Why Was Staten Island Ferry Passing Roosevelt Island On The East River This Afternoon? - It Was The 39th Annual Boat Ride For God's Exceptional Children

Staten Island Ferry Passing Roosevelt Island On East River Approaching The Tram

The Twitterverse was asking this afternoon

Staten Island Ferry on the East River. You lost, little buddy? http://t.co/kNbahSzDrH
— Dmitry Gudkov (@gudphoto) July 13, 2013

Staten Island Ferry On East River Under Queensboro Bridge

Staten Island Ferry...in the East River? My run is hurting my brain. http://t.co/cSTCbKQ2EQ
— Kristy Lamb (@KLambPhD) July 13, 2013

Staten Island Ferry Passing Roosevelt Island On East River

Just saw the Staten Island Ferry going up the East River? Did they move Staten Island???
— Zach Lockett (@ZacharyLockett) July 13, 2013

The answer to what the Staten Island Ferry was doing on the East River this afternoon is the same this year as it has been in past years. According to SI Live:

It was a boatload of fun for more than three thousand special needs people of all ages during the 39th annual "Boat Ride for God's Exceptional Children," which embarked on a fun-filled New York Harbor trip on Saturday.

Sponsored in part by the Marine and Aviation Club, Branch 119, the harbor tour aboard the Samuel I. Newhouse Ferry included music from three disc jockey's entertaining on three separate decks. Children, adults and volunteers enjoyed music and a water salute from an FDNY fire boat....

Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie Series Showing Pitch Perfect Tonight At Southpoint Park - Hope The Rain Stays Away

Last night's Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series showing of The Breakfast Club was cancelled due to rain but the series continues

 Image of Roosevelt Island 7/5 Rooftop Films Southpoint Park Outdoor Movie From Olya Turcihin

tonight at Southpoint Park with the showing of Pitch Perfect. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

... Stop by early and enjoy a night of music and movie trivia. There will be food, treats and beverages available for purchase.

Don’t miss out on all the fun!...

Image From RIOC

RIOC President Charlene Indelicato adds:

... The movies start at 8:45 pm at Southpoint Park, but residents and visitors are encouraged to come at 6:00 pm for music, movie trivia, and refreshments that will be on sale. The park is ADA accessible and the Red Bus will stop at the nearby bus stop every 15 minutes. As always, admission is free, so bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy the show!...

Here's the trailer for Pitch Perfect.

Here We Go Again, No Roosevelt Island Manhattan Bound F Train Service This Weekend And Next Weekend As Well

Manhattan Bound F Train Arriving At Roosevelt Island Subway Station, But Not This Weekend

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St

Weekends, 11:15 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Jul 12 - 15 • Jul 19 - 22

Trains resume regular service at 47-50 Sts.

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

Plan accordingly - expect crowded Roosevelt Island Tram cabins to Manhattan.

More information on subway service disruptions this weekend from the MTA's Weekender.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The MTA has advised that there will be no Manhattan bound F trains this weekend:

July 12th- 15th from 11:15 PM Friday to 5 AM Monday

AND next weekend:

July 19th- 22nd from 11:15 PM Friday to 5 AM Monday
For service to Manhattan, take the Queens - bound F train to Roosevelt Ave and transfer to a Manhattan bound F train.

The Tram will operate on a rush hour schedule (every 7.5 minutes) Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM until 10 PM on the affected weekends of the F train service disruption.

For up to the minute F train service updates, visit www.mta.info or call 511. To sign up for real time alerts on planned service changes, visit MYMTAALERTS.com.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island Cockroaches Wanted For Rockefeller University National Cockroach DNA Barcoding Project - Our Roaches May Show Genetic Inbreeding

Cockroach Image From The Rockefeller University

Roosevelt Island resident Christoph von Bereen asks for our assistance in the Citizen Scientist National Cockroach Project.

Image From The Rockefeller University

From Mr. von Bereen:

I am a researcher at The Rockefeller University and currently we have a project about cockroaches in NY. We would love to have some specimens, dead, squeezed, doesn't matter, as we will analyze them genetically. Everybody is welcome to participate in this scientific project by handing over specimens.

The Roosevelt Island roach population would be interesting in particular, as they may, as an island population, show some kind of genetic inbreeding. People can also just ask their cleaning staff, they often know how to find the roaches. Contributors will also be announced on this webpage:

Just put the dead cockroaches in an normal envelope and send to the following address:
Mark Stoeckle
Program for the Human Environment
The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065

According to The Rockefeller University's The Incubator:

We mostly know cockroaches as pests. But the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is one of the most successful species that have ever lived. Originating during the carboniferous period over 350 million years ago – even before the dinosaurs walked on earth – these bugs have continually adapted to a variety of environmental conditions. Very recently (relative to geologic time scales), the American cockroach has spread from it’s native continent of Africa, hitching a ride on ships traveling all over the world, and is now very commonly found in nearly all major cities.

Because of this expansive natural history and wide-ranging habitat, the American cockroach can be a wealth of information when it comes to genetic diversity. Through DNA Barcoding, which is a genetic technique used to identify a specific species, researchers at The Rockefeller University hope to answer questions about the American cockroach, and unlock secrets of natural selection and evolution. But your help is needed!

High school student researcher eagerly seeks cockroach specimens

In collaboration with the Kronauer Laboratory for Insect Social Evolution and the Program for the Human Environment, a high school student is eagerly seeking (dead) cockroach specimens from any location in or around NYC and from other US cities. We are particularly interested in the large “waterbug” officially known as American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Specimens will be analyzed by DNA barcoding to look for genetic variation including possible cryptic species....

More information available from the National Cockroach Project.

Fortunately for me, I don't have much of a cockroach problem in my apartment but do get small ants at times. How about you?

Tonight's Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movie Showing Of The Breakfast Club Cancelled Due To Threat Of Rain And Thunderstorms Says RIOC

Image from jrkkasterlee

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Please be advised due to the threat of rain and thunderstorms this evening, tonight's scheduled outdoor movie, The Breakfast Club, has been canceled and rescheduled for Saturday, July 20th (8:45 PM) at Southpoint Park.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Here's what you are missing tonight.

Project Renewal Scan Van Program Brings Free Mammogram Screenings To Roosevelt Island Saturday July 13 Reports State Senator Jose Serrano - Appointment Necessay, Please Call

 Image From Project Renewal

Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano sends the following message to our community:

Early Detection Saves Lives!

State Senator José M. Serrano and Project Renewal Scan Van Program will be on Roosevelt Island SATURDAY, where FREE mammogram screenings will be available for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year.

Please RSVP to (800)-564-6868 for an appointment as space is limited.

Roosevelt Island Mammogram Screening

Saturday, July 13, 2013

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

591 Main Street Plaza (RIOC Plaza)

Roosevelt Island, NY 10044

More on Project Renewal and the Scan Van.

Transfer Of Roosevelt Island Goldwater Hospital Land For Cornell NYC Tech Campus Subject Of NYC Health & Hospitals Corp Public Hearing Today 6 PM - Will Future Of Current Patients Be Addressed As Well?

Image From NYC Health & Hospitals Corp

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

The Roosevelt Island Community is encouraged to attend a public hearing hosted by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation concerning the transfer of land and building to the City of New York, located on the campus of the Goldwater Speciality Hospital & Nursing Facility.

When: Thursday, July 11th at 6 PM

Where: Goldwater Speciality Hospital & Nursing Facility (1 Main Street- Main Floor Auditorium)

Speakers must register in advance by calling 212-788-3360. On site registration on 7/11 begins at 5:30 PM and closes at 6:30 PM.

** Advance Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 10th**

For more information, please visit
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/downloads/pdf/hhc-public-hearing-2013-07-11.pdf

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

As previously reported, Goldwater Hospital

Image of Goldwater Hospital Campus From Google Maps

 will be closed later this year to make way for Cornell NYC Tech campus and:

... more than 300 patients will be relocated to new facility at North General Hospital in East Harlem at the end of October 2013 and other patients will be transferred to Coler campus on Roosevelt Island at the same time. There will also be 175 mobility impaired affordable apartments for Coler Hospital patients in a new facility being built on 99th street across from Metropolitan Hospital scheduled to open in the spring/summer of 2015....

NYC Health and Hospital Corp (HHC) representatives discussed the closing of Goldwater Hospital and relocation of current patients during an April 16 Community Board 8 meeting. At that time, plans were still being finalized. Here's video of that meeting.

UPDATE 10 PM - Here's what happened at tonight's NYC HHC Public Hearing on the transfer of Goldwater Hospital land for the new Cornell NYC Tech campus. Goldwater Hospital residents and supporters testified about their fears and concerns at the closing of the hospital. Needless to say that Mayor Bloomberg was not very popular among the Goldwater patients and workers.

Make sure to watch very moving testimony of a Goldwater resident at 7 minute mark and a worker at 22 minute 45 second mark.



Will have more on this meeting in the coming days.

Remote Control Plane Flying Over Roosevelt Island, East River & Queensboro Bridge - Come Take A Remote Ride

Image of Remote Controlled Plane Flying Over Roosevelt Island

Reported previously on Roosevelt Island resident Bill Dickey who was the subject of a NY Times profile:

... Mr. Dickey, 35, is the manager of Pilotage Fun and Hobby, a Manhattan shop that sells remote-control versions of nearly everything.

Mr. Dickey’s enthusiasm is infectious. But when the shop opened in March 2012, it wasn’t immediately clear how warm a reception his products, more commonly associated with a previous generation’s suburban Saturday mornings on long driveways and deserted athletic fields, would find in Midtown.

“We’re adapted to the city,” Mr. Dickey, a Roosevelt Island resident, said. Hence the store’s focus on helicopters, which make the most of the limited footage (square and cubic) of city apartments. Planes, too, can be flown indoors. Mr. Dickey recommends lighter, highly maneuverable throw-launched craft that are gentle on walls and loved ones....

I was walking thru the Rivewalk Commons last Sunday evening when I spotted Mr. Dickey with several friends piloting his remote control plane circling Roosevelt Island near the Queensboro Bridge, Big Allis and over the East River before it came in for a landing.Take a look.



A longer version of the remote controlled Roosevelt Island flight.



You can check out more about remote controlled planes and other vehicle's at Mr. Dickey's store - Pilotage Fun And Hobby.

For a view of Roosevelt Island and Manhattan's East Side from a slightly higher vantage point, Trevre Andrews shares this recent photo

adding:

Awesome flyover of manhattan .... There is no perspective like flying over the place you live.

I agree. Whenever I am flying back to NYC, always look forward to the view and hope I am sitting on the right side of the plane.

Anybody Want To Buy The Roosevelt Island Tram Office Trailer - It's Being Auctioned Off By RIOC, Minimum Bid $11 Thousand

Anybody want to buy the former Riverwalk Sales Office now being used as the Roosevelt Island tram Office? Apparently, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is selling it through an online auction. From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

@Rooseveltisland @NYC_Buildings 1 day left on Roosevelt Island trailer auction..http://t.co/wwJBsnTSQA pic.twitter.com/hjR0LsC8ek
— Mark Domenic Moritz (@GovdealsMark) July 10, 2013

According to GovDeals:

The trailer is 7 years old and was retrofitted multiple times for multiple users, located at 450 Main Street On Roosevelt Island 10044. It’s current use has a front desk, a conference room, a bathroom, kitchen and multiple offices. It is a triple-wide trailer and would require disassembling into its three components in order to move it off-site....

More information available at Gov Deals. The minimum bid is $11 Thousand. So far, the highest bid is $10,500.

 Image From Gov Deals

The auction ends July 11 2PM (EST).

Hudson Related had previously expressed an interest in buying the trailer for use during their upcoming construction of Southtown Riverwalk Building 7

View Of New Riverwalk Building 7 Site and Tram Trailer Being Auctioned For Sale

and the Roosevelt Island Islamic community had considered the trailer for use as a mosque/community center.

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Candidate For Manhattan's 5 District Ben Kallos Speaks At Campaign HQ Grand Opening - Discuses Policy Ideas And Accomplishments

Ben Kallos is running to succeed Jessica Lappin as New York City Council Member for Manhattan's 5th District which includes Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and Midtown East.

Mr. Kallos recently spoke before a group of his supporters at the opening of his new campaign headquarters.

Here's what he had to say.



Mr. Kallos is running in the Democratic Party Primary for Manhattan's 5th District NYC Council seat against current Assembly Member Micah Kellner, and Community Board 8 Member Ed Hartzog.

Three Roosevelt Island Burglaries At Manhattan Park Yesterday - Crime Prevention Tips From RIOC Public Safety Department Director McManus

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Director John McManus shares these Crime Prevention tips with our community.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Crime Prevention tips for our island residents:

1. Keep front doors, patio doors and windows locked. If you have a patio, Burglar-proof your glass patio doors by setting a pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide. The pipe should be the same length as the track.

2. Have your key ready before you approach your apartment door. Don't leave extra keys under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Burglars will generally find them. Find an inconspicuous place to hide the keys, or give a set to a neighbor you can trust

3. Store cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or safety deposit box instead of leaving them lying around the home.

4. Do not leave notes on the door for service people or family members when you are not there. These alert the burglar that you are not home.

5. Be sure to use a dead bolt lock on your doors.

6. Look through your door peep hole before answering the door.

7. Use the door chain when answering and before opening the door.

8. Be sure your apartment door is dead bolt locked before retiring for the night or leaving your apartment.

9. Do not open the door for strangers until you have established their identity and purpose.

10.  If you cannot establish their identity, call the PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT at (212) 832- 4545. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

11. Report any suspicious persons loitering or soliciting to the PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT.

12. Be aware of your surroundings.

13. Lock your door immediately upon entering your apartment.

14. Be sure the entrance outside your apartment door is well lit.

15. If you feel unsafe during late hours, call the PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT and we will walk you to your residence.

LET’S KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE!
John B. McManus, Director

Earlier today, I asked Director McManus:

Can you provide additional information regarding the burglaries reported at 10 and 30 River Road yesterday. Are they related?

07/08/13 - 2245 - 10 River Road - Burglary - PSD & NYPD responded - Report Filed.

07/08/13 - 2250 - 10 River Road - Burglary - PSD & NYPD responded - Report Filed

07/08/13 - 2255 - 30 River Road - Burglary - PSD & NYPD responded - Report Filed.

Also, what happened at this assault - any weapons used and was anyone injured?

07/09/13 - 0630 - 579 Main St - Assault - Refused NYPD - Report Filed.

Mr. McManus replied:

We are investigating the possibility that these burglaries are related. We are working side by side with our partners from the 114th precinct to address these incidents. A part of that effort is crime prevention, which would include getting the type of information contained in the accompanying flyer...

  

UPDATE 7/11 - RIOC Public Safety Incident Report indicates a burglary yesterday at Roosevelt Landings:

07/10/13 - 2302 - 560 Main St - Burglary - PSD & NYPD responded - Report filed.

HBO Hipster Series Girls Filming Today At Roosevelt Island's Coler Goldwater Hospital - Calm Down Bill, It's Not The Ruin Of Roosevelt Island

I hope reader Bill Blass doesn't get too upset

... Forget a about the shooting. When the hell are the hipsters getting their bike lanes...

but hipsters are coming to Roosevelt Island today by way of the HBO series Girls

Image Of HBO's Girls From Man Repeller

According to On Location Vacation, HBO's:

Girls is filming at Coler-Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island.

And:

@girlsHBO is filming at Coler-Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island. Oh no, I hope everything's alright.
— Young Adult mag (@YAmzine) July 9, 2013

For those not familiar with the Brooklyn hipster show, here's the trailer from season 1.



Take a deep breath Bill.

Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Renovation Continues - 4A South and 4A North Sections To Be Closed Today Thru August 1 For Installation Of New LED Light Fixtures

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The renovation project at the Motorgate Parking Garage will be entering the 2nd phase of the installation of new light fixtures TODAY July, 8th through August 1st.

The following sections will be closed for the installation of new light fixtures:

July 8, 2013 - August 1, 2013- Sections 4A South and 4A North.

As a reminder, this work is necessary to upgrade the current lighting to LED light fixtures which are brighter, durable and more energy efficient.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More on LED lighting for parking garages.

Roosevelt Island Jobs Available - PS/IS 217 Gifted & Talented Teachers, RIDN Nursery Teachers And NY Foundling Disability Specialists/Residence Managers

Image From How I Save Money

Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island? Maybe one of these positions listed on Craigslist are suitable for you.

According to Craigslist:

PS/IS 217, a PreK-Grade 8 District 2 NYCDOE public school located on Roosevelt Island, is seeking two elementary gifted and talented teachers for the 13-14 school year. Candidates must have common branch certification AND the gifted and talented extension/certification to be considered. Please email with a cover letter and resume.

More information available here.

And:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery at Riverwalk Crossing is currently seeking part time and substitute teachers.

Part time and substitute teachers needed to work with children from age three months to three and a half years old. Seeking teachers who can work 4-6pm Monday through Friday or 8-10am Monday-Friday....

More information available here.

And:

The New York Foundling (the "Foundling") is one of the oldest, largest and most well-respected human services agencies in New York. Established as a home for abandoned children, the Foundling has been saving children, preserving families, and building communities since 1869. The Foundling's focus is on child welfare and the developmentally disabled and is dedicated to creating a community where each child, youth and adult enjoys the safe, stable and support relationships needed to reach his or her full physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual potential. We have over 1300 employees located in every borough of New York City, Westchester and Rockland Counties and in Puerto Rico.

We are currently looking to hire Disability Specialists and Residence Managers in our residential programs for developmentally-disabled adults in the Bronx, Roosevelt Island and Staten Island. Responsibilities will include:...

More information available here.

Good Luck.

Car Tires Stolen, Vehicle Scratched and Grand Larceny Reported At Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage

On July 3, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Interim Public Safety Department (PSD) Director John McManus for more information regarding the following incidents at the

Motorgate Parking Garage:

Can you provide additional information regarding the incidents below:

The 07/01/13 - 2100 - 688 Main St - Larceny - PSD & NYPD responded - Report Filed.

07/01/13 - 2120 - 688 Main St - Criminal Mischief - PSD responded - Refused NYPD - Report filed.

What happened? Were there any injuries or weapons used?

Thank you.

Mr. McManus replied:

The larceny was the theft of four(4) tires from a vehicle - no injuries, no weapons, and no arrest yet and in the criminal mischief incident unknown person(s) put several scratches on a vehicle. Again, no injuries, no weapons, and, as of this hour, no arrest.

On July 6, I followed up with Mr. McManus on another incident at the Motorgate Garage:

There was another larceny incident reported at Motorgate (688 Main Street) on July 3. This time it was a "Grand Larceny".

What happened at the July 3 incident? Is it related to the 7/1 incidents?

Below is the Public Safety Report.

7/03/13 - 1250 - 688 -Main St - Grand Larceny - PSD and NYPD responded. NYPD report filed.

Thank you.

Have not received a response yet but will update when more information available.