Ossining resident, Mr. Luiz Carlos DaCosta, perished in the earthquake in Puerto Principe, Haiti.
He was an international civil servant working for the UN. Originally from Brazil Mr. da Costa joined the United Nations in 1969 and stayed with the organization for the remainder of his life. His last assignment was as the Principal Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and second in command of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti.
He lived at 22 Quail Hollow Rd. Ossining with his wife, Maria Cristina da Costa. She is a teacher at Hackley School.
Ossining Haiti Relief Project
While cash donations are essential right now to help in the near future to get the food, water and medicine so badly needed to Haiti and distributed.
We are setting up a drop off location for new or clean tenderly used baby and toddlers clothing ONLY!
Many children of Haiti were suffering before the earthquake.
PLEASE drop off at:
Turco Brothers Deli - 28 Main Street
across the street from McSorley's (formerly Izzy's) by the train station
Thank you Mike Turco and your landlord John Count.
HOW TO HELP HAITI Astorino and county legislators express sympathy
to relatives of those affected by earthquake
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, County Executive Robert P. Astorino and members of the Board of Legislators today expressed sympathy to the people of that country and their relatives who live in Westchester. They also offered information about how county residents may help.
“Looking at the news coverage of this tragedy makes us all pause to remember how lucky we are – and how in just a few seconds life can change,” said Astorino. “My heart goes out to the people of Haiti and to the approximately 5,000 people of Haitian ancestry living in Westchester.”
Two legislators expressed similar message.
“On behalf of all residents of Westchester, I wish to extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families of those affected by this devastating earthquake,” said County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins of Yonkers. “This island nation of Haiti has been overcome by several natural disasters in recent memory; however this tragedy is unlike anything the country has ever experienced. The Westchester County government stands ready to work with local community leaders and organizations to assist in aid efforts.”
“As the representative to the largest population of Haitian immigrants in Westchester, I am truly saddened by the catastrophe that has hit Haiti, causing the tremendous destruction of one of the jewels of the Caribbean,” said Board of Legislators Vice-Chairman Lyndon Williams of Mount Vernon. “I also share concerns for neighboring Caribbean nations that may be affected by this earthquake including the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Cuba. In the coming days, we will work aggressively with local groups to provide immediate assistance. Westchester residents stand ready to provide whatever support is needed for those affected.”
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake has affected about 3 million people in Haiti – one-third of Haiti's population – and devastated the capital city, killing an unknown number of people and destroying buildings.
“One of the first things people ask is: how can I help?” said Astorino. “What follows is some information about how our residents can get involved in the relief effort.”
Donations:
Financial donations are needed and are, at this point, the only thing being accepted by the Red Cross. Go to the Red Cross’s Web site at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-Redcross.
Volunteering: People interested in volunteering to help with the relief effort should call the American Red Cross in Westchester County at (914) 946-6500 x200. Ask for the volunteer division.
Missing people: People who are trying to locate U.S. citizens living in or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State – The Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.
Further information: Go to the Web site of the Center for International Disaster Information at www.cidi.org
The Hon Martha L. Dodge, Town Council member and Town Supervisor, passed away on December 27, 2009 after a brief and courageous fight with cancer.
Martha was a dedicated public servant and community volunteer who will be missed by all in the Ossining community. She is survived by her husband John Codman, and children Lyle and Emma.
The family has asked that donations in her name be made to the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corp (OVAC) an organization to which she was particularly devoted.
The nation, state, and local economic downturn posed many challenges during the preparation of the 2010 Preliminary budget.
Revenue sources other than property taxes, such as mortgage tax, sales tax, and state aid declined in 2009 and are projected to continue to decline for 2010.
The adopted 2009 budget appropriated $653,000 of fund balance, which effectively depleted that resource. In the first quarter of 2009, every department and function in the town cut its budget, achieving a cost savings of $230,000, or 8% of the operating budget.
During subsequent months in 2009 additional cuts were made, including salary reductions, reduction of personnel through attrition and layoffs, and further cost savings by department heads and staff.
The effort to right the financial ship of the Town of Ossining has been a totally collaborative process; many are to be congratulated for their hard work, including staff, elected representatives, and citizen volunteers.
Why Sewer District Consolidation is in the Best Interest of the Town of Ossining
For the past few years, the Governor, NYS State Legislature, the State Comptroller’s Office, newspapers, citizens groups, and constituents have been recommending the abolishment or reduction of the many layers of government, and the consolidation of levels services wherever possible.
It is generally seen as a way to reduce costs and confusion, as it often times makes little or no sense to continue with the fragmented services and mini-governmental layers that currently exist.
The Town Board is interested in your thoughts on this proposal. Please contact Supervisor Catherine Borgia at 762-6001 or via email at cborgia@townofossining.com with any thoughts or questions.
The Town of Ossining has been complying with the NYS DEC requirements for an MS4 community. This requires completion of several tasks over a period of years.
One of those tasks is entitled, “Illicit Storm Water Discharge Detection Elimination.” Another task is entitled, “Public Participation.” A third is entitled, “Public Education.”
For the past several years, the Town has prioritized the renovation of Engel Park, and requested several years of Community Development Block Grant funding for various projects in the park, including the renovation of the comfort station.
The Partnership is comprised of human services agencies, civic organizations and community advocates who live and work in the Town of Ossining, Village of Briarcliff Manor, and Village of Ossining. Our mission is to combat domestic violence through community outreach, education, prevention and awareness.
The Hon Martha L. Dodge, Town Council member and Town Supervisor, passed away on December 27, 2009 after a brief and courageous fight with cancer. 
Stormwater Management Program - incl Illicit Discharge Survey
For the past several years, the Town has prioritized the renovation of Engel Park, and requested several years of Community Development Block Grant funding for various projects in the park, including the renovation of the comfort station.
