Roosevelt Island Resident Khadijah Abduraham Hosting April 12 Science On Sunday Zoom Show On Coler Hospital And The Chronopolitics Of The Pandemic - Join The Discussion In Honor Of Deceased Resident Roy Watson And Learn About Current Coronavirus Conditions At Coler

As previously reported, Roosevelt Island residents have organized to help the patients and staff at the Coler Rehab & Nursing Care Center facility obtain personal protective equipment needed to stay safe that they are not receiving during the Coronavirus Pandemic.



Roosevelt Island resident J. Khadijah Abdurahman is hosting an April 12 Zoom Science On Sundays 8 PM to 9:15 PM discussion focusing on the conditions at Coler.

Coler Hospital and the Chronopolitics of the Pandemic Sunday April 12th 8-9:15pm (EST)

This episode is dedicated to Roy Watson, my friend, devout Muslim, activist, ⁦@opendoorsnyc⁩ member and Coler hospital resident who died of COVID-19 https://t.co/qnaZjiYy0k

— Khadijah (@UpFromTheCracks) April 9, 2020

According to the We Be Imagining Science On Sundays web page:

Coler and the Chronopolitics of the Pandemic

Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center is located on Roosevelt Island.

Host: J. Khadijah Abdurahman

Just click the Zoom link here to join the show:

This episode of SOS is dedicated in memory of Roy Watson, a devout Muslim, activist, OPEN DOORS member and Coler resident who died on Tuesday, April 6th of COVID-19

Featuring Professor Gabriel Winant discussing his recently published piece in n+1 magazine, Coronavirus and Chronopolitics

Vince Pierce, member of OPEN DOORS and resident of Coler Hospital sharing his experience on the frontlines of PPE shortages and the spread of COVID-19 at Coler.

Jennilie Brewster, project lead of OPEN DOORS sharing the challenges faced by community supporters in advocating on behalf of Coler residents as COVID-19 patients are being transferred to Coler and mixed in with the 500 residents who already lived there

Niti Parikh, Creative Lead of the MakerLAB @ Cornell Tech discussing her efforts to develop face shields and distribute them to hospitals who need them

More on the The American Assembly Columbia University We Be Imagining program here.

Happy Passover & Easter From Roosevelt Island - No In Person Gatherings Due To Coronavirus Social Distancing But Enjoy Virtual Seder, A Little RI Passover History, Maccabeats Singing 4 Questions And Streaming Easter Celebration From East River Catholics And RI Mosaic Church

The Coronavirus Pandemic Social Distancing efforts have closed Jewish and Christian houses of worship during this week's Passover and Easter Holidays including the:

• Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, 
• Chabad Of Roosevelt Island,
• St Francis Xavier Cabrini Church, part of the East River Catholics Parish and
• The Roosevelt Island Mosaic Church.

So, in the absence of attending an in person Passover Seder with friends and family, sit down to a virtual Passover Seder:



learn:

A LITTLE JEWISH HISTORY & PASSOVER AT GOLDWATER

from the Roosevelt Island Historical Society archive and take a listen to the Maccabeats sing Passover's 4 Questions



For Easter, East River Catholics web site has their schedule

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Volunteers Led By RIDA President Wendy Hersh Deliver Groceries And Meals Daily To Our Seniors And Homebound During Coronavirus Pandemic

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh shares these photos and reports:

So it's been quite a few weeks...working remotely from home non stop. 8hrs a day...

and at the same time making sure those in need and those unable to come out in my community receive their breakfast and lunch every day as well as making sure our weekly grocery donations are distributed along with that.

Read more »

What's On Your Coronavirus Music Playlist - Check Out Emergency Contact Music Video From Moose, A Roosevelt Island Resident

Roosevelt Island resident Chris "Moose" Rohifs captures the Coronavirus Pandemic times we live these days with the release of his new music video - Emergency Contact. According to Moose:

Add this one to your quarantine playlist! Roosevelt Island resident "Moose" releases funky medical-themed single and music video "Emergency Contact" about hope and providing support during difficult times.

Play the video, it's very good.



Moose adds his:

... fun and romantic pop sound, by turns danceable, silly, and heartfelt, is inspired by his relationship with his wife of 12 years. He started making pop tunes as Valentine’s Day presents for her, and it got out of hand. She's gonna get herself into real trouble one of these days to make sure he’s ready to deliver on all his promises from the songs. She gave him the pet name Moose, which is an upgrade from “Moo.” He figures a musician can be named “Seal,” so Moose should be okay....

Image From Music By Moose

Check out more Music By Moose at his web site.

Roosevelt Island Virtual Zoom Talent Show Tonight, Sign Up Now to Share Your Talent And Watch Every Friday At 7 PM - Have Fun And Connect With Your Roosevelt Island Neighbors

So, you want to be a local star, or maybe just have a little bit of fun staying home on a Roosevelt Island Friday night during the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown?

Roosevelt Island resident Kaja Meade reports:

New Week! New Talent Show! Join us as a performer or audience! This regularly scheduled show is open to all Roosevelt Island residents to preform OR watch. The show begins at 7pm Fridays on Zoom. Meeting ID: 634 771 949

If you would like to be IN the show preforming your talent: Please sign up here Sign-up Genius

We know that Roosevelt Island's Got Talent! We hope that you will consider joining in this week. We are looking for a number of talents from people of all ages – be as creative as you can! The purpose is to HAVE FUN, and connect with each other as an island community. Professional quality talent is NOT necessary. Ideas include: Singing, Dancing, Cooking, Pet tricks, Origami, Knitting Tutorial and Showcase, Hair Techniques (like French Braid), Makeup Tips, Cooking, Baking, Karate, Rhythmic gymnastics, Magic tricks, Juggling, Dog Tricks, Crafting, Impressions, Comedy, Windowsill Gardening, and more!

Reminder: if you would like to WATCH the show, please join here Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 634 771 949

For updates, check Instagram @rooseveltislandlove

View this post on Instagram

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20f0c48afa823a3f49-roosevelt

A post shared by RI Neighborhood (@rooseveltislandlove) on Mar 23, 2020 at 4:58pm PDT

More info on Roosevelt Island's Got Talent here.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend - 50 MTA Workers Die From Coronavirus, Subway Ridership Down 93%, Stay Home Unless You're Providing An Essential Service Or An Emergency

Hello, everyone.

Friday, April 10, we plan to operate MTA Essential Service. We’re running as many trains as we can with the crews available. Plan extra travel time and check status on your line here or at https://t.co/vhZQ2kHr6B

We’ll keep saying this 👇 pic.twitter.com/Yz2nLKZnGB

— NYCT Subway. Stay Home. Stop the Spread. (@NYCTSubway) April 10, 2020

According to the MTA:

ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS Apr 10 - 13, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 5 AM Coney Island-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St

Trains resume regular service at 47-50 Sts.

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

Ridership decline as of Thursday:

- Subway: 93%

- LIRR: 97%

- Metro-North: 95%

- Bridge+Tunnel traffic: 66%

— Dan Rivoli (@danrivoli) April 10, 2020

The Roosevelt Island Tram and Red Bus are operating and here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Winter Schedule.

- Always leave 6 feet between you and other riders and crew, both at the landing and on the boat.
- Consider wearing a face covering when outside.
- Remember to use the NYC Ferry app instead of paper tickets to help decrease touch points.
- Wash your hands frequently.

— NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) April 7, 2020

Sponsored Post - Here's What Can You Do To Help Roosevelt Island And NYC During the Coronavirus Covid 19 Pandemic - Fill Out The 2020 US Census Right Now

Roosevelt Island residents are asking what they can do to help during the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic? One easy, yet very important task to help all New Yorkers, is to fill out the 2020 US Census

Don't forget to fill out the 2020 Census. It means billions for NYC's future, including for health care. It takes just a few minutes, and all responses are confidential and protected by law. Go to https://t.co/HNHYPLQ0iY or call 844-330-2020. #GetCountedNYC pic.twitter.com/GIoeZRJJLU

— HRA (@NYCHRA) April 9, 2020

Here's the Roosevelt Island Census Tracks response rate as of April 9.

'The Good Thing is Self-Response Hasn't Stopped': Census Bureau’s New York Regional Director on the 2020 Count Amid Coronavirus https://t.co/tXgz1CTpQN

— Ben Max (@TweetBenMax) April 9, 2020

Help Roosevelt Island and all of NYC by filling out the 2020 Census right now.

Friends Of Coler Organizing On Roosevelt Island To Help Coler Rehab & Nursing Care Center Patients & Staff During Coronavirus Pandemic - Seeking Donation Of Personal Protective Supplies And Volunteers To Pick Up And Sanitize 3D Printed Face Shields From Cornell Tech Makers Lab This Weekend, Can You Help?

As previously reported, the Friends Of Coler are a group of Roosevelt Island residents organizing to help the patients and staff of NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (HHC) Coler Facility during the Coronavirus pandemic. The Friends Of Coler are responding to calls for help from highly vulnerable patients and staff like this plea for N 95 masks by a Coler nurse



and this response submitted by a Coler resident to an online suggestion box set up by the Friends Of Coler:

I'm a resident of Coler Hospital. Last week they brought a patient from Elmhurst hospital and put him in my room. A 3 bed room right between me and my other roomate. Within days this patient developed a fever and couldn't breathe. He would cough the whole night, and was given a breathing machine that wasn't helping him to much. 2 days ago he was sent back to the Hospital. Then last night, Hospital workers came and took the bed he was on away. When i asked why they said they had to disinfected. What does that tell you? That my life was put in danger by administration being irresponsible and careless.

Here's an update today from Friends Of Coler.

Friends of Coler are coordinating together on Roosevelt Island to help Coler Rehab & Nursing Care Center during the COVID-19 crisis.

Roosevelt Islanders remain very worried for friends, family, neighbors living and working at Coler Rehab and Nursing Care Center. We are continuing efforts to get detailed oversight to provide the safest medical practices available and get supplies to Coler staff and residents.

Read more »

What Are The Issues Facing Senior Citizens And Homebound Elderly During Coronavirus Pandemic? Watch Video Of Zoom Virtual Town Hall Hosted By Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright For Answers

Roosevelt Island, Yorkville and Upper East Side NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright hosted a  Tuesday April 7 Zoom virtual town hall meeting on Coronavirus issues facing seniors and homebound elderly. Watch the video below.

See our virtual town hall last night on seniors and the homebound elderly. #COVID19 #response #ues #rooseveltisland https://t.co/rNrmmlluRp

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) April 8, 2020

According to Assembly Member Seawright's Facebook Page:

... we held our virtual Townhall Tuesday on the issues facing senior citizens and the homebound elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was a pleasure to hear from our special guest experts on senior and social services Robin Strashun of the non-profit Search and Care, and Marissa Block, Deputy Chief Program Officer of Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.

Read more »

Young Roosevelt Island Tennis Player Taking Solo Drill Tips From Roger Federer - The Kid Is Pretty Good!

Hi Roger! It’s Jeremy from Roosevelt Island NYC- your biggest fan trying to make it work. 🎾🏆 pic.twitter.com/vb65zodLJa

— Magdalena Orlicka-So (@orlicka_so) April 8, 2020

Watch Coronavirus Covid 19 Tele-Town Hall With Roosevelt Island And UES Elected Officials Hosted By NYC Council Member Ben Kallos - Informative Q&A Followed With NYC Health Commissioner Barbot And Colleague

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos together with other Upper East Side and RI elected officials participated in a Coronavirus Covid 19 Video/Tele-Town Hall last evening followed by a question and answer session with NYC Health Commissioner Dr Oxris Barbot and her colleague Dr Rey.

Hey #ICYMI, earlier tonight - watch my offices' #COVID19 Tele-Town Hall, w/ @NYCHealthCommrDr Oxiris Barbot.

We had over 150 participants and had questions answered by @NYCSpeakerCoJo @LizKrueger @KeithPowersNYC @RepMaloney @galeabrewer. @nycHealthy https://t.co/dTKtQ0beU4

— Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member (@BenKallos) April 8, 2020

Here's video of the opening presentations by the elected officials

Read more »

Sad News, 28 Year Veteran Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Corey Fischer Dies From Coronavirus Complications - He Was A Mentor To Fellow Officers, A Calming Voice And A Good Man Says RIOC President Rosenthal

Very sad news. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today:

The Passing of Officer Corey Fischer, PSD

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation mourns the passing of Officer Corey Fischer of the Public Safety Department (PSD). He passed due to complications from contracting the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Officer Fischer was a 28-year veteran of PSD and leaves behind a wife and children. He was a fine officer who dedicated his life to serving the Roosevelt Island community.

Flags on Roosevelt Island have been lowered to half staff in honor of Corey. We will announce more information about how we will celebrate his life and career in the coming days. We ask that all Roosevelt Island residents pause for a moment to remember the life of this good officer, husband, father, and friend.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal adds:

We are all distraught. He was on the island for 28 years. He mentored so many of our officers; a calming voice and a good man.

Condolences to Officer Corey Fischer's family, friends and colleagues at RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

UPDATE 6:30 PM - Condolences expressed by Roosevelt Island residents on Facebook page.

UPDATE 4/9 - Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee Chair Erin Feeley-Nahem adds:

Being on the front line is never an easy duty, and Corey Fisher did it for all of us, for 28 years. Thank you Officer Fisher for keeping us safe, before the pandemic, and during it. My deepest condolences to Officer Fisher’s family, and to his PSD colleagues who he served with, and who he will be missed by.

Wildlife Let Loose On Roosevelt Island - Did You See The Giraffe Snacking On Cherry Blossoms, Alligator Searching For Dinner And Frolicking East River Dolphins Too?

Roosevelt Island residents are accustomed to sharing our beautiful outdoor space and waterfront views with wildlife such as geese and other animals.

Roosevelt Island Geese and Joggers maintaining Social Distance yesterday at Southpoint Park pic.twitter.com/LRjGUDQhbo

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 8, 2020

But the social distancing being practiced because of the Coronavirus may have provided an opportunity for some never seen before wildlife to pay us a visit.

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) shares these photos from the Underwood Archive of animals let loose on Roosevelt Island.

A giraffe snacking on our Cherry Blossomos

(c) Sharon Ayalon 2020

an alligator looking for dinner

Read more »

Child Center Of NY Roosevelt Island Beacon Program At PS/IS 217 Offering Virtual Classroom Programs And Social Media Engagement During Coronavirus Closing

The Child Center of New York Roosevelt Island Beacon at PS/IS 217 is offering virtual classroom programs for Kindergarten thru High School students.

Read more »

Coronavirus Patients Being Transferred To New Roosevelt Island Medical Center In Same Building But Separate Area Of Coler Nursing Facility Says NYC Health & Hospitals Corp - Adds Every HHC Health Care Worker Who Needs Protective Equipment Is Able To Receive What They Require, But Coler Nurses Say Not So

NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (NYC HHC) President Mitch Katz tweeted today:

That's great but patients and staff at Roosevelt Island Coler Facility in same building are pleading for N95 masks and other protective equipment. RI residents are organizing to help them but NYC needs to step up. @BenKallos @SeawrightForNY @SenatorSerrano https://t.co/1kHik9fmsM https://t.co/kUDn4Y267F

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 7, 2020

I asked NYC HHC:

Roosevelt island Coler Staff are pleading to be supplied with N 95 Masks and Personal Protective Equipment to treat Coronavirus patients.

I'm told that the Staff was advised they will not get the equipment because Coler is considered a Nursing Home and not a Hospital. Will Coler Staff be supplied with N 95 Masks and PPE? If not, why?

Also, I'm being told that Coronavirus patients are being transferred to Coler which the Mayor said would not happen. Are Coronavirus patients now being transferred to Coler.

NYC HHC spokesperson replied tonight:

To address the need for ICU space in our hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals has moved covid-19 patients to the Roosevelt Island Medical Center. The Medical Center is separate from the post-acute, nursing facility known as NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler. Roosevelt Island Medical Center is in a separate area with no overlap or shared space. No covid-19 patients were moved into the nursing facility.

​NYC Health + Hospitals facilities are on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic and our dedicated employees are working day and night to ensure that all our patients receive the individual care they need. We’re doing everything we can to keep our employees protected with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Every health care worker in our system who needs PPE is able to receive what they require.

Read more »

Weill Cornell Medicine Doctor Michael Niederman Offers Advice And Answers Questions On Coronavirus, Prevention, Symptoms & Treatment, Read First Hand Brutal Account Of Husband & Wife Recovering At Home From Mild Coronavirus - Also Take Survey To Help Track Coronavirus

What is coronavirus? How can I keep myself from getting infected? What symptoms call for a doctor's visit?

Dr. Michael Niederman, pulmonary critical care expert at #WCMDeptOfMed & @nyphospital, answers many of your #COVID19 questions.

Full video: https://t.co/U5DbzkCEZt pic.twitter.com/iA9bGnuIWZ

— Weill Cornell Medicine (@WeillCornell) April 6, 2020

Here's the full video.



and an informative Twitter thread describing staying at home with Coronvirus

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Dog Runs, Ball Fields And Playgrounds Closed Due To Coronavirus - Southpoint Park, Lighthouse Park And FDR Four Freedoms Park Remain Open

While our dog runs are closed until further notice, our parks remain open to dogs and pet owners to get fresh air and exercise; however, dogs must be kept on a leash and dog owners must keep social distance. Off-leash hours are still in effect at designated parks. pic.twitter.com/skFDot6uLN

— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) April 7, 2020

The Roosevelt Island Dog runs are closed too

as are Roosevelt Island ball fields

Read more »

Roosevelt Island & Upper East Side Coronavirus Covid 19 Zoom Video Town Hall April 7 With Council Member Ben Kallos, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, & Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer - RSVP To Participate And Ask Questions

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos together with other Upper East Side and RI elected officials are participating in a Coronavirus Covid 19 Video/Tele-Town Hall tomorrow evening.

According to Council Member Kallos:

Start Time - Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - 6:00pm
End Time - Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - 7:00pm
Location - Zoom Video and Tele-Conference

Please join us for the Upper East Side Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video/Tele-Townhall. The report will be followed by Questions & Answers with NYC Department of Health Dr. Jennifer Rosen, Director of Epidemiology & Surveillance Representatives for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

RSVP REQUIRED

Read more »

Cornell Tech Team Bring Breakfast CS Virtual Computational Science Instruction To Roosevelt Island Families And Anyone Else Interested - Cornell Tech K-12 Director Diane Levitt Notes Coronavirus Exposes Educational Inequities For Students Without Tech And Wifi Broadband Access

Cornell Tech Senior Director of K-12 Education Diane Levitt reports:

On Roosevelt Island, Cornell Tech's Teacher-In-Residence partnership with PS/IS 217 has brought computer science teaching into every classroom in every grade. With schools closing due to the COVID-19 crisis and all instruction moving online, we wanted to give families on Roosevelt Island and beyond a way to learn and practice computational thinking and computer science at home. @Breakfast_CS (on twitter, soon to be on Facebook and LinkedIn) provides an engaging and accessible way for students to flex their computing muscles daily and it is an extension of Cornell Tech’s commitment to increase access to a rigorous, joyful CS education to all K-12 students in NYC."

Welcome to BreakfastCS! The @cornell_tech K-12 team wants you & your kids to understand computational thinking: the thought process behind programming. We use it to solve everyday problems in schools like @10X86. Each day, we’ll post a CT concept & a problem to solve. #CSforALL

— Breakfast_CS (@Breakfast_CS) March 19, 2020

Here's today's computational problem:

Using toothpicks, buttons, pennies, or any kind of counter you have around your home, try decomposing bigger numbers. Do some numbers break up into groups of equal numbers? Can you find any patterns when you decompose numbers? Have an awesome Monday, CT'ers, and WASH YOUR HANDS!

— Breakfast_CS (@Breakfast_CS) April 6, 2020

But unfortunately, this and other programs are not available for all. Ms Levitt notes the disruptive impact of Coronaviurs on education and it's exposure of inequities within the system for children who don't have access to technology and broadband wi-fi service.

Read more »

Here's How You Can Help Your Roosevelt Island Neighbors During Coronavirus Covid 19 Pandemic - Deliver Food To Your Neigbors And Join The Friends Of Coler To Help Patients And Staff

Many Roosevelt Island residents have asked what they can do to help our neighbors during the Coronavirus Covid 19 Pandemic. Just one example:

I am a newer local RI resident and wondering if there is anything I can do to help our community in these strange and crazy times!

I would not even know where to begin myself, so I was curious do you know of any groups organizing ways to help the local people or businesses in need? If so could you help connect me?...

Of course what we all can do is Stay At Home,Wash Your Hands and Keep Your Social Distance when you have to go out but there are tasks that you may be able to do for your neighbors that they can't do for themselves.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association  (RIDA) President Wendy Hope reports:

The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association along with Mosaic Church will be delivering the grab n go breakfast and lunches this coming week provided by the Board of Education.

We are in need of some volunteers to deliver to those in need in the various buildings. If you are able to deliver these small bags to your neighbors within your building please let me know... we will be working from the senior center and will ask you to pick up for your building at 9:30am. We are all in this together and we can get through this together.

And:

Read more »

NYC Education Department Providing Three Free Meals Daily For Children And Adults At Over 400 Locations - Roosevelt Island Location At PS/IS 217, No One Will Be Turned Away, Vegetarian And Halal Options Available

NEWS: starting tomorrow, Friday, April 3, 2020 three free meals will be available daily for ALL New Yorkers in more than 400 Meal Hubs across the 5 boroughs. To find a location near you visit https://t.co/ZOQdtTXnLo or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877. pic.twitter.com/ntrwdoEsw4

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) April 2, 2020

According to the NYC Department Of Education:

The New York City Department of Education is committed to making three free meals available daily for any New Yorker. Any New Yorker who wants one can get three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.

Meals can be picked up at all Meal Hubs 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Meals Hubs will operate for children and families from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, and for adults from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

• No one will be turned away at any time
• All adults and children can pick up three meals at one time
• Vegetarian and halal options available at all sites

No dining space is available, so meals must be eaten off premises

Parents and guardians may pick up meals for their children

No registration or ID required

The Roosevelt Island free meal location is at PS/IS 217, 645 Main Street.

Click here for more info and to check out the menu.