Supervisor's Update - Friday, July 23, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 23 July 2021 23 July 2021

It’s a two concert weekend!  Does it get any better than that?  Start your weekend tonight at the Louis Engel Park stage for Pablito starting at 7pm.  Food Truck Fridays and Craft Beverage Corral officially kick off at 5pm, and make sure to come early, there were a few sellouts last Friday night!  Tonight’s food truck line up includes Wanna Empanada, Westchester Burger, Brothers Fish & Chips, EMB Rice Balls, Rockland’s Kettle Corn, Bazodee Street Foods, and Wrappers Delight.  Pouring alongside Sing Sing Kill Brewery at the Craft Beverage Corral will be Soul Brewing Company.

 

 

The food truck, craft beverage, and concert fun continues Sunday afternoon with the rescheduled performance of The Thornwoods.  Food Truck Sundays start a bit earlier than on Fridays, at 3pm with EMB Rice Balls, Cravin Jamaican, Kinwich, and Pizza Vitale.  Sing Sing Kill Brewery will be back with Duncan’s Abbey as their guest pourer in the Craft Beverage Corral.  The Thornwoods will take the stage at 5pm.  There is a slight chance of rain Sunday evening, but we are hopeful the rain will hold out until the concert is over.  What a great way to start and end your weekend!

 

 

We have a great summer of music lined up, so mark your calendars!  Thank you to the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Mike and Miriam Risko, Sing Sing Kill Brewery and our Recreation Superintendent for organizing this amazing set of events for our community, and to all the sponsors for helping underwrite it.

 

 

 

 

And did you know that the Riskos are world famous?  Congratulations to Mike and Miriam on your recognition as Best Community Retail Store in the world and a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).  Ossining is lucky to have dedicated small business owners – Mike and Miriam you put us on the map! 

 

 

 

We are going to be taking advantage of some of these community events this summer to bring the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Sustainable Ossining, to the people!  As we get close to finalizing a draft of this Comprehensive Plan with sustainability elements, we will be holding public engagement efforts throughout the summer to hear from you on your priorities for the action plan.  This is the “to do list” that will be derived from the goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the Comprehensive Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Town staff and consultants, and other important stakeholders have been fine tuning these recommendations based upon input from the community throughout the process and best practices in the field of planning.  We are excited to continue bringing to life these ideas for a new vision for Ossining to the people of Ossining.  If you see a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee member, or a poster board looking for feedback at a local business in the coming weeks, please take a moment to let us know what you think we should prioritize.  Committee Members Marisa Caruso and Gareth Hougham will be at the Summer Concert Series and St. Augustine’s festival this weekend with poster boards in hand for your feedback, make sure to stop by and say hi!  Visit the Sustainable Ossining website to learn more, and stay tuned for more information to come very soon.

 

Unfortunately, we are starting to see an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks, which is unsettling at best.  The fast spreading delta variant is of concern, and as the CDC has shared, this has quickly become a pandemic of the unvaccinated.  Although it has been disturbing to learn of breakthrough infections, the data shows that the vaccine is highly effective against getting COVID-19, but most importantly, it is nearly always effective against severe illness and death.  Virtually 99% of the recent hospitalizations and deaths of COVID-19 are among those who were not yet fully vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated helps protect you, and your family members, especially if they are unable to get vaccinated, like children under 12 years old.  This is especially important for college students returning to school in the fall - you are starting to run out of time to receive your one-dose or two-dose series of the vaccine and allow two weeks for maximum effectiveness.  Please also remember to exercise caution if you are unvaccinated or suffer from immune related health conditions by wearing a mask when indoors or in large crowds. 

 

There are many local options for getting vaccinated – there is really no excuse at this point!  Be sure to follow OVAC’s Facebook page as they continue to have vaccines available.  Additionally, there are pop-ups happening today and this weekend:

 

 

 

 

 

Children entering school have other immunizations they need to receive besides the COVID-19 vaccine. The Westchester County Health Department will be offering back-to-school immunizations throughout the summer to students who qualify at the County Dept. of Health Clinics in White Plains (134 Court Street) and Yonkers (20 S. Broadway, 2^nd Floor).  The Yonkers location has appointments Mondays and Thursdays starting Monday, July 26 and ending Thursday, August 30 from 4pm to 7pm. The dates for the White Plains clinic can be found on the flyer below.  Ossining and Briarcliff residents can call the Health Department at (914) 995-5800 to find out if you qualify for an appointment. COVID-19 vaccines are also available at these clinics, no appointment is necessary.

 

 

The Community Equity Task Force has scheduled a virtual Lunch and Learn for next Thursday, July 29 at 12noon.  The Lunch and Learn will be a presentation and discussion on access to services provided by Open Door Family Medical Center and Home Run Against Drugs.  Representatives from these two community organizations will be available to answer questions and provide valuable information on the services they provide and also how the pandemic illuminated gaps in access, and how they have stepped up to address those gaps.  You can view the Lunch and Learn on Zoom or the discussion will be broadcast on Facebook Live – RSVP and share the Facebook event!  The Equity Task Force also rereleased its survey to gauge community opinion on issues of equity in our community. Last year, this survey was distributed as the second COVID-19 spike began. Residents who completed the 2020 survey are encouraged to update the Task Force by completing it again in 2021. Take the survey here.

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I had a chance to stop by Bike Day on Spring Street.  Thank you to the Ossining Police Department and Ossining School District for organizing this fun evening for Ossining families.  The Town is a huge proponent of more access for bicyclists and pedestrians on our roadways, even if just for a few hours, so it was so exciting to see Spring Street closed off for families to ride and have fun.  I got a chance to say “hi” to Dr. Ann Dealy on her bike with her family, hoping for more of these fun nights this summer!

 

 

 

Bike Day ended with Chess Night at Market Square – mark your calendars for a few more upcoming chess nights, all levels and ages are welcome! 

 

 

My first stop this weekend is going to be back to Market Square for the Farmers Market.  This time of year, seasonal produce is just about at its peak with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, greens galore, and more summer squash than you know what to do with!  It is so great that here in Ossining we have great access to local, seasonal foods right in downtown.  If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for weekly e-mail updates from Down To Earth Markets so you can start your shopping planning early.

 

Ossining and Briarcliff are full of opportunities to catch local performers this summer.  On Tuesdays in July, the Ossining Recreation Department offers family-friendly entertainment at 7pm in a Village park.

 

 

The Village of Ossining’s Summer Acoustic Music Series kicked off this week. Performances will take place in Market Square on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.  

 

 

 

The Briarcliff Chamber of Commerce is also bringing the summer fun! Music fans are invited to Law Park Field for a concert series starting July 11th and continuing every Sunday until August 1st.

 

 

The Ossining Dog Census continues!  We ask that everyone complete the doggie census that was mailed to all residences to help us count the dogs we have in the Town and Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor. New York State Law requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed.  Our Town Clerk Sue Donnelly is estimating we have seen about 5% compliance with the dog license regulations – we can do better than that Ossining and Briarcliff!  Be a good pet parent by registering your dog with the Briarcliff Clerk’s Office printable form or the Ossining Clerk’s Office online form. It protects them and you!

 

 

Speaking of furry friends, the Village of Ossining has been working with the Cat Protection Council of Westchester to help better care for the feral cat colonies in Ossining.  Please refrain from feeding free-roaming cats on public property, it may seem like a nice thing to do, but it is actually harmful to these cats as the Cat Protection Council attempts to move them to more appropriate locations off public property.  Thank you for your cooperation! 

 

 

 

Construction of an 873 kW community solar system is underway at the parking lot of Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. This system is the first canopy and community solar system in Ossining and will provide Ossining residents access to clean renewable energy from the sun. It has been so exciting to see this system get installed! Ossining residents and organizations are encouraged to sign up for this community solar program and “go solar” while receiving a 10 percent discount on their electricity bills. The six parking lot solar canopies are being built by developer, financier and owner-operator, Ecogy Energy.  Visit the PowerMarket website to participate.

 

 

 Another way to “green” your environmental footprint is to participate in the EnergySmart Homes program.  EnergySmart Homes is brought to you by a partnership of Sustainable Westchester and NYSERDA, with one simple mission: help local homeowners learn about improved clean energy choices for their homes. This community outreach program connects you to local heating and cooling and energy efficiency experts who offer the latest clean energy technologies including air source and geothermal heat pumps and energy efficiency improvements. With EnergySmart Homes Westchester, the path to a more energy-efficient home is straightforward, headache-free, and affordable. Sign up today by calling (914) 242-4725 ext. 122 or visiting the Sustainable Westchester website.

 

 

Historic Hudson River Towns and all its member communities, which include the Villages of Briarcliff, Ossining, and the Town of Ossining, worked with the company TravelStorys to develop a driving tour of communities along the Hudson, north of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The tour app is available for free via the TravelStorys app. Check out the tour!

 

 

HORAC Ministries is holding a summer camp for all ages, with events free to the community and lunch-to-go served daily at 12pm.  See the comprehensive calendar below – next week’s theme is a non-profit showcase.

 

 

 

A new exhibit opened last week at Bethany Arts Community. Artists in the Time of COVID: Paralyzed and Prolific explores the effect of the pandemic on art and artists. The show will run until August 11^th. The opening reception is planned for tonight July 23^rd  from 6:00-8:00. More information is available on the Bethany Arts Community website.  There are also camp programs still available at Bethany Arts Community over the coming weeks, including their Camp Weird (and Wonderful!), the Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Show Camp with Theater O.  To view upcoming dates and register, visit the Bethany Arts Community calendar.

 

 

St. Augustine’s Italian Festival is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday July 24^th and 25^th. This event was cancelled last year and we are excited to see its return.

 

Shattemuc Yacht Club is hosting a ladies’ kayak day (with gentlemen welcome!) on July 25^th to support the SPCA of Westchester. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddle board for a $25 all inclusive (drinks and food) day! RSVP to Dé DeSousa at (914) 755-6292 and or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is one of my favorite annual events!  Hope to see you there!

 

The next walking tour of the historic Sparta neighborhood at the south end of Ossining will take place on Sunday, July 25. The tour will begin at the Jug Tavern (Rockledge Avenue and Revolutionary Road, behind the CVS) at 1 p.m. with an introduction to the history of the area. Participants will then walk about six blocks through the neighborhood learning about the historic homes in the landmarked district; the tour will end at around 3 p.m. Dr. Alan Stahl, a neighborhood resident who teaches in the History Department of Princeton University and has served as chair of the Village of Ossining Historic Preservation Commission, will lead the tour. Future tours for this year are scheduled for August 15 and September 19. The tour is free, but participation is limited to 20 people. For a reservation or further information, go to the Jug Tavern website: www.jugtavern.org.

 

Just think: you can start your day with a paddle, eat lunch at Shattemuc, check out Historic Sparta, and end up at Engel Park for the food trucks and Concert. What a day on the river in Ossining! 

 

Edgemont Robotics and UrbanLegacy.org is hosting a Summer Hacker’s Camp for Black Teens (7^th to 10^th grade). The program will take place in New Rochelle, but does not have a residency requirement. For additional information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 914-227-3923.

 

 

Please mark your calendars for two upcoming events focused on youth leadership, starting with the Influence for Change Symposium on Tuesday, July 27 from 10am to 3pm via Zoom.  This is open to all high school students, but remember to register!

 

 

More local, in Ossining, the Youth Event Planning Task Force begins meeting weekly on July 28.  This is open to middle and high school students and is a great way to earn community service credit.  Register on Community Pass.

 

 

Wednesday, July 28 will be the 30^th Anniversary Bike Ride honoring the anniversary of the South County Trailway.  RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to take part!

 

 

Next Saturday, July 31, join ENU Builds for a day of family fun fun fun for all ages at Nelson Park, starting at 11am. Elder Frisbee sounds right up my alley. Thank you to the many community partners helping to bring this engaging event to our community—you won’t want to miss it!

 

 

 

Also on Saturday, July 31, New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick is hosting a Heritage and History Awards Celebration.  Ossining’s very own Joyce Sharrock Cole will be receiving a much deserved recognition for her work preserving Ossining’s diverse history – congratulations Joyce!

 

 

 

Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is hosting an outdoor film series. The next installment is on Saturday, July 31. Rain dates will be the day after the originally scheduled date. Register here for tickets and book now as the guest count is limited.  Hilltop Hanover Farm is a great place to get some local produce, too!  U-Pick this weekend includes flowers, sunflowers, and cucumbers on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.  Grab a bucket at the Farm Stand and head down to the fields, or if you prefer to let the experts pick for you, they have a great assortment of seasonal produce to purchase at the Farm Stand, too.

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1, Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) returns to live, in-person performances with an outdoor production of Parking Lot Plays, six short new works from WCT’s play development program.  Each site-specific play integrates the environment into its story as the characters navigate the terrain of the parking lot while they tell their tales.  I have the inside scoop on one of them, so from that alone, I can say it promises to be excellent. Grab your tickets now!

 

 

There will be a Summer Afternoon Clay camp scheduled with two sessions in August.  Register on Community Pass for your kids to flex their creative muscles before school starts!

 

 

Check out some of the excellent work from other Cedar Lane Arts Center classes. These students show off their newly learned techniques of incorporating texture in water color using kosher salt, Kandinsky circles employing color mixing with each child only given 3 primary colors – magenta, cyan and yellow, and symbolism art, in the style of Andy Warhol, flags for Independence Day.  Thank you CLAC Instructor Cathy Carabee Faiella for sharing these great works!

 

We are back to our Town Board meetings this week with a Legislative Session on Tuesday at 7:30pm.  Residents can join via Zoom, or in person in the First Floor Boardroom at 16 Croton Avenue.  If you do choose to join us in person, please remember that if you are not vaccinated, you must wear a mask during the meeting.  As a reminder, our offices continue to be open close to regular hours 9am to 4:30pm every weekday.  If you are visiting us at the Municipal Building at 16 Croton, all services are available to you on the first floor – no walking up the stairs!  We are here, and ready to serve you, please stop on by!

 

--Dana

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please e-mail a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

 

 

Supervisor's Update - Friday, July 16, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 16 July 2021 16 July 2021

 

Finally a sunny Friday!  We are so excited to be officially kicking off our Summer Concert Series and Food Truck Fridays tonight with Ossining favorite KJ Denhert taking the stage at 7pm.  Head down to the park early for food and craft beverages starting at 5pm – the Food Truck line up for tonight includes Galapagos, Westchester Burger, EMB Rice Balls, Cravin Jamaican Cuisine, and Brothers Fish & Chips. Sing Sing Kill Brewery will be pouring alongside Six Degrees or Less Brewery and Doc’s Hard Cider for our very first Craft Beverage Corral.  We are so excited to see some familiar Ossining faces behind our menus tonight – come hungry!  Special thanks to the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Mike and Miriam Risko who helped line up the bands - and who are fresh off their recognition by National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as Best Community Retail Store in the world, among other honors, congratulations Mike and Miriam! - and Sing Sing Kill Brewery for helping bring this summer Fridays tradition back to Ossining, plus support from Recreation Superintendent Bill Garrison.  We can’t wait to get started!  Remember to save the dates for the rescheduled performances of The Thornwoods on Sunday, July 25 and the Sleepy Hollow String Band on Sunday, August 8.  The Sunday performances will start at 5pm. 

 

 

 

Ossining and Briarcliff are full of opportunities to catch local performers this summer.  On Tuesdays in July, the Ossining Recreation Department offers family-friendly entertainment at 7pm in a Village park.

 

 

The Village of Ossining’s Summer Acoustic Music Series kicked off this week. Performances will take place in Market Square on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, with an added performance scheduled for next Thursday, July 22 with Midnight Maizey.  

 

 

 

The Briarcliff Chamber of Commerce is also bringing the summer fun! Music fans are invited to Law Park Field for a concert series starting July 11th and continuing every Sunday until August 1st.

 

 

 

We are going to be taking advantage of some of these community events this summer to bring the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Sustainable Ossining, to the people!  As we get close to finalizing a draft of this Comprehensive Plan with sustainability elements, we will be holding public engagement efforts throughout the summer to hear from the community on their priorities for the action plan, which is the “to do list” that will be derived from the goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the Comprehensive Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Town staff and consultants, and other important stakeholders have been fine tuning these recommendations based upon input from the community throughout the process and best practices in the field of planning.  We are excited to continue bringing to life these ideas for a new vision for Ossining to the people of Ossining.  If you see a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee member, or a poster board looking for feedback at a local business in the coming weeks, please take a moment to let us know what you think we should prioritize.  Visit the Sustainable Ossining website to learn more, and stay tuned for more information to come very soon.

 

 

This week, the Town’s blacktop contractor was hard at work repaving the access roads to the Cedar Lane Park Pavilion and Dog Park.  Thank you for your patience as this project was slightly delayed as we waited for the weather to finally clear.  There is still a little more work to be done along the edges, so we are not quite ready to open them to vehicular traffic. These roads were the last remaining in this park to be repaved, and the project was planned for last year but delayed due to COVID-19.  You can walk up to the dog park or pavilion and get in your extra steps.

 

 

Remember, if you are an Ossining resident, you get free access to the Cedar Lane Park Dog Park and Ryder Park Dog Run by getting your dog licensed and maintaining the license annually.  Our Town Clerk is in the process of completing a Dog Census to get a better understanding of how many dogs there are in Ossining, and to encourage people to get their dog licensed. We ask that everyone complete the doggie census to help us count the dogs we have in the Town and Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor. New York State Law requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed, and a record of your dog will be kept with our Town Clerk, or the Village of Briarcliff Clerk if you live there, which makes it easier to reunite you with your dog if they get lost. Be a good pet parent by registering your dog with the Briarcliff Clerk’s Office printable form or the Ossining Clerk’s Office online form.

 

 

The Community Equity Task Force re-released its survey to gauge community opinion on issues of equity in our community. Last year, this survey was distributed as the second COVID-19 spike began. Residents who completed the 2020 survey are encouraged to update the Task Force by completing it again in 2021. Take the survey here.

 

 

 

 

 

Across the Country, and locally here in Westchester County, there has been a slight uptick in COVID-19 in recent weeks.  The main contributing factor to this increase is low vaccination rates.  The delta variant is also spreading across the United States, but studies have shown that all three vaccines currently authorized in the US are highly effective against this variant. So, please do your part to slow the spread of the virus by getting vaccinated now if you have not done so already.  Getting vaccinated helps protect you, and your family members, especially if they are unable to get vaccinated, like children under 12 years old.  This is especially important for college students returning to school in the fall - you are starting to run out of time to receive your one-dose or two-dose series of the vaccine and allow two weeks for maximum effectiveness.  The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps is vaccinating today, Friday, July 16 until 6pm at their 8 Clinton Avenue Headquarters with all three vaccines available for walk-ins.  Be sure to follow OVAC’s Facebook page for more vaccination dates as they become available!

 

With COVID-19 in the news, it is a reminder that the pandemic is certainly not over, and neither are the economic hardships many families have been struggling with for the past 18 months.  Thankfully, there are so many programs available to help families in need.  This week, eligible families with children began receiving the 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments from the IRS.  Eligible families can receive advance payments of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.  Families who filed a 2020 tax return do not need to take any action to start receiving payments.  Payments began on July 15, and will continue monthly through December 15 without any further action required, and you can benefit from the credit, even if you do not have any earned income or owe any income taxes.  This monthly benefit is sure to be transformative for so many families, and you can learn more at the IRS website.

 

Rent relief is available for tenants struggling to pay rent and landlords who are owed rent, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  See below for information specific to tenants and landlords in Westchester.

 

 

Food distributions also continue in the Ossining community for all our neighbors in need of food and resources.  Walk-up and curbside pick-up are available every Tuesday at 12noon at Trinity Church and 4pm at HORAC Ministries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children entering school have other immunizations they need to receive besides the COVID-19 vaccine. The Westchester County Health Department will be offering back-to-school immunizations throughout the summer to students who qualify at the County Dept. of Health Clinic in White Plains. Ossining and Briarcliff residents can call the Health Department at (914) 995-5800 to find out if you qualify for an appointment.

 

 

 

Historic Hudson River Towns and all its member communities, which include the Villages of Briarcliff, Ossining, and the Town of Ossining, worked with the company TravelStorys to develop a driving tour of communities along the Hudson, north of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The tour app is available for free via the TravelStorys app. Check out the tour!

 

 

 

The Farmer's Market is brimming with great seasonal produce this time of year, and our friends from the Ossining Public Library will be there too for storytime, giveaways, and library card sign ups.  Get your fruit and veggies for the week, and your library card too!

 

 

 

For those keeping track, this Saturday is a 3^rd Saturday of the month, which means Mind, Body, Spirit – Ossining will be featuring Elisha Simpson of the Crossover Yoga Project for a Trauma Conscious Yoga Class at the Louis Engel Park stage starting at 9am.  This event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged on Community Pass.

 

 

 

HORAC Ministries is holding a summer camp for all ages, with events free to the community and lunch-to-go served daily at 12pm.  See the comprehensive calendar below – next week’s theme is mentorship.

 

 

 

Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is launching an outdoor film series. Films will play at sunset on Saturday July 17^th and Saturday July 31^st. Rain dates will be the day after the originally scheduled date. Register here for tickets and book now as the guest count is limited.

 

 

 

The Ossining Elks Club is hosting the “Big Dog Challenge” tomorrow, Saturday, July 17 at 2pm.  Word on Twitter is that Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester and Ossining Schools Superintendent Dr. Ray Sanchez are gearing up for a showdown at this hot dog eating contest.  It costs $25 to enter, so call ahead to reserve your spot at 914-941-1486.  You are not going to want to miss this!

 

 

 

Ossining Recreation has week-long camp programs scheduled throughout the summer.  Next week’s program is Advanced Engineering for grades 5-9.  Sounds cool, can’t wait to see what these students build!  Register for this program and learn of other programs on Community Pass.  

 

 

 

 

Sing Sing Prison Museum’s Justice Talks webinar series brings amazing conversations to Ossining. The 1971 Attica Prison Uprising brought issues of injustice inside US prisons into the national spotlight. In this program, scheduled for next Thursday, July 22 at 6pm, SSPM will examine racial justice activism, civil rights, and the significance of the 50th Anniversary. Register on the SSPM website.

 

 

 

A new exhibit opened last week at Bethany Arts Community. Artists in the Time of COVID: Paralyzed and Prolific explores the effect of the pandemic on art and artists. The show will run until August 11^th. A reception is planned for July 23^rd. More information is available on the Bethany Arts Community website.  There are also camp programs available at Bethany Arts Community over the coming weeks, including their Camp Weird (and Wonderful!), the Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Show Camp with Theater O.  To view upcoming dates and register, visit the Bethany Arts Community calendar.

 

 

 

The St. Augustine’s Italian Festival is scheduled for next weekend, July 24^th and 25^th. This event was cancelled last year and we are excited to see its return.

 

 

 

 

Edgemont Robotics and UrbanLegacy.org is hosting a Summer Hacker’s Camp for Black Teens (7^th to 10^th grade). The program will take place in New Rochelle, but does not have a residency requirement. For additional information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 914-227-3923.

 

 

 

Shattemuc Yacht Club is hosting a ladies’ kayak day (with gentlemen welcome!) on July 25^th to support the SPCA of Westchester. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddle board for a $25 all inclusive (drinks and food) day! RSVP to Dé DeSousa at (914) 755-6292 and or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is one of my favorite annual events!  Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

The Youth Event Planning Task Force begins meeting weekly on July 28.  This is open to middle and high school students and is a great way to earn community service credit.  Register on Community Pass.

 

 

 

On Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1, Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) returns to live, in-person performances with an outdoor production of Parking Lot Plays, six short new works from WCT’s play development program.  Each site-specific play integrates the environment into its story as the characters navigate the terrain of the parking lot while they tell their tales.  Grab your tickets now!

 

 

This week, we are taking a short summer break from Town Board meetings, so there will be no Town Board meeting on Tuesday, July 20.  We will be back with a Legislative Session on Tuesday, July 27 in our new hybrid in-person/Zoom format from the first floor boardroom at 16 Croton Avenue.

 

It has been quite a hot day today, and the hot weather will continue this weekend with some chances for thunderstorms.  If you plan to be outside, please remember to stay hydrated and take breaks, if you are working. These weather conditions will also strain the power grid, and may cause some customers to lose power.  Reduce your electricity usage by turning down air conditioners and avoiding running appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers during daytime peak hours.  Con Ed customers can report outages or service problems by calling 1-800-75-ConEd or online.  Con Edison customers can also sign up for text notifications online or by texting REG to OUTAGE (688243) and follow the prompts.  Have your Con Ed account number handy to complete the registration process.

 

The Joseph G. Caputo Community Center is available through Sunday, July 18 as a cooling center from 10am to 8pm today and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.  The Louis Engel Park Spray Park will be open extended hours this weekend, too, from 10am to 8pm.

 

For our boaters looking to get out on the Hudson to beat the heat, please remember permits are required to launch at the Bryan Johnson Memorial Boat Ramp.  It is super easy to get your permit online, or pay on the spot by scanning the QR code at the kiosk by the boat ramp.

 

 

Stay cool everyone!

 

--Dana

 

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please e-mail a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

 

 

 

Supervisor's Update - Friday, July 9, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 09 July 2021 09 July 2021

The skies have finally been sunny for most of the afternoon, but unfortunately, since the weather was not cooperating yesterday or earlier today, that leaves us with not great conditions for a concert outdoors on the grass.  Additionally, there are more scattered thunderstorms in the forecast for tonight.  As such, the performance from the Sleepy Hollow String Band has been postponed, we will share the rain date soon.  Summer Concerts are planned for each Friday until September 3^rd. KJ Denhert will take the Engel Park Stage on July 16 at 7pm, with food trucks and our craft beverage corral beginning to serve at 5pm. Special thanks, as always, to the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Mike and Miriam Risko who helped line up the bands, and Sing Sing Kill Brewery for helping bring this summer Fridays tradition back to Ossining, plus support from Recreation Superintendent Bill Garrison.  It has been a doozy of a summer rain season so far - hoping for better weather next week! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this week’s Board Meeting Recreation Superintendent Bill Garrison gave us an update on how our most popular park, Louis Engel Park, gets used during the summer.  We are very happy to see so many families enjoying this beautiful waterfront space, but recognize that sometimes with a lot of people, we also start to see increased garbage and litter, and confusion about park rules.  You can watch the report here.  Bill shared with the Board that a Park Ranger will be on staff several days per week, including the weekend, to help remind people about the park rules.  We also have a lot of plans ahead for additional improvements to the park, including the relocation of the bathroom facility to the southern end of the park, so this will be a continuing conversation as additional improvements are implemented.  As a reminder, swimming is not allowed at the Louis Engel Park Beach, as it is not currently permitted by the Westchester County Department of Health as a bathing beach, which means we do not have complete data regarding water quality or safety of the riverbed below.  Please do not swim at the beach, instead cool off at the spray park – it’s open every day from 12noon to 7pm, except Wednesdays through August 4 when the spray park and playground area are closed from 9am to 3pm for summer camp use. Our parks are very popular and there is a lot of fun scheduled for around Town this summer.  Here are just a few items to check out!

 

 

As a reminder, the Cedar Lane Dog Park and pavilion are closed while the road to this area of the park is repaved. The tentative reopening of these sites is planned for Tuesday, July 13^th as the rain has delayed the start of paving.

 

 

On Tuesdays in July, the Ossining Recreation Department offers family-friendly entertainment at 7pm in a Village park. This week’s weather moved the show indoors to the Rec Center so be sure to look for updates to confirm any last-minute communications.

 

 

 

The Village of Ossining’s Summer Acoustic Music Series kicked off this week. Performances will take place in Market Square on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.  

 

 

 

The Briarcliff Chamber of Commerce is also bringing the summer fun! Music fans are invited to Law Park Field for a concert series starting July 11th and continuing every Sunday until August 1st.

 

 

 

 

Check your mailbox for the Dog Census mailed out by the Clerk’s Office. I got mine in the mail this week, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. The census in an attempt to count how many dogs live in the Town of Ossining, Village of Ossining, and Village of Briarcliff Manor and to remind all pet parents to license their dogs. As a reminder, New York State Law requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed. Get ahead of the census by registering your dog with the Briarcliff Clerk’s Office printable form or the Ossining Clerk’s Office online form.

 

 

The Community Equity Task Force re-released its survey to gauge community opinion on issues of equity in our community. Last year, this survey was distributed as the second COVID-19 spike began. Residents who completed the 2020 survey are encouraged to update the Task Force by completing it again in 2021. Take the survey here.

 

 

 

 

The Recreation Department has a lot of wonderful summer programs lined up for kids and adults. Check out their full catalog to register for pickle ball, kayaking, LEGO engineering, clay & sculpture, and so much more.

 

 

 

The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps is offering Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. You can make an appointment here. OVAC has partnered with vaxupwestchester.org to help residents with the form or answer vaccine-related questions (Spanish speaking volunteers are available). Make sure your college students are ready to go to back to school at the end of summer by getting them vaccinated now! Remember, it is okay to have questions – this past year has felt overwhelming and there is nothing wrong with speaking with a qualified professional. Local pharmacies are also offering the vaccine and willing to speak to you about the different options.

 

 

 

A new exhibit opened yesterday at Bethany Arts Community. Artists in the Time of COVID: Paralyzed and Prolific explores the effect of the pandemic on art and artists. The show will run until August 11^th. A reception is planned for July 23^rd. More information is available on the Bethany Arts Community website.

 

 

 

 

Westchester Medical Center is inviting parents for a free car seat safety check tomorrow from 10am to 2pm. No appointment is required.

 

 

Historic Hudson River Towns and all its member communities, which include the Villages of Briarcliff, Ossining, and the Town of Ossining, worked with the company TravelStorys to develop a driving tour of communities along the Hudson, north of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The tour app is available for free via the TravelStorys app. Check out the tour!

 

 

Playland hosts fireworks displays each Friday at 9:15 planned for tonight through September 3, with a finale show on September 5^th. The season’s full schedule and admissions information is listed at PlaylandPark.org.

 

 

New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick is hosting a webinar focused on grants available to help small businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic. The webinar is scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday. Register here.

 

 

 

Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is launching an outdoor film series. Films will play at sunset on Saturday July 17^th and Saturday July 31^st. Rain dates will be the day after the originally scheduled date. Register here for tickets and book now as the guest count is limited.

 

 

 

The Ossining Elks Club is hosting the “Big Dog Challenge.” It costs $25 to enter, so call ahead to reserve your spot at 914-941-1486.

 

 

 

Sing Sing Prison Museum’s Justice Talks webinar series brings amazing conversations to Ossining. The 1971 Attica Prison Uprising brought issues of injustice inside US prisons into the national spotlight. In this program, SSPM will examine racial justice activism, civil rights, and the significance of the 50th Anniversary. Register on the SSPM website.

 

 

 

 

The St. Augustine’s Italian Festival kicks off the weekend of July 24^th. This event was cancelled last year and we are excited to see its return.

 

 

 

Edgemont Robotics and UrbanLegacy.org is hosting a Summer Hacker’s Camp for Black Teens (7^th to 10^th grade). The program will take place in New Rochelle, but does not have a residency requirement. For additional information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 914-227-3923. 

 

 

 

Shattemuc Yacht Club is hosting a kayak day on July 25^th to support the SPCA of Westchester. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddle board for a $25 all inclusive (drinks and food) day! RSVP to DéSousa at (914) 755-6292 and or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

The Westchester County Health Department will be offering back-to-school immunizations to students who qualify at the County Dept. of Health Clinic in White Plains. Ossining and Briarcliff residents can call the Health Department at (914) 995-5800 to find out if you qualify for an appointment.

 

 

 

 

The Town of Ossining uses Burbio to compile local events into a community calendar. The service reviews different calendars from organizations across Town to create a centralized list of goings-on in Briarcliff and Ossining. Residents can see the calendar on our website and can follow specific types of events for updates.

 

 

The next Town Board meeting will be a Legislative Session on Tuesday, July 13^th. Governor Cuomo has lifted the state-wide state of emergency and Board members will be meeting in person at 16 Croton Avenue in Ossining. Residents can join us in person, but can also continue to join us virtually via Zoom. At this meeting, we will be hosting some special guests from the Village of Briarcliff – Mayor Steve Vescio and Trustee Peter Chatzky – with a presentation requesting that the Town Board consider adopting a tax incentive to encourage development of commercial properties in the Village of Briarcliff Manor.  Additionally, we will hear from Mitzi Elkes and David Margulis from our Environmental Advisory Committee with a proposal to rehab a section of the Ryder Park trails to allow for more trail access in this park.  We have been hearing from the EAC and members of the community throughout the Comprehensive Plan process on interest in expanding passive recreational opportunities in our parks, like walking trails.  We are looking forward to hearing Mitzi and David’s presentation, and will be hopefully scheduling a nice hike in Ryder Park soon!  The Meeting ID and link will be shared each week on our website. Please remember that if you are not vaccinated, you will be required to wear a mask if you choose to join us in-person.  

 

--Dana

 

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please e-mail a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!