This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Harrison Fire Department’s pasta dinner, which benefits the department’s scholarship fund. The dinner followed a recruitment drive in which the fire department conducted tours of the station, allowing visitors to try on firefighter gear, and provided various activities throughout the firehouse. It was a great success and the department should be commended for its efforts in maintaining a top-notch staff.
I would like to bring your attention to a wonderful annual event taking place in town. The Harrison’s Children Center Art Exhibit is currently installed in Town Hall and the West Harrison Senior Annex. On Friday, May 2, there will be a reception at the Senior Annex from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special thanks goes to the Harrison Council for the Arts and its dedicated staff for providing a program that offers a creative platform for our youngest residents.
On April 22, I attended an economic forum for elected officials and municipal leaders hosted by Assemblyman David Buchwald. The meeting was very informative and focused on attracting and retaining young professionals and small businesses in Westchester County. The New York Works program connects businesses in our area with the young adult work force and provides tax credits to those businesses that hire at-risk youth. This program’s impact will build a skilled work force, thereby fortifying our region’s economy. For more information, visit nyyw@labor.ny.gov for businesses, or info@youthworks.ny.gov for youth.
This year, the Harrison Fire Department Memorial Mass will be held at St. Gregory’s Church on Sunday, May 4. At this service, those firefighters who have recently passed away will be honored. The service begins at 8:30 a.m. and, after mass, there will be a brief ceremony in front of the department’s memorial bell.
In closing, I would like to congratulate the National Junior Honor Society students and their parents, who organized the Stonewall Circle 5k Fun Run. It was a wonderful event, benefiting the fight against pancreatic cancer, and all participants should be recognized for their support.
On Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—rain date Sunday, May 18—Harrison’s Japanese community will host a Harrison-Japan Spring Festival in Ma Riis Park in front of the Harrison Library. Traditional Japanese performances, including a tea ceremony, Japanese drums and dance, and kimono dressing, will be featured along with Japanese games, food and beverages. There will also be a raffle and profits will benefit the Harrison Library and Recreation Center, as well as the victims of Japan’s earthquake. I will be participating in the fashion show, donning an authentic kimono, and hope to see many friends, and familiar faces, supporting this very worthwhile event. For more information, visit www.japanblockfair.com.
The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on May 2 and I will be at the new Halstead’s Bar and Grill, located at 7 Purdy St. in downtown Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing
our community.