Standing tall in the fight against COVID, Roosevelt Islanders lead the way forward into a promising New Year. Sticking together, lining up in the cold, calmly waiting for tests and vaccines, a community committed to a brighter future...
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Fight Against COVID Fills Good Shepherd Plaza

Meeting demand, on Tuesday, the city sent a third-party van to Roosevelt Island for testing as well as vaccinations.
Roosevelt Islanders did not disappoint. In the morning, the line for tests stretched the length of Good Shepherd Plaza, all the way to the East River.

Temperatures in the low 30s challenged anyone standing still for extended periods. And that included PSD officers braving the weather, maintaining lines and offering helpful advice.
Not as long but equally effective in the fight against COVID, the line for vaccinations parallelled the one for testing.

A Roosevelt Island only moment…
But then, in one of those Roosevelt Island only moments, Nisi’s owners came out with a rare gesture of generosity.
“While people waited to be tested by the church on Tuesday, the owner of NISI brought a large dispenser and distributed cups of hot chocolate to at least 100 people on the waiting lines, the testing-truck staff and RIOC Public Safety staff.”
Our thanks to our friend Sylvan Klein for the tip and especially to Nisi for investing in the community again.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Fatal Stabbing on J Train at Woodhaven Boulevard Spurs Subway Safety Concerns in QueensA fatal stabbing on J train at Woodhaven Boulevard raises fresh subway safety concerns in Queens, as NYPD investigates and riders reflect on recent incidents.
- J and M Train Weekend Service Changes: What Riders Need to KnowJ and M train weekend service changes will impact riders for five weekends as crews replace elevated track switches. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for modified schedules across Brooklyn and Queens.
- Coastal Flooding Disrupts Southeast Queens Streets and TransitCoastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
- Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYCAfter the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
- Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Disruption Across New York CityA powerful nor’easter brings flooding and disruption across New York City, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding impacting neighborhoods through the weekend.
“Yes. I’m Present.”
It is October 20, 2022, and the Cultural Center Theater at 548 Main Street has again been made to serve as a boardroom, its folding tables carrying the temporary authority of the state. The folding tables are perfect for RIOC. They support anything, question nothing and collapse under pressure. At 5:45 p.m., Chair Designee Alex Valella calls the meeting to order.











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