OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST June 4, 2020
Village & Town Information
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.
Helpful Information from New York State
The MTA will pilot the use of proven UV light technology to kill COVID-19 in subway cars and crew facilities. The MTA currently cleans and disinfects its fleet of subway cars and commuter trains every 24 hours.

Over the next few weeks, the Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting a virtual series called Adventure at Home, designed to help New Yorkers find ways to take advantage of outdoor recreational activities in their own communities. 

NY State is implementing a new "early warning dashboard" to monitor virus containment. The dashboard allows New Yorkers to see for themselves all of the state's data tracking new infections and their severity, hospital capacity by region and other metrics. The early warning system dashboard was developed in consultation with internationally-known experts who have been advising New York State. See it here.

New York dentists can reopen statewide tomorrow. Dentists' offices will be subject to state guidance on best practices for safety and social distancing.

A note on protesting safely. A reminder to take precautions against COVID-19 if protesting. Be aware of the risk of COVID-19 at protests. If you or someone you know intends on peacefully protesting tonight or in the future, please remember that Coronavirus continues to be a public health issue in our state and there are simple steps that can be taken to help reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer and keep to smaller groups. It would be terrible for the progress we have made on this virus to be undone.

New York is proceeding with reopening. Western New York entered Phase 2 of reopening today. The Capital Region has been cleared by international experts to enter Phase 2 tomorrow, June 3rd, and New York City is still on track to enter Phase 1 on June 8th.

Summer day camps statewide can open on June 29th. The state will make a decision on sleep-away camps in the coming weeks.

A reminder that the State has a mental health hotline available for anyone who needs it. We cannot underestimate how a crisis can impact our mental health. Remember: You are never alone. For free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.

The Nourish NY program continues to connect farms will food banks. The state has spent over $2 million to date to purchase dairy and produce from NY farms and donate the products to food banks. So far, the initiative has redirected 3.7 million pounds of dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, that have made their way into 80,000 households with needs, as well as approximately 1 million pounds of produce. Almost 4,000 New York farms have participated in this initiative.
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
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
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.
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.
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
How to Prepare Your Dog to Be Left at Home Alone (Again)
Whether your dog is new or old, these tips will help ease its transition from lockdown to normal life.

Did you get a new dog during the coronavirus lockdown? Or has your long-time four-legged companion gotten used to having you home?

“Dogs are highly social, which is why we get along with them so well,” said Patricia B. McConnell, certified applied animal behaviorist and author of “The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs.” “If all the sudden, they go from ‘everybody home all the time’ to ‘nobody home all day long,’ it can lead to some serious behavioral problems.”

This can mean accidents in the house, chewing on the furniture when you are away, or worse.
Want to avoid that? Here’s how to transition to a new normal, for both of you.

Start Leaving
The members of your household probably haven’t left the house for an extended period of time for what, weeks? Months? The 17 years this quarantine has felt like? So, start transitioning as cities and states reopen by leaving a little bit at a time. But not for too long. Start “unbelievably slow,” said Dr. McConnell. Leave a handful of treats on the ground and, while the dog is eating them, “everybody walks out the door,” she said. Come back in five seconds. Next time, leave for 10 seconds, then walk to the mailbox and back, then take a longer walk or a long drive.

Make sure you are mimicking the routine you’ll have when you go back to work: Get your wallet and keys, leave through the door you’ll go through. This way, the dog gets used to the cues that mean you are leaving — and coming back in through the same spot.

Give Your Dog a Safe Space
Make sure your dog is left in a safe space that it knows — and don’t lock it in a room that’s unfamiliar. That safe space might be a crate, though not all dogs like being in a crate. (My first dog, a Jack Russell terrier, loved her crate; the dog I have now, a cattle dog mix, couldn’t be bothered.) Other dogs are just fine being left to lie wherever in the house they want.

The best space for your dog may not be one with a view either, said Sarah Wilson, dog trainer and author of “My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective and Easy Puppy Training,” especially if your dog barks a lot. “When they’re screaming out the window at everyone who’s going by, their brains are flooded with all of this confusing and upsetting brain chemistry, which doesn’t go away on its own instantly,” she said. “It’s not a game for them when they’re barking hysterically out the window.” If a crate doesn’t work for that dog, it may work to use a baby gate to keep it in a room it likes, but without access to a window.

Make a New Plan for Entertaining Your Dog
If your dog has gotten used to walks every four or five hours, what’s going to happen when that’s not an easy option? Can you come home to walk the dog? Will you hire a dog walker, or take your dog to a doggie daycare?
Dr. McConnell suggests you figure out how you’re going to engage your dogs’ brain if the level of physical exercise you are currently providing it is not an option. You can teach them new tricks, or try new walking routes, which engages their brains because dogs will work to analyze new smells.

“Even if it’s just once or twice a week, pop your dog in the car and go somewhere different,” said Dr. McConnell.

Look for Troubling Behavior — But Don’t Punish
Dogs with separation anxiety may go to the bathroom in the house, or chew or rip up things that are not their toys. But don’t punish the dog when you come home, said Katherine A. Houpt, professor emeritus of behavior medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, because dogs will forget what they did and by then they will “no longer associate punishment with the action.”

Your dog may also get clingy and follow you around the house, pace when it thinks you’re leaving or drool. That also means the dog is experiencing separation anxiety and you need to work a little bit more to help it.

If you are frustrated or feel like nothing is working, reach out for help. Call your veterinarian to make sure that nothing is physically wrong with your dog. If it is behavioral, then your veterinarian may recommend calling a dog trainer or animal behaviorist. Dr. McConnell said to look for a certified applied animal behaviorist or a certified professional dog trainer. Trainers should use positive reinforcement instead of force and coercion.

Your veterinarian may also recommend anti-anxiety medication for your dog, if the anxiety persists despite making the recommended changes. You may also consider anti-anxiety medications if your dog’s behavior is causing harm even if it’s not destructive — such as if your dog’s barking is annoying your neighbors to an extreme degree.
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
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.
**PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A GRAB & GO ON MONDAY, MAY 25 IN OBSERVANCE OF THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY**
THE OSSINING AND BRIARCLIFF MANOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
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.
Upcoming Programs in the Village and Town of Ossining
June
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
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
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.
July
September
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
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
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
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.
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 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
Info: Click here for event flyer Register for 2 Classes or Class & Boot Camp(s) and SAVE $10. Enter code: scholar at checkout.
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
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
Contact: Amy Werner, Volunteer Manager at awerner@neighborslink.org if you are interested in becoming a part of our volunteer team. https://www.facebook.com/NeighborsLink/ https://www.neighborslink.org/
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.
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.
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