Get to Know... Assistant Court Clerk Engstrom

“Get to Know” will be a regular series on The Daily Pelham to introduce various people in the community. If you would like to nominate someone, please email Pelham reporter Patrick Stapleton at pstapleton@mainstreetconnect.us.

PELHAM, N.Y. - You hopefully will not meet Harry Engstrom while he is working because, as the assistant court clerk, he deals with parking tickets. The Vietnam veteran enjoys his job and is glad to have lived in Pelham his whole life. Engstrom, a New York University alum, is entering his second year as assistant court clerk.

TDP: What does your job as assistant court clerk entail?

HE: I only do parking violations. To me, it’s an accounts receivable job.

TDP: Do you get a lot of disgruntled people or are they usually OK with paying?

HE: Very few people are happy. I don’t think anybody’s happy. Some are not bad, some understand, and some don’t understand. Some, I don’t know, 'the world’s against me, it’s not my fault.'

TDP: What do you like most about being the assistant court clerk?

HE: Meeting different types of people – very interesting.

TDP: What do you like the least about your job?

HE: I would say getting the end-of the-month figures in on time.

TDP: What did you do prior to this?

HE: I was with the brokers and the bankers.

TDP: How elated were you when your grandson [Hunter] was born?

HE: Well, I don’t know what to say. A miracle, fantastic, wonderful.

TDP: What is your favorite part about Pelham?

HE: The people – some great people.

TDP: What’s the most important thing that you have taken away from Pelham?

HE: I guess the meaning of friends. Good people and good friends. People help each other here. You have no idea how they help each other. In any catastrophe, everyone gets together and helps the family. Sickness, death, you’d be surprised how.

TDP: What are your favorite sports teams?

HE: New York Yankees, New York Giants, and you’ve gotta have the Boston Bruins. I used to like the Celtics.

TDP: If you were trapped in a foxhole, who would be right beside you?

HE: Lord Jesus Christ. That’s the only person I’d want to be there. I would need the strength of the Almighty.

TDP:  If you were trapped on an island, what three items would you need?

HE: My family, Guinness, and a fishing pole.

TDP: Where do you see yourself down the road?

HE: I’ve lived here all my life. I can’t see that changing. I’ve been blessed.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Pelham and receive free news updates.