Knicks alumnus John Starks and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. participated in an Optimum “Knicks Read to Achieve” event at Betances Community Center recently. Pictured (l. to r.) with participating children from the Betances Community Center Summer Program are BronxWorks Executive Director Eileen Torres, former Knicks superstar John Starks, Betances Community Center Site Director Suzette Walker and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
Bronx, NY, July 15, 2015 – With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, Cablevision’s Optimum and Madison Square Garden today brought the 9th annual Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading program to children at the Betances Community Center. Participating in the event was Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., along with former NBA superstar and Knicks Alumni John Starks.
Knicks alumnus John Starks and New York State Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj participated in an Optimum “Knicks Read to Achieve” event at Betances Community Center recently. Pictured (l. to r.) with participating Summer Program students are Cablevision Emcee Lou Brogno, Principal Brandon Muccino, former Knicks superstar John Starks and NYS Assemblyman Gjonaj.
After welcoming remarks, Bronx Borough President Diaz and John Starks spoke to the children attending about the importance of literacy and summer reading. They also read aloud from the popular children’s book, Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan. Following the reading, the children took part in a fun, interactive quiz about the book and participated in a raffle and autograph session. The children were also given a copy of the book discussed.
Knicks alumnus John Starks and New York City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson participated in an Optimum “Knicks Read to Achieve” event at the High Bridge branch of the New York Public Library. Pictured (l. to r.) with participating children are Cablevision Emcee Lou Brogno, Library Manager Margaret Fleesak, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and NBA Alum John Wallace.
“I’d like to thank Optimum Community, the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden for bringing this exciting program to the children in our community,” said Bronx Borough President Diaz. “Along with helping young people maintain their reading comprehension and analytical thinking skills, summer literacy programs such as the one today also provide the opportunity to meet other children, participate in a fun raffle and interact with an inspiring superstar.”
“Cablevision is pleased to promote summer reading, in conjunction with Madison Square Garden, for the ninth consecutive year,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs. “Enhancing reading skills through events such as the Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading program has the potential to open the door to lifelong achievement.”
Targeted to children ages 6-12, Optimum Community’s Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading initiative consists of a series of reading events at libraries, camps and community centers throughout the New York/New Jersey metro area. The program encourages reading through the use of incentives and is highlighted by book giveaways, ticket raffles, free t-shirts and read-aloud events with Knicks alumni and elected officials at select locations.
About Optimum Community
Optimum Community, a Cablevision initiative formerly known as Power to Learn, connects schools and communities in the company’s footprint with a broad range of services. Cablevision offers thousands of schools and libraries across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with free access to its popular Optimum-branded cable TV and Internet. Hands-on, educational programs presented by Optimum Community include Digital Smarts, Knicks Summer Reading, Student Lens, and Charity Champions. Optimum Community also keeps Optimum subscribers informed about important events and issues through expanded local programming, including Neighborhood Journal and its signature public affairs show, Meet the Leaders. Additional information and content is available at: www.optimum.net/community.
About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is a leading media and telecommunications company, serving millions of households and businesses throughout the greater New York area. Providing quality products that keep customers connected, Cablevision offers Optimum-branded digital cable television, high-speed Internet and phone services as well as Optimum WiFi, the nation’s most robust wireless Internet network. Cablevision’s Lightpath subsidiary is a premier provider of integrated business communications solutions for larger companies. Through its local media and programming properties – News 12 Networks and Newsday Media Group – Cablevision also delivers news and information created specifically for the communities it serves. Additional information about Cablevision is available at www.cablevision.com.
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