Nearly 3,000 Staten Islanders participated in the “SI Safe Ride” initiative on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 22nd). The initiative, which aims to combat drunk driving on Staten Island, allowed users to get two free Uber rides (up to $15 each way) from 6pm on November 22nd to 6am on November 23rd.
 
The “SI Safe Ride” initiative was created through a partnership between Borough President James Oddo, the technology company Uber, District Attorney Mike McMahon, the NYPD. and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association generously signed on as main sponsors of this initiative.  In addition, the Staten Island Rotary Club, Li Greci’s Staaten, and The Vanderbilt also sponsored the rides. 
 
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has noted that Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Blackout Wednesday,” sees a spike in instances of drunk driving.
 
“I consider this a huge success,” said Borough President Oddo. “I’m so pleased to see that so many Staten Islanders took advantage of this promotion and left their cars home when they went out Wednesday night. Drinking and driving can have fatal consequences, so this initiative may have saved lives. We hope to build on the success of this for future initiatives to help curb drunk driving in our borough.”
  
“Uber was proud to offer New Yorkers access to a safe and reliable transportation option over the Thanksgiving holiday this year," said Uber NY Spokesperson Danielle Filson. “Thousands of Staten Islanders took advantage of the promotion to get home safely.” 
 
“I would like to thank the nearly three thousand Staten Islanders who celebrated Thanksgiving Eve responsibly by leaving their cars at home and utilizing the SISAFERIDE promotion,” said District Attorney McMahon. “Getting behind the wheel or into the car with someone who has been drinking can have devastating consequences on your life and the lives of countless others. Simply put, drinking and driving is never worth it. I would like to thank Uber, MADD, the NYPD, the South Shore BID, Forest Avenue BID, the Richmond County Bar Association, our additional sponsors, and Borough President Oddo for their partnership in making this a huge success.”
  
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.

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 allowed patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to.  
 
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.

​On Tuesday, November 21st, the Borough President’s office joined with Mannix Shop Rite stores to distribute turkeys to needy families on Staten Island for Thanksgiving. This year, Shop Rite donated 800 turkeys to local food pantries.
 
“Thanksgiving is an important time for families to get together,” noted Deputy BP Ed Burke. “We’re very gratified to partner with Shop Rite on this. All Staten Islanders, no matter what their means are, can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this year. We hope to make all Staten Islanders’ Thanksgiving really joyous.”
 
“We are honored to be here today. This donation comes from the heart,” said Kevin Mannix of Mannix Shop Rite stores.
 
Fourteen organizations received turkeys at the drive.

On Tuesday, November 21st, BP Oddo joined with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of New York City and the Richmond County Savings Foundation to present a check and show his support for the good work BBBS does in our borough.

The $25,000 grant, provided by Richmond County Savings Foundation, will allow the organization to grow its initiatives throughout the borough and provide 25 young people between the ages of 7 – 18 with adult mentors to help them succeed in life.
 
“I am happy to help facilitate this partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Richmond County Savings Foundation,” said BP Oddo. “I know how important it is for young people to have a mentor in their lives. Remembering how important my mentor, John Fusco, was—and still is—to me, I can only hope that the young men and women in our community find their own mentor through programs like this.”
 
“The remarkable support of partners like Richmond County Savings Foundation is what enables our organization to continue providing young people with opportunities to reach their full potential,” said Hector Batista, chief executive officer of BBBS of NYC. “This funding will allow us to increase the number of youth we serve on Staten Island, matching them with role models they can rely on as they navigate challenges in school and everyday life. We are grateful and proud to celebrate the continued impact of mentoring with Borough President James Oddo and the Richmond County Savings Foundation.”
 
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC does tremendous work to positively impact the lives of young people, encouraging them to aim high and dream big,” said Cesar Claro, executive director of Richmond County Savings Foundation. “As part of our commitment to supporting charitable organizations that advance educational opportunity and enrich cultural development, we are proud to support this organization and its work on Staten Island.”
 
Those who are interested in becoming a volunteer with BBBS of NYC can visit bigsnyc.org.

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that his annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 6th. He will also host a Menorah Lighting on Thursday, December 14th. Both events will take place outside on Borough Hall Plaza (facing the Ferry terminal) and will begin at 6:30pm.

At the Christmas event, carols will be performed by local musical talents, including Vinnie Medugno, Al Lambert, and Gabriella Garber. The Salvation Army Choir will also perform. Santa will join Borough President Oddo to light the Christmas tree and give out books to children who attend. The event is sponsored by Allstate, the Gavel Grill, the National Lighthouse Museum, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

The Menorah Lighting ceremony will feature musical performances from various community groups. The event, which celebrates the Festival of Lights, is sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island.
 
“The holidays are a time for all of us to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season,” noted BP Oddo. “We invite all Staten Islanders to join us as at Borough Hall as we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.”
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Both events are open to the public.

​Borough President Oddo recently joined with CTV to host a panel discussion with two Vietnam War Veterans, Gene DiGiacomo and Eugene Overton. They shared their stories of their time in country and their experiences coming home.

"After hearing what they went through, my respect for Vietnam Vets like Eugene and Gene grows," noted BP Oddo. "Two thirds of the Americans who served in Vietnam are no longer alive. We lose an estimated 390 Vietnam vets a day. Let's honor those still with us. Please watch this video and share it so these men's stories are not forgotten."

The forum will air on CTV this month in honor of Veterans Day. You can watch it below:

On Monday, November 6th, BP Oddo welcomed a group of 4th grade students from P.S. 16 to Borough Hall to talk about the role of government and answer the children’s questions.

As part of their Social Studies curriculum, the students are learning about local government and even participated in a mock mayoral election.  During the gathering, BP Oddo stressed the importance of civic engagement to the students and talked about his role in shaping local policy throughout his time in government.

“I’m happy to see how engaged you are now, at such a young age,” noted BP Oddo. “I hope when you get older, this civic engagement will continue.”
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He encouraged the students to tell him about changes that they wanted to see made at their school and in their community. Many raised issues like litter and safety in public parks and increasing opportunities to use technology in the classroom. 

On Monday, November 6th, BP Oddo toured the nearly completed first phase of the New Creek Bluebelt in Midland Beach. This $25 million project helps manage flooding by preserving natural drainage corridors, such as streams and ponds, to slow stormwater down and allow for proper drainage. This project aims to prevent and alleviate damage in flood-prone areas.
 
“I understand that some residents of Midland Beach have been skeptical that the Bluebelt would ever be built, but with the progress made in Phase 1, they should all be believers by now,” said BP Oddo. “We know from experience the overwhelmingly positive effects of the Bluebelt on the South Shore to provide relief from some of the flooding that plagues the community, and we look forward to similar impacts in the Mid-Island.”

"We are very excited to be nearing completion on the first phase of the mid-Island Bluebelt system, which will significantly improve the area's drainage system, help to reduce flooding and provide some relief to Midland Beach residents," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. "The 67 Bluebelt wetlands we have built and maintain on the Island's South Shore have proven effective at managing stormwater and have even helped to raise nearby property values."
 
This is the first two of what will eventually be 19 Bluebelt Wetlands. The project was jointly funded by DEP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On Thursday, November 2nd, BP Oddo hosted two events with leadership instructor, former Navy SEAL, and New York Times bestselling author Jocko Willink at the Petrides School.

The first event was the official recognition event for the children who participated in the Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge, and their families. The evening featured Willink talking to the students who read his book, The Way of the Warrior Kid, taking questions, and motivating the kids to be the best they can be. After Willink’s talk, the NYC Parks Department provided fitness activities for the kids.

The second event was a meet and greet event open to the public, where Willink addressed the crowd for an hour before signing copies of his books. Willink again fielded questions, and discussed topics, such as where he finds his motivation and how he pushes himself to be a leader.

“It was a thrill to observe how many people came out to see Jocko Willink,” said BP Oddo. “I am a fan of his motivational tactics and believe everybody can benefit from his inspirational words on discipline and personal responsibility.”

Over 600 people attended both events.