Gorgeous Roosevelt Island Cherry Tree Blossoms Enjoyed Today

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Cherry Blossom tour scheduled for today was cancelled due to the illness of the tour guide but that did not stop our beautiful cherry trees from being enjoyed today.

I would not wish any companion in the world but you. #WilliamShakespeare400
.#Spring in #RooseveltIsland #NYC pic.twitter.com/5RsRyroj2W

— Gigi A (@gigi_nyc) April 23, 2016

Roosevelt Island is in FULL bloom...! 🌷 @ Roosevelt Island Esplanade https://t.co/ETPxJ4Xjl6

— Angela Mae (@ang_byrne) April 23, 2016

Roosevelt Island is in FULL bloom...! 🌷

A photo posted by Angela Byrne (@ang_byrne) on Apr 23, 2016 at 1:20pm PDT

Just a taste of #beauty on Roosevelt Island #today. #erinexplores #rooseveltisland #newyork… https://t.co/QxtABXLqWO

— erinjexplores (@erinexplores_) April 23, 2016

Just a taste of #beauty on Roosevelt Island #today. #erinexplores #rooseveltisland #newyork #cherryblossoms #stepintospring #glorious #saturdays

A photo posted by @erinexplores_ on Apr 23, 2016 at 2:26pm PDT

Beautiful #CherryBlossoms #RooseveltIsland #Nyc 🌷🌸💐 pic.twitter.com/gsnt1EIpRW

— LiLi Roquelin (@liliroquelin) April 24, 2016

More pictures of Roosevelt Island Cherry Tree blossoms at this previous post.

UPDATE 4/25:

On Saturday, @nytimes staff photographer @bengiville went for a stroll on Manhattan’s Roosevelt Island, where she … https://t.co/E1YHF1F3Fr

— Google (・ω・)ノ (@GoogleAlphaGo) April 25, 2016

On Saturday, @nytimes staff photographer @bengiville went for a stroll on Manhattan’s Roosevelt Island, where she captured families admiring the cherry #blossoms. Follow @bengiville to see another scene from Roosevelt Island. #🌸

A photo posted by The New York Times (@nytimes) on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:28pm PDT

April23 Spring has sprung on Roosevelt Island #nytassigment #spring #blossoms

A video posted by Nicole Bengiveno (@bengiville) on Apr 23, 2016 at 11:10am PDT

SPONSORED POST - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket Product Specials & Sales For April 22 To May 5 - 10% Seniors Discounts Tuesdays & Wednesdays And Sign Up For Bonus Savings Card Too

Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket invites you to check out their:

• Groceries, 
• Organic & Gourmet, 
• Snacks
• Meat, 
• Fresh Produce, 
• Deli &;
• Fresh Bakery

Department Offerings for April 22 - May 5 (Pages 1-4), Perishable Items April 29 - May 5 (Pages 5-6)) 

Gristedes representative Bob Capano invites Roosevelt Island residents to check out their various product departments for all of your shopping needs.



Also, don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Wednesday and Sign Up For Gristedes Bonus Cards online or in person at the store.

More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site and Twitter feed.

This week's new discounts have arrived! Our ads are designed with YOU in mind! https://t.co/AWunkaK8iJ pic.twitter.com/lAilnXJfaZ

— Gristedes (@Gristedes) April 22, 2016

Ocean Spray Cranberry 100% Juice is on sale at your local #Gristedes! You can grab a 60oz bottle for only $3.49! pic.twitter.com/VONY9sR9Wf

— Gristedes (@Gristedes) April 21, 2016

Pick up a bottle of Gulden's Mustard for only $1.99 with your Bonus Savings Card! pic.twitter.com/AWsIkG0Agt

— Gristedes (@Gristedes) April 20, 2016

Watch This Very Cool Video Of Roosevelt Island Bike Ride - Then Join The Roosevelt Island Cycling Enthusiasts In The National Bike Challenge

Hop on the back seat and enjoy a very cool bicycle ride with Tony Aldo around Roosevelt Island. Start on Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, pedal over the Roosevelt Island Bridge to Lighthouse Park, down to the Tram Plaza, up the Helix Ramp and back over the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

A @Rooseveltisland bike ride. https://t.co/aPGiRYNCP9

— Mark Lyon (@markhlyon) April 21, 2016

Click on the full screen icon for a great view.

That was fun.

Would you like to do some real bicycle riding, have fun and meet some of your Roosevelt Island neighbors? Here's how you can do it.

Image From National Bike Challenge

Roosevelt Island resident and bike enthusiast Kent Kurkiewicz reports:

To all Roosevelt Island residents:

We’d like to invite you to join the National Bike Challenge, which runs annually from May 1 through September 30. The National Bike Challenge is a friendly competition to get participants to ride more often, ride more miles, and burn more calories. It is free and open to anyone … you don’t need to be an expert cyclist to join and log miles. The National Bike Challenge awards prizes monthly to randomly selected participants at all point levels. We hope that once you join, it will create an automatic incentive for you to ride more often, and to compete for points with yourself and other riders.

To join the National Bike Challenge, go to NationalBikeChallenge.org and create a profile for yourself. Provide your name, email address, zip code, birth date, etc. Using our local zip code (10044) automatically puts you into the NYS/NYC challenge. Once you’ve created your own account, you can join a team. You will be prompted to create or join a team after you register, or you can defer and then go to “Manage Groups” on your National Bike Challenge profile page. You can search for an existing team to join, or create a new one. A team for our Island, RICE (Roosevelt Island Cycling Enthusiasts), has already been created and we’d like you to join us.

It’s easy to log miles. Anyone with a smartphone can use one of three apps to track their miles: Strava, MapMyRide, or Endomondo. Whichever app you choose, make sure it’s authorized in your National Bike Challenge account (“Manage Settings”). Each time you ride, start the app, and when your ride is done, make sure you stop it. If you don’t have a smart phone and/or prefer to do so, you can sign in to your National Bike Challenge account and log your miles manually. The Challenge awards 20 points each day you ride, and 1 point for each mile you ride.

There is a lot more information available on the National Bike Challenge website.

Thanks and keep riding for enjoyment, exercise, and for a greener planet!

As previously reported, Yawa,

 Bike NY 2014 Learn To Ride Team Winner Yawa Image From Caitlin Goodspeed

a Roosevelt Island resident, was the 2014 winner of Bike New York's Learn To Ride National Bike Challenge Team.

Here We Go Again - No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan This Weekend, Roosevelt Island Tram Operating On Rush Hour Schedule This Weekend From 7 AM To 10 PM - Resident Asks For Extending Tram Weekday Rush Hour Schedule To 11 PM Too

According to the MTA:

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

Weekend, 11:45 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Apr 22 - 25

F trains run express from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.

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

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The MTA has issued a weekend service advisory for the F train, which may affect travel plans. The Tram will run on a rush hour schedule from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM to accommodate any increase in traffic. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information.

For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com.

A Roosevelt Island resident tweets that the Tram should also extend it's weekday rush hour schedule to 11 PM because of overcrowding too.

@Rooseveltisland It's time the tram extends its rush hour service, 8:30pm-9pm even 11pm it's still packed. Commuters getting left behind.

— Stephen Ward (@Traintheworld1) April 21, 2016

It's a good idea. RIOC should do it.

Take 8th Annual Cherry Blossom Walk With The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Saturday April 23

 Image From RIHS

 The Roosevelt Island Historical Society reports:

Reminder:

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Invites You

to the

8th Annual Cherry Blossom Walk

Saturday, April 23 at 11 A.M.

Suggested Donation: $12

Join the Roosevelt Island Historical Society for this delightful spring walk, led by RIHS President Judith Berdy. You'll enjoy the beauty of the season and learn about our fascinating island. The tour leaves from the Visitor Center Kiosk, Tram Plaza, Roosevelt Island. Reservations are requested.

To join this walk, please call 212-688-4836 or email rooseveltislandhistory@gmail.com

Space is limited, so please reserve your place promptly.

UPDATE 4/22 9:40 PM - The RIHS April 23 Cherry Blossom Tour has been cancelled. The tour guide is ill.

You're Invited To An Evening Of Stand Up Comedy At Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Friday April 22

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) is hosting a Stand Up Comedy Night Friday April 22. According to the MST&DA):

​R.I.O.C.s (Roosevelt Island's Only Comedy Show) brings some of the funniest and most original stand up to Roosevelt Island. From nationally touring headliners, to unique theme shows, to some of the best stand ups you've never heard of; each month will be hilarious, different, and right here on Main Street.

Hosted by Will Neville.
​
April's Line-up so far:
Jacob Williams
In 2012, Jacob made his national television debut as a stand-up comedian on America's Got Talent (NBC) and advanced to the Semifinals. He has been a cast member on Wild 'N Out (MTV2) since 2013. Jacob also performed stand-up for a Wild 'N Out comedy special and provides the voice of a lead character in the animated mini-series Football U (MTV Other). He was named one of Comedy Central's Comics to Watch in 2015. In 2016, Jacob will make his Comedy Central stand-up and acting debut on Adam Devine's House Party.

Will Mars
Will is a British comedian and his rise through the ranks has been at great speed. Within his first year of performing he was invited to host a live show recording for BBC Spotlight (UK) as part of their 'Stand-up for Comic Relief' output and was asked to host his own club regularly in the Canary Islands, Spain. A club which he hosted monthly for 5 years before continuing as producer only to focus on his solo career. In 2015, Will completed a sell-out, double-show, World tour in Australia, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Iceland and the U.K. before going on to a month long run of full houses at the Edinburgh Fringe. Will also performed in 2 other self-produced shows at last year's Fringe. One of these shows, Routines (directed by Michael Eriera), marked his live acting debut.

Christian Finnegan
Christian is a stand up comedian perhaps best known as one of the original panelists on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and as Chad, the only white roommate in the infamous “Mad Real World” sketch of “Chappelle’s Show”. He can currently be seen on the TBS sitcom “Are We There Yet?” and in Spring 2014 he can be seen on VH1′s “I Love the 2000′s”. He’s also co-host of Zest TV’s travel show, “CustomNATION”. Christian has been a fixture on Comedy Central, having starred in his own one hour stand up special “Au Contraire!”, as well as “Comedy Central Presents”, “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn” and countless network interstitials. He’s also appeared on “Conan”, “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, “Good Afternoon America” and “The Today Show”.

STAND UP
Starts April 22, 2016. Every 4th Friday. (Next: May 27th.)
Doors open 8:30 pm. Show starts 9:00 pm.
The comedy is PG-13. Parents should use their discretion.

Prices: All shows are:

$10 for Roosevelt Island residents and MST&DA students (adult);
$5 for children and teens;
$25 for the whole family (3 or more members);
$15 for non-residents.

 Click here to get tickets.

The Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance is located in the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center at 548 Main Street.

Join iDig2Learn And Grow To Learn NYC For Earth Day Pollinator Workshop April 22 At Roosevelt Island Community Garden - Learn How Insects Can Help Your Plants

iDig2Learn's Christina Delfico reports:

Earth Day Workshop Friday April 22nd

2 to 3 PM

Join us as we welcome Grow To Learn NYC

Pollinator Workshop 2 to 3 PM

Location:​Butterfly Corridor Site ­ by the main gate of the Roosevelt Island Garden

Grow to Learn staffers Rasheed Hislop and Jessie Kerr Vanderslice will facilitate. Some people might think that all insects are pests and are a threat to your garden plants, but if you ever wondered about whether there might be insects that can help your garden join us for this workshop.

We will uncover insects that play a critical role in the life cycles of your garden plants from those that prey on herbivores and other harmful insects to those that consume weeds that might otherwise compete with your garden plants for water, light and nutrients. Participants will be able to learn about the life cycles and biology of two particular species of beneficial insects, butterflies and ladybugs.

Experts Rasheed Hislop & Jessie Kerr Vanderslice will be around until 5PM.
​
In front of the Main gate to the Roosevelt Island Community Garden www.rigarden.org

Here's some more gardening tips on Pollinators and Beneficial Insects.



Also, fascinating info on the science of pollination, plants and insects.

No Roosevelt Island Skateboarding, Bicycle Riding, Roller Blading or Scooter Riding at Good Shepherd Plaza Says RIOC Signage

Reported in May 2015:

Looks like the new benches at Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Plaza make an attractive surface for Roller Skate surfers.



The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is looking for ways to stop the benches from being used for Roller Skate and Skateboard surfing.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) recently installed signage warning of No Skateboarding,

Bicycle Riding, Roller Blading or Scooter Riding at Good Shepherd Plaza.

Some have used the area behind beneath Queensboro Bridge next to the Tennis Bubble



for Roller Blade surfing.

Others have used the railing near East River in Southtown for Snowboard Sliding.



Where's there is a will, there is a way.

UPDATE 1:10 - From a long time Roosevelt Island resident:

Ridiculous. I have lived here for 40 years, and as kids we always skated and rode our bikes in this area. The real problem is the ugly benches they put in this area, not the kids playing on them. Once again RIOC is overstepping their bounds.

Roosevelt Island Youth Services At A Crossroads - RIYP Executive Director Charges New RICCD Group Seeking To Split Community And Take Over Roosevelt Island Youth Services

Image Of Roosevelt Island Youth Program Executive Director Charlie Defino

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) is a non-profit organization established in 1978 to provide free activities and services for Roosevelt Island youth. The RIYP operates a youth center at 506 Main Street, PS/IS 217 Beacon After School program and a summer day camp. RIYP also organizes Little League baseball, soccer and basketball sports leagues among other activities for Roosevelt Island kids. The RIYP Little League baseball season begins its 38 year this spring.

Charlie Defino is the Executive Director of the RIYP and has served the Roosevelt Island community for over 20 years during two separate stints in that position. I spoke with Mr. Defino recently about the past, present and future challenges of the RIYP.

Mr. Defino described the role of RIYP in bringing together the different segments of the Roosevelt Island community. According to Mr. Defino:

... there are people over the years that would not have known each other if not for the program...

... It's an accomplishment that I have and Steve Kaufman have that we're very proud of. The activities now have to change, we have to be a different type of program. That's what we're working with Cornell now, we're trying to get other agencies to come on from off-Island to partner up with us. We've done that in the past with PAL and other people but they don't have the money now either...

A new challenge facing the RIYP is the Roosevelt Island Center Of Community Development (RICCD), a newly formed group of Roosevelt Island residents intending to provide, among other programs, youth services to our community. Among the stated aims of RICCD are:

... YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Roosevelt Island is home to youth from all over the globe. Many are here for the long-term, yet many will leave to go back to their countries of origin within a few short years. This means we have been given the opportunity to impact and influence the culture of families, businesses, and countries all around the world, by simply focusing on developing our youth right here on the Island. From teaching principles like "beginning with the end in mind", the importance of cultural agility, to the laws of good communication, it is our aim to come alongside schools and families to help develop high character and high capacity leaders out of our island's youth....

The RICCD organized its own youth baseball league separate from RIYP this spring and plans to establish more Roosevelt Island youth sports activities including soccer, basketball and softball.

As reported in December 2015, Roosevelt Island residents Dan Sadlier and Kim Massey are among the leaders of the RICCD Board. Mr. Sadlier is also the Pastor of the Hope Roosevelt Island Church. During an October 22, 2015 RICCD brainstorming session with interested parents:

 ... Mr. Sadlier was asked what involvement the Hope Roosevelt Island Church would have in RICCD programs and activities. He replied that there would be none other than his involvement and that of his wife as well.

Mr. Sadlier also expressed a desire for RICCD to work with established Roosevelt Island organizations and did not wish to be seen as attempting to replace any existing group....

RIYP's Charlie Defino believes that despite Mr. Sadlier's expressed desire:

... not to replace any existing group....

the RICCD baseball program is a first step in an attempt to make the RIYP disappear and have the RICCD take over youth services on Roosevelt Island. 



During my interview with him, Mr. Defino stated his belief that:

• The RICCD and it's Little League baseball program is an effort by it's Chair, Dan Sadlier, Pastor of the Hope Church, to promote the Hope Church Youth Ministry,
• RICCD Co-Chair Kim Massey is a disgruntled former Director of the RIYP Beacon Program who performed unsatisfactorily in that position,
• RICCD asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) for grant money that currently supports RIYP to be allocated to RICCD instead,
• Ms. Massey's husband, John Massey, requested RIOC to take away funds supporting RIYP and use those funds for other purposes while Ms. Massey still worked at RIYP.
• RICCD members wrote letters to Council Member Kallos and other officials disparaging the RIYP.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Susan Rosenthal has announced that the Youth Center building at 506 Main Street will be fixed up and receive a "face lift". Also, RIOC plans to issue a Request For Proposals to provide Youth Services on Roosevelt Island.

I asked the RICCD members referred to by Mr. Defino if they wish to reply to his comments and to respond why they:

.... think there is a need for another organization serving Roosevelt Island other than RIYP.

The RICCD members declined to respond.

Hillary Clinton & Donald Trump Win NY State Democratic & Republican Presidential Primaries, Ms Clinton Gives Shout Out To Roosevelt Island - Vote Tally For Roosevelt Island Too

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were the winners in yesterday's NY State Democratic and Republican Party Presidential Primaries. According to the NY Times:

Donald J. Trump wrested back control of the Republican presidential race on Tuesday with a commanding victory in the New York primary, while Hillary Clinton dealt a severe blow to Senator Bernie Sanders with an unexpectedly strong win that led her to declare that the Democratic nomination was “in sight.”...

Click here for the full NY Times article.

Image From NY Times

How did Roosevelt Island vote in the NY State Presidential Primary?

Here is the Roosevelt Island vote tally from the NYC Board Of Elections for Election Districts 82-87 in the 76 Assembly District with 99% reporting.

Democratic Party

                     Sanders            Clinton
ED 82           33                     64
ED 83           146                   263
ED 84           149                   178
ED 85           76                     108
ED 86           81                     112
ED 87           29                     45

Total             514 (40%)          770 (60%)

Total Roosevelt Island NY State Democratic Party Presidential Primary Votes -   1284

Republican Party.

                   Trump                 Kasich                Carson            Cruz
ED 82         11                         6                        0                      1
ED 83         14                         9                        0                      4
ED 84          6                          7                        0                      4
ED 85          4                          4                        0                      4
ED86           11                        12                       0                     7
ED 87          3                           2                       0                      3

Total            49  (44%)            40 (36%)            0                      23 (20%)

Total Roosevelt Island NY State Republican Republican Party Presidential Primary Votes -  112

Total Roosevelt Island NY State Presidential Primary Votes - 1396

Hillary Clinton gave a shout out to Roosevelt Island during her victory speech last night.

"We started this race not far from here on Roosevelt Island," @HillaryClinton

— Lauren Gambino (@LGamGam) April 20, 2016

"You know, we started this race not far from here on Roosevelt Island..and before that, via video..and tweet" #LotsOfReboots #HillaryClinton

— Brian Doherty (@BDOH) April 20, 2016

That is the loudest cheer Roosevelt Island has ever gotten.

— Bryan P. Grady (@bpgrady) April 20, 2016

Here's Ms. Clinton's victory speech last night. She gives the Roosevelt Island shout out at about the 2 minute mark.



Here's Donald Trump's victory speech. No mention of Roosevelt Island.

Green Roofs For Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 And Upper East Side PS 290 Receive $500 Thousand Participatory Budget Funds Each From NYC Council Member Ben Kallos - Laptop Carts For 10 District 5 Schools Too

Image From Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA

Roosevelt Island NYC District 5 Council Member Ben Kallos reports:

Nearly 2,000 Upper East Side residents 14 and over turned out in person or online to vote on how to spend $1 million in tax dollars to improve the community as part of “Participatory Budgeting.” Residents were able to vote in the district office 7 days a week as well as at 17 mobile “pop-up” voting locations, by absentee and even online.

This is the third year of Participatory Budgeting and the results were:

$500,000 – 802 votes – Green Roof at P.S. 290 the Manhattan New School (MNS)
$350,000 – 768 votes – Laptop Carts for 10 schools on the Upper East Side P.S. 77, P.S 198, P.S 290, P.S/I.S 217, M. 225, Eleanor Roosevelt, Urban Academy, Vanguard, Manhattan International and Life Sciences serving over 5,000 students.

The $500,000 for P.S. 290 adds to $1 million previously allocated by Council Member Kallos for a green roof at the location, where the project cost is estimated at $2.8 million. This allocation brings the school to the half-way point during Kallos’ third year in office.

This is the second year that STEM investments like laptop carts topped Participatory Budgeting, with a previous win in the first year for $250,000 to be distributed to schools throughout the district. This brings the total investment by Council Member Kallos in “STEM schools” to $2 million.

The third highest vote getter, which exceeded the $1 million for Participatory budgeting was:

$500,000 – 751 votes – Green Roof at P.S/I.S. 217

Due to the strong showing of support for Green Roofs two years in a row, Council Member Kallos will allocate the full $500,000 for the Green Roof at P.S./I.S. 217, which combines with his previous allocation of $500,000 and a minimum of $250,000 from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. The project will begin scoping.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) continue to be where residents are voting to invest their tax dollars to prepare our children for the future,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Participatory Budgeting Delegates for leading the process as well as residents 14 and over for voting.”

“I’m delighted that Councilmember Kallos will continue to join in supporting the Green Roof at P.S./I.S. 217," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “Urban agriculture is a fresh approach to education and this funding will help sustain that approach."

“Thank you to Ben Kallos for working so closely with our school community to secure the funding needed for us to finally move forward with our dream of a rooftop science center and play space. I am very excited that our students will have a chance to explore nature and play in the sunshine on the rooftop of their school in the heart of New York City,” said Doreen Esposito Principal at P.S. 290 Manhattan New School.

"Thank you to all of the supporters from our community and the city for voting for the PS/IS 217 STEM Green Room. This Green Roof will further enhance the learning opportunities for the students and families of PS/IS 217 and the residents of Roosevelt Island," said Mandana Beckman Principal at PS/IS 217.

"Each year we expand our STEM enrichment programming,” said 217PTA ­President, Olga Shchuchinov. “So this deep support from the city, combined with the Participatory Budget funding, allows us to move forward and design our 21st century teaching hub on the roof."

Council Member Ben Kallos is one of eight Council Members to adopt Participatory Budgeting in 2014, which has since grown to 28 Council Districts allocating nearly $32 million citywide. Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process where Council Members pledge to allocate their discretionary funds however residents 14 and over vote. These funds are capital and can only be used to pay for physical infrastructure projects proposed by community members called “Delegates” such as improvements to schools, parks, libraries, public housing, and other public or community spaces.
About the Winners:

P.S. 290 The Manhattan New School (MNS) originally built in 1903 and relaunched in 1991 has 36 teachers and over 600 students comprised of children from many countries with over 20 different languages are spoken at home. The P.S. 290 PTA mobilized parents to vote by mail, online, and one morning for drop off where over one hundred parents waited in the rain for 5 - 10 minutes to vote.

P.S./I.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island serves Pre-k through eighth grade. The school wanted additional outdoor space and an educational green roof for their 543 students, so for the second year in a row P.S./I.S. 217 placed a green roof project on the ballot. Roosevelt Island is a tight-knit and highly-engaged community, so they mobilized together and succeeded in being one of the top vote getters. The P.S./I.S. 217 PTA, Girl Scouts troops 3001 and 3244, Roosevelt Island Garden Club, Roosevelt Island Parents' Network and Sharon Bermon from the NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch were just a few of the community members who came together to support the students.Principal Mandana Beckman managed to get the vote out and the money in.

Results for Other Projects on the Ballot:
694 - $225,000 - P.S. 290 Bathrooms
553 - $1,000,000 - Parks Greening for John Jay Park
479 - $350,000 - Library Modernization for Eleanor Roosevelt H.S.
466 - $700,000 - Lexington Houses East & West Playground
427 - $500,000 - Lexington Houses Security Upgrade
408 - $600,000 - Webster Library HVAC Improvements
389 - $350,000 - HVAC for P.S.198 and P.S.77
344 - $500,000 - Center at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Entrance
292 - $600,000 - 67th Street Library HVAC Improvements
282 - $250,000 - Renovate Auditorium for Eleanor Roosevelt H.S.
104 - $85,000 - Sound System at Julia Richman JREC Auditorium

Learn more about Participatory Budgeting at BenKallos.com/PB

Congratulations to all the Roosevelt Island residents who worked hard and

Great crowd at @BenKallos #PBNYC #voteweek. Can the Easter Bunny vote too?! pic.twitter.com/YNgNI0nJZD

— Jennifer So Godzeno (@Healthy_Planner) March 26, 2016

 voted for the PS/IS 217 Green Roof.

Last year, the Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts told us about the benefits of a PS/IS 217 Green roof.



More on the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Green Roof from this previous post.

Emergency Roosevelt Island Helix Ramp Pothole And Road Repairs Nightly Tuesday, April 19 Thru Friday, April 22 - Only One Lane Of Traffic, Expect Delays Says RIOC

Image Of Roosevelt Island Motorgate Helix From Above Via Google Maps

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to EMERGENCY pothole and road repairs the Helix Ramp will be reduced to one lane of traffic, beginning Tuesday, April 19th, 2016 thru Friday, April 22nd, 2016 each evening from 10PM to 5AM. Expect delays.

PSD Officers and flag persons will be on site to direct traffic during these times, however extreme caution should be used when navigating this area.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

UPDATE 4/20 - RIOC reports that the Helix repair work will be done from 9PM - 6 AM:

Due to EMERGENCY pothole and road repairs the Helix Ramp will be reduced to one lane of traffic, beginning Tuesday, April 19th, 2016 thru Friday, April 22nd, 2016 each evening from 9PM to 6AM. Expect delays.

PSD Officers and flag persons will be on site to direct traffic during these times, however extreme caution should be used when navigating this area.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

Landscape Architect Harriet Pattison Tells Story Of Her Role Working With Louis Kahn Designing Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Harriet Pattison is a landscape architect who collaborated with Louis Kahn in the design of the Roosevelt Island FDR 4 Freedoms Park. According to the Cultural Landscape Foundation:

... in 1958, she met architect Louis Kahn. Kahn played an instrumental role in Pattison’s life, encouraging her studies in landscape architecture and fathering her son Nathaniel in 1962....

and:

... She launched her career in the office of George Erwin Patton, where she worked until 1970. There she collaborated with Kahn on the design for the grounds of the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, then later, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial in New York’s Four Freedoms Park...

Ms Pattison describes her work with Louis Kahn on the Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park to the Cultural Landscape Foundation Oral History Project. It's very interesting. Take a look.



More of the Cultural Landscape Foundation Harriet Pattison Oral History Project here.

Roosevelt Island Polling Locations For April 19 NY State Democratic And Republican Party Presidential Primary Elections - Who Will It Be For You, Bernie, Hillary, Trump, Cruz Or Kasich?

 Image Of NYC Board Of Election Poll Site Locator

The NY State Democratic Presidential Primary election between Senator Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State/Senator Hillary Clinton

Image From Slate

and Republican Presidential Primary Election between businessman Donald Trump, Senator Ted Cruz and Governor John Kasich

Image From AZ Central

takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, April 19.

The NYC Board Of Elections Poll Site Locator shows the polling location for all Roosevelt Island eligible voters is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) except for Octagon residents who vote at Coler Hospital (900 Main Street). Polls are open from 6 AM - 9 PM.

According to the NYC Board Of Elections:

To vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary, you must be a registered Republican or Democrat. For already registered voters, any change to party enrollment was to have been requested by October 9th, 2015 in order for it to have gone into effect and be applicable for any primary election occurring in 2016 or beyond. The deadline for new voter registrations is March 25th.

More information can be found on our Voting Information Page.

The PBS News Hour reports on the NY State Primary.



This is the first time in 20 years that the NY State Presidential Primary is meaningful to the selection of either Party's nominee.

Beautiful Day On Roosevelt Island To Enjoy Starbucks Outdoor Patio - But Tourists Leave Their Garbage Without Cleaning Up

@Rooseveltisland how about looking at the positive. It was nice day. And they may have come from a place where the restaurant picks up.

— scottie douglas (@scottie_douglas) April 17, 2016

@scottie_douglas I've seen this happen more than just an isolated incident. Perhaps @starbucks should put more garbage cans in area.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 18, 2016

@Rooseveltisland again. Tourists who expect when you pay $5 for shitty coffee that someone will pick up after you. Stop complaining.

— scottie douglas (@scottie_douglas) April 18, 2016

Roxie The Dog's Roosevelt Island Tram Excellent Adventure - What A Ride

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Except for service dogs, owners may not bring their dogs in Tram Cabins or on the Tram Platform unless they are secured in a proper carrier.