Friday, May 5, 2017

You're Invited To Health & Wellness Fair May 11 At Roosevelt Island Senior Center Carter Burden Program - May 13 Mother's Day Celebration Too

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

THURSDAY, 5/11:

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.

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket Bonus Savings Card Diamond Rewards Loyalty Program May 5 To May 18 - Get Exclusive Offers And Earn Points On Hundreds Of Items To Be Redeemed On Next Order


The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


Diamond Rewards customer loyalty program items for May 5 - May 18 are now available .

Examples of featured items purchased from May 5 - May 18 that earn you big points include
  • Bertolli Olive Oil earn 75 points,
  • Dove 6 Pack Bar Soap earn 50 points,
  • Dr Praeger's Veggie Burgers earn 50 points,
  • Bush's Baked Beans earn 25 points and
  • many more shown in flyer below.

According to Gristedes:
Start Earning Points Today

Join the Diamond Rewards loyalty program today! Get exclusive offers and earn points on hundreds of items! Get $5 Coupons for every 500 points earned, redeemable on next order.

Look for the Diamond Rewards label on the shelf or the product
If you have a Gristedes Bonus Savings Card and provided your email address, you are automatically enrolled in the Diamond Loyalty Program.

You can sign up for a Gristedes Bonus Savings Card online or in store - just make sure you give your email address and whether you are a new or existing Bonus Savings Club member, in order to be eligible for the Diamond Rewards Loyalty program.

Also, Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket invites you to check out their:
  • Groceries, 
  • Organic & Gourmet, 
  • Snacks
  • Meat, 
  • Fresh Produce, 
  • Seafood, 
  • Frozen, 
  • Deli &;
  • Fresh Bakery
Department Offerings for May 12 - May 18


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



Don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Wednesday and Sign Up for the Gristedes Diamond Loyalty Rewards Program.

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

Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend

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


to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Feeling Happy After Public Service On Roosevelt Island Says RIRA Member After Common Council Meeting - More Volunteers Needed For Roosevelt Island Hands Only CPR And Annual Blood Drive

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.
A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on

Among those RIRA members making positive contributions are Sharon Williams who leads the Hands Only CPR initiative


that has trained 1003 people with this life saving technique.

 Ms. Williams & Lydia Tang Demonstrating Hands Only Infant CPR

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.



If you are interested in learning Hands Only CPR, please contact Ms. Williams here.

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



particularly here on Roosevelt Island.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Roosevelt Island RIOC Board Nominee Election/Referendum Among Items On RIRA Common Council Monthly Meeting Tonight - Public Session To Ask Your Questions Too

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

Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Classes At Sportspark Pool Schedule - Classes At All Levels, Beginners To Advanced

The Roosevelt Island Sportspark pool re-opened this past Monday to excellent reviews.


The Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team returned to Sportspark and announced their schedule for swimming classes at all levels from beginner to advanced



Click here for more information on Roosevelt Island Marlins swimming classes.

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Ask For RIOC Public Purpose Funds, Upcoming RISA Events, Programs And Discounts With Local Merchants

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.

Questions, Comments - Contact us at: riseniorsa@gmail.com
Click here for the RISA web site.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Historical Society Free Lecture, Triboro Hospital: Photographs And Impressions By Charles Giraudet, Thursday May 4

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) presents an ongoing series of free Spring Lectures at the NY Public Library Roosevelt Island branch (524 Main Street).The next lecture is Thursday, May 4. According to the RIHS:

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.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Roosevelt Island, It's Heaven, Still A Beautiful Wonderful Place To Live Says Resident Who Moved Here In 1976 And Remains - But Can Middle Class Still Afford Roosevelt Island?

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.




The real estate web site Zumper published this NYC neighborhood 1 Bedroom Median Rent map.


Note, Roosevelt Island is not even on the map. Just an empty space in the East River where Roosevelt Island should be located.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Resident Reviews Newly Re-Opened Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool, Water Is Perfect She Says - Take Sportspark Facility Users Survey To Show Your Wishes For Programs And Classes

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).

I have put together this survey to get the Roosevelt Island residents needs and wishes about Sportspark Pool.



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).
Click here to take the Sportspark users survey for the pool and other activities.

Sad News, Roosevelt Island Resident And Former President Of RI Disabled Association Virginia Granato Passed Away Over The Weekend

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.

Ms Granato said of the FDR Hope Memorial:
... 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.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Roosevelt Island Trellis/Nisi Restaurant May Not Re-Open, Served With Demand For Rent By Landlord Hudson Related This Evening

Roosevelt Island residents have been waiting since September 2014 for the Trellis Diner/Nisi Restaurant renovations to be completed, permits issued and the re-opening of this neighborhood institution. Renovations were expected to take 4-6 months.


Sadly, it appears that Nisi may not re-open.

Frank Farance reports spotting this Demand For Rent notice posted on Nisi's window this evening.


According to the notice, Trellis is in arrears on rent to Hudson Related Retail from December 2015 to April 2017 in the amount of $142,695.92.

I've asked representatives from Hudson Related and Trellis/Nisi for comment. Will update when info is received.

UPDATE 4/2 - Long time Roosevelt Island resident Barbara Spiegel reacts to the news:
... Trellis is a pillar of our community.

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:
We hope Nisi will open on Roosevelt Island.

Fire At Roosevelt Island's Island House Apartment Building Early Saturday Morning - Lots Of Firemen, Breaking Glass & Heavy Smoke But No Injuries Reported

Multiple FDNY vehicles responded to a fire coming from a first floor Island House apartment shortly after midnight on Saturday April 29.

The Roosevelt Island twitterverse reported:
Rebecca Knell reports:
... 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.

Family Of Determined Ducks Take Off From Roosevelt Island On Journey Into Strong East River Current - Destination Unknown

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports:

Four determined ducks ride the tide 🌊🦆🦆🦆🦆

A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on

Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team Thanks Community For Amazing Response To Bake Sale Fundraiser At April 29 Farmers Market - Marlins Returning to Re-Opened Sportspark Pool After 9 Month Absence

The Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team reports:

What an amazing turnout!


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!
More information about the Roosevelt Island Marlins swim team available at their web site.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Yahoo, Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool Re-Opening tomorrow, May 1 Says RIOC President

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported April 20 that she hopes the Sportspark pool re-opens May 1.

A reader asked this morning about the pool:

Sportspark? Is it open tomorrow? Is there open swim?

The answer is yes.

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.

Thank you.

I Spy A Gorgeous Photo Of Chrysler Building Seen Through Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossoms

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse: