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Connections

Coming up on Connections: Monday, April 26

First hour: How should parents and caregivers talk to children about sexual abuse?

Second hour: What discretion will municipalities have over recreational marijuana rules?How should parents and caregivers talk to children about sexual abuse? It's a question that has been raised in recent weeks after Hilton elementary school principal was charged with sexually abusing his students. State Police say there are now 11 victims at Northwood Elementary School, all boys, between the ages of 8 and 12. The principal, Kirk Ashton, faces a number of charges, including first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, and endangering the welfare of a child. How can children, families, and the community heal? And what can be done to better screen for possible predators? How can abusers be reformed? Our guests answer these questions and more. Our guests:

  • Deb Rosen, executive director of Bivona Child Advocacy Center 
  • Stefanie Szwejbka, manager of community education at Bivona Child Advocacy Center 
  • Elizabeth Murray, D.O., assistant professor of pediatrics, and pediatrician at Golisano Children's Hospital 
  • Renee Sorrentino, M.D., medical director of the Institute for Sexual Wellness, and clinical assistant professor at Harvard Medical School 

Then in our second hour, New York becomes the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana... but what if your town decides to say no? Municipalities will have some discretion over what is allowed, and what is restricted. Smoking in town parks? Dispensaries? Home cultivation? There is likely to be heated debate in the months to come; some towns are already hearing from residents who are concerned about "family values." Our guests discuss what's next: 

  • Stephanie Townsend, member of the Pittsford Town Board
  • Peter Ricca, director of Ricca Cannabis Solutions 
  • John Kolesar, attorney with the Cannabis Industry Team at Harris Beach
Connections
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
You'll hear Scott in various capacities on WXXI either as a reporter, or hosting Morning Edition or All Things Considered.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.