Traffic Accident Closes Roosevelt Island Bridge In Both Directions Earlier This Morning For Two Hours

View Larger Map

Received this advisory today from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) at 6:20 AM.

Due to an earlier traffic accident (approximately 4:30AM) between two vehicles on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Traffic is currently halted for both incoming and outgoing traffic until salvage tow truck can remove vehicles. NYPD and PSD Personnel on scene.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

followed by this advisory update at 6:57 AM:

Both Vehicles involved in earlier accident have been removed from bridge. Traffic is now moving on and off bridge.

Earlier this month, a disabled truck on the Motorgate Ramp stopped vehicles getting on or off Roosevelt Island.

Music Of The French Baroque Presented Tonight By The Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series On Roosevelt Island - Come Hear Music of Rameau, Leclair & Mondonville On A Rainy Night

Image From R&R Concerts

Received this message from the folks who put on the Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series on Roosevelt Island, R&R Concerts:

Music of the French Baroque

Ralph Allen, violin
Iris Jortner, cello
Robert Wolinsky, harpsichord

Good Shepherd Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY

8:00 PM

Music of
Rameau • Leclair • Mondonville

Admission is FREE

More on the R&R Concert Series from previous posts. and a brief sample of French Baroque from Rameau.



If you have not been to a R&R Classical Music Concert before and are looking to stay closer to home on a rainy Roosevelt Island night, give it a try.

There's also the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Cole Porter Musical and Unorthodox Book Reading at Gallery RIVAA today as well.

No Manhattan Bound F Train Subway Service From Roosevelt Island This Weekend 12:01 AM Saturday To 5 AM Monday - RIOC Extends Tram And Red Bus Service

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

NO MANHATTAN BOUND TRAIN SERVICE at the ROOSEVELT ISLAND STATION 12:01 AM SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST to

5:00 AM MONDAY, APRIL 2ND

RIOC will provide extended Tram and Red Bus Service until 5 am.

For additional information on the F-Line diversions or to check for updated information, visit the MTA website at mta.info or call 511.

For more information on the Red Bus and Tram, visit our website at www.rioc.ny.gov.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More info available at MTA's Weekender.

What's The Latest On Roosevelt Island Mobile Food Trucks? RIOC Still Working Out Details - I Hope To See Awesome Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Here Soon!!!!!

You Tube Video of Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream

What's the latest on Roosevelt Island Mobile Food Trucks? After being approved during the March 21 Operations Committee meeting for up to 3 food truck locations on the West Channel Road near the subway station, when will they be able to serve hungry Roosevelt Island residents looking for some variety in their take-out food options? Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez:

Can you provide an update regarding the permitting process for Mobile Food Trucks on the West Channel Road north of the subway that was agreed to at the last Operations Committee meeting?

Are the permits now available and if not, when will they be available?

Have not received an answer yet from Mr. Martinez but Roosevelt Island resident Mark Lyon reports:

RIOC called me. I actually asked about whether I could buy a permit and allow pre-approved vendors to operate under it for one month, to drive interest in serving the island.

In a very friendly call, the staff member indicated that they lack adequate guidance to issue permits now, are seeking clarification and will reach out to those who have contacted them as soon as possible.

I've communicated with several trucks and they seem to be interested in getting the permits. All have contacted RIOC and are waiting on a response.

The Long Island City Partnership reports that our Queens neighbors across the East River will soon have Mobile Food Trucks returning to their area:

Beginning Monday, April 2, food trucks will be coming back to the lot on Crescent Street. It is expected that some of last year’s favorites including Rickshaw Dumplings, Eddie’s Pizza, and Coolhaus will be back to serve LIC’s hungry lunch crowd.

I've had the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream at both their Greenpoint store and food truck. It is awesome. Hope they make it here to Roosevelt Island soon!!!!

RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Monday To Discuss Roosevelt Island Kayaking And Rowing Proposal - Will They Also Discuss Obligation Of RIOC Directors To Disclose Relationships With Permit Applicants - Does It Matter?

You Tube Video of March 21 RIOC NY Rowing Association Presentation

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA

1. Review Leasing/Licensing Requirements under RIOC Property Disposition Guidelines.

2. Discuss Proposal for the Use of West Channel Promenade.

3. Discuss Proposal for Roosevelt Island Rowing and Kayaking Site Presented by New York Rowing Association

4. Chair�s Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss the Status of Privatization/Affordability Plan and Ground Lease Extension for Island House.
***
The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

Agenda Item #3 - the NY Rowing Association proposal for a boating facility below the Queensboro Bridge was discussed during the March 21 Operations Committee Meeting. (Video of Discussion above and audio webcast here.). The RIOC Directors present for the NY Rowing Association presentation expressed approval for the concept but also concern that they did not have adequate time to evaluate the proposal and asked to receive answers to some additional logistical questions at their next meeting.

After advocating for a Roosevelt Island boating facility for several years, I thought this was a great idea.  Unfortunately, the next day an issue arose over the possible undisclosed relationship between RIOC Director Sal Ferrera, also the Executive Director of the Child School, and the NY Rowing Association. As reported in this March 22 post:

...I sent the following inquiry to RIOC Director Sal Ferrera, President Leslie Torres, VP of Operations Fernando Martinez and the other resident RIOC Board Directors:

I am preparing a post on the March 21 NY Rowing Association presentation at RIOC OPS meeting.  The NY Rowing Association web site indicates that Sal Ferrera is a member of their Board of Trustees. Click here for info. Is that true?

If so, was that ever disclosed to RIOC Staff or Directors. I don't recall that it was mentioned during the meeting?

Is Sal being a member of the organization's Board of Trustees relevant to RIOC whether or not to approve the NY Rowing Association permit/license/lease?

Please let me know if anyone wishes to comment for Roosevelt Islander Online.

Thank you.

RIOC Director Sal Ferrera responds:

In response to your email, I am a member of the NYRA board and Vince Paparo is a member of The Child School board.

The Rowing association has been a wonderful addition to our co curricular program, when they wanted to relocate to RI , I felt the community and the Child School will benefit. Issuing a one year provisional permit will allow our board to evaluate the program.

I remained silent during the presentation and discussion and did not try to curry favor. Our Operations committee did a fine job in asking relevant questions

UPDATE 11:15 PM - Received the following response from RIOC's spokesperson:

The discussion and presentation about a potential rowing launch site under the Ed Koch bridge was at an Operations subcommittee meeting and Sal is not on that subcommittee.

Additionally, if any Board vote is taken concerning the NYRA, Sal intends to recuse himself from voting on the issue.

So far, no response from RIOC on whether Mr. Ferrera disclosed his relationship with NY Rowing Association to RIOC Staff or Directors prior to the Operations Committee meeting....

On March 23 I sent the following reply to RIOC's Press Spokesperson and RIOC Directors:

Thanks for the response but will RIOC answer the question whether RIOC staff and/or directors were aware that RIOC Director Sal Fererra was a Trustee of the NY Rowing Association and that the NY Rowing Association official making the presentation at Operations Committee is a member of the Child School Board of Directors?

On March 26 I sent this follow up to Ms. Torres, Mr. Martinez and the RIOC Directors:

I am following up on inquiry from last Friday (message thread below) regarding whether RIOC Directors and Staff had prior knowledge before the March 21 Operations Committee meeting that RIOC Director Sal Fererra was a Trustee of the NY Rowing Association and that the NY Rowing Association official making the Boating/Kayaking presentation at March 21 Operations Committee is a member of the Child School Board of Directors? Can you confirm whether RIOC Directors and Staff had such knowledge? Is such information relevant to the RIOC Board and staff?

Also was the RIOC Board and Staff made aware of the circumstances regarding the NY Rowing Association leaving their former site at the Peter Sharp Boat House on the Harlem River. There appear to be some dispute regarding the termination of NY Rowing Association management agreement with the Peter Sharp Boathouse which led to litigation between the parties before the expiration of their agreement.

Here is link to February 23, 2012 NY State Appellate Division decision on matter.

Please let me know if you wish to comment for Roosevelt Islander Online.

To date have not received any further response. The question remains whether Mr. Fererra disclosed his relationship with the NY Rowing Association to the other RIOC Board members or  RIOC Staff and if he disclosed the circumstances of the NY Rowing Association's dispute with the Peter Sharp Boathouse. If he did not, the question then becomes is that relevant?

Perhaps the NY State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) Model Code of Ethics provides some guidance?

Glenn Beck TV Visits Roosevelt Island - Tells Our History And Has A Very Cool Time

You Tube Video of GBTV Liberty Treehouse - History Of Roosevelt Island

They got it right. It's not the Renwick Ruins but the Smallpox Hospital.

Want To Play Some Little League Baseball This Year? Roosevelt Island Boys and Girls Baseball Evaluation Day Saturday March 31 At Capobianco Field

You Tube Video of John Fogarty's Centerfield

Are you a Roosevelt Island kid that can play centerfield or any other position on the baseball diamond. How about you just want to have some fun playing baseball? Then, this is for you.

Image From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Received the following information from the Roosevelt Island Youth Center and PS/IS 217 Beacon Program: 

Mandatory Evaluations for All Roosevelt Island Little League players is Saturday, March 31 at Tony Capobianco field.

Boys and Girls who will be 11, 12 or 13 years old as of May 1, 2012 should arrive at 10am

Boys and Girls who will be 8, 9 or 10 years old as of May 1, 2012 should arrive at noon.

Boys and Girls in Tee League do not participate in Evaluation Day

Please bring gloves and sneakers or cleats and be ready to do some baseball drills.

This exercise is only for the purpose of aligning our teams in the most balanced and fair way. All kids will get placed on a team. Last year, no team won all their games and nobody went winless.

If you cannot make the evaluation day, you must still fill out a registration form and you must call the Beacon Program office to let them know you will not be at the evaluations, but you still want to be placed on a team. The number is 1-212-935-3646.

Our season begins on April 14.

and:

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Inc Baseball Registration 2012

It’s Time for Baseball and We Want You to join us again.  We are sorry, but due to Insurance Issues and Little League rules your child must be 6 before May 2nd, 2012 and cannot turn 16 before May 2nd 2012 to be able to play.

We will have 3 Divisions, Tee Ball, Minors, Majors and we hope to have at least one senior team (14-16years of age) this year, but the number of teams will depend on registration (registration closes Saturday March 31st 2012) and the Number of Volunteers we have for the Season.

We need Parents and Family members to volunteer to Coach or Manage at every level, we need your help to continue this very successful program (30th Season) for the Roosevelt Islands Youth. It is impossible to continue this program without your help, so please call Mr. Charles DeFino at 1-212-935-3646 between 9AM to 9PM, Monday to Friday and volunteer to help your children.

Play Ball!!!!!

Roosevelt Island Little League Team Warming Up In 2010

This Weekend At Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA - Deborah Feldman Reading From Her Best Selling Memoir Unorthodox On Saturday and Jazz Salon On Sunday

Here's what's coming up this weekend at Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA. From Gallery RIVAA:

Deborah Feldman, author of the New York Times best-selling memoir Unorthodox, will be reading at Gallery RIVAA.

Reading and book signing, Saturday, March 31st, 5pm.

Image From Gallery RIVAA

More on Unorthodox from this CNN interview with Deborah Feldman.



The interview continues here.

There's even more from Gallery RIVAA this weekend:

RIVAA Jazz Salon

Come and dance to some classic Jazz tunes!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

4-7pm

Image From Gallery RIVAA

A couple of interesting programs at Gallery RIVAA this weekend. Come listen to Ms. Feldman's book reading, dance a little jazz, enjoy the art, time with your friends and meet some of your neighbors you don't currently know.

Silicon Island Coalition Organizational Meeting on Cornell Technion NYC Applied Sciences and Engineering School Tonight 7:30 PM At Westview- Come Help The Next Roosevelt Island Perry Chen and Kickstarter

Image of Proposed Roosevelt Island Cornell Campus From You Tube

As previously reported:

...Work is progressing on developing the Silicon Island Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for Roosevelt Island organizations with Cornell Technion....

and:

Come out to hear what a community benefit agreement is and what you can do to help be a part of it. If you represent an organization, come and see what your organization can do to help.

Roosevelt Island resident Jonathan Kalkin is one of the CBA organizers. Mr. Kalkin tweets earlier today:

Come attend and RSVP for our next Coalition Meeting tonight at 7:30PM Westview http://www.siliconisld.com/calendar

The purpose behind the Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Applied Sciences and Engineering School is to develop and spin off new high tech businesses. Did you know that one of the most exciting new businesses created recently was founded by a young man who grew up on Roosevelt Island?  His name is Perry Chen and he co-founded a business called Kickstarter.  Mr. Chen's Tumblr page states:

I grew up on Roosevelt Island, a psuedo- socialist hamlet smack in the center of New York City.

and:

I took daily rides on the Roosevelt Island Tramway into Manhattan to attend Hunter, where I was repeatedly suspended for marginal idiocy.

Mr. Chen explains Kickstarter's innovative platform to fund creative projects at this recent TED Conference.



There will very likely be a whole bunch more Perry Chens from Roosevelt Island in the upcoming years.

Here's video of what happened at first organizational meeting of the Silicon Island Coalition on March 14 including an introduction to the CBA concept, a review of of what has happened to date and plans for the future.

RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee Meets Yesterday To Review and Recommend Distribution Of $100,000 To Roosevelt Island Organizations - Meeting Held In Secret and Media Kicked Out

Image Of RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee Meeting Last Night

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Purpose Funds Committee met last night to review the proposals submitted by Roosevelt Island organizations seeking financial grants and make recommendations to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) as to how $100,000 in Public Purpose Funds should be allocated to the organizations making requests. As reported in January 20 post:

... The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) has been delegated by RIOC to make recommendations to the RIOC Board for the allocation of available Public Purpose Funds.  RIRA created a Public Purpose Funds Committee that will interview and evaluate the applicant organizations and then make recommendations as to how the funds get distributed to the full RIRA Common Council. Upon approval by the RIRA Common Council, the recommendations are forwarded to the RIOC Board for approval....

and:

Below are the organizations requesting Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) 2012 Public Purpose Fund Grants and the amounts sought.

Roosevelt Landings Residents Association - $ 2,800.00
Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, Inc. -  $ 10,500.00
R&R Concerts Inc. -  $ 14,400.00
Island Kids, Inc. - $ 16,000.00
Flannigan Chiropractic Offices -  $ 19,200.00
Roosevelt Island Seniors Association, Inc. - $ 20,000.00
Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates, Inc. -  $ 20,000.00
Life Frames, Inc. - $ 25,000.00
Roosevelt Island Historical Society - $ 26,000.00
Parent-Teacher Association PS IS 217M, Inc. -  $ 26,558.00
Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association, Inc. - $ 28,800.00
Roosevelt Island Day Nursery, Inc. - $ 35,000.00
Roosevelt Island Swimming, Inc. - $ 53,000.00
Total Amount Requested - $ 297,258.00

I attended several of the Public Purpose Committee meetings during the last several weeks in which Roosevelt Island organizations were interviewed about their proposals and like last year was impressed with the diligence, objectivity and hard work demonstrated by the committee members.

As I did last year, I planned to attend the Public Purpose Funds Committee Recommendation meeting and was provided the time and place for last night's meeting. Several hours before the meeting was to take place, I was informed by the Committee Chair:

A couple of committee members have asked not to have media at our meeting tonight. I feel I should honor their wishes.

I replied:

This is a public meeting. 

I am a member of the public and intend to attend. 

I attended last year's meeting and see no reason why I can't attend this year. 

I am sorry if this causes you any additional problems but openness and transparency are important in the public purpose funding process.

Apparently, it was not to be a Public Meeting. I showed up for the meeting and was allowed to stay for the presentation of the Roosevelt Landings Residents Association. When that presentation was completed, I was informed that the Public Purpose Funds Committee intended to hold their recommendation discussion in secret, what they call Executive Session, but was provided a few moments to make my case for staying which was basically my reply above. I  was then asked to leave the room and a vote was taken to determine if the meeting was to be closed to the public.  I was informed that the vote was to keep the meeting secret and left.

I offered the Public Purpose Funds Committee an opportunity to comment but have not heard back yet. When and if they do, I will include their comment as an update.

The Editor of the Main Street WIRE made a brief appearance at the beginning of last night's Public Purpose Funds Committee meeting just prior to the Roosevelt Landings presentation. I had not seen the Main Street WIRE editor at any of the previous Public Purpose Funds meeting in which I attended though he may have attended the others. The Main Street WIRE editor's contribution to last night's Public Purpose meeting was to inform the Committee that he agreed with those on the Committee who wanted the meeting to be held in secret and closed to the public.

Off Off Broadway Right Here On Roosevelt Island - Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Present Cole Porter Musical This Weekend

Did you know that Roosevelt Island has its own theater? The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) is at 548 Main Street at the red awning across from the Good Shepherd Community Center. This weekend the MST&DA presents Cole, An Entertainment Based On The Words and Music of Cole Porter. Dates, time and ticket information below

Image From MST&DA

and more information available at the MST&DA web site.

Give it a try - Off, Off, Off Broadway right here on Roosevelt Island's Main Street.

Here's Ethel Merman and Frank Sinatra performing Cole Porter's You're The Top.

Spring Blossoms For Roosevelt Island Trees As Captured By Photographer Tatiana Muzica

A change of pace for Roosevelt Island Special Rain and Snow Photographer Tatiana Muzica. Tonight she shares these photos of Roosevelt Island Trees blossoming on a Spring day last Saturday.

All Images From Tatiana Muzica

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Beacon After School Hours Program Saved - Appears To Be Off The Elimination List Says NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin

Roosevelt Island Beacon Kids Ask That The Program Not Be Closed

Reported February 10 on the:

...possibility that the Roosevelt Island After School Beacon Program for kids would be eliminated due to budget cuts:

I asked Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin if Roosevelt Island's Beacon After School Program will be cut. Ms. Lappin's office replied:

The mayor proposed shutting seven Beacon programs in July 2012, including the one on Roosevelt Island. Council Member Lappin is against eliminating the Roosevelt Island program, and will fight to keep it open during budget negotiations this year....

It appears for now that the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Beacon After School program has been saved from elimination. Yesterday, I asked Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin:

I understand the the Roosevelt Island Beacon After School Program has been saved and is not on the list of programs that may be closed.

Is that true?...

Ms. Lappin's office responded today that she is:

... relieved that the Roosevelt Island Beacon Program appears to have been taken off the list for closures.

That's certainly good news. The Roosevelt Island After School Beacon Program can continue to offer much needed programs to the community such as  math and science mentoring, English as a second language, basketball and martial arts among others.

 STEM Mentoring Image From RIYP

The seven Beacon Programs that may be eliminated are:

Borough         School               Provider                                                          

Bronx             IS 192               Phipps Community Development                     

Brooklyn        IS 259               Heart Share Human Services                             

Manhattan     PS 198                Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center 

Manhattan     MS 414              Hudson Guild                                                  

Queens         JHS 190              Queens Community House, Inc.                       

Queens         MS 158               Samuel Field Y                                                 

SI             Tottenville HS         Jewish Community Center of Staten Island

NY 1 has more on the possible elimination of some Beacon After School programs.

UPDATE 10:20 PM - Roosevelt Island resident Jonathan Kalkin adds:

Image of NYC Beacon Program Cut Hearings From Jonathan Kalkin

I testified to the New York City Council that the Beacon Youth program on Roosevelt Island was only blocks away from the new Cornell Technion campus and that this program would be a great opportunity for the university to work with the Beacon program on a number of potential projects.

I said they already had worked with the science community via STEM. I also stated that the potential mentorship opportunities between the university/technology/science communities were not only possible, but needed to fulfill the university/NYC goals to make New York City a tech center of the world. I then went on to explain how Steve Jobs and Bill Gates both had access when they were young to the technology and science community (Jobs with HP at age 12/Bill Gates in 8th grade had access to a GE mainframe computer). I said that entrepreneurs usually don't like to listen to authority and sometimes the brightest minds combined with the entrepreneurial spirit can either make a teenager successful if they have the right role models around them or that kind of personality can easily go down the wrong path if they don't. I pointed out that Roosevelt Island has a diverse population and that as a minority entrepreneur myself it was very important to me to have role models to look up to and that sometimes you need to see someone like you that is successful in order to believe you can do it yourself.

I'm sure that our Council Member Jessica Lappin, Roosevelt Island Youth Program Director Charlie Defino and many others worked day and night to make sure that the Beacon program stayed open and they should be thanked for their hard work. I think that years from now we will be using some breakthrough technology that some young man or woman on Roosevelt Island invented. I'm looking forward to it.

Running On Roosevelt Island - NYC Runs 10K Race On Sunday April 1 and 5K Run Race For Icla da Silva Foundation Bone Marrow Awareness on May 12

Image Of Roosevelt Island 10K Race Route From NY Runs

Are you interested in running a Roosevelt Island 10K race? If so, consider the NYC Runs April 1 Roosevelt Island 10 K:

NYCRUNS is thrilled to return to Roosevelt Island with a great new USATF certified (pending), electronically timed and scored 10K.  This is a race which we're really excited about and intend to build into either an RRCA or USATF championchip if we can.

We'll be pulling out all the stops with this one including providing a fantastic post-race breakfast (you may have figured out we like that sort of thing) and a cool giveaway. We're not telling you what it is though. You're just gonna have to trust us....

More info at NYC Runs.

There will also be a Roosevelt Island 5k Race/Walk on May 12 sponsored by the Icla da Silva Foundation:

On May 12, 2012 at 9am The 2nd Roosevelt Island 5K Run/Walk benefiting The Icla da Silva Foundation will raise awareness of the need for bone marrow donation and engage the greater New York community in The Foundation’s mission. This fast and flat electronically timed 5K will be run on a USATF certified (pending) course and the start and finish are located near the F Train and Tram stations. The closed course loops around the perimeter of the island with breathtaking views of the East River, Manhattan and Queens. There will also be post-race awards and a celebration.

Funds raised at the 5K will go towards registering new bone marrow donors to the National Registry and allowing The Icla da Silva Foundation to provide more extensive patient support to those individuals and families with leukemia and other diseases requiring a marrow transplant. As the largest recruitment center for The Be The Match Registry, we have an unwavering commitment to facilitating access to health care for all people, increasing disease awareness and supporting cancer patients and their families from all over the world.

Participants can register by going to www.nycruns.com/ri5k and fundraising teams can be formed and supported at www.icla5k.org. Consider forming a team and ask your family and friends to sponsor you in support of saving lives.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested entities should contact (646) 290-6028 or Krista@icla.org for more information.

More information on the Icla da Silva Foundation available from video below

You Tube Video of Icla da Silva Foundation

and the September 8, 2001 Main Street WIRE which describes the Foundation's Roosevelt Island origin.

Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group Second Meeting Tuesday March 27 at 7:30 PM

The Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group announces their second meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 PM:

Group: Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group
Subject: Tuesday, 3/27 at 7:30 pm RSVP to Tom Wood for Next R I Business Networking Group Meeting

Our membership of small businesses and solo practitioners will meet on Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 pm, with alternate morning and evening meetings. Please RSVP to Tom Wood at thomas_wood@natfin.net for location.

The agenda will feature three presentations of six-minutes each. We have at least one speaker, so please notify Tom of your interest in presenting at this or a future meeting.

Newcomers welcome, so invite your friends and neighbors to join the group and attend.

Here's what happened at the inaugural breakfast meeting of the Roosevelt Island Business Network.

You Tube Video of Inaugural Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group Breakfast

Remember to contact Tom Wood to RSVP and receive location info (thomas_wood@natfin.net) and join the Linked In group.

Person Falls Through Roosevelt Island Meditation Steps Last Week, RIOC Closes Steps Until Further Notice and Announces Meditation Steps Restoration Project At Operations Committee Meeting

 Image of Closed Off Roosevelt Island Meditation Step

As reported in post last week, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced that the Meditation Steps will be closed until further notice. During the March 21 Operations Committee meeting (Audio web cast here), RIOC VP of Operations Fernando Martinez reported that a person walking on Meditation steps last Tuesday fell through requiring closure of the Steps. Instead of continuing doing patchwork repairs on the Steps, RIOC will undertake a full restoration project of the steps. Below is presentation made by Mr. Martinez at the Operations Committee meeting



and video of the discussion.

sorry but the audio/video is out of sync

RIOC had previously announced plans to renovate the Mediation Steps by early 2012.

The audio webcast of Operations Committee meeting is here. Mediation Steps Restoration Project discussion starts at about the 2 hour 19 minute and 14 second mark.

Resident Mark Lyon attended the Operations Committee meeting and commented on this post regarding the Meditation Steps Restoration:

The wood Mr. Martinez presented as a suggested replacement product at the Operations Committee looked really good and seemed to be a very high quality product.  I look forward to the finished installation.

I am looking forward to the reopening of the Restored Meditation Steps as well.

Roosevelt Island Jobs Available - Servers At Riverwalk Bar & Grill and Cashier Receptionist At Racquet Club - Cornell Hiring Too

Image From How I Save Money

Craigslist shows 2 new Roosevelt Island jobs available. A March 21 listing shows jobs available immediately for Riverwalk Bar & Grill servers:

Riverwalk Bar & Grill, Roosevelt Island's only bar, is currently hiring for the summer season!
Day and night shifts available. We are open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days a week.

The ideal candidate is:
-Over 21 years old
-Has waited tables before
-Is punctual
-Is knowledgeable about sports
-Likes sports
-Takes responsibility for their actions
-Is honest
-Likes to laugh
-Likes to make other people happy
-Is a genuinely good person
-Tries every day to get better

We have a very friendly staff and are looking to add a couple people to make us even better this summer!
If you fit all the above criteria, please send an email and/resume to be considered....

The position pays $5 an hour plus tips. Click here for more information and to apply.

Also the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club is hiring a receptionist/cashier. According to 3/14 Craigslist:

Receptionist / cashier at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club. Must have good communication skills, phone skills, and computer skills. Careful and able to handle details. Evening shifts available. Full or part time. Knowledge of tennis is desirable, but not required.

The position pays $10 -15 per hour depending on experience. Click here for more information and to apply.

Also, as previously reported, Cornell is seeking to hire an Administrative Director for its new Roosevelt Island NYC Applied Sciences and Technology campus.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrate Purim Recently With Contemporary Roosevelt Island Twist

Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation shares this report from their recent Purim Day Celebration.

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation celebrated Purim with a full evening of activities for all ages on March 7.

Children arrived early to assemble groggers or noisemakers with Michal Melamed. Dressed in costumes, they formed a parade to display their finery.

Image From Tami Granot

Following a pizza dinner, Rabbi Leana Moritt and Gad Levanon read the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday.

Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

They were often interrupted by children wielding their newly made groggers to blot out the mention of a certain name.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler, the theme of the 99 percenters and protesters on Main Street, who confronted Mayor Bloom-asuerus, was combined with the development of a technology center on the former location of Goldwasser Hospital.

Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

Deputy Mayor Haman had an alternative plan to promote Amalek University, but Cornell and Technion triumphed, thanks to the efforts of Queen Esther and Mordechai. The cast featured Scot Bobo, RIJC president, Judith Berdy, Mickey Rindler, Steve Meed, Sheila Berger Chazin, Bob Chazin, Janet Falk and Rabbi Moritt, plus Arlene and Steve Bessenoff.

The Purimschpiel's broad humor, and countless inside jokes and references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter and cheers from the audience.

Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

The evening concluded with delicious Hamantaschen cookies prepared by Amber Levanon-Seligson and her daughter Dalia.