Awesome Manhattanhenge 2014 Seen From Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Balcony Tonight

According to The Atlantic, Manhattanhenge is:

... the twice-a-year phenomenon when the sun sets exactly along the cross streets of New York City's prodigious grid....

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

I'll bet you could get an awesome Manhattanhenge with a long lens on a tripod from Roosevelt Island. Weather permitting...
— Hugh (@GammaInfinity) May 31, 2014

Hugh is right. Here's Manhattanhenge seen from a Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park balcony tonight

#manhattanhenge @everythingnyc #rooseveltisland beautiful view. http://t.co/x6NYgwpLRd
— Amanda Sadlier (@amandasadlier) May 31, 2014

More information on Manhattanhenge from Neil deGrasse Tyson of the American Museum Of Natural History



 and these previous posts.

UPDATE 10:40 PM - Diana Desrocher shares another awesome, though cloudy, Manhattanhenge view

 Image From Diane Desrocher

 from Manhattan Park tonight.

UPDATE 6/2 -Isis Barquero shares more Manhattanhenge photos seen from Roosevelt Island. These were taken June 1 from Southpoint Park.

Images From Isis Barquero

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend Says MTA

Image of F Train Line Service From the MTA

According to the MTA Weekender site, there will be Roosevelt Island F train service to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Roosevelt Island East River West Pier Outdoor Seating Food Concession Coming This Summer From Hudson Related - Intent Is To Create A Public Plaza

What's going on at the Roosevelt Island East River West Pier Waterfront Food Concession?

Yesterday RIOC employees were putting up Roosevelt Island West Pier banner signage on the railings.

Reported last April 7:

After completing the renovation of the West/Subway Pier, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today put out some outdoor tables  and chairs for staging purposes on the Pier today.

We're not quite ready for sitting down with a bite to eat at the Pier, but soon it will be ready.

During April 7 meeting of RIOC Operations Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting), RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported that the Riverwalk Bar & Grill owners, who operated Pier NYC at the Subway/West Pier during summer of 2012, declined to operate the venue this summer. (The Pier was closed during 2013 due to damage from Hurricane Sandy).

Instead of Pier NYC, Ms Indelicato said that RIOC intends to bring in Food Trucks to operate in the area this summer...

The answer is that RIOC will not be bringing Food Trucks to the Pier but recently awarded  operations of the Waterfront Pier Concession for this summer to Hudson Related, developers of Southtown Riverwalk buildings and the Main Street Master Retail Leaseholder.

Hudson Related is currently working on their plans for vendors and programming at the West Pier. I asked Hudson Related's David Kramer:

... are you considering the pier to be a "private" space for the food concession like it was for the Pier NYC or will it continue to be a "public" space that can be used by all whether or not they purchase food.

What type of vendors are you looking at for the space?

adding that my preference would be:

... public space for eating similar to Fowler Square in Fort Greene and the Archway under Manhattan Bridge in Dumbo. Also the outdoor seating area at LIC Flea. (Sent you picture before).

The NYC DOT has other examples of public spaces with eating options that are good examples....

Mr. Kramer replied:

... Hudson Related's intent is to treat the area as a public plaza....

As RIOC was hanging the Roosevelt Island West Pier banner yesterday, two men were a couple of feet away fishing.

Perhaps they are interested in being the fresh seafood vendors for the Roosevelt Island

Image From RIOC

West Pier when it opens this summer?

Roosevelt Island Apartment Doubles As Art Gallery for Chaos Show At Roosevelt Landings Curated By Yu Su And Tianqi Chen - Is The Rock The New Bushwick/Williamsburg?

When you think of being on the cutting edge of the art world, does Roosevelt Island immediately come to mind? Maybe not, but two young residents of Roosevelt Landing thought to give it a try.

Image From Art Fuse

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Game over! Chaos on Roosevelt Island curated by Yue Su and Tianqi Chen http://t.co/n0dOXYS6vi
— ARTE FUSE (@ARTEFUSE) May 26, 2014

Images From Art Fuse

Art Fuse reports:

As Yue Su was finishing her Masters’ thesis (comparing and contrasting gallery models in China and the USA), she was also in the process of clearing out her apartment, with her roommate Tianqi Chen, for their near-future move. As the living room became more and more sparse an idea began to form. When they met Iris Xing, a photographer, and learned about her idea for an installation piece, the idea for their “Chaos” show, in their Roosevelt Island apartment, took root.

The idea of apartment galleries seems to be catching on in some cities in China, and New York City, as a statement against the corporate models under which some of the larger galleries are now being run. It’s also a protest against the process by which ‘famous’ artists are selected and promoted by the economically powerful galleries. Basically, apartment galleries are a protest against the rabid commercialism and lust for fame one often sees in contemporary art. A show like “Chaos” tries to refocus on meaning and connection and not on money or fame. At this show, I actually asked a couple artists what they would charge if someone wanted to buy their art. One said, “I don’t know.” Another said, “A buck.” So this apartment gallery show was more about community and the sharing of ideas and meaningful interaction than making a profit....

Click here for the entire Art Fuse article.

Roosevelt Island - the new Bushwick/Williamsburg?

Urban American Military Veteran's Art Exhibit Titled Reticle On Display At Roosevelt Island's Roosevelt Landings - Sergeant Edward Santos Paintings On Display

Roosevelt Island's Roosevelt Landings building owner Urban American has initiated a military veterans arts program. Urban American Tweets:

Our latest Reticle veterans artwork on display at our office on @Rooseveltisland. Paintings by Army vet Ed Santos https://t.co/rU4Z3bbSWo
— Urban American (@UrbanAmerican1) May 28, 2014

A Nation is Born" by Edward Santos, Acrylic on plexiglass, Reticle, May 2014

According to Urban American:

Urban American is proud to announce the first painter to be selected for Reticle, our veterans art initiative. Sgt. Edward Santos is a former infantry Sergeant in the US Army and served two combat tours in Afghanistan. Mr. Santos began painting during his treatment at the VA and has not stopped painting since. "My paintings represent me." Says Sgt. Santos, "They represent the gratitude. Grateful in knowing, that while I loved my job and was proud of what I stood for as a Soldier, I was always fearful of never coming home, never seeing my family. The images I paint and the bright colors I use represent the beauty of life, which should never be taken for granted. I am a Son, Brother, Father Grandfather, Veteran and Artist!"

We are proud to have three of Edward's works mounted for display in the Urban American Management office on Main Street in Roosevelt Island. Congratulations to Edward for joining the ranks of our Reticle artists.

You can view more of Sgt, Santos's work at http://instagram.com/OILSoncanvasbysantos

Two paintings by Sgt Edward Santos, US Army. Presented by Reticle in the Urban American Management office on Roosevelt Island

"City in a Blur" by Edward Santos, Oil on canvas, Reticle, May 2014

A painting by Sgt Edward Santos, US Army. Presented by Reticle in the Urban American Management office on Roosevelt Island

I asked Urban American's Josh Eisenberg why the exhibit was titled "Reticle"?

Mr. Eisenberg replied:

The cross-hairs inside a visual aiming device (such as a rifle scope, binoculars, survey equipment) is referred to in the military as a "reticle pattern". The name Reticle is both a direct reference to the artists' military background but also evokes the desire for people to "sight in" on the visual beauty of the artwork by these veterans.

"Rush Hour" by Edward Santos, Oil on canvas, Reticle, May 2014

More paintings by Sergeant Santos here.

No July 4 Macy's East River Fireworks Viewing From Roosevelt Island This Year Announces RIOC - Southpoint Park Closed On July 4 After 7 PM But Live TV Simulcast Of Fireworks At Firefighters Field Instead

An update on May 22 post about the Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration viewing/non viewing on Roosevelt Island.

Image From Conserveturtles

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today:

Please be advised that visibility of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will be extremely limited on Roosevelt Island. On this date, Southpoint Park will be closed beginning at 7 PM on July 4th. Please plan accordingly. A free public event featuring a live simulcast of the fireworks display will begin at 7 PM at Firefighter's Field.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More information at previous post. Here is May 12 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion on subject.



Also, as previously reported:

The Four Freedoms Park will be closing at our regular time of 7:00 p.m. on July 4th. There are no private events being held at the Park during the day or evening. In celebration of July 4th we will be offering a free family-friendly performance by The Three Amigos (a zydeco/folk/bluegrass group) from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be food services available at the Park from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Writer, Poet, Phenomenal Woman Maya Angelou Passed Away Today At 86 Years Old - A Phenomenal Woman Poem Recited By Roosevelt Island Resident

Image From Buzz Feed Via Scott Eells / Getty Images

Sad news. Maya Angelou died today. According to the NY Times:

Maya Angelou, the memoirist and poet whose landmark book of 1969, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” — which describes in lyrical, unsparing prose her childhood in the Jim Crow South — was among the first autobiographies by a 20th-century black woman to reach a wide general readership, died on Wednesday in her home. She was 86 and lived in Winston-Salem, N.C....

Click here for the entire NY Times article on Ms. Angelou and reaction from Twitter.

More on Ms Angelou from CNN.



Here's Roosevelt Islander Laila Amatullah reciting Maya Angelou poem Phenomenal Woman during March 26, 2014 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization



in celebration of Women's History Month.

Rest in peace Ms. Angelou.

Mother Goose With Babies At Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

#MorningRide to Mother Goose atop the hill of Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, #NYC. http://t.co/v0nF1k9cZv
— The Global Trip (@theglobaltrip) May 28, 2014

UPDATE 1:05 PM - Jason Eng shares these pictures and adds:

 There are a couple families

Images From Jason Eng

of Geese down there ... so cute.

Roosevelt Island - Journey To The Hidden World, An Isle Of Magic, The Best Place To Have A Staycation

Some scenes from Roosevelt Island.

Nicely done. Click on the full screen for better viewing.


Roosevelt Island from Salma Khan on Vimeo.

Roosevelt Island Cornell NYC Tech Campus Construction Update - Barge Returns, Trucking Stops, Phase 1 Interior Demolition And Abatement Completed, Phase 2 Starting

Reported May 10:

A recent fire destroyed the marine facility in New Jersey that was receiving barges from the Cornell Tech site. The fire was unrelated to the Cornell Tech Activities. Efforts are underway to locate a new facility, but in the interim, a small number of trucks will be required to deliver empty containers to the site next week....

Image Of Cornell Construction Barge Return May 22

According to this May 22 Cornell NYC Tech Construction Update a new barge receiving facility has been found.

May 26 - June 6 Look Ahead

Interior demolition and abatement is now complete in all Phase 1 buildings (buildings C, D, F, and H in the northern region). The roof of building C is currently undergoing abatement and the work is expected to be complete the week of May 26th. Two additional buildings also require roof abatement but the exact timing of this work has not been finalized.

Interior demolition will be complete in buildings A. G and J to the south (Phase 2 buildings) within the coming two weeks. Once this work is finished, interior abatement will begin in these buildings.

The barge is back and will remain on-site into the week of May 26th. Unfortunately, the previous barging company suffered a fire at its docking facility in Keasbey, New Jersey, essentially shutting down operations. A new barging operator has been identified and containers will now be barged to Bayonne, New Jersey. From there, the containers will be transported by truck to Pennsylvania, Ohio, or elsewhere in New Jersey depending on the type of construction waste being transported.

Roosevelt Island Senior Association National Senior Health & Fitness Day Program Wednesday May 28 1- 5 PM At Good Shepherd Plaza - Stair Climbing And Flabby Arm Exercise Tips From 89 Year Old Ms. Romm Too

An invitation From the Roosevelt Island Senior Association:

The Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA)
in collaboration with
The National Senior Health & Fitness Day Program

Location: Good Shepherd Plaza Area
Wednesday, May 28th
1:00 - 5:00 P.M.
…Guest Speakers…
Organization Participation

The Arthritis Foundation,
The MS Society

American Diabetes Association,
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association,
United Health Care/AARP
Share Organization - Women's Self Help Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Cornell University Cooperative Nutrition Program

Bike New York, and more

Fitness Activities 15-20 minute samplers) 
Pilates, Therapeutic Chair Yoga, Yoga and Stretch
Core on the Ball, Sitting Fit, Functional Fitness Exercises
Tai Chi/Chi Qong, Chakra Meditation & Neck Massages, and more


Healthy Food and Snack Samplers
(donated by Roosevelt Island Merchants)

For more information contact:
Barbara Parker at newimageb@aol.com or 917-951-4137

Here's some exercise tips from 89 year old Roosevelt Island resident Ethel Romm.

On preventing flabby arms



and climbing 20 flights of stairs daily.

It's Memorial Day, Thank You For Your Service To All Members Of U.S. Military and Their Families, Message From President Obama, Wreath Laying At Roosevelt Island FDR Park & Jon Stewart

In addition to enjoying ourselves this Memorial Day weekend with a day off from work, friends, family and outdoor barbecues, let's also take a moment to remember the men and women of the United States Military who are currently serving our country, those veterans who have done so in the past and those who gave their lives.



 From History.com:

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer...

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves...

More on Memorial Day from History.com, President Obama's remarks today at Arlington National Cemetery



and the wreath laying ceremony at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park:

NYPD Pipes & Drums herald the start of our Memorial Day Commemoration. #Honor #MemorialDay #FDR pic.twitter.com/4EzOzOMXLV
— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) May 26, 2014

Memorial Day wreath at #FourFreedomsPark in honor of all those who have died in military service #HonorTheFallen pic.twitter.com/17OcthCWH2
— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) May 26, 2014

Thanks to @BenKallos for taking part in our Memorial Day ceremony. Here w Dennis Rodriguez, Park Ranger and Veteran. pic.twitter.com/Ml6bdYD9Yv
— Four Freedoms Park (@4FreedomsPark) May 26, 2014

The Daily Show's Jon Stewart reviews the Veteran's Hospital Health Care issue

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive

and reminds us how veterans have been treated after every war.

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

UPDATE 11:30 PM - Video of Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony with NYC Council Member Ben Kallos, NYPD Pipe & Drum Band and Veteran/FDR Park Ranger Dennis Rodriguez

Roosevelt Island Memorial Day Celebration At FDR Four Freedoms Park 12 PM Monday May 26

 Image From FDR Four Freedoms Park

According to the FDR Four Freedoms Park:

Please join the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy this Monday, May 26th at 12:00pm to commemorate Memorial Day at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.

A seven-piece NYPD pipe band, consisting of a drum major, 4 bagpipers, and 2 drummers will herald the start of the ceremony. In honor of all those who have died in military service, a wreath will be laid at President Roosevelt's portrait-head, and a  moment of silence will be observed. The NYPD pipe band will close the ceremony with a performance and ceremonial march.

The Katchkie food station will sell lunch and snacks from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

We hope you will join un this Memorial Day