Saturday, July 23, 2016

Argentine Saxophonist Julio Botti & Tango Nostalgias Bring Tango Jazz To Roosevelt Island New Voices, New Sounds Sunday July 24 At Gallery RIVAA

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA invites you to a special Sunday afternoon concert of Tango Jazz with Julio Botti and Tango Nostagias.

According to Gallery RIVAA:

TANGO JAZZ at its finest !


Dear all,

Please join us on Sunday, July 24th at Gallery RIVAA at 4:30pm as Julio Botti’s Tango Nostalgias introduces a fresh new voice to the nuevo tango movement pioneered decades ago by Astor Piazzolla and Pablo Ziegler, Piazzolla’s longtime pianist and a prolific composer and producer in his own right. For this coming out party for the young Argentinian saxophonist, an instrument not normally associated with tango music, Ziegler has re-arranged some of his most potent compositions specifically with Botti’s soaring soprano horn in mind.

Date: July 24th, 2016
Time: 4:30 pm
Venue: Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
website: http://rivaa.com/event/julio-botti-and-tango-nostalgias

Hope to see you there!
Here's a taste of Julio Botti & Tango Nostagias.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Good News - Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend, That's 7 In A Row - E Train Service Too

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


to and from Manhattan this weekend. That's 7 weekends in a row.

Yay!!!!!

Also:
F Trains run local in both directions between 21 St-Queensbridge and 71 Av

Weekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Mon, Jul 23 - 25

Trains stop at 36, Steinway, 46 Sts, Northern Blvd, 65 St, Roosevelt, Elmhurst, Grand Avs, Woodhaven Blvd, 63 Dr and 67 Av.
and E Train service for Roosevelt Island too:
E Trains run via the F in both directions between W 4 St and 21 St-Queensbridge
.

Scorching Hot Weather In New York City Next 5 Days - Roosevelt Island Air Conditioned Cooling Center Open This Weekend 9 - 5 PM

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
As a reminder, the Roosevelt Island Cooling Center, located at 546 Main St., will be open Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, from 9 AM- 5 PM when the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for the New York City area.

This advisory is issued for New York City area when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is at least 95 degrees for two consecutive days, or 100 degrees for any length of time.

Individuals without air conditioning, particularly those at risk for heat-related illness, should use established cooling centers during a heat wave.
Stay cool.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Will There Be A Roosevelt Island Public Outdoor Viewing Of 2016 Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony This Year?



The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Brazil takes place August 5 - 21.

During the 2012 Olympic Games held in London, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) hosted a public outdoor viewing of the Olympics Opening Ceremony


using a large inflatable screen at the Riverwalk Commons lawn. It was a wonderful evening with Roosevelt Island residents from all over the world gathered together to cheer their home country teams entering the Olympic arena.



On July 18, I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and the RIOC Directors:
During the 2012 Olympics, RIOC put up a big outdoor screen in Southtown for a public viewing of the opening ceremonies.


It was very popular among the residents and brought out alot of people.

Does RIOC have plans to do the same for 2016 Olympics?  The date is Friday August 5.
So far, I have not received an answer from RIOC if they intend to have a public viewing of the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony this year.

RIOC previously scheduled an outdoor movie showing of Across The Universe at Firefighters Field for August 5.

Will update if I receive more info.

CBS This Morning



and the Wall Street Journal



have more on the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Relaxation Group For Woman Every Saturday Morning This Summer - Also, RI Moms On The Move Walk, Exercise & Chat Group Friday July 22

The Roosevelt Island Parents' Network (RIPN) is hosting a Saturday Morning Relaxation Group for Women.


According to Prafulla Ragireddi:
We meet once a week on Saturday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 for this summer.

Image Of Saturday July 15 RIPN Relaxation Group

Group's focus is on mindfulness (mindful breathing, meditation and gentle yoga).

Please RSVP if you wish to join us.
Also, RIPN Coordinator Eva Bosbach adds:
Please join us for the RI Parents' Networks' free RI Moms on the Move (RI MoM) walk, exercise,


chat and play on Friday July 22, 2016 (instead of Monday), at 9:30am at the Tram kiosk.

Since we will be exercising on the grass, bring a blanket/mat for you and the kids and some toys to share to keep them busy.


The walk and exercise will be lead by Saskia.

We hope you can join us!

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

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Roosevelt Island Jobs Available, Cornell Tech Seeking Assistant Director Of Public Safety For New Roosevelt Island Campus - Senior Developer, Ass't Director Career Management & User Experience Designer Too

Are you looking for a job on Roosevelt Island?


If yes, and you have public safety and security experience, Cornell Tech may have a job for you on its new Roosevelt Island campus



to open for the start of the Fall 2017 semester.

Cornell Tech is seeking an Assistant Director of Safety and Security. According to Cornell Tech:
The Assistant Director of Safety & Security has responsibility for the direction and leadership of the safety and security of Cornell Tech and, as such, plays a major role in the safety and security of the entire campus community. Reporting to the Senior Director of Facilities Operations, the Assistant Director is expected to lead, promote, and support the Department of Safety & Security (DSS) as a comprehensive, customer-sensitive campus security enforcement unit within the physical boundaries of the Cornell Tech campus, and to coordinate DSS activities with those of local law enforcement, fire, and safety services. This role plans, organizes, directs and administers the overall emergency response, security planning, and compliance initiatives for DSS. This includes development and administration of safety education, safety policies, emergency management and enforcement of Campus policies. The Assistant Director is responsible for all operational and administrative matters of the DSS, and will represent the campus’s interest in security matters with senior administrators, local officials, faculty members, community members, students, staff, and others.
Click here for more information and to apply.

Cornell Tech also has current jobs available for:
Good luck.

Cornell Tech Chief Administrative Officer Juliet Weissman described their academic program and introduced Floyd Young, the new Director of Facilities Operations (who will oversee campus security)



during June 13 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting.

Roosevelt Island Carter Burden Senior Center Schedule For Rest Of July 2016 - Senior Center General Meeting July 29 And Take The Program/Services Survey

According to the Carter Burden Center for the Aging:

As of July 1, 2016 the Carter Burden Center for the Aging became the new sponsor of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, which is designated as a satellite of the Carter Burden Luncheon Club and Senior Program.

The center provides a variety of socialization, recreation and education programs free of charge including: weekday congregate luncheon meals; exercise, dance and yoga classes; computer training ; health and wellness activities; arts programs; holiday parties; and other activities. Case assistance is offered to members/participants who need help in applying for government benefit programs, addressing landlord/tenant disputes, or accessing medical care. The center also delivers weekday meals to homebound individuals on Roosevelt Island.

The Center is open to anyone age 60 or over regardless of where s/he lives, however the majority of participants live on Roosevelt Island.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Location: 546 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044.
Tel: 212-980-1888
Fax: 212-838-9791
Contact: Lisa Fernandez
FernandezL@carterburdencenter.org
Below is the Roosevelt Island Senior Center schedule for the rest of July 2016. Click on the link for full view of the schedule.



Don't forget the July 29 General Meeting of the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center and to fill out survey about program and services desired at the Senior Center. More info here.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

SPONSORED POST, You're Invited To Free FDR 4 Freedoms Park Music At Sunset Concert Series Thursdays July 21, 28, August 4 & 11 - Harlem Renaissance Jazz, Salsa Lessons & Dance, Swing Dance And Joyful Jazz

You're invited to the Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park free Music at Sunset Concert Series starting Thursday July 21.


On select Thursdays in July and August, Four Freedoms Park will host a Music at Sunset concert series with performances ranging from jazz to salsa to swing dance.

The series also includes two opportunities to learn how to dance. On July 28, visitors are invited to learn salsa from acclaimed instructor Rodney Lopez, and on August 4, they can learn to swing dance from Jerry & Celia Feldman.

Performances include:
Thursday, July 21, 6pm – 9pm: Harlem Renaissance Jazz with Art Baron & Friends


Thursday, July 28, 6pm – 9pm: Salsa Lessons & Dance Party with Rodney Lopez ft. Funky Guajiro


Thursday, August 4, 6pm – 9pm: Swing Dance with Jerry & Celia Feldman ft. Fleur Seule


Thursday, August 11, 6pm – 9pm: Joyful Jazz with Sammy Miller and the Congregation


Renowned jazz musician, Art Baron, kicks off the season with sounds of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz age on Thursday, July 21, and Sammy Miller and the Congregation closes it with their unique style of jazz – joyful jazz.

The Katchkie Farm Food Station will be selling beer, wine, and various meals and snacks from 5pm-9pm.

Performances are FREE. Click here to learn more.

Monday, July 18, 2016

NYPD Harbor Patrol East River Water Rescue Near Carl Schurz Park Yesterday Seen From Roosevelt Island

NYPD Harbor Patrol and Helicopter Unit spotted on East River near Carl Schurz Park from Roosevelt Island yesterday afternoon.

Nathaniel Phillips shares these photos taken from Roosevelt Island


 and asks:
Some type of police action near Carl Schurz Park. Have any idea what it was?
According to the Twitterverse, NYPD rescued a person in the East River

What Programs And Services Do Roosevelt Island Senior Citizens Want Provided By Carter Burden Center For The Aging - Fill Out Survey And Tell Them, General Meeting On Friday July 29

As previously reported, the Carter Burden Center for the Aging took over sponsorship of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center on July 1.  


Lisa Fernandez is the the new Director of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center. Ms. Fernandez reports:
... the first General Member Meeting of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center: A Program of the Carter Burden Center for the Aging will be held on Friday, July 29th at 12:30pm at the Senior Center, 546 Main Street. William Dionne, Executive Director, will attend and provide updates on learning from our first month as the new sponsor of the Senior Center and initial results from the member survey.
Roosevelt Island Senior Center members are invited to attend the meeting.

The Roosevelt Island Senior Center asks Seniors to tell them what type of programs and services they want. Print out and answer the survey below to tell them. Then bring the completed survey to the Senior Center or pick up a survey at the Senior Center to answer the questions..



Some Roosevelt Island Seniors have expressed concerns regarding the Carter Burden Center taking over management of the Senior Center.

Vicki Feinmel commented:
I agree that changes needed to be made to the Senior Center to become a more vibrant Center for all. But what people don't realize is how important the exercise classes are to those who have been attending for many years. The first thing that Carter
Burden did was reduce the salaries of our well deserved instructors who earned every cent. We lost 2 of our instructors due to this. Why change what works, just enhance.

As much as I appreciate Assembly Member Seawright, trying to help, by coming through with additional funding, it will not be going to the teachers that we lost. It will go to what Carter Burden wants and not necessarily for the things that the people who use the center want.
Perdida Miranda adds:
I agree wholeheartedly VICKI

Carter burden is here to serve the seniors not the other way around.

Those who do not use the teachers services cannot comprehend what a loss it is to not have doctorate level and PHD level exercise instructors to help seniors with their physical exercise needs.

I lost over 20 lbs thanks to Rob and Ivete as well as being in remission for asthma thanks to those two fabulous teachers
Other Roosevelt Island seniors support the Carter Burden Center.

According to Judy Berdy:
I am thrilled that Carter Burden has taken over management and operations of the Senior Center. For years the center management did not have a welcoming environment. Since the DFDA came in last May and Carter Burden last week, the staff is open and welcoming. WIth the support of the community our center can become a showplace and welcoming.

The petty squabbles of the last few weeks hopefully have ended and a new leaf has been turned over.

It is time for all island organizations to work with the Carter Burden staff to offer programming, volunteers and enrichment programs for all members.
and Lynn Boston:
... it seems a lot went on with our old senior center. It is great to see a fresh new start,

Change is always hard, but I think if the community works with CBC, we will all find great services with them.

I have heard that they are looking to cook meals eventually instead of the unhealthy meals that have been served for years.

I have looked at their website also and am very impressed... I think we as a community need to welcome them and work with them instead of presenting them with all of the negativity that has been created.

CBC is in charge of the center and it seems like people don't to want to accept that! There are many organizations and committees on the island that are supporting them and wanting to work alongside them not to be in competition with them..

Out with the old...in with the new!!! Time to turn over a new chapter...Things can only get better....
More on the Carter Burden Center sponsorship of Roosevelt Island Seniors Center at prior post.

Roosevelt Island East River West Pier Closed This Week For Daily Maintenance Work Says RIOC - Will Outdoor Tables And Chairs Ever Return To Roosevelt Island West Pier?

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to maintenance work being performed daily from 8AM to 4PM, beginning Monday, July 18, 2016 through Friday, July 22, 2016 on the West Pier rear of 455 Main Street, the pier will be closed from 7AM, Monday, July 18, 2016 until 5PM, Friday, July 22, 2016.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time
Image Of Maintenance Work Being Done Today On Roosevelt Island West Pier

It would be great if RIOC brings back the tables and chairs to the Pier


as in previous years.

The RIOC Board of Directors Operations Advisory Committee discussed maintenance and future use of the West Pier, including outdoor tables and chairs, during October 2015 meeting. One problem mentioned with the use of the Pier is a lack of electricity and running water for the space.

Here's the discussion.



UPDATE 7/24 - From RIOC:
Due to continued maintenance work being performed daily from 8AM to 4PM, on the West Pier rear of 455 Main Street, the West Pier will remain closed until 5PM on Friday, July 29, 2016.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time
UPDATE 8/1 - From RIOC:
Due to continued maintenance work being performed daily from 8AM to 4PM, on the West Pier rear of 455 Main Street, the West Pier will remain closed until 5PM on Friday, August 5th, 2016.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Pokemon Go Mobile Phone App Species Spotted At Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Center Kiosk Today - Did You Catch Magenta?

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy reports that a Pokemon Go species


was spotted at the RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk today.


Here's more on the Pokemon Go craze



and species caught


on Roosevelt Island.