OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST MACH 25, 2021
Village & Town Information
**NO WEB BLAST ON APRIL 1, 2021**
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Dear Ossining Community,
Last year, the Village Board of Trustees discussed updating the Village seal, which represents the Village of Ossining. As part of that discussion, an informal survey took place. Now, we'd like to move forward and obtain a more formal view from our residents regarding their opinion of the Village seal.
In recent years, indigenous persons' use as mascots and seals has come under scrutiny in the United States.
Ossining's Village seal was introduced at a time when "Indians" were popular symbols for schools and other institutions.
As times and attitudes evolve, it may be time to reevaluate our Ossining Village Seal.
The new symbol might include Ossining's past, present, and future representations: simply and clearly in a graphical format.
The Village Board of Trustees understands that many Village residents feel an attachment to the Indian Seal. While many others think it is time for a refresh.
It's time for us to hear from you. Your input is valuable and will be taken into consideration in this meaningful decision.
Thank you for participating!
This survey will close on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021.
The Ossining Village Board of Trustees
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Helpful Information from the Village of Ossining, Westchester County & New York State |
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The Village of Ossining is committed to sharing up-to-date and relevant information regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. In our weekly web blasts you will find this section dedicated to new information. For previously shared information, please visit the Village of Ossining's dedicated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page. |
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Each week, Mayor Rika Levin prepares a Mayoral Message for the Ossining community, which focuses on current Board and community issues. This message also includes various public interest matters, including programs, services, and events going on in the Village.
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Westchester County Update |
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County Executive George Latimer and District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah launch #SpeakUpWestchester Campaign, Graphics Available in Multiple Languages Click here for more info
Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board Urges Residents to Protect Themselves Against Unemployment Insurance Fraud Click here for more info
Westchester County Youth Board Presents The 3rd Annual “Sheroes” Of Positive Youth Development Awards Click here for more info
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New Yorkers love to root for the home team. It was especially difficult to see great professional sports teams close to fans in stands as NYS implemented restrictions necessary to protect public health. Last Thursday, Governor Cuomo announced that baseball is coming back to New York, and fans will be able to attend games in-person. On April 1, the New York Mets and New York Yankees can resume playing with spectators in the stadiums. Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums that hold 10,000 people or more will be allowed to reopen at 20 percent capacity. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series before entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screenings. Vaccination efforts at both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field will continue during the MLB season.
As more New Yorkers are vaccinated, we are beginning to look to the future and get activity and the economy back up and running. It is important to remember that it's only with New Yorkers' dedication and grit that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We're not there yet, and as we enter spring, we need to keep up the practices that will get us there: wash your hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing. And one more—when it is your turn, get vaccinated. Take anyone offered—protect yourself and your community.
Starting Tuesday, New Yorkers 50 years of age and older became eligible to receive the vaccine. NYS continues to kick vaccinations into overdrive throughout the State by expanding eligibility, establishing new vaccination sites, and opening eligibility to providers to reach new populations. New York's distribution network is ready to handle an expected increase in supply and is excited to expand eligibility even further as they move to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, limited supply from the federal government means that New Yorkers should remain patient. If you are among those who are eligible, check New York State's Am I Eligible website to find an appointment (if available) at a State-run vaccination site near you, or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. VaccineFinder, a website affiliated with the CDC and Boston Children's Hospital, can also help eligible New Yorkers find vaccination locations.
NYS continues to make great strides in its vaccination progress. New York has administered nearly 8 million vaccine doses, and the State's expansive distribution network is hard at work getting shots in arms. Their NYS/FEMA mass vaccination site in Yonkers administered its 20,000th vaccine shot on Tuesday, and their vaccination site at Stony Brook on Long Island administered its 100,000th vaccine as well. Over the next few weeks, they expect to see vaccine production ramping up and make sure they can vaccinate and eligible New Yorkers ready to take the vaccine. If you're eligible, get any of the vaccines available to you—they're all safe & effective.
As of yesterday, over eight million doses of vaccine have been administered in New York. Their large distribution network is steadily getting shots into people's arms all across the State, but we need to be mindful that we are still in a footrace between the infection rate and the virus. The progress we've made is only as lasting as our continued vigilance—community behavior matters. We must continue to exercise safe guidelines even as more and more of our fellow New Yorkers get vaccinated. Wear your mask, social distance and then when it's your turn—get the vaccine. NYS also launched a unique training course where you can become even more knowledgeable on COVID and how to protect your family and community's health. Details on this program, developed in partnership with Cornell University, are below—you can sign up here.
As of Wednesday, 26.9 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. 154,705 total doses have been administered. On Wednesday morning, New York administered 8,029,749 total doses, with 14.1 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
Smaller, regional sports venues can also reopen beginning April 1. These are venues that hold 1,500 people indoors or 2,500 people outdoors, and initial capacity will be limited to 10 percent indoors and 20 percent outdoors. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series before entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screenings.
Beginning March 29, statewide travel for sports and recreational activities will be permitted. Currently, travel for sports and recreation is limited to contiguous counties and regions in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidance.
Large outdoor performing arts venues, including stadiums, which hold more than 2,500 people, can reopen at 20 percent capacity beginning April 1. Venue capacity for concerts and other performing arts events will continue to increase as the public health situation improves, with more New Yorkers receiving vaccinations and fewer COVID-19 cases in the community. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screenings.
Effective Monday, Mach 22, the final five remaining yellow zone clusters in New York State were lifted. Those clusters were in the East Bronx, West Bronx, Manhattan, Newburgh, New Windsor, and Kew Gardens/Forest Hills in Queens. Any specific restrictions in those locations will be lifted and aligned with statewide guidance.
Indoor dining in New York City expanded to 50 percent capacity beginning March 19. Previously, New York City and New Jersey restaurants are operating at 35 percent capacity. This decision is made concurrently with neighboring New Jersey also expanding indoor dining to 50 percent. Restaurants outside of New York City expanded to 75 percent capacity. Other health guidelines remain in place.
The Department of Tax and Finance will be extending the New York State income tax deadline to May 17. This aligns with the federal decision to do the same and provides New Yorkers still coping with the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic ample time to file.
Sixteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites are coming online over the next week. These sites at churches, public housing developments, and community centers are expected to vaccinate more than 4,500 people throughout the week. Since January 15, more than 145 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 55,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. As has been the case with previous pop-up sites, these sites will be re-established in three weeks to administer second doses.
On Monday, NYS launched the "Roll Up Your Sleeve" campaign to encourage houses of worship of all faiths to sign up as vaccination sites. Religious leaders of all faiths are trusted voices in their communities. They can help New York counter vaccine hesitancy and get the vaccine to harder-to-reach communities fairly and equitably. New York State is calling on medical providers to volunteer to partner with houses of worship to conduct vaccination clinics. Medical professionals and places of worship who are interested in being involved can learn more and sign up at ny.gov/rollupyoursleeve.
Pharmacies can vaccinate New Yorkers with qualifying health conditions. Previously, pharmacies were exclusively vaccinating New Yorkers age 60+ and seniors. If you are eligible for the vaccine due to an underlying health condition or comorbidity, contact your local pharmacy or check the VaccineFinder website to see if there are available vaccine appointments at a pharmacy near you.
Reminder: New Yorkers age 50 and up are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines. New Yorkers can check their eligibility and schedule an appointment at ny.gov/GetVaccinated or by calling the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
NYS is expanding testing capabilities to commercial landlords. The New York Forward COVID-Safe Offices partnership with commercial landlords will expand access to COVID-19 testing for employers statewide. As part of the initiative, 21 participating landlords have committed to provide space and facilitate access to testing services for tenants interested in conducting regular diagnostic testing of employees.
Enroll to become an NYS Citizen Public Health Leader. To continue the fight against COVID and prepare for the next public health emergency, the State announced the launch of a free, online Citizen Public Health Training course for New Yorkers. This innovative course will be delivered by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with Cornell University and is supported by the State University of New York. It will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become NYS Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the State. Enroll today.
Remember, mental health resources are available for New Yorkers who need them. Now that it's officially spring, we are slowly getting outside again and enjoying the warmer weather. However, we still recognize the mental and emotional strain many are feeling during the pandemic. New Yorkers can visit headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314.
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**If you are making an online Tax/Water payment, please make sure you are using the following URL: https://pay.xpress-pay.com/org/08B0D0333C984F0 and the page has the above image. This will ensure you're using the Village of Ossining's approved payment vendor**
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PUBLIC NOTICE
TO RESOLVE TRAFFIC & PARKING SUMMONSES
ISSUED IN THE
TOWN OR VILLAGE OF OSSINING
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So that we can reduce persons having to appear in Court on traffic or parking matters, and to expedite resolutions in resolving traffic or parking infraction matters, pleased be advised that you have the ability to plea your traffic or parking matter by email/mail.
If you received a traffic infraction before the Justice Court of the Town of Ossining, involving a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic law, the person handling your ticket is the Town Prosecutor. The Town Prosecutor can be reached at vtlviolations@villageofossining.com.
If you received a parking infraction before the Justice Court of the Town of of Ossining, (which handles ALL Village Parking matters), the person handling your ticket is the Deputy Corporation Counsel. The Deputy Corporation Counsel can be reached at parkingviolations@villageofossining.org. |
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**NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WIFI**
Password for all WIFI Networks:
95Broadway
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Dear Community Members:
The Ossining School District is engaging in a strategic planning process to establish key goals for the next three-five years. A brief electronic survey is open for community members who are residents without students currently in the school system. To participate, please follow this link or go to the link provided on the district website and complete the brief survey by November 24th. Your opinions and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
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Upcoming Programs in the Village and Town of Ossining |
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Ossining’s Down to Earth Farmers Market will be open regular hours this Saturday
When: Saturdays from 9AM-1PM
Where: Near Market Square at the corner of Spring & Main Streets, Ossining, NY
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The Ossining Arts Council (OAC) and Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) Presents The 2021 Virtual Living Art Event
What: The Ossining Arts Council (OAC) and Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) will present the 2021 Virtual Living Art Event (LAE), showcasing seven original WCT one-act plays inspired by selected OAC artworks, live streamed to ticketholders every Saturday through March on YouTube: March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 8 pm. The production is co-produced by WCT Executive Director Alan Lutwin and WCT member and actor/director Melissa Nocera. Christopher Arena, WCT member and director/actor/playwright, is the director.
Where: Virtually Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT)
When: March 6. 13. 20 and 27 at 8 pm
Contact: The Ossining Arts Council (OAC) and Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) wctcompany@gmail.com 914-236-4297
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Trauma Conscious Yoga Classes
What: Practicing trauma-conscious yoga can increase connection with the breath, enabling the brain to become less aroused, and allow relaxation to begin.Join Elisha to explore a sense of control over your body and mind, reduce stress and get a great night's sleep!
When: Begins Thursday, Feb 25 at 7pm
Info: $15 per class. Venmo @CYPEmpowersme
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Don't miss Ossining Village Trustee Omar Lopez's podcast - "Omar Lopez Talks to the People"
What: Every Sunday, Ossining Village Trustee Omar Lopez releases a new podcast covering local issues and interviewing officials and community members. From improving parking to legalizing backyard chickens, no issue is to too large or small.
When: New episodes available every Sunday
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Ossining’s Museum in the Streets (MITS)
What: MITS is a free, self-guided walking tour and consists of 25 numbered panels with images and explanatory text about the architecturally and historically significant buildings within the Downtown Ossining Historic District.
When: On a 24/7 basis
Where: The tour starting point is located on the north side of the Ossining Open Door Medical Center at 247 Main St. in Downtown Ossining. However visitors one can also begin at any of the numbered panels and take as few or as many panels as desired.
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The Westchester-Fairfield Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Committee (WFJEATC), Local Union #3 IBEW, will conduct a recruitment from September 15, 2020 through September 14, 2021 for 15 Electrician apprentices. To request an application, email wfjeatc@jibei.com. For more information on this program, click here. For more information on NYEAC, click here. |
St. Matthews Headstart Daycare Early Headstart & Headstart Program
What: High quality research based curriculum, screenings and services to support healthy development and promote school readiness; family support, nutrition, guidance and access to community resources.
Hours: Head Start Hours 9:00 – 3:00pm/Daycare Hours 7:00-9:00am & 3:00-6:00pm
Contact: For more information contact St. Matthew’s at 914-941-1715
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Green Ossining Launches ‘Green Ossining Sustainability Partnership
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As part of our ongoing commitment to community health education, we are partnering with local organizations to provide virtual opportunities to learn from and engage with our clinicians.
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Theater O Classes!
What: Theater O offers classes in all things theater for children ages 3+: From Acting to directing, play writing to design, Improv! to Musical Theater and more. Our faculty is comprised of seasoned professionals who excel in their craft. Listen, Learn, Imagine, Perform & Join the Play. visit www.theatero.org.
Where: Theater O @ 25 State St, Ossining, NY 10562
Contact: (914) 487-4322
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REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES at LOGREA now open online
What: Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Theatre Dance and Mommy and Me
When: March 16th for CURRENT Students; March 30th for NEW students
Where: Logrea Dance Academy, 2 Dale Ave, Ossining NY 10562
Info: Beginner to Advanced training. Discounts available. Scholarship auditions in September.
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Ossining Athletic Booster Club
What: The Ossining Athletic Booster Club is a not-for-profit volunteer organization established in 2001 to promote the athletic programs of the Ossining School District, recognize their achievements, and support Ossining's student-athletes and coaches by funding items not in the school budget and awarding scholarships to worthy graduating seniors of Ossining Athletic Booster Club members and donors.
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CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Admissions Test -TACHS PREP CLASSES & BOOT CAMPS
What: Prepare with us for the TACHS – Test for Admissions to Catholic High Schools. This course will heavily concentrate on the Reading, Language, Mathematics and Reasoning skills covered on the TACHS Examination. During class, students will practice timing, test taking strategies and extensive drill and review of all TACHS Exam topics. Register online at https://www.eduscapeassociates.com/tachs-exam-prep-classes/
When: Fall 2020-Check website for schedule of Classes/Boot Camps
Contact: Eduscape College & Test Prep Dr. Gayle Marchica, Principal Mobile/Text 914.886.5043 Office 914.941.4148 info@EduscapeAssociates.com
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Therapeutic Foster Parents NEEDED
What: Family Services of Westchester is looking for individuals who are interested in learning about becoming a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent! We are looking for loving people willing to open their homes and hearts to a child in need of a stable, safe home environment.
Contact: Please contact Melissa Aversa, Home-finder & Recruitment Specialist at (914) 358-5828
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Volunteers Needed - English-Spanish Translators
What: The Ossining School District needs volunteers! Volunteering offers an opportunity to serve the community and can be a rich, rewarding experience. The district is seeking bilingual English-Spanish volunteers to serve as translators at district and school events. These events include but are not limited to, parent-teacher conferences, parent engagement nights and college fairs. We are dedicated to ensuring all members of our diverse community have equal access to Info and can fully participate in the educational life of their children. An Infoal flier is attached. Please kindly share this Info with members of your agency and/or community. Individuals with some time to serve as a translator and who are interested in making a difference may fill out an online form to be added to the district’s translator database. We welcome and greatly appreciate your help!
When: Ongoing
Where: Ossining Union Free School District
Contact: Ms. Ferzeen Shamsi at (914) 762-5830, ext. 4309
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Mike Risko Music now accepting registrations
What: Mike Risko Music, just named a Top 100 Music School/Store in the world by NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is now accepting registration for Fall session music lessons.
When: Call or email today to schedule a free trial and/or find out about our programs
Where: All programs are offered at Mike Risko Music right here in Ossining.
Info: Design your own schedule and take music lessons on any instrument or voice in our state of the art studios. All ages, levels and instruments are welcome! We even have programs for adults.
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Safety Tips from the Ossining Fire Department
Sign Up for NIXLE Alerts: The Village of Ossining has launched a program to help notify the public of emergencies, road closures, hazardous conditions, and other incidents concerning the public within the Village of Ossining. This program, called Nixle, is a free program and allows members of the public to receive these messages in email, text message, and on an internet web site. Village of Ossining residents are urged to subscribe to receive emergency messages only by texting 10562 to 888777 on their cell phone, or to receive a full complement of messages, including community updates residents can visit www.Nixle.com and click the sign up now! button.
Sign up for ConEdison Customer Alerts via Text: Use your cell phone to text REG to OUTAGE (688243) and follow the prompts. You will need your account number and zip code. To retrieve your account number, log in to My Account or check your next bill. This information is also located on the ConEdison website at coned.com/text.
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Tri-State Mask Makers are creating masks for those in need - healthcare workers to neighbors in nursing home.
Your donation will allow many sewists to continue with their work of love. |
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The Ossining Micro Fund is a non-profit organization offering interest-free loans to individuals and families who encounter unexpected financial obstacles. Our philosophy is to “pay it forward” – when a loan recipient repays a loan, the money becomes available to help another person in need. Click here for information . |
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*The Village makes no representation that donations are tax deductible. You should always check with your tax professional |
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What can you do?
As many of you know, our local food pantries and non-profits have been coming together to ensure our community does not go hungry. We can’t thank these organizations enough for all their help. Below you will find links to our local non-profits that have been working in partnership with the Village of Ossining to distribute food to people who need it. If you would like to provide donations or volunteer support we encourage you to do so*.
These efforts will continue through this COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. We are proud to say that many of our local restaurants are also taking donations toward providing meals to those in the community that cannot leave their homes. We will be including this information in a section of our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page.
Please send emails to webblast@villageofossining.org if you know of any other Ossining based agencies that are providing food during this time so that we can add them to this list.
We appreciate your commitment to our community.
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Any New Yorker who sees excessively priced consumer goods and services that are used primarily for personal, family or household purposes to prevent or respond to the Covid-19 virus should file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.
or
Consumer hotline +1 800-697-1220
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WEB BLAST FORMAT
Do you have an event, Info or picture of the Village of Ossining that you would like included in this web blast? If so please submit to webblast@villageofossining.org. All Info must be submitted by noon on the Wednesday prior to the distributed web blast. Submissions included in this listing are intended solely to inform of events and Info of general interest to subscribers. The Village of Ossining does not necessarily endorse or support organizations or entities whose events and / or activities are listed above. The Village makes no representation as to the accuracy thereof, nor does it assume any liability in connection with same. Please don't print this e-mail unless necessary. All submissions must follow the format listed below:
Title:
What: [Limit description to 100 words or less]
When:
Where:
Info: [May include a single flyer]
Contact: [Name of organization/ individual, phone, email]
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Ossining Prison Ministry, Inc.
What: Volunteers for a hospitality program at the Sing Sing Correctional facility that is held
When: Saturdays, Sundays, and most major holidays; from 8am to 11 am or 12pm to 2:30pm.
Where: Sing Sing Correctional Facility 354 Hunter Street, Ossining NY 10562
Info: Our organization provides hospitality to the visitors who come to visit their loved ones. We also provide toys, puzzles, and games to the people in the facility to help normalize the visiting time.
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Ossining Emergency Shelter |
If you or someone you know needs a place to stay on a cold winter's night, Ossining and Briarcliff's local houses of worship provide adult shelter and a warm meal every night of the week from December through March. Meet in front of The Open Door before 9 pm. Transportation is provided to the place where the shelter is for the night. All are welcome. No drugs, drunkenness, or weapons |
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