Saturday, September 19, 2020

Roosevelt Island Haki Compost Collective Saturday Food Scrap Site Diverts 1070 Pounds Away From Landfill For Composting By Big Reuse Today - Bring Your Food Scraps Next Saturday

Today's Roosevelt Island Saturday Food Scrap Drop Off Site  collected over 1070 pounds that was diverted from landfill and taken away by Big Reuse at end of day for composting.

This was week number 2 for the return of Roosevelt Island composting after being suspended last March due to budget cuts caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. A group of local Roosevelt Island residents calling themselves the Haki Compost Collective is organizing the new Food Scrap Drop Off Site. As previously reported, according to Danika Lam of the Roosevelt Island Haki Compost Collective:

... This composting initiative is made possible by our friends at Big Reuse, RIOC, and community volunteers like you. To help ensure the continued success of this program, we encourage you to join us in the newly-created Haki Compost Collective to assist with future collection and outreach. Express your interest in volunteering by filling out our interest form at:

Follow us on Instagram @hakicompost for updates...

The Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop Off Site is located every Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM at the yellow vents 

adjacent to the Saturday Farmers Market at Good Shepherd Plaza to collect your food scraps

for composting.

More info on Roosevelt Island Food Scrap composting available at this previous post and Haki Compost Collective Instagram Page.

View this post on Instagram

It’s official! As of yesterday, Roosevelt Island’s food scrap drop-off is back, brought to you by the power of our community. As we reembark on our collective journey of responsible waste management and rejuvenation of our soils, we’re thrilled by the community’s positive response to strategizing, working, and community building with intention. We’re centering (environmental) justice for all at the heart of what we do, because we live on this beautiful planet with billions of other beautiful people, and we believe in protecting and nurturing our shared home for and alongside each other. In more ways than one, composting is for everyone. Still, it’s our duty to ensure that this service is truly accessible to everyone. We begin by acknowledging that the ground we walk upon and hope to nourish is stolen land. We choose to grapple with this past head on so we may enact a more loving and just future. In our composting, knowledge sharing, art-making, and more, we welcome all Indigenous people to build community with us. We also recognize that our own sphere of involvement and influence does not fully represent the diverse community that is Roosevelt Island. Specifically, our participation among people of color and youth populations is regrettably low. We are committed to bringing more valuable voices into our ranks, across our volunteers, collaborators, and food scrap contributors. There is work to be done, but one thing’s for sure: it’s good to be back, Roosevelt Island. ❤️

A post shared by Haki Compost Collective (@hakicompost) on

Friday, September 18, 2020

Two Guys Adrift In Small Boat On East River Rescued By NYC Ferry Boat And NYPD Next To Roosevelt Island This Afternoon

A Roosevelt Island tipster reports  this afternoon of a small boat rescued in East River next to Roosevelt Island by a NYC Ferry boat and NYPD Marine Unit. According to the Tipster:

Two guys were adrift. The ferry picked them up and tied the boat. Then the NYPL came and took the guys and the boat. Per my friend the current was swift and it took almost an hour for the ferry to get to Astoria............just another day on the river.

According to the Twitterverse

Today Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day - POW/MIA Flag Flying Below US Flag Over Main Street Roosevelt Island Thru Efforts Of Resident West Point Grad & RIOC

The third Friday in September has been designated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Have you noticed the black and white flag flying beneath the American Flag at the Roosevelt Island Blackwell Turnaround on Main Street

and wondered what it was about?

According to the National League of POW*MIA Families

... The importance of the POW/MIA flag lies in its visibility as a constant reminder of America’s UNRETURNED VETERANS. Other than "Old Glory," our POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, first displayed in this place of honor by President Ronald Reagan on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 1982. 

On March 9, 1989, an official League flag – flown over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day 1988 – was installed in the US Capitol Rotunda after legislation passed overwhelmingly during the 100th Congress. In a demonstration of further bipartisan Congressional support, the leadership of both Houses hosted the installation ceremony, at which Ann Mills-Griffiths, then League Executive Director, now Chairman of the Board/CEO, delivered remarks representing the POW/MIA families. 

The League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever displayed in the US Capitol Rotunda where it stands as a powerful symbol of America’s determination to account for US personnel still missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War. On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed bipartisan legislation and President George H.W. Bush signed PL 101-355, recognizing our POW/MIA flag and designating it “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation”. 

On November 7, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed PL 116-67, amending Title 36, Section 2 (Days on Which the POW/MIA Flag is Displayed on Certain Federal Property), and Subsection 902(c) (Days for Flag Display). For the purposes of these sections, POW/MIA flag display days are all days on which the flag of the United States is displayed.... 

As reported in September 2017:

How did the POW/MIA Flag get raised on Roosevelt Island? It was on the initiative of Roosevelt Island resident Ross Wollen with the assistance of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal and Director of Transportation Cy Opperman.

Mr. Wollen, a resident of Rivercross for almost 40 years, graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point NY in 1965. Over the years Mr. Wollen has hosted West Point Cadets and his Classmates on Roosevelt Island as they visit NYC for various events and reunions.

Among his frequent guests is Robert Jones, a West Point Classmate and good friend who joined the US Air Force as a Fighter Pilot upon graduation, and like almost all of the members of the 1965 Class spent time in the Viet Nam War several years after leaving the Academy. Mr. Jones was shot down over North Viet Nam close to his final mission, severely injured, captured and spent over five years in captivity, as a POW at various prison camps including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. There he was quartered, when not in solitary confinement or being privately tortured, with the Navy pilot, now Senator, John McCain.

Mr. Wollen wished to recognize and honor the service of his friend and West Point classmate, Robert Jones.
According to Mr. Wollen:

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend, E Replaces F Train For Service To And From Manhattan - 20 Tram Passenger Social Distancing Limit Enforced, Ferry Route Extended To UES And Citibike Too - Wear Your Masks To Travel Safely For You And Others, $50 Fine If No Mask Says MTA, What About Tram, RIOC?

According to the MTA

... ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS Sep 18 - 21 • Sep 25 - 28 • Oct 2 - 5, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 1 AM F Trains are replaced by the E between 21 St-Queensbridge and Delancey St/Essex St... ... Travel Alternatives: E replaces F at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63, 57 St, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 34 St-Herald Sq, 23, 14, B'way-Lafayette Sts, 2 Av, Delancey St....

There is a Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin 20 passenger Covid-19 Social Distancing limit. No answer from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) if they will follow the MTA and issue $50 fines for riders refusing to wear a mask.


 Here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule which now extends to East 90th street on the Upper East Side.

 Also, Roosevelt Island has a new transportation option with the recent addition of Citbike docking stations.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket September 18 - 24 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons, Nutritional Tips & Social Media Facebook And Instagram Too

 

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket 


invites you to check out their September 18 - September 24 Weekly 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  

and Instagram too.

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Roosevelt Island Community Volunteers Organize Weekly Friday RIDA Food Pantry For Neighbors Feeding Up To 200 Families - Delicious Dishes Prepared With Food Pantry Items

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh reports; 

RIDA will be having our weekly Friday Roosevelt Island Free Food Panty tomorrow, September 18 at the Carter Burden RI Senior Center (546 Main Street) 4 - 6:30 pm. We'll have lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and non-perishable items.

If you are in need of food, please feel free to come on Friday. Everyone who needs is welcome. You MUST wear a mask, bring ID and your own bag or cart. Line starts at 546 entrance way.

Last Friday, Roosevelt Island resident and NYC Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer Frank Farance gave a tour of the Food Pantry operation and explained the logistics involved in organizing the weekly food pantry.

 

After the tour, I spoke with RIDA President Wendy Hersh, the main organizer of the Roosevelt Island Food Pantry. Ms Hersh reported the Food Pantry serving as many as 200 families and described the Roosevelt Island Food Pantry volunteers as:

... just neighbors who want to help. Mostly old timers who have been here for a while. This is what community is all about...

 

Ms Hersh was very appreciative  and thankful for the assistance offered to the Roosevelt Island Food Pantry by: 

and shares these pictures of dishes prepared with food from the Roosevelt Island Food Pantry.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Schedule, Socially Distanced High Holidays Services With Meaning And Melody - Shofar Blowing Sunday September 20 At Eleanor's Pier

The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island invite you to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur High Holiday Services:

Socially Distanced High Holiday Services with Meaning And Melody.

No Affiliation Necessary/Traditional and Inspirational Services/

Warm and Friendly Atmosphere/Special Children's Program/

Masks required/ Indoor and Outdoor space available

Location Roosevelt Island Cultural Center, 548 Main Street use the red stairs behind Pup Culture
Below is the Chabad of Roosevelt Island Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services schedule including the Shofar blowing 5 pm Sunday, September 20 at Eleanor's Pier.


For more info, email nechama@RIJewish.org or visit the Chabad of Roosevelt Island web site.

Nechama Duchman adds:
If anyone needs anything specific to enhance their High Holiday celebrations, feel free to contact us.
Shana Tovah!

New Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Looks Almost Ready To Open, But When Exactly Will That Happen - Resident Asks For Temporary Grab And Go Book Service At Current Library

When will the new Roosevelt Island NY Public Library finally open is a question often asked by residents

Plans for the new Roosevelt Island branch library on the first floor at 504 Main Street were first announced way back in July 2012 but construction did not start until October 2018. At that time, residents were told to expect substantial completion of the new library by December 2019. As we know, that has not happened due to a variety of delays and then the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown.

Last week, I asked a NY Public Library spokesperson:

It looks like Roosevelt Island Library is almost done.

Any status update on when it may open?

The spokesperson replied;
The Roosevelt Island Library renovation continues to move forward. At this time, the Library is also assessing the current branch reopenings and we haven't confirmed future openings as yet. But I will keep you posted on any updates!
Roosevelt Island resident Matt Katz made this request to the NYPL:
As we Roosevelt Islanders await the completion and opening of our new branch facility, our old, store-front branch remains empty. Some branches have been reopened for grab-and-go service but not ours. I would remind you that Roosevelt Island has a large disabled and senior population (including me) that is disinclined to use public transportation off the Island but desperately needs library services. Our tiny branch will be replaced by a new, spacious, modern facility but, in the meantime, it is the perfect size for folks to pick up books they have ordered on-line. Won't you consider making this temporary service available to my 14,000 neighbors until the day we celebrate the grand opening of our new Main Street branch?
A library spokesperson replied:
Thank you for contacting us about the reopening of the Roosevelt Island branch. As you may know, the Library is implementing a cautious and phased approach to reopenings in an effort to protect the safety and health of patrons and staff. The Roosevelt Island Library is in a unique situation in that staff are also currently working towards the completion of the renovation of its new branch, which we expect to reopen in a couple of months. In preparation for the reopening of the new Library and considering the precautions needed to safeguard the community against COVID-19, the Library is taking extremely measured steps and as a result we're not able to confirm the branch's immediate reopening at this time. I understand that this is a difficult response to a very important question. But, please know we understand that Roosevelt Island Library patrons are greatly anticipating its reopening and staff are also eager to return to the Library and serve the community.
Resident Judy Berdy shares these photos of inside the new, not yet open,


Roosevelt Island NYPL branch.


Below is NYPL January 2016 presentation on the new Roosevelt Island branch library

Roosevelt Island Library - FINAL Presentation 1/2016



and video of the presentation.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Roosevelt Island Residents Get No Relief For Years Of Very Loud Noise Pollution Coming From Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant Across East River In Long Island City - Can Anybody Help?

A Roosevelt Island resident asked today:

Did anyone else hear the loud, continuous rushing noise several days ago which seemed to be coming from the off island power plant? We assumed it was coal or some other solid material running through the outside conveyor belt, perhaps into a large cargo ship. It was very loud however and lasted on and off for hours.
Others did hear the noise. The Twitterverse recorded the noise coming from the Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant


last Saturday evening.




The loud noise from the Ravenswood Power Plant has been bothering Roosevelt Island residents on and off for yearsIn July 2019, former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal thought the problem was solved:
... Several people have investigated the noise complaint and the power station believes the noise is coming from a faulty compressor that is scheduled to be repaired by the end of this week. Good news!...
and also in 2019 a Ravenswood spokesperson added:
... As best as we can tell, the noise came from a vacuum truck, which can be noisy. This is not frequent, but we have now advised the contractor that this work should only be performed during daylight hours going forward.

This specific information is very helpful for us to fix these situations. We appreciate the opportunity to address them....
But it was not solved and the noise pollution from Power Plant has been going on since at least 2011.

The Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant across the East River from Roosevelt Island is owned by LS Power, having purchased the 1.1 million square foot Long Island City facility in 2017 from TransCanada for $167 million according to The Real Deal.

Meet Jax Schott, Roosevelt Island Resident And Island Om Yoga Studio Owner Opening This Winter - Teaching Outdoor Yoga Classes Now

In March 2019, Roosevelt Island Main Street Retail Master leaseholder Hudson Related announced that local resident Jax Shott signed a lease to open Island Om, a 1,975 square foot Yoga Studio and Wellness Center, in the Rivercross building at 521 Main Street. Island Om hoped to open in Fall 2019 but there were delays and then the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown causing more delays.

In the meantime, Ms Shott has been teaching Yoga Classes outdoors at various Roosevelt Island locations.



Sanskrit Saturday! Utkatasana - Thunderbolt Pose,” or “Powerful Pose.” Its Sanskrit name comes from the words “utkata” (meaning “powerful” or “fierce”) and “asana” (meaning “pose”). We had a beautiful turnout with the @rivercrossnyc community, who showed up once again, strong & fierce for a special Yoga class on the River. As yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, we were reminded that even though we are once again in unprecedented times, we can rise from the darkness and shine our light when surrounded by community. @mstda_ri had little ballerinas & Capoiera adjacent from us, and all I kept thinking of is how alive the Island is, on multi levels, multi generations, we represent strength, community, and light thru these uncertain times! #utkatasana #sanskritsaturday #fiercecommunity #yogaeverydamnday #yogaflow #yogaglow #keeponmoving #mstdakeepsmoving #outdoorclasses #socialdistancing #nystrong #yogastrong #yogapractice #yogaposes #yogateacher #rooseveltislandlove @rooseveltislandlove @rooseveltislander @roosevelt_island_fan_page
A post shared by Island Om (@island.om) on

Last Saturday I spoke with Jax Shott after she finished a class on the Rivercross Lawn.  Ms. Shott describes her outdoor Yoga classes and new indoor Yoga Studio & Wellness Center opening this winter in Rivercross building.



More info at Island Om Facebook and Instagram Page or  info@islandom.nyc.com

Monday, September 14, 2020

RIOC Board Meeting Today September 14, Presentation Of Proposed Budget For 2021-22 Fiscal Year Main Item On Agenda - Spending Down, Revenue Down, Staff Reductions, Increased Expenses To Pay For Roosevelt Island Youth Center Services And Personnel

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM today, September 14, via video conference. You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

The meeting was postponed from September 10.

The main item on the Agenda is presentation of the of Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2021-22:

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 MEETING OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS VIDEOCONFERENCE1

5:30 P.M.

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes
1. July 2, 2020 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
2. August 5, 2020 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

V. New Business
1. Presentation of Proposed Budget FY 2021-22
2. Acting President’s Report
3. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
4. Public Safety Report

VI. Adjournment
Click here to review the RIOC's Proposed Budget.

According to the Proposed Budget (Page 1-4):