RIRA Island Services Committee Report On Tram Station Elevators, Boy Scouts, Sportspark Facilities Inspection, Southtown Trash Yard Rats, Enhanced Senior Center Services, New Public Library & Post Office Customer Service

Rendering Of New Roosevelt Island Public Library Entrance Coming In 2017

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC)

 Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA December Common Council:

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (“ISC”)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL – 12/2/15

ISC met 11/23/15 with 10 members present from a membership of 13.

Tram Elevators – The old elevator continues to be unreliable with service frequently interrupted by breakdowns lasting from one day to two weeks.

The logjam in bankruptcy court was removed when the judge awarded the design contracts for the new elevators to two new design firms. There is no estimate of when the design will be finished and a RFP prepared.

Boy Scouts – ISC voted to terminate the program to reactivate a Boy Scout troop on RI. After a 1‐1⁄2 year effort, all that’s been accomplished is getting a place to meet. We
have detected little to no Community interest in a Boy Scout troop. To be certified by the Greater NY Boy Scout Council, we would need, besides a meeting place, a sponsoring organization, 5 committed adults (including a Scoutmaster) and a minimum of 10 boys.

Sportspark – ISC has prepared an updated inspection of Sportspark’s facilities and programs. This inspection report will be sent to RIOC with a request for a joint meeting to discuss the report and develop new action plans

Southtown Commercial Trash Yard – Related has assigned a porter from 425 Main St. to daily clean up the yard. This has improved the yard’s condition, but not completely fixed the problem of rats getting to the trash food. The yard still needs better bins with covers that can be tightly closed and more frequent pick‐ups by the disposal company.

Enhanced Services at Senior Center ‐ ISC is compiling a list of all services and programs available from the Dept. of Aging and other NYC agencies that could be provided to seniors. We will then request a meeting with the staff and leadership of the Senior Center to initiate needed new services for RI elder residents.

New Public Library ‐ Design of the new library is moving at a faster pace than expected. The library will have 5.2K sq. ft., about double the present space. There will be 26 computer stations vs. 4‐5 now. The estimated opening date has been moved ahead from 2018 to fall, 2017. The Public Library expects to hold a town meeting in mid‐January for the RI Community.

Post Office Customer Service – Some residents and ISC members concerned about poor customer service at the Post Office report that service has substantially improved, perhaps, due to ISC contacts with the Post Office Manager.

Respectfully Submitted, Aaron Hamburger, ISC Chair

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevators Still A Problem, Happy Southtown Riverwalk Rats, Sportspark Inspection, Boy Scouts Re-Activation & Post Office Bike Rack Installed

 New Bike Rack At Roosevelt Island Post Office

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC)

 Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA November Common Council:

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (“ISC”)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL – 11/4/15

ISC did not meet in October. Next meeting will be in mid‐November.

Tram Elevators – The old elevator was out‐of‐service a number of times in October (this seems to be never ending!). Fortunately, the back‐up Red Lift was operating, so passengers still had a way to get up and down the platform. ISC is very concerned about when and if the elevator will operate during this winter.

Work on the new elevators is still stalled until the bankruptcy issues are fully settled. It is expected that design work on this project will be able to resume sometime in November. RIOC has not issued an update on when the new elevators will be in operation. ISC’s estimate is winter, 2017.

Sportspark – Several ISC members have re‐inspected Sportspark to assess how RIOC is coming with the work needed to bring this facility up to an acceptable condition. ISC plans to meet with the appropriate RIOC officials in November to review our findings and find out the timing on all remaining upgrade projects.

Control of Rats – Commercial Trash Yard – ISC declared victory prematurely on this issue. It seems that the trash yard has returned to its previously unacceptable condition. On 2 or 3 days each week the yard is not up to Depart. Of Sanitation standards. We will meet with Related one last time before we call in the Depart. Of Sanitation and the Board of Health for help in resolving this bad situation. Meanwhile, the rats in Southtown seem happy with all the food they can get at the trash yard.

Boy Scouts – ISC is meeting with the Youth Center to see if we can develop a joint program to reactivate the Scouts on RI.

Post Office Customer Service – ISC was able to get RIOC to install a bike rack in front of the Post Office. Now bikers can protect their bikes while they conduct their business at the Post Office. Bikes are not permitted inside the facility.

Respectfully Submitted,

Aaron Hamburger, ISC Chair

UPDATE 1:45 PM - RI Long Times adds:

Ha, Ha !

This "Bike rack" is actually one of those stanchions used at parades & at police activity. I was there the day it was placed and painted AND, it is not even in front of the Post Office, but rather next to the bench at Gristedes, where bike owners cannot even see their bikes. I'm glad to see the "improvement", but as usual, RIOC's geography is a bit confused.

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevator, Control Of Rats, Sportspark, New Public Library, Boy Scouts, Post Office Customer Service & Enhanced Services At Senior Center

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) Report

Image From RIRA

to the October 7, 2015 Common Council (CC) Meeting submitted by Chair Aaron Hamburger.

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (“ISC”)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL – 10/17/2015

ISC met 9/28/15 with 11 members present from a membership of 13.

Tram Old & New Elevators – The old elevator was finally repaired at the end of August after an eight‐week outage. However, during September, this elevator experienced 4‐5 shutdowns, each lasting 1 – 3 days. At the beginning of October, the elevator was operating.

The project for the new elevators is being held‐up because the firm handling the design went bankrupt. RIOC can’t proceed with the project until the court handling the bankruptcy case transfers the design contract to a different design group. RIOC estimates it might be another six weeks before this situation is resolved. RIOC still estimates the new elevators will be in operation by the fall of 2016. ISC’s pessimistic estimate is operation in the first quarter, 2017.

Control of Rats – Commercial Trash – The Southtown commercial trash yard finally seems to be up to Dept. of Sanitation standards.

The trash bins at Wholesome Factory are not meeting regulations. ISC met with the store’s Manager, who promised that this situation would be corrected within a week. ISC will continue to occasionally inspect the site.

Sportspark – Pending a new inspection by ISC to determine how this facility is measuring up to correcting all its deficiencies, a meeting will be scheduled with RIOC officials.

New Public Library – Outside design work is completed. Design of the interior is underway. Estimated opening of the new library is still sometime during 2018.

Boy Scouts – ISC has been told that the Youth Center is working on re‐establishing a troop on RI. ISC’s project will remain “on hold” pending a discussion with the Youth Center on how the Boy Scout program will proceed.

Management of the RI Garden Club – ISC voted to deactivate this issue.

Two new issues were adopted:

Post Office Customer Service – Many residents have complained that customer service has deteriorated since two long‐ term counter clerks retired. ISC is meeting with the Post Office Supervisor to assess how this situation can be corrected

Enhanced Services at the Senior Center – There are a range of services that could be provided to the Senior Center by various NYC agencies. ISC will investigate what services are available to the Senior Center that can enhance its programs and activities.

Respectfully Submitted, Aaron Hamburger, ISC Chair

RIRA Island Services Committee Reports On Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevators, Rat Control, Sportspark And Boy Scouts

Below is Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC)

Image From RIRA

report to the RIRA September Common Council:

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)

REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING – 9/9/15

ISC continued to work on our active issues throughout the summer. Updates are below:

Tram Elevators – The old elevator has a number of breakdowns in June. In early July, this elevator was out-of-service due to the breakdown of a critical part. The part was specially fabricated in Canada, with delivery not expected until late August. That’s an unacceptable two month’s outage. The old elevator was back in service at August month end, but was plagued with frequent interruptions due to start-up problems, To make matters worse, the Red Lift also broke down on 4 or 5 times during the July-August period, with outages of 1-2 days each. As necessary, RIOC ran a Red Bus shuttle service from RI to Manhattan.

John Bost, RIOC’s new Director of Engineering, still estimates that the new elevators will be operating in the 3rd Quarter, 2016.

One bit of good news is that the elevator to the street at the “F” 63rd St. station is back in service after an over one year outage to install a new elevator. Originally this elevator was suppose to start-up in Feb., 2015.

Control of Rats – Southtown Commercial Trash Yard – ISC had little success working with the restaurants and Starbucks in bringing the condition of the yard up to Dept. of Sanitation standards. However, we then brought the problem directly to Related, the owner of the land where the trash yard is located and the landlord of the four food businesses. It took Related about 3 weeks to resolve the problem. At present, the trash yard meets standards on most days, with all bins closed, the grounds clean, and recycle cardboard neatly stacked. However, at least once or twice per week the bad days return. ISC will continue to monitor the condition of the trash yard until it’s clear that the problem is fully resolved. If this condition is achieved, we expect that the yard will be free of rats.

ISC will also meet with Wholesome Factory. Their trash bins were usually not closed and overstuffed with garbage.

Sportspark – ISC had a productive meeting in mid-June with Cy Opperman, RIOC’s Director of Operations, and Eddie Perez, Sportspark’s Manager, to review ISC’s Sportspark report and develop action plans. Many of the minor problems have been resolved by the Sportspark staff. However, most of the major problems will likely require projects. RIOC promised to get these projects on the RIOC engineering priority list. ISC will inspect Sportspark in late September for a follow-up review of the condition of the facilities and changes in programs.

Condition of Sidewalks & Paths – RIOC worked in the late spring and early summer to fix the broken sidewalks. Pending an inspection by ISC, it appears that the sidewalks and paths are back to an acceptable and safe condition.

Boy Scouts – ISC’s Boy Scout program has been placed on “hold”. In mid-August, ISC’s “lead person” (Frank Farance) unexpectedly and abruptly withdrew from the program. The “lead person” has prime responsibility for an issue. At the September ISC meeting, we will reorganize and decide whether and how to continue the Boy Scout program.

Aaron Hamburger, Chair - ISC

Mr. Hamburger provided this update to the Common Council.



Mr. Hamburger stated during his oral report that due to the bankruptcy of company preparing design and construction designs for the 2 new tram station elevators:

... nothing has been done on the project during the summer...

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato talked about the problems with the Tram station elevators during the September 10 RIOC Board of Directors meeting.

Ms Indelicato said that the bankruptcy of company doing work on the Tram Station elevator designs delayed the project for about a month but she still anticipates the 2 new Tram Station elevators working by autumn of 2016.

Here's video of Ms. Indelicato's report on the Tram station elevators.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees For Sale At Motorgate Rotunda Sponsored By PS/IS 217 PTA And Boy Scouts - Friday, Saturday & Sundays Before Christmas

Are you looking to buy a Christmas Tree?

A Roosevelt Island resident tweeted last Friday:

@ddyw I'm told trees on sale starting tomorrow 10am at Roosevelt Island Motorgate area
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 6, 2014

According to the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA:

Boy Scouts and 217 PTA partner up again to bring Christmas Tree sale to Roosevelt Island! Stop by the Motorgate rotunda (by Gristedes) and buy your tree during the next three weekends:
Sat 12/6: 10am - 6pm
Sun 12/7: 1pm-6pm
Fri 12/12: 6pm-8pm
Sat 12/13: 10am-6pm
Sun 12/14: 1pm-6pm
Fri 12/19: 6pm-8pm
Sat 12/20: 10am-6pm
Sun 12/21: 1pm-6pm

RIRA Island Services Committee Report - Investigating Roosevelt Island Garden Club Discrimination Against Disabled, Updates On Tram Elevator And Station Gate, Sportspark Clean Up, Rats & Pigeons, New Public Library, Boy Scouts & Toddler Swim Classes

 November 2013 Image Of Rat On Roosevelt Island Promenade Bench From Irena Hage

Below is the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) report to the October 2014 Common Council Meeting submitted by Chair Aaron Hamburger

The ISC met 9/22/14 with 7 members present from the total membership of 12:

Manhattan Tram Elevator – We’re waiting for RIOC to bid this project. They plan to first bid the design of the new elevators. Then, they will actually bid the job. Timing is still uncertain, but our estimate is the new elevator will not be available until very late 2015. RIOC has accepted ISC’s request that the Red Bus operate to Manhattan whenever the elevators are out‐of‐service on a weekend with the “F” train running in only one direction.

Tram Gate at RI Station ‐ Access to the Tram is working reasonable well during the morning rush hour with a Public Safety officer opening the gates. We are now going to press RIOC to change the wording on the gate sign to eliminate the threat of a summons if a passenger opens the gate. Proposed wording will be submitted to Cy Opperman, Director of Transportation.

Condition of Sportspark Facilities – Some clean‐up and improvements have been made at Sportspark, but much remains to be done to make Sportspark a first class facility.

New Public Library ‐ Installation of new windows was completed by RIOC for the first floor of 504 Main. We expect that work will now begin to renovate the space for the new library. We don’t have an official date for the start of operations at the new site, but it’s unlikely that we’ll have a new library before 2016.

Swim Classes for Babies and Toddlers – The Fall session will start in early October. We will now work with Sportspark’s management to make these classes part of their annual schedule.

Control of Rats and Pigeons on RI ‐ We will request that Raye Schwartz draft a comprehensive proposal which will be presented to RIOC.

Boy Scouts – A meeting is being scheduled for early October of people and groups interested in restarting a Boy Scout troop on RI. Two possible troop leaders have been identified.

Management of the Garden Club – ISC will reactivate the Garden Club(GC) as an active issue as we recognize that there are many problems with the management and operation of the GC. One problem, among many, is the arbitrary issuing of new rules which chiefly are designed to impact only a few people. ISC continues to maintain that the GC is a “service” organization recognized and funded by RIOC to provide gardening opportunities for RI.

Here's Mr. Hamburger's presentation of the ISC Report to the October 1 RIRA Common Council Meeting. Mr. Hamburger added the Roosevelt Island Garden Club is being operated as a private club and that ISC will investigate allegations of Roosevelt Island Garden Club discrimination against the disabled. Mr. Hamburger received appreciation



from another RIRA member for going after the rats.

New Roosevelt Island Garden Club Plots To Residents Only, July 4 Fireworks Viewing Confusion, Tram Elevator/Gate Update, Sportspark Conditions, Blackwell Park Playground & Boy Scouts Subject Of RIRA ISC Committee Report

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) Chairperson Aaron Hamberger sent the following report to the May RIRA Common Council.

RIRA ISLAND ‐ SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) REPORT TO THE COMMON COUNCIL – 5/7/14

The ISC met on 4/21/14 with 5 members present.

Manhattan Tram Elevator ‐ We continue to experience break‐downs of the elevator. At most times the red lift is still working. In April, RIOC issued a RFP for the new elevator. It’s expected that the project will take at least one year to complete. So, we won’t have a new elevator until at least spring, 2015. Meanwhile, ISC will continue to pressure RIOC to always have personnel present to operate the red lift.

Garden Club – The new land use permit issued in April to the Garden Club specifically requires that all plots must be assigned to RI residents only.

This is one of our two major goals in providing more opportunities for residents to garden. Non‐residents will be removed from the waiting list and existing plots occupied by non‐residents will be “grandfathered” until such time as the non‐resident stops gardening. About 15% of the plots are used by non‐residents.

Tram Gate At RI Station – We’ve made little progress in resolving the issue of providing quick access to the Tram by strollers, the disabled and bikers. For a variety of reasons (including cost), RIOC has not accepted any of ISC’s suggestions on how to improve the situation. Instead of dealing with Charlene Indelicato, we will try working with Cy Opperman, RIOC Director of Transportation. We are hopeful Cy will be more receptive and aggressive in solving the gate issue.

Boy Scouts – We are making slow but steady progress in our attempt to re‐establish a Boy Scout troop on RI. Frank Farance reports that one or two potential leaders have been identified. An organizational meeting is planned for June.

Condition of Sportspark Facilities ‐ Many users of Sportspark are unsatisfied with the condition of some of the facilities and operations at Sportspark. Some of the key concerns are sanitary conditions are poor, the time for opening the pool is erratic and water temperatures need to be better controlled.

Blackwell Park Playground –Parents seem satisfied with the additional toddler equipment and signs recently installed at the playground.

July 4th Fireworks – Macy’s fireworks will return to the East River this summer. However, there is uncertainty about access to both Southpoint Park and the FDR Conservancy Park for the public to view the spectacle. ISC has contacted both RIOC and the FDR Conservancy to find out what plans, if any, each organization has to handle this event. Both organizations are “studying” the issue and have no definite plans at present. They have concerns about viewing conditions from RI. The fireworks display will be moved downriver from where it previously was. So, the view from RI might be blocked

Here's Mr. Hamburger's report and statement from RIRA Common Council Member Janet Falk objecting to current non residents being allowed to keep a Community Garden Plot for more than this coming year.



Will have more on the Roosevelt Island Community Garden Club

The beautiful community gardens at Roosevelt Island pic.twitter.com/PijCfXYqvH
— Lauren Bode (@LaurenBode) May 19, 2014

in upcoming post.

RIRA Island Services Committee Report On Roosevelt Island Garden Club, Boy Scouts, FDR Park, Tram Elevators/Gate, New Library And Blackwell Park Playground

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Community Garden Plot

Below is the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee (ISC) March 2014 Report to the RIRA Common Council.

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC)
REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL – 3/5/14

The ISC didn’t meet in February.

Updates on active issues:

Management of the Garden Club – In a 2/26/14 meeting with the Garden Club (GB) to discuss proposed measures to increase the number of plots to meet the demands of RI residents, the GB indicated they were not interested in using some of the border areas for gardening. They claimed shade from near-by trees and tree roots would make these areas unsuitable for gardening. They also believe that very few people would be interested in border plots as they would be smaller than the standard plots. The GB also not interested in asking RIOC for more gardening land and in giving RI residents priority in awarding plots. The only action they are willing to take is to prune the waiting list and the membership rolls to remove uninterested people and members who are not using their plots as specified in the By-Laws.

Boy Scouts – Frank France is working with Geof Kerr and Fr. Kevin Malick (of the Catholic parish) to restart the Boy Scouts. He expects we may be able to get a troop going before this summer.

4 Freedoms/FDR Park - In an exchange of e-mails between Eva Bosbach and a Park official, we learned that FDR park has provided an eating area with tables and chairs for visitors to use and they will also operate a food stand during the summer. Transportation for disabled people will be provided from the subway station and the Tram to the Memorial site using golf carts. However, visitors will need to call ahead to get this service.

Tram Elevators – The new maintenance procedures seems to be working as there have been no elevator break downs in the last 4 -5 weeks. A RFP to replace the elevators is ready to be issued.

New Public Library – Demolishment of the first floor interior of 504 Main St. is completed. Installation of new windows is underway. Start-up of the new library is still scheduled for 2017.

Blackwell Park Playground – Signs and some new equipment are being installed in the children’s playground to make the space more suitable and safer for toddlers. Some of the old toddlers equipment will be installed this spring in a yet to be selected area.

Tram Gate At RI Station – We are continuing to work with RIOC to provided quick access to the Tram for baby strollers, the disabled and bikes. The problem still remains but we’re hopeful one of our proposed solutions will be implemented by RIOC in the near future.

Aaron Hamburger, Chair – RIRA’s ISC

Report From RIRA President Ellen Polivy - Roosevelt Island Community Communications, Elementary TV Crew Donates $2500 To RIRA, CERT Search For Missing Teen, Seeking Boy/Girl Scout Leaders & Women's Health Initiatives

 Image Of Elementary TV Show With Lucy Liu Filming On Roosevelt Island Bridge

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Ellen Polivy sends the following Report To The Community:

I am aware of Frank Farance's recent blog post. He had many things to say but one thing he said is important and true: RIRA delegates need to be responsive to their constituents. I would like to elaborate on that theme of responsiveness.

How do we know what our constituents want? What is important to them?

My candidate’s platform focused on the setting up of a way to easily and quickly reach out to the residents of the island for the purposes of eliciting viewpoints, lobbying elected and appointed officials and reaching out to neighbors in need. We have been putting our agendas on line and our minutes and meeting notes. We have set up a Facebook page and have provided the community with a way to contact us on RIRAonline.com. We have handed out questionnaires at many events.

CBS gives our team $2,500.

On Tuesday October 15, drivers found themselves snarled in traffic on Main Street on the way up the helix ramp and over the bridge. The cause was an all day lane closure during a TV shoot for the CBS television show “Elementary”. The CBS Assistant Location Manager Rob Herling was very responsive to our RIRA team effort of asking that our community be compensated for our inconvenience. He immediately contacted his Location Manager David Chambers who gave the final approval on the donation. CBS was very cooperative and moved the process along very quickly. Location shoots are a fabulous example of good teamwork. RIRA is expecting a check for $2,500 that we will use to benefit our residents. We really appreciate the assistance.

The RIRA teamwork that helped us ask for the donation is worth mentioning. The simple efforts of five people at RIRA allowed us to be in a position to ask for the money. Former RIRA president Matthew Katz noticed the RIOC lane closure announcement and alerted me of the shoot. With the guidance of Christina Delfico (IDig2Learn) who is a TV producer and Island resident I created a letter of introduction and request. I sent out a request for a volunteer to physically go to the location as I was unable to get there. RIRA member Steve Heller volunteered immediately and within the hour delivered my letter to the location manager who called me almost immediately and told me what I needed to do. I followed his directions and Russell Fields our treasurer followed up. Thank you everyone who helped and a big “Ben Hug” of appreciation to CBS show “Elementary”.

CERT search effort

Another team effort occurred on October 18. OEM deployed the Community Emergency Response Team to search for Avonte Oquendo the missing autistic teen. In less than an hour after a directed request we had gathered 16 people from a combination of CERT, CERT trainees and RIRA to search for Avonte. OEM called for this deployment and Director McManus briefed us on the specifics of the search. We broke up into three search parties to scan the seawall area at low tide. Two public safety officers (Torrens and Yee) went with us. The two groups who went with the officers said they were attentive and professional. Some of the RIRA members who had earlier in the year challenged these public safety officers were nicely working shoulder to shoulder in peaceful collaboration to a common goal: Searching for a disabled and at-risk teenager missing for two weeks. This goes to show that in different circumstances people show up in different ways. I commend Jack McManus for the professional manner in which he briefed us, set up communications, sent us out in groups and used available public safety officers to work with us. This search effort may have never had much more than a slim chance of success but it was one more way for different elements of our community to experience working collaboratively. “Ben Hugs” to Jack McManus, Officer Torrens and Yee and the CERT, CERT class and RIRA who made the search possible on Roosevelt Island. We wish Avonte’s family, friends and school peace at this difficult time.

The people who made themselves available with a half hour notice were Philipp Mirow, Vicki Feinmel, Susan Marcus, Gwendolyn Ryals,Gary Bunie, Joyce Mincheff, joward Polivy, Russell Fields, Margie Smith, Ellen Polivy, Betty Godwin, Helen Chirivas, Karine Wong, Scot Bobo. Many more said they would have come with the right timing.

RIRA/RIOC relations

I believe that RIRA and RIOC should create a cooperative working relationship because that is the easiest way to get things done. RIRA exists as a sounding board for community concerns. Bring your concerns to us, or loop us in when you have direct discussions with RIOC. RIRA will try to balance your perspective with your neighbors’ viewpoints, and then work to make change happen.

Volunteers needed for Boy Scout Girl Scouts and more

I read with disappointment in the September WIRE that Geoff Kerr is retiring and there will be no more Boy Scout troop. I was heartened by RIOC Director Margie Smith’s response in the following WIRE that had RIOC been contacted, they would have found a space for them. There never was a girl scout troop. Many of us remember fondly the fun of Scouting days. Would anyone consider becoming a scout leader? Let me know. RIRA will work with RIOC to find space.

I urge everyone who wants to change things to the positive, join a committee and be a good team member. RIRA is planning a series of events that celebrate Island artists. Join the Social Cultural and Educational committee and help make this happen. Everyone has alternate time commitments. I myself have my own very busy work and personal life. However, when you make a decision to join the team, time expands to fit the work.

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization

I recently got the schedule for the year from RIWHO. Their offerings look great. Their monthly seminars are not just educational but they are fun. Women get together to eat, learn and talk, the perfect combination. The RIWHO mission is to empower women to be attentive to their health and to create habits that lead to a healthy life style. Each meeting include training in meditation, good nutrition and then a special health topic of the day. Topics include weight loss and surgery, recipes for healthy food preparation, tips on being a natural beauty, keeping young and fit, how not to abuse prescription drugs, disposal of prescription medication, stress relief, homeopathic remedies, folk remedies and more, Mark your calendar for Wednesdays October 23, November 20, December 18, January 29, February 28, March 26, Aril 30. What looks like the most fun is their “spa” day in May and a “boat ride” in June. Watch the WIRE and the kiosks for more specifics. Hope to see you there. I hope you don’t get tired of me giving “Ben Hugs”, but so many people deserve it. “Ben hugs” to Laila Amatullah for founding this important organization and to her working board of directors who keep the organization going; Mary Coleman, Elaine Belton, Sheryl Glenn, Marilyn Atkins, Barbara Parker, Eileen Sheehy, Wendy Hersh, and Andy Reddick.

Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Christmas Trees On Sale Starting Tomorrow At Motorgate Garage - Support Local Boy Scout Troop Or Not Because Of National Organization's Anti Gay Policy?

Are you looking to buy a Roosevelt Island Christmas tree like the reader below who asked as others have:

I'm a resident at 540 Main street and last year we had such wonderful luck with the Boy Scouts selling Christmas tree's under the bridge by the super-market...and was wondering if that was happening again this year?

A Roosevelt Island Boy Scout leader reports:

The Boy Scouts will be selling trees again this year.

The schedule is the following.
Friday, Dec. 7th, 6-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 8th, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Dec. 9th, 1pm-6pm
Friday, Dec. 14th, 6-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 15th, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Dec. 16th, 1pm=6pm
Friday, Dec. 21st, 6-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 22nd, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Dec. 23rd, 1pm-6pm

I have seen posts in the past talking about cheaper trees at Costco. However, the trees the Scouts sell are locally grown and transported the day after they are cut. That's why they look and smell fresh and last well. Most other trees sold in NYC are transported from the west coast and spend weeks in transit.

For those sensitive to environmental concerns, the trees being locally grown and transported means that the net carbon footprint is negative. During their 6-9 year growing period, the trees sequester more carbon dioxide than is emitted in processing and transporting them.

Lastly, I have seen criticism of the Boy Scouts as an organization. I share those concerns. I have been associated with Troop 59 for decades. We had to think long and hard after a national policy was adopted discriminating against gay scout leaders. If we had disbanded the Troop, the only ones hurt would have been our local scouts. If we had separated from Boy Scouts, we would have lost insurance coverage among other things which would have rendered it nearly impossible to carry on. We decided to continue while upholding our own views about diversity and inclusion. Virtually all the Scout leaders I have come to know in the New York area feel similarly and refuse to go along with the narrow-minded policies promulgated by the national organization. I believe that supporting our local Roosevelt Island Scout Troop 59 does no harm to a philosophy of inclusion.

There has been quite a robust discussion on the December 7 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting thread regarding whether to purchase a Christmas Tree from the the local Roosevelt Island Boy Scouts troop because, as stated by reader Yet Another RI'er:

... of their open anti-gay policies.

which drew this reply from m president:

That is the fault of the administration of the organization, not the kids selling trees. Let them have their camping trip or whatever they do with the money, and protest the scouting organization in another way.

and from Jesse Webster:

The administration of BSA has not listened to other forms of protest, so those of us who disagree with their policies have no choice but to vote with our wallets. Money tends to get the attention of non-profit leaders (recall Susan G. Komen for the Cure's experience in re: Planned Parenthood).

The Boy Scouts' anti-gay policies are not only discriminatory against openly gay adults. They are also incredibly damaging to the scouts who might be gay themselves. Even though most of the youngest kids have no idea about their orientation, the older they get the more such anti-gay rhetoric has the potential to negatively affect them. Even years later, the experience can have a terrible impact.

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S..., "Clinical social worker Caitlin Ryan's Family Acceptance Project (California State University, San Francisco) conducted the first study of the effect of family acceptance and rejection on the health, mental health and well-being of LGBT youth, including suicide, HIV/AIDS and homelessness. Their research shows that LGBT youths 'who experience high levels of rejection from their families during adolescence (when compared with those young people who experienced little or no rejection from parents and caregivers) were more than eight times [as] likely to have attempted suicide, more than six times [as] likely to report high levels of depression, more than three times [as] likely to use illegal drugs and more than three times [as] likely to be at high risk for HIV or other STDs' by the time they reach their early 20s."

Beyond the risk to the kids who might be gay, participating in an organization that is openly anti-gay demonstrates a tacit approval of the anti-gay views, even for non-gay kids and even if you as a parent or community member don't share them. This contributes to bullying in schools and in the community in general.

For me, this is enough of a reason to refrain from supporting an organization with openly anti-gay views. I agree with YetAnotherRIer and will not give my money to BSA, and if I had kids I wouldn't allow them to participate in the organization on any level.

 and from Frank Farance:

Both you and Jesse misunderstand the nature of a protest: if your complaint doesn't get heard by the people you want to change, then that's a poor protest. I agree with you that the top-level organization has a bad policy, but your protest on the fundraiser only hurts the boys and not the central organization.

The fees that go back to the administration are the $15 annual registration fee and the $20 unit charter fee, which are most likely paid already by the boys. See "http://www.scouting.org/filest..."

Here's a sample spreadsheet ("http://www.scouting.org/filest...", see third page) from ANOTHER troop with 25 scouts and fundraisers with a total budget of approximately $6600 of which $395 goes back to BSA in registration ($375) and charter ($20) fees. Most of their budget is going for a week long summer camping trip ($4000) plus equipment ($800 for tents, stoves, etc.).

That's what it looks like: very little of their money goes to BSA, which (to take both of your points) is probably why BSA "Central" is insulated against your kind of protests.

So not buying Christmas trees has NO PROTEST VALUE and wrecking the fundraising only does harm to the boys *LOCAL* activities. Camping/hiking/skiing trips, etc. are helped by fundraisers, but the money to the administrators are unrelated to fundraisers.

The whole idea of boycotting their fundraiser (1) is misguided, (2) only hurts the boys, (3) has no effect on BSA policy.

Presumably when the military had its Don't Ask Don't Tell policy (which is similar to BSA), you'd feel thankless towards vets and look at closeted soldiers as hypocrites because you disagreed with the national policy at the time, right?

More comments on topic begin here.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees On Sale Saturday At Motorgate Plaza and Tree Lighting Ceremony Tonight 7 PM At Blackwell Plaza

Roosevelt Island Boy Scouts Selling Christmas Trees at Motorgate Plaza Last Year

A Roosevelt Island resident asked yesterday:

Do you know if cub scouts r selling Christmas trees this year on R I?

By coincidence, after receiving the question I saw the Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Troop Leader and asked him that question. He told me that yes, the Boy Scouts will be selling Christmas Trees starting this Saturday in their usual spot  at Motorgate Plaza.

Christmas Trees are already being sold by street vendors near the Tram including this one on Second Avenue and 61 Street.

 

Also, don't forget Santa Claus will be arriving tonight

 Image from 2010 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Via Senator Jose Serrano

 for the Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony 7PM at Blackwell Plaza. Don't miss that!

Image of Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony From RIOC

UPDATE 12/6 - The Boy Scouts were at Motorgate Plaza last weekend selling Christmas Trees.

Below are the days and times of the Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale

and pricing.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees On Sale At Motorgate Plaza

Are you looking to buy a Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree like Jane, the reader of this 2009 post, who asks when the local Boy Scout troop will start their annual Christmas Tree sale at Motorgate Plaza next to Gristedes?

Is this happening again this year? Anyone know when it starts. Was expecting to see them set up this morning at the farmers market - maybe the Christmas tree lighting just got me too excited too early! ;)

Jane may have looked a bit too early this morning, because I saw the Boy Scouts selling Christmas Trees at Motorgate Plaza this afternoon.

The Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Christmas Trees can be bough Fridays from 6 - 8PM, Saturdays 10 AM - 6 PM, Sundays 1 - 6 PM and Monday December 20 from  6-8 PM.

Also, now that the Tram is back in service, it should be easy to buy a tree at one of the many vendors on Second Avenue and bring it back to Roosevelt Island on the Tram.

Jane is right about the Tree Lighting Ceremony - it was terrific.

Image From Jonathan Kalkin

and so was Santa

Image From Senator Jose Serrano

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees On Sale At The Motorgate Plaza - Support The Local Boy Scout Troop

Click On Image For Dates And Times Buy Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees

The Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Troop is conducting their annual Christmas Tree Sale at the Motorgate Atrium. Christmas Trees can be bought Thursdays and Friday from 6 - 8PM, Saturdays 10 AM - 6 PM and Sundays 1 - 6 PM.

Roosevelt Island Christmas Tree Being Prepared For Sale Yesterday

Click on Image below for type, size and Christmas Tree pricing.


If you are in the market for a Christmas Tree why don't you stop by the Motorgate Plaza, pick out a tree and support the local Roosevelt Island Boy Scout troop.

There's also a nearby place to buy Christmas Trees on 1st Avenue and 57th Street.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Roosevelt Island Christmas Trees On Sale Tomorrow at the Motorgate Plaza

Image of Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale In Motorgate Plaza From Last Year

Commenting on this post, Carly asks an important question:

does anyone know if there are going to be Christmas trees available at the Farmers Market on Saturday?

While walking down Main Street this evening, I spotted some Christmas Trees being unloaded from a truck and asked some questions. (Sorry about the poor quality of the picture).


I learned that Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Troop 59 will be selling Christmas Trees starting tomorrow morning at 10 AM in Motorgate Plaza between the Farmers Market and Gristedes. The Scoutmaster, a relative newcomer, informed me that this will be the 33rd year of the Roosevelt Island Boy Scouts selling Christmas trees of which this is only his 32nd year.

Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Troop Christmas Tree Sale

The Roosevelt Island Boy Scout Troop is conducting their annual Christmas Tree Sale at the Motorgate Atrium. If you are in the market for a Christmas Tree this week why don't you stop by, pick out a tree and support the local Roosevelt Island Boy Scout troop.

Image below is from Roosevelt Island 360.