Saturday, May 9, 2020

Join Roosevelt Island's Got Talent & Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance For A Special Mother's Day Show On Zoom 5 PM Sunday May 10

Roosevelt Island resident Kaja Meade reports:

Sunday, May 10 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Roosevelt Island Love

Join Roosevelt Island's Got Talent and Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance on May 10th at 5pm for a special Mother's Day show. ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87089567465

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket May 8-14 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons & Social Media Facebook And Instagram Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket


invites you to check out their May 8 - May 14 Weekly Flyer for  Product Offerings, Specials & Sales items.


Click here to visit the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket web site for online shopping, delivery options, digital coupons, weekly flyer and more.


Follow Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket on Facebook


Friday, May 8, 2020

Sick Of Being Indoors? Take A Virtual Superfast Bike Ride All Around Roosevelt island In Just Over 1 Minute



Click on full screen icon at bottom right of video for better view.

Roosevelt Island Mom Observes Horrible Non Social Distancing And People Not Wearing Face Coverings At Lighthouse Park On Beautiful Day Yesterday, Asks For Solutions - NY State Senator Jose Serrano, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer & Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Request Mayor de Blasio Schedule Face Covering Distribution For Roosevelt Island

Yesterday, Roosevelt Island NY State Senator Jose Serrano, who also represents areas in the Bronx and Manhattan, tweeted upcoming free NYC Coronavirus face covering distribution locations in his 29th District. But they did not include any location for Roosevelt Island.


Today, Senator Serrano, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright sent this letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio requesting Roosevelt Island be included in the free face covering distribution. Here's the letter.

No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This Weekend - No Subway Service At All From 1 To 5 AM Each Day So Trains Can Be Disinfected- Wear Mask On Tram, Red Bus & All Public Transportation, Stay Home Unless You're Providing An Essential Service Or An Emergency During Coronavirus Pandemic



According to the MTA:
ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS May 8 - 11, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 1 AM (No subway service overnight between 1 AM and 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.

The Roosevelt Island Operating  Corp (RIOC) adds:

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Affordable Housing Lottery Application Opens Today For 313 Unit Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Park Building Developed By Hudson Related - Studios, 1,2,3 Bedroom Apartments Available From $506 To $3432 Depending On Income Range And Household Size

The lottery application for Roosevelt Island's new affordable housing building developed by Hudson Related  at 460 Main Street, known as Riverwalk Park,


opens today thru July 6. Riverwalk Park will have 313 units including apartments ranging in size and price of:
  • Studios $506 - $1,961
  • 1 Bedroom,$648 - $2,468
  • 2 Bedroom &$791 - $2,974
  • 3 Bedroom $909 - $3,432

Rents and corresponding household income ranges are based on 40%, 50%, 80%, 130%, 165% Area Medium Income (AMI). The AMI for a family of 4 in New York City is $113,700. Eligible incomes for Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Park range from  $20,298 (1 person studio) to $232,650 (7 person 3 bedroom) depending on apartment and household size.

The total number of Riverwalk Park affordable housing units appeared to have decreased from 340 as originally proposed to 313 units. A Related representative explains the reason:
There are a total of 340 residential units in the building, but the building will have 27 units set-aside for formerly homeless households. Those 27 units will not be available via the lottery process, because the City keeps a list of formerly homeless households that will be the only households eligible for initial lease-up of those units.
Here's the breakdown of Riverwalk Park affordable housing units by size,price and household number.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Democratic Party Primary Congressional Candidate Suraj Patel Hosting Roosevelt Island Virtual Meet And Greet Community Conversation Thursday May 7 - Check In And Learn What He Has To Say



Suraj Patel is challenging incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney in the June 23 Democratic Party Primary to represent the 12th Congressional District which includes Roosevelt Island.

Mr Patel is hosting a Roosevelt Island Virtual Meet And Greet Community Convsation Thursday May 7 at 6 PM:

Residents of Roosevelt Island are invited to join Suraj and team for a check-in conversation on the Coronavirus, lack of testing on the Island, and issues specific to Roosevelt Island.

According to Mr Patel:
Roosevelt Islanders have brought me so much hope throughout this crisis. You’ve ‘Made Noise’ nightly to thank our healthcare heroes, leading the city-wide clapping we now do nightly at 7pm. You’ve advocated for hospital staff, for each other, and for increased COVID testing. You represent the best of New York City, as so many residents in New York’s 12th District do, and I’m excited to check in with Roosevelt Island neighbors and hear directly from you.
Register here to participate in the Roosevelt Island Community Converstion with candidate Suraj Patel.

Here's Mr. Patel speaking at the March 4 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council meeting during the. Public Session.



Mr Patel ran against Congresswoman Maloney in 2018 and lost but results were closer than expected.

Will this year be different?

Learn more about Mr. Patel at his web site.

Lauren Ashcraft and Peter Harrisson are also challenging the incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney in the Democratic Party primary.

NYPD, FDNY, RIOC PSD & Roosevelt Island Residents Salute Coler & RMC Health Care Workers With Sirens, Lights, Applause And Thank You Signs For Work During Coronavirus Pandemic

This afternoon, Roosevelt Island Coler Nursing Facility and Roosevelt Medical Center staff


were saluted with a parade of flashing lights, sirens, applause and Thank You signs from the the NYPD, FDNY, Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department



and local residents


for their heroic work during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Some scenes while waiting for the parade of flashing lights and sirens.

NYC Coronavirus Budget Cuts Cancel Roosevelt Island Beacon Program Summer Camp As Of Now - Join RI Beacon Zoom Virtual Town Hall May 7 To Discuss Summer Camp Advocacy And Learn More, Submit Your Video To Show Suport For Roosevelt Island Beacon Summer Camp

The excellent education news web site Chalkbeat reported April 16:

As New York City students lament the loss of school for the remainder of the year, their options for summer also look grim, with public pools closed and city-funded summer camps and a youth jobs program canceled

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed budget announced Thursday slashes a host of summer programs for low-income students as the city expects a huge financial hit to its coffers. Those cuts include after-school programs that operate summer day camps. The city says these programs might not be safe given the coronavirus crisis, but cutting them could pose significant challenges if New Yorkers are still practicing social distancing and trying to keep families indoors.

The mayor has not said how the city will handle summer school, though the education department is creating “all sorts of scenarios,” including online summer learning....
The Child Center of New York operates the Roosevelt Island Beacon after school program at PS/IS 217 and summer camp. According to the Roosevelt Island Beacon Assistant Director Sakinah Muhammad:
The Roosevelt Island Beacon will be hosting a virtual town meeting regarding the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) loss of funding as of June 30, 2020. This budget cut directly effects our ability to host summer camp. As of now, there will not be a RI Beacon Summer Program.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

FDNY, NYPD & RIOC PSD To Salute Roosevelt Island NYH&HC Coler Nursing Facility And Roosevelt Medical Center Staff Heroes Wednesday May 6 At Noon For Treatment Of Patients During Coronavirus Pandemic


A NY Health & Hospitals Corp spokesperson reports:
FDNY, NYPD, EMS and Roosevelt Island Public Safety is doing a salute to Coler and RIMC staff. Thank you for your ongoing support to the staff here are Coler and RIMC. If you can please join us tomorrow.

Thanks can be shown in different ways.

Support Local Roosevelt Island Organizations Helping Our Community Today On GivingTuesday - Movement To Inspire Generosity All Over World Founded By Local Resident Asha Curran


Giving Tuesday was co-founded by Roosevelt Island resident Asha Curran. According to Ms Curran:
We started GivingTuesday at the 92nd St Y and it is now an independent organization. We started it as a day to give following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and it has now grown into a global movement with 70+ countries.

I moved here 18 months ago and I love it. I'm especially glad to be here during this crisis, with plenty of air and sky and surrounded by water and a friendly and safe community.



According to Giving Tuesday web site:
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

We're launching #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity to take place on May 5, 2020, as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community.
Among the local Roosevelt Island groups that need help are

Roosevelt Island Heroes In Action - RIDA, NYCEM CERT & Evangel Food Pantry Volunteers Deliver Free Meals To Roosevelt Island Elderly And Homebound During Coronavirus Pandemic - We Want To Help Our Neighbors, That's What Roosevelt island Is All About Says RIDA President Wendy Hersh

Volunteers, led by Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh, together with the Long Island City based Evangel Church Food Pantry and the NYC Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members are delivering free meals to Roosevelt Island elderly and homebound residents during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Image Of RIDA, Evangel and NYC CERT Members Prior To Delivering Food Saturday May 2

Ms Hersh reports providing meals to between 170 and 200 people daily including:
320 meals a day Monday thru Friday (breakfasts and lunches). 550 bags of groceries each week (dairy, canned food, pasta, cereal, other nonperishables, fresh veggies and fruit, juice and sometimes meat). as well as 185 small grocery boxes on Saturdays.

200 catered dinner meals last Saturday and Sunday.
Last Saturday before beginning their food distribution, I spoke with
about what they are doing. Here's what they said.



Ms Hersh expressed great thanks to Carolyn Marko of the Evangel Church Food Pantry, noting::
People think Roosevelt Island is Timbuktu. We could not get any food. I called Carolyn up Twelve o'clock one day and by 4 o'clock she delivered five hundred fifty bags to us....

... We just want to help our neighbors. That's what Roosevelt Island is all about...

Monday, May 4, 2020

Roosevelt Island Starbucks Re-Opening Wednesday May 6, Take Out And Mobile App Payment Only During Coronavirus Pandemic - Attempted Burglary Of RI Starbucks Last Night Too

The Roosevelt Island Starbucks will re-open for business this Wednesday May 6


after being closed for more than a month due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Service will be takeout only, no indoor or outdoor patio seating and payment by their mobile app.



Last night there was a break-in at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks. According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley:
Overnight, there was an attempted burglary at Starbucks where the door was forced open and the cash register was damaged. No cash was removed and no other property was damaged. The NYPD responded and they are in charge of the investigation.

Virtual Art History Lessons For Roosevelt Island Students And Families During Coronavirus School Shutdown, 4th Lesson The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough, Take The Challenge To Create Your Own Version Of Painting - More Virtual RI Activities Too

Earlier this month we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour:

Lesson 4 this week will be on The Blue Boy, Thomas Gainsborough, 1770
According to Mr Mansour:
I believe the students on the island as well as their parents /caretakers, are searching for activities to share with their children at home.

My idea is to provide parents / caretakers and the youth of this beautiful island educational outlets with fun activities. These consist of easy to learn facts, easy for the youth to learn on their own or with the help of the families / caretakers.

I know how difficult it is for the islanders to be quarantined and hope that these lessons / fun activities would give them a physical and emotional relief. At this time, I will concentrate on Art History which will include: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco, Gainsborough, Fragonard, Goya, Sir Edward Burns-Jones, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Thomas Eakins, Pierre-August Renoir, and Auguste Rodin.

The objective of Art History Lessons is to invite the students of all ages to create their own versions of numerous great paintings.

By end of class, participants will be able to identify several famous paintings as well as learn some historical, cultural, and artistic information.The students will learn about the artist’s life and achievements. The caretakers will have 15 minutes discussions on each painting, looking at details and personal interpretations.


Click to download Art History Lesson 4 The Blue Boy, Thomas Gainsborough, 1770 prepared by RIRA's Adib Manosur.

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Adapts To Coronavirus By Going Virtual - MST&DA Keeps Moving By Offering Interactive Online Dance,Theater & Fitness Classes On Zoom

Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) was forced to temporarily suspend classes and the wonderful performances by their many talented members due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Here's a bit of what we've been missing from MST&DA.



MST&DA  is adapting to the Coronavirus Pandemic by going virtual. According to MST&DA:

MST&DA OFFERS ONGOING VIRTUAL CLASSES:

It’s only been a month since the doors of the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center closed for classes but Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance keeps moving, despite the current social restrictions.



MST&DA has launched their entire dance and theatre programming onto ZOOM to adjust to the limitations that have been brought on by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Students can now meet at their regular class times on ZOOM with their beloved instructors of:
  • Hip Hop, 
  • Jazz, 
  • Ballet, 
  • Creative Movement, 
  • Tap, 
  • Capoeira, 
  • Ballroom, 
  • Belly Dance, 
  • Yoga,
  •  Pilates, 
  • Zumba, 
  • Barre/Sculpt Fitness, 
  • Creative Drama, 
  • Intro to Children’s Theatre and 
  • Playmakers Preschool classes.