on land in the East River owned by the city but mostly leased to the state, Roosevelt Island appears to be in a class by itself.

But as sure as the tide comes in and goes out, certain aspects of island living feel universal, said Stephen Quandt, observing that Roosevelt Island in some ways reminds him of where he vacations every summer, Little Cranberry Island in Maine.

In both places, cars are few, like restaurants and stores. Evenings are quiet. And sea gulls are never far away, said Mr. Quandt, 56, who works in the animal-welfare field....

... Major changes have altered the island’s 147 acres, especially over the last 15 years. High-rises have gone up on long-empty lots, while promised parks have come to life. Last month, Cornell Tech, a new science-focused graduate school, opened a portion of its new 12-acre campus where a hospital used to stand.

And tourists have come in droves, if mostly for the sweeping views from a tram that whisks over from Manhattan....Click here for full NY Times article.

Also, more from new Roosevelt Island resident Stephen Quandt at this previous post.

Upcoming Monthly Roosevelt Island Historical Society Free Lectures - Eastwood and the History Of Affordable Housing In NYC, Gypsies Living In Blissville LIC, Art Deco And FDNY On Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) begins a series of free monthly Thursday evening lectures on October 12. According to RIHS:

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Invites You to the First of Four Free Lectures

Eastwood and the History of Affordable Housing in New York City


by Matthias Altwicker, Architect

New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

Eastwood is recognized as a milestone in affordable housing in New York City, according to architect Matthias Altwicker. Learn about the fascinating history of the building designed by Josep Lluís Sert i López, as well as the origins and progress of affordable housing, at a lecture organized by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society at the New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island, on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

This lecture is the first in a series of four free programs sponsored by the RIHS. Future programs include:

On Thursday, November 9, get a close-up look at a hidden corner of nearby Long Island City in the film, 'Blissville.' Documentary-maker Hank Linhart captured the businesses in the area and filmed the lives of residents and a community of Romani or gypsies. A discussion will follow the one-hour film.


On Thursday, December 14, Anthony Robins will give an illustrated lecture on Art Deco, a term coined in the 1960s to describe a style of French decorative arts. The Chrysler Building, the Waldorf-Astoria and Rockefeller Center are just a few of the hundreds of Art Deco monuments that, during the 1920s and ‘30s, helped create the image of New York City as the world’s Modern Metropolis.


On Thursday, January 11, learn about the long and storied presence of the Fire Department of New York on Roosevelt Island from FDNY historian Gary Urbanowicz. Walk back to the time when only one family lived on Blackwell’s Island and trace the development of the firefighters’ presence in the community.


These events are FREE and open to the public. All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. and take place in the Roosevelt Island branch of the New York Public Library.

DIRECTIONS to the Roosevelt Island NYPL branch: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Take the red bus (no charge) or walk eight minutes north to 524 Main Street.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Island Kids Host Beat Explorers Free Creative Writing, Music Production & Career Development Program Showcase October 4 For Roosevelt Island 6-9th Graders - Culinary Program October 13 Too

Island Kids reports on two upcoming October free programs for Roosevelt Island Middle & High School students. According to Island Kids:

FREE OF CHARGE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

BEAT Global BEAT Explorers Program

Beat Explorers includes elements such as lyricism and creative writing, with an emphasis on music production, beat making, and career development. The Beat Explorers program engages students in all aspects of what it means to be a Music Producer: devotion, professionalism, hard work, creativity, and a fundamental knowledge of both production hardware and the latest technology. While a Beat Rhymers class tends to culminate in a final performance, Beat Explorers students focus on writing and recording professional-quality songs with original beats, lyrics, and music. This program is designed for Middle and High School students from 6-9th grade.

BEAT Global will be holding a showcase 4:30 PM Wednesday, October 4th at 536 Main Street to highlight the skills of the instructors and tell kids more about the program.





Allergic to Salad Culinary Program: Starts Friday, October 13th

Island Kids is excited to introduce Allergic to Salad Culinary Program to Roosevelt Island. Allergic to Salad introduce children to fun, hands-on, from-scratch STEM-based culinary classes. Together we'll hone our culinary skills by learning how to use a variety of tools (knife, grater, peeler, etc), discuss kitchen and food safety, explore new and exciting foods, cultures, recipes and come together to expand our tastes by enjoying unique dishes. Our classes create a platform for a lifetime of adventurous eating and purposeful life-skills. This class is middle school students in 6-8th grade.

More info and registration available at Island Kids.

You're Invited On Day Trip To Dia Museum Beacon With The Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Thursday October 5 - Make Reservation Today

The Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) is hosting a Day Trip to the Dia Museum Beacon on Thursday October 5. According to RISA:

Hello RISA Members

Day Trip To The DIA Museum, Beacon, New York. Transportation, Admission And Tour Provided

Thursday, October 5th, 2017

For More Information And Reservations

Contact: Lorraine Altman at RISA 

Reservations must be made by Tuesday, October 3rd to secure your space

The Dia Museum Beacon is a wonderful place for a visit and area to walk around on a Day Trip.



More information on Dia Museum Beacon and RISA.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Horrific Mass Shooting At Las Vegas Concert Last Night, Deadliest In Recent U.S. History - Selfless Acts Of Courage & Heroism Too





Assault In Roosevelt Island Roosevelt Landings Building Stairway Early Sunday Morning - Victim Suffered Multiple Cuts, Slashes And Stab Wounds

According to a NYPD spokesperson:

On Sunday at approximately 0341 hours a 35 year-old male informed police that he was inside of 560 Main Street in a stairway when he suffered multiple cuts, slashes and stab wounds by an unknown cutting instrument on his left arm, stomach, and chest. Suspect is male and known to victim. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.
Click here from more info.

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Incident Report described the assault as follows:
10/01/17 – 0343 – 560 Main Street – Assault – PSD/NYPD/EMS responded – Transported to Hospital.

Roosevelt Island Hope Church Invites You To Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Wednesday October 4 - Please RSVP

Roosevelt Island Hope Church Pastor Dan Sadlier reports:

Come celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with us on a Roosevelt Island rooftop! Enjoy free food (moon cakes, of course), games, and live music!



Wednesday, October 4, 2017
7:00pm-10:00pm

Rooftop Lounge 405 Main Street New York, NY, 10044
RSVP online.
More info here.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Weight Watchers Grand Opening Wednesday October 4

According to the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA):

Weigh Watchers GRAND OPENING ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND!

Brought to you by the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association

Weight Watchers welcomes members and visitors to stop by to learn more about the Weight Watchers Beyond the Scale program, which inspires and guides members to eat better, move more and shift their mindset.

Visitors are also welcome to attend a meeting for free, where they can experience a Weight Watchers meeting firsthand and learn more about the program, including the SmartPoints food plan, and get support from others looking to live well while losing weight.

Attendees can purchase memberships and shop for Weight Watchers products and publications designed to support a healthier lifestyle.

DATE:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 
TIME:  MEETING STARTS AT 10:00 AM.  (Doors open at 9:30am)
LOCATION:  ROOSEVELT ISLAND CULTURAL CENTER, 548 MAIN ST.

ON-SITE CONTACT for General Information:  Sherie Helstien, 

Visit Wight Watchers To learn more.