The Roosevelt Island community is where artists, creatives and performers flourish. Whether it's your first time, or you've come to each show - join us to celebrate these talents together. Tune in THIS SUNDAY on ZOOM for this week's talent show.
As a follow up to my pledge as the Chair of RIRA’s Children, Youth & Education Committee I’ve created the first in a series of lessons to cover Black Artists through History. I must confess that before my research I did not know this incredible artist, Edmonia Lewis.
I was so captivated by her story, her triumphs and persistence during difficult times of segregation. Through reading her story it is clear that the racism she faced in America as a Black woman and an artist is an unfortunately persistent story that black artists especially Black female-identifying artists still face today, nearly 200 years later.
As Will Smith was recently quoted as saying: “Racism is not getting worse, it is getting filmed.” I hope that these lessons uncover the triumphs in the face of bigotry and educate all of us that we are all part of the change! This is the land of the free and home of the brave, for all off us!!
Please enjoy Edmonia Lewis’ story and internationally renowned art. Take the challenge and draw something from your heritage that inspires you, then email it to me rirAdib@earthlink.net.
ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS Jun 12 - 15 • Jun 19 - 22, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 1 AM (No subway service overnight between 1 AM and 5 AM) Brooklyn-bound F trains run via the E from Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St
Trains resume regular service at 47-50 Sts.
No Brooklyn-bound F service at 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St and 57 St.
Welcome back Phase 1 New Yorkers!
As a reminder, everyone is required to wear a mask when riding with us – it’s a sign of respect for everyone.
In an effort to ensure social distancing and reduce spreading COVID-19, the Roosevelt Island Tram will be limited to a maximum of thirteen (13) passengers until further notice. POMA, the tram’s operator, has installed social distancing decals on the tram cabin to inform passengers how far away they should be standing from each other. Please note that the number of passengers may be changed in response to COVID-19 infection rates.
We ask all passengers to continue to wear masks or face coverings in public where social distancing cannot be practiced. The Tram remains closed from 1:00 AM until 6:00 AM to ensure that disinfecting measures can be performed on the cabins. Regular tram service resumes at 6:00 AM each day and continue until 1:00 AM the following morning.
Red Buses will continue to run on a Weekend Schedule until further notice.
During June 2 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal said the 13 passenger Tram Cabin social distancing limit will be kept for the time being but will change as we go forward into the reopening as people start returning to work.
Please remember NYC Ferry is operating with reduced capacity and on a limited schedule. Riders are required to wear a face covering to board and at all times while on the ferry. Please stay six-feet apart from others.
Here is the latest update from New York State for June 11, 2020
Farmers Market This Saturday
The Farmers Market will resume this Saturday in Good Shepherd Plaza from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please observe all social distancing guidelines.
Note: there will be NO Food Scrap Drop Off collection. If you wish for the Compost Program to return, please follow @SaveNYCCompost on twitter for more information.
New York Forward – Phase 1
The NYC region is in Phase 1 of reopening. To keep track of the region’s progress, please visit the New York Forward website at: forward.ny.gov/reopening-new-york-city
Capobianco and Pony Fields are Open – but Maintain Social Distancing
Capobianco and Pony Fields are open to the public for exercise. No team sports are allowed and social distancing practices must be followed at all times. McManus Field and Firefighters Field will remain closed until further notice to discourage team sports. We apologize for any confusion on this subject.
Reopening RIOC: Tennis Courts
Our staff has worked with members of the community to create safe initiatives we will employ when we reopen Roosevelt Island’s tennis courts on Saturday, June 20th. We will be sharing more information about our procedures in the coming days.
Capital Projects – Southpoint Park Project Moves Forward
Great question - @Rooseveltisland is the perfect place for a really great cafe culture all the time - not just during a pandemic. Great cafes is one of the things I miss most about my hometown. If there can be thriving cafes in Astoria we should be able to perfect them here. https://t.co/CWkQz3Z1WA
During the June 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, I asked what will RIOC do to help Roosevelt Island restaurants and residents with social distance outdoor seating once the restaurants are allowed to open for more than take out and delivery:
Will RIOC allow restaurants to have outdoor seating in public spaces such as Good Shepherd Plaza, Blackwell Plaza, temporary outdoor seating around the perimeter of McManus and Firefighters Field for example. What is Roosevelt Island's version of NY Open Streets Plan.
RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and Chief Finance Officer John O'Reilly replied that so far none of the restaurants have asked for anything but that RIOC will soon be meeting with Hudson Related Shops On Main Street to discuss possible plans.
Here's the full RIOC Operations Committee discussion on possible plans for Roosevelt Island restaurants once they fully reopen.
As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this March 22 advisory announcing the closing of the ball fields:
As of now, all permitted spaces, including McManus Field and Firefighters Field, will be closed until further notice. This precautionary measure is being taken as part of the Governor’s order for all New Yorkers to avoid risking exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Residents are encouraged to frequent the other public areas, such as the eastern and western promenades that circle the island as well as Lighthouse Park, Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms State Park. We encourage our residents to remain at least six feet apart from each other at all times.
Prior to the start of June 4 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal addressed this question from a resident about the opening of Roosevelt Island ball fields:
When will the Sports fields and tennis courts open up? We have children desperate for space to play on the Island. Asphalt Green in Manhattan has been open during the day for weeks.
Ms Rosenthal answered:
As soon as the Governor authorizes the State Parks to open sports fields, we will be opening them as well....
There are fields that are open, its just the permitted fields that are closed. Pony Field is open, Capobianco is open, it's the two permitted fields that are closed....
We are acting in accordance with instructions from NY State Parks....
I asked RIOC today:
During June 4 RIOC Board meeting discussion of opening Roosevelt Island ball fields, Susan Rosenthal said that Pony Field and Capobianco Field were open during the Pandemic. See 3.55 minute mark of video.
I do not think they were open. There was yellow tape surrounding both fields during this time.
Was Capobianco and Pony Fields supposed to be open during this time or was Susan incorrect when she stated they were open?
RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:
If you are an older adult who has been abused, you don't have to suffer in silence. Abuse committed by someone you know and trust is called "elder abuse." Elder abuse can be financial, physical, emotional, and include neglect (withholding food and medication, abandonment).
A study from the Department for the Aging (DFTA) and other organizations found that 76 in 1,000 older New York state residents were victims of elder abuse during a one-year period. A DFTA ad campaign that portrays elder abuse also raises awareness about the issue.
DFTA partners with a community-based program in each borough to provide elder abuse victims with crisis intervention and safety planning. The programs also help victims compile evidence, work with authorities, and seek compensation through the New York State Office of Victim Services.
Providing Options to Elderly Clients Together
One-third of elder abuse victims suffer from depression, anxiety or trauma, making it difficult for them to take steps to address the abuse. Providing Options to Elderly Clients Together (PROTECT) provides victims with mental health treatment through a partnership with Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Community-based elder abuse agencies connect victims with clinicians, who provide evidence-based mental health treatment at a safe meeting place in the community or a home.
PROTECT is an initiative launched with DFTA through the New York City Domestic Violence Task Force, co-led by the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice.
Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center
DFTA's Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center helps older victims of crimes committed by strangers. Crimes can be financial, physical, emotional, and include neglect - the same crimes that are committed in elder abuse cases.
Perpetrators who don't know their victims often target them for money through IRS, investment, home-improvement, charity, and other types of scams.
Never give personal information to unknown callers. When in doubt, hang up and call the official business. Always protect your bank account, Social Security number, and Medicare and Medicaid information.
If you are a victim, call 311 to be connected to services.
organized by local residents Thalia St Hubert, Zoe Lopez, Dimaura Cole and Eneaqua Lewis. Here's Ms Lewis March For Justice speech at Good Shepherd Plaza:
... When i see that video I see my brother with a cop on his neck. I see my son who is 12 years old laying on the floor with a knee on his neck. I see my brother's friends and see my cousins. I see my neighbors. How many more times do I got to see it? Why is it OK? Guess what Roosevelt Island, you're not off the hook. There's racism here too...
According to June 4 statement from RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feeley-Nahem.
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) joins the overwhelming majority of the people of the United States — and of the world, who have taken to the streets in huge and unprecedented numbers in solidarity with US protests — in condemning the horrific murder of our brother George Floyd.
We commend our local young activists who organized the wonderful — peaceful but resolute — June 3 solidarity action on Roosevelt Island. In 2013, community activists led by the RIRA PSC, organized mass public protests that forced the removal of the leadership of an abusive Public Safety Department. This led to greatly improved and constitutional policing in our beautiful Island community. These young activists, and our community, stand on the shoulders of these and other past struggles on our island and in our city, state, and nation.
The RIRA PSC supports massive, legal, peaceful, disciplined, and self-policed protests. The overwhelming character of this massive national upsurge for justice has been legal and peaceful. We reject unconditionally the destructive actions, in New York City and nationwide, including unprovoked attacks on police authorities, of elements that undoubtedly include agents provocateurs and opportunists.
Empire State Indivisible is hosting a Democratic Party Primary Congressional 12 District (which includes Roosevelt Island) Debate this evening:
Mon, June 8, 2020
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDT
Leading up to the June 23rd Primary Elections, Empire State Indivisible will be hosting a candidate debate for New York's 12th Congressional moderated by Ben Max of the Gotham Gazette. Join to hear from candidates Representative Carolyn Maloney, Pete Harrison, Suraj Patel, and Lauren Ashcraft.
Due to the incredible interest in the event, we will live streaming the event directly on our Facebook page and our twitter account to allow for the most amount of views.
As previously reported, the inspiring June 3 Roosevelt Island March For Justice was organized by Roosevelt Island young people including Thalia St Hubert shown below speaking at Good Shepherd Plaza.
But what comes next? Was the Roosevelt Island March For Justice a one time event in reaction to the killing of George Floyd and demonstrations around the country or is there a movement brewing that will address the racial problems facing the United States and Roosevelt Island?
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Children, Youth & Education Ad Hoc Committee Chair Adib Mansour reports:
I write this message in response to the sad state of affairs in our country and its leadership. Division and hatred are in abundance. Inequality and abuse are becoming the norm. I say, enough is enough! This stops now.
We’ve heard the last gasps of air from too many black victims “I can’t breath… I can’t breath”. And yet the oppressor does nothing. We’ve seen way too many unarmed black people being shot while their hands are up, or shot in the back. I say enough is enough.
RIRA’s Children, Youth & Education Committee stands with you, demanding a permanent change and a better future for EVERY youth and citizen. I pledge that this committee will always be learning on how to bring change and increasing racial equity in our community and our city. As the chair of RIRA’s Children, Youth & Education Committee I am making the commitment that we will be engaging in activities and actions that support our black youth and make sure that we are addressing systematic racial injustices. As part of that pledge, our meeting will be held in 2 weeks time to brainstorm and generate an action plan.
I was born and lived in Lebanon during the civil war and have fought hatred and anger with love and peace throughout my life. I came to this country to find equality. My wife and I chose Roosevelt Island, a loving diverse community. I taught my children that we are all equal. I must admit that it didn’t take long before I started seeing inequality towards people of color and police brutality in the USA. When I became a US citizen, I pledged to teach the youth harmony in equality.
A Long time Roosevelt Island resident shares an incident observed recently at our local Duane Reade,
a case of shoplifting which was handled by the store staff without calling the police and offers a perspective comparing it to the killing of George Floyd.
According to the resident:
I have a story to tell that l witnessed. A couple of days ago, l went to my local Duane Reade. I was only supposed to pick up a few items, but like always, l found this on sale and that on sale. I found gallons of a drink that we like for $1.99, so l brought 4 .
I had forgotten to bring my large shopping bags with handles and they only had paper bags.
I FaceTimed my son asking him to come with our shopping bags. Well he took forever.
As l was sitting, l saw a lanky young black man come out of the subway station, looking around as if he was lost. Then l didn't pay any attention to him. I forgot all about him as l sat waiting and on my phone.
After around 15 minutes or so, l see him walking out of Duane Reade, then l see 2 black coworkers speed walking and yelling "Hey, Hey you, Hey", then he stopped walking and turns around, and l hear them tell him open your bag . He does without a fuss, and they remove 3 items from his bag, 1 being quite large . There was no dialogue between them. They let him go straight into the subway. As they were walking, l asked did he just steal those things, one said yes, and the other said yup!
I just shook my head, but was glad that they just let it go!
All of the coworkers at Duane Reade know me and my son very well, as we are weekly regular shoppers. What he did, we would never think of doing . The only reason why l am mentioning their-ethnicity is to show that most people of color will handle small crimes without calling the cops. Also on the news, l keep hearing today especially, about George Floyd and his counterfeit $20 bill.
Really, are they serious, is that bigger news than what happened to him !!! Those people that called the cops over this, and we don't really know if it's true, all they had to say was 'Man, get out of here with your fake money ', instead they made a huge deal out of it, calling the cops, and as a result it escalated and all 4 of those cops murdered George Floyd
Some of you will disagree with me, some may frown, but this is how l feel .
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
