Best Wishes For A Happy And Healthy New Year From Roosevelt Island - Goodbye 2014, Welcome 2015 With Peace, Love And Understanding

Best Wishes to all for a Happy And Healthy New Year in 2015.

You Tube Video of Bottle Band Auld Lang Syne Performance

There's no better way to party out the past year than with a traditional last song from Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes together with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band .

We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby

You Tube Video of Southside Johnny and Bruce Springsteen Having a Party in 1978 - Lyrics are by Sam Cooke.

Here's hoping for some 2015 Peace, Love and Understanding from Elvis Costello. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

First Phase Of Goldwater Hospital Demolition Completed, Second Phase Continuing For New Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Campus

Here's the latest

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital December 30 

on the demolition of Roosevelt Island's

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital December 30

Goldwater Hospital

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital December 30

to make way

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital December 30

for the new Cornell Tech campus.

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital December 30

According to the latest Cornell NYC Tech Roosevelt Island construction update:

December 19 - January 2 Look Ahead

Phase I of the demolition project is now complete. All building foundations have been removed and backfilled. The team has been working to level the entire Phase I parcel before shifting their focus to the south of the Goldwater site.

Work continues in Phase II. Structural demolition of Building J, the southernmost building, continues and is approximately 50% complete. Preparatory work on Building E is underway with façade demolition expected to start in the coming weeks.

The ductbank operation continues along the west roadway. Much of the installation takes place within the current fence line, although there are locations where work must take place in the roadway.

And just a reminder that Cornell Tech has a community space at Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, with office hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please stop by and learn about our campus.

There are also of course wonderful art exhibits at Gallery RIVAA. From January 3rd to January 18th Paul Calendrillo New York Presents Out with the Old in with the Few, 14 Artists to Follow in 2015. The Opening Reception is January 6th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the gallery. Paul Calendrillo New York will move his 14 artists from Chelsea “to a show celebrating all of New York and all of its greatness.” The artists represented come from Tokyo, Cuba, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Mexico, California and of course New York.

The Horseflies Hush Little Baby Music Video Performed Inside Roosevelt Island's Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital - In 1989

Image From Horseflies You Tube Video

According to Wikipedia:

The Horse Flies are an American alternative rock/folk band, founded in the late 1970s under the name 'Tompkins County Horseflies' by husband and wife Jeff Claus and Judy Hyman, along with Richie Stearns and John Hayward.

The four original members of the Horse Flies emerged from the old-time music scene and, in collaboration with percussionist Taki Masuko and keyboardist/accordionist Peter Dodge, would develop their unique sound by twining old-time fiddle tunes with modern art/alt rock influences and world folk music traditions.

Songs by Claus and Stearns included surreal elements that simultaneously evoke Appalachian imagery and the alienated perspective British and American indie rock bands of the 1980s. This link was perhaps most explicit in their reworking of the Cramps' "Human Fly," the title cut of the Horseflies' first album. Claus's homage to their adopted hometown of Ithaca, New York, "I Live Where It's Grey" recalls early Talking Heads and Devo, but the mechanical precision is executed on traditional acoustic instruments. Stearns' adaptation of the lullaby "Hush Little Baby" transforms it into a series of heartfelt promises from someone who has little, but offers everything...

In 1989, Horseflies made a music video of Hush Little Baby inside Roosevelt Island's abandoned Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital and at Southpoint Park.

Take a look and listen.



More on The Horseflies from their web site.

2014 Year End Report From NYC Council Member Ben Kallos - Living And Breathing Roosevelt Island Every Single Day Says Mr. Kallos

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side

Image Of NYC Council District 5 Including Roosevelt Island From Ben Kallos

NYC Council Member (CM) Ben Kallos reported December 23 on the end of his first year serving as our CM.
 

Image From Ben Kallos

According to Mr. Kallos:

It has been one year since I began serving as your City Council Member. I am deeply proud of the work we have done together and excited for the road ahead. Though there certainly have been difficult times, especially in recent days and months, it is time for our city to come together in mourning of those we have lost and with resolve to move forward.

I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming event--or perhaps my holiday party tonight, 12/23, from 4-7p.m. at my District Office at 244 East 93rd Street. You can RSVP at BenKallos.com/Events.

If you would like to compare my goals with actions over the past year, please have a look at my 2013 Policy Book. I am proud of these achievements--but I know there's much, much more to do. Thank you for your support this year. I am looking forward to the next three.

Sincerely,

Ben Kallos


Year One: By the Numbers

Residents served: More than 1,000
Legislation Passed: 3 bills and 2 resolutions
Land use matters: 2, with both passing
City Council attendance: 100 Percent (perfect attendance)
Governmental Operations Committee Hearing chaired: 14
Laws passed through committee: 7 Bills and 2 Resolutions
First Fridays and policy nights: Nearly 20
Funding Secured for East River Esplanade: $35 Million
Community Meetings: More than 100
Money allocated to projects the community voted on through participatory budgeting: $2.7 million

Table Of Contents

1. Fighting the Marine Transfer Station
2. Safer Streets
3. Revitalizing the East River Esplanade
4. Supporting Education
5. Affordable Housing
6. Healthier Communities
7. Open Office
8. Government Reform
9. City Council Rules Reform
10. Participatory Budgeting
12. Technology
12. Improving Elections
13. Starting off and Moving Forward

Mr. Kallos spoke at the December 8 Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island Town Hall meeting. He discussed accessibility for hearing impaired at public meetings, new Roosevelt Island NYC Public Library visioning session, $1 million Participatory Budgeting process, Cornell Tech construction barging and constituent services.



Mr. Kallos has mobile Roosevelt Island constituent service office hours on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 4-7 PM at the Roosevelt Island Seniors Center (546 Main Street) and his Roosevelt Island Director, resident Joe Strong, can be stopped on the street to discuss issues as well.

Mr. Kallos ended his remarks at the Cornell Tech Town Hall meeting saying:

... by having someone on Roosevelt Island, we make sure every single day, morning, evening, afternoon, we're living and breathing Roosevelt Island.

More information about NYC Council Member Ben Kallos is available at his web site.

Take A Trip On The MTA's Nostalgia Train - But No Stop At Welfare (Roosevelt) Island

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

The Nostalgia Train's vintage map has no stop at Roosevelt Island (and in fact, they call it Welfare Island). pic.twitter.com/psqx28qU3L
— Nick Turner (@SFNick) December 28, 2014

Today was the last day to experience the MTA's Nostalgia Train. Fun trip back to the subway of the 1930s-1970s. http://t.co/SqzonGQGkg
— Nick Turner (@SFNick) December 28, 2014

Here's more on the Nostalgia Train from the Wall Street Journal,



a Nostalgia Train party



and from the MTA web site.

Funeral For Assassinated NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos Yesterday, Remarks By Mayor de Blasio, Vice President Biden and Commissioner Bratton

Image Of Officer Ramos and Liu From NYPD News

The NY Times reports on the funeral of NYPD officer Rafael Ramos yesterday:

... one week removed from the slayings, the city wept for an officer, Rafael Ramos, N.Y.P.D. Shield No. 6335, who was murdered Dec. 20 along with another officer for their choice of occupation....

CNN adds:

... Ramos and his partner, Officer Wenjian Liu, were gunned down December 20 as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn. The gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, shot himself at a subway shortly afterward. He earlier posted angry messages on social media against police and government, citing two black men killed by officers....

Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered these remarks at the funeral of Officer Ramos.



NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton eulogized Officer Ramos (full text here)


More ABC News Videos | ABC World News

and Vice President Biden said:



Commissioner Bratton said on Face The Nation this morning:

New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton said it was "very inappropriate" for officers to turn their backs on New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio at the funeral for slain NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos. It was the second time officers had done so since the slaying of two NYPD cops.

"That funeral was held to honor Officer Ramos, and to bring politics, to bring issues into that event I think was very inappropriate and I do not support it. He is the mayor of New York, he was there representing the citizens of New York to express their remorse and their regret at that death," Bratton said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

"At the same time it is reflective unfortunately of the feelings of some of our officers at this juncture about not just the mayor but I think about some of the many issues that are afflicting the city at this time and this particular police department," he added....

Former Mayor Rudy Guiliani also appeared today on Face The Nation saying:

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said current mayor Bill de Blasio owes New York City police an apology for creating "an impression with police that he was on the side of the protesters."

"Mayor de Blasio, please say you're sorry to them for having created a false impression of them," Giuliani said on "Face the Nation" Sunday. "You did create a false impression of them. Say you're sorry. Say you didn't realize. Say you didn't realize you have...a non-white police department, in terms of majority."

Still, Giuliani said that he does not blame de Blasio for the deaths and does not think it is appropriate for others to do so....

Details on Officer's Liu's funeral have not yet been announced.

Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool Will Reopen Monday After Being Closed For Past Week Due To Mechanical Heating Issue Says RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced on December 22:

Notification issued 12/22/14 at 7:31 PM. Due to a mechanical issue with the heat exchanger, the Sportspark pool will be closed until further notice. An advisory will be issued with any new developments.

A Roosevelt Island resident noted today:

Sportspark Pool has been closed for over a week now, with little information and no indication when it will re-open.

and another resident shared this photo

reporting:

no notice yet when they will reopen.

Fortunately, RIOC announced today:

Notification issued 12/28/2014 at 12:25 PM. Following a previous closure, Sports Park Pool 250 Main Street NY NY 10044 will be reopened to its normal schedule on Monday, December 29th 2014 at 6:00 AM.

Click here for more information on the Roosevelt Island Sportspark pool.

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend - That's 6 Consecutive Weeks Of Roosevelt Island F Train Service In Both Directions

According to the MTA Weekender, there will be Roosevelt Island F train service

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team Celebrate 2014 With Team Banquet - Review Past Success, Congratulate Outstanding Swimmers And Look Forward To Next Year

The Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team report:

Roosevelt Island Marlins Celebrate at 2014 Team Banquet

Image From Roosevelt Island Marlins

Roosevelt Island Marlins Celebrate at 2014 Team Banquet

Roosevelt Island Marlins, a local non-profit swim team, serving hundreds of island children since 2006, celebrated another great year of swimming with food, friends, and festivities this past Friday, December 19. 2014 finished with fantastic records for the young athletes - and members of the Marlins swim team are ranked as some of the best in the Metropolitan Area.

“We are having a great, phenomenal swimming season!” - Head coach Michael Gavrilchin reports. - “The team had great performances in local metropolitan league meets. We captured multiple first, second and third places. I’d like to thank team’s coaching staff for hard work and dedication. We strive to help kids set the goals, achieve them, and along this journey, teach them valuable life skills such as discipline, self-confidence and leadership, which they will apply not only in the swimming, but in their own lives. Special appreciation to Marlins’ parents for being supportive, very active and keeping this team united. I wish to Marlins Swim Team all the best in 2015 year, we look forward to keeping every swimmer motivated and lead the Marlins to greater accomplishments.”

“We have had 12 junior olympics qualifiers, 18 silvers championship qualifiers, and tremendous amount of personal best times.” - Junior Group coach Igor Zagoruiko adds. “The swimming season is not over, and we are looking forward to more medals, age group records and another great year of swimming in 2015.”

Both coaches credit large part of this success to Marlins dedicated Board of Directors - Slavica Gak, Sanya Hamsic, Ana Gasic, and Gene Teytelman, as well as to parents who support their children’s passion for swimming.

Team’s “Learn to Swim” program, available to children as young as 3 years old, is a great feeder for the Team. “I am looking at you now, and remember you as 6-7 year olds, just learning to swim.” - one of the Board Directors Gene Teytelman reminisced addressing 15 & Older division swimmers towering over him. ”With some of our best Senior swimmers graduating High School and leaving our squad last summer, and several more of you heading for college at the end of this school year, it will be a great transitional year in the Marlins’ history as we move forward in attaining our position at the top of Metropolitan Local Swimming Committee.”

Congratulations to Marlins’ Outstanding Swimmers of the Year - winners of 2014 Team challenge:

10 & Under Division Girls
1st place - Sophia Shchuchinov
2nd place - Elena Jordan
3rd place - Kelsey Long

10 & Under Division Boys
1st place - William Sakmar
2nd place - Strahinja Maslo
3rd place - Stephan Vesselov

11-12 Years Old Division Girls
1st place - Katarina Grozdanic
2nd place - Juliette Sakmar
3rd place - Charlotte Sakmar

11-12 Years Old Division Boys
1st place - Nicholas Gusita
2nd place - Patrick Ren
3rd place - Jasper Bruskotter

13-14 Years Old Division Girls
1st place - Lara Jordan
2nd place - Helena Horvat
3rd place - Kristina Jankovic

13-14 Years Old Division Boys
1st place - Matija Prokic
2nd place - Victor Gazdoiu
3rd place - Matteo Coullare

15 & Older Division Girls
1st place - Andrea Gasic
2nd place - Charline Mazanek
3rd place - Doris Gasic

15 & Older Division Boys
1st place - Nader Yamout
2nd place - Edoardo Snaidero
3rd place - Omar Hamsic

More information available on the Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team at their web site.

Scenes From Roosevelt Island Cabrini Church Children's Christmas Show Last Night, Merry Christmas - Also, A Song From Great Big Sea, Come And I Will Sing You (The Twelve Apostles)

Frank Farance shares these photos from Roosevelt Island's Church of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Children's Christmas show last night at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

Images From Frank Farance

Here's a traditional Christmas song from another Island community, Newfoundland Canada, sung by Great Big Sea. The song is Come and I Will Sing You (The Twelve Apostles)



That looks like a great snowy White Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

A Roosevelt Island Christmas Tale - Local Residents, RIOC Public Safety Officers and RI Youth Program Help Bring Toys For Tots to Coler Hospital Children's Ward

A Roosevelt Island Christmas story from Sasha Ross:

A few weeks ago  Priscilla Morales told me she was collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program and asked if we, as a Roosevelt Island community, could donate a toy or two for less fortunate children.

Of course I was willing to donate what I could.

The collection ended 12/19 (last Friday) so when I noticed the boxes still sitting in the PS/IS 217 school on Monday, I asked why. Apparently Toys for Tots had not picked them up yet.

Yesterday, about 5:45 pm I got a phone call from Priscilla asking about the children's ward at Coler Hospital. PS/IS 217 was closing at 6pm and would remain closed until after the new year. She needed a place to donate the toys before it was too late.

So, I made a few phone calls. Yes there was a Coler Hospital children's ward I was told. But no, they were not sure if they could accept any donations, I would have to wait for another call from someone in Coler Hospital's Human Resources department.

I was able to use the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Center as a holding area for the toys until I got a call back from someone in HR at Coler. I called the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) for some help. I would need transport to the hospital, would PSD help?

Well it all worked out and by 7:30pm yesterday, the Coler Hospital Children's ward received 2 huge densely packed boxes of brand new Christmas toys.

Image of Toys For Tots Delivery To Coler Hospital Representative By Sasha Ross

So I'm sending a huge thank you to Priscilla Morales for such an amazing idea. To RIYP's Romance Barber, PSD's Chief Jack McManus, Sergeant Michelle Evans and Sergeant Rodell Lindsey for all of their help. I know we all made those children's holiday season a bit better.

Also, a Big Thank You to Ms. Ross for her efforts to bring Christmas Toys to children at Coler Hospital and for telling us the story.

Roosevelt Island Resident And Art Gallery Owner Paul Calendrillo Begins New Year With Exhibit At Gallery RIVAA Starting January 3 - Out With The Old In With The Few, 14 Artists To Follow In 2015

Roosevelt Island resident and art gallery owner Paul Calendrillo is ringing in the 2015 New Year by curating a new exhibit at Gallery RIVAA beginning January 3 with an opening reception January 6.  Mark your calendars.

According to Mr. Calendrillo:

Paul Calendrillo New York Presents

Out with the Old in with the Few

14 Artists to Follow in 2015

Stephen Hall, American Still Life

January 3rd to January 18th

Opening Reception January 6th 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Gallery RIVAA

527 Main St.

Roosevelt Island

Curated by Paul Calendrillo

Gallery Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 1pm to 5pm

Wednesday and Friday 10am to 4pm

Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm

Wednesday and Friday 6pm to 9pm

Artist Talk Series

January 7th through January 18th

It’s the perfect time and the perfect place for new beginnings in 2015. This new year, like all new years, will open full of hope and optimism. It is a time to search in the most unlikely places for ideas that will spark change and lead to something unforeseen and wonderful. And at this time, in a place that ties all New York by an orange umbilical cord running from the upper east side to lower Manhattan and Brooklyn that we all call the F train, on an Island alive with art and artists, Roosevelt Island, and in the beautiful gallery RIVVA, Paul Calendrillo New York will move his 14 artists from Chelsea to a show celebrating all New York and all its greatness.

The group is highly diversified and comes from all parts of the world but has several overwhelming commonalities—they are all highly skilled, accomplished, successful and consistently push the boundaries of their own art. The artists represented come from Tokyo, Cuba, Canada, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Mexico, California and of course New York. They range from the elegant, fabulous couture worn by faceless women in Courtney Murphy’s oils to the heavy, violent strokes of black on black acrylic in the work of Andres Giles. Come to the gallery to see the deterioration of Cuba in the paintings of Alejandro Mora, crafted with sensitivity for the country he left but still lives in his heart, the joyous, bugs-eye view of nature by Asako Iwasawa, the social commentary of Stephen Hall, the unique technique and contemporary work of Sean Donovan, the mythical sculpture of Blake Emory, the microscopic and galactic forms and colors in the paintings of Sarah Doherty Heinrichs, the facetious surrealism of Pat Moretti, the two dimensions in motion of Jesse Best’s abstracts, the vibrant color of Linda Louis, the search for meaning in Regina Davis’s oils, the inspiration garnered from Northern India in Janeen Hunt Humphries work and the unique painting process that combines watercolor and earth ephemera of Andre Eamiello.

Roosevelt Island is the home to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a gift to all New Yorkers. The park is the first memorial dedicated to the former President in his home state of New York. It is the last work of the late, famous Louis I. Kahn, an iconic architect of the 20th century. The Park celebrates the Four Freedoms, as pronounced in President Roosevelt’s famous January 6, 1941 State of the Union speech. At the tip of the park rests the intense 1933 bust of FDR crafted by the late sculptor Jo Davidson.

Artist Talk Calendar

(Check our website at www.paulcalendrillo.com for any last minute changes or additions to the schedule)

• Stephen Hall January 7th at 6:30pm
• Asako Iwasawa January 8th at 1:30pm
• Janine Hunt-Humphries January 8th at 1:00pm
• Linda Louis January 9th at 6:30pm
• Blake Emory January 10th at 1:00 pm
• Sarah Doherty Heinrichs January 11th at 12pm
• Andres Giles January 13th at 1:30 pm
• Regina Davis January 14th at 1:30pm
• Jesse Best January 14th at 6:30pm
• Sean Donovan January 15th at 1:30 pm
• Andre Eamiello January 16th at 6:30pm

Here's more on Mr. Calendrillo at a private showing in his home



and from his web site.

A Christmas Story Holiday Classic Movie Showing Tonight At Roosevelt Island New York Public Library Branch - Also, Please Take Online Survey To Help Plan Future Programs At New Roosevelt Island Library

According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Enjoy a free screening of the classic movie A Christmas Story today at 6pm at Roosevelt Island Library. pic.twitter.com/ZyiuThz17T
— Duane Reade (@DuaneReade) December 23, 2014

The New York Public Library Roosevelt Island branch adds:

Movie Night: "A Christmas Story" Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 6PM
(1983) (PG) (98 Minutes) - Audience: Families
It's the Christmas season in 1940's Indiana. Young Ralphie wants a Red Rider B.B. Gun for Christmas, but every adult he talks to including a department store Santa tells him: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" Will Ralphie's Christmas wishes come true?

and here's the trailer from the movie.



Also,don't forget to help shape the plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch at 504 Main Street by filling out this survey.

Residential Manager For Roosevelt Island Related Riverwalk Luxury Condo Job Available - Comes With A 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Apartment Too

Image From How I Save Money

Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island. How about one that comes with a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment at one of the Riverwalk Luxury condos? If you are qualified, then this Related Resident Manager position for a Roosevelt Island Riverwalk building is for you.

According to Select Leaders

Premier Real Estate Company, Related Management is seeking an exceptional Resident Manager to join our team of professionals at our 233 unit luxury condominium on Roosevelt Island. Our Resident Managers are hands-on managers who live on-site and are responsible for the supervision and training of all building operations staff, maintaining quality resident relations, supervision of day-to-day maintenance operations, overseeing special projects and other related duties, as needed. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in residential property management and will have exceptional analytical and communication skills.

Requirements include: Superb leadership skills; facilities/operations experience with solid knowledge of building systems, college degree in a related field preferred; strong organizational and administrative skills; must be able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks; working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Must live on-site with applicable on-call responsibilities. Lovely 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment is included. Salary and bonus commensurate with experience.

Qualifications: • Highly skilled in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and janitorial. • Appropriate licenses (Boiler, Chiller). • Motivated service-oriented self starter. • Strong financial management skills. • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and complex operational matters on a daily basis. • Superior written and oral communication skills. • Strong supervisory skills....

Click here for more information about the job from Select Leaders and here for direct link to Related Management job description as well as Related career web site

Good luck.

SPONSORED POST - ROOSEVELT LANDINGS HOLIDAY AND SEASONS GREETINGS TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND COMMUNITY

Image From Roosevelt Landings

Help Shape Plans For New Roosevelt Island New York Public Library Branch By Taking Online Survey - Also Upcoming Events At Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch

Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Manager Nicole Nelson is asking for your thoughts and ideas to help shape the plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch at 504 Main Street scheduled to open in 2018.

Image From NYPL

According to Ms. Nelson:

Dear Friend,

Right now, we are beginning to plan our programs and services for the new home of a larger Roosevelt Island Library at 504 Main Street. We truly value your opinion — and here is a chance to have a say in our plans!

Click here to take this quick survey and help shape our neighborhood library.

This is an exciting time to be part of Roosevelt Island. We have new apartments being built, a revitalized Main Street commercial corridor, the recent opening of Four Freedoms Park, and the arrival of Cornell Tech's new Roosevelt Island campus.

Your input is key in making Roosevelt Island Library a part of our community's bright future, and helping ensure that our branch serves everyone: book lovers, adult learners, teens, families, students, small-business owners, writers, creators, and anyone else who comes through our doors.

The New York Public Library spent a century building a network of 88 neighborhood and four research libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. We've spent $250 million over the past 10 years to improve libraries across our system. Moving the Roosevelt Island Library to a larger space is one of many projects that will help give New Yorkers the libraries they deserve.

Your feedback is essential for all of our plans. To get it right, we've been talking to community leaders, recently hosted a community conversation — and now, we're conducting a survey of our users.

Please take this survey in the next five days and help shape our plans for the Roosevelt Island Library.

Thank you for helping to guide our future. You are helping us achieve our mission of inspiring lifelong learning, advancing knowledge, and strengthening our communities.

Sincerely,

Nicole Nelson
Library Manager

Please click here to take the Roosevelt Island Public Library survey.

For more information on plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch at 504 Main Street,

Future Home Of NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch At 504 Main Street

watch video from this NYPL November 20 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting.

Also, below are upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island NYC Public Library branch including:

Roosevelt Island Library
524 Main Street
Phone (212) 308-6243

Early Closings: The library will close at 3PM on Christmas Eve, 12/24, and New Year's Eve, 12/31
Holiday Closings: The library will be closed on Christmas Day, 12/25, and New Year's Day, 1/1

Upcoming Special Programs:

Movie Night: "A Christmas Story" Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 6PM
(1983) (PG) (98 Minutes) - Audience: Families
It's the Christmas season in 1940's Indiana. Young Ralphie wants a Red Rider B.B. Gun for Christmas, but every adult he talks to including a department store Santa tells him: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" Will Ralphie's Christmas wishes come true?

Chilren's Film: "Frozen: Sing-Along Edition" Tuesday, December 30, 3-4:45PM
(2014) (PG) (102 Minutes) Audience: Families
Experience “Frozen,” the epic animated hit like never before in an all-new, full-length sing-along edition. Join Anna as she sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with mountain man, Kristoff, and a snowman named Olaf, to find her sister, Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.
Featuring the voices of: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana

Children's Film: "Planes: Fire and Rescue" Friday, January 2, 2-3:30PM
(2014) (PG) (84 Minutes) Audience: Famililes
When air racer Dusty learns that he may never race again, he shifts gears and joins the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.
Featuring the voices of: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Wes Studi, Regina King, Teri Hatcher, and Stacy Keach

"Winter With Bilingual Birdies: Spanish" Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 11AM
This January, Bilingual Birdies will visit the Roosevelt Island Library to warm up the families with live music, dance parties, and theatre-based games. We'll take you on an adventure to learn new vocabulary about the snow and rain, warm winter clothes, and playing winter sports. Children will also learn about various professions and modes of transportation. Teachers play the guitar and instruments are provided for a collective family jam!

Happy Holidays And Seasons Greetings From Bike New York - New Web Page And Sign Up For Roosevelt Island Only Bike Maintenance Class

Image From Bike NY

Bike New York's Roosevelt Island Community Outreach Manager Caitlin Goodspeed reports:

Last week we launched our new website, www.bike.nyc! I am especially excited about the page that is dedicated entirely to Roosevelt Island. You can find it under the education tab on the main page. I will be updating the page frequently with news from the island.

Also, we have a Bike Maintenance 101 class for Roosevelt Island residents only happening on Sunday, January 25th from 11-1 at Sportspark Gym. People must email me at cgoodspeed@bike.nyc (new email) to register. There are a limited number of spots for this class! We recommend that people bring their own bikes to practice on, but it's okay if you come sans bike.

Thank you and have a happy holiday!

NYPD Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos Shot And Killed By Gunman While Sitting In Their Patrol Car On Bed Stuy Brooklyn Street Saturday Afternoon - Targeted Because They Were NYPD, Horrible.

The NY Times reports:

Two police officers sitting in their patrol car in Brooklyn were shot at point-blank range and killed on Saturday afternoon by a man who, officials said, had traveled to the city from Baltimore vowing to kill officers. The suspect then committed suicide with the same gun, the authorities said.

The officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, were in the car near Myrtle and Tompkins Avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant in the shadow of a tall housing project when the gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, walked up to the passenger-side window and assumed a firing stance, Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said. Mr. Brinsley shot several rounds into the heads and upper bodies of the officers, who never drew their weapons, the authorities said....

Heroes. Always Heroes | Police Officer Rafael Ramos | Police Officer Wenjian Liu | #NYPD pic.twitter.com/egcnOSO6jk
— Steve Weiss (@steveODMP) December 21, 2014

We mourn the loss of NYPD Police Officers Wenjian Liu & Rafael Ramos. Both were shot & killed today while working in Brooklyn.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 21, 2014

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton and NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio had this to say at press conference yesterday about the killing of the two NYPD officers.



Patrolmen Benvolent Association (PBA) President Pat Lynch blamed Mayor de Blasio and:

... those that incited violence on the streets under the guise of protest that tried to tear down what NYPD officers did every day....

for the shooting of the officers.

PBA Pres Pat Lynch: "Those who allowed this to happen will be held accountable." #1010WINS @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/SUauR2n4Dy
— Sonia Rincon (@SoniaRincon) December 21, 2014

Also:

Pat Lynch nodded yes when asked if officers turned their backs to the mayor.
— Danielle Tcholakian (@danielleiat) December 21, 2014

NYPD Chief Of Detectives Robert Boyce gave this briefing on the shooting earlier today



NYC must find a way to heal from this brutal killing of Officers Liu and Ramos.

As previously reported the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee recently:

... approved by a 13 to 0 vote a proposed resolution condemning the decision by the Staten Island Grand Jury not to issue an indictment of the NYPD Officer in the choking death of Eric Garner. The resolution will be sent to the full RIRA Common Council for discussion at the January 2015 monthly meeting....

Will RIRA still go forward with this resolution after the shooting of Officers Liu and Ramos?

More information on the proposed RIRA resolution regarding the Eric Garner case here.

UPDATE - 12/22 - RIRA Public Safety Committee Chair Erin Feely-Nahem issued this statement on behalf of the Public Safety Committee:

The cold-blooded random murder -- execution style -- of two New York City police officers is without any mitigation to be unreservedly condemned. The RIRA Public Safety Committee offers our condolences to the families of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos.

Patrick Lynch, head of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, has tried to link these murders to the recent legitimate and overwhelmingly peaceful protests against the longstanding pattern of police killings of innocent, unarmed people (almost always African-American) by NYPD officers, most recently and notoriously the killing of Eric Garner.

The deranged killer in Brooklyn falsely sought to identify his criminal act with the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and Staten Island, New York. There is no rational connection between legitimate protests against police brutality and unjustified killings of innocent, unarmed civilians with no legal accountability and the cold-blooded murders of police officers who are carrying out their legitimate authority.

Blackwell House Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony Today, Last Chance For Holiday Gifts From Mrs. Claus At RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk Plus Songs & Stories From Matt Katz At Gallery RIVAA Sunday On Roosevelt Island This Weekend

Things to do on Roosevelt Island this weekend.

Image of 2013 Roosevelt Island Chanukah Menorah Lighting From Nechama Duchman

Chanukah Menorah Light Ceremony at Blackwell House tonight:

Roosevelt Island
Family Public Menorah Lighting
Saturday Evening, December 20th
The 5th Chanukah Light
6:30 PM
In front of Blackwell House
Music!! Dreidels!! Hot Drinks!! Hot Latkes!! Doughnuts!! A Gift for all!! Chanukah Gelt

Meet Mrs Santa Claus at the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) Visitors Center and purchase some Christmas/Chanukah/Holiday Gifts:

Come meet Mrs. Claus

In Person This Weekend!

LAST CHANCE BEFORE

SHE RETURNS TO THE NORTH POLE!!!

Saturday, Dec. 20

Sunday, Dec. 21

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the R.I.H.S. Visitor Center Kiosk

Tram Plaza, Roosevelt Island, Great Gifts for the Entire Family

Refreshments and Treats

and see Matt Katz perform Songs & Stories Sunday at Gallery RIVAA.

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend - That's 5 Consecutive Weeks Of Roosevelt Island F Train Service In Both Directions

According to the MTA Weekender, there will be Roosevelt Island F train service

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

New Roosevelt Island Grocery Delivery Service Starting Up - Road Runner Express Delivers From Costco And In Future Other Supermarkets Too, Free Delivery Until December 23

A new option for Roosevelt Island shoppers is now available. Road Runner Xpress is offering delivery services from Costco in Long Island City

Image From Google Maps

to Roosevelt Island and in the future delivery from other supermarkets as well.

Image From Road Runner Xpress

According to Chang Cai of Road Runner Xpress:

Get same-day or overnight delivery from Costco with RoadRunner-Xpress.

Here's how it works:

Shop for what you need all in one place, add items to your cart, select your preferred date and hour of delivery, and check out with Credit or Debit Cards.

We'll process your order in the store and arrange for a courier to bring it to your address during your preferred time of delivery.

Business Hour:
Our web store opens 24/7.
Our delivery hour: SUN 12:00PM-9:00PM
MON 11:00AM-9:00PM
TUES 11:00AM-9:00PM
WED 11:00AM-9:00PM
THU 11:00AM-9:00PM
FRI 11:00AM-9:00PM
SAT 12:00AM-9:00PM
Our holiday closures: Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2014
Any order placed after 7:00pm will be delivered next day
Delivery Fee:
Flat rate shipping fee: $5.00

and:

Our office is currently located on Roosevelt Island. We started our first business here. We would like to be as close as possible to our customers to find out their grocery shopping problems and solve these problems. We are an independent small business company. Our company was founded on Roosevelt Island (June 1, 2014). Our website went online on Dec 18, 2014.

We are starting our service here on Roosevelt Island. We chose Roosevelt Island because we see adult residents are busy with their work and college students get back home late from school. We try to provide our services to save their valuable time.  Also, we see senior residents carry heavy grocery goods from supermarkets. We want to help and make their live more convenient.

More importantly, our good service does not mean high price. We guarantee most of our product prices are the lowest on the island. The only fee we charge is the $5 for flat rate same-day/over-night delivery. The good news is we provide free delivery from Dec 18 to Dec 23.

We are going to deliver goods from different supermarkets in the future. Currently we only deliver from Costco because food sources from Costco are fresh and cheap.

More information available at Road Runner Xpress.

UPDATE 12/21 - Road Runner Xpress adds that in addition to the $5 delivery charge, they charge slightly more for products than Costco.

Cool Videos About Our Roosevelt Island Tram - Local Filmmaker Shows It's Importance To Our Community And Then Soar High Above NYC In Black And White

Image From Allison Walker's Roosevelt Island Tram Vimeo Video

Here are two very good videos

Image From Richard Cline Above NYC Vimeo Video

showcasing the Roosevelt Island Tram.

First, Roosevelt Island resident and filmmaker Allison Walker illustrates the importance of the Roosevelt Island Tram to our community with the help of Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy and Roosevelt Island Tram Station Manager Culver Barry.

The Roosevelt Island Tram from ap on Vimeo.

Second, soar above NYC on the Roosevelt Island Tram in Black and White. It's Beautiful.

Above New York City from Richard Cline on Vimeo.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network RI MoM Walking And Exercise Group Meeting 10 AM Friday At Tram Kiosk

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

Dear all,

Our next free Roosevelt Island Moms on the Move (RI MoM) walk and exercise will take place tomorrow, Friday, December 19, starting at 10AM at the Tram kiosk.

We will walk to the south of the island on the Manhattan side and back, and end with some Exercise with Paulina,

as well as play and chat at the Rivercross playroom (thank you Beverly and Zachary!).

Please note: The Rivercross playroom has a very strict no food and no drink policy that must be followed in order to be able to use the playroom. This includes no snacks for children, as well as no water bottles for adults. Only baby bottles are allowed. If your child needs a snack, please feed them before entering.

Come, check it out and have some fun with us. Moms to be and moms of kids of all ages are welcome!

Looking forward to seeing you and your little ones there! :).  Feel free to contact me for more information on the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony At Blackwell House Saturday December 20 - Music, Dreidels, Hot Latkes & More

The Chabad Lubavitch of Roosevelt Island invite you to the Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in front of Blackwell House this Saturday:

Please join us for the annual
Roosevelt Island
Family Public Menorah Lighting
Saturday Evening, December 20th
The 5th Chanukah Light
6:30 PM
In front of Blackwell House
Music!! Dreidels!! Hot Drinks!! Hot Latkes!! Doughnuts!! A Gift for all!! Chanukah Gelt!
For a free Menorah Set
Please contact Nechama@RIJewish.org

Also, Nechama Duchman shares these pictures

Image From Nechama Duchman

of children building

Image From Nechama Duchman

their own Chanukah Menorahs

Image From Nechama Duchman

and reports:

Children and adults had a great time and showed their creative side at Home Depot at 59th Street, building and painting their own Menorahs in preparation for Chanukah

Happy Chanukah!!!!!

Mock Up Of Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Future Campus, Latest Construction Update And Architects Describe Vision For Campus One Year Ago

According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Mock up of Cornell NYC Tech campus planned for Roosevelt Island pic.twitter.com/RfOI6ti1zU
— João-Pierre Ruth (@jpruth) December 17, 2014

From the most recent Cornell Tech Construction Update:

December 5 - December 19 Look Ahead

Foundation removals of Building F and Building C are complete. Approximately 35% of the foundation of Building D has been removed. This work is ongoing. The crushing and backfill operation work is ongoing. The Building F footprint is the furthest along, with backfill approximately 50% complete. All foundation removals and backfilling of Phase 1 buildings will be complete by the end of the year.

In the Phase 2 area, Building G has been demolished. Its foundation will be removed later this winter. Demolition work on Building J, the southernmost building, is underway and approximately 30% complete.

Work on Building E will begin within the next two weeks now that the building has been disconnected from electrical service.

The electrical ductbank work along the west roadway has begun. Crews are surveying the area to determine what work can take place within the current site fence line and what work will require temporary fence relocation into the roadway.

and a fascinating December 2013 hour long panel discussion by architects and planners of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus including:

• Vishaan Chakrabarti, the Holliday Professor of Real Estate Development at Columbia University,
• Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, co-founders of Weiss/Manfredi and architects of the Corporate Co-Location building
• Thom Mayne, founder of Morphosis, architect of the first academic building,
• Gary Handel, president of Handel Architects, architect of the residential building,
• James Corner, principal of James Corner Field Operations, in charge of the landscape of the new campus,
• Colin Koop, senior designer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, responsible for the campus master plan and
• Andrew Winters, director of capital projects and planning for Cornell Tech.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Vertical Patrols, Security Cameras, Youth Relationship, Culture, Dog Policy, CERT & More Discussed By Director And Deputy Director With RIRA PSC Committee

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) hosted a meet and greet session with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara last Monday evening (December 15) at the Westview Community Room.

 Image of Director McManus & Deputy Director Marmara at 12/15 RIRA PSC Meeting

Here what happened.

Part 1.

RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem introduced Director McManus and Deputy Director Marmara. Mr. McManus began by introducing Ms. Marmara who was the first Roosevelt Island Community NYPD officer from the 114th precinct. Ms. Marmara spoke about her recent work with the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).



Part 2.

Director McManus reported on Roosevelt Island PSD Vertical Building Patrols. He noted that from January 2014 to date there were a total of 8738 about 15,000 Roosevelt Island PSD Vertical Patrols.

He also reported on issues involving a group of 13-15 year olds congregating inside buildings and causing damage.  Director McManus discussed trying to reach Roosevelt Island youth through family intervention, Roosevelt Island Youth Program/PSD sports participation and mentoring assistance from the Hope Church volunteers rather than making arrests.



Part 3.

Discussion of Roosevelt Island Youth Program athletic activities with PSD Department for young residents. Also, introducing new PSD officers to the community through the media.



Part 4.

Director McManus discusses the security cameras at Motorgate Garage and other Roosevelt Island locations. Resident Frank Farance questioned Mr. McManus regarding the usage and placement of the cameras.



Part 5.

More question on Island House Vertical Patrols. Also, marijuana smoking in hallways and adjoining apartments. Marijuana possession is not a crime but will receive summons, same policy as NYC.



Part 6.

More on Building Vertical Patrols, access to community rooms for kids to congregate instead of roaming hallways or using vacant apartments and Roosevelt Island Youth Program services.

Also negative perception by some of PSD officer who always wears dark shaded eyeglasses and a Roosevelt Island school crossing guard position available.



Part 7.

Discussion of PSD training, disciplinary proceedings, report writing and union representation.



Part 8.

Street lighting and pedestrian and traffic safety near Motorgate garage.



Part 9. Missed a little bit of time between Parts 8 and 9.

PSC Committee member Ike Nahem acknowledged great improvements at Public Safety department over 1 and 1/2 years.

Also discussed were dog off leash and poop collection policy, status of emergency evacuation plan, procedures for making complaints about Public Safety and the culture of Public Safety Department.



Good job by PSD Director McManus, Deputy Director Marmara and the RIRA PSC engaging in a dialogue on important Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues.

Following the question and answer period, the RIRA PSC approved by a 13 to 0 vote a proposed resolution condemning the decision by the Staten Island Grand Jury not to issue an indictment of the NYPD Officer in the choking death of Eric Garner. The resolution will be sent to the full RIRA Common Council for discussion at the January 2015 monthly meeting.