Are You Looking For A New Four Legged Friend? Roosevelt Island Pet Adoption Event For Dogs, Cats & Rabbits With Animal Cares Of NYC Saturday November 2 At Good Shepherd Plaza

Animal Care Centers (ACC) of NYC is hosting a Mobile Adoption Event on Roosevelt Island Saturday November 2 at Good Shepherd Plaza from 12- 4 PM.

According to ACC:

Looking for a new four-legged friend? We're happy to be hosting and Adoption Event with some incredible cats, dogs and rabbits from ACC. We hope you'll stop by to meet some Boroughreds.

Image from Animal Care Centers Of NYC

All animals will be sprayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home.

View all available animals at nycacc.org

More info on Animal Care Centers of NYC at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Resident Stephen Quandt Is A First Responder For ASPCA's Anti Cruelty Group Field Investigations & Response Team - He Describes Acts Of Kindness And Shared Humanity In Small Wisconsin Town, Homemade Cupcakes Too

Roosevelt Island resident Stephen Quandt has a difficult job and sees much pain and cruelty. But he also sees and recognizes acts of kindness. Mr Quandt reports:

How is Roosevelt Island like northern Wisconsin? Perhaps it sounds like an odd comparison unless like me you have spent time in both places.

I work as a professional first responder for the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response Team, a division of their Anti-Cruelty Group. The FIR Team responds nationwide to large-scale criminal cruelty cases like blood sports (dogfighting and cockfighting), hoarding cases and puppy mills often involving many hundreds of animals, sometimes thousands. We also respond to disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and fires.

I work in the Medical Dept. which involves doing everything from assisting on forensic exams (the collection of medical evidence on living animals) providing administrative support and giving treatments and medications to sick or injured animals. What I learned late in life and is so hard to explain is the profound experience of relieving suffering in others. For reasons I don't understand this deeply moving experience is not taught or given to our youth but is mysteriously saved for professional programs like medicine, ministry, counseling and the like.

During my first case in Wisconsin three years ago, I was on a crime scene for the first of several cockfighting cases there. We were on “a farm” of sorts for days collecting evidence, triaging and treating chickens. At one point I was in the woods under a pop-up tent in a thunderstorm helping to examine chickens. Our first chicken escaped through a hole in his coop and ran across the road never to be seen again. It was challenging work. One day perhaps to lighten our mood Sergeant Brent of the county Sheriff’s dept. brought us all cupcakes. Homemade cupcakes. Homemade by him he made a point of telling us, and not by a mix, and not by his wife. The cupcakes were all arranged on a tray, and on the icing was spelled THANKS ASPCA!

Photo by Stephen Quandt

This was my first time in Wisconsin and I was thinking “Where am I?”

Very recently I was back in Wisconsin for another cockfighting and dogfighting case involving 1700 chickens and twenty or so dogs. This would be my third trip to Wisconsin in as many years. When I got to the hotel in the small town I was staying in, I asked the hotel manager on duty if I could Uber or Lyft to the nearest grocery store for supplies. He chuckled and said that he was sorry but there was no Uber or Lyft in this town. There wasn't even a taxi company. I was completely mystified. But then he really rocked my world by saying, "If you like, you can borrow my car while I go swimming in the hotel pool after work." I stammered, "Ahhhh how long will you be swimming?" and he replied, "For about an hour." So, while my mind did somersaults I accepted his offer and again thought to myself, “Where am I?"

What I saw in Wisconsin was one farm rolling into another. Corn and soybeans being grown to within one or two feet of the edge of the properties, farmers demanding every possible ounce of produce from the soil. Our nation is fed by states like this. At first I didn't understand why the grocery stores didn't seem to have a lot of produce. Then someone explained to me that everyone grows food. That helped explain the signs by the road that said, "Free tomatoes, take as many as you want." Kindness helped explain it too. And on this trip I happily saw (now) Lieutenant Brent again.

Stephen Quandt (left) and Lieutenant Brent Standaert (right) of the St. Croix County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s department.

His school district's PTA would bring us treats!

What we share on Roosevelt Island with Wisconsin isn’t in the nightly news. It’s in our shared humanity. It’s in our ever-present opportunity to be kind.

After three trips to Wisconsin I was still asking myself the question, "Where am I?" when I finally figured out the answer.

I was in America.

Learn more about the ASPCA's Field Investigations & Response Team at their web site and from this video.



Mr Quandt has previously reported on similarities in Island life between Roosevelt Island and Little Cranberry Maine.

Cockatiel Spotted Between Roosevelt Island Tram And Subway Today - Did You Lose A Bird?

Miranda Jacoby shares this picture

reporting:

Cockatiel Spotted Between Tram and Subway around 5:40 pm Today (Mon Jul 11)

The bird was last seen sitting in a tree at the base of the tramway tower. It appeared to have left the immediate area around 6 pm.

Before leaving the area the bird had made what appeared to be two attempts to fly across the river, but came circling back.

and tweets:

There is a cockatiel hanging out between the tram and the subway on Roosevelt Island. Did someone lose a pet bird? pic.twitter.com/M9OatBNDNJ

— Miranda Jacoby (@PracticalPigeon) July 11, 2016

The Wonderful World Of Roosevelt Island Wildlife - Boris The Turtle And A Flock Of Geese

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse.

Boris and the city. Took my tortoise out for a walk on Roosevelt Island. #NYC #Tortoise #RussianTortoise #Boris pic.twitter.com/cyrfK7RMJn

— Andrea Pearson (@saturn2169) September 18, 2015

Geese crossing @ Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park https://t.co/xJKEjfr2Uu

— ScottyP (@scottpiro) September 19, 2015

Geese crossing

A video posted by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on Sep 19, 2015 at 10:51am PDT

Please Clean Up After Your Dog Pooping And Urinating On Roosevelt Island Main Street Asks Resident - RIOC Public Safety Department Says Tell Us When You See Offender And We Will Issue Summons

A Roosevelt Island resident is concerned that:

Main Street is becoming a serious Dog's urinating place

and shares

these photos

showing the results.

The resident, who fears possible angry reaction of some Roosevelt Island dog owners to these concern prefers to remain anonymous, adds:

Here's an article that deals with dog pee and in it, there is this text:

Health Code § 161.03 Control of dogs and other animals to prevent nuisance.

A person who owns, possesses or controls a dog, cat or other animal shall not permit the animal to commit a nuisance on a sidewalk of any public place, on a floor, wall, stairway or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public, or on a fence, wall or stairway of a building abutting on a public place.

Notes to § 161.03

This section is derived from S.C. § 227. Specific reference is made to cats as well as dogs. The reference to walls within premises is new. Under New York City Criminal Courts Act § 102c a magistrate is empowered to try and punish a violation of this section as an offense punishable by a fine of $25 or ten days imprisonment, or both.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) policy on subject is as follows:

ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION

DOG CONTROL POLICY

New York State and New York City animal control laws are intended to safeguard the health and safety of the public.

A dog control policy for Roosevelt Island intends to safeguard the health and safety of Island residents and visitors.

It is the intent of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to have a policy that is consistent with the regulations of the City and State of New York. As such, it is the policy of RIOC that responsible dog owners on Roosevelt Island will:

• Have their dogs actively vaccinated against the disease of rabies and be able to provide proof of such vaccination:
• Obtain a license for their dog from the City of New York (New York City Dog License Law, Chapter 115 of the Laws of 1894 as amended);
• Attach a dog license tag to the dog�s collar when the animal is in a public place (New York City Health Code �161.04);
• Hold the dog on a leash no longer than six feet when the dog is in a public place (New York City Health Code �161.05);
• Remove their dog�s feces from any public areas (New York City Health Code �161.03 and New York Public Health Law �1310);
• Utilize only designated dog walk area(s) for off leash roaming of their dog.
• Effective immediately, Public Safety Officers will enforce this policy and issue notices of violations to dog owners who are not in compliance.

RIOC Public Safety Director (PSD) Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara discussed RIOC's dog control policy during December 15 meeting of Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee. Director McManus said that if PSD is told of such an occurrence, they will issue a summons to the offending dog owner.



Also, reported previously on the filthy conditions, including dog urine and pigeon poop, at the Main Street Motorgate Garage.

Mother Goose With Babies At Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

#MorningRide to Mother Goose atop the hill of Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, #NYC. http://t.co/v0nF1k9cZv
— The Global Trip (@theglobaltrip) May 28, 2014

UPDATE 1:05 PM - Jason Eng shares these pictures and adds:

 There are a couple families

Images From Jason Eng

of Geese down there ... so cute.

East River Ducks Exploring Roosevelt Island - No Aggressive Tendencies Shown By The Ducks But Watch Out For The Geese

Have you seen any East River ducks coming ashore and waddling around Roosevelt Island recently?  In the past few days, I've noticed ducks on the West Channel Road being fed by passersby

and following others on the Riverwalk Commons.

Fortunately, our Roosevelt Island ducks have not exhibited any aggressive actions toward people but watch out for the geese.

You Tube Video of Man v Goose via Presurfer

Be Careful While Texting On Roosevelt Island - You Never Know What Is Around The Corner

Do you read e mail or text messages on your phone as you are walking on Roosevelt Island? I certainly do, sometimes not paying attention to what's going on around. On Roosevelt Island, that may lead to an encounter with some aggressive geese. In other places, bigger animals.

You Tube Video of Bear Chasing Man Who's Texting

I'm glad there are no bears on Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island Ducks Making Their Way Home Last Night In Southtown

Not only were residents of Roosevelt Island's Southtown Riverwalk Buildings making their way home last evening but

so were a couple of ducks

as they managed to cross the street

and avoid oncoming traffic

before settling in for the evening.

Annual Roosevelt Island Blessing Of The Animals At The Church Of The Good Shepherd On October 9, 10:00 A.M.

You Tube Video of 2010 Blessing Of the Animals At St John The Divine

Do you wish to have a blessing said over your pet? If so, no need to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine when you can have it done right here on Roosevelt Island. I received the following message from Roosevelt Island resident Francine Lange:

Bless your pet this Sunday, October 9!
Bring your pet(s) or a photo for a blessing during the Blessing of the Animals at our landmarked Church of the Good Shepherd. Time: 10:00 a.m. Address: 543 Main Street on Roosevelt Island.

Image From Francine Lange

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Summer Day Camp Activities - Movies, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Bowling, Swimming, Gardening, BBQ'ing and Animals Come A Calling - Plus It's All Free!!!

Image From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Received the following report from the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) describing some of their activities so far this summer.

Images From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

First report of the summer by the RIYP Camp to all our fans. The camp has over 200 registered members and a daily attendance of 165 campers. Mondays and Fridays are special events or trip days and we have already seen the movies Cars and Transformers, gone to Ripley’s Believe it or Not on 44th street to see their museum and had a scavenger hunt.

Each group has had a barbeque and on Monday the 1st, we will be visited by snakes, rabbits, frogs, birds and all kinds of interesting species as Nature Life Educational Group visits the program.

Next Friday August 5th, we will be going to Bowlmor Lanes on 44th street, to visit New York’s newest bowling center with over 100 lanes and other attractions. This will be the first time for many of our campers to experience the game of bowling and we have over 20 lanes set-aside for our use.

Remember all programs offered by the Roosevelt Island Youth Program are FREE and open to all. RIYP’s programs are funded by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

Here's a review from RIYP on what happens when Animals Come A Calling to Roosevelt Island.

Image From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Last Monday the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) kids received some special guest visitors from our friends at The Nature Company who brought snakes, lizards, frogs, birds and various insects for a hands-on workshop.

Images From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

The Nature Company whose motto is "We Bring Nature to You" is a fun-filled hands-on, interactive learning experience for children of all ages presented by Anthony Cogswell the Nature Company's instructor. The themes for the workshop were Sounds Around the World, Neighborhood Nature, ABC Animals, Rocking Reptiles, Animals Around the World, Camouflaging Creatures, Discover Ecosystems, My Forrest and Awesome Adaptations.

 

Images From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

RIYP Senior Counselor Anthony Simmons remarked that the kids response to the animals was wonderful and that "they really got into it and the instructor was great".  Many of the children commented that they can't wait until the animals come back again.

The camp is still averaging over 160 youth per day and the program instructors and staff are as good as it gets said several parents watching their children getting involved. The RIYP free Summer Camp is funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

Don't forget game nights from 6PM to 9PM at the Youth Center. For scheduled days call the Beacon at 212-527-2505 or the Youth Center at 212-935-3645. Dates vary due to the television show filming next door.

UPDATE 8/8 - More from the RIYP:

Image From Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Youth Center Camp Knocks Down Pins!

On Friday the 5th, the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Camp went bowling at Bowlmor Lanes on 44th, St between 7th and 8th Avenues. Campers ages 6 to 14 bowled for over 2 hours. The staff and kids reported that they had a great time and were treated like Kings and Queens. The Campers had drinks, pizza and enjoyed bowling for over 2 and a half hours. This event was scheduled as part of the camp activities and was free for all thanks to funding by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

Annual Roosevelt Island Blessing Of The Animals At The Church Of The Good Shepherd On October 3, 10:00 A.M.

You Tube Video Of 2007 Animal Blessings At St John The Divine

Do you wish to have a blessing said over your pet? If so, no need to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine when you can have it done right here on Roosevelt Island. I received the following message from Roosevelt Island resident Francine Lange:

Church of the Good Shepherd, the Episcopal church, will be holding its annual Blessing of the Animals service this Sunday, October 3.

Pastor Lew Johnson will say a special blessing over your pet(s). You can carry it in your arms, lead it on a leash or in a carrier, or bring a photo.

At 10:00 a.m., 543 Main St., Church of the Good Shepherd, Roosevelt Island.

Image From Francine Lange

Charlie was dumped at birth on the side of the road in the Bronx. A Roosevelt Island resident adopted him and now, some five years later, he reigns in peace over his Island House "kingdom."

I wonder if there are any Roosevelt Island llamas or other unusual animals out there to be blessed with Charlie the Cat.