“One of the things about people with autism is that they like routines,” explained Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., the Executive Director of Eden II, a North Shore organization that offers programs for children and adults on the autism spectrum. “Having their routines completely disrupted; no school, no school buses, no teachers… and then trying to figure out for many of them, how to get them engaged with these tablets, it was a challenge we had to overcome.”

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.

“We’re just giving our athletes, girls and boys, the opportunity to have some normalcy, to get them out of the house, be active, and do what they love,” said Liz Bellini, the Owner of Staten Island Elite Cheerleaders on Victory Boulevard. “We are definitely doing things differently now than we’ve ever done before.”

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.

OnSI is made possible with funding from Tom and Suzanne Crimmins, Owners of Tom Crimmins Realty, the Staten Island-based real estate firm that has made a name for itself for more than a decade as a local, independent, family-run business that knows the neighborhoods it serves.

“You know, it seems like as soon as we were done summerizing, the winter came. And then we had to do a 180 and figure out on how to winterize, and that required another 200 amps of electric service added, and a lot more costs. Nothing you really anticipate when you operate 100-percent indoors,” said Mike Regan, the Owner of O’Neill’s Irish Pub in Port Richmond.

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. 

“In the end, the only open door was the virtual one,” said Father Jack Soler, Pastor of St. Clement and St. Michael in Mariners Harbor.

Plus, a tree grows on Staten Island—finding and sharing beauty in every corner of the borough.

“There is no other place like Staten Island,” said Director of Conference House Park John Kilcullen, who is using Instagram to feature then and now photographs that spotlight older homes and trees.

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.

“What I want listeners to understand is: Staten Island is a wonderful place, it’s a beautiful place. There’s a lot of nice things that go on. The community is great. And, sometimes, it gets a bad rap,” said Tom Crimmins, the Co-Chair of OnSI’s Board of Directors. “Sometimes, there’s a need to raise awareness for the good that goes on. Staten Island has a lot of heroes. And, I speak to them, I know them. Some people just aren’t given credit, or they’re modest. I’m excited about raising awareness for the good people out there.” 

This episode’s “Local Hero of the Month” is Michael Morrell, a person who has striven to improve the quality of life on the Island’s North Shore—namely, in the quiet, friendly neighborhood of Westerleigh. 

We are proud to announce that OnSI is now made possible with funding from Tom and Suzanne Crimmins, Owners of Tom Crimmins Realty, the Staten Island-based real estate firm that has made a name for itself for more than a decade as a local, independent, family-run business that knows the neighborhoods it serves.

“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.

“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.