NY Senators David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida), and Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), were joined today by nationally recognized anti-abuse advocate and survivor Erin Merryn and others to announce important legislation to stamp out child sexual abuse in New York.

The measure, “Erin Merryn's Law” would require schools to make a change to their existing curriculum for child abduction to include child sex abuse prevention. This alteration would give critically important information to victims – many of whom do not know there is a way out of their horrific situation.

City Island Images wants to reach out and give you a heads up about a special event tomorrow with USAID and the White House.

As you may know, over 13.3 million people are in crisis in the Horn of Africa. To raise awareness, USAID and the Ad Council will launch the FWD campaign. FWD stands for Famine, War, and Drought, the three crises affecting the Horn right now. We’re hoping that you’ll take a look at www.usaid.gov/FWD, read the facts, and simply share them with the people you know so that this tragedy no longer goes overlooked.

Borough President Diaz Conducts 'Well Being' Survey

If you live or work in the Bronx, our office wants to hear from you.

The office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is conducting a “well being” survey, which aims to hear from Bronx residents and those who work in our borough on a variety of topics important to the Bronx.

The survey takes only a few minutes, and the office is giving away a prize to one individual who completes the survey.

You can take the survey, in English, at this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BronxBP2011

Former New Jersey governor Richard J. Codey will discuss his recent book Me, Governor? Life in the Rough-and-Tumble of New Jersey Politics, at FDU’s College at Florham on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Rothman Building. Poli Sci professor Bruce Peabody will conduct the interview with an opportunity for audience questions to follow. Codey’s book will be available for purchase, and he will sign copies after the event.

This Week in History, Oct 23 - Oct 29

Oct 23, 2002
Hostage crisis in Moscow theater. About 50 Chechen rebels storm a Moscow theater, taking up to 700 people hostage during a sold-out performance of a popular musical.

Oct 24, 1901
First barrel ride down Niagara Falls. 63-year-old schoolteacher, Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Oct 25, 1881
Pablo Picasso born. He was one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century and born in Malaga, Spain.

Oct 26, 1881