Monday, July 25, 2011

Summer news

It's summer time and the weather is hot, well okay, IT'S BOILING!! We are having more than a heatwave, we're having a heat tsunami! I suppose though we would be complaining if it was raining or if there was a foot of snow on the ground so I won't complain. Speaking of the weather, the soaring temperatures like the one's we have had the last few days can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and children. With the heat many residents retreated in doors to their homes and air conditioners. Unfortunately though some in our community do not have air conditioners and which is why myself, Councilwoman Amelio and Director of Community Services Nina Marraccini are planning to collect donated air conditioners for these residents in the town's first ever AC/ drive. This plan is still in it's infancy stage but we are moving quickly to start the drive within the next few day.

In other news, the town board voted to approve my request to expand do park memberships to non-residents. After being inundated with requests from our neighboring communities to join the park, I spoke with some of the park membership and it was the consensus that allowing outside residents would be beneficial for a two reasons: First, it would increase the social climate at the park. Dog owners interact with other dog owners much like a club. By bringing in outside residents, we are increasing the size of the pool. Secondly, licensing your dog is required for membership in Harrison and that policy will still stand for non-residents. Each non-resident who applies for membership must show proof their dog is licensed with their own municipality in order to become a member. This policy has proven to be extremely effective. We have tripled the amount of dog licenses so far this year already. Our joining municipalities will should also see a rise in the numbers of their issued dog licenses. Every dog which uses the park is licensed and is therefore up to date with their vaccinations.

My office is going mobile once again with my Mobile Services Unit. We were graciously hosted by Trotta's West Street Pharmacy this past Saturday and I want to thank Neil and Allan for helping me bring my services to their great store. My next mobile location will be this Wednesday in West Harrison in Ma - Riis Park from 6:30 -8:30pm during the Concerts in the Park Series. I offer a wide variety of services during these visits so please be sure to come down. For the residents in the northern part of town, I will also be in West Harrison Park Thursday evening for their Concert in the Park series.

I hope to see you all these next few weeks and wish you all safe travels if you are headed for summer vacation. Talk to you soon!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I'm Back!

Well it certainly has been a while since I last posted here. All because it has been a rollercoaster year for me. I want to thank all of you who have written and called with your thoughts and prayers for my recovery. I am lucky to be living in a community that is standing with me throughout this battle. Together, we will keep moving forward and keep working hard for Harrison.

Some things to blog about:
The first being the dog park gate. I know! I know! It is always broke! Believe me, I know! I spoke with the company and they believe the problem is being caused by lightning. I am not sue what the issue is I just want it resolved. Sooo, they are shipping a part from California (why are all the important parts always so far away???)and the problem should be resolved by next week. The gate is unlocked so just push and pull but just be sure to close it behind you!

The second is Meals on Wheels. Now come on, don't you have an hour to spare during the week. I mean really, one measly hour that's all it takes to be a volunteer for this worthwhile program. If you are interested in helping others in our community please call (914)670-3027 to sign up.

Wedding season is upon us, but before you ring the wedding bells and start throwing rice (is that still banned?) you need to get a wedding license. Don't worry! My office can help you out. To obtain a marriage license from my office the bride and groom need to present their current drivers licenses, social security cards, passports and birth certificates. Both bride and groom are required to be present at time of issuance. In order to accomadate people who work late I will be having a few flex hours during the months of April, May and June. Stay tuned as dates are posted. You must obtain a marriage license a minimum of 24 hours prior to the ceremony and a maximum of 60 prior to the ceremony. I recommend to each couple that they obtain a license about a week prior to the ceremony that way it is enough time to obtain the proper paperwork in case there is a problem and it is not too long of a strech for you to lose the document(believe me it has happened).

That's all for now. The next Town Board meeting will be April 7th. Hopefully I will be posting again prior to that. Talk to you soon.

For community updates check out the Harrison Government Channel 75. See the dates of government meetings, club events and important announcements concerning you as a resident.