NY Knicks Alumnus Reads to Pearl River Kids

Press release from Epoch 5--

Pearl River, NY, August 8, 2014 - With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, Cablevision’s Optimum and Madison Square Garden today brought the 8th Annual Knicks Summer Reading Program to the Bronx House Camp at Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Pearl River, NY. Participating in the event was New York State Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, along with former NBA superstar and Knicks Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor John Starks.

After welcoming remarks, Assemblyman Gjonaj and John Starks spoke about the importance of literacy. They also read aloud from the popular children’s book, Allie’s Basketball Dream by Barbara E. Barber. 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.

“Studies have shown that students who don’t read over the summer start the school year at a disadvantage. Literacy programs such as the one today are a win-win situation, as they provide a means for children to maintain their reading proficiency, as well as an opportunity for youngsters to meet and interact with a basketball superstar,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj. “I applaud Optimum and Madison Square Garden for their ongoing commitment to education in the community.”

“For eight years, Cablevision, in conjunction with Madison Square Garden has promoted reading programs in the communities we serve through its Summer Reading initiative,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs. “Programs such as this serve as a catalyst for instilling a lifelong love of reading.”

Targeted to children ages 6-12, the Knicks 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 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, Newsday Media Group and MSG Varsity – 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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