‘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."
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"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. 

For many, COVID-19 may have resulted in delayed doctor visits for checkups and annual screenings. Borough President James Oddo announced today the start of ‘Check In. Check Up.’, a campaign that reminds Staten Islanders to take charge of their health.
 
“For many of us, COVID-19 may have resulted in delayed doctor visits for checkups and annual screenings. This campaign encourages you to check in with yourself and your loved ones and schedule any missed checkup that may have happened this year. We want to remind you to stay on top of your health,” noted Borough President Oddo.
 
Borough Hall’s webpage, www.statenislandusa.com/checkin, includes tips for women and men on screenings to talk to your doctor about and risk factors to be aware of.
 
Annual screenings allow the chance to potentially detect illnesses early – when they can be easier to treat. This campaign encourages Staten Islanders to talk to their doctor about screenings and tests that may be relevant with their risk factors. Most doctor offices are accepting patients again. Contact your physician’s office to see what COVID-19 protocols may be in effect.

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

​Borough President James Oddo and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon announced today they are encouraging small, organized groups who are interested in hosting clean ups in their neighborhoods to do so.
 
“We’ve had several groups reach out to our office who are interested in doing clean ups,” said Borough President Oddo. “I’m heartened by these groups – Scouts and others – who are willing to go out and clean up. I’d like to encourage those who are willing and able to do so to send us pictures of their work so we can thank you for doing your part to correct this self-inflicted problem.”
 
The Borough President and District Attorney want to caution groups to hold clean ups only where it is safe to do so, exercise safety at all times, and only clean on good quality air days.
 
“Litter is a problem of our own doing, yet too many of our neighbors continue to carelessly dispose of their trash on our sidewalks, streets, and parks. Not only does this selfish behavior become an eyesore and is punishable by law, we know unkept public spaces can become magnets for far more serious criminal activity,” said District Attorney McMahon. “I’m proud to join Borough President Oddo in encouraging and supporting considerate Staten Islanders to clean up after their less-thoughtful neighbors. While it should not have to be this way, together we can make our Island a cleaner and safer place.”
 
Local groups who are interested in hosting a cleanup and need a site to clean or need support with supplies – including masks, garbage bags, and/or gloves – should email Irene Maiello at imaiello@statenislandusa.com or Lisa Thompson at Lisa.Thompson@rcda.nyc.gov.
 
Groups are asked to organize themselves and take necessary safety precautions, including:

• Keep groups to 10 people or less
• Practice social distancing
• Wear a mask and gloves
• Stay hydrated
• Do not handle illicit drug paraphernalia or potentially dangerous items, report them to 311

 
Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #SILitterHero to be re-posted by both office’s social media accounts.

​Borough President Oddo announced today a litter PSA video featuring local kids (Borough Hall staff families) expressing their disgust for litter.
 
The PSA video shows that “even the kids know” litter is bad for where we live, but “they know what to do”: pick it up and throw it in the trash can.
 
“Staten Island listen up. Our litter problem is a self-inflicted one that Staten Islanders are doing to other Staten Islanders, one that Staten Islanders are doing to kids who are calling on you to help them keep their home clean. We hope these Staten Islanders grow up to be less inclined to act selfishly and demonstrate a greater appreciation for their neighbors and our Island,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
This first video features the children and grandchildren of Borough Hall staffers sharing the message to keep Staten Island clean. This is meant to kick off the new campaign and the Borough President is asking Staten Island parents to share videos of their kids sharing their messages to properly dispose of garbage and keep our borough clean. If interested in your child taking part in our anti-litter campaign, please contact Renee Sarno at RSarno@statenislandusa.com for details.
 
Borough President Oddo last week announced the resurgence of “Own the 18,” an anti-litter program, which 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. Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #OwnThe18 to be re-posted by the office’s social media accounts.

​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! 

Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has launched the social media campaign #outSIdeEATS to support local eateries that have shifted to outdoor dining, as designated by Phase 2 of the State’s re-opening plan.
 
This social media campaign follows the successful #DeliverSI campaign, which supports eateries that shifted to delivery and takeout during COVID-19 PAUSE order.

The #outSIdeEATS campaign offers Staten Islanders the following comprehensive spreadsheet of local restaurants, bars and cafés with curb lane, sidewalk, backyard and/or patio seating. It can be found at: https://bit.ly/outSIdeEATS. This constantly updated list is designed for those who wish to partake in an outdoor dining experience.
 
“Our Borough Hall team is looking to replicate the success we had with our #DeliverSI initiative we started when restaurants were first forced to close. We unveiled #outSIdeEATS to tell you all the great Staten Island joints that are open and ready to serve with outdoor dining options. We continue to host the #DeliverSI list for takeout and delivery. But if you are among those who want to get to a restaurant now, we will have you covered,” said Staten Island Borough President Oddo.
 
Staten Islanders are encouraged to tag the Borough President’s Office @StatenIslUSA in the places they are dining and use the #outSIdeEATS hashtag to show support and raise awareness of those open for outside dining.
 
Any restaurant, bar or café that would like to be featured in the list are asked to contact Lauren Lefkowitz at llefkowitz@statenislandusa.com with the following information: zip code; restaurant name; address; phone number; type of dining (patio/sidewalk/street/parking lot); reservation requirements; takeout/delivery availability; days and hours; social media handles; website.