Best Wishes For A Happy And Healthy New Year From Roosevelt Island - Goodbye 2018 With A Last Party Song, Welcome 2019 With Peace, Love, Understanding & Auld Lang Syne

Best Wishes to all for a Happy And Healthy New Year in 2019.



There's no better way to party out 2018 than with a traditional last song from Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes together with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band .

We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby

You Tube Video of Southside Johnny and Bruce Springsteen Having a Party in 1978

Here's hoping for much 2019 Peace, Love and Understanding from Elvis Costello.  



And Auld Lang Syne.



Or, ring in the New Year with a little bit of Roosevelt Island's fascinating history:

Hear it! @StacyHorn joins us to ring in 2019 with the tale of what's today Roosevelt Island, New York City's Utopian dream turned Gilded Age nightmare for the insane, sick, criminal, or just poor and unlucky. https://t.co/NPQ43mZ64z pic.twitter.com/13aJLfCw1x

— History Author Show (@HistoryDean) December 31, 2018

Cheers.

Best Wishes for a Happy & Health New Year to you all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Salvation Army Times Square Visits Roosevelt island Coler Hospital Residents- Brings Brass Band Christmas Music, Gifts, Smiles & Hugs

The Salvation Army Times Square visited Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital residents last December 7 to:

... give out gifts to all the residents here at the Hospital for Christmas, visiting the patients, giving a smile and hug and wishing Merry Christmas...

#SalvationArmy spreading some holiday cheer on #rooseveltisland today at Coler-Goldwater Hospital #RedKettleReason pic.twitter.com/Yx1BAJ4lkr

— Salvation Army GNY (@salvationarmyny) December 8, 2016

UPDATE - No Alien Invasion Of Roosevelt Island Last Night - Astoria Con Edison Power Plant Substation Transformer Explosion Caused Creepy Nighttime Blue Sky Seen All Over NYC

An update on last night's creepy blue glow that lit up the sky over Roosevelt Island, Astoria and the East River waterfront seen from much of NYC.



No, it was not the beginning of an Alien Invasion of Roosevelt Island as some thought.

Holy Shit! The aliens have landed! And they’re mimes! https://t.co/Es6Ri2Vkcr

— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) December 28, 2018

According to Con Edison:

Last night at 9:12 p.m., an electrical fault on a section of 138,000-volt equipment in one of our Astoria substations caused a transmission disturbance and a sustained electrical arc flash, creating the blue light people witnessed. The equipment that malfunctioned is associated with voltage monitoring within the substation. There were no serious injuries, although one employee at the substation reported eye irritation associated with the arc flash.

The transmission disturbance caused lights to flicker throughout much of our service area, and several facilities, including LaGuardia Airport, Rikers Island, and some area hospitals, reported that their electrical systems switched to backup generation during the event. They were back on Con Edison power late last night. Service on the subway system’s 7 line in Queens was also impacted for about 30 minutes while track equipment was reset. Some other customer electrical equipment also shut off and had to be reset.

We apologize for the disruption to customers and will continue to investigate the root cause of the incident.

Reports from Channel 7 ABC News



and NBC's Today Show.



The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this Advisory last evening:

A TRANSFORMER EXPLOSION AT THE CON EDISON PLANT AT 23RD STREET AND 21ST AVENUE HAS CAUSED A FIRE AND TEMPORARY POWER OUTAGE IN ASTORIA QUEENS. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL HAS THE FIRE UNDER CONTROL. DEPUTY INSPECTOR NUNEZ, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 114TH PRECINCT OF THE NYPD ON SCENE. THIS INCIDENT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE HAD ANY EFFECT ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND.

There are no air quality concerns for #Astoria following the #ConEd transformer blast, according to several agencies at the scene

We’re continuing to monitor the situation and @nycemergencymgt is on scene

— Cota Constantinides (@Costa4NY) December 28, 2018

Here's more info and video from post yesterday.

UPDATE 5:15 PM:

There is no truth to rumors of an alien invasion in Astoria. But we did find this unusual piece of evidence... pic.twitter.com/CBBu1lYurN

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 28, 2018

Governor Cuomo spoke at the Astoria Con Edison power plant this afternoon.



Press release from Governor Cuomo:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today called for the New York State Public Service Commission to investigate the cause behind a major electrical failure at a Con Edison substation in Astoria, Queens shortly after 9 p.m. yesterday. While the incident did not cause any significant injuries or apparently result in damage to personal property, it did raise questions about the safety of the substation and Con Edison equipment while also disrupting operations at LaGuardia Airport, the No. 7 subway line of the MTA and the city's prison system at Rikers Island, which had to switch to back-up generators.

"The electrical failure in Queens was more dramatic than destructive but it understandably raised community concerns about the safety of the substation and Con Edison's equipment," Governor Cuomo said. "That's why I am asking the Public Service Commission to work together with Con Ed to investigate the electrical failure and identify the root cause to help ensure an incident like this never happens again.

The state also deployed Department of Environmental Conservation spill response staff to the scene and confirmed that the small amount of material spilled was contained onsite and no impacts to the environment were observed. Con Edison has reported that the spill has been cleaned up.

According to Con Edison, last night at approximately 9:12 p.m. an electrical fault occurred at the Astoria East Substation located at 20th Avenue and 32nd Street in Astoria Queens. The electrical fault on the 138,000-volt equipment caused a sustained electrical arc flash that was visible across a wide area. Con Edison crews responded with FDNY. The affected equipment was isolated to a single section within the substation.

Con Edison has reported that Thursday's malfunction involved voltage-monitoring equipment at the substation, where high-voltage power is narrowed down to lower voltage for distribution. Normally when there is an electrical fault, a device similar to a circuit-breaker intervenes and quickly cuts off power to the affected equipment. In this incident, the device did not intervene and the electricity kept cycling through, causing the electrical flash. The affected equipment was isolated to a single section within the substation.

"Ensuring public safety is job number one for Con Edison and all utilities operating in New York State," PSC Chair John B. Rhodes said. "Our team of safety experts will commence an immediate investigation of what happened at the substation to help ensure that a repeat does not occur. If the company failed to adhere to our safety standards or otherwise adequately perform its obligations, we will commence a proceeding to determine whether further action is warranted."

Con Edison has restored all major transmission lines associated with this event and is in the process of investigating the cause of the failure. While portions of LaGuardia Airport were temporarily closed due to power outages, full power has been fully restored and the airport quickly resumed normal operations. Additionally, power issues on the No. 7 subway route were resolved and the line is running local service. There were no other significant reported power outages.

Today's actions build on New York's continued work to protect public safety and to create a power supply that is cleaner and greener for the future. Two years ago, Governor Cuomo announced plans to accelerate the closing of Indian Point's nuclear reactors because of their location in a densely populated region of the state and their record on safety at the site. This year, New York will be the most progressive state in the nation with the launch of the green new deal that will make the state's electricity 100 percent carbon neutral by 2040.

Roosevelt Island Weekend Transportation - Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend, E Train Too, Both Tram Cabins At Full Capacity And NYC Ferry Winter RI Service Schedule

Good news for this weekend.

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



E Train service for Roosevelt Island too:

UPGRADING TRACK, SIGNALS AND POWER Beginning 4:45 AM Wednesday, Dec 26 through 5 AM Monday, Dec 31 E Trains run via the F in both directions between 21 St-Queensbridge in Queens and W 4 St in Manhattan

Both Tram Cabins operating at full capacity.

There is Roosevelt Island ferry service on the Astoria Route. Here's the Winter Schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry service.

Roosevelt Island, Astoria, Long Island City & East River Sky Lit Up Tonight With Creepy Bluish Glow - Not An Alien Invasion, But Transformer Explosion At Astoria Con Ed Power Plant

The sky over Roosevelt Island, Astoria, Long Island City and the East River lit up this evening after 9 PM with a very creepy bluish glow. What was going on?

What’s with the bluish sky tonight after 9pm over East River, Roosevelt Island, Astoria, Long Island City - very creepy https://t.co/faMWIozTr0

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 28, 2018

Why is it blue over the east river?? #nyc @NYPDnews pic.twitter.com/GrEBoEssgB

— Peg Samuel 🤩 (@socialdiva) December 28, 2018

Some speculated an alien invasion.

What is going on in #NYC #LaGuardia? The entire sky was lit with dynamic blue lights, I could hear a loud hum - sounded and looked like an Alien Invasion. Reality - a blown transformer #NYC #LaGuardia https://t.co/TnzkbhroQh

— Jaan Paljasma (@jpaljasma) December 28, 2018

#NYC Reports are that it was some type of explosion at the #ConEd plant in Astoria. First i thought it UFO came to get the frontloaders there :)))) pic.twitter.com/xqMvQpQzVV

— MoneyEmpire (@MONEYEMPIRE) December 28, 2018

It was ... like an alien invasion, or some sort of nuclear accident. That eerie hum ... People at Astoria must have been terrified.

— Jaan Paljasma (@jpaljasma) December 28, 2018

NYPD reported that it is investigating a transformer fire at Astoria Con Ed Power Plant.

Investigating a transformer explosion at Astoria East & North Queens Con Ed power plant. Please avoid 20th Ave & 31 st.

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) December 28, 2018

Massive Transformer explosion reported at 20th Ave at the Con Edison plant. pic.twitter.com/Setlf8Suzg

— NYC Scanner (@NYScanner) December 28, 2018

@patkiernan Video of Con Ed explosion from Roosevelt Island...@Rooseveltisland #conedison #rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/n7yuLT6oOa

— FinnYorker (@NYTTYTTYY) December 28, 2018

UPDATE 10:05 PM:

I was on out with my dog on Roosevelt Island when the sky lit up behind us. I didn’t hear a boom at all but I saw smoke rising soon after. Sky stayed blue for at least 5 mins then abruptly went black. https://t.co/OvRMaTo1Fm

— Nikki M Mascali (@NikkiMMascali) December 28, 2018

It blazed like blue daylight on Roosevelt Island!!!! Thought aliens where coming to save us from Trump! ROFL!!! It was actually refelecting off the East Side Buildings. Crazy bright.

— Richie (@rja_nyc) December 28, 2018

Vid from Roosevelt Island pic.twitter.com/5IAgBWmlzL

— Anthony 🐜🍯 (@InsanityAnthony) December 28, 2018

We're working with the @FDNY to respond a substation fire in Astoria and will provide updates as soon as we have more information. AQ

— Con Edison (@ConEdison) December 28, 2018

UPDATE 11 PM:

The transformer explosion at a #ConEd plant in #Queens is under control and there are no injuries at this time. https://t.co/WlXPG3uo0a

— Chief Terence Monahan (@NYPDChiefofDept) December 28, 2018

UPDATE 12/28:

There was a brief electrical fire at our substation on 20th Avenue & 32nd Street in Astoria this evening, which caused a transmission dip in the area. All power lines serving the area are in service and the system is stable. Photo: Michael Friedl, New York Times pic.twitter.com/vq2Ao46rhk

— Con Edison (@ConEdison) December 28, 2018

Last night’s electrical fault caused a sustained electrical arc flash & transmission disturbance. There were no injuries and all the power lines serving the area are stable. We apologize for the disruption to customers. Photo: Wall Street Journal. #Queens #Astoria pic.twitter.com/c6chBF4BFL

— Con Edison (@ConEdison) December 28, 2018

Con Edison workers near the equipment that failed at the substation in #Astoria, causing last night's arc flash. https://t.co/exFdJq5R4y #Queens pic.twitter.com/n5U9vsn3Ny

— Con Edison (@ConEdison) December 28, 2018

Ah science. I feel better now. Thank you @erinbiba https://t.co/UgNmWt1nlf

— Mendee Morgan (@MendeeMorgan) December 28, 2018

More here.

Newsletter Item From Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos Helps Save Life Of Constituent

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos publishes a monthly newsletter full of information he hopes is of interest and useful for his constituents. In one case, an item in the Kallos monthly newsletter saved the life of an Upper East Sider.

Here is a story about a life being saved and a new lease on life. Perfect for some holiday reading The newsletter that saved a life https://t.co/YNxUIe96mX

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) December 26, 2018

According to Our Town:

... a 49-page monthly bulletin for Upper East Siders helped one resident detect, deter and defeat a deadly disease.

“This is one story I will not be forgetting anytime soon.” City Council Member Ben Kallos

The 10 scariest words in the English language, Ronald Reagan used to joke, are these: “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you.”

Kathleen L. Steed embraces a very different world view. Officialdom, she believes, can offer comfort, company, support and holiday cheer.

And every once in a while, it can even rescue you from mortal peril....

Click here to read the full Our Town story and here for the December 2018 newsletter from Council Member Ben Kallos.

 HEADLINES

1. Campaign Finance Reform Approved with a Milllion Votes
2. GPS on School Buses Needed to Prevent Lost Children During Storm
3. New York Times Editorializes in Support of My Ethics Reforms as Model for State Legislature
4. Term Limits for Community Board and Civic Engagement Win 

NOVEMBER EVENT INVITES

5. Holiday Party
6. Save the Date: State of the District
7. New York Classical Theatre: Reading of “Women and Servants”

OVERDEVELOPMENT

8. Helping Upper East Siders Find Housing with PIX11
9. National Experts Weigh in on Scaffolding Reform
10. City and State Offer Amazon $3 Billion in Tax Breaks and a Helipad

FIXING OUR ELECTIONS AND GOVERNMENT REFORM

11. Massive Turnout, Long Lines, and Soggy Ballots
12. Making History with Government Data

TRANSPORTATION

13. Upper East Side Streets Continue to Get Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists
14. Families for Safe Streets

EDUCATION

15. National Education Award Given to Upper East Side Public School
16. Civic Hall Announces $2 Million in Funding for a Digital Curriculum
17. Celebrating 45 Years of the New York Public Interest Rights Group
18. Eleanor Roosevelt High School International Dinner
19. Honoring Our Childcare Workers

FOOD, ENVIRONMENT & HELPING NEIGHBORS

20. Getting More New Yorkers to Compost
21. Turkey Giveaway for Thanksgiving
22. Rally Against Loss of Coverage at New York Hospitals
23. Politics of Food Summit at Baruch College
24. NY Cares Coat Drive on Roosevelt Island
25. Toys for Tots Drive on the Upper East Side

COMMUNITY

26. Everybody Loves Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer—Especially Me
27. New York City Should Have Its Own Ride Hailing App
28. New Book from Friends of the Upper East Side: “Shaped by Immigrants”
29. Protecting Immigrant Communities: Public Charge
30. Attention Religious Institutions: Apply for a Grant to Upgrade Security
31. The Roof Over Our Heads: A NYLAG Life Planning Workshop
32. Thank You For Attending the Shred-A-Thon Thanksgiving Edition
33. The York Theatre Celebrates 48th Anniversary
34. Kicking Off Second Annual Anime NYC Weekend
35. Opportunity for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

OFFICE UPDATES

36. Legislative Corner
37. Free Legal Clinic    
38. Here To Help
39. Mobile District Hours
40. Ben in Your Building
41. Community Boards
42. NYPD Events
43. Neighborhood and Tenant Associations
44. Events for Adults
45. Events for Kids

Also, you're invited to the January 13 NYC Council Member Ben Kallos State Of The District address.

Click here to register.

Gorgeous Red, Orange Sunrise Skies Facing Long Island City Seen This Morning From Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports:

Sunrise, facing LIC from Roosevelt Island. pic.twitter.com/GLl6sf6JJy

— Paul Morgan (@Jumanjiman) December 26, 2018

Best Wishes For A Roosevelt Island Merry Christmas - Beacon First Graders Sing, Ramones, Great Big Sea Too And Chinese Food For Some

Merry Christmas Roosevelt Island.

Here's the Roosevelt Island Beacon Program First Graders wishing you all a Merry Christmas during the November 30 2018 Tree Lighting Ceremony.



Hope you are having a peaceful and enjoyable day, unlike the Ramones version of Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)



And something for those who eat Chinese food on Christmas and go to the movie theater too. A funny satirical video.



Merry Christmas Everyone,



from Great Big Sea.

It's Christmas Eve, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Tonight - On The Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Sled?

Reports are coming in of Santa Claus sightings from all around the world. You can even follow him with the aid of Norad's Santa Tracker.

People often ask how #NORAD tracks #Santa on Dec 24th. We use infrared sensors from Rudolph's nose to determine Santa's exact location throughout the night. To talk to a NORAD Santa Tracker, call 1-877-HI-NORAD. https://t.co/gSvRD6ezKo #NORADTracksSanta pic.twitter.com/g8eI4zuuS5

— NORAD Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2018

Santa will arrive on Roosevelt Island in a few hours. When he does, it may be on his specially designed, Reindeer powered, Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin sled

Roosevelt Island Tram Reindeer Cards from Marty Atkins

powered by our own 

View this post on Instagram

Santa came early on Roosevelt Island. #christmasdecor #christmasdecorating #holidaydecorating #holidaydecor #holidaylights #christmas #santa

A post shared by Neave Group - Est. 1973 (@neavegroup) on Nov 12, 2018 at 6:34am PST

Roosevelt Island Reindeer.

Hope you've been good this year.



It's Christmas Eve, so time for Fairytale of New York with the Pogues & Kirsty MacColl.



Merry Christmas Roosevelt Island!!!

Just The Facts With Mac - Roosevelt Island Public Safety Chief McManus Offers Holiday Safety Tips And Best Wishes For New Year

As reported earlier this week, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus is taking some time off for medical reasons.

RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson reports:

Just the Facts with Chief Mac

During the time Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus is away from his Roosevelt Island post, we will publish an occasional column of his thoughts on various timely topics.

As many of you know, McManus gained the trust and respect of thousands here on the Island by his daily conversations, up and down Main Street, with seniors, children, young families, teen-agers; the disabled, business owners and more.

Enjoy his factual musings this week on the holiday season.

“The holiday season is always a special time. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft, accidents and other holiday crimes. Here are a few of my tips for staying safe, sane and knucklehead free.

The top three days for potential home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve (let’s add in the Hanukkah and Kwanzaa weeks as well for our Jewish and African Americans friends). Please keep flammable items, including curtains and holiday decorations, at least three feet away from your candles. Place your menorah or kinara on a non-flammable surface to catch the melting candle wax, such as a tray lined with aluminum foil. Never leave lit candles unattended.

Keep all your car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. If you must shop at night, (hello procrastinating husbands and boyfriends) park in a well-lit area. Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates temptation for thieves.

Even though you may be rushed and preoccupied by a thousand things, remember to stay alert to your surroundings. Exercise extra caution if you carry a wallet or purse; they are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, New York City subways, bus and ferry terminals and stops.

Don’t overload yourself with packages and bags of gift purchases; make two trips if you must. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con-artists may try to distract you with the intention of swindling your hard-earned money or belongings.

Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home. Show-offs get ripped off.

If you’re hosting a party, be kind and responsible by having non-alcoholic beverages available to your guests. Arrange for an official designated driver (who will not drink at all) for the party before it begins. Eat before you drink; preferably high protein foods that slow the absorption of alcohol into your body. Know your limits, the holidays are not the time to explore them. And please don’t drink and drive.

I hope you guys enjoyed my first column.

Also thank you dearly for your calls and messages of support for me. My wish is that all of Roosevelt Island’s residents, business people, professors, students – and my staff and colleagues at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) have a happy holiday and an even better new year.” - Chief Jack McManus

Sponsored Post - Island House Welcomes The Alyssa Brody Team & Compass To Roosevelt Island, Best Wishes For A Happy Holiday

Island House Welcomes The Alyssa Brody Team & Compass To Roosevelt Island

Best Wishes For a Happy Holiday

Check Out Local Roosevelt Island Merchants For Your Christmas Holiday Gifts This Year

Are you still looking for some last minute Christmas Holiday Gifts? Check out some of our local Roosevelt Island merchants.

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) Visitors Center Kiosk has Featured Books for Adults and Kids,

Totebags, puzzles, Tram Magnets

and a variety of other merchandise.

The RIHS Visitors Center Kiosk:

is open til 8 tonight and 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Saturday is probably the last day to purchase one of the remaining 17 Christmas Trees for sale at the Motorgate Rotunda.

Gift cards always make a great gift. Consider gift cards or items from our local merchants, Nisi Restaurant, Bubble Cool Cafe, Starbucks, Fuji East, The Nail Salon, Duane Reade, Gristedes, Wholesome Factory, China One, We Are One Boutique and Piccolo Trattoria (Not sure if they all offer gift cards though).

Or an item from the Farmers Market vendors. Gallery Rivaa has some great T-shirts for sale



as does a local resident, Gage Hunt, who is selling these Roosevelt Island T-shirts

online here.

There's no F Train service from Manhattan this weekend so save yourself a trip and buy your Christmas Holiday gifts locally here on Roosevelt Island.

Sponsored Post - Seasons Greeting And Thank You From Gallery RIVAA To The Roosevelt Island Community - Please Consider Supporting Gallery RIVAA In End Of Year Fundraiser To Help Welcome More Creativity To Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA wishes our community HAPPY HOLIDAYS:

Happy Holidays From RIVAA!"

Thanks for ALL your support this past year. RIVAA's art exhibits, jazz salons, poetry slams & more could not have been done without your generosity. Please consider contributing to our end-of-the year fundraiser to help us welcome even more creativity to Roosevelt Island in 2019. It's easy--just go to this site  and follow the instructions to donate by credit card. ANY amount will truly help......

Once again, Gallery RIVAA thanks you & is grateful for ALL your support!

You can also help the Gallery by purchasing a RIVAA T-shirt for yourself or as a gift at the Farmers Market tomorrow, December 22.



Please click here to contribute to the Gallery RIVAA Holiday Fundraiser campaign.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - No Roosevelt Island F Train Service From Manhattan, Both Tram Cabins At Full Capacity, NYC Ferry Winter RI Service Schedule & 57th Street F Train Station Open

No Roosevelt Island F Train service  from Manhattan this weekend.

According to the MTA:

TRACK MAINTENANCE 11:45 PM Fri, Dec 21 to 5 AM Mon, Dec 24 Jamaica-bound F trains are rerouted via the E after 47-50 Sts in Manhattan to Roosevelt Av in Queens

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

Travel Alternatives

... To Roosevelt Island and 21 St-Queensbridge, take the F to Roosevelt Av and transfer to a Coney Island-bound F.

From these stations, take a Coney Island-bound F to 47-50 Sts and transfer to a Jamaica-bound F.

Also:

SERVICE RESTORED Effective Wednesday, Dec 19 Service restored at 57 St

Both Tram Cabins operating at full capacity.

There is Roosevelt Island ferry service on the Astoria Route. Here's the Winter Schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry service.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes December 28 To January 3 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Free Delivery With $75 Or More Order

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket

invites you to check out their December 28 - January 3 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.

Grab & Go Prepared Items too.

Don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday 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 Public Safety Chief McManus Taking Time Off For Health Related Reason Says RIOC - Best Wishes For A Speedy Return

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson reports:

RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus is taking time off, beginning this week, to deal with health-related issues.

In the interim, Deputy Chief Kevin Brown will assume McManus’ responsibilities and RIOC asks the community and RIOC staff to work with him accordingly.

Chief McManus, pictured below, (second from right with RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and PSD Officers)

and seen in this video from Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony



is very well regarded by the community for his professionalism and open door policy for residents as well as his involvement with youth sports.

Best wishes for a speedy return to Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief McManus.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree Emporium Sale Update - 17 High Quality Christmas Trees Available For Sale This Saturday At Motorgate Rotunda On First Come, First Serve Basis

This Saturday, December 22, may be the last chance to buy a Christmas Tree at the Roosevelt Island Motorgate Rotunda.

As reported earlier this week:

The PS/IS 217 PTA sponsors the Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree Emporium at the Motorgate Rotunda.

I asked the 217 PTA:

A resident tried to buy a Christmas Tree today but the vendor was not there under the Motorgate...

... Does the PTA know if the vendor will be back and why were they not there today?

A 217 PTA representative replied that they were told the following by the Christmas Tree vendor yesterday:

We sold out of tress yesterday and will be working on getting some more for next week.
As discussed, there is a run on trees this season and we took all that we could get ( please see links)
I believe that we will have for at least next Sat.

We will do everything we can in order to serve the community...I promise...

Here's a Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree Emporium sale update received yesterday from a PS/IS 217 PTA representative:

Please note that Finkel & Son managed to get 17 high quality Christmas Trees. They will be selling them on Saturday 12/22 starting at 9 am, next to the Motorgate garage. They will sell on a first come first serve basis. They will probably be sold out and closed on Sunday 12/23.

Sponsored Post - Happy Holidays From Cornell Tech - Modified Hours For Cafe And Parliament December 17 -21 & January 2-13 - Closed December 22 - January 1

Happy Holidays From Cornell Tech

The Cafe and Parliament will have modified hours beginning December 17 and will be closed December 22nd - January 1.

December 17-21, 2018 & January 2-13, 2019 - Both locations will feature a simplified menu including grab & go, salads, sous, sandwiches and quiche.

Parliament 8am - 5pm M-F/ closed weekends
The Cafe 11:30am - 2pm M-F/ closed weekends

You're Invited To Celebrate Career Of NYPL Roosevelt Island Adult Librarian Justin Van Poelvoorde Who Passed Away Last Month, Remember His Contribution To Our RI Community At Night Of Movies And Memories Thursday December 27

As previously reported, long time New York Public Library Roosevelt Island branch Adult Librarian Justin Van Poelvoorde passed away last month.

To celebrate Justin Van Poelvoorde, the NYPL Roosevelt Island branch library is hosting:

A Night of Movies and Memories Thursday,

December 27, 6 PM

Dear Roosevelt Island community:

Please join us at the Roosevelt Island library to celebrate the career of our esteemed Adult Librarian, Justin Van Poelvoorde, and remember his contribution to the Roosevelt Island Community.

No Registration Required All Ages

Hybrid Monster Lampposts Appear On Roosevelt Island Says Resident, Abomination On Main Street Says Another - They're Wireless Cell Antennas To Increase Roosevelt Island Verizon & T Mobile Wi-fi Connectivity

Some sort of hybrid monster lamppost has appeared on the #RooseveltIsland promenade😳 (@ Roosevelt Island Promenade in New York, NY) https://t.co/ry2savi5Fz pic.twitter.com/8UYGoHUqXo

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) December 19, 2018

Well, it's not really a hybrid monster lamppost but rather one of 22 wireless cell antennas placed upon Roosevelt Island lampposts to provide increased Roosevelt Island Wi-fi connectivity by Crown Castle International.

As reported last October 30:

... WIRELESS SMALL CELL ANTENNAS

Wireless device connectivity on Roosevelt Island is about to be vastly improved, and less congested, during the next few weeks.

Crown Castle International Corp., the nation’s largest provider of shared communications infrastructure, will be installing 22 unique small cell locations on the Island covering from north to south. The antennas and fiber-optic cable-based networking will provide coverage and capacity for up to four data/phone service carriers including Verizon

Small cells are important wireless infrastructure that increase capacity and connectivity for mobile devices. They are small, low-powered antennas that can be installed on light and utility poles, street signs, and even on rooftops. Crown Castle, under a 10-year licensing agreement, will be building and maintaining this fiber ring around Roosevelt Island to supply various locations with better connectivity.

As the Roosevelt Island community continues to grow, more residents, businesses, students and visitors are relying on wireless devices to connect to the Internet and communicate (more than 50 percent of all U.S. households rely only on wireless phones; and some 80 percent of all 911 calls are made from wireless devices). When too many people try to use their mobile devices, the network can become overloaded: calls drop or don’t connect.

Small cells, like the ones being installed around the Island, can and will relieve this wireless congestion....

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy spotted this "hybrid monster lamppost" yesterday at Good Shepherd Plaza and does not like it.

The abomination on Main Street.

Today, this object appeared at the Chapel Plaza.

This is another example of RIOC's disregard for the cityscape, appearance, and necessity of an obtrusive object. Along with the "RI" letters at the Tram Plaza we now have the WI-FI tower smack dab in front of the Chapel Plaza. The Chapel is a landmark structure, but unfortunately the Plaza is not, which means inappropriate objects can be placed there.

I attended RIOC meetings where the installation was discussed and never saw a rendering by Crown Castle the contractor that was anywhere as obtrusive as this wifi tower

The RIOC staff hides the truth from the community and insults our cityscape with obtrusive installations.

The RIOC Grinch has stolen our Chapel Plaza from us, again.

According to this excerpt from Castle Crown's November 2017 presentation to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors:

Pole attachments in the public right of way proposed in 23 unique locations (some of the pole attachments will be colocations):
     • 22 for T-Mobile
     • 21 for Verizon
     • 20 attachments are colocations with both Verizon and T-Mobile

All locations will feed back to a Hub location via fiber optic cable which will be located off of the Island for both Verizon and T-Mobile

1. License will enable Crown Castle to access the public right of way poles on Roosevelt Island
2. License is for a 10-year term with 3 – successive terms of 5-years.
3. Compensation for use of the poles to RIOC from Crown is $3,390.48 per location with an annual CPI adjustment.
4. Crown Castle is responsible for its own electrical utility charges.
5. Crown Castle will be building and maintaining a fiber ring around Roosevelt Island to supply the locations with connectivity.

Crown Castle will provide RIOC 4 strands of Dark Fiber along planned deployment route....

I asked RIOC today:

Are the new lampposts with WiFi connections the same design as renderings approved by RIOC?...

RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson replied:

Crown had worked with the Real Estate Committee prior to bringing the presentation to the full board at the December 2017 meeting.

The actual lampposts’ height and light fixtures’ height were adjusted at the behest of members of the committee; from 25 feet to 22 feet; and from 20 feet to 14.

The small boxes attached to the light poles, and the cell tower that encompass the light fixtures are the same.

The equipment attached to the wood telephone poles is larger than the renderings that were presented in November.

We have scheduled a meeting tomorrow with the company to discuss that.

Below is the presentation made by Crown Castle to the RIOC Board.

Crown Castle Roosevelt Island

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

According to Roosevelt Island Urgent Care (RIUC):

Our Roosevelt Island facility is  located at 520 Main Street. Our Office hours are Monday to Thursday 9AM - 5PM, Friday 9 AM - 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM- 3 PM. Phone # 646-977-7974.

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!

Take a tour of the Roosevelt Island Urgent Care facilities



and learn about the services offered at Roosevelt Island Urgent Care.

More info about Roosevelt Island Urgent Care

at their web site and Twitter Page.

At Kamin Health we will take care of your urgent medical needs and also help you find a good local primary care doctor. #JustWalkIn. By @sam_baker https://t.co/Qn4YGlAnLa via @axios H/T @LinkedIn

— KāMIN HEALTH (@kaminhealth) October 9, 2018

NY Times Article Profiles Cornell Tech, Says Made LIC Appealing To Amazon HQ2, Created Over 50 New Tech Start Ups And Mixed Reaction From Roosevelt Island Residents

This Graduate School Helped Make New York Appealing to Amazon - profile of ⁦@cornell_tech⁩ on Roosevelt Island https://t.co/2GlrgBFxCf

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 17, 2018

The New York Times profiled Roosevelt Island's Cornell Tech in this December 17 article highlighting the Graduate Tech School's role in attracting Amazon HQ 2 to nearby Long Island City

Nearly 7 years to the day after @MikeBloomberg announced @cornell_tech was coming to Roosevelt Island, the many at @NYCEDC and elsewhere who made it a reality couldn’t have envisioned a better headline: https://t.co/SWaSJisDjK

— Benjamin M. Branham (@benbranham) December 18, 2018

and creating over 50 new start up tech companies including Kipit



Revercare

Cornell Tech startup ReverCare connects family caregivers to care coaches who help them craft a personalized, long-term care plan. https://t.co/1zXlLvc9V8 pic.twitter.com/cplcY1PqIn

— Cornell Tech (@cornell_tech) November 20, 2018

Full Plate

Cornell Tech startup Full Plate serves low-income communities by combining affordability and convenience to create access to fully-prepared, nutritious meals. pic.twitter.com/wxP2lSgyPu

— Cornell Tech (@cornell_tech) November 6, 2018

and Nanit.

The only smart baby monitor that delivers personalized insights to help your baby’s dreams come true. #getnanit pic.twitter.com/5S9a47OhBv

— Nanit (@getnanit) August 14, 2018

The opinions of two Roosevelt Island residents about Cornell Tech are quoted in the article too. One critical:

... Some Roosevelt Island residents have also complained about the continuing campus construction, while others said Cornell Tech had not paid enough to support local neighborhood services, such as street cleaning and landscaping.

“They’re a very prestigious institution that is free-riding off the backs of a working population to function in an environment that they really are not adequately paying for,” said Joyce Short, a writer and longtime resident....

and the other positive:

... The school’s technology lessons have spilled over to the neighborhood. Cornell Tech has supported computer science instruction at the public elementary and middle school. Its students have taught classes at a senior center on protecting against online fraud and created a web page featuring open spaces on the island for the gardening club.

Jay Jacobson, 82, a retired lawyer who lives on Roosevelt Island, recently worked with Cornell Tech students to address a daily problem for older people: how to carry a shopping bag when holding onto a walker? They came up with a 3-D-printed hinge to attach to a walker.

“I’m so glad I’m part of their community,” he said. “It’s just a delight to have them.”...

Click here for the full NY Times article

Sponsored Post - Season's Greetings From Hudson Related, Wishing Everyone On Roosevelt Island A Happy And Healthy 2019

Season's Greetings From Hudson Related, Wishing Everyone On Roosevelt Island A Happy And Healthy 2019.

Shops On Main appreciates your patronage.

Roosevelt Island Holiday Food & Clothing Giveaway For Your Neighbors In Need - Please Help, Donations Can Be Dropped Off This Week At Senior Center

 Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President Wendy Hersh reports:

The RI Disabled Association along with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) & the Carter Burden Senior Center will be sponsoring a food and clothing giveaway for those IN NEED!

Friday December 21st at Roosevelt Island Senior Center 546 Main Street 6pm-9pm

Donation of cans, jars and packaged food are welcome. They can be dropped off at the Senior Center on Wednesday and Friday all day or Thursday after 1pm. If you need a pickup, please email Wendy Hersh at whersh@nyc.rr.com

Ms Hersh adds:

Since Pay It Forward was not able to give food boxes to the needy this year due to unforeseen circumstances, I felt as President of RI Disabled Association that we needed to step up to do something since there are so many in need in our community.

It’s just our part of helping those in need. Of course not to the extent of what we did with Pay It Forward, but it’s something.

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