It was an incredibly hot and humid afternoon today for the FDR Hope Memorial
ribbon cutting and sculpture unveiling ceremony but that did not stop
residents and visitors alike from having a wonderful time.
The FDR Hope Memorial depicts President Franklin Roosevelt, as he lived in his
wheelchair, greeting a young girl standing on crutches.
Here's the ribbon cutting.
Also, remarks from Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Wendy Hersh
and FDR Hope Memorial Chair Marc Diamond describing the 12 year effort to
build the FDR Hope Memorial and bring it to Roosevelt Island.
More on the history of the 12 year effort to build the FDR Hope Memorial and bring it to Roosevelt Island at Southpoint Park at this post from yesterday.
Stay tuned for more video from today's FDR Hope Ceremony.
The Roosevelt Island
FDR Hope Memorial
depicting President Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting in a wheelchair greeting a
young girl standing on crutches will be unveiled Saturday July 17 at Southpoint
Park. Yesterday, the box covering the Memorial was partially removed revealing
the statue figures of FDR and young girl.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Tomorrow, Saturday, July 17th, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) plan to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the unveiling of the FDR Hope Memorial, an immersive work of art commemorating the progressive former U.S. president and disability advocate, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Join us at Southpoint Park for the celebratory ribbon-cutting. Attendees able to utilize grass areas surrounding the memorial will be asked to do so. Special accommodations can be made, onsite, upon request for those who require them. The event will start promptly at 12:00pm.
RIDA President
Wendy Hersh spoke briefly about the fight and struggles to get a memorial
depicting President Roosevelt sitting in his wheelchair built on
Roosevelt Island during a portion of this interview with the CUNY TV program Diverse City.
Starting in 2009, the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) and a group
of local supporters began a campaign to build a memorial to President Franklin
D Roosevelt depicting him as he lived, sitting in a wheelchair. The campaign
was initiated upon learning that the proposed FDR 4 Freedoms Park designed by
architect Louis Kahn ignored the fact that FDR was a disabled person.
As reported in February 2009:
... the proposed Kahn/FDR memorial also fails to acknowledge FDR as a man
and a President of the United States who achieved greatness despite a
disability that forced him into a wheelchair. The absence, in any meaningful
way, of FDR's use of a wheelchair or crutches is particularly shameful given
the large disabled and handicapped community at Roosevelt Island's
Coler-Goldwater Hospital complex.
A similar controversy arose at the
FDR Memorial in Washington DC....
... A great idea for an appropriate and honorable FDR Memorial on Roosevelt
Island was suggested by
Roosevelt Island's Doctor Jack Resnick who treats many of our disabled residents.
Somebody designed a memorial to FDR on Roosevelt Island that completely
ignored the man’s physical disability. Franklin Roosevelt spent much of his
adult life in a wheelchair. The polio virus, which infected him in 1921 at
the age of 39, left him with almost no use of his legs. Twelve years later
he became President of the United States. He went on to save the country
from economic calamity and the world from Hitler....
...Roosevelt Island is a living, breathing memorial to FDR. And when we
celebrated FDR Day here each year, it was clear that we were focused on FDR
as an icon for the disabled.
The FDR Memorial on this Island should focus on the President’s strength in
conquering his disability. Many possibilities come to mind. For instance, he
should not be memorialized with a bust. We should see a
greater-than-life-sized statue of him sitting in a wheelchair – and he
should face north toward Goldwater and Coler Hospitals...
Shortly thereafter, in response to my inquiry, the RIDA Board Of
Directors including then President Virginia Granato, Jim Bates, Nancy Brown
and Gloria Narduzzo
On behalf of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association and it's many disabled
members we want to voice our opposition to a glaring deficit in the current
proposal for the FDR Memorial to be built at the Southern tip of Roosevelt
Island.
President Roosevelt was disabled by Polio before he was elected President of
the United States and used a wheelchair almost exclusively. A statue of
President Roosevelt sitting in a wheelchair or standing with the help of his
crutches would be most appropriate here on an Island where many disabled
people reside, both in apartments and in the two chronic care hospitals. In
the same manner that our first black president, Barack Obama, has inspired so
many school- aged black children to aspire to higher achievements, once
thought to be impossible, such a memorial would have the same effect on the
disabled community when viewing a statue of one of our most beloved presidents
and realizing that he, too, was disabled and was able to overcome his
disability and be elected to the highest office in the country. What an
inspiration that would be for the multitude of disabled visitors, especially
our wheelchair bound war veterans returning from Iraq, to visualize that
despite their disability anything is possible. The memorial, as shown in the
artist's sketches. does not portray FDR as disabled and we feel that this is
an injustice to us all. It is said that “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
In this instance, a statue of FDR depicted as our first disabled President
would speak volumes to the millions of visitors, disabled and non-disabled who
will be visiting The FDR Memorial for generations to come.
Roosevelt Island Disabled Association Board of Directors and it's members
RIDA members also protested against
the failure to include representation of FDR's disability at Roosevelt Island
public meetings regarding the FDR 4 Freedoms Park.
... WHEREAS the continued resident population of Roosevelt Island, uniquely
composed in significant part of many disabled persons, residing both
independently in apartments or within the two chronic care hospitals located
on the island, renders a true portrayal of President Roosevelt more meaningful
and poignant on Roosevelt Island than any in any other location; and
THEREFORE, NOW BE IT RESOLVED that the Roosevelt Island Residents Association
supports a plan for the Four Freedoms Park that includes a celebration of
President Roosevelt as a disabled person by depicting him in a wheelchair or
on crutches.
-Adopted by the Common Council of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association
6/3/09...
Following these protests, in June 2009, Ambassador William vanden Heuvel, chair of the
FDR 4 Freedoms Park
sent a letter to RIDA offering to help in their efforts to recognize FDR as a
disabled person.
He wrote:
The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute greatly appreciates the
interest of the Roosevelt Island disabled community regarding the Four
Freedoms Park which is to be built on Southpoint. Those who took the trouble
to come to the recent meeting are absolutely right – we must find a way to
tell our universal audience of FDR’s disability and the important role it
played in his greatness as President of the United States. I never give a
speech about FDR without telling the story of his disability....
... Somehow we must find a way to convey this incredible story to those who
visit Southpoint. Building on our initial meeting, we will work with
representatives of Roosevelt Island to achieve that objective. We are
grateful to Virginia Granato and Dr. Resnick for their effective
presentation. Our task is to work together to find a way to accomplish our
mutual purpose, honoring a great President and remembering the qualities of
character that enabled him to lead our country so well.
Ambassador vanden Heuvel and the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute did
help RIDA by securing the first $100 thousand donation and have been
working together since to bring the
FDR Hope Memorial to Roosevelt Island.
Jim Bates became President of RIDA after Virginia Granato stepped down.
"Uncle" Jim established the
FDR Hope Memorial Committee
and became a tireless advocate for the FDR Hope Memorial working with RIOC to
find a location site in Southpoint Park, fundraising and selecting the sculptor, Meredith Bergmann, to design and build the FDR Hope Memorial
There were setbacks and delays but at all times Uncle Jim with the help of
local resident Marc Diamond and other members of the FDR Hope Memorial
Committee persevered. In 2012 sculptor
Meredith Bergmann
presented a mock up of the sculpture to the Committee.
The design originally included a representation of FDR's desk but that was not included in final version due to cost cutbacks.
In 2015, Roosevelt Island
NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright
visited Southpoint Park to announce a $150 thousand anonymous gift donation
for the FDR Hope Memorial.
"Uncle" Jim Bates added:
... Hopefully this will inspire people around the world and challenge the
disabled community that they are an enabled community and they can be whatever
they choose to be.
Virginia Granato spoke about her feelings that day too.
There were more delays and difficulties for the FDR Hope Memorial but in 2019,
RIOC, under former President Susan Rosenthal took control of funding the project to completion and finally opening to the
public tomorrow.
It is sad that both
"Uncle" Jim Bates and
Virginia Granato
passed away before they could see the unveiling of the FDR Hope Memorial
tomorrow but their vision of "enabled, not disabled" was continued by current RIDA President Wendy Hersh and will live on and inspire
others who visit the FDR Hope Memorial in the days to come.
For disclosure purposes, I am a member of the FDR Hope Memorial Committee.
Here's RIOC press release.
UPDATE 7/17 - FDR Hope Memorial Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today.
MSTDA’s Shakespeare Workshop is presenting “Richard ll” as a fully staged reading in the intimate black box Howe Theatre of Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance on July 16, 17 & 18. This show has something for everyone with its classic text, historical intrigue, modern relevance, live music and... puppets!
This is just the beginning of a new Shakespeare production here on Roosevelt Island, which includes original songs by MSTDA composer Jonathan Fadner (“The Monkey King,” “Ghosts All Around Us,” “The Wind in the Willows.”) The Shakespeare Workshop is a vehicle to develop a new project with theatrical elements and professional actors. The seed for Steven Eng’s “Richard ll” has been germinating for a few years and he refers to it as his “passion project.” It took a big leap toward the stage when Eng enlisted Fadner to write original songs for guitar and voice, which the actors perform live, interwoven into the texture of the poetically rich text. The creative team and cast embarked on this experimental adventure together only 3 weeks ago and are offering the Roosevelt Island audience an early glimpse into Eng’s ambitious reimagining of this play.
“It’s time to bring the MSTDA and Roosevelt Island community back into the theatre. I can think of no better reason to present one of Shakespeare’s most poetically rich plays about finding one’s humanity in the midst of chaos.” Steven Eng (Director/Actor)
Seize the opportunity to view theatre that has a very exciting unexpected element... Puppets! Puppets are coming to life as the cast of “Richard ll” embodies the historical characters of Shakespeare’s play. Steven Eng’s vision for this play incorporates handmade puppets made by Tanya Starace and costumed by Jeanne Castagnaro. The puppets offer a unique perspective from the eyes of a king who falls from heavenly heights to an “earthy pit.” This concept makes for a thought-provoking and profound theatre experience.
Director Steven Eng, Music Director Jonathan Fadner, Assistant Director Rachel Reuben, Stage Manager Zackry Childers, Props Designer Tanya Starace, Costume Designer, Jeanne Castagnaro, Featuring Russ Cusick, Steven Eng, Andy English, Kimbirdlee Fadner, Jacqueline Lucid
DATES/TIMES/LOCATION
July 16th 7pm, July 17th 2pm & 7pm, July 18th 5pm
THE HOWE THEATRE
548 Main St.
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Jazz Power Initiative (JPI) concludes its summer 2021 season with our
Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 7pm, live and
in-person at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem,
New York City. Seating at Jazzmobile Summerfest in Marcus Garvey Park is
outside, free and open to the general public for audiences of all ages!
Presented by Jazzmobile’s Summerfest, “Message From Saturn” – our jazz
musical about the healing power of the blues – concludes our
Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam summer concert series, presented in
partnership with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and produced by Jazz
Power Initiative, the uptown New York City, community-based non-profit
organization, whose mission is to transform lives through jazz music and
performance programs.
Our July Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam, Message from Saturn is directed
by singer, actor, dancer and producer Ty Stephens, in a special concert
presentation, introduced by Jazzmobile veteran vocalist Antoinette Montague,
and Sweet Honey in the Rock co-founding members, Carol Maillard and Louise
Robinson, with musical direction by Jazz Power Initiative’s Managing and
Artistic Director Eli Yamin. This production features Knoel
Scott(saxophone), of the Sun Ra Arkestra, David F. Gibson(drums) and
Jennifer Vincent(bass) of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Tom Dempsey
(guitar), Eli Yamin (piano) and Zah! Jazz Power Youth, the advanced youth
vocal ensemble of Jazz Power Initiative.....
Joie St Hubert is seen in video above playing the violin and is also a member of the Zah! Jazz Power youth ensemble.
Joie St Hubert is one of the young Roosevelt Island activists who organized
the 2020
Roosevelt Island March For Justice
following the killing of George Floyd. Last June, Joie helped organize the one
year
anniversary vigil and program at Meditation Steps
to remember the death of George Floyd and ended the program with a beautiful
performance of Lift Every Voice.
Proud parent Carmella St Hubert adds:
Joie has lived on Roosevelt Island for over twenty years. Joie
is an artist and a Jazz Power member for seven years. At July 16 event, Joie will be singing and playing violin.
Joie is majoring in vocal performance at Lee University in Tennessee,
studied violin for ten years at The School for Strings and voice and violin
at Mannes School of Music, the pré collège division for five years and
graduated in 2018.
The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) with help and support from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Senior Center is hosting a Disability Fair for all ages and types of disabilities on Wednesday July 21 at Good Shepherd Plaza from 1-5 PM.
DISABILITY FAIR
July 21, 2021 1-5 P.M
GOOD SHEPHERD PLAZA
Join
community organizations and elected officials for information on
resources and program available to the disability community.
Anthony Fallone lived on Roosevelt Island with his wife and four children.
He worked as a bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald. On 9/11 he was at his
office on the North Tower’s 105th floor. Today a white rose was placed at
his name on the
#911Memorial
in honor of his 59th birthday.
pic.twitter.com/HmJTdfA3OA
— 9/11 Memorial & Museum (@Sept11Memorial)
July 13, 2021
Anthony Fallone and eight other Roosevelt Islanders who died in the 9/11 terrorist
attack on the World Trade Center are honored by the Roosevelt Island 9/11 Remembrance Tree
The 2021 Roosevelt Island Little League baseball season began Saturday, April 17
and played through June 19 with Division Championship Games for the kids and a
Coaches Game for the kids at heart too.
Roosevelt Island Little League wife and mom Suzy del Campo Perea reports
and shares these photos:
When parents received on March 5th the email from the RI Little Leagues
Coordinator Danny about the baseball program coming back this Spring, it
was not only parents and children excited: the coaches got that shine in
their eyes and were ready to go back to the field.
To be honest, when I told my husband Coach Roberto about the Little League
happening this year I noticed a smile on his face, the shinning in his eyes,
and his usual calmness thinking out loud: where is my glove? Our first comment was: “Coaches game? It’s going to be awesome, we have
been waiting for 2 years for it to happen again.”
I am pretty sure that the reaction was similar among all our returning
coaches: Excitement.
Arya and Danny, the coordinators, planned out the Little League
exceptionally well and almost all the previous years coaches were more than
eager to come back to coach. Some of those coaches have been volunteering in
the little League since it started 6 years ago.
The coaches organized a scrimmage to be able to have balanced teams among
the 3 categories: T-ball, Minors and Majors. The goal was very clear, to
provide kids with a safe and supportive environment to learn and practice a
Sport, have fun, and to have what all the kids and parents have been
missing: socialization of their kids among their peers, teamwork and if
possible a victory every single game.
The Little League had over 100 players from age 5 (Kindergarten) to 14 yrs
old (HS Freshman) all genders and all abilities, and 24+ coaches. Those
coaches are the heart of the League. We had a wide array of coaches from
very young coaches single with no kids, as well as a very experienced coach,
and great player that is a Grandpa Jimmy Starace Sr.; female coaches, adults
with no kids, coaches that have played before as well as others that have
never played before. The common characteristic that they share is the Sense
of Community to give Love back to our kids, to RI youth!
Every Saturday morning, the coaches of T-ball were at the field as early as
9am to get the little ones playing. They stay calmed and offered words of
encouragement. It is not an easy task to have about 9-12 children 5-7 yrs
old learning a sport, trying to hit and catch a ball and have fun at the
same time. The coaches patience is formidable.
Minors and Majors coaches had a more difficult task, to create a team that
can hit, catch, throw, and be quick to make the right decision. Majors
coaches were at Capobianco field every single Saturday afternoon. These
coaches gave the kids a sense of belonging in a team, gave them amazing
afternoons of training during the week, not even rain can stop them. Minors
Grey Vultures took advantage of the muddy Pony field, and led by Coach Ben,
they learned to slide! Who cares about some mud EVERYWHERE when the kids and
the kids at heart were having so much fun and a lesson on top of it!
Coaches moved back and forth carrying the huge baseball bag loaded with
equipment without complaint. They arrived early on game days to make sure
their players warmed up and were ready to have the best day of their
week.
All coaches supported each other, there was no coach that will not lend a
hand when needed even if they weren’t asked. They cheer for all players,
and they kept tabs on each other's games. The willingness to coach the
kids made the difference in the lives of these kids and their
families.
Plenty of times coaches were congratulating younger players down Main
Street: “Great game! You had fun?” “I know you hit really good. Keep up
the good work!” That is the spirit and the normalcy of Roosevelt Island
that they brought this Spring.
We had 10 regular games, one All-Star game, semifinals and the Finals plus
the Coaches game. All teams won some games and lost others, coaches made
sure that a positive attitude and respect for the team played against were
at the top of the list. Some coaches brought treats for the kids,
sponsored pizzas for weekday games, and kept the spirits high.
The most waited, expected and exciting game of the whole season was the
coaches game. Grey and Blue coaches vs. Red and Green. What a game! We
even got back a very well loved and respected coach: Matt Hoskinson who
came to play with his friends. We had pitching for the Red&Green team
Mr Jimmy Starace Sr, and for the Grey&Blue Ben Rose. The umpire was
Eugenio García, Blue Majors player.
The bleachers were full. Parents, players, friends, sons, daughters,
neighbors, even residents of Coler came down to watch and cheer every
single play. The coaches finally got to play,
and we got to see how suddenly these adults that gave so much love to
our kids were transformed into kids
that just wanted to enjoy the moment that they have been waiting for
the last 24 months.
There were strike outs, there were outs on first, second and third,
even at home.
There were almost home runs, almost cause the grown trees prevented the
balls to land at Grandpa Al Lewis playground. Everyone cheered the whole
game.
This game was the culmination of a season that gave us so much. The
season gave the kids a sense of normalcy, they belong to a team and they
weren’t behind a screen. We got fun, joy and got so many
accomplishments. To parents, it was a relief to feel that finally we could
move back to a much normal activity where our kids can be together and
play. And for the coaches the time to give back to their community, for
their kids, the friends of their own kids (if any) and for all the
kids of RI; an opportunity to teach a sport they love, to see smiles on
young faces and to enjoy every second of being part of the Roosevelt
Island Little League.
To me and to so many more, the stars of Spring 2021 are RI Little League
Coaches! Muchas Gracias
Thank you so much for all the love you gave to RI, you know how special you
are to my family. I just hope that next year on top of a Coaches Game we can
celebrate the season at any RI spot (hope we can get some recognition from
our RI Business for all of you).
Roosevelt Island Little League Coach Ben Rose reports on the Division
Championship Games:
The Roosevelt Island Little League, is sponsored through the Roosevelt
Island Center of Community Development (RICCD). The league started it’s
season in mid-April and offered a 10-game season, free for all players,
and comprised mainly of Island kids, as well as some of our neighbors
from Astoria and Long Island City.
The league organizers and managers are Arya Shirazi and Daniel
Vithlani. They volunteered countless hours and Saturdays to ensure a
wonderful season for players and their families.
Roosevelt Island Little League Majors Division Champions
On June 19, 2021, 3 pm game time, the #1 Chilies defeated the #2
Greyhounds in a decisive victory.
Image From Yuki Rose
Coaches: JP Starace, Alex Chou, Jimmy Starace, Carlos Rodriguez
Players: Jas Starace, Luca Starace, Toby Chou, Alex Rodriguez, Jamin
Rose, Diego Shirazi, Ben Gillespie, Tice Collins, Emilia Garcia, Oliver
Lenowitz, Isaiah Ballard
Roosevelt Island Little League Minors Division Champions
On June 19, 11 AM game time, the #4 Vultures upset the #2 Blue Wolves 6-5
to win the championship. (The win came after the vultures knocked off the
#1 Red Blazing Phoenixes 5-4 in the playoffs to earn their championship
berth). The Vultures had a storybook season when, after starting the
season 0-5, the Vultures won all but one of their remaining games; each
victory by a single-run margin or in extra innings.
Image From George Estreich
Coaches: Ben Rose, Roberto Borja
Players: Mason Rose, Leire Borja, Itziar Borja, Milo Mackey, Luke
McNamara, Maxwell Devine, Beau Estreich, Julian Palmer, Juliana Paredes,
Bran Heffner, Lorenzo Lineros, Adrian Turner
Sad news to report the death of Roosevelt Island resident Judy Buck.
Christina Delfico reports:
Many have heard of the sad passing of our dear neighborhood friend, Judy
Buck. Her younger brother, David, wished to share that a memorial gathering
for Judy will be held on Tuesday, July 20th in two locations.
The first from noon to 1pm on 7/20/21 at the church next to the tram at All
Saints Episcopal Church 230 East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave. NYC,
and the second on 7/20/21 from 2pm to 4pm at Granny Annie's Restaurant at
425 Main Street, Roosevelt Island.
Judy Buck served as co-chair, alongside Ellen Polivy, on the Roosevelt Island
Community Coalition (RICC), a group of island organizations that advocated for
protection of community life during the years of Cornell Tech’s construction
and beyond. RICC pushed for barging rather than truck traffic to transport
construction materials, urged Cornell Tech’s “adoption” of Roosevelt Island’s
PS 217, and raised issues of increasing needs for transportation, and worked
to get a discounted rate for residents at the new Graduate Hotel on Cornell
Tech's campus. Judy also sat on Community Board 8's Roosevelt Island
Committee, and was appointed by State Senator Jose Serrano to the Cornell Tech
Community Construction Task Force Committee. She was honored by Assembly
Member Seawright as a local Women of Distinction and City Council Member
Kallos for her years of volunteer service to the community on RICC. She also
contributed articles to the local newspaper, the WIRE.
Professionally, Buck was an Advertising Manager for Random House Trade
Division, she worked as a writer and copy chief for a number of New York
City advertising agencies (as portrayed in the TV show “Mad Men!”) and spent
a decade at New York University as the Assistant Director of Development,
where she solicited funding for faculty initiatives that included early
reading intervention, research on HIV-AIDS prevention, recovery for female
victims of human trafficking, and environmental education. She was a
volunteer for Louise Wise Services, and served on the boards of the Hell’s
Kitchen AIDS Project and the St. Cecilia Chorus of New York.
Judy influenced many. Her kind nature, wicked smarts and deep interest in
community happenings was beloved by friends on Roosevelt Island and
throughout the city, including dear friends from her former neighborhood in
the 60s.
David hopes you can join the memorial gathering and welcomes friends to
share a few words and deeply appreciates the friendships and kindness shown
to Judy on Roosevelt Island.
Sharon Bermon adds:
Judy bravely fought several kinds of cancer for more than a decade. When I
was diagnosed with cancer almost ten years ago, she found out, contacted me
and offered to guide me through the initial stages of decision making. I
remember going to her apartment for breakfast and information. She was a
quiet person who didn't want to call attention to herself, but was generous
with her time. She was a skilled writer. At NYU, she was a development
officer, and used her writing skills for RI after her retirement.
One of the things that I found frustrating is that she served on several
organizations in a policy making position. She would do all the work, the
research, the writing - but allowed others the credit. I asked Judy a
number of times to take more credit for all the work she did, but Judy was
unwilling to make waves.
I think many of us felt that Judy was the most intelligent, the most
competent of all the "community leaders" on the island. I know it's too late
for her to get credit for her work - in her lifetime - but hopefully, it
would be good if RI residents understood why we owe her a debt of gratitude.
Here's Judy Buck seated at right
helping out at a 2015 iDig2Learn Monarch Butterfly Corridor Milkweed planting
at Lighthouse Park.
Also, here's Ms Buck speaking for the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition
(RICC) at August 5, 2017 event welcoming Cornell Tech and doing her best to
make sure concerns of Roosevelt Island residents are heard and addressed by
Cornell Tech.
Condolences to Ms Buck's family, friends, neighbors and
colleagues.
Thank you Judy.
UPDATE 7/14 - Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President and Wildlife
Freedom Foundation Founder Rossana Ceruzzi adds:
I join with previous writers in expressing my sympathy and sadness on the death of a friend, Judy Buck. It’s hard to lose someone who meant so much to all of us.
It is extraordinary to look back at all the positions Judy held. She was a member of many groups for many years and she gave much time and effort to organizations very important to our community. Her interest in helping the RI community was insatiable. Her dedication, attitude and bravery will always be an inspiration to those of us who knew her.
I’d like to share with all of you another aspect of Judy’s life, Her love for animals and especially for cats.
In these pics she is with her beloved cat Leon.
She gave this senior cat a second chance and a happy, loving life.
We will remember Judy fondly and for a long time to come.
Join us every Wednesday at lunchtime for a collaborative café activation
featuring local, diverse culinary talent. Popping up on July 14th with
Hannah Wong : Culinary Director 1:1 Foods
1:1 Foods is a culinary social enterprise dedicated to community-led food
justice in Brooklyn. Not only do they make good food, but they do good —
redistributing profits, culinary resources and energy into grassroots
organizations committed to transforming the food system. The Café’s
collaboration with 1:1 brings visibility to their mission, reciprocation of
local resources, and a unique global dining experience for our community.
Before her culinary career, Hannah was a Fulbright scholar & editorial
assistant at Harvard University Press. After pursuing a culinary degree at
Johnson & Wales, she worked at Daniel Boulud’s dB bistro Moderne, Gramercy
Tavern, and Battersby. Most recently, she was Executive Chef of Real Food
Catering and founding chef of Van Đa, which gained Michelin recognition in
2020. She’s now Culinary Director at
1:1 Foods and launching a
Brooklyn-based street food concept,
HAEMA, in 2022.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
