On Tuesday, October 31st, BP Oddo and Council Member Joe Borelli hosted Halloween Hoopla at Bloomingdale Park, which was transformed into “BOO!mingdale Park” for the day.

This annual Halloween event for kids and their families featured a puppet show by City Parks Foundation Puppet Mobile, pony rides from Helping Others Overcome Personal Handicaps (HOOPH), inflatable attractions, crafts, photo spots, music, a costume parade, and trick-or-treating.

“We are so happy to once again host this event for Staten Island families,” noted BP Oddo. “This has become a great tradition for Staten Islanders. It is wonderful to see parents and their kids come out for a day of Halloween fun.”
​
Over a thousand people attended the event. Check out more photos from the event below:

On Thursday, October 26th, BP Oddo, the technology company Uber, District Attorney Mike McMahon, the NYPD and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, a partnership to combat driving under the influence in Staten Island by offering all residents 2 free rides while out celebrating on Thanksgiving Eve. Mothers Against Drunk Driving remarked that Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Blackout Wednesday,” sees a spike in instances of drunk driving and this initiative aims to ensure that all Staten Islanders have a reliable ride around their communities.
 
Between the hours of 6pm on November 22 and 6am on November 23, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SISAFERIDE” to unlock 2 free rides, up to $15 each. The rides must start and end in Staten Island. 
 
The Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association have generously signed on as main sponsors of this initiative.  In addition, the Staten Island Rotary Club and Li Greci’s Staaten have also agreed to become sponsors. 
 
“We don’t want a single person getting behind the wheel of a car drunk,” said Borough President Oddo. “The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally a big party night where many make bad decisions. Through this partnership we want Staten Islanders to know that if they are planning on drinking that night, they have easy access to a ride both to their destination and back home. I know folks don’t always plan on driving drunk, instead they sometimes get a bit carried away while out with friends and then they don’t want to leave their car parked overnight in a neighborhood far from home. This initiative ensures that they can keep their cars home and not have to make that decision. I strongly urge those who going out in Staten Island that night to make the right choice and use the code for the free rides. Thank you to Uber for another important, potentially life-saving partnership with the Staten Island community.”
 
“We are proud to support the Borough President’s efforts to raise awareness about the risk of driving under the influence and help ensure Staten Island residents have a reliable ride home while out celebrating,” said Josh Gold, Senior Policy Manager, Uber NY. “As the Holiday season approaches, the need for more safe transportation options is more pronounced than ever and Uber always strives to arm people with more options when hitting the road.”
 
“For so many Staten Islanders, Thanksgiving Eve is a night to reconnect with old friends in our hometown. Unfortunately for some that means getting behind the wheel after drinking too much and putting lives at risk,” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of this potentially life-saving offer and make the responsible decision not to drink and drive.  But make no mistake about it – if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the NYPD will arrest you and my office will prosecute you to the full extent of the law. We are proud to partner with Borough President Oddo and Uber to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and provide safe travel alternatives for Staten Islanders.”
  
“The holiday season is a special time for joy and togetherness, but it’s also the one of the most dangerous times of the year because of the increased frequency of drunk driving,” said Tara Spohrer, MADD New York Walk Manager. “I applaud Borough President Oddo and District Attorney McMahon for their leadership in raising awareness around the risks of impaired driving this Thanksgiving Eve. Uber has been a proven tool to reduce drunk driving incidents and make our roads, children, and families safer and we encourage all Staten Island residents to take advantage of this partnership.”
 
“The Forest Avenue BID is thrilled to work with the Borough President’s initiative and to encourage the safety of our customers and neighbors on a night enjoyed by many,” said Megan Coppola, Forest Avenue BID Chair. “In being a part of this wonderful course of action, our highlighted restaurants and bars are helping commit to the safety of their patrons first and foremost and are truly showing what a great community West Brighton is.” 
 
“Our Board unanimously supports the Borough President on this initiative,” said Gary Fleming, President of The South Shore BID.  “There are many popular bar and restaurant locations in our District, and SI SAFE RIDE will highlight that these merchants are dedicated not only to their patrons, but to the community at large.”  
 
Richmond County Bar Association President Allyn Crawford said, “As President of the organization representing hundreds of Staten Island’s legal professionals, we are proud to support this innovative and common-sense partnership developed by Borough President Oddo, District Attorney McMahon, and Uber. Our members see firsthand the devastating impacts that a drunk driving incident has on our clients and their families. By incentivizing Staten Islanders to make the right choice and leave their car at home this Thanksgiving Eve, we are reinforcing the fact that driving drunk on our streets is completely avoidable.” 
 
In 2003, Oddo and McMahon, then City Council Members, sponsored “Operation Arrive Alive,” a similar, though low-tech initiative that relied on bartenders to call a cab for patrons who requested one.  The 2017 version is different in that it allows patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to.  
 
Each trip has a maximum value of $15. If a ride costs more than $15, riders will receive that much as a credit and will be responsible for the remaining money due.    
 
Uber has been proven to help reduce drunk driving across America. For example, DUI arrests in Seattle decreased by more than 10% after Uber started serving riders and drivers in the city, according to a recent study.  A recent independent study conducted by Temple University found cities where Uber operates have 3.6%-5.6% fewer drunk driving deaths than cities without access to ridesharing.

A report by Uber and MADD released in January concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes.
 
Initiative sponsors, the Forest Avenue BID and the South Shore BID, include the following nightlife establishments: Curly Wolf Saloon, Play, Joyce’s Tavern, Campania, Talk of The Town, Flanagan’s Tavern, Marmar Restaurant, Jody's Club Forest, Liberty Tavern, Ho Brah A Taco Joint, Cafe Milano, Kettle Black, Kings Arms Diner, 3 Guys Sushi, Panini Grill, Burrito Bar & Restaurant, Duffy's, Bruno's Li Greci's Staaten, Casa Franco.

BP Oddo is pleased to join with NYC Health + Hospitals to provide free flu shots on Monday, October 30th from 10am to 3pm. The drive will take place at Borough Hall in Room 125.
 
Seasonal influenza, commonly called “flu,” is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract (the nose, throat, and lungs) and can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications.
 
Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. The flu can cause mild to severe illness for days, and in some cases can lead to more serious health problems and even death. It is estimated that every year in the United States, about 5% to 20% of the population gets flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. Each year, more than 2,000 New Yorkers die from flu-related illness.
 
Those at high risk for serious flu complications include pregnant women, children under five years of age, adults over 65, nursing home residents and people with other serious health conditions.
 
“I’m happy to partner again with Health + Hospitals to bring Staten Islanders free flu shots,” noted BP Oddo. “As the weather begins to get colder, it’s important to get vaccinated against the flu, especially if you might be at risk of complications. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself as well as those around you from this illness.”
 
No appointment is necessary to receive a flu shot. Those presenting for a flu shot need to sign a consent form and show photo ID.
 

Borough President James Oddo will host a screening of the film “The Ghost Army.” The screening, which is open to the public, will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:30pm.

Following the film, there will be a Q&A with filmmaker Rick Beyer. Light refreshments will be served.

The award-winning documentary film details the story of the top secret 1100-man unit that, from June 1944 to March 1945, misled, deceived, and befuddled the German military tacticians and planners. The film discusses the unit’s strategies during WWII to misdirect the enemy, using illusions such as inflatable rubber tanks and trucks, fake radio transmissions, and simulated airfields and planes.

“I was fascinated when I learned about the tactics of the ‘Ghost Army,’ and subsequently posted about the documentary on our office’s Facebook page so more people could learn about it,” noted BP Oddo. “After I posted it, I was contacted by Rick Beyer, President of the Ghost Army Legacy Project and director of the documentary. He was appreciative of our effort to call attention to the heroic work of these soldiers and agreed to join us at a screening of the film. I invite all Staten Islanders who are interested in military history to attend this free event.”

Beyer said, "What these men did in World War II is nothing short of amazing, and I am grateful to Jim Oddo for helping me share this eye-opening piece of history with an audience on Staten Island." 

The screening is free, but due to limited seating, RSVPs are required. Please contact Renee Sarno at (718) 816-2133 or RSarno@StatenIslandUSA.com to RSVP.

On Thursday, October 19th, BP Oddo joined with City Council Member Joe Borelli, NYSDOT Regional Director Sonia Pichardo and other NYSDOT officials to announce the completion of the new sidewalks on Drumgoole Road West between Lenevar Avenue and Bloomingdale Road.

Since the completion of Bloomingdale Park, a glaring omission has been the lack of sidewalks along the service road. The completion of this decade-long project has been much anticipated. After a meeting at Borough Hall in the summer of 2016, New York State DOT agreed to build the sidewalks to make this area safer. 

The project began in June and is now complete. This sidewalk will aid access to Bloomingdale Park and improve safety for Staten Islanders.

"The Governor and State DOT are 'walking the walk' on this much needed safety improvement, and now Staten Islanders can walk more safely,” said Borough President Jim Oddo. “They heard our plea for assistance and they acted, and their action will directly help seniors, runners and cyclists, those pushing baby strollers, and everyday Staten Islanders out for a stroll to the park. Thank you for 'doing' and helping!"

"Increasing New Yorkers' mobility and ease of travel is a top priority of this administration," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "Projects like the sidewalk upgrades on Staten Island are key to improving the safety for both pedestrians and motorists, and by making it easier for residents to walk, run and bike, we are improving the quality of life for all Staten Islanders."
​
This sidewalk construction was part of the State’s $5.4 million project to make safety improvements and ease traffic flow at the parkway’s interchange.

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that his postponed meet and greet event with Jocko Willink has been rescheduled. The leadership instructor, former Navy SEAL, and author of #1 New York Times bestselling book Extreme Ownership will meet Staten Islanders on Thursday, November 2nd at 8pm at The Petrides School (please note changed location).

The event, which was originally scheduled for today, was postponed due to the death of Commander Seth Stone, Willinks’s “brother” and best friend. Commander Seth Stone was a two time winner of the Silver Star, awarded for his heroic acts in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He was most recently assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific in Hawaii, a unit that receives Navy personnel from the Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego. Commander Stone tragically died in a sky diving accident a couple of weeks ago.
 
“SEAL team members take their responsibilities to one another, in life and death, very seriously indeed. Jocko needed to step up to help Commander Stone’s family and was forced to cancel his appearance on Staten Island, scheduled for October 18. We mourned the loss of this hero and felt for our friend. We respected his continued loyalty and service to his team. We also knew at some time in the future, Jocko would in fact come to Staten Island, and our gathering would be even more poignant and profound. That time is now officially November 2nd,” noted BP Oddo.

Willink is also the author of kids’ book Way of the Warrior Kid, the chosen book for The Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge. Through the challenge, the Borough President’s office distributed nearly 1,300 copies of the book to 4th graders throughout the borough. Prior to the meet and greet, Willink will be speaking at the official recognition ceremony for the students who participated in the program.

Willink’s newest book, Discipline Equals Freedom, was recently released. This book discusses his strategies and tactics for becoming a stronger individual, both mentally and physically.

“I am really looking forward to meeting the folks out on Staten Island. There is a lot of negativity in the world right now—we see it on the news every day. But there are also a lot of people out there trying to make the world a better place. That’s what I see in this event and in this community of people. They want to take action to improve themselves, their neighborhood, their city, state, and the world. That is inspiring in its own right and I can’t wait to meet them all,” Willink said. 
​
Books will be available for purchase at the meet and greet event. Admission is free, but RSVPs are requested due to limited seating capacity. You can find the link to sign up at https://www.statenislandusa.com/jocko.html. 

Borough President James S. Oddo will host “Halloween Hoopla,” a free Halloween event for children and their families, on Tuesday, October 31st from 2 to 5 PM. 

For the annual event, Bloomingdale Park will be transformed into “Boo!mingdale Park.” The event will feature a hay maze, pony rides, inflatable attractions, crafts, photo spots, music, a costume parade and trick-or-treating. Food will be available for purchase from Cheech A’ Cini’s Italian Grill Truck.  

“We welcome Staten Island families to join us at ‘Boo!mingdale Park’ for this special Halloween celebration that kids of all ages will enjoy,” said BP Oddo.
​
Council Member Joe Borelli is co-sponsoring the event.

​Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that he will host another round of free thyroid cancer screenings at Borough Hall. The screenings will take place on Tuesday, October 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Conference Room 125. The screenings are sponsored by HeartScan Services.
 
The rate of diagnosis of thyroid cancer has increased in recent years due to improvements to technology. In many cases, physicians cannot feel a nodule, but cancer can be detected through ultrasound screenings. The survival rate of thyroid cancer is very high when the cancer is found in early stages.
 
This is the second round of thyroid screenings the office has sponsored this year. In July, over 60 Staten Islanders participated in the screenings.
 
“I encourage all Staten Islanders to take advantage of these free screenings,” said Borough President Oddo. “We are providing these services to encourage Staten Islanders to engage in preventative measures and take charge of their health. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.”
 
An appointment must be made to be screened. Contact Renee Sarno at 718-816-2133 to reserve your appointment.