No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend - Rush Hour Tram Service From 7 AM - 10 PM

 According to the MTA:

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

Weekend, 9:45 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Nov 14 - 17

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

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

Notification issued 11/14/2014 at 9:57 AM. The MTA has advised that from 9:45 PM, Friday, 11/14/14 until 5:00 AM Monday, 11/17/14, Queens-bound F Train service will not stop at Roosevelt Island. The Tram will run on a rush hour schedule from 7 AM until 10 PM to accommodate any increase in traffic. For alternate routes and updated information, please visit http://mta.info or call 511 for more information.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Seniors All Stars Play Exciting Game And Learn Leadership Skills - RIYP Playoff Games Start Saturday November 15

Image Of RIYP Seniors All Stars From Adib Mansour

Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Soccer Director Adib Mansour reports:

ALL STAR SENIORS GAME:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program has initiated a Soccer program we call “the Seniors Initiative” which will benefit all the 13 to 15 years old players with compensation for showing respect to:

• Teammates, Coaches, referees, and the Field;
• for coming to all practices and games on time; and
• for sportsmanship.

The idea is to teach our young adults leadership through sports in general, and particularly through the international sport of soccer. Respect is often taken for granted and I wanted to emphasize these values that are the basis of all relationships and success in the professional world.

The coaches in this division have volunteered numerous hours of their time training the teams during the weeknights and weekends. The coaches have no children in this division, they do it out of their passion for the game and to be an active part of the community. Through the Seniors Initiative, I am hoping to install sportsmanship and higher values in the minds of the players. Teach them that respect comes in different forms and goes a long way.

With ongoing education, and in collaboration with the coaches, we chose 34 players that have excelled in showcasing their respect in the last 5 weeks and played a full game (90 minutes) Friday night Nov. 7, on the full field. 22 players started the game in two teams along with 12 substitutes:

TEAM 1:

STARTERS:

DANIEL WOLCZUK
TAJ YOUNG
JAROLL NAVARRO
YOUSSEF AFIF
KENNY HOLGUIN
MARK STRONG
UMAIS AHMED
ADAM KADRY
KIRAN WIJESEKERA
KERIN SHILLA
SERYONG RI

SUBSTITUTES:

KERWIN BARRERA
DESMOND BENT
JOSEY STRAUSS
KHALIF COLE
ANDREW FREEMAN

COCAHES:
DANIEL FOLLA
BRYAN BRAVO


TEAM 2:

STARTERS:

MICHAEL WILLIAMS
MICHAEL SHAHINYAN
ANDREW HERLIHY
THAI PHAN
LUIS TEJADA
MEPHAM YUGYEL
HOANG DO
OMAR RODRIGUEZ
FRANCINE ELISAIA
PARANAV SETHI
ADAM WOLCZUK

SUBSTITUTES:

MUHAMMAD ELBADRI
RICHARD CONDE
EZ MALIK
LOSINY SHERIFF
HOANG NGUYEN
TATIANA DICKENS

COACHES:
JACK MCMANUS
TAREK KADRY

The game ended with a very close score of 6-5 with a win for Team 2. Noteworthy is Kerwin Barrera who volunteered to play for Team 2 when some players were not able to make it on time and he noticed that they need help. He played the first half of the game and helped the team score 4-0 at half time. With a few players showing up a bit late, Kerwin went back to his Team 1 and played his hardest; the team pulled from behind to score 6-5 at the end of this thrilling game. The weather was a bit cold, but the energy emanating from the players kept the heat in the game.

“This was an amazing game to watch” said one of the parents, despite the blistering wind.

Both teams exhibited superior skills and prime sportsmanship. Noteworthy are the following players (just to name a few):

• Francine Elisaia who defended with steadfastness.
• Taj Young energized his team.
• Michael Williams performed superior goalie skills.
• Andrew Herlihy’s attacks culminated in several superb goals and a few assists.
• Mark Strong Shinozaki had advanced soccer expertness with dribbles and accurate passes.
• Youssef Afif excelled in his dribbling wizardry.

Image From Adib Mansour

Also, the RIYP Soccer playoffs start tomorrow.

SOCCER PLAYOFFS -ALL DIVISIONS:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program / Soccer League invites all parents, families, and residents to join us this Saturday Nov. 15th during our first playoffs. The teams promise exciting games in a fight for survival and advancements.

Minors playoffs games are as follows:

• Semi Final 1 at 9:30 AM: Dan/Miguel’s team (currently in 1st place) vs Jorge/Eddie’s team (currently in 4th place)
• Semi Final 2 at 9:30 AM: Alan/Lee’s team (currently in 2nd place) vs. Nicola/Marco’s team (currently in 3rd place)

Sophomores playoffs games are as follows:

• Quarterfinal 1 at 10:30 AM (top 2 seated teams, no eliminations): John/Alan team vs. Sabrina/Marc
• Quaterfinal 2 at 10:30 AM: Johanne/Cristian’s team (currently in 4th place) vs. Luca/Lee’s team (currently in 6th place)
• Quarterfinal 3 at 11:30 AM: Andrey/Tony’s team (currently in 3rd place) vs. Carlos/Manuel’s team (currently in 5th place)

*One team from games 2 and 3 will be eliminated.

Juniors playoffs games are as follows:

• Quaterfinal 1 at 11:30 AM (top 2 seated teams, no eliminations): Scott/John’s team vs. Stephane/Julien’s team
• Quaterfinal 2 at 12:45 PM: John/John’s team (currently in 4th place) vs. Moses/Veejay’s team (currently in 6th place)
• Quaterfinal 3 at 12:45 PM: Jeff/Wallie’s team (currently in 3rd place) vs. Johan/Richard (currently in 5th place)

*One team from games 2 and 3 will be eliminated.

Seniors playoffs games are as follows:

• Semi Final 1 at 2:00 PM: Boris/Hector’s team (currently in 2nd place) vs. Tarek/Bryan’s team (currently in 3rd place)
• Semi Final 1 at 3:30 PM: Jesse/Romance’s team (currently in 1st place) vs. Jack/Daniel’s team (currently in 4th place)

Come join us and witness the excitement!!

Red Tail Hawk Lunches On Rat At Roosevelt Island Pier Today - Great Place To Eat For Humans And Hawks

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

Received a tip on Wednesday of a Red Tail Hawk seen in tree at southern tip of Rivercross lawn.

Image Of Hawk In Rivercross Tree Branch From Denise Shull

This afternoon, NY State Wildlife Rehabilitator Rossane Ceruzzi spotted the Red Tail Hawk

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

lunching on a rat

Image From Rossana Ceruzzi

at the Roosevelt Island Pier (summer home of Eleanor's Pier Outdoor Eating Area)



(Video from Ms. Ceruzzi).

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this November 7 Waterfront Concession Request For Proposals for the Pier due December 22. The Pier is a great place to enjoy the East River waterfront view and have a bite to eat.

Just ask the Hawk.

UPDATE 11/17 - Ms. Ceruzzi sends an up close and personal view of the Hawk lunching on rat at the Roosevelt Island East River Pier before flying away.

You're Invited To New York Public Library Community Conversation About New Roosevelt Island Library On November 20 - What Are Your Thoughts And Ideas For New Library At 504 Main Street?

According to the New York Public Library:

The New York Public Library: Building for You

Please join The New York Public Library for a Community Conversation about the new Roosevelt Island Library
Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 6-8 PM
Good Shepherd Community Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island

The New York Public Library is planning for a new home for the Roosevelt Island Library. We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the programs and services for the new library.

The NYPL Capital Projects web page adds:

Roosevelt Island, Manhattan

NYPL is building a new, larger building to replace this branch. The 5,200-square-foot building, which will add much-needed public programming space, will more than double the current building. Opening expected in early 2017.

Diane Chin of the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library adds:

The following NYPL staff members will be speaking at the Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, November 20:

Nicole Nelson, Library Manager of the Roosevelt Island Library
Dawn Chance, Library Network Manager
Christopher Platt, Acting Vice President of Public Service
George Mihaltses, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs

The new Roosevelt Island branch library will be located on the first floor of 504 Main Street.

Image Of 504 Main Street Future Home Of NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch

Here's some background on the future brand new Roosevelt Island Public Library at 504 Main Street.
.
As reported July 16, 2012:

Image of NYC Council Member Lappin, NYPL President Anthony Marx and Roosevelt Island Kids

Last Friday, Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin stood in front of our current dilapidated library accompanied by NY Public Library President Anthony Marx and Roosevelt Island children. Ms. Lappin and Mr. Marx were here to announce that she has secured $2 million from the NYC 2013 Fiscal Year Budget to move the Roosevelt Island Library to a new location at 504 Main Street's first floor. Here's what Ms. Lappin and Mr. Marx had to say about the new Roosevelt Island library.

As reported July 3, 2013:

... the New York Public Library (NYPL) signed a lease with Hudson Related Companies for a new Roosevelt Island branch at 504 Main Street....

and:

... Current projected schedule is to start design 12/2013 or 1/2014, start construction some time in 2015, and open the new branch in 2017, and the current budget is approximately $4.5 million....

As reported August 25, 2014:

... More than 2 years after the announcement that Roosevelt Island will be getting a new library and 1 year after the lease signing, what is the status of our new library?

The new Roosevelt Island NYPL library branch was discussed during July 30 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting (video of meeting here and audio web cast of meeting here). During the meeting, Hudson Related Main Street Master Leaseholder David Kramer expressed frustration with the "pace" in moving the library project forward due to RIOC's delay replacing the windows at the 504 Main Street building.

Here's what Mr. Kramer had to say.



RIOC Director Margie Smith asked Mr. Kramer if RIOC was responsible for delaying the project. Mr. Kramer replied yes, but that RIOC was about to begin work on the window project which was confirmed by RIOC President Charlene Indelicato who anticipates window replacement work to begin at end of August.

Here's that discussion

On September 15, 2014, RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported about the window work for the future Public Library at 504 Main Street:

...At 504 Main Street, the fabrication and installation of new windows is underway. Now that the windows have been manufactured to specifications, installation has begun. Installation work is currently scheduled to be completed in November....

On October 2, 2014 the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee reported:

New Public Library ‐ Installation of new windows was completed by RIOC for the first floor of 504 Main. We expect that work will now begin to renovate the space for the new library. We don’t have an official date for the start of operations at the new site, but it’s unlikely that we’ll have a new library before 2016.

Now it's the Roosevelt Island community's turn to tell the NY Public Library your thoughts and ideas on programs and services for our new library. You can tell them at the November 20 Community Conversation.

Update On Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Roosevelt Island's Goldwater Hospital - Work Begun On Last Phase 1 Building Standing, Demolition To Begin On Phase 2 Buildings Soon

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital November 10

Here's the latest

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital November 10

on the demolition of Roosevelt Island's

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital November 10

Goldwater Hospital

Image Of Cornell NYC Tech Demolition Of Goldwater Hospital November 10

to make way



for the new Cornell Tech campus.

According to the Cornell NYC Tech Roosevelt Island construction update:

November 7 - November 21 Look Ahead

Work has begun on Building D, the last building standing in Phase I. Façade demolition is complete and structural demolition by mechanical means is ongoing. Work on the building will be complete later this month, at which point the contractors will begin removing the foundations of buildings D, F, and H.

In the next two weeks, demolition work will begin on buildings G and J in Phase II. This will alleviate congestion on site and create two additional circulation corridors within the site. As part of easing logistics, the construction trailers will be relocated to the east side of the site.

Early infrastructure work along the west roadway is slated to start by the end of the month. The work will include installation of a new ductbank and relocation of a water line. We are currently working with contractors to develop logistics plans and finalize work plans.

An update on Roosevelt Island Cornell issues will be given tonight at the meeting of the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC). According to RICC:

Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) Membership Meeting and Board Election, Thursday, Nov 13, 7pm, Senior Center, 546 Main Street, 12th Floor. Update on Cornell issues followed by elections. Open to all residents.

Yesterday, Cornell Tech announced a partnership with AOL.

"An exciting day for @cornell_tech & step for @nycgov" - Dean Dan Huttenlocher on new #Connx lab with @AOL_Inc pic.twitter.com/pNuB0kbGa4
— Cornell Tech (@cornell_tech) November 12, 2014

According to Venture Beat:

... AOL and the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute announced they’re partnering to build a Connected Experience Lab co-located in New York City and Israel. AOL is contributing millions of dollars to the project.

Researchers in the laboratory will use data analysis to create systems for delivering personalized content as well as new tools for connecting people. Areas of study include human-computer interaction, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and social computing. Part of that, put simply, will be innovation centered on developing advertising and video products — an area of keen interest for AOL...

Click here for the entire Venture Beat article and more on the Connected Experiences Lab from Cornell Tech.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program/Beacon Celebrates Lights On After School Programs With Spelling Bee Competition

Adib Mansour of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) reports:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program / Beacon in conjunction with the NYC Department Of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) launched in October 2000 Lights On Afterschool, the only nationwide event celebrating after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.

Last week RIYP Beacon at PS/IS 217 celebrated the Lights On After School Programs with a Spelling Bee competition… with a bang.

Image Of Jaden Nunez At RIYP Spelling Bee From Adib Mansour

Groups 1 through 5 practiced hard with their counselors for over 2 weeks prior and their diligence culminated in a Spelling Bee competition with the top 10 from each group competing in individual setting or a group setting.

The event was done at the PS/IS 217 school’s auditorium, with the stage set up like a professional competition. Each student from the specific group was asked to come up to the microphone

Image Of Isabel Shogen At RIYP Spelling Bee From Adib Mansour

and spell a specific word. We heard the usual “can you put it in a sentence” and the “can you pronounce it”, and we even got the “can you spell it” as a joke from Elyes Bouchik.

Image Of Elyes Bouchik at RIYP Spelling Bee From Adib Mansour

Group 3’s competition was very close with the top three clinching to their position. The excited audience all of a sudden became mute with anticipation. The word that everyone was stuck with its spelling was: COURAGEOUS. There were numerous attempts with all kinds of spellings.

The winner of that division was: Noemi Lozado with Elyes Bouchik as the runner up.

Group 1 consisted of several sub-groups competing against each others. The winning cluster consisted of the following participants: Sadie Fuchs, Hugo Yuan Xu, Dleanna Hoosain, Ean Britt, Adlai Jenkins, and Matthew Xu.

In Group 2, and large subgroup won by a narrow margin consisting of: Wyatt Saru-Riley, Elizabeth Miranda, Michael Xu, Jeffrey Li, Selena Ramirez, Idan Messer, Mark Reparaz, Edina Pasic, and Michael Wen.

Group 4’s 1st place went to Amrita Chaturvedi.

Group 5’s 1st place was won by Misha Mumeeb and the runner up was Bhaskar Chakrabarti.

All 1st place winners received a certificate of Accomplishment.

The RIYP Beacon will continue this successful competition and will post announcements for each of the events.

Roosevelt Island Fog And Autumn Tree Leaves - Beautiful From The Ground And High Above

Photographer Ido Siman-Tov snapped these gorgeous pictures of Autumn Roosevelt Island NYC East River Waterfront views from the West Promenade near Sportspark.

Fall & Fog at Roosevelt Island. Picture 1 of 3. Let me know what do u think about this pictures and… http://t.co/kHsK27I4N2
— ido siman-tov (@Siman_tov_nyc) November 12, 2014

Fog & Fall at Roosevelt Island. Picture 1 of 3. Let me know what do u think about this pictures and… http://t.co/9QZm43w6ID
— ido siman-tov (@Siman_tov_nyc) November 12, 2014

Fog & Fall at Roosevelt Island. Picture 1 of 3. Let me know what do u think about this pictures and… http://t.co/hpvxnIaT5J
— ido siman-tov (@Siman_tov_nyc) November 12, 2014

And a resident shows us the view above from the Octagon.

View from my room at different times of the day. Roosevelt island. NYC. pic.twitter.com/PYDXCij5dp
— Navdeep Singh (@SinghNavdeep) November 12, 2014

UPDATE 2:55 PM - Photographer Olya Turcihin shares this photo taken from the Roosevelt Island Tram last night reporting:

fog tonight was incredible from the tram

Join Bike New York And Roosevelt Island Historic Society For Free Tour Of RI Historic Landmarks Sunday November 16 And Free Classes Too - Also, Interview With Bike New Yorker Of Month RI Resident Sharon Pope

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

Join Bike New York and The Roosevelt Island Historical Society for a fun free tour of the island on Sunday, November 16 at 1:30pm! We’ll stop at six different landmarks where a member of the historical society will share some of the history that makes this island so unique. Bikes and helmets will be provided. For more information, please email me at cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Keep Riding!

Image Of Previous Bike NY Ride At Historic Roosevelt Island Lighthouse From Caitlin Goodspeed

Ms. Goodspeed adds:

We also have some free classes coming up at Sportspark.

Sunday, Nov. 16: Bicycling Basics, 1-4pm (Sportspark Gym)

Tuesday, Nov. 18: Learn to Ride – Adults, 10 - 12, 1-3 (Sportspark Gym)

Wednesday, Nov. 19: Bike Commuting 101, 7-8pm (Sportspark Lounge)

Tuesday, Nov. 25: Learn to Ride – Adults, 10 - 12, 1-3 (Sportspark Gym)

As usual, bikes and helmets will be provided for all of our classes. If there are any questions or difficulties registering, people may contact me at cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Also, Roosevelt Island resident and Bike New York Outreach Manager Sharon Pope

Image of Ms. Pope Bike Riding In Lighthouse Park From Bike New York

 was recently profiled as a Bike New Yorker and responded to some questions such as:

... Let’s talk a bit more about Roosevelt Island, where Bike New York has been quite busy as of late, with year ‘round indoor classes, as well as rides and events during the warmer months. What has the response been like from locals?...

Ms. Pope replied:

... It’s just been awesome. People have taken advantage of the classes, and we continue to have more and more support. Which is especially gratifying now, while the community is grieving over the tragic death of Anna Maria Moström, a cyclist and Roosevelt Island resident who died after getting hit by bus a few weeks ago. Roosevelt Island is an idyllic community. I can’t remember a time—and I’ve been here since the ‘70s—when someone has lost their life in this way. But while the community is grieving and trying to manage its shock, it’s also been good to see how Bike New York immediately stepped up and said “look, there are ways that signage can be improved.” We’re also making sure people know that taking our classes helps ensures that they’re aware of safe cycling best practices. It’s been wonderful to see that happen. I think the community has been able to grab onto something positive out of this tragedy...

Click here for the full Bike New York interview with Ms. Pope.

Wow - Gorgeous Nighttime Spinning Globe View Of NYC East River Waterfront Skyline Seen From Roosevelt Island

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Just another gorgeous night! #rooseveltisland #cityview http://t.co/ZnIcZVuga1
— Stephanie Bellinger (@stephaniebnyc) November 12, 2014

Just another gorgeous night! #rooseveltisland #cityview

A video posted by Stephanie Bellinger (@stephaniebnyc) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:58pm PST

Veterans Day 2014 - Thank You To All Members Of The Military For Your Service

Today is Veteran's Day.

 Image From History.com Video

 According to History.com:

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars...

If you know a Veteran or see one on the street today, please take a brief moment to thank them for their service to our country. Also, don't just thank them today but do it throughout the year and thank our active duty soldiers as well.



President Obama's Veteran's Day message



and a remembrance

You Tube Video of Norah Jones Veterans Day Montage - American Anthem

in song.

Here's the Veteran's Day Ceremony today at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Project Renewal Scan Van Program Brings Free Mammogram Screenings To Roosevelt Island Saturday November 15 Sponsored By NY City Council Member Ben Kallos And RIWHO - Appointment Necessay, Please Call

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) and NYC Council Member Ben Kallos are sponsoring the Project Renewal Mammogram Scan Van

 Image From Project Renewal

 Free Mammograms on Saturday November 15

NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds:

Scan Van, sponsored with Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization
Date:
Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location
Church of the Good Shepherd
534 Main Street Roosevelt Island
New York, NY 10044

Come receive a FREE mammogram. We are sponsoring a Scan Van event with Project Renewal to offer eligible women a mammogram at no cost. All women over 40 who have not had a mammogram in the past year are welcome to the event. All insurance plans are accepted.

You must make an appointment in advance. Call 1-800-564-6868 to reserve your appointment. Please email infobenkallos.com for any additional details.

According to Project Renewal:

ScanVan Mobile Mammography

Challenge

Last year, 4 out of every 10 uninsured women did not receive a mammogram.
Solution

ScanVan is the country's first mobile mammography and radiology clinic for homeless and uninsured adults. ScanVan provides clinical breast exams, mammograms, tuberculosis (TB) tests, and health education to homeless and low-income men and women. We visit homeless shelters, drop-in centers, and street-side locations in all five boroughs of New York City.

UPDATE 11/17 - The Scan Van

on Roosevelt Island November 15.

Legendary NYC Dive Bar Subway Inn Moving Close To Roosevelt Island - Directly Across From Manhattan Tram Station

Great News for Roosevelt Island dive bar drinkers.

Image From Google Maps

The NY Post reports today:

Subway Inn lovers, rejoice!
The beloved dive bar has found a new home two blocks east. The grungy but cozy tavern, forced out of its longtime home at 143 E. 60th St. by a new development, has signed a lease at 1140 Second Ave., a storefront now occupied by the Blue Room sports bar....

According to Gothamist:

... The Salinas family have signed a lease at 1140 Second Avenue, according to the Post, taking over the Blue Room bar space right next to the Queensboro Bridge entrance and the Roosevelt Island Tram...

Bloomberg adds

... “The space will look exactly the same,” Salinas wrote. “Colors, floor and all! In fact, our replication architect is hard at work making sure our new home will be nearly identical.”...

Here's the soon to be new home of the Subway Inn right across the street from the Roosevelt Island Tram Manhattan Station.


View Larger Map

The Roosevelt Island Tram ride may never be the same - Bottoms Up.

Report From Roosevelt Island Residents Association President Jeff Escobar - Proposes Upcoming RIRA Initiatives And Seeks An End To Past Internal Dissension

 Image Of 2014-16 RIRA Common Council (RIRA President Jeff Escobar Kneeling Wearing Suit)

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Jeff Escobar sends the following Report To The Community:

At the time of this publication, and with your vote this past Tuesday, November 4th, a new board of officers and councilmembers comprising of over 30 of our Island neighbors, residents, family and friends will have been seated to the Common Council. Answering the call to serve the Island and its residents, this new Common Council will be tasked with not only being your voice and your representatives to RIOC, the City and to the State, but with both finding solutions to issues that will have and continue to affect our community, as well as strengthening the community bonds that binds us together. A congratulations is in order not only for those who had put themselves
out there and ran in some highly contentious races, but also to those who had served previously on the past Common Council, those who stepped up to fill seats that would otherwise go unfilled, and to those who helped run and facilitate this term’s election process ensuring that RIRA and its Common Council would continue. It was a privilege to serve with the past Common Council members, and I welcome all who are both returning and new.

With the elections past, now is the time for the Common Council to roll up its sleeves and to get back to the work that it should have been doing for the last two years. The energy and resources that past Common Councilmembers spent on meaningless process, internal scrutiny, targeted conflicts and aggravating internal politics should be redirected to what the Island Community has asked RIRA to do: finding solutions to community issues, making Roosevelt Island a better place to work, play and live, and to be a unified voice for the community.

I will be calling on the Common Council to focus its energies on the following initial initiatives this term which I believe currently affect the community:

1. working with both Manhattan’s Community Board 8, the Department of Transportation, RIOC, and the City Planning Commission, to conduct a study and find transportation and transportation safety solutions for the Island and the Island roadways for the next five (5) years, including a visioning statement as to the use of alternative means of transportation, improvements to existing means of transportation and how transportation related injuries and deaths can be avoided; 
2. preparation of what is believed to be the environmental, infrastructure, and socio-economic impacts that the development of the three remaining towers being built at Southtown will have on the Island, culminating in a number of RIRA led meetings between Island Residents, RIOC, RIRA and the project’s stakeholders seeking to address and find solutions to these impacts and a community agreement; 
3. the completion of a study and the creation of a Roosevelt Island action plan regarding, the environmental and health impacts to Island residents due to the reinstatement and use of the East 92nd Street Marine Transfer Station; 
4. preparation of an advisory statement on the current state of Motorgate, its services to the Island, and what the residents believe must be done for Motorgate to better serve both those who use the facility as well as those who pass through it; 
5. the repair, mediation and repair of the existing Island infrastructure and early identification of infrastructure problems that pose high community risk; and 
6. safety and patrol initiatives for the North of the Island. 

The preceding is hopefully a fraction of work that the Common Council must and will accomplish this year; others on the Common Council will similarly have their own initiatives which they will wish the Common Council to undertake.

Do you have initiatives that you believe the Common Council and RIRA should focus its sights on? Do you believe you have talents and experience to bring to the table that will accomplish these goals and initiatives? Consider joining a committee during this term or even possibly filling a seat on the Council that remains unfilled. Reach out to myself, as RIRA President, at any time at jeffrey.escobar@gmail.com.

The age of infighting and internal strife and politics for RIRA and the Common Council is over. It’s time for all of us, Common Council members, community members, residents, stakeholders and partners alike, to come to the table and once again work for the betterment of the Island and its residents. I look forward to this new age and working with you all as your RIRA President.

UPDATE 7 PM - RIRA President Jeff Escobar presented his first President's Report to the new RIRA Common Council on November 5. Mr. Escobar discussed the responsibilities of RIRA members including serving on Committees and sought members to serve on the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition which monitors the activities of Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island.

Here's what he had to say.

Choosing A New York City Kindergarten For Your Roosevelt Island Child - What You Need To Know From The Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Workshop

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network (RIPN) Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

About 20 parents attended the second annual RIPN "Parents for Parents" Choosing a NYC Kindergarten Workshop on November 2.

Our speakers were parents who investigated various kindergarten options and successfully placed their children in a variety of schools and programs including:

• PS/IS 217, 
• Lower Lab, 
• PS 267, 
• PS 11, 
• Ella Baker, 
• Gifted & Talented (application deadline extended to November 12)
• Charters
• and private schools.

These parents shared their experience and knowledge about their decisions, the preparation involved and the admission process.

Please find HERE a handout with different time lines of the process and other resources for parents. Emily Gohn-Barnhill, the Director of the Bright Horizons/MSKCC Children's Center at 475 Main St, prepared these materials and kindly approved their distribution to the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network member families and Roosevelt Islander Online readers.

Many thanks to Kristi Towey, Tamara Troadec, Michal Melamed, Natalie Remor, Catherine Shiels, Sarit Schwartz, Maya Bar Dagan, Kelly Turner, Mary Anne Feeney and Matthew Matasar, who donated their time to share their knowledge and experience as our panelists! A special thank you to Jen Reyes for the graphic design of our flyer.

The event was hosted by Main Street Sweets, the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation and the RI Parents' Network.

Here's video of the RIPN November 2 Roosevelt Island Choosing A NYC Kindergarten Workshop.

Part 1 - Introduction by Ms. Bosbach, an overview of the Kindergarten selection process, United Nations International School and Individual Education Program



Part 2 - Lower Lab Gifted & Talented Program, Testing, Charter Schools, Pre - Kindergarten programs.



Part 3 - PS 11 Gifted and Talented Program, Sibling Priority, local Roosevelt Island PS 217 and Beacon after school programs.



Part 4 - More on local Roosevelt Island PS 217 school and testing.



Part 5 - Ella Baker progressive school and private schools



Part 6 - Questions and answers.



There was another 10 minutes of Q and A which I missed.

More information available from this handout and July 28 Roosevelt Island education presentation by Cornell Tech's Director of K-12 Education Jane Levitt.

Roosevelt Island Photographer Olya Turcihin Exhibit Mesmerism Showcased At NOLITA's Something In Mind Boutique - Opening Reception 7-9 PM Tuesday November 11

Image From Olya Turcihin

You're invited to the opening reception of Roosevelt Island Photographer Olya Turcihin's Mesmerism exhibit at the Something In Mind fashion boutique in NOLITA.

Mesmerism

Photographs by Olya Turcihin

Opening reception:
@ SOMETHING IN MIND
Tues., Nov. 11th, 7 - 9 pm
230A Mulberry Street

Something In Mind will be showcasing their new fall clothing plus the artwork of Olya Turcihin.

The selected works of art for “Mesmerism” came from Turcihin’s series, “Drive By Dreams”, where we are transported into another realm of being, the momentary nature of a flash in time. Inspired by the journey, the image captured establishes an ephemeral mood. In this recent series, there is the act of speed and the impression of landscapes passing by, the dreamy manifestations that create feelings of movement and the split seconds of time that are ever so fleeting, then are punctuated ever so distinctly in Olya's signature cinematic prose.

Image From Olya Turcihin

Olya Turcihin’s photographs convey explosions of color, texture and the intimate scale of focus that draws its viewer into her world. Her eye instinctively and viscerally explores an insight into a transformative artistic experience that is hidden from everyday view.

Take a look at Olya's photographic journey by following her blog:

Refreshments will be served

Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket Chain Owner John Catsimatidis Hosts Sunday Radio Talk Show Too - Interviews Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins On NYPD, Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell On Midterm Elections, Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos On NY State Politics, First Amendment Attorney Floyd Abrams & Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer

Image Of John Catsimatidis From The Cats Roundtable

Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket chain owner, real estate developer, billionaire oilman, former NYC Mayoral candidate and entrepreneur John Catsimatidis is also host of an interesting Sunday morning radio talk show - the Cats Round Table on AM 970.

This morning the Cats Roundtable featured Mr. Catsimatidis interviewing:

• Edward Mullins, Presidents of the Sergeants Benovelent Association, recent departure of Chief Phil Banks, the influence of Al Sharpton on the NYPD and lack of enforcement on marijuana possession,
• former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell on the mid-term elections and future of Democratic Party,
• Republican NY State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos on NY State politics
• Canadian Ambassador to the United States Gary Doer on terrorism, North American energy policy and trade between the US and Canada and
• First Amendment Attorney Floyd Abrams on Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch, President Obama's use of Executive Orders, advice for President Obama on dealing with the Republican Congress and the recent Supreme Court announcement accepting another challenge to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

Here's today's November 9 Cats Roundtable

CATS Roundtable Radio Show Sunday 9AM-EST AM970 PODCAST REPLAY OF TODAYS SHOW . https://t.co/BpQQ1ILU1l
— John Catsimatidis (@JCats2013) November 9, 2014

and my interview with Mr.Catsimatidis during March 2013 grand re-opening of the Roosevelt Island Gristedes.