Saturday, December 15, 2012

Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle and Russell Crowe Perform Fairytale Of New York At Joe's Pub - A Beautiful Christmas Song

One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time is Fairytale of New York by the Pogues. One of my favorite all time bands is Great Big Sea from the tropical Island of Newfoundland Canada. The two were combined last Saturday when Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle performed Fairytales of New York with Russell Crowe at Joe's Pub.

Enjoy.



Great Big Sea will be playing a concert at Town Hall in NYC on April 19 and Alan Doyle will be at BB King's on January 11.

Here's the original version from the Pogues


You Tube Video Of The Pogues Fairytale Of New York

and story from the Guardian on the song's origin.
Once upon a time a band set out to make a Christmas song. Not about snow or sleigh rides or mistletoe or miracles, but lost youth and ruined dreams. A song in which Christmas is as much the problem as it is the solution. A kind of anti-Christmas song that ended up being, for a generation, the Christmas song....
Click here for the entire article.

Roosevelt Island 12 Days Of Starbucks Serenade - What Did You Get From Your Barista?

12 Days Of Starbucks Serenade

NYC Starbucks District Managers got on the Tram earlier today and made their way to the Roosevelt Island Starbucks to serenade staff and customers.



Friday, December 14, 2012

Report From Cornell NYC Tech VP Cathy Dove On Academic Goals And Vision For Roosevelt Island Campus - Video Presentation Of Project At CB 8 Land Use Committee Hearing With Questions And Comments From Residents Including 9 Year Old Girl Asking For Cornell's Help

Cornell NYC Tech Vice President Cathy Dove

Image of Ms. Dove at December 12 CB 8 Land Use Committee Public Hearing

sends this report to the Roosevelt Island community.
It was almost exactly one year ago – December 19, 2011 – that Cornell was chosen to build the applied sciences graduate campus on Roosevelt Island that we have now named Cornell Tech. For everyone at Cornell Tech, and for me personally, it has been a whirlwind year as we’ve worked hard to create an innovative new academic program and plan an open, sustainable physical campus here on the Island.

So for this week’s column I wanted to take a step back and share some thoughts about why Cornell is so committed to this campus and the impact it will have on economic development and higher education in New York and beyond. Over time we estimate that the impact from this campus alone will create thousands of jobs and have a huge impact on New York’s economy. Our mission is important and so we wanted to share some details of our approach with you.

First, though, let me share a quick update on our conversations with the Roosevelt Island community that are occurring right now as part of the official land use review process (ULURP). It has been wonderful to see so many people attend each of the meetings we’ve held with Community Board 8. We’ve heard a clear and consistent message from the community: Roosevelt Island strongly supports Cornell Tech but wants to make sure that the construction and operation of the campus are handled in a way that protects, respects and welcomes the rest of the Island.

We’ve been working hard to fully answer every question that we’ve received, and we’re pursuing potential solutions on some of the most commonly raised issues, including barging of materials to reduce the impact of construction. As I’m writing this column we’re preparing for a Community Board hearing on December 12, and I hope to see many of you at future meetings throughout this process.

But my goal for this column is to provide a deeper understanding of the academic goals and vision for the new campus, which can sometimes get lost in all of the vital conversations going on about the details of planning the physical campus.

Cornell Tech is designed to address two significant issues slowing innovation and economic development in New York and around the country. The first issue, identified by the City, is that the enormous growth of our tech sector is being held back by a shortage of top-level tech talent in New York. The second, broader challenge is that the way we innovate and commercialize research ideas in this country is changing, and universities and companies both need to adapt to remain at the forefront of technology innovation. It is time for new thinking about how industry and academia work together.

Cornell Tech is being designed with these challenges in mind. It is a graduate- level campus focused on the applied sciences and engineering, particularly those areas related to the information economy that play such a central role in New York City. With a burgeoning tech sector, the City is increasingly home to local technology firms as well as offices of national and global technology companies. In addition, almost every NYC-based industry is highly reliant on technology to drive its business. Cornell Tech is creating the academic environment to help power these companies, grow new companies, and develop whole new industries driven by technology and information.

We’re creating a distinctive approach to graduate education and research in technology. Our campus will foster the development of technologies that are rooted in the latest academic research and address real-world problems. We will create a campus culture that blends academic excellence and commercial impact together with societal good. Students and faculty – in close collaboration with industry experts – will learn and work together. And, befitting New York City’s role as the “capital of the world”, Cornell has forged an academic partnership with the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Together the two universities will be offering dual degrees and innovative programs on the campus.

Research and education at Cornell Tech will be undertaken with potential commercial and societal outcomes in mind from the outset. The campus will be highly interdisciplinary, bringing both deep disciplinary excellence in core technology fields such as computer science and electrical engineering, and creating cross-cutting focal areas that we term “hubs”. Initially three hubs are planned, in Connective Media, Healthier Life, and the Built Environment.

The hubs serve as focal points for the research and educational mission of the campus, bringing together particular sets of disciplines that are most relevant to domains of particular commercial relevance in New York City. Thus all three initial hubs focus on areas where information technology is rapidly affecting large industry sectors in the city – the advertising, media and entertainment industries for the Connective Media hub, the health care and insurance industries for the Healthier Life hub, and the building, architecture and urban planning industries for the Built Environment hub. As technology and its relation to particular industry sectors changes, so will the interdisciplinary focal areas; thus the lifetime of hubs is expected to be from a few years to a decade or two.

In addition to conducting research that addresses real-world problems, the campus will offer a number of graduate degrees. The State of New York has approved five one year professional degrees including Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Operations Research, a Master of Professional Studies in Information Science, and an Accelerated MBA for students with technical backgrounds. We are launching the first of these – the M.Eng. in Computer Science, in January 2013 on our Chelsea campus. In addition to these Cornell degrees, with Technion we anticipate offering three unique two- year dual degrees focused on the hub areas, which will result in both a Cornell and Technion diploma. Finally we will also have a number of Ph.D. students on our campus.

This is a new approach and a rare opportunity to create a new campus and curriculum from scratch. We’re extremely excited about the possibilities and so grateful to be creating this campus in a community with a history of innovation.
Below is video from the December 12 Community Board 8 (CB 8) Land Use Committee meeting referenced by Ms. Dove. During the meeting a motion was approved to vote on Cornell NYC Tech's ULURP application at the December 19 CB 8 Full Board Meeting. Also, here's a 40 page question and answer sheet on the Cornell NYC Tech Project and a letter from Ms. Dove setting forth the benefits of the project to Roosevelt Island and the rest of NYC.

The December 12 CB 8 Land Use Committee meeting began with a young Roosevelt Island girl asking for Cornell's help and continued with Ms. Dove and other Cornell NYC Tech representatives presenting their plan



followed by questions and statements
from Roosevelt Island residents



and Community Board





8 members.

Roosevelt Island Giving Tree For The Children Of Rockaway Community and Family Head Start School At Trellis Restaurant - Help Make A Happier Christmas and Holiday Season For Some Children

Have you heard about the Roosevelt Island Giving Tree for the Children of the Rockaways at the Trellis restaurant?

Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy donations and deliveries to the Rockaway, explains:
THE GIVING TREE STORY:
As the holiday season is upon us, let us stop to reflect and be thankful for all that we have.

We are so very fortunate to live in a community that cares so much. As is witnessed on a weekly basis, with your donations and giving hearts.

Join us as we celebrate the Giving Tree.

Image From Karine Wong

We have been reaching out to the Community and Family Headstart Program in Far Rockaway. They service 3 to 5-year-old children and their families. Some are special-needs and all have been deeply affected by Hurricane Sandy.

At this time we would ask our loving community to buy an extra gift while you are out and about doing your holiday shopping. Can you spend an extra $10-$15 to buy a gift for a young boy or girl? If so, come by the Trellis at any time and pick an ornament from the Giving Tree!

Image From Karine Wong

The ornaments will have a description of a child, boy or girl ages 2 to 4, 4 to 6, etc. After purchasing the gift, wrap it up and place the tag back on the package so we know who to deliver it to!

Image From Karine Wong

We ask that you bring your donations back to the Trellis and place it under the tree and we will collect it just before our delivery on December 24th.

We wish you all a most wonderful holiday season!

Please note that you do not have to come into the Trellis to eat and/ or drink. The tree will be there through the season and all you need do is pop in, snag a tag and be on your way! However, if you have a moment, why not sit a spell for a cup of hot cocoa or some soup to warm your bones! The Trellis has been VERY generous to us as we make our weekly collections!

Again, Happy Holidays and Thank You for all you have done and continue to do! 
Ms. Wong adds:
We are really lacking 3-5 years old presents boys and girls and we have 120 of them to cover.

We will be delivering the presents on monday morning before the school closes for the winter break

Anyhow we will still collect until the 24 so anything coming after monday will be given to the siblings
More on Roosevelt Island volunteer donations to the Rockaways Community and Family Head Start School from previous posts. Donation collections continue every Sunday morning between 8-9 AM in front of PS/IS 217 for delivery to the Rockaways on Monday.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Roosevelt Island Management Upheaval And Uncertainty Continues - Vice President Of Operations Gone, President Gone, No Word From RIOC Acting President Or Directors On Who Is Running The Place

 Image of RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez (center) at 11/15 Ops Committee Meeting

Reported last November 19 that Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez had just resigned effective December 21 and
... There have been rumors flying around Roosevelt Island for awhile about big changes coming to RIOC, particularly since:
Reasons for Mr. Martinez resignation are not known as yet. He will be difficult to replace since he is so familiar with all aspects of Roosevelt Island and nobody on the current staff has his detailed knowledge about Roosevelt Island.

This is a big deal, particularly with the many Roosevelt Island infrastructure issues that need to be addressed as well as coordination of the new Cornell NYC Tech Campus and Southtown Buildings 7-9....
Reasons for Mr. Martinez resignation are still not known but I learned that his resignation was moved up to last Friday December 7 (Mr. Martinez is no longer listed on RIOC web site). Yesterday, I sent the following inquiry to Acting RIOC President Don Lewis and the RIOC Board:
I understand that as of last Friday, Fernando Martinez is no longer the Vice President Of Operations for Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. Is that true?

It had previously been stated that his resignation was not effective until December 21.

Is there anybody at RIOC currently who has the experience and qualifications to run Roosevelt Island operations?

Does RIOC have any comment on this and who will be taking over for Mr. Martinez's position as head of Operations?

Thank you.
RIOC's Press Spokesperson replied today:
In response to your first question, that is correct.
 There was no other response.

The next RIOC Board of Directors meeting is on December 20. At RIOC Board meetings, Mr. Martinez would present the operational Agenda Items to the Directors, explain reasons why they should be approved or not and managed the projects.  Mr. Martinez will now not be there to present at the December 20 RIOC Board meeting or during future committee meetings such as this Hurricane Sandy aftermath briefing. No word from RIOC on who will do that job now.

Here's the Agenda for December 20 RIOC Board meeting.
AGENDA

DECEMBER 20, 2012 MEETING OF
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE MANHATTAN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER,
8 RIVER ROAD, ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK
5:30 P.M.1

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
1. September 20, 2012 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
2. October 3, 2012 Special Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
3. October 25, 2012 Special Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Approval of the Proposed RIOC Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (Materials to Follow - Board Action Required)
2. 2013 Meetings of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors (Board Action Required)
3. Authorization to Enter into Contract with ENVAC for On-Call AVAC Repair Services (Board Action Required)
4. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Nelson & Pope Engineers & Surveyors, PLLC for Blackwell House Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing Re-Design (Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Scientific Electric Company, Inc. for Electrical Installation at Motorgate Garage (Board Action Required)
6. Ratification of Change Order to Contract with Shawn Construction, Inc. for Waterproofing of Motorgate Garage
(Board Action Required)
7. Authorization to Enter into Amendment of License Agreement for Octagon Composting Area
(Board Action Required)
8. Authorization to Enter into Side Letter Agreement with New York City Public Library (NYCPL) in Connection with the Lease Agreement between NYCPL and Hudson Related Retail, LLC for 504 Main Street
(Board Action Required)
9. Authorization to Enter into Contract with FDR Four Freedoms Park, LLC for Maintenance Services for the FDR Four Freedoms Park (Board Action Required)
10. Ratification of Change Order to Contract with Quintal Contracting Corp. for Motorgate Ramp Drainage Improvements (Board Action Required)
11. President's Report
12. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
13. Public Safety Report
VI. Adjournment

A question and answer session with general public and certain Board members will commence at 8:00 p.m.
Very strange days on at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.

Roosevelt Island Songs of Christmas Hope Concert - Friday, December 14th


Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates reports:
The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association is sponsoring a Christmas concert sing a long at the Good Shepherd Church Main Street, Roosevelt Island,NY time is 7:30. Refreshments to follow
Hope Church NYC will be providing the music and program:
Come for a wonderful time of celebrating the season with Christmas Carols, Dance, Poetry, Home-made Cookies, and more.

This event is sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association with music and program from Hope Church NYC.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Community Board 8 Land Use Committee Meeting Tonight, May Vote On Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech Project - Cornell Puts In Writing What It Will Do For Roosevelt Island Community And NYC

Cornell NYC Tech Proposed Campus (page 23 CB 8 Presentation)

The Community Board 8 Land Use Committee will be holding a Public Hearing tonight on the Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech project. The committee may vote on the Cornell land use application tonight or wait until the full Community Board meeting on December 19 to vote.

The Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) is asking for another large turnout (previous meeting on October 22 and November 26 drew large numbers of residents) of Roosevelt Island residents for tonight's Community Board 8 Land Use Committee Public Hearing. According to RICC:
TONIGHT, December 12th, is our first -- and last--chance to speak to the full component of Community Board 8 before they begin approval process for the Cornell project.

These are the 50 people who will decide approvals and restrictions for the Cornell Project, and most of them barely know who we are or why we are so passionately concerned.

Please show up!

Community Board 8 Meeting

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012, 6:30 PM

Manhattan Park Theater Club

8 River Road (across from Gristedes)
According to the CB 8 Land Use Committee:
Meeting Date:
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - 6:30pm
Meeting Location:
Manhattan Park Theatre Club
8 River Road, Roosevelt Island
New York, NY

Public Hearing: Cornell NYC Tech, 1 Main Street, Roosevelt Island - Cornell University and the New York City Economic Development Corporation are seeking a number of discretionary approvals to support and allow for the development of the Cornell NYC Tech applied science and engineering campus on Roosevelt island. The land affected by the proposed action is approximately 19-acre parcel located south of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and is bounded on the north and south by an existing roadway encircling the existing Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility’s Goldwater Memorial Hospital on the east and west by the New York City pier head and bulkhead lines. An approximately 123.4 acre portion of the project site would serve as the Cornell NYC Tech Campus and the remainder would be preserved for waterfront access and waterfront enhancing uses. In order to allow for the redevelopment of the project site, Cornell and NYCEDC are requesting: (1) Zoning Map amendment to change the project site zoning from R7-2 to C4-5 and to establish the Special Southern Roosevelt Island District over the project site (2) Zoning Text amendment to create a new Chapter 3, Article XIII to the New York City Zoning Resolution governing the Special Southern Roosevelt Island District, including special bulk, use, parking and public access controls for the Special District (3) Disposition of City-owned property from the City of New York (via the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)) to the New York City Land Development Corporation (NYCLDC) which will dispose the property to the New York City Economic Development Corporation or any successor thereto for a subsequent proposed long-term lease or sale to Cornell (4) Amendment to the City Map to make a one-way loop road surrounding the proposed Cornell Campus (the Loop Road) and the connections between the Loop Road and the main street on Roosevelt Island part of the City’s formal street system
Cornell NYC Tech Vice President Cathy Dove sent this letter dated December 9 to CB 8 Chair Nick Viest (full copy of letter is here):
On behalf of Cornell University, thank you for your consideration of our land use application. We greatly appreciate the time and energy that not only you and your members, but also the staff of Community Board 8, have dedicated to this project.

As you are undoubtedly aware, Cornell has been maintaining an ongoing and open dialogue with the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) and the Roosevelt Island community at-­‐large. Our dialog with the Roosevelt Island community predates Cornell's award in the competition in December of 2011 and will continue going forward.

 It is our understanding that over the past year, RICC has worked closely with a number of Roosevelt Island-­‐based leaders, businesses, community groups and other organizations. Based on their findings, the RICC developed a list of recommendations that they believe will enable Cornell NYC Tech to integrate into the fabric of life on Roosevelt Island and enhance the quality of life of its residents. The dedicated individuals of the RICC are to be commended for their hard work, all done on a volunteer basis.

The RICC has made several recommendations, and in keeping with its mission as the land grant university of New York State, Cornell has agreed to adopt a number of the recommendations put forth by the RICC.

 Cornell believes that these adopted recommendations are in alignment with the purpose and mission of the campus, will make a positive impact on the community, and will enable Cornell to be a good neighbor to all Roosevelt Island residents.

The specific RICC recommendations that Cornell has agreed to adopt include:
 • Provide space for community groups to meet and provide access for Roosevelt Island organizations to auditorium space, when available;
• Be fully compliant with ADA requirements such as incorporating accessibility features on campus such as a "looping" system for hearing impaired and disabled access (universal design);
• Investigate the feasibility of providing reduced rates for hotel space for Island residents, when accommodations are available;
 • Work closely with PS/IS 217 to implement Roosevelt Island pilot programs focused on tech education for middle school students. Work with other age groups too;
• Work with our Cooperative Extension Office, and designate a campus person to work on outreach programs with community;
 • Work with the community to program outdoor space for children;
 • Provide computers and help with computer training for members of the Senior Center;
• Create mentoring programs for the Island's population of post-­‐high school young adults;
• Create a "shadowing" program for Island middle school students to accompany scientists and observe academic/laboratory process;
 • Create an environment in which Cornell NYC Tech technology students can research ways that technology can enhance lives of older adults and the disabled;
• Provide consideration to Island organizations and services prior to working with outside organizations when feasible;
• Preserve the Goldwater WPA murals, and consider preserving and displaying other Island historic artifacts, where appropriate and feasible;
 • Provide Islanders opportunities to announce Island news and cultural events to Cornell faculty, students, and staff through electronic community bulletin boards, postings, and newsletters;
• Post Cornell NYC Tech employment and sub-­‐contracting opportunities and cultural opportunities via email, WIRE, blog, and local bulletin boards;
• Provide primarily non-­‐monetary support for community's cultural and religious events;
• Provide computer training for the disabled group, and investigate the donation of Dragon software; and
• Sponsor a "tech hackathon" to advance technology education for the disabled.

We believe these commitments are positive steps toward integration of the Cornell NYC Tech campus into the Roosevelt Island community, especially since they were agreed upon in a short period of time, less than one month since Cornell received RICC's recommendations.

 In addition to the many recommendations from RICC that have been adopted by Cornell, there are many additional benefits not mentioned in RICC's request that Cornell will bring to not only Roosevelt Island residents, but also to the entire region. These benefits include:

• The development of a world-­‐class institution that will enhance the visibility of Roosevelt Island and will spur job creation in the tens of thousands;
 • The introduction of a vibrant campus community that will help to support retail opportunities along the Main Street corridor;
• The creation of thousands of job opportunities, including campus operations, where a goal of 15 percent of available staff positions will be targeted to those living below the poverty line and job training will be provided;
 • The creation of two and a half acres of publicly accessible open space:
 • The development of an educational program that will impact 10,000 students and 200 teachers with a special focus on PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island;
 • The creation of a $150 million investment fund that will encourage and spur start-­‐up companies in New York City; and
 • The means to diversify New York's economy by contributing graduate students who will not only begin companies but will support and lead existing industries in New York City.

While Community Board 8's formal role in the ULURP process ends shortly, this process is just the beginning of what we believe will be a very positive and ongoing relationship with the Roosevelt Island community. We are so pleased to be joining this great community, and look forward to being model neighbors as we create a campus that is a source of pride for Roosevelt Island and the entire city of New York.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Here's what happened during December 10 meeting of the CB 8 Cornell Technion Roosevelt Island Task Force.

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



and Part 4



Update 11 PM - The Land Use Committee heard a presentation by Cornell representatives, statements and questions from Roosevelt Island residents and then asked questions of Cornell representatives. No vote was taken tonight but a motion was passed to vote on Cornell's application at the December 19 CB 8 Full Board Meeting.

Will post video of the meeting soon.

UPDATE 12/14 - Video of December 12 CB 8 Land Use Public Hearing.

A Chanukah Visit To Roosevelt Island Senior Center With Songs, Games & Treats - Also, Technion's Robotic Rube Goldberg Menorah Lighting Machine

Roosevelt Island resident Nechama Druchman reports

Happy Chanukah!!

Yesterday, my son Mendel and his friends came to the Senior Center

Image From Nechama Druchman

to bring Chanukah cheer with songs,

Image From Nechama Druchman

game,

Image From Nechama Druchman

latkes and treats for all.

 Image From Nechama Druchman

Everyone had a great time!
Also, students at the Technion Israeli Institute Of Technology, Cornell NYC Tech's partner in the new Roosevelt Island Applied Sciences & Technology school, show us how to light a Chanukah Menorah with a Rube Goldberg machine using Robots, helium and anything else they can find.



Probably wise that Mendel and his friends did not try anything like this at the Roosevelt Island Seniors Center.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Roosevelt Island Versus Dumbo In Curbed 2012 Neighborhood Of The Year Contest - Hurry Up And Cast Your Vote For Roosevelt Island, Balloting Ends Soon

Image From Curbed

Roosevelt Island is up against Brooklyn's Dumbo today in the first round for the 2012 Curbed Neighborhood of the Year Contest. For those not familiar with the Contest from previous years:
The Curbed Cup, our annual award to the New York City neighborhood of the year, is kicking off with 16 'hoods vying for the prestigious fake trophy. This week we'll have two matchups per day, and all the results and the full tourney bracket will be reviewed on Friday. Voting for each pairing ends 24 hours after it begins. Let the eliminations commence!...
Of the 16 New York City neighborhoods competing this year, Roosevelt Island is ceded 5th.

Click here to cast your vote for Roosevelt Island but please, no ballot stuffing this year as happened during the very close 2010 contest against Park Slope.


Only vote once.

As of now, 6:25 PM, Roosevelt Island is way behind in the voting. With 357 votes cast, Dumbo leads with 75% to Roosevelt Island's 25% of the vote.

Click here to vote for Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island Job Available As Technical Director For Island Shakespear's Production Of Measure For Measure


Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island? How about a job in the Theater. How about combining the two with a job in the Theater on Roosevelt Island? If interested, this Craigslist posting may be for you:
Island Shakespeare, a non-profit theatre located on Roosevelt Island, is seeking a Part/Full-Time Technical Director for upcoming production of "Measure for Measure." We are looking for an industrious, hard-working person who is a self-starter. The ideal candidate must be willing to get their hands dirty to get the job done, be an inventive problem solver, be deadline oriented, and be willing to shoulder responsibility. This is a great opportunity to become a valuable member of a successful new theatre organization located in the heart of NYC. Experience solving technical problems on your own is the primary qualification.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

- ALL ASPECTS OF TECHNICAL PREP FOR SHOW
-DAILY RUNNER DUTIES - TRAIN OR CAR TRAVEL. PLUS LOTS OF WALKING ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND
-SOME SET CONSTRUCTION AND LITE ELECTRIC RIGGING. ACCESS TO HAND TOOLS A PLUS.
-PROP ORGANIZATION AND RUNNING CREW MANAGEMENT, ALSO ORGANIZING VENDING SUPPLIES
- SOME LIFTING MAY BE REQUIRED...
More information on the position including contact address available at Craiglist.

Good Luck.

Last summer, Island Shakespeare performed Much Ado About Nothing outdoors at the Eastwood Amphitheater to excellent reviews. I am looking forward to their upcoming production of Measure For Measure.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Cornell Task Force Meeting Tonight, Full CB 8 Land Use Committee Public Hearing on Cornell NYC Tech Wednesday and Borough President Stringer Seeking Applications For 2013 Community Board Members - Are You Interested?

Received this message from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's office seeking Roosevelt Island residents interested in being considered as candidates to join Community Board 8 (CB 8).  From Borough President Stringer's office:
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is appointing the 2013 class of Manhattan’s Community Board members, and one of them could be you – or your readers. We hope you can include this flyer in your coverage, which advertises three upcoming information sessions:

Thursday, December 13th 6:30 - 8:00 pm - Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 19th Fl

Tuesday, December 18th 6:30 - 8:00 pm - 163 West 125th Street, 8th Floor -

Tuesday, January 8th 6:30 - 8:00 pm - Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 19th Fl
More information on CB 8 here and CB 8 Chair Nick Viest discusses below how he got involved and what the Community Board does.



Later tonight, the CB 8 Cornell Technion Roosevelt Island Task Force will meet. Here's the Agenda:
Meeting Date:
Monday, December 10, 2012 - 6:30pm
Meeting Location:
4 River Road
Community Room
Roosevelt Island, NY

Continued Discussion of Cornell Technion Task Force recommendation/resolution.

Nick Viest and Jim Clynes, Co-chairs
On Wednesday, December 13 the CB 8 Land Use Committee will be meeting on Roosevelt Island. According to Agenda Item 1:
Public Hearing: Cornell NYC Tech, 1 Main Street, Roosevelt Island - Cornell University and the New York City Economic Development Corporation are seeking a number of discretionary approvals to support and allow for the development of the Cornell NYC Tech applied science and engineering campus on Roosevelt island. The land affected by the proposed action is approximately 19-acre parcel located south of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and is bounded on the north and south by an existing roadway encircling the existing Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility’s Goldwater Memorial Hospital on the east and west by the New York City pier head and bulkhead lines. An approximately 123.4 acre portion of the project site would serve as the Cornell NYC Tech Campus and the remainder would be preserved for waterfront access and waterfront enhancing uses. In order to allow for the redevelopment of the project site, Cornell and NYCEDC are requesting: (1) Zoning Map amendment to change the project site zoning from R7-2 to C4-5 and to establish the Special Southern Roosevelt Island District over the project site (2) Zoning Text amendment to create a new Chapter 3, Article XIII to the New York City Zoning Resolution governing the Special Southern Roosevelt Island District, including special bulk, use, parking and public access controls for the Special District (3) Disposition of City-owned property from the City of New York (via the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)) to the New York City Land Development Corporation (NYCLDC) which will dispose the property to the New York City Economic Development Corporation or any successor thereto for a subsequent proposed long-term lease or sale to Cornell (4) Amendment to the City Map to make a one-way loop road surrounding the proposed Cornell Campus (the Loop Road) and the connections between the Loop Road and the main street on Roosevelt Island part of the City’s formal street system

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Dreary, Rainy Roosevelt Island Day - Let's Take A Trip To Snowy Mount Shasta And Rocky Mountains!!!

It was a cold, rainy and dreary day. Time to take a trip, at least virtually, out west

A former Roosevelt Islander shares this video from Mt. Shasta in northern California's Cascade Mountain range


Mt. Shasta Song from MT on Vimeo.

and reports:

Mt. Shasta is a very special place to be. I was happy to play my flute there, I played with my heart.

This video was taken by my friend Paz.

Love and Peace to everyone who watched this video.
Last October, I took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Take a walk with me.



If you wish to share highlights from a recent trip, send it in!!