[dropcap]I[/dropcap] would like to take this time to recognize a group of students at Harrison High School. The students in Ms. Frawley’s class applied to the Verizon Innovative App Challenge, a nationwide contest for middle and high school students, which challenged them to develop concepts for mobile apps that solve problems in their region. After recognizing the problem of poverty and hunger, especially within the greater metropolitan area, the students developed a Pay It Forward app. The Pay It Forward app gives consumers an opportunity to buy a meal for a person in need after purchasing their own food online.
The Harrison students won best in the nation, which was quite an honor, as the award was only given to eight schools. A $20,000 grant will be awarded in support of further development of the app. Congratulations to students Paul Bilotta, Thomas Alvarado, Christine Cardascia, Ricky Harris, Josh Munoz, Ben Struhl and their teacher, Diane Frawley, on this very impressive accomplishment.
As winter reaches its midpoint, I would like to bring your attention to fireplace safety. During this time of year, our local fire departments often respond to calls regarding fireplace mishaps. To prevent fires, the U.S. Fire Administration advises that chimneys and woodstoves receive regular inspection and cleaning by certified specialists. It is also important to ensure that all chimneys are covered with a mesh screen to prevent lighted ash from floating out of the chimney and onto nearby rooftops. For additional assistance, call your local fire department for more information.
Please note the following February sanitation schedule changes: Friday, Feb. 12 is a holiday. Garbage and/or recycling normally collected on Friday will be collected on Thursday, Feb. 11. Garbage and/or recycling normally collected on Thursday will be collected on Wednesday, Feb. 10. There will be no bulk trash pickup on Feb. 10.
Monday, Feb. 15 is also a holiday. Garbage and/or recycling normally collected on Monday will be collected on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Garbage and/or recycling normally collected on Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday, Feb. 17. There will be no bulk trash pickup on Feb. 17.
In closing, be sure to mark your calendars for the Westchester County Mobile Shredder. Residents may bring confidential personal papers for shredding to the MTA lot (corner of Harrison and Halstead avenues) on Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents can bring up to four file size (10x12x15) boxes of confidential papers per household. Please remove all large binder clips and covers. Papers from businesses, institutions or commercial enterprises are not acceptable and will be rejected, as will any junk mail or newspapers. In extreme weather, the event may be cancelled or terminated early. Please call the county’s recycling helpline at 813-5425 to check on a cancellation or early closure.
