Blog Archives

New link lists discounts for veterans, active duty service members

11/26/2014

In his ongoing efforts to highlight the service of Veterans, Borough President James Oddo has added a new link to the Veterans Affairs tab of this web site. On the heels of a wonderful art exhibit during November and two workshops that focused on job seeking and VA benefits, the new link is available at www.statenislandusa.com/veterandiscounts and features an alphabetical list of local and national companies that offer discounts to Veterans and Active Duty Service members.

Many companies – from auto parts to home improvements to restaurants - offer discounts to Veterans who present Veteran identification and active duty service members who present proper identification. If your business offers a discount, please contact the Borough President's Office.

Quality-of-life issues, info can now be accessed on the BP’s new app BP Assist is available for free for iPhone and Android

11/20/2014

We are excited to announce BP Assist, the new mobile app for smart phones that allows Staten Island residents and visitors to quickly and efficiently report quality-of-life issues, such as potholes, litter, graffiti and much, much more. Reports made will be instantly transmitted to the Borough President's Help Line, and then directed to the appropriate agency for remedial action. It also gives users access to Staten Island specific information, including upcoming events, the ferry schedule, and important phone numbers. Downloading the app will allow you to receive notifications about emergencies, traffic conditions, and other important issues. For more information, visit statenislandusa.com/bpassist or download it from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

In addition to the ease of reporting issues and being able to snap a photo of the condition and send it, the app will also update the data collection system used by the Help Line staff and help the Borough President see trends and recommend improvements across city agencies.

Don’t have a smartphone? No problem, the Help Line is still available at (718) 816-2000 or you can use a version of the app right on our web site at www.statenislandusa.com/bpassist

Happy reporting!

‘Two fer Tuesday’ has new meaning on Staten Island

11/18/2014

Borough President James Oddo teamed up with Ken Dashow of Q104.3 to kick off a new anti-litter program on Tuesday, November 18. Piggybacking off of the radio station’s popular “Two-Fer Tuesday” program, where the station plays two songs in a row by the same artist, the program encourages Staten Islanders to pick up two pieces of litter every Tuesday, take a picture, and post it to social media. The station will give out concert tickets and other prizes to winners once a month for the next year.

"It's a fun way of showing your love for music, showing your affinity for the radio station, showing your love for Staten Island and being part of the solution,” said Borough President Oddo.

To enter, post your picture to social media with the hashtag #twofertuesday or send it directly to the station via their web site.

Sodabriety Challenge officially kicks off

11/13/2014

On November 13, 2014, Borough President Oddo asked teenagers to “kick the can” as they began the “Sodabriety Challenge.” The initiative is designed to decrease the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed in schools. During the 30-day challenge, high school students will give up sugar-sweetened beverages completely and drink only sugarless drinks, such as water and unsweetened tea.

Students from Staten Island Technical High School, St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island Academy, and Susan E. Wagner High School have signed on to participate in the pilot program. Each school will create its own Challenge Advisory Council, made up of students and faculty members who will encourage the student body to stop drinking sugar sweetened beverages. Students will fill out a survey before and after the challenge and keep a log of what they drink.

Staten Island is currently ranked as the unhealthiest borough in the city. Given the declining overall health of Staten Islanders, Borough President Oddo feels that it is important to bring attention to health education and positive lifestyle changes, beginning with the youngest members of our community.

“By educating the next generation about the dangers of sugary drinks, we can help them make informed decisions about their health,” noted Borough President Oddo. “We’ve encouraged the participants to get creative in educating their peers about the negative effects of these beverages, which we hope will inspire them to eventually ‘kick the can’ for good.”

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

BP Oddo is kicking off a Men's Health campaign for the month of November!

11/7/2014

Encourage the men in your life to get an annual checkup by posting a selfie with a mustache (and if you're unable to grow a real one, we have cutouts available here!) Tag your picture on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with #SIMovember and we might repost it. Also, make sure to tag your male friends and family members in your post and ask them to take control of their health.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT OUR HEALTH TIPS PAGE & CLICK "MEN'S HEALTH"

Borough Board Meeting - November 2014

11/5/2014

VIEW THE BOROUGH BOARD ARCHIVE

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