Saturday, July 26, 2014

Roosevelt Island Midsummer Night's Music Presented By R&R Concerts Tonight At Good Shepherd Community Center

The folks from our local R&R Concerts are presenting a Midsummer Night's Music tonight.


According to R&R Concerts:
Midsummer Night’s Music

Good Shepherd Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY

7:30 PM

Elizabeth Perry, violin
Ralph Allen, violin
Richard Wolfe, viola
Anthony Vine, viola
Iris Jortner, cello
Peter Weitzner, bass
Francine Kay, piano
I attended last week's Beautiful Beethoven Concert and it was beautiful.
Some background from R&R Concerts:
Rosemarie & Robin Russell, through their love of music and generosity of spirit, brought world-class concerts and music education to Roosevelt Island. To build upon this legacy, R&R Concerts is bringing highly accomplished musicians to a new generation of Roosevelt Island families...

In the week before each concert, Public Outreach Performances are held at community centers on the Island to provide residents who have limited mobility the opportunity to learn about the music, talk with the musicians and hear excerpts from the concert program...
More about R&R Concerts here.

R&R Concerts received $7,000 in 2014 Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Funds.

Lights Out At Roosevelt Island Bridge Due To Power Outage - Use Extreme Caution Travelling On Bridge Says RIOC

Image Of Roosevelt Island Bridge

According to this Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) advisory received at 11:41 PM:
Due to a power outage the lights are out on the 36 Avenue Bridge. If traveling on the Bridge please use extreme caution. The Roosevelt Island Department of Public Safety has Placed Officers at the location to assist Pedestrians. The Department of Transportation has arrived at the location and is working to correct the condition.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

View Larger Map

Friday, July 25, 2014

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend Says MTA - First Time Since June 6 Weekend for Service In Both Directions

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


to and from Manhattan this weekend.

First time since June 6 weekend for Roosevelt Island F Train service to and from Manhattan.

Eleanor's Pier, Roosevelt Island's Version Of Smorgesburg, Getting Better Each Weekend - More Food Vendors, Fantastic NYC East River Waterfront Views, Music And It's So Peaceful

The weekend is about to start and there is no better place to be than at Eleanor's Pier


on Roosevelt Island's East River waterfront promenade


to spend some peaceful and relaxing time.



There are food vendors at Eleanor's Pier. You can enjoy some Beef/Chicken Shish Kebab


and corn on the cob


from Choklo Roasted Goodness,


ice cream from Coach Scot's Main Street Sweets,


Thai food


and much more including Crepes, Southern Comfort Soul Food, Jams and Jellies, and delivery from local restaurants. Eleanor's Pier web site has a list of all the vendors.

You can even bring your own food.

There's also live music.





Eleanor's Pier is open Fridays from 5 to 9 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 9 PM until September 21.

Eleanor's Pier is still a work in progress but a great job by Hudson Related in providing a Roosevelt Island outdoor waterfront seating area with food vendors while keeping the Pier a public space available for all to enjoy.

Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Showing The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Saturday July 26 - Location Moved To Firefighters Field

The Roosevelt Island 2014 Summer Outdoor Movie Series continues tomorrow night with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Don’t miss the next film in RIOC’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series, now at Firefighters Field! Join us this Saturday, July 26th at 7 PM for an action-packed screening of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Food and drink vendors will be on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this epic film under the stars!

See you there!
Image Of July 12 Showing Of Marvel's The Avengers At Firefighters Field

RIOC adds:
The location of the RIOC Summer Outdoor Movie Series has changed. The remaining three movies will be shown at Firefighter's Field on Saturday, July 26th; Saturday, August 9th; and Saturday, August 23rd. Shuttle service for seniors and those with limited mobility will not be provided; however, the Red Bus will make stops at the R.I. Senior Center and at Firefighter's Field as part of its regular service. Please see the attached poster for scheduled movies and rain date information, or visit our website at http://rioc.ny.gov .

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Here's the trailer



for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

There was a power outage at Southpoint Park during July 11 weekend which forced the moving of Marvel's: The Avengers from Southpoint Park to Firefighters Field. Don't know if there is still a power issue at Southpoint Park or if RIOC decided to change the outdoor movie site for other reasons.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

NYPD Canine Unit Training On Roosevelt Island Agility Course With Officer Rothschild And German Shepherd Partner Danz Profiled By New Yorker Video


As previously reported, the NYPD Canine Unit trains using an Agility Course located on Roosevelt Island

Image Of NYPD Roosevelt Island Canine Unit Agility Course From Above

in the shadow of the Queensboro Bridge

Image Of NYPD Roosevelt Island Canine Agility Course From The Ground

The New Yorker Video provides an excellent up close and personal view of the NYPD Canine Unit training on Roosevelt Island
Officer Wayne Rothschild talks about his bond with his partner—a German shepherd named Danz—and instructs Danz to leap over hurdles and climb obstacles in one of the N.Y.P.D.'s canine-training courses, on Roosevelt Island.



In September 2012, former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Leslie Torres reported:
... The RIOC Board of Directors has also approved a three-year extension to a permit agreement we entered into a year ago with the New York City Police Department Transit Bureau K-9 Unit for the location of a police K-9 agility course on Roosevelt Island. The agility course is used by the K-9 Unit to train police dogs for special operations, investigations, and search and recovery exercise. We’re always happy to help the NYPD, with whom we have a great working relationship. The Department, for example, uses our Tram periodically during off-peak hours for routine training sessions to test their equipment....
The Daily shows the NYPD Canine Unit training



on the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Join Bike New York For Ride Around Roosevelt Island Thursday Evening July 24 - If No Bike Or Helmet, Borrow One From Bike NY

Image Of Bike New York Summer Camp From Caitlin Bike NewYork

Bike New York Roosevelt Island Community Outreach Manager Caitlin Goodspeed invites you to a bicycle excursion around Roosevelt Island tomorrow evening. According to Ms. Goodspeed:
Join Bike New York for a ride around Roosevelt Island THIS Thursday at 6:30pm. We'll meet at our container under the Helix Ramp. Don't have a bike and/or a helmet? You can borrow one from us! After the ride we'll head to The Riverwalk Bar and Grill for dinner. Can't wait!
Here's a Bike Ride around Roosevelt Island



and information on more Bike NY Roosevelt Island bike rides.

Roosevelt Island Hardware/Video Store Evicted But Holding Everything Must Go Sale Today - New Unopened Wine Store And Chiropractor's Office Receive 30 Day Notice Of Eviction Yesterday

Reported last week that the Roosevelt Island Hardware/Video Store was evicted from its premises by Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related. A reader reports today:

Our hardware store is permanently closed, but the landlord is allowing them to take out their things.

Right now is open and everything is 50% off

If you need anything go first here, you and the Hardware store will benefit....
Bubbles, toys, screws, locks, notebooks, household items.....

I don't know until what time they will be open and if it is only for today
Yesterday, a 30 Day Notice Of Eviction for non-payment of rent was spotted on the doors of the new, but still unopened wine shop and the Chiropractor's Office. According to the Petition, the wine shop is in arrears to Hudson Related for approximately $38,000


and the Chiropractor's office for approximately $21,000.


The notices do not necessarily mean that the stores will be evicted but that legal proceedings have begun and could be part of an ongoing business negotiation between the tenants and Hudson Related.

Only One Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Operational From July 28 - August 8 Says RIOC -Tram Operator Leitner Poma Conducting Safety Inspections During At That Time - UPDATE, Both Tram Cabins Running During Weekend Says RIOC


According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that both Tram cabins will be undergoing a comprehensive safety inspection from Monday, July 28th until Friday, August 8th. During this time, one Tram cabin will be operational and will provide service every 7.5 minutes alternately from each station from 6 AM - 2 AM.

Thank you for your patience during this necessary work.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
Expect a crowded Tram Cabin, particularly on the weekend if there is no F Train service in one direction.

UPDATE 7/24 - RIOC adds:
Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that both Tram cabins will be undergoing a comprehensive safety inspection from Monday, July 28th until Friday, August 8th. During the inspection, the Tram schedule will be as follows:

Monday, July 28th to Friday, August 1st

Tram service will be provided with one cabin providing service every 7.5 minutes alternately from each station from 6 AM- 2 AM.

Saturday, August 2nd & Sunday, August 3rd

The tram will resume service with both cabins. During this time, rush hour service will be provided every 7.5 minutes from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Monday, August 4th to Friday, August 8th

Tram service will be provided with one cabin providing service every 7.5 minutes alternately from each station from 6 AM- 2 AM.

Saturday, August 9th, 06:00 AM The tram will resume service with both cabins.

For more information, please call 212-832-4559.

Thank you for your patience during this necessary work.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
and Leitner - Poma explains the reason for the safety inspection.
LEITNER‐POMA OF AMERICA, INC.

2014 ‐ ROOSEVELT ISLAND AERIAL TRAMWAY INSPECTION

Arial transportation systems require systematic inspection routines. Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway is a state of the art ropeway transportation system used for mass transportation in an urban environment. It is subject to New York State licensing and inspection process. In addition the tramways manufacture requires multiple layered inspection routines. Inspections and testing are done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to assure safe and reliable service. A staff of approximately 25 members is employed using New York City based individuals. This staff is charged with the responsibilities of daily operation and maintenance. Most of the inspections and testing are accomplished by them.

However, higher level inspections and testing are performed to assure the design and engineering integrity are maintained. These inspections are performed by engineers, factory personnel and the local staff. These tests are complex and require longer periods of time than allowed during the normal shutdown.

The tram schedule during the inspection will be as follows;
Monday. July 28th. To Friday August 1st.... Tram service will be provided with one single cabin.
Saturday. August 2nd. And Sunday. August 3rd... The tram will resume service with both cabins.
Monday. August 4th. To Friday. August 8th... Tram service will be provided with one single cabin.
Saturday. August 9th. 06:00 AM... The tram will resume service with both cabins.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Leitner‐ Poma of America

Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway – Operators.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Register For Roosevelt Island Summer Sportspark Swimming Classes - Mommy & Me Water Safety Instruction And Advanced Master Swim Technique Classes Too

 Image Of Sportspark Pool From RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Image From RIOC
Registration for the July-September session of Mommy & Me Water Safety classes is now available online. Classes will take place on Sunday and Wednesday mornings from the week of July 27th until the week of September 14th, with makeup classes on the week of September 21st. For more information or to register online, visit http://rioc.recdesk.com . If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
Also from RIOC:
Registration for the August session of Master Swim classes is now available online. Master Swim focuses on teaching more advanced swimming techniques (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly stroke) and providing a high-quality, low-impact workout. For more information or to register online, visit http://rioc.recdesk.com . If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
Get in the pool.

Roosevelt Island NYC Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Conduct Traffic Training Program Here Last Saturday - August 6 NY State Roosevelt Island Disaster Preparedness Class But Still No RI Evacuation Plan Made Public

The Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), together with other NYC CERT Teams, participated in a pedestrian and automobile traffic training program last Saturday on Roosevelt Island.

Image From Ellen Polivy

The Program began with classroom training by the NYPD. Roosevelt Island CERT Team member Lynn Strong-Shinozaki shares this picture of the training team

Image From Lynn Strong-Shinozaki

and reports:
We all learned a lot. This is the training team they were great!
Following the classroom instruction, the CERT Teams members went out

Image From Ellen Polivy

to practice their newly acquired traffic management skills

Image From Ellen Polivy

 on the Roosevelt Island street.

Image From Ellen Polivy

Roosevelt Island CERT Team member Ellen Polivy reports on the traffic training session.
NYC Community emergency response teams have important roles in augmenting primary emergency responders such as FDNY, NYPD and, here on Roosevelt Island, PSD.

Traffic management is an important role. This class, arranged by OEM, facilitated by RIOC (Jack McManus, Erica Spencer-El, Ann Rankin and others) and presented by NYPD, focused on the skills necessary to sucessfully manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

After class preparation participants from Roosevelt Island CERT and other CERT teams throughout the City practiced under the direct supervision of NYPD. Practical exercises like this are necessary so that a level of competence is available in emergency situations.

The twelve Roosevelt Island CERT attendees in no particular order were Lydia Tang, Russel Fields, Frank Farance, Gwen Ryals, Linda Heimer, Georgeanna, Galeateau, Ellen Polivy, Sherie Helstien,Matthew Katz, Lynne Shinozaki, Sharon Bermon, Howard Polivy.
The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse noticed the traffic exercise.
More information on CERT and how to join available from the NYC Office Of Emergency Management (OEM). According to OEM:
OEM's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members undergo an intensive 10-week training program that raises awareness about emergencies and disasters and provides basic response skills needed for fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and traffic control. After graduating from the 10-week program, CERT members support their communities by assisting with emergency education and response. Emergency services personnel are the best equipped to respond to disasters. NYC CERT volunteers are trained to support the efforts of New York City's first responders.

During non-emergency situations, NYC CERTs educate their communities about emergency preparedness by working with the Ready New York program and building community disaster networks.
Additional info on the Roosevelt Island CERT Team and contact is here.

Also, according to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
On Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00 PM, the NYS Citizens Preparedness Corps will host a free disaster preparedness class for Roosevelt Island residents at the Manhattan Park Theater Club (8 River Road). In addition to the training, each family participating will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit, which includes a first aid kit, emergency food and water, AM/FM radio, flashlight, and more items that are useful in case of a man-made or natural disaster

The training is free, but you must register in advance in order to participate. Visit http://www.prepare.ny.gov/training-events to sign up.

Presented by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York in Partnership with the Citizens Preparedness Corps and the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
Emergency preparedness is very necessary. However, as reported about August 2013 OEM Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Meeting:
...PSD Director Jack McManus said that the current Roosevelt Island evacuation plan is terribly outdated and that it is currently being updated. When the Roosevelt Island evacuation plan is completed, it will be made available to the public promised Mr. McManus....
So far, an updated Roosevelt Island evacuation plan has not been made public.

UPDATE 9/30 - In December 2013, the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted emergency disaster training drills under the auspices of NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Here are some scenes.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Running, Jumping. Leaping, Spinning Parkour Training Returns To Roosevelt Island


According to the World Freerunning Parkour Federation, Parkour:
... comes from the French “parcours”, which literally means, “the way through”, or “the path”. What we now all know as “Parkour” with a “k” had its origins in a training program for French Special Forces known as “Parcours du combattant”, or “The Path of the Warrior”. It was David Belle, a French dude, son of a Parcours Warrior and the “inventor” of Parkour, who changed the “c” to a “k” and, along with his comrades, the Yamakazi, began the worldwide movement you are now officially a part of and which also includes the phenomenon known as Freerunning (confused yet? Don’t give up! You’re almost there!)

According to the strictest definition, Parkour is the act of moving from point “a” to point “b” using the obstacles in your path to increase your efficiency. Sounds like a fun game, right? A basic repertoire of moves developed over the years, like the “tic-tac”, the “kong vault” and the “gap jump” that make Parkour immediately recognizable to most people who see it, even if they don’t know what it’s called!

But a funny thing happened on the way to Point B. The cool, super-creative moves that the Yamakazi came up with started morphing, and since there was no one chasing them (most of the time) the efficiency part got less and less important to some of the Yamakazi, who decided they wanted to start throwing flips and stuff, and just generally expressing themselves through movement. The leader of that splinter group was named Sebastian Foucan, the guy from the beginning of CASINO ROYALE. David Belle decided he wanted to stick with the efficiency program, so he and Sebastian kind of went their separate ways, and the “two” sports started developing along separate but parallel paths...
Here's some Roosevelt Island style Parkour training



and more information on Parkour at Roosevelt Island.

What Was That Loud Scary Noise Heard On Roosevelt Island And Queens Today? TransCanada Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant Releasing Steam Again

Did you hear that loud, deafening noise on Roosevelt Island this afternoon? The Twitterverse:


A Roosevelt Island resident reported:
I was outside on the Manhattan facing side and around 3:55pm a very loud, hard to identify - may be loud hissing? - sound started. It felt as if it would be going from the Special Surgery building. After about a minute or so, I couldn't bear the loudness and started going toward the Westview entrance only to realize, that the sound became even louder. And it was not stopping. Was quite scary, especially without knowing what is the reason behind it. It was coming from a general direction of the power plant. It stopped at 4pm or slightly after. Do you know what is it? Sort of disturbing.

The sound bounces off the Manhattan side and comes back to us.
 Image of TransCanada Ravenswood Power Plant Seen From Roosevelt Island

The noise came from a TransCanada Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant steam release.

More information on the noise from Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant steam release from previous post.

UPDATE 7/22 - Yesterday I asked TransCanada:
I have received several inquiries from Roosevelt Island residents concerned with the very loud noise coming from the TransCanada Ravenswood power plant this afternoon.

Can you tell us what was the cause and if there is any problem?
A TransCanada spokesperson replied today:
The loud noise was a cold reheat safety valve that lifted prematurely. The valve was repaired and reseated as soon as we understood the problem.

Burglary At Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park Building, Laptops And Ipad Taken - Remember To Double Lock Your Door

Image Of Credit Card Used To Open Door From Paxton Locksmithing (For Illustrative Purposes Only)

According to the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report:
07/15/14 - 1435 - 30 River Road - Burglary - PSD/NYPD responded. NYPD report filed.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus adds that the resident was not home at the time of the burglary. Two laptops and an Ipod were taken. The apartment door was not double locked.

The NYPD is investigating.

More information on previous Roosevelt Island burglaries available at this post.

Free Legal Housing Clinic Today From Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos - Continuing First And Third Monday Of Every Month From 3 - 6 PM

Image From Ben Kallos

 Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side New York City Council Member Ben Kallos reports:
Please join us for a FREE legal housing clinic on the first and third Monday of each month from 3-6PM at our district office at 244 East 93rd St. The first one is today, and the next one is on August 4th.

If you have any legal questions regarding housing, please come join us and reserve a time to speak with a volunteer attorney. This event was organized with assistance from Eviction Intervention Services (EIS).

We are excited to announce this new service, and look forward to assisting you on legal housing matters.

To RSVP or ask any questions, please call my office at 212-860-1950, email RSVP@BenKallos.com or register online. I look forward to seeing you this afternoon or on August 4th for the next one.

Sincerely,

Ben Kallos
New York City Council Member
District Five: Upper East Side, Midtown East, El Barrio and Roosevelt Island
If you have a housing related legal issue, let Council Member Kallos know and maybe you can get some help.