OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST JANUARY 28, 2021
Village & Town Information
|
|
Helpful Information from the Village of Ossining, Westchester County & New York State |
|
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. |
|
We are pleased to announce that effective immediately, Governor Cuomo has lifted the Yellow and Orange Zone designations for the county of Westchester due to declining rates of infection in “micro clusters” as defined by the State of New York.
What does this mean for Ossining?
Houses of Worship:
- Capacity is now no more than 33% of the maximum occupancy for a particular area for services occurring indoor; or no more than 50 people for services occurring outdoor.
Mass gatherings:
- Social gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed (not in a private home).
- Please note gatherings at private residences state-wide continue to be restricted to 10 persons or fewer, per Governor Cuomo’s executive order.
Dining:
- Individuals seated at the same table must be members of the same party (but may be from different households), with a maximum of 10 people per table.
- Limit indoor capacity to no more than 50% of maximum occupancy, exclusive of employees.
- Limit outdoor capacity to the number of tables that can be safely and appropriately arranged, such that each table is a minimum of 6 ft. away from another.
Schools:
- There is no longer mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing of students, teachers, and staff for in-person settings.
All other restrictions related to COVID-19 not listed above DO remain in effect - and can be found here. Local businesses must continue to adhere to already adopted CDC guidelines and sanitary practices. No guidelines have changed other than in the four categories listed above. While this is certainly welcome news, we must stay vigilant—the best way to continue to operate under these reduced restrictions is to continue practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and washing your hands frequently.
|
|
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.
|
|
Did you miss the January 28th PRR Collaborative Police Draft Report to BOT?
For those of you that missed our presentation, the video and transcript are available on the Village's website so that you can provide your feedback on the PLAN (included with the transcript is the ability to translate it into over 100 languages). |
|
Did you miss the January 21st Ossining DPW Site Redevelopment ENGAGEMENT SERIES: Why Here? Why This? Why Now?
For those of you that missed our presentation, the video and transcript are available on the Village's website so that you too can be part of the conversation (included with the transcript is the ability to translate it into over 100 languages) http://ow.ly/ImgV50DfR17
|
|
Westchester County Update |
|
County Executive George Latimer Statement on Senator Charles Schumer Assuming the Role of Senate Majority Leader Click here for more info
Delivering On His Promises, County Executive George Latimer Announces Upgrades To Noise Monitors, Storm Water Treatment At County Airport Click here for more info
|
|
The footrace continues between our ability to quickly distribute the vaccine and the new strains and new cases. NYS’s large network of distribution sites is ready, willing and able to get more vaccines to New Yorkers, faster—the problem is supply from the federal government. So we need all New Yorkers to stay vigilant as we enter the worst phase of the winter. We all need to wash hands, wear masks and social distance. The extent of community spread is a function of our actions, and we can slow it down. New Yorkers have already been brave and resilient through the enormous hardship that we've faced over the last year, saving countless lives. Now we need to get through to the light at the end of the tunnel.
As NYS receives this week's vaccine delivery, they will continue getting shots into arms as efficiently and as quickly as possible. Governor Cuomo urges providers to refrain from scheduling vaccination appointments in advance of confirming their supply. Providers must be sure they will have the doses needed for the appointments opened; NYS wants to avoid any cancellations due to lack of anticipated supply. He goes on to note: New Yorkers who have already received their first dose do not have to worry that they will not be able to get their second dose. Second dose allocation is a separate process, and they always ensure there are enough second doses to complete vaccination for those who received the first dose.
To ultimately be successful in winning this war against COVID we need greater supply of the vaccine and we need all New Yorkers to continue practicing COVID safe behavior. On Tuesday evening, President Biden announced allocations to states will go up 16 percent and that we can count on that allocation for the next three weeks. So far, we've been going week to week and now with advance notice we can plan better and that is good news. New York stands ready to administer more vaccinations the moment we receive more supply. However, even with this increased allocation, supply is likely to continue to be extremely limited in the near term.
NYS expected that increased social activity around the holidays would lead to a spike in COVID cases and that the spike would eventually recede. They are in fact seeing that happening in the numbers and the trends now. The rate of transmission—one of the most important numbers—has now declined below one, meaning the virus is no longer spreading as quickly. That's good news. But as Governor Cuomo has said before, never get cocky with COVID. We must continue to stay vigilant, wash hands, wear masks and socially distance as we have been. We can stop the spread but each and every New Yorker needs to continue to take steps and do all they can to look out for the health of their community.
We're slowly coming down from our holiday surge and the number of new cases and hospitalizations have decreased across the state. In response, NYS has made modifications to micro-clusters. All Orange Zone and Yellow Zone restrictions have been lifted in Westchester County. To be clear, statewide limits remain the same—a 33 percent cap on gym occupancy, a limit on private gatherings of 10 people, a 50 percent cap of occupancy in retail establishments—and of course, masks are still required in public when social distancing is impossible to maintain. The improvement in the numbers is a testament to New Yorkers' hard work and diligence against the virus and we must keep it up.
Open enrollment for uninsured New Yorkers is extended through March 31. As part of the State's ongoing response to the pandemic, the open enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers is extended through March 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health, New York's Official Health Plan Marketplace, or directly through insurers. Learn more here.
New York State will investigate prescription drug price hikes connected to the pandemic. NYS has seen too many instances of pharmaceutical companies take advantage of those in need. The Department of Financial Services' newly formed Office of Pharmacy Benefits announced an investigation into significant price spikes for six drugs that were connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rate of increase of statewide COVID hospitalizations is slowing. During the week of December 22 to December 28, the average increase in hospitalizations was 165 per day. From January 5 to January 11, the average increase was 48 per day. In the past seven days, the average increase was just 5 per day. The downward trend is clear. In fact, hospitalizations are down from last Wednesday's high of 9,055. While this is great to see, we must remain alert due to the presence of the more contagious UK strain in New York State.
As of Monday, 72 percent of New York State hospital workers received the COVID vaccine. We will continue encouraging our health care heroes to get the vaccine—which helps ensure the integrity of our entire hospital system.
All residents of nursing homes participating in the federal Long Term Care Facility vaccination program have been offered the vaccine. To date, 72 percent of nursing home residents have been vaccinated. By February 7th, all staff at nursing homes will have been offered the vaccine. Nursing home residents who declined the vaccine on the first opportunity—perhaps wanting to wait until others had received the vaccine—will get additional chances to get the vaccine.
New York is expanding its deployment of community vaccination kits to further strengthen fairness and equity in the vaccine distribution process. Last week, New York successfully piloted the deployment kits to five NYCHA senior housing developments and eight churches and cultural centers where nearly 4,200 seniors and eligible New Yorkers received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Kits are now being redeployed to four additional NYCHA sites and eight other churches to further build on that progress. In total, this initiative is expected to provide first doses of the vaccine to an additional 3,000 seniors and eligible New Yorkers. The sites will be set up again in three weeks to administer second doses.
Beware of COVID vaccine fraud. To help root out vaccination fraud or scams across the State, New York established a hotline that New Yorkers can call to report suspected fraud. It is a red flag if anyone is promising you the vaccine in exchange for payment. To make a report, call 1-833-VAX-SCAM (1-833-829-7226) or email STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov
The Biden administration announced that it would "soon be able to confirm" the purchase of an additional 200 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. These additional doses, if secured by the federal government, would not arrive until the summer and will not solve the immediate supply crunch. NYS is in communication with the Biden team about this and other supply issues.
The application deadline for COVID Rent Relief is February 1, 2021. Last month, Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order expanding eligibility for New York State's COVID Rent Relief Program so more rent relief can be provided to New Yorkers. Learn more about the program.
Remember, mental health resources are available for New Yorkers who need them. As we continue through the winter we can't underestimate the mental and emotional strain of the pandemic. New Yorkers can visit headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314.
The State extended a partnership with HelloFresh to deliver free meal kits to veterans and military families in New York. Since establishing this partnership in July 2020, HelloFresh has provided more than 200,000 nutritious meals to veterans and military families in New York City who are facing food insecurity due to COVID-19. Now, New York and HelloFresh are extending this collaboration through the second quarter of 2021, ensuring that veterans and military families in New York City will continue to receive these nourishing meals throughout the challenging months ahead.
|
|
PUBLIC NOTICE
TO RESOLVE TRAFFIC & PARKING SUMMONSES ISSUED IN THE
TOWN OR VILLAGE OF OSSINING
|
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. |
|
|
**NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WIFI**
Password for all WIFI Networks:
95Broadway
|
|
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.
|
|
Upcoming Programs in the Village and Town of Ossining |
|
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
|
|
FREE Weekly meditations
What: Join Elisha every week for a great way to start or end your day with a short meditation filled with love!
When: Tuesdays 8:30am & Wednesdays 8:30pm
Info: If you miss it- don't worry, we post them to CYP'sYouTube Channel
|
|
FREE Weekly yoga classes
When: Tuesday 9:15am-9:45am, Wednesday 7:00pm - 7:45pm
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
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
|
Green Ossining Launches ‘Green Ossining Sustainability Partnership
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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. |
|
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 . |
|
*The Village makes no representation that donations are tax deductible. You should always check with your tax professional |
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
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]
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
