100 Doses Of Covid 19 Vaccine Coming To Roosevelt Island Duane Reade (Walgreens) Weekly - RI Congresswoman Caroline Maloney Sees Resident Get First Vaccine Dose, Thanks Pharmacists For Giving Shots

As reported yesterday, Roosevelt Island Covid 19 vaccinations began Friday, February 12 at our local Duane Reade (Walgreens) for those 65 years of age and older. Today, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney observed as Roosevelt Island resident Paula Beltrone received her first Covid 19 vaccination at Duane Reade. After the vaccination, Ms Beltrone told Congresswoman Maloney:

I'm so glad to get this done.

 

Ms Maloney tweets:

Last month, I called on @NYCMayor for a #COVID19 vaccine site on Roosevelt Island.

Today, I visited the Duane Reade on Main St. to thank the pharmacists and management administering the shots to Roosevelt Islanders! pic.twitter.com/oJGCNJxjbC

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) February 13, 2021

Thank you to the stellar team of pharmacists at @DuaneReade on Main Street for taking care of Roosevelt Islanders throughout the #COVID19 crisis.

Today is the last day to get your vaccines this weekend. Starting on Wednesday, you can sign up to get your shot next weekend. pic.twitter.com/7kRBIlJvjr

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@CarolynBMaloney) February 13, 2021

According to a Duane Reade (Walgreens) spokesperson today, the Roosevelt Island location received 100 Moderna Covid 19 vaccine doses this past week and is scheduled to receive 100 doses weekly. All 100 doses went into Roosevelt Island arms yesterday and today. The Roosevelt Island Duane Reade is scheduled to be resupplied with another 100 vaccine doses this coming week and online vaccination appointment reservations are expected to start again on Wednesday.

Click here to make your online Covid 19 vaccine appointment reservation and for more info from Walgreens.

Stay tuned for more Roosevelt Island Duane Reade Covid 19 vaccine information.

UPDATE 2/15  - As previously reported:

... Walgreens is currently allocated a total of 18,600 doses per week in New York City and 10,700 doses per week in New York State. Initially, vaccine inventory remains very limited and available to eligible individuals only. The federal government is allocating 1 million doses across the entire effort and Walgreens gets an allocation of those doses. This allocation is expected to remain consistent over the next month and we continue to work with the CDC as inventory continues to build. ...

The Roosevelt Island Duane Reade/Walgreens is scheduled to receive the same number of 100 weekly doses as the other company stores in NYC.

Day 1 Of Covid 19 Vaccinations At Roosevelt Island Duane Reade (Walgreens) Pharmacy - It's Easy Peasy And Everyone Should Do It Says Resident

Day 1 of Covid-19 vaccinations at the Roosevelt Island Duane Reade (Walgreens) Pharmacy began today. 

What was the Roosevelt Island Covid 19 vaccination process like today? According to one resident who received the vaccine this morning:

In-person signup at Duane Reade on Monday morning. Easy online registration early Tuesday morning, with clear info for 1st & 2nd appointment and  confirmation number. Only confusing moments were not receiving the confirmation email & instructions until yesterday morning And Duane Reade NOT calling back as promised. 

I was checked in quickly & someone gave me a chair so I could sit while I waited before and after my shot. Several folks arrived way too early for their appointments while I was waiting. A little claustrophobic for me, but was OK.

Christina (Pharmacist) & Sonia (Long time Pharmacy assistant) were terrific. Despite a few grumpy neighbors. 

Arm a little sore. Feeling OK so far. Took a total of about 45 minutes. 

Of all the awful experiences I’ve had wth NY State & NYC sites, both on line & phone, this Duane Reade/Walgreens experience was the easiest yet.

Someone ought to get this crew a bunch of lobster rolls this Monday from Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck.

Roosevelt Island resident Vicki Feinmel received the vaccination this afternoon at Duane Reade. Ms Feinmel said getting the vaccine was:

Easy Peasy

and encourages everybody to get vaccinated  

Click here to make your online appointment.

 According to Rina Shah, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy operations and services.

We are excited about this next milestone in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program. The federal government and CDC have allotted pharmacies COVID-19 vaccine so we can immunize our most vulnerable populations. Individuals can find out if they’re eligible and book appointments through Walgreens vaccine scheduler available through our app or online. It’s important people understand vaccine inventory is still limited and appointments go fast, so please be patient as inventory builds in the coming weeks and months.

Walgreens was one of the first pharmacies to begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations in December. We have already provided more than 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccinations across long-term care facilities and other vulnerable populations and we look forward to leveraging our experience to support the federal government and CDC in expanding access to these vaccines.

A Walgreens corporate spokesperson adds:

Walgreens is currently allocated a total of 18,600 doses per week in New York City and 10,700 doses per week in New York State. Initially, vaccine inventory remains very limited and available to eligible individuals only. The federal government is allocating 1 million doses across the entire effort and Walgreens gets an allocation of those doses. This allocation is expected to remain consistent over the next month and we continue to work with the CDC as inventory continues to build. 

This phase of the program is designed to engage the system in a limited way to ensure the infrastructure is ready for large scale implementation when vaccine supply increases. 

We will continue to provide updates and additional information about the program as they become available.

More info at Walgreens Covid newsroom and click here for an online vaccination appointment. Roosevelt Island Duane Reade website here

Sponsored Post - Join Friends Of Coler And Roosevelt Island Neighbors For February 14 Valentine's Day Walk n Wave To Show Support And Love For Coler Rehab & Nursing Residents

The Friends Of Coler are a group of Roosevelt Island residents organizing to help the patients and staff of NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (HHC) Coler Facility during the Coronavirus pandemc. 

According to the Friends Of Coler:

This Sunday, February 14th at 2:30 p.m. join us for our first "Walk n Wave" event outside Coler Rehabilitation Nursing Care Center 

Come outside in the winter sun to spread some Valentine's cheer with our friends. Wear some red or other bright warm colors. Show up and bring several friends out for a walk 

Kids both young and old join to wave ribbons or hold up a ❤Coler sign Stay safe. All will be masked and physically distant during this outdoor walk.  

We will send our friends inside Coler Nursing Care Center this message:

💕On Roosevelt Island and beyond, we are here for you all. We support each of you ongoing and during this extended time without visits from your families, friends, and other volunteers.💝 

#nursinghomelivesmatter #friendsofcoler
#weallneedeachother #valentinescheer

This is a collaborative fun event for the residents - an example of our wonderful RI community. All ages are welcome.

Angelica Patient Assistance Program is working with Coler Rec Therapy to also provide a restaurant meal for residents later this week. Cornell Tech donated snacks and many other friends donated funds or treats.  

We will have 13 gift boxes for all units (plus more donations that won't fit in the boxes!) Main Street Theater is loaning some little instruments to help us spread some cheer as we walk. Haki Compost Collective, 

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iDig2Learn,

Show your love! SUNDAY 2/14 2:30pm Wear Red or Bright Colors for a Walk n’ Wave at Coler Nursing Home - meet at 900 Main Street ❤️ to wave at our neighbors @Rooseveltisland @RIOCny @RiocCeo pic.twitter.com/2XFFCTfP2O

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) February 10, 2021

and other Facebook groups like Roosevelt Islanders Make Some Noise are participating.  

I read about other nursing facilities where kids were making snowmans outside the windows so if people are interested...that sounds fun, too! Currently, Friends of Coler is in conversation with the RI NYPL branch learning how to get books that residents can check out down to Coler with a regular system.

Inside Coler, OpenDoorsNYC members are letting residents know so that they can look out the windows. This collage from one artistic resident friend shows their views and we hope to fill those views up with smiling friends sending in support.

Supporting and thanking the hardworking Coler staff is included in our messaging. It is our understanding that they have been receiving some meals from Bloomberg funding. We have heard that Coler Auxiliary gave some new TV's for resident day rooms and is in the building ongoing in support of all. 

It is a hard winter for so many and we hope to spread some cheer in the giving and in the receiving. As my kids were growing up Valentine's was celebrated as friendship day at their school. The work and connections and learning I experience with friends of Coler is definitely about new friendships! 

Watch the latest trailer from the Fire Through Dry Grass documentary by Mr Molina and Alexis  Neophytides showing the devastation inflicted upon our Roosevelt Island Coler residents by the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Fire Through Dry Grass – Trailer from The Big Chair on Vimeo.

If you would like to join Friends of Coler, send them an email.

Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - F & E Subway Service, Celebrity Face Mask Shout Outs, F Train Cuts, Tram Social Distancing, Ferry & Electric Citibikes Too

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

  Remember to wear your face covering mask.

Hear these iconic New York voices (and more) playing throughout the system now 😎

Shoutout to @NuevaYorkNico 💙 pic.twitter.com/bDXqRXnel2

— MTA. Wear a Mask. Stop the Spread. (@MTA) February 12, 2021

Two subway lines were cut by two to three minutes indefinitely early on in the COVID-19 pandemic and simply not reinstated, according to MTA officials, but advocates are calling for a full return of the F and C trains. https://t.co/nLg1xGM7ef

— amNewYork (@amNewYork) February 11, 2021

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 extends to East 90th street on the Upper East Side. 

#NYCFerry is moving to completely contactless boarding starting tomorrow, February 1, 2021. Please have your ticket ready to show to the deckhand with the QR code facing up upon boarding. Learn more: https://t.co/euj4MeVEDM pic.twitter.com/nNJyjZ2onI

— NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) January 31, 2021

And Roosevelt Island Citbike docking stations. 

Electric bikes at Roosevelt Island Tram @CitiBikeNYC station https://t.co/sP5XYgbxSH https://t.co/2qWcszGgTH

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) January 28, 2021

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket February 12-18 Products, Valentine's Day Specials, & Sales Items, - Online Shopping, Delivery Options, Digital Coupons, Social Media Too

The Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket invites you to check out their February 12 - February 18 Weekly Flyer   

for Product Offerings, Specials and 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.   

 

Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck Returning To Roosevelt Island Monday February 15 With Permit From RIOC For A Spot At Tram Plaza - Location Selected By RIOC Due To Winter Weather Conditions

Long lines of Roosevelt Island residents greeted the Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck on a frigid Saturday morning last January 9. 

As reported that day:

Unfortunately, about 45 minutes after the Food Truck began serving hungry residents, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department ordered the Food Truck to shut down and leave Roosevelt Island. 

The reason for the PSD order was that the Food Truck did not have a Roosevelt Island Food Truck permit. The Cousins Main Lobster Food Truck operator had a NYC Food Truck permit but did not know they also needed a Roosevelt Island Food Truck permit.  

The good news is that Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck will return to Roosevelt Island with a RIOC permit. According to the Food Truck operator:

...we will be in Roosevelt Island on Monday, February 15th, from 12-8pm, at the Tram Plaza Vending location.

I asked RIOC today:

Why is Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck being located at the Tram Plaza on Monday? Is that the Vendor's choice or is it RIOC's choice? 

There are more convenient locations for residents to have the Food Truck. The Tram Plaza might be good for tourists but not for residents. 

In past years, Food Trucks were located on Main Street across from the Starbucks at 455 Main Street. See example here. 

Also, the Good Shepherd Plaza location used by Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck last month at Good Shepherd Plaza is a very good spot and convenient for residents.. Any comment from RIOC regarding selection of location for the Lobster Food Truck? 

RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith replied:

During warmer months, we agree that other locations may be more convenient. Taking into consideration winter weather conditions, Tram Plaza offers the safest option.

The Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck Operator added:

Location was allocated to us by RIOC. We requested the same location we were last but they didn't give it to us. I guess they wanted us to be somewhere that people could spread out and keep social distance, in regards to covid, and also away from other stores maybe? But that's just our guess.

We are very excited to be back too, even at this location. Hopefully, the weather will be good and residents will enjoy it.

All reports from those who were able to order food from the Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck in January before it was shut down say that it was delicious.

Sponsored Post - Indoor Dining Returns To Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Cafe Friday, February 12, Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Sandwiches, Salads, Beverages & Wine Too - DoorDash & Uber Eats Pick Up And Delivery Service Available Now

Indoor dining returns to the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Cafe tomorrow, Friday, February 12.

The Cornell Tech Cafe is open for the Roosevelt Island community and beyond, serving breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages.

Pick-up and delivery is now available at the Cornell Tech Cafe through Doordash and UberEats

Check out the Cornell Tech Cafe Weekly Menu. This month's signature sandwich is Chicken Mole Torta

Try the Flatbread Specials

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and hot drinks.

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A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech)

You can also have your food and drink at the Cornell Tech Cafe outdoor patio.

 There's also a great wine selection.

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A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech)

Follow Cornell Tech Cafe at their website and Instagram Page

Watch Roosevelt Island Youngster's Video Review Of Sledding At Cornell Tech Slopes - It's Awesome For Sledding And You'll Have A Great Time

You don’t have to leave NY-12 to find some great sledding spots ! https://t.co/JzR3JtvYRB

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@CarolynBMaloney) February 6, 2021

The slopes at Roosevelt Island's Cornell Tech campus have become the go to place of many residents for fun in the snow. 

A Roosevelt Island youngster demonstrates and gives a thorough review of the sledding on three separate Cornell Tech campus slopes.

Watch and you'll be prepared for sledding at the next snowstorm.

After sledding, enoy a hot drink

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A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Cafe @ Cornell Tech (@thecafe_cornelltech)

at the Cornell Tech Cafe

Outdoor Patio.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island History And Fun Facts Virtual Community Forum With Local Residents Hosted By Esther Yang Thursday February 11

Roosevelt Island residents Joyce Short, Nikki Leopold and Naomi Imbrogno will share with you Roosevelt Island History and Fun Facts at a free virtual community forum hosted by Esther Yang on Thursday February 11 from 7-8pm.

Click here to register.

Ms Yang is a candidate for Democratic Party 76 Assembly Part A District Leader which includes Roosevelt Island.

Sad News, Bill King Passed Away - Touched Many On Roosevelt Island As A Powerful Actor With MST&DA And Friendly RI Starbucks Barista

Very sad news to report. Bill King passed away January 30. Bill was known to Roosevelt Island residents as a very talented actor at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) and as a long time friendly and popular barista at the Roosevelt Island Starbucks.

Bill's niece, Megan Courtney shares this photo of Bill 

 and tells us:

... my Uncle Billy passed away peacefully. His heart was so big and his passion for acting, film and theater was the great love of his life. He inspired many, myself included.  

We loved him so much and all of us (The King family) were so glad to tighten our bonds over the years, especially the last. 

Here is his lifetime of highlighted roles and plays/musicals he starred in:

• Kulygen in The Three Sisters 
• Vanya in Uncle Vanya 
• Speed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona 
• The actor in The Lower Depths 
• Richard Nixon in Rum and Coke 
• Harvey Fierstein in Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits vol. 1 
• Pete in Creeps 
• The Bald Soprano 
• Strepsiades in The Clouds. 
• 90 Plays and Musicals RIP 

Uncle Billy, I love you so much!

Roosevelt Island resident Mihaela Mihut directed Bill in several theater productions and was his acting teacher. Ms Mihut expresses the sorrow of those who knew Bill:

I am so sad for the passing of my dear friend, extraordinary actor, kind human being William King who always said ‘I love you’ when we parted or finished a phone conversation. He was a powerful actor who gave his soul to his roles, and made me and everyone around him want to give of ourselves. I am grateful to have shared moments of his life, real and fictional . 

I love you, Bill. 

My deepest condolences to the family.

Ms Mihut adds:

An important role for Bill was Triletsky in ‘People of Platonovka’ by Anton Chekhov at MSTDA. He was amazing in it.

Bill's obituary

William “Bill” A. King of New York, New York and formally of South Ashburnham, MA, passed away peacefully in his residence on January 30, 2021. Born on April 1, 1952 to Rita E. McGregor and Calvin W. King, William attended and graduated from Oakmont Regional High School in 1970.

After graduation he attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston for a year before departing for “The Big Apple” to pursue his true passions of theater, film, and acting. Bill has a long list of roles and characters he has portrayed in over 90 plays and musicals and continued with acting classes striving to better his skills. He was a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Besides his acting career he had been employed at Actofone Agency, Hard Rock Cafe, and up to his death, Starbucks.

He leaves his brother Robert “Bob” King and his wife Diane of Ashburnham. Bill adored his nieces and nephew; Meghan King of San Diego, California, Brittany Durante and her husband Sammy of Lamar, South Carolina, and Nolan King of Gardner, MA. He was predeceased by his parents and brother David King.

Bill had an extended network of friends who have all expressed Bill’s great sense of humor, kindness, knowledge and willingness to give and share. His work ethic was outstanding.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support and thoughts of kindness. In memory of Bill please light a candle and watch a movie. The show must go on!

To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Condolences to Bill's family and friends. He will be missed.

Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Grants Community Review Process February 8 & 9 With Presentations By 12 Local Non Profit Organizations - Public Invited To Watch And Ask Questions At Virtual Zoom Meetings

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) 2021-22 Public Purpose Grants community review process begins tonight. According to RIOC:

Public Purpose Grants first became available after the construction of Manhattan Park in 1989, when New York State allowed the fund to be established in lieu of the developers paying sales tax on construction materials.  

The RIOC Board of Directors approves the allocation of these funds each year. Not-for-profit community organizations are welcome to apply for a Public Purpose Grant by following the application process below. 

Public Purpose Grants should be allocated to benefit Roosevelt Island residents, enhancing their quality of life through education, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health, or a better environment...

RIOC announced the Public Purpose Funds interview schedule last Friday:

Please be advised that the 2021-22 Public Purpose Grant Community Review Process for applicant proposed programs and projects will be conducted on-line via Zoom (see link below) on Monday, February 8th and Tuesday, February 9th, beginning at 7 PM.

The presentations are open to the public as an opportunity to learn more about the programs and projects from community groups who are seeking funding. At the conclusion of each presentation, time will be reserved for questions and answers by members of the Roosevelt Island Resident’s Association Special Public Purpose Grant Committee and the public attendees.  

Please see the schedule of presentations below: 

Mon., Feb. 8th

• New York Foundation for the Arts: 7 PM - 7:20 PM 
• R.I. Disabled Association: 7:20 PM -7:40 PM 
• Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance: 7:40 PM - 8 PM 
• Open Spaces – iDig2Learn: 8 PM - 8:20 PM 
• Island Kids: 8:20 PM - 8:40 PM 
• Roosevelt Island Senior Association: 8:40 - 9 PM

 Tue., Feb. 9th  

• R.I. Visual Arts Association: 7:00 PM - 7:20 PM 
• Carter Burden Network Inc.: 7:20 PM - 7:40 PM 
• PS/IS 217 PTA: 7:40 PM - 8 PM 
• R.I. Historical Society: 8 PM - 8:20 PM 
• Wildlife Freedom Foundation: 8:20 PM - 8:40 PM 
• Life Frames: 8:40 PM - 9:00 PM

For more information, please call 212-832-4540 or go to: rioc.ny.gov/280 

General concerns about grant funds and applicants should be directed to PublicPurpose@rioc.ny.gov; and Daniel.impellizeri@rioc.ny.gov with a copy to David Evans, evansde23@hotmail.com.
 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85941138051?pwd=VkdCWEJLRmpOYXdyOHJoOVNleGQyUT09 

Meeting ID: 859 4113 8051 

Passcode: 595519

The Roosevelt Island Public Purpose grant non-profit organization applicants this year include same applicants from last year plus the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA).

The RIOC approved Public Purpose Grant allocations last year in the total amount of $150,000, based upon Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) recommendations, were:

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance -  $25,677
Roosevelt Island Historical Society       -  $18,333      
NY Foundation For The Arts                 -  $10,333
iDig2Learn                                             -   $11,667
Island Kids                                             -    $6.667
Roosevelt Island Disabled Association  -   $18,667
Carter Burden Network                          -    $15,323
PS/IS 217 PTA                                        -    $9,483
Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association  - $13,527
Wildlife Freedom Foundation                    - 10,000
Life Frames                                                - 10,333