Saturday, December 5, 2020

On International Volunteer Day, NYC Emergency Management Dep't Community Emergency Response Team Members Deployed To Help Manage Traffic At Roosevelt Island Motorgate Ramp During Saturday Farmers Market - You Can Volunteer To Be A NYC CERT Too

The NYC Emergency Management Department recognized members of their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) today on International Volunteer Day.


CERT members were deployed on Roosevelt Island in the cold and rain helping to manage traffic at the Motorgate ramp during today's Saturday Farmers Market including CERT member and Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance
NYC CERT members have been active on Roosevelt Island including helping at the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) food pantry during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Mr Farance gives us a tour and explains logistics of organizing the food pantry.  

More info on CERT and how to volunteer here.

Friday, December 4, 2020

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA Opening Reception For New Exhibit Looking To 2021 Saturday Evening December 5

Roosevelt Island Gallery RIVAA artists Tony Vita and Tad Sudol

are looking forward to next year and are announcing a new Gallery RIVA exhibit titled:

Looking To 2021

You're invited to Gallery RIVAA social distancing opening reception for the Looking To 2021 exhibition on Saturday December 5 from 6-9 PM. The exhibition runs from December 5 - January 17, 2021.  

Face coverings are required and the number of people inside Gallery RIVAA are limited with no food or beverages served.

More info on Gallery RIVAA available at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - Subway, Tram, Ferry & Citibike - Keep Your Social Distance And Wear Face Covering On Public Transportation - Take A Virtual Ride On The Vintage Holiday Nostalgia Train

The E Train will replace the F train for  Roosevelt Island subway service to and from Manhattan this weekend According to the MTA:

...TUNNEL REHABILITATION Dec 4–7, Fri 9:45 PM to Mon 1 AM F Trains are replaced by the E between 21 St-Queensbridge and Delancey St/Essex St

For a more pleasant subway experience, take a Virtual Holiday Nostalgia Train Ride

 

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.

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 December 4 - December 10 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons, Nutritional Tips For Eating Healthy & Social Media Facebook Too

 The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket 

invites you to check out their December 4 - Dcember 10 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

Foodtown Supermarket Registered Dietician Jacqueline Gomes has some nutritional, fitness, and recipe ideas to keep you healthy this holiday season.

   

 Follow Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket on Facebook

Thursday, December 3, 2020

RIDA Roosevelt Island Food Pantry Providing Boxes Of Food Friday December 4, Everyone Welcome - Meet RIDA Food Pantry Organizer Wendy Hersh

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh reports:
The RIDA Food Pantry will resume serving the community tomorrow, Friday, December 4th, from 4 PM – 6:30 PM. 

Due to the pandemic numbers rising, in order to keep everyone safe, we will be distributing boxes of food from the RI Senior Center garden gate, off of the 540 Main St. alleyway. Please be sure to bring your ID and a shopping cart, as the boxes may be heavy. 

Numbers will be given out as usual from 1-2 PM, behind the Public Safety Department (550 Main St.). Everyone is welcome!

I spoke with Ms Hersh about the Roosevelt Island Food Pantry last September. 

 

More on the Roosevelt Island Food Pantry at this prior post.

OP-Ed By NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza - Announces Launch Of Parent University, Online Platform Offering Pre-Recorded Courses, Live Events And Activities To Help Families Connect And Support Students At Every Grade

Parent Engagement for a Remote World


 
By Richard A. Carranza, New York City Schools Chancellor   

As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, I reflect on the past eight months with a deep sense of gratitude and awe for the unwavering commitment parents have shown to their children and New York City. I always say parents are our partners in everything we do, and at no point has that ever been more true than throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Each of you has gone above and beyond during this crisis, and your continued investment and engagement in our school communities has been vital as we move forward together.   

As a parent myself, I know how challenging it can be even in normal times to feel pulled in different directions simultaneously. In this moment, it seems as though society’s expectations of parents has increased tenfold—and we need you to know we are here to support you every step of the way. We are expanding every effort to lift up and empower parents as our partners for the good of our children and this city.   

In that spirit, I am proud to announce the launch of Parent University: a new online platform that offers pre-recorded courses, live events, and activities to help families connect and support students at every grade band, in multiple languages.   

We know our families are busier than ever, and this platform is designed to meet the ongoing needs of parents through a variety of on-demand resources that harness best practices across multiple subject areas and grade levels. We invite all families across the five boroughs to create a free account and register for workshops, attend events, access trainings, and more through the Parent University website.  

There are currently more than 95 courses offered through the program that cover a wide range of topics. From reading strategies for students with disabilities and help multiplying fractions to learning how to use Google Classroom and preparing for PTA elections, there is something on Parent University for everyone.    

Parent University will also provide even more ways for us to share important news, updates, and information with families. I am so excited that this new platform will take our efforts to communicate vital information to parents and guardians one step further during this crisis and beyond.    

Now more than ever, it is critically important that we find creative new ways to lift up our families and strengthen our school communities—and that’s what Parent University is all about. This crisis has demanded so much flexibility and patience from you, and we are here to meet you where you are. Our commitment is to empower parents as partners throughout the learning journey, and I hope you will take time to explore the Parent University website, access resources, and register for an upcoming workshop.

Roosevelt Island Residents Invited To Cornell University Institute Of Politics And Global Affairs Virtual Post Election Debriefing: The Future Of American Democracy Friday December 4

Cornell Tech Assistant Director of Community and Government Affairs Jane Swanson invites Roosevelt Island residents to a panel discussion on The Future Of American Democracy. According to Ms Swanson

Hello Roosevelt Islanders! This panel discussion (tomorrow) promises to be fascinating and may be of interest to many of you. See registration info below. Take care. Jane

The 2020 presidential election tested the political system and pushed American democracy close to the brink. President Donald J. Trump and many of his supporters continue to claim that the election was beset with fraud.
 

This Democracy 20/20 panel will look back at a turbulent election cycle and consider how effectively the U.S. political system will weather these historic challenges. Some key questions we'll discuss include:

  • Will the 2020 election ultimately show American democracy to be resilient, or will our political institutions and norms deteriorate toward authoritarianism?
  • How will the Biden presidency shape these trends?
  • What will this election mean for Congress, the states, the Republican and Democratic parties—and the future of American politics?

This Democracy 20/20 event is co-sponsored by the American Democracy Collaborative, the Einaudi Center, and the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs. 

Panelists 

Frances Lee, Princeton University 

Christopher S. Parker, University of Washington, Seattle 

Paul Pierson, University of California at Berkeley 

Moderator Robert C. Lieberman, Johns Hopkins University

Click here for more info.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

How Does Fresh Direct Deliver Your Online Grocery Shopping List Order Items To Your Roosevelt Island Apartment - Watch And Find Out

Do you use online grocer Fresh Direct for any of your Roosevelt Island grocery shopping? Business Insider shows us how Fresh Direct delivers your online shopping list items to your door.

Roosevelt Island was one of the first delivery sites for Fresh Direct, being a test site location in 2002 for the online grocery delivery concept.

Fresh Direct was recently purchased by Dutch company Ahold Delhaize which is one of the largest grocery store operators in the United States.


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Lane Cheese Grater Safety Hazard On Agenda For Manhattan Community Board 8 Transportation Committee Zoom Meeting Tomorrow - Sign Up To Attend

As previously reported:

Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler has been working to make the Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike lane safe for cyclists. According to Mr Krikler:

... It’s like riding over a an industrial cheese grater....

... The metal grille surface on the bridge is fine for cars but the metal grille makes it extremely uncomfortable to ride across on a bike. Further, in wet and / or cold conditions, the surface becomes very treacherous to cycle across and becomes extremely slippery. I have seen people slide over and fall....

 Also:

According to a spokesperson for Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:

DOT is evaluating bike-friendly materials for the bridge deck and will ask for funding in the next budget.
  Council Member Kallos adds: 
Our office is looking forward to seeing DOT's plan and suggestions. Any opportunity we get to help improve the City's bike infrastructure is an opportunity we like to take advantage of,...

DOT is the NYC Department of Transportation which has jurisdiction over the Roosevelt Island Bridge and has been promising to review the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane safety hazard since 2011.

Tomorrow evening, December 2, the Manhattan Community Board 8 Transportation committee, together with the Roosevelt Island committee, will discuss issues of Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike safety

Here's more info at this prior post.

For access to the CB 8 Transportation Committee Zoom meeting, sign in by clicking this link.

Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Holiday Village For The Entire Family December 4-6 At Good Shepherd Plaza, Live Jazz Music, Unique Gifts, Sweets & Refreshments - Sock, Toy & Gloves Donation Drive Too

According to Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) President Barbara Parker

Hi Everyone! Join Us! 

The Roosevelt Island Senior Association Presents 

A Holiday Village Event For The Entire Family 

Good Shepherd Plaza 

Friday, Saturday & Sunday December 4th, 5th and 6th 3:00pm - 6:30pm 

Featuring Live Jazz Music, Vocalist, 

A Variety of Vendors' Unique Gifts Sweets, Hot Refreshments Toy, Glove and Sock Drive And More....

Email RISA for more info or visit their web and Facebook page.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Covid 19 Rapid Testing Site Coming To Roosevelt Island In Mid December Says RIOC - Latest Roosevelt Island 7 Day Covid Positive Testing Rate Show Increase From 0.27 to 2.52%

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Shelton Haynes reported discussions underway with a medical practice to bring a Covid 19 rapid testing site to Roosevelt Island by mid December during November 17 Town Hall meeting hosted by NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.
 

Today, RIOC announced:

A new COVID-19 rapid testing location will be opening on Roosevelt Island in mid-December 2020! Testing will be located at 526 Main St., the former R.I. Branch Library location. More details to follow. Testing saves lives. Keep your friends, family, and neighbors safe by getting tested.


According to the NYC Department of Health, the Roosevelt Island zip code 10044 most recent 7 day Covid 19 reporting data for November 21-27 shows of 278 people tested, 7 were positive for a 2.52% positive rate.

For the seven days ending November 21, Roosevelt Island zip code 10044 had a lower positivity rate of 0.27%

More NYC Covid-19 data by zip code available at NYC Health Department web site and The City web site.

At this time, RIOC declined to name the Roosevelt Island Covid 19 testing site provider.


UPDATE 12/10 - I'm told that Swift Emergency Care Testing is the medical practice that will be doing the Covid-19 testing at former Library site. No other info on this group available yet.

Wow, Take A Look At NYC And Tiny Roosevelt Island Seen Today From International Space Station - Watch NASA Live Stream From ISS, A Celebration Of 20 Years Continuous Human Presence In Space And Tour The SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft

Astronaut Soichi Noguchi shows us a fantastic picture of NYC and Roosevelt Island seen from the International Space Station today

Roosevelt Island is so tiny.

And here's a live stream from the NASA International Space Station.

According to NASA: 

Thanks for watching Space Videos : Live video of Earth from space - as seen from the Nasa ISS live stream aboard the International Space Station.
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Watch our latest video - East Coast USA By Night -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The International Space Station - ISS - circles the earth at 240 miles above the planet, on the edge of space in low earth orbit.

The station is crewed by NASA astronauts as well as Russian Cosmonauts and a mixture of Japanese, Canadian and European astronauts as well. 

The Expedition 63 Crew are: NASA's Chris Cassidy and Roscosmos' Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner

Beautiful views of planet Earth seen from the ISS. As seen from the Nasa space video ISS live stream - A real astronaut view of Earth!

THIS WILL SHOW LIVE and PRE-RECORDED FOOTAGE - depending on signal from the station or if the ISS is on the night side of Earth.