Friday, May 10, 2019

Roosevelt Island Retail Update - Jupioca Juice Bar Cafe Opens Today, Serving Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Smoothies, Fruit & Bubble Teas, Acai Bowls And Rolled Ice Cream - Looks Like A Winner, Give It A Try

Great way to start the weekend. The Jupioca Juice Bar Cafe opened today in Southtown next to Starbucks at 455 Main Street


According to the Jupioca web page:
Jupioca is a feel good, eat good kind of a quick-service takeout joint serving fresh and healthy drinks. We were established in 2009 when two businesses, one that made bubble teas and the other that had expertise in crafting healthy juices, joined forces to come up with a unique combination of juice and tapioca.

All juices, smoothies, and shakes listed on our menu are inspired by high-quality and nutritious natural ingredients. To produce these healthy and refreshing beverages, we source fresh and locally grown vegetables and fruits, daily. And they’re not just about taste—our offerings promise to benefit you in multiple ways. They make for a healthy diet, help you detox and cleanse your system, and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated, all charged up for the day.

We at Jupioca are committed to introducing every American to these incredibly nutritious drinks so that everyone can benefit from them. Just make our no-sugar, highly nutritious drinks a part of your daily routine and see the incredible difference they make to your lifestyle.


Roosevelt Island's new Jupioca Bar Cafe serves fresh fruit tropical


and vegetable smoothies


Fruit and Bubble Teas,


Acai Bowls


and Rolled Up Ice Cream. I saw a couple of young girls loving the ice cream.


Check out menu at their web site.

There are two small seating areas inside the store.

Give it a try. I think this one is a winner.

Welcome to Roosevelt Island - Jupioca Juice Bar Cafe.

UPDATE 5/11:

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 5:39:00 PM 0 comments

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Roosevelt Island Public Safety Chief Jack McManus Announces Retirement As Of June 30 Due To World Trade Center Related Illness, Brought Real Community Policing To Roosevelt Island - Will Continue To Serve Roosevelt Island Public Safety Consulting On Various Projects, Thank You Jack For Your Service

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal announced at yesteday's RIOC Board Meeting that Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Jack McManus is retiring as of June 30.



Chief McManus, or Jack, as Roosevelt Island residents fondly refer to him,

 Chief McManus (2nd from Right) With Ms Rosental (Right) And PSD Officers In 2018

sends the following message to the Roosevelt Island community:
Hello. This is Jack McManus from your Public Safety Department (PSD). Some of you may know that I was diagnosed with a serious World Trade Center related illness approximately five (5) months ago. Due to ongoing treatments, side effects from the treatments, and a lot of doctor appointments, I have been forced to make adjustments to my work schedule. Most weeks I am on the Island and in my office on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Recently, my physician informed me that I will have to continue these treatments for the foreseeable future, which will necessitate the continuation of my abbreviated work schedule. PSD Deputy Director Kevin Brown has been standing in for me and doing a phenomenal job. Deputy Brown has been with us for almost three (3) years, and he has a solid commitment to the Roosevelt Island Community -- to keeping everyone safe, improving the quality of life on the Island, and continuing to police within the Community Policing Model which has proven to be successful on Roosevelt Island.

After discussions with the RIOC Executive Team, we have agreed that as of June 30th my position as Chief/Director of PSD will come to an end, but I will continue to actively participate in significant public safety activities on the Island. For example, for the upcoming Figment NYC festival I intend to participate in all strategy sessions and coordinate with NYCEM, NYPD, FDNY, MTA, EDC and other city and state agencies to improve logistical and safety plans for this and all future large events.

RIOC president/CEO Susan Rosenthal has also asked me to take the lead on planning and implementing security and life safety communications throughout the Island, and I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experience on this and other major projects.

I look forward to seeing everyone whenever I am on the Island and cannot overstate how good it feels to walk down the street and encounter our community members while I’m “on the beat”. It’s always good to see you and I can’t thank you enough for asking me how I’m feeling. Simply put, it means the world to me.

Sincerely,

Jack McManus
Chief McManus has served Roosevelt Island since June 2013, following a tumultuous period where the relationship between Public Safety and many in the Roosevelt Island community was very poor. Chief McManus brought professionalism, openness, courtesy and smile to the relationship between PSD and the Roosevelt Island community.

Here's one of his earliest public meetings in 2013 with the Roosevelt Island community and Chief McManus at the 2018 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony last December.



His daily presence on Roosevelt Island will be missed.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal invites you to retirement party for Chief McManus on June 26 at Good Shepherd Chapel.

Best wishes for a full recovery to Chief Jack McManus.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 2:26:00 PM 0 comments

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Roosevelt Island Community Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Chief McManus Retiring, Aftermath Of Cherry Blossom Festival Transportation Mess, Figment NYC June 1-2 Event Is Test Of Ability To Handle Large Crowd Events, No July 4 Fireworks Celebration, Bike Lane/Ramp, FDR Hope Memorial Status, RIOC Director David Kraut 25 Year Anniversary & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the May 9 RIOC Board of Directors meeting on the following subjects.

Here's the full Roosevelt Island community report from RIOC President Susan Rosenthal.


By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 2:14:00 PM 0 comments

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Is This Heaven? Good News For Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - F Train Service To And From Manhattan, Both Tram Cabins Working And East River Ferry Service For Third Weekend In A Row



Good news, for the third week in a row, Roosevelt Island residents will have weekend F Trains running to and from Manhattan, both Tram Cabins operating as well as the East River Astoria Route Ferry service.

UPDATE 5/11:

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:08:00 AM 0 comments

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Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes May 17 To May 23 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Free Delivery With $75 Or More Order

The Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket


invites you to check out their May 17 - May 23 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.

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

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:01:00 AM 0 comments

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

2019 Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration Staged On Lower East River By Brooklyn Bridge - Not Much Of A View From Roosevelt Island, RIOC Says July 4 A Non Event For RI

Looks like Roosevelt Island will not have much of a view for the 2019 Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration. According to this May 2 Macy's press release:

This Independence Day, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks will set the stage for a dazzling pyrotechnic spectacle, as the 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® ignites the night with an unparalleled barrage of color, light and sound, live from the Brooklyn Bridge. On Thursday, July 4 at approximately 9:20 p.m. millions of spectators lining the waterways on the lower East River and millions more on television nationwide will be enthralled by the awe-inspiring display, as Macy’s Fireworks launch tens of thousands of shells and effects from the bridge and from four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District....
Image From Macy's

From 2015-2018 the Macy's July 4 Fireworks were staged on barges near Long Island City and North Brooklyn providing fantastic views from Roosevelt Island



but there will not be much of a view this year with the Fireworks staged by the Brooklyn Bridge.

During May 7 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee meeting discussion on plans for the upcoming June 1-2 Figment NYC event at Lighthouse Park, RIOC CFO John O'Reilly said the 4th of July:
... looks like a non-event....
for Roosevelt Island.

Well, at least we won't have the annual complaints over getting tickets for viewing the fireworks at FDR Park.

UPDATE 6/26:

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:43:00 AM 0 comments

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Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Revisiting Hart Island Free Public Lecture May 9 Presented By Roosevelt Island Historical Society At RI NY Library Branch - Learn About Efforts To Make NY Potter's Field Burial Grounds A Public Park

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) is hosting a free public lecture titled Revisiting Hart Island May 9 (6:30 PM) at the NY Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch (524 Main Street).

According to RIHS:

R E V I S I T I N G  H A R T  I S L A N D


T H U R S D A Y ,  M A Y 9 T H |  6 : 3 0 P. M.
R I  N Y P L  B R A N C H
_______________________
S P E A K E R :
M e l i n d a H u n t

For decades, Potter’s Field on Hart Island and the island itself have been run by the Corrections Department. Over the last few years, Melinda Hunt, Trustee of the Hart Island Project, has brought the plight of Hart Island's deteriorating condition to the public and opened the conversation to make the Island a public park. Melinda will update us on proposals to change administration of the island to the Parks Department, their implications, and other issues that have emerged since 2014.

The lecture is presented by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society at the New York Public Library Branch on Roosevelt Island, on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

The event is FREE and open to the public. It is the second in the Society’s annual series of spring lectures, which is supported by funds provided by Amalgamated Bank, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Public Purpose Fund and New York City Council Member Ben Kallos, with funding from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development.
More info from the Hart Island Project and this video.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 8:46:00 PM 0 comments

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Roosevelt Island Youth Center Renovations, Lighthouse Park Pedestrian Bridge, Seawall Railings, Procurement Guidelines, Public Purpose Funds & More On Agenda For May 9 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting - Public Comment Session Prior To Start Of Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday, May 9, at the Cultural Center (548 Main Street). You're invited to  attend and ask questions during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

According to RIOC:

AGENDA
MAY 9, 2019 MEETING OF
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 
548 MAIN STREET, 
ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK
5:30 P.M.1
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
1. March 7, 2019 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Ratification of Insurance Binders for FY 2019-20 (Board Action Required)
2. Approval of Extension of the FY 2018-19 Public Purpose Funds Period (Board Action Required)
3. Approval of Amendments of the Public Purpose Funds for Roosevelt Island Visual Arts
Association for FY 2017-18 and FY 2018-19 (Board Action Required)
4. Approval of Amendments to RIOC Procurement Guidelines (Board Action Required)
5. Authorization to Enter into Settlement Agreement with Elit Green Builders Corporation in
Connection with Seawall Railings Construction Project (Board Action Required)
6. Ratification of Amendment of Contract with Elan Engineering, LLC for Seawall Railing design
and consulting services (Board Action Required)
7. Ratification of Contract with Sea Crest Construction Corp. for Lighthouse Park Pedestrian Bridge
Replacement (Board Action Required)
8. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Vanguard Construction & Development Co. Inc. for
Youth Center Renovations (Board Action Required)
9. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Structural Preservation System, LLC for Motorgate
Garage Repairs (Board Action Required)
10. Authorization to Amend Contract with Ral-Bar Electric Inc. for On-call Electrical Services (Board
Action Required)
11. Authorization to Enter into Contract with Safe Tech USA Ltd. for Fire Alarm Monitoring and
Repairs at the Tramway (Board Action Required)
12. Authorization to Enter into Contract for Water Distribution Repairs Project (Board Action
Required - Materials to Follow) 13. President’s Report
14. Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
b. Governance Committee
c. Operations Advisory Committee
d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee
15. Public Safety Report
VI. Adjournment

1 The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.
The May 9 RIOC Board of Directors meeting notice was not posted on the RIOC web site.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 7:56:00 PM 0 comments

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Roosevelt Island Celebrates Earth Love Day With Demonstrations Of Available Eco-Friendly Resources By Local Groups Including iDig2Learn, Garden Club, Green RI Neighbors, Circle Of Kindness & More - Food Scraps Are Not Trash

Roosevelt Island celebrated Earth Love Day last Saturday April 27 at the Good Shepherd Plaza Farmers Market. Local residents and visitors showed us available environmentally friendly resources available right here on Roosevelt Island.

Here's what happended.



IDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico explains Roosevelt Island Earth Love Day and how to use food scraps for composting. Ms Delfico says - Food Scraps Are Not Trash!




Sara Qihan Dong from the World Human Accountability Organization shows how to make beautiful dyes from food scraps.


Niti Parikh helps spread a Circle of Kindness around Roosevelt Island.



Green Rooseelt Island Neighbors (GRIN) Anthony Longo makes Superdirt from Roosevelt Island organics that are not food scraps.



Roosevelt Island Garden Club Member Julia Ferguson goes deeper into how to compost with bugs and worms and other good stuff.



More from RIGC on Roosevelt Island Earth Love Day at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center Member and Girl Scout Dakota describes learning about saving the environment and using food scraps for composting



iDig2Learn's Christina Delfico has more on Roosevelt Island Earth Love Day.

Young people from the RIOC’s Youth Center were on hand to collect used batteries and cheer locals on their green journey with a Roosevelt Island Phase 1 Green Map. The map spotlights free eco-friendly island resources available including free food scrap drop offs, clothing bin drops, electronic waste boxes and the newly added Safe Medication Disposal box at Duane Reade. Many building managers have painted their roofs light colors which reduces energy use, offer free book exchange shelves, planted trees and native pollinator friendly plants, use green cleaning products and peak energy alerts to conserve and reduce waste. RIOC has used battery drops at Sportspark and 591 Main Street for safe disposal. More sustainable resources will be added to the phase two green map as additional buildings, schools and businesses announce their sustainable practices. Islanders are encouraged to share earth-friendly practices they know about or wish to start by tagging #EarthLove and Roosevelt Island on social media.


Read more »

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 2:48:00 PM 0 comments

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Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Roosevelt Island Octagon Park Picnic Table And BBQ Area Closed For More Than One Year By Fence Keeping Residents Out - RIOC Does Not Know When It Will Re-Open Due To Impact Of NYC DEP Access Road Construction Requiring Area Reseeding

A Reader asked:

Any word on when RIOC is planning to remove the fence around the access road by octagon? Work was to be done LAST APRIL

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:
Any update as to when the DEP fence adjacent to the Octagon will be removed.

RIOC Director of Community Affairs Erica Spencer-El replied:
Members from our Capital Planning & Projects and Parks departments met with DEP in early April and completed a walkthrough of Access Road B. It was determined that DEP will re-seed the area impacted by the construction with hydro-seed and, once fully established, remove the fence and transfer the park back to RIOC for regular upkeep and maintenance.

As of today, we have not received a definite date for when the fence will be removed. However, we are in constant communication with DEP reps and anticipate receiving an update on the removal schedule shortly.

I will provide you with new information on this matter as soon as we receive it.
Work for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection Water Tunnel Access Road adjacent to the Octagon Building was supposed to start in April 2018 and be completed by October 2018. The area, park space with picnic tables and BBQ grills, was closed off to residents by fencing starting that April.

Due to project delays, work did not begin until August 2018 and appears to have been completed in late November although the fencing with ugly green tarp remained into December as reported by Roosevelt Island Daily.

In January 2019, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported:
You may have noticed, since last month, that the green tarps along the fence line of the project have been removed. As you may know the City’s Department of Environmental Protection built an access road along the path from Main Street to the Promenade. RIOC had no control of the timing and or pace toward completion of the construction. When we inquired and met with the DEP staff in December, we were informed the fencing will be removed once the sod has an opportunity to knit i.e. become firmly rooted along the road. The tarps’ removal was a compromise to provide better street lighting and visibility in the area. And rest assured, we’ll have any hanging or downed tree limbs removed before the fencing is removed and the area is open again to the public. 
Seems not much has changed since last January and much of the Octagon Park picnic space and BBQ area


is still off-limits until who knows when.

UPDATE 5/9 - According to RIOC Spokesperson Jessica Murray:
Please be advised that DEP has informed RIOC that they plan to remove the fence at Octagon Park by Friday, May 17th.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 2:15:00 PM 0 comments

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New York Junior Tennis & Learning Free Roosevelt Island Spring Program at the Octagon Park Tennis Courts - Monday, Wednesday & Friday Afternoons For Kids 7-18, Pee Wees 5-6 Years Old On Wednesday, All You Need is Sneakers And A Smile

The New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) Free Spring Roosevelt Island Program has begun at the Octagon Park Tennis Courts.

Local resident and NYJTL Roosevelt Island Site Coordinator Joyce Short reports:


NYJTL's Spring Season has begun at Octagon Park. Hours are 3-6 PM for kids aged 7 through 18, Monday, Wednesday & Friday. PeeWees- aged 5, 6, and beginners who are 7, 3:30 to 4:30 on Wednesdays.

Rolling admission. No one is turned away. All you need is sneakers and a smile.

NYJTL is supported through the generosity of RIOC, NYC City Council and Council Member Ben Kallos.
According to NYJLT:
Few things thrill Joyce Short more than watching the kids she coaches at the Roosevelt Island Community Tennis Program learn and grow. But there’s added significance for her when she sees girls, in particular, excel.

Joyce grew up before the 1972 Title IX legislation created equal opportunities for girls to participate in sports. She played tennis and competed in citywide tournaments as a one- and three-meter springboard diver in her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. She was the City Champion in the 16-and-under category. But her high school had no varsity teams for girls. As a University of Georgia co-ed, she was only allowed to use the diving board in the “men’s pool,” two hours per week.


Today, Joyce relishes the opportunity to be a role model for all young people, but especially girls. “I hope that the fact that I’m here coaching as a female athlete will speak volumes to them about their potential,” she says....
(Click here for the full article)

And more on NYJTL.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 12:51:00 PM 0 comments

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RIOC Announces Roosevelt Island Motorgate Garage Repairs And Infrastructure Improvements To Begin Next Month - Repair Concrete Surfaces, Upgrade Drainage System, Waterproofing Facility, Restriping Parking Spaces, New Signage & Electric Car Charging Stations

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) plans to begin work on infrastructure improvements to the Motorgate Garage.


According to RIOC:
As part of the ongoing initiative to improve the Island’s infrastructure, a contractor was selected to complete improvements in the Motorgate garage that will address deficiencies in the space. The work will be phased to allow for the continued use of the garage as construction progresses.

What’s happening:
  • Repair concrete surfaces to remove cracked, spalled and delaminated concrete. Install slip resistant topping coating as needed.
  • Replace the existing expansion joint material.
  • Repair & upgrade the existing drainage system.
  • Apply a waterproofing system on the parking deck, ramps, walkways, and curbs.
  • Restripe the parking spaces and install new wayfinding signage.
  • Install electric car charging stations.
What to expect and when:

Over the next few weeks, monthly patrons impacted by the first phase of work will be notified. Patrons will be relocated as necessary to accommodate the work schedule.

Phase I — first half repair work is scheduled to be performed in Spring 2019 through Fall of 2019

Phase II— second half repair work is slated to be performed in Spring 2020 through Fall of 2020

What residents can do to help:
  • Your continued patience and cooperation is appreciated as we require residents to temporarily relocate their vehicles within the garage.
  • Please observe and comply with temporary modifications to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic patterns.
  • For your safety, please stay out of construction areas and other areas as posted.
“Residents have been living with the effects of the deterioration of Motorgate for too long; accordingly, we are happy to move forward with this extensive project to address those problems.” said Susan Rosenthal, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

The Motorgate Garage management company, SP+, will be contacting monthly parking customers regarding any relocations or other necessary information. In addition, advisories with detailed updates on the Motorgate garage improvements will be sent out to the community as the project progresses. To receive alerts visit rioc.ny.gov and sign up for Island Community Advisories.
UPDATE 12:20 - The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse asks:

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 10:48:00 AM 0 comments

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Monday, May 6, 2019

Part 4 Of Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community Conversation - Watch Law Professor James Grimmelmann Presentation On Sealand/Haven Co, Is Internet Out Of Control, Are Tech Companies Undermining Government Regulation, Is That Good Or Bad?

Cornell Tech has initiated a series of Roosevelt Island Community Conversations between residents and Cornell Tech Faculty. The fourth  conversation took place April 29 with Professor James Grimmelmann presentation on Law & Technology:

Does it seem like the Internet is out of control? Are technology companies undermining government control and freeing people to do absolutely anything they want online? And is that a good thing or a bad thing?

James Grimmelmann studies law and technology. He tries to understand today's digital controversies by looking for times when similar things have happened in the past. He will explain current struggles to regulate technology by telling the unbelievable real-life tale of HavenCo, one of the unlikeliest startups of all time. Its headquarters was an abandoned World War II anti-aircraft platform seven miles off the British coast — and the story just gets weirder from there. It includes pirate radio, machine guns, rampant copyright infringement, a Red Bull skateboarding special, perpetual motion machines, and the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States.

James will use the story of HavenCo as a jumping-off point for a conversation about technology and democracy.
It was a fascinating presentation. Watch it below



followed by equally interesting questions from the audience.





Fascinating video here on HavenCo and efforts to avoid government regulation of data.

The first Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Faculty conversation was with Professor Serge 
Belongie on Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Augmented Reality. Watch the video here.

The second Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Faculty conversation was with Professor Nicolai Dell on Creating Tech For Underserved Communities. Watch the video here.

The third Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Faculty conversation was with  Professor Mor Naaman on Tech, Media & Democracy. Don't have video of that presentation. 

Am looking forward to future Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Faculty Community Conversations.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 2:41:00 PM 0 comments

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Roosevelt Island Gallery RIVAA Opens Pop Up Art Exhibit At Cornell Tech Tata Innovation Center - Abstract Painting By Local Artist Ioan Popoin Will Ignite The Minds And Spirits Of All Who Wander By Says RIVAA Gallery Board Member Jim Pignetti

Last Thursday, May 2, Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA opened a new Pop Up art exhibit featuring abstract painting by local resident and artist Ioan Popoin, displayed in the first floor window  commercial space


and building lobby


of the Tata Innovation Center


on the Cornell Tech campus.

There are no hours to the exhibition. You can come by at any time during the day to view the painting thru the first floor window commercial space and in the lobby when the building is open. The paintings are on view for approximately 2 months.

RIVAA Board Member Jim Pignetti welcomed those who gathered for the opening and introduced the artist noting:
... It's an honor and privilege to partner with Cornell Tech in adding more beauty to an already fantastic campus. Ioan's extraordinary abstractions ignite an otherwise empty commercial space and hopefully they'll ignite the minds and spirits of all who wander by, Cornell Tech students and staff, community members and visitors....

I hope my constant pushing can now be understood through the lens of this event...

... Ioan, your work speaks for itself. Color, gesture, form, movement. They transport us visually and emotionally to a new and fresh place, something that we all need nowadays...



Mr Pignetti added:
It is with great pleasure that I present Ioan Popoiu’s paintings here at the Tata Innovation Center. This is another installment in RIVAA’s - the Roosevelt Island Visual Artists Association - Island of Art Initiative.

It’s an honor and privilege to partner with Cornell Tech in adding more beauty to an already fantastic campus. Ioan’s extraordinary abstractions ignite an otherwise empty commercial space… and hopefully they’ll ignite the minds and spirits of all who wander by, Cornell Tech students and staff, community members, and visitors.

There are several thank yous I’d like to share… gratitude goes to Dan Cooke, Joseph Cassissa, Juliet Wiessman, and Elysa Marden. We got to know one another thru the email correspondence required to make an event like this real. I hope my constant pushing can now be understood thru the lens of this moment. At RIVAA, thanks go to Laura Hussey and Margie Smith, who participated in meetings and provided counsel. And most importantly thank you Tad Sudol, our president, without his vision none of this would, or could happen.

Finally thank you Ioan for your wonderful paintings… Ioan’s work speaks for itself – color, gesture, form, movement – they transport us visually, and emotionally to a new and fresh place, something that we all need in these trying times…

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 1:15:00 PM 0 comments

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RIOC Board Operations Committee Meeting May 7 - Agenda Includes Executive Session On Pending Litigation And History Of Corporation, Public Session On Roosevelt Island Youth Center Renovations, Lighthouse Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement, Motorgate Garage Repairs & More

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee is meeting Tuesday May 7. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 5:30 P.M. at RIOC’s Operations Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA:

5:30 P.M. – 6:10 P.M.:

I. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:

1. Pending Litigation

2. Financial History of Corporation

6:10 P.M.:

II. Discussions of:

Amendments to RIOC Procurement Guidelines
Seawall Railing Design and Consulting Services
Lighthouse Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
Youth Center Renovations
Motorgate Garage Repairs
On-call Electrical Services
Fire Alarm Monitoring and Repairs at the Tramway
Water Distribution Repairs Project
Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.
UPDATE 2:50 PM - I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal:
Will there be any discussion at May 7 Operations Advisory Committee meeting about transportation problems caused by the large crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival and any RIOC preparations being made for the upcoming June 1-2 Figment NYC event to prevent similar occurrence?

Do not see anything on the Agenda about this issue.
Ms Rosenthal replied:
Yes, Shelton will report on our planning at NYCEM.
Shelton Haynes is RIOC's Chief Operating Officer.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 10:33:00 AM 0 comments

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Sunday, May 5, 2019

International Jazz Day Jam Session Today At Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA - Meet The Musicians And Have A Listen

Roosevelt Island resident and jazz guitarist Susheel Kurien together with an international cast of musicians from distant lands such as

  • Texas, 
  • Hong Kong, 
  • Madagascar, 
  • South Korea, 
  • Astoria, 
  • Westchester, 
  • Cold Spring and 
  • Brooklyn
celebrated the third annual Roosevelt Island International Jazz Day with a Jam Session earlier today at Gallery RIVAA.

Susheel Kurien introduced the musicians to the appreciative audience of about 20



and then the celebration of jazz began. Here's a snippet. (Click on Full Screen Icon at bottom right of video for better view).



Susheel organizes jazz sessions from time to time at Gallery RIVAA.

Check it out next time there's another jam.

Also, Susheel is the writer/director of Finding Carlton, a documentary about the story of Jazz in India.

Here's the trailer.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 7:51:00 PM 0 comments

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