OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST APRIL 8, 2021
Village & Town Information

Please fill out the information on our online form. We will be in touch via email when your request can be filled. Please remember when you receive the notice:

  1. All applications are made online with registrations uploaded via the software.
  2. Each application can have up to three (3) car registrations on it, but only one car can be parked at the Train Station at a time.
  3. Payment must be made online. Please note there are different prices for Village residents, Town residents (Unincorporated Area and Village of Briarcliff who reside inside the Town), and those outside the Town of Ossining. There is a 3% service fee for the debit/credit card used. This is the credit card fees that cannot be paid for by the municipality by law.
  4. There are no physical tags. Our new system, which is used by the Parking Enforcement and/or Ossining Police Department, uses license plate scanners.
  5. Any application takes at least 24 hours (weekdays only) to process.
  6. Click here to be placed on the wait list.
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.
For daily COVID-19 updates be sure to check the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker and be sure to follow Westchester County their social media channels (Facebook and Twitter).
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.

Westchester County Update
New York State Update
As we continue to move vaccination forward we also need to revitalize New York's economy and make sure we reopen safely. To that end, NYS launched Excelsior Pass, a free and voluntary platform for businesses & individuals that can be used to easily access secure proof of a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. The question of "public health or the economy" has always been a false choice—the answer must always be both. As more New Yorkers get vaccinated each day and as key public health metrics continue to regularly reach their lowest rates in months, the first-in-the-nation Excelsior Pass will assist as the next step in our fact-driven, science-based reopening. Learn more and have your testing and vaccination information in an easy-to-carry and share digital form.

We know the key to defeating COVID once and for all is getting every single New Yorker vaccinated. Nearly one out of every three New Yorkers has already received at least one dose of the vaccine. But while this progress is welcome, the virus is still out there and poses a significant threat. We must keep up the practices we know stop the spread: wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands and remain vigilant, New York. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer, but we're still not there yet.

The risk from COVID-19 is still high in New York State, and although we continue to make progress vaccinating New Yorkers, now is not the time to give up on safe behaviors that we know reduce the spread. The vaccine works, but only if we take it, and we can't afford to slow down because we are in a foot race against the infection rate. New vaccination sites are opening and eligibility continues to expand, but the virus is still spreading—and the rate of spread is a function of our behavior. We're going to defeat COVID and return to more fulfilling lives together, but for now, everyone needs to stay vigilant.

As the warmer weather and increased economic activity bring more people out of their homes, making sure that every New Yorker gets vaccinated is more important than ever. The fight against COVID is far from over. Governor Cuomo urges all eligible New Yorkers to make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and urge everyone to continue to take the safety precautions that will help us beat back the infection rate. It's going to take the work of all of us to get back to what we love. It's up to us, New York.

The vaccine is the weapon that will defeat COVID. But only if we all take it, and starting, April 6, all New Yorkers age 16 and older will be able to get vaccinated. As universal eligibility goes into effect, NYS will continue to work with local leaders to make sure all New Yorkers have access to the vaccine. Governor Cuomo also wants to remind everyone that universal eligibility does not mean we can let our guard down. The truth is millions of our neighbors still need to get their shots and we are still in a footrace against the infection rate. It is imperative that we do not let down our guard and that we continue exercising safety protocols. Wear a mask, social distance, remain vigilant—but most importantly, get vaccinated. It’s how we'll get back to the things we love and how we protect the ones we love.

Governor Cuomo has outlined highlights of the Fiscal Year 2022 Enacted Budget, and would like to share how elements of this year's budget specifically aim to manage COVID and bring COVID relief. New York is relentlessly working to vaccinate New Yorkers so that we can protect our state from this deadly virus, and the budget continues to fund those efforts—ensuring no one is left behind. The 2022 Budget includes $2.4 billion in rent relief to help New Yorkers who are at risk of being forced out of their home from hardship due to COVID. It also includes a historic investment in our schools, to address the impact of the pandemic on our students' academic, social and emotional needs. NYS also wants to make sure our state's economy recovers from COVID. To that end, the State will invest $1 billion to help small businesses recover—including restaurants, arts and cultural institutions and other small businesses. With programs to make telehealth stronger, the creation of the New York Public Health Corps, and new measures to improve New Yorkers' mental health, this budget builds a bridge to a future where we can all be healthier and safer. Learn more.

As of yesterday, 34.4 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. New York administered 10,869,300 total doses with 21.7 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

Fourteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites came online last week. These sites at houses of worship, community centers and local businesses are expected to vaccinate more than 4,200 people throughout this week. Since January 15, more than 160 community-based pop-up sites administered more than 62,500 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The State is partnering with SOMOS to vaccinate underserved communities at community medical practices. In partnership with SOMOS Community Care, the State will provide COVID-19 vaccines directly to accredited primary care physicians in SOMOS' health network who will vaccinate underserved New Yorkers. The program will initially cover 75 practices in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and will scale up to 100 practices as supply allows. The program will launch in the coming weeks and New Yorkers will be able to make appointments directly through SOMOS. New York is committed to breaking down barriers to vaccine access for all.
In the third round of the program, Nourish NY has so far spent $3.5 million to help New Yorkers in need. So far, over 2 million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with 924,000 pounds of produce. Over two million households in need have received products sources from New York farms.

A new mass vaccination site will open in Rockland County. The State will establish an additional state-run mass vaccination site at Rockland Community College's Eugene Levy Fieldhouse to further grow New York's vast distribution network. The site is in development and is expected to open Thursday, April 1, with appointments opening on Tuesday, March 30, at 8am. Hours of operation for the Rockland Community College site will be from 8am to 7pm, seven days a week. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to make an appointment online or by calling the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

Indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement are now open with a 25 percent capacity limit. Last month, Governor Cuomo announced that indoor family entertainment centers will be able to reopen with 25 percent capacity and health protocols in place, which went into effect Friday, March 26.

Over 2 million vaccines have been administered at the NYS-FEMA mass vaccination sites. These six sites are hard at work getting eligible New Yorkers vaccinated as fast as supply allows. If you're eligible, book your appointment today at ny.gov/GetVaccinated.

Collegiate sports can bring fans back to the stands under strict state guidelines beginning April 2. Intercollegiate sports at large-scale venues that hold more than 1,500 attendees indoors or 2,500 attendees outdoors can host up to 10 percent indoor or 20 percent outdoor capacity. All attendees must present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or completed COVID-19 immunization prior to entry. Colleges and universities hosting spectators for sporting events at large-scale venues must notify and coordinate with their respective state or local health department, aligning with the state guidance for professional sports competitions with spectators.

Become a New York State Citizen Public Health Leader. To continue the fight against COVID and prepare for the next public health emergency, the State launched a free, online Citizen Public Health Training course for New Yorkers, in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York. This program will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state. Enroll today.

NYS is expanding the New York Forward Rapid Testing Program to help businesses and events safely reopen. Twenty-five new sites opened on April 1, and 10 sites will open within the next two weeks for a total of 70 sites statewide. The New York Forward Rapid Test Program provides affordable rapid (30 minutes or less) COVID tests at locations across the State. Learn more.

See how Excelsior Pass can help you be a part of NY's safe reopening. To help revitalize New York's economy safely, the State launched Excelsior Pass—a free and voluntary platform for businesses & individuals that can be used to easily access secure proof of a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. The Excelsior Pass Wallet app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Learn more.

Starting on April 1st, domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory. While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread—wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.

Performing arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance—available here.

Eighteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites will come online over the next week. These sites at houses of worship, community centers and local businesses are expected to vaccinate more than 8,500 people throughout the week. Since January 15, more than 180 community-based pop-up sites administered have 69,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

NYS announced the start of the statewide "Roll Up Your Sleeve" ad campaign to encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. The ads will be shown on television and online statewide beginning Wednesday, April 7. The ads were directed by Contagion screenplay writer Scott Burns and shot at New York City's Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Watch the ad here.

The 11pm curfew for certain industries has been lifted. The curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted. The 11pm curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12am curfew for catered events remain in effect. Both curfews will be evaluated later this month.

To honor all those who dedicated their lives throughout the COVID crisis, New York will construct an Essential Workers Monument. NYS announced the creation of the Essential Workers Advisory Committee to provide design input and recommendations for a monument in New York City honoring the service and sacrifice of New York's essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These true heroes continue to aid and inspire us and they have our utmost respect. We will create a monument to honor them in perpetuity.

NYS announced the statewide "Vaccinate NY" ad campaign to encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Ads will run across television, radio, online and print statewide. This effort coincides with universal eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine taking effect.

The Department of Financial Services will extend the emergency regulation requiring all regulated health insurers to waive co-pays for the COVID-19 vaccine until April 30. The extension of this regulation and guidance will help to ensure there are no barriers to New Yorkers accessing the vaccine as the State continues to implement its vaccine administration plan and get every New Yorker vaccinated. The vaccine will come at no cost to any New Yorker.

The Coney Island Amusement Park will open for the first time since 2019 this Friday. This follows reopening guidance that allows outdoor amusement parks in New York to open at 33 percent capacity, which goes into effect Friday, April 9.
**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**
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.
THE OSSINING AND BRIARCLIFF MANOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Upcoming Programs in the Village and Town of Ossining
Ossining’s Down to Earth Farmers Market will be open regular hours this Saturday
What: See the full vendor schedule at downtoearthmarkets.com
When: Saturdays from 9AM-1PM
Where: Near Market Square at the corner of Spring & Main Streets, Ossining, NY
Gratitude & Grounding Practice
What: Join Elisha Fernandes Simpson of Crossover Yoga Project (CYP) for a grounding yoga practice to show our gratitude for the support the Earth has provided us through this time of challenge and instability. To maintain safe social distance, only 10 people will be allowed on stage on a first come, first served basis. We welcome participants to practice on the grounds around the stage too! Please arrive with your mask, bring your own mat and water, and dress for movement. The class will be cancelled if it's below 60 and/or raining and/or windy.  Class will be streamed on CYP's Instagram.
When: Saturday, April 17 at 9AM
Where: Louis Engel Waterfront Stage, Ossining.
Contact: Crossover Yoga Project (crossoveryogaproject.org) // Elisha Fernandes Simpson (icanhelp@crossoveryogaproject.org or 914.319.4010)
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
Where: on Zoom! sign up at crossoveryogaproject.org
Info: $15 per class. Venmo @CYPEmpowersme
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
Information
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.
Contact: miguel.hdz@verizon.net for further information
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
Info: Income Eligible Click here for flyer
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
Where: Logrea Dance Academy, 2 Dale Ave, Ossining NY 10562
Info: Beginner to Advanced training. Discounts available.
Contact:  For more information or to REGISTER, please visit our website:  http://newsite.logreainfo.com or call us at 914-941-2939
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.
Contact: Mike Risko Music Mail@riskomusic.com www.mikeriskomusicschool.com 144 Croton Avenue Ossining NY 10562 914-762-8757
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
Volunteer New York’s program to connect small business owners to trained volunteer professionals who can provide PPP help is now back online. Unlike other opportunities on their website, this one is specifically for small business owners who want to receive consultations.
 
Following are links for both English- and Spanish-speaking business owners:
  1. Link to opportunity for English-speaking business owners
  2. Link to opportunity for Spanish-speaking business owners
  3. Link to main page showing both opportunities
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]
Religious Organizations
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.
Contact: Dorothée Caulfield, Director, Ossining Prison Ministry, Inc. deaconfee@gmail.com
Check out www.hud.gov/findshelter, a new online tool to help individuals and families find shelter, clothing, health clinics, and food pantries. Learn more: http://ow.ly/FHk150D9Xy3