It has been a few months since my last post. I wanted to update you on a few things before we wrap up the year. First, I want to thank all you who have sent me your best wishes during my health ordeal. I am mostly working from home and will have to continue to do so until I am able to receive a kidney transplant. Hopefully that will happen in the new year. I want you to know that I am always able to contacted by email at jacocella@harrison-ny.gov or by calling my office at 914-670-3030. If you call my office, my assistants will be able to get a message to me. Please remember, I am still here to serve you no matter where I am. I look forward to helping in anyway I can.
Next, I want to remind all of our resident commuters that your commuter permit renewal letter was sent out this past week. Your 2009 commuter permit will expire on December 31, 2009. You MUST have a 2010 commuter permit displayed on your car by January 1, 2010. There is NO GRACE PERIOD so please, be sure to renew your pass ASAP. For your convenience, I have scheduled another set of Flex Hours on December 29th until 7pm. If you are unable to make it to the office during normal hours, the Flex hours should be able to help.
Lastly, I want to thank all of you who voted to return me to this wonderful job. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve you. I promise that for the next two years I will work day and night to make the Town Clerk's office the shining gateway to your government.
I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Feel free to reach out anytime if you should require any assistance.
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
It's Great to be back and Live in Harrison!
Well, it's been a while since I last updated this blog. As some of you (or all of you) may know I was first out on medical leave and have had an altered public schedule for the month of September. This was all due to being diagnosed with kidney failure in the beginning of August which came not as a surprise to me but rather, a disappointment. I have since been on dialysis three times a week which is why my public meeting times with constituents have been altered. I want to thank all of you who generously have sent your warm thoughts and prayers to me in the way of letters, cards and emails. I can not tell you how much your support has meant to me during my treatment process. So many have reached out to offer to do anything and everything for me to aide in my recovery. The outpouring show of support and generosity that has been demonstrated by the residents here the past two months is a testament to how truly "Great" it is to live in Harrison. It is only fitting to be celebrating our town this weekend and everyday for that matter. The Harrison Police Department hosted their annual open house today. It was a great day to share in the pride our men and women in uniform have in protecting our community. I want to thank Chief David Hall for a great day. Be sure to check out the fireworks tonight in West Harrison beginning at 7:30pm at the West Harrison Fire Department. Sunday, the Harrison PBA will host a Car Show in the train station parking lot from 10am - 4pm. Monday is the BIG DAY! The parade will begin at 10am down Halstead Ave following the carnival in Ma-Riis Park until 3pm. You won't want to miss out on any of these events. I hope to see you there!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Cramping the Style of Identity Thieves
Today, we cramped the style of identity thieves everywhere by holding the first ever "Identity Theft Prevention Day" in town. I want to first thank the Harrison Police Department for being our gracious hosts and the Westchester County Department of Environmental Services for providing the mobile shredder.
I decided to hold this event after many residents asked me what they should be doing with their sensitive unwanted documents. Far too many times, we get something in the mail and say "I will look at this later" or "I should hold on to this". Meanwhile, "later" comes along in the form of a month, a year etc. and we never look at that document and have never needed it. Pretty soon our living and work environment is overcome by unneccessary paperwork. But it is paperwork we cannot just throw in the garbage. Many of it has our identity on it: names, addresses, social security numbers etc. You don't want someone picking that up and reading it. In fact, you don't want anyone getting that info. This is identity theft and it happens all too often around the world. By shredding your documents you are preventing the "dumpster divers" of the world from getting a hold of your bills, legal papers, credit card statements etc. In addition to shredding their documents today, I handed out a packet of information to each resident on way's to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. To recieve your packet, please contact me at jacocella@harrison-ny.gov and I would be happy to email it to you.
I have also been asked if I would consider holding an "e-waste" day. This is where residents can drop off their old computers, televisions, printers etc. to be discarded. I am currently in discussion with Westchester County to hold one of these joint events later in the year and will keep you posted.
###
I decided to hold this event after many residents asked me what they should be doing with their sensitive unwanted documents. Far too many times, we get something in the mail and say "I will look at this later" or "I should hold on to this". Meanwhile, "later" comes along in the form of a month, a year etc. and we never look at that document and have never needed it. Pretty soon our living and work environment is overcome by unneccessary paperwork. But it is paperwork we cannot just throw in the garbage. Many of it has our identity on it: names, addresses, social security numbers etc. You don't want someone picking that up and reading it. In fact, you don't want anyone getting that info. This is identity theft and it happens all too often around the world. By shredding your documents you are preventing the "dumpster divers" of the world from getting a hold of your bills, legal papers, credit card statements etc. In addition to shredding their documents today, I handed out a packet of information to each resident on way's to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. To recieve your packet, please contact me at jacocella@harrison-ny.gov and I would be happy to email it to you.
I have also been asked if I would consider holding an "e-waste" day. This is where residents can drop off their old computers, televisions, printers etc. to be discarded. I am currently in discussion with Westchester County to hold one of these joint events later in the year and will keep you posted.
###
Monday, July 6, 2009
Identity Theft Prevention Day
The following release was issued early this morning:
"Town Clerk Joseph Acocella announced today that he will hold an Identity Theft Prevention Day on Sunday, July 19, 2009. The purpose of this event will be to help residents discard unwanted sensitive documents and to also share information on how to best protect yourself from this all too common crime. The Westchester County Shred Mobile will be on hand and Clerk Acocella will share safety tips on how to best file, share, and safeguard information about your identity. “Anything you don’t need, but wouldn't feel comfortable having someone else read, you should shred not just throw it in the trash” said Clerk Acocella. Identity thieves prey on dumpsters and garbage cans in search of documents that they can use to apply for credit cards, cell phones, loans, open bank accounts and utility accounts. These documents all have important information on them such as your social security number. “You just don’t want to give your identity away. That is why I am holding this event and have invited the County shred mobile to be present. This will give every resident the opportunity to discard any unwanted documents like personal bills, credit card offers, financial disclosure papers, investment papers, legal papers etc. If you have these documents, you don’t need them and you want to get rid of them, take advantage of this event and protect yourself” Acocella said.
Identity Theft Prevention Day will also help resident’s eliminate unwanted clutter from their home. “Far too many times, we files document after document and never retrieve that document again. Pretty soon, we have organized chaos around us in our own living space in the form of paperwork that we will never refer to again” Clerk Acocella said. Clerk Acocella first held this type of event with various town offices back in January. “The event was a complete success. We managed to clear out significant work space within each office and also organize our space more efficiently. Now, I am branching out and inviting our residents to do the same in their homes” Acocella concluded.
Identity Theft Prevention Day is free and open to all town residents. It will be from 10am to 2pm at Police Headquarters 650 North Street, Harrison, NY. The shred mobile is reserved for personal home documents only. Residents cannot submit work or business documents to be shredded. All documents being submitted for shredding must have plastic covers, clips etc. removed before hand. For questions please call Town Clerk Acocella’s office at 914-670-3030."
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"Town Clerk Joseph Acocella announced today that he will hold an Identity Theft Prevention Day on Sunday, July 19, 2009. The purpose of this event will be to help residents discard unwanted sensitive documents and to also share information on how to best protect yourself from this all too common crime. The Westchester County Shred Mobile will be on hand and Clerk Acocella will share safety tips on how to best file, share, and safeguard information about your identity. “Anything you don’t need, but wouldn't feel comfortable having someone else read, you should shred not just throw it in the trash” said Clerk Acocella. Identity thieves prey on dumpsters and garbage cans in search of documents that they can use to apply for credit cards, cell phones, loans, open bank accounts and utility accounts. These documents all have important information on them such as your social security number. “You just don’t want to give your identity away. That is why I am holding this event and have invited the County shred mobile to be present. This will give every resident the opportunity to discard any unwanted documents like personal bills, credit card offers, financial disclosure papers, investment papers, legal papers etc. If you have these documents, you don’t need them and you want to get rid of them, take advantage of this event and protect yourself” Acocella said.
Identity Theft Prevention Day will also help resident’s eliminate unwanted clutter from their home. “Far too many times, we files document after document and never retrieve that document again. Pretty soon, we have organized chaos around us in our own living space in the form of paperwork that we will never refer to again” Clerk Acocella said. Clerk Acocella first held this type of event with various town offices back in January. “The event was a complete success. We managed to clear out significant work space within each office and also organize our space more efficiently. Now, I am branching out and inviting our residents to do the same in their homes” Acocella concluded.
Identity Theft Prevention Day is free and open to all town residents. It will be from 10am to 2pm at Police Headquarters 650 North Street, Harrison, NY. The shred mobile is reserved for personal home documents only. Residents cannot submit work or business documents to be shredded. All documents being submitted for shredding must have plastic covers, clips etc. removed before hand. For questions please call Town Clerk Acocella’s office at 914-670-3030."
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Saturday, July 4, 2009
Intoducing the NEW Ron Belmont Pool Complex
Today, in a surprise announcement, the town's new pool complex in West Harrison was dedicated to Superintendent of Recreation Ron Belmont. On this Fourth of July, as we celebrate the birth of our country and the vision a few had 233 years ago, we also celebrate locally the vision one man has had for our community. Ron Belmont's hard work can be seen in the joy or town's residents have had participating in sports, programs and shows. Today, we see once again the result of Ron's work by officially opening the new "Ron Belmont Pool". This pool facility, which rivals any other of its kind, is a testament to Ron's leadership, vision and dedication to all of Harrison. I have been honored to not only work for Ron but now, work beside him for the future of Harrison. He truly deserves this honor. As a resident, I also would like to personally thank all the of town employees who joined Ron in the planning and building of this facility: Supervisor/Mayor Steve Malfitano who sparked this idea seven years ago, the entire Recreation Department Staff, Commissioner of Public Works Robert Wasp and his staff as well as Vito Forgione and his great landscaping work.
Congrautaltions Ron!
The new Ron Belmont Pool is now open seven days a week from now until Labor Day. The complex is located in West Harrison overlooking the lake. Residents are urged to visit this wonderful new facility equipped with a water park, two water slides, diving boards and a brand new concession stand. Bring the family and spend the day. Resident Recreation ID Cards are mandatory for any persons from kindergarten age and older. For information on how to obtain one please call 914-670-3035.
Congrautaltions Ron!
The new Ron Belmont Pool is now open seven days a week from now until Labor Day. The complex is located in West Harrison overlooking the lake. Residents are urged to visit this wonderful new facility equipped with a water park, two water slides, diving boards and a brand new concession stand. Bring the family and spend the day. Resident Recreation ID Cards are mandatory for any persons from kindergarten age and older. For information on how to obtain one please call 914-670-3035.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Remarks from today's Commencement Address at John A Coleman School
It has been a while since my last post but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. June has just flew by but before I wrapped up the month I gave the commencement address at the John A. Coleman school in White Plains today. I want to first thank the school for inviting me to speak and want to congratulate all the students. As I watched the students and saw all the smiles on their parents faces, I could not help but be overwhelmed with emotion.
The following are my remarks from today's commencement:
Begin 12:02pm
"Good afternoon Ms. Tomkiel, administration, faculty, friends, proud family,one of my consituents who always has an open door policy to yell at me - Dr. Picci, and of course, graduates.
It is always an honor for me to return here to the John A. Coleman School. Looking back over the years, this school has changed owners, it has changed its name, and it has even changed its structure. But, I am relieved to know that the school has never lost it’s identity because it lives on through the perseverance of each parent, faculty member and student here - that is what we are celebrating today. Right here before our eyes, 62 children, part of the largest class ever, are taking far greater steps into the future then most other children their age will ever travel – that is what we are celebrating today. As I look around I see nothing but bold, smiling faces that are filled with the confidence to take on any challenge that lies ahead whether it be tomorrow or twenty years from now - and that too is what we are celebrating today. We can celebrate all this because we know what the John A. Coleman School has done for everyone here. Being born with a disability, I know as well as all of you that the biggest challenge in life is not your own but it is the challenge that others have in looking past your disability. Throughout the school’s history they always taught the “whole child” so when I left here twenty four years ago; I was prepared to meet that challenge head on. Now today, so are you. Over the past few years you all have learned from one another, collectively, you all have given each other hope when others had little, you have brought each other change when some exhibited the status quo, and now, in a few moments you will go your separate ways to share what you have learned with others in the world and you will teach them to look past the disability. There will be people in this world who say “no” – teach them to say “yes”, there will be people who say “It can’t be done” – teach them to say “It will be done” and there will be people who pretend they don’t hear you – make the “most noise”. Most importantly, like this school, never forget who you are. I congratulate you and wish you nothing but the best. God Bless you all."
End 12:07pm
###
The following are my remarks from today's commencement:
Begin 12:02pm
"Good afternoon Ms. Tomkiel, administration, faculty, friends, proud family,one of my consituents who always has an open door policy to yell at me - Dr. Picci, and of course, graduates.
It is always an honor for me to return here to the John A. Coleman School. Looking back over the years, this school has changed owners, it has changed its name, and it has even changed its structure. But, I am relieved to know that the school has never lost it’s identity because it lives on through the perseverance of each parent, faculty member and student here - that is what we are celebrating today. Right here before our eyes, 62 children, part of the largest class ever, are taking far greater steps into the future then most other children their age will ever travel – that is what we are celebrating today. As I look around I see nothing but bold, smiling faces that are filled with the confidence to take on any challenge that lies ahead whether it be tomorrow or twenty years from now - and that too is what we are celebrating today. We can celebrate all this because we know what the John A. Coleman School has done for everyone here. Being born with a disability, I know as well as all of you that the biggest challenge in life is not your own but it is the challenge that others have in looking past your disability. Throughout the school’s history they always taught the “whole child” so when I left here twenty four years ago; I was prepared to meet that challenge head on. Now today, so are you. Over the past few years you all have learned from one another, collectively, you all have given each other hope when others had little, you have brought each other change when some exhibited the status quo, and now, in a few moments you will go your separate ways to share what you have learned with others in the world and you will teach them to look past the disability. There will be people in this world who say “no” – teach them to say “yes”, there will be people who say “It can’t be done” – teach them to say “It will be done” and there will be people who pretend they don’t hear you – make the “most noise”. Most importantly, like this school, never forget who you are. I congratulate you and wish you nothing but the best. God Bless you all."
End 12:07pm
###
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Remembering
On Tuesday, I was asked to attend a barbecue in West Harrison for veterans from the VA Hospital in Montrose. The event was hosted by the Lion's Club and has been held every year since 1950. I have to tell you, never have I been so moved by these kind, gracious and appreciative gentlemen. These veterans have been living at the VA Hospital since they returned home from the war they were in. Most of the men I spoke with were in Vietnam. I sat and listened as they talked to me about their families, friends, growing up and the war. It was incredibly touching to hear their stories of sacrifice, courage and strength. Think about this; these men have given their lives even though they survived. Many of them of been in the hospital since it opened in 1947! This weekend, as we spend time with our families, and BBQ and go to the pool and beach let's not forget our men and women in the service both alive and the ones who passed. They are the reasons why we can call ourselves the land of the free and in return they don't ask for much. These gentlemen I met were so gracious just to chat and receive a hot dog at the barbecue. Hats off to the Lion's Club for doing this. God Bless America.
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