Blog Archives

Borough President James Oddo cuts the ribbon for RUMC's New Women's Comprehensive Center

1/30/2014

Borough President James Oddo joined the leadership of Richmond University Medical Center on January 30, at the ribbon cutting for RUMC’s Women’s Comprehensive Center on Amboy Road in Eltingville.

The Center’s mission is to treat women of all stages of life, from obstetrical and gynecological care to primary care, bone density scanning, weight management and overall wellness. What makes the Center stand out is its holistic approach to patients. In addition to patient exam rooms, the Center boasts a large meditation space for yoga. The Center will offer yoga, prenatal yoga, acupuncture and stress reduction techniques to interested patients.

“During my campaign, I stressed how important health and wellness are in our community,” he said from the podium at the opening ceremony. “Preventive medicine is where healthcare is going across the country. This is a milestone for women on Staten Island. I thank RUMC for putting the tools in place to control your destiny.

January 29th, 2014

1/29/2014

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, a gem nestled in Rosebank, will be highlighted in the Travel Channel’s show, “Mysteries at the Museum” on January 30 at 9 p.m. The show looks at museums across the country and looks at interesting artifacts and often reveals shocking revelations about history. The museum, located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, was home to true inventor of the telephone Antonio Meucci, and his wife while they lived on Staten Island. An Italian immigrant and inventor, Meucci welcomed freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi into his home for nearly two years while he was in the New York City area. After leaving his friend in 1854, Garibaldi led the military forces that would ultimately lead to the unification of Italy, making him a hero throughout the world. The home, originally on the property of the Bachman Brewery, was moved to its present location in 1907. Open as a museum under the Order of the Sons of Italy, the home houses artifacts of both Garibaldi and Meucci. On the first floor, Meucci’s parlor is filled with items he invented, including a prototype of the telephone, a piano he built of wood and a rocking chair. In addition, his death mask is on display. Across the hall, Garibaldi’s “red shirt” is on display with his spectacles and hair. On the second floor, the room where Garibaldi lived is furnished much the way it would have been during his stay. There is also a library of texts of Italian culture and history on the second level.

“The museum is a unique secret on Staten Island,” noted Borough President James Oddo. “It played an important role in history. Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, lived there and actually had a working telephone in his home. And Giuseppe Garibaldi was a true hero to many people. It’s exciting that we have this living history right down the street.”

For more information about the museum, go to www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org.
The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and also hosts special events throughout the year. The phone number is 718.442.1608.

Free Emergency Preparedness Training Feb. 1

1/27/2014

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it is evident now more than ever that civilians will benefit from proper training on how best to assist their families and neighbors during emergencies or disasters.

The Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program, a new state program, will equip folks with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to changing conditions.

The initiative, set to launch on Feb. 1 in New Dorp, will train 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. The first session, sponsored by Borough President James Oddo and State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, will provide an introduction to responding to natural or man-made disasters, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on essential supplies.

A key component is the distribution of response kits, which include batteries, face masks, food bars, water bottles and a first aid kit, among other necessities. Every training participant will receive a free kit (maximum of one per family).

Training sessions will be led by the New York National Guard, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

New York State and the Borough President will offer a two-hour training session for residents on Saturday, Feb. 1 at New Dorp High School, 465 New Dorp Lane, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Due to limited space, participants should register in advance at http://www.nyprepare.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/

Call 518-242-5153 for more information.

Staten Island Doctor Appointed Head of HHC

1/21/2014

Borough President James Oddo is hopeful that the city’s Health and Hospital Corporation will expand services to Staten Islanders now that Island physician Ramanathan Raju has been named to lead the city agency. In fact, he said his mentor and now counsel, retired judge John Fusco, is a former neighbor of Dr. Raju's. Oddo said those personal connections are valuable to building good working relationships.

"The fact that he's a Staten Islander in a position of authority in a governmental entity that has essentially ignored Staten Island can only be seen as a good thing," Oddo said. "And I'm taking it as a good thing."

Staten Island Borough President James Oddo kicks off series of visits to each public school

1/15/2014

Borough President Oddo, keeping his campaign promise to visit Staten Island public schools one-by-one, visited PS78/PS14 in Stapleton on January 15, just two weeks after taking office. After touring the school and talking with the principals, teachers and students, Borough President Oddo is interested in getting better equipment for the school, including a Smart Board. "Clearly this building is one of the hubs of the Stapleton community. The better we can make the learning environment for these kids, the better it will be for the community," Oddo said.

Staten Islanders Flock to Borough Hall for BP James Oddo's Open House

1/5/2014

On January 5, newly sworn in Borough President James Oddo hosted an open house at Borough Hall to give constituents a chance to pop in, ask questions and get answers at "the people's house." More than 200 Staten Islanders accepted the invitation.

"It's just what I wanted," said Oddo, who received the stream of guests in his office along with top aides. "Everyone was welcome."

NEWS