Blackwell House Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony Today, Last Chance For Holiday Gifts From Mrs. Claus At RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk Plus Songs & Stories From Matt Katz At Gallery RIVAA Sunday On Roosevelt Island This Weekend

Things to do on Roosevelt Island this weekend.

Image of 2013 Roosevelt Island Chanukah Menorah Lighting From Nechama Duchman

Chanukah Menorah Light Ceremony at Blackwell House tonight:

Roosevelt Island
Family Public Menorah Lighting
Saturday Evening, December 20th
The 5th Chanukah Light
6:30 PM
In front of Blackwell House
Music!! Dreidels!! Hot Drinks!! Hot Latkes!! Doughnuts!! A Gift for all!! Chanukah Gelt

Meet Mrs Santa Claus at the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) Visitors Center and purchase some Christmas/Chanukah/Holiday Gifts:

Come meet Mrs. Claus

In Person This Weekend!

LAST CHANCE BEFORE

SHE RETURNS TO THE NORTH POLE!!!

Saturday, Dec. 20

Sunday, Dec. 21

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the R.I.H.S. Visitor Center Kiosk

Tram Plaza, Roosevelt Island, Great Gifts for the Entire Family

Refreshments and Treats

and see Matt Katz perform Songs & Stories Sunday at Gallery RIVAA.

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend - That's 5 Consecutive Weeks Of Roosevelt Island F Train Service In Both Directions

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

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

New Roosevelt Island Grocery Delivery Service Starting Up - Road Runner Express Delivers From Costco And In Future Other Supermarkets Too, Free Delivery Until December 23

A new option for Roosevelt Island shoppers is now available. Road Runner Xpress is offering delivery services from Costco in Long Island City

Image From Google Maps

to Roosevelt Island and in the future delivery from other supermarkets as well.

Image From Road Runner Xpress

According to Chang Cai of Road Runner Xpress:

Get same-day or overnight delivery from Costco with RoadRunner-Xpress.

Here's how it works:

Shop for what you need all in one place, add items to your cart, select your preferred date and hour of delivery, and check out with Credit or Debit Cards.

We'll process your order in the store and arrange for a courier to bring it to your address during your preferred time of delivery.

Business Hour:
Our web store opens 24/7.
Our delivery hour: SUN 12:00PM-9:00PM
MON 11:00AM-9:00PM
TUES 11:00AM-9:00PM
WED 11:00AM-9:00PM
THU 11:00AM-9:00PM
FRI 11:00AM-9:00PM
SAT 12:00AM-9:00PM
Our holiday closures: Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2014
Any order placed after 7:00pm will be delivered next day
Delivery Fee:
Flat rate shipping fee: $5.00

and:

Our office is currently located on Roosevelt Island. We started our first business here. We would like to be as close as possible to our customers to find out their grocery shopping problems and solve these problems. We are an independent small business company. Our company was founded on Roosevelt Island (June 1, 2014). Our website went online on Dec 18, 2014.

We are starting our service here on Roosevelt Island. We chose Roosevelt Island because we see adult residents are busy with their work and college students get back home late from school. We try to provide our services to save their valuable time.  Also, we see senior residents carry heavy grocery goods from supermarkets. We want to help and make their live more convenient.

More importantly, our good service does not mean high price. We guarantee most of our product prices are the lowest on the island. The only fee we charge is the $5 for flat rate same-day/over-night delivery. The good news is we provide free delivery from Dec 18 to Dec 23.

We are going to deliver goods from different supermarkets in the future. Currently we only deliver from Costco because food sources from Costco are fresh and cheap.

More information available at Road Runner Xpress.

UPDATE 12/21 - Road Runner Xpress adds that in addition to the $5 delivery charge, they charge slightly more for products than Costco.

Cool Videos About Our Roosevelt Island Tram - Local Filmmaker Shows It's Importance To Our Community And Then Soar High Above NYC In Black And White

Image From Allison Walker's Roosevelt Island Tram Vimeo Video

Here are two very good videos

Image From Richard Cline Above NYC Vimeo Video

showcasing the Roosevelt Island Tram.

First, Roosevelt Island resident and filmmaker Allison Walker illustrates the importance of the Roosevelt Island Tram to our community with the help of Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy and Roosevelt Island Tram Station Manager Culver Barry.

The Roosevelt Island Tram from ap on Vimeo.

Second, soar above NYC on the Roosevelt Island Tram in Black and White. It's Beautiful.

Above New York City from Richard Cline on Vimeo.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network RI MoM Walking And Exercise Group Meeting 10 AM Friday At Tram Kiosk

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

Dear all,

Our next free Roosevelt Island Moms on the Move (RI MoM) walk and exercise will take place tomorrow, Friday, December 19, starting at 10AM at the Tram kiosk.

We will walk to the south of the island on the Manhattan side and back, and end with some Exercise with Paulina,

as well as play and chat at the Rivercross playroom (thank you Beverly and Zachary!).

Please note: The Rivercross playroom has a very strict no food and no drink policy that must be followed in order to be able to use the playroom. This includes no snacks for children, as well as no water bottles for adults. Only baby bottles are allowed. If your child needs a snack, please feed them before entering.

Come, check it out and have some fun with us. Moms to be and moms of kids of all ages are welcome!

Looking forward to seeing you and your little ones there! :).  Feel free to contact me for more information on the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony At Blackwell House Saturday December 20 - Music, Dreidels, Hot Latkes & More

The Chabad Lubavitch of Roosevelt Island invite you to the Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in front of Blackwell House this Saturday:

Please join us for the annual
Roosevelt Island
Family Public Menorah Lighting
Saturday Evening, December 20th
The 5th Chanukah Light
6:30 PM
In front of Blackwell House
Music!! Dreidels!! Hot Drinks!! Hot Latkes!! Doughnuts!! A Gift for all!! Chanukah Gelt!
For a free Menorah Set
Please contact Nechama@RIJewish.org

Also, Nechama Duchman shares these pictures

Image From Nechama Duchman

of children building

Image From Nechama Duchman

their own Chanukah Menorahs

Image From Nechama Duchman

and reports:

Children and adults had a great time and showed their creative side at Home Depot at 59th Street, building and painting their own Menorahs in preparation for Chanukah

Happy Chanukah!!!!!

Mock Up Of Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Future Campus, Latest Construction Update And Architects Describe Vision For Campus One Year Ago

According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

Mock up of Cornell NYC Tech campus planned for Roosevelt Island pic.twitter.com/RfOI6ti1zU
— João-Pierre Ruth (@jpruth) December 17, 2014

From the most recent Cornell Tech Construction Update:

December 5 - December 19 Look Ahead

Foundation removals of Building F and Building C are complete. Approximately 35% of the foundation of Building D has been removed. This work is ongoing. The crushing and backfill operation work is ongoing. The Building F footprint is the furthest along, with backfill approximately 50% complete. All foundation removals and backfilling of Phase 1 buildings will be complete by the end of the year.

In the Phase 2 area, Building G has been demolished. Its foundation will be removed later this winter. Demolition work on Building J, the southernmost building, is underway and approximately 30% complete.

Work on Building E will begin within the next two weeks now that the building has been disconnected from electrical service.

The electrical ductbank work along the west roadway has begun. Crews are surveying the area to determine what work can take place within the current site fence line and what work will require temporary fence relocation into the roadway.

and a fascinating December 2013 hour long panel discussion by architects and planners of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus including:

• Vishaan Chakrabarti, the Holliday Professor of Real Estate Development at Columbia University,
• Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, co-founders of Weiss/Manfredi and architects of the Corporate Co-Location building
• Thom Mayne, founder of Morphosis, architect of the first academic building,
• Gary Handel, president of Handel Architects, architect of the residential building,
• James Corner, principal of James Corner Field Operations, in charge of the landscape of the new campus,
• Colin Koop, senior designer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, responsible for the campus master plan and
• Andrew Winters, director of capital projects and planning for Cornell Tech.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Vertical Patrols, Security Cameras, Youth Relationship, Culture, Dog Policy, CERT & More Discussed By Director And Deputy Director With RIRA PSC Committee

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) hosted a meet and greet session with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara last Monday evening (December 15) at the Westview Community Room.

 Image of Director McManus & Deputy Director Marmara at 12/15 RIRA PSC Meeting

Here what happened.

Part 1.

RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem introduced Director McManus and Deputy Director Marmara. Mr. McManus began by introducing Ms. Marmara who was the first Roosevelt Island Community NYPD officer from the 114th precinct. Ms. Marmara spoke about her recent work with the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).



Part 2.

Director McManus reported on Roosevelt Island PSD Vertical Building Patrols. He noted that from January 2014 to date there were a total of 8738 about 15,000 Roosevelt Island PSD Vertical Patrols.

He also reported on issues involving a group of 13-15 year olds congregating inside buildings and causing damage.  Director McManus discussed trying to reach Roosevelt Island youth through family intervention, Roosevelt Island Youth Program/PSD sports participation and mentoring assistance from the Hope Church volunteers rather than making arrests.



Part 3.

Discussion of Roosevelt Island Youth Program athletic activities with PSD Department for young residents. Also, introducing new PSD officers to the community through the media.



Part 4.

Director McManus discusses the security cameras at Motorgate Garage and other Roosevelt Island locations. Resident Frank Farance questioned Mr. McManus regarding the usage and placement of the cameras.



Part 5.

More question on Island House Vertical Patrols. Also, marijuana smoking in hallways and adjoining apartments. Marijuana possession is not a crime but will receive summons, same policy as NYC.



Part 6.

More on Building Vertical Patrols, access to community rooms for kids to congregate instead of roaming hallways or using vacant apartments and Roosevelt Island Youth Program services.

Also negative perception by some of PSD officer who always wears dark shaded eyeglasses and a Roosevelt Island school crossing guard position available.



Part 7.

Discussion of PSD training, disciplinary proceedings, report writing and union representation.



Part 8.

Street lighting and pedestrian and traffic safety near Motorgate garage.



Part 9. Missed a little bit of time between Parts 8 and 9.

PSC Committee member Ike Nahem acknowledged great improvements at Public Safety department over 1 and 1/2 years.

Also discussed were dog off leash and poop collection policy, status of emergency evacuation plan, procedures for making complaints about Public Safety and the culture of Public Safety Department.



Good job by PSD Director McManus, Deputy Director Marmara and the RIRA PSC engaging in a dialogue on important Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues.

Following the question and answer period, the RIRA PSC approved by a 13 to 0 vote a proposed resolution condemning the decision by the Staten Island Grand Jury not to issue an indictment of the NYPD Officer in the choking death of Eric Garner. The resolution will be sent to the full RIRA Common Council for discussion at the January 2015 monthly meeting.

You're Invited To Matt Katz Songs & Stories, Blues, Folk And Classical Guitar At Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA Sunday December 21

Roosevelt Island resident Matt Katz will be bringing his guitar and storytelling to Gallery RIVAA for a Sunday December 21 performance.

Image From Gallery RIVAA

According to Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA:

Dear all,

Please join us for the live musical performance by Matt Katz on Sunday, December 21st from 3-5PM at Gallery RIVAA.

Date: Dec 21st, 2014
Time: 3-5pm
Venue: Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island

Here's a review of a 2011 concert of Mr. Katz at Gallery RIVAA where he perfomed Here Comes The Sun



among other songs.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization End Of Year Celebration & Seminar On December 17 - Relaxation And Wellness

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation to women 18 years and older for its December 17 Monthly Seminar.

You're Invited To First Night Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony By The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Tonight At RI Tram Visitors Center Kiosk

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) is having a first night Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Center Kiosk 6 PM tonight.

More information on the RIJC and their upcoming events available at its web site.

The History Channel has more on the origins of Chanukah.

Former RIOC CFO Questions RIOC Racial Discrimination Claim Procedures, Administrative Leave Policies And Notes Employee Salary Increases During 12/11 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Board Of Directors Public Session

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Chief Financial Officer Steve Chironis made a surprise appearance at the December 11 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting.

Image Of Steve Chironis Speaking At December 11 RIOC Board Of Directors Public Session

Mr. Chironis spoke during the RIOC Board's Public Session inquiring:

• if the RIOC Human Resources department meets with an employee who files a racial discrimination claim and
• if an employee is put on paid administrative leave, does anybody from RIOC meet with the employee to explain why the employee is placed on administrative leave?

Mr. Chironis did not receive an answer to his questions although RIOC Director Margie Smith replied that she did not know the answer but is happy to find out and send him the answer. RIOC President Charlene Indelicato also replied that RIOC will send the requested information to Mr. Chironis.

Mr. Chironis then noted that based on the Proposed RIOC Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget, out of 128 RIOC employees only six RIOC employees merit salary adjustment increases and named those employees.

Here's what Mr. Chironis had to say.



There was obviously more going on behind the scenes on this matter that was not revealed.

Stay tuned.

Meet And Greet Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Jack McManus At RIRA Public Safety Committee Meeting Tonight - Ask Questions And Share Your Concerns

Image From RIRA Public Safety Committee

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee invites you to a Meet And Greet with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara this evening, December 15, 6:30 PM at the Westview Lower Community Room (625 Main Street). Come ask any question or concern you may have on Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues.

Image Of RIOC Director Jack McManus at March 12, 2014 Meet & Greet

RIOC Director McManus has conducted previous Meet and Greets with the RIRA Public Safety Committee here and here.

The RIRA Public Safety Committee will also discuss tonight a proposed resolution condemning the decision by the Staten Island Grand Jury not to issue an indictment of the NYPD Officer in the choking death of Eric Garner.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Public Safety Committee Proposes Resolution Condemning Grand Jury Failure To Indict NYPD Officer In Choking Death Of Eric Garner

Image From ESPN

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) will discuss and vote on the proposed resolution below drafted by PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem::

The RIRA Public Safety Committee condemns the outrageous decision of the Grand Jury, under the direction of Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan, to issue no indictments in the police killing of Eric Garner. It is a complete travesty of justice. Eric Garner was choked to death in a manner formally banned by NYPD after saying "I can't breath" no less than 11 times, all captured on video. At the very least there was criminally negligent homicide by the Officer directly involved and criminal indifference on the part of the other police and EMS personnel present. It is unacceptable to have a state-of-affairs where such conduct is legally validated or tolerated. In New York City and nationwide there have been countless cases like the killing of innocent, unarmed human beings like Eric Garner (usually but not always African-American) with no legal consequences for the police officers that were the perpetrators.

We want to add our small voice to the avalanche of outrage in New York, across the country, and worldwide. We pledge our support to the growing independent movement that will be necessary to turn this situation around, in this city, and in the United States as a whole.

The motion will be discussed during PSC Committee meeting on Monday, December 15 at the Westview Community Room (625 Main Street) starting 6:30 PM.

According to Ms. Nahem, if the PSC committee votes to bring the statement to the full RIRA Common Council and if the RIRA Common Council approves the proposed resolution, the statement:

... will be sent to the family of Eric Garner and those organizations protesting this grotesque miscarriage of justice....

Here is time lapse video taken from above 6th Avenue and 29th Street of yesterday's Millions March NYC.



According to the NY Times:

More than 25,000 people marched through Manhattan on Saturday, police officials said, in the largest protest in New York City since a grand jury declined this month to indict an officer in the death of an unarmed black man on Staten Island.

Just before 2 p.m. they began spilling out of Washington Square Park, and after an hour and a half, the park still had not emptied. Walking north toward 34th Street, the protesters filled the cold air by chanting “I can’t breathe,” the last words of Eric Garner, the Staten Island man, who died from a chokehold after an officer dragged him to the ground on a hot day in July....

Click here for the full NY Times article and watch the Daily Show's Jon Stewart reaction to the Eric Garner incident and subsequent commentary.

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