​On Monday, December 11th, BP Oddo hosted the annual Borough Hall Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. At the event, carols and theatrical scenes were performed by local talents, including Al Lambert, House of Cadre, Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre, and D. Sharp Studios. Santa joined BP Oddo to light the Christmas tree and give out books to children who attended.
 
“This is a great moment for all of us to come together and celebrate the season,” said BP Oddo. “I hope all Staten Islanders have a safe and happy holiday season!”
 
The event was sponsored by Allstate, Cake Chef's Cookie Jar, the Gavel Grill, the National Lighthouse Museum, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Staten Island Yankees.

On Wednesday, December 5th, BP Oddo hosted Borough Hall's annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony. At the event, students sang Hanukkah songs before participants lit the menorah and sampled traditional holiday treats.
 
“Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate the joy and light in our lives at this time of year,” said BP Oddo.
 
The event was sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island.

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that his annual Menorah Lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 5th in Borough Hall, Room 125. He will also host a Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 10th outside on Borough Hall Plaza (facing the Ferry terminal). Both events will begin at 6:30pm.

At the Christmas event, carols will be performed by local musical talents. 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.
 
“We invite all Staten Islanders to join us to celebrate the spirit of the season at our annual holiday lightings,” said BP Oddo.
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Both events are open to the public.

​On Thursday, November 1st, BP Oddo hosted a Staten Island Ferry Town Hall at Curtis High School. The event gave commuters the opportunity to voice their concerns about Ferry service directly to City agencies.
 
Topics discussed included better coordination with connecting bus and SIR service, aggressive panhandling, and construction in and around the terminals.
 
“I’m pleased to see commuters participating in a forum like this to improve this vital service,” said BP Oddo. “We will work to get you answers on these questions.”
 
Agencies in attendance included the Department of Transportation, the Department of Social Services, the Parks Department, the Department of Consumer Affairs, NYPD, and the MTA.

On Wednesday, October 31st, Borough President James S. Oddo and Council Member Joe Borelli hosted “Halloween Hoopla,” a Halloween festival for children and their families.

For the annual event, Bloomingdale Park was transformed into “Boo!mingdale Park.” The event featured a hay maze, pony rides, inflatable attractions, sidewalk chalk and a bubble zone, photo spots, a costume parade, and trick-or-treating. The children were also treated by a musical performance by “Music With Patrick” and animal presentations from the Staten Island Zoo.

“This was a wonderful celebration that kids of all ages were able to enjoy. Special thanks to all of those who helped us make the day so special for these families,” said BP Oddo.
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Thousands attended the free event.

​Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that he will host another round of free thyroid cancer screenings at Borough Hall. The screenings will take place on Thursday, November 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 125. The screenings are sponsored by HeartScan Services.
 
The rate of diagnosis of thyroid cancer has increased in recent years due to improvements to technology. In many cases, physicians cannot feel a nodule, but cancer can be detected through ultrasound screenings. The survival rate of thyroid cancer is very high when the cancer is found in early stages.
 
“I understand the how important it is for Staten Islanders to engage in preventative measures and take charge of their health, which is why I am happy to once again partner with HeartScan for these thyroid cancer screenings,” said Borough President Oddo. “I encourage all Staten Islanders to take advantage of these free screenings. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.”
 
An appointment must be made to be screened. Contact Renee Sarno at 718-816-2133 to reserve your appointment. 

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to join with NYC Health + Hospitals to provide free flu shots on Thursday, November 1st from 1pm to 4pm. The drive will take place at Borough Hall in Room 125.
 
Seasonal influenza, commonly called “flu,” is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract (the nose, throat, and lungs) and can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications.
 
Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. The flu can cause mild to severe illness for days, and in some cases can lead to more serious health problems and even death. 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.
 
Those at high risk for serious flu complications include pregnant women, children under five years of age, adults over 65, nursing home residents and people with other serious health conditions.
 
“As the weather begins to get colder, it is important to get vaccinated against the flu in order to protect your health and the health of those around you,” said BP Oddo. “I am happy to partner with Health + Hospitals for another year to bring Staten Islanders free flu shots.”
 
No appointment is necessary to receive a flu shot. Those presenting for a flu shot need to sign a consent form and show photo ID.
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Borough President James S. Oddo will host a Staten Island Ferry Town Hall on Thursday, November 1st at 6:30 PM. This event will take place in the Curtis High School Auditorium.

The Town Hall will give Staten Island commuters an opportunity to voice their concerns regarding the Ferry itself as well as both the St. George and Whitehall terminals. Representatives from various city agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the NYPD, will respond to commuters’ comments.

“We at Borough Hall know how vital the Ferry is to our community, so I am happy to be hosting this Staten Island Ferry Town Hall,” said BP Oddo. “Please come out to let us know your concerns with service, issues in and around the two terminals, and all things Staten Island Ferry.”

“The Staten Island Ferry carries over 70,000 daily riders, and is a vital transportation link between lower Manhattan and Staten Island,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We look forward to working with Borough President Oddo and our sister agencies to hear from riders.”
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The event is open to the public.