Anthony Portanova and about 15 other autistic children from Stamford High School and Cloonan Middle School got to meet Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia during their field trip to the Government Center on Friday morning. The annual field trip for the children is thanks to the parent-run organization, Stamford Education 4 Autism.

The kids were not the only ones enjoying themselves Friday as Pavia also was happy to meet the students. The mayor said helping to raise awareness and create attention on issues that concern citizens is his job. “These are the kind of things we in public service like to do,” Pavia said of meeting the students.

Stamford Education 4 Autism began in January 2007. Every April, the group takes the students to the Government Center to raise awareness for autism, fundraise for the organization and meet the mayor, said Robin Portanova, Anthony’s mother.

The organization collaborates with the schools to help the Autism Spectrum Disorder classrooms get the supplies they need. Stamford Education 4 Autism is 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Do you have an event in town you would like covered? Contact reporter Anthony Buzzeo at and share the details with him.