Supervisor's Update- August 16th, 2019

Details

Last Updated: 16 August 2019 16 August 2019

It's almost time to head back down to the Waterfront for another Food Truck Friday! This week, we will be joined by Sloppie Joe's, Westchester Burger Company, Aji Limo, Brothers Fish n Chips, Cravin Jamaican, Penny Lick Ice Cream, and Sing Sing Kill Brewery.

I am excited to say that the musical act coming to the Engel Park stage this week is no stranger to us-- well-known reggae performers Taj Weekes and Adowa, who have joined us in the past, will begin at 7PM. Make sure to bring your chairs and beach blankets and get settled in early-- snacks and singing, crunching and crooning, Food Truck Fridays and the Summer Concert Series are a great match.

We received some excellent grant-related news this week, as the State finally approved our contracts for two major projects coming up -- our new Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements and Food Scrap Recycling Pilot Program.  We were notified several months back of our grant awards for these projects, but there were still quite a few reviews that needed to be completed on the State-level before we could hit the ground running. 

Speaking of Comprehensive Plans, Deputy Supervisor Liz Feldman and Victoria Cafarelli from my office attended the first meeting of the Village of Ossining's Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee earlier this week.  Since both Town and Village are going to be undergoing the comprehensive planning process, having Town representation on the Village's steering committee and vice versa is very important to ensure a more widespread community vision for Ossining.  Very soon, we will be looking for applicants to form a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for the Town, so stay tuned! 

We were also alerted that Westchester County received a $4.1 million grant for lead paint abatement. If you live in a home built before 1978, it's possible that you have lead based paint in your home-- if lead is swallowed, inhaled or consumed, it can affect and disrupt the development of the nervous system in young children and fetuses. If you believe you may be living in a home with lead paint, particularly if you are pregnant or have children under the age of 6, you may be eligible for the County's abatement program. Westchester County provides project management services and improvements at no cost to the property owner or tenant-- email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply.

The Fall Recreation catalog has been posted, and there are some great offerings!  I encourage you to take a look at the entire catalog -- there is truly a program for everyone, from dance classes, to exercise classes, swimming lessons, and more.  If you're looking for something to boost your creativity, check out the classes being offered at the Cedar Lane Arts Center this season:

As the summer winds down, it is a little bit of a quiet weekend around Ossining.  Here are some events you can participate in around town, but if you're looking for more of a "staycation," check out the free museum passes offered at the Ossining Public Library with your library card!  Victoria in my office strongly recommends checking out Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.  It's a great place to get outside, and learn about their mission to create a healthier and more sustainable food system.  On the weekend, you can participate in programs like meet the bees or a tasting with a farmer and chef featuring Stone Barns' amazing produce.  There is so much you can enjoy right in our own backyard!  

If you do plan to hop out of town this weekend (or next), please be aware that a special schedule will be in effect for Metro North for August 17th-18th and 24th-25th to accommodate some track work near Garrison. Check out the revised schedule here.

We anticipate another warm weekend, and managing access to the Croton River via New York State’s Unique Area continues to be very challenging. From our Police Chief: ”It’s a complicated issue that we’re working on through a combination of enforcement activities and legislative initiatives aimed at preserving the safety and quality of life of all those who live in and visit the Town of Ossining.”

Don't forget-- you still have time to go meet Coaster this summer! Since Ossining Day (Night) got rained out, anyone with proof of Ossining residency can get the Ossining benefits on any other Town Days this summer (here's the list).  You will receive discount coupons when you arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building, including one free mini golf entry, one 2-for-1 rides admission (a wristband good for all the rides), one free beach admission, one free pool admission, $1 off of one food value meal and a $5 discount for parking on a return visit to the park.  I hope you will consider taking advantage of these discounts and enjoying a day of fun at Playland!  

Mind, Body, Spirit -- Ossining continues this weekend!  Elisha Simpson from Crossover Yoga Project will be back at Louis Engel Park for morning yoga at 9AM on Saturday, August 17th.  Unfortunately, her Wednesday evening class was cancelled because the weather forecast wasn't looking great, so come check out her amazing class Saturday morning!  Then, head over to Ryder Park for Tae Kwon Do with Master Kenyon Winfield of UMAC Briarcliff at Ryder Park at 1PM, also on Saturday, August 17th.  Please register in advance to be notified in the event of a weather related closing and qualify for raffles and giveaways from UMAC Briarcliff and Club Fit Briarcliff at the end of the summer. But as always, walk-ins are welcome.

Also on Saturday, August 17th is National Adoption Day, and SPCA of Westchester is participating in Clear the Shelters adoption event from 10AM to 4PM with waived or reduced adoption fees for some animals. Head over to the SPCA’s website www.spca914.org to meet the over 100 animals looking to find their forever homes in our community!

What are your plans for Sunday afternoon? Ossining favorite Gyro Uno will be "popping up" at the Sing Sing Kill Brewery for a catered lunch-- come grab some Greek and Mediterranean food to couple with some craft brews. They will be serving between 1PM and 4PM, so make sure to pace yourself. Their food is that yummy.

On Monday evening, Shannon will be back with her free "Yoga in the Park" in Briarcliff Manor's Law Park. Come for the yoga, nama-stay for the scenery-- only a few weeks left of that summer sunshine!

Then on Wednesday, August 21st, make sure to stop by the fourth and final Ossining Police Department Block Party-- this one will take place on Dale Avenue between 5PM and 7PM. Come say goodbye to summer with your friends and neighbors and get ready for back to school-- it'll be here before you know it!

On Sunday, August 25th, you have another chance to check out another walking tour of Ossining's Historic Sparta neighborhood.  The tour begins at the Jug Tavern at 1:00PM with a showing of the video “The Battle for Sparta.”  Participants will then walk about six blocks through the neighborhood learning about the historic homes in the landmarked district.  Admission is free, but participation is limited to 20 people so reserve your space by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. But if you miss the cutoff, don't worry, you still have a few more opportunities this season to catch this fascinating tour -- on Sunday, September 8th and October 6th. 

The Town Board will be holding a brief Special Meeting on Tuesday morning at 8AM to address some pressing business (mostly hiring for a few vacant part time positions and the grant contracts mentioned earlier) and will not be holding our scheduled evening Work Session. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on what we have planned for the last meeting in August-- it will likely be our last meeting until September 10th, so we will have a packed agenda! Until then, enjoy the warm weather and I will see you around Ossining!

--Dana

Supervisor's Update- August 9th

Details

Last Updated: 12 August 2019 12 August 2019

Food Truck Friday is BACK at the Waterfront tonight! Our friends at the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce have a great line-up for us starting at 5PM, including Aji Limo/Peruvian Cuisine, Cravin Jamaican Cuisine, Sloppie Joes (if you haven't tried their Churros filled with Bavarian Cream, you're going to want to do that ASAP), Westchester Burger Company, Penny Lick Ice Cream Company, Brothers Fish & Chips, and some locally brewed suds from Sing Sing Kill Brewery to wash it all down!