Little League Mom Shares A Perfect Day For Baseball At Roosevelt Island Capobianco Field - It's A Little Bit Of Heaven On Our Roosevelt Island Field Of Dreams, All Star Game Sunday June 5

Roosevelt Island Little League Mom Kaja Meade shares a perfect day for baseball at Capobianco Field:

Hours every weekend with friends… new and old… and seeing first hand how it does take a village to raise these small (and growing) people! Growing up on the island can be like living in a park! ❤️🚠. I even bought lawn chairs this year?!

All star game this weekend! Are you coming out to meet the neighbors, and watch some baseball!?

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A post shared by Kaja Meade (@rooseveltislandrealestate)

Roosevelt Island Little League Coach Danny Brasco adds:

The Roosevelt Island Little League All Star Game is one of the more special moments of the season. 

Four exemplary players are selected from each Minors & Majors division team. The game is played in a fun hybrid style, that combines age groups and teams. 

The older guys play one inning and then the younger guys play the next, switching on & off in a nine inning game. The young up & coming players get to be on a team with the Major league All Stars, who are both great players and great leaders/teammates. In turn, the older guys root for and encourage the Minors players and it makes for a fantastic game that has been an absolute home run these past 2 seasons 

The Roosevelt Island Little League All Star Game is 4 PM Sunday, June  5.

I spoke with Coach Danny, Coach Coach Arya Shirazi and NYC Council Member Julie Menin at the Roosevelt Island Little League Opening Day.

The Roosevelt Island Little League at Capobianco Field is a little bit of heaven on our Roosevelt Island Field Of Dreams.

Play Ball!

Take A Car Ride All The Way Around Roosevelt Island From The Comfort Of Your Home

"Lights Woke Us Up. Lots Of Fire Engines And Ambulances" Says Roosevelt Island Resident, FDNY Responds To Early Morning Fire At Riverwalk Park Today - Local RI Resident Red Cross Volunteer On Hand To Offer Assistance

Lights were flashing and sirens blasting early this morning at approximately 3:45 AM as the FDNY responded to a Roosevelt Island fire. Vern Harwood shares this photo 

Image from Vern Harwood

and reports:

Lights woke us up. Lots of Fire Engines and ambulances.

According to a FDNY spokesperson, the fire was located in a 6th floor apartment at 460 Main Street, Riverwalk Park. FDNY arrived at approximately 3:35 AM and the fire was controlled by 4 AM. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A Tipster shares this video

and adds:

I'm being told it started with a cigarette on a mattress. 

The Riverwalk Park building management sent this email to residents today:

Dear Residents:

There was a fire early this early morning in an apartment. Thankfully no one was injured. The fire department and staff are on the scene. The elevators were all recalled to the lobby floor while they assess the damage. There may be a delay in elevator service, therefore please plan accordingly. Our concierge team will be on site momentarily to assist with questions.

Thank you for your understanding.

The 22 story building was without elevator service requiring residents to walk up and down the stairs until this afternoon when one elevator was back in service.

Roosevelt Island resident and American Red Cross Greater NY Region volunteer Frank Farance was on the scene at this morning's fire and reports:

Early this morning, the American Red Cross responded to an apartment fire in 460 Main Street.  It appears the fire was caused by a tenant leaving a lit cigarette in bed, and then leaving the apartment.  No one was injured.  There was water damage from sprinklers and also in the apartment below.  I was on the overnight shift and we respond to all 5 boroughs, but this time the job was on Roosevelt Island and I was part of the responding team.

The American Red Cross provides humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.  The public sees us responding to disasters around the country, but we have disasters here in New York City with about a half dozen to a dozen residential fires every day - and we respond to each of them 24/7/365.  It's not just fires, it's also floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, building collapses, etc..  American Red Cross provides immediate relief, such as:

• Clothing/Food
• Housing Assistance
• Financial Assistance
• Disaster Medical Services
• Disaster Mental Health Services
• Disaster Spiritual Care

I've seen many kinds of fires, instigated by smoking, kitchen fires, appliances, portable space heaters, batteries, gas, electric, flammables, and such, with devastation and disruption for family and neighbors.  Yet many of them are preventable.

The American Red Cross has program for FREE home smoke detector installation (free smoke detector, free installation).  We will have a table at Roosevelt Island Day, so please stop by to pick up guides and information, answer your questions, and sign up for the free installation.

Looking forward to see y'all at Roosevelt Island Day.

Here's some of the  

water damage

 to the 6th floor

of Riverwalk Park.

Are You Looking For A Job Close To Your Roosevelt Island Home? Coler Subway Sandwich And Gift Shops Desperately Needs Workers To Serve Hospital Staff, Residents & Guests

Roosevelt Island resident and Coler Hospital Auxiliary volunteer Judy Berdy reports:

A person is needed to work in the recently opened Coler Subway Sandwich and Gift shops that sells coffee and snacks. The shops needs staffing with persons familiar with restaurant/ sandwich work. 

Stop by Coler, 900 Main Street, weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 914 924 9024.

Ms Berdy adds that the Subway Sandwich Shop is very important to the Coler community and cannot open without sufficient staff. There is no employee cafeteria or cafe/restaurant for residents and their guests to eat other than the Subway shop in the Coler facility.

Largest 2022 NYC Progress Pride Flag Can Be Viewed At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedom Park Monument Staircase Through The End Of June - Visit, Take A Selfie, Encourage Conversation About Inclusion/Four Freedoms And Celebrate Pride Outside

2022 NYC Pride Month is being celebrated on Roosevelt Island with the annual return of the rainbow colored flag to the steps of the FDR Four Freedoms Park.

Steven Pisano photo credit © 2022

This year's FDR Four Freedoms Park Pride Month flag is a little bit different than past years.

According to Four Freedoms Park Conservancy President Howard Axel:

We are encouraging everyone to visit the 100x30 flag, the biggest Progress Pride Flag in NY, take a selfie, #4freedomspark, and encourage the conversation about inclusion and the Four Freedoms - celebrate Pride Outside. 

The Progress Pride Flag

will remain on the Four Freedoms Park steps during Pride Month thru the end of June.

 Learn more about 

 

the Progress Pride Flag.

We Have A New RIOC Director, Well Maybe Not So New - Roosevelt Island Resident Faye Christian To Be Appointed To RIOC Board Of Directors Tomorrow - Former 10 Year RIOC Director Returns To Board After Resigning In 2018

Three of the 9 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Director seats are currently vacant. Tomorrow there will be two vacant RIOC Board seats.

On May 24, Roosevelt Island resident Faye Christian was approved to be a member of the RIOC Board of Directors by the NY State Senate Finance Committee. Final approval of Ms Christian's appointment is expected tomorrow by the full NY State Senate.

Ms Christian's appointment to the RIOC Board was confirmed by a spokesperson for State Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger. No other appointments to the RIOC Board have been made at this time added the spokesperson.

Ms Christian was first appointed to the RIOC Board in 2008 and resigned in 2018.

Ms Christian is shown below during a 2010 bike sharing demonstration.

Earlier today, I asked Ms Christian for comment. Have not heard back yet. 

Also asked NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright for comment on Ms Christian's appointment. Have not heard back yet either.

More info on RIOC governance issues and Board nominees at this May 20, 2022 post. 

With the recent NY State legislative redistricting, Roosevelt Island will be in Ms Krueger's State Senate District starting next year. 

Stay tuned for more info.

UPDATE 5/3 - According to Assembly Member Seawright:

I'm pleased to welcome Fay Christian back to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board. A longtime resident of Roosevelt Island, Fay brings a much-needed voice for residents' rights. She is a former New York City educator with deep knowledge and experience in Roosevelt Island matters. Starting in 2008, Fay served on the Board for more than a decade and as a member of the real estate advisory committee. We now have a qualified woman serving on the previously all-male board. My thanks to Governor Hochul for nominating Fay and to the Senate for its approval.

Macy's July 4, 2022 Fireworks On East River - Roosevelt Island Will Have Great Views But Will RIOC Handle The Fireworks Ticket Lottery Registration For Viewing At Four Freedoms Park Any Better Than Previous Years?

Roosevelt Island is one of the best spots to view the Macy's July 4 Fireworks Celebration when the launch barges are located on the East River north of the Williamsburg Bridge as they have been for the last few years.

Take a look.

During the May 24 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown reported:

 ... we will have july 4th on the east river and we're we're planning for it right now...

Chief Brown did not say if the fireworks barges would be staged close to Roosevelt Island or further south by the Brooklyn Bridge but the LIC Post reported yesterday:

Long Island City residents will once again get a close-up view of the Macy’s July 4th annual fireworks, several well-placed sources have confirmed. The famous fireworks show is slated to return to the Long Island City waterfront on the evening of July 4th to mark America’s Independence Day, according to Queens Post sources. July 4th falls on a Monday this year....

Also, RIOC has scheduled a meeting next week to coordinate July 4 activities with local groups giving more credence that the July 4 Fireworks will be close to Roosevelt Island.

But, how will RIOC handle the July 4 viewing ticket lottery distribution this year. Will it be any better than in the past?

As reported last July 5:

Good job by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), NYPD and NYCEM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers with crowd control and keeping folks safe for the July 4 celebration.

Still to be questioned and answered are the issues regarding RIOC online lottery registration ticketing process and distribution of tickets outside of that process.

As reported July 3, I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

... I think most  people understand the need to limit ticket capacity for health and safety concerns.

What gets residents upset is that the online ticket registration process is sold out after 2 minutes and that no process was set up to give Roosevelt Island residents priority for the tickets as has been done every year in the past.

Any comment from RIOC on that issue?

Also:

How many total tickets were available for the July 4 FDR Park Fireworks viewing online registration today?

RIOC said on Monday there were 1500 tickets but the Eventbrite registration page said only 1100 tickets were available.

Which number is accurate? Why are the numbers different?

Also, are there any tickets distributed through sources other than the online registration process? Does FDR Park, NY State or any other entity have an allotment of tickets?

If yes, how many tickets and what are those other sources?...

No response yet from RIOC. 

I've been told that tickets (number currently unknown) were given to the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center and Roosevelt Island Seniors Association for distribution to their members. In my view, nothing wrong with RIOC giving tickets to these groups but RIOC should be transparent about what groups and individuals are receiving tickets outside of the lottery process.

Here are scenes before, during and after the Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks celebration

RIOC never answered the July 4 ticket distribution questions.

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

Sponsored Post - Get On The Tennis Court This Summer And Learn The Game, Roosevelt Island Racquet Club Adult Beginner Tennis Classes Forming, 9 Hours Of Group Instruction For Just $249 - Great Exercise, Meet New People & Discover The Game

The Roosevelt Island Racquet Club invites you to Get On The Courts And In The Game This Summer with their adult beginners tennis instruction program.

Get on the courts and in the game! 

Adult QuickStart Tennis makes it happen! 

Start your Summer the fun way – with tennis customized for adult beginners! You’ll get great exercise, meet new people and discover the game. Once you pick up a racquet, you may never want to put it down! 

Here’s what you’ll get, right here at RIRC. 

• Beginner and Advanced Beginner Adult Programs 

• Learning that’s fast & fun 

• Basics like rules, stroke technique, basic singles & doubles strategy 

• Move on to racquet & rally skills 

• Plus much more!

Just $249/for 9 full hours of group instruction! 

Sign up today! Classes are forming year-round.

Contact  Rircadultprograms@advantagetennisclubs.com

Or call the front desk, 212-935-0250 ext. 0   

 

Schedule your free tour and level evaluation.

Move Over Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, John Cale & Shrek - The Roosevelt Island Senior Center Choral Singers Cover Hallelujah Too And They're Pretty Good!

Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah has been covered by some of the great singer's of our time.

Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song is a definitive exploration of Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah.”#HallelujahFilm opens July 1 in NY & LA. Coming Soon to a theater near you. pic.twitter.com/Ne15aCYO9K

— Hallelujah Leonard Cohen Documentary (@CohenHallelujah) May 6, 2022

 

Today, the Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Senior Center Choral Singers presented their version of the classic Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah.

 

The Roosevelt Island Senior Center 

Choral Singers

performed these favorite tunes too

during their concert this afternoon.

Will have more video of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center Choral Singers soon.

Here's Leonard Cohen talking about Hallelujah,

performing it.

and Top 50 cover versions of Hallelujah from The Forward.

Great song and good job by the Roosevelt Island Senior Center Choral Singers.

America Celebrates 2022 Memorial Day - President Joe Biden Honors Fallen Soldiers At Arlington National Cemetery, Taps Played Across The Nation, Governor Hochul And Mayor Adams Celebrate At The Intrepid Air & Space Museum And Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Illuminated in Red, White And Blue

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

In observance of Memorial Day, the newly renovated Lighthouse Tower will be illuminated red, white and blue from Saturday May 28th through Monday, May 30th....

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy shares these photos taken last evening of our Lighthouse bathed in Red, White and Blue in honor of Memorial Day. 

Please take some time today on Memorial Day to honor the men and women of the United States Military who died while serving our country as well as their families.

According to History.com:

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer...

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves...

On Memorial Day, we remember the patriots who gave their lives in the service of America, in the service of freedom, and in the service of justice. We are free because they were brave, and we live by the light of the flame of liberty they kept burning. We are forever grateful.

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 30, 2022

TAPS ACROSS AMERICA
Memorial Day 3 pmhttps://t.co/29Y92cs4xr#TapsAcrossAmerica #TapsForVeterans #TapsBugler #taps #rememberthefallen #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/z1Q0lGLRv7

— Taps Across America (@TapsAmerica) May 29, 2022

Some more photos from Ms Berdy

 

of the Red, White and Blue Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

 in honor of Memorial Day.

No Room For Roosevelt Island Passengers On NYC Ferry Boat This Afternoon - Passengers Stranded At Roosevelt Island Dock Except for Line Cutters

Earlier this month, a Roosevelt Island resident asked on Twitter:

why is it impossible to get on a ferry at Roosevelt Island?! They are coming full from East 90th. This is a constant issue on weekends.

This Memorial Day Weekend Sunday afternoon was a perfect example of a full NYC Ferry Boat coming from East 90th Street with little room for passengers waiting to board at Roosevelt Island. After a few people boarded at Roosevelt Island, a NYC Ferry Crew member announced only "one more" spot on the boat was available even though there were at least 25 other people in line to board.

Upon hearing this, a frustrated man waiting with his family to board walked to the front of the line and told the NYC Ferry Crew member that the people already allowed on the boat cut ahead of those waiting in line and that NYC Ferry needs to do a better job organizing the line at the Roosevelt Island dock.

Will look into this asap.

— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) May 1, 2022

This is not a new problem. Larger capacity boats are needed during the summer.

Took a 4 min (!!) ferry ride with @RepMaloney and @BenKallos today. @CB8M was proud to advocate for the expansion of ferry service from 90th street to Astoria and #RooseveltIsland. So grateful to expand access to RI and better connect our neighbors @NYCEDC #ferryservicenyc pic.twitter.com/oDHCCjQ2to

— Tricia Shimamura (@Tricia4NYC) August 28, 2020

The last thing I want is for the @nycferry to arrive at Roosevelt Island full just like the F train. Can you and residents closely monitor ridership and when it arrives full? We can ask @NYCEDC to swap in bigger boats or increase frequency to meet demand.

— Ben Kallos, Former NYC Council Member (@BenKallos) August 29, 2020