As we move into my favorite time of the year, I thought I’d point out some of the events that make this time of year so special in Irvington. The official start of the holiday shopping season in Irvington is this Saturday, kicking off with the Annual Holiday Happenings event. Sales will abound on Main Street, without the massive, unruly crowds! Please visit our shops and restaurants on Main Street this Saturday and throughout the holiday shopping season. To cap things off on what will likely be a great Saturday in the village, the annual tree lighting will be held at the Recreation Center on Main Street. Music and fun starts at 3:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, members of the Irvington Fire Company will serve refreshments and cookies. Be sure to stop by for some holiday fun, music and cheer!
The holiday cheer is not constrained to Saturday as there is a very special benefit concert at the Irvington Town Hall Theater on Sunday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. The River Towns community is invited to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Irvington Town Hall Theater at a benefit concert for the Building Fund and to inaugurate our new Yamaha grand piano (the latest upgrade of our historic landmark venue) and raise money to restore our skylight for light and ventilation. Carole Demas, the noted and gifted Broadway and television singer/actress will be in concert along with many other special guests. I grew up as a huge fan of Ms. Demas who was half of the “Carole and Paula” duo on The Magic Garden children’s television program. Ms. Demas has also appeared in numerous other TV roles and on Broadway, including the original “Sandy” in Grease (but we do not like to talk about Sandy these days). For tickets and information, visit www.irvingtontheater.com.
Looking forward to next week, the renovated Tiffany Reading Room will be officially re-opened on Sunday, December 9 at 2:30 p.m. Please stop by the Irvington Town Hall to see this exquisite and hidden jewel. Then, after we open the Tiffany Room, we have the annual Menorah lighting at 7 p.m. in front of the Irvington Fire House.
Leaves in the Road
I would like to remind residents that it is illegal to place leaves (loose piles or bags) in the roadway. My fellow Trustees and I have observed numerous locations where leaf piles consume significant portions of the road, making travel difficult, if not dangerous. Our Village Administrator has sent out “friendly” warning letters to specific locations where this condition was observed. Please take the time to address this situation and if you use a landscaper, please inform them as well. As we get to the end of the leaf season, I am a little disappointed that more of you have not at least tried mulching your leaves. It really is a better solution for many reasons. For more information, check out the Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em website at www.leleny.org.
I hope you all have a great start to the holiday season.
Brian C. Smith, Mayor
bsmith@irvingtonny.gov