What Does A Play Say About Our Roosevelt Island Community Asks A Resident After Attending Women's History Month Performance On Life Of Dr. May Edward Chin?

Image From Dave Evans

Roosevelt Island resident Dave Evans share some thoughts about attending Roosevelt Island Women's History Month performance on the life of Dr. May Edward Chin this past weekend. From Mr. Evans:

"Women's History Month - - What Does a Play Say About our Community"

Image From Dave Evans

Upon reading The Roosevelt Islander Blog and The WIRE, I noticed a Women's History Month event scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 March 2012, at our wonderful Roosevelt Island Main Street Theater (Owen Johnston, Executive Director). Though noticed, the announced event did not resonate until I decided to take a look at the story of Dr. May Edward Chinn.

After being amazed at the accomplishments of this strong, intelligent, talented woman who practiced in Harlem during difficult times, I surmised that the Theater would be overflowing with attendees, and I thought especially females, given her research on cancer. More specifically, the development of the Pap smear test for cervical cancer.

Well, there were ladies who witnessed the outstanding performances, but not in the numbers expected. Regardless of the number of seats filled, Main Street Theater provided an excellent setting for this two-person play about Dr. Chinn by Laurence Holder and Directed by Imani. The New York City located Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art, Shirley J. Radcliffe Executive Producer, presented this play to Roosevelt Islanders. Two beautiful, convincing, experienced and talented actresses, Kim Yancey-Moore and LaVonda Elam, brought the story to life and quite frankly, a few tears of empathy to my eyes.

But, what does this superb play say about our community? First, it reminds us of the many opportunities availed "we Islanders". Let's start with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). Yes, this is but one positive example of what RIOC and its Operations staff such as Community Relations Specialist Erica Spencer-El provide us. Further, it aptly focuses on one of the many achievements of "Women", fulfilling a goal of the History Month.

 I must admit that a strong woman and fine citizen, Dolores Green, Roosevelt Island Seniors Association President, was instrumental in encouraging attendance. Sadly to this writer, the Play highlighted that many of us are unaware of and/or do not take time to partake of many offerings we have right here on the Island, at no or little cost. Finally, but not exhaustive, the Play revealed during discussions with our visitors that there remain many folks in New York City who are unaware of the Island and what it has to offer. I heard that more than once and several said they would be back, especially given how surprisingly easy it is to get here.

Pictured below are some of the folks who were in attendance on Sunday and who expressed their strong appreciation to our Theater, to those who sponsored and to those who just completed a wonderful performance on stage.

Image From Dave Evans

(Left to right: Zack Stockton, RIOC/Graphic Artist; Erica Spencer-El, RIOC/Community Relations; Lavonda Elam, Actress; Dolores Green, RISA; Kim Yancey-Moore, Actress; Shirley Radcliff, Executive Producer; Jennifer Branche, Lisa Radcliff)

So, are you aware of Women's History Month, inclusive of International Women's Day? The play helped me feel the strength of Women's collective achievements and contributions worldwide. It is in this regard that we are celebrating in March. Do you have an experience to share?

Here's an short excerpt from a performance of the Life of Dr. May Edward Chinn at another venue.

Opening Day Of Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League At Octagon Field - International Group Of Kids Plus Dedicated Volunteers Equals A Great Time

You Tube Video of RIYP Soccer League Opening Day

This past weekend was opening day for the free Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League played at the Octagon Field. Roosevelt Island resident and Coach Dave Evans reports on the first day:

YOUTH SOCCER ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND - - THE BEST

If you are a fan of soccer, you probably know well names like Pele, Maradona, Zico, Beckenbauer, Platini and Beckham. Well, perhaps, just perhaps some of these legends have been reincarnated right here on Roosevelt Island. Are they international, yes the legends are, just look at the names. The same right here as I have on my team names like Afil, Chapman, Elkaslay, Evans, Katoanga, Murray, Pasmino, Rickman, Strong or Shinozaki, Suggs, Wolczuk, Yegyel, and Young (twice). Internationally flavored assortment? Yes, and that is amplified throughout this wonderful Youth Soccer Program here on the Island.

THANKS to Charlie Defino (our trigger), his staff and the many wonderful coaches and parent volunteers who serve teams in the 7-8 age group (Minors), 9-10 (Juniors), and 11 plus a year or two or three (Seniors). Oh, there are also Kinder-Kickers, I believe 5-6 years old. I personally admire these folks who volunteer their time, sharing principles of teamwork, leadership, and in some cases, building budding stars and fine citizens. Programs like this (and there are several on the Island) are a blessing for our community and certainly help mitigate against potential adverse impacts upon kids with too much idle time.

The season officially started play Saturday, 24 September. Did the players show? Yes, and with much enthusiasm. From my perspective, this seems to be the best start of a new year of play. The number of enrollees was phenomenal. This caused a few minor problems like rounding up all the players who had signed up and ensuring there were enough shorts, shirts, socks, shin guards of proper size for the players. Yes, all of this was and is FREE to our consuming audience. Further, I do not know a coach who would even think of charging for their time - - they love the game but more so, love what it offers the kids. Yes, here on Roosevelt Island, we've got the best!

More pictures from RIYP Soccer League Opening Day below.

Images provided by the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

Roosevelt Island 10th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service Held Sunday At Remembrance Garden

Image of Tribute In Light As Seen From Roosevelt Island By Nathaniel C. Phillips

Roosevelt Island resident Dave Evans shares some thoughts on attending Roosevelt Island's 10th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service at Remembrance Garden on Sunday evening. From Mr. Evans:

Roosevelt Island’s Own “9/11” MEMORIAL

On 11 September 2001, many in the United States awakened to the reality of a threat against this country. While there was a lot of disbelief and just a whole range of emotions, the fact was that this country suddenly seemed smaller and vulnerable. We had been hit and many died. The most visible of the victims found themselves in and or over three locations - - New York City’s World Trade Center, Washington (DC)’s Pentagon (actually in Virginia) and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many were flying passengers unable to prevent the planes’ arrival on target and some made a brave decision (“let’s roll”) to thwart the hijackers. Many were our first responders, many were neighbors trying to help, and many were ordinary citizens trying to escape the tragedy. They were and are all heroes. Though these victims’ lives were cut short, their memories will live forever amongst us on this earth.

Here on Roosevelt Island, we too have continued to memorialize those who lost their lives that tragic day in 2001.

Image of 2011 9/11 Memorial Service From Dave Evans

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, along with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council, led a ceremony on Sunday evening culminating in the names called of I believe nine individuals who lived here or worked here,

Image of Roosevelt Island Memorial Plaque From Roosevelt Island 360

candles lit in their honor and placed in our own meticulously maintained Remembrance Garden,

a candle-laced procession to the water

 Image from Main Street Wire nyc10044

where we reflected quietly, looked to the future and listened to the sounds of a trumpet. I am glad Andy did not play “taps”, but more on that later. Lynne Shinozaki

Image of RIRA's Lynn Shinozaki

and others put together a splendid ceremony inspired by songs from a wonderful spiritual choir,

Image of Choir Singers From Dave Evans

Asher Elbaz's premier piece,

 

Image of Ascher Elbaz From Dave Evans

and a Katz guitar

Image Of RIRA President Matt Katz From Dave Evans

as the nicely sized, candle-holding crowd filled the square along side and behind our landmark Chapel.

Images From Dave Evans

I used to limit my own reflections to the area of the Pentagon, a place one would never think could be in the “cross-hairs” of such a successful attack. In fact, when I walked the corridors of that five-sided structure, there was a feeling of invulnerability, invincibility. However, this country was quickly awakened on “9/11” to the reality of vulnerability. Our subsequent responses have recognized that and each day, while we try to press forward with our daily lives, we must not forget that the achievement of peace can be elusive and that it requires strong efforts, sacrifices and sensitive and respectful interactions with citizens of the world of all types. Yes, I was relieved that “taps” was not played because for the first time in ten years, I did not cry in public in the presence of so many other living victims of September 11, 2001.