Come enjoy our Health & Wellness Fair! Over 20 organizations will be here to share information about their programming between 10am-12pm. Afterward, at 1pm, Asphalt Green will lead a Fitness Drumming Class. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served.
and:
SATURDAY, 5/13:
Join for a Mother’s Day Celebration from 11am-2pm here at the Senior Center.
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There's alot of nonsense, anger and tedium that happens at the monthly Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council meeting.
But, the bottom line is that the RIRA Common Council is made up of many people who genuinely wish to make a positive contribution to our small community and volunteer their time to make it a better place.
And they do make it a better place.
That can feel good.
Scott Piro is a recent RIRA Common Council member. Take a listen to what he said after last night's meeting.
Ms. Williams spoke at the RIRA Common Council Public Session last night asking for more volunteers to learn Hands Only CPR, including infant CPR, and to teach the technique at the upcoming June 17 Roosevelt Island Day.
RIRA is also working in partnership with the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association for the annual Roosevelt Island Day Blood Drive. RISA Secretary Sherie Helstien asked for blood drive volunteers during the RIRA Public Session last night.
Thank you Mr. Pirro, Ms Williams and Ms Helstien for making a positive contribution to Roosevelt Island.
UPDATE 1 PM - I agree with Great Big Sea, Good People Aren't Hard To Find
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will hold it's monthly meeting this evening, May 3, at 8:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).
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.
Below is the Agenda for tonight's RIRA meeting.
If at all possible, please arrive 15 mins early to help set up tables and chairs
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Time & Place: 8:00 pm, Church of Good Shepard, Basement
1. Public Session (please sign-in to be placed on the Public Session Speaking List)
a. RISA re Annual Blood Drive
2. President's Call for Secretary
3. Roll Call of Common Council Members
4. Adoption of Agenda
5. Approval of Common Council Minutes
a. March 1, 2017 Minutes
b. April 6, 2017 Minutes
6. Treasurer's Report
7. Committee Reports & Business
a. Government Relations Committee Report
i. Resolution Authorizing Transmittal of Results of RIOC Referendum. Movant: Joyce Short, Government Relations Committee Chair
ii. Resolution Calling for RIOC Referendum Every Two Years. Movant: Joyce Short, Government Relations Committee Chair
b. Island Services Committee Report
c. Communications Committee Report
d. Planning Committee Report
e. Children, Youth & Education Ad Hoc Committee Report
8. Old Business
9. New Business
a. Resolution Regarding the Validity of Ballots, Surveys and Other Election Instruments within the Purview of RIRA. Movants: Melissa Wade and Sharon Williams, Elections Committee Co-Chairs
The Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) has been working to provide the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) with the necessary documents and records required to receive the recommended Roosevelt Island Public Purpose funds in the amount of $12 Thousand.
During the April 20 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting Public Session, RISA President Barbara Parker reported to the RIOC Board that RISA is in the process of reorganizing the books and records from the previous RISA management to RIOC's satisfaction and hope to receive the recommended Public Purpose Funds.
RISA member Vicki Feinmel told the April 20 RIOC Board Public Session that RISA has:
... been working for months clearing up misunderstandings and problems created by the previous Board. I can't understand why the current Board is being held responsible for problems of the previous Board...
RISA Secretary Sherie Helstien added:
... I would like to urge the RIOC Board, through this Corporation's partnership with RIRA's Common Council (Roosevelt Island Residents Association) to approve the Public Purpose Funding approved for RISA of $12 thousand.
RISA at RIOC's request has researched and produced all possible requested information as to this organizations past financials.... we have been working every day trying to pull the records together that we didn't have and that we finally were able to get a hold of....
Here's the RISA members Public Session presentation.
At RIOC Director Margie Smith's suggestion, the RIOC Board agreed to a motion for the conditional approval of Public Purpose Funds to RISA if RIOC President Susan Rosenthal is satisfied that RIOC has received all required documentation. RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki was the only Director to vote no on the motion.
RISA President Barbara Parker reports on upcoming programs and events:
Hi Everyone,
Here's What's Coming Up In May.
Informational Events
Thursday, May 4th - New York Health Act Presentation 7:30pm - Senior Center
Join the fight for universal healthcare. One of the most significant pieces of legislation to ever hit New York. (see the April 29th Wire article for more information) To confirm your attendance contact: Barbara Parker at 917-951-4137 - Email: riseniorsa@gmail.com
Thursday, May 4th - Power Perks Discussion Session- 5:00pm-7:00pm
580 Main Street Lobby - Earn $25/AC in Rewards and control your AC on the Go- Free. How to make your AC work for you. Hosted by Power Perks staff.
Health & Wellness Programs/Workshops
Zumba Dance Party - Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm - Free to Members - Non-members $5.00 . Open to the community. RISA Members: Free - Non-Members $5.00. Forget the Workshop! Join the Party - taught by Barbara Parker. Health & Wellness Consultant.
Chair Pilates - New 8 week summer session - Wednesdays May 17th thru July 5th - 10:00am - 11:00am
12th Floor Multipurpose Room. Fun, Safe & Inclusive classes - taught by Ivette Brown. Licensed Physical & Health Educator. (class will only run with a minimum of 15 participants)
Registration: Tuesday, May 9th 12:00pm-1:30pm. Fee: $27.00 for the entire session.
Health & Wellness Day - Thursday, May 11th 10:00am - 1:00pm Senior Center. Sponsored by Carter Burden. Join us at our program informational table.
Special Workshop - Back by popular demand - DoTerra Essential Oils & Your Well Being. Natural ways to support the well being of your body, mind and spirit. Saturday, May 13th 6:30pm - Senior Center. Refreshments will be served.
Memorial Holiday Event - Saturday, May 27th - Stay tuned for more details
RISA's Annual Membership Ongoing Registration
Starting April 10th 11:00am to 12:30pm 546 Lobby Area Mondays and Thursdays - 50+ population.. Supporter donations welcomed.
RISA Member Island Merchant Discounts - Daily
Wholesome Factory 10% (up to $50 purchase) - Must present 2017 membership card
Island Wine & Spirits 15% (Wines and Champagnes and 5% Spirits) Must present 2017 membership card and picture ID
We Are One Gift Shop 20% - Must present 2017 membership card
More to come..
For more information and registrations contact 917-951-4137- Email: riseniorsa@gmail.com
Stay tuned for:
Upcoming Events, Classes and Workshops.
Educational and Cultural Enrichment Events
Film Festivals Movie Night and Discussion
Wine and Canvas Event
Cabaret Night
May Festival Picnic
Music Night Social
Veterans Appreciation Days
Off Island Tours and Theatre
Monthly Health & Wellness Seminars and Workshops
And more...
Check our Lobby and Senior Center Bulletin Board for program updates
Have an Idea:
About presenting a program, workshop, event or class?
Volunteering
We're always looking for volunteers. If you would like to assist, let us know.
Entrance facade, Triboro Hospital. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-G612-38790
Reminder:
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society
Presents a Free Lecture
Triboro Hospital: Photographs and Impressions
by Charles Giraudet
New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island
Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Triboro Hospital, located in Jamaica, Queens, was built to specialize in the treatment of tuberculosis. The facility, which was designed in 1937 and opened in 1941, was constructed during the same era as Welfare (now Roosevelt) Island's Goldwater Hospital.
Photographer Charles Giraudet produced an extensive visual record of Goldwater before its demolition in 2014. As plans for the mostly-abandoned Triboro facility are being evaluated, Mr. Giraudet has created a complete pictorial documentation of that hospital. He will share his photographs and impressions of Triboro at the New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island, on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
This lecture is sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and supported by Bozzuto Management. It is the third in the Society's series of spring lectures.
Great profile of Roosevelt Island seen through the eyes of long time resident Sande Ellinson by Neighborhood Slice from three years ago. Still relevant, but now much harder for middle class families to afford living on Roosevelt Island.
Roosevelt Island resident Suzy del Campo Perea reports on yesterday's first day re-opening of the Sportspark Facility Pool:
Here's the first child that swam in the re-opened Sportsark pool!
Image From Itziar Borja del Campo
The water is perfect!
The temperature was just right, extremely clean and not too many chemicals.
The pool deck looks semi-new with the fresh coat of paint, bleachers sanded and stained, tiles of the wall professionally clean, new lighting so it's brighter inside. Even the windows received a nice cleaning and light cones through them.
The floor of the pool is smooth, new black tiles and lane separators.
The only thing that contrast is the metal border which it looks old.
The locker rooms are exactly the same, nothing changed besides the soap dispenser that now is foam only (not useful for bathing).
Also, the survey includes questions about adults classes and the opportunity to use the Basketball court to play Volleyball, Basketball, Kickball, soccer, tennis, jump rope or any other sport/class you can think of.
But most important it will show RIOC that the community wants to use the space that today is rented out to external profit organizations (like Zogs).
Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates reports:
The Roosevelt Island community is at a loss.
Virginia Granata has passed away over the weekend.Virginia was in the hospital at the time of her passing.
Virginia has dedicated her life as an advocate for people with a Disability both on and off the Island.Virginia served as president of The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, advocating for the many disabled people living on Roosevelt Island.. Virginia also served on the community board of Goldwater/ Cooler Hospital as well as holding board positions on other Disabled organization's
A memorial is being planned and an announcement will be made when it will occur.
In August 2015, I spoke with Virginia Granato at a ceremony marking the completion of fundraising for the FDR Hope Memorial depicting President Franklin Roosevelt sitting in a wheelchair that is planned to be located in Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park.
... It means alot for the Disabled Community in that President Roosevelt did have polio and was able to accomplish so much at that time with the disability and it gives you hope and a good feeling.
Condolences to Virginia Granato's family, friends and neighbors.
I live on RI almost 30 years. It's the place we would go after Little League games and Theater shows. They were like family. When my daughters were small they would hold my baby so I could eat, in the summer parents ate and drank outside while the kids played in the Churchyard.
They were our neighbors. It really doesn't matter if you like the design. The design didn't make Trellis it's the community that we felt while eating there that makes Trellis. That is why it's a shame if Trellis doesn't reopen. Hudson needs to give them a break. It's what community is about.
UPDATE 5/5 - Hudson Related Retail's Alexandra Kaplan told me that despite serving Demand For Rent:
... after Midnight, around 1am, multiple fire trucks arrived on island and stopped in front of Westview / Island House. I smelled smoke when I stuck my head out my window.
and shares this video of response to the fire.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department adds that no injuries were reported.
04/29/17 – 0055- 575 Main St. – Fire - PSD/ NYPD/ FDNY responded. FDNY corrected condition. No injuries reported.
Our April 29th bake/book sale raised $1,068.62 for the team.
These funds will allow Marlins to continue our mission of providing a high-quality affordable swimming program during our 9-month exile from the Sportspark pool.
THANK YOU to our wonderful Roosevelt Island community for such overwhelming support. We are deeply touched by your generosity!”
We are beyond excited to return to our home pool at the Sportspark center next week! Our competitive swimmers will have an opportunity to train every day for the first time in 9 months (!), and we can finally resume our Learn to Swim program. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the pool!
RIOC President Susan Rosenthal confirmed that the Sportspark pool will open tomorrow, adding:
Yahoo!
Will update when more information available.
UPDATE 5/1 - According to RIOC:
Please be advised that the Sportspark Pool is reopening today, Monday, May 1st.
The new Open Swim pool hours are: Monday - Friday, 7 - 11 AM and 7:30 - 10 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 12 - 3 PM, all ages and 4 - 7 PM, 18 years and older.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
