Borough President James Oddo is pleased to announce a partnership between his office and Truth Initiative, a national public health organization that is inspiring tobacco-free lives and building a culture where all youth and young adults reject tobacco, to bring their evidence-based program, This is Quitting, to Staten Island.
 
This innovative text message program was created with input from teens, college students and young adults who have attempted to, or successfully quit, e-cigarettes. It is designed to help teens and young adults quit using e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, such as JUUL, with free, confidential, and non-judgmental texts consisting of tips, advice, and inspiration to quit or help a loved one quit. This is Quitting’s text messages are tailored by age group—for teens, young adults, and parents—to give appropriate recommendations about quitting and nicotine replacement therapy. To join the program (regardless of age group): text QUIT to (718) 306-6608.
 
Upon enrolling in the program, users may set a quit date by texting in the desired date. They receive one support text per day for a week prior to and 30 days after their set quit date. Users can receive on-demand support for cravings, stress, and slips in addition to their scheduled interactive messages. If someone is looking to end their relationship with e-cigarettes or vaping but is not yet ready to set a quit date, the program will still send two weeks of messages to help the user become more confident and prepared to take the next steps to quit.
 
Parents looking for support will receive up to 21 days of messages that include tips and information to help their kids quit JUUL or other e-cigarettes. Parents can also receive on-demand support for stress management in addition to the scheduled interactive messages.
 
“Despite years of efforts by many well-intentioned folks, many Staten Islanders still smoke cigarettes, and the use of e-cigarettes is alarmingly on the rise among our youth,” said Borough President Oddo. “So, while we can see vaping as a potential path to wean nicotine-addicted adults off cancer-causing cigarettes, we must do everything we can to prevent young folks from becoming addicted in the first place. I am grateful for this partnership with Truth Initiative so we can raise awareness on Staten Island of the risks of vaping and offer an easily accessible program to young people who are looking to quit.”
 
The 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey from the FDA and the CDC showed e-cigarette use increased by 78 percent among high schoolers and increased by 48 percent among middle schoolers in just one year. According to the CDC, 14.5 percent of New York State high school students in 2017 used e-cigarettes and 4.6 percent used smokeless tobacco on at least one day in the past 30 days. Comparatively, 5.5 percent of high school students smoked cigarettes on at least one day in the past 30 days. Nationally, the rates were 13.2 percent, 5.5 percent, and 8.8 percent, respectively.
 
“More than 3.6 million youth who use e-cigarettes are now vulnerable to long-term nicotine addiction and those new young e-cigarette users, most of whom weren’t smokers in the first place, are four times more likely to go on to smoke deadly cigarettes compared to their peers who don’t vape. This new e-cigarette program provides the much-needed tools to quit vaping before it has the chance to progress into smoking,” said Robin Koval, CEO and president of Truth Initiative.
 
About Truth Initiative: Truth Initiative is a national public health organization that is inspiring tobacco-free lives and building a culture where all youth and young adults reject tobacco. The truth about tobacco and the tobacco industry are at the heart of our proven-effective and nationally recognized truth public-education campaign, our rigorous and scientific research and policy studies, and our innovative community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco. The Washington, D.C. -based organization, formerly known as Legacy, was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry. To learn more about how Truth Initiative speaks, seeks and spreads the truth about tobacco, visit truthinitiative.org.
 
About This is Quitting: This is Quitting (TIQ) is a mobile app designed by Truth Initiative to help young people quit with inspiration from others like them. It is one of the few publicly available resources designed specifically for young adult tobacco users. TIQ is freely available on Android and iOS to users over 17, with a companion text message program available to users ages 13 and older. It includes a variety of unique features proven to engage young adults such as “challenges” to stay smoke-free in different circumstances and user-generated content aggregated from social media platforms. Users receive daily text messages tailored to their sign-up date or quit date and learn about nicotine replacement therapy in language that speaks to them.

​Borough President James Oddo will sponsor a Lyme Disease Forum in May to update Staten Islanders about the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne illness on Staten Island. This free event will be held on Wednesday, May 29th from 7:00-8:30pm at the Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road) and coincides with May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
 
At this forum, The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and researchers from Columbia University will present important information about Lyme disease and the black-legged ticks that are vectors for the disease. DOHMH staff will also provide statistical updates on the incidence of Lyme disease cases in New York City and on Staten Island. There will also be presentations on tick precautions and removal. There will be a demonstration of how mice bait boxes—or mice “car washes”—work, one of the tick control measures that New York City is undertaking at the urging of Borough President Oddo.
 
Topics to be discussed at the event include basic facts about Lyme disease, symptoms and health impacts, public safety tips, precautions when exploring natural areas, and do’s and don’ts on tick removal. A question and answer period with the audience will follow the presentations.
 
Speakers at the event include:

• Members of NYC DOHMH including Sally Slavinski, DVM, MPH, Assistant Director, Zoonotic and Vector borne Disease Unit; John Zuzworsky, Senior Vector Ecologist, Office of Vector Surveillance and Control; and Mario Merlino, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services
• Maria Diuk-Wasser, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Columbia University
• Christopher J. Pappas, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Manhattanville College

 
“Our quest to mitigate the growing number of Staten Islanders suffering from Lyme disease is being fought on many fronts, and educating the public about the disease and how it is spread is a vital step,” said Borough President Oddo. “The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology at Columbia University are working with us on the front lines to combat ticks and the spread of Lyme disease. It is essential Staten Islanders gain as much information as possible to be able to protect themselves.”
 
If you wish to attend the forum, please RSVP to Diane Marciuliano at (718) 816-2246 or DMarciuliano@statenislandusa.com.
 
The Borough President’s previous Lyme disease Forum in August 2016 attracted over 100 individuals.

On Monday, April 15, Borough President James Oddo and the NYC Department of Education welcomed fourteen Staten Island schools participating in the Billion Oyster Project to a Maritime Forum at the Michael J. Petrides School in the Borough President’s Hall of Science. Approximately 60 students made one-on-one presentations regarding their field work with the Billion Oyster Project to Borough President Oddo and Deputy Borough President Ed Burke.

The schools in attendance at the forum were: Curtis High School, Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School, Michael J. Petrides School High School, New Dorp High School, Susan Wagner High School, Michael J. Petrides School Middle School, I.S. 7 - Elias Bernstein, I.S. 24 - Myrna S. Barnes School, I.S. 51 - Edwin Markham School, I.S. 75 - Frank D. Paulo School, P.S. 21 - Margaret P. Emery / Elm Park, P.S. 45 - John Tyler School, and P.S. 59 - Harborview Elementary School, St. Clare’s School.

Education and business leaders were present, along with faculty and students from the Governor’s Island-based Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, the Billion Oyster Project, the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (Living Breakwaters), and the Staten Island Zoo. Members of the US Coast Guard Sector New York were also present along with other community members.

“This event was a great opportunity for marine-focused individuals from many different outlets on Staten Island to get together and share the important research they have completed,” said Borough President Oddo. “I was very impressed by the students and look forward to seeing the change they will create in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project.”

Representatives from Shop Rite donated healthy snacks for those attending, including carrots and hummus, fresh fruit, and popcorn.

This is the first time all Staten Island schools and students participating in the Billion Oyster Project were gathered together in a single event. Those in attendance had the opportunity to participate in a passport program where they collected a sticker from each table stopped at.

The Billion Oyster Project has a mission to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public education initiatives. With a commitment to project-based and real-world learning, their school programming puts students at the center of the movement to restore oysters to NYC waters. Oysters have a remarkable ability to filter nitrogen pollution from water as they eat and can help to protect NYC from storm damage—softening the blow of large waves, reducing flooding, and preventing erosion. Read more about the Billion Oyster Project on their website.

Over 175 people attended the event. 

On April 10th, Borough President James S. Oddo awarded Monsignor Peter G. Finn with the Maniscalco Award during a ceremony at the St. George Theatre. Prior to the ceremony, a small, private plaque-unveiling took place at Borough Hall, at which Cardinal Timothy Dolan gave a blessing. Monsignor Finn was then be led up Hyatt Street by Farrell High School musicians with an NYPD escort.

At the ceremony at the St. George Theatre, Monsignor Edmund Whalen gave the evening’s invocation and Father Jerome of St. Charles Parish gave the evening's benediction. Blessed Sacrament Youth Choir performed two songs for the audience. 

A reception followed in the Grand Lobby of the St. George Theatre with donated fare from the Canlon's, Denino's Pizzeria, O'Neill's Staten Island, the Staaten, and the Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts Program.

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.

“It is my pleasure and honor to be able to – with the Maniscalco Family – bestow this award on Monsignor Finn,” said Borough President Oddo. “He has been a reliable, comforting presence on Staten Island for so many of us – from Farrell grads to the community at large. He embodies all of the values that this award stands for and I’m thrilled to make him part of such an exclusive club of Staten Islanders.”

Monsignor Peter G. Finn was born and raised on Staten Island. A graduate of St. Peter’s Boys High School, he was ordained in 1965. Monsignor Finn has been the pastor of Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church since 2007.  He was the co-vicar of Staten Island with Monsignor James Dorney. Monsignor Finn was the rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, N.Y., from 2001 to 2007.  Before that, he was the pastor of St. Joseph-St. Thomas R.C. Church.  From 1983 to 1989, Monsignor Finn was the director of the Archdiocese Office of Communications.  He was also the principal of Monsignor Farrell High School, where he had been a faculty member.  Monsignor Finn was the district superintendent of schools on Staten Island.  He received a bachelor of arts from Manhattan College and a master of divinity from St. Joseph’s Seminary. He also holds degrees from Richmond Community College and Columbia University. 

Monsignor Finn has long been an active supporter of the ecumenical activities on Staten Island and the Council of Churches.  He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and the Knights of Malta.  He also serves on a number of boards, including Project Hospitality, the Staten Island Catholic Youth Organization, Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, the Seton Foundation, Archdiocese of the Ladies of Charity and the Staten Island Center for Independent Living.

“I feel honored,” said Monsignor Finn. “I knew the late Albert Maniscalo and his family. They stood for service. I am in the company of dedicated Staten Island leaders.”

Around 250 people attended the evening's ceremony. 
​
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., Lois and Richard Nicotra, and Dee Vandenburg.

On Wednesday, April 10th, Borough President James S. Oddo, District Attorney Mike McMahon, and the technology company Uber announced a continuation of their partnership that began on Thanksgiving Eve in 2017 to combat drunk driving. At the press conference, they announced the availability of free Uber rides on Cinco de Mayo to allow Staten Islanders to arrive safely home after their celebrations.
 
Between the hours of 3pm-11:59pm on Sunday, May 5th, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SAFERIDE19” to unlock two free rides (up to $10 each way). The ride must start and end in Staten Island. Codes will work on a first come, first served basis as the number of free rides available through this promotion will be limited.
 
Each trip has a maximum value of $10. If a ride costs more than $10, riders will receive that much as a credit and will be responsible for the remaining fee due.
 
When taking an Uber, be sure to always put personal safety first. Before getting in the vehicle, take a second to double-check the app for your driver’s information, which includes matching the license plate number, matching the car’s make and model, and checking the driver’s photo. Riders should also be aware of the safety center features within the app. The features include an emergency assistance in-app button that allows users to call 911 to get help if you need it, as well as a Share My Trip option that allows users to set up trusted contacts and create reminders to share your trip status with friends and family in real time.
 
The Carl V. Bini Fund, the Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association are also sponsoring this initiative. 
 
“I am grateful to be able to continue our successful SI Safe Ride initiative on another big party night. We don’t want a single person getting behind the wheel drunk,” said Borough President Oddo. “If you plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year, please do so responsibly and leave your car at home. Thank you to DA McMahon and Uber for partnering with us to promote safe and sober driving on Staten Island.”
 
“Continuing on the success of our SI Safe Ride Initiative, I am thrilled to join Borough President Oddo and Uber to once again make this offer available to Staten Islanders,” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “As prosecutors, we see firsthand the devastating consequences of drunk driving, so we encourage everyone to make the responsible decision while celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year and take advantage of this promotion.”
  
“When people have access to a convenient, reliable way to get home, they're able to make safer choices. We're proud to partner with Borough President Oddo and DA McMahon to help encourage Staten Islanders to leave the keys at home on Cinco de Mayo and take a safe ride,” said DeShawn Wright, Senior Manager for Public Affairs at Uber.
 
The free rides are part of the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, which launched in November of 2017. Nearly 3,000 Staten Islanders participated in the initial promotion, which allowed users to get free rides on Thanksgiving Eve in an effort to combat drunk driving. “SI Safe Ride” 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).
 
A report by Uber and MADD concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes.

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 study.  An 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.
 
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.  “SI Safe Ride” is different in that it allows 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 March 26, Borough President James Oddo and District Attorney Michael McMahon hosted a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The third annual ceremony, which continues the 13-year commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the conflict, honored those who served in the U.S. Armed Forced during the Vietnam War era.

"I’ve been around you guys for a long time," said BP Oddo. "A lot of you guys have become my friends. I’ve heard your stories. I still have no idea what you experienced, no idea what you saw, no idea what kind of sacrifice you made, no idea how much of yourself you left in Vietnam."

In addition to remarks by Borough President Oddo and District Attorney McMahon, speakers also included Jeff Roth, Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans Services.

At the event, Dennis and Mary McLoone presented the White Table, a POW/MIA recognition ceremony.

Following the event, all of the Veterans were presented with a custom Staten Island Vietnam Veteran cap as a symbol of recognition of their service.

​Over 165 Vietnam Veterans attended the breakfast.
 
Click here to listen to BP Oddo’s remarks to Staten Island Vietnam Veterans.
 
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​Borough President James Oddo is pleased to open up nominations for an official poet laureate for Staten Island.
 
“It’s time that Staten Island had its own Poet Laureate who can foster a greater appreciation for the art of reading and writing poetry,” said BP Oddo. “I am excited at the prospect and look forward to adding this voluntary position to our team at Borough Hall.”
 
The appointment of Staten Island Poet Laureate will be an unpaid, volunteer position, appointed for a 4-year term by the Borough President, based on the recommendation of a selection committee.
 
Candidates for the position must reside on Staten Island and have recognition as a poet, as well as a demonstrated commitment to using the position for community outreach and projects that promote poetry and/or literacy on the Island.
 
A committee of literary and arts “experts” from the local community will make their recommendations to the Borough President who will ultimately select the Poet Laureate.
 
Nominations should be sent to Jennifer Sammartino at jsammartino@statenislandusa.com. Please include a CV or resume and 3-4 examples of the nominee’s literary works. The nomination period is open until April 12th at 5 PM.