​On Thursday, May 17th, Borough President James S. Oddo awarded Dee Vandenburg with the 2017 Maniscalco Award at a ceremony in Borough Hall. The ceremony, which was rescheduled due to a snowstorm earlier this year, was followed by a reception in the main hall with fare by the Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts Program and music by the Tottenville High School Saxophone Quartet.
 
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.
 
“Simply stated, Dee Vandenburg is someone who gives a damn about our community. She has toiled for many years, calling out instances of when government can and must do better. I know it’s cliché, but she truly is a fighter for our community. She takes on these fights not because of any promise of a reward, but solely to improve Staten Island. She is a worthy recipient of the Maniscalco Award,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
Dee G. Vandenburg, a community leader and activist dedicated to improving Staten Island, currently serves as president of the Staten Island Taxpayers’ Association. Born on Long Island, she moved to Staten Island in 1969. Ms. Vandenburg began her long history of involvement with the local community when she moved to the former Spanish Camp, located in Annadale, and joined the fight to save the Camp from destruction. It was there that she met Lorraine Sorge, president of the Staten Island Taxpayers' Association (SITA), and Alice Ruch, SITA's general vice president. Determined to improve the quality of life for all Staten Islanders, Ms. Vandenburg joined SITA in 1996. In 2001, Ms. Vandenburg was elected president of the organization, which assists local civic associations and acts as a liaison to government on behalf of Staten Islanders.
 
Ms. Vandenburg regularly attends community meetings and has written hundreds of letters enthusiastically supporting or vehemently opposing various projects. She works closely with members of various governmental agencies and elected officials on issues relating to the environment, zoning, transportation, overdevelopment, and parks and recreation.
 
After Sandy hit, she dedicated her time on issues relating to the shoreline, serving on committees for the US Army Corps of Engineers, NY Rising, USDA Wetlands Restoration Buyout, Build It Back, and the NYC Department of City Planning.
 
In addition to her volunteer work, Ms. Vandenburg worked as a general mechanic for the MTA on the Staten Island Railway from 1989 to 2013. She previously worked in various positions at several Wall Street firms. She currently serves as a Community Construction Liaison for SI Engineering.
 
In 2008, Ms. Vandenburg received the Natural Resources Protective Association's Civic Leadership Award. State Senator Andrew Lanza awarded her the New York State Woman of Distinction Award in 2010.
 
She resides in Huguenot with her husband Rickie Smith.
 
“I don't have to like the answer; I just have to get an answer from the never-ending levels of government," Ms. Vandenburg said about her tireless work on behalf of her community.
 
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., and Lois and Richard Nicotra.

On Tuesday, May 2nd, Borough President James S. Oddo presented awards to this year’s “Readers Are Leaders” Exceptional Readers at the Bernikow JCC.
 
“Readers are Leaders” challenged 4th grade classes in Staten Island’s public, parochial and private schools to read a minimum of six books at grade level or above during the five-week period of February 12th – March 19th. Students then submitted a report on their favorite book that they read during the period. This year, we added a new component to the challenge. Students who participated in the challenge were required to read “Way of the Warrior Kid” by Jocko Willink. Each school picked one Exceptional Reader, who received an award from the Borough President.
 
Since the program was started by then-Councilman Vito Fossella in 1996, 4th graders have read more than 660,000 books for the annual challenge.
 
BP Oddo was joined by author and magician Mike Lane, who performed a magic show and gave out awards to students who read books from his Magic Shop series.
 
“‘Readers Are Leaders’ has helped foster Staten Island children’s love of reading for more than 20 years, and I’m thrilled to continue the ‘Readers Are Leaders’ tradition,” noted BP Oddo. “You read for fun, you read to learn, you read to escape, you read to get better at certain things, and if you want to be a leader, you do well by reading and reading as much as you can. I want to congratulate all of this year’s participants and hope they continue reading and learning.”
 
“Readers Are Leaders” is sponsored by CTV, Barnes and Noble, and the Staten Island Yankees.
 
A full list of winners is below:
Anna Rams, PS 1  
Dominika Sikorjak, PS 3 
Nicholas Randazzo, PS 4 
Patricia Block-Sheehan, PS 8 
Aimy Kapllani, PS 11
Valeria Diaz, PS 19 
John Guastella, PS 23 
Amin Jahaj, PS 26
Asha Rivera, PS 29 
Lisa Trifaro, PS 30 
Naomi Navarria, PS 35 
Edina Durakovic, PS 38 
Crystal Calo, PS 42 
Sade Lind, PS 44 
Eden Tam, PS 48 
Hannah Cruz, PS 50 
Michael Kaganovich, PS 52 
Ella Norato, PS 56 
Javen Marque, PS 57
Jude Greene, PS 65 
Sophia Jin, PS 69 
Omari Onwe, PS 78  
Kayla Rizzo, PS 861 
June Ka, Gateway Academy 
Francesca Albanese, Holy Rosary  
Leila Crisano, Notre Dame 
Nico Puccio, Our Lady of Good Counsel 
Jonathan Jacknow, Our Lady Help of Christians 
Nicolette Mauriello, Our Lady Star of the Sea 
Isabella Jichetti, Sacred Heart 
Alyssa Badillo, St. Adalbert 
Dianna Spagnola, St. Ann
Isabella Mignano, St. Charles 
Emma Branca, St. Clare
Vladyslav Hrytsay, St. Dorothy Academy
Taylor Colella, St. John Villa Academy 
Andrew Lahage, St. Joseph Hill Academy
Thomas Moore, St. Joseph St Thomas   
Sonia Conti, St. Patrick
Rebekah Abraham, St. Rita
Kelly Hutchinson, St. Theresa
 
Magic Shop Readers
First Place: Ethan Stadler, Our Lady Star of the Sea
Second Place: Santina Corso, Our Lady Help of Christians
Third Place: Cameron Esposito, St. Charles, and Chazz Siewert, St. Clare
Honorable Mention: Alexa Hakanson, St. Charles, and Naomi Navarria, PS 35

​On Tuesday, March 27th, BP Oddo and District Attorney Michael McMahon hosted a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Breakfast at the Excelsior Grand. The second annual ceremony, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the conflict, honored those who served in the U.S. Armed Forced during the Vietnam War era.
 
The event was hosted by local celebrity Brian “Q.” Quinn of the Impractical Jokers. In addition to the BP Oddo and DA McMahon, speakers included General Loree Sutton, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans Services, and Shannon Daly, a former U.S. Marine who graduated from the Richmond County Veterans Court.
 
At the event, Dennis and Mary McCloone presented the White Table, a POW/MIA recognition ceremony.
 
"We hope you know that we honor and acknowledge your service and respect you. Welcome home,” said BP Oddo. “Moments like this give this job meaning for me.”
 
“When America’s Vietnam War veterans returned home, many were not treated with the respect and appreciation they deserved for their service and bravery. Nevertheless, Staten Island’s Vietnam Veterans continued to serve their nation in the decades to come by playing an active role in fighting to make our community stronger and better for all. I am honored to once again join Borough President Oddo in giving these American heroes the heartfelt thanks they have so rightfully earned,” said DA McMahon.
 
Following the event, all of the Veterans were presented with lapel pins as a symbol of recognition of their service. Over 125 Vietnam Veterans attended the breakfast.

​The Staten Island Borough President’s Office is pleased to announce the continuation of BP Oddo’s free Sunset Summer Concert Series, which will begin in late June and will take place every Thursday evening through August.
 
The office has begun accepting applications from musicians, singers, and bands who wish to volunteer their time and abilities performing the concert series. Those performers who wish to be considered for the opportunity can submit any recordings, social media (Facebook, Instagram), and YouTube pages that showcase their talent.
 
Any submissions from groups who wish to perform can be emailed to Renee Sarno at RSarno@statenislandusa.com. Submissions will be accepted through April 6th.
 
“We are so grateful to our homegrown musicians who are willing to volunteer their time and talent to entertain Staten Islanders,” said BP Oddo. “Hundreds of Staten Islanders come out to our summer concerts, and we want to give the opportunity to some new singers and bands to play in front of our local crowds.”
 
The concerts, which take at different parks throughout the borough, are sponsored by BP Oddo and Council Members Debi Rose, Steven Matteo, and Joe Borelli.

BP Oddo, District Attorney Mike McMahon, and the technology company Uber are pleased to announce a continuation of their partnership that began on Thanksgiving Eve to combat drunk driving. After two successful trial runs, the initiative will continue this Sunday to allow those attending the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade to arrive home safely after the event.
 
Between the hours of 10am-6pm on Sunday, March 4th, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SISPD2018” to unlock one free ride (up to $15). 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.
 
The Carl V. Bini Fund, the Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association have generously signed on as main sponsors of this initiative. 
 
The free rides are part of the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, which launched last year. 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. Free rides were also offered after the big game on February 4th, of which hundreds of football fans took advantage.
 
“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).
 
“Drinking and driving could turn a fun day at the parade into a tragic one,” said BP Oddo. “If your plans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday at the parade include drinking, please leave your car at home. I encourage all Staten Islanders to enjoy the day safely and responsibly by taking advantage of this program. Thank you to our sponsors, DA McMahon, and Uber for helping us continue to give Staten Islanders a safe ride home.”
 
District Attorney McMahon said: “Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day is a proud day for those of Irish heritage to celebrate our shared history and our contributions to America and a chance for all Staten Islanders to come together and celebrate their Irish side with friends, family and loved ones. I am so pleased to continue our successful partnership with Borough President Oddo and Uber to provide a safe mode of travel for Staten Islanders reveling in the day’s festivities. Remember, there is no excuse to drink and drive.”  
 
“There is never an excuse to get behind the wheel after drinking, and Uber is proud to be part of this ongoing, collaborative Safe Rides Initiative,” said Danielle Filson, Uber Spokesperson. “As friends and family celebrate St. Paddy's Day in Staten Island, we urge them to make responsible decisions and take advantage of this promotion.”
 
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 last 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.  “SI Safe Ride” 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 Sunday, January 28th, BP Oddo hosted his annual Direct Connect Sunday at the Petrides School. Visitors were able to address BP Oddo and his staff directly with their quality-of-life issues, as well as check out detailed displays about plans and initiatives rolled out during 2017, including our agenda for 2018. Some of the topics covered include overdevelopment, infrastructure, transportation, education, and health and wellness.

We welcomed over 250 people at the event. Forty city agencies, cultural organizations, and local groups were in attendance to talk about their services and answer questions.

“When I took office in 2014, we threw the doors of Borough Hall open to welcome the public in,” said BP Oddo. “We continue to build on that concept by bringing our annual open house to new locations and inviting groups from the community to talk about their work. This event gave Staten Islanders a chance to come and learn more about what we’ve worked on during our first term and see our plans for the future, as well as get help with their concerns and become a little more involved in their community. Thank you to all the organizations who participated and all who attended.”

If you were not able to attend the event, click here to see our informational boards, which contain an overview of the initiatives we are tackling now. 

Continuing the tradition he began in 2014, Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that he will host his annual “Direct Connect Sunday” open house on Sunday, January 28th from 12 to 3pm at the Petrides School (Building C), 715 Ocean Terrace.
 
At the event, BP Oddo will interact with constituents one-on-one about the projects his office is tackling. Members of his staff will also be on hand to speak about specific concerns, answer questions from the public, and discuss the issues that the office is working on to improve Staten Island.  The office will also have a detailed display about plans and initiatives rolled out during 2017, as well as the Borough President’s agenda for 2018.
 
In addition, representatives from city agencies, cultural organizations, and other local groups will be in attendance to talk about their services and answer questions.
 
“When I took office in 2014, we threw the doors of Borough Hall open to welcome the public in,” said BP Oddo. “We continue to build on that concept by bringing our annual open house to new locations and inviting groups from the community to talk about their work. This is a chance for all Staten Islanders to come and learn more about what we’ve worked on during our first term and see our plans for the future. If you have a particular quality-of-life issue or just want to find out more information on the work we’re doing, I encourage you to join us at this informative event.”
​
There is no need to RSVP for the event, and Staten Islanders can come any time during the 12-3pm time frame. Those who have questions about Direct Connect Sunday can contact Diane Marciuliano at (718) 816-2246. 

​On Thursday, December 14th, BP Oddo hosted the annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at Borough Hall to celebrate Hanukkah. Rabbi Nachman Segal of Chabad Israel Center of Staten Island lit the menorah candles. Congregation Toras Emes Hebrew School performed musical selections at the event.
 
“I’m so happy to be here tonight to share in this joyous celebration with you,” said BP Oddo.
 
The ceremony was sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations, who distributed traditional Hanukkah food and toys to all who came to the event.