OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST APRIL 15, 2021
Village & Town Information
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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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New Yorkers have done a tremendous job at continuing to beat back COVID, but we are not out of the woods yet. Even as they keep expanding eligibility, opening new vaccination sites and working to ensure the system is equitable, there's still more work to be done before we can fully get back to the things we love. With transmissible variants spreading and an infection rate that continues to hover above three percent, there is real cause for New Yorkers to stay vigilant. Washing hands, social distancing and masking up are small behaviors that make a big difference in our ability to combat this virus. There is a real need to continue these behaviors. We can get past this pandemic—we just have to get there together.
We need every New Yorker vaccinated, and that includes young people and students. Indeed, the 18- to 24-year-old population has a higher COVID positivity rate, and many of them are in colleges and universities. So it makes all the sense in the world to use these schools as an additional base for the vaccine. To that end, New York State will provide a dedicated initial allocation of 35,000 vaccine doses to address the college student population at SUNY schools and private colleges. These direct allocations will allow these institutions to vaccinate thousands of students before the school year ends, helping us stamp out COVID even faster. Governor Cuomo encourages all colleges to participate in this, and urges college students to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.
As you may have read, the CDC and the FDA issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine out of an abundance of caution. New York State will follow the CDC and FDA recommendation and pause the use of the J&J vaccine statewide while the federal government evaluates next steps. As the CDC and FDA stated, these adverse events "appear to be extremely rare." Six people who have received the J&J vaccine in the U.S. developed blood clots, and the reason for the pause is to make sure all health care providers can identify the symptoms and treat patients with the correct medical protocol. But the context—six people reported with a problem out of 6.8 million who received the vaccine—is important to remember. While health care providers are notified and the federal government reviews the situation fully, New York State will continue to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are completely unaffected by this pause and which make up the vast majority of our supply. The State Department of Health is in constant contact with the federal government and will provide updates.
The effort to vaccinate New Yorkers continues in full scale. While Johnson & Johnson is paused, NYS is using the Pfizer vaccine in order to meet and maintain scheduled appointments. It is important to keep in mind as we wait for federal direction that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being carefully scrutinized and reviewed by top experts on an independent federal panel. Close to 40 percent of New Yorkers have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, which is great progress—and a testament to the dedication of our providers and our partners across the state who have been instrumental in making sure the vaccine distribution is fair and equitable. NYS will continue vaccinating as many New Yorkers as possible as quickly as possible. Like it has been from day one with this virus, our progress is only as safe as our determination to keep building on it.
As of 11am yesterday, 39.1 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. To date, New York has administered over 12,440,535 total doses with 25.9 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
The annual Rochester Lilac Festival will be held in a different format this year. The annual festival will be held in a smaller format this year, split up between weekends in May to ensure full compliance with the State's outdoor event gathering guidance. Attendees who plan to enjoy the Flower City's annual festival will also be required to wear a mask.
See how Excelsior Pass can help you be a part of NY's safe reopening. To help revitalize New York's economy safely, the State launched Excelsior Pass—a free and voluntary platform for businesses & individuals that can be used to easily access secure proof of a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. Learn more.
The State will provide additional tax relief for families of MTA employees through the COVID family death benefit program. Members of the MTA workforce risked their own health throughout the pandemic to ensure our essential workers could perform their vital duties. As part of the FY 2022 Enacted Budget, direct payments made to families of MTA employees through the COVID family death benefit program will be exempt from State income taxes to honor those heroes. The MTA's unprecedented $500,000 COVID family death benefit program began in April 2020 and has thus far led to $62 million in approved direct payments to families of MTA employees who died from COVID-19.
Sixteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites will come online over the next week. These sites are expected to vaccinate more than 7,100 people throughout the week. Since January 15, more than 200 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 77,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The State Department of Health issued guidance to allow graduation and commencement ceremonies to take place with limited capacity. These ceremonies are important and we hope schools have graduation ceremonies—we just want them to be safe. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited capacity, depending on the event size and the location (e.g., stadium, arena, arts and entertainment venue). Additional safety protocols must be in place. Read more.
In the third round of the program, Nourish NY has so far spent $6.5 million to help New Yorkers in need. Over five million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with over 1,500,000 pounds of produce. Over four million households in need have received products sourced from New York farms.
NYS launched a new targeted initiative to bring the vaccine to farmers and food producers. Our farm workers produce the food that ends up on our tables, and it's critical they have access to the COVID-19 vaccines. Because they often live in rural areas, getting the vaccine can be more challenging. NYS launched a new effort to bring pop-up vaccination sites directly to farms and food production facilities. Learn more.
The State-run vaccination site in Albany will move locations beginning the morning of Friday, April 16. The new, larger location will be at the Crossgates Mall, on the lower level of the former Lord & Taylor. It is fully indoors. If you have an existing vaccine appointment at the former SUNY Albany location, you will receive an email or text update with this information. All existing dates and times will stay the same. Additionally, the COVID-19 drive-thru testing facility at SUNY Albany is unaffected by this move and will remain in place.
Spectators will be allowed at horse and auto races at 20 percent capacity beginning Thursday, April 22. Spectators will be subjected to the State's strict guidance, which is currently in effect for other professional sports competitions with fans. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subjected to the State's health and safety protocols on face coverings, social distancing and health screening.
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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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Please fill out the information on our online form. We will be in touch via email when your request can be filled. Please remember when you receive the notice:
- All applications are made online with registrations uploaded via the software.
- Each application can have up to three (3) car registrations on it, but only one car can be parked at the Train Station at a time.
- Payment must be made online. Please note there are different prices for Village residents, Town residents (Unincorporated Area and Village of Briarcliff who reside inside the Town), and those outside the Town of Ossining. There is a 3% service fee for the debit/credit card used. This is the credit card fees that cannot be paid for by the municipality by law.
- There are no physical tags. Our new system, which is used by the Parking Enforcement and/or Ossining Police Department, uses license plate scanners.
- Any application takes at least 24 hours (weekdays only) to process.
- Click here to be placed on the wait list.
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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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Gratitude & Grounding Practice
What: Join Elisha Fernandes Simpson of Crossover Yoga Project (CYP) for a grounding yoga practice to show our gratitude for the support the Earth has provided us through this time of challenge and instability. To maintain safe social distance, only 10 people will be allowed on stage on a first come, first served basis. We welcome participants to practice on the grounds around the stage too! Please arrive with your mask, bring your own mat and water, and dress for movement. The class will be cancelled if it's below 60 and/or raining and/or windy. Class will be streamed on CYP's Instagram.
When: Saturday, April 17 at 9AM
Where: Louis Engel Waterfront Stage, Ossining.
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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
Where: Logrea Dance Academy, 2 Dale Ave, Ossining NY 10562
Info: Beginner to Advanced training. Discounts available.
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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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