Enjoy the sounds of classic jazz standards! Featuring guest vocalist NIki Lagos along with Andrew Pereira on sax, Dan Yalisove on Clarinet, Susheel Kurien - guitar, Bruno Razafindrakoto on bass, and Nate Wong on drums. If you missed spring, there is always Swing.
On April 29th , 2018, our second celebration of International Jazz day, with participants from Detroit, (yes thats international) , New York, Argentina, South Korea, India, Spain, Hong Kong (via San Francisco) ,Japan via Williansburg and of course the United States
TRACK MAINTENANCE | 9:45 PM Fri, May 11 to 5 AM Mon, May 14 Brooklyn-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to Canal St, and via the A to Jay St-MetroTech
Trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza.
No Coney Island-bound service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St, 57, 47-50 Sts, 42 St-Bryant Pk, 34 St-Herald Sq, 23, 14, B'way-Lafayette Sts, 2 Av, Delancey St, East Broadway and York St.
Why is Roosevelt Island F train a mess. How 2 M.T.A. Decisions Pushed the Subway Into Crisis via @NYTimeshttps://t.co/SU5e0LZcez
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 10, 2018
Roosevelt Island Good Samaritan Sherie Helstien found a lost cell phone today and turned it in to the NYPD. If you lost the cell phone, contact the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (550 Main Street, 212 832-4545) and they should be able to help you get it returned. According to Ms. Helstien:
I found a black cellphone in the RI subway station left on a bench as I was heading off the Island (going to Manhattan). I handed it to a NY police officer, whose name I believe is Officer Belavsky. (not sure if he was here from Qns or Manhattan preceinct). I think he said he'd have to turn it in with "bypass"(?). I asked him if he could turn it into our PS office since it was probably a resident here who'd lost it...at first he said "no" b/c it was now in the hands of the NYPD, but then he said he'd try to, but that they probably wouldn't accept it...so I'm not sure where it has ended up. After I handed it to the PO he could not give it back to me, (once in their hands, its not in my control...)...
... I hope this helps the owner retrieve his phone...
recently received an $84 Thousand grant from the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation to enhance care for dementia patients living at the facility. According to the NYC HHC:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler has received an $84,000 grant from the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation to pursue Comfort Matters® accreditation and to expand and enhance palliative care practices for people living with dementia throughout the skilled nursing facility. At NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler, more than half of the residents at this 815-bed facility have a dementia diagnosis, including 155 living in one of three memory care units.
The new 18-month grant will allow NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler to build on its comfort approach to caring for people with dementia. Noteworthy progress to date has included reduced utilization of anti-psychotic medications, increased participation in the Music & Memory Program, fewer physical altercations, fewer falls, and fewer transfers to the hospital emergency department.
“While we have already earned a national reputation as a leader in the care of residents with dementia, we cannot rest on our laurels,” said Robert Hughes, chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler. “This new grant reflects our ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life for these residents, which is important not just to them, but also to their family members and friends who go through this journey with us.”
A project funded by the new grant will focus on improving the quality of life and care provided for residents diagnosed with advanced dementia. Instead of the more traditional medical model of care, the project will guide providers in applying a comfort-focused approach, modeled on the groundbreaking program developed by Beatitudes Campus, a nonprofit senior living community in Phoenix, Arizona. The Comfort Matters® accreditation is based on applying the Beatitudes approach.
In addition to alleviating suffering and providing comfort for people with advanced dementia and their families, the grant project has two other goals. It aims to enhance job satisfaction for staff by facilitating the adoption of advanced practices in palliative care, specifically targeted to the care of people with dementia living in residential care. It also aims to guide the most appropriate use of available resources and, as a result, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and ER use.
Working closely with Beatitudes throughout the grant period, NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler staff involved in the project will focus on achieving Comfort Matters® accreditation for the Memory Care Team and expanding and enhancing care practices for patients with dementia on the existing three units and throughout NYC health + Hospitals/Coler. The Comfort Matters® accreditation process involves extensive teaching and monitoring (as well as the final accreditation assessment) by Comfort Matters® staff. In addition, a staff member at CaringKind, a New York non-profit focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving, will provide ongoing support to NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler staff throughout the project.
Here's more on the Coler Hospital Music & Memory Program for dementia patients,
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) has summer job opportunities for NYC students. The minimum age requirement is 18 years-old. Positions will be available from late May through Labor Day Weekend, 2018.
Perfect for recent High school grads or college students!
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is a Public Authority of New York State, responsible for the development, maintenance and safety of Roosevelt Island, NY. Located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens counties, Roosevelt Island is a vibrant community with residential and commercial properties, transportation systems, a multitude of parks and community areas.
Grounds Keepers:
Landscaping, maintenance and upkeep of all RIOC outdoor properties, fields and tennis courts. Lawn maintenance, tree pruning, graffiti removal, trash collection/removal, and street cleaning. Applicants will preferably possess a valid driver’s license. Prior Landscaping or gardening experience a Plus!
Maintenance / Facilities:
Maintenance and upkeep of all RIOC properties, roads, offices and indoor sports facility. General Laborer/construction work, light carpentry, concrete/mason work. Applicants will preferably possess a valid driver’s license.
Prior construction or Laborer experience a Plus!
Various Administrative Positions:
We are also seeking applicants to work in a variety of departments, including: Engineering, Community Affairs, Sports programming, Youth Services, Operations. If you have an interest in joining our team, please send your resume to the e-mail account listed below. Interviews will begin immediately.
These positions offer an excellent opportunity for summer employment in one of NYC’s most beautiful settings.
Please e-mail resume to HRStaffing@rioc.com indicating the position of interest.
RIOC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RIOC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including; Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, Pension and Flexible Spending Account options. We also offer a generous PTO policy and an exciting work environment.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced the upcoming 2018 Summer Outdoor Movie Series schedule at Roosevelt Island's Firefighter Field Southpoint Park.
Among the films being shown outdoors on Roosevelt Island are Black Panther (August 3),
Wonder Woman (June 22)
and A League Of Their Own (July 6).
According to RIOC Public Information Officer Alonzo Robertson:
Outdoor movie series are a thriving summer tradition on Roosevelt Island and this year’s film schedule of sci-fi, comedy, fantasy and action – including record-breaking superhero blockbuster Black Panther - is arguably RI’s best.
The Roosevelt Island Summer Movie Series, which kicks off Friday, June 22 at the Island’s Southpoint Park, is free admission and includes contests and prizes, food vendors; a state-of-the-art sound system, pre-movie DJ music, and a 40-foot-premium screen. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and the movies start at sunset. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
“Our movies are a great way for families and friends to enjoy a night on the Island under the stars,” said Susan Rosenthal, the CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) which has produced the event for the past ten years.
The 2018 RI Summer Movies Series dates are:
Friday, June 22: Wonder Woman; (rain date June 29)
Friday, July 6: A League of Their Own; (rain date July 13)
Friday, July 20: Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi; (rain date July 27)
Saturday, July 21: The Fifth Element; (rain date July 28)
Friday, August 3: Black Panther; (rain date August 10)
Friday, August 17: A Wrinkle in Time; (rain date August 24)
RI Summer Movie Series sponsorship opportunities are available and include:
Sponsoring of specific film showings: includes ability to advertise in pre-show presentations, pre-movie on-screen advertising, and/or on-site signage
Donation of trivia contest prizes or giveaways
Contact Jessica Murray, RIOC Community Affairs Department at 212.832.4540 or jessica.murray@rioc.ny.gov for more information.
Movie series visitors are encouraged to take the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram, the new NYC Ferry Astoria line, or the F-train to Roosevelt Island, and then walk to Southpoint Park. Motorists can access the Island from the intersection of Vernon Avenue and 36th Street in Astoria, travel across the Roosevelt Island Bridge, park at the Motorgate garage and take a free Red Bus to Southpoint Park.
UPDATE 10:30 PM - Correction from original post. The Roosevelt Island Outdoor Movies will be shown at Southpoint Park.
UPDATE 5/10 - I asked Mr. Robertson:
Just want to confirm that the outdoor movies will be shown at Southpoint Park this year and not at Firefighters Field where they have been shown the last few years.
If confirmed, why the move from Firefighters field to Southpoint Park?
I personally like the movies being at Southpoint Park but in the past there were some complaints of Southpoint being too far away and Firefighters being more convenient for residents.
The movies were originally at Southpoint Park, but moved to Firefighters Field due to the Cornell Tech construction and the loss of the Red Bus being able to travel down to the park. Now that the construction is complete, the Red Bus is able to make that route, the movie series is moving back to its original home.
“The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical” (written by Jonathan & Kimbirdlee Fadner) is a theatrical retelling of an ancient Chinese legend infused with a clever storyline and heart-pumping music. The legend has entertained all ages for centuries with a cast of mythical creatures that can transform and transcend earthly realms and triumph amidst epic battles. But can you imagine what happens when the King is born and he is… a woman!? The Fadners light up this tale with a shocking modern twist that will inspire everyone to take action and be inspired toward positive change.
MST&DA Children’s Theatre has been running for many years, but 2017-18 started a new era for the program. Jacqueline Lucid, former director of this popular Roosevelt Island drama program, handed her directing torch to Kimbirdlee Fadner (CMM, NAAP) after many successful years of leadership. In addition, Kristi Towey, MST&DA Executive Director, commissioned Jonathan (CMM, NAAP, NYU, Northanger Abbey, Queens Theatre) and Kimbirdlee Fadner to create an original musical for MST&DA.
For young actors, it is a unique experience to be the first to perform this musical written just for them! There were many facets to this production. Rehearsals took place once a week. The children also took part in a free Saturday workshop called “Set the Stage”, led by talented prop designer from Roosevelt Island, Ning Chang. The “Set the Stage” kids worked together to build set pieces, make weapons, rocks, trees and masks. Kimbirdlee Fadner designed the scenic backdrop, but the brush strokes of many children and adults helped bring color to the canvas. Amelia Dombrowski (NYU, Laguardia High School), built all the costumes from scratch, but kids and parents sewed, stitched and cut the pieces that became their stunning costumes. This was truly a hands-on learning experience.
The Fadners were inspired to adapt a traditional Chinese folktale, “The Monkey King”, into a modern tale that offers a new perspective on an old way of thinking. Their mission is to send out a positive and powerful message in a time where people of all ages, races and genders are bombarded by questions of identity and equality. The hero of the show, Monkey King, stares down the faces and kicks the butts of her tribe’s oppressors through a foot stomping, fist pumping, beat-driven musical score. She tells her tribe, “Maybe I’m not who you thought that I’d be, but I’m all that you thought that I’d be… and so much more!”. Through her journey, Monkey King must prove first to her tribe and then to the mighty patriarchy that she is worthy of the title of King. In doing so, the entire tribe learns to stand their ground, even when they are scared, and fight for what they want the world to be!
“The Monkey King” Creative Team:
Written by Jonathan and Kimbirdlee Fadner
Composer
Jonathan Fadner
Director
Kimbirdlee Fadner
Music Director
Jonathan Fadner
Asst. Director & Stage Manager
Kaitlyn Abdul
Costume Design
Amelia Dombrowski
Lighting Design
Andrew Trent
Graphic Designers
Jerry Fadner and John Dougherty
Photographer Irina Island Images
MST&DA Executive Director
Kristi Towey
Construction work on the Tram Station platforms, at both Roosevelt Island and Midtown Manhattan, will resume next Tuesday, May 15; and continue for up to 30 days reducing commuter service to one cabin. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) will operate a free, weekday roundtrip Red Bus service from 3 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to help alleviate evening rush-hour waiting and congestion.
This new construction completes work that began last July when RIOC contracted with Specialty Construction System, Inc. to address corrosion and water damage to both stations’ platforms at a cost of $2.15 million. The project included the installation and repair of station roofing, removal and repair of the structural slabs and metal column and building a new ADA-compliant access ramp on the north ramp of the Roosevelt Island Tram Station.
New concrete slabs, which are the top surfaces of the platforms at both stations, will be waterproofed and receive new traffic coating during the next month. The project went on hiatus in December 2017 until New York City area’s daily temperatures were forecast to be above those required for the installation.
“Although uncracked concrete will typically keep out liquid water, water vapor can still penetrate quite easily,” said Stephen Noone, RIOC’s assistant vice president of Capital Planning and Projects. “Keeping water drained away from the concrete foundations and preventing it from moving through the platforms is essential to having a successful structure,” he said.
Once that work is complete, the city’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) will re-install turnstiles, ticket machine kiosks and re-program electronic emergency exit doors.
Much of the platform project construction is being done around the North Tram’s boarding and deboarding ramps on both platforms, and thus “we will be limited to only the South Tram servicing the public and because of this, waiting times will unfortunately increase,” said Armando Cordova, operations and maintenance manager for Leitner-Pomo of America, the engineering sub-contractor that operates the Tram for RIOC.
RIOC’s Director of Transportation Cyril Opperman said the Red Bus shuttle service will begin at 3 p.m., each weekday during the construction period, operating roundtrip from Midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island every half hour leaving from the southwest side of Second Avenue between 58th and 59th streets.
“The service is not being offered during the morning commute because the average weekday traffic congestion to Midtown Manhattan is so great, the roundtrip shuttle is not time efficient,” Opperman said.
The MTA’s F-Train and the Q-102 bus will be in operation during the 30-day platform construction period. For more information about MTA service, visit mta.info or call 511. The NYC Ferry, ferry.nyc, will also continue their service between Roosevelt Island, Astoria, Queens; Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
In case you forgot what it was like last time only 1 Tram Cabin running, watch this CBS Channel 2 report.
Can we find some way to discourage tourists and off Island sports teams from using the Tram during this time?
It takes climbing 64 rickety wooden steps to get to the 50-foot-high view today at the top of the Blackwell Island Light aka the Lighthouse. @RIOCny Parks and Recreation crews still change the lighthouse's bulb periodically. pic.twitter.com/Hs6qYNNkel
Also, a brief history of the Lighthouse from the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS):
... This small lighthouse stands at the northern tip of Roosevelt Island on a projection of land which was at one time a tine separate island connect connected to the main one by a wooden bridge. Local legend maintains that during the 19th century a patient from the nearby Lunatic Asylum was permitted to build a stone fort on this outcropping since he feared an invasion by the British. When plans were formulated to build the lighthouse, this patient allegedly was persuaded to surrender the fort only AFTER much cajoling and a bribe of bogus money. The tale continues that the patient himself demolished the fort and built the new lighthouse, carving the inscription:
... This is the work Was done by John McCarthy
Who built the Light House from he bottom to the Top
All ye who do pass by may Pray for his soul when he dies....
Click here for more information on the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse from RIHS.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
