Wonderful Night On Roosevelt Island - Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Christmas Carolers Perform At Tram. Subway Station And Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Executive Director Kristi Towey reports:

Image From Kristi Towey

Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance caroling this evening at the tram,



subway



and tree lighting.



Loved seeing all the faces of the community enjoy this special treat during their commute!

Click on full screen icons for better view of videos.

And then the Roosevelt Island Christmas/Holiday Tree was lit up.

Roosevelt Island Christmas tree https://t.co/S2BfFZckWd pic.twitter.com/EHfsvBEPkR

— o come all ye taveful (@TheRealTavie) December 9, 2017

It was a wonderful night on Roosevelt Island. Great job MST&DA!!!!

Stay tuned for more video of the Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting ceremony.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees For Sale Weekends Thru December 24 At Motorgate Rotunda Next To Gristedes

A reader asked today:

Good morning, do you happen to know whether Christmas trees will be sold again this year on Roosevelt Island near Gristedes?

The answer is starting tomorrow, Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees are available for purchase at the Motorgate Rotunda next to Gristedes and the following 2 weekends thru December 24.

RIRA Recommends RIOC Public Purpose Funds Allocations Of $100 Thousand To 9 Roosevelt Island Non Profit Organizations And Asks RIOC To Contribute 3% Of Annual Budget For Future Allocations

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council December 6 meeting approved the recommendations of RIRA's Public Purpose Funds (PPF) Committee for the allocation of $100,000 to 9 local Roosevelt Island non-profit organizations.

 According to the report prepared by the PPF Committee:

The RIRA Common Council’s PPF Committee reviewed the RIOC-provided applications of nine Island 501c organizations seeking funds for their respective programs. The Common Council approved the attached report during a meeting on December 6, 2017. Further, and as last year, the Common Council took note of the need for increased public purpose funding in our growing Roosevelt Island community. In this regard, the Common Council continues to urge RIOC to fully implement the still relatively new PPF-related legislation approved by Governor Cuomo. Championed by our local legislators, the funds, in our view, should be granted at or close to three percent of the RIOC operating budget in the manner envisioned. As evidenced by this and prior reports, qualified Island 501c non-profits lack funds sufficient to fully meet their goals beneficial to the Island.

Further to the above, it is with pleasure that we provide you the attached funding recommendations for your review and approval. If any questions, please let us know and also when this matter will be on the agenda for the review and approval consideration of the Corporation’s Board. The Committee will provide under separate cover other forms that RIOC requires.

We thank RIOC for its continued support to the community and the efforts made to move forward with public purpose funding. Additionally, we thank you for continuing to allow the RIRA-Common Council to provide inputs to the important process of availing funds to qualified Roosevelt Island applicants.

Warm regards,

Dave Evans (PPF Committee Chair with Members Erin Feely-Nahem and Cynthia Wilkerson)

The RIRA PPF Committee recommendations are as follows:

Read more »

Sign Up For Roosevelt Island Youth Program Saturday Morning Basketball At Sportspark Gym For Ages 5-10

Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

RIYP is proud to announce: Saturday Basketball

DATES: 1/6/18 - 3/31/18

LOCATION: Sportspark Gym

TIMES & AGES:
9:45am - 10:45am for ages 5 & 6‎
10:55am - 11:55am for ages 7 & 8‎
12:00pm - 1:00pm for ages 9 & 10

LINK FOR THOSE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH RIYP
https://tinyurl.com/y8u88eap

LINK FOR PEOPLE NEW TO RIYP AND NEW REGISTRANTS
https://tinyurl.com/y7eupl6w

QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
riypsports@gmail.com

Good News, 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.

RIOC Assessing Roosevelt Island Lighting Issues - Start With Roosevelt Island Tram Ramp Says Resident

Roosevelt Island resident Janet Falk shows us the Roosevelt Island Tram ramp heading south towards the tennis bubble is very dark and in desperate need of lighting. Ms. Falk reports:

This area needs lights.

The picture was taken on November 28

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association  (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) discussed lighting issues during November 29 meeting. According to the PSC Committee meeting minutes:

... On issues related to lighting in certain areas on the Island, a recently hired RIOC Administrator will be assessing all the lighting on Roosevelt Island. Committee members reported their constituent’s problems with specific areas, such as the Tram ramp, going South towards the tennis bubble,...

This evening, Ms. Falk follows up with picture below and adds:

Still very dark at tram ramp

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Holiday/Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony At Rivercross Lawn Friday December 8 - Music, Gifts, Prizes & Santa Claus

It's that time again for a wonderful Roosevelt Island tradition - the lighting of the Holiday/Christmas Tree tomorrow night, Friday December 8. This year, the Tree Lighting will take place on the Rivercross Lawn

instead of the traditional location in front of Blackwell House because of ongoing construction renovation of Blackwell House.

Image From RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

On Friday, December 8th at 7 PM, you are cordially invited to attend Roosevelt Island's annual holiday season kickoff event, the Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join us at the Lawn South of Rivercross (501 Main St.) for a free celebration of our close-knit community, featuring performances by the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance, the Beacon Program, and the Uptown Social Club band. Also, don’t miss a visit from a very special guest! Make sure to bring your camera!.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers from the Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts!

Many thanks to our generous contributors:

Amalgamated Bank | Urban American | Cornell Tech | Hudson Companies | Wholesome Factory | Piccolo Trattoria | Starbucks | Island Wine & Spirits | Bread & Butter Market | Roosevelt Nails

We hope to see you there!

Here the Roosevelt Island arrival of Santa Claus



and the Tree lighting

at last year's ceremony.

More scenes from the 2016 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting ceremony here.

Aaron Boone Visits Roosevelt Island Last Spring, Aaron Boone Named NY Yankee Manager Yesterday - The Magic Of Roosevelt Island?

Last spring, Aaron Boone was one of the former Major League Baseball players participating in the The Third Annual Project Main Street Tim Sheehy Softball Classic to benefit people with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) held at Roosevelt Island's Capobianco and Firefighters Field

I spotted him walking on Main Street looking a little bit lost but in good spirits and he kindly gave a thumbs up.

Yesterday, Aaron Boone was introduced as the next manager of the NY Yankees.

"I want to be a part of putting together & chasing down a championship" - New York Yankees Manager, @AaronBoone pic.twitter.com/qNlvXqEXEq

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 6, 2017

No Yankee fan will ever forget this moment.

Will we see more Aaron Boone magic with the @Yankees? pic.twitter.com/OOYkiZB3p3

— MLB (@MLB) December 4, 2017

Welcome to the Yankees Aaron Boone and come back to Roosevelt Island soon.

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Transportation Advisories, Road Striping, Motorgate Upgrades, New Tram Elevators, Tram Platform Renovation, Seawall Railings, Blackwell House, Holiday Decorations, Signage & More

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) Chair Aaron Hamburger reported to the December 6 Common Council meeting complimenting the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) on improvements to their transportation advisory messages. Mr Hamburger also gave his time estimation of Roosevelt Island Tram elevator construction being completed in 2019, later than RIOC's estimate of late 2018.



Below is the written ISC Committee

  Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA December 6 Common Council meeting: 

Sportspark – Susan Rosenthal requested that we postpone our desired meeting with Sportspark’s officials and staff until she and her staff can get up to speed on conditions at the facility. We were surprised to learn that Susan was totally unaware of the problems at Sportspark, which Susy’s reports have identified in 3 issues since 2015. We will try for a meeting in January.

Sportfields & Dog Runs – RIOC has begun renovating the Sports fields.We don’t know how long this important project will take. Meanwhile. Scott Piro is working with Mary Cunneen on the problems with the 2 dog runs.

Tram elevators & New Public Library – We are making both of these issues inactive until construction begins some time in 2018.

Holiday Decorations & RI Sign – ISC is against putting the RI sign in front of the Visitors Center at the Tram. Moreover, we thought that this sign was not needed. The proposed directional signs at the Tram and subway are what’s needed. As far as the holiday decorations, we stand by RIRA’s motion at the October CC meeting.

RIOC – Issues to address
- Metal railings on promenade need replacement. (see below on info. from RIOC’s Operations on 11/29/17 meeting).
- Debris , garbage and discarded playground equipment behind HAVC area needs to cleaned up or removed. Area attracts rats and is unsightly.

RIOC Operations meeting:

Tram platforms project is on schedule. Expect to be completed by year end.

Blackwell House - expect RI Historical Society can move into the house 10 months from now.

New Tram Elevators – Contract with contractor will be signed early next week. Construction will start in about 6 weeks. Before starting on installation, Contractor needs some time to complete design, purchase materials, etc. Project will be completed one year from now.

New Public Library – Construction will start summer, 2018. It is expected to be completed sometime in 2020.

Cabrini – Will complete renovation at 2nd floor, 504 Main by Xmas.

Promenade fencing – Will begin work at Southpoint Park and then move north for the replacements. Railing will comply with NY State building code. Opening at bottom will be 4 inches or less making it safe for children.

Preliminary design for a bike ramp to bridge is being worked on.

Roads - Painting new striping on road dividing lanes, crosswalks and the like have been completed for all roads. Lines are up to DOT standards. Old stripping will not be removed as they are expected to fade in time due to use of non-standard paint.

Motorgate – Discussions are underway on upgrades including removing pigeons from under roadway. Charging stations may be installed by Teslar for free.

Southtown dog run – Temporary run will be put north of building #7 near Blackwell playground. It will remain for about 3 year while buildings # 8 & 9 are built. Permanent location will be between these buildings probable at the east end of the Commons.

​Aaron Hamburger,  Chair – Island Services Committee

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Monthly Meeting Tonight December 6, Public Purpose Funds Recommendations On Agenda - Public Session To Raise Your Issues And Ask Questions Too

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will hold it's monthly meeting this evening, December 6, 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.

AGENDA

If at all possible, please arrive 15 mins early to help set up tables and chairs

Date: Wednesday, December 6, 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)
2. Roll Call of Common Council Members
3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Committee Reports & Business
    a. Public Purpose Funds Report
        i. Resolution to Approve Public Purpose Fund Ad Hoc Committee 2017 Recommendations & Additional Recommendations. Movant: Dave Evans, PPF Ad Hoc Committee Chair
      b. Children Youth & Education Ad Hoc Committee Report
      c. Island Services Committee Report
      d. Public Safety Committee Report

5.Old Business

Roosevelt Island Southtown Dog Park Getting New Temporary Home Due To Upcoming Construction Of Riverwalk Building 8

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Southtown Dog run will soon be removed

for the upcoming construction of Riverwalk Building 8.

During the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) November 30 Operations Advisory Committee meeting (audio web cast of meeting here), RIOC engineering consultant Mike Russo reported that a temporary location for the Southtown Dog run will be built in the triangle just north of 480 Main Street next to the Blackwell Park playground.

The temporary Dog Park will have separate areas for large and small dogs and be paid for by Riverwalk Building 8 developer Hudson Related.



It is anticipated that the temporary Dog Park will be in the location for approximately 3 years and a permanent Dog Park will be built between the new Buildings 8 and 9.

I asked RIOC Vice President of Operations Shelton Haynes:

Am following up on the dog park discussion during Operations Committee meeting.

When do you anticipate moving the dog park to its new location.

Also, what will happen to the NYPD Canine dog run?

Have not received answer yet.

More on Roosevelt Island Dog Parks at this prior post.

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Landings Sending Best Wishes To All For The New Year

Roosevelt Landings Sending Best Wishes To All For The New Year.

For Rental Information, Please Call 201-553-9800

Urban American

Meet The RIRA Youth Roosevelt Island Time Capsule Monument Project Team - Plan To Capture The Past, Present & Future Possibilities Of Roosevelt Island

Reported last October 17:

Roosevelt Island resident Mark Shinozaki presented his idea of creating a Roosevelt Island Time Capsule to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) October 4 Common Council during it's Public Session. Mr. Shinozaki was assisted in the presentation by RIRA's Children, Youth and Education (CY&E) Committee Chair Adib Mansour....

Mr Mansour updates us on the status of the Roosevelt Island Time Capsule project. According to Mr. Mansour:

We are pleased to announce the formation of the new leadership Time Capsule team. This is an important leadership project which will result in community service as well as possible classroom credit.

The Time Capsule project is meant to capture the past, present, and endless future possibilities of Roosevelt Island. The process will include taking snapshots of various locations on the island, collect historic images, interview a multitude of people, making sure we include all aspects of the island. I will be working with the team to create a series of competitions for the Elementary students to draw a futuristic map of Roosevelt Island as they see it in the future, essays on future technologies and how it would help the island residents by Middle School students, and ideal future as seen by High School students and young adults.

The monument hosting the time capsule will be opened in 2042, replenished and re-opened in 2067.

I am thrilled to be working with the Time Capsule team and guide them through the entire process in cooperation with RIOC and RIRA.

The Roosevelt Island Time Capsule Leadership team members are:

Mark Strong-Shinozaki, I’m 16 years old, I’m energetic, athletic and have lived in New York City for the full extent of those 16 years. I attend School of the Future High School, where I am currently a junior, the school is located on the lower east side of Manhattan and I tend to immerse myself into different cultures and ways of thinking on a daily basis.

I love Roosevelt Island because, living in a community that feels so drawn from arguably the most chaotic city in the world, to me, is a luxury that I’ve been privileged with. From experience in traveling to different parts of the world I’ve come to realize that Roosevelt island's beauty is one to be admired and an island that ought to have more attention towards its history and beauty. Roosevelt island's history is one of insane asylums, small pox hospitals and was a place not originally meant for people to live on, but as the city of New York started to see what this rock was truly meant for, in that moment, they understood the potential for development and an excluded community.

The reason why I want to commemorate the island with a time capsule is with so many changes In my life and changes currently happening on the Island, I sought that having a time capsule would be an official way to record all the great people living on Roosevelt island. I firmly believe what Roosevelt islanders write and put into the time capsule will not only show the history of changes on the island, but show the ideas and wisdom of such inspirational people.

Lastly, I came up with the idea of the Time Capsule project because, in our society if an idea or concept is admired for originality and beauty, it’s recorded about talked about in music and documentaries. But considering this time capsule is meant to represent the uniqueness and beauty of an Island, it’s crucial to record that and make it prove the test of time.

Francine Elisaia. I am 16 years old and am from beautiful Samoa. For 14 years of my life, Roosevelt Island has been home for me despite me not coming from New York, or let alone the United States. Before moving to America, my parents knew that they wanted to avoid moving somewhere that would be in the hustle and chaos of the city, but somewhere that was safe and that would accommodate to a family coming from overseas with young children. I’ve come to love this small island that has provided so many opportunities to mingle with other “islanders”, for example, the many sports that RIYP offered to the island’s children for free or the big screenings of some of our favorite films at the Firefighter Field, and now this youth group!

As of lately, I have stopped joining the sports programs and have not been to the movie screenings due to increased school work. But, in doing so I have not been able to further explore the island and all its treasures and I do not have as much time as I used to have to hang out with other students my age. I was approached by Mark to possibly join this group, and I thought what better way to solve my problems of not hanging out with kids my age and not spending enough time outside my apartment venturing out into what the island has to offer, so I signed up for the group and am glad I did. It’s great to see other kids around my age undertake a project like this that builds social interactions, provides a platform for the youth to lead and gives time for us to indulge in Roosevelt Island and all its glory.

The idea of the Time Capsule and creating something that will preserve so many of the island’s valuables is an amazing way to celebrate what the island is. In the time capsule, there will be items ranging from audio/video recordings of interviews with people who have contributed significantly to making Roosevelt Island what it is, there will also be artifacts that we students will find ourselves as well as other beautiful gems that other people would want to add to the time capsule, but, something that I think would make the time capsule all the more special would be a “yearbook”. In the yearbook will be pictures of the things we will be doing, and a group picture of the participating students. It’s a great way to reflect and see the different things we will do, and, in 25 years we might come back for a reunion and the yearbook would serve as just a small testimony to the great work a group made up of youth, along with Adib Mansour, did to safeguard a few things that made Roosevelt Island so special.

Bryan Cusick. I am 13 years old. I love sports and burgers.

I love Roosevelt Island for many reasons. For one, it is where I have lived all my life, where I’ve met so many amazing people and it has been a great place for me to do things I love. First off, it is an amazing community and Is extremely welcoming. My favorite part about growing up on this Island is Baseball. Roosevelt Island loves baseball and the baseball league is great! Over the years there have been so many great games you would think that Major League Players are out there. The coaches are fantastic and everyone is so supportive and nice. I want to find a way to commemorate the RI baseball in the Time Capsule. Maybe with pictures or maybe even game used equipment and jerseys. overall, The baseball on the island is without a doubt what I love most and it’s what i want future Roosevelt Islanders to know about the 2010’s on RI.

Dylan Marfey. I am 13 years old.

For all my life, Roosevelt Island has been my home. Growing up on Roosevelt Island will be, without a doubt one of the greatest parts of my life. Living on Roosevelt Island is like living inside of a park, everyone is packed together, and because of this Roosevelt Island has its own small community. This special community allows people to integrate, building new friendships and bonds.

The Roosevelt Island time capsule will be a great way to capture what Roosevelt Island and its community are today and preserve it. Roosevelt Island is constantly changing, for example, the new ferry which was recently installed. The main idea of the time capsule is to preserve the current state of Roosevelt Island for future generations. Lots of things have changed on Roosevelt Island and what is now gone has been forgotten. By making this time capsule we will be keeping the memory of what Roosevelt Island is today, alive for the future.

In the Roosevelt Island time capsule, I would like to include photographs of places such as different buildings, sports fields, and empty spaces of the Island. These photos can show future generations exactly what Roosevelt Island looked like, and maybe they could create a before and after of Roosevelt Island.

Nat Gillespie.  I am 13 years old.

When I moved to Roosevelt Island in 2015 I had previously been living in a small town called Athens, Ohio. In this town I was able to roam free with my friends on my bike not having to worry about crowded subways or huge buildings. Not only did I have a great and unique relationship with everyone that I knew, but I also loved Athens and understood what it meant to me as a whole.

Today I am still on Roosevelt Island and I love it to a great extent. I had an amazing transition between Athens and New York City because Roosevelt Island is so similar to Athens. Like Athens I have the freedom to be by myself outside but a new addition is the community here. On RI everyone is friendly and there are organized programs that help me and many others to express and explore their interests.

I think that this project will not only be a great experience but also will help me to establish the same relationship I had with Athens with RI. Even though I love RI, I would like to do this project to help me to better understand RI and for me to understand other people’s opinions on it. I am very excited to be working with other kids and Adib on this project and delighted to explore RI and better understand it as a whole.

Good luck with the project. Great idea!

UPDATE 12/7 - Mr. Mansour introduced the Roosevelt Island Time Capsule Leadership Team during last evening's RIRA Common Council meeting Public Session.

The leadership team members each described the reasons they are participating in the Time Capsule Project and their love of Roosevelt Island. Watch the video. These young people are very impressive.

Cornell Tech Students Host Let's Eat RI To Promote Eating Locally At Roosevelt Island Restaurants As Part Of Remaking The City Class Project

Last Friday, Cornell Tech students Jennifer Ding, Cameron Boroumand and Will David (pictured below from left to right)

organized Let's Eat RI to introduce

Roosevelt Island restaurants

to the Cornell Tech community as part of their project in Professor Tapan Parikh's Remaking The City class trying to improve our local retail scene.

Mr Boroumand explained the purpose of Let's Eat RI:

... We've been given the task of improving retail on the Island. We thought that would be a great idea to try to bridge the gap between Cornell Tech student body and the Roosevelt Island community through food. We invited these 4 vendors to come in, We have Wholesome Factory, Riverwalk Bar & Grill, Piccolo and Bread & Butter. We brought them here to give the students a taste of what they have to offer so students are more aware of food options on the Island. This way we can promote the students to eat locally instead of taking the Tram over to Manhattan....

The Cornell Tech students also invited residents to Let's Eat RI and asked what is your favorite thing about Roosevelt Island. Answers including:

• The Green Spaces,
• View,
• I love the Tram,
• The Geese,
• The Birds,
• The Dogs
• Serenity,
• Sunsets,
• Friendly people and more

were posted on this white board.

Learn more about Professor Tapan Parkih's Remaking The City class at this previous post.

SPONSORED POST - Four Freedoms Park Conservancy Wishes Roosevelt Island Community A Happy And Joyous New Year

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Al Gore Hosting 24 Hours Of Reality Climate Crisis Discussion At Roosevelt Island's Tata Innovation Center On Cornell Tech Campus Now Until 6 PM December 5

According to this ShoulderHill Events press release:

... Former US Vice President Al Gore will host The Climate Reality Project's seventh-annual 24 Hours of Reality broadcast which will air December 4-5. The 24-hour live event, empowering millions watching worldwide to use their voices to speak up for solutions, science, and truth at this decisive point in history, will be carried by broadcast partners globally, and streamed live online at 24HoursofReality.org....

... The program will begin on Monday, December 4 at 6:00 PM EST and will be broadcast live from New York City's Roosevelt Island. The broadcast will travel around the globe highlighting stories of climate activism in six regions: North America, Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. Al Gore will also share stories and statistics from the iconic slideshow presentation featured in the film An Inconvenient Truth and the recently-released An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power....

The Twitterverse adds:

NOW until 6pm tomorrow: @algore, @ClimateReality and an all-star cast of artists, thought leaders, business visionaries and politicians are discussing a global solution to the climate crisis right here at the Tata Innovation Center. #24HoursofReality https://t.co/2xW2wHCwPs

— The Bridge (@BridgeAtCornell) December 4, 2017

Join me for a 24-hour live event as we unite to demand solutions to the climate crisis. #24HoursofReality is LIVE: https://t.co/CL0k7UwzbY pic.twitter.com/Xwyo4jwlj9

— Al Gore (@algore) December 4, 2017

24 Hours of Reality https://t.co/tIjsSbuG4A

— Climate Reality (@ClimateReality) December 4, 2017

More info available at the Climate Reality Project web site.

The Bridge at Cornell Tech building was renamed the Tata Center for Innovation today.

.@TCS, @TataCompanies and @Cornell leaders inaugurate the Tata Innovation Center at @Cornell_Tech in NYC; $50M investment enables expansion of the first ever campus built for the digital age and groundbreaking joint research. https://t.co/LypSdHG2EK pic.twitter.com/zeI2oTgw4t

— TCS North America (@tcs_na) December 4, 2017

UPDATE 12/5:

The Tata Innovation Center is the perfect home for @algore’s @ClimateReality Project. Designed by #WeissManfredi, our building contributes to one of the most sustainable campuses in the world. Its solar canopy creates a unique architectural feature that is beautiful & functional. pic.twitter.com/KidRFNwXKm

— The Bridge (@BridgeAtCornell) December 5, 2017

Wondering where we're shooting for #24HoursofReality? Learn more about the beautiful @BridgeAtCornell: https://t.co/CVBGh56KaB

— Climate Reality (@ClimateReality) December 5, 2017

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Parents & Students Invited To Garden School Open House Saturday December 9 - Open To All Grades, Nursery To Grade 12

The Garden School, located in Jackson Heights Queens, is hosting a December 9 Open House and invites Roosevelt Island parents and students to attend.

According to the Garden School:

December 9th Open House Information (Open to all grades)

Garden School is hosting an Open House on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 to 11:30 AM for all families interested in all grades of the school. No RSVP is necessary, children are welcome and light refreshments will be served.

We encourage families from all grades interested in Garden School’s core program (not UPK/PK For All) to attend a presentation at 9:00 AM on the school and its educational and enrichment programs. You will hear perspectives from school administration, faculty, parents and alumni. A Q & A period will be followed by a tour of the campus and facilities.

December 9th Merit Scholarship Exam Information (Open to grades 5-9)

The same morning as the Open House, we will be offering the annual Merit Scholarship Exam on Saturday, December 9th. The Merit Exam and the scholarships are eligible to both new incoming and current Garden students presently enrolled in grades 5-9 ONLY (entering 6-10 in 2018). Pre-registration either using the online form below or by downloading and faxing the form below is required by December 6th at 4:00 PM.

The Garden School adds:

Mission Statement

Garden School, in the independent tradition, affirms the primacy of learning.

We empower every student in our educationally diverse community to meet responsibly the challenges of everyday life by promoting academic achievement, personal development and social involvement.

We further believe that by recognizing each student’s individual identity, Garden School fosters the self-worth necessary to succeed.

The Garden School is located at 33-16 79th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Click here for transportation info.

Phone # is 718-335-6363

More information on the Garden School is available at their web site or contact them via email.

Scenes From Opening Morning Breakfast And Ribbon Cutting Ceremony At Roosevelt Island Nisi Restaurant - Welcome Back

Roosevelt Island's Nisi restaurant opened this morning.

Line waiting for Grand re/opening of Roosevelt Island Nisi Restaurant. pic.twitter.com/2lPrbrOgUO

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 4, 2017

Roosevelt Island residents, together with NYC Council Member Ben Kallos, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, RIOC Director Howard Polivy and RIOC CFO Kimberly Quiones welcomed the return of Nisi owners Kaie & Alex Razaghie with a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

Congrats to the Razaghi's and all of Roosevelt Island on getting #NISI open this morning. Breakfast was fantastic alongside @Rebecca76AD @RIOCny @Rooseveltisland and @Crane13 pic.twitter.com/VidGqfggXT

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) December 4, 2017

After the ribbon cutting, customers entered Nisi for the first time,

for breakfast.

Owner Kaie Razaghie gave a thumbs up to open

the new Roosevelt Island Nisi restaurant.

Check out the Nisi menu at these previous posts.

UPDATE 8:20 PM - I went back to Nisi late this afternoon and was very pleased.

I joined a couple of friends who loved what they had to eat. One had a Classic Cheeseburger for $7 and the other had The Western, Burger with aged cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon in BBQ sauce for $9.

I had a side dish which was excellent - Panko Fried Avocado Sticks for $6.

Restaurant was about 3/4 full. Service was very good and so was the ambience.

I highly recommend giving Nisi a try. I think Roosevelt Island residents will like it.

But, they were not ready to accept credit card transactions today.

Mayor Bill de Blasio Hosting Town Hall Meeting With NYC Council Member Ben Kallos December 7 - Sign Up Now To Comment And Ask Your Roosevelt Island Questions

Do you have any questions to ask NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio about Roosevelt Island or any other NYC issue?

If you do, sign up to attend the December 7 Mayoral Town Hall hosted by our own NYC Council Member Ben Kallos.

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos tweets:

📢Mayoral Town Hall 12/7. Make sure you get your RSVP in, space is limited. https://t.co/MnvWXU6S8N pic.twitter.com/hzemL3ENyD

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) November 30, 2017

According to the Mayor's Office:

THURSDAY: MAYOR DE BLASIO TO HOST TOWN HALL WITH COUNCIL MEMBER KALLOS

On Thursday, December 7, Mayor Bill de Blasio will host a town hall with Council Member Ben Kallos for residents of the 5th Council District, encompassing the neighborhoods of Yorkville, Lenox Hill, Carnegie Hill, Roosevelt Island, Midtown East, Sutton Place, and El Barrio in East Harlem. The event is hosted in conjunction with U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

Residents of the 5th Council District are asked to RSVP by December 6 at 5 p.m. via email at manhattantownhall@cityhall.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-8526. Space is limited.

The town hall is co-sponsored by Lenox Hill Neighborhood Houses and Community Board 8.

WHAT: Council District 5 Town Hall

WHEN: Thursday, December 7, 2017

Doors open at 7:00 P.M.

Program begins at 8:00 P.M.

WHERE: Julia Richmond Education Complex

317 East 67th Street (enter on 68th Street between First and Second Avenues)

New York, NY 10065

What would you say to Mayor de Blasio?

UPDATE 12/7 6:15 PM:

❗️Attention: Tonight’s Mayoral Town Hall with Council Member @BenKallos has been postponed to January 17th at 7PM. 🗓️ We apologize for any inconvenience.

— NYC Mayor's CAU (@mayorsCAU) December 7, 2017

.@NYCMayor, who we have been told has the flu (and before you tattle on him to @DrBassettDOHMH, he apparently did get his flu shot), has canceled his town hall tonight.

— Jillian Jorgensen (@Jill_Jorgensen) December 7, 2017

The @NYCMayorsOffice @mayorsCAU has rescheduled tonight's town hall. New Date is January 17th

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) December 7, 2017

You're Invited To Hot Chocolate (Spiked) Happy Hour At The Cafe On Cornell Tech Patio Tuesday December 5 - Beer, Wine Cocktails Too

Come enjoy the gorgeous views and a Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at The Cafe @Cornell Tech patio

on Tuesday, December 5 from 4-6 PM.

According to the Cafe@Cornell Tech:

HOT CHOCOLATE HAPPY HOUR

Join us on the patio of the Café @ Cornell Tech for a happy hour complete with a build your own (spiked) hot chocolate bar.
Cash Bar Pricing
Beer $5.00
Wine $7.00
Cocktails $10
Pretzel Sticks $2
Mixed Nuts $5

In case it is a bit chilly Tuesday night, there will be heat lamps on the patio.

Build your own Hot (spiked) Chocolate Bar - Yum.

UPDATE 12/5:

Enjoying Roosevelt Island Hot Chocolate (Spiked) Happy Hour @STARRevents Tech Cafe @cornell_tech patio with Fantastic NYC East River Views. pic.twitter.com/xYOF9jwdft

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 5, 2017

Welcome Home Roosevelt Island's New Nisi Restaurant Opening Monday December 4, Check Out The Dinner Menu

Reported earlier this week that the former Roosevelt Island Trellis Diner will re-open Monday December 4 as the new Nisi Restaurant.

Image Of Trellis/Nisi Owners Kaie & Alex Razaghie

You've alreeady seen the new breakfast menu and lunch menu.

Here's the new Nisi Dinner menu.

Small Plates

Buffalo Calamari 12

Fried Feta w/ honey & sesame seeds 8

Hot & Sweet Chicken Lollipops 10

Beet Carpaccio 9

Saganaki 8

Shrimp Scampi Dumplings 12

Grilled Octopus 14

Pork Belly Croquettes 10

Buffalo Wings 9

Yellowtail Ceviche 12

Steak & haloumi sushi rolls 13

Mussels 9

Clams Oreganato 12

Nisi Nachos 8

Soup of the day - Small 4 · Large 6

DINNER

T-Bone – Choice of side 35

Porterhouse – Choice of side 38

Steak Diane – Sweet and savory sautéed skirt steak with a mushroom medley 27

Steak Kebob – Savory chunks of skewered steak, fire kissed tomatoes and basmati rice 23

Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana- Cheesy chicken cutlet, broccoli rabe and linguini 17

Chicken Kebob – Succulent skewered chicken, fire kissed tomatoes and basmati rice 17

Spatchcock Cornish Hen – Gamey charbroiled Cornish hen w/ asparagus & Bourbon Sweet Mashed Potato 18

Lollipop Lamb Chops – Charred lamb chops w/ lemon bliss potato & fried feta 26

BBQ Ribs –sticky BBQ ribs w/ corn elote and loaded mashed potatoes 19

Molten Lasagna – Creamy lasagna filled at its center with oozing cheesy goodness 18

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