On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, the city of New York closed on the purchase of Whitney Woods, the 1.5 acre piece of environmentally sensitive property that New York City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo (R- Mid-Island) and Borough President James P. Molinaro promised to save from development, preserve as open space, and mitigate area flooding issues.

Without this action, current zoning rules would have permitted the construction of more than 70 housing units to be built on the space that currently remains green and pristine. This would have exacerbated severe flooding concerns that have long plagued the community surrounding Whitney Woods.

On October 24, 2009, Oddo, Molinaro, and the Bloomberg Administration announced that Whitney Woods was “identified as a priority for acquisition.” Since that time, Oddo and Molinaro have allocated the necessary funds for the purchase, the Bloomberg Administration has been negotiating with the property owner, and the required Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP) has been conducted. The total purchase price was $2,735,000. Councilman Oddo contributed a total of $1,450,000 for the purchase ($1 million in FY 2011 and $450,000 in FY 12), Borough President Molinaro allocated a total of $985,000 ($535,000 in FY 11 and $495,000 in FY 12), and DEP contributed a total of $300,000 to the purchase.

To celebrate this victory for the people of Grasmere, on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., Oddo, Molinaro, DEP officials, and Grasmere residents will gather at Whitney Woods and plant a Bluebelt sign in the property, declaring that Whitney Woods will forever be preserved.

Councilman Oddo said, “We have seen too many of our green spaces on Staten Island pillaged by inappropriate development. That is why this victory is so sweet. The same inappropriate development script will not take place at Whitney Woods. We are literally preventing the potential development of 70 housing units in a pristine green space and protecting the local community by ensuring that Whitney Woods acts as a storm water drainage and management area. This makes it a win, win situation for all. I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, DEP, Borough President Molinaro and staff, and my Chief-of-Staff Steven Matteo, for making this a reality. This is a good day for Staten Island.”

Borough President Molinaro said, “The preservation of Whitney Woods is good news for the Bluebelt and good news for Staten Island.  Our Borough has many locations where development has worsened drainage problems. Working with Councilman Oddo and the Department of Environmental Protection, we acquired Whitney Woods, preserved the wetlands, and helped make the neighborhood much more secure from flooding.”

Neighborhood residents first broached the possibility of purchasing the property in 2005 and DEP was receptive to the idea of utilizing the property as a means of stormwater conveyance. The movement to purchase the property gained steam after the release of PlaNYC when Councilman Oddo and Senator Andrew Lanza wrote to the Mayor’s office on June 11, 2008 making this request.

During the development boom of previous decades, many communities were built without connections to the city’s sanitary sewer system. As a result, they required the construction of private pumping stations to transport sewage to the city system. These stations are owned by individuals and residents who are hooked up to them and pay a fee to the owners for service. Increasing problems have arisen, including the fact that the owners of the private pumping stations have, in some instances, not kept up with maintenance. There is a chance that this problem will increase in frequency as the original owners of the stations have aged and, in some instances, abandoned the pumping stations. Problems with the stations could lead to raw sewage in the basements of homes serviced by them. In many instances, homeowners do not even know how to get in touch with the owners and operators of the pumping station in case of an emergency.

Intro. 780 would do the following:

• Require the owners of all pumping stations to provide DEP with monthly documentation proving that the pumping station is current with all utility payments;
• Require the owners of all pumping stations to provide a yearly statement to DEP, the local Council Member, and the local Community Board listing the business address, phone number, and email address of the station’s owners and operators;
• Require the owners of each pumping station to post a sign on the main entrance of each pumping station indicating the business address, phone number, and email address of the station’s owners and operators;
• Require the owners of each pumping station to provide an affidavit to DEP, the local Council Member, and the local Community Board each year indicating that the pumping station is in good working order, including documentation of any inspections that were performed during the year; and
• The owners of private pumping stations who violate any of the provisions of this legislation would be liable for a civil penalty of up to $250 for the first violation and up to $500 for each subsequent violation.

Councilman Oddo said, “I have heard about too many instances of problems concerning private pumping stations in my district. As these stations continue to age, these problems will only increase in number and severity. This legislation will create a greater level of transparency so government and, most importantly, the people serviced by these stations know that the station is in good working order, the owners have paid their utility bills, and there is a way to contact the owners if a problem does occur. Private pumping stations were supposed to be a temporary solution until everyone was directly connected to the system. Unfortunately, the city did not live up to its responsibilities and we are stuck with this system of private pumping stations in certain communities. Government now has a responsibility to ensure that the owners of these stations do not walk away, leaving home owners literally holding a bag of effluence.”

Please see the following for a copy of the legislation: http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1047530&GUID=C3A9C884-DEFA-49AC-B2ED-5D6237DD95B7&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0780

The Council Members see potential parallels to the situation that existed between 2003 and 2005 when the city constructed a state-of-the-art new firehouse in Rossville then failed to assign an engine company to it, merely assigning an EMT battalion due to budget constraints.  They do not want to see a similar situation play out at the 4^th Precinct, which they and all Staten Islanders expect will be fully staffed.  Furthermore, they do not want it staffed at the expense of the other precincts on Staten Island.  Any mere shifting of resources would be unacceptable.

“The fight for the 4^th Precinct was never about the building per se, it was about the personnel that come with a precinct,” said Oddo.  “It was always about the boots on the ground that would come with the building.  As the precinct nears completion, Staten Islanders need to get a commitment from the City that there will be a fully functional and fully staffed precinct up and running from day 1.  Similarly, a simple shifting of resources from other precincts would not be acceptable.  We expect to see an increase in net resources and police officers on Staten Island as a result of its completion.”

Council Member Ignizio said, “The fight has always been about police staffing levels in the borough.  We like our new building, but we would like more to welcome a few hundred new officers to our borough’s ranks.  I hope the administration recognizes this need and acts appropriately.”

Council Member Rose said, “The new precinct is a much welcomed and needed addition to the Mariner’s Harbor and Graniteville communities.  It is imperative that Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly fully staff the Island’s newest police precinct in order to ensure that the public’s safety is not forfeited.”

Letter to Mayor Bloomberg regarding staffing Staten Island’s 4th Precinct

For Immediate Release                                                                             Contact: AJ Basile

January 18, 2012                                                                             Phone: (718) 980-1017

Staten Island Slim Down

Prepares for Year Two

After a successful inaugural campaign, Staten Island’s very own weight loss competition looks to continue bringing a healthier lifestyle to the borough

Staten Island, NY – On Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bernikow Jewish Community Center located at 1466 Manor Road, New York City Council Member James Oddo, Mr. Tony Books Avilez and Dr. Maureen Becker will officially kick off the sophomore year of Staten Island’s own hands on healthy living and weight loss program – the Staten Island Slim Down.

Last year, over 1,200 Staten Islanders committed to living a healthier lifestyle by participating in the first ever Staten Island Slim Down. The results achieved by Staten Island residents were outstanding with many contestants and participants getting into the best shape of their adult lives. There were also extraordinary reversals of medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The success of the program made clear the need to repeat the program and led to the Staten Island Slim Down 2012. The 10-week program will launch at the kick off event on Sunday January 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the JCC on Manor Road.

Staten Island Slim Down is a not-for-profit organization co-founded by fitness professional Tony Books Avilez and health care practitioner Dr. Maureen Becker.

After the finale, contestants are encouraged to take part in the Staten Island Slim Down 5K run on Sunday, April 21, 2012.

Staten Island Slim Down hopes to facilitate these goals this year by continuing last year’s success through numerous live events, fitness classes, conference calls, weekly lessons, and by making available the vast amount of resources in the Staten Island Slim Down library, available on their website at www.statenislandslimdown.com.

Those interested in signing up can once again do so in two different ways – as a contestant or as a participant.

Contestants will get the ability to chronicle their transformation and compete for various prizes, including cash and other donated prizes.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may sign up as participants and still receive the free fitness information and resources.

Dr. Maureen Becker, a highly regarded Professor at the College of Staten Island and co-founder of Staten Island Slim Down has said. “I am extremely excited and delighted that many of our sponsors from last year are returning as sponsors for the 2012 2^nd annual Staten Island Slim Down event.”

Some of the returning sponsors are: SIEDC, College of Staten Island, Staten Island University Hospital, JCC, Wagner College, Shop Rite, Stop and Shop and Family Help Foods just to name a few.  Already, Staten Island Slim Down has obtained new sponsors such as Millan & Orloski, Physical Therapy, One on One Physical Therapy, Elaine Naso Dentistry and is open to any new sponsors interested in becoming involved.

The increase in sponsorship is only going to make this year’s Slim Down bigger and better. Dr. Becker states “I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity again to affectively assist in the transformation of the bodies and lives of many Staten Islanders.”

Tony Avilez, creator, co-founder and fitness coordinator of the Staten Island Slim Down states, “Hardly a day goes by that I don’t meet a Slim Down participant at the Mall, on the street or on Facebook reaching out to let me know how the program affected them, their friends and family.”  Mr. Avilez is looking forward to having the same impact on even more people this year.  As the program continues to grow, Staten Island will become an even healthier and happier place.

Council Member Oddo, a strong supporter of Staten Island Slim Down, said: “I was so impressed with the number of Staten Islanders who participated and their enthusiasm last year. Tony and Maureen proved that they can help Staten Islanders lose weight, get healthy, and gain knowledge by making it fun. Providing this service for free to all willing participants makes this organization a valuable asset to all of Staten Island. I encourage all Staten Islanders who feel like they could be leading a healthier lifestyle to participate.”

Please see www.statenislandslimdown.com for a copy of the Slim Down brochure, to sign up, and other information.

# # #

Two years ago Councilman Oddo and Borough President Molinaro promised to forever preserve Whitney Woods; today the final stages in the city purchase of this environmental sensitive property are almost complete

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Grasmere Civic Association, New York City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo (R- Mid-Island) and Borough President James P. Molinaro will announce that the city has entered the final stages in the purchase of Whitney Woods, the 1.5 acre piece of environmentally sensitive property, that they promised to preserve and save to prevent its development, preserve as open space, and mitigate area flooding issues. The closing on the property will take place shortly. The Grasmere Civic Association meets in the Fr. Epifanio Center at Holy Rosary Church, located at 80 Jerome Avenue, South Beach.
Without this action, current zoning rules would have permitted the construction of more than 70 housing units to be built on the space that currently remains green and pristine. This would have exacerbated severe flooding concerns that have long plagued the community surrounding Whitney Woods.

On October 24, 2009, Oddo, Molinaro, and the Bloomberg Administration announced that Whitney Woods was “identified as a priority for acquisition.” Since that time, Oddo and Molinaro have allocated the necessary funds for the purchase, the Bloomberg Administration has been negotiating with the property owner, and the required Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP) has been conducted. The total purchase price was $2,735,000. Councilman Oddo contributed a total of $1,450,000 for the purchase ($1 million in FY 2011 and $450,000 in FY 12), Borough President Molinaro allocated a total of $985,000 ($535,000 in FY 11 and $495,000 in FY 12), and DEP contributed a total of $300,000 to the purchase.

Councilman Oddo said, “Many people know that I am a big fan of the show The West Wing. There was a line in one of the episodes that I have taken as a motto of sorts for my time in public service: ‘We came here to put the job first. To spend our lives for something that would outlast us.’ In this case, I am happy to say that the preservation of Whitney Woods will truly outlast us in several ways. First, it will forever remain in its current state, free of the type of development that has robbed us of too many of our green spaces on Staten Island. Second, it will help protect the local area by acting as a storm water drainage and management area. I would like to thank the Bloomberg Administration, particularly DEP, Borough President Molinaro and his staff, and my Chief-of-Staff, Steven Matteo, for their persistence in bringing us to this day. We made a promise two years ago to the Grasmere community that we would forever preserve this property and I am happy to say that we are living up to this promise.”

Borough President James P. Molinaro said, “This is great news for the people of Staten Island, and the residents of Grasmere in particular. It’s a win-win – we can now protect this area from development while enhancing our successful Bluebelt system. This neighborhood already experiences trouble with flooding, and any new, large-scale home construction would have worsened the problem significantly. Whitney Woods will now become part of the Bluebelt, a storm water-management system that protects our waterways and reduces flooding. I am proud that — with thanks to the Bloomberg Administration — Councilman Oddo and I were able to keep our promise to the Grasmere community and maintained Staten Island’s reputation as the Borough of Parks.”

Neighborhood residents first broached the possibility of purchasing the property in 2005 and DEP was receptive to the idea of utilizing the property as a means of stormwater conveyance. The movement to purchase the property gained steam after the release of PlaNYC when Councilman Oddo and Senator Andrew Lanza wrote to the Mayor’s office on June 11, 2008 making this request.

A Timeline of Events: Whitney Woods

From Stephanie Slepian of the Staten Island Advance:

NYC makes sure that Staten Island’s Whitney Woods will be forever green

A two-acre patch of land in Grasmere will remain forever green as the city moves to finalize its $2.7 million purchase of Whitney Woods, a forest-like landscape that could have contained up to 70 houses.

It was 2003 when the newly formed Grasmere Civic Association first asked the Department of Environmental Protection to acquire the property on Whitney and Parkinson avenues as a possible addition to the Bluebelt.

They quickly gained the support of Councilman James Oddo (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), whose timeline of correspondence between then and now runs 82 pages long.

“Thoreau lived in the woods, and while we didn’t take it that far, we absolutely lived and breathed this issue,” said Oddo, who will be joined by Borough President James P. Molinaro in announcing the news before the civic association’s membership tonight at 7 in the parish center of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach.

“This will forever preserve a piece of Staten Island. Had we done more of this 30 years ago, we might have a different community now.”

DEP and the private land owner are expected to close in the coming weeks. Allocations include $1.4 million from Oddo, $985,000 from Molinaro and $300,000 from DEP.

It is slated to become part of DEP’s Bluebelt, a network of streams, ponds and other wetlands designed to collect storm-water runoff and prevent flooding in low-lying communities.

“This is great news for the people of Staten Island, and the residents of Grasmere in particular,” Molinaro said. “It’s a win-win — we can now protect this area from development while enhancing our successful Bluebelt system.

“This neighborhood already experiences trouble with flooding, and any new, large-scale home construction would have worsened the problem significantly.”

Over the years, there was talk of building anywhere from 27 to 42 townhouses on the wooded lots, leaving residents fearful that their natural flood barrier would be lost to development.

“We are relieved to know there will be open space in our community,” said Frank Ninivaggi, president of the Grasmere Civic Association, who acknowledged the efforts of the city and local elected officials in seeing the purchase through.

“It is all vegetation, there are no sewers and no infrastructure. It lends itself to the Bluebelt.”

From the SI Advance archive, an article by Jamie Lee

After more than five years of painstaking effort, residents of Richmond and Grasmere were rewarded yesterday with the news that the city has taken major steps toward extending the Bluebelt program in their neighborhoods.

Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler, Borough President James Molinaro, City Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn) and city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Commissioner Steven W. Lawitts announced new developments regarding two separate properties during a press conference in Historic Richmond Town.

The first announcement was the finalization of plans to purchase 1.3 acres of Richmond wetlands, known as Richmond Creek, and the second was the prioritization of acquiring a two-acre parcel of Grasmere woodlands, known as Whitney Woods.

Both properties are slated to become part of the DEP’s Bluebelt program, meant to protect wetlands and waterways while reducing flooding in problematic locations across the city.

“The Bluebelts provide an ecologically sensible way to manage storm water and reduce flooding, while saving us the tens of millions of dollars it would cost to install conventional storm sewers for the same land area,” said Skyler. “It is an environmentally and financially sound approach to managing water on Staten Island.”

Just as important for those living alongside the soon-to-be protected sites is the knowledge that overdevelopment will not infringe on their quiet communities.

“The Bluebelt was originally planned to be 33 acres [in Richmond Creek], but scaled back to 18 acres,” said the Richmondtown and Clarke Avenue Civic Association’s Richmond Creek Watershed Committee chairwoman Kathy Meaghan. “Many of these properties have already been lost to development.”

Ms. Meaghan and her committee have been fighting for the preservation of Richmond Creek, which is located between St. George Road and Nugent Street and west of Aultman Avenue, since 2004.

“It is so worthy of preserving for so many reasons — flood and storm water control, surface and groundwater protection, erosion control, fish and wildlife habitat, pollution treatment and for nutrient cycling,” she said.

Whitney Woods, which is located east of Whitney Avenue and Parkinson Avenue in Grasmere, is a collection of vacant, low-lying, heavily-vegetated lots that could house as many as 70 separate homes if built on.

With flooding already a major issue for the area, additional construction could serve to worsen that condition.

“This is great news for Grasmere and great news for all of Staten Island, which is still threatened by overdevelopment” said Grasmere Civic Association president Frank Ninivaggi.

Richmond Creek is currently going through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), and negotiations with the property owners are anticipated to begin early next year. Certification of the ULURP application for Whitney Woods is anticipated to take place in 2010.

“I know these projects are going to outlive me,” said Oddo, who secured $500,000 in the city budget for the purchases, while Molinaro set aside $350,000. “We are going to preserve them and protect them, and keep these woods green forever.”

Also, here is a 2009 report by Amanda Farinacci of New York 1:

What it may look like a bunch of overgrown weeds badly in need of trimming, a swampy wetland area represents for some residents of Richmondtown a solution to a flooding problem that has plagued their neighborhood for years.

“People in the area used to have their basements flooded and this contained the water, and helped a lot of people from having their homes damaged. I think this is great,” said resident Louis Cugno.

On Saturday, the city announced it is working to acquire the 1.3-acre property and to maintain it as part of the city’s Bluebelt Program, which protects wetlands, waterways and reduces flooding across the city. The land is currently owned by a private homeowner, but the city is in the process of purchasing it and hopes to own it by next year.

Staten Island Councilman James Oddo said owning the property is the only way the city can make sure the land isn’t purchased by a private developer and built on, which would end the relief that residents with no traditional storm systems gain from the wetland area when it rains.

“There are some communities on Staten Island that will never have the traditional steel and cement sewer system,” said Oddo. “Geographically, technically, you can’t build it without raising all the roads and sinking all these homes, and the Bluebelt concept has been a huge success. It started on the South Shore, came to Richmond Creek, and now we’re doing it all along the East Shore. And it’s the only relief for certain communities.”

Currently, the city maintains 400 acres of wetlands on Staten Island’s South Shore, and the city Department of Environmental Protection is working to double that amount in the near future.

“It’s a good way to control storm water, it’s environmentally responsible, and it’s beautiful, and you’re a good neighbor to the residents of Staten island,” said acting DEP Commissioner Steven Lawitts.

The city has also identified a two-acre parcel in Grasmere called Whitney Woods that it plans to acquire in the next fiscal year.

On Friday, October 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 1100 South Avenue, New York City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo (R- Mid-Island) and Council Member & Transportation Committee Chairperson James Vacca (D-Bronx) will host Roger Filion, President and CEO of Kasi Infrared, for a hands-on demonstration showcasing an innovative and efficient technology to repair potholes. Council Member Oddo is hopeful that this infrared technology, if adopted by New York City, might help improve the condition of our roads by preserving repairs that are made to potholes. Please note, at 11:00 a.m. we will meet in front of the Hilton Garden Inn and then proceed to a location on the grounds with a pothole to be repaired. Kasi Infrared will then fill in the pothole and demonstrate how their technology works.

While our roads continue to deteriorate more and more every year, the city of New York continues to use the same system to fill potholes that simply does not work right. This method of simply pouring new asphalt into potholes is not only timely and expensive; it is hardly a permanent fix, often times only lasting a few days before returning to the same condition as before the repair.

Always looking for new technologies that can improve the condition of our infrastructure, Oddo recently read an article about “Kasi Infrared,” the leading manufacturer of infrared asphalt restoration and repair equipment. He was intrigued and invited Kasi to come to Staten Island to perform a demonstration of their technology. Mr. Filion, President and CEO of Kasi, was eager to show off his product in person.

While traditional repairs simply replace the old asphalt with new, this technology recycles most of the original asphalt, requiring less labor and equipment. The infrared system which heats the surrounding area around the pothole and then blends old asphalt with new once the hole is filled also provides a more permanent fix than the current system now achieves. See a video of the technology here.

Richard and Lois Nicotra will graciously allow the use of their property for the demonstration. DOT officials will be in attendance to learn more about the technology and whether it can be a solution to our persistent problems.

WHO: New York City Council Member James S. Oddo, Council Member & NYC Council Transportation Committee Chairman James Vacca, Roger Filion, President of Kasi Infrared, and DOT officials.

WHAT: Demonstration of infrared pothole repairing technology by Kasi Infrared

WHEN: Friday, October 21, 2011, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn grounds, 1100 South Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314

From Amanda Farinacci of NY1 reports:

Business has been down at Shamrock Paints in Westerleigh for the last three and a half years.

“We’ve gotten hit two-fold: unemployment and the real estate market. Most people are not spending money in my store because they’re concerned,” said Peter Monzi of Shamrock Paints.

That has Monzi concerned and looking for any way possible to drum up business.

One way to do that is to compete for government contracts, especially those that are under $100,000, but business owners say the setup of the current system prevents them from bidding. They say it’s confusing to file, and oftentimes projects under a $100,000 are impossible to even find.

“I get the bids sometimes through middlemen for the city, but I shouldn’t be going through a middleman,” said Rob Foley of Richmond Aluminum. “I would definitely like to see transparency in who’s getting the bids and how many of those bids are they getting? Is it going to the same people?”

Officials from the city’s Department of Administrative Services say the department is completely compliant with the current rules of the procurement policy board, which require that all bids over $100,000 be published.

There are currently no publishing rules for bids under $100,000.

Lawmakers are hoping to change that by asking the board to amend the rules so that all city contracts are published, no matter how big or small.

“It may seem like small potatoes in a $68 billion budget, but $100,000 in products and services is a lot of money for a small business,” said City Councilman Vincent Ignizio of Staten Island. “So if we can open it up, we can ultimately save money for the city by having more people bid, and we can have small mom and pop businesses across the five boroughs be able to bid.”

DCAS officials say the department is considering the request.

**Press Release**

For Immediate Release                                                          Contact: Anthony Basile

June 15, 2011                                                                         Phone:  (718) 980-1017

Councilman Oddo to Take Part in Fifth Straight ‘Operation Backpack’ for New York City’s Underprivileged

Backpacks and school supplies can be donated from June 22 until July 21

Staten Island, NY – For the fifth straight year, New York City Council Member James S. Oddo (R- Mid-Island) will open his district office as a drop off location for “Operation Backpack,” the annual drive sponsored by the Volunteers of America to help ensure that all schoolchildren have sufficient supplies when they return back to school. In each of the last five years, Staten Islanders have participated very generously in the drive.

To participate in Operation Backpack, Staten Islanders are urged to donate a new backpack filled with school supplies and drop it off at Council Member Oddo’s office between Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, July 21 during normal business hours. All donors are asked to please be sure to attach an appropriate label specifying the grade level to each backpack. Council Member Oddo’s district office is located at 900 South Avenue, Suite 403.

Councilman Oddo, “The continued generosity of Staten Islanders continues to amaze me even during difficult economic times.  Throughout all of my years of asking for donations for a variety of causes, the residents of this borough have never disappointed.  Once again, I am asking Staten Islanders to continue their generous ways and help ensure that children of all ages have the materials needed to continue their education.”

Those interested in donating can simply purchase a new backpack, fill it with appropriate school supplies, and bring it to Councilman Oddo’s office.  A list of appropriate supplies can be found below.

One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on a child’s education.  More than 11,000 school-age children live with their families in the New York City homeless shelter system and many of them return to school each year without the basic supplies they need.  From day one, they look and feel different from their classmates.  Operation Backpack helps close this gap, providing children who are homeless with new, filled backpacks in time for the first day of school.  With family homelessness on the rise, the need this year is greater than ever. Volunteers of America hopes to be able to provide a backpack to every child who needs one, but they will need help to do so.

Over the past few years, Staten Islanders have donated hundreds of supplies at Councilman Oddo’s office alone.

For more information about “Operation Backpack” please see: http://www.voa-gny.org/Get-Involved/Operation-Backpack.aspx.

Below are the grade appropriate school supplies that should be placed in donated backpacks, along with a label indicating the grade level:

Pre-K & Kindergarten School Supplies
o Backpack*
o #2 Pencils
o Pencil Box
o Box of Crayons
o Box of Washable Markers
o Water Color Paint (set)
o Pad of Coloring Paper
o Large Pink Erasers
o Glue Sticks
o Safety Scissors
o Two-Pocket Folders
o Wide-Rule Loose-Leaf Paper
o Facial Tissues
o Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

* A typical Pre-k/Kindergartener is 4-6 years old and needs a smaller backpack. Look for backpacks with popular characters, fun colors, and bright designs. Small backpacks tends to be about 12-14″ x 9-12″ x 5-10″.

First - Fourth Grade School Supplies

o Backpack*
o Pencil Box
o #2 Pencils
o Pens (Black Ink)
o Box of Crayons
o Box of Colored Pencils
o Box of Washable Markers
o Water Color Paint (set)
o 3-Ring Binder
o 2-Pocket Folders (3)
o Wide-Rule Loose-Leaf Paper
o Spiral Notebooks (3)
o Composition Book
o Pad of Coloring Paper
o Index Cards
o Large Pink Erasers
o Handheld Pencil Sharpener
o 5-Inch Safety Scissors
o Bottle of Glue (Elmer’s-type)
o Glue Sticks
o Book Covers (4)
o Facial Tissues
o Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

* A typical elementary schooler is 6-10 years old and needs a smaller backpack. Look for backpacks with popular characters, fun colors, and bright designs. Small backpack tends to be about 12-14″ x 9-12″ x 5-10″.

Fifth - Eighth Grade School Supplies

o Backpack*
o Soft Pencil Case
o #2 Pencils
o Pens (Black Ink)
o Highlighters
o Box of Washable Markers
o Box of Colored Pencils
o 3-Ring Binder (2”-3”)
o Subject Dividers
o 2-Pocket Folders (5)
o Loose-leaf Paper
o Graph Paper
o Spiral Notebooks (6)
o Composition Notebook (1)
o Package of Index Cards
o Assignment Book/Weekly Planner
o Large Pink Erasers
o Pencil Sharpener
o Glue Sticks (2)
o Scissors
o Ruler (marked in inches and centimeters)
o Protractor
o Compass
o Calculator
o Book Covers (6)
* A typical middle schooler is 10-13 years old and needs a medium-sized backpack. Look for backpacks with classic colors or simple designs. A medium backpack tends to be about 16″ x 12″ x 10″.

Ninth - Twelfth Grade School Supplies

o Backpack*
o Soft Pencil Case
o #2 Pencils
o Pens in Blue, Black and Red
o Highlighters (2)
o Box of Colored Pencils
o 3-Ring Binder
o 2-Pocket Folders (6)
o Subject Dividers
o Loose-leaf Paper
o Graph Paper
o Compostion Book
o Spiral Notebooks (8)
o Package of Post-It Notes
o Package of Index Cards
o Assignment Book/Weekly Planner
o Large Pink Eraser
o Scientific Calculator
o Dictionary
o Thesaurus
o Ruler (marked in inches and centimeters)
o Mini-Stapler and Staples
o Book Covers (8)
o USB Flash Drive (Optional)
* A typical high schooler is 14-18 years old and needs a larger backpack. Look for backpacks with classic colors and sturdy builds. A large backpack tends to be about 19″ x 13″ x 10″.

]]> http://jamesoddo.com/councilman-oddo-to-take-part-in-fifth-straight-%e2%80%98operation-backpack%e2%80%99-for-new-york-city%e2%80%99s-underprivileged/feed/ http://jamesoddo.com/a-plea-for-help-the-dr-theodore-atlas-foundation/ http://jamesoddo.com/a-plea-for-help-the-dr-theodore-atlas-foundation/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 18:14:23 +0000 oddo http://jamesoddo.com/?p=1353 Since 1997 the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation (Atlas Foundation) has been providing financial, legal, and emotional support to individuals and organizations in need, focusing particularly on the needs of children. It has done this with a volunteer staff and without any bureaucratic obstacles. The Administrative costs are minimal, so that nearly every penny that comes into the Atlas Foundation is disbursed to help people in need.  Once it determines a particular need, it acts immediately to help.  This no-nonsense approach to helping people is a direct product of the character and approach of its founder, Teddy Atlas.

New York City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo gathered with Teddy Atlas, members of the Atlas Foundation staff, several individuals that the Atlas Foundation has recently assisted, and Cesar Claro of the Richmond County Savings Foundation for a very special announcement where they announced a dollar for dollar matching grant campaign up to $100,000 in support of the Atlas Foundation. In addition, they announced details of a special fundraising dinner on June 15, 2011. Confirmed attendees include Bart Scott and Mike DeVito of the New York Jets and New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. Those who would like more information on the fundraising dinner should contact Steven Matteo at Council Member Oddo’s office at (718) 980-1017 or by email at smatteo@council.nyc.gov.

Those who wish to donate any amount of money for this most worthy cause can do so via the Atlas Foundation website at http://www.dratlasfoundation.com/ or by calling 718-980-7037.

Councilman Oddo said, “Everything the Atlas Foundation does directly benefits Staten Islanders. In a day and age when we read story after story about inflated salaries at certain non-profit organizations, it is refreshing that there are organizations out there like the Atlas Foundation that provides direct help for the community with little overhead. That is the most effective way to help people and is a direct result of Teddy Atlas’ desire to directly help as many people as possible. I would like to issue a challenge to the people of Staten Island to help the Atlas Foundation continue to help our neighbors and friends. Whether you can donate $1, $10, $100, or more, your money will be used to provide direct help to Staten Islanders in need. Teddy is literally on the front lines helping Staten Islanders and he needs our help.”

Cesar Claro said, “We encourage everyone on Staten Island to give a little back to this institution which is doing so much to help Islanders in need.”

Below is just a sample of recent cases for which the Atlas Foundation provided help:

April 27, 2011 - Steven Daquieno, born May 5, 2000 in Staten Island was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when he was 4 years old. The parents of Steven Daquieno, after numerous attempts to go through insurances, found that their son would not be covered. Muscular Dystrophy wasn’t able to help Steven with the family’s request. Therefore, he would not be able to have Custom Molded Bilateral Solid Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO). Steven is treated at the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic at New York Presbyterian Hospital . The Dr. Atlas Foundation was contacted through the Eastside Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., business office, Colleen Bookmiller, she was seeking assistance for the family’s financial situation. The Dr. Atlas Foundation paid for the cost of the (AFO) $937.62.

May 5, 2011 – Jennie Di Giambattista, 59 year old Staten Island resident, contacted the Dr. Atlas Foundation, through her oncologist Dr. Aly. She reached out to the American Cancer Society and no one was able to help her, but they did refer her to the Dr. Atlas Foundation. She is suffering from colon/ovarian cancer. She was falling behind on her medical expenses and monthly bills. She needs to take cabs to the doctor’s office for treatments and has little help maintaining her attic apartment. The little she receives from SSI and some food stamps barely reflects the cost of her living expenses. The Dr. Atlas Foundation gave her a check for $1000.00 to help ease her burden and provide her with some quality of life.

May 9, 2011 – Chloe Alexis Daly, a two year old child who suffers with cerebral palsy. She was first diagnosed with hydro-cephalus, which means fluid on the brain, after she suffered a traumatic three week early birth. Her devastating complications lead to months of neonatal intensive care and the results have affected her brain which will be a lifetime of special needs, intense therapy and continuous care. The Staten Island family had a fundraiser for Chloe to generate money to help with all the expenses, therapy and special needs that insurance does not cover, and Cerebral Palsy did little to help the family through this difficult time. The Dr. Atlas Foundation contributed $2000.00 at the fundraiser event.

May 16, 2011 – Elizabeth James Timmins, a six month year old child who was diagnosed with a potentially fatal liver disease called Biliary Atresia. Although at two months of age, a surgery called Kasai Procedure was performed to in hopes of preventing a liver transplant, several months after the surgery, it was found that the Elizabeth needed a liver transplant. The race for time was at hand and the overall expenses surrounding such an ordeal. Mr. & Mrs. Timmins are school teachers at St. Peter’s High School in Staten Island, yet the insurance doesn’t cover all the monthly co-pays, medicines, doctor co-pays and day to day expenses. After the transplant, Mrs. Timmins will care for her child, which will result in one less salary, and many more bills. The Dr. Atlas Foundation gave the family $2000.00 to help them through this difficult financial and emotional time.

March 3, 2011 - Michael Affrunti, a Staten Island man and his family lost their home in a fire. The family was devastated after a fire took everything. The son, Michael has severe Autism called the Red Cross for help, to his surprise they offered him a $400.00 and put the family in the West Shore Hotel. The conditions were not good, so he checked his family out and at his own expense put them in Hampton Inn. And to make matters even more difficult, shortly after the fire, Michael’s wife passed away. Now, his children had no home and no mother. The Dr. Atlas Foundation gave the family $1000.00 to help them get settled in. Also, the foundation purchased the bedroom furniture $2400.00 for all 5 children.

April 12, 2011 – Glenn Matthews a 52 year old Staten Island man who suffers from neurofibromatosis. He had several surgeries on his face to remove the fibroma, but unfortunately it was cancer. He was an employee at Ocean View Cemetery Staten Island for many years. He was no longer able to work, mainly because of treatment and his appearance. He was falling behind on his bills and he wasn’t able to receive SSI disability until June. With nowhere to turn, he called the American Cancer Society to help him through this difficult time and they were unable to assist. The Dr. Atlas Foundation sent him $1000.00 to ease his financial pain and hopefully help him through the next two months, effortlessly.

From Stephanie Slepian of the Staten Island Advance:

Giuliana Stasinski probably wouldn’t be getting a wheelchair lift if it weren’t for the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation.

“I’ve read all the stories about how they have helped other people and I am excited that now they are helping my child, and will be able to help other children and their families,” said Bulls Head resident Maria Stasinski, the mother of 5-year-old Giuliana, who has cerebral palsy.

Now, a monetary boost is on its way to the Atlas Foundation: The Richmond County Savings Foundation announced a dollar-for-dollar matching grant campaign yesterday.

The goal is $100,000.

To kick-start the campaign, a celebrity dinner will be held on June 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Atlas’ home. The suggested donation is $250.

Among the guests will be linebacker Bart Scott and defensive end Mike DeVito of the New York Jets; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs; Chris Noth of “Sex and the City” and “Law & Order” fame, and Holt McCallaney of “Lights Out.”

“It’s tough to find a way to get money directly to individuals as quickly as possible,” said Cesar Claro, executive director of the Richmond County Savings Foundation, who was joined by his board members, City Councilman James Oddo and District Attorney Daniel Donovan. “The Teddy Atlas Foundation makes that possible.”

Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn), a longtime supporter of the Atlas Foundation, implored Islanders to attend the dinner — or make donations, no matter how small.

“I am telling you right now, your money is going to help people,” he said.

Atlas took the podium next, carrying a folder overflowing with e-mails and letters the Foundation has received through the years.

“These are the many letters we get every day,” said the longtime boxing trainer and ESPN analyst. “I wish we didn’t have to be here, I wish we didn’t need to ask for help.”

Mrs. Stasinski is certainly glad they are there.

“I prayed for a miracle and he’s my miracle,” she said.

The same goes for William Daly, whose 2-year-old daughter, Chloe, also has cerebral palsy. Atlas came to a fundraiser Daly held last month with $2,000 that will go toward intensive therapy for Chloe.

“They’ve been a big help,” said the Great Kills resident.

To learn more about the celebrity dinner, call Steven Matteo, Oddo’s chief of staff, at 718-980-1017, or e-mail smatteo@council.nyc.gov. Donations for the dollar-to-dollar match can be made at www.dratlasfoundation.com or 718-980-7037.