Waking Up To Beautiful Roosevelt Island Sunrise This Morning

Happy St Patrick's Day From Roosevelt Island, Celebrate With A Little History, Songs From The Pogues, Dubliners, Clancy Brothers, Dropkick Murphy's & Great Big Sea

 Image From History Channel Video

Here's a little St Patricks Day history.



Let's celebrate St Patrick's Day with great songs from the Pogues and Dubliners (Irish Rover),



Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem (We Want No Irish Here),



and the Dropkick Murphy's (Fields Of Athenry).



Happy St Patricks Day Roosevelt Island!

Just follow the advice of Great Big Sea and be careful



of the Old Black Rum.

Good News Again, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend - Take Second Avenue Subway Tour With Roosevelt Island Historical Society Sunday March 19

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

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

You can take a wonderful tour of the new Second Avenue Subway with Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy this weekend. According to the RIHS:

In Case You Did Not Catch Our First Tour Of the New Second Avenue Subway Stations…

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society will Tour the New 72, 86 and 96th Street Stations

On Sunday, March 19th

Meet at 1 p.m. at the Roosevelt Island Station

Sugggested Donation $15.00

Reservations requested: Rooseveltislandhistory@gmail.com

Here's a very interesting video from the MTA on the Second Avenue Subway and



New Yorker article too.

Roosevelt Island Garden Club Seeking Middle Grade/High School Student Volunteers For Accessible Pathways Project, Community Service Credits Granted - Learn How To Become A Member Of Roosevelt Island Garden Club

Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC) Board Member for Publicity and Outreach Julia Ferguson reports:

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Garden From RIGC

Spring is less than a week away! Do you know middle grade/ high school students in need of community service credits? Are you ready to get outside and exercise in the fresh air?

Roosevelt Island Garden Club 2017 Call for Outside Work Volunteers

Accessible Garden Pathways Project at RIGC (Across from 750 Main Street, NY, NY 10044)

2017 Liability Form required for all and signature of parents required for all students

Sunday, March 19th 10am-2pm
Saturday, April 1st 10am-2pm
Saturday, April 15th 10am-2pm
Sunday, April 30th 10am-2pm

Volunteer high school students have been an integral part of this three year project.

Join us again for outdoor service learning/community service credit. We need students interested in removing gravel and laying new pathways that are accessible to wheelchairs. Remember to bring your signed Liability Form.

For more information contact: rigardencluboutreach@gmail.com

Image From RIGC

Ms. Ferguson adds:

To apply for membership and get on the waitlist, there is information and a waitlist application form on Home page of the the website www.rigarden.org and all queries can also go to rigardenclub@gmail.com

 Image From RIGC

According to the RIGC web site:

... The members of RIGC are plot holders of the community garden in Octagon Park. RIGC manages the community garden under an agreement with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). To become a member a person must live on Roosevelt Island. There is a waiting list of people who have applied to join and be assigned a plot. If you wish to apply for a garden plot membership, download the Waitlist Application to the right and mail it to RIGC, PO Box 127, NY, NY 10044 or to the email below. While on the waitlist, and before joining RIGC as a full member, a person can become an Associate gardener, working in the garden community areas or helping a member who needs assistance. If interested in the Associate program, contact the Secretary at rigardenclub@gmail.com....

Volunteers Of Legal Services Elderly Project Presentation On Health Care Directives, Power Of Attorney, Wills & More March 16 At Roosevelt Island Senior Center Carter Burden Program - Who Will Decide For Me?

Roosevelt Island Senior Center Carter Burden Program Outreach Director Hallie Shapiro reports:

Join us Thursday March 16 for a very important presentation by Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS) at 12:30pm. The presentation will cover Healthcare Advance Directives, Powers of Attorney, Last Wills & Testaments, and Burial Planning. The VOLS Elderly Project refers eligible New Yorkers age 60+ to lawyers to obtain wills and advance directives free of charge.

More information on VOLS Elderly Law Project.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Flag Football Season For 8-12 Year Olds - Register Now

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Flag Football Season for kids 8-12 years old begins April 29. Registration is open now. According to RIYP

RIYP will offer Flag Football
Register now at:

• New to RIYP Sports fill this out
• Already RIYP Participants 

Registration closes April 28.

For more information: ribeacon@gmail.com or 212 527 2505

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association General Members Meeting March 15 Seeking Your Ideas & Input - RISA Laughter Yoga Workshop March 30

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) President Barbara Parker reports:

RISA is holding it's semi-annual general membership meeting tomorrow evening, March 15.

546 Main - Senior Center 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Topics of Discussion

Where We Are Today!
RISA Program Updates
Member Suggestions - Programs, Classes and Events
Volunteers
2017 Membership Drive
PPF Updates

We need your input and comments

RISA is hosting a Laughter Yoga Workshop Thursday evening March 30.

Ms Parker described the RISA programs and activities for active seniors during the March 1 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Public Session.



Contact RISA for more info on membership and activities.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island's Paul Calendrillo New York Gallery Opening Reception For Diminutives Exhibit March 15 - Devoted To Small & Miniature Paintings, Photographs & Sculpture

You're invited to March 15 Opening Reception to Diminutives, the new art exhibit at Roosevelt Island's Paul Calendrillo New York Gallery. 

According to Mr. Callendrillo:

Diminutives
March 14th to April 1st
Opening Reception March 15th
 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Paul Calendrillo New York Gallery
507 Main St. New York, NY 10044

Paul Calendrillo New York proudly announces its first exhibition devoted to small and miniature paintings,

photographs

and sculpture.

We have selected an international group with a directive to let creativity flow in any direction without a central theme.  The idea is to build a fun, eclectic, affordable and surprising show. Among the artists exhibiting their work are:

• Christophe Avril - Roosevelt Island resident
• Tijana Bjelajac - Roosevelt Island resident
• Robert Buckley - Roosevelt Island resident
• Kevin Clamato
• Sean Donovan
• Asako Iwasawa
• Roberta Kleiman - Roosevelt Island resident
• Rick Krieger
• Linda Louis
• Owen Maseli
• Wayne Olsen - Roosevelt Island resident
• James Starace - Roosevelt Island resident
• Abigail Tulis
• Jennifer Young

Mr. Calendrillo is a Roosevelt Island resident too.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrate Purim Holiday With Tradition And Humorous Parody - Perform Hamanton: A Purim Musical

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation's (RIJC) Purim Celebration. According to Ms. Falk:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented Hamanton: A Purim Musical

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Saturday night, March 11 with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Rabbi Leana Moritt, dressed as the Esther Bunny, led the worship service.

Image From Judy Berdy

It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Assisted by Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed and Rachel Rekhter,

Image From Judy Berdy

her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. With humor and parody, the congregation joined in singing prayers and songs to popular music and show tunes.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, Hamanton: A Purim Musical

Image From Mickey Rindler

drew inspiration from the musical sensation Hamilton; the entire script was in rap. It also wove aspects of the current political scene into the familiar tale and featured King Trumpasuerus (Tsoni Peled), Haman (Mickey Rindler), Mordechai (Rich Wagreich) and Queen Esther (Emily Kalb). The cast members included some children of the RIJC Hebrew School.

Image From Judy Berdy

The audience joined in singing new lyrics to the Hamilton tunes of (Not Throw Away) My Shot and You’ll Be Back. The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

Judy Berdy and The RIJC maintained the long-standing tradition of making shaloch manos gift bags for the residents and patients of Coler Medical & Rehabilitation Hospital. Congregation donations of socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, writing materials and other small items will be distributed to them by Rabbi Alcabes.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious hamiltaschen or Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or call RIJC President Nina Lublin 212-688-0003. The next Shabbat worship service is Friday, March 24 at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street, and will honor long-time member Ethel Romm.

Roosevelt Island Tram Only NYC Elevated Transit Option Operating During Stella Snowstorm Today - Watch "Blizzard" Time Lapse Tram Ride Video

While the MTA shut down the elevated NYC subway stations and airlines have cancelled flights in and out of NYC for today's snowstorm, the Roosevelt Island Tram has been carrying riders over the East River today. Resident Nick Turner tweets:

Blizzard timelapse from the only form of elevated NYC transit still running this morning #StellaBlizzard #RooseveltIslandTram pic.twitter.com/aUejMTToey

— Nick Turner (@SFNick) March 14, 2017

Stella turned out not to be a blizzard or dump as much snow as expected

.@NWSNewYorkNY Winter Weather Advisory for NYC until 8PM on 3/14. Blizzard Warning canceled. 4-8" of snow expected. https://t.co/t918yhlx8z.

— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) March 14, 2017

but heavy winds are still out there.

.@NWSNewYorkNY A Wind Advisory has been issued until 6PM today for NYC. For updates: https://t.co/t918yhlx8z. https://t.co/ZIyzyFVxUO.

— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) March 14, 2017

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Tram History fact sheet:

... The Tram can operate in all weather conditions except for lightning and winds over 50 miles per hour....

Some Roosevelt Island scenes from today's snowstorm

Snapshot of #blizzard2017 #STORMSTELLA #StellaBlizzard from Roosevelt Island pic.twitter.com/cs9rllWcRn

— Freya Smale (@FSmale) March 14, 2017

Just a touch of snow ❄️ #RooseveltIsland #Home #winterstormstella nope wouldn't even think of… https://t.co/U7yfurH6De

— Dean Opriasa (@deanopriasa) March 14, 2017

Just a touch of snow ❄️ #RooseveltIsland #Home #winterstormstella nope wouldn't even think of getting on the tram 🚠 😳 #stellablizzard

A post shared by deanopriasa (@deanopriasa) on Mar 14, 2017 at 5:54am PDT

We're trapped! #blizzard2017 #snow #rooseveltisland #apartmentview @ Roosevelt Island https://t.co/vBVDS3eCi4

— Christian Garrido (@XtianJGarrido) March 14, 2017

We're trapped! #blizzard2017 #snow #rooseveltisland #apartmentview

A post shared by Christian John Garrido (@christianjgarrido) on Mar 14, 2017 at 5:11am PDT

UPDATE 8:25 PM - View of snowstorm from the Octagon today.

#NYCBlizzard2017 #PH12 #sleepalldaykindofday #itsandreasworld pic.twitter.com/BLyHko24k8

— Andrea S M Jones (@andreasmjones) March 14, 2017

Winter Is Coming To NYC Tomorrow, Blizzard With Up To 20 Inches Of Snow Expected - Get Your Cars Off Roosevelt Island Roadways, School Closed, RI Youth Center Open & Senior Center Open With Limited Hours

.@NWSNewYorkNY Blizzard Warning for NYC: 12AM 3/14 - 12AM 3/15 for 12-20" of snow, strong winds & cold temps. https://t.co/8pWbFBA4qt #alert

— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) March 13, 2017

Image Of RIOC Plowing From January 2016 Snowstorm 

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for our area beginning Tuesday, March 14th, 2017, due to snow, forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chills at or below 32 degrees.

Total snow accumulation is expected to be between 12- 15 inches. Pedestrians should avoid slippery surfaces, dress in layers, and maintain a heightened awareness of cars, especially when crossing intersections

Please be advised that, due to the Snow Emergency, there is “NO PARKING, NO STOPPING OR NO STANDING” on Main St. or the East and West Roadways from, Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 at 6:00 AM THRU Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 at 8:00 PM, in order for snow preparation and subsequent removal to take place.

Removing cars from the roadways in preparation for salting and plowing is essential for snow removal to take place. We thank you for your cooperation.

As an alternative, free parking will be available at the Motorgate Garage, (space permitting), starting at 8:00 PM on Monday, March 13th, 2017. Please note that free parking is only for residents of the island. Proof of residency and vehicle registration must be presented upon entering. Vehicles accommodated for snow emergency must be moved by 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017, when Main Street reopens for parking. After that time standard Motorgate parking fees will apply. Please contact the Motorgate Garage at (212) 832-4585 or visit the Motorgate offices on the fourth floor if you have any additional questions.

Trucks will be plowing and salting the roadways throughout the day and night in order to avert dangerous travel conditions. RIOC will be working to keep all areas clean for the duration of the storm. Expect delays in Red Bus and Tram service. Thank you for your cooperation while necessary preparations for the storm and subsequent snow removal are taking place.

To report any icy or other hazardous areas or conditions, please call the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545 as soon as possible.

NYC Public Schools are closed tomorrow

Because of tonight's expected snowstorm, @NYCSchools will be CLOSED tomorrow, March 14th. pic.twitter.com/FwWgV3bFaw

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 13, 2017

But the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) reports that the Youth Center will be open. According to RIYP:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Center (506 Main Street) will be open tomorrow March 14 from 2-8pm for age 10 years old and up.

If you have any question or you need further information please call 917 771 7815.

The Roosevelt Island Senior Center Carter Burden Program reports they will be open too but with limited hours.

Hello Snow Bunnies!

Please be advised, due to the impending blizzard tomorrow, Tuesday March 14th:

• We will be open with limited hours: 9am-1pm for COFFEE & LUNCH only.
• All other activities are cancelled. This includes: AARP Tax Assistance, Forever Young, Blood Pressure Screenings, Reiki, People, Places & Things Art Workshop and computer lab access.
• I’ve also received word the RIOC Shopping Bus will not run.

We plan to open with normal hours & hold all activities on Wednesday, March 15th.

Last week, we thought Spring was here on Roosevelt Island but Winter Is Coming.



Let's see how tomorrow's blizzard compares to the top 5 NYC March Snowstorms.

It is not uncommon for significant snow to fall in March in #NYC. Here are the top 5 snowfalls March 1 or later since 1869. pic.twitter.com/dCDU9NiUOA

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) March 12, 2017

SPONSORED POST - Roosevelt Island Urgent Care Medical Facility, Just Walk In At 520 Main Street - Open Monday Thru Friday 8 AM To 8 PM And Saturday, Sunday 9 AM To 6 PM

According to Roosevelt Island Urgent Care (RIUC):

Our Roosevelt Island facility, located at 520 Main Street. The medical needs of this 2 mile long historic island on the East River is a perfect landscape for our services.

RIUC is the first health care facility on the Island. Currently local residents must travel to either Manhattan or Astoria, for treatment—a trip that requires the use of a tram, subway, bus or car. Our facility in essence created a full-service medical center for a growing population of 15,000. RIUC is here to serve your needs.

These needs will increase in the near future with the addition of new multi-family developments and the new Cornell NYC Tech campus, which is under construction and due to open this year. The University is relying on our center to tend to the medical needs of the students and faculty. Roosevelt Island Urgent Care is also well positioned to provide services to the many construction workers who are on the Island during the next few years.

Other amenities include:

• Hot and cold complimentary beverage center
• Charging station
• Flat screen TV in waiting room as well as every exam room
• Childrens play area
• And much more!

Please visit the Roosevelt Island Urgent Care web site or stop by our office at 520 Main Street for more information.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Spring Crafts For Kids Making Paper Flowers Saturday March 18

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Cecilia Chen reports:

Dear RI parents and Caregivers,

We would like to invite you to another event in the free "Crafts with Kids" series by the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network.

Spring is almost here!!!! so Join us on March 18th Sat. 10-11am for "Spring Craft" of making some bright and colorful paper flowers.

We will be folding, cutting and doing some origami to make these flowers.

Some butterflies to make our flowers real :)

Please bring along some old magazines lying around that you do not need any longer.

We are happy to have Monica (who is new to the island) to plan this month's craft and bring in more ideas.

This is the registration link:

We are looking forward to seeing you!

"Crafts with Kids" is a free workshop series for children organized by the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network. The monthly events included "Tram art and necklaces", "Matisse for Kids", "Valentine's Craft", "Black History Month Craft", "St. Patrick's Craft", "Earth Day Craft", "Easter Craft", "Mothers Day Craft", "Fathers Day Craft", "Summer craft - a lady bug", a "Back to school craft", a "Halloween craft", a "Lantern making workshop", a "Thanksgiving Craft", a "Holiday Craft", a "Family Safety Craft", and the "On Roosevelt Island WE..." Crafts.

Neha, Monica and Cecilia

Please RSVP for the RIPN Spring Crafts for Kids event via this link and contact the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network for more information.

UPDATE 3/21 - RIPN shares these photos

from the Spring Making Paper Flowers Crafts Workshop.

How Cute - Duck Couple Come Home To Roosevelt Island And Enjoy East River View Of Manhattan

The Roosevelt Island based Wildlife Freedom Foundation tweets:

@Rooseveltisland
Welcome back to our lovely couple...of ducks! pic.twitter.com/jN3ZkBSTJV

— WFF (@wffny) March 11, 2017

More information on the Wildlife Freedom Foundation available at their web site and this previous post.

Join The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island For Purim In The Persian Palace Tonight - Festive Dinner, Splendid Entertainment & Fun Fit For The Whole Family

An invitation from the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island to Purim In The Persian Palace:

Join Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Purim in the Persian Palace Sunday March 12 at 5 PM 425 Main Street

 Come one come all

Dressed for the royal ball

A King and Queen Sensation

A Majestic Purim Celebration

Sunday March 12 is the appointed date

5:00 in the evening, you don't want to be late

A festive dinner with drinks fit for Royalty

Splendid entertainment and fun for the whole family

Please RSVP to Chabad Of Roosevelt Island at 212 652- 5660 or email nechama@RIJewish.org.

Sorry for the short notice.

According to the Huffington Post:

Purim is a spring holiday that commemorates the Jewish community's narrow escape from collective destruction in the ancient Persian Empire. The word itself, purim, comes from the Persian word for "lots" and is a reference to the fact that the date set for the Jews' annihilation was chosen by casting lots.

There are several major components of the Purim holiday, including public readings of the Book of Esther (k'riat megillah), giving charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim) and delivering gifts to friends (mishloach manot). But Purim is most obviously characterized by a boisterous feast (se'udah) during which participants dress in costumes and drink to excess....

The Maccabeats celebrate and explain Purim too.



Click here to RSVP for Chabad of Roosevelt Island Persian Palace.