Japanese Festival; Holiday DPW Changes: Harrison Mayor's Column

From Mayor Ron Belmont

Congratulations are in order for our Japanese community. They hosted a wonderful Japanese Festival in Ma Riis Park last weekend. There was a tremendous turnout and festival goers enjoyed participating in many cultural exhibits that included traditional Japanese performances, a tea ceremony, Japanese drums and dancing, as well as Japanese games, food and beverages. The weather cooperated with plenty of blue skies and sunshine and I was happy to see many friends supporting this very worthwhile event. For more information, visit www.thematsuri.org and be sure to be on the lookout for next spring’s festival.

I would like to recognize St. Anthony of Padua Church and the moving tribute held to honor all members of the Harrison Police Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Corps and civic officials. It was a privilege to
attend the 11 th annual Blue Mass, celebrated last Saturday. The mass was a wonderful way to pay homage to those, in uniform, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also to show respect to those who continue to protect and serve our community.

As a reminder, please make note of the following Sanitation Schedule Change: Monday, May 28th is a holiday and offices will be closed for Memorial Day. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Monday, May 28th will be picked-up on Tuesday, May 29th. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Tuesday, May 29th will be picked-up on Wednesday, May 30 th . There will be no Bulk Trash pick-up on Wednesday, May 30th.

Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial first day of summer, prompting residents to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. It’s also the start of swimming pool season and our municipal pools are open for business! This weekend, West Harrison pool and the Brentwood pool will be open Saturday, May 26 th through Monday, May 28 th from 12 PM to 6 PM.

Each year, as part of their history class, students from White Plains High School visit Stoneyhill Cemetery, located on Buckout Road in West Harrison, to learn about and tidy up the historic site. This 19 th century African American burial ground was added to the National Register of Historical Places and contains 200 gravesites. It’s a fascinating piece of history and I encourage residents and visitors to learn more about this local landmark.

In closing, I hope you and your family have a very safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend. As we celebrate this holiday, my hope is that our community will not only reflect on the freedoms that were made possible by those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but will also pay tribute to the brave men and women in the military who currently serve our country.