OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST FEBRUARY 4, 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. |
|
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 February 2, 2021 Ossining DPW Site Redevelopment ENGAGEMENT SERIES: Show Me the Money
|
|
Westchester County Update |
|
County Executive George Latimer Statement on Federal Monitor Stephen Robinson’s Report Announcing County in Compliance with HUD Settlement Click here for more info
Vaccine PSA with Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church Senior Pastor Reverend Troy DeCohen Click here for more info
|
|
Our infection and hospitalization rates are steadily declining thanks to the actions of New Yorkers, but there is still more work to be done. While additional vaccine doses are on the way we must continue to actively work to protect our hospitals and their staff to help ensure they do not become overwhelmed. We are all feeling COVID fatigue, but New Yorkers have the tools to fight the war—wear a mask, social distance and avoid gatherings. Keep being New York Tough. We'll make it through this.
NYS is using the limited supply of vaccines as efficiently as possible and continuing to stop the spread of the virus and are also focused on safely getting the economy back on track while safeguarding public health. The restaurant industry is the lifeblood of New York City and we are all too aware of the economic hardship they have endured at the hands of COVID. Thankfully, if our current trajectory holds, NYS will be able to reopen New York City dining at 25 percent capacity on February 14th, Valentine's Day. Additionally, other larger events that follow strict guidelines will be permitted beginning March 15th. We cannot become complacent now—we must all continue to do our part to keep beating back COVID. Our collective actions determine how quickly we can return to some of what we've missed throughout this pandemic.
NYS received some good news from the federal government on Tuesday. The federal vaccine supply to the states will increase by about 20 percent for the next three weeks, up from the initial 16 percent expected bump in allocations. Additionally, private pharmacies in the state who are charged with prioritizing the 65-plus population will now receive an additional 10 percent, or about 30,000 doses, directly from the federal government. This will supplement doses allocated to them by the State.
Following the snowstorm, all New York State-run vaccination sites are open and ready to administer doses during regularly scheduled hours (by appointment only). If your appointment was canceled due to the weather, don't worry — you have been rebooked. Be sure to check for an email or text rescheduling your appointment.
Governor Cuomo is excited to announce that Yankee Stadium will open as a mass vaccination site on Friday for eligible Bronx residents. As you may know, the Bronx has the highest positivity rate of all New York City boroughs, and many Bronx communities have suffered disproportionately during this pandemic. It is with that in mind that the iconic home of the Bronx Bombers will be reserved for Bronx residents. The site is by appointment only and 15,000 appointments will be available during the first week. The site is launching in partnership with the New York Yankees, SOMOS Community Care, the City of New York and the New York National Guard. If you're a Bronx resident who is eligible for the vaccine, schedule an appointment by visiting Somosvaccinations.com or by calling 1-833-SOMOSNY.
Reminder: The deadline to enroll in a health plan through NY State of Health has been extended. If you are uninsured, now is a good time to sign up for quality and affordable health plans through the state marketplace. Learn more.
New York has conducted over 31 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.
Reminder to beware of COVID vaccination fraud. To help report vaccination fraud or scams across the State, New York established a hotline that New Yorkers can call to report fraudulent vaccinations. It is a red flag if anyone is promising you the vaccine in exchange for payment. To report suspected vaccine fraud, New Yorkers can call 1-833-VAX-SCAM (1-833-829-7226) or email STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov.
As of Wednesday morning, 92 percent of first doses received by the State have been administered. This represents 1,432,195 first doses administered of the 1,554,450 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 331,579 second doses have been administered out of 725,050 second doses received. See data by region on the State's Vaccine Tracker.
Among the regions of New York, Long Island has the highest test positivity rate. Long Island's positivity rate is 6.03 percent, followed by the Mid-Hudson Region at 5.76 percent, the North Country at 5.51 percent, New York City at 5.09 percent, Western New York at 5.01 percent, the Capital Region at 4.67 percent, Mohawk Valley at 4.09 percent, the Finger Lakes at 3.79 percent, Central New York at 3.08 percent, and the Southern Tier at 1.92 percent (7-day rolling averages). No matter where you live, please continue to take the recommended health precautions, including wearing a mask and washing your hands often.
As NYS gets more supply of the vaccine, new appointment slots are coming online at New York State vaccination sites. They are currently vaccinating eligible New Yorkers who are part of Phase 1a and 1b. See if you're eligible and schedule an appointment.
Effective March 15th, marriage receptions can be held under limited state guidelines. Events must be approved by the local health department and there will be mandatory testing of all guests before an event. Capacity at weddings and receptions will be limited to no more than 150 people or no more than 50 percent of the venue's capacity, whichever is lower. All patrons must be tested prior to the event. This upcoming change in guidelines follows the success of the Buffalo Bills program, which allowed fans to attend home games with mandatory testing.
A reminder that New Yorkers should not be charged for Personal Protective Equipment by in-network health care providers under their state-regulated health and dental insurance coverage. Pursuant to State Department Financial Services guidance, insurers are required to make sure that consumers are not charged PPE-related fees by in-network providers. New Yorkers who have been wrongfully charged are eligible for a refund from their insurer. To date, the Department has recovered a total of $414,727 of PPE-related charges for more than 14,000 consumers since the start of the pandemic.
Thirty-five pop-up vaccination sites are coming online this week at churches, community centers, public housing complexes and cultural centers across the state. These sites are expected to vaccinate over 25,000 people throughout the week, with more sites coming online every week. Since January 15, the deployment of community vaccination kits has enabled nearly 9,000 New Yorkers to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, often in communities where there are very limited health care options. Learn more.
Five New York companies have been awarded grants to produce COVID-related equipment and supplies to support in-state needs. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious issues in our nation's medical supply chain, and we were forced to compete overseas and pay exorbitant prices for life-saving products. We learned the hard lesson that these resources need to be manufactured here in the U.S., and we are taking steps to build the infrastructure we need here in New York to keep us prepared for future crises. Today's awards to these New York companies will do just that, while helping local companies create new jobs.
|
|
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.
|
|
Black History Month in Ossining |
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
