Festa; Reading Challenge; Art Award: Harrison Mayor's Column

From Mayor Ron Belmont

On Monday, May 28th, the Town of Harrison honored those men and women who sacrificed their lives for the liberties we enjoy today. This year’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony was a wonderful tribute to fallen servicemen and women who courageously served in the armed forces and lost their lives. Ben DeFonce, U.S.M.C. Ret., Harrison’s Commissioner of Veteran’s Affairs, should be commended for organizing this wonderful event. Our honored guests, from various military branches, gave heartfelt speeches, describing what active service has meant to them. It was a day to remember the fallen, as we celebrate our freedom, and it was an honor to be part of this special occasion.

On a related note, I would like to take this time to recognize the Downtown, West Harrison and Purchase Fire Departments. All three Departments recently held their annual Memorial Day Ceremonies in remembrance of their members and fallen heroes. The ceremonies were respectful and did a wonderful job honoring all Americans who have died while in service to our country.

I would like to acknowledge Harrison’s three new police officers who recently completed their training at the Westchester County Police Academy. Many instructional hours are required and I am confident that our
new officers will join with the Harrison Police Department in keeping our community free from harm. I was very proud of Joseph Ader, Frank Corvino, Jr., and Richard Dibuono as I watched them receive their diplomas at the graduation ceremony taking place at SUNY Purchase. Congratulations to the new officers and welcome to the force.

All residents are invited to join St. Anthony’s parish in West Harrison for a weekend of family fun at the annual Festa. This unique event celebrates Italian traditions, and Italian-American culture, and will kick off the summer season June 1st-3rd. For additional information, call the Parish Office 948-1480.

Summertime is a fun time for readers of all ages. This year the Summer Reading Challenge "Libraries Rock" will run from June 1st to September 8th. The Library will start their summer reading program with a rock concert featuring SIS-BOOM-BAH. This event isco-sponsored with All Saints Church. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy classic rock music, on the Harrison Public Library lawn, on Friday, June 1st at 7:30 pm.

The Town/Village of Harrison’s Town Board recently recognized the winners of the 2018 Mayor’s Choice Award, a long-running and most prestigious recognition for talented students. More than 100 works of art were submitted for review and four students received this notable distinction. Additionally, all the award-winning selections will become part of the permanent collection exhibited in Town Hall. Recipients of the 2018 Mayor’s Choice Award are Evie Stevens, Nickolas Ianncchino, Tessa Marsico, and Caitlyn Hollander. This award represents the diverse talents of our local student body and the varied curricula offered by individual art departments. Each year, incredibly beautiful pieces of art are entered and it is a privilege to recognize the hard work and dedication of each student and their teachers. Each year, I look forward to joining the committee as we evaluate the submissions and am always impressed with the creativity of our youngest residents.