OnSI

Ten Staten Islanders have been honored this year as Local Heroes of the Month in a recurring series that offers a special look at how our neighbors are making a difference in the borough every single day; how we and our sponsors celebrate community voices who personify what it means to be truly altruistic.

In July 2022, the Staten Island Cricket Club marked its 150th anniversary. Established in 1872, the club is the oldest continuously operating cricket club in the country, according to its current president. Also this month, we introduce you to our Local Hero of the Month. This former St. Peter's High School basketball star earned a spot in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii using his mother's battle with cancer as inspiration to bring awareness to the disease and motivate others to preserve in the face of adversity. Plus, a look back at a Pleasant Plains resident who retired from the FDNY in September 2021 after nearly four decades of dedicated service, but her retirement didn't last long. She rejoined the workforce through a new Department of Aging program, which celebrates the skills, knowledge, and expertise retirees acquired while working for the city.

The free, borough-wide outdoor concert series “Sounds of Summer” returns to the Island aiding the recovery of New York City's arts and culture scene. Also this month, we introduce you to our Local Hero of the Month. This Pleasant Plains resident retired from the FDNY in September 2021 after nearly four decades of dedicated service, but her retirement didn't last long. She rejoined the workforce through a new Department of Aging program, which celebrates the skills, knowledge, and expertise retirees acquired while working for the city. This alliance benefits the work agencies continue to do every day, while also allowing them to be more age inclusive and diverse in the workplace. Plus, a look back at a Dongan Hills native who is spearheading projects, events and efforts to help local youths through athletics and activism, while pursing a professional, groundbreaking athletic career.

After a long pandemic pause, New York City is welcoming back the brave men and women of the military for Fleet Week. Also this month, we introduce you to our Local Hero of the Month. This Dongan Hills native is using his influence as a professional athlete to talk about mental health, and promote positivity, good sportsmanship and service to others. Plus, a look back at a local husband-and-wife duo who have spent decades embodying what it means to be altruistic, donating countless hours and effort to help those in need in many meaningful ways.

Gone are the Staten Island Yankees, and with them goes the defunct team's former sponsor and stadium namesake… what FerryHawks executives have in store for the newly renovated ballpark in St. George. Also this month, we introduce you to our Local Heroes of the Month. This Staten Island couple has spent decades serving the borough and beyond through Kiwanis Club projects and initiatives with a focus on helping kids. Plus, a look back at an African-American woman who made history in our borough as a trailblazing professional who is leading the charge on the Island's North Shore.

Women's History Month is marked across the borough through art, cooking, creating and portrait picture taking. How the legacy of women of achievement lives on in imaginative ways. Also this month, we introduce you to our Local Hero of the Month, who is a pioneering woman herself, striving to make the borough we love a caring and safe place to live. Plus, a review of what makes Staten Island a great place to call home, according to an immigrant who moved to the borough and is living out the American dream.

Staten Island's newest ferry boat is named in recognition of one of the nation's first free Black settlements, the longstanding Sandy Ground community on the South Shore. Also this month, we are proud to bring you our first extended interview with our Local Hero of the Month. In this installment, we introduce you to an officer who has followed his dreams to become an American citizen and part of the NYPD's ongoing mission to build bridges to the communities it serves. Plus, how a Charleston restaurant owner who stood by his employees from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, has persevered by making empathy an important ingredient to his business operations.

On this episode of the OnSI podcast… It's no joke, the decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat John F. Kennedy is getting a new lease on life courtesy of two Island born-and-bred stars who saved it from the scrap heap. What Saturday Night Live's Colin Jost and Pete Davidson have up their sleeves for the aging and obsolete vessel. Also this month, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to weigh down the restaurant industry. How a Staten Island staple is managing to stay afloat. Plus, this episode's “Local Hero of the Month” is the founder of an Island-based support network that for more than twenty years has answered the question, “where to turn?”

On this episode of the OnSI podcast… A special look back at the year that was, leading-off with renewed calls to remain vigilant, and calm, despite a late surge in COVID-19 cases. Also this month, the borough weathered the ongoing pandemic in 2021 with small, albeit important, victories all along the way. And, while some welcomed signs of normalcy returned this year, it was full of challenges locals had to overcome. Plus, even during the toughest of times, so many Staten Islanders remained committed to their hometown. As we look ahead, how the Island's strong community spirit may once again play a pivotal role as we learn to live with COVID in 2022 and beyond.

On this episode of the OnSI podcast… on your marks, get set, go! The starting block for the New York City Marathon returned to Staten Island for the postponed 50th running of one of the most famous races in the world. While it was a smaller field that assembled in Fort Wadsworth than in years past, it still was a big stride toward a greater sense of normalcy. Also this month, the Island's holiday shopping season has shown signs of strength as retailers look to bounce back from pandemic-induced losses of 2020. How the South Shore Business Improvement District plans to assist this year by shining a spotlight on local establishments. Plus, this episode's “Local Hero of the Month” is a community leader who always looked to elevate the borough by being a positive influence to so many of its residents. And, why even after death he remains a force for good.

October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month and few places in America are home to as many descendants from Italy as Staten Island. How the borough came together to celebrate again, after a tough stretch apart. Also, the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk returned this month to raise much needed funds for cancer research and services, a reminder that ongoing medical needs still exist in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, this episode's local hero of the month is role model who has dedicated his life to bringing justice to crime victims across New York City, while still finding the time to foster high school athletes.

A somber remembrance at the Postcards memorial in St. George as Staten Island honors the people who lost their lives from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when hijackers used passenger jets to destroy the World Trade Center and attack the Pentagon. Also this month, since 9/11, a number of Island-based organizations have turned the tragedy of that day into a force for good. How one of them has kept the memory of their loved one alive by giving back to the community. Plus, this episode's local hero of the month is a dentist from the North Shore, who in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, served the City and his profession by volunteering for the forensic dental effort at the Medical Examiner's Office to help bring closure to grieving families. An act of kindness that still means so much to so many.

Seven Staten Islanders have been honored this year as "Local Heroes of the Month" in a recurring series that offers a special look at how our neighbors are making a difference in the borough every single day. Also this month, we say it all the time, Staten Island truly has a small town feel despite its ever-growing population, how the borough manages to pull it off and remain a hometown so many people give back to in so many diverse ways. Plus, this episode we continue to celebrate community voices who personify what it means to be altruistic.

On this episode of the OnSI podcast… Since the start of summer, Staten Islanders have been enjoying long-awaited signs of normalcy returning to local neighborhoods as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. This month, a highlight was the 111th annual Travis Fourth of July Parade stepping off on Victory Boulevard in a sea of red, white and blue. Also this month, the Gerard Carter Center in Stapleton is thriving once again as it offers in-person recreational and educational programs that were sorely missed during the pandemic. Plus, this episode's Local Hero of the Month is a lifelong resident of Rosebank who's making a difference by promoting and supporting youth volunteerism for more than three decades.

The Pride Center of Staten Island is making itself at home inside its newly opened facility in Clifton. How the community center plans to utilize its larger headquarters on Willow Avenue. Also this month, an organic farm is now in operation on the Island's West Shore, wondering where it is? A hint: you need to take an elevator to get there. Plus, this episode's "Local Hero of the Month" is a South Shore resident who's giving back to families who have tragically lost loved ones in the line of duty.

Mom-and-pop stores are oftentimes the lifeblood of neighborhoods, and during the pandemic many have proven just how essential they are. How one local market on the North Shore continues to serve its customers as it closes in on its fourth decade in business. Also this month, Staten Island is home to cultural treasures, fine restaurants, natural wonders and unique shopping districts, but at times it gets a bad rap from people who may have never even set foot on the borough. Why one Island-based initiative looks to change perceptions of the community by rebranding it from forgotten to unexpected. Plus, this episode’s "Local Hero of the Month" is a Staten Islander who’s goal is to lead a community-wide effort to support young athletes with developmental disabilities.

The pandemic has many rethinking travel plans this summer. But, staycationing, doesn’t mean you have to scratch natural wonders off your seasonal to-do list. Why many Islanders have their sights set on exploring New York City’s largest remaining forestland. Also this month, a year ago, Staten Islanders were just coming to grips with the effects of COVID-19 on daily life. As we all grappled with the aftermath of this new virus, local business owners were some of the first to feel its impact and offer assistance where they could. A progress report from one borough favorite who is weathering the ongoing storm. Plus, this episode’s "Local Hero of the Month" is a uniformed leader who goes above and beyond the call of duty to better serve the Staten Island community he and his family call home.

Staten Island’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was one of the last major events to be held in the City in 2020, stepping-off just a few short weeks before strict COVID-19 stay-at-home orders went into effect; why West Brighton locals say there was still a reason to celebrate in 2021, even as this year’s event was forced to be reimagined. Also this month, as vaccination programs continue to reach more people, there are many Island organizations who are stepping up to help; how the Jewish Community Center is making a difference during the pandemic. Plus, this episode’s "Local Hero of the Month" is Laura Mooney, a Staten Islander who, despite adversity, is offering a much-needed support system to those with a rare form of cancer.

On this edition of OnSI... The special needs community is doing its best to persevere during an ongoing public health crisis that has presented many roadblocks for these families and the nonprofit programs they often rely on. Also this month, a long-standing borough business built on the closeness of its team dynamic, has bent over backwards to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, all while keeping spirits high. Plus, this episode’s “Local Hero of the Month” is Denise Lipari, a local independent pharmacist based in Travis, who knows how important the pharmacist’s role, of supporting the health and wellness of the community, is during times of crisis.

On this edition of OnSI… Local restaurants continue to struggle as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. How the winter months present new challenges to overcome. Also this month, Staten Island’s religious community is doing its best to stay connected to the faithful during the pandemic. After months of being forced to stay apart, why even the most traditional spiritual leaders are warming up to and leaning heavily on technology. Plus, a tree grows on Staten Island—finding and sharing beauty in every corner of the borough. Finally, we are proud to introduce our new recurring series, “Local Hero of the Month,” a special look at our neighbors who are making a difference in the borough we all love.

Patti Murphy hosts the December, Year in Review, edition of OnSI featuring Staten Island nurse Amy O'Sullivan, Staten Island University Hospital Executive Director Brahim Ardolic, the Essential Heroes project and other voices from 2020.

Patti Murphy hosts the November edition of OnSI featuring Meals on Wheels of Staten Island, Congresswoman-Elect Nicole Malliotakis and a farewell to the Baby Bombers.

Patti Murphy hosts the October edition of OnSI featuring a South Shore family's local fundraiser to remember their father lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, a nurse from Staten Island named one of Time magazine's most influential people of 2020 and the North Shore's National Lighthouse Museum.

Patti Murphy hosts the September edition of OnSI featuring the Angels' Circle 9/11 memorial, Young Minds In Motion & Resource Room Tutoring Centers, and P.I. Fitness on Forest Avenue.

Patti Murphy hosts the July edition of OnSI featuring the St. George Theater, Staten Island University Hospital and Artist Alley's Tribute to Congressman John Lewis.

Patti Murphy hosts the June edition of OnSI featuring North Shore activist and educator Tanisha Smith Franks, the Staten Island Running Association and Tom Crimmins Reality.

Patti Murphy hosts the May edition of OnSI featuring Staten Island's New Dorp Lane District, the Essential Heroes Project and Historic Richmond Town's COVID-19 Preservation and Time Capsule Programs.

Patti Murphy hosts the inaugural edition of OnSI featuring Jimmy Max in Westerleigh, the Staten Island Children's Museum and COVID Talks.