It’s National Preparedness Month, and the New York City Emergency Management Department is helping Roosevelt Islanders prepare with a preparedness fair and marathon on Sunday, September 24th. The NYCRUNS 5K&10K races will begin at the Roosevelt Island Tram Station – 405 Main Street – with runners heading north along the Manhattan side of the island, looping around Lighthouse Park, then heading south down the Queens side of the island back to the tram station.
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Esposito will kick off the marathon, and NYC Emergency Management staff and partners will be teaching New Yorkers to prepare for all types of emergencies. The preparedness fair will feature tips and information about preparing for hurricanes, how to make an emergency plan, how to pack a Go Bag, and more.
National Preparedness Month is a month-long, nationwide campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to promote emergency preparedness and encourage volunteerism. Each September, the NYC Emergency Management Department organizes activities throughout the city and distributes information, host demonstrations, and leads preparedness presentations.
The Roosevelt Island NYC OEM Emergency Preparedness Fair will take at Firefighters Field tomorrow from 8 AM - 11:30 AM.
You can download the new Notify NYC emergency preparedness app
Currently, the City encourages donation of items that are critically needed for recovery. These items will be delivered to families directly affected by the storm. Below is a list of items New York City is collecting to send to those affected by Hurricane Maria:
Diapers
Baby food
Batteries
First aid supplies
Feminine hygiene products
Please note the City is only collecting the items listed above. All donated items must be non-perishable, not second-hand, nor contain any liquids of any kind. Open or unsealed donations of food or hygiene supplies will not be accepted. Wet wipes will also not be accepted. Any other items will be kindly returned....
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Due to the ongoing Tram platform renovation project, the Tram Elevator and Chairlift on the Manhattan Platform will be temporarily out of service on Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th. During this time, RIOC’s Transportation Department will provide shuttle bus service to Manhattan and R.I. departing from the Southwest side of 2nd Ave between 58th & 59th Street. Shuttles will leave on the hour from Roosevelt Island and on the half hour from Manhattan beginning at 11 AM. The last shuttle bus will depart from Manhattan at 7:30 PM.
Tram Elevator and Chairlift access on the Manhattan Platform will resume on Monday, September 25th.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
During the September 7 RIOC Board of Directors meeting (full video web cast of meeting here), RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported on the Tram elevator and chair lift being out of service
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Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) Flea Market 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday, September 23, at the Good Shepherd Church Plaza. It's the final Market of the year.
The Roosevelt Island Swan Salon Hair and Nail shop in the Riverwalk Southtown complex went out of business today and closed up shop.
According to this sign posted on the store window, the Swan Salon closed because of personal reasons.
I asked the landlord of the space, Hudson Related, if a replacement tenant has been found yet. According to a Hudson Companies spokesperson:
New Swan Hair & Nail will be closing. New Swan proudly served the Roosevelt Island community since 2006 and Hudson & Related would like to wish New Swan all the best in their future endeavors.
In the near future, we look forward to enhancing the retail market to complement our ever evolving and growing community.
In other news, Hudson & Related look forward to the openings of BubbleCool and Roosevelt Island Music Together in the coming weeks.
Unlike the many vacant Roosevelt Island Main Street retail spaces, there has not been an empty Riverwalk store space for many years. Hope Hudson Related finds a new tenant soon.
Join us Sat., September 23rd for a free, family-friendly day of art & music at the 2017 Fall for Arts Festival, 11 AM - 4 PM, with a live music performance in Southpoint Park from 4 - 6 PM. Bring your family and friends for an amazing, fun filled day of an artistic showcase of painting, free make-and-take art workshops, face painting and henna designs, and a variety of classes and performances.
The Fall for Arts Festival will take place at Southpoint Park (south of Tram Plaza), on the Lawn South of Rivercross (south of 505 Main Street), and Gallery RIVAA (527 Main Street), with additional activities in Four Freedoms Park.
Horrific tragedy in Mexico yesterday as it was struck by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. According to the NY Times:
Two strong earthquakes, 12 days apart, have shaken Mexico this month, crumpling buildings, sending panicked people into the streets, and together killing hundreds of people who were unable to escape the destruction....
Roosevelt Island resident Susy del Campo Perea, a Mexican national, asks:
Could you please donate to the Mexican Red Cross that is in need of so many things to help my people, my Mexico where we had 2 earthquakes back to back and where buildings crumble down and are still falling apart?
The images are horrible, places I know.
Mexicans of all sorts, sizes, ages, have been working all day and all night to move every piece of rock to get people out.
Mexico needs you RI!!
Dogs are looking for persons under the rumble of collapsed buildigs. They need to eat.
Citizens with motorcycles are transporting Paramedics, drs and volunteers. They need gas.
We need picks and shovels to keep working.
We need insulin, gauze, sterile water, surgery gloves, working gloves, cribs, diapers.
Let's go a flight a kite!
Saturday, September 23
11am – 4pm
Drop-in to our free kite-making workshops on Saturday at FDR Four Freedoms Park and build your own kite as part of Roosevelt Island's Fall for Arts Festival! In honor of International Peace Day and the UN General Assembly, design your kites with symbols of freedom and peace and then fly them on the great lawn.
12pm – 4pm: Free kite-flying demonstration by acclaimed kite-flier Archie Stewart.
12pm – 1pm: Roosevelt Island branch Library and author Marie Letourneau present a special storytime session at the Park.
1pm – 1:30pm: Real life stories from human rights heroes relating the four freedoms to today’s time.
Activities are free and suitable for all ages. Registration is recommended; drop-in between 11am and 4pm.
As Ms. Goodall says, small acts of individual kindness contribute to Peace.
UPDATE 1:30 PM - Former Cornell President David Skorton, who was instrumental in bringing Cornell Tech to Roosevelt Island, and current Secretary of the Smithsonian has an International Peace Day Challenge.
Following the Ribbon Cutting, students asked for and received their own piece of the ribbon as a souvenir.
According to this Press Release from Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:
Residents, elected officials, school and program administrators gathered yesterday September 18 at PS/IS 217 to welcome Child Center of NY to Roosevelt Island as the Beacon after-school program provider. In April of 2017, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) issued a request for proposal (RFP) for providers to offer Beacon after-school programming at the Roosevelt Island school to a growing population of school-aged children on the Island. By mid-summer, DYCD had selected a winner, Child Center of NY. Today the doors to the new Beacon after-school program were opened by Council Member Ben Kallos, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and other community leaders including Mandana Beckman Principal at PS/IS 217 where the programming will be held.
The Child Center of NY is based in Queens New York and has been a children’s care provider since 1953. Each year its services reach more than 26,000 children and families across New York City.
The programs and services offered by Child Center of NY are:
Early Childhood Education
Behavioral Health
Health Homes & Family Integrated Care
Prevention and Family Support
Youth Development
Beacon Youth Programs that will be serviced by Child Center of NY on Roosevelt Island are:
Academic Enhancement: Activities designed to help with school, including tutoring, homework help, reading clubs, and financial literacy
Life Skills: Activities designed to increase personal responsibility, self-esteem, and confidence.
Career Awareness/School to Work Transition: Activities designed to educate young people on career opportunities and assist with the transition to work or higher education
Civic Engagement/Community Building: Activities designed to strengthen leadership skills, community awareness, and civic responsibility.
Recreation/Health & Fitness: Activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles such as cooking programs and organized sports.
Culture/Art: Activities designed to provide students with opportunities to express themselves through music, dance, photography, and drama.
At the RIJC, the oldest and longest-serving Jewish congregation on the Island, you will find members of all generations worshipping as a progressive, egalitarian and friendly community. Our spiritual leader, Rabbi Leana Moritt, has established a special warmth and, after 10 years here, knows every member and their family.
Erev Rosh Hashanah services will be held on Wednesday evening, September 20th at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary at 548 Main Street, down the stairs marked Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance. Access via elevator is also available through the breezeway at 556 Main Street.
Morning services will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 9:15 am, followed by tashlich at 1:30 pm; we will gather to symbolically relieve ourselves of the past and toss bread into the East River.
Child care is available for children ages two to ten. There will be a children’s service on Thursday, September 21 at 11:00 am.
Second day services will be held on Friday, September 22 at 9:15 am.
As part of Selichot and the preparation for the High Holy Days, Rabbi Moritt dedicated the new white Torah mantles and Ark curtain, which were donated by three congregant families.
Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation
(Donors of White Torah Mantles and Ark Curtain. Left to right: Steve and Rita Meed, Rabbi Leana Moritt, Jamie Silverstein, Aviva Diamant and Steve Kaufman.)
For more information about the High Holidays and Yom Kippur services on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, worship services and programs throughout the year, please visit RIJC.org for details. You may call Nina Lublin, RIJC president, at 212-688-0003.
We look forward to seeing you for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Shanah tovah u’metukah.
Bespoke My Heart is a party/event planning, supplies, and rental boutique now serving Roosevelt Island since July 2017!
Always planning a party in her head way ahead of time, Natalia DiPalma decided to put her skills to good use and venture on a party/event planning business. After months of brainstorming what’s needed in our community, she, and her husband Eric, founded Bespoke my Heart, LLC with a mission to bring new services, products, and the best innovative party and event experiences to our community at an affordable price . . . AND without the need to leave Roosevelt Island!
Serving Children and Families:
...
With all the changes and advances in child development and play, their goal is to bring a new movement in kids’ party planning/hosting: Imagination Play and STEM parties
“We believe kids parties should be fun, unique, enjoyable events that promote safe and constructive/educational play for children ranging from infant to 10 years of age.” - Natalia DiPalma
Bespoke My Heart offers mobile, unique and interactive parties catered to everyone’s needs: packages range from DIY solutions (“Party-in-a-box”) to an all-included service (“Oh My Heart”) where you don't have to do a thing . . . except show up - of course!
All of their packages include entertainment, decorations and party rooms on the Island! They can customize everything including:
Invitations ● Favors ● Paper Goods ● Tables ● Backdrops ● Balloons ● Food, Cakes, Deserts ● and more!
Bespoke My Heart parties are never one-dimensional and the experiences are all equally amazing. There are many options to choose from and each new party is unlike any other one created. Their mobile play areas are fit for indoor and outdoor spaces, and include:
Shop 'Till You Drop! At the Marketplace ● Build and Fix at the Construction Site ● S'mores & More at the Campsite ● Be a Star on the Stage ● Sensory Table ● Prince & Princess ● Dress Up ●Unicorns and Rainbows ● Nail Salon ● Tattoos and Face-painting ● and much more!
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Their “STEM Parties” take core educational concepts from the classroom and apply them to a party atmosphere. The results are amazing! Children have a blast and parents enjoy a more well-behaved and engaged gathering of beautiful young minds. Children can enjoy:
Little Picasso Paint Studio ● Art Station ● Play-Doh® Station ● Little Bakers ● Build a Robot ● Mad Scientists ● Dinosaur Dig ● and more!
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Serving Adults and Businesses:
The fun doesn’t end with Kids Parties. Bespoke My Heart has been building up accounts with the Residential Buildings on the Island to bring fun and creative monthly events to our fellow residents. Look forward to one of their Karaoke Night events coming to a building community room near you in the next few months!
Showers, anniversaries or any party/event can also utilize the services of Bespoke My Heart to bring an added special touch, or even to coordinate the entire event from finding a space, to decorations, favors, catering, rentals and more!
BMH has also been instrumental in working with our new Cornell Tech neighbors, ensuring the opening events have everything they need to be successful.
Bespoke my Heart’s promise is to bring the best party service and affordability without having to leave our wonderful island.
At Bespoke My Heart we put the parts in parties. And our hearts, too!
They still have a few weekends available for outdoor parties!
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Due to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, service on the Astoria Ferry route will be Suspended between the hours of 9:15 am and 3:40 pm. Astoria service will be restored as of 3:40 pm from pier 11 and 4:05 pm from Astoria
A Roosevelt Island tipster reported at about 7 AM this morning:
My husband was just at the subway and said the following: 5 police cars near subway. About 12 cops around one guy, cuffing him, near bench outside subway entrance.
According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:
Following earlier NYPD activity at Roosevelt Island, F and M train service has resumed with delays.
In response to my inquiry, a NYPD spokesperson replied:
On Monday, September 18, 2017 at approximately 0614 hours there is a report for menacing. At the 169 Street Subway along the “F” line a 36 year-old male had a verbal dispute with a 27 year-old male suspect over seating inside of a subway car. The suspect pointed a semiautomatic handgun at the victim. The suspect was arrested at the Roosevelt Island Subway Station on board a southbound “F” train. The suspect was taken into custody and an unloaded firearm was recovered.
Island Kids is a not for profit organization providing support to the families of Roosevelt Island by offering affordable, quality enrichment opportunities and support groups.
Register Now for our Fall Enrichment Classes. Our Classes start the week of September 25th
Toddler Programs
Little Chefs
Toddler Tumble Bugs
The Nature Company
Toddler Open Play
Private Picasso Art Program for Toddlers
School Aged Programs
Mad Science
Allergic to Salad Culinary Program
Chess NYC
FREE Middle School Programs (Space is very limited)
Allergic to Salad Culinary Program
B.E.A.T NYC
Music production and creative writing program
Please visit www.islandkids.org for registration, scholarship information and for class descriptions.
Please join me tomorrow, Tuesday, September 19 at 6 pm at our Annual Town Hall. The Town Hall is an opportunity for residents to hear from and ask questions of agencies that make our City run.
Town Hall with Free Reusable Bags
Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 6PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering, 430 East 67th Street
Child care available upon request.
RSVP to reserve your free reusable bag at BenKallos.com/events
This year the agencies in attendance will be:
New York City Parks Department - East River Esplanade Construction
New York City Fire Department - Fire Safety and Free Smoke Detectors
New York City Department of Education - Free Pre-Kindergarten
Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs - Sanctuary City Services
Metropolitan Transportation Authority - Bus Service
During the blackout period for the General Election on November 7 we are allowed to send information on certain events. As always, newsletters and events are available on BenKallos.com and you can get daily updates by social media at Twitter.com/BenKallos and Facebook.com/BenKallos
I spoke with Mr. Kallos about Roosevelt Island transportation issues following the August 29 inaugural Roosevelt Island Ferry ride. Here's what he had to say.
... I took the Roosevelt Island Tramway for the first time, great trip offering a great view over Manhattan and Brooklyn.
This Tramway was made by Poma, a French company :)
The scan isn’t great because I only had a 180° angle to shot it; and only from under. Pretty happy with how it turned out. About 35 pics processed on Recap360.
The sculpture is embedded in a square concrete sculpture so I wasn’t able to get the back. Still a decent result for only 29 pictures facing the sun. Processed with Recap 360
3D scan of the statue of FDR in Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island https://t.co/NVTbwzIfig
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.
