Saturday, October 27, 2012

Roosevelt Island Garden Club Fall Membership Meeting And Board Election Sunday October 28

The Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC) Fall Membership Meeting and Board Election is scheduled to take place Sunday October 28 from 7 - 9 PM


According to the RIGC flyer:
All members in good standing (dues paid, waivers signed etc) are eligible to vote in this secret ballot election and run for office. The Meeting Agenda will be distributed at the beginning of the meeting and the questions of Associate Member voting will be discussed and voted upon by the members in attendance. We also need volunteers to help with the vote-night election processing. Please contact the Election Committee to help.
More information on the Roosevelt Island Garden Club from previous posts.

Hurricane Sandy On Way To New York - RIOC Advises Roosevelt Island Residents, Mayor Bloomberg To Provide Update At 3 PM


You Tube Video Of Hurricane Sandy Threat From ABC News

Received the following Hurricane Sandy advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) yesterday:
The latest weather forecasts are tracking Hurricane SANDY to reach the New York City area on Monday, October 29th. In preparation for the storm, we would like to inform the Roosevelt Island community of the following:

- ALL PARKS will be closed beginning Monday, October 29th. A further notice will follow regarding when the parks will re-open.

- The Sportspark facility will be closed Monday, October 29th & Tuesday, October 30th.

- Commuters should anticipate possible delays and disruptions to the Red Bus and Tram services.

We have provided some useful links below for residents to stay informed in the days ahead:
Federal Emergency Management Office: http://www.fema.gov/
NYS Emergency Management Office: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/
NYC Office of Emergency Management: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/home/home.shtml

In addition, please continue to monitor the storm's progress on The Weather Channel (weather.com), your local news station or at the National Hurricane Center (including maps, projected paths and storm surge probabilities): http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#SANDY

Please feel free to call 3-1-1 for non-emergencies and 9-1-1 (or 212-832-4545) for emergencies.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
Also from RIOC:
We are urging all Roosevelt Island residents to sign up for Notify NYC to receive free up to date emergency notifications, as well as information regarding important City services & steps to take to prepare for hazardous weather.

To sign up & learn more about Notify NYC and OEM, visit www.nyc.gov/notifynyc

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
During Hurricane Irene last year, RIOC and its the Public Safety Department experienced phone and communication outages. Hope that is fixed for Hurricane Sandy.

Mayor Bloomberg reviews Hurricane Sandy preparation by NYC.



Roosevelt Island is in Hurricane Evacuation Zone B. According to the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM):
... Residents in Zone B may experience storm surge flooding from a MODERATE (Category 2 or higher) hurricane....
According to Marketwatch:
...Mayor Michael Bloomberg planned a press conference at 3 p.m. Eastern to update New Yorkers on preparations for Hurricane Sandy, with the storm's maximum sustained winds at 75 miles per hour, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, issued at 11 a.m. Eastern....
Here's some images of Hurricane Irene's visit to Roosevelt Island last year.

 Image From Michael Girard

 Image From Michael Girard

Image From Eric Schwartzman

 More on the aftermath of Hurricane Irene including lessons learned by RIOC from earlier posts.

Be prepared.

UPDATE 10/27 - Latest from Mayor Bloomberg.



Text of Mayor Bloomberg's remarks here. An excerpt:
... What our expectation is for during the day tomorrow that there would be – it would be windy, maybe a little bit of rain, but not much during the day. Then the storm would start getting worse on Sunday evening, tomorrow into Monday. And we want to make sure, then I’ll go over what we’re going to do with parks and the beaches and that sort of thing. But don’t get lulled tomorrow when there’s not a lot of rain and not a lot of wind. This is a dangerous storm, and I think we’re going to be okay, but if it were to strengthen unexpectedly or change its expected path it could do a lot of damage, and you could be at risk.

“So if things are the way it’s planned and if everybody does what they’re supposed to do, we will get through this very nicely and look back on it and say maybe we can offer some help to other parts of the area upstate or below us, south of us, which might get hit a lot harder.

“The trajectory says that the storm will hit a little bit south of us, the Maryland/Delaware area....
and:
... Let me tell you first we are not ordering any evacuations as of this time for any parts of the city. We’re making that decision based on the nature of the storm.

“Although we’re expecting a large surge of water, it is not expected to be a tropical storm or hurricane-type surge. With this storm, we’ll likely see a slow pileup of water rather than a sudden surge, which is what you would expect with a hurricane, and which we saw with Irene 14 months ago.

“So it will be less dangerous – but make no mistake about it, there will be a lot of water and low-lying areas will experience flooding. The City’s Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection will be deployed throughout the city to address flooding conditions.

“And as I said yesterday, there are 6 hospitals and 41 chronic care facilities in the area that we designate as Zone A – the low-lying coastal areas that are most at most at risk for flooding.

“Health Commissioner Tom Farley has been in touch with all of those facilities. All of those facilities have cancelled elective admissions and discharged all patients who do not need to stay there.

“Chronic care facilities will not evacuate patients in general, but as State Officials indicated earlier today, ventilator-dependent patients in these facilities will be transferred to a safe location by 5 pm Sunday....

Friday, October 26, 2012

NYPD Police Activity At Roosevelt Island East River Subway Pier Last Night - Report Of East River Jumper Unfounded

Received this message from a Roosevelt Island resident last night:

There is something going on at the pier - police cars, 3 ambulances, police boats, helicopter with flashlight ...
Then a Jason Tweet:
Also, a tweet from Ashley

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) sent this advisory at 10:17 PM last night:
Due to an incident requiring NYPD and FDNY response along the west drive and riverwalk area ALL Red Bus Service will be operating along the east drive until further notice.
Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
I asked RIOC what happened at the Pier last night and received this response from their Press Spokesperson earlier today:
Last night (10/25/12) at approximately 9:35pm, PSD responded to an alleged jumper in the East River. NYPD Harbor Unit responded and after a search, deemed it unfounded. Any other questions should be directed to the NYPD.

Roosevelt Island Dog Owner Shows Respect For Neighbors

A tweet from earlier today.

RIOC Board Meets With Secretary To The Governor Larry Schwartz During Special Board Of Directors Meeting Yesterday - State To Take More Active Role In Roosevelt Island Affairs And Be More Collaborative With RIOC Board

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Of Directors held a Special Meeting yesterday at the offices of the NY State Empire State Development Corp. The first Agenda Item,

Personnel Matters,
was in Executive Session closed to the public. Speculation is that the discussion concerned the selection of a permanent RIOC President.

The Third Agenda Item,
 Discussion Regarding Executive Search 
for a permanent RIOC President was taken off the Agenda during the Board Meeting. To what extent the discussion of Personnel Matters in Executive Session caused the removal of the discussion regarding an Executive Search for a permanent RIOC President is unknown at this time.

The Second Agenda Item,
Discussion Regarding New York State's Role in Economic Development of Roosevelt Island
was discussed in public.

Present at the meeting was Secretary to the Governor Larry Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz indicated that the Cuomo Administration is committed to working with the RIOC Board and he (Mr. Schwartz) promised to come out to Roosevelt Island and meet with the community

After Mr. Schwartz left the public meeting, several NY State officials stayed to discuss economic development issues including those involving the Cornell NYC Tech project and the NY State bond debt incurred in development of Roosevelt Island. The consensus of the meeting participants appeared to be that:
  • NY State will be more involved in addressing issues impacting Roosevelt Island by the Cornell NYC Tech project and 
  • RIOC has no responsibility for the NY State bond debt incurred in the development of Roosevelt Island unless there is a surplus of funds which could be used to return some of the state's money invested in Roosevelt Island.
Here's what happened during the Public Session of the October 25 RIOC Board of Dirctors Special Meeting. (Thanks to Roosevelt Island resident Mark Lyon for providing the video.)



Hope to learn more about what happened during the meeting soon.

UPDATE 6:15 PM - From RIOC's Press Spokesperson:
We are very pleased that Mr. Schwartz had a productive meeting with the RIOC Board and was also able to address the Island residents who attended the meeting. We are also pleased that Mr. Schwartz made clear that he and the Administration intend to work closely and collaboratively with the RIOC Board and Island residents going forward.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Zombies Invade Roosevelt Island This Saturday October 27 - Run Away Or At Least In NYCRUNS Halloween Themed Race Then Join The Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade And Extravaganza

If you are out and about Roosevelt Island this Saturday morning be very, very careful. I have it on good authority that Zombies will be hunting for fresh and tasty Roosevelt Islanders.

Image From NYC Runs

Well actually it's not quite that bad. No need to worry that the Walking Dead will take a huge, bloody bite out of your body parts and turn you into a Roosevelt Island Zombie. What is happening is that the folks at NYCRUNS are putting together a Halloween themed run around Roosevelt Island.

According to NYC RUNS:
NYC RUNS Present The Most Death Defying Race Ever - ZOMBIES TAKE MANHATTAN!

Zombies Will Invade Roosevelt Island; Humans Will Fight To Prevail.

On Saturday, October 27th NYC-based Race Production Company, NYCRUNS, will transform Roosevelt Island into a refuge for humans in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies.

Zombies Take Manhattan is a race created on the premise that an apocalyptic occurrence has left the New York Metropolitan Area densely packed with walking corpses. Roosevelt Island has become a last refuge for New Yorkers, but the zombies have now invaded, pushing the survivors into the most remote parts of the island.

This will be the inaugural effort by NYCRUNS of producing a race involving zombies. NYCRUNS founder Steve Lastoe believes that Zombies Take Manhattan serves as a great opportunity for runners to get into the Halloween spirit and certainly makes doing a 5K more interesting.

“This is just going to a great fun running event – something a little over the top. It could be the coolest thing we ever do.”

A hybrid of flag football and capture the flag, having a plethora of marathon wins under your belt will have not necessarily have any bearing on the outcome of this race. Participants can register for Zombies Take Manhattan as either a Human or a Zombie.

Humans will be faced with barrage of challenges as they outrun those pesky zombies and save their fellow humans. There are three different refuges humans must race to in order to receive a token representing the people they’ve saved. If they succeed in returning to HQ, they survive another day, and earn the accolades the fellow survivors.

Sporting zombie attire, the walking dead will also race. With a strong affinity for brains, they’ll be roaming the island, striving to eat the humans (a flag will represent their brain) and terrorize the masses. He who gets the most brains wins!

Zombies and humans who do particularly well will be awarded prizes. Post-racers can partake in The End Of The World Celebration with fresh fruits, bagel sandwiches, and more, (sorry, no brains). This post-apocalyptic party with also include local 80s cover band The Fades.

Registration for Zombies Take Manhattan is $50. The race will begin at 8:30 AM and terminates at 10 AM. For more information on Zombies Take Manhattan, go to ZombiesTake.
Register for the Roosevelt Island Zombie experience here.

Then, after succumbing to or beating back the Zombie menace take a stroll in the Roosevelt Island Annual Halloween Parade

Image From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Enjoy the Roosevelt Island Halloween activities this Saturday.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Snap Food Truck On Roosevelt Island Tonight, Had A Delicious Chicago Dog and Avocado Fries - Snap Truck On Roosevelt Island Wednesday And Friday


Wednesday and Friday evenings are Roosevelt Island Mobil Snap Truck Day on the West Promenade near Starbucks and the Subway Station. Tonight I got the Chicago Dog with Avocado Fries and had dinner with a view.


It was delicious.

Another Roosevelt Island resident reports:
Oh man I had their Avocado fries tonight with the Harrisa Ketchup and they barely made it to the Blackwell house.... along with a Chili Cheese dog... they will be out there until 10pm. I might go back for more
Snap Truck will be back Friday on Roosevelt Island. You can even order online.

More on Roosevelt Island Mobile Food Trucks from previous posts.

Special RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Called For Thursday October 25, Personnel Matters, NY State Role In Roosevelt Island Economic Development And Executive Search For New President To Be Discussed - What's Going On?

An announcement went out last Monday that a Special Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting will be held Thursday 5:30 PM at the Empire State Development Corp. offices.  According to RIOC:

AGENDA

OCTOBER 25, 2012 SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM,
633 THIRD AVENUE, 37TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
AT 5:30 P.M.

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Old Business
IV. New Business
1. Chair's Motion for Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Matters
2. Discussion Regarding New York State's Role in Economic Development of Roosevelt Island
3. Discussion Regarding Executive Search
4. Any Other Business Which may be Brought Before the Board of Directors.
V. Adjournment
It is highly unusual to have a "Special" RIOC Board of Directors meeting. It is also very unusual to have a RIOC Board meeting occur off Roosevelt Island. Is a message being sent by the location of the Special RIOC Board Meeting off Roosevelt Island or is this just a matter of convenience for some Second Floor attendees?

Image Of Second Floor Hall Of Governors At NY State Capitol From NY Times

Earlier this afternoon, another announcement from RIOC:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2012 has been cancelled.
What is going on - note that the first item,
Personnel Matters, 
is in Executive Session meaning closed to the Press and Public.  Could this item have to do with the sudden departure of former RIOC President Leslie Torres and/or Selecting of new RIOC President (Acting President is the General Counsel Donald Lewis)? Does it have to do with the status of current and/or future RIOC Directors?

Also, when was the last time NY State ever indicated any interest in the second Agenda Item?
Discussion Regarding New York State's Role in Economic Development of Roosevelt Island
Could this be about the development of the Cornell Campus, the NY State bond debt incurred in development of Roosevelt Island or something else?

The third Agenda Item:
 Discussion Regarding Executive Search
involves the selection of a new RIOC President and who selects the person appointed to the position. Does the RIOC Board of Directors (in theory independent of the Governor with separate fiduciary duties to the Corporation) select the new RIOC President after conducting, as planned, a professional Executive Search or does the Governor pick the candidate and the RIOC Board acquiesce to the Governor's selection as has previously been the case?

Image From October 3 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting

Looks like more scrutiny for Roosevelt Island by the State Of New York.

The meeting is open to the public following the first Agenda Item which will be held in Executive Session.

Attention Ghosts, Goblins, Ghouls and Other Costumed Creatures - Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade and Extravaganza Returns Saturday October 27 Starting 12 PM At Blackwell House, Halloween Safety Day Monday October 29


Roosevelt Island's Halloween Parade and Extravaganza returns this Saturday October 27. According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis:
We are pleased to announce that the annual Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade & Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The parade will begin at 12:00 pm at Blackwell House and end at Capobianco Field. It will feature games, rides, magic shows and live entertainment. All activities are free of charge. In the event of rain, the extravaganza will be held inside PS/IS 217. Participants are strongly encouraged to dress in costumes.
Here are some scenes from the 2010 Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade



and from a snowy 2011 Halloween Parade.



So put on your best Halloween costume, march down Main Street and have some fun

Also, on Monday October 29 the Public Safety Department is hosting Halloween Safety Day at the

Roosevelt Island Public Library.

UPDATE 10:55 PM - The Roosevelt Island Youth Program adds:
This Saturday,October 27th 2012 is the Annual Halloween Parade.


Join us at Blackwell Park and Capobianco Field from 12-3 for Mechanical rides, game booths, music and more. Also in case of rain the event will be moved to PS/IS 217

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Roosevelt Island Larceny Reported At Manhattan Park 30 River Road - September Monthly Blotter Incidents Include Assault, Exposure, Gas Leak, Skateboarders, Large Crowds & More



The 10/20 -21 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Report indicated:
10/20 - 1327 - 30 River Road - Larceny - NYPD Filed a report
I asked RIOC Public Safety Department Director Keith Guerra:
Did the incident happen inside or outside the building, what was the item stolen, anybody injured and can you please provide any other additional details so that the Roosevelt Island community and residents of Manhattan Park are aware of what happened.
RIOC's Press Spokesperson replies:
The Roosevelt Island PSD responded to assist the NYPD, who were already at 30 River Rd. There were no injuries. For any other questions, contact the NYPD.
Below is the September Monthly Public Safety Blotter. Incidents include:
  • 9/14/2012 694 Main St Dispute between Postal Employee and package recipient with regard to delayed delivery. Recipient became irate and using profanity towards employee. Recipient left the location without incident.
  • 9/11/2012 400 Main St Found wallet. Owner contacted and advised to come to PSD to retrieve property.
  • 9/2/2012 546 Main St Report of gas leak at location.  Super on scene.  Upon investigation stove was left on. Stove was turned off and windows were opened.  Tenant not at home.  Door was secured by Super.  No property damage or injuries to report.
  • 9/16/2012 Opp 750 Main St Large holes observed in the field of location caused by construction of children's jungle gym.  Caution tape placed around area.
  • 9/9/2012 300 Main St Victim reported unknown male acted in a lewd and inappropriate manner.  Matter referred to detectives for investigation.
  • 9/10/2012 455 Main St Male victim advised unknown male subject grabbed him in front of location.  Victim advised he was able to break free and run.  Search of area for subject yielded negative results.  NYPD on scene for report.
  • 9/10/2012 Adj. 543 Main St Report of male youths skateboarding at location.  Youths warned and admonished and escorted from the location.
  • 9/2/2012 910 Main St Large crowd of 150 - 250 people at location unlawfully.  All units responded and advised the crowd to leave the location.  All parties left the location without incident.
  • 9/13/2012 576 Main St ARREST  Two male subjects observed at location acting in a disorderly manner fighting with one another.  Both subjects were advised to disperse but disobeyed lawful order.  Both subjects were taken into custody, issued summonses and released.
  • 9/2/2012 S/O 1 Main St ARREST  Male observed exposing himself at location.  Subject was taken into custody, issued summons and released.
  • 9/8/2012 400 Main St ARREST  Female motorist observed driving in the wrong direction on a one way roadway.  Upon investigation female had an open warrant.  Female was taken into custody and transported to 114 Precinct for arrest processing.  Vehicle was towed.
  • 9/13/2012 200 Main St ARREST Male and female subject observed at location unlawfully exposing themselves in public.  Both subjects were taken into custody, issued summonses and released.
  • 9/22/2012 688 Main St ARREST  Two male subjects observed with open containers.  Upon approach males became combative and fled the scene.  Both subjects were apprehended causing injury to officers.  Subjects were also in possession of marijuana.  Both subjects transported to the 114 Precinct for arrest processing.
  • 9/17/2012 580 Main St Motorist performed an unauthorized move in at location parking his vehicle in an unauthorized location disobeying traffic signs posted.  Motorist was advised of condition and refused to comply with lawful order.  Motorist was issued summons for moving violation and
  • 9/5/2012 560 Main St Male victim advised two male subjects lead him to the location and took $51 in U.S. currency from his person and fled the scene.  NYPD requested and on scene but victim refused report and left the area.



Roosevelt Island Public Safety Statistics for 2012 thru September are here.

Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group Meeting Tonight 7:30 PM - Local Entrepreneurs Meet, Share Stories and Potential Opportunities


You Tube Video of May 8 RIBN Meeting Intro

The Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group (RIBN) is meeting tonight, Tuesday October 23 at 7:30 PM.  According to RIBN:
There's still time for you to RSVP your attendance to Dottie Jeffries for TONIGHT'S meeting and learn the location.

What's more, we have an opening for ONE SPEAKER, so take the opportunity to put yourself in the spotlight.

Make contacts, get referrals and grow your business -- on the Island and beyond.
Please RSVP to Dottie Jeffries by email for location of meeting.
More information on the Roosevelt Island Business Networking Group at Linked In and previous presentations from RIBN members at this posts.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Here's A Sneak Peak At Cornell NYC Tech Plans For Roosevelt Island Campus - Presentation To Community Board 8 Task Force Tonight At 6:45 PM


Reported last Monday that:
The Cornell NYC Tech Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) officially began today with certification by NYC Planning Department....
Later tonight, Cornell NYC Tech will be presenting their plan to the Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Task Force:
Meeting Date:
Monday, October 22, 2012 - 6:45pm
Meeting Location:
The Manhattan Park Theater Club
8 River Road
Roosevelt Island, NY

1. An update by Cornell University on the Technology Graduate School on Roosevelt Island
2. Feedback from Roosevelt Island residents on their issues/concerns
Last Tuesday, Cornell NYC Tech representatives gave a preview of their plans to Roosevelt Island residents. Here's what happened beginning with:

An introduction by Assembly Member Micah Kellner and Cornell NYC Tech Vice President Cathy Dove



Background review by Andrew Winters Director of Capitol Projects and Planning for Cornell NYC Tech



Skidmore Owings Associate Director Colin Koop discusses the Master Plan For The Cornell NYC Tech Campus.



Morphosis Architect Scott Lee discusses plans for first Cornell NYC Tech Academic Building



Fried Frank Attorney Melanie Myers discusses zoning and Land Use issues for Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech project.(in two parts - there is a bit of overlap between part a and b)



Part B Of Land Use presentation.



Review of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)



Finally Questions and answers from Roosevelt Island residents to the Cornell NYC Tech representatives. Questions focused on concerns regarding demolition, construction and transportation among others. Cornell has stated that they do not intend to barge any construction material on or off the site but rather will truck the materials during regular daytime working hours.

According to Mr. Winters, Cornell plans on reducing the amount of truck traffic trips by 30 - 40%. It will do so by using some of the demolished rubble material from Goldwater Hospital to raise the level of the campus site out of the floodplain.



More on the Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech project at previous posts including image renderings and tons of information from the Environmental Impact Statement..

Come Meet New York City Democratic Candidate For City Council Ben Kallos At Riverwalk Bar & Grill Tuesday October 23

Democratic Party NY City Council Candidate Ben Kallos invites Roosevelt Island residents to join him on Tuesday October 23 from 6-8 PM at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill. It's an opportunity to meet and discuss important issues facing Roosevelt Island and NYC with Mr. Kallos who hopes to succeed our current NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin as she is expected to run for Manhattan Borough President.

Mr. Kallos was here for Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts meeting and greeting residents including Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President Jim Bates


and explains below how he wants to hear your ideas for improving Roosevelt Island and NYC.



Stop on by tomorrow night at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill and see what Mr. Kallos has to say.

More information available at Kallos For Council web site.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Scenes From Saturday's FDR Four Freedoms Park Preview For Roosevelt Island Residents


 Last Wednesday was the FDR Four Freedoms Park Dedication Ceremony  for VIPS, Thursday was a Ceremony for United Nations representatives and yesterday Roosevelt Island residents got a Special Preview of the park before it officially opens to the public on October 24.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy shares some images of Roosevelt Islanders at the FDR Four Freedoms Park Special Preview.

Images From Judy Berdy

Here are some more scenes from Saturday's Special Preview For Roosevelt Island residents





and the official program including introduction and greeting from Memorial representatives William Vander Heuvel and Sally Minard



followed Child School/ Legacy High School Chorus performance,



 Kathy Sloane of the FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and NY City Council Member Jessica Lappin,



Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney,



Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and FDR Four Freedoms Park representative Gina Pollara



Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Rabbi Leanna Moritt. Don't miss her singing the Preamble to the Constitution at the 1 minute 30 second mark. (Part 1)



Part 2



Ending with another song from the Child School/Legacy High School choir



and final remarks by Mr. Vanden Heuvel and Ms. Minard.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon Visits Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Last Thursday - More On Dedication Ceremony From Resident Reporter Kim Lengle

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon came to Roosevelt Island to visit the FDR Four Freedoms Park last Thursday and pay tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's global vision.

President Roosevelt's granddaughter Anna Roosevelt was also here on Thursday. She remarked that FDR never wanted a memorial to himself. She added that she thought if FDR was alive today he would see the importance of memorials as visual cues of what we need to aspire to.

Here's a report of the Roosevelt Island visit of the UN Secretary General and Ms. Roosevelt from United Nations TV.



Also, Roosevelt Island resident Kim Lengle reports on last Wednesday's FDR Four Freedoms Park Dedication Ceremony for Richard French Live TV Program. Here's Ms. Lengle's report.



More on the FDR Four Freedoms Park Dedication at this
previous post.