Roosevelt Island Celebrates Election Of President Elect Joe Biden And Defeat Of Donald Trump With Cheering, Applause, Pots Banging, Smiles And Pure Joy

It was a beautiful November Saturday on Roosevelt Island today and made even more glorious by the news of President-Elect Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump.

In case you missed the moment... pic.twitter.com/Hs7SpQ8gVx

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 7, 2020

As I was walking back from the Farmers Market this morning, there was a sudden eruption of cheering, banging cans, people shouting with joy and telling each other of Joe Biden's victory and Trump's defeat.

Alot of happy Roosevelt Island smiles and thumbs up this morning walking back from Farmers Market after @JoeBiden declared President Elect. They’re Celebrating in Brooklyn too. Nightmare is almost over https://t.co/glJAg7VVEF

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 7, 2020

Roosevelt Island erupting into applause, cheering, pots banging, and pure joy- I can’t stop crying. I love my little island, and I’m so thankful this nightmare is over. 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/GAuF4T7KB4

— Meg Schurr (@megschurr) November 7, 2020

We are celebrating even if 12 floors up! 🎊 pic.twitter.com/XtMYBAzsV2

— FinnYorker (@NYTTYTTYY) November 7, 2020

The Twitterverse reports:

America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country.

The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not.

I will keep the faith that you have placed in me. pic.twitter.com/moA9qhmjn8

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 7, 2020

We did it, @JoeBiden. pic.twitter.com/oCgeylsjB4

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 7, 2020

#SDNY he's all yours. https://t.co/WMcWXdnxcX

— Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) November 7, 2020

How normal Presidential transitions done https://t.co/NDFs875mfx

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 7, 2020

Congratulations to my friends, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris — our next President and Vice President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/febgqxUi1y

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 7, 2020

Or at least the nightmare is over https://t.co/sh5QTErqjR

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 7, 2020

The Trump dwindling days remaining In office Countdown Clock is right across East River from Roosevelt Island https://t.co/B5QuRijdHU

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 7, 2020

Up close view of Trump Countdown Clock in LIC showing remaining days in office right across East River from Roosevelt Island @cornell_tech campus. https://t.co/K1XJEAECmU

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 7, 2020

RIOC Announces RI Racquet Club Managing Partner Bringing NYC DOE Learning Bridges Child Care Program To Roosevelt Island - What Happened To Island Kids Application For Program?

 Reported last Saturday on a petition drive and virtual rally organized by Island Kids

to bring NYC Department of Education Learning Bridges child care program to Roosevelt Island including statement from NYC Council Member Ben Kallos in support of these efforts. According to Mr. Kallos:

Families and public school students at PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island serving 632 students rallied for a “Learning Bridges” - remote learning center - where there currently is none. Island Kids had been working since August to become a Learning Bridges site to serve 45 children, but was rejected on October 27, 2020 with a form letter that included no explanation. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, and Acting RIOC President Shelton Haynes joined Council Member Ben Kallos and more than 40 families for a virtual rally with signs drawn by children calling for the city to open Learning Bridges on Roosevelt Island. An online petition for Learning Bridges started on October 30 has already exceeded 100 signatures....

... Mayor de Blasio must provide more than one hundred Roosevelt Island families with Learning Bridges on Roosevelt Island and work with the providers we’ve lined up on the Island to serve our families and children...

This evening, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) tweeted that the managing partner of Roosevelt Island Racquet Club was bringing a Learning Bridges Program to Roosevelt Island.

 

DOE’s Learning Bridges comes to Roosevelt Island! Approval has been given to HCK Recreation, managing partner of RI Racquet Club, to provide a Learning Lab program. Space will be used at Sportspark, RI Racquet Club & Firefighter's Field. For info, go to https://t.co/hTfiZ1MCqI pic.twitter.com/lkQm7NDlNE

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) November 6, 2020

Not known at this time if local child care organization Island Kids is involved in the new Roosevelt Island Learning Bridges program. Stay tuned for more.

More on Roosevelt Island seeking a Learning Bridges program at this prior post.  

UPDATE 11/8 - Statement this evening from Island Kids Executive Director Nikki Leopold:

Read more »

RIOC Announces Sportspark Pool Closing Immediately Yesterday With No Advance Notice - Roosevelt Island Swimmers Ask Why, RIOC Gives Vague Answer

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) pleased local swimmers when the Sportspark Pool reopened last August 10 after being closed since March due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

But yesterday, Roosevelt Island swimmers were disappointed to learn without any advance notice that the Sportspark Park is closing effective immediately.

RIOC announced yesterday evening :

Please be advised, the Sportspark pool, located at 250 Main Street, will be closed effective immediately, until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. An update will be sent when the pool reopens.

According to a Sportspark swimmer:

Oh no! I’ve been counting on the pool now more than ever! And I’m sure I’m not the only one! Do you have any idea if this is a mechanical problem or pandemic/budget related, etc.? 

I asked RIOC yesterday: 

Why is the pool being closed?

 RIOC spokesperson Jessica Cerrone:replied today: 

Now that we have entered the Fall season, we are reevaluating pool operations and are currently in a transition phase with staffing.

I followed up:

Does that mean the pool is closed because RIOC does not have enough staff to operate it?

Will update when more info received from RIOC.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - Subway, Tram, Ferry & Citibike - Keep Your Social Distance And Wear Face Covering On Public Transportation - Tram Cabin Social Distancing Capacity Increased To 35 Passengers

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

Image From MTA

You all look so boo-tiful! 👻

Thank you for riding with us and wearing your masks 🎃😷 pic.twitter.com/zGGZBMwd5e

— MTA. Wear a Mask. Stop the Spread. (@MTA) October 31, 2020

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

While we continue to follow social distancing and align our operations with New York Forward guidance, we also continue to incrementally increase the number of passengers permitted on the Tram. Tram capacity will increase on Sunday, November 1st, from 20 to 35 passengers per cabin, and we will continue to assess and gradually increase in phases. 

We understand the need for this mode of transportation, however, the health and safety of our riders and operators are our priority. We appreciate your cooperation.

Yep! He did

— Christine Scaduto (@cscaduto01) November 1, 2020

Why did they let him on the tram without a mask on in the first place? 🤔

— Alessandro Monetti (@AlexMonetti_) November 1, 2020

Here's the NYC Ferry Roosevelt Island Astoria Route Schedule which now extends to East 90th street on the Upper East Side. 

Also, Roosevelt Island Citbike docking stations. 

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket November 6 - November 12 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons, Nutritional Tips & Social Media Facebook And Instagram Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket

invites you to check out their November 6 - November 12 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

 

and Instagram too.

Weill Cornell Medicine Research Project Seeking Volunteeers For Study On Effects Of Extreme Heat And Covid 19 On Older Adults In NYC - Contribute To Knowledge About Unique Physiological and Psychological Stresses Of Older Adults

Philip Martinez is a senior at Cornell University. Mr Martinez writes:

I am currently working on a research project pertaining to the effects of extreme heat and COVID-19 on older adults in New York City with Dr. So-Min Cheong from Kansas University, and Dr. Cary Reid and Dr. Jo Anne Sirey from Weill Cornell Medicine. 

I was wondering if you would be able to share the study recruitment flyer, which I have attached below, in the Roosevelt Islander Blog? This is a fantastic opportunity to help contribute to the growing body of science about the unique physiological and psychological stresses of older adults.

According to the flyer: 

We are looking for individuals (aged 65 and over) whose lives have been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or extreme heat 

Eligible participants will complete a ​15-minute survey​ of demographic information, social connectedness, and depression, a ​30-minute interview,​ and an ​optional smartphone-based​ ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to be done 5 times a day for a total of ​5 minutes​ for up to 3 weeks to assess your mood and stress. 

We are interested in understanding ​the physiological and psychological stresses of extreme events on older adults in New York City​. By participating, you can help us to improve mental health and disease prevention programs. 

If you would like to help us by participating in our research, please contact extremeeventsproject2020@gmail.com

Roosevelt Island Farmers Market Relocating To New Spot Under Motorgate Helix For Winter Starting Saturday November 7 - Haki Compost Collective Food Scrap Drop Off Site Moving There Too

The Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market and the Haki Compost Collective Food Scrap program drop off site are relocating from Good Shepherd Plaza to their temporary winter home under the Motorgate Helix starting this Saturday, November 7.

According to Farmers Market vendor Israel Wengerd of Wengerd Farms: 

The move is necessary to be out of the inclement winter weather.

The Farmers Market new winter location will move from it long time former winter site under the Helix (currently occupied by Citibike Docking Station)

  to the north side of the Motorgate ramp roadway.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

This Saturday, Nov. 7th, the Farmer's Market, alongside the Food Scrap Drop off, will be relocating underneath the Helix, next to the Motorgate turnaround, to shelter for the winter season. 

While enjoying the fresh fruits and greens, a friendly reminder that the plastic bag ban is now in effect. Practice going green this weekend by bringing reusable bags when you shop. Stop by the Haki Compost Collective and drop off your Halloween pumpkins. Islanders have diverted 8,000 pounds of food scraps from landfill since Big Reuse's program was reinstated on Sept. 12th, 2020! Thank you to all who participate!

Even when the weather gets cold, stop by the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market for a wide selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables and homegrown products.

And drop off your food scraps for composting too.

View this post on Instagram

We’re flying, well, north for the winter! 🐦 Starting this weekend, bring your food scraps to our winter location at the bus turnaround in front of Foodtown and Motorgate Garage, right at the base of the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Collection hours are still Saturdays, 9am to 2pm. Spread the word and watch this space for updates.

A post shared by Haki Compost Collective (@hakicompost) on Nov 4, 2020 at 11:36am PST

Roosevelt Island & UES Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright Declares Victory In 76 AD Re-election Bid, Republican Challenger Lou Puriafito Not Conceding, Says Thousands Of Absentee Ballots Still To Be Counted

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright declared victory last night in her re-election bid against Republican challenger Lou Puliafito. 

According to a Seawright spokeperson, she declared victory to supporters at her campaign headquarters last night and sent out this thank you message 

 This was a long journey. We went from the deepest valley to the highest mountain top. The voters found us on the ballot and honored us with their support. We will continue to fight for the best interests of our community as we rise and unite to combat the impact of the pandemic in every way. 

Ms Seawright ran on the Rise and Unite ballot line after she was denied the Democratic Party ballot line due to petitioning irregularities. 

The NY State Board Of Elections reported these unofficial results for Seawright's 76th Assembly District.

Seawright 16,151 votes (45.72%), Puliafito 13,163 votes (37.26%).

The NY State Board of Election results do not include absentee ballots which have not been counted yet.

The NYC Board of Elections reports 16,573 absentee ballots were returned by registered Democrats in the 76 AD and 2,159 absentee ballots returned by registered Republican in the 76 AD. The chart below shows absentee ballots requested and returned by registered voters in the 76 AD.

The Seawright spokesperson adds:

Putting aside the huge number democratic absentee ballots and the relatively few Republican ballot’s left to count, permit me to point out a bit of history that readers may find interesting. 

Rebecca’s victory in this race represents the first time an independent line candidate has defeated a major party candidate In this district serving the upper East side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island. she faced many obstacles with the pandemic in the forefront of these. I believe it’s worth pointing out the historical significance of her achievement at this juncture when she has claimed victory.

 Republican Lou Puriafito is not conceding.

Its up to the absentee ballots. There are thousands of them. With her spending at least $400K, you would have thought it would be a blowout. pic.twitter.com/u3UxL8pVLb

— Lou Puliafito (@LouForAll) November 4, 2020

Ms Seawright received 986 votes from Roosevelt Island residents on the Rise And Unite line (Column 4)

Mr Puliafito received 670 votes from Roosevelt Island residents,434 on the Republican Party line (Column 3) and 236 on the Liberal Party line (Column 5)

How Did Roosevelt Island Vote In 2020 Presidential Election - Trump Or Biden? Take A Deep Breath, It's Going To Be OK

We still don't know yet if Joe Biden or Donald Trump won the Presidential election but we have unofficial 2020 election night results for Roosevelt Island Election Districts from the NYC Board of Elections.

Joe Biden received a total of 1832 Roosevelt Island votes, 1637 on the Democratic Party Line and 195 on the Working Families Party line.

Donald Trump received a total of 381 Roosevelt Island votes, 354 on the Republican Party Line and 27 on the Conservative Party line.

The results do not include absentee ballots.

Below is the unofficial 2020 NYC Board Of Elections Roosevelt Island Presidential vote breakdown by Election Districts. Column 3 is Biden on Democratic Party Line, Column 4 is Trump on Republican Party Line, Column 5 is Trump on Conservative Party Line and Column 6 is Biden on Working Families Party Line.

Election Districts correspond to the these Roosevelt Island locations:

• 82 Election District - Cornell Tech House, Southtown Riverwalk Buildings
• 83 Election District - WIRE Buildings
• 84 Election District  - WIRE Buildings
• 85 Election District - Wire Buildings 
• 86 Election District Manhattan Park Buildings
• 87 Election District - Octagon Building, Coler Nursing Facility

In 2016, Hillary Clinton received 2229 Roosevelt Island votes and Donald Trump received 331 Roosevelt Island votes. 

Watching the returns last night was very stressful:

I was hoping for a stress free election night. Sigh, that’s not going to happen. How are you doing Roosevelt Island? https://t.co/PDnUttbSIJ

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 4, 2020

Feel much better today than last night but still ...... https://t.co/1xTbXUQrw3

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 4, 2020

To be clear, what Trump is doing — trashing the electoral system — is not a future threat to democracy. Not a potential threat to democracy. It is an unfolding attack on democracy. It is not just Trump venting. It is Trump corrupting and diminishing every institution he touches.

— Michael Gerson (@MJGerson) November 4, 2020

.@JoeBiden will restore honor, dignity, decency and competence to the Presidency at the stroke of noon on 1/20/2021. Don’t let Trump’s absurdist spin and lies cause panic. Stay calm. Count the votes. When the counting is done it will be the end of Trump’s cancerous term

— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) November 4, 2020

Count every vote.

Here's what happened at Roosevelt Island polling location yesterday.

Roosevelt Island Residents Come Out In Large Numbers This Morning To Vote - I Have Never Seen The Line This Long, This Early, But Not A Bad Wait Says Resident, Everyone Needs To Vote To Restore Democracy Says Another

There was a long line early this morning for voting at the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 polling locaton. Julia Chang shares this photo

and reports: 

The line so far has made it past the school to the back of Westview!

Roosevelt Island Twitterverse adds:

And it is cold!!!

— Madina Touré (@madinatoure) November 3, 2020

About an hour and 40 minutes later... not a bad wait! #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/RlzTUSwL1J

— Madina Touré (@madinatoure) November 3, 2020

I was in line at 6:06am and voted by 7:20am.

— Greg Morrisett (@GMorrisett) November 3, 2020

We got there at 5.45am and we’re done at 7.15am Line moved rather quickly when they opened doors a bit after 6am. pic.twitter.com/1EDEBHNMOP

— FinnYorker (@NYTTYTTYY) November 3, 2020

I got there about 6:45am and waited about 90 minutes with no issues. Expect the lines to get longer around 5pm. But anytime is a good time to #GoVote #Election2020 #rooseveltisland #manhattan #nyc #NYCvotes pic.twitter.com/6a32DLOd0g

— Jonn Nubian ® (@JonnNubian) November 3, 2020

Read more »

Does Support For Biden Or Trump In Presidential Election Matter In Race To Represent Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side In NY State Assembly? Incumbent Rebecca Seawright Strongly Supports Joe Biden, Republican Challenger Lou Puliafito Refuses To Say If He Supports Donald Trump

American democracy is on the line in tomorrow's Presidential election between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate former Vice President Joe Biden. Where do you stand?

The Lincoln Project descrbes what's at stake:

This fall’s elections will be about much more than just who controls one house of Congress or the White House. This November, the American people will decide the path for America’s future. All of the prosperity and freedom we’ve come to take for granted depends on our public servants serving the Constitution first, last and always. Today, one party has abdicated that responsibility and instead pledged their loyalty to one person....

President Donald Trump and those who sign onto Trumpism are a clear and present danger to the Constitution and our Republic. Only defeating so polarizing a character as Trump will allow the country to heal its political and psychological wounds and allow for a new, better path forward for all Americans....

Long time Republican political operative and Lincoln Project advisor Stuart Stevens blasts Republicans who have embraced Trump.

Republicans embraced this monster knowing exactly who he is. They should be held accountable for the rest of their lives. Shame them. Shun them. Blame them. https://t.co/rajBhX08Ws

— stuart stevens (@stuartpstevens) October 30, 2020

What does support for President mean in a local Roosevelt Island election? Does it matter to Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side voters in the 76 Assembly District who Republican candidate Lou Puliafito (also on Liberal Party Line) and incumbent Democrat Rebecca Seawright (running on the Rise And Unite Party ballot line) support for President?

I've been asking Republican Lou Puliafito for months on Twitter to reveal who he support for President. To this day, Mr Puliafito refuses to say publicly who he supports.

Glad to hear you're ready to fight for Roosevelt Island Residents if you defeat @SeawrightForNY in #76ad election in November. As a Republican, who will you support and vote for in Presidential election, Trump or Biden? https://t.co/hPp8a30Lxv

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 28, 2020

Republican candidate @LouForAll for #76ad running against @SeawrightForNY to represent Roosevelt Island and #uppereastside refuses to say who he supports and will vote for President - Biden or Trump. No issue is more important for New Yorkers than next President. https://t.co/QV8m73xrG4

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 8, 2020

Republican candidate to represent Roosevelt Island & UES for #76ad against Democrat incumbent @SeawrightForNY refuses to answer who he supports for President, Trump or Biden. No other issue more important for future of residents. Voters deserve answer to evaluate your judgement. https://t.co/q5oZoZXXO8

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) September 20, 2020

Republican @LouForAll candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and #ues #76ad running against incumbent @SeawrightForNY continues to refuse saying who he supports for President, Trump or Biden. Why is he afraid to tell voters his choice No issue as important for future of US/NYC. https://t.co/IPVAiI6MF6

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 4, 2020

Still doesn't answer question why @LouForAll refuses to say who he supports for President, Trump or Biden. It goes to a candidate's judgement/values which is appropriate criteria for voters to evaluate. Maybe @LouForAll will vote for Biden but is afraid of his Republican backers.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) October 10, 2020

Lou Puliafito says in this local election for NY State Assembly who a candidate supports for President is not relevant.

Thanks for approving my agenda. As good people we look at the person and not a label to define a person. This is a local election and has no bearing on Washington politics. RI has been taken for granted by the incumbents and won’t hold @RIOCny accountable because of @NYGovCuomo https://t.co/6nNQZ9lOIb

— Lou Puliafito (@LouForAll) August 20, 2020

Rebecca Seawright disagrees. According to Ms Seawright:

The Republican candidate’s refusal to denounce Donald Trump is shameful but understandable because he is the candidate of the Trump-loving Manhattan Republican Party. 

There is nothing of more local importance to the Roosevelt Island community than the terrible mishandling of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the mean-spirited withholding of urgently- needed federal funds to New York, and Trump’s horrifying attacks on health insurance coverage for our neighbors with pre-existing conditions.

It is of local importance when Donald Trump undermines the right to vote, ballot access, and the U.S. Postal Service System. The rights of women and the LGBTQ community to full equality are of local importance. The Republican candidate can run from denouncing Trump, but he cannot hide the fact that his evasive tactics are shameful.

I am a proud Joe Biden delegate, elected in June by the voters of Roosevelt Island, the Upper Eastside and Yorkville. We need leadership at all levels that will protect our health, strengthen our education, save the environment, and promote gender and racial equality.

Therefore, it is time for America to say,” Donald Trump and Mike Pence, you’re fired.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, you’re hired”.

Does who a candidate support for President this year matter to Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side voters in 76 Assembly District? 

Here's more info on Ms Seawright and Mr.Puliafito.

Sponsored Post - Election Day Is Tomorrow, Tuesday November 3, Are You Ready To Vote - Roosevelt Island Polling Location Is PS/IS 217 At 645 Main Street Open 6 AM To 9 PM, You Can Drop Off Absentee Ballot There Too

Are you ready? Election Day 2020 is tomorrow.

If you have any last minute questions or concerns, find the answers you need at https://t.co/DElJTAXAFN pic.twitter.com/nUFrMnfbij

— NYCBoardOfElections (@BOENYC) November 2, 2020

The Roosevelt Island polling location is PS/IS 217 at 645 Main Street and is open from 6 AM to 9 PM.

Remember you can drop off your marked absentee ballot at any Early voting site or Election Day poll site on 11/3. pic.twitter.com/og0AXSPMJt

— NYCBoardOfElections (@BOENYC) November 1, 2020

We have always said that our poll workers are unsung heroes who keep democracy alive! Please take a moment of your time to listen to this essential worker detail his experience as a pollworker. Thank you!! pic.twitter.com/YHEXSOh1Nh

— NYCBoardOfElections (@BOENYC) November 1, 2020

Healthy And Flavorful Mexican Lentil Soup Dish Cooking Demo From Roosevelt Island Cafe @Cornell Tech Executive Chef Danny - Part Of Be Well Recipes For October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Cafe Manager Chris Lewis shares video showing Executive Chef Danny Constantino cooking demonstration of a Mexican Lentil Soup dish.

Mr. Lewis reports:

Check out the healthy cooking demo from Executive Chef Danny here a Cornell Tech. It is one of our “Be Well” recipes in relation to Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October. 

 

 Here's the recipe

Upcoming week menu at Cornell Tech Cafe here.

25% social distancing indoor seating capacity limit currently at Cornell Cafe.

Sponsored Post - Re-Elect NY State Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright To Represent Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side On The Rise And Unite Party Line

More info on the Re-Elect Rebecca Seawright web page. 

(Paid for by Friends of Rebecca Seswright.)