No Manhattan Bound Roosevelt Island F Train Service This Weekend Says MTA - Weekend Disruptions May Be Over By February 2015

The MTA reports that there will be no F Train subway service from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan this weekend.

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the M from Roosevelt Av to 47-50 Sts Weekends, 11:15 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, until Oct 27

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.

How long will these Roosevelt Island F Train weekend subway service disruptions last? Maybe, it will be over by February 2015.

During the October 22 meeting of Community Board 8's Roosevelt Island/Transportation joint committee, CB 8 member Larry Parnes reported the MTA believes that F Train Roosevelt Island weekend subway disruptions may be over by February 2015.

Mr. Parnes also noted that the MTA says an entrance to the F train Lexington Ave/63rd station may be open at third avenue/63rd street in the fall of 2015.

Here's what Mr. Parnes had to say.



More on the October 22 CB 8 joint Roosevelt Island/Transportation Committee meeting, including discussion of Roosevelt Island Bus Service, ferry service, Bike Lanes and Motorgate improvements, at this previous post.

You're Invited To Gallery RIVAA Opening Reception For New Exhibit "The Diary" 6-9 PM Saturday October 25 - Also Roosevelt Island Photographer Paul Katz's Prints Available At Farmers Market Blowout Sale On Saturday Too

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA will be hosting an opening reception Saturday October 25 starting 6PM for their new exhibition The Diary.

According to Gallery RIVAA:

RIVAA is excited to invite you to the opening reception of its another new show "THE DIARY" by famous artist CHRISTIAN PARASCHIV on Saturday, October 25th from 6 - 9 PM at Gallery RIVAA.

Date: October 25th, 2014
Time: 6-9pm
Venue: Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island

Also, Roosevelt Island resident Lloyd Woltz reports:

With colder weather soon approaching, the Paul Katz Photography table at the Saturday Green Market (adjacent to Motorgate)

Image Of Lloyd Selling Paul Katz Photography Prints At Roosevelt Island Farmers Market

will be holding a "We Need the Room in Our Apartment Blowout Clearance Sale" on October 25th and November 1st (weather permitting) -- the table's final days at the market this year. A wide selection of prints

Image Of Paul Katz Photograph

from renowned photographer  and late, long-time Island resident Paul Katz,

  Image Of Paul Katz From Reserveinc

will be available for only $5 (for framed 8" x 10") and $10 (for unframed 13" x 19") -- great opportunity to get your "stocking-stuffer" holiday shopping done early!

More on the late Paul Katz's photography at previous post.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade, Bicycle Education & Safety, Sportspark Classes & Advisories

 Image From RIOC

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

Halloween Parade Extravaganza

Roosevelt Island’s annual Halloween Parade Extravaganza will take place Saturday, October 25 on Main Street beginning at 12 p.m. at Blackwell Park (500 Main Street). This event is sponsored by Urban American, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation and the Roosevelt Island Youth Center with contributions from Island House, Westview, Rivercross, Cornell Tech, the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association, The Octagon, and the Roosevelt Island Explorers. The parade begins at Blackwell Park and travels down Main Street, culminating in a community celebration at Capobianco Field. In the event of inclement weather, the festivities will be moved to P.S./I.S. 217. Every year, hundreds of Roosevelt Island families come out to watch and take part in this island tradition, showcasing their creative costumes, playing games and enjoying the holiday in a safe and fun way. Come visit the RIOC & Public Safety tent for take-home art projects, a chance to win prizes, and for Halloween safety gear and tips! On behalf of everyone here at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, I wish you a safe and happy Halloween.

Bicycling on Roosevelt Island

Last Tuesday, October 14th, members of RIOC’s staff conducted a walkthrough of the Island’s roadways with several representatives from Bike New York. In the near future, the cycling nonprofit will provide us with a list of suggestions for possible upgrades or changes to the Island’s streets. As we move forward, RIOC will continue to assess our current transportation infrastructure and will evaluate the need for specific changes to the Island’s striping, signage and roadways. Our number one priority is the safety of everyone on our streets, whether they be cyclists, pedestrians, or motorists.

Over the past year, Bike New York has been working with RIOC to run a specialized bike safety and education program specifically tailored to the needs of Roosevelt Island residents. This program, which focuses on providing free educational classes and amenities to cyclists in the community, is sponsored entirely by the Saks Kavanaugh Foundation. The Foundation founders, Betty Saks and Bart Kavanaugh, are New Yorkers and avid cyclists. Their Foundation's mission focuses on promoting health and wellness, with a special focus on "movement" and the important role it can play in the lives of children. RIOC has been working closely with Bike New York and the Saks Kavanaugh Foundation to bring bike education, bike safety and bike programs year round to Roosevelt Island.

As an expansion of their current educational efforts, Bike New York has been working with our Transportation department to develop specialized road safety classes, which will focus on sharing the road with motorists as well as basic safety practices. The classes will be provided for our bus drivers and other vehicle operators. In addition, Bike New York will be designing classes specifically for Roosevelt Island residents that address the unique transportation situations and conditions that may arise on our roads and promenades.

In addition to adding classes, Bike New York is expanding its ongoing awareness campaign to include further educational efforts. Look for Bike New York representatives in your building and door-drops of educational materials, along with increased outreach efforts in our local schools. As we move forward, we also plan to involve Cornell Tech in an effort to create a “master plan” for the implementation of bike paths on the Island. We will continue to work together with agencies such as Bike New York and Cornell Tech to make sure residents and members of our staff are educated about bike safety and to ensure the safety of our transportation network.

We encourage you to contact the Bike New York Community Outreach Director, Caitlin Goodspeed, at cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org to learn more about classes and bike amenities offered by Bike New NY that are specifically geared to Roosevelt Island residents.

Sportspark Classes

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to stay active, low-cost and free fitness classes are available at the Sportspark Pool and gymnasium (250 Main Street). Swim classes available at the pool include a popular “Mommy & Me” water safety class, which teaches children aged six months to three years old basic swimming skills and introduces them to moving around in the water. Twice-weekly “Master Swim” classes focus on more advanced swimming skills, including a variety of strokes and techniques. The pool is also open for “Open Swim” twice a day, seven days a week. Zumba and Yoga classes, as well as ping pong play, are available throughout the week in the gymnasium. For more information on these classes or to see a calendar or what Sportspark offers, visit our website at rioc.recdesk.com or email Eddie Perez, Sportspark Supervisor, at Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov.

RIOC Advisories

Keeping all Island residents informed and prepared for the unexpected is a high priority for us at RIOC. In order to help keep the public up to date on events or situations that may impact daily life, we provide the RIOC Advisories service, a local community and emergency alert system. If you would like to receive these alerts, visit our website at rioc.ny.gov and subscribe today. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

In the upcoming weeks, RIOC will complete an upgrade of our advisory system, which will allow subscribers to select which categories of alerts they would like to receive. New options for contact methods, such as phone calls and text messages, will also be added. These improvements are scheduled to be implemented during the month of November, so keep an eye out for announcements and instructions once the new system goes live.

Upcoming Roosevelt Island Bike NY Classes And Events - Sunday Bike Maintenance 101 Class, November 6 Street Skills & November 16 Historic Ride

Image Of Bike NY's Roosevelt Island Saturday Tune Up Shop At Farmers Market

Bike New York's Roosevelt Island Community Outreach Manager Caitlin Goodspeed reports on upcoming bicycle classes and events:

We have a couple (free) classes coming up at Sportspark

The first class is for Roosevelt Island residents only. It's a Bike Maintenance 101 class designed to teach participants how to do basic tune-ups and repairs on their own bikes. It's happening this Sunday from 1pm - 3pm. Here is the registration link.

Image From Bike NY

The second class is happening November 6 at 6:30pm. It's a Street Skills class where we teach people what their rights and responsibilities are as a New York City cyclist. We want people to feel confident and comfortable on the city streets! You can click here to register for this class.

In Other News:

This Saturday will be the last day of the Bike New York Pop-Up Shop! We will be handing out free bike lights to anyone who stops by on their bike.

There will be a Roosevelt Island Historic Bike Ride on Sunday, November 16 at 1:30pm led by Janet Falk, island resident and member of the Roosevelt Island Historic Society. More details to come! If you are interested, please email me at cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Roosevelt Island Jobs Available As FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy Executive Assistant To President/CEO And Park Facilities Manager

Image From How I Save Money

The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy is seeking an Executive Assistant for its President (Posted October 23) and a Park Facilities Manager. According to Idealist:

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park is a Memorial to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Roosevelt Island in New York City. The Memorial was designed by Louis I. Kahn and opened to the public in October 2012.

The Park is operated by the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation under a Cooperative Agreement. In addition to funding, operating, and maintaining the Park, the Conservancy's mission is to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of FDR and the Four Freedoms through educational initiatives and public programming.

Job Description

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Executive Assistant (Assistant) will be responsible for providing him/her with administrative support. The Assistant will manage projects, tasks, and relationships for the President & CEO as well as perform general and executive office administrative duties for the Director of Development and the Board Chair on an as needed basis.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, highly responsible, focused, and motivated individual, able to multi-task and respond to a wide variety of responsibilities and assignments. He/she will also be committed to and have a genuine belief in the mission and values of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Four Freedoms Park.

This is a full-time salaried position. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and additional hours may often be required...

Click here for more information about the position.

Also, Idealist reports that the FDR Park Conservancy has a job available as a Park Facilities Manager (Posted October 17):

... Under the supervision of the Director of Park Operations and Facilities, the Four Freedoms Park Facilities Manager (Manager) is responsible for managing the Park facilities. Additional responsibilities will include supervision of Park Rangers and opening and closing of Park facilities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Supervising the maintenance of the Memorial granite, including monitoring for stains, dirt and marks; determining best methods for stain removal; updating maintenance manuals and overseeing the cleaning of granite....

Click her for more information on the job.

Good Luck.

NYC Runs Haunted Island 5 & 10K Race Coming To Roosevelt Island Saturday - RIOC Addresses Early Morning Race Noise Amplification Pollution Complaint

Image From NYC Runs

According to NYC Runs:

NYCRUNS Haunted Island 5K & 10K
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Firefighters Field - Roosevelt Island • 425 Main St Roosevelt Island, NY 10044

Rumor has it that Roosevelt Island has been overrun by all manner of scary things. Join us in the madness for this Halloween 5K & 10K with a superb after party including a great live band and a Halloween themed post-race spread. Goblins and ghouls of all ages are welcome.
Event schedule and times

Start time: The 5K begins at 9:30 AM; The 10K begins at 10:00 AM Address: 425 Main St. New York, NY

Courses: Please see our standard 5K and 10K course maps. You will enjoy one of a kind views of Manhattan, Queens, and beyond!...

Click here for more information on the Haunted Island race.

Last Sunday, there was another 10K race starting at Firefighters Field across the street from Southtown Rivercross apartment buildings. A resident reported about that race:

it's great that RI hosts monthly fun runs etc here on the streets and promenades. I only think it would be respectful of the organizers to refrain from playing their PA systems at 645am today.

also shouldn't the race organizers at least attempt to schedule the races on days that the subway service isn't curtailed?

This complaint was submitted to Roosevelt Island 311 See Click Fix about last Sunday's 10K:

noise pollution

why is the PA system for the 10k road race blasting and blaring today 630am on a Sunday morning? why is public safety doing nothing but helping assisting.

a little consideration would be appreciated

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) responded to the See Click Fix complaint:

We apologize for your inconvenience this past Sunday. The event was a permitted event, which is why Public Safety allowed it to take place. Any permitted events in the future will not be allowed to begin before 9am, and amplified sound will not be allowed any more than thirty minutes prior to their start time. Further, any speakers permitted will be pointed in the direction of Queens to help control the impact of their sound on the island. Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

Thank you

Saturday is also the Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade starting at 12 PM. There is no F train service to Manhattan from Roosevelt Island this weekend.

UPDATE 1-/24 - According to RIOC:

Notification issued 10/24/2014 at 4:06 PM. A 5K/10K race will take place around the perimeter of Roosevelt Island beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2014. There will be no parking on this date from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the West Roadway from the Tram to the Subway. From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, there will be no Red Bus service at the Subway going North. All northbound bus passengers may utilize a temporary bus stop located on the East Roadway at 425 Main Street. Expect minor disruptions in Q102 and Red Bus service during that time.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

NYPD Tram Rescue Drills Sunday October 26 From 6-10 AM - Only 1 Tram Cabin in Service At That Time And No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Notification issued 10/22/2014 at 9:44 AM. Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that on Sunday, October 26th from 6:00 AM until 10:00 AM, one Tram cabin will be in operation every 15 minutes due to a scheduled Tram Rescue & Evacuation Practice Drill with the New York City Fire Department (NYFD). Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

The MTA reports that there will be no F Train service from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan at that time either.

According to the MTA:

F Coney Island-bound trains run via the M from Roosevelt Av to 47-50 Sts Weekends, 11:15 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, until Oct 27

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.

The FDNY performed Tram Rescue Drills Wednesday, October 15.

UPDATE 10/24 - According to RIOC:

Notification issued 10/24/2014 at 10:49 AM. Leitner-Poma, operator of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, has advised that on Sunday, October 26th from 6:00 AM until 10:00 AM, one Tram cabin will be in operation every 15 minutes due to a scheduled Tram Rescue & Evacuation Practice Drill by Tramway personnel. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

NYC Planning Department Presents Western Queens Transportation Study To Roosevelt Island Community Last Night - Recommends New Bus Routes, Ferry Service, Bike Lanes & Motorgate Improvements

Reported October 16 on the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) Western Queens Transportation study

Image Of Western Queens Transportation Study Area Of Interest from NYC Planning Dept (Page 4)

and its recommendations for Roosevelt Island.

Among the DCP's Western Queens Transportation Study recommendations for Roosevelt Island are:

• Eliminating the Q 102 bus and extending the Q 19 and Q 39 to Roosevelt Island (Pages 20-21),
• Extend East River Ferry Service To Roosevelt Island and Hallet's Cove in Astoria (Page 22),
• Improve Bike Access To Roosevelt Island including a Roosevelt Island Bridge 2 way bike lane (Pages 44-47),
• Improvements to the Motorgate Garage, Atrium and surrounding areas including new dedicated entrances, a welcoming pedestrian plaza, way finding signage, new multi-purpose escalator, bike share station and attractive pedestrian plaza greenway. (Pages 48 -57)

Images From DCP Western Queens Transportation Study (Pages 44, 54, 57)

Last night, the DCP presented its full Western Queens Transportation Study to Community Board 8's Roosevelt Island/ Transportation joint committee and other members of the Roosevelt Island Community. Here's video of the presentation.



followed by comments, question and answers. During the comments period, I asked the DCP representatives to consider extending the Q104 and Q103 bus routes to Roosevelt Island instead of the Q19 and Q39 because the Q104 and Q103 offer better routes to Astoria and Long Island City. Also, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Manager Cy Opperman noted how important the current Q102 service is for transporting residents to and from the subway/tram during rush hours.

I was surprised to learn that the ferry service contemplated for Roosevelt Island in the DCP study would use the Manhattan side of the East River. Previous studies recommended the Queens side.

Other comments included Frank Farance on driving patterns in Astoria/LIC, Sharon Pope on bicycle access to Queensboro bridge and Judy Berdy on the transportation needs of poor people in Astoria/LIC not being addressed until now when luxury housing is starting to be developed in the area.

Here's video of the Q and A.



The DCP Western Queens Transportation Study notes:

... The recommendations made in this PDF Document presentation are predicated upon further study and feasibility analyses prior to implementation...

 A summary of the Western Queens Transportation Study recommendations for Roosevelt Island is at this previous post

Roosevelt Island Main Street Halloween Parade Saturday October 25 - Goblins, Ghouls, Ghosts, Games, Rides, Food, & Fun For The Whole Family

Image From RIOC

A wonderful Roosevelt Island tradition continues on Saturday, October 25. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Happy Halloween! This Saturday, October 25th from 12 PM until 3 PM, Roosevelt Island's annual Halloween Parade Extravaganza will take place beginning at Blackwell Park (500 Main St) and concluding at Capobianco Field. Join in the fun with FREE Halloween festivities, including game booths, moon walk, mechanical rides, balloon typhoon, spin art, cotton candy, popcorn, music, and more! We hope to see you there.

This event is sponsored by Urban American, The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, and the Roosevelt Island Youth Program with contributions from Island House, Westview, Rivercross, the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association and The Octagon.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Here are some scenes from the 2013 Roosevelt Island Halloween parade courtesy of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program



and more at this previous post.

Roosevelt Island Moms On The Move Walking And Exercise Group Meeting 11 AM Friday October 24 At Tram Kiosk

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

Please join us for our next free Roosevelt Island Moms on the Move (RI MoM) walk and exercise this Friday, October 24, starting at 11 AM at the Tram kiosk.

Here's a picture of our group from last week - we had a great time! :)

Image From Herb Fixler

Pregnant moms and moms with children of all ages are welcome.

Usually we walk to the south of the island on Manhattan side and back and do some exercise on the grassy area above the Meditation steps, in front of Dr. Grimm's office. It is supposed to be nice out on Friday but if it is too cold or about to rain, we might go to the 455 rooftop lounge for the exercise part.

Please send me a short e-mail if you are interested in joining us.

Roosevelt Island Motorgate Turnaround Closed Until Further Notice For Construction Says RIOC - Bus Top Moved To Front Of 10 River Road

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Notification issued 10/22/14 at 5:30 PM. Due to construction, the Motorgate turnaround will be closed until further notice. The bus stop will be relocated to the front of 10 River Road. An advisory will be issued to update the public on future developments.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Troop Raffle For American Museum Of Natural History Sleepover Under The Giant Whale

Image of American Museum Of Natural History Blue Whale Sleepover

Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts from Troop 3244 were out in front of the subway station last night asking residents to buy a raffle ticket to help fund a sleepover for their 22 Girl Scouts at the American Museum Of Natural History under the Giant Whale. The sleepover costs about $100 per girl.

Here's what the Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts and their Troop Leader had to say.



Next tine you see the Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Troop, please consider buying a raffle ticket to help send them to their sleepover under the Giant Whale at the American Museum of Natural History.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Audit Committee Meeting Today On Proposed RIOC Budget For Fiscal Year 2015 -16

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Audit Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda


Review of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 - 2016

Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano Hosts MNN Represent NYC TV Program To Address Domestic Violence Issues

 Image From NYC Mayor's Office To Combat Domestic Violence

The Manhattan News Network (MNN) October 19 Represent NYC program featured Roosevelt Island's New York State Senator Jose Serrano hosting a discussion on Domestic Violence Awareness. According to MNN's Represent NYC:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and current statistics show that nationwide, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic violence, which equates to nearly 20 people per minute being victims of domestic violence. The problem of domestic violence is one that plagues all segments of our population, but recent high-profile cases have brought increased awareness of the need for action.

On Sunday's new episode of Represent NYC, State Senator Jose M. Serrano, representing the 29th Senate District which covers neighborhoods in the South & West Bronx, East Harlem, Roosevelt Island, Upper Yorkville, Central Park, and the Upper West Side, brings a panel together to discuss the issue and to shine a spotlight on solutions to this pervasive problem....

Represent NYC Episode 7: Domestic Violence Awareness with State Senator Jose Serrano from Manhattan Neighborhood Network on Vimeo.

Click here for more MNN information on domestic violence.

Lost Then Found 1909 Queensboro Bridge Lamppost Base Finds New Permanent Home At The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Kiosk

From the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS):

A permanent home for a 1909 lamppost base from the Queensboro Bridge.

After a two-and-a-half-year campaign to move a 6,000 pound lamppost base to Roosevelt Island,

Image From Francine Lange

the bronze piece of history finally found a resting spot next to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) Kiosk. A reunion of sorts, the lamp base at one time stood behind the kiosk when it too was stationed at the Manhattan side of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. (The kiosk served as one of five trolley stations commuters entered to board trolleys traveling over the bridge.)

The entire lamp went missing in the 1970s and RIHS President Judith Berdy (pictured in front of the base)

Image From Francine Lange

said it may have been moved when the Roosevelt Island Tramway was built.

Several years ago, after a passerby spotted the base in a Department of Transportation signal yard in Queens, Ms. Berdy raised the funds to have it moved to Roosevelt Island. You may now view the ornate base in its new home.

RIHS President Judy Berdy adds;

On October 14th the finishing touches were placed on the lamp base. The decorative ornamentations have been replaced the the base. The foundation received a coating of stucco. The missing borough plaques will soon be replaced on the four sides (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens). There will be a formal ceremony celebrating the placement in November. Arnold Apria of Cornerstone Conservation and his crew are very talented and their work is very impressive.

 Image of Ms Berdy With Bill Laderer of Long Island Landscape In Front of Lamppost

Thanks to all our friends and supporters who helped with the project, especially Janet Falk who was instrumental in our fund raising and communications efforts.

Mitch Waxman (The Newton Pentacle Blog) describes in Queens Brownstoner how he found the lamppost base lying around at the NYC S.E.M./Signals Street Light Yard:

... Back in 2011, I was trudging home in a deep snow when something caught my eye.

Something about this object was familiar to me, but its identity eluded. My thoughts keep drifting toward mental catalogs of midtown Manhattan transportation centers for some reason. Grand Central perhaps? Simple observations of the object revealed it to be metallic, and designed to exhibit a cuprous patina. Were it composed of copper or white bronze, as it is designed to appear, this would be a small fortune sitting out in the snow (from a scrap metal point of view)...

Click here for the full story by Mr.Waxman in the Queens Brownstoner.

You're Invited To It's My Park Day Tramway Plaza Planting And Cleanup With East Midtown Partnership Sunday October 26 - Afterwards, Drink Specials And Snacks At Bloom's Tavern

Image From East Midtown Partnership

According to the East Midtown Partnership:

On Sunday, October 26, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, join us as we prepare Tramway Plaza, on Second Avenue between East 59th Street and East 60th Street. for the winter and next spring's growing season. We'll clean up the flower beds, plant bulbs, and make sure the only publicly-accessible open space in East Midtown Manhattan is ready to look better than ever in 2015!

Donuts and coffee will be provided for all volunteers, and after we're done with our chores we'll head to Bloom's Tavern (208 East 58th Street, between Second Avenue and Third Avenue), where proprietor Noel Donovan promises us drink specials and snacks.

The East Midtown Partnership adds:

For more information contact info@eastmidtown.org or 212-813-0030. We also are hoping that this event will help us to get a Friends of Tramway Plaza group together.

Help Serve The Roosevelt Island Community By Running For the Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council - Application Deadline October 24 To Run For RIRA CC

There's still time, until October 24, for Roosevelt Island residents seeking to serve our community to submit applications as candidates for the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council. According to RIRA:

The purposes of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) are: 1) to represent the interests of its members to all governmental, quasi-governmental and private institutions that develop policy affecting Roosevelt Island and its residents; that supervise or manage our housing and that supervise or manage other Island operations; and 2) to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of its members and the quality of life in our community are maintained and improved.

Over the years, RIRA has represented the residents of Roosevelt Island in negotiations with the State of New York and other official entities. It is recognized as the official representative of Island residents....

RIRA President Jeff Escobar reported in his September 29 Report:

... nominations for a position on the RIRA Common Council and/or as an Executive Officer will open on Wednesday, October 1, and close on October 24 at 9 p.m. Nomination forms can be obtained by email from Nominations Committee Chair Aaron Hamburger (ashamburger33@gmail.com), or in hard copy at either our Public Library or at Public Safety (where there will also be a lock box to drop off your completed forms). As we have been saying in this column, running for an office to represent either your building or RIRA itself is the ultimate form of community service. If you are interested in running and/or have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Aaron at ashamburger33@gmail.com or 212-758-2623.

You can help make a difference and contribute to our Roosevelt Island community by joining the RIRA Common Council. If you are interested in running for the RIRA Common Council to represent your building, please contact Aaron Hamburger for more information.

Memorial Service For Anna Maria Mostrom, Roosevelt Island Bicyclist Critically Injured In October 8 Collision With Red Bus, Held Last Saturday At Swedish Church

An update on Roosevelt Island resident Anna-Maria Mostrom, the bicyclist critically injured after October 8 collision with the Roosevelt Island Red Bus 

Lynn Strong-Shinozaki reports:

Anna-Maria Mostrom's Memorial Service was held Saturday October 18 at The Swedish Church 5 East 48th St. at 5 pm. The small Church was over flowing in her honor. The service was beautiful. I had the honor of speaking with her family who made the courageous decision to donate her organs. I hope this inspires more people to do the same. For anyone who wants to send their condolences to the family they will be able to do so through the Swedish Church.

Image Of Anna Maria Mostrom From Bild

The Swedish newspaper Expressen reported on October 15 that Roosevelt Island resident Anna Maria Mostrom died. According to Expressen (via Google Translate)

... Late on Tuesday evening local time died Anna-Maria Mostrom shortly after the respirator turned off. The father wrote in a text message to Expressen that Anna-Maria went off at 22:50 local time, ie 4:50 this morning Swedish time. The whole family, with mom, dad, sister, boyfriend and the next few friends were gathered and had quietly got to say goodbye.

She rescues five to six lives, writes Ronny Mostrom in SMS....

Click here for the full Expressen article (via Google Translate) and previous posts on this tragic accident.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Halloween Carnival 3-6 PM Friday October 24 - Pumpkin Patch, Games, Candy Bags, & Food Cooked By Roosevelt Island Firefighters

According to the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA:

Friday, October 24th, PS/IS 217 is having a Halloween Carnival. We'll have Bouncy houses, pumpkin patch, popcorn, candy sculptures, arts & crafts, delicious food cooked and served by the Roosevelt Island Firefighters... and so much more! It's open to the community. Early bird discount is $10 per child. Adults and children under 3 are Free.

More information available at the PS/IS 217 PTA web site. You can purchase tickets here and volunteer for the event too.

Also, don't forget the annual Roosevelt Island Halloween parade is on Saturday, October 25 starting 12 PM at Blackwell House.

Watch Roosevelt Island Baby Learn To Walk In One Minute - Very, Very Cute Time Lapse Video

Roosevelt Island dad Nick Turner posts this adorable video of his daughter learning to walk noting:

How our 1-year-old daughter Lucy became a biped — distilled down to about a minute.

To date, the video has over 1.1 million views on You Tube.



Good job Lucy.

Open Thread - What's On Your Roosevelt Island Mind? Let Us Know

 Image From UBC Okanagan

Do you have an interesting experience, photo, link or video to share? How about a problem to fix, compliment to give or just something you want to vent on and get off your chest about living on Roosevelt Island?

You set the Agenda. Your Chance to pick and write about a topic for Roosevelt Islanders. It's easy and can be fun. Just click on the comments link or box and type away.

This is a new thread on subject. The previous What On Your Roosevelt Mind Thread became too long and readers asked:

It's time to start a new open thread. There are too many comments on this one, making it impossible to find the new posts.

Here's the new thread. Thanks for you thoughts.