Holiday Tram Sleigh Cards 2008 ?

Over the last two years I recall that one enterprising resident was selling great holiday cards featuring the Tram as Santa's sleigh. I have not heard or seen the gentlemen yet this year but I have placed a call to the number he placed in last year's Main Street WIRE ad. We can only hope these cards are back as they were great.

Holiday Shopping Dec 4 at the Roosevelt Island Visitors Ctr

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Center located at the old trolley kiosk is offering holiday shopping on the evenings of December 4th and December 18th from 5pm to 9 pm each evening.

So as you come off the Tram or out of the subway stop on by. A variety of gifts are offered from jewelry, cards, books, calendars and toys. Refreshments will be served..

Merry Christmas from Roosevelt Island

Just to repeat a couple of holiday related pictures that I took over the last month….

Merry Christmas to those that celebrate the holiday !

Polar Bear, Penguin, & Reindeer Sighted on Main Street

Reindeer were sighted on Roosevelt Island all along Main Street. Each year children of all ages are treated to holiday decorations along Main Street and this year is no different. The lighted reindeer are a nice treat and the kids love sighting the few that are animated.

Chanukkah Events This Saturday Dec. 8th on Roosevelt Island

Today is the first day of Chanukkah. The menorah at Roosevelt Island’s Blackwell House was lit last night in honor of the first night. This coming Saturday evening there will be a special community candle lighting ceremony at Blackwell House hosted, I believe, by Rabbi Zalman Duchman. The below image is a partial image of the announcement from the December 1, 2007 issue of the Main Street WIRE.

The full announcement included the blessings for each night of Chanukkah which can also be found HERE. As noted in the announcement Chanukkah candles should be lit before Shabbat candles this coming Friday evening.



Earlier in the day on December 8th, following regular 11:30 am Shabbat morning services the Roosevelt Island Jewish Center will be hosting for its members and anyone attending services a Chanukkah party at the Shul located in the Cultural Center at 548 Main Street.



The Roosevelt Islander in the spirit of the holiday embedded HERE in his blog Adam Sandler’s always hilarious Chanukkah Song.

This Holiday is Brought to You By RIOC and Amalgamated Bank

Up until this holiday season I don't recall seeing professionally sponsored event or seasonal banners on Roosevelt Island's Main Street. Banners sponsored by RIOC or local organizations have been common place with respect to Island events but the above banner to my memory takes the sponsorship a step further.

Is Amalgamated Bank opening a branch here on Roosevelt Island? Based on the branch address on the banner it does not appear so. It's a nice gesture for a branch that is not within a short walking distance.

Don't get me wrong I am not against such sponsorships as long as they are tastefully done and don't overshadow the event, holiday, or local organization. And this one is not bad. But it is a step and with all such steps it can be a slippery slope.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Blackwell House

Tonight, November 29, 2007, the Roosevelt Island Holiday Tree was lit in a ceremony that included holiday carols, solo perfomances and a visit from Santa himself to children young and old. The festivities were held on the plaza outside Blackwell House. I expect full coverage from the Main Street WIRE in the next issue. My apologies for no close up shots of Santa and the festivities and I was on daddy duty until after the hoopla subsided.

The Holiday Season: Roosevelt Island Style

I figured we should start the holiday season with a photo that typified Island holiday spirit. [Doubleclick the image to enlarge]. This tram for those of that don't know is displayed year round in the Thrift Shop. Happy Holidays!