Harrison’s Community Services Department has continued to serve our residents in a variety of ways. In June, the department was awarded Part 1 of a grant from the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, in the amount of $1,642.50 to be used toward the purchase of food through the Food Bank for Westchester. This money will help serve the growing needs of the senior community in Harrison who face rising food prices but remain on a fixed income.
In addition to food pantry services, the Community Services Department is also dedicated to helping seniors who need to schedule medical transportation on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and to schedule trips to the supermarket on Wednesdays. The department’s Senior Safety Check program, in collaboration with the Harrison Police Department, has also continued to ensure the wellbeing of our seniors who live alone and need to maintain a connection to the community.
As the school year approaches, the Community Services Department is also working with the Harrison Association of Teachers to supply backpacks and school supplies to underprivileged children in Harrison. For additional information on services provided, please call the department at 670-3026/3028.
During the summer season, you may have noticed an increase in the number of home improvements and new construction in Harrison. It’s my feeling that this highlights the appeal of our community to newcomers and to established residents. I also believe that it reflects the view that Harrison is progressive, yet also underscores the importance of retaining our distinctive charm and natural surroundings. In an effort to respect the views of all residents, town officials have worked closely with Harrison’s land use boards and have been able to effectively balance the two approaches which ensure that all interests are properly recognized.
The Harrison Public Library continues to provide our community with a meeting place that offers exceptional, informational and educational opportunities. On Sunday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the library will host a Play-2-Learn Festival in Ma Riis Park. The event was named “Best New Children’s Festival” for 2017 in Westchester Magazine’s “Best of Westchester” edition. Our community’s young children and their families can participate in this wonderful program that includes eight different play zones, more than 25 hands-on activities, obstacles courses, STEM projects, music, raffles, and arts and crafts activities. I encourage all families to attend this very worthwhile event.
In closing, our region had recently been under a heat advisory and I would like to remind residents of several ways to remain safe as temperatures soar. If possible, remain indoors and drink plenty of water. Keep blinds closed and shades drawn. If you do go outside, wear loose, lightweight clothing. It is very important that you do not leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car, even for a short period of time. I encourage all Harrison residents to check on elderly neighbors, relatives and friends to make sure that they are safe and comfortable.
