Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce the expansion of his reading initiatives for students in 2019. The Readers Are Leaders program is an institution in fourth grade classes on Staten Island, with over 110,000 students and more than half a million books later, it clearly has been a monumental success. This year’s additional reading initiatives will include more than just the fourth grade, in an effort to ignite the spark in this younger generation with the power and enjoyment of reading.

“At a time when children are beginning to learn the power of reading, my office is making an effort to do all we can to encourage and reinforce the notion that reading is an essential part of life,” said Borough President Oddo. “I’m thrilled to continue the ‘Readers Are Leaders’ tradition and hope these new initiatives encourage reading at all levels.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Readers Are Leaders program challenges fourth graders across the Island to read six books in five weeks. Staten Island author and magician Mike Lane joined the challenge three years ago with his book series, “The Magic Shop.” Along with reading the six books, students are offered a mini-challenge within Readers Are Leaders to read Lane’s four book series and write a book report. The winner of that challenge, chosen by Lane, will receive a free magic show for their school. The Readers Are Leaders challenge runs from February 18th to March 25th.

As a partner program and expansion of the successful Readers Are Leaders, Borough President Oddo will be challenging first graders with a new Readers Are Leaders Jr. program. This program will run concurrent to the fourth grade program. The first grade will be challenged to read “Mikey and the Dragons” by Jocko Willink, along with one book of their choice. 

The Borough President has incorporated Jocko Willink’s first children’s book series, “Way of the Warrior Kid,” into his reading initiatives for the past two years. This year, that effort will be expanded into the Summer Reading Challenge as an extension to the fourth grade Readers Are Leaders program. To keep students engaged during the summer months, students will be challenged to read both of the books in the “Way of the Warrior Kid” series. 
​
Rounding out the new reading initiatives is a reading program for the second grade students. Staten Island second grade students will be challenged to read Nick Katsoris’ “Loukoumi’s Good Deeds,” from the “Loukomi” book series, about Loukoumi and the good deeds she does in her community. A discussion will take place in the classroom about what good deeds the students have done in response to reading this book, as well as take part in Make A Difference Day on October 26th.

​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 Thursday, December 6th, BP Oddo honored two outstanding educators with the Patrick F. Daly Award. 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. The award was established shortly after Mr. Daly’s death and was revived last year to honor his legacy of service to the community, his steadfast commitment to his students, and his leadership.

This year’s recipients were Ingrid Ebanks, Physical Education teacher at Curtis High School and teacher at the JCC Beacon Afterschool Program at I.S. 49, and John Fodera, President of St. Peter’s Boys High School. Speakers at the event included Pat Daly, Mr. Daly’s son, and David Pascarella, his nephew. In addition, Korina Toledo and Clare Cranston, who nominated Ms. Ebanks and Mr. Fodera respectively, spoke about the educators’ impact on their lives. At the conclusion of the event, the names of the two winners were unveiled on a plaque that is permanently installed in Borough Hall. 
 
“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 BP Oddo. “I believe Ingrid Ebanks and John Fodera 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. As the Daly family members noted when we selected them, both Ms. Ebanks and Mr. Fodera are following in the footsteps of Mr. Daly through their inspiring work inside and outside of school.”

Lovingly referred to as a “giver and a dream maker,” Ingrid Ebanks has taught and encouraged students for many years as a former Dean and current Physical Education teacher at Curtis High School and at the JCC Beacon Afterschool Program at I.S. 49 in Stapleton for the last 23 years. Her approach to teaching physical education is innovative and designed to keep the students active, engaged, and comfortable; however, she is more than just a teacher. She has taught generations of students how to exhibit respect, integrity, and community spirit. Her students consider her someone they can confide in, knowing she will not judge and will help them navigate their problems in school or at home. She has shown a strong commitment to the St. George and Stapleton communities, fighting to care for and protect these community’s students. Ms. Ebanks has beaten cancer twice and returned each time with a determination to teach her students about the cycles of life and the battles that must be fought. She has earned the reputation as a trusted educator whose will for her students to succeed sometimes surpasses her own needs. Ms. Ebanks teaches her students what it means to take risks—“never give up or settle” is her motto. Through her teaching, she has helped open doors for her students and shown them a different perspective and path for a successful life.

John Fodera, who currently serves as the St. Peter’s Boys High School President, graduated from St. Peter’s in the early 1960s and returned to teach at his beloved alma mater after finishing college. Prior to serving in his current position, he served as Assistant Principal from 1968 until being named Principal in 1990. However, Mr. Fodera is more than just the President of the school—he is a mentor to every boy there. He greets every student by name each morning and throughout the day all year long. He works hard to get to know each student personally and is there for them in times of both crisis and joy. Mr. Fodera has built great relationships with the community, giving back to local businesses who donate their time to the school and ensuring students perform community service by helping out in the local soup kitchen and tutoring at local schools. Throughout his tenure at the school, he was able to raise money for needed repairs as well as a new multimillion dollar gym and state-of-the-art football field to attract more potential students. His vision and hard work successfully reflected in increased enrollment, which continues to expand today. The dedication and unwavering support he has showed the school and its generations of students has ensured its success during a time of continuous Catholic school closures among the Archdiocese of New York. To all who know the school, John Fodera is the face of St. Peter’s.
​
“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.
 
Following the event, light fare was provided by students from the Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts program. Students from Susan Wagner High School performed a musical selection.

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 he is continuing the Patrick F. Daly Award after reviving it last year 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 Ingrid Ebanks, Physical Education teacher at Curtis High School and teacher at the JCC Beacon Afterschool Program at I.S. 49,  and John Fodera, President of St. Peter’s Boys High School, to receive the award. The ceremony will take place at Borough Hall on Thursday, December 6th at 6:30pm.

“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 BP Oddo. “I believe Ingrid Ebanks and John Fodera 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. As the Daly family members noted when we selected them, both Ms. Ebanks and Mr. Fodera are following in the footsteps of Mr. Daly through their inspiring work inside and outside of school.”

Lovingly referred to as a “giver and a dream maker,” Ingrid Ebanks has taught and encouraged students for many years as a former Dean and current Physical Education teacher at Curtis High School and at the JCC Beacon Afterschool Program at I.S. 49 in Stapleton for the last 23 years. Her approach to teaching physical education is innovative and designed to keep the students active, engaged, and comfortable; however, she is more than just a teacher. She has taught generations of students how to exhibit respect, integrity, and community spirit. Her students consider her someone they can confide in, knowing she will not judge and will help them navigate their problems in school or at home. She has shown a strong commitment to the St. George and Stapleton communities, fighting to care for and protect these community’s students. Ms. Ebanks has beaten cancer twice and returned each time with a determination to teach her students about the cycles of life and the battles that must be fought. She has earned the reputation as a trusted educator whose will for her students to succeed sometimes surpasses her own needs. Ms. Ebanks teaches her students what it means to take risks—“never give up or settle” is her motto. Through her teaching, she has helped open doors for her students and shown them a different perspective and path for a successful life.

John Fodera, who currently serves as the St. Peter’s Boys High School President, graduated from St. Peter’s in the early 1960s and returned to teach at his beloved alma mater after finishing college. Prior to serving in his current position, he served as Assistant Principal from 1968 until being named Principal in 1990. However, Mr. Fodera is more than just the President of the school—he is a mentor to every boy there. He greets every student by name each morning and throughout the day all year long. He works hard to get to know each student personally and is there for them in times of both crisis and joy. Mr. Fodera has built great relationships with the community, giving back to local businesses who donate their time to the school and ensuring students perform community service by helping out in the local soup kitchen and tutoring at local schools. Throughout his tenure at the school, he was able to raise money for needed repairs as well as a new multimillion dollar gym and state-of-the-art football field to attract more potential students. His vision and hard work successfully reflected in increased enrollment, which continues to expand today. The dedication and unwavering support he has showed the school and its generations of students has ensured its success during a time of continuous Catholic school closures among the Archdiocese of New York. To all who know the school, John Fodera is the face of St. Peter’s.

“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.

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.
​
Both events are open to the public.

Borough President James S. Oddo, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Uber are pleased to announce the continuation of their joint effort to combat drunk driving. On Thanksgiving Eve, Staten Islanders can use the code “SAFERIDESI18” to claim two free rides (up to $15 each). The promotion will run from 8pm on Wednesday, November 21st to 5am on Thursday, November 22nd. Both rides must start and end in Staten Island. The rides are being sponsored by Uber.
 
Thanksgiving Eve, which has also been called “Blackout Wednesday,” is one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. It also represents the beginning of the holiday season when there is a known increase in instances of impaired driving. BP Oddo, DA McMahon, MADD, and Uber are urging people to seek safe transportation options as they get together and celebrate the holidays.
 
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. Subsequent promotions took place on days when drunk driving incidences typically spike, including during the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
 
“After our successes with this program throughout the past year, I’m pleased to be able to continue this initiative,” said BP Oddo. “If you plan on drinking this Thanksgiving Eve, please enjoy the night responsibly and leave your car at home. Thank you to DA McMahon, MADD, and Uber for helping us give Staten Islanders a safe transportation option on Thanksgiving Eve.”
 
“Far too often on Staten Island people make the irresponsible and possibly deadly choice to drive after a night of drinking; I see it because we prosecute them every day. After the unmitigated success of last year’s SI Safe Ride initiative where thousands of Staten Islanders made the smart choice and left the keys at home on Thanksgiving Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, and Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day, Borough President Oddo and I are thrilled to once again offer this initiative to Staten Islanders. We encourage everyone heading out this Thanksgiving Eve to take advantage of this promotion, enjoy a great night responsibly, and avoid meeting one of my prosecutors after a night in jail,” said DA McMahon.
 
“We are proud to support the Borough President’s efforts to raise awareness about the risk of driving under the influence and to help ensure Staten Island residents have a reliable ride home while out celebrating,” said Brian Hughes, General Manager, Uber NY. “As the Holiday season approaches, the need for more safe transportation options is more pronounced than ever, and Uber always strives to arm people with more options when hitting the road.”
 
“The holiday season is a special time for joy and togetherness, but it’s also the one of the most dangerous times of the year on the road because of the increased frequency of drunk driving,” said Richard Mallow, Executive Director of MADD NY. “We applaud the Borough President, District Attorney and Uber for raising awareness about DUIs and for providing a safe, reliable ride for Staten Island residents."
 
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.  The 2018 version is different in that it allows patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to.  
 
Each trip has a maximum value of $15. If a ride costs more than $15, riders will receive that much as a credit and will be responsible for the remaining money due.    
 
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 concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes. 

​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.