Two Hamden Democratic state representatives have been honored.

 

Rep.  J. Brendan Sharkey recently received the Champion of the Year award from the Connecticut Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs at an event held at the State Capitol. And, Rep. Peter F. Villano has been appointed to the National Council of State Legislature’s Human Services and Welfare Committee.

 

“State Representative Brendan Sharkey is, without a doubt, a most deserving recipient of our 2011 Boys & Girls Club “Champion of Youth” award.  Not only did Rep. Sharkey give tirelessly of his time as a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven for many years, but he has truly been a strong advocate of youth serving organizations state-wide as a Legislator,” said Joe Andreana, Executive Director, CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc.

 

“I am very pleased and humbled to even be considered for this award,” said Sharkey. “Having been involved with the Greater New Haven Club has meant a great deal to me. The kids are terrific, the staff is so dedicated and I have really enjoyed my involvement.”

 

“Brendan joined our board in 2007 and provided great insight.  During his tenure the Club faced very difficult times and he helped both the Club and the board to navigate these tough times with determination and resiliency,” said Stephanie Barnes, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of New Haven.  “His commitment to children and youth is evident in everything he does and the Board and Staff of the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven are very proud to call him a friend of the Club.”

 

 Barnes presented the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven “Youth of The Year” award to Elisha Reaves, a senior at Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden and long time club member, now after school employee, tutor and mentor. Elisha will attend Berkeley College in the fall majoring in Criminal Justice. After graduation he intends to become a police officer and serve his community.

 

“Elisha is a fine young man who is true role model for the younger club members,” said Sharkey. “He has already given so much at such a young age to so many others that I am proud to see his efforts recognized. I wish him all the best.”

     Villano (D-Hamden) was appointed by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on the Human Services and Welfare National Council .

     The NCSL Human Services and Welfare Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures, responsible for developing policies that stress opposition to unfunded federal mandates, prevention of unnecessary preemption of state laws and protection of state revenue sources. The NCSL uses these polices as guides to advocate at the national level.

    “Few issues are as important to me as human services” said Rep. Villano, who serves as co-chair of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Sub-Committee on Human Services.   “I look forward to exchanging ideas and bringing them back to Connecticut.”

     “Rep. Villano’s state legislative experience will allow him to represent Connecticut well as he undertakes this new challenge,” said Speaker Donovan. “I am confident Peter’s work on this committee will not only benefit our state, but help ensure the continued support of this important segment of our society.”

     The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and to advocate for the interests of states in the American federal system.