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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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.

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

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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.

It's that time of year!

The following was in the Harrison Report today:

It’s May, and that means that wedding season is upon us. If you or someone you know is getting married over the next few months, then there are a great many things to do: find a wedding hall, order the cake, make sure your gowns and tuxedos fit just right and, of course, try to figure out where everyone is going to sit.

But for the bride and groom, there is one other little thing that must be done before you walk down that aisle together – getting a license to do so! In this great state (as well as the other 49), you need a license to drive a car, go hunting, buy a gun and even catch a fish. Similarly, before you say, “I do,” you must first sign your name to it.

Our office can help; in fact, we take great pride in helping you begin the rest of your lives together.

First, there are a few things you need to know before you both come to my office together. While some couples call for an appointment, others just come in. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that if you decide to just walk in, we can only give out licenses between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday without an appointment.

Next, you need to prove you are who you say you are. The New York State Department of Health requires the bride and groom to establish proof of age and identity by submitting one of the following age-related documents to me:

• Birth Certificate

• Baptismal Record

• Naturalization Record

• Census Record

But that’s not all. You also need to produce one of the following identity-related documents in-person:

• Driver's License

• Passport

• Employment Picture ID

• Immigration Record

Our office takes this procedure very seriously in order to prevent marriage fraud, so be safe and bring as many documents as possible for proof of age and identity. If any of these documents are not in English, you must submit a certified translated copy, along with the original.

If either the bride or groom has been married prior, the previously married person is required to furnish a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage. Check with your attorney if you do not have a certified copy. Also, although physical exams were once required, they are no longer part of the application process (I’ve been asked this question on occasion).

The New York State license fee is $40 payable by cash or check. The license is issued immediately upon my signature; however, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the time it is issued, and the license is only valid for sixty (60) days from that period as well.

I understand that nobody has a 9-to-5 schedule anymore. So, I am keeping the office open until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, and will also be open from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, for those couples who find these hours more accommodating for obtaining a license.

If you or your future spouse have any questions, feel free to call our office at 914-670-3030 and we will be happy to help you. Also, anyone with a business in town that specializes in services for wedding ceremonies, please send us your business card or info and we will include it in our Wedding Album — a project I am creating for display during license visits so that future couples can view some local recommendations.

Congrats and hope to see you soon!

Blood Drive this Thursday!

The Harrison EMS, in partnership with my office for National Donate Life Month will be hosting a Blood Drive this Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 12pm to 5:30pm at EMS HQ's located at 2 Pleasant Ridge Rd Harrison (Police HQ Parking Lot). As I am sure you know by now, this area's blood supply is very low and therefore, it is important that we receive as many donors as possible. In order for this drive to be a success, we need a minimum of 20 DONORS! If you or somebody you know is interested in donating please call my office at 914-670-3030 or email me at jacocella@harrison-ny.gov and reserve a time slot.

April is National Donate Life Month

I would like to write about a topic that has affected my life in more ways than one. Organ donation may seem like an uncomfortable topic for some, because in many instances, it means death. But for those on the receiving end, it means life. In my case, it means both.

You see, when I was 11-years-old, I watched as my mother’s life was slowly being taken away, from complications associated with diabetes. Her kidneys shut down, and she was forced to go on dialysis three times a week. She was placed on a waiting list for a lifesaving transplant but, as she waited, her condition worsened. In June 1992, her transplant kidney came from an unexpected place — my father. He was a match for her, and the two were wheeled into surgery within days after.

Though the kidney transplant itself was a success, she unfortunately passed away the next day from heart complications. At first, I was very disillusioned about the whole organ donation process. There was my mother, a woman who waited and waited for a transplant and, when it finally came, she passed away.

Angry and confused, little did I know that just eight years later, I would be faced with the same circumstance in my personal life. It was August 1999, and I was about to begin my senior year in high school. At the time, I was working for the Harrison Recreation Department, enjoying the last few days of summer at the Brentwood pool, when I became ill. My own kidneys were shutting down and I needed a transplant of my own. I went from being at a high point in my life to all of a sudden being at my lowest. I surrounded myself with friends and family while I started dialysis three times a week and got on a waiting list for a kidney transplant — a transplant that had an estimated wait time of three years. I was a minor at the time, so the wait was a little shorter; however, not by much.

As I went through the year battling the most depressing time of my life, my community got me through. Friends and family were the ones I counted on the most, and they never let me down. In March 2000, I received news I never thought I would get: A transplant was available for me; it was a perfect match from Ohio. Unfortunately, that’s all I knew about the person — “a perfect match from Ohio.” I didn’t know if the person was a man or a woman, nor their background, nothing. Just that he or she was a young, perfect match who had passed away.

I began imagining who the person was. I knew that a perfectly healthy organ donor walked out of their house that morning in Ohio and, now, would be giving me a kidney in New York and a heart to someone else, and so on. I imagined his or her hand signing the organ donor card, no matter if was the day before or 10 years prior — that person chose to save lives by passing his or her own life on.

Right now, there are 98,000 people across the country waiting for an organ transplant to save their lives. Each day, 77 people get a second chance at life; however, 17 to 19 of them die because they are still waiting.

April is National Donate Life Month and the need is growing. You can save up to seven lives after you pass on by becoming an organ donor. Imagine — you can give a burn victim new skin, a blind person the gift of sight or a person on dialysis their freedom back.

It starts with you. It starts with life. I am proud to offer information in my office in Town Hall on becoming an organ donor, and I hope you will pick up a copy. Or feel free to visit my Web site at www.HarrisonClerk.com to sign up online.

I urge you to talk with your family about this lifesaving decision. After all, if organ donation didn’t save lives, you wouldn’t be reading this entry right now.