Category: Community

Mayor de Blasio, BP Oddo announce transformative plan for Goodhue

7/6/2021

Funds allocated in City Budget will complete acquisition of additional 11 acres of property to be preserved as parkland, new state-of-the-art community center and enclosed pool

After years of collaborative efforts, Borough President James Oddo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have announced an allocation of $52.9 million in the FY ‘22 city budget for the Children’s Aid Society to build a new community center and enclose its outdoor swimming pool on the grounds of Goodhue. In addition, the City funding will complete the acquisition of an additional 11 acres of Goodhue property to be preserved forever as parkland for all Staten Islanders.

With this allocation, the entire 41-acre Goodhue site (operated by the Children’s Aid Society since 1912) will serve the needs of the community, with a total of 37 acres purchased and protected as city parkland; and the rest kept by the organization for the new state-of-the-art community center and pool. The best part? Approximately 1,000 children and adults are served annually by the Children’s Aid Society on Staten Island, in addition to the almost 200 youth who participate in Goodhue’s after-school program, and 400 children who attend summer day camp.

The new community center and enclosed pool will ensure that Staten Island families can use Children’s Aid Society facilities for generations to come.

The new community center will feature classrooms, program facilities and a gymnasium which would provide space for basketball and other sports, as well as multi-purpose activities and events for various age groups.

While the Children’s Aid Society has not finalized any programs, the new center could offer such services as: after-school programs, sports clinics, foster care services, preventative services, family stabilization services and a day camp. Early childhood education and teen programs are also under consideration.

The enclosed pool allows for year-round use and expanded programming.

"It is difficult to overstate the importance of this victory. I want to thank the Mayor for his commitment and understanding of the importance of this project to the children of Staten Island. We commend the Children’s Aid Society for their community-minded restraint in not selling the Goodhue property to developers years ago. Rather they worked with government to preserve this land for the benefit of the children they serve," said BP Oddo.

"Looking ahead, my office will continue to work with the Children's Aid Society and the Mayor’s office to develop the plans for the new center and set the groundwork for helping to complete the project as quickly as possible," he said.

Two outstanding educators to be honored with Patrick F. Daly Award

4/14/2021

Erica Mattera and Allison Regan to receive award that honors memory of fallen principal

Borough President James S. Oddo is continuing the Patrick F. Daly Award after reviving it in 2017 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Patrick Daly’s death. After carefully considering all the nominations of exemplary educators submitted by the public, the Daly Award committee selected Erica Mattera, Principal of Public School 11, and Allison Regan, a STEM teacher at PS 38 to receive the awards. The ceremony will take place virtually on Wednesday, April 21st at 7p.m. live on the office’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/statenislandusa.

The Patrick F. Daly Award was established shortly after Mr. Daly’s death to honor his legacy of service to the community, a steadfast commitment to his students, and his leadership. This award goes to two educators who exemplify the values of the fallen principal, who was gunned down 29 years ago in Red Hook, Brooklyn while searching for a student who had left the school building.

“I’m happy to continue this award to honor Mr. Daly’s legacy, and sacrifice, as well as recognize outstanding educators in our community especially during a time where so many educators had to adapt during Covid,” said Borough President Oddo. “I believe Erica Mattera and Allison Regan embody many of the exceptional qualities Mr. Daly had as an educator. Both have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students and a love of education and their communities.”

There is one award each year for a principal and one for a teacher. This year's awards are unique in that they highlight educators who went above and beyond given the challenges of the pandemic.

“I am completely honored by this," said honoree Erica Mattera. "I do thank the Borough President for continuing with this legacy and I obviously want to thank Mr. Daly for his courageous leadership. And to be even put in such a category, it is a memory of a lifetime. At P.S. 11, we will always remember this day and we will continue forging forward for the families of P.S. 11 and the extended families, especially for the kids. because I know that’s what Patrick Daly did and that's what he would want us to continue doing.”

"It's a true honor. It was totally unexpected," said honoree Allison Regan. "I'm an educator, so I teach. I truly didn't think I was doing anything special. I was just a teacher teaching my kids. I really want them to understand the feeling of community that I had when I went to school. I tell every student that I am so proud of them because there's no way I could do what they are doing. They are doing an absolutely marvelous job. I tell them that they are groundbreakers and they are doing something that nobody has ever done before."

Erica Mattera
Erica Mattera has served the Staten Island community as an educator and champion for children for the past 25 years. An undergraduate of Saint John’s University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and English, and graduate of The College of Staten Island with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and Supervisory Certification, Erica began her teaching career in Public School 69 in 1996. She and her students participated in many community-based activities such as the Metropolitan Opera Guild Project and Staten Island Zoological STEAM collaborative. As Assistant Principal of Public School 8 from 2002 – 2005, she partnered with Staten Island Mental Health’s Parent Reading Volunteer Program and Parents as Arts Partners, to continue the mission of community-based learning and leadership. As Principal of Public School 11 for the past 16 years, these experiences helped shape her vision of implementing a holistic approach to teaching children and their families. Each year at PS 11, Ms. Mattera can be seen engaging students in Book Clubs and Zumba classes, and talking with parents on how they can utilize resources within the community to enrich their families. As a result of Erica Mattera’s steadfast leadership, PS 11 has earned many prestigious honors such as NYC’s Excellence in School Wellness Awards, The American Legion’s Outstanding Education Award, and The Staten Island Rotary Club’s Ecology Day Grant. Erica pioneered the District 31 & District 75 Performing Arts Night from 2010 – 2016. This project helped students learn empathy and compassion, while fostering the spirit of inclusivity and teamwork. It also enabled students to build relationships with neighboring districts and organizations. Erica is the proud mother of a son, Matthew John, who lights up her life.

Allison Regan
Allison Regan has always been an educator. At 15, she started her teaching career as a swim instructor for a local preschool summer day camp. At 17, she started working for the Broadway YMCA as a swimming and lifeguard instructor, as well as volunteering for the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor, CPR, and First Aid Instructor. After graduating from Kean University with a Bachelors in Outdoor Urban recreation, Allison continued to educate her students in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding and Water Safety as an instructor trainer for the American Red Cross, YMCA and JCC. Allison has received many awards in recognition of her service and education of the public, specifically children, about water safety and drowning prevention. After many years working as a Program Director for the YMCA, Allison enrolled at Wagner College and earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Still an educator, just changing the curriculum. Ms. Regan has served the students and families of P.S. 38 for over 21 years, wearing many hats and doing so with commitment to instruction, and serves on numerous teams for the advancement of the school community. She was one of the teachers to help implement the Inclusion Program (District 75) at PS 38. Allison serves her school community on the School Leadership Team, Technology Team, Testing Coordinator Team, and Webmaster. She has been responsible for the front garden including planning and planting with the students. It is a true community effort led by Allison. She is currently the STEM cluster teacher and teaches grades 2,3,4, & 5.

BP Oddo partners with Let Grow, SI Parent for new campaign encouraging youth independence

2/23/2021

‘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."

"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.

BP Oddo announces Patrick F. Daly Award for 2020

1/15/2021

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.

Borough President’s Office, Shop Rite distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to local food pantries

11/24/2020

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.

Rolling Thunder to receive Maniscalco Award

11/16/2020

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.

BP Oddo Encourages Women to get Annual Mammography Screening Throughout October

9/29/2020

Project Renewal’s Scan Van Mobile Mammography Unit available for FREE screenings

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.

BP Oddo Partners with CVS, Rite Aid for “Family Flu Shot” Campaign

9/21/2020

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.

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