Spring weather has finally arrived and volunteers recently grabbed shovels and trowels to help plant a habitat in West Harrison for pollinators and butterflies. Hopefully, two planting beds will be installed this year. Pollinators need our assistance. There is mounting evidence that many pollinators are in decline. Creating a habitat will encourage pollinator diversity and abundance. Flowering plants that bloom at varying times of the year will supply nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.
I am happy to report that Harrison was named the 44th safest community in America by Safewise.com, a web-based security organization that ranks communities based on FBI crime statistics. Several factors, including rates of violent crimes and crimes against property, were evaluated. Public safety and health were also used to determine the rankings. It is reassuring to know that Harrison has been recognized for this very important quality.
The Friends of the Harrison Public Library present this year’s “A Taste of Harrison” on Sunday, May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. I encourage everyone to stop in at participating restaurants in downtown Harrison and lend your support to this very popular library fundraiser. Be sure to visit all of the restaurants and enjoy a delicious sample of the chefs’ specialties. You may order wristbands online via the Library’s website, harrisonpl.org.
The library will provide maps and wristbands and all participating businesses will have a balloon outside their establishment. There will be ample free parking in the commuter parking lots. Order your wristbands now: adults: $20 in advance and $25 day of event; children ages 5-12: $10 in advance and $15 day of event. Make your check payable to Friends of the Harrison Public Library and mail to Friends of the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. Please include name, address, phone and number of tickets. Arrangements will be made to either mail or the wristbands will be delivered to you or you may pick them up at either the main library or West Harrison branch. For additional information, call Albina Hicks at 835-4575; Angela Kaufman at 835-2429; or Connie Perrotta at 315-1922.
Be sure to mark your calendar for this year’s Japanese Festival. On Sunday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Harrison’s Japanese community will be hosting a Harrison-Japan Spring Festival in Ma Riis Park and the Sollazzo Center. If it rains, the event will take place in the Veterans Building. Traditional Japanese performances, including a tea ceremony and Japanese drums and dance, will be featured along with Japanese games, food and beverages. There will also be a raffle and profits will benefit several organizations, including the Harrison Recreation Center. I hope to see many new friends and familiar faces supporting this very worthwhile event. For more information, visit thematsuri.org
Recently, I attended the Westchester County Association’s conference which focused on the transformation of our region into a national hub. In order to move forward, local leaders will concentrate on the repair and upgrade of infrastructure. Officials will also study economic trends and will work toward enhancing public-private partnerships. It was a very informative meeting and I look forward to participating in the challenges that lie ahead.
In closing, I would like to wish our entire community a Happy Mother’s Day.
