Issues: Youth

Senator Stavisky poses with Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Mr. Met, Mets player Ike Davis, Santa (who bears a striking resemblance to former Mets pitcher John Franco), and neighborhood kids at Mets Stadium.

Earlier this afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with a group of boy scouts from Troop 18. The four scouts, who visited my district office, discussed issues regarding our community as they complete the process for their Citizenship Merit Badge. In addition to our community, we also discussed how government operates in New York State and current issues facing our state government.

On Wednesday night, I had the privilege to attend, and speak at, the annual St. Lawrence School Veterans Day concert. Students from grades 4-6 took part in the concert to honor our country and those who have served it. Great job by all the students!

On Sunday, October 28th, I had the privilege to conduct the pre-game coin toss before kickoff of the Section Five Football Semi-Final game between Aquinas and Rush-Henrietta. Congratulations to the Li'L Irish from my alma mater on your 21-13 victory. Best wishes to Aquinas in the Section Five Championship against Pittsford Saturday, and continued success to all of our student athletes!

Earlier today, I had the privilege to speak at a press conference announcing a new community-wide collaborative to prevent child sexual abuse. Bivona Child Advocacy Center, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Rochester announced today their official collaboration with local nonprofit and government organizations to address the epidemic of child sexual abuse. In addition to Bivona Child Advocacy Center and the YMCA of Greater Rochester, the Darkness to Light Collaborative includes: Center for Youth Services, Heritage Christian Services, Hillside Children's Center, Monroe County Department of Human Services, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children/NY Branch, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Police Department, Society for the Protection and Care of Children, St.

Senator Betty Little met with the Glens Falls Boy Scout Troop 2 to talk about her motivation to serve in public office and the role and responsibilities of a New York State Senator.  The boys asked questions of the senator to fulfill a requirement to advance to their next rank.

I am proud to partner with the Greece Central School District to put technology into the hands of Greece elementary school students. In an effort to increase students' access to, and understanding of, technology, the district recently purchased 30 iPads for each school serving grades 3-5. I was able to access educational funding for this program. In addition to Buckman Heights, iPad stations have been added to Brookside, Craig Hill, Lakeshore, Longridge, Paddy Hill, Pine Brook, and West Ridge Elementary Schools.

Earlier this morning, I had the privilege to speak at an appreciation breakfast for volunteers and employers of the Summer of Opportunity and Summer Youth Employment program. For more information on this great program for our youth, visit http://www.cityofrochester.gov/soop/.

Senator Gianaris attended the "New Yorkers Gun Violence Gala", an event of paramount importance aiming at informing the public about the gun violence problems.