OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST FEBRUARY 25, 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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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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Significant Year for County IDA with Incentives Approved for Developments Representing a Total Private Investment of $370 Million Click here for more info
County Executive George Latimer is proud to announce the appointment of André G. Early as Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Click here for more info
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Submits Testimony On 2021 New York State Budget To Westchester NYS Delegation Click here for more info
County Executive George Latimer Celebrates President's Day by Highlighting the Renovation of the Elijah J. Miller House Click here for more info
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Statement to PSC Hearing on Indian Point Transfer to Holtec Click here for more info
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To improve Westchester’s transportation and mobility network, the Westchester County Planning Department is working on a Mobility and Bus Redesign Study.
The Department is inviting your input.
To help us better serve you, please complete the Department’s interactive online survey, where you can tell us where you go, how you get there and how the County can help you get there better.
Please forward this E-News to family and friends who may be interested in this information.
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As of yesterday, New York recorded the lowest single-day positivity rate since November 21—2.85 percent. New Yorkers have shown courage and fortitude in the face of this unprecedented pandemic, and it's thanks to them that we're seeing a decline in hospitalizations and COVID positivity. NYS continues to make strides in the vaccination progress, too, with the opening of two "mega" vaccination sites at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn and York College in Queens. Not only are these sites located directly in traditionally underserved communities of color that were hit hardest by the pandemic, but thanks to enhanced MTA bus service, they’ve made it even easier to access this life-saving vaccine. As we move forward, NYS will continue to prioritize social equity and fairness and do everything we can to ensure every New Yorker, regardless of race, background or where they live, get vaccinated.
NYS has expanded eligibility to include New Yorkers with qualifying comorbidities and underlying conditions. While we wait for supply to increase, NYS is doing everything they can to roll out the vaccine to as many eligible New Yorkers as possible with what vaccine supply we currently have. Governor Cuomo asks New Yorkers to remain patient when trying to schedule appointments. And to wear masks and keep socially distant as we continue to battle this deadly virus.
Defeating COVID once and for all ultimately comes down to vaccinating New Yorkers as quickly and fairly as possible, and continuing to do all we can to drive down infection and hospitalization rates while doing so. NYS is continuing to make great progress in our vaccinations. There have been over two million first doses administered. We must keep up that momentum and as we receive supply we are striving to get shots in arms as quickly, efficiently and fairly as possible.
We know the vaccine is the weapon that will win the war against COVID, but there are three obstacles to getting every New Yorker vaccinated—supply, accessibility and hesitancy. While the supply from the federal government is increasing steadily every week, demand still far outweighs supply. It's important that we keep up our fight against the virus even as vaccination distribution accelerates. The light at the end of the tunnel is brighter and brighter each day, but we're not there yet.
All of NYS decisions are guided by science and data and they adjust as the virus adjusts. With continued decreases in the infection and hospitalization rates, they are able to take steps in our post-COVID recovery and we are now in a place where NYS can bring back our recreational industries with the proper safety protocols in place. Indoor family entertainment centers will be able to reopen with 25 percent capacity and health protocols starting Friday, March 26th. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity starting Friday, April 9th. As they’ve said time and time again, our success will be determined by our actions and as long as we stay united and keep carrying this progress forward we will be able to see more and more sectors of our economy reopen.
From day one, NYS has said that our COVID recovery is not a choice between public health and the economy—it has to take into account both and work for all. Thanks to the hard work of all New Yorkers, our infection rate is now the lowest we've seen in three months, and accordingly, they are now in a position to reopen more recreational activities across the state. Movie theaters in New York City, along with any other areas of the state where they have been closed, are permitted to reopen March 5 at 25 percent capacity, with no more than 50 people per screen at a time. Other safety protocols, including assigned seating and social distancing, will be in place. We must continue to collectively work hard to ensure our numbers keep going in the right direction, which will allow us to safely reopen as much as possible as safely as possible.
New Yorkers fought through the holiday surge of COVID-19 and we're seeing that reflected in the numbers. But despite the promising news, we're not at the end of the tunnel yet. We need everyone to double down on the behaviors that make such a difference in combating this pandemic. Wash your hands, wear a mask, stay socially distanced, be safe and be New York Tough.
Beginning last week, with FEMA's partnership, New York State opened two new community-based vaccination sites with four more to follow in the next week. Scheduling for the first two of these sites, in Queens and Brooklyn, began for eligible New Yorkers in qualifying ZIP codes. These two sites each have the capacity and the supply to administer 3,000 vaccinations a day. The four additional community-based mass vaccination sites in Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers and Albany will come online on March 3, with scheduling that opened on Wednesday, February 24. These sites will also be restricted to eligible residents in qualifying ZIP codes. After one week, appointments at each site will then be made available to all residents of the site's county, borough or target area.
With these new sites, New York is working to ensure that no community is left behind in the vaccination process by focusing on neighborhoods with lower vaccination rates. As scheduling for the sites open, New Yorkers should check their eligibility and, if eligible, schedule an appointment through the Am I Eligible Tool or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-697-4829. With the opening of these sites, NYS will be making a dramatic impact on some of our hardest-hit communities with thousands of shots in arms. Governor Cuomo thanks the federal government for its partnership in making these locations a reality.
Governor Cuomo encourages all New Yorkers to get the vaccine as soon as it's available to you. Check your eligibility here.
As of yesterday, 89 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 2,517,003 first doses administered of the 2,812,900 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 3,907,040 total doses have been administered out of the 4,530,640 total doses received. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
New York will follow updated CDC quarantine guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. Yesterday, the CDC announced that individuals who have received both vaccine doses, and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, are no longer required to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who is infected with the virus. New York is updating their guidance to follow the CDC. All New Yorkers, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should continue to wear masks, social distance, and be smart until herd immunity is reached and this pandemic is fully relegated to the history books.
Fight fear with facts through Hip Hop Public Health's newest video. To help raise awareness on the safety and importance of getting the vaccine, and boost vaccine literacy, Hip Hop Public Health released a new animated music video featuring rapper Darryl DMC McDaniels of Run-DMC and more. Watch it here.
Indoor dining in New York City has reopened at 25 percent capacity. The reopening is subject to strict state guidance, which can be found here.
Closing times at restaurants and bars has been extended. Given the continued decline in hospitalization and infection rates throughout New York, closing times for restaurants and bars has been extended from 10pm to 11pm.
Governor Cuomo met with President Biden and Vice President Harris and a bipartisan group of governors and mayors to discuss COVID relief. Governors from across the country and the political spectrum have said for months that flexible and direct aid to state and local governments is essential for our continued front-line response to the COVID-19 crisis and our national economic recovery. The President and his team made clear that they recognize and appreciate how critical this targeted relief is for our ability to recover from this pandemic. Read Cuomo’s full statement with National Governors Association Co-Chair Asa Hutchinson.
The MTA will expand overnight service on the Subway. Effective Monday, February 22nd, the MTA extended late-night subway service by two hours, moving to a 2 a.m. - 4 a.m. closure daily. The changes will lengthen the subway's operations by two hours while enabling the MTA to continue the most aggressive deep cleaning and disinfecting regimen in its history.
A case of the South African COVID-19 virus variant has been found in New York. A Connecticut resident who is a patient in a New York City hospital has tested positive for the South African variant. There is no evidence of any spread in New York State to date, but regardless, all New Yorkers should continue to exercise vigilance in the face of COVID and its variants.
Eligible New Yorkers can start making appointments at New York/FEMA mass vaccination sites in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Yonkers. These four sites open March 3 and appointments are initially reserved for eligible New Yorkers in qualifying ZIP codes. After a week, appointments will then open to all residents of counties (or other geographical areas) served by each site. Find all the details here.
Day and overnight summer camps in New York State can begin to plan for reopening. The Department of Health will issue specific reopening guidance, including details on timing, in the coming weeks.
New York's health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be further extended to May 15, 2021, aligning with states across the country. With this extension, New York joins the federal Marketplace and other state-based Marketplaces giving consumers even more time to enroll for 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York's health insurance Marketplace, or directly through insurers.
New regulations on nursing home visitations went into effect on Friday, February 26. These full guidelines depend on a county's COVID risk level, and continue to depend on the nursing home facility being free of COVID-19 cases for 14 days. For counties with COVID-19 positivity rates between 5-10 percent (on a 7-day rolling average), visitor testing is required and visitors must have a negative test before entry. For counties with COVID-19 positivity rates below 5 percent, visitor testing is strongly encouraged and rapid tests maybe be utilized. Alternatively, visitors may provide proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination no less than 14 days from the date of the visit. Visitation was not be permitted if the county's COVID-19 positivity rate is greater than 10 percent. Compassionate care visits are always permitted.
Beginning March 15, weddings and catered events can resume statewide. Venues are restricted to 50 percent capacity, with no more than 150 people per event. All attendees and patrons must be tested prior to the event. Mask wearing and other safety protocols will be required.
New York launched the New York Forward Rapid Test Program to help accelerate a safe economic recovery. This unique public-private partnership will make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity as the State continues to reopen sectors of the economy. Eleven initial sites will opened in New York City with the capacity to conduct more than 5,000 tests per day, while additional sites are scheduled to open in New York City and other parts of the state in the coming weeks. Learn more.
New York City indoor dining will expand to 35 percent capacity this week. The new reopening guidance goes into effect Friday, February 26, and aligns with New Jersey's 35 percent limit.
As of Tuesday, New York has conducted over 36 million tests. New York continues to lead in testing and in less than a week they’ve conducted one million tests. Getting tested for COVID regularly is a great way to ensure your health and the health of those around you. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to make a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location.
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 https://headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314.
Beginning March 1, the MTA will launch a pilot program to enhance bus services to help get New Yorkers to our mass vaccination sites in Brooklyn and Queens. The bus service route will go from Edgemere Houses in Queens and Pink Houses in Brooklyn to the vaccination sites from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and add new bus stops adjacent to the vaccination site at York College.
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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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Black History Month in Ossining |
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February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. It is a time for all Americans to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. The month recognizes their central role in American history.
Black History Month was created by twentieth-century historian Carter Woodson, who believed black Americans were not adequately represented in the study of American history. Carter Woodson hoped for the day when black history would be accepted as a part of American history. Formerly known as Negro History Week, Black History Month was officially declared by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
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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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