OnSI Podcast

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) On this edition of the OnSI podcast… Thanks to the generosity of others, Meals on Wheels of Staten Island can continue to feed those in need all across the borough during this most challenging year. The organization shares how it met the demand of vulnerable seniors on Thanksgiving and looks ahead to the new year with cautious optimism.

“What we’re most proud of is where we are vulnerable. So many of our volunteers are retired, older adults. The other area of vulnerability is the partnership we have with all 21 agencies on Staten Island serving populations with special needs. Typically, those programs would have some of their consumers onboard and delivering meals for us. All of those programs had to shut down way back in April,” said President and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Staten Island, Joseph Tornello.

Also this month, Congresswoman-Elect Nicole Malliotakis is prepared to represent New York’s 11th Congressional District in Washington, the first woman to do so in nearly a quarter-century. Hear how she plans to lead during this hyper-partisan era.

“This pandemic has been very difficult. Many loved ones were lost, businesses are being devastated by this, people lost their jobs, kids are not being educated like they should. There is a lot happening right now in our community, and we need to find ways to work together and get out of this crisis. And, I know we will.”

Plus, holy cow! A look back at the boom and bust of the Baby Bombers through the eyes of one of their biggest fans in Section 9, a well known area of Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George, filled over the years with locals fans having a great time with one another.

“The memories and the relationships are really intertwined. I couldn’t tell you what the win/loss records were each year, I couldn’t tell you the championship years, but I could tell you who sat next to us,” said Christopher Caputo, a season-ticket holder from the club’s inception in 1999.

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) On this edition of the OnSI podcast… A South Shore family looses its patriarch to the pandemic — how his family is celebrating his life and doing their best to turn tragedy into charity with a festive Halloween fundraiser for healthcare workers.

“I just respect them and appreciate them so much. So, we wanted to give back in this small way, and at least help celebrate my father’s legacy,” explained Francesca Santacroce.

Also this month, a firsthand account from the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis: Amy O’Sullivan, a brave nurse and Meiers Corners resident tells her story to the nation as she is named one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2020.

“It was like a war zone. I can only say it was a constant explosion of patients. Every day, all day long, with no breaks. Everyone was so sick at the same time. There were so many staff members that were out sick. Some staff had to retire because they were so afraid that they were going to get sick and die,” recalled Amy O’Sullivan.

Plus, how the Island-based National Lighthouse Museum is doing its best to be a beacon of hope for the City’s cultural institutions by inviting New Yorkers to come experience the area’s unique maritime history.

“While you’re on the ferry, the secret thing is that the Statue of Liberty was a lighthouse at one point. So, you get to see your first lighthouse out in the middle of the harbor. I highly recommend people come see what we have and hear about our expansion plans,” said Linda Dianto.

On this April 2020, and inaugural, edition of OnSI… Dining in and taking out on Staten Island amid the COVID-19 crisis, borough eateries are adapting to a new normal and giving back along the way, the Staten Island Children’s Museum is determined as ever to overcome the pandemic and pursue its mission to delight and educate youngsters, and giving locals a break from the barrage of bad news, how one lifelong Islander is using his unique skill set to get locals talking about some of the positives in the community.