Miss Anything? This Week in Review

A couple of graduations, the foreclosure of a property owned by a local church and some controversy at town hall all made big news this week in Harrison.

On Monday, the Harrison Central School District celebrated as a group of fifth graders graduated from the D.A.R.E program. The D.A.R.E program, which educates young students about the dangers of peer pressure, drug use and other important issues has been taught by a police officer in the district for several years but will take a one year hiatus before moving to the sixth grade in 2011-12.

We also first heard about the foreclosure of the Hamlets development property on Monday afternoon. The property, which is an eight-acre lot on Mamaroneck Avenue is owned by the Straitgate Church, but at this point it is unknown if the property will be sold or what will be done with it in the future.

The issue of the new police liaison position, which was approved by the town board in March, came under the spotlight of controversy once again on Tuesday. After the police officer's union threatened legal action last week if the position is implemented, Harrison Town Councilwoman Marlene Amelio said that she now stands against the position, despite voting in favor of it in March. Amelio cited the lack of a clear description of the position as well as negative feedback from her constituents, among other things, as her reasons for the change.

The backlash could potentially reignite debate about the new position, which was originally designed to improve relations between the town board and the police department.

The Harrison Police made our headlines for a different reason later in the week, as the department continued a fourteen-year tradition by serving lunch to a large group of Harrison senior citizens. Retired police chief David Hall started the volunteer effort years ago, and new Chief Anthony Marraccini has said that he plans to continue the event in the future.

as the school sent off its graduating seniors with a ceremony on campus. Speakers included President of Purchase College Thomas J. Schwarz as well as New York State Senator Charles Schumer.

It was also a busy week in sports news as the Harrison baseball and softball teams faced off against high school sports rival Rye. The baseball team lost a nail-biter to Rye on Tuesday before recovering with a 5 - 1 win on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the softball team cruised to easy wins over the Garnets on Tuesday and Thursday. The lady Huskies also won a 10-inning thriller against league rival Pearl River on Friday afternoon.

The girl's lacrosse team celebrated a big milestone on Wednesday afternoon as senior Melissa Shulman scored her 200th career goal in a win against the Keio Academy. The team honored the senior, who will attend the University of North Carolina next fall, with a brief ceremony at halftime.

We also named softball player Jenna Webb this week's athlete of the week.

Also, take a look at this week's police blotter.

We look forward to once again bringing you everything in Harrison news next week.