Saturday, June 6, 2020

It's A Saturday Night - Take A Slow Geopolitical Blues Trip Through The History Of Downfall And Scandal With New Music Video Old News From Roosevelt Island Resident Chris "Moose" Rohifs

We met Roosevelt Island resident and musician Chris "Moose" Rohifs

 Image From Music By Moose

last April when he debuted his Emergency Contact music video.

Moose has a new album, "As Advertised". According to Moose:
I just released a new music video that I think would be a great start to a home school history lesson.

Count ten seconds and find out you're old news. A word of warning in the form of a slow geopolitical blues trip through the history of downfall and scandal as presented in radio and TV journalism. Features double bass, electric keyboard, slide guitar, and a montage of historical audio and video news clips.

Also, my full video EP album "As Advertised" is out now -- a mix of funny & romantic songs together with video montages of animals, robots, rom-coms, spy cartoons, the works:
Here's "Old News" video from the As Advertised album.



Check out more Music By Moose at his web site.

Friday, June 5, 2020

Exclusive First Look At Hudson Related Riverwalk Park Affordable Housing Building For Roosevelt Island Residents June 6, Register For Virtual Event Now - 300 Roosevelt Island Resident Applications So Far, 50 Thousand Total

As reported May 7:

The lottery application for Roosevelt Island's new affordable housing building developed by Hudson Related  at 460 Main Street, known as Riverwalk Park,...
is currently open thru July 6.

According to Riverwalk Park Developer Hudson Related:
Exclusive First-look at Riverwalk Park

Related & Hudson Companies would like to invite residents of Roosevelt Island to an exclusive first-look at Riverwalk Park on June 6th at 12 pm. Riverwalk Park will be 100% affordable for individuals and families that earn between 40-165% of the Area Median Income. Fifty percent of the units are reserved for current residents of Manhattan Community Board 8.

We’ll talk timing, the application process, and we’ll detail exactly how we calculate your income and assets for this program. More than anything we wanted an opportunity to talk to you. Please don’t forget to RSVP.

Register in advance for this meeting:

Roosevelt Island Community Event Registration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

To learn more about applying please visit https://www.liveriverwalkpark.com

As previously reported:
Riverwalk Park will have 313 affordable units including apartments ranging in size and price of:
  • Studios $506 - $1,961
  • 1 Bedroom,$648 - $2,468
  • 2 Bedroom &$791 - $2,974
  • 3 Bedroom $909 - $3,432
and:

Roosevelt Island Dogs And Their Families Invited To An Afternoon Of Socially Distance Fun And Treats At The Tram Kiosk Saturday June 6

Roosevelt Island Historical Society(RIHS) President Judy Berdy invites local dogs and their families to an afternoon of fun and treats at the Visitors Center Kiosk on Saturday June 6. According to Ms Berdy:

DOG FUN ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON JUNE 6th
BRING YOUR DOG TO THE KIOSK
TRAM PLAZA 1-4 P.M.
DOG TREATS
GOODIES
FUN MERCHANDISE
THE DOGS NEED A SOCIALLY DISTANCING FUN EVENT

MAGE COURTESY OF MARC TETRO (C)

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend - Tram Cabin Limited To 13 Passengers To Ensure Social Distancing - Wear Mask On Tram, Red Bus & All Public Transportation, Stay Home Unless You're Providing An Essential Service Or An Emergency During Coronavirus Pandemic

According to the MTA:

ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS Jun 5 - 8, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 1 AM (No subway service overnight between 1 AM and 5 AM) Jamaica-bound F trains are rerouted via the E after 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av

No Jamaica-bound F service at 57 St, Lexington Av/63 St, Roosevelt Island and 21 St-Queensbridge


Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket June 5 - June 11 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons & Social Media Facebook And Instagram Too


The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket


invites you to check out their June 5 - June 11 Flyer for  Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.



Click here to visit the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket web site for online shopping, delivery options, digital coupons, weekly flyer and more.


Follow Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket on Facebook



Thursday, June 4, 2020

Update To Roosevelt Island March For Justice Night To Remember - Watch Organizers Dialogue With NYPD 114 Precinct Deputy Inspector Nunes, Protest March To Good Shepherd Plaza And Passionate Speech About Reasons For March And Black Lives Matter

Reported yesterday on last evening's Roosevelt Island March For Justice organized by residents Thalia St Hubert, Zoe Lopez, Eneaqua Lewis and Dimaura Cole.

An update with more scenes from the inspiring Roosevelt Island March For Justice.


Prior to the start of the Roosevelt Island March For Justice, organizers met with NYPD 114 Precinct Deputy Inspector Osvaldo Nunes to establish a dialogue for the March.

Then the march began



and continued on Main Street to Good Shepherd Plaza where Eneaqua Lewis was one of several residents who spoke passionately about the reasons for the March and Black Lives Matter. According to Ms Lewis, a 38 year resident of Roosevelt Island:
... When i see that video I see my brother with a cop on his neck. I see my son who is 12 years old laying on the floor with a knee on his neck. I see my brother's friends and see my cousins. I see my neighbors. How many more times do I got to see it? Why is it OK? Guess what Roosevelt Island, you're not off the hook. There's racism here too.....


Yesterday posted video of equally passionate speech by Roosevelt Island March For Justice organizer Thalia St Herbert.

Stay tuned for more videos of what happened.

Here's some more views of the Roosevelt Island March For Justice.

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

A Night To Remember - Roosevelt Island March For Justice Was Inspiring, Young Local Organizers Did A Fantastic Job, Very Proud Of Them

Just got back from the Roosevelt Island March for Justice.

Will have much more over the next few days, but here's a quick look.





Stay tuned for video of the whole event.

Great job by our Roosevelt Island young people.

UPDATE 9:05 - Here's absolutely wonderful speech by one of the Roosevelt Island March For Justice organizers, Thalia St Hubert.

Roosevelt Island March For Justice 6:30 PM Tonight, Hoping For A Safe And Peaceful March - Some Main Street Windows Boarded Up And Separate Anti RIOC Protest Planned For After 8 PM Curfew Too

As reported yesterday, the Roosevelt Island March For Justice is taking place this evening:

MY ROOSEVELT ISLAND PEOPLE!! We have been organizing a March for Justice in light of the ongoing police brutality and injustices taking place across the country. We’re calling our community to come together this Wednesday, June 3rd to honor the POC who’ve lost their lives at the hands of an unjust system. We will gather at Cornell Tech and march to the church for a vigilance. There will be a time for people to speak about their experiences and thoughts related to what’s been going on. If you would like to speak feel free to reach out or just prepare something. Please bring posters, artwork, candles or flashlights, flowers or anything else. Photographers and videographers are welcome to document. This march is meant to be PEACEFUL, but is a way for us to come together in solidarity and fight for our black brothers and sisters.”

Hope to see you all there!
I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) about any safety precautions being taken for the March.

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:
Our citizens have a constitutional right to protest peacefully and safely. Governor Andrew Cuomo has reminded New Yorkers participating in protests to take proper health precautions and wear face coverings while we continue to fight the COVID-19 virus. The RIOC Public Safety department is working closely with the NYPD to monitor and ensure a safe demonstration on the island.
As of this afternoon, RIOC had not advised Roosevelt Island Main Street shopkeepers and building managers on any safety precautions to take.

Amalgamted Bank,

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

RIRA President Calls For Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Recovery New Beginning - "Social Respect Imposes That Our Individual Freedom Be Willingly And Partially Infringed To Protect All Other New Yorkers Health And Our Common Interest For Our Well Being And Economic Recovery" He Says

According to Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David Lawson (submitted May 27):

My Fellow Roosevelt Islanders,

It is now been over three months since America shutdown to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 5.5 million people have been infected worldwide, and 350,000 have died. The epicenter, America accounts for a third of these infections and some 100,000 deaths. A third of all US infections and deaths are in the two most affected States, New York and New Jersey. The combined health, human, economic and social impacts of COVID-19 have been devastating, and felt harder in countries with limited safety nets, including the US. With countless bankruptcies of small and big businesses, already 38 million are out of job as unemployment could reach 20%. Poverty and food insecurity are raising, as the 2020 GDP prospects could go down double-digit. Congress has passed unprecedented bills of over US$6 trillion for the national emergency response to support the American people and the economy. The US Federal Reserve Bank and Treasury Department are taking aggressive actions to reduce financial stresses and support credit flows to mitigate the impact from long-lasting economic losses.

In New York, the health indicators are improving. It seems that the emergency phase of the epidemic here is seriously receding. As we continue to be grateful to and support our heroic front-liners for helping and saving thousands of souls, we are in grief and we mourn the loss of so many people everywhere, our fellow New Yorkers and Roosevelt islanders. According to the NYC Health Department, 229 Roosevelt islanders have been infected and 32 deaths are deplored. We express our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We will cherish their memory, and when this is over, we will properly honor them.

New Yorkers have valiantly resisted, and so have Roosevelt Islanders. NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo’s words are encouraging, but the pandemic is far from over. Some 100 fellow New Yorkers are still dying of COVID-19 and over 1,000 new cases are registered daily in New York State, including on Roosevelt Island. And other parts of the country are experiencing sharp increases in number of cases and deaths. Let us remember that the nice Summer days ahead are no sign of an early end to COVID-19. We must continue face covering in public and physical distancing at all time.

Roosevelt Island Peaceful March For Justice Planned For Wednesday Evening Beginning At Cornell Tech To Good Shepherd Plaza - Be Sure To Wear Your Masks And Take Safety Precautions, We Are Still In A Pandemic Organizers Say

Was asked yesterday about any vigils for the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officers planned for Roosevelt Island.





Today, Cornell Tech Dean Greg Morrisett confirmed one scheduled to begin at Cornell Tech tomorrow evening.

Here's a flyer

Monday, June 1, 2020

NYC Curfew Tonight Ordered by Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio


According to Press Release from NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio today announced a citywide curfew in New York City will take effect beginning at 11 PM tonight and will be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow morning.

The Governor and the Mayor also announced that the New York City Police Department will double its police presence to help prevent violence and property damage. The additional officers will be deployed to areas where violence and property damage occurred during last night's protests - specifically in lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.

The Governor and the Mayor also reminded New Yorkers participating in protests to take proper health precautions and wear face coverings while we continue to fight the COVID-19 virus.

"I stand behind the protestors and their message, but unfortunately there are people who are looking to distract and discredit this moment," Governor Cuomo said. "The violence and the looting has been bad for the city, the state and this entire national movement, undermining and distracting from this righteous cause. While we encourage people to protest peacefully and make their voices heard, the safety of the general public is paramount and cannot be compromised. Tonight the Mayor and I are implementing a citywide curfew starting at 11 PM and doubling the NYPD presence across the city."

"I support and protect peaceful protest in this city. The demonstrations we've seen have been generally peaceful. We can't let violence undermine the message of this moment. It is too important and the message must be heard. Tonight, to protect against violence and property damage, the Governor and I have decided to implement a citywide curfew," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "The Police Commissioner and I have spoken at length about the incidents we've all seen in recent days where officers didn't uphold the values of this city or the NYPD. We agree on the need for swift action. He will speak later today on how officers will be held accountable."

UPDATE 6/2 - Mayor de Blasio announces curfew is from 8 pm to 5 am thru Sunday June 7.

Roosevelt Island Resident And PSD Sergeant Profiled In NY Post Article On Dating During Coronavirus Pandemic - The Sparks Fly


According to the NY Post:
On MandaLeigh Blunt and Jeff Laszczych’s third date, they donned masks, joined gloved hands — and drove to an antibody testing site.

Blunt, a 32-year-old realtor, says she was “chronically single” before the pandemic. But in February, she plucked up the courage to ask a mutual friend to set her up with Laszczych. She’d seen her 36-year-old crush around Roosevelt Island, where she lives and where Laszczych works as a sergeant in the public safety department.

The two went on as many dates — a dinner in Brooklyn and lunch at her apartment — before the coronavirus crisis rocked the fledgling relationship. “Two days later, he spiked a fever of 104,” she says. Laszczych, who had trouble breathing, was admitted to the hospital for six days. Blunt was worried, but didn’t want to come on too strong.

“It was a lot of freaking out if I didn’t hear from him, wondering if he was OK, and thinking, ‘Wait, I don’t even know this guy, he could be ghosting me,’ ” says Blunt. Eventually, Laszczych, who recovered from COVID-19 in his Greenpoint apartment, began to feel better, and the duo continued to bond from a distance. Three weeks after Laszczych’s release from the hospital, the couple went to CityMD to get tested for novel coronavirus antibodies together....
Read the full NY Post article here.

Do You Have Questions About Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Reopening, Submit Your Written Questions To RIOC Board Operations Committee Prior To June 2 Meeting - They May Or May Not Be Addressed Adds RIOC

Reported last Friday:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors Operations Advisory Committee will meet next Tuesday, June 2, to discuss the Roosevelt Island Coronavirus reopening plan as well as active construction projects. The meeting will be conducted via videoconference and open to the public.

I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and the RIOC Directors:
Will the public be able to participate during the upcoming RIOC Board Committee meeting videoconferences as they do during in person meetingns?
RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:
Public comments are not part of the agenda for either committee meeting. The public can always submit their comments for full board meetings on our website. http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43
RIOC changed it's tune today about public participation in the committee meeting, announcing:
  • The Real Estate Development Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 4:30 PM.
  • The Operations Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:30 PM.
  • The RIOC Board of Directors will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 5:30 PM.
To watch the meetings from your computer or mobile device, please visit https://live.divacommunications.com/rioc-live/

To submit remarks to be read into the record of the RIOC Board Meeting, please visit: http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43

NOTE: Although there is no public comment period on the agendas of the June 2 committee meetings, the public is invited to submit questions if they wish. The questions may or may not be addressed by the committee chairs. Questions may be submitted by clicking here: http://rioc.ny.gov/FormCenter/Meetings-4/Speakup-43
I'd like to know about opening the ball fields for socially distant recreation,


plans for Roosevelt Island Tram usage,