Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Yom Kippur Services Friday September 29 & Saturday September 30 At Cultural Center

Nechama Duchman reports the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island

Yom Kippur service schedule

as follows:

All programs and prayers will be held at The Roosevelt Island Community Cultural Center, Renwick Room & Lighthouse Room - 548 Main Street

No Membership Necessary! No Tickets Necessary!

Yom Kippur Eve, Friday, September 29

6:26pm Candlelighting and Fast begins

6:45pm Kol Nidrei and evening prayers

Yom Kippur Day, Shabbos, September 30

10:00am Shacharis and children's playroom and program

12:00pm Yizkor

Mincha to be determined

6:00pm Neilah

7:23pm Shofar blowing followed by break fast buffet

More information available at Chabad of Roosevelt Island web site.

Be Aware - Roosevelt Island E Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend - No Roosevelt Island F Train Service This Weekend

Roosevelt Island subway service may be a bit confusing this weekend

so be aware of a service change.

According to the MTA:

E Trains run via the F between 21 St-Queensbridge and 34 St-Herald Sq, the last stop A, C, D, F, R trains provide alternate service

and:

Weekend, 11:45 PM Fri to 4:45 AM Mon, Sep 29 - Oct 2

Coney Island-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to 42 St-Port Authority and then via the Ato Jay St MetroTech

Jamaica-bound F trains run via the E after 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av

No F service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St and 57 St.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The MTA has issued a weekend service advisory for the F train, which may affect travel plans. The Tram will run on a rush hour schedule from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM to accommodate any increase in traffic. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information.

For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com

Also, have you noticed the new neighborhood map placed.

in the Roosevelt Island F Train Station?

Take A Terrific Time Out New York Video Historical Tour Of Roosevelt Island's Abandoned Smallpox Hospital

Well done.

More here.

After Long Delays, Contractor Finally Selected For Second Avenue Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevator Project Says RIOC President - Reviews Other RI Infrastructure Projects At CB 8 Meeting Last Night Too

The Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island committee met last evening chaired by resident Sharon Pope. Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal spoke to about 15 residents, including several new residents, about current Roosevelt Island infrastructure projects.

Ms Rosenthal reported that negotiations with the contractor has finally been selected for the long delayed new Roosevelt Island Tram Station elevator project "have been completed". A date for construction work was not announced but Ms. Rosenthal said the work would take about a year. (see 6 minute 15 second mark of first video below)

Image of GC Eng Eng & Associates Tram Station Elevator Rendering From CB 8

Ms Rosenthal also reported on the:

• Start of Blackwell House Renovations,
• Youth Center Building renovation and Youth Center Operations RFP
• Tram Platform renovations - work will soon be done on South Cabin Platform, Work will begin October 16 on North Cabin platform. On schedule to be finished by end of year.
• Seawall railing will be replaced, permits obtained, contract awarded, work will begin soon.
• Fixing Motorgate Helix ramp - will always have one lane access,
• Ferry landing upland area improvements,
• Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Ramp Engineering RFP to be issued,
• Southpoint Park Seawall Fix RFP,
• New Public Bathrooms At Firefighters Field 

Also:

• Way finding signage, Kiosks and visitor maps
• Safety Improvements to Al Lewis and Blackwell Park playgrounds, new floorings,
• Octagon Soccer Field Turf improvements, lighting repairs, bleachers, comfort station,
• Irrigation improvements for Pony Field,
• Sportspark use survey by Cornell Tech students - what to do with empty second floor, bathrooms, locker rooms,
• Invigorating Main Street - Rental price not the cause of vacant store - seeking ideas from residents,
• Impact of Cornell Tech- review of promises and obligations

And:

• Firefighters Field Nighttime Lighting as well as reserving playing fields for resident use.

The next meeting of the Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island committee is Thursday October 19 at the Cornell Tech Bloomberg Academic Center - you're invited.

UPDATE 4:18 PM - Correction - I was just advised by RIOC that the Tram Station Elevator contract was not awarded yet.

Sponsored Post - NYC Office Of Emergency Management Wants You To Know Your Hurricane Zone And Be Prepared - Roosevelt Island Is Zone 2 & 3

The New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) wants you to be prepared and Know Your Hurricane Evacuation Zone.



According to the NYC OEM:

It’s Hurricane Season: Make Sure You Know Your Zone and Have a Plan

Hurricane Sandy left an indelible mark on the minds of all New Yorkers, but especially for the residents that experienced some of the storm’s most devastating impacts. New York City’s geography makes it especially vulnerable to wind and flooding. With sustained winds of more than 74 mph, hurricanes can flatten homes, topple trees and turn loose objects into deadly projectiles. Storm surge, the “dome” of ocean water that is pushed ashore by the winds and low barometric pressure of a hurricane, is the most serious hurricane-related hazard. And a storm’s driving winds and torrential rains can cause massive and dangerous flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.

To ensure that New Yorkers are prepared for the 2017 hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, the New York City Emergency Management Department is urging everyone to take steps to be ready if a storm approaches. Roughly three million New Yorkers live within the city’s six hurricane evacuation zones, which were revised in 2013. Hurricane evacuation zones are based on coastal flood risk resulting from storm surge, the geography of the city’s low-lying neighborhoods, and the accessibility of these neighborhoods by bridges and roads. The City may order residents who live in a zone to evacuate depending on a hurricane’s forecasted strength, track, and storm surge. If you are ordered to evacuate as a storm approaches, do so as directed.

NYC Emergency Management encourages residents to take key steps to prepare for hurricane season:

Know Your Zone – Find out whether you live in one of the City’s six hurricane evacuation zones by using the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or calling 311 (212-639-9675 for video Relay service, or TTY: 212-504-4115). If you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, have a plan for where you will go if an evacuation order is issued for your area. The City strongly recommends that evacuees stay with friends or family who live outside evacuation zones. For those who have no other shelter, the City will open evacuation centers throughout the five boroughs. Consult the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or call 311 to identify which evacuation center is most appropriate for you.

Make a Plan – Make a plan so you know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes.

Stay informed – Sign up to receive emergency updates and information online and via e-mail, text, phone, and Twitter through the City’s free Notify NYC program. Visit NYC.gov/notifynyc or call 311 to sign up.

Visit the NYC Know Your Zone website at NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 for more information about the city’s hurricane evacuation zones, hurricane hazards, and tips to prepare for storms.

Roosevelt Island is located in Hurricane Zones 2

Image From NYC OEM

and 3.

Image From NYC OEM

Most of Roosevelt Island,

Image From NYC OEM

including all of the residential buildings and Cornell Tech campus, are located in Zone 3.

Coler Hospital,

Image From NYC OEM

Lighthouse and FDR Four Freedoms Park are located in Zone 2.

Watch video here of 2016 Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Town Hall Meeting

.@nycoem is helping Roosevelt Island residents get prepared! #NPM2016 pic.twitter.com/nVe6ynPFhk

— NYCEM (@nycoem) September 29, 2016

Be ready.

Stay informed with the new @NotifyNYC app, available for iOS and Android devices! https://t.co/1afDhwPlk5 pic.twitter.com/fEHL2PTdQZ

— NYCEM (@nycoem) September 22, 2017

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Yom Kippur Services Friday September 29 & Saturday September 30 - Have An Easy Fast

A message from Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) President Nina Lublin:

You can mark one of the most important days of the Jewish calendar and continue to celebrate the High Holidays

Rabbi/Hazzan Rabbi Leslie Schotz, RIJC President Nina Lublin and Rabbi Leana Moritt address the congregation on Rosh Hashanah

with your family, friends and neighbors at the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation’s Yom Kippur services.

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.

Kol Nidrei services begin Friday evening, September 29th at 6:15 pm sharp, in the Samctuary in the Cultural Center, at 548 Main Street, down the stairs marked Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance. Barrier-free access via elevator is also available through the breezeway at 556 Main Street.

Yom Kippur Morning services will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 9:00 am.

Child care is available for children ages two to ten Friday evening and during the Saturday morning and afternoon services.

There will be a children’s service in the Theatre on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00 am.

The Afternoon services, including Havdalah, will begin at 5:00 pm, followed by a light Break Fast.

For more information about the High Holidays, 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 Yom Kippur. Shanah tovah u’metukah.

More info on the RIJC available at their web site.

Will Hudson Companies Giant RI Welcome Monument Sculpture Be Welcomed On Roosevelt Island - Fun, Fanciful, & Whimsical Or Ugly Unnecessary Pedestrian Obstacle?

Yesterday afternoon, the Hudson Companies and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) displayed a mock up of a proposed new Welcome to Roosevelt Island monument The gigantic RI monument was initially placed

placed on the Tram Plaza sidewalk a few feet perpendicular to the Red Bus Stop

After noticing the placement of the RI monument was obstructing pedestrian access to the Red Bus, the mock up was moved closer to the Tramway Plaza lawn.

Hudson Companies representative Alex Kaplan describes the purpose and plans for the RI Welcome monument wayfinding signage emphasizing the mock up is not a final version and there will be adjustments to the RI monument material and color.



Hudson Companies Principal David Kramer adds:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Dog Park Update & Options For New Southtown Dog Run From Petey's Dad

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council member for the Octagon building and dog dad to Roosevelt Island’s most famous black lab mix Petey,

A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on Aug 21, 2017 at 6:15pm PDT

Scott Piro reported last June 1 that:

... something was rotten in the state of our Dog Parks...

Mr. Piro provides this update:

Here is an update of my August 22nd meeting with RIOC parks and recreation director Mary Cunneen:

1 - The rumor that the South Dog Run will relocate to the field in front of the tram station is not true. In fact, RIOC is installing an “I ❤ Roosevelt Island” statue there for tourists to pose in front of.

2 - However, the South Run will definitely move. I don’t have a time frame on when. It depends when construction begins on the two new SouthTown buildings.

3 - Until the South Run moves, emphasis on improvements will be placed on the North Run. Upgrades to the existing South Run are unlikely unless it’s determined that construction on the new SouthTown buildings will not begin for more than one year into the future.

4 - Mary welcomed our input for suggested locations where to move the South Dog Run. I sought your input and got some good ideas back from you. I scouted locations around SouthTown, shot photos and wrote up a report of 7 potential locations. Mary and I are planning a walkthrough together within the next two weeks.

5 - The following repairs are green lit for both North and South Dog Runs:

• Benches (already happened)
• Posting of signage with dog run rules. Mary has provided me a draft, and I am working with her on the language and content.
• Gates will be relocated from corners to sides. This will prevent dogs already inside the Run from cornering dogs who are entering. It will decrease the probability of fights breaking out when new dogs enter, and it will relieve stress for anxious dogs.

6 - More expensive improvements, such as running water, will take longer to achieve. RIOC used the phrase “down the line.” I asked for some clarification, and it was explained to me that the 2018-19 RIOC budget has already been approved. If we want funding for running water, we’ll have to start lobbying RIOC in January 2018 for the 2019-2020 budget, which will be finalized in May/June 2018. It’s unclear which category (expensive or do-able) some of the other improvements on our list fall into - including new landscaping and a change to to the base/floor of the Runs (from dirt to a kind of gravel or pebble-base). Mary did say she’s doing research into “decomposed granite” and pebble bases, so it’s possible those changes could come sooner than the 2019-2020 budget.

7 - Grass inside the dog runs will be mowed regularly. RIOC recently purchased new mowing equipment with more flexibility to maneuver in small spaces/tight corners.If you see the grass become too tall (or you notice other problems or have any complaints), you should either email info@rioc.ny.gov or look for the “fix it” link in the middle of this page on RIOC’s website. Both methods are monitored throughout the day. Sometimes it may take a while for Mary to get a firm answer from RIOC higher ups in order to answer you, but she says this method is faster than tweeting @riocny.

Mr. Piro reviews possible location options for a new Southtown Dog Park including Blackwell Park, Meditation Steps, Firefighters Field, Queensboro Bridge, Cornell Tech and other areas

Here are Roosevelt Island Southtown Dog Options prepared by Mr.Piro.

Read more »

American Constellation Cruise Ship Spotted On NYC East River Passing Roosevelt Island - That's A Big Boat

Wow, this is a big boat cruising the NYC East River passing Roosevelt Island

and under the Queensboro Bridge

today.



I don't think the boat was looking to dock at the new Roosevelt Island ferry dock.

The boat is the American Constellation,:

... the latest cruise ship from American Cruise Lines. Uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of the East Coast, American Constellation brings guests to beautiful ports the larger ships can't access. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests will find the largest staterooms in the industry, spacious lounges, as well as observation decks and private balconies that offer spectacular views of the passing landscapes...

More on the American Constellation river cruises here.

Beautiful View Of Long Island City Candela Flickering Flame Video Art Project Seen Across East River Waterfront From Roosevelt Island - And A Countdown Clock Too

Have you noticed what looks like a brightly lit candle flame flicker across the East River from Roosevelt Island in Long Island City and wonder what it was?

Image Courtesy of Plaxall

The Flickering Candle is a video projection art project by artist Andrew Ratcliff which he named Candela. Mr. Ratcliff shares these images and reports:

Read more »

You're Invited To Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Meeting 6:30 PM Wednesday September 27 At Good Shepherd Community Center - Guest Speaker RIOC President Susan Rosenthal

Image From CB8M

Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB8M):

... represents the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. CB8M is comprised of 50 volunteer members who serve as advocates and service coordinators for the community and its residents, as well as help citizens resolve municipal service delivery complaints.

Image From CB8M

According the Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee:

More info on CB8M available at their web site.

British Rocker Jay Aston From Gene Loves Jezebel Hanging Out On Roosevelt Island During NY Stay - Flying The Beautiful Tram

Roosevelt Island resident Katherine Taylor reports:

Thought Roosevelt Islanders might be interested in this – a friend of mine, Jay Aston, is the singer of an internationally known British rock band named Gene Loves Jezebel. He is staying with me here on Roosevelt Island this month, and he has set a new Gene Loves Jezebel song to a video he took from the Roosevelt Island tram and put it up for fans to see.

It turned out great!

A little musical PR for our island…

Here's the Roosevelt Island Tram evening ride video with music from Gene Loves Jezebel new album, Dance Underwater.



Jay Aston will be playing a NYC gig Wednesday September 27 at Berlin.

Wed. 27 Sept. Berlin 25 Ave A NY 10009 8pm. My only USA gig this year. @geneluvsjezebel @ Covent… https://t.co/45rVsLOvgl

— jp aston (@jay_aston) September 22, 2017

Asked what does he think of Roosevelt Island,Jay Aston replied:

It will feature in one of my songs. One day

I was talking to a very old friend of mine, a native New Yorker the other day & he was stunned to hear that Roosevelt Island was inhabited! With Cornell Tech arriving, I don’t think it’ll be a secret for too much longer.

A real refuge from & yet, very much a part of this grand city.

A magical place. It has ghosts..

More on Gene Loves Jezebel:

Tell it like it is... https://t.co/C6a0NAVwpU @geneluvsjezebel @jamesonguitars

— jp aston (@jay_aston) September 25, 2017

Columbia U Occupational Therapy Students Falls Prevention Presentation At Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Senior Center September 27, Trip To Bronx Museum Of Art September 29 & Senior Center Of Week Too

In honor of the 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day, here are 6 steps you can take to prevent a fall! #FallsFreeNYC #FPAD2017 pic.twitter.com/s0u3SDj10M

— NYC Seniors (@NYCSeniors) September 22, 2017

Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Senior Center Program Outreach Director Samantha Romero reports:

WEDNESDAY, 9/27:

Falls Prevention Week is the last week of September! Join students from Columbia University for a Falls Prevention Event! Students will be showing a presentation on falls & doing screenings. This event will be held from 1:00pm until 4:00pm.

FRIDAY, 9/29:

We will be headed on another field trip today! Please join us on a trip to the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Transportation will be provided for free by Carter Burden Network via the CBN Van. We will depart RISC at 12:00PM & return by 4:00PM. Please see Samantha to sign up!

This week's "Senior Center of the Week" is the Carter Burden Network's newest location, the Roosevelt Island Senior Center! #RooseveltIsland pic.twitter.com/hdTMcM5iGc

— CarterBurdenNetwork (@CBurdenNetwork) September 18, 2017

Lisa Fernandez is the Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Senior Center Director.

"When a senior participant comes up to me and says what a difference Carter Burden has made to the center I feel fulfilled." -Lisa Fernandez pic.twitter.com/F4GTF6ZGY1

— CarterBurdenNetwork (@CBurdenNetwork) September 20, 2017

More information on the Carter Burden Network and the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center available at it's web site.

Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Fair Yesterday - Tips & Resources From NYC Office Of Emergency Management, NYPD, FDNY, Red Cross, NYC Medical Reserve Corp And RIOC PSD

The NYC Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) sponsored NYC Runs Roosevelt Island Squirrel Stampede 5&10K race on Roosevelt Island yesterday.

🌰 Prepare for an emergency & grab a bunch of awesome swag 🛍 at the NYC Emergency Management tent. #nycoem #KnowYourZone #SquirrelStampede 🌰 pic.twitter.com/K9kDip6DyJ

— NYCRUNS (@NYCRUNS) September 24, 2017

When you're having this awesome of a time, you've got to share it! #SquirrelStampede

Tag us @NYCRUNS pic.twitter.com/KJMFbOq34J

— NYCRUNS (@NYCRUNS) September 24, 2017

According to NYC OEM:

... 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....

And:

...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 NYC OEM Roosevelt Island Preparedness Fair set up tents on Firefighters Field

and organizations provided tips and resources for you to prepare for an emergency.

The NYC OEM (including Roosevelt Island CERT member Frank Farance pictured at right) provided info on being prepared for an emergency and showed their new Get Notified app,

The NYPD had info on civilian jobs opportunities.

The FDNY instructed on Smart Safety tips.

Red Cross on preparing for emergencies.

NYC Medical Reserve Corp, (including two Roosevelt Island residents) volunteers described their mission and

our very own Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department had preparedness info as well.

The NYC OEM will be having a Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Town Hall in October - the date to be announced.

SPONSORED POST - Roosevelt Island Urgent Care Medical Facility, Just Walk In At 520 Main Street 7 Days A Week For Your Medical Needs

According to Roosevelt Island Urgent Care (RIUC):

Our Roosevelt Island facility is  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!

#BacktoSchool is in full swing. We offer a variety of services: #flushots, on-site cultures and convenient hours! pic.twitter.com/XSZkKb5ju2

— KāMIN HEALTH (@kaminhealth) September 15, 2017

Geese Making Home For Themselves At Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Campus & Adjacent Road - Rider Gets Off Red Bus To Shoo Away Huge Geese On Street So Bus May Pass

The new Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech school has not only attracted residents, tourists and Tech Leaders to it's beautiful new campus, but a large number of Canadian Geese appear to have found a new home there too. Here's just a few of the Geese I saw on the Cornell Tech campus last Saturday.

Roosevelt Island long-timer, Nina Lublin, who has:

... likely seen & heard just about everything transportation &/or pedestrian safety-related issue here on RI...

shares this message she sent to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Director Cy Opperman last Saturday evening about the geese:

Well, thought you could use a good laugh tonight -- and please do not get mad at either the driver or me. Everything we did was careful & safe.

Coming north on the West Channel Rd just north of Southpoint Park & before the Cornell Cafe, the road was blocked by about 15-20 or so of the biggest Canadian geese I've ever seen on RI.

Our driver slowed to a crawl, then stopped completely, & honked his horn gently a few times, but the geese would not budge to either side.

He then carefully stopped the bus, I jumped off & started shooing them to one side. Easier said than done. But after about 2 minutes, I cleared the roadway, got back on the bus, he thanked me& we proceeded.

It being RI, of course there were visitors on the promenade watching & taking pix w. their phones, but not helping. I may be somewhere in the Twitterverse -- or worse.

Also, be careful where you walk on the Cornell Tech campus grounds, particularly the hilly meadow area - goose droppings everywhere.

Take An East River NYC Ferry Ride From Roosevelt Island To Astoria - Sit Back And Enjoy The View

Have you taken a ride on the new Roosevelt Island ferry service yet? It's fantastic and the best $2.75 you'll spend.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view.

Join me on this 6 & 1/2 minute ride today from



from Roosevelt Island to Astoria.

After a ten minute walk from the Astoria Ferry dock, I stopped in to the Astoria Craft Bar & Kitchen for a little Green Bay Packer football watching and Cider.

The new East River Ferry service makes it alot easier to check out many of the excellent restaurants and bars in Astoria and Long Island City.