OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST APRIL 16, 2020
Village & Town Information
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The Village of Ossining is committed to share up-to-date and relative 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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Helpful Information from New York State
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To help develop a treatment, Governor Cuomo is asking all New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 to contact the state and donate blood. Individuals who tested positive and then recovered from the virus may have convalescent plasma in their blood, which has antibodies against the virus and could help with the development of a treatment for the virus. More information about how to donate is available
here.
An additional $200 million in emergency food assistance will be available for more than 700,000 low-income households enrolled in SNAP. Those enrolled in
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) who are not yet receiving the maximum benefit will receive an additional payment to bring them up to this amount in March and April. The supplemental benefits will be issued in April and delivered directly to recipients' existing EBT accounts.
New York State has established a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers in need with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at
www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer.
A reminder that price gouging is illegal. New York has zero tolerance for price gouging connected to COVID-19 and the NY Department of Consumer Protection is investigating reports of unfair price increases on products like cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer. To report suspected price gouging, call 1-800-697-1220 or file a complaint online at
https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/.
Interim guidance for retail grocery stores during the COVID-19 public health emergency
This guidance was created to provide owners/operators of retail grocery stores and customers with precautions to help protect New York’s vulnerable populations during this public health emergency and to clarify social distancing in retail grocery store settings.
For the purpose of this guidance, retail grocery stores shall include but are not limited to supermarkets, bodegas, bakeries, specialty markets, superstores offering groceries, and warehouse clubs.
Click here for guide.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island and Massachusetts
will join
together to create a multi-state council to get people back to work and restore the economy. We have a regional economy which requires a regional approach. The coordinating group — each state's governor will be represented by one health expert, one economic development expert and their respective Chief of Staff — will work together to develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states' stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus. Any plan to reopen society MUST be driven by data and experts, not opinion and politics.
To prevent the spread of the virus, essential workers must have access to appropriate face coverings. Governor Cuomo
issued an Executive Order directing employers to provide essential workers with cloth or surgical masks free of charge to wear when directly interacting with the public. We will safeguard public health by having those who interact with the public wear appropriate face coverings.
Due to Coronavirus, there is a shortage of blood and blood donations are desperately needed. New York State is working with blood banks to ensure safe social distancing protocols are being followed. Learn how and where you can donate at
ny.gov/donateblood.
You MUST cover your mouth and nose when in public and when social distancing cannot be maintained. Governor Cuomo
issued an Executive Order requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation. The Executive Order will go into effect on Friday, April 17th. Remember that wearing a face covering does not mean you can ignore other precautions —New Yorkers are still directed to stay at home for all but essential errands.
Beginning this week, New York State will start conducting antibody tests, prioritizing frontline healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. Using a new finger prick method, the state will test up to 2,000 New Yorkers per day for antibodies (proteins in our blood that indicate someone has had the virus). The state is also asking the FDA for expedited approval of a finger prick antibody test that could test up to 100,000 New Yorkers a day.
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Helpful information from NYS Bar Association
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What is the Village of Ossining doing?
The Village of Ossining is paying close attention to the situation in New York, the country, and around the world. We are closely collaborating, planning, and coordinating with the Town of Ossining and local non-profits.
Staff is regularly participating in conference calls with Westchester County and the State of New York to receive regular updates from both agencies.
We are working in conjunction with Feeding Westchester to set up mobile food pantries for various days and times in walkable areas in the Village to distribute bags of food to our neighbors in need. Our Community Center has been converted into a hub for staff to pack what is to be distributed.
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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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GoFundMe for people who want to make smaller donations to collectively send meals.
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Our Phelps Hospital family is deeply moved by all of the offers of help we have received from community members. Thank you. One way you can help is to take care of those on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Let's come together to support the team at Phelps Hospital. By ordering a delivery from a local restaurant, we'll help support our local businesses while providing nourishing, comforting food to our front-line caregivers. Having the support of the community will mean so much to them and will help keep them going during this marathon. Please consider supporting however you can. Our doctors, nurses, techs, respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, case managers, security officers, and teams in food and nutrition, emergency management, environmental services, facility management, and more are all critical parts of our Phelps family. To a person, they are committed to ensuring we may continue to serve all those who entrust their care to us during these challenging times.
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A Meal Train is active for Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps. mealtrain.com simplifies the process of giving and receiving meals and more.
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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 to Watch While Stuck at Home—and How to Stream It (
from Wired
)
Because of social distancing, you probably have a lot of time on your hands. Here's how to pass it.
Whether you’re officially quarantined or simply self-isolating, you’re likely stuck at home with a fair amount of time on your hands—and desperate to be entertained. Let’s face it: Working from home means you need to fill the void of the office chatter you’d normally find tedious and distracting. In between your regular video chats with coworkers, you’ll need something to put on in the background while you toil away at home. Not to mention what happens after working hours are over, or when the kids have finally given up on this whole “homeschooling” nonsense.
Luckily, there’s an abundance of
entertainment to stream online. But you can’t rely on Netflix for all of it? Here’s a guide to all of the services currently available, filled with movies, TV shows, documentaries, kid’s programming, sports, and theater to make your quarantine a little more cultured.
For TV Lovers
When it comes to original content,
Netflix beats all of the other streamers in quantity, which also means it’s sometimes difficult to find the best of the crop. For starters, seek out shows that lasted longer than two seasons, especially if you’re looking to binge-watch.
Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, BoJack Horseman, Big Mouth, GLOW, Grace and Frankie, Queer Eye, and
Narcos—all of these are solid. And while the streaming giant is slowly losing the syndication rights for shows about to make the jump to soon-to-launch competitors like HBO Max, it’s still got plenty of long-running and critically acclaimed series like
Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, American Crime Story, Pose, Schitt’s Creek, Shameless, Twin Peaks (the original series), The Office, Parks and Recreation, Outlander, and Riverdale. That right there is plenty of comfort TV to last you a few months (but we won’t judge if you’d just rather watch
Grey’s Anatomy all over again).
While most of the HBO lineup is absent from Netflix, you can always turn to HBO Now for all of its original content (as well as its current film offerings). If you happen to be an Amazon Prime customer, many of HBO’s first wave of prestige shows are on the service, including
Sex and the City, The Sopranos, The Wire, True Blood, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Oz, Enlightened, and Game of Thrones. (And while you’re browsing Prime Video, there’s always
Fleabag and
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the site’s two best original shows).
Hulu remains the best resource for network shows, but the streamer's original programming shouldn’t be overlooked. Yes, there’s
The Handmaid’s Tale, The Act, The Looming Tower, and the four-part documentary Hillary if you’re anti-escapism. On the other hand,
PEN15, High Fidelity, Harlots, The Mindy Project, and Shrill all offer some lighter alternatives to Hulu’s more popular—and more depressing—programming. Stephen King enthusiasts can also find comfort in the anthology series
Castle Rock and alt-history thriller
11.22.63.
For Movie Buffs and the Art-House Curious
With a few exceptions, Netflix’s original movies aren’t so great, and its catalog titles don't hold up once you start looking for anything made before 1990. But hey, if you still haven’t seen
The Irishman, now is your chance! (Just consider it, and its three-and-a-half-hour run-time, like an ’80s-era TV miniseries—only with a lot of swears.) Amazon, meanwhile, almost has too many titles. (Let’s face it, both services would rather you binge-watch TV shows, so they’re more inclined to suggest those.) So, here’s a pro tip: If you’re looking for something specific, check Netflix first, then Amazon; if neither offer them up for free, you can rent pretty much anything on the latter streamer.
But if you’re trying to be optimistic about quarantine entertainment—and are willing to let a service curate its programming for you—then there are plenty of alternatives to the big streamers. Classic movie lovers can turn to TCM’s app WatchTCM for the cable network’s entire lineup. Yes, you need a cable subscription login to access the library (call your parents, get their password!), but it unlocks an almost endless run of movie classics from the 1920s through the 1980s.
The
Criterion Channel’s lineup is even more impressive, especially for movie fans who want a deeper dive into art-house cinema (or are art-house curious). Featuring plenty of Criterion Collection titles, the reasonably priced streamer is an excellent asset for both Criterion fans and those who might not want to shell out $40 for a Fellini Blu-ray. It’ll also give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of celebrated auteurs like Luis Buñuel, Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Agnes Varda, Abbas Kiarostami, Jean-Luc Godard, and Federico Fellini; delve into Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project; take a tour through film series like Scores by Quincy Jones, Pioneers of African American Cinema, Film Plays Itself, and Spy Games; finally, sit down and watch all three-plus hours of
Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels. Just think about how cultured you will sound when you can finally meet up with friends again at a bar!
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Let's all wash our hands to prevent the spread of viruses
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If you are using a gmail account for FOILS, to please check your spam for communications from the Village and the Town. This is especially important when dealing with FOILS – regarding to acknowledgement letters and receipts of the information.
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The Ossining Recreation & Parks Department has many great upcoming Special Events and program offerings that are now open for registration.
**NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WIFI**
Password for all WIFI Networks:
95Broadway
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Ossining Union Free School District
New York State extended its closure of schools to May 15th.
Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch Program-
Grab & Go Breakfast & Lunch will just take place at Park School from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Please contact Alita Zuber at
azuber@ossiningufsd.org
or Starr Dinio at
sdinio@ossiningufsd.org
with any questions. Thank you.
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ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
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Ossining Public Library
is closed until further notice. Readers can still access their Digital Library services such as e-books
here
. No late fines are being charged, and due dates are also being automatically extended.
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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: Saturday from 9AM-1PM through April
Where: Near Market Square at the corner of Spring & Main Streets, Ossining, NY
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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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Webinar: Introduction to Lake Management, Algae
What: Algae: that thin, slimy layer of green muck whose persistence is enough to make you want to drain the lake altogether. But what is algae anyway? Join Teatown’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator, Lindsay Yoder, for Part 1 of our Introduction to Lake Management Webinar Series! We’ll discuss the physiological mechanisms behind algae growth, negative impacts, the potential for harmful algal blooms, and management strategies. This series is ideal for homeowners, lake association members, and municipal leaders interested in learning more about steps they can take to better manage lakes on their property. It is most suitable for beginners.
When: April 22 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: This is part of a webinar Series
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Free parking at Teatown until further notice - Parking fees at Teatown have been discontinued until further notice.
Please park safely in designated parking lots and not along public roadways.
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Mandala: A Mindful, Creative Practice
What:
The mandala is a symmetrical design that has historically appeared in art forms, architecture and ceremonies around the world. This day retreat is designed to introduce participants to the experience and practice of creating their own, unique expression.
When:
Sat., May 2, 2020
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
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Virtual book discussion: Nature's Best Hope
What: In this new book, Tallamy shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy—you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard. Join us for an interactive virtual discussion on Tallamy’s new book. Participants will receive the access code via email the day before the program. Programs require pre-registration. Online registration available until 24 hours before the event.
When: May 7, Thursday, 10am - 11am
Where: Program to take place over Zoom. Max 20 participants, pay what you wish.
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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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Green Ossining Launches ‘Green Ossining Sustainability Partnership
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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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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. Middle School and Pre-K/K classes resume 12/2. Elementary Classes resume 1/13. High School Auditions are 12/6-8. visit
www.theatero.org.
Where: Theater O @ 25 State St, Ossining, NY 10562
Contact: (914) 487-4322
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REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER and FALL 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 2019-Check website for schedule of Classes/Boot Camps
Where:
WESTCHESTER & BRONX Ossining Public Library, Ossining NY Sacred Heart School, Hartsdale, NY
St. Margaret of Cortona School, Riverdale, NY
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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEIGHBORS LINK: Ossining Site
What:
Neighbors Link is recruiting volunteers for its Ossining Site. Programs include ESL tutoring and a Parent Child Together class. We offer great training to our volunteers as well.
When:
MONDAYS: 10-12: ESL tutoring 1-3: Parent Child Together Class FRIDAYS: 10-12: ESL tutoring
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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 Winter 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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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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Reflection/Discussion Series: Spiritual Journey Surprises
What:
If you are longing for a new view of how spiritual growth happens, you may enjoy five sessions of pre-reading some chapters, reflecting prayerfully and discussing with others the profound content of the book Falling Upward by Richard Rohr.
When:
Tuesdays, May 5 and June 2, 2020
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
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The Seven Pillars of Forgiveness
What:
People often ask “How do I actually start the process of forgiveness? Are there any practical things I can do?” This weekend retreat offers profound access into our ability to forgive, through a depth of content and experiential processes – connected with the Seven Pillars of Forgiveness.
When:
Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, 2020
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
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Heart Speaks to Heart: Biblical Women in Conversation
What:
This guided retreat invites us into heartfelt conversations with Biblical women across the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Each day offers ample time to be with these women through drama, reflection and rituals. Our retreat guides are also available for individual spiritual conversations throughout the retreat week.
When:
Sunday, May 17 to Friday, May 22, 2020
Who:
With Nancy Sheridan, SASV
,
Nicki Verploegen, PhD
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
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