Presidential Appointment; Library Week: Harrison Mayor's Column

From Mayor Ron Belmont and the Town Board

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Harrison resident Jonathan Warren Burkan. On March 11, Mr. Burkan was officially appointed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council by President Donald Trump for a five year term expiring January 15, 2023. Established by Congress in 1980 to lead the nation in commemorating the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Council’s mission was to raise private funds for and build the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Once the Museum opened in 1993, the Council became the governing board of trustees of the Museum, an independent establishment of the U.S. government, operating as a public-private partnership that receives some federal funding to support operations of the Museum building.

A member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Mr. Burkan is involved with many Jewish organizations and he and his family are members of Young Israel of Harrison. He was also a member of the NYC Cabinet for The Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs. Congratulations on this very impressive appointment.

National Library Week will be observed from April 7th through April 13 th with the theme, "Libraries = Strong Communities." I encourage all residents to join the National Library Week celebration by visiting your local public library. Libraries across the country are planning special events and Harrison’s libraries are offering new programs and recommendations in honor of this important occasion. On a related note, our One Book One Community Program is getting a lot of positive feedback. This month’s highlight will be Dani Shapiro's appearance in Harrison on Monday, April 29 at 7 pm. The library has partnered with the Jewish Community Center of Harrison for this author event and is anticipating a great turnout. You can register for the program online at www.harrisonpl.org. The Village Book Store of Pleasantville will be available that evening to sell Shapiro's books for the book signing following the presentation and Q&A. This program is free and open to the public.

On April 26 th from 6pm-8pm, there will be a memorial for longtime Harrison resident Lucille Held, who passed away last month. Lucille was a respected member of our community and for many years was a regular attendee at our Town Board meetings. Not one to shy away from vocalizing opposition, Lucille brought many important issues to the forefront and I am pleased that our community will have an opportunity to recognize her contributions.

In closing, all residents are invited to come to Ma Riis Park on Sunday, May 5 th from 11 AM to 4 PM to enjoy the 6 th Annual Japan Cultural Festival. Admission to this event is free and will include entertainment, food vendors, raffle prizes as well as a tea ceremony demonstration, and a calligraphy workshop. I look forward to going to this very popular event every year and hope to see you there.

The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, April 12 th and I will be at Sofia’s located at 212 Harrison Avenue in Downtown Harrison. On Friday, April 26th I will be at Porta Napoli located at 261 Halstead Avenue in Downtown 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.