Sen. Fuschillo & Gov. Paterson Visit Third Grade Class At Chatterton Elementary

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) and Governor David A. Paterson recently visited with students in Ms. Traci Colfer’s third grade class at Chatterton Elementary School in Merrick. Senator Fuschillo asked Governor Paterson, who is legally blind, to visit the class to meet with a very special student, eight year old Braden Flax, who was born blind.

During their visit, Governor Paterson and Senator Fuschillo listened as the class performed several musical selections on the recorder, including “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” and “Gently Sleep.” Governor Paterson talked to the students about why his family moved to Long Island from New York City when he was a young boy and how his mother believed it was important that he be educated in a regular classroom setting like other children his age. The Governor also told the students what it is like to be the state’s Chief Executive.

Afterwards, students had the opportunity to ask Governor Paterson and Senator Fuschillo questions. Governor Paterson and Senator Fuschillo then spent a few minutes talking with Braden and his family, including his twelve year old sister Samantha and mother Christine Grassman, both of whom were also born blind.