Friday, June 22, 2018

Job Available With Roosevelt Island Operating Corp For Communications And Events Coordinator

How would you like to work for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). The job search web site Indeed lists a position available with RIOC for a Communications and Events Coordinator.

According to Indeed:

Communications and Events Coordinator
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation - Roosevelt Island, NY
$50,000 - $60,000 a year
TITLE: Communications & Event Coordinator

DEPT: Community Affairs

Local government agency seeks a strong writer with unbeatable organizational skills and a desire to work closely with a small NYC community.

Summary:

As Communications and Event Coordinator, you will work in the agency’s Community Affairs department on many exciting projects on a daily basis. Examples include planning an Island-wide arts festival, soliciting community input on new capital projects, putting together and writing a community newsletter, meeting with local groups to discuss or promote their latest activities, and more. If you enjoy finding creative solutions to diverse challenges and having high level of autonomy, this may be the job for you....
Click here for more information and to apply.

The position was posted on Indeed 2 days ago.

Upcoming Arts Presentations At Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center - June 25 Exhibition Of Drawing & Painting And June 28 Afternoon Tea Party Poetry Reading Featuring Roy Eaton Piano Performance

Upcoming events at the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Seniors Center (546 Main Street).

On Monday June 25, In Bloom, an exhibition of  Drawing & Painting.

On June 28, Arts In The Garden Afternoon Tea Party and Poetry Reading featuring live piano performance by Roosevelt Island resident Roy Eaton


More info on the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center available at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend F & E Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend, Only 1 Tram Cabin Working & No Metro Card Machines At RI Tram Station - But NYC Ferry New Summer Schedule Has More Service

According to the MTA, there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service to and from



Roosevelt Island this weekend.

Also:

TRACK MAINTENANCE | 9:45 PM Fri, Jun 22 to 5 AM Mon, Jun 25 E Trains run via the F in both directions between W 4 St, Manhattan and 21 St-Queensbridge F Station, Queens
Remember, still only 1 Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin operating this weekend and for at least 1 more week.


And no Metro Card Vending Machines working at Roosevelt Island Tram station. Fill up your Metro Card at RI Subway or Tram Manhattan station.

There is Roosevelt Island ferry service on the Astoria Route. Here's the new summer schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry service.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes June 29 To July 5 Product Offerings, Specials & Diamond Reward Items - Fresh Sushi & Poke Bowls Too

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


invites you to check out their June 29 - July 5 Product Offerings, Specials & Diamond Rewards items.

Don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Sign Up for the Gristedes Diamond Loyalty Rewards Program.

And Fresh Sushi and Poke Bowls available 


at the Roosevelt Island Gristedes Cafe.


More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site, Facebook Page and Twitter feed

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Gorgeous Evening Sky over NYC East River Waterfront Seen From Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Rooftop

Roosevelt Island Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration Viewing At Southpoint Park & Cornell Tech Campus, No Tickets Needed - Tickets For July 4 Fireworks Viewing At FDR Four Freedoms Park Available Online June 29, But Reduced Number Available From Past Years Due To Overcrowding And Safety Issues

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson reports:

No tickets needed for best RI views of Macy’s July 4 fireworks

In less than 13 days, more than 75,000 fireworks will ignite the sky over the East River, from seven docked barges, in the Big Apple’s largest celebration ever of the nation’s birthday. The prime viewing location on Roosevelt Island for this year’s highly-anticipated Macy’s NYC July 4 Fireworks show does not require a ticket or reservation.

This year, Southpoint Park and Cornell Tech’s newly opened campus - 2.5 acres of elevated, unobstructed public space just south of the Roosevelt Island Tram station - will allow thousands to enjoy an evening of pyrotechnic fun. Be sure to arrive as early as possible to secure vantage spots for yourself, friends, and family.


The 25-minute fireworks extravaganza starts at approximately 9:25 p.m. and is reported to be Macy’s largest display ever.

At Southpoint Park, residents and guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities including live DJ entertainment, dancing (when the music moves you), bounce houses, face painters, and balloon artists. Also on hand will be food trucks and other vendors.

At both Southpoint and Cornell, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. No alcoholic beverages or grilling will be permitted.

There will be no vehicle traffic or Red Bus service, south of the Tram Station and buses will run on a regular weekday schedule with no Octagon Express.

Due to severe overcrowding and safety issues at last year’s viewing party, officials at FDR Four Freedoms State Park have reduced the capacity of visitors that will be admitted to the park this year. A limited amount of tickets will be made available to the public via the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s website at rioc.ny.gov on June 29 beginning at noon.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for more updates.
I was at FDR Park last year for the July 4 Fireworks celebration and to my knowledge, did not see overcrowding or safety issues.
UPDATE 6/22 - According to a Cornell Tech spokesperson:
The Tech Café will serve food on the patio. Bloomberg Center will be closed.
A FDR Four Freedoms Park spokesperson adds:
Four Freedoms Park Conservancy is thrilled that Frankin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park will be a venue for viewing the Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks in the East River. As always, the Conservancy’s priority is the safety and well-being of visitors and personnel at the park.

In consultation with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Conservancy is implementing best-in-class security protocols, including maximum park capacity to ensure the safety and comfort of all.
The FDR Park spokesperson said that 1100 tickets will be distributed to the public for park entrance and that the total capacity will be limited to 1300 that includes all staff, security personnel and vendors.

The safety concerns are due to what the FDR Park says is the large number of chairs and blankets


used by spectators in past years that block emergency access vehicles in the event they are needed.

Here's what the FDR Park looked like in 2016.



waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Long Time Roosevelt Island Resident Sabino Sierra Passed Away Last Evening - A True Gentleman, Condolences To Family & Friends

Long time Roosevelt Island resident Sabino Sierra passed away last evening.  Mr Sierra was married to his wife, Pilar, for 72 years. They  lived in Eastwood/Roosevelt Landing for 42 years.

Mr. Sierra was described as:

A True Gentleman
A Viewing will be held Friday evening, June 22 at Quinn Funeral Home, 35-20 Broadway, Long Island City from 4- 8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held 9:30 Saturday Morning June 23 at St Ignatius Church 84th Street and Park Avenue.


Condolences to Mr Sierra's family and friends.

RIOC Updates On Roosevelt Island Infrastructure Repair Projects - Helix Ramp, Tram Station Platform, Tram Elevators, Seawall, Blackwell House & Playgrounds

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson updates us on current Roosevelt Island infrastructure projects. According to Mr. Robertson:

There is very little available, or unaccounted for, space left on Roosevelt Island’s 147 acres to build new infrastructure. But there’s a big need to maintain its existing infrastructure and keep it updated for the next 50 years.

The reality though is RI’s infrastructure maintenance is often costly, time-consuming and considered a disruptive inconvenience to residents, business owners and even tourists and visitors who live, work and flock here in growing annual numbers. But the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) believes maintenance’s long-term benefits trump the short-term inconveniences

Last year, RIOC embarked on a robust five-year capital improvement plan. Some of those initial projects now are close to completion. Below, we’ll update the status of those, revisit the progress of others and maybe introduce you to more plans of which you might have been unaware.


The Helix Ramp: This road construction repair job began in February and during early demolition and preparation the structure was found to be in a more severe state of disrepair than previously thought. In May, the contractors and project managers extended the project scope and timeline for completion. The two-lane spiral roadway and adjacent plaza will now re-open to traffic on July 3. There will be intermittent disruptions to two way traffic to complete installation of new guardrails as well as expansion joint material along the lower ramp of the helix.


The deteriorating Roosevelt Island seawall railings that run along the majority of the Island’s shoreline about 3.5 miles in length are being replaced with new anti-corrosive steel railings. The $8.7 million project is being completed by Elit Green Builders Corporation which so far has completed about a third of the project around the southern end of the Island. Work is expected to continue through December 2018.

The Tram Station platform construction, a project that began May 16 and was scheduled to last 30 days, has been delayed by inclement weather. The construction work along with the re-installation of MetroCard vending machines should be completed by the end of June. Both cabins of the Tram will return to service at that time.

Tram Station Elevator: A $6.1 million construction project to upgrade the Manhattan Tram Station elevator started this week and the two building phases will be finished by late Spring 2019. The elevator project, at 59th Street and Second Avenue, calls for an iconic, two-bank, ADA-compliant glass elevator which replaces the existing elevator that has outlasted its expected mechanical life.

The RI Youth Center renovation work is now in the proposal bid process. Once a contractor is selected this summer, the work will last up to three months. The youth center programs will be relocated to the Sportspark during the construction period.

Blackwell House Renovation is a full structural refurbishment of the original farmhouse home of the Blackwell family, one of the early owners and inhabitants of what is now known as Roosevelt Island. The outside porch and entire interior, of the home built in 1796, has been totally gutted and new floors, walls, support beams, stairways, and code-compliant HAVC systems are being installed. The house will serve as a community meeting facility and new office for the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and reservoir for all Island and RIOC archives. Current completion date is early fall 2018.

The Al Lewis and Blackwell north playground areas will be getting playground equipment repairs and replacement and new poured in place rubberized play surfaces; work is set to begin later this summer.

Stay tuned for additional updates and news about upcoming projects at Octagon Field, Firefighter’s Field, Motorgate, Southpoint Park and Lighthouse Park.

Wonder Woman Starts Off Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Series At Southpoint Park Friday June 22 - Gorgeous East River Waterfront Views, Food Vendors And A Movie

The Roosevelt Island 2018 Outdoor Summer Movie series returns to Southpoint Park this year with the showing of Wonder Woman tomorrow evening.


According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
“Wonder Woman”, the epic action adventure superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, kicks off the 2018 Roosevelt Island Summer Movie Series at Southpoint Park this Friday, June 22. It’s free admission, and the event includes contests, prizes, food vendors and a 40-foot premium screen.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

Here's the trailer for Wonder Woman



and the full 2018 Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movies Series schedule:
Friday, June 22: Wonder Woman; (rain date June 29)
Friday, July 6: A League of Their Own; (rain date July 13)
Friday, July 20: Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi; (rain date July 27)
Saturday, July 21: The Fifth Element; (rain date July 28)
Friday, August 3: Black Panther; (rain date August 10)
Friday, August 17: A Wrinkle in Time; (rain date August 24)

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

The Island, A Short Film Inspired By Oral History Of Roosevelt Island In 1970-80's Seeking Local Apartment To Shoot Scenes - No Recent Renovations And Older Looking Home Furnishings A Plus

Aimee Schaefer is the Director and co-writer of The Island, a film set on Roosevelt Island. Ms Schaefer is looking for a Roosevelt Island apartment, preferably in Roosevelt Landings,


to shoot scenes for the film. According to Ms Schaefer:
NYU graduate short film in need of 2-3 bedroom apartment with no recent renovations. Aiming for a 1970s-1980s look in terms of the amenities and older looking home furnishings are a plus.

If occupants of the home are not the owners, we will need permission from the management company or landlords in the form of an NYU Location Agreement. Upon negotiation and signing of the location agreement, the location will be insured by NYU’s underwriter for $1 million dollars.

We have a small budget to rent the space and place the occupants in a hotel or air bnb for the week.

Intended dates of filming: one week within the slot of July 6-20th.

Please send one photo of living room and contact information to sweetschaefer@gmail.com with LOCATION as subject title.
The film's producer, James Faller adds:
We would prefer something inside ROOSEVELT LANDINGS (formerly Eastwood) but are open to other buildings. The older the inside is the better, we are trying to avoid modern renovations since that will mean less work for our production designer.

That being said we are open to exploring various options outside of our preferences.
Backstage summarizes the film:
NYU thesis short film “The Island." Synopsis: Inspired by the oral histories of Roosevelt Island, NY. This short film delves into lives of a small community in the wake of a young boy gone missing in 1989 NYC. We see this through the young protagonist, Jimmy, as he attempts to enjoy his summer despite carrying a secret larger than himself. Filmmaker says: "This film has been awarded a Spike Lee Fellowship and will tour festivals around the world upon it's completion."
If you are interested, please contact here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

CBS Channel 2 News Visits Roosevelt Island And Gets Tour With RIOC Staff - Our Own Little Utopia Says RIOC, People Live Here For The Peace & Quiet

CBS Channel 2 news reporter Elle McLogan toured Roosevelt Island recently and spoke with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Chief Operating Officer Shelton Haynes and Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson.

According to Mr. Haynes:

... It's our own little Utopia in the middle of NYC...
Mr Robertson responds to a question of why people choose to live on Roosevelt Island saying:
... For the peace and quiet...
Mr Robertson adds:
... When the island was first developed, there was a lot of concern and thought put into having a place that would be easily accessible to people with disabilities, that would be easily accessible for seniors, people with children, people with different incomes, and people of different cultural and racial backgrounds. That was one of the unique features of the island that a lot of people don’t know [about]. And the people that live here are very proud of that...
Watch the full Channel 2 News Roosevelt Island segment.

Monday, June 18, 2018

NYC First STEM Center Summer Program On Roosevelt Island For Middle School Students - Learn 2 & 3D Design/Fabrication, Laser Cutting, 3D Printers & More

NYC First CEO Michael Zygman reports:

NYC FIRST, one of the largest K-12 STEM education organizations in New York City, runs immersive, hands on robotics and STEM education programs that serve 7,000 students annually. We have been running our programs for nearly 20 years in New York City, and we are proud to have our first STEM Center in the city here on Roosevelt Island.

I wanted to let you know about an opportunity for Roosevelt Islanders that NYC FIRST is hosting this summer at our STEM Center, at 544 Main Street.

We're running three week-long summer courses from July 16 - August 3 for rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders at a discounted price of $200 per week due to the generous support of our donors.

This program is a good opportunity for middle school students to learn about 2D and 3D design and fabrication, as well as physical computing, and to have them learn how to use laser cutters and 3D printers, among a range of other equipment at the STEM Center. You can learn more about our Summer Program here:

For questions from anyone who is interested, please feel free to email us at summer@nycfirst.org
Click here for more info on NYC First STEM Center which will be moving from current temporary location at 544 Main Street to the Cornell Tech campus in September.

Also, NYC First is:
... seeking Mentors to offer guidance to our students during open hours at the Roosevelt Island location. We are specifically looking volunteers who can offer 1-3 hours of their time each week and are regularly available one day a week (Tuesday - Friday) between 4pm and 7pm.

Responsibilities would include helping to monitor the space while offering your skills to help students with personal projects.
Mr. Zygman described the Roosevelt Island NYC First Stem Center during an Open House last January.



Check out NYC First Summer STEM program here.

Here's more on the



First STEM program.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Scenes From Saturday's Roosevelt Island Day - Flower Plantings, Rides, Games, Petting Zoo, Blood Drive, Bike Tune Up, Politcos, Concert And Lots Of Family Fun Festivities

It was a beautiful sunny Roosevelt Island Day Celebration


of flower plantings,


Rides,


Games


animal petting zoo


Bicycle Tune Up


and Blood Drive


Local elected politicians Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and State Senator Jose Serrano,
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney


and her Democratic Primary opponent Suraj Patel


chatted with Roosevelt Island residents as did local Democratic club seeking ballot petition signatures.
Here are more pictures from the June 16 Roosevelt Island Day (Click full screen icon at bottom right for better view)



and a tour of the Good Shepherd Plaza festivites.



Also, evening concert with Funktion - I Wanna Dance With Somebody.



One Roosevelt Island family celebrates their last Roosevelt Island Day.
The Roosevelt Island Garden Club has more.