Friday, April 3, 2015

Best Wishes For A Happy Roosevelt Island Passover - The Maccabeats Dayenu Song, Making Matzo Ball Soup With Bobby Flay And Things To Do With Leftover Matzos

Best wishes for a Happy Roosevelt Island Passover.

Image Of Passover Seder Plate From Chabad Lubavitch Of Roosevelt Island

To celebrate, enjoy this multi genre-version of Dayenu Passover Song from the Maccabeats,



learn to make Jalapeno Matzo Ball Soup from Bobby Flay,



suggestions for leftover Matzos



and a history of Passover.



More information on Roosevelt Island Passover from the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation and the Chabad Lubavitch of Roosevelt Island.

More Good News - 8th Weekend Of Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend

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


to and from Manhattan this weekend.

That's 8 weekends in a row.

Also, Queens Bound Roosevelt Island F Train will be running local after Queensbridge 21 Street. According to the MTA:
F Jamaica-bound trains make local stops at 36 St, Steinway St, 46 St, Northern Blvd and 65 St

Weekend, 11:30 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Apr 3 - 6

Roosevelt Island Jobs Available - Cornell Tech Field Supervisor and Software Developer, Related Building Maintenance Technician, PS 217 Substitute Math Teacher & Property Management Customer Service


Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island? Take a look at these.

Cornell Tech is seeking a Field Supervisor for Site Logistics and Construction. According to Cornell Careers:
Cornell Tech is a newly created program within Cornell University, currently in the process of building a new campus on Roosevelt Island. The project includes the construction of a world-class campus, including major new public spaces, all new utilities and a series of new buildings for academic, business, residential and meeting purposes. The first phase of the project is under construction and will open in 2017.

Cornell Tech seeks an experienced field supervisor who can work at the site to perform the following functions:
  • Oversee the construction of the landscape and site work to ensure that unique campus designed by James Corner Field Operations and SOM is realized;
  • Oversee the implementation of a complex logistics plan that includes barging materials to the site, reducing impact on Roosevelt Island’s Main Street, communicating with Roosevelt Island’s governing body (RIOC) and ensuring compliance with site requirements;
  • Coordinate with all construction management firms and consultants working at the site to ensure smooth operations in a complex construction environment;
  • Represent Cornell’s interests at the construction site, and maintain close communication with Cornell Tech capital project team.
The site utilities were started in December 2014, and the field supervisor will be expected to oversee the project through completion of construction in Summer/Fall 2017....
Click here for more information and to apply.

Cornell Tech is also seeking a software developer:
Cornell University is looking for a motivated self-starter, with a proven capacity to "get stuff done", to join our team as a software developer at Cornell Tech. This position will work with members of our team to deliver the UI components in a fast-paced environment.

You should want to be a full-stack programmer. If you are just plain awesome at front-end development, but don’t quite have a lot of Node.js or database experience, we can work with that.

Key responsibilities of this position include:
  • Building speedy, functional web applications, using HTML5, Angular.js,Bootstrap, and CSS3/SASS
  • Designing and implementing user experiences for mobile, tablets, and browsers
  • Work independently in the coding and testing of code
  • Implement design specs accurately
  • Provide detailed analysis and recommendations to the project lead...
Click here for more information and to apply.

Related Management is seeking a Maintenance Technician. According to Craigslist:
Related Management has an exciting career opportunity for a Maintenance Technician located on Roosevelt Island. This position is for a new development and is approximately 245 units.

Applicants must have strong knowledge of all maintenance areas including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC and boiler operations.

The Maintenance Technician will be an important member of a team that is responsible for all phases of building maintenance and operations. You will be responsible for common area site repairs that require knowledge of plumbing, electrical and carpentry, directly addressing all physical site needs including building interior, exterior and grounds; responding to service requests, preparing vacant units for future move ins, routine cleaning of the premises, and all other maintenance issues as may be required under the direction of the Resident Manager....
Click here for more information and to apply.

PS/IS 217 is seeking a Substitute Teacher. According to Craigslist:
PS/IS 217 a PreK -- Grade 8, NYCDOE District 2 public school, located on Roosevelt Island is seeking a long term substitute for a 4th and 5th grade math teacher. Candidate must be eligible for a substitute teaching license (Common Branch License) or currently possess a file number as a substitute. Please specify in the email if you are eligible or list your file number. The position is currently open and will last through the end of the school year. Please send resume and cover letter to resume@psis217.net.
Click here for more information.

Also, Craigslist reports:
Customer Service position available at top tier property management firm. Applicant must be Bi-lingual English/Spanish with great customer service skills both written and verbal. Applicants should have very solid computer and software skills and be a self-starter, and be someone that can think dynamically and remain cool, calm and organized under pressure. The perfect applicant has an Associates degree or higher with at least two years of work experience in a similar field
Good Luck.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island Construction Update, Academic Building Excavation Begins - Demolition, Abatement, Barging, Trucks, Air Quality And More

 Image Of April 1 Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island Campus Construction Site

Here's the latest

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

on the demolition of Roosevelt Island's

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

Goldwater Hospital

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

to make way

Image From Rosanna Ceruzzi

for the new Cornell Tech campus.

According to the Cornell NYC Tech Roosevelt Island construction update:
March 20 - April 3 Look Ahead

Demolition work continues in the Phase II area. Building E is progressing with approximately 10% of the building rubble to still be sorted. Once completed early the week of March 23rd, foundation removal will begin, working from the north to the south.

Building A is in the final stages of backfill and grading. The building will be complete early in the week of March 23rd.

Once Building A is finished, equipment will move to Building B. As with the other buildings, balcony and window removal must occur prior to any façade removal. This work is scheduled to take place during the week of March 30th.

In terms of sitework, Cornell has completed the installation of the new water main and utility ductbank. Con Edison crews will continue to work within and around the Cornell site as they finish splicing cables. Excavation has begun on the First Academic Building (FAB) and Central Utility Plant (CUP) in the Phase I area.
Below is Cornell NYC Tech March 2 presentation (PDF Format) to the Roosevelt Island Community and Construction Task Force

Cornell Tech March 2 Update


and video.

Part 1. Cornell Tech Director of Capital Planning Andrew Winters provides an overview of the demolition and abatement work..



Part 2. Utility and Site Work described by Tishman's John DiCapua.



Part 3. Excavation of first academic building described by Tom LePage of Barr & Barr.



Part 4. Barging, Trucking of materials and air quality described by Andrew Winters.





Part 5. Questions on Air Quality, Helix Repair, High Pressure Gas Lines, emergency access, coordinating concrete pouring trucks and more.



The next meeting of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community and Construction Task Force is April 27. The meetings are open to the public.

Roosevelt Island Rats, Urinating Dogs, Sportspark And Tram Station Among Topics Addressed By RIRA Island Services Committee At Common Council Meeting Last Night

Image Of Commercial Garbage Area Opposite 425 Main Street

Below is the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) report to the April 2015 Common Council (CC) Meeting submitted by Chair Aaron Hamburger
RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL – 4/1/15
ISC met 3/24/15 with 7 members present from the membership of 11.

New Tram Elevators – The elevator project is in the 90 day design period, expected to be completed by mid‐May. As soon as the design is finished, ISC will urge RIOC to start negotiations with NYC to obtain the necessary park land to accommodate the larger foot‐ print for the new elevators.

Access to Tram for Strollers, Bicycles & the Disabled ‐ Wording for the proposed new signs on the Tram emergency gates has been submitted to RIOC. These signs remove the threat of a summons for anyone opening the gates.

Condition of Spotspark Facilities & Programs – A comprehensive report on conditions at Sportspark, prepared by Susy Perea, was discussed and endorsed by ISC. However, the report needs some rounding‐out before submission to RIOC. ISC members are adding additional information to the report. The final report, which should be available later in April, will be sent to appropriate people at RIOC. We will ask for a series of meetings to develop an action plan and timing for fixing the many problems at this facility.

Control of Rats & Pigeons – Rossana described the situation at the commercial garbage yard opposite 425 Main St. In a word, the area is a mess which is attracting many rats. Rossana is preparing a report describing the problem, suggesting procedures to solve the problem and citing NYC Health Dept. regulations covering storage and disposal of commercial garbage. The report will be presented to RIOC and the commercial businesses in Southtown who are responsible for proper handling of their garbage.

Dog Urination Problem at Roosevelt Landings Main St. Section. – Roosevelt Landings has begun weekly washing of the sidewalks under the Main St. canopy. We’ve requested that they post “Curb Your Dog”” signs at strategic locations along Main St.

There was nothing new to report on 3 other active issues – Condition of Sidewalks & Paths, Re‐establish Boy Scouts on RI, and Management of the Garden Club.
Mr. Hamberger updated the RIRA CC on the clean up of the Commercial Garbage area reporting that:
... some of the rats were invading 425...
Riverwalk building, but that the condition has now been mostly corrected by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

RIRA CC member Joyce Short commented on the dog urination portion of the report said that "curbing" your dog was not appropriate on Roosevelt Island because if you curb you dog on Main Street, the dog will be hit by a car. Ms. Short suggested dog owners bring their dogs behind Roosevelt Landings "to do their business" before walking on Main Street.

Here's the discussion.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Roosevelt Island Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements And Safety Discussed At RIRA Public Safety Committee Yesterday


Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara met with members of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee last night. Among the topics discussed were improvements to Roosevelt Island bicycle infrastructure and bicycle safety.

The discussion began with RIRA's Helen Chirivas reporting that she agreed with RIOC President Charlene Indelicato that the Roosevelt Island bicycle infrastructure needs to be improved before Citibike can install their bike stations.

RIRA's Rosanna Ceruzzi noted that she thought Citibike was too expensive and suggested that Bike NY's Roosevelt Island programming include less expensive bike rentals.

RIRA's Lynn Strong-Shinozaki emphasized the need for wearing bike helmets. Ms.Strong-Shinozak said the Roosevelt Island bike rider, Anna-Maria Mostrom, who was killed in the collision with RIC Red Bus was not wearing a helmet at the time. Ms Strong-Shinozaki added that the Red Bus involved in the collision had to drive around a parked cab which may have contributed to the accident.

Also discussed were RIOC Public Service announcements about bike safety. Deputy Director Marmara suggested using some local Roosevelt Island talent to produce the bike safety announcements though she specifically hoped any public service announcement would not be like the previous Public Safety Recruitment Video

Here's video of the discussion.



Will have more of this very interesting Roosevelt Island Public Safety conversation soon.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) April 2015 Common Council Monthly Meeting Tonight, You're Invited To Attend And Raise Issues Of Concern


The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will be meeting this evening at 8:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).

  Image Of December 2014 RIRA Common Council Meeting

As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a Public Session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Among the Public Session Speakers tonight is Christina Delico of iDig2Learn, who will be give a short presentation regarding their upcoming Earth Day activities,


as well as the City’s Participatory Budgeting Vote and PS 217’s efforts to obtain a green roof.

All residents are encouraged to attend RIRA meetings.

Below is the full Agenda for tonight's RIRA Common Council meeting.
AGENDA
If at all possible, please arrive a half-hour early to help set up tables and chairs
Date: Wednesday, April 1st, 2015
Time & Place: 8:00 pm, Church of Good Shepard

1. Public Session

2. Roll Call of Common Council Members

3. Adoption of Agenda

4. Approval March 4, 2015 Council Session Minutes

5. Treasurer’s Report & Business

6.President’s Report & Business

a. Call for RIRA 2015 Blood Drive Captain

7. Committee Reports

a. SC&E Committee Report

8. Old Business

9. New Business

a. Committee Reports and Resolutions Submitted after deadline of 5PM the Friday preceding present Common Council Session

i. Island Services Committee Report

ii. PPF Ad Hoc Committee Report and Resolution re ABO Ruling

1. Resolution on RIRA Response to ABO Ruling 15-01 Denying Public Purpose Funds from RIOC (Movant: Dave Evans, PPF Ad Hoc Committee Chair)

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Easter Crafts For Kids Thursday April 2 - Children Of All Ages Making Easter Bonnets, Bunny Hats & Egg Sun Catchers

 Easter Hat Image From Parenting Healthy Babies

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:
Dear RI parents,

We hope you and your little ones enjoyed the "Necklaces-making and Tram Art" last September, the "Matisse for Kids" last December, our "Valentines Craft" in February, and most recently the "St. Patrick's Craft" in March. This week, we would like to invite you to another event in the "Crafts with Kids" series by the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network.

Join us for "Easter Craft" this Thursday, April 2, at 4-6pm at the Senior Center, 546 Main Street! Children of all ages are invited to participate in different crafts, including making of Easter bonnets, Bunny hats and Egg sun-catchers. Come have fun gluing, coloring, cutting, listening to a story and more!

Special thank you goes to RIRA and HOPE RI Church for providing the supplies, to Wendy Hersh for booking the room for us, to Amanda for helping make this happen and to about 15 college students from Cornell who will be visiting the island this week and want to help out in any way, including cleaning the Senior center and helping us with our craft time.

Please RSVP to eva.bosbach@gmail.com by Thursday, April 2nd (day of the event), 10am, and indicate if you prefer the 4-5 or 5-6pm time slot in case we have a lot of children coming and are dividing them in two groups similarly to the previous events. Also please bring along any theme related books for our little kids book shelf during the event.
The Roosevelt Island NY Public Library has an Easter Crafts for kids on April 2 as well starting at 3 PM.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Red Tailed Hawk Rescued Inside Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant Across East River From Roosevelt Island - Chases Pigeon Down Smokestack And Got Stuck

Roosevelt Island has had its share of Red Tail Hawks sightings, but so far none have required rescuing like this Hawk


that got trapped inside the Big Allis TransCanada Ranvenswood Power Plant across the East River from Roosevelt Island.

Image Of Big Allis Ravenswood Power Plant Seen From Roosevelt Island
Animal New York reports today:
... bird blogger Yojimbot recently rescued a red-tailed hawk that got trapped inside of the Ravenswood Generating Station, also known as Big Allis, on Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. It’s a power plant capable of generating 2,480 megawatts of electricity, and no place for a hawk.

The adult male red-tail chased a pigeon down a smokestack and became trapped in a small room near the exhaust turbine...
According to Yojimbot's March 27 The Origin of Species blog report:
... As we scale up and approach the bird, it was extremely agitated. Instead of trying to chase the bird around the small enclosure, I just waited for it to flop in front of me and threw a towel over it. This worked but the sly bird squirmed between the planks and down into the enclosure beneath us. Damn! After composing myself, we looked for a way into that area but there was none, so I squeezed in between the same gap and got down to where the now furious bird was. Again I got the towel and threw it at the bird, which was now on its back. It tried to foot the towel but missed and instead grabbed its own wing. I then quickly corralled the bird but it wouldnt release its own body. Not wanting to risk further injury I climbed back up and put the hawk in the box we had. Whew...now to get down without injuring ourselves or the bird. We took our time and all 4 of us worked together to safely get back outside....
Click here to read the full Big Allis Hawk Rescue account from Yojimbot.

Here's video of the Hawk's rescue and release.

Upcoming April Events At The Roosevelt Island NY Public Library For Kids And Adults - Easter Crafts, Anime Club, Downloading eBooks, Birds Of Prey, Science Fiction Discussion, Book Club, Movies & More


Below are upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island NYC Public Library branch including:
Roosevelt Island Library
524 Main Street
New York, NY 10044
Phone 212-308-6243

Easter Craft - Thursday, April 2, 3-4pm, Ages 3 and older - Make an Easter egg suncatcher to decorate your window for the holiday! Space and materials are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anime Club - Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4-5pm - Teens - The anime club will discuss anime, manga, and the influence of Japanese culture in America.

"We Are New York" English Conversation Groups - Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30am-12:30pm - Adults - Practice speaking English by watching and then discussing "We Are New York" videos about everyday situations. For Intermediate Level English learners. Space is limited; First come, first served. This program will continue every Friday, 10:30am-12:30pm through June 2015; (May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19, 26)

Children's Film: "Big Hero 6" - Monday, April 6, 2-3:45pm - Ages 5 and older - When a criminal plot threatens the hi-tech metropolis of San Fransokyo, brilliant young robotics whiz Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter) leaps into action with his tech-savvy friends, and his robot companion Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit) in Disney Animation's adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics series. (Rated PG; 102 minutes; 2014)

Downloading eBooks - Tuesday, April 7, 10am-11am - Adults - Learn how to download free NYPL ebooks. Please bring your e-readers, library cards, PIN numbers, login IDs, and passwords, as necessary.

Birds of Prey - Tuesday, April 7, 3 p.m. - Ages 5 and up - Registration required - Encounter hawks, owls, falcons or other species up close as we explore the adaptations of these winged wonders and examine the mechanics behind bird flight! Touch raptor artifacts such as talons, skulls, and feathers. A lucky volunteer may even get to help with some of the demonstrations. Recommended for children ages 5 and older. Presented by New Canaan Nature Center. Limited to 25 participants.

Science Fiction Book Discussion - Tuesday, April 7, 6:30pm - Adults - The Science Fiction Book Discussion group will discuss "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm.

Island Hospital Goes to War: The Great War and the Metropolitan Hospital's Participation - Tuesday, April 14, 6:30pm - Adults
In 1917, American hospitals were asked to prepare to deploy large numbers of doctors, nurses and support staff to Europe during the preparations for our involvement in World War I. Metropolitan Hospital, (located in the now Octagon) answered the call and learn how they responded. Presented in partnership with the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and its President, Judith Berdy.

Adult Book Discussion Group - Thursday, April 16, 6:30pm - Adults - The book discussion group will discuss "Capital in the 21st Century" by Thomas Piketty.

Movie Night: "The Equalizer" - Tuesday, April 21, 6PM - Adults - McCall (Denzel Washington), is a man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when McCall meets Teri, a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by; he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. (Rated R; 132 minutes; 2014)

Movie Night: "John Wick" - Tuesday, April 28, 6PM - Adults - John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a retired hitman hunting the mean streets of New York seeking vengeance on the gangsters who took everything from him. (Rated R; 101 minutes; 2014)

Announcement: Volunteers needed to shelve & organize books at the Roosevelt Island Library. Qualifications: 14 years old or older; and able to volunteer at least once a week for six months or more. Please request an application at the library, or download the form at this website: http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/volunteer-nypl#shelving . If your qualifications match with our current needs, the Volunteer Office will contact you to schedule an interview.
More upcoming NYPL Roosevelt Island branch events here.

Monday, March 30, 2015

431 Roosevelt Island Residents Trained In Hands Only CPR - You Can Be Trained Too At April Classes

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports:

Roosevelt Island Hands Only CPR Director Sharon Williams shares information on upcoming April classes

and American Heart Association Hands Only CPR



training video.

Damaged Roosevelt Island Z Bricks Replaced On Main Street Today

Workers were replacing damaged Roosevelt Island Z Bricks


on Main Street today.

UPDATE 4/2 - According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Pothole and Zee Brick repairs will continue on Main Street north to Lighthouse Park on Friday, 4/3/15 through Tuesday 4/7/15 from 7 AM to 7 PM, excluding Saturday and Sunday, 4/4/15 and 4/5/15. Expect delays. Traffic will be controlled by flag men

You're Invited To Bike New York Roosevelt Island Building x Building Info Initiative Tuesday And Wednesday This Week - Learn About Bike NY's Free Roosevelt Island Programs And Take Bicycle Transportation Survey

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

Image Of Bike NY Roosevelt Island Sportspark Class From Caitlin Goodspeed

We have two presentations happening this week that are open to the public

Join Bike New York for a short presentation about our FREE bicycle education classes, programs, and events on Roosevelt Island. You'll learn more about our organization, how you can get involved, and what you can look forward to this summer. We'll also share some important bike safety tips! We'll have light refreshments and free giveaways, too!

Roosevelt Island Senior Center (546 Main)
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
7:30pm

4 River Road Community Room
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
7:30pm

These presentations are part of the BuildingxBuilding Initiative, a Bike New York effort to get more Roosevelt Island residents involved with our free bicycle education classes and programming as participants, volunteers, and paid instructors.
Bike NY previously reported:
Here are our upcoming classes on Roosevelt Island:

Wednesday, March 25: Bike Commuting 101, 6:30pm - 8pm (Sportspark Lounge)
Tuesday, March 31: Learn to Ride - Adults, 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm (Sportspark Gym)
Sunday, April 12: Learn to Ride - Kids, 1pm - 3pm (Sportspark Outside BB Court)
Wednesday, April 22: Street Skills Class, 6:30pm - 8pm (Sportspark Lounge)
Saturday, May 9: Street Skills Ride, 10am - 1pm (Meet at Sportspark)
Sunday, May 17: Kids' Bicycling Basics, 10am - 1pm (Capobianco Field)
Saturday, May 30: Learn to Ride - Kids, 11am - 1pm (Capobianco Field)
Sunday, June 14: Learn to Ride - Kids, 10am - 12pm (Sportspark Outside BB Court)
Sunday, June 21: Kids' Bicycling Basics, 10am - 1pm (Capobianco Field)

We want to hear from you about transportation on Roosevelt Island! What changes do you want to see? Do you feel comfortable riding a bicycle on the island? Where would you like to see more bike racks? Please let us know what you think by taking our survey. It will take no more than 10 minutes and we would really appreciate it. To access the survey, please click here.
More information available at the Bike NY Roosevelt Island Blog or contact Community Manager Caitlin Goodspeed.

Was That A UFO Hovering Over Roosevelt Island Yesterday? Has Takeover Begun?

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reported yesterday that the drone takeover may have begun.

A video posted by Sam Price (@sampriceonline) on


More on drones flying over Roosevelt Island at this previous post.