Friday, December 13, 2019

Wonderful Singing Performances From RI Youth Center Kids And MST&DA Carolers At Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony - Pretty Good Rockin Rollin Dancing From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal And NYC Council Member Ben Kallos Too

We've got a bunch of very talented kids at the Roosevelt Island Youth Center and were fortunate to see them perform during the December 5 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Watch and listen to Trey and Rebecca


perform Last Christmas and then Dakota, Nyla (singers) and Isla (guitarist)


 sing Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.



Great Job!!!!!!

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Director of Community Relations Erica Spencer-El and President Susan Rosenthal did a pretty good job as Co-Hosts of the event too.


Also, Ms Rosenthal showed off some Rockin Rollin dancing skills to Run Run Rudolph



after she encouraged NYC Council Member Ben Kallos on stage with her.


Equally impressive were the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) singers


 performing scenes from A Christmas Carol The Musical.



You can see MST&DA perform A Christmas Carol on:
  • Friday Dec 13 7:30pm *Paid preview performance
  • Saturday Dec 14 2:00pm
  • ​Saturday ​Dec 14 7:30pm
  • Thursday Dec 19 7:30pm
  • Friday Dec 20 7:30pm
Get your tickets here.

Check out Santa Claus counting down Lighting the Roosevelt Island Holiday/Christmas Tree.

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Cat Sitter Available, Longtime Resident Will Feed And Lovingly Care For Your Cat


Are you looking for a Roosevelt Island Cat Sitter?

Longtime resident will feed and lovingly care for your cat while you're away, making sure your pet is safe and happy at home. I will also help with mail, plants etc. References available.

Please call number above or email.

Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend, Tram And Ferry Service Too And Watch Video Of MTA Rep Talking Roosevelt Island Subway Service

According to the MTA there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service


to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Both Roosevelt Island Tram cabins are operating and here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Winter Schedule. 

During June 13 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting organized by Council Member Ben Kallos, MTA representative Markus Book spoke about Roosevelt Island F Train subway service. Watch the full MTA Roosevelt Island presentation below.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Find Out How Much Money NYC Parent Teacher Associations Raise For School Students - Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA Fundraising Was $236,000 In 2018-19 School Year


The excellent NYC education web site Chalkbeat reported December 2:
A tiny portion of New York City parent-teacher associations reported raising more than $1,000 per student — amounting, in some cases, to more than $1 million — while hundreds of other such school groups said they raised no money at all.

The data, released for the first time Monday, lays bare the funding disparities between schools in wealthy neighborhoods and those in higher poverty ZIP codes. It does not include data for charter schools, alternative schools, and pre-K centers because these schools are not required to have parent associations, an education department spokesperson said....
NY 1 adds:
... New York City’s Education Department has for the first time compiled and released data on the financial standing of PTAs around the city. City Councilman Mark Treyger, a former teacher who wrote the legislation requiring the report, says it's confirmed his fears about inequity in the city's public schools.

"How many times have we heard the DOE and the chancellor and the mayor talk about, your zip code should not determine the opportunities your families receive,” Treyger said. “Well, look at the data."

According to the report, 46 PTAs raised more than $500 thousand in the most recent school year. Of those 46 PTAs, 24 raised at least a million dollars.”...
Here's how Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 school PTA compares to citywide averages. (Credit: Samuel Park/Chalkbeat for Chartbeat)

I asked Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA President Irena Durkovic if the Chalkbeat fundraising amount of $236,000 was accurate. Ms Durkovic replied:
The amount reported is accurate, and it’s taken from our annual report that covers period from July 2018 through June 2019.
Ms Durkovic shares this statement from the whole 217 PTA executive board:
The PTA is grateful to the PS/IS 217 and Roosevelt Island communities for their support, which allows us to provide benefits for all students in our elementary and middle school here on Roosevelt Island.

For instance, we sponsor literacy and enrichment programs such as arts, physical education, and music; professional development and curriculum assistance to teachers; and community events for the school and its neighbors on Roosevelt Island.

We thank the many PS/IS 217 parents who donate to our annual fund and tirelessly volunteer their time, as well as RIOC and the broader Roosevelt Island community, who support the PTA through grants, the Roosevelt Island Farmer's Market, and in many other ways."
Here's Ms Durkovic describing Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA programs to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Purpose Funds committee during May 28,2019 meeting.



The PTA received 13,000 in Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Purpose Funds.

More info on NYC PTA fundraising from Chalkbeat article. 

UPDATE 8:30 PM:

Get Your Tickets Now For Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Performances Of A Christmas Carol The Musical Opening December 13 - Watch Video Of MST&DA Perform Scenes From A Christmas Carol The Musical At Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony Too

Watch this wonderful performance by the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) of scenes from their upcoming A Christmas Carol The Musical



during the December 7 Roosevelt Island Holiday/Christmas Tee Lighting Ceremony.

The MST&DA A Christmas Carol The Musical opens Friday, December 13 and continues with 4 more shows. Performances are:

  • Friday Dec 13 7:30pm *Paid preview performance
  • Saturday Dec 14 2:00pm
  • ​Saturday ​Dec 14 7:30pm
  • Thursday Dec 19 7:30pm
  • Friday Dec 20 7:30pm
According to MST&DA:
Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling Broadway adaptation.


Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!" Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him....

At the Howe Theatre in the R.I. Cultural Center 548 Main Street.
Tickets are:
  • General Admission $20
  • Seniors/Students $15 ​
Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Roosevelt Island photographer Irina Hage shares these photos from MST&DA A Christmas Carol The Musical.

Scrooge (Louis Ladehoff)

Bob Cratchit (Russ Cusick) and Tiny Tim (Jack Fadner)

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Roosevelt Island Budget, Nellie Bly Memorial & Roosevelt Landings Negotiations Among Items On December 12 RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Agenda - Roosevelt Island Experiencing An Economic Boom Says RIOC Budget

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Thursday, December 12 at the Manhattan Park Theater Club (8 River Road). You're invited to  attend,, ask questions and share concerns about Roosevelt Island during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Sign up to speak here.

Among the Agenda Items are:

According to the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget:

The Island is currently experiencing an economic boom in real estate with the construction‐in‐progress for Southtown Building 8 and 9, the completion of phase 1 of the multi‐billion‐dollar Cornell Tech campus site, and the evolution of the original residential complexes. These developments are the main drivers for the increased revenues and expenses mentioned below. This would support the need to increase funding to the Public Safety Department, Community Relations activity, professional support, training, etc. RIOC is contractually and statutorily required to maintain infrastructure and provide adequate service to the Island to accommodate this growth. Accordingly, RIOC is in the midst of significant infrastructure and facilities repairs and improvements as outlined on pages 8 through 10 of the budget....
Also, here's an excerpt from RIOC Assistant VP of Capital Planning and Projects Jonna Carmona-Graf memo to RIOC President Susan Rosenthal in support of the Nellie Bly Memorial:
Background: We wanted to both commemorated accomplishments of important women in history and expand upon the number of art installations on Roosevelt Island. As such, in June 2019 RIOC issued a Call for Artists to create a public monument honoring the achievements of Nellie Bly. She is considered the mother of investigative journalism, largely due to her exposé on the harsh treatment of patients at the Blackwell Island Insane Asylum. Her reports documenting the conditions and treatment at the hospital resulted in reform to the rules governing all hospitals in the City.

A project budget of $500,000.00 was established for the solicitation and includes all fees associated with the proposed memorial. Subsequent to the artist selection, NYC Councilmember Ben Kallos, pledged $70,000.00, to fund the braille plaques, audio app for hearing impaired and secondary walkway within the park.

A selection panel comprised of RIOC staff, RI Historical Society, RI Residents Association and RIVAA met to review proposals and interview the artists.
Concept: The Artist’s concept for the memorial is named “The Girl Puzzle” and creates an interactive experience within Lighthouse Park. It is modeled after a traditional Japanese Zen Garden with stylized landscape features and clean lines.

The proposed installation, within a plaza area of approximately 900 square feet, will have five (5) 7’-0” tall bronze sculptures of female faces set in the park and three mirrored, stainless steel spheres.

As the viewer enters the 60’ long plaza walkway, they encounter two bronze faces on each side of the plaza. The four bronze faces depict women of different ages and ethnicities. A fifth face of Nellie, cast in silver bronze is located at the northern terminus of the plaza. The mirrored spheres are on axis with the center of Nellie’s face and are varied in size. A low seat wall outlines three sides of the plaza to create a contemplative space for the viewer.

The installation will include written quotes representative of her conviction, compassion and accomplishments and will be fully accessible. There will be bronze plaques in braille highlighting the exhibit for the visually impaired and an audio component for the hearing impaired....
and a rendering 


of the proposed Nellie Bly Memorial.

It's not known at this time the reason for the Executive Session Discussion of Roosevelt Landings negotiations. As previously reported, the sale of Roosevelt Landings has been finalized, there is a new building management, C&C Apartment Management LLC, and RIOC was to receive a:
... a Transaction payment for the Roosevelt Landings lease assignment of $1,788,429.73....
Here's the full December 12 RIOC Board Meeting Agenda:
AMENDED AGENDA

DECEMBER 12, 2019 MEETING OF

THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MANHATTAN PARK THEATER CLUB, 8 RIVER ROAD

ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK

5:30 P.M.

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

II. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session

1. Discussion of Negotiations for Roosevelt Landings

III. Adjournment for Public Comment Period[1]

IV. Approval of Minutes

1. October 17, 2019 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

2. November 12, 2019 Special Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

New Business

Approval of the Proposed RIOC Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 (Board Action Required)

Approval of Schedule of 2020 Meetings of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors (Board Action Required)

Authorization to Amend the Cell Antenna License Agreement with Verizon Wireless (Board Action Required)

Authorization to Enter into Contract with Prometheus Art Bronze Foundry & Metal Fabrication for Design and Construction Services for the Nellie Bly Memorial (Board Action Required)

Any Other New Business that May be Brought Before the Board

President’s Report

Committee Reports

Audit Committee

Governance Committee

Operations Advisory Committee

Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

Public Safety Report

Adjournment

[1] The public comment period will commence after the Executive Session. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Do Some Of Your Holiday Shopping At Roosevelt Island Senior Center Pop Up Market Saturday December 14 - Handmade Gifts, Holiday Decorations, Accessories, Beauty Products, International Foods & More

The Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Senior Center invites you to:

Do some of your holiday shopping this year at the annual Holiday Pop-up Market: Saturday December 14th from 9am-5pm here at the Senior Center! New items/crafts/made goods, international food.


Holiday Pop Up Market

Saturday, December 14, 2019

9 AM - 5 PM

Join us for our Third Annual Holiday Shopping Event.

Handmade gifts, Holiday Decorations and Crafts, Accessories, Beauty Products, International Food, Vendors Poinsettia and More

Raffles and 50/50

Roosevelt Island Senior Center
546 Main Street
Roosevelt Island NY 10044

Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts Learn Marketing Skills From Seasoned Pros, Brainstorm Strategies To Take Cookie Business To Next Level And Earn Think Big Marketing Badge - Cookie Sale Begins December 13

Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Troop 3001 Leader Aiesha Eleusizov reports:

Roosevelt Island Girl Scouts Learn Marketing Skills from Seasoned Professionals

Sandra Noonan, Chief Sustainability Officer from Just Salad and Nicole Grossberg of Nicole Grossberg Creative shared their expertise with Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Troop 3001 meeting last night.


Noonan and Grossberg talked about their careers in sustainability and marketing, introduced marketing concepts and ideas and brainstormed marketing strategies to help our budding entrepreneurs kick their cookie business up a notch! The girls are working on the Think Big marketing badge as well as preparing for this year's cookie sales, so the tips and advice will help these girls immediately!

As an added bonus, since both young women also lead Zero Waste NYC Workshop Series (including one held at Cornell Tech on November 14), Sandra and Nicole also educated the girls on the reality of how little plastic is actually recycled and inspired the girls to make a few simple changes in their life to reduce single use plastics in their life.

A very special thank you to Sandra and Nicole for inspiring our next generation of female leaders.

Cookie sales start Friday, December 13. Roosevelt Islanders get ready for our girls to practice their new marketing skills!
Here's video of Roosevelt Island Zero Waste Presentation given by Ms. Noonan and Ms Grossberg

Monday, December 9, 2019

Roosevelt Island Sportspark Pool Will Close For Renovation In Early 2020 - Improvements Include Upgrades To Pool Filtration, Lobby, Locker Rooms, HVAC, ADA Compliance & More

A Roosevelt Island resident and Sportspark Pool


user asks:
I ran into a neighbor who said Sportspark is closing in January for 6 months.... Do you know anything?
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Phase 1 of Sportspark’s Renovation and Modernization Project will begin early 2020 and will focus on the pool wing of the facility. Improvements include a new HVAC system, new windows, interior renovations to meet ADA code, upgrades to the pool filtration system, lobby and locker room upgrades. These improvements will ensure that Sportspark remains an affordable, active and engaged resource to island residents.

As part of this renovation, the pool will be closed for public use. We did not accept any pool permit requests for the 2020 Spring and Summer seasons because we expect the pool to be closed for use through Fall 2020. A formal pool closure duration will be posted once the contractor is selected and a contract is executed. When it reopens, the pool will have new locker facilities, a modern dehumidification system, upgraded filtration system and new duct work that will allow staff greater control over the pool temperature and air quality.

As a reminder, RIOC has phased the work to minimize disruption of services to our patrons. During construction, the gymnasium and other west wing facilities will remain available for use. We appreciate your patience as we complete these necessary repairs.

We will provide the specific pool closure schedule later this month. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience during these necessary improvements.

RIOC President Says Citibike Is Coming To Roosevelt Island This Spring During Tree Lighting Remarks, Also Status Report On Roosevelt Island Construction And Renovation Projects

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal delivered a report on various construction projects and infrastructure renovations to the the crowd of residents at the Tree Lighting Ceremony last Friday night. Ms Rosenthal also told the crowd that Citibke docking stations will be here this spring but no further details as to how many docks or their location.

Here's Ms Rosenthal's report at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.



UPDATE 1:30 - Apparently nothing new in the Citibike remarks.

According to RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:

No more details, ... She was just talking about earlier reports that we were still exploring the possibility. We’re still waiting to hear back from Citi Bike, so nothing is imminent. No change in status from the last time we talked about it. We’ll keep you posted.
And Ms Rosenthal adds:
... No decisions have been made on locations. We are awaiting their proposal based upon their analyses and experience.

Roosevelt Island Resident Arrested For Felony Assault Running Over Foot Of Public Safety Office Writing A Ticket - Also Red Bus Accident With Illegally Parked Car At Tram Station, Why Was Tram Red Bus Stop Moved Ask Residents?

The Roosevelt Island Pubic Safety Department (PSD) Incident Report listed an assault Saturday afternoon:

12/07/19 – 1654 – 555 Main Street – Assault – PSD/EMS/NYPD responded – PSD arrested subject.
I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) for additional details.

According to RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:
A PSD officer’s foot was run over in the act of writing a ticket. The officer is recuperating from a foot injury but is expected to make a full recovery. The suspect was arrested and charged with felony assault on a peace officer. Additional charges may be pending.
Mr McCauley adds that the driver was a Roosevelt Island resident living at 555 Main Street.

Also, the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports on what appears to be an accident involving the Red Bus and a vehicle at the Tram Station Friday evening.

RIOC repled via Twitter with more details as to what happened.

The Twitterverse followed up asking why the Tram Red Bus North stop was changed.


UPDATE 12:25:

UPDATE 3:05 PM - From RIOC:

UPDATE 4:35

UPDATE 12;25 Also, RIOC announced today:
Re-Introducing RIOC: Transportation – Shelton Haynes, RIOC’s Chief Operating Officer along with Cy Opperman and Joe Marino of RIOC’s Transportation Department will be speaking at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center about the tram, the Red Bus and other transportation matters concerning our senior community. For more information on the event, please click here and feel free to spread the word