[dropcap]I[/dropcap] hope that all residents had a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day weekend and that families have successfully settled in to the routine of the new school year. In addition, I hope you were able to take a moment to appreciate the hard work of all the men and women who contribute to making our country one of the most productive and desirable locations in the world.
As the fall season nears, and a new school year commences, I would like to remind our community to be conscious of back to school safety tips. Parents should instruct their children on safe practices for walking to and from school. Drivers should be aware of children who may be distracted while walking or biking through our neighborhoods on their way to school. In addition, drivers should be alert to school bus traffic and flashing lights that indicate loading or unloading students. Parents and community members can all do their part in keeping our children safe as they begin the new school year.
As a reminder, the Harrison Public Library will be hosting their Play-2-Learn event on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families are invited to join the library in celebrating the importance of play in a child’s life. Play zones, hands-on activities and raffles will be featured so be sure to stop by and enjoy the fun.
Westchester County will host a 9/11 memorial ceremony on Monday, Sept. 11 at The Rising at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla at 7 p.m. In commemoration of the lives lost on the Sept. 11 attacks, an anniversary program will include an honor guard, a wreath laying ceremony and a recitation of the names of the 111 county residents and 12 former residents who lost their lives on that tragic day. In addition, the county and Volunteer New York! are urging local residents and business people to participate in volunteer services as a way to honor those whose lives were lost. The theme of this year’s 9/11 Day is “Service. Unity. Empathy.” Many volunteer opportunities are family friendly and all will help support one of 40 local nonprofits and causes. All volunteers must register through volunteernewyork.org/service or call 948-4452 for more information.
The Harrison Fire Department will be collecting specific items for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. According to fire Chief John Masciola Jr., Harrison’s Hurricane Harvey Collection Center began collections on Sept. 6 at the firehouse located at 206 Harrison Ave. If you would like to donate, a list of needed items is provided on the Harrison Fire Department Facebook page.
In closing, September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Harrison Public Library wants to make sure all Harrison residents have a library card. All new cardholders will be automatically entered into a raffle for a $10 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. Five winners will be drawn from raffle entries on Oct. 1. Getting a library card is fast, easy and free. Adults must bring proof of their current address such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Parents will need to sign the registration form on behalf of children ages 12 and younger and within minutes a library card will be issued. I encourage all residents to take part in this event.
