Opinion

Gun violence, the Feeley Fund and Springtacular

Ron BelmontRecently, I joined other mayors from across the country who have signed a letter from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. This letter has been sent to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and calls on her to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ATF, to take more aggressive actions against “bad apple” gun dealers. The goal is to utilize local elected officials’ influence to prompt the attorney general to act. By establishing clear standards, tightening investigations into dealers’ business practices, conducting annual inspections and publishing and enforcing codes, the federal government can work with local leaders and take meaningful action in an effort to safeguard our communities.

On Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., come and enjoy this year’s Springtacular, offering rides and a candy/toy hunt. This fun-filled event will take place at the pool complex in West Harrison and is for children ages 2 through 8. Separate hunts will take place for each age group and participants should bring a bag or bucket. Items will consist of chocolate, candy and mini toys. The rain date is Sunday, April 10.

The New York State Department of Transportation will be commencing a modification project at the Mobil gas station and mini-market located on the Hutchinson River Parkway in Harrison. Recently, I met with state representatives and will be discussing project scheduling and specifications at the April 7 Town Council meeting. As the project moves forward, I will issue updates on the impact the project may have on our community.

The annual appeal for the Eugene J. Feeley Harrison High School Student Aid Fund is currently being processed. For almost 70 years, the Feeley Fund has enabled needy and worthy Harrison High School graduates attend accredited colleges and/or schools. Since 1947, more than 1,000 students have received loans or grants to pursue their post-high school education and training. The Feeley Fund needs you to share our confidence in the future of our Harrison youth. Please respond to our request by sending your contribution to: The Feeley Fund, 255 Union Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. For more information, call Lola Geiger at 939-7066.

The American Red Cross blood drive and New York organ donor registration will be held on Wednesday, April 6 at the Veterans Building from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Every April, this blood drive is dedicated to our late town clerk, Joseph Acocella Jr. I encourage all residents to support this extremely worthwhile event. Walk-ins are always welcome.

The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, April 1, and will be at Pizza 2000 located on Halstead Avenue in Downtown Harrison. On Friday, April 8, I will be at Halstead Avenue Taqueria located at 261 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. I will be at these locations from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.