OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST MACH 18, 2021
Village & Town Information
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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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For those of you that missed our presentations, information related to the PRRC including video and transcript are available on the Village's website. We want your your feedback on the PLAN.
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Westchester County Update |
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Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah launch the #SpeakUpWestchester Campaign Click here for more info
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With more and more New Yorkers getting vaccinated every day, NYS is moving toward a final stage in our fight against COVID. As of last Thursday, New York has administered more than 6 million total doses of vaccines across the state, with more than 1 million doses administered at New York State-run mass vaccination sites. Even as we reach new milestones, we are still in a footrace to make sure the vaccination rate remains ahead of the infection rate. We have a strong process in place and we will continue working and vaccinating until New York becomes the first COVID-free state in the nation.
We're making progress each day in holding the infection rate down and by vaccinating more New Yorkers, but we have more work to do to end this pandemic and to get New York back to safety. We have faced huge challenges with discipline and toughness, and we can make it through as we see the light at the end of the tunnel. New York State is expanding its vaccine distribution network to get more shots in arms, and will be able to ramp up vaccinations once the supply increases. In the meantime, New Yorkers should continue washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing as we get through this pandemic together.
Governor Cuomo announced on Monday three new mass vaccination sites that are coming to Long Island. The sites, located in Brentwood, Old Westbury and Southampton, will open this Friday, March 19. All three sites will have the ability to vaccinate more than one thousand New Yorkers daily dependent on supply from the federal government. Appointments can be made through the Am I Eligible Tool or by calling the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). New York will continue to expand our distribution network and vaccinate more New Yorkers as supply ramps up further.
As NYS’s vaccine supply from the federal government increases, they can expand eligibility to more New Yorkers to keep our vaccination progress moving. Starting Wednesday, three new groups of New Yorkers became eligible for the vaccine: public-facing government and public workers, not-for-profit workers who provide public-facing services to New Yorkers in need, and essential in-person building service workers. New Yorkers who qualify in these categories can make an appointment through the Am I Eligible Tool or through the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). They’ve expanded their vaccination network and eligibility so they can get even more shots in arms and go back to the things we love. Supply is limited, but we are forging ahead.
As of Wednesday, New York has administered seven million vaccine shots to eligible New Yorkers, which is great progress. Earlier that day, Governor Cuomo got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Mount Neboh Baptist Church vaccination site to help spread a key message that all the vaccines work, all of them are safe and New Yorkers should take whatever vaccine they can as soon as they can. NYS will continue to move their vaccination progress forward as fast as supply allows but as soon as you are eligible, get any of the three vaccines—they are safe and effective. Protect yourself and your family.
Wednesday this morning, 23.5 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 148,564 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 7,003,834 total doses with 12.2 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
Starting April 1, quarantine for domestic travel to New York will no longer be required. Mandatory quarantine will remain for international travelers. The Department of Health still recommends quarantine as an added precaution and all travelers must complete the Traveler Health Form.
Fourteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites will come online this week. These sites are expected to vaccinate more than 4,000 people throughout the week. Since January 15, 135 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 54,000 first doses and more than 41,000 second 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.
Governor Cuomo signed legislation granting employee’s time off to get the COVID-19 vaccine. No employee should be penalized for needing time off to get vaccinated. Under this new law, public and private employees will be granted up to four hours of excused leave per shot that will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued. This legislation takes effect immediately.
The State is expanding the New York Forward Rapid Test Program to help businesses reopen. The Rapid Test Program connects New Yorkers with affordable rapid tests: $30 in 30 minutes. Within the next week, 26 sites will open in New York City, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Western New York and on Long Island for a total of 38 active sites statewide. To make an appointment, visit the program website.
The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach will return this year on Memorial Day weekend. The outdoor show, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, features a range of military and civilian aerial performers. This year's show will be a ticketed event, with reduced capacity and social distancing measures in place to ensure a safe return of the patriotic Long Island tradition.
Wedding receptions and catered events can now resume statewide at limited capacity. All venues hosting weddings and catered events must follow the State's health and safety protocols. More information on the industry guidelines can be found here.
Excelsior Pass is coming soon. Earlier this month, New York announced a pilot program with Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center to test Excelsior Pass—a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results at businesses or venues. New York is now testing Excelsior Pass with select "Beta" participants. If you are interested in being a "Beta" tester and helping New York safely reopen, fill out this screening form and you may be selected to be among the first to get a look at Excelsior Pass.
The Department of Financial Services issued new guidance for the fair and prompt payment of insurance claims. Claim denials and payment delays for administrative reasons are the last things New Yorkers need in the middle of a public health crisis. The new guidance alerts insurers of new protections for patients. Read more.
Appointments are now available at ten new state-run mass vaccination sites across the state. All ten sites will open on Friday, March 19, and will operate from 8:00am to 7:00pm daily. Each site will have the ability to vaccinate more than one thousand New Yorkers daily dependent on supply from the federal government. Appointments at the sites located in New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and Western New York regions available for booking today at ny.gov/GetVaccinated or by calling the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
Indoor fitness classes can resume at limited capacity on March 22. Indoor fitness classes can begin reopening statewide at 33 percent capacity with health screening and contact information required at sign-in. Classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection between sessions. Local health departments shall inspect before or within 2 weeks of the fitness center opening to ensure compliance.
Beginning April 5, the 11pm curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted. The 11pm curfew for food and beverage establishments and the midnight curfew for catered events will remain in effect. Both curfews will be re-evaluated in late April.
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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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