Monday, December 27, 2010

Blizzard Hits Roosevelt Island's Main Street

Mon. 12/27 7am



Sun 12/26 315pm


Sun 12/26 3:15pm

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Congrats to Legacy HS for Taking 2nd Place - Beating NYC Elite High Schools


Congratulations to the The Child School/Legacy High School for taking Second Place in the Foreign Policy Association"s 2010 Worldquest New York Competition. In doing so Legacy got bragging rights among NYC schools beating out Stuyvesant and Bronx Science.

Great Job !

Link to official site and NYDN article.


City Offers Goldwater Campus As Possible Site for Science / Engineering College


The prospect of the Goldwater Campus being put to use as other than a hospital campus has popped up once again. This time as a possible site for a future science or engineering college with a 99 year lease to the institution that comes to it with an option to renew it.


The idea of a top university space at the site would seem more appealing to Island residents than simply selling the site to residential developers but even this idea would drive rents and housing costs further up, due to increased demand for student housing, on the Island making it increasingly difficult for current residents to remain.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Vote for Roosevelt Island

Please support Roosevelt Island as the best NYC neighborhood in the current contest at Curbed. Vote for us in this first round against Park Slope.

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/12/13/curbed_cup_1st_round_1_park_slope_vs_16_roosevelt_island.php

Somehow I feel like the pairing of Roosevelt Island vs Park Slope and all its residents is slightly unfair and almost seen by folks as a "by" for Park Slope. So prove the folks at Curbed wrong and get out the vote.

Eric

Monday, December 6, 2010

Fw: Roosevelt Island Special Publication

----- Original Message -----
From: RIOC Advisories <advisories@rioc.com>
To: RIOC Advisories <Advisories@rioc.com>
Sent: Mon Dec 06 17:02:17 2010
Subject: Roosevelt Island Special Publication

Happy Holidays Everyone:

Roosevelt Island community and friends should be aware that a brand new Roosevelt Island publication has come off the presses. The publication details the accomplishments of various RIOC employees and Roosevelt Island residents and spotlights some new developments and projects on the Island. Your glossy new magazine is available at the RIOC offices at 591 Main Street. Come pick one up and read about all the wonderful things you love about Roosevelt Island, complete with spectacular pictures!


Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at
http://rioc.ny.gov

Join us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/riocny

If you wish to no longer receive these messages from us
please email us at unsubscribe@rioc.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Official Island Tree Lighting Tonight, Free Concert Tomorrow Night


If you are on Roosevelt Island tonight stop by Blackwell House at 7pm to take part in the island's annual Holiday Tree lighting. Then tomorrow stop by Good Shepherd Community Center for a free concert at 8:00 pm.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Happy Chanukah - Public Menorah Lighting Sat. Dec 4th

Menorah Lighting 2007



Happy Chanukah from Roosevelt Island ! The public Memorah lighting will be this Saturday, December 4th at 6:30pm in front of Blackwell House. It should be a lot fun but it is expected to be cold so be sure to bundle up.


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Roosevelt Island Tram is Back !!!


In honor of the return of the Roosevelt Island Tram it is appropriate, to me anyway, to run simple pictures of the new Tram complete with its cartoon lettering reminiscent of Roger Rabbit. The above and below photos are courtesy of Duc Le Photography.

Many of Duc Le's photos of the Tram can be found at this LINK. I especially like the one of the two Tram cabins side by side. The old cabins passed side by side by Tower Two between the FDR and York. Much more satisfying a picture over the East River.




Monday, November 29, 2010

No Southtown Parking On Main Street

It appears that RIOC is beginning to install the parking sensors under the new parking spots along Main Street in Roosevelt Island's Southtown starting this evening as signs were up along every spot advising motorists to not park there after 9pm. Not just tickets but your vehicle will be towed if its still there after 9pm.

Tram to ReOpen Tomorrow Nov. 30th


Believe it or not the Roosevelt Island Tram (at least one cabin anyway) is set to reopen tomorrow Tuesday, November 30, 2010. We will believe it when we are on it.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Fw: WIRE-BULLETIN: Tram Ceremony Tuesday

------Original Message------
From: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
To: wire-bulletin@nyc10044.com
ReplyTo: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Sent: Nov 26, 2010 2:53 PM
Subject: WIRE-BULLETIN: Tram Ceremony Tuesday

Tram Launch Ceremony Tuesday at 11:00;
Service Likely to Resume Immediately After

The Roosevelt Island Operating Croporation has schedule a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Island Tramway. It is to take place on Tuesday (November 30) at 11:00. The public is invited.

It is Likely that regular service will resume immediately after the ceremony, though, at last report, RIOC was still awaiting a final "go" from the Department of Labor. The operating permit is expected before Tuesday's ceremony, according to RIOC Presidnet Leslie Torres.

The Main Street WIRE will present special coverage of the event on Website NYC10044, at http://nyc10044.com <http://nyc10044.com> , starting late Tuesday afternoon. (A bulletin will be originated when the coverage is available on line.)

________________________________

Associated with the re-opening of the Tram:
The Lumen Gallery will present an exhibition of photography by Carol Caver and Jonas Cuenin, titled Service Suspended - The men behind the New York tram renovation. It will run December 2 through December 7, with an opening reception Thursday, December 2, 6:00-9:00 p.m., at 221 East 60th Street.
________________________________


You have received this Main Street WIRE e-mail bulletin because past communications have indicated you have an interest in Roosevelt Island News. To add someone to this list, send an AddMe e-mail to MainStreetWIRE@usa.net <mailto:MainStreetWIRE@usa.net> . To be removed from

------Original Message Truncated------

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving Roosevelt Island

Happy Thanksgiving Roosevelt Island.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Tram Safety Drills This Morning

Ms Judy Berdy, Roosevelt Island Historical Society, has reported that the FDNY and NYPD are conducting safety drills on the new Roosevelt Island Tram this morning so don't get all worried due to the increases emergency presence by the Tram Station.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Fw: Elevator Out of Service at Lex / 63rd Subway Station until Nov 26th

------Original Message------
From: RIOC Advisories
To: RIOC Advisories
Sent: Nov 18, 2010 3:41 PM
Subject: "F" Train Station

Be advised that the elevator located at the 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue Station will be out of service until Friday, November 26th, 2010.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at http://rioc.ny.gov

If you wish to no longer receive these messages from us
please email us at unsubscribe@rioc.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Loss of Open Vistas

While I agree with everyone that adding on street parking to Roosevelt Island is fantastic it is a shame that another beautiful view looking out onto the East River will be lost. In the above picture the leaves you see on the ground in the street will soon be replaced by cars obliterating the view for those walking along the Southtown side of West Road / Street or whatever it is currently named. Yes there will always be the promenade to walk along and I recognize we need these spots but you can't argue that once a view is gone it is gone. Yes we have far greater issues to address on this island but it's a shame when such things are lost.

You may recall that I took issue, along with many others, that that the planned allee of trees that will adorn the Four Freedoms Memorial Park will destroy the 360 degre open views of Manhattan and Queens. Yes the trees will undoubtedly be beautiful and we have been told the trees will never be so thick to block the view fully but again a loss is a loss.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veterans' Day

As a kid growing I fondly remember each and every year the Peanuts strip honoring veterans on Veterans Day without fail. Here is an authorized one panel strip drawn by Charles M. Schulz with a little help from Bill Maudlin honoring Veterans as only they each knew how.

Happy Veterans Day to any all Roosevelt Island residents who served our country !


[This image is being used without permission of United Syndicate Features, I apologize for not asking for permission in time.]

Hungry for Red Velvet Cupcakes? Come to the Farmers Market This Saturday !


Get ready for Red Velvet cupcakes as a whole batch of them are coming to the Farmer's Market on Roosevelt Island this Saturday. Tiny Kitchen Girl is even frosting them red and white with RI written on top of each. Very cute. So get hungry.

Sadly we will not get to meet the baker, Tiny Kitchen Girl, but her blog, A Girl Bakes in New York ,says the cupcakes are coming. And yes Tiny Kitchen Girl we don't have cupcakes on Roosevelt Island so bring more than the 100 your blog has promised.

No Rocky Road for FDR Granite

The granite blocks for the Four Freedoms FDR Memorial slated for Southpoint park are so fragile, as much as a 29 ton rock can be fragile, that special arrangements had to be made to ship each of the expected 70 blocks to Roosevelt Island. The blocks start their in North Carolina and required special rigging for their truck drive up to Jersey City before being shipped via barge to Southpoint Park.

The full story of the requirements taken to ensure each blocks integrity can be found here.

New Parking Spaces Chalked Out

The first new on street parking spaces on Roosevelt Island are starting to be chalked out between the subway station and the Blackwell House Triangle along the West Road facing Manhattan.

Sorry no photos yet as the camera on my phone was not working this morning.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Did Tyra Banks & ANTM Film on the Tram Before Residents Got to Ride It?


According to a TV Blog's post of earlier today the models of Tyra Bank's TV reality show America's Next Top Model, in this week's episode, each took a spin on the Roosevelt Island Tram with a male model to test how well each model broke the ice with a new colleague.

When was this filmed? I sure hope it was not recently as RIOC and POMA test out the Tram. If it's a new episode would they be only playing an episode now that was filmed prior to March 2010? That seems strange. So maybe they did film this recently? Seems improbable at best.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Cat Adoption Day !

It's cat adoption day on Roosevelt Island. Come view the cats and kittens down by the Farmers Market and adopt one out of the cold and into your warm heart (and apartment).





Friday, November 5, 2010

Residents Land Bound During Marathon - No Tram Views This Year

Unfortunately as compared to years past, Roosevelt Island residents will not be able to view the 2010 ING NYC Marathon from the lofty views afforded by the Roosevelt Island Tram. So I figured to present a couple of shots from years past of how great those views were and will be again for next year and years after that once the Tram is back online.



Thirteen.Org “City Concealed” Documentary to Reveal Four Freedoms Park and Island Lighthouse


According to the Thirteen.Org news release:

“After two successful seasons of spotlighting un-tread landmarks of New York, The City Concealed returns with nine new episodes, taking viewers into historic sites within all five New York boroughs. The series presents unknown or inaccessible, though culturally-priceless, areas to the Web and into online conversations.


A mainstay of THIRTEEN.ORG’s locally-focused online video content, as well as a 2010 Webby Award Nominee for best documentary series, The City Concealed goes inside even more elusive locations for its new season: from the last Greek Synagogue in all of New York, to the abandoned Ft. Tilden at the tip of The Rockaways, to the remote hiking trails of Staten Island.”


Starting Novemeber 9th and each week after the series will explore a new site. The episode dedicated to the Four Freedoms Park and, according to Thirteen, Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse will debut sometime in December.

Daytime Bridge Closures Nov. 9th and 10th

From: RIOC
Date: Friday Nov. 5, 2010

Please be advised the DOT will be performing test openings on the Roosevelt Island Bridge on Tuesday, November 9th and Wednesday, November 10th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Can Giants Settle on Roosevelt Island?

Recently I came upon this Otterness Giant at a playground on West 42nd between 11th and 12th and thought it would be so cool to install a similiar Giant on Roosevelt Island facing Manhattan.

If it were possible where on the Island would you place this guy? On Rivercross Lawn, Blackwell Park, at Manhattan Park, Lighthouse Park, or by Firefighter's Field?

A Stairway to Heaven Returned



Quite quietly escalator ES416 returned to service this week at the Roosevelt Island subway station connecting the lower mezzanine to the upper mezzanine. It was slated to reopen September 19th a date that came and was gone with no fan fare or explanation as to why service had not been restored. The escalator had been taken out of service I believe in early to mid July from what I recall.

No big fuss was made by this blog as generally ES415 right next to it was up and running most days allowing riders to make their way up towards street level (or at least half way there).

All I can say is we generally take the escalators for granted until that time or two when they are out and you are carrying more bags than you would want to climbing the steps out after a long day.

Does this post have any real point other than to thank the MTA for finally finishing this project? Not really.



Tuesday, November 2, 2010

WIRE-BULLETIN: Katz Wins RIRA Presidency

Katz Victor in RIRA Presidential Election

Matthew Katz reclaimed the Presidency of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association in voting today, 887 to 496. Ellen Polivy, running unopposed for a second term as Vice President, received 1033 votes.
Full results in the RIRA Election and the General Election will be posted later this evening on Website NYC10044 at http://nyc10044.com.

Polls Open Until 9pm Tonight

If you have not voted yet all polling stations on Roosevelt Island should be open until 9:00 pm tonight.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fw: WIRE-BULLETIN: TWO ELECTIONS on Roosevelt Island tomorrow

------Original Message------
From: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
To: WIRE-bulletin@nyc10044.com
ReplyTo: Dick Lutz / The Main Street WIRE
Sent: Nov 1, 2010 3:22 PM
Subject: WIRE-BULLETIN: TWO ELECTIONS on Roosevelt Island tomorrow

Roosevelt Island Votes Tomorrow

Islanders will go to the polls in two elections tomorrow -- the General Election in which a New York State governor will be elected, along with State Assemblymember, State Senator, and Member of Congress -- and the Residents Association (RIRA) election, in which voters will choose a President and Common Council members to serve for the next two years.

All Island residents 18 and over (regardless of registration or country of citizenship) are eligible to vote in the RIRA Election. The sole Island-wide race is for the Presidency of the organization, with incumbent Frank Farance facing a challenge from Matthew Katz, who held the organization's presidency for three past terms.
Voting in this election will be from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at three locations:
Octagon residents will vote at a machine in The Octagon.
Southtown residents will vote at a machine in the lobby at 455 Main Street.
All others will vote at PS/IS 217.

Video of Wednesday night's debate between Farance and Katz is available through the link at http://nyc10044.com

Only registered voters are eligible to vote in the General Election. Voting locations, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., are:
Goldwater Hospital for part of Southtown.
Coler Hospital for The Octagon.
PS/IS 217 for River Road addresses and the "WIRE" buildings (510 through 625 Main Street).
Questions? Call the Board of Elections via 311 or 866-868-3692.

------Original Message Truncated------

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Will it Create Parking Spaces out of Thin Air ?


A snippet of the new release about the new parking system. We all know we have a limited amount of parking spaces on the streets of Roosevelt Island and we all know the same cars seem to hog the spaces day to day. Will this make the situation better? I am not wholly sure how this works yet or how it creates more parking spaces but it appears to be another step by RIOC Board Member Jonathan Kalkin to be innovative and bring RIOC and Roosevelt Island into the next century through the use of technology.

"Innovative Sensor-Based Solution Creates New Parking Spaces Near
RooseveltIsland Subway and Historic Tramway

PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Streetline Inc. today announced that the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) will deploy Streetline's sensor-based smart parking solutions on New York's Roosevelt Island, part of the borough of Manhattan. Roosevelt Island is creating new "smart" parking spaces next to Roosevelt Island's subway and historic tramway. The innovative program, which marks Streetline's entry into the East Coast market, aims to help Roosevelt Island better assess its parking management policies, give citizens and visitors a better parking experience, and address traffic congestion.

The new "smart" parking spaces will be outfitted with Streetline's patented parking system which includes ultra-low power sensors that communicate with one another to deliver valuable real-time information, such as how long a caris parked and when a car enters and leaves a parking space. The initialsystem also lays the foundation for smart parking meters allowing for easierpayments and better pricing."


We shall see how the public takes to this as the new system goes into use. THe entire news release can be read here.

When asked about the system Mr. Kalkin responded with the following information:

Roosevelt Island presently has a number of parking issues. Parking in Motorgate is too expensive for short term parking, parking on Main Street is supposed to be for dropping off and picking up items and therefore it is limited to a maximum of forty five minutes. Some areas of the Island like Southtown are limited to two hours. However, if you walk the street you will see many cars parked there for more than twice that period or all day. Some of them have placards that are suspect, and many just feed the meter indefinitely.

As a result, if a person wants to drop off items at their place or just wants to have a friend in for a cup of coffee, parking becomes impossible. In addition, that person has to either drive around the island to look for a space which leads to additional pollution and traffic congestion, or drives all the way down to Motorgate and pays a hefty fee to park for that short period. All of these factors are a strain on Main Street and our
residents and visitors.


We want to encourage parking for it intended purpose, want to make sure that parking period of time is reasonable, and we want to relay that information to the resident or visitor. We also want to utilize more spaces by the hospital on the weekends and evenings (when they are usually empty) and in front of Southtown, but want these to be used efficiently. The information that parking is available ahead can be shown with signage on the street, on the internet, and on mobile devices. We can lower the price of short term parking at Motorgate to encourage the use of the facility for that purpose. Public Safety officers can flag vehicles electronically that use illegal placards and most importantly a vehicle in violation will be shown on their
mobile devices so they can spend their time more efficiently serving the
community or directing traffic on the street.


The sensors themselves will be embedded below ground so you won't see them. This is a trial that will eventually be integrated with our parking meters as well. This test phase is the start of several transportation and operations projects that we will be examining over the year like electric car charging stations powered by solar and east river tidal energy , bike sharing, LED energy efficient lighting, tap cards and mobile payments for the red bus and parking, arrival time clocks and information signs at the bus shelters and Tram stations, a SeeClickFix Island 311 system, a Solar
Hybrid Ferry, Island Park WIFI Internet, and a new Director of Transportation to make it all come together.


As the new Chair of the Operations Committee, I am excited to work with our dedicated team at RIOC and our tireless board members who help make this all possible. Roosevelt Island will lead the city and now the country with innovative solutions to our daily problems, making this place an even better place to live and work.


A video of the system in use can be found on You Tube HERE.

Monday, October 25, 2010

New Tram: Swinging Singles or Stable Studebakers ?


Like many Roosevelt Island residents we have been watching POMA and RIOC test out the new Tram cabins back and forth across the East River.

They are being touted as more stable and certainly the double hangar system on each tram would appear to support the concept of greater stability.

But from what I have been seeing they seem to be swinging a lot more than the old cabins from front to back as they make the platform. Perhaps this is operator controlled and will settle down with the weight of 110 passengers but it has been interesting to watch.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Both New Tram Cabins Waiting


As seen this morning and newly washed by last night's rain storm both new Roosevelt Island Tram cabins sit across from Southtown's plaza waiting for their November service debut.

It was reported yesterday by the Roosevelt Islander that the October return to service date has now been delayed until November, three months after the original date POMA and RIOC promised.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

I ♥ Roosevelt Island Logo Challenge


The New York Times City Room blog is requesting New Yorkers submit their ideas for using the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo. My idea which I submitted this evening is above. It is not very original or creative but it is already up on the NYT site along with many amazing variations.

The Tram picture is actually that of Dan Dickinson. I am hoping he is ok with its use here.

If you have other ideas involving Roosevelt Island show off your Island pride and submit them to the NY Times and also to me as I will display them on this blog as they are received.

945am: Second New Roosevelt Island Tram being Uncrated Now..

Reports are the second tram cabin for Roosevelt Island is being uncrated as I type these word. Too bad I am at work and can't be there. Check back later for pictures from friends of RI360 at the scene.

Eric

Monday, September 20, 2010

FDR Four Freedoms Park Billboard ?


I have not been over to the East River from the Manhattan side to see if the FDR Four Freedoms Billboard is back again this year but with the park construction and the UN in session I am assuming it is somewhere.

And with the United Nations back in session I am also assuming the US Coast Guard gun boats are back as well. The picture above was taken last year during this time.

Fw: United Nations General Assembly

------Original Message------
From: RIOC Advisories
To: RIOC Advisories
Sent: Sep 20, 2010 10:39 AM
Subject: United Nations General Assembly

As a reminder the NYC DOT Bridge Operations Unit and Koch/Skanska Contractors will be manning the Roosevelt Island Bridge for the United Nations General Assembly. Security Zone closures of the west channel of the East River will be in effect. The crews will be on the bridge from September 20, 2010 to September 27, 2010 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.


Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Please visit us on the web at www.rioc.com

If you wish to no longer receive these messages from us
please email us at unsubscribe@rioc.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

New Tram Cabin Arrives on Island !




One of the two new Tram cabins arrived on Roosevelt Island today. The ver helpful Judy Berdy forwarded a number of pictures to this blogger, the Roosevelt Islander and the Main Street WIRE.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

NY1: FDR Memorial Takes Shape on Roosevelt Island


NY1 is running a video regarding the ceremonies held at Southpoint park yesterday welcoming the first 25 granite blocks that will make up the Louis Kahn designed park and specificallt the "Room" that will sit at the foot of the new FDR Four Freedoms Park which is being built here on Roosevelt Island.


Link to the video HERE or above.

Voting Light at 715am at Roosevelt Island Polling Station

Voting this morning at the Roosevelt Island polling station was llight at 7:15am. I was only the15th voter for my electoral district. The individuals at the tables seemed pretty knowledgeable and not thrown by the new process. The same old signature books are in use.


The voting sheets were clearly understandable. The sheets could have used larger print fonts but each privacy voting area came equiped with a plastic magnifier sheet. I did not notice if there were privacy stations at wheel chair height as depicted above. I hope there were as they certainly are appropriate for our island.

My sheet was scanned quickly and without incident.


The polling station included about 4 election districts to which they had only two (2) scanning machines. Which was fiine for today when turnout is low but for a general election I am betting the scanning line will get long and they better bring more scanners.

All in all positive marks.

Note the above pictures are from the Board of Elections website as I forgot my camera this morning.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Waiting for the Tram as Magic School Bus


Last year at this time many Roosevelt Island kids began their morning commute to school via the Roosevelt Island Tram. With the current delays in getting the refurbished Tram back on line that was not to be. Perhaps we can look forward to Trick or Treating by Tram? Please please.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch Sees NO Reduction in Days or Hours


In the year that the NYPL almost took back its sixth day of library service, many branches are seeing reduced hours as a trade-off to keeping the sixth open day. But Roosevelt Island has been spared any cut back in hours and has been granted the abilty to not lose any hours for our residents to enjoy our local NYPL branch.

2006 Video re Hurricane Preparedness & Roosevelt Island

While it appears that Hurrican Earl will not be the be menace it was predicted for NYC the below post from February 19, 2009 is worth repeating. Most island residents still feel unsure what they would do in case of a hurricane hitting the island in light of our defined and limited ways off the island.....


As previously posted:




The above video is from a 2006 meeting regarding hurricane preparedness on Roosevelt Island. I stumbled upon it this evening and wanted obviously to post it here. The video was prepared by Manhattan Community Board 8 and was of a CB8M Public Safety meeting they held on Roosevelt Island in the Good Shepherd Community Center. The video is presented on a channel labeled CB8M Speaks.

I don't recall too many individuals feeling that the meeting answered all their questions but the video is clearly worth watching by all residents that were not there that afternoon.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Volunteering Your Local Bunny

We don't have any bunnies in our apartment but do you? If you do and if your bunny has a gentle disposition maybe your bunny can volunteer (along with you) at Coler Goldwater Hospital and make a difference.

There was a story in this weekend's NY Post about a Jackson Heights woman who volunteers her bunnies, via the Animal Medical Center (AMC) Pet Outreach Program and they come to Coler Goldwater here on Roosevelt Island. It made me wonder how many local bunnies (or other animals) we have on the Island that can volunteer and expand the program locally for patients at the hospital and perhaps also through the Roosevelt Island Senior Association and perhaps the Roosevelt island Disabled Association. Just an idea.

To volunteer for AMC’s Pet Outreach Program, call 212-838-8100 x7348.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

RI Visual Arts Assn : RI Tram Past & Future

A new exhibit to debut at RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association, of large photographs by Island resident Tad Sudol of the Roosevelt Island Tram from the old machine room along with the design for the permanent exhibition of the old tram's parts.


Monday, August 23, 2010

Donating Your Old Tram Tokens ?


Among the Roosevelt Island items that makes the rounds over at eBay are the old Tram tokens that were used prior to the Tram being connected to the MTA MetroCard system. I wonder how many of these old token are still in drawers across the Island.

If we set up one of those large water cooler bottles at the Visitor's Center once they re-open how many could we collect? Would be an interesting display. Perhaps then the Historical Society could sell them for $5 a token to the tourists.

Blog Wars: OYIT versus RI360?

Apparently I am engaged in a Blog War with One Year in Texas. I did not intend it. My children are safe for now but I worry about their future if I am wounded. It started here. Continued here. And for now the battle rages here. If you support me please man (or woman) your keyboards.

As an aside OYIT in Texas does like Rick's Roosevelt Islander blog. I did not know it but apparently Roosevelt Island is limited to one blog per 10,000 residents. I will have to check the General Development Plan when this place was set up.