Sailboat Heading South On East River De - Masted Striking Roosevelt Island Bridge This Afternoon - Eyewitness Says Miracle Nobody injured

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reported a sailboat on the East River striking the Roosevelt Island Bridge this afternoon:

East River *Boat Accident* Southside of Roosevelt Island. Initial reported sailboat struck the Roosevelt Island... http://t.co/VhzNbTDA8w
— NYC Fire Wire (@NYCFireWire) September 26, 2014

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus added:

No damage to bridge. No injuries. The only damage was to the ships mast.

Image From William S

Tom Sakmar witnessed the incident and writes:

A large bi-hull sailboat was de-masted today (September 26, 2014) at about 2:47 p.m. when it hit the Roosevelt Island Bridge. The boat was in the East Channel of the East River heading South propelled by a rapid tidal current. The West Channel of the river was closed to most boat traffic due to United Nations Week security.

The metal mast and all the rigging and struts came came crashing down to the deck within seconds as the two adults on the deck, a man and woman, scrambled to stay clear. Neither of them appeared to be injured, but the boat started to drift toward the rocks on Roosevelt Island as the captain tried to start an outboard auxiliary motor.

A large cabin cruiser with a flying bridge was motoring Northbound and made way toward the de-masted sailboat. Eventually the cruiser spun around and appeared to come abeam of the sailboat to lend assistance.

Despite the large number of police and U.S. Coastguard vessels in the West Channel of the East River, the de-masted sail boat and cruiser proceeded under the Queensboro Bridge at about 3:00 p.m. without any assistance from the authorities.

It is really miraculous that the two people on deck were not killed or serious injured in this unfortunate accident.

Since 9/11, the West Channel of the East River has generally been closed to most boat traffic during high level security periods such as United Nations Week. Traffic is therefore rerouted to the East Channel very close to the Big Allis (Ravenswood No. 3) electric power generator, which is a huge natural gas power plant with huge kerosene fuel oil backup tanks very near to the edge of the river. Obviously there is some security trade-off here, but it’s not clear that it makes a lot of sense to the casual observer.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend But Local F Train Service To Steinway Street - Check Out Astoria, Then Walk Home

Here we go again.

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the M from Roosevelt Av to 47-50 Sts

Weekend, 11:15 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Sep 26 - 29

Trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza.

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

And:

F Jamaica-bound trains run local from 21 St-Queensbridge to 71 Av

Weekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Mon, Sep 27 - 29

Trains make local stops at 36, Steinway, 46 Sts, Northern Blvd, 65 St, Roosevelt, Elmhurst, Grand Avs, Woodhaven Blvd, 63 Dr and 67 Av.

Try Astoria again this weekend. Take the F Train to Steinway Street and explore Broadway, 30th Avenue and/or Ditmars B'lvd in Astoria.



After a delicious Astoria meal, work it off by walking back to Roosevelt Island.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Security Cameras, Parking Meters, Good Shepherd Streetscape Renewal, Octagon Playground Tree Removal & Fall For Arts Festival

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Security Camera

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

Throughout the summer, RIOC has been working hard to make capital improvements and to ensure the safety and beauty of our community. As the weather turns colder towards the end of fall, many construction projects will be required to be put on hold until the spring. With this in mind, we are continuing to make preparations for the upcoming season and to get our neighborhood ready for cold weather and snow. Until then, we will enjoy the fall weather and proceed as planned with construction and other projects.

Fall for Arts Festival

The annual Roosevelt Island Fall for Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, October 11th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Southpoint Park and on the lawn south of Rivercross. This year's theme is "A Multicultural Renaissance," celebrating the diversity of our unique community in a medieval setting. With participation from various community groups, multicultural musical and theatrical performances, live mural painting and "make-and-take" art activities for children, this event is a long-time community favorite. Look for a schedule of events to be posted soon on our website (rioc.ny.gov), facebook page (facebook.com/RIOCny ), the Main Street kiosks and other locations island-wide with more information about the event. We hope to see you at the Festival!

RIOC is currently seeking volunteers and mural artists to participate in this community event. The deadline for submitting a sketch to be considered for a muralist spot at the Festival has been extended through the weekend - all sketches received by Monday, September 29 will be considered. If you're interested in submitting a mural design or in volunteering at the Festival by helping attendees complete art activities or distributing art supplies to mural painters, please contact Anna Rankin at Anna.Rankin@rioc.ny.gov. Community service hours can be given for volunteering, and participants will receive a free, exclusive festival t-shirt. For more information on painting or volunteering, visit our website at rioc.ny.gov and click on our slideshow.

Security Cameras at the Motorgate Garage

As previously reported, RIOC has installed a series of security cameras at various locations on Roosevelt Island, including inside the Motorgate Garage. Currently, the installation and setup of these cameras is in the second phase of implementation. Before the next phase can begin, minor adjustments to the placement, orientation and other properties of the cameras will take place. The Public Safety Department has also been consulted on prime locations for future cameras and other upgrades. Since their initial installation, these cameras have already proved a valuable asset to the community and have assisted law enforcement with several investigations and lead to the apprehension of criminals. We plan to improve this system on a constant basis and look forward to the next phase of installation.

Parking Meters Accepting Credit Cards

We are pleased to announce that all parking meters on Roosevelt Island will soon be able to accept credit cards as payment. This improvement will increase convenience for residents and visitors alike who park on our streets. Electronic parking meters were installed earlier this year and are available along the length of Main Street and in the public parking lot to the east of the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club near the Tramway plaza. We are happy to be able to provide this service as an upgrade to the current system.

Tree Removal at the Octagon Playground

Last Thursday, September 24, contractors removed several damaged trees and branches at the Octagon Park. Affected trees, which had been damaged by stormy weather, were identified by a qualified professional before they were scheduled for removal or pruning. Routine maintenance and trimming is required for the general upkeep of the Island's trees and to avoid potential hazards caused by hanging and fallen limbs.

Good Shepherd Streetscape Renewal Project

As you may have noticed, landscaping work has begun behind the Good Shepherd Community Center. This project marks the first phase of work in a larger development - the renewal and redesign of the Good Shepherd Plaza. This project began several years ago as a joint initiative between RIOC and many active members of the Roosevelt Island community, who provided valuable input on residents' needs and visions for the space. Once the community design process was completed, RIOC solicited bids from qualified contractors and selected the best vendor based on standard procurement procedures. The chosen contractor will perform upgrades to the lawn and areas in and around the Plaza according to the finalized design. Currently, workers are laying out the areas where new decomposed granite paths and planting beds will be installed behind the Community Center. Most recently, concerns were raised about the health of the 9/11 memorial tree located in the area after a surface root was pruned to make way for construction. This root pruning has not endangered the tree. RIOC takes pride in the care of the Island's grounds and flora, and as New Yorkers ourselves, we understand how much this memorial means to all of our residents. Contractors are taking every precaution to ensure the continued health and future growth of the memorial tree as they modify the areas around it.

Amazing New York Yankee Shortstop Derek Jeter Wins Final Home Game Of Great Career With Walk Off Single To Right Field- Thank You For All The Great Memories

Photos, video: Derek Jeter provides perfect ending at Yankee Stadium http://t.co/R1U35swbx5 pic.twitter.com/MamlQe6Vn5
— WSJ Greater New York (@WSJNY) September 26, 2014

Everyone just knew that when the Baltimore Orioles tied the game against the Yankees in the top of the ninth and that Derek Jeter was batting third in the bottom of the inning that he would find a way to win the game.

And Jeter did just that.



Simply amazing!!!!

During the post game press conference Derek Jeter said:

...I know there’s a lot of people that have much more talent than I do throughout the course of my career, not just now and I can honestly say I don’t think anyone played harder. I don’t. Maybe just as hard, but I don’t think anyone had more of an effort.

Every single day I went out there and tried to have respect for the game and play it as hard as I possibly could. And I did it here in New York, which I think is much more difficult to do. And I’m happy for that...

That's the reason, besides the statistics and memorable plays (flip to Posada game, diving into stands against Red Sox, Jeffrey Maier home run, Mr. November, 5 for 5 3,000 hit game), Derek Jeter is a great ballplayer and is so respected.

Here's the rest of Jeter's very interesting press conference.



Derek Jeter played baseball the right way



and baseball fans, particularly NY Yankee Fans, thank him for that.

Hilarious Jewish Food Taste Test Video - Try Some Gefilte Fish, Matzo Ball Soup, Rugelach, Chopped LIver And Don't Forget The Manischewitz Wine, You Might Like It

Image From Buzz Feed Jewish Food Taste You Tube Video

For those celebrating the Rosh Hashanah New Year with traditional Jewish food of Gefilte Fish, Kugel, Chopped Liver, Matzo Ball Soup, Rugelach and Manischewitz Wine, this very funny Buzz Feed Video is for you. For those who have never tasted these traditional Jewish foods, Try It, You'll Like It.



My favorite Matzo Ball Soup is from Katz's Deli and Fresh Direct has some very good Sweet Potato Kugel.

Eat up.

Roosevelt Island Emergency Safety Concerns Due To RI Bridge Intermittent Closings During UN General Assembly Week Being Addressed - Dedicated Ambulance And Additional FDNY Equipment/Personnel Stationed On Roosevelt Island

Reported previously on emergency safety concerns expressed by Roosevelt Island residents caused by the annual intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge traffic closings

Roosevelt Island Bridge Raised To Let Sailboat Pass During 2010 UN Week Causing Ambulance To Wait

 during the United Nations General Assembly Session.

 Image of United Nations Seen From Roosevelt Island via Wired New York

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus reports on the following steps that have been taken to address these concerns. According to Mr. McManus:

1. An ambulance has been stationed on Roosevelt Island during UN General Assembly Week and will not take calls for off Island service.
2. The FDNY has pre-staged additional equipment and personnel at the Special Operations Station House on Roosevelt Island that will respond to Roosevelt Island fire calls when the RI Bridge is closed.
3. RIOC is in consultation with NYC Office of Emergency Management to explore new protocols regarding residents safety concerns during future UN General Assembly Week sessions.

While @UN General Assembly is in session next week the Roosevelt Island Bridge may close intermittently for 15min http://t.co/95cKR2zqCj
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 15, 2014

Wow, Beautiful Picture Of Queensboro Bridge, Tram And Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Sunset Tonight

Nadine Rucker shares this beautiful picture of Roosevelt Island sunset

Image From Nadine Rucker

tonight.

Did you see it?

Upcoming Roosevelt Island Bike New York Program's - Thursday Evening Ride Around Island, Picnic In Astoria Park, Learn To Ride For Adults, Pop Up Shop & More

 Image Of Bike NY Ride Around Roosevelt Island Group From Caitlin Goodspeed

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

Thursday Evening Bike Rides (only 2 more left!)

September 25 and October 16

Meet at the Bike New York container (next to Gristedes) at 6:15pm for a 3-mile loop around Roosevelt Island. Free Bike New York t-shirts for all participants! Bikes and helmets will be provided. 

Picnic in the Park

Saturday, October 4 at 11:30am

Join us for a short ride over to Astoria Park for a picnic to celebrate the end of the summer season! Please pack your own lunch. Dessert will be provided! All participants will receive a free Bike New York t-shirt. To register, please contact cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org. 

Learn to Ride - Adults class for Roosevelt Island Residents Only

Sunday, October 5 from 10am - 12pm

It's never too late to learn how to ride a bike! Join us at Capobianco basketball court (across the street from PS 217) for this beginner's class. Click here to register. Bikes and helmets will be provided. 

Fall for Arts Festival

Saturday, October 11 from 11am - 4pm

We're excited to participate in this year's festival! Stop by the Bike New York table and decorate your bicycle! You will also be able to pick up more information about our programs and events. We look forward to meeting you!

The Pop-Up Bike Shop will run through the end of October. The last day will be on Saturday, October 25 from 10am - 2pm. The shop will be closed on Saturday, October 11 for Columbus Day Weekend. 

Free bicycle classes will continue at Sportspark throughout the fall and winter months. Classes will include Learn to Ride - Adults, Learn to Ride - Kids, Bike Maintenance, Bike Commuting, Winter Riding, Bicycling Basics, and Street Skills. Please check the class calendar on our website for the complete schedule. 

For more information on these events, contact Ms. Goodspeed.

Roosevelt Island Real Estate Deathmatch, $1.3 Million Dollar Riverwalk Court Condo Or $1.275 Million Rivercross Coop - Which Would You Choose Asks Curbed?

New York City real estate web site Curbed tweeted yesterday:

If you had to choose, which of these Roosevelt Island apartments would you buy? http://t.co/i4pPfdZ8gW pic.twitter.com/f8nENVEL6x
— Curbed NY (@CurbedNY) September 23, 2014

and asks:

Imagine you have around $1,300,000 to spend on a place and you've narrowed it down to two apartments. How do you make up your mind? The answer is simple: you shove them into a metaphorical cage and let them battle it out until one emerges victorious. It's time for Real Estate Deathmatch....

The Roosevelt Island apartment comparison is between the $1.3 million asking Riverwalk Court Condo (Curbed Tweet picture on left)

Riverwalk Court Apartment Floorplan From Streeteasy

 and $1.275 Rivercross Coop (Curbed Tweet picture on right).

 Rivercross Apartment Floorplan From Streeteasy

According to Streeteasy, the Riverwalk Court condo has been on the market for 5 days. It was purchased in 2009 for $760,000.

According to Streeteasy, the Rivercross coop apartment has been on the market since May 2014, originally listed at $1.625 million

So, if you had $1.3 million, which Roosevelt Island apartment would you buy - Riverwalk or Rivercross?

Roosevelt Island Chabad Go Apple Picking In Preparation For Sweet Rosh Hashanah - Services On Wednesday, Thursday And Friday

Roosevelt Island Chabad Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Duchman share pictures from their pre Rosh Hashanah apple picking trip

Image From Nechama Duchman

last Sunday and report:

In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the community here on Roosevelt Island

Image From Nechama Duchman

got together and rented a bus

Image From Nechama Duchman

 to go apple picking at Outhouse Orchards in Croton Falls, NY.

Image From Nechama Duchman

A grand time was had by all! Wishing all our friends and neighbors a Shana Tovah, a happy and healthy sweet New Year.

The Duchman's invite you to take the Rosh Hashanah Honey Bucket Challenge



and send the following Roosevelt Island Chabad Rosh Hashanah schedule

Wednesday, Sept. 24

7:30pm Maariv, evening prayers

Thursday, Sept. 25

10:00am Shacharis and children’s program

11:00am Shofar followed by Kiddush

7:30pm Maariv, evening prayers

Friday, September 26

10:00am Shacharis and children’s program

11:00am Shofar followed by Kiddush

Best wishes for a Shana Tovah umesukah, a happy, sweet New Year

For exact location, email us at Nechama@RIJewish.org. Free, no membership, no Hebrew reading required.

Reported earlier today on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Rosh Hashanah services.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Services Starting Wednesday Evening September 24 - Happy New Year, L'Shana Tova

 Image Of Masai Blowing Rosh Hashanah Shofar From You Tube Video

From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation President Nina Lublin:

We invite everyone to celebrate the High Holy Days with the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, serving the Island community for over 30 years

Ms. Lublin provided the following RIJC Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur schedule:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation
Rabbi Leanna Moritt

Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, September 24 7:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah – Evening Service

Thursday, September 25
9:15 am 1st Day Rosh Hashanah – Morning Service
9:15 am Child Care
11:00 am Children’s Service – With Music
1:30 pm Approximately -- Tashlich
7:30 pm Evening Service

Friday September 26
9:15 am 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah – Morning Service
9:15 am Child Care

Yom Kippur
Friday, October 3 6:00 pm Sharp – Kol Nidrei Service
Saturday, October 4
9:15 am Morning Service
9:15 am Child Care
10:30 am Children’s Service
5:00 pm Afternoon Service, with Ne’ilah & Havdalah

All 2014 High Holy Day Services to be held at the Manhattan Park Community Center / Theatre – 8 River Road

 Image Of RIJC Torah From Judy Berdy

History.com explains Rosh Hashanah:

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” the festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during September or October. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion...

Click here for the entire article.

Happy New Year, L'Shana Tova

UPDATE 7:50 PM - Roosevelt Island Chabad went apple picking for a sweet Rosh Hashanah and share their schedule for services too.

Learn You're The Cure CPR Hands Only Technique At Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization Monthly Seminar Wednesday September 24 - Domestic Violence Seminar Wednesday October 29

Hands Only CPR Training During June 21 Roosevelt Island Day

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation to women 18 years and older for its upcoming seminars:

Image From Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization

Here are the Fall 2014 dates for Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization.

Our 1st seminar -- Wed. Sept. 24th
Topic will be CPR Training

The 2nd seminar -- Wed. Oct. 29th
Topic will be Domestic Violence

The 3rd seminar -- Wed. Nov. 19
Topic to be announced

The 4th seminar -- Wed. Dec. 17
Topic to be announced

Location:
546 Main Street
12th Floor Community Room
Time: 6:30pm

Dates and topics for 2015 to be announced.

Roosevelt Island resident Lynn Strong-Shinozaki is working with the American Heart Association's You're The Cure to teach Hands Only CPR Training. According to Ms. Strong Shinozaki:

... We are also working with groups like RIWHO and will be doing a training next Wednesday along with a talk about how to recognize when you are having a heart attack and stroke.

We are offering to work with any island group who would like us to do the training. It is not a certification. You do not receive a certificate. You simply learn what to do if a loved ones heart stops working.

To date we have trained 222 people who live or work on Roosevelt Island. We would love to train anyone who is bilingual to be facilitators in their native languages. Anyone interested can contact me....

Ms. Strong-Shinozaki explained Hands Only CPR Training during September 10 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) meeting Public Session.



More information on Hands Only CPR Training here

Gr8 day training teachers at @ChildSchoolNY in #HandsOnlyCPR w @LASHINOZAKI @scams110 @DomHeart21. @Rooseveltisland is safer! #CPRinSchools
— Robin Vitale (@RobinVitale) September 5, 2014

and here.



UPDATE 9/23 - From RIWHO:

Roosevelt Island Rivercross Coop Board Of Directors Decide To Cut Down Tall Courtyard Trees Claiming Trees Are Safety Hazard And Block East River Apartment Views Lowering Sale Values - Some Residents Object Calling It Arborcide

Image Of A Rivercross Courtyard Tree To Be Removed

The Roosevelt Island Rivercross Coop Board Of Directors informed shareholder residents of the building that 4 very tall courtyard trees (almost 9 stories high)

planted before the building was constructed over 38 years ago will soon be removed. According to a September 19 memo from the Board of Directors the trees are a safety danger

and block the views of some apartments

negatively impacting their value. The memo also states that the trees will be replaced by 5 cherry trees and accompanying shrubbery.

Here's the Rivercross Board Of Directors Memo on removing the 4 courtyard trees.

I am told that some residents are extremely upset by the Rivercross Board Of Directors decision to remove these trees describing it as "arborcide".

UPDATE - 9/25 - Rivercross residents and the Board of Directors are holding discussions regarding the fate of the trees. Stay tuned.

Also, compare Rivercross and Riverwalk million dollar apartments for sale.

Pretty Good Sketch Of Roosevelt Island Tram By Author Amy Stewart

Amy Stewart visited Roosevelt Island and tweeted:

Sat down on empty riverbank to draw @Rooseveltisland tram, was soon joined by many other loungers & a flock of birds. pic.twitter.com/S5rkemHB8V
— Amy Stewart (@Amy_Stewart) September 20, 2014

According to her web site, Amy Stewart is an:

... award-winning author of six books on the perils and pleasures of the natural world, including four New York Times bestsellers, The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Bugs, Wicked Plants, and Flower Confidential.