Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, RIOC And NYC Test & Trace Corp Bring Free Covid-19 Mobile Test Site To Roosevelt Island Today And Tomorrow - Roosevelt Island 10044 Zip Code 7 Day Positive Test Rate Increases From 0.27% To 3.17 % Since November 21

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer together with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and the NYC Health & Hospital Test & Trace Corp brought a free mobile Covid-19 Test Site to Good Shepherd Plaza today.  

Roosevelt Island residents lined up early this morning for the Covid-19 test which began at 8 AM and continues until 7 PM today and tomorrow.

Read more »

Take The Roosevelt Island Bike Safety Survey, Tell RIOC Your Views About About Bicycle Safety, Signage, Lanes, Ramp & More - Should Street Parking Be Removed For Bike Lane

 The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is seeking your answers for a Bike Survey.

                                                                     Image From RIOC Bike Survey

According to RIOC:

Give us your Feedback! 

After a successful Bike Safety Town Hall, we would like to present the community with the first Roosevelt Island Bike Survey. This survey was designed to collect opinions from the general public and bicycling community of Roosevelt Island regarding their uses of and feelings about cycling, safety, signage, resources, and education. To fill out the survey,,,

The questions in the survey include: 

• How often do you ride a bike outside?  
• What is your general opinion regarding cyclists? 
• Why do you bike? 
• Do you feel that the relationship between drivers and bicyclists on Roosevelt Island has gotten better, worse or remains the same over the past year? 
• Do you think motorized bikes/scooters are a safety concern on Roosevelt Island? 
• What additional bike signage would you like to see on Roosevelt Island? 
• Where would you like to see additional bike signage on Roosevelt Island? 
• Do you think some street parking should be removed to facilitate bike lanes on Roosevelt island? 
• Where would you most like to see bike lanes on Roosevelt Island? 
• How safe do you feel riding your bike across the Roosevelt Island Bridge? 
• How interested are you in a separate bike ramp at the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix?

Take the Roosevelt Island Bike Survey here and watch the October 29 Bike Safety Town Hall here. 

More info on Roosevelt Island bike safety issues at these prior posts.

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

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

It's chilly outside today! Remember your mittens, your scarf and of course, your mask. pic.twitter.com/GH2PRb0u3A

— MTA. Wear a Mask. Stop the Spread. (@MTA) December 7, 2020

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

All aboard! The Virtual Holiday Nostalgia Train is now "in service" at https://t.co/zUHAaYH83Q!

Take a virtual seat on our vintage fleet, see behind-the-scenes footage of our 1930s R1/9 cars and celebrate the magic of NYC Transit during the holidays with us, right at home. pic.twitter.com/ZOR8zCEf7J

— NY Transit Museum (@NYTransitMuseum) November 29, 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.

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 11 - December 17 Product Offerings, Specials & Sales Items - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons & Social Media Facebook Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket 

invites you to check out their December 11 - Dcember 17 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.

Happy Hanukkah From Roosevelt Island - No Outdoor Public Menorah Lighting This Year, But Spin The Dreidel, Pass The Latkes, Adam Sandler Sings And A Bit Of History Too - UPDATE 12/11 Menorah Put Up Today

Our city has never needed to celebrate light and faith more than this year. Happy Hanukkah to all the New Yorkers celebrating! pic.twitter.com/nNDobGYxFV

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 10, 2020

From our family to yours, happy Hanukkah! May this season of celebration bring you light and joy out of darkness. https://t.co/eN7J1QSIJY

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 10, 2020

As Hanukkah begins, Jill and I send our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating in the United States and around the world. We know things look a little different this year, but we hope these next eight nights are filled with family, love, and light. Chag Sameach!

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 10, 2020

Happy Hanukkah from Roosevelt Island. 

Unfortunately, there in no outdoor Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on the Rivercross lawn this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

{UPDATE 12/11 - Chabad of Roosevelt Island put up a Hanukkah Menorah at the Rivercross lawn today.}

 

{Back to 12/10 story.}

 

We can still enjoy spinning the dreidel

 

and tasty latkes

with the Maccabeats singing group.

Yum. 

Always fun to hear Adam Sandler's Chanukah Song too.
  

And here's info on history of Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah.

Visitor Explores Roosevelt Island On Electric Unicycle - Ride Along

Charles Dickens, Nellie Bly, Scrooge, Jacob Marley Bob Cratchit And The Roosevelt Island NYC Lunatic Asylum Come Together In Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance New Musical Ghosts All Around Us - Buy Your Tickets To Livestream Performances This Weekend December 11-13

According to Roosevelt Island's local theater company, the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA):

December 11-13, 2020 - The Ghosts All Around Us, a new musical written for Roosevelt Island! Join us for this family friendly live performance right in your living room! Information about the show, livestream tickets, dates and times can be found HERE. To read about the performance, take a look at the Digital Program.

MST&DA adds:

Did you know that Charles Dickens visited Roosevelt Island the year before he wrote A CHRISTMAS CAROL? What do you get when you bring together Charles Dickens, the New York City Lunatic Asylum, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley, Nellie Bly, a single mother and her children grappling with today’s challenges, and a modern day Scrooge? You get The Ghosts All Around Us, a brand new musical by Jonathan Fadner and starring a diverse and multi-generational cast of Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance actors.

Livestream ticket $20/household Show Dates & Times

Friday, Dec. 11th @ 8pm

Saturday, Dec. 12th @ 2 & *7pm

Sunday, Dec. 13th @ *5pm

*prerecorded livestream

Click here for more info and to buy tickets for the MST&DA livestream performance of Ghosts All Around Us.

Free Covid-19 Mobile Test Site Coming To Roosevelt Island This Weekend At Good Shepherd Plaza Sponsored By Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, RIOC And NYC Test & Trace Corp - Get Tested, Protect Your Heath, Family And Community

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer together with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and NYC Test & Trace Corp are bringing a free mobile Covid-19 Test Site to Good Shepherd Plaza this weekend.

As previously reported, from last June 29 to July 2, approximately 660 Roosevelt Island residents got Covid-19 tests from a mobile test site.

According to the NYC Department of Health, the Roosevelt Island zip code 10044 most recent 7 day Covid 19 reporting data for November 30-December 6 shows of 395 people tested, 9 were positive for a 2.28% positive rate.

The Roosevelt Island zip code 10044 7 day Covid 19 reporting data for November 21-27 showed of 278 people tested, 7 were positive for a 2.52% positive rate.

Come out this weekend and get tested to protect your health, family and Roosevelt Island community.

UPDATE 12/10 - Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds: 

From early on when we knew very little about this virus we knew testing for it was the only way we could control its spread. Since then nothing has changed as we live through this second wave, we must test as often as possible as many people as possible.

Thank you H+H for the new testing site and to Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer for identifying the need and helping get this testing site running."

UPDATE 8:20 PM - According to Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer:

Roosevelt Islanders deserve dedicated resources for dealing with coronavirus, and I am proud to champion this effort with the NYC Test and Trace Corps., and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. I encourage all Roosevelt Islanders to take advantage of this free testing resource this weekend and to share this information with their neighbors. I am grateful to NYC Test and Trace for providing mobile testing units and staff, and to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) for offering space and equipment. 

Roosevelt Island is currently experiencing a 2.70% 7-day positivity rate. Testing is free and is available to everyone regardless of immigration status, and does not require insurance. The event is sponsored by B.P. Brewer, NYC Test & Trace Corps., Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, State Senator José M. Serrano, Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, and Council Member Ben Kallos.

Confirmed Positive Case Of Covid-19 At Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217, May Have Exposed Others At School Reports Principal - Classroom Closed, Building Remains Open

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Principal Mandana Beckman informed parents of students attending the school that a confirmed Covid-19 positive test was reported yesterday at the school. According to this excerpt from Ms Beckman's December 8 letter (full letter below):

Dear P.S./I.S. 217 Roosevelt Island at 645 Main Street Community

As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test+Trace Corp (T2), a member of our school community has tested positive for Covid-19 and may have exposed others while at school....

... All areas visited by the person with Covid-19 will be deep cleaned, disininfected and reopened...

This morning, I asked Principal Beckman:

I heard there was just at least 1 positive covid test at 217. Is that true? 

Was the positive test from student, teacher or other staff. What are the next steps at the school. Have there been any more positive tests? Do you have any other statement to the Roosevelt Island Community?

Ms Beckman responded referring me to the NYC Department of Education (DOE) Press Office for a statement.

Here is the full December 8 letter from Principal Beckman reporting the positive Covid-19 test at PS/IS 217.

 

PS/IS 217 parents also received the following message yesterday:

Subject: Note from NYC DOE COVID-19 Situation Room - P.S./I.S. 217 Roosevelt Island / Building Code M271 

Greetings  P.S./I.S. 217 Roosevelt Island at 645 MAIN STREET   Community, This message is from the DOE COVID-19 Response Situation Room. 

Please see below for a summary of COVID-19 activity in the school building. The summary includes information from all co-located schools in the building. All the information reported below has been verified by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene....

COVID-19 related activity in schools is monitored closely throughout the day and evening by a partnership of City agencies including the NYC Department of Education, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, and the NYC Test + Trace Corps.

As a reminder, if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a classroom, all students and teachers in the affected class(es) with the individual who tested positive are considered “close contacts,” and will be notified of the need to quarantine for14 days since the last contact with the person who tested positive. These students and teachers will transition to fully remote teaching and learning for this period.

If there are two or more cases in your building within seven days, the building will close at the conclusion of the school day for an initial 24 hours, and you will be notified immediately through your New York City Schools Account. We cannot share additional details about any pending or confirmed cases to protect the privacy of the affected individuals....

Stay tuned. Will update with more info and any statement from the DOE.

Also, learned today that Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer is working with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) to bring a pop-up Covid-19 Test Site to Good Shepherd Plaza this weekend. More details to follow.

UPDATE 8:30 PM - Details on this December 12-13 Roosevelt Island mobile Covid 19 Test Site here.

Sponsored Post - Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Wishing You Happy Healthy Cozy Holidays - We Shopkeepers Are Thankful For The Opportunity To Know Such Friendly Islanders. Wishing You All The Best.

Roosevelt Island Shops On Main Street Wishing You Happy Healthy Cozy Holidays. 

As You Stroll Down Main Street This Holiday Season Remember That We Shopkeepers Are Thankful For The Opportunity To Know Such Friendly Islanders. Wishing You All The Best From Your Friendly Neighborhood Shops.

Roosevelt Island Based Leonardo Suarez Paz/Piazzolla 100 Nuevo Tango, Jazz Fusion Concert And Modern Dance Ballet Free Live Stream Performance From Good Shephed Chapel Sanctuary Saturday December 12

Olga Suarez Paz is a Roosevelt Island resident and Executive Director of Leonardo Suarez Paz's PIAZZOLLA 100 /Suarez Paz TANGO. 

On December 12, Leonardo Suarez Paz Tango/Piazzolla 100 will present from Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Chapel Sanctuary a free live streaming concert described as an:

 ... interdisciplinary show infused with jazz, rock and ​modern dance - a tango show for the new century featuring an orchestra and dancers of the all female Nuevo Tango Ballet....

You can watch the concert premier starting 4 PM on Saturday December 12 here.

According to Ms Paz:

Our current project Leonardo Suarez Paz's PIAZZOLLA 100 is dedicated not only to Leonardo's mentor, Astor Piazzolla, an Argentine born New Yorker, but to promoting the arts of the immigrants and celebrating their invaluable contribution to our culture and society.

PIAZZOLLA 100 calls Roosevelt Island it's home, both administratively and creatively. It engages over 50 artists locally and internationally and is the only professional performing arts entity on the island. A lot of the work created by the company in the last two decades was created for tours, television and recordings, our mission with PIAZZOLLA 100 and all of our current work is to establish a public presence Roosevelt Island and to share with our community the work being created here for NY and international theaters, so that the residents may enjoy a richer cultural and artistic environment and engage in promoting unity, inclusion, equality and liberty - the central themes of what every immigrant comes here in search of.  

The multidisciplinary project connects people and artists across generations and cultures and includes music (chamber & symphonic), dance, interdisciplinary performance, literature, cinema and education and functions as a non for profit entity under the sponsorship of the New York Foundation for the Arts. 

The project recreates Tango as an elevated, contemporary and relevant art form, infusing it with modern choreographic elements and influences from classical, jazz and popular music. 

This program is dedicated to Liberty, the central theme of our 2021 festival and previews the interdisciplinary show, El Nuevo Tango. Featuring Grammy winning and Latin Grammy nominated Leonardo Suarez Paz, tango orchestra, tango dance and an all female Nuevo Tango Ballet. Challenging artistic, sociocultural and gender constructs, this show takes us to the forefront of the genre and expresses the real present art of Nuevo Tango today. 

Meet Leonardo Suarez Paz.
 

Click here for more info and to watch the live streaming concert Saturday December 12 at 4 PM here.

Last summer, Leonardo Suarez Paz's PIAZZOLLA 100 performed at the FDR 4 Freedoms Park. You can watch it here.

Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel On Cornell Tech Campus Seeking To Fill Sales Director Position - Plans To Open In First Quarter 2021 Subject To Coronavirus Pandemic Developments

The Graduate Hotel 

                                                                                          Image From Cornell Tech

located on the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus planned to open last July but was delayed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. A Graduate Hotel representative reported yesterday:

We continue to target a Quarter 1 for opening; developments with the Covid pandemic and restrictions will play a big factor in exactly when, but definitely no earlier than mid February.

Highgate Hotels will be the operator of The Graduate Hotel and they are currently seeking to fill the Director of Sales position. According to Highgate Hotel's:

... Overview 

The Director of Sales is primarily responsible for leading & driving top line revenue strategy for traditional sales related segments to include group, volume transient & catering. The individual is additionally responsible for staying ahead of market trends, market share movement and ongoing competitive hotel analysis, while directing the property sales teams (rooms & catering) to insure budgeted revenues are met or exceeded. The Director of Sales is also responsible for developing and implementing a marketing communications plan designed to achieve the desired positioning for the hotel, as well as managing the sales and marketing budget that supports revenue attainment....

And:

       Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Marketing 
• At least 3 years’ experience as a sales leader, with prior hotel sales experience. 
• Experience dealing with/communicating with ownership groups and asset management. 
• Proficient in managing/using sales automation (DELPHI) & PMS systems.

Click here for more info and to apply for the position.

A 13-foot statue of artist Hebru Brantley’s iconic Flyboy is ready to welcome guests in the Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel Lobby upon opening.

Here's the presentation by Graduate Hotel President David Rochefort at the February 26,2020 Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Construction and Community Task Force Meeting.

Stay tuned for more info and job listings.

Roosevelt Island Small Businesswomen And Moms Kaja Meade & Rhonda Pringle Chat About Organic Wine, Launching New Venture During Coronavirus Pandemic And The Undoing Finale

Kaja Meade is a Roosevelt Island resident and real estate agent. She also hosts Instagram Live Chats with interesting Roosevelt Island residents. 

Ms Meade recently hosted a Small Business Sunday Instagram Live Chat and wine tasting with Rhonda Pringle, a Roosevelt Island resident who recently launched a new business representing Scout & Cellar Clean-Crafted wine.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaja Meade (@rooseveltislandrealestate)

The Roosevelt Island businesswomen and moms chatted about wine, starting a new business during the Coronavirus Pandemic and the finale of HBO's Undoing series. 

According to Ms Pringle:

I started the business in late October 2020, and am in my second full month. I made the decision to start after being a customer and figuring there had to be others that would like to have these Clean-Crafted (TM) Wines.  

The wines are free from pesticide, added sugar, low in sulfites, no added colors. Wine the way wine was made for generations. I do need to note that sulfites are natural in grapes, and there are residual sugars. The wines are keto and paleo friendly.

I was so happy to find these wines. I would become physically ill (my body would quiver) when I drank mass produced wines. Through my own unscientific research on myself I figured out it was the added sulfites. In order to find wines I could drink I’d have to go out of my way to find new ones or stick to the one I could find here in the island shop - forget about drinking wine out.

My direct website is www.scoutandcellar.com/rhondapringle If anyone has questions they can send me a direct message on my Instagram or Facebook account.

Here's more on Scout & Cellar Clean-Crafted wine.

Now join the ladies with a glass of wine as you watch their very well done, fun and interesting interview.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaja Meade (@rooseveltislandrealestate)

Ms Meade plans on doing more Small Business Sunday interviews with Roosevelt Island residents. If you're interested in being interviewed, contact Ms Meade here.