BP Oddo is pleased to announce the lineup for his 2018 Summer Sunset Concert Series. All concerts will take place at 7pm. The Thursday night concert schedule is as follows:
 
June 28th—Silver Lake Park (Forest Ave. at Haven Esplanade) featuring Midnight Mischief and Freepass
July 5th—Midland Beach Splaza (Fr. Capodanno Blvd. at Seaview Ave) featuring Brothers Dynamite and The Resistance
July 12th—Bloomingdale Park (Ramona Ave. and Lenevar Ave) featuring Generations and Joan Caddell and the Midnight Choir
July 19th—Snug Harbor Cultural Center (1000 Richmond Terrace) featuring London Fogg and JazzOut4tet
July 26th—Westerleigh Park (Neal Dow Ave. and Maine Ave.) featuring 8 Track and JD and the All Stars
August 2nd—Wolfe’s Pond Park (Cornelia Ave. and Chester Ave.) featuring Echoes of Time and The Dreamers
August 9th—Fort Wadsworth (210 New York Avenue) featuring 42nd Division Infantry Band
August 16th—Historic Richmond Town (441 Clarke Ave.) featuring Anthony DeRoss and Julia Gargano
August 23rd—Conference House Park (298 Satterlee Street) featuring Cause & the Effects
 
A special concert with headliners Vito Picone and the Elegants celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the release of their number one single “Little Star” will take place on Saturday, August 11th at 7pm at Midland Beach Splaza (Fr. Capodanno Blvd. at Seaview Ave). Opening acts include Vinnie Medugno, Midlife Crisis Trio, and The Expressions.
 
In addition, BP Oddo is announcing the dates for this year’s Back to the Beach festival, which is sponsored by the Carl V. Bini Fund. Back to the Beach will take place on Saturday, July 14th and Sunday, July 15th on the Midland Beach Promenade. Fireworks will follow the festivities on Saturday night.
 
“We are excited to continue to provide great music for Staten Islanders to enjoy,” said BP Oddo. “This is a wonderful way for people to spend time in our parks and experience some of the homegrown talent our borough has to offer. I’m also thrilled to host the 60th anniversary celebration for ‘Little Star’ and celebrate our good friend Vito Picone. Good music should be enjoyed!”
 
The Summer Sunset Concert Series is sponsored by BP Oddo and Council Members Debi Rose, Steven Matteo, and Joe Borelli. 

For more information on the concert series, click here.

The Borough President's office released the draft of a borough-wide data strategy to combat the opioid epidemic. The preliminary report, entitled “Critical Measures for Tracking the Opioid Epidemic and Accelerating the Response on Staten Island,” reflects community input, research, and close collaboration with local experts, front-line workers, family members, clinicians, and individuals in recovery. The full draft can be found here.
 
Following the release of this draft, the second public comment period will be open through June 14, 2018. The Borough President’s Office is seeking input from Staten Islanders on the proposed measures and what can be done to move them in the right direction. Members of the public can comment here.
 
“The highlight of this endeavor has been the level of engagement and collaboration by our local partners who, notwithstanding the demanding day-to-day responsibilities on the front lines of this epidemic, have been informing our work and guiding us every step of the way,” said Borough President Oddo. “The way the borough’s treatment providers, first responders, government entities, hospitals and healthcare professionals, non-profits, and so many others have come together to serve a common cause during this challenging moment in our history pushes our office to do everything that we can to support them and their efforts to save lives. To that end, with the release of this draft report, we move closer to our goal of developing a borough-wide data strategy to align and thereby strengthen the collective response to this epidemic.”
 
In February, BP Oddo launched this initiative—in partnership with faculty at Johns Hopkins University and Northwell Health—to take a comprehensive look at the opioid crisis on Staten Island and develop a data strategy that would enable an accurate assessment of the progress made to date. The goal of the project is to identify a core set of measures to guide and align all of the invaluable work being done in the borough every day.
 
The road to this draft started with an open call for ideas, which generated nearly 100 submissions from Staten Island residents suggesting the measures that they believed were essential to tracking progress and planning efforts to address the opioid crisis. Then the office turned to the borough’s local experts—NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, District Attorney Michael McMahon’s Office, the New York City Police Department, the Staten Island Performing Provider System, Northwell Health/Staten Island University Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness, and many more in a long list of key partners—to learn from their work and experience on Staten Island. 
 
To synthesize local input and a rapidly growing body of scientific evidence, the office assembled an Opioid Data Working Group of nationally renowned experts on data strategies and best practices to address opioid-related harms. The Opioid Data Working Group featured:
 
•  Anthony C. Ferreri, DBA (Chair). Dr. Ferreri is the former CEO of Staten Island University Hospital and is now Senior Advisor to the Borough President.
 
• Chinazo O. Cunningham, M.D., M.S. Dr. Cunningham is Professor and Associate Chief of General Internal Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
 
• Marc N. Gourevitch, MD, MPH. Dr. Gourevitch is Professor and Chair of the Department of Population Health at the NYU School of Medicine.
 
• Jonathan Morgenstern, PhD. Dr. Morgenstern is Assistant Vice President for Addiction Services at Northwell Health and Professor of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine.
 
• Nora Santiago, M.S. Ms. Santiago is Urban Policy Analyst and GIS Specialist at CUNY College of Staten Island.
 
“Staten Island is using data strategically in the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. “If critical efforts can come together across the Borough to move these measures, many lives will be saved.”
 
Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell  Health, said, “Northwell Health and Staten Island University Hospital are prepared to step in and do what we can to assist the borough president in combatting this public health crisis, which has already destroyed countless lives on Staten Island. Working collaboratively with law enforcement, government and community leaders, Northwell and its substance abuse treatment providers can bring clinical and research resources that can help turn the tide of this epidemic.”
 
District Attorney Michael McMahon said, “Make no mistake, the drug epidemic on Staten Island still rages across our borough. This crisis knows no bounds, and has taken a heavy toll on people of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds; we see it firsthand every day. Bringing together our treatment, government, first responder and law enforcement communities will better align our efforts, ensuring we complement each other’s work and aim at the same target: ending the horrific scourge of addiction and overdose on Staten Island. Thank you to Borough President Oddo for spearheading this effort, and I look forward to the development of this important initiative”
 
Following this final public comment period, a final report will be released in June. 

Borough President James S. Oddo has announced that he is continuing the Patrick F. Daly Award after reviving it last year in honor of the 25th anniversary of Mr. Daly’s death. This award goes to two educators who exemplify the values of fallen principal Patrick Daly, who was gunned down in Red Hook, Brooklyn while searching for a student who had left the school building 26 years ago.

“I’m happy to continue this award in honor of Mr. Daly,” said BP Oddo. “This award gives us a great opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Daly’s legacy and sacrifice while also recognizing outstanding educators in our community.”

Anyone who may wish to nominate a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal may do so. The award will be given in Mr. Daly’s memory, honoring his legacy of service to the community, his steadfast commitment to his students, and his leadership.

"On behalf of the Daly family, I would like to thank the Borough President for keeping my father's memory and legacy alive as he continues to recognize the achievements of the many outstanding educators serving Staten Island’s students with this award," said Pat Daly, son of the fallen educator.

Nominations will be accepted through July 2nd. For full details, click here.

BP Oddo is excited to announce his office will once again host “Kids Day at the Carousel,” a free event for children and their families, on Saturday, June 9th from 12 to 5pm. The event will take place at the Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook Park.
 
Rides on the carousel will be sponsored by the Borough President’s office. In addition to free carousel rides, the event will feature inflatable attractions, chalk art, crafts, photo spots, and music. The New York Public Library will host story time at 1:30pm. The Rock-A-Silly band will perform from 3-4pm.
 
“It is wonderful to see families out enjoying everything our parks have to offer,” said BP Oddo. “Last year, hundreds of kids and their families came out to have a great day at the carousel, so I am happy to continue the fun this year.”
 
The event is co-sponsored by the New York Public Library.

​On Monday, May 21st, Borough President James S. Oddo recognized the important and heroic works of the Emergency Medical Services community with a special ceremony in their honor during National EMS Week at the Excelsior Grand.
 
The 26th Annual Emergency Services Recognition Ceremony honored several EMTs, paramedics, instructors and students in the emergency services community. Speakers included BP Oddo, FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard, and Dr. Glenn Asaeda, Chief Medical Director, FDNY. This event is unique to Staten Island.
 
“I want to thank the EMS community for all you do,” said BP Oddo. “You are there for us when our life is on the line. I am thankful we get to celebrate you this week, but know your efforts are appreciated every day.”
 
A full list of winners is below:
 
Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Awards
Daniel Fennell – FDNY, Station 22
Anthony Mauro – FDNY, Station 23
Willard Wright – North Shore Rescue Squad
John Jelcic – Primary Care Ambulance
Anthony Arcello – Priority One Ambulance
Stephanie Velez – Priority One Ambulance
Lindita Karpuzi – Richmond County Ambulance
Louis Raffone – Richmond University Medical Center
Manuel Rodriguez – Richmond University Medical Center
Edgar Chico – Northwell Health (SIUH)
Susan Mahony – Northwell Health (SIUH)
John Giakas – Volunteer Heart Ambulance
Michael Trollo – Volunteer Heart Ambulance
 
Paramedic of the Year Awards
Ludmila Muller – FDNY, Station 22
Latisha Miller – FDNY, Station 23
Michael A. Pombo – Primary Care Ambulance
Dennis Kalogeropoulos – Priority One Ambulance
Shawn Langleiben – Richmond County Ambulance
Jeffrey Brown – Richmond University Medical Center
Moshe Stein – Richmond University Medical Center
Robert Garzone – Northwell Health (SIUH)
William Negron – Northwell Health (SIUH)
 
Frank W. Geib Memorial EMT Student of the Year Award
Eric Berger – Staten Island Emergency Medical Training
Brandon Perez – Training Institute for Medical Emergencies and Rescue
 
EMT Instructor of the Year Award
Thomas McCarthy – Staten Island Emergency Medical Training
Ryan Moccia – Training Institute for Medical Emergencies and Rescue

On Thursday, May 17th, BP Oddo announced a partnership with the Staten Island Advance to help promote the “Own the 18” anti-litter initiative. May 18th to 20th will be this year’s “Own the 18” weekend. “Own the 18” refers to a city law that requires business and homeowners alike to clean the street in front of their store or house to a distance of 18 inches from the curb.
 
The Staten Island Advance has generously donated four orchestra tickets to a show at the St. George Theatre for one lucky winner who “owns the 18” this weekend. To enter the contest, before-and-after clean up photos can be emailed or posted to Instagram anytime from Friday, May 18th through Sunday, May 20th. There is no limit to the number of photos that can be submitted, but there will only be one entry per person. At least one before and one after photo is required.
 
To submit photos, email them to photo@siadvance.com or post them to Instagram with the hashtag #ownthe18.
 
The winner can select one of the following shows:
Melissa Etheridge, June 19, 7:30pm
Stepehn Stills & Judy Collins, June 29, 8pm
Dion, July 20, 8pm
Midtown Men, October 13, 8pm
 
“We are grateful to Brian Laline and the Staten Island Advance for partnering with us to encourage Staten Islanders to join us in fighting Staten Island’s litter woes,” said BP Oddo. “I recognize that it is not all Staten Islanders who created this problem. But though you and I may not have caused it, I’m asking that we all pitch in to solve it. And as a bonus, you might end up enjoying some great entertainment for your efforts!”

You can learn more about the contest here.

​On Thursday, May 17th, Borough President James S. Oddo awarded Dee Vandenburg with the 2017 Maniscalco Award at a ceremony in Borough Hall. The ceremony, which was rescheduled due to a snowstorm earlier this year, was followed by a reception in the main hall with fare by the Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts Program and music by the Tottenville High School Saxophone Quartet.
 
The Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award was established in 1986 in honor of the ninth borough president. Maniscalco's tenure from 1955 to 1965 saw the creation of the Greenbelt and the construction of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The award celebrates the civic-mindedness and tireless energy of individuals or organizations that work to help community members in need and to make Staten Island a better place.
 
“Simply stated, Dee Vandenburg is someone who gives a damn about our community. She has toiled for many years, calling out instances of when government can and must do better. I know it’s cliché, but she truly is a fighter for our community. She takes on these fights not because of any promise of a reward, but solely to improve Staten Island. She is a worthy recipient of the Maniscalco Award,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
Dee G. Vandenburg, a community leader and activist dedicated to improving Staten Island, currently serves as president of the Staten Island Taxpayers’ Association. Born on Long Island, she moved to Staten Island in 1969. Ms. Vandenburg began her long history of involvement with the local community when she moved to the former Spanish Camp, located in Annadale, and joined the fight to save the Camp from destruction. It was there that she met Lorraine Sorge, president of the Staten Island Taxpayers' Association (SITA), and Alice Ruch, SITA's general vice president. Determined to improve the quality of life for all Staten Islanders, Ms. Vandenburg joined SITA in 1996. In 2001, Ms. Vandenburg was elected president of the organization, which assists local civic associations and acts as a liaison to government on behalf of Staten Islanders.
 
Ms. Vandenburg regularly attends community meetings and has written hundreds of letters enthusiastically supporting or vehemently opposing various projects. She works closely with members of various governmental agencies and elected officials on issues relating to the environment, zoning, transportation, overdevelopment, and parks and recreation.
 
After Sandy hit, she dedicated her time on issues relating to the shoreline, serving on committees for the US Army Corps of Engineers, NY Rising, USDA Wetlands Restoration Buyout, Build It Back, and the NYC Department of City Planning.
 
In addition to her volunteer work, Ms. Vandenburg worked as a general mechanic for the MTA on the Staten Island Railway from 1989 to 2013. She previously worked in various positions at several Wall Street firms. She currently serves as a Community Construction Liaison for SI Engineering.
 
In 2008, Ms. Vandenburg received the Natural Resources Protective Association's Civic Leadership Award. State Senator Andrew Lanza awarded her the New York State Woman of Distinction Award in 2010.
 
She resides in Huguenot with her husband Rickie Smith.
 
“I don't have to like the answer; I just have to get an answer from the never-ending levels of government," Ms. Vandenburg said about her tireless work on behalf of her community.
 
Here are the past winners of the Maniscalco Award:
 
Richard E. Diamond, John L.F. Sipp, Norma D’Arrigo, Allan Weissglass, Martin Stallone, Roger E. Acker, Reverend Robert I. Gannon, Michael F. Manzulli, Michael J. Petrides, Marie G. Martino, Frank Powers, Susie Hyun Sook Beidel, Brian J. Laline, Reverend Hattie Smith-Davis, and Joseph V. Madory, Lou Caravone, Jose Joe Valentin, Nancy Passeri, retired Borough Commander Anthony Marra, Reverend Terry Troia, Senator John J. Marchi, Wendy Pellegrino, Fred Ariemma, Joanne E. Gerenser, Ph.D., Dr. S. Chitoor Govindaraj, Kathryn Krause Rooney, the Siller Family, George and Maria Esposito, the Mannix Family, the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation, William A. Morris Jr., and Lois and Richard Nicotra.

​On Tuesday, May 8th, Deputy Borough President Ed Burke and members of the Petrides family and scholarship committee presented the Michael J. Petrides Student Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science to Kathleen Coen, a student at Notre Dame Academy.
 
The annual award is given to a graduating high school senior who excels in math and science. Each Staten Island high school is asked to submit a single nominee, from which the honoree and runner-up are selected. The award is named for Michael J. Petrides, a legendary Staten Island educator, who died in 1994.
 
Highly-motivated and intelligent, Kathleen Coen ranks in the top 5% of her class at Notre Dame Academy. She has taken twelve advanced placement classes, but her skills go far beyond her work in the classroom. Kathleen has been an active leader of her school’s Girls Who Code Club for the last two years, which led to her participation in the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program placement at Goldman Sachs. Last year, she won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for her Steer Clear app. The app works to combat drunk driving by helping users find free and safe rides with a registered designated driver at the party he or she is attending and is available for download through the Google Play Store. In the summer before her junior year, Kathleen earned a fellowship at the Office of Naval Research, where she conducted research on the efficiency of solid state drives through the use of Python scripting and oscilloscopes. Kathleen has also been serving as an intern at AECOM during the last two school years, shadowing leaders in the architecture and engineering community as they proposed new projects to clients. In addition to her work outside school, Kathleen is the Captain of the Notre Dame Academy Forensics Speech and Debate Team and is a member of the Notre Dame Academy Varsity Swim Team.
 
“I am always impressed by our nominees,” noted Borough President Oddo. “The Petrides Award has been given to many remarkable students over the years, and this year is no exception. Congratulations to our winner and to all the nominees for being the best and brightest in our community.”
 
James Venditto of Moore Catholic High School was named first runner up.
 
A full list of nominees is below:
Don Jonathan M. Codipilly, Port Richmond High School
Kathleen Coen, Notre Dame Academy
Qi (Ella) Fan, Staten Island Academy
Timur Ibragimov, Staten Island Technical High School
Sabina Kraja, Michael J. Petrides School
Julia LoCascio, St. Joseph Hill Academy
Anastasia Maximenko, New Dorp High School
Batool Mulla, Susan E. Wagner High School
Emma, Newgarden, St. John Villa Academy
Priya Singh, Tottenville High School
Amy Tang, Ralph R. McKee Career & Technical High School
Olivia Tobi, Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School
Cherilyn Uhm, Curtis High School
Jake Valensi, Monsignor Farrell High School
James Venditto, Moore Catholic High School
Emily Wodzinski, CSI High School for International Studies