Long Time RIOC Staffer Fernando Vargas Retires After 38 Years Of Service To Roosevelt Island Community - Residents Gather At Nisi To Show Their Appreciation And Wish Him Well

Long time Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) staffer Fernando Vargas retired this week after 38 years of service to the Roosevelt Island Community. Yesterday, residents gathered outside Nisi Kitchen to show Mr Vargas their appreciation for his service to the community.

According to the iDig2Learn Instagram post:

Fernando served our neighborhood with joy for 36 years! Retiring yesterday, community members left their apts (many for the 1st time) to safely say thank you! Those who couldn’t, sent words of appreciation.

Interestingly enough he helped every community group as if they were the only ones. So when the tennis group showed up us gardeners smiled realizing we weren’t the only ones. The Historical Society, Girls Scouts, GRIN, Garden Club & Jewish Congregation leaders all came by along with others. Fernando beautified the grounds, always lent a hand, was the 1st to set up events and the last to leave, supporting all ages equally & treating everyone from the public to his crew with deep respect & great love.

View this post on Instagram

Fernando served our neighborhood with joy for 36 years! Retiring yesterday, community members left their apts (many for the 1st time) to safely say thank you! Those who couldn’t, sent words of appreciation. Interestingly enough he helped every community group as if they were the only ones. So when the tennis group showed up us gardeners smiled realizing we weren’t the only ones. The Historical Society, Girls Scouts, GRIN, Garden Club & Jewish Congregation leaders all came by along with others. Fernando beautified the grounds, always lent a hand, was the 1st to set up events and the last to leave, supporting all ages equally & treating everyone from the public to his crew with deep respect & great love. #missyou #happyretirement #communityservice TY @nisikitchen for the delicious chocolate heart-shaped cakes!

A post shared by @ idig2learn on Aug 1, 2020 at 8:34am PDT

Thank you for your service to Roosevelt Island Mr Vargas. Best Wishes in your retirement.

RIOC Installs New Roosevelt Island Bike Safety Signage After Speeding Rider Hits Baby Stroller With 6 Month Old Inside - Baby Bruised But OK, Could Have Been A Tragedy Say Mom Who Suggests Safe Rules For Bikers And Residents To Coexist

As reported June 18:

During June 2 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee video conference meeting, I asked:

Residents have been concerned over the increased number of bike riders, mostly appears to be visitors, riding on sidewalks and waterfront promenade creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians, including elderly and kids.

What can RIOC do about creating safe sidewalks and pathways. Signage is not enough. Will PSD officers be stationed outside to monitor safe bike riding.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal answered that RIOC is putting together a team with the Public Safety Department and Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David Lawson to find a solution for bicycle riding safety issues including signage and striping the Promenades for separate bike and pedestrian sections.

The problem of unsafe bicycle speeding, riding on sidewalks and against traffic on Roosevelt Island continued during the summer without much visible action taken by RIOC to prevent such practices. Until, a Roosevelt Island Mom reported on Twitter earlier this week:

Today at Blackwell park on #rooseveltisland a local teen riding his bike quickly/recklessly down the walkway HIT my 6 mo old baby’s stroller, flipping it face 1st onto the concrete. This could have been a tragedy. I have 3 ideas for @RIOCny @SheltonHaynes3 ... pic.twitter.com/ut4CSLAVpg

— KMinNYC (@KMinNYC) July 29, 2020

2) #rooseveltisland needs clearly marked bike lanes around the island and on Main Street - the area near Cornell & South Point park is a great start, it just needs to be extended. This is a win-win-win for bikers, pedestrians & cars! @RIOCny @SheltonHaynes3

— KMinNYC (@KMinNYC) July 29, 2020

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Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket July 31 - August 6 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 July 31 - August 6 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

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Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - F Train Service To And From Manhattan, Tram Passenger Limits At Discretion Of Operator, New Summer Ferry Schedule And Citibike Too - Wear Your Masks To Travel Safely For You And Others

According to the MTA, there is Roosevelt Island F Train Service to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Hello everyone.

The subway is now open.

Check on your line here or 👉 https://t.co/vhZQ2kZ2vb before you go and don't forget to wear your mask. If you did forget, pick one up at the station booth. pic.twitter.com/iwh7Hnxl8E

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. Fill out the Census. (@NYCTSubway) July 31, 2020

The subway is now closed until 5 am.

Local and express buses continue to operate 👉@NYCTBus

We're still here to help. @ or DM us 24/7, or visit https://t.co/TlHkJxGjP0 👇

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. Fill out the Census. (@NYCTSubway) July 31, 2020

The Roosevelt IslandOperating Corp (RIOC) adds:

Tram Passenger Limits

As the region begins to reopen and more people return to work, the tram will have more riders. The tram operator has the discretion to allow an increase in the stated thirteen passenger limit based on conditions at a given time. If you feel a tram car is too crowded, we encourage you to wait for the next one. If you see an unsafe condition, please notify a the tram operator or a Public Safety Officer or call PSD directly at 212-832-4545.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway will be closed from 1:00 AM until 6:00 AM to ensure that disinfecting measures can be performed. Regular tram service will resume at 6:00 AM each day and continue until 1:00 AM the following morning. These early morning closures will continue each day until further notice...

Here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule.

Roosevelt Island has a new transportation option with the recent addition of Citbike docking stations.

Also, beginning in August, the E train will replace the F Roosevelt Island subway service on select overnights and weekends due to the MTA's work on the Rutgers Tube tunnel between Manhattan and Brooklyn. According to the MTA:

... On select overnights and weekends between August 2020 and March 2021,... E trains will be rerouted during select overnights and weekends over the F line between 36 St in Queens and a temporary terminal at Delancey St in Manhattan. New York City Transit will provide further service details and dates as they are finalized....

Good morning. We'll be providing further details, including service information when the dates are finalized. We'll know the frequencies of the E trains up to 1am which is the time the system shuts down. The frequencies of the E trains should not drastically change. ^JP

— NYCT Subway. Wear a Mask. Stop the Spread. (@NYCTSubway) July 23, 2020

Congressman John Lewis Laid To Rest Today, Leaves Remarkable Legacy Of Causing Good Trouble And Creating More Just America - President Barack Obama Delivers Powerful And Meaningful Call To Action Eulogy At Funeral Today

Civil rights champion Congressman John Lewis was buried today. He leaves a remarkable legacy. Watch this.

Civil rights icon John Lewis was laid to rest today, but his legacy — causing “good trouble” and creating a more just America — must live on in all of us. pic.twitter.com/ph4eNQagv7

— The Recount (@therecount) July 30, 2020

He left a final message published in the NY Times on the day of his funeral - read it.

John Lewis asked The NYT to publish this on the day of his funeral. It is necessary reading. He writes, “When you see something that is not right, you must say something ... Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.” https://t.co/gNWQDpeAZt

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) July 30, 2020

or listen to an audio recording of the message.

Here it is in audio form, which just made me cry (again) https://t.co/orAXjvvRvg

— Joe Mirabella 🏳️‍🌈 (@joemirabella) July 30, 2020

President Barack Obama gave a powerful and meaningful call to action eulogy at today's funeral for Congressman John Lewis.

Obama: "There are those in power who are doing their darnedest to discourage people from voting ... even undermining the postal service in the run up to an election that's gonna be dependent on mail-in ballots so people don't get sick." pic.twitter.com/BJi56G8OyL

— The Recount (@therecount) July 30, 2020

And here's the entire eulogy.



More on John Lewis from this trailer to John Lewis - Good Trouble documentary.



Rest in peace Congressman John Lewis - thank you for your service to America.

Roosevelt Island Free Food Pantry Friday July 31 From RIDA At Senior Center 4 To 6:30 PM - Fresh Produce, Lots Of Milk And Non Perishable Items, Everyone Who Needs Is Welcome, Over 140 Families Served By RI Food Pantry Last Friday

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh reports;

The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association will be having a food pantry tomorrow Friday July 31 from 4 - 6:30 pm at Roosevelt Island Senior Center (546 Main Street).

Lots of Fresh Produce,

Milk

and non-perishables.

If you are in need of food, please feel free to come on Friday. Everyone who needs is welcome. You MUST wear a mask and bring your own bag or cart.

Ms Hersh adds:

Last Friday's food pantry gave food to over 140 people/families. We were so pleased. So we will continue the pantry every Friday to help our community. Although the line was long,

PSD assisted us with social distancing inside and out to help keep everyone safe. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who help make this happen.

Learn more about RIDA's food delivery to residents during the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown.

Sponsored Post - Atlantic Hurricane Season Is Here, NYC Emergency Management Department Wants You To Know Your Hurricane Zone, Be Ready And Be Prepared - Roosevelt Island Is Zone 2 & 3

New Yorkers have the power to be prepared for hurricanes. Know your zone. Have a plan. Visit https://t.co/BdwQJVrsj1 or call @nyc311. pic.twitter.com/fgXuqiU2FM

— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) September 26, 2020

The Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1 and lasts thru November 30.

New Yorkers - Atlantic Hurricane season lasts until November 30. Do you know your zone? Visit https://t.co/uGtZlj4rP8 or call 311 to find out what to do to prepare for hurricanes in NYC. Follow @nycemergencymgt to learn more. #knowyourzone pic.twitter.com/FGPLlciByJ

— FDNY (@FDNY) July 29, 2020

The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) wants you to be prepared for Hurricane Season



and Know Your Zone.



According to NYCEM:

There are six hurricane evacuation zones, ranked by the risk of storm surge impact, with zone 1 being the most likely to flood. In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, residents in these zones may be ordered to evacuate.

Roosevelt Island is located in two zones - Zones 2 and 3.

All but one of the Roosevelt Island residential building and the Cornell Tech campus are located in Zone 3. The NYCEM Know Your Hurricane Zone Map below shows Zone 2 in cream color and Zone 3 in yellow.

  Screenshot From NYCEM Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder

The Octagon Building, Coler Hospital, Lighthouse Park and FDR Park are located in Zone 2.

 Screenshot From NYCEM Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder

In the event Roosevelt Island needs to be evacuated, NYCEM reports:

If you are required to evacuate, it is recommended that you shelter at the home of friends or family outside of the evacuation area. If you wish to go to a public facility, select any evacuation center from the following list....

There are no evacuation sites on Roosevelt Island. The closest sites are listed below.

Screenshot From NYCEM Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder

Here's some scenes of what Roosevelt Island looked like during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012

 Westview Promenade Image Courtesy of Brian Dorfman

 Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Hurricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

and report on damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Sponsored Post - Do It For Your Family, Get A Free NYC Covid-19 Test Today, Free Quick & Easy - Closest Roosevelt Island Locations Are In Long Island City And Upper East Side

We're providing FREE testing, COVID-19 tracing and care for all New Yorkers. It's how we get back to the city we love. pic.twitter.com/xlma6VJWh6

— City of New York (@nycgov) July 28, 2020

Wash your hands thoroughly and often to slow the spread of #COVID19, not just after using the toilet or coming home. Be sure to wash hands:
☑️After handling trash
☑️Before eating/preparing food
☑️After blowing your nose
☑️After cleaning
More info: https://t.co/AKpJIDztv1 pic.twitter.com/tupovXC5tq

— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) July 28, 2020

Here's a screenshot of Covid 19 Testing Locations

in Long Island City and the Upper East Side that are closest to Roosevelt Island.

Click on this link for the exact addresses.

Black Artists Through History Lesson 2, Folk Musicians By Painter Romare Howard Bearden - Inspired By The Roosevelt Island March For Justice, Take The Drawing Challenge Says RIRA Youth Committee Chair

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour developed a series of Black Artists Through History Lessons inspired by the June 3 Roosevelt Island March For Justice The first lesson last month was on sculptor Edmonia Lewis.

The second Black Artists Through History Lessons from Mr Mansour is on the painter Romare Howard Bearden.

Black Artists Throught History Part 2, Romare Bearden

According to Mr. Mansour:

Romare Howard Bearden, was an American painter, whose unique collages of photographs and painted paper on canvas depict his take on Black culture in America in a style derived from Cubism. Bearden was active in social and civil rights issues. His art embodies the importance of our cultures; He said: "You should always respect what you are and your culture because if your art is going to mean anything, that is where it comes from.” In her My Hero Blog, Janie from San Diego described Romare’s work "His passion and determination gave people hope that everyone could achieve their goals.”

I too encourage every Roosevelt Island youth to pursue their dreams and make them a reality. Celebrate your culture and make it the foundation of your future. Bearden is an excellent example of how exploration and celebration of one’s culture can influence and drive their artistic work and their future- how can you do this in your own life?

I hope you enjoy this lesson. I would be honored if you take the artistic challenge and send me your painted version of Romare Howard Bearden's work

to my RIRA email: RIRAdib@eartrhlink.net

I would also encourage the youth to email me your thoughts on these wonderful black artists and your opinions on a vision for equality on the island, in this city of ours, and in our country. I would love to engage in a thoughtful discussion of race and equity in art history and theory.

Here's more on the painter Romare Howard Bearden,





sculptor Edmonia Lewis from Black Artists History Lesson 1 and the Coronavirus School Shutdown Art History Lesson Challenges from Mr. Mansour too.

Sign Petition To Bring Back Roosevelt Island Grow NYC Food Scrap Drop Off Compost Collection Bin Program - Over 134 Thousand Pounds Of Food Scraps Diverted From Landfill By Roosevelt Island Waste Reduction Programs Since 2015

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Grow NYC Food Scrap Drop Off Compost Collection Bin program 

has been suspended since last March 28 due to NYC Coronavirus Pandemic budget cuts. According to Grow NYC:

The coronavirus outbreak has suspended many of the zero waste programs New Yorkers have come to rely on, including GrowNYC’s zero waste programs, DSNY’s curbside compost program, and the citywide network of food scrap drop-off sites...

But, NY 1 reported July 7 that some funds were restored for the program:

... Curbside pickups of compostable materials have been suspended for the entire budget year - idling those brown garbage cans meant for food scraps and yard waste. At the last minute, the City Council restored $2.9 million to the NYC Compost project — enabling New Yorkers to drop off compostables at sites across the city. However, all of those locations are currently closed because of the pandemic....

The Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop Off Compost Program began in November 2015. At that time, Roosevelt Island Girl Scout Troop Leader Aiesha Eleusizov explained to us how it works.



Supporters of the Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop Off Bin ask you to help bring the program back to Roosevelt Island by signing this petition.

Please take a moment to sign & share with Roosevelt islanders - please return the Food Scrap Drop Off to Roosevelt Island - we are floating in the east river, lost without you. #earthlove #compost @Rooseveltisland @RI_Daily @LibRoosevelt https://t.co/aBTirfdrke

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) July 25, 2020

Here's the full petition - Please sign by Tuesday, July 28:

Letter to GrowNYC to petition for the return of the Roosevelt Island food scrap drop-off site.

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