​Borough President Oddo announced today the resurgence of “Own the 18,” an anti-litter program. “Own the 18” encourages home and business owners to remove litter from their property, as well as 18 inches into the street, as required by NYC Administrative Code: Section 16-118(2)(a).
 
During the weekend of July 18 (July 17-18), Borough President Oddo is asking Staten Island property and business owners to commit to taking a few moments to clean in front of their properties.
 
“We have tried everything under the sun that a local government office can, yet Staten Island seems to as filthy with litter as it ever has been. We fully understand there is a pandemic, an economic and budgetary crisis that has resulted from it, as well as a whole host of street and mental and physical implications from them. None of this justifies the litter we see or prevents us from each doing our small role in addressing the litter we see. So while I would hope Staten Islanders would do their part every day, we are designating one weekend when each of us pledge to remove litter near our homes and begin to reclaim part of our quality of life. Meanwhile, our team is back 'in the lab' crafting new initiates, including a couple designed for children in hopes they grow up to be less inclined to act selfishly and demonstrate a greater appreciation for their neighbors and our Island,” noted Borough President Oddo. “Our litter problem is a self-inflicted one that Staten Islanders are doing to other Staten Islanders. While the majority of Staten Islanders are not engaging in it, we need the majority to help us with the solution.”
 
Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #ownthe18 to be reposted by the office’s social media accounts.

RSVP on our Facebook Event Page to tell your Staten Island friends and neighbors you will #OwnThe18 the weekend of July 18th! 

​Due to anticipated inclement weather, Saturday’s Drive-In Movie at Pouch Camp has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, June 27th.  Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. for "Star Wars IV: A New Hope." The movie starts at 9 p.m.
 
Anyone who purchased tickets will get an email with the change.
 
The cost of admission is $40 per car, which includes a choice of four snack and four drinks. To purchase tickets, please visit www.camppouch.org/driveinmovie. Tickets are limited, and movie goers must prepay online for entry.

​Borough President Oddo is pleased to announce his office has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to sponsor the first drive-in movie in a summer-long series to be held at William H Pouch Boy Scout Camp (1285 Manor Rd), adjacent to the entrance to the Staten Island JCC. The first drive-in movie will take place on June 27th, featuring Star Wars IV: A New Hope.
 
“I am happy to partner with the Boy Scouts to provide Staten Islanders of all ages this opportunity to get out for a night of fun and entertainment, but while remaining safe in your cars,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
The summer long series schedule is as follows:
June 27 – Star Wars IV: A New Hope
July 4 – Jaws
July 11 – Raiders of the Lost Arc
July 18 – The Fly
July 25 – Jurassic Park
August 1 – Young Frankenstein
August 8 – E.T.
August 15 – Coco
August 22 – The Princess Bride
August 29 – Up
 
"We’re excited to share our amazing facilities with our Staten Island community and provide a venue for families,” notes Matt Gaor, Pouch Scout Camp Chair.
 
The cost of admission is $40 per car, which includes a choice of four snack and four drinks. To purchase tickets, please visit www.camppouch.org/driveinmovie. Tickets are limited, and movie goers must prepay online for entry.
 
Movie goers will be instructed no smoking will be permitted at the site, including inside cars. Additionally, attendees will be instructed to stay within their own car, no idling of cars will be allowed, and to take all garbage with them when they leave. 

On Tuesday, February 4th, Borough President James S. Oddo presented the 2019 Patrick F. Daly award to two exemplary teachers in his honor: John DiMartino, coach and administrator at Port Richmond High School, and Renee Mazza, Assistant Principal at PS 23 The Richmondtown School.

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 27 years ago in Red Hook, Brooklyn while searching for a student who had left the school building. The award was revived in 2017 by BP Oddo in honor of the 25th anniversary of Mr. Patrick Daly’s death.

“Every problem that exists in society, every challenge that we have, is made better and can be fixed through education when good people step forward and say ‘this is where I’m supposed to be and I’m going to do everything in my power to help these young people,'” noted Borough President Oddo at the ceremony. “Our real top priority at Borough Hall, and what we are known, for is education, because we know educators like these two, and like Patrick Daly, can change lives.”

The evening included an invocation from Father Squire, Pastor at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Churhc, as well as a reflection from David Pascarella, Patrick Daly’s nephew, and Pat Daly, Patrick Daly’s son, who spoke on this award and the importance of appreciating people while they are still with us. Before the presentation of the awards, Port Richmond High School Principal Andrew Greenfield spoke on John DiMartino’s dedications to his students and PS 23 Principal Paul Proscia spoke on Renee Mazza’s friendly approach to caring for the PS 23 community.

Former honorees, Wilson Mohr, John Fodera, and Ingrid Ebanks, were in attendance to celebrate the honorees John DiMartino and Renee Mazza.

The award ceremony was followed by a reception with light fare in the main hall of the building provided by the Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts program as well as music performed by Port Richmond High School musicians.

Congratulations to two very deserving educators and thank you for the work you do!

John DiMartino
After graduating Long Island University on a full baseball scholarship with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, John DiMartino played two years of Minor League Baseball for the Ohio Valley Redcoats before beginning his teaching career in 1996 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, at Dewey Middle School, MS 136. John spent a year at MS 136 before accepting a teaching and coaching position at New Dorp High School. Mr. DiMartino served as the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach and Girls’ Junior Varsity Basketball Coach for two and a half years until the spring of 1999 when he began working at Port Richmond High School, his home for the last 20 years. During his tenure at PRHS, John has coached various sports, including the Boys’ Varsity Bowling Team, taught as a Health and Physical Education Teacher, in addition to being a vital member of the Deans’ Office, overseeing Morning Entry where he looks forward to greeting each Raider every day. Throughout his 24-year career, John has dedicated his time to helping at-risk teens and their families to improve their lives. He has made it his life’s mission to provide resources, opportunities and support to a diverse body of adolescents and young adults. John has received numerous awards from principals, administrators, staff, students and parents at Port Richmond for his outstanding dedication and willingness to go above and beyond in any situation. John and his wife, Christine, have three children: John Jr., Lauren and Nicky. John loves nothing more than cheering for John Jr. while he pitches at Pace University, Lauren while on the basketball court for St. Joseph Hill, and Nicky while he’s on the baseball field for Farrell High School.

Renee Mazza
Renee Mazza, referred to as a “selfless and trusted friend to the entire PS 23 School Community,” has served as Assistant Principal to The Richmondtown School for the last 16 years. A graduate of the College of Staten Island with an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and Supervisory Certification, Renee began her teaching career in Brooklyn at PS 192, where she taught as an elementary school teacher for eight years, then as a Literary Coach for two years before her move to PS 23. Each morning at PS 23, Ms. Mazza can be seen opening breakfast items for students, talking to them, and getting to know each and every student. Parents often come to her for advice on how they can help their child learn better. As a result of Renee Mazza’s servant style of leadership, PS 23 has earned many prestigious honors, which include becoming and being recertified as a nationally recognized Leader In Me Lighthouse School with Academic Distinction, being honored as a NYS Reward School, and being recognized as a NYC DOE Respect For All School. In 2019, Renee pioneered PS 23’s Philanthropic Classroom project, where each Pre K-5 class partnered with charitable organizations to help those in need. This project has helped students learn empathy, compassion, kindness, and has enabled students to build relationships with neighboring organizations. She is the proud mother of two children, Gianluca and Maggee Mazza.

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that he is continuing the Patrick F. Daly Award after reviving it in 2017 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Mr. Patrick Daly’s death. 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 26 years ago in Red Hook, Brooklyn while searching for a student who had left the school building.
​
After carefully considering all the nominations of exemplary educators submitted by the public, members of the Daly family and Borough President Oddo’s staff selected John DiMartino, coach and administrator at Port Richmond High School, and Renee Mazza, Assistant Principal at PS 23 The Richmondtown School, to receive the award. The ceremony will take place at Borough Hall on Tuesday, February 4th at 6:00pm.

“I’m happy to continue this award to honor Mr. Daly’s legacy, and sacrifice, as well as recognize outstanding educators in our community,” said Borough President Oddo. “I believe John DiMartino and Renee Mazza 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.”

John DiMartino
After graduating Long Island University on a full baseball scholarship with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, John DiMartino played two years of Minor League Baseball for the Ohio Valley Redcoats before beginning his teaching career in 1996 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, at Dewey Middle School, MS 136. John spent a year at MS 136 before accepting a teaching and coaching position at New Dorp High School. Mr. DiMartino served as the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach and Girls’ Junior Varsity Basketball Coach for two and a half years until the spring of 1999 when he began working at Port Richmond High School, his home for the last 20 years. During his tenure at PRHS, John has coached various sports, including the Boys’ Varsity Bowling Team, taught as a Health and Physical Education Teacher, in addition to being a vital member of the Deans’ Office, overseeing Morning Entry where he looks forward to greeting each Raider every day. Throughout his 24-year career, John has dedicated his time to helping at-risk teens and their families to improve their lives. He has made it his life’s mission to provide resources, opportunities and support to a diverse body of adolescents and young adults. John has received numerous awards from principals, administrators, staff, students and parents at Port Richmond for his outstanding dedication and willingness to go above and beyond in any situation. John and his wife, Christine, have three children: John Jr., Lauren and Nicky. John loves nothing more than cheering for John Jr. while he pitches at Pace University, Lauren while on the basketball court for St. Joseph Hill, and Nicky while he’s on the baseball field for Farrell High School.

Renee Mazza
Renee Mazza, referred to as a “selfless and trusted friend to the entire PS 23 School Community,” has served as Assistant Principal to The Richmondtown School for the last 16 years. A graduate of the College of Staten Island with an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and Supervisory Certification, Renee began her teaching career in Brooklyn at PS 192, where she taught as an elementary school teacher for eight years, then as a Literary Coach for two years before her move to PS 23. Each morning at PS 23, Ms. Mazza can be seen opening breakfast items for students, talking to them, and getting to know each and every student. Parents often come to her for advice on how they can help their child learn better. As a result of Renee Mazza’s servant style of leadership, PS 23 has earned many prestigious honors, which include becoming and being recertified as a nationally recognized Leader In Me Lighthouse School with Academic Distinction, being honored as a NYS Reward School, and being recognized as a NYC DOE Respect For All School. In 2019, Renee pioneered PS 23’s Philanthropic Classroom project, where each Pre K-5 class partnered with charitable organizations to help those in need. This project has helped students learn empathy, compassion, kindness, and has enabled students to build relationships with neighboring organizations. She is the proud mother of two children, Gianluca and Maggee Mazza.

“My family and I want thank the Borough President and his staff for continuing to honor my father and his legacy through this award.  We also would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to this year's award recipients,” said Patrick Daly, son of the fallen educator.

The award ceremony will be followed by a reception with light fare in the main hall of the building.

On Sunday, Jan, 26, crowds of Staten Islanders learned about the projects Borough Hall is working on to improve life around the borough during our annual Direct Connect Sunday at Tottenville High School.
 
One aspect of the day included a resource fair where Staten Islanders were able to meet with representatives from city agencies, cultural organizations and community groups to ask questions about their services.
 
Throughout the gallery hallway, detailed boards showcased our accomplishments from 2019 and looked ahead at our 2020 agenda.
 
A highlight of the afternoon was a Q&A Chat with those in attendance. Their engaging questions touched on the drug epidemic, senior housing, the HOV lane on the SIE, the express bus redesign, affordable housing, employment opportunities for the disabled, overdevelopment, and film production.
 
“I commit to you for our remaining 700 days, we will work on the meat-and-potato issues that matter to Staten Island. We always have, we always will. I am also proud of the fact that we are willing as an office to invest in long-term issues – the benefits of which will manifest long after we’re gone,” BP Oddo said.

Thank you to our hosts at Tottenville High School and to those who partnered with us to make this a successful event happen and to the Staten Islanders who spent the afternoon with us. We hope you walked away with a sense of how dedicated we are to Staten Island.
 
Missed Direct Connect? Learn about our projects here! 

​On Monday, Dec. 23, BP Oddo joined with the Jewish leadership of Staten Island and members of the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights at our annual Menorah Lighting.

“Thank you for sharing a part of the holiday with us,” BP Oddo said at the ceremony. “The overriding sentiment we should all have at this time is joy. This is truly a happy occasion when we get to spend time with the people we love, the people we are closest to, the people who are most precious to us and we should enjoy that.”

For a few minutes, he turned his attention to “go into the darkness, sort of into the shadows because it needs to be said.”

He spoke of a recent meeting with District Attorney Michael McMahon, the heads of Staten Island’s four police precincts and leaders of the Jewish community.

“We talked about what is happening in the world with greater frequency and we certainly didn’t come up with fixes to what has been a long-standing problem, but there was a value to us coming together. It is a reminder that we do need to undertake more efforts to get to the kids while their still young before the adults instill hatred in them,” he said.

“Maybe, if we shine our lights a little brighter, maybe, just maybe, we can chip away at those shadows and at that darkness. The fact that we are all here tonight at this event is a small part of it. Tonight we will send a message out that across Staten Island, across NYC and across the country, we are in fact one and we celebrate our diversity.”

The evening was sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island. In attendance from COJO were Scott Maurer and Mendy Mirocznik.

Before we lit the menorah, there was an uplifting performance by students from the Young Day School, singing traditional Hanukkah songs.

“I wish each of you a very happy holiday,” BP Oddo said. “I hope it is filled with peace and joy and love and happiness and fun.”

On Thursday, Dec. 5, DBP Ed Burke hosted Borough Hall’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

“I love this time of year,” he said. “All of the holidays this time of the year, let’s face it, are about giving, charity, and love – and that’s really evident with all of you showing up here for the tree lighting.”

At the event, carols were performed by local talents, including Al Lambert, D. Sharp Studios, Miss Staten Island Madison L'Insalata, and Rob and Lizz Kipp.

The kids of D. Sharp Studios -- decked in Santa hats -- dazzled the crowd with Christmas favorites before leading a sing-along to “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Scooter the Holy Cow, the mascot of the Staten Island Yankees, was spotted dancing in the crowd.

After the music, the big moment came: Santa arrived at Borough Hall by way of a police escort. With a hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho,” he made his way up the steps. After a countdown from 10, the giant switch was pulled: “The tree is lit,” said DBP Burke.

Santa then handed out books, donated by Barnes & Noble, to the children in attendance.

The tree lighting was sponsored by Allstate, Barnes & Noble, the Gavel Grill, Rispoli Bakery, Killmeyer’s Old Baveria Inn, Downtown Staten Island, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Yankees, the National Lighthouse Museum, the NYPD, the city Parks Department, the South Shore Rotary, Project One Staten Island and Casandra Properties.

​​Thank you to all our sponsors and performers. We wish all Staten Islanders a happy and safe holiday season.