‘Let Grow’ campaign encourages kids to be independent, offers parents information on how to do so 

In the last several months, parents have been challenged to take on even more roles simultaneously than ever before. They have been tutors, cooks, nurses, caregivers, and so much more. Within that, many have been able to empower their children to take on some new tasks of their own - and that's a good thing. Let Grow is creating a new path for parents, schools, and America itself -- a path back to letting kids have some adventures, develop more independence, and grow resilience. Borough President James Oddo, Staten Island Parent and Let Grow are working together to help parents understand how to forge a path to independence for their children that is reasonable and safe. 

"Watching your kids grow into independent young adults has to be one of the greatest joys a parent can experience," noted Borough President James Oddo.  "Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen kids rise to a myriad of challenges as their parents navigate working from home, teaching and running the household. Let Grow celebrates these wins and paves the way for more of the same. I'm excited to share this concept with Staten Island parents."

The key take-aways of Let Grow are:

• Kids aren't fragile, they are "anti-fragile" -- built not just to withstand some challenges, but to grow stronger once they do.
• Doing a little less for our kids is not negligent or lazy. It is a vote of confidence in them.
• The world is not more dangerous today than in decades past.​

"People sometimes ask how I can make parents or kids less anxious, more confident. My answer? I can't. The only thing that can change parents -- thrill them, uplift them -- is their own kid,” said Lenore Skenazy, President of Let Grow and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. “Seeing your kid succeed at something new -- running an errand, climbing a tree, making a meal -- is such a fantastic feeling, it replaces the old worries with sheer joy: Look at my kid! Look how they're blossoming! The Let Grow Project just gives parents and kids that little push to make that happy moment happen."
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"SI Parent is happy to partner with Let Grow. This is an outstanding initiative to help parents reinforce and celebrate kids' milestones and foster independence," said David Miller, CEO of Davler Media Group and publisher of Davler Media-Parents, which includes Staten Island Parent. 

Parents can join the challenge until March 17 by tagging us in a photo of your child with @SIParent, @StatenislandUSA, and #LetGrowSI.  

SI Parent will host an informative webcast on the principles of Let Grow and how you, as a parent, can implement them in your home and empower your children and maybe make your life a little easier. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIParent. 

​Join us March 3 at 12:30 on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/SIParent for an informational chat with Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow, who will be talking about celebrating your child's milestones and empowering them toward independence.

The program is sponsored by Borough President James Oddo, Let Grow, Staten Island Parent and Applebee's. Families who participate in the Let Grow Project will also be entered to win a $100 Applebee's gift card!

If parents are unable to make the live event, the session will be available on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/SIUSABP. 

Borough President James S. Oddo has announced that he is continuing the Patrick F. Daly Award after reviving it in 2017 in honor of the 26th anniversary of Mr. Daly’s death. Nominations are currently being accepted for the award which 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 27 years ago. 

“I’m grateful to be able to continue this award in honor of fallen principal, Mr. Patrick Daly,” said BP Oddo. “This award gives us a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to his sacrifice and legacy, while also recognizing outstanding educators who have made an impact in our community. This year, we have seen many educators go beyond the call of duty and I look forward to recognizing two of them.”

Anyone who wishes 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. This time, the award will be given to educators who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. 

"My family and I would like to thank the Borough President for continuing to honor my father's legacy, as well Staten Island's many excellent educators, with this award. We look forward to this year's ceremony and meeting the new honorees,” said Pat Daly, son of the fallen educator.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2020 calendar year award and will be accepted until Friday, February 12th. For full details, please visit www.statenislandusa.com/dalyawardnominations.

​Mannix Shop Rite Stores and Borough President James Oddo have partnered to bring Thanksgiving turkeys to needy families via local food pantries once again this year. The distribution took place on Tuesday, November 24th at 10am in the parking lot of Christian Pentecostal Church, located at 900 Richmond Road.
 
In total, Shop Rite has donated 800 turkeys to food banks on Staten Island. The 13 organizations participating were selected by Shop Rite and the Borough President and are certified as food banks.

Chapter 2 New York to accept award for community service in virtual ceremony on 
November 30th
 
Borough President James S. Oddo will award Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 New York with the 2019 Maniscalco Award via a virtual ceremony on Monday, November 30th. Those wishing to join in the virtual ceremony can do so on Borough Hall’s website here: www.statenislandusa.com/Maniscalco2020.  
 
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. 
 
“Lots of folks talk a good game. Sadly, too few of them actually follow up the rhetoric with action. Rolling Thunder walks the walk. Rolling Thunder advocates on behalf of Veterans every day. They are good people. We don’t want to compliment you, we want to honor you and we want Staten Island to know what you do,” said Borough President Oddo. 
 
Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a class 501(c)(4) non-profit organization with over 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder are veterans and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite. Rolling Thunder members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for Prisoners Of War (POW) and Missing In Action (MIA) of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by their watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”
 
Rolling Thunder, Inc.'s major function is to publicize the POW-MIA issue by educating the public of the fact that many American Prisoners Of War were left behind after all past wars. They are dedicated to helping correct the past and to protect the future Veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners Of War/Missing In Action. The group is committed to helping American Veterans from all wars.  
 
On Monday, November 4, 2019, Borough President Oddo joined with Rolling Thunder and Congressman Max Rose to unveil a POW/MIA Chair of Honor at Staten Island Borough Hall. The chair, provided by Rolling Thunder, will remain perpetually empty to symbolize there will always be a place at its location awaiting the POW/MIA soldiers’ return.
 
“We are tremendously grateful to the Borough President to be recognized with this award. We want to thank our community because we couldn’t be successful without the community and Veterans,” said Vinny Perno, President, Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 New York.
 
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, Francis H. Powers, Susie-Hyun Sook Beidel, Brian Laline, Reverend Hattie Smith-Davis, Joseph V. Madory, Lou Caravone, 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. Chitoor S. 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, Dee Vandenburg and Monsignor Peter G. Finn.

Project Renewal’s Scan Van Mobile Mammography Unit available for FREE screenings 
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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Borough President James Oddo is encouraging women over 40 to get a mammography and assess their risk for breast cancer. Project Renewal’s FREE Scan Van Mobile Mammography Unit is available throughout the month at several locations for women who wish to be screened. Additionally, during the month of October, Borough President Oddo will use his social media pages to encourage Staten Island women to get their annual mammography and to remind their friends and loved ones that an annual mammography could save their life.
 
“Mammograms are important preventative measures for women, which is why we encourage Staten Island women to take charge of their health and make sure they get their annual mammogram. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Women should speak to their doctors to determine whether their risk factors require such screening,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
In 2016, BP Oddo unveiled a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that tell the story of four Staten Island women’s journey with breast cancer. Each of the four PSAs emphasizes the importance of routine mammography screenings as a necessary tool in the detection of breast cancer. These videos will be shared each week throughout the month of October on Borough Hall’s social media pages. The PSAs, along with other information about breast cancer and mammography screenings, can be found here: www.statenislandusa.com/breastcancer.
 
The Project Renewal Scan Van screenings will be available to eligible women ages 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans will be accepted, and co-pays and deductibles will be waived. The mammograms will be free to uninsured women 40 and older. An appointment MUST be made to get screened. To make an appointment, call Project Renewal at (646) 415-7932. Project Renewal’s Scan Van will be located at the following:

• Saturday, October 10th at Staten Island Mall (2655 Richmond Ave., 10314) starting at 9am
• Wednesday, October 14th at Brightpoint Health Staten Island (57 Bay St., 10301) starting at 10am
• Tuesday, October 27th at Community Health Center of Richmond (235 Port Richmond Ave., 10302) starting at 9am
• Monday, November 23rd at Senator Lanza’s Office (3845 Richmond Ave., 10312) from 9am-12pm
• Monday, November 23rd at Community Health Center of Richmond (235 Port Richmond Ave., 10302) starting at 1:30pm
• Friday, December 18th at Community Health Center of Richmond (235 Port Richmond Ave., 10302) starting at 1:30pm

 
The screenings are funded by Cancer Services Program of Staten Island. 

Getting a Flu Shot this year is especially important to help people stay healthy and to ease the burden on our health care system
 
Borough President James Oddo has partnered with CVS and Rite Aid for a “Family Flu Shot” Campaign to encourage Staten Islanders to get their annual Flu Shot. Staten  Islanders can visit www.statenislandusa.com/flu2020 to a find location near them to make an appointment for a Flu Shot. New Yorkers can also text “FLU” to 877877 for more information about where to find flu shots close to home.  Many shots are free, while many providers also accept insurance.
 
This fall and winter, the flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may both be spreading. For that reason, getting a flu shot will be more important than ever to help people stay healthy and to ease the burden on our health care system. Although the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will help individuals stay healthy by decreasing the risk of getting sick and needing flu-related medical care.
 
“As we face another flu season while also battling COVID-19, this year it is especially important to get your annual flu shot. If you might be at risk of complications or are in close contact with friends and family members with underlying health conditions, take this step to not only protect yourself but protect those you care for,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
The seasonal flu (influenza) is an upper airway and lung infection that causes fever, cough, sore throat and can cause severe illness or complications like pneumonia and in some cases, death. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. An annual flu shot is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. It is one of the best ways to reduce flu illnesses, hospitalizations and death from flu.
 
Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious health conditions and complications from the flu, so it is especially important for them to get the flu shot - each year, as the shot is different depending on the strain of flu. Children younger than 5, especially those under 2; people 50 and older, especially those 65 and older; and pregnant women can be at increased risk of complications from the flu.
 
Additionally, those with any underlying medical conditions can be at increased risk, including:

• Asthma, emphysema or any other chronic breathing disorders
• Heart, kidney or liver disease
• Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia
• Weakened immune system, from illness or medication
• Neuromuscular disorders that interfere with breathing or the discharge of mucus
• Long-term aspirin therapy in people under 19
• Obesity (a Body Mass Index of 40 and over)
• People living in nursing homes or other care facilities
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives

 
Caregivers, healthcare workers, and those in close contact with people who belong to a high-risk group should be sure to get a flu shot each year.
 
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.

BP Oddo, NYC Department of Education’s District 79, Concord HS, Coop Tech plan to add skilled trades, high school equivalency, adult education and evening courses to act as “career ladders” for high schoolers, young adults and the community

Borough President James S. Oddo along with Concord High School Principal Michael Sobel, and in cooperation with District 79’s School of Cooperative Technical Education  (Coop Tech) and Principal Corey Prober, announced today the addition of multiple enhancements to Concord High School, continuing its transformation into a hub for the community.
 
Currently the school offers young adults ages 16 through 21 the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. Beginning this school year, Borough President Oddo has helped orchestrate a “re-envisioned” Concord HS through new partnerships with Coop Tech, Adult Education, and the development of a Young Adult Borough Center (YABC), in order to offer all residents of the community additional pathways to continue their education.
 
“Concord High School has always been a unique member of our educational community,” said Borough President Oddo, “and the enrichments being announced today represent a quantum leap in what they can provide to those young men and women – and adults - in such dire need of programs like these.”
 
“It is so gratifying,” he continued, “that together, Borough Hall and the Department of Education are creating opportunities for all residents of Staten Island.”
 
Since its redesign in 2002, Concord High School has successfully assisted thousands of young adults to become successful by earning their high school diploma, providing a warm, caring and welcoming environment for all students and families. The school also provides students with an opportunity to research college and career pathways and offers career internships to become better prepared for the workforce.
 
The School of Cooperative Technical Education is a citywide program that offers students hands-on training in a variety of in-demand, cutting-edge trade areas.  Coop Tech serves approximately 1,500 students, 17 to 21 years of age and who represent a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, or as post-graduates who have already obtained a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
 
The program features a carpentry course teaching basic residential and commercial construction skills, such as blueprint reading, proper use of hand and power tools, mill work, building, framing and finishing. The course utilizes geometry, measurement, and all aspects of cost and estimating, as well as the opportunity to receive their 30 Hour Construction OSHA certification.
Additionally, advertising and design courses teach students about all aspects of design, and the concepts and process of using various Adobe programs to build a professional portfolio of their work.
 
The career and technical education (CTE) programs help students enter into union jobs and encourages transition into college and post-secondary programs.  Coop Tech currently has agreements with various CUNY schools across the five boroughs. 
 
Concord will also begin offering students who need additional credits or have daytime adult responsibilities the opportunity to attend the Concord Young Adult Borough Center (YABC). This will allow community members the opportunity to earn a high school diploma by attending school in the late afternoon and evening. There will also be a new Adult Education program which may open the door to college or other career aspirations.
 
Adult community residents will also be able to benefit through a new Adult Education program. This program offers adults the opportunity to take the TASC Exam and earn their High School Equivalency. Adults can use their High School Equivalency to improve their quality of life by opening the door to college and additional career aspirations.
 
“Over the years Concord High School has served students who needed it the most with a wonderfully caring, supportive, and rigorous academic program,” said Paul Rotondo, Superintendent of Citywide Transfer High Schools.  “Today, under the leadership of Borough President Oddo and the NYC DOE, we see Concord High School once again transform itself to meet the ever-growing needs of our children on Staten Island...both students and adults may now take part in comprehensive programs and classes that promote success in college and careers.”

Virtual ceremony to honor those lost 19 years ago as well as the First Responders who perished subsequently due to their work at Ground Zero
 
In order to ensure the safety of all, Borough President James Oddo will host a virtual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to remember the Staten Islanders we lost 19 years ago and to pay tribute to those First Responders who have subsequently died from their service at Ground Zero on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at 6:30 PM.
 
This live-streamed virtual ceremony will reflect the performances of previous years’ ceremonies, reading of the names of the Staten Islanders who were lost on 9/11, as well as a reading of the names of the First Responders who have perished since that day by family and friends, recorded last week. A new video tribute will honor those we lost.
 
This ceremony can be viewed at 6:30 PM on our website statenislandusa.com/Sept11, on our Facebook Page @StatenIslandUSA, or on our YouTube Channel youtube.com/SIUSABP. It can also be viewed on Staten Island CTV.
 
As always, the Postcards Memorial site and the Staten Island First Responders Memorial is open to the public and will be so on Friday, September 11th. While at the site, masks must be worn and social distancing must be practiced. We will have designated times for both quiet reflection and socially distanced gathering on that day for those who wish to visit:
 

• 9am to 12pm: Site open for quiet reflection
• 12pm to 6:30pm: Site open; roses available from Borough Hall staff to be laid on the monument; musical selections playing nearby from past memorial ceremonies, designed to bring comfort
• 6:30pm: The names of those lost will be read by family members and friends via broadcast on television screens at the memorial site; following the Tribute Readings, the Memorial Tribute Video will also play
• 7pm: Quiet reflection, monument lit in red, white and blue

 
We want to extend a special thank you to those who have read the names of those we lost, which will be a very special part of this year’s virtual ceremony. 
 
“As you know, it will be my great honor to host the Staten Island 9/11 Memorial Ceremony again this year, although we will do so virtually, as that is the only way to ensure the safety of all,” noted Borough President Oddo. “Although the event will be in a different format for this year, we will still join together to honor those we lost on that terrible day 19 years ago, and the First Responders who have passed since then as a result of their bravery on that day and in the days that followed. COVID-19 has presented us with an extraordinary challenge this year. We want to thank you for your understanding and cooperation and look forward to a time when we can be together again. Right now, I truly hope you find solace in the arrangements we have made.”
 
Please note that virtual ceremony will not be played at the site. The virtual ceremony, in its entirety, is available via the Internet and CTV.