Harrison Proposes New Rec Center: Mayor's Column

From Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Little League Opening Ceremony and it was an honor to throw out the first pitch of the season. Scores of onlookers were in attendance as Harrison’s Little League teams and their coaches were announced. The Harrison High School Marching Band was on hand to serenade the crowd. As tradition dictates, a celebration of the evening’s events culminated in a barbeque. Once again, it was great to be part of this wonderful annual kickoff.

The Harrison Town Board will be holding a work session regarding the proposed plans for a new recreation center. All residents are invited to attend the meeting taking place on Wednesday, May 8 th at 7 PM in the Court Room in Town Hall.

Congratulations to the Harrison JCC and to the Harrison Public Library for hosting a very successful author’s event. It was a pleasure to attend the lecture and book signing as our library kicked off our inaugural One Book One Community event. Guest author Dani Shapiro gave a wonderful overview of her memoir “Inheritance” and discussed the topics of identity revealed through popular DNA testing kits. I look forward to the next community read and encourage all residents to join in!

The New York Sustainable Energy Conference and Trade show was held in Westchester last week and I was able to attend this very important and timely symposium. Alternate source heat pumps, solar energy, financing sustainable building projects and reducing their carbon footprints were some of the topics discussed. I look forward to working with private organizations, town personnel and members of our community as we find ways to expand carbon reduction programs and sustainable development.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of our community as well as members of the Harrison JCC for their hard work in cleaning out the woods at Century Trail. As part of our town-wide Spruce Up Event, community members join town personnel each year in tackling some of our neighborhood areas that need attention. The Century Trail group did a wonderful job clearing the area and I applaud their efforts.

On Sunday, May 5th, from 11 am to 4 pm, Harrison’s Japanese community will be hosting 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. I hope to see many friends, and familiar faces, supporting this very worthwhile event.

On Saturday, May 11th please join the Harrison Varsity Baseball team as they host the 5th Annual Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Game. The Huskies will host the Garnets of Rye at Silver Lake Park in West Harrison and will award an outstanding senior from each team with the Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Award. Andrew was a competitive pitcher and baseball player, for Harrison High School, a diligent student and a wonderful role model. He exemplified hard work, determination, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Andrew’s positive energy and enthusiasm inspired not only his teammates, but all who were lucky to know him. Our entire community is invited to join in and celebrate the life of this fine young man. The ceremony will take place at 3:30PM and the first pitch will be thrown at 4:00PM.

The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, May 3rd and I will be at T-N-T Luncheonette located at 244 Harrison Avenue. On Friday, May 10th, I will be at the Great Wall located at 25 Taylor Square in West Harrison. I will be at these locations from 12:30 to 1:30 and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.