Recently Passed Roosevelt Island Residents Laila Amatullah And Patricia Stovell Honored Today By NY State Senator Jose Serrano & RI Seniors Association - Proclamations Presented To Family Members

NY State Senator Jose Serrano honored Roosevelt Island residents Laila Amatullah and Patricia Stovell who recently passed away.

Today we paid tribute to two great #RooseveltIsland residents who've recently passed. Click: https://t.co/dUkUR5THNS pic.twitter.com/jxIDc1A8n7

— Sen. Jose M. Serrano (@SenatorSerrano) August 24, 2016

According to Senator Serrano's Facebook Page post:


I knew Laila. She was a very kind lady. I did not know Patricia Stovell.

Condolences to their family and friends.

UPDATE 8/25 - Senator Serrano sent this statement today:

Senator Serrano attended a memorial service for Laila Amatullah and Patricia Stovell at the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association on Roosevelt Island. These two remarkable women touched the lives of many Roosevelt Islanders , which was evident by the large crowd that gathered to pay their respects and remember these great women. Senator Serrano spoke to the crowd and presented Laila Amatullah and Patricia Stovell's family and friends with official New York State Senate proclamations honoring their dedication to the community.

“Yesterday we honored the lives of two great Roosevelt Islanders who've sadly recently passed away. Laila Amatullah and Patricia Stovell worked closely with the senior citizens on Roosevelt Island, and were committed to improving women's health on the island," said Senator Serrano. "The Roosevelt Island Seniors Association paid tribute to Laila and Patricia, and I was happy to present proclamations to their family members.”

Patricia Stovall and Laila Amatullah co-founded the Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) to encourage and inspire others to take a proactive role in their healthcare.They offered quality lectures on health treatments, as well as tools to encourage better communication between patients and doctors.

You're Invited To December 16 Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization And Cornell Tech Flu Seminar Presentation By Public Health Innovator Rumi Chunara - Holiday Party After Too

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its December 16 Monthly Seminar and Holiday Party:

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization presents:

It’s Flu Season!

Learn About the Flu and How to Avoid It

Wednesday, December 16th 546 Main Street, 12th Floor, 6:30pm

Men Welcome to Attend

HOLIDAY PARTY TO FOLLOW

Cosponsored by:

• Cornell Tech
• Weill Cornell Medicine
• Clinical and Translational Science Center

This talk with cover general education about the flu and some current scientific advances in our ability to detect, understand and treat it.

Presented by
Rumi Chunara, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Global Public Health, New York University And Emily Martinez, MPH Student, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University

Rumi Chunara, PhD

Named one of MIT’s 2014 Top 35 Innovators Under 35, Rumi Chunara is an innovative leader, accomplished computer engineer and scientist whose unique approach to medical and public health research — gathering health data through the Internet and mobile technology — is revolutionizing how public health experts collect health information.

Here's an interesting talk by Ms. Chunara on forecasting the spread of Flu.



Previous RIWHO/Cornell Tech health seminars were on topics of Back Pain, Nutrition, Stroke Awareness. sleep and nutrition.

Cornell Tech Reports On Feasibility Of Roosevelt Island Pedestrian Access To Queensboro Bridge, Helix Bike Ramp Study, Upcoming PS/IS 217 Halloween Hackaton & Women's Health Nutrition Seminar

The Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Construction & Community Task Force met Monday, October 26.

Cornell Tech Assistant Director of Government & Community Affairs Jane Swanson told the Task Force members about:

• The upcoming Cornell Tech sponsored Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) nutrition seminar being held today,
• Cornell Tech students Halloween Hackathon with students from PS/IS 217 and
• Motorgate Helix Ramp bike safety engineering study.

Task Force Member Christina Delfico asked Ms. Swanson about previous announced Cornell Tech feasibility study on Roosevelt Island pedestrian access to the Queensboro Bridge.

Ms Swanson reported that Cornell Tech raised the subject with the NYC Department of Transportation during the Bloomberg administration in 2013, but at that time the Bloomberg administration was not interested in pursuing a feasibility study due to its scale, complexity and cost.

Ms. Swanson added that Cornell Tech is:

... very much in favor of this.... Providing pedestrian access to the Queensboro Bridge is something that we support very much....

and:

... we would love this idea to pursue it but it probably is a long shot... never say never and we are open to all sorts of different ways of approaching it....

Here's the discussion.



From 1919 to 1955 there was vehicle and pedestrian access from the Queensboro Bridge to Roosevelt (then Welfare) Island. According to Neil Tandon writing for the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS):

... The Elevator Storehouse, opened in 1919, housed an elevator that transported cars and people from the Queensboro Bridge down to the present-day Tramway Plaza. In addition, it contained storage space and a reception ward for the island's Metropolitan Hospital. The building, whose main lobby was on its top floor, was nicknamed the upside-down building and was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not for its peculiar design. With the opening of the Welfare Island Bridge, the building closed in 1955 and was demolished in 1970....

 Image Of Elevator Storehous Ramp To Queensboro Bridge  From Judy Berdy Roosevelt Island Historical Society

Image of Elevator Storehous From Greater Astoria Historical Society

As previously reported, in 2007, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) made a presentation to Community Board 8 (CB8) seeking support for Roosevelt Island pedestrian access to the Queensboro Bridge. According to Streetsblog, CB 8 approved a 2007 resolution supporting the idea of a feasibility study on subject.

The NY Times reported on Roosevelt Island pedestrian access to Queensboro Bridge in 2007:

... a spokeswoman for the city Department of Transportation, raised doubts about a passageway that would have to be nearly 135 feet high.

''It's not feasible,'' she said. ''They'd have to remove a lane of traffic to put in an elevator.''

With an average of about 180,000 vehicle crossings a day, the Queensboro is one of the city's busiest bridges, and according to Ms. Sarlin, eliminating a lane for an elevator would hamper traffic. A stairway could not be installed because people with disabilities could not use it, she added, noting that such a change would also cause security problems. Further, she said, since the facade of the bridge has landmark status, altering it would present a problem....

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Women's Health Network Meeting Wednesday October 28 Cosponsored By Cornell Tech - Eat Right, Feel Better, How Good Nutrition Can Improve Your Life, Men Welcome Too

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its March 25 Monthly Seminar:

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization Presents:

Eat Right, Feel Better - How Good Nutrition Can Improve your Life

Wednesday, October 28th
546 Main Street, 12th floor, 6:30 pm
Refreshments Served - Men Welcome

Cosponsored by:
Cornell Tech
Cornell University Cooperative Extension - NYC

Eileen Ludrosky will conduct a hands on, engaging workshop that includes information on the Dietary Guideline recommendations for fat, sugar and sodium. She will also offer participants an opportunity to sample a healthy recipe and engage in some physical activity.

Eileen received her A.A.S. in Dietetics at Suffolk County Community College and went on to become a DTR in 2006. She worked as a School Food Service Manager with Aramark Corporation at William Floyd School District for 3 years. Eileen received a B.S. in Organizational Management from NYACK School of Business (2011) and a 2nd B.S. in Nutrition, as well as a Minor in Theatre Dance, from Queens College (2014).

Very Informative Healthy Good Night Sleep Seminar Presented By Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization, Cornell Tech And Weill Cornell Center For Sleep Medicine

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men are welcome too).

The fourth seminar in the series took place June 24 and was on the topic of Sleep Health - Learn How To Get A Good Night Sleep. The seminar featured a presentation by Dr Dianne Augelli

Image Of Dr Augelli RIWHO/Cornell Tech Sleep Seminar

a Neurologist at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Sleep Medicine.

Getting a good night sleep is necessary for optimal health. Learn from a sleep expert the basics about your sleep health and the latest in sleep research. Discover how your mind and body are affected by sleep deprivation, including the most common sleep ailments of sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome. 

Doctor Augelli was introduced by Cornell Tech's Jane Swanson.



Doctor Augelli stressed the importance of a good night's sleep for overall health, discussed the most common types of Sleep Disorders.

and offered these twelve simple tips to improve your health.

Here's the RIWHO/ Cornell Tech Healthy Sleep presentation by Dr. Augelli



followed by questions from the audience.



More information, including contact information for Dr. Augelli available at the Weill Cornell Center For Sleep Medicine.

Previous RIWHO/Cornell Tech health seminars were on topics of Back Pain, Nutrition and Stroke Awareness.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization And Cornell Tech Offer Learn How To Get A Good Night's Sleep Seminar June 24 - With Dr. Dianne Augelli Neurologist, Center for Sleep Medicine New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men welcome too).

The fourth seminar in the series will be on the topic of Sleep Health - Learn How To Get A Good Night Sleep presented by Dr Dianne Augeli. Dr Augeli is a Neurologist at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Sleep Medicine.

RIWHO sends the following invitation, including men, to its June 24 Monthly Seminar:

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization Presents:

SLEEP HEALTH
LEARN HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP
Dr. Dianne Augelli
Neurologist, Center for Sleep Medicine
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Wednesday, June 24th
546 Main Street, 12th floor, 6:30 pm
MEN WELCOME

Cosponsored by:
Cornell Tech
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Weill Cornell Medical College

Getting a good night sleep is necessary for optimal health. Learn from a sleep expert the basics about your sleep health and the latest in sleep research. Discover how your mind and body are affected by sleep deprivation, including the most common sleep ailments of sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome.

Meditation for a restful sleep conducted by wellness clinician
Andy Reddick

Here's more on getting a good night sleep from New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Sleep Medicine Director Dr. Anna Krieger.



More from Dr Krieger here.

Previous RIWHO/Cornell Tech health seminars were on topics of Back Pain, Nutrition and Stroke Awareness.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization And Cornell Tech Offer Nutrition Seminar April 29 - Eat Your Way To A Healthier Life

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men included). The second in the seminar series will be on the topic of nutrition.

RIWHO sends the following invitation for its April 29 Monthly Seminar:

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization Presents:

Eat Your Way to a Healthier Life Two Nutrition Experts will tell you how!

Wednesday, April, 29th

546 Main Street, 12th floor, 6:30 pm Refreshments Served - Men Welcome

Cosponsored by:

Cornell Tech And

The Weill Cornell Medical College Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC)

Roosevelt Island resident Luella Streitz will present: “An intuitive approach to nutrition”

Registered Dietician Evalina Irish-Spencer from The Weill Cornell Medical College CTSC (previously from Cornell University Cooperative Extension-NYC) will speak on general nutrition for balanced healthy eating, cultural diets, nutrition labels, how poor diet affects health and much more

The first RIWHO Cornell Tech health seminar was on back pain. Video of the presentation here.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization Celebrates International Women's History Month - Seminar On Spiritual And Financial Empowerment

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its March 25 Monthly Seminar:

ROOSEVELT ISLAND WOMEN’S HEALTH ORG. CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Presenting a seminar on SPIRITUAL and FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

“A journey of overcoming illness, connection to a higher power, achieving financial freedom, through self- determination, and learning to live more productively and fulfilling”

PRECIOUS FOSTER And others Motivational speaker, entrepreneur, community resident

When: March 25, 2015
Where: 546 Main St. 12th fl.
Time: 6:30 p.m. doors open at 6:15

Healthy Refreshments served
De-stress with Meditation

WOMEN OF ALL AGES WELCOME

Donations accepted!!!!

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization Seminar February 25 On Overcoming Depression, How To Start Feeling Better Today Presentation By Psychologist David LLoyd Marcus - Men Invited Too

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its February 25 Monthly Seminar:

DEPRESSED

Due to lost of a love one, loneliness, finances, weather

“ How to start feeling better today”

The ROOSEVELT ISLAND WOMEN’S HEALTH ORG. invites you to experience relief through a presentation by DR. DAVID LLOYD MARCUS, noted psychologist

When: Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Where: 546 Main St. 12th floor
Time: 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15, come early as seating is limited and seminars are free.

Light refreshments served, MEN INVITED

Image From RIWHO

Here's a TED Talk by Andrew Solomon on depression:

The opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality, and it was vitality that seemed to seep away from me in that moment." In a talk equal parts eloquent and devastating, writer Andrew Solomon takes you to the darkest corners of his mind during the years he battled depression. That led him to an eye-opening journey across the world to interview others with depression — only to discover that, to his surprise, the more he talked, the more people wanted to tell their own stories.

Very Informative Seminar On Causes, Treatments & Prevention Of Back Pain Presented By Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization In Partnership With Cornell Tech, Cornell Weill Medical College And NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Image From New York Presbyterian

As reported last January 27, the Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community. (Men included).

The first seminar in this series was on Back Pain and held January 28 featuring a presentation by:

... Carolyn E Thompson, DO, Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine Fellow in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Thompson also holds a Post-Doctoral Clinical Fellow and Assistant appointment in the Department of Rehabilitation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Thompson specializes in non-surgical sports medicine with a particular interest in ultrasound diagnostics and guided injections, fluoroscopic guided interventional injections, and sideline injuries management....

The seminar began with RIWHO's Laila Amatullah introducing Cornell Tech's Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations Jane Swanson



and then Dr. Carolyn Thomspson.



Dr. Thompson discussed causes and treatment for back pain beginning with an introduction to back pain, the anatomy of the lower back, common diagnoses as well as treatments and prevention for back pain.



Prolonged sitting is the worst possible thing to do to your back emphasized Dr. Thompson and recommends proper seating posture.



Dr. Thompson takes questions from the audience on use of Inversion Tables, Medicine Balls, Pilates training, Standing Desks, anti inflammatory medications, heat and ice treatment, pain recurrence, acupuncture, chiropractors, exercise and more.



More information, including contact information for Dr. Thompson (212 746 1500 - 525 East 68th Street)



available at the Weill Cornell Rehabilitation Center and at the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization And Cornell Tech Offering Health Related Seminars Starting January 28 With Neck And Back Pain Help Is On The Way

The Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO) has joined with Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to offer a series of health related seminars to the Roosevelt Island community (Men included). The first seminar will be on the topic of:

Neck and Back Pain – its causes and treatments*

Wednesday, January 28that 6:30 pm

546 Main Street, the 12th floor conference room

Refreshments will be served. And men are welcome!

This seminar will be a presentation by Carolyn E Thompson, DO, Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine Fellow in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Thompson also holds a Post-Doctoral Clinical Fellow and Assistant appointment in the Department of Rehabilitation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Thompson specializes in non-surgical sports medicine with a particular interest in ultrasound diagnostics and guided injections, fluoroscopic guided interventional injections, and sideline injuries management.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization End Of Year Celebration & Seminar On December 17 - Relaxation And Wellness

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation to women 18 years and older for its December 17 Monthly Seminar.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization Monthly Meeting Wednesday November 19 - Safety Seminar Featuring Demonstration Of The Shaolin Lifestyle Of Tai Chi, Yoga & Self Defense, Also Introduction Of New Public Safety Deputy Director Lynda Marmara

 The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its November 19 Monthly Seminar starting 6:30 PM tomorrow tonight.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND WOMEN’S HEALTH ORG. INC. PROUDLY PRESENTS

A WOMEN’S SAFETY SEMINAR
FEATURING
GRANDMASTER COW LEE LUNG
DEMONSTRATING “THE Shaolin Lifestyle” of Tai Chi, Yoga, & Self Defense

Introducing and welcoming our newly appointed

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPUTY DIRECTOR
LYNDA MARMARA
TOPIC: SAFETY

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19, 2014
WHERE: 546 MAIN ST. 12TH FL. CONFERENCE RM.
TIME: 6:30 P.M.

REFRESHMENTS SERVED;

DONATIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED

Project Renewal Scan Van Program Brings Free Mammogram Screenings To Roosevelt Island Saturday November 15 Sponsored By NY City Council Member Ben Kallos And RIWHO - Appointment Necessay, Please Call

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) and NYC Council Member Ben Kallos are sponsoring the Project Renewal Mammogram Scan Van

 Image From Project Renewal

 Free Mammograms on Saturday November 15

NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds:

Scan Van, sponsored with Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization
Date:
Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location
Church of the Good Shepherd
534 Main Street Roosevelt Island
New York, NY 10044

Come receive a FREE mammogram. We are sponsoring a Scan Van event with Project Renewal to offer eligible women a mammogram at no cost. All women over 40 who have not had a mammogram in the past year are welcome to the event. All insurance plans are accepted.

You must make an appointment in advance. Call 1-800-564-6868 to reserve your appointment. Please email infobenkallos.com for any additional details.

According to Project Renewal:

ScanVan Mobile Mammography

Challenge

Last year, 4 out of every 10 uninsured women did not receive a mammogram.
Solution

ScanVan is the country's first mobile mammography and radiology clinic for homeless and uninsured adults. ScanVan provides clinical breast exams, mammograms, tuberculosis (TB) tests, and health education to homeless and low-income men and women. We visit homeless shelters, drop-in centers, and street-side locations in all five boroughs of New York City.

UPDATE 11/17 - The Scan Van

on Roosevelt Island November 15.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization October Monthly Seminar Tonight - Meaningful World's Dr. Ani Kalayjian Speaks On Healing After Violent Trauma

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its October 29 Monthly Seminar starting 6:30 PM tonight.

According to RIWHO:

A reminder of RIWHO's seminar on Wednesday, October 29. Dr. Kalayjian speaks on past and present traumas that affect a person's lives. She speaks on healing those traumas. She travels internationally to effect those healing possibilities bridging religious and cultural differences. An opportunity to experience an exercise in her healing modality, especially for those in the healing/medical professions.

More on Dr Kalayjian at Meaningful World web site and this video.

Learn You're The Cure CPR Hands Only Technique At Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization Monthly Seminar Wednesday September 24 - Domestic Violence Seminar Wednesday October 29

Hands Only CPR Training During June 21 Roosevelt Island Day

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation to women 18 years and older for its upcoming seminars:

Image From Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization

Here are the Fall 2014 dates for Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization.

Our 1st seminar -- Wed. Sept. 24th
Topic will be CPR Training

The 2nd seminar -- Wed. Oct. 29th
Topic will be Domestic Violence

The 3rd seminar -- Wed. Nov. 19
Topic to be announced

The 4th seminar -- Wed. Dec. 17
Topic to be announced

Location:
546 Main Street
12th Floor Community Room
Time: 6:30pm

Dates and topics for 2015 to be announced.

Roosevelt Island resident Lynn Strong-Shinozaki is working with the American Heart Association's You're The Cure to teach Hands Only CPR Training. According to Ms. Strong Shinozaki:

... We are also working with groups like RIWHO and will be doing a training next Wednesday along with a talk about how to recognize when you are having a heart attack and stroke.

We are offering to work with any island group who would like us to do the training. It is not a certification. You do not receive a certificate. You simply learn what to do if a loved ones heart stops working.

To date we have trained 222 people who live or work on Roosevelt Island. We would love to train anyone who is bilingual to be facilitators in their native languages. Anyone interested can contact me....

Ms. Strong-Shinozaki explained Hands Only CPR Training during September 10 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) meeting Public Session.



More information on Hands Only CPR Training here

Gr8 day training teachers at @ChildSchoolNY in #HandsOnlyCPR w @LASHINOZAKI @scams110 @DomHeart21. @Rooseveltisland is safer! #CPRinSchools
— Robin Vitale (@RobinVitale) September 5, 2014

and here.



UPDATE 9/23 - From RIWHO:

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization April 30 Monthly Seminar - Healthy Living Tips, Dentist Dr Saul Presser Guest Speaker, Meditation, Refreshments And Please Bring A Friend.

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its April 30 Monthly Seminar.

According to RIWHO:

Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization (RIWHO)
Presents free monthly seminars for women age 18 and older Offering Health Tips on Healthy Living
EMPOWERING WOMEN TODAY FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

DATE: Wednesday, April 30, 2014
TIME: 6:30 PM
PLACE: 546 Main Street In The Community Room On The 12th Floor

Guest Speaker
Dr. Saul M. Presser
Dentist

Sheryl Glenn
Will offer meditation

Please bring a friend

Refreshments will be served


Exercise With 89 Year Old Roosevelt Island Woman Ethel Romm - No More Flabby Arms If You Follow Her Advice

During the March 26 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO), 89 year old Roosevelt Island resident Ethel Romm

demonstrated her technique for keeping her arms in shape and preventing flabby or Hadassah Arms.

Here's Ms. Romm's advice.



During July 2013 RIWHO meeting, Ms. Romm described another facet of her exercise routine - climbing 20 flights of stairs every day in her building.



That's one healthy lady!!!

Celebrate Women's History Month With 5 Phenomenal Roosevelt Island Women Honored By RI Women's Health Organization And NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

To celebrate Women's History Month, the Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) and New York City Council Member Ben Kallos honored 5 of our neighbors at RIWHO's monthly meeting yesterday.

 NYC Councilmember Kallos Honoring 5 Roosevelt Island Women At RIWHO Meeting

Here's the presentation of the Proclamation by Councilmember Kallos



and the text.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Ben Kallos, Council Member of the 5th District, is proud to join the Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Care Organization in honoring a select group of women, our elders—Clarissa McCraley, Naomi Silverman, Ethel Romm, Rosalind Fernandez and Ena Shinnery—for inspiring us all with their character, commitment and courage; and

WHEREAS: Clarissa R. McCraley, 85, was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and raised by her aunt and uncle, she grew up on a farm with no running water and no electricity, but abundant with love. She has called Roosevelt Island home since 1975, making her one of our community’s pioneers. In addition to her own career in retail and health, she has excelled in her work as a generous volunteer. Over the years, she has fed the homeless at Good Shepard Church, led Bible Study groups, and worked at the island thrift store. She has also volunteered for the Red Cross, March of Dimes, Joint Disease Hospital, the Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and at P.S./I.S. 217; and

WHEREAS: Naomi Silverman, 88, was born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, and has been a proud resident of Roosevelt Island since 1977. She has been extremely active in a wide range of areas and remains so today. A few previous endeavors included owning a manufacturing woodwork firm and playing piano for a musical group. For the last 35 years, she has served as the dedicated coordinator of a poetry group. Today, she is an active member of the biblical study group Chavarah and also helps coordinates the Rivercross 5th Anniversary Party, a celebration with more than 600 attendees; and

WHEREAS: Ethel Romm, 89, was born in Massachusetts and grew up in New Hampshire. During World War II, when men were drafted and women were needed to build the planes and other machines, she was assigned to an Air Force Base where she supervised construction and building. Her unwavering commitment to learning led her to become CEO of her own construction and engineering company. Ms. Romm has now been a Roosevelt Island resident for more than 25 years and a member of Roosevelt Island Residents Association for more than 12. She also belongs to the Garden Club and continues to have an infectious enthusiasm for exercise, good nutrition and learning; and

WHEREAS: Rosalind Fernandez, 94, was born in Brooklyn and raised in Barbados. At 19, she returned the States and had a successful career in the insurance industry before retiring in 1982 to raise her granddaughter. Since 1976, she has been a champion for Roosevelt Island, whether working as a polling site coordinator, as a parishioner, or as a volunteer at Coler-Goldwater Hospital for the last 32 years. In recent years, she has new proud title: devoted great-grandmother; and

WHEREAS: Ena Shinnery, 94, was born in St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands, moved to New York in 1944, and has been a resident of Roosevelt Island since 1989. Prior to retirement, she worked in numerous jobs including 18 years in textiles. At her previous church, she excelled as a Sunday school teacher and Sunday school superintendent. Today, she continues to faithfully attend church on the island today and impresses all of the younger parishioners with her warmth and life experience; now, therefore

BE IT KNOWN: That Ben Kallos, Council Member of the 5th District, gratefully honors our Roosevelt Island Elders:

Clarissa McCraley, Naomi Silverman, Ethel Romm, Rosalind Fernandez and Ena Shinnery

for their extraordinary contributions to our community.

Signed this 26th day of March in the year Twenty Fourteen.

It was a wonderful event. RIWHO's Laila Amatullah hosted the proceedings which also included:

• an excellent home health care presentation by Dr. Jack Resnick,
• a letter of appreciation by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Charlene Indelicato,
• a greeting from RIOC Public Safety Director Jack McManus,
• Councilmember Kallos reviewing constituent services available from his office,
• a wellness talk
• exercise advice from Ms. Romm and
• a terrific recitation of Maya Angelou's poem Phenomenal Women by Ms. Amatullah.

There was also food, drink

good company

and a birthday celebration for Ms. Romm.

Here's video of the full Proclamation Ceremony.



Will have Dr. Resnick's Home Health Care presentation in a separate post soon.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization March 26 Meeting Honoring 5 Phenomenal Women, Guest Speaker Dr. Resnick, Rewards Presenter Councilmember Kallos, Elder Appreciation Speech By Magella Samory And Poetry From Laila Amatullah - Refreshments Too

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its March 26 Monthly Seminar.

According to RIWHO:

Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Organization Inc.
Presents: A WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION HONORING FIVE R.I. ELDERS
PHENOMENAL WOMEN
Join us on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 546 Main Street, 12th Floor at 6:30 P.M.

Guest Speaker: DR. JACK RESNICK
Rewards Presenter: COUNCILMAN BEN KALLOS
Elder Appreciation Speech: MAGELLA SAMORY
Poetry Reading: LAILA AMATULLAH

One of our special ladies will have a birthday to celebrate
Let’s toast these beautiful women
Refreshments served