OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST September 3, 2020
Village & Town Information
Helpful Information from the Village of Ossining, Westchester County & New York State
The Village of Ossining is committed to sharing up-to-date and relevant information regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. In our weekly web blasts you will find this section dedicated to new information. For previously shared information, please visit the Village of Ossining's dedicated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page.
Each week, Mayor Victoria Gearity prepares a Mayoral Monday 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
Under the leadership of County Executive George Latimer, the County is moving forward with two food scrap recycling programs to create a more environmentally sustainable Westchester while also saving taxpayer money for local municipalities. Click here for info

The Westchester County Bee-Line System will resume standard operation, resuming front door boarding on all buses starting September 8. Additionally, all buses are now outfitted with protective barriers that provide floor-to-ceiling plastic sheeting around bus operators. This new phase will effectively end the COVID response phase, where customers were not charged to ride, that began on March 23. Click here for info

The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation’s two beaches will be open to the public the two weekends after Labor Day. This is the first time that the beaches - at Playland Park in Rye and Croton Point Park in Croton - will be open after Labor Day. The days and times are Sept. 12-13 and Sept. 19-20 and will follow their regular schedule of 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Click here for info

With the arrival today of National Preparedness Month, County Executive George Latimer is reminding residents once again to take practical steps be prepared for hurricanes and other severe weather that might occur this fall and winter. Click here for info

As parents and guardians all across Westchester County learn to adapt to these challenging times and make decisions on sending their children back to school, County Executive George Latimer sat down with White Plains School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Ricca, Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Deputy Commissioner Joe Glazer & DCMH Children’s Mental Health Services Program Coordinator Tori Shaw to discuss the mental health challenges facing our children during these tumultuous times. Ricca and Glazer also serve as Co-Chairs of Latimer’s newly formed School Reopening Working Group. Click here for info
New York State Update

NYS is deploying a testing SWAT team to Western NY to address the recent uptick in COVID cases. The infection rate recently rose to 2.0%. The testing SWAT team will open free rapid testing sites across the region. Sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturday through Wednesday. All residents are eligible for tests and appointments can be made by calling 1-833-NYSTRNG (1-833-697-8764). 

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will not change our science-based testing guidance. The CDC's unexplained reversal of established testing guidelines this week is reckless and unsupported by the facts. Individuals who are in close contact with those positive for COVID should get tested. Read the full joint statement with NJ Governor Phil Murphy and CT Governor Ned Lamont. 

Hudson Valley farms are preparing for apple picking season. Apple picking, a classic fall tradition, will look a little different this year amid the pandemic. Many farms are limiting their capacity and implementing a reservation-only attendance to ensure a safe and fun experience for all visitors. 

This year, The Great New York State Fair will be held virtually. The State Fair is a beloved New York tradition. Sadly, the in-person fair had to be canceled this year due to COVID, but the State Fair is hosting a whole slate of virtual events so New Yorkers can still experience the Fair safely. For example, the annual Butter Sculpture—an 800-pound sculpture carved out of butter—which was unveiled on September 1st. 

The iconic "Hot Dog King" in front of the Met Museum had reopened along with the museum. Owned by Bronx native Dan Rossi, the hot dog stand has been in business directly in front of the museum steps for 13 years, but when the museum closed due to COVID, so did his hot dog stand. Now that the museum is open, he is ready to start selling hot dogs and pretzels to guests as they return. NYC museums like the Met have been permitted to reopen at 25% occupancy and with staggered, timed ticketing. 

SUNY Oneonta will transition to remote-learning for two weeks. Last week, the State released guidance that if a college experiences 100 COVID cases or an outbreak equal to 5 percent of its population (whichever is less) — that college MUST go to remote-learning for two weeks. In response to a cluster of COVID cases at SUNY Oneonta, the school with transition to remote-learning right away and the State will set up three rapid testing sites in Oneonta that will open Wednesday. Oneonta residents can call 1-833-NYSTRNG (1-833-697-8764) to make an appointment. 

New York needs federal funding to address the economic shortfalls of the pandemic. Joined by labor leaders, Governor Cuomo issued a letter calling on New York's Congressional Delegation to provide $59 billion to address the catastrophic budget shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the letter here

A guide to New York City museums as they begin to reopen. Last week, museums and cultural institutions in New York City were permitted to reopen while adhering to public safety guidelines. ILoveNY has put together a guide on opening details for these beloved institutions, and everything else you need to know about NYC's museum reopenings. 

Alaska and Montana have been added to New York's COVID travel advisory. The two states join 31 other states and territories from which travelers arriving to New York must self-quarantine for 14 days. See the full list here

Due to the pandemic, there is a national shortage of poll workers, and New York State needs your help. Poll workers are essential to ensure that the election runs smoothly throughout New York's early voting period and on November 3rd, Election Day. The positions are PAID. To be eligible as a poll worker, you must be a registered voter in New York State. 

New York is extending our partnership with HelloFresh to help combat food insecurity amid the pandemic. The New York State Division of Veterans' Services and HelloFresh started working together in June to provide meals to families, and this expansion will provide over 200,000 fresh meals to veterans, military families and other residents in New York City who are experiencing food insecurity — one of a host of initiatives the State has taken to help ensure that no family goes hungry.

The Whitney Museum of American Art reopens its doors to the public. The Whitney joins other cultural institutions that have begun reopening with reduced capacity and timed entry. Read more about New York City's cultural institution reopenings

There's still time to respond to the Census. As of now, approximately 80 percent of New Yorkers have completed the Census — but we need everyone to respond. You can respond by mail, by phone at 844-330-2020 or online at https://my2020census.gov. Spread the word and let's Get Counted, NY.
In recent years, the Village of Ossining has been increasingly mindful of sustainability and has taken great strides towards reducing our carbon footprint. With that in mind, at the beginning of 2020, we were able to add two electric cars to our fleet that our Building Department's Code Enforcement Officers will use during the workday.

We are pleased to announce that both Nissan Leafs have been delivered and are ready to hit the road. What better way to celebrate than asking our community to name them?

We encourage you to participate in the following anonymous survey by Monday, September 14. The Village Board of Trustees will announce the winning name pair at the Legislative Meeting on Wednesday, September 16 @ 7:30 PM.

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 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
Voluntarios de Green Ossining estarán en el Farmers Market todos los sábados, comenzando el 11 de julio de 9:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. La ubicación tendrá múltiples propósitos: como un lugar de entrega de desechos de alimentos para los participantes en el programa, y como un lugar de recogida de kits de reciclaje de desechos de alimentos que se han comprado previamente. Los kits no estarán a la venta en el mercado. Para obtener más informaciónes sobre cómo precomprar un kit de reciclaje de desperdicios de alimentos y sobre el programa Ossining Composts, visite: www.ossiningcomposts.org.
Green Ossining volunteers will be at the Farmers Market every Saturday, starting July 11 from 9:30am - 11:30am. The location will serve multiple purposes: as a food scrap drop-off location for participants in the program, and as a pick-up location for food scrap recycling kits that have pre-purchased. Kits will not be for sale at the market. For more information on how to pre-purchase a food scrap recycling kit, and on the Ossining Composts program visit: www.ossiningcomposts.org.
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
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
September
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
FREE Weekly meditations
What: Join Elisha every week for a great way to start or end your day with a short meditation filled with love!
When: Tuesdays 8:30am & Wednesdays 8:30pm
Where: Streamed live Facebook: facebook.com/CYPconnect/ Instagram: instagram.com/crossover_yoga_project/
Info: If you miss it- don't worry, we post them to CYP'sYouTube Channel
Contact: Elisha Fernandes Simpson, MSW, ERYT, icanhelp@crossoveryogaproject.org 914.319.4010
FREE Weekly yoga classes
When: Tuesday 9:15am-9:45am, Wednesday 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Where: Facebook: facebook.com/CYPconnect/
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
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 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 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
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 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.
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