Watch Last Night's Very Interesting Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Zoom Meeting With RIOC Update, State Senator Liz Krueger & Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright - 2 Of 4 Red Buses Out Of Service But Real Time Tracking Coming Soon, RIOC Leadership Changes & Direct Election Of RIOC Board Directors Among Issues Discussed

Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB8) Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler moderated an interesting Zoom meeting last night with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels, NY State Senator Liz Krueger and NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright talking with residents about a variety of local issues. The meeting began with Mr Daniels providing a RIOC update and answering questions on the: 

• RIOC interim leadership changes - (Deputy General Counsel Gerrald Ellis left RIOC for a job in the private sector. Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen and Associate General Counsel Lada Stasko will join Chief Financial Officer Dhru Dhruvika on the interim leadership team), 
• Red Bus service outages - Of the 4 Red Buses, 2 buses are currently working on Main Street. 1 Red Bus is out of service and is expected to be back in service this week which will restore Octagon Bus Service. The 4th Bus is out of service for maintenance and no date yet for when it will be fixed.  2 new Red Buses are on order.
• Red Bus Real Time Schedule Tracking service will be working soon and integrated in NY Transit app as well as the soon to launch Roosevelt Island Citizens Project platform.
• Weekend Volleyball Players at Firefighters Field taking over entire area with no room for others to use the field - RIOC is aware of issue and will look more into it.

NY State Senator Krueger and Assembly Member Seawright then discussed Roosevelt Island governance issues including:

• direct elections for members of the RIOC Board of Directors by Roosevelt Island residents, 
• residency requirement for RIOC President and 
• the Roosevelt Island Master Lease between the City and State of NY

Ms Kreuger did not support direct elections for RIOC Directors or Roosevelt Island residency requirements for RIOC President. Ms Seawright supported both. 

According to Ms Krueger, any Governor is unlikely to give up the power to appoint RIOC Directors by way of a direct election. Ms Seawight said that Mayor Adams has agreed to use direct elections for appointment of the two Mayoral appointments to the RIOC Board.

Governor Hochul has previously vetoed legislation requiring residency for RIOC President and for resident Board members who move away from Roosevelt Island.

Watch the very interesting discussion on these issues.

CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee meeting are scheduled for the first Monday of every month except August. The next meeting will be on September 9. You're invited to attend, share your thoughts and ask questions.

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Star Award Honors Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President Wendy Hersh For Decades As Indispensable Part Of Community - Come Celebrate July 11 With An Evening Of Performances, Drinks, & Dining At The Sanctuary To Raise Funds For Scholarship Program

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Executive Director Kristi Towey reports:

The Star Award is given biannually to a member of the Roosevelt Island community in recognition of their extraordinary service. We postponed the scheduled 2023 event to this year because of our 40th anniversary celebration in December. The honoree is nominated and the Board of Directors and Executive Staff vote for their choice. 

This year's recipient, Wendy L. Hersh is truly a “Star” in our eyes and that of the community. Wendy helped develop the Scholarship program at MSTDA during her time on the board. This event is a fundraiser for the MSTDA Scholarship Fund. Tickets are available online here.

Wendy's bio:

For decades Wendy has been an indispensable part of the Roosevelt Island Community. She has provided friendship, help, counseling, aid, and comfort to the people on this island who need it the most. When COVID hit, Wendy knew that many of the people were going to have trouble feeding themselves. Today a large assortment of nutritious food is given out for free every Friday afternoon at the Cultural Center. The hours involved are tremendous, and all are voluntary. Her good friend Mary Coleman has been with her every step of the way.

Wendy has been director of the RIDA since 2015. Her predecessor, the late Jim Bates, personally asked Wendy to assist shortly before his passing. RIDA organized the Hope Memorial near Four Freedoms Park which celebrates the life of our first disabled US President, Franklin Roosevelt. RIDA has received grants from a dizzying array of agencies and foundations thanks to her efforts.

Here is a partial list of what RIDA provides. 

• the weekly Food Pantry & home delivery of groceries 
• educational events to raise awareness of disabilities 
• workshops to build skills 
• Friday night entertainment & Tuesday night Pilates 
• cultural field trips & trips to see friends in rehab facilities 
• resources for referral to local agencies • providing disability equipment.

RIDA also partners each year with Public Safety and the Youth Center to collect and distribute toys to island children during the holidays.

After a long and distinguished career in the retail sector Wendy suffered an accident which damaged her spine. She had to rethink the direction of her life. In 2002 she became a certified rehabilitation counselor. Later she obtained her license as a mental health counselor. Her path was then paved toward a life of service for the disabled and those in need.

Wendy joined the MSTDA Board in 2007 and served for 7 years. During that time, she with the board’s backing instituted the successful and incredibly valuable scholarship program. Today we award over $25K in scholarships to families who would not otherwise be able to participate. Wendy's daughter Lauren, a very talented actress, performed for many years in MSTDA productions.

Wendy has touched thousands of lives and for that MSTDA is honored to recognize her as our 2024 RI Star, at our 2nd Star Award Gala fundraiser on July 11, 2024.

You do not need to attend to contribute. There is a donation link on the ticket site as well. There is also a way to donate a ticket for a staff member to attend on the ticket purchase page.

Here's some of the ways Ms Hersh is an indispensable part of the Roosevelt Island community.

You're Invited To Tell State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright And RIOC About Your Roosevelt Island Issues Of Concern At July 1 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Zoom Meeting

You're invited to attend the the July 1 Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee meeting via Zoom starting at 6:30 PM.

Click here to attend the Zoom Meeting.

CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler and Public Member Jimmy Starance spoke with residents during yesterday's Saturday Farmers Market at Good Shepherd Plaza urging them to attend the July 1 meeting and express their views on local issues to NY State Senator Liz Krueger and NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

Mr Krikler adds:

COME TELL YOUR STATE ELECTED REPS YOU WANT A BIGGER SAY IN HOW RIOC IS RUN

The next CB8RI meeting is on July 1 at 630pm on Zoom.

We will be joined by State Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright. Our State elected representatives are the only ones who can help us with the imbalance of power many of us feel in dealing with RIOC.

Almost 1,100 people signed our petition demanding direct election of all Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) board members; this is a very significant number out of 12,000 residents. We need this for two reasons:

(i) Better oversight of RIOC

(ii) A bigger say in how things are done for the betterment of the community.

RIOC Communicaitons Director Bryan Daniels is also expected to attend and available to discuss Roosevelt Island issues.

Click here to attend the Zoom meeting.

Emotionally Disturbed Person At Duane Reade Wielding Hammer Subdued By NYPD And RIOC PSD Officers Last Thursday - Man Was Taken To Hospital Following The Incident

Last Thursday June 28, NYPD 114 precinct and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers responded to reports of a man wielding a hammer in the vicinity of Roosevelt Island subway station and Duane Reade.

🚨#Manhattan : Hammer Assault on Roosevelt Island. A man with a hammer injured two first responders. The man himself is also injured. pic.twitter.com/fC4MZv1epT

— Citizen NYC (@CitizenAppNYC) June 27, 2024

On Friday June 29, I asked RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels for info about the incident. 

Image From Rachel Dowling

Mr Daniels answered:

Yesterday PSD and NYPD responded to an emotionally disturbed person at Duane Reade wielding a hammer. The officers deployed their OC spray to subdue him, and he was taken to the hospital following the incident. Important to note that he did not injure any officers or first-responders, though one officer did get OC spray in his eye and received medical attention.

No arrest, he was sent to the hospital given the mental health episode

Roosevelt Island Celebrates And Thanks Wengerd Family For 35 Years Of The Saturday Farmers Market Bringing Fresh, Local, Homegrown Fruits And Vegetables Every Week To The Community

The 35th anniversary of the Wengerd Family Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market was honored last week with a high flying banner by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

and a celebratory cake 

at their Good Shepherd Plaza home last week.

Israel Wengerd, who first started working at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market as a youngster, and now runs the market said:

It's been 35 years of serving Roosevelt Island with fresh local homegrown fruits and vegetables. The Roosevelt Island community is the best in New York City.

I would like to say Thank You So Much to the Roosevelt Island residents who put on the celebration last week. Thank you, especially to Judy Berdy for coordinating the event.

The June 27, 2024 Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting approved a resolution brought by Roosevelt Island committee chair Paul Krikler honoring the Wengerd Family Farmers Market service to the Roosevelt Island community stating in part:

... WHEREAS; The Wengerd Farmers Market has provided an invaluable addition to life on Roosevelt Island over decades; and

WHEREAS; The Wengerd Farmers Market crew always leaves the market site spotless at the end of the day;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Community Board 8 Manhattan relishes the opportunity to thank Israel Wengerd, his family, the cashiers and all the other staff for all the years of dedicated service to this community.

Here's the full CB8 resolution.

See you tomorrow at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

Roosevelt Island RIVAA Gallery Double Header Saturday June 29 - Echoes Of The Sun King Baroque Chamber Music At 3 PM And Opening Reception For The Road Ahead Exhibition Celebrating Works Of Gen-Z Artists At 6 PM

The Roosevelt Island RIVAA Gallery 

invites you to a double header of art and music Saturday June 29. According to RIVAA Gallery:

Double Header at RIVAA Gallery

TOMORROW: Saturday, June 29th

3:00PM: Baroque Chamber Music

6:00PM:The Road Ahead Exhibition Opening Reception

ECHOES OF THE SUN KING | Baroque Chamber Music TOMORROW: Saturday, June 29 at 3:00PM

From the grandeur of Versailles to the intimate chambers of Köthen, experience how Louis XIV's patronage projected French culture across Europe, shaping the musical landscape for generations to come. Join us for an afternoon of Baroque splendor as we uncover the enduring legacy of the Ancien Régime through the music of François Couperin, Jacques-Martin Hotteterre, J.S. Bach, and others.

David Ross, baroque flute

Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba Tami Morse, harpsichord

Entry to this event is complimentary. There is a recommended donation of $25 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Your donations support both our programs and the musicians.

THE ROAD AHEAD | Opening Reception TOMORROW: Saturday, June 29 at 6:00PM

The Road Ahead is an exhilarating group exhibition, celebrating the best works of Gen-Z artists. RIVAA has invited young creators to submit their most compelling pieces, offering a platform for their raw thoughts and feelings. Curated by Elena Jordan, Amazia Thompson, and Tiko El Outa, the exhibition showcases a vibrant collage of diverse works selected by an international panel of jurors. Join us at RIVAA Gallery to experience the bold and innovative visions of tomorrow's artists firsthand!

The exhibition runs from June 27 - July 14, 2024 at RIVAA Gallery, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island 10044. All are welcome, and entry is free.

SUPPORT RIVAA - DONATE NOW, BE A CHAMPION OF THE ARTS

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Blast From The Past, Actors Recall The 2012 White Collar TV Show Episode Starring Matt Bomer Leaping From One Tram Cabin To The Other Over East River And More Scenes From Roosevelt Island

Actor Matt Bomer starred as Neil Caffrey in the USA Network TV program White Collar from 2009-14. The Matt Bomer United fan club Twitter(X) page yesterday shares the actors reminiscing about the 2012 White Collar episode filmed inside the Roosevelt Island Tram cabin, at the Tram Station, on a gorgeous Riverwalk Landings apartment outdoor patio and various other Roosevelt Island locations.

It's #WhiteCollarWednesday again and time for some more of the season three finale commentary. Neal is on his way to Roosevelt Island and needs some help from Peter. #MattBomer #TimDeKay #WillieGarson #JeffEastin pic.twitter.com/XD3FnxrGFl

— Matt Bomer United (@MattBomerUnited) June 26, 2024

In our second clip from the #WhiteCollar season three finale commentary, we meet Ellen for the first time. #MattBomer pic.twitter.com/KbQtgFxIIo

— Matt Bomer United (@MattBomerUnited) June 26, 2024

Here are scenes from the White Collar episode filmed on Roosevelt Island including Matt Bomer leaping

Image From You Tube Video

from one Tram Cabin to the other.

As reported in 2012:

... During Roosevelt Island filming, star Matt Bomer practiced leaping over Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) Visitors Center bench and kiosk railing,

Image From Judy Berdy

posed for a picture with RIHS President Judy Berdy

Image of RIHS President Judy Berdy with White Collar's Matt Bomer 

and enjoyed a Roosevelt Island ice cream with co-star Tim DeKay.

Image From Jonathan Kalkin via Instagram

You can now watch episodes of White Collar on Netflix.

Rosie The Turkey Taking A Roosevelt Island Stroll This Afternoon Mingling With Residents, Checking Out The Riverwalk Food Cart, Subway Station And Red Bus Stop

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A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

The NY Post reported on Rosie the Roosevelt Island Turkey too.

Our @nypost story on Astoria/Rosie here! It was so fun chilling with this beautiful creature. I hope and pray she stays safe! Despite the troubling news, I was uplifted to see many Roosevelt Islanders so protective of the turkey. I hope it stays that way!https://t.co/iwvS9GF26X

— Dorian Geiger (@dgeigs) June 18, 2024

If anyone witnesses Rosie/Astoria being mistreated, call 911. A beat patrol officer I spoke to urged citizens to report any wildlife abuse. Throwing rocks, for ex., is considered animal cruelty, per NY state laws. It will take a village to ensure Rosie/Astoria’s continued safety.

— Dorian Geiger (@dgeigs) June 18, 2024

More on Rosie the Turkey at this prior post.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center Marks End Of School Year Program With Summer Send Off Showcase Featuring Music & Dance Routines, Art Gallery And Science Fair - Sign Up Now For Summer Program Beginning July 8

“It’s Tricky” capturing all YC participants on camera😊. Thank you for joining us for a fantastic YC Summer Send-Off Showcase!! pic.twitter.com/2YCD8CVzuo

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) June 26, 2024

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels reports:

To mark the end of the Youth Center's school year program, the center held a grand finale Summer Send-Off Showcase on Tuesday, June 25th. A performative arts experience, the event showcased the youth center participants' creativity and featured music, dance routines, an art gallery, and even included a science fair. The Youth Center begins its summer program July 8th which runs through August 23rd. 

You can find more information about the RIOC Youth Center Summer Program here.

Here are more scenes from the Roosevelt Island Youth Center Summer Send Off Showcase.

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Mayor Eric Adams Op-Ed Announces "NYC Solves" Education Initiatives To Make Mathematics More Accessible For All Students And New Division To Support Multilingual Learners And Students With Disabilities

New York City Mayor Eric Adams submitted the op-ed article below to local NYC community media including Roosevelt Islander Online.

According to Mayor Eric Adams:

Education that Lifts Up All of Our Students

June 24, 2024

As New York City’s first openly dyslexic mayor, I know what it is like to not have the support I needed in school growing up. School was often difficult for me. I was scared of being called on by the teacher and my fellow students made fun of me. I know how important it is that our children have a bright start and the support they need for a bold future.

That is why this administration is investing in upstream solutions in our education system, creating conditions that improve outcomes for all our students. We don’t want our children to fall behind because they learn differently, we want them to start out ahead. And this week we are taking another big step forward with two major initiatives: a new vision for special education and a new math curriculum, “NYC Solves.”

“NYC Solves,” is a major citywide initiative to make mathematics more accessible for all students — no matter where they go to school or what language they speak at home. This new program will revolutionize how algebra is taught in schools and ensure that all our students have foundational math skills and are being encouraged to excel in mathematics at every level.

We are also creating the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL), which will be led by a new Deputy Chancellor for Inclusive and Accessible Learning Christina Foti. This new division will utilize a $750 million budget and 1,300 staff to focus on supporting multilingual learners and students with disabilities, so that every student can be prepared for a rewarding career and long-term economic security — no matter their background or ability.

The work of DIAL will be guided by external voices through a new advisory council charged with helping shape support systems for immigrant students and their families, so that we can improve educational opportunities and outcomes for every student.

These two new initiatives build on the generational investments we have already made in public education.

In just two years, our administration has implemented a major initiative, “NYC Reads,” to fundamentally change how students learn to read literacy as the core focus and priority of New York City’s public schools. We have also invested over $600 million to protect critical programs that were funded with temporary stimulus dollars, including arts funding, teacher recruitment efforts, restorative justice programming, computer science programs, “Civics for All,” school social workers and psychologists, and much more. Our mandated universal dyslexia screening

for all students are helping us get students the support they need early on, and we have created the first-ever public school dedicated to supporting students with dyslexia and related learning disabilities.

We have also provided over 42,000 students with offers for a 3-K seat — an increase of 300 percent in the last five years, and we are continuing to work to ensure that every child who wants an early childhood education seat will have access to one. We have also added 57 Gifted and Talented programs citywide and added over 26,000 classroom seats through major construction and modernization projects. I am also pleased to report that nine new schools will open in the coming school year, including a new high school focused on health care.

And because we know that learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom and during the school year, we have expanded popular programs like Summer Rising to bring 110,000 students summer programming. We are committed to helping students enter the workforce with programs like FutureReadyNYC that connect our students to apprenticeships that lead to good-paying careers. This work has resulted in students earning a cumulative $8.2 million from paid work experiences at top companies over the past two years alone.

Our New York City Public Schools chancellor, David Banks, and I are both graduates of the New York City school system, and we are committed to continuing our city’s legacy of excellence in public education. We are not going to allow another Eric to sit in the classroom, hoping not to be called on. We are making sure that every student has access to the support and resources they need. We are lifting up our young people and putting them on a pathway to a bright future and making sure that our education system remains unmatched anywhere in this nation.

CBS New York reported on Mayor Adams' new education initiatives.

Information on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 is here.