OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST APRIL 30, 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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The State Department of Health
is partnering
with Attorney General Letitia James to investigate nursing home violations. Nursing homes are directed to immediately report the actions they have taken to comply with all state and federal directives and guidance to the Department of Health (DOH). Those that are not complying with DOH guidelines could be fined $10,000 per violation or lose their operating license. NYS has taken extraordinary measures to protect vulnerable nursing home residents — from mandatory temperature checks of staff to a ban on all visitors — and we must hold accountable nursing homes that are flouting the law.
Are you concerned that a family member of yours isn't getting proper care in a nursing home? If so, we encourage you to file a complaint by calling 833-249-8499 or by visiting
www.ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes.
New York State will partner with places of worship to help
ramp up testing in African-American and Latino communities. The new initiative will use churches and places of worship as a network to reach communities that have been disproportionately impacted by Coronavirus.
New York State will provide child care scholarships to essential workers. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement. If an essential worker needs child care, they can contact their local child care referral agency to find openings.
Registered voters will automatically receive absentee ballot applications for the upcoming June 23 elections. No one should have to choose between their health and their civic duty. To that end, Governor Cuomo
issued an Executive Order mandating that the NYS Board of Elections automatically mail all registered voters postage-paid applications for an absentee ballot. This follows an earlier order allowing all New Yorkers to vote absentee in the June 23rd primary election. (In-person polling will still be an option.)
NYS launched a new texting program and confidential service to help New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in domestic violence reports during this pandemic. Abuse victims are often closely watched by their abuser, making these tools needed. We want you to know: You are not alone and you do not have to stay in a dangerous situation. We will help you. Text 844-997-2121 or visit
www.opdv.ny.gov to confidentially chat with a professional at any time of day or night.
Governor Cuomo will issue an Executive Order allowing all pharmacies to test for COVID-19. This will unlock a network of over 5,000 independent pharmacies as diagnostic testing locations and help the state build a collection network to meet laboratory capacity and increase overall testing capacity. Many large pharmacy chains are already performing testing, and this order expands it to all pharmacies.
New York
is expanding
diagnostic testing criteria to include all first responders, healthcare workers and essential employees. That means that these essential workers will be able to be tested even if they do not have symptoms. These are our heroes who are risking their health to get us through this crisis and they deserve priority for testing. The state will continue to expand testing criteria as testing capacity increases.
A phased plan to safely reopen New York at the appropriate time, taking a regional approach was announced on Sunday. Phase one will be to reopen low-risk construction and manufacturing businesses in parts of the state that have experienced a 14-day decline in the hospitalization rate. Phase two will open certain industries based on priority and risk level. (Businesses considered "more essential" with inherent low risks of infection in the workplace and to the customer will be prioritized.) Officials are closely monitoring the hospitalization rate, the infection rate, and other key health indicators, and will make adjustments to the plan based on this crucial data.
Governor Cuomo outlined a factual, data-driven principles to guide us on reopening New York safely on a regional basis. Each region of the state — Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Long Island, Southern Tier and Western New York — must follow twelve guidelines as part of the reopening plan. Read the full guidelines
here.
There will be a two-week waiting period in-between phases of this plan to monitor the effect. This will help ensure that the hospitalizations and infection rates are not increasing as some workers begin to return to work.
Businesses and industries will create plans that include new measures to protect employees and consumers. The physical workplace will have to be reimagined to be safer, and businesses must implement processes that lower the risk of infection. The state is consulting with local leaders in each region and industry to formulate these plans.
Multi-state coordination is key, especially in downstate New York, where the outbreak has been more severe. We will work with neighboring states to ensure safe and consistent policies. In downstate New York, special attention will be taken to ensure the safety of low-income communities.
At a time when many New Yorkers are hungry, food should not be wasted. Following reports of unsold milk being dumped in upstate New York, the state will work with farmers and companies such as Chobani and Cabot Cheese to distribute their excess products to food banks and those in need. It's part of the "Nourish New York" Initiative to purchase food from New York farms for those in need.
New York State will provide financial support to food banks across the state. The state will provide $25 million from the state's special public health emergency fund for food banks and providers most impacted by COVID-19. To find a food bank that supports your region, visit the Department of Health's food bank
state map. They are also asking any philanthropies that would like to help the state's food banks to email
COVIDPhilanthropies@exec.ny.gov.
To help support our hero frontline workers, New York created the First Responders Fund. The fund will assist COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care. We encourage New Yorkers to donate if you can: Donations can be made electronically at
www.healthresearch.org/donation-form/ or by check, mailed to "Health Research, Inc., 150 Broadway, Suite 560, Menands, NY 12204." (For checks, the donor should specify the donation is for "COVID-19 NYS Emergency Response.")
Elective outpatient treatments and surgeries can resume in 35 NY counties. Previously, it was announced that the state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of a COVID-19 surge in the near term. The list of counties that have been approved is available
here.
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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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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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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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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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COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
Worries and anxiety about COVID-19 and its impact can be overwhelming. Social distancing makes it even more challenging. Learn ways to cope during this pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life, and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation. You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.
Learn self-care strategies and get the care you need to help you cope.
Self-care strategies
Self-care strategies are good for your mental and physical health and can help you take charge of your life. Take care of your body and your mind and connect with others to benefit your mental health.
Take care of your body
Be mindful about your physical health:
- Get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Stick close to your typical schedule, even if you're staying at home.
- Participate in regular physical activity. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Find an activity that includes movement, such as dance or exercise apps. Get outside in an area that makes it easy to maintain distance from people — as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) or your government — such as a nature trail or your own backyard.
- Eat healthy. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress and anxiety.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. If you smoke tobacco or if you vape, you're already at higher risk of lung disease. Because COVID-19 affects the lungs, your risk increases even more. Using alcohol to try to cope can make matters worse and reduce your coping skills. Avoid taking drugs to cope, unless your doctor prescribed medications for you.
- Limit screen time. Turn off electronic devices for some time each day, including 30 minutes before bedtime. Make a conscious effort to spend less time in front of a screen — television, tablet, computer and phone.
- Relax and recharge. Set aside time for yourself. Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help to quiet your mind and reduce anxiety. Many people benefit from practices such as deep breathing, tai chi, yoga or meditation. Soak in a bubble bath, listen to music, or read or listen to a book — whatever helps you relax. Select a technique that works for you and practice it regularly.
Take care of your mind
Reduce stress triggers:
- Keep your regular routine. Maintaining a regular schedule is important to your mental health. In addition to sticking to a regular bedtime routine, keep consistent times for meals, bathing and getting dressed, work or study schedules, and exercise. Also set aside time for activities you enjoy. This predictability can make you feel more in control.
- Limit exposure to news media. Constant news about COVID-19 from all types of media can heighten fears about the disease. Limit social media that may expose you to rumors and false information. Also limit reading, hearing or watching other news, but keep up to date on national and local recommendations. Look for reliable sources such as the CDC and WHO.
- Stay busy. A distraction can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. Enjoy hobbies that you can do at home, identify a new project or clean out that closet you promised you'd get to. Doing something positive to manage anxiety is a healthy coping strategy.
- Focus on positive thoughts. Choose to focus on the positive things in your life, instead of dwelling on how bad you feel. Consider starting each day by listing things you are thankful for. Maintain a sense of hope, work to accept changes as they occur and try to keep problems in perspective.
- Use your moral compass or spiritual life for support. If you draw strength from a belief system, it can bring you comfort during difficult times.
- Set priorities. Don't become overwhelmed by creating a life-changing list of things to achieve while you're home. Set reasonable goals each day and outline steps you can take to reach those goals. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small. And recognize that some days will be better than others.
Connect with others
Build support and strengthen relationships:
- Make connections. If you need to stay at home and distance yourself from others, avoid social isolation. Find time each day to make virtual connections by email, texts, phone, or FaceTime or similar apps. If you're working remotely from home, ask your co-workers how they're doing and share coping tips. Enjoy virtual socializing and talking to those in your home.
- Do something for others. Find purpose in helping the people around you. For example, email, text or call to check on your friends, family members and neighbors — especially those who are elderly. If you know someone who can't get out, ask if there's something needed, such as groceries or a prescription picked up, for instance. But be sure to follow CDC, WHO and your government recommendations on social distancing and group meetings.
- Support a family member or friend. If a family member or friend needs to be isolated for safety reasons or gets sick and needs to be quarantined at home or in the hospital, come up with ways to stay in contact. This could be through electronic devices or the telephone or by sending a note to brighten the day, for example.
Recognizing what's typical and what's not
Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Everyone reacts differently to difficult situations, and it's normal to feel stress and worry during a crisis. But multiple challenges daily, such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, can push you beyond your ability to cope.
Many people may have mental health concerns, such as symptoms of anxiety and depression during this time. And feelings may change over time.
Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling helpless, sad, angry, irritable, hopeless, anxious or afraid. You may have trouble concentrating on typical tasks, changes in appetite, body aches and pains, or difficulty sleeping or you may struggle to face routine chores.
When these signs and symptoms last for several days in a row, make you miserable and cause problems in your daily life so that you find it hard to carry out normal responsibilities, it's time to ask for help.
Get help when you need it
Hoping mental health problems such as anxiety or depression will go away on their own can lead to worsening symptoms. If you have concerns or if you experience worsening of mental health symptoms, ask for help when you need it, and be upfront about how you're doing. To get help you may want to:
- Call or use social media to contact a close friend or loved one — even though it may be hard to talk about your feelings.
- Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
- Contact your employee assistance program, if your employer has one, and get counseling or ask for a referral to a mental health professional.
- Call your primary care provider or mental health professional to ask about appointment options to talk about your anxiety or depression and get advice and guidance. Some may provide the option of phone, video or online appointments.
- Contact organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for help and guidance.
If you're feeling suicidal or thinking of hurting yourself, seek help. Contact your primary care provider or a mental health professional. Or call a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use its webchat at
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
Continue your self-care strategies
You can expect your current strong feelings to fade when the pandemic is over, but stress won't disappear from your life when the health crisis of COVID-19 ends. Continue these self-care practices to take care of your mental health and increase your ability to cope with life's ongoing challenges.
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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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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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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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