Supervisor's Update- October 12th, 2018

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Last Updated: 12 October 2018 12 October 2018

Ahhh-- THERE is that crisp fall air we've been promised all week! Now that we have a chance to dry off for a few hours, let me share what we've been up to here in the Town of Ossining since we last spoke.

 

After celebrating the holiday on Monday, we had a lot of work to squeeze into only four days. The early part of this week was largely dedicated to preparing for the 4th Annual Organ Donor Enrollment Day, a program in which the Town has participated since 2016. The national organ shortage is an issue that I worked on in Assemblywoman Sandy Galef's office, and I was excited to get the Town and Village of Ossining more involved. Did you know that there are more than 10,000 New Yorkers waiting for organs and that every 18 hours, a New Yorker dies waiting for a life-saving transplant? These numbers are unacceptable, but also unnecessary! Data shows that the majority of New York's population is supportive of organ donation, but many have not yet signed up to be a donor because they have never seriously considered it. Well, now's the time!

 

We kicked off this important day with a press conference outside Town/Village Hall-- I was joined by Town Councilwoman Jackie Shaw, State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, State Senator David Carlucci, Caleb Hersh from the office of County Legislator Catherine Borgia, Ossining Village Mayor Victoria Gearity and Village Manager Deborah McDonnell, Ossining Public Library Director Karen LaRocca-Fels, Sing Sing Correctional Facility Superintendent Michael Capra, and Scott Wohl from Live On NY, the organization responsible for coordinating donations in our area of the NY metro area. We were also joined by several folks who told their survivor stories, including Janet Ocasio, Ira Copperman and Glenda Daggert from Transplant Support Organization, and our good friend Ron Kamen and his wife Linda Curtis (their story is incredibly touching-- Ron donated part of his liver to Linda, a donation which saved her life, and both of their livers regenerated!)

 

 

Although this year's Enrollment Day is over, you can always visit LiveOnNY's website to sign up to be an organ donor. If you have already signed up, please consider discussing it with family and friends and speaking to them about why you have chosen to enroll-- just one person can save up to 8 lives with donated organs, and improve the lives of another 50 people through tissue donation! Check out this moving video that was shared with us about St. Luke’s Meridian Hospital in Idaho. They hold a walk of respect for organ donors.

 

 

Last evening, we joined our friends in the Village of Ossining as they hosted the Westchester Municipal Officials Dinner-- all municipalities are invited to host once every five years. The Village chose to host this time at the Mariandale Center, which had just dedicated 34 acres of pristine riverfront property as open space forever. Despite the soggy weather, we had a great time meeting with our fellow municipalities and discussing current issues that affect us all, including the SALT legislation and the proposed legal challenge organized by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, and hearing from political pundits about the upcoming election.

 

 

Work continues on the Forest o' Fears Haunted Hayride. The event, scheduled for the evenings of Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th will transport you out of our quaint Cedar Lane Park and into one big spooky scene! This is the last weekend for volunteers to sign up to work on the event, so if you want to lend a hand, or if your kids want a fun way to earn community service hours, email the Hayride team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You could have as much fun as these guys!

 

Have you purchased your tickets for the Hayride yet? Visit www.forestofears.org to be sure you can secure the ride time of your choice! Worried the Hayride may be a little scary for your crew? Not to worry. The Halloween Village will have music, food, games and vendors to visit and "field access only" tickets will be available at the gate!

 

This year’s general election will take place on Tuesday, November 6^th.  If you are not registered to vote, or would like to change your party affiliation before the election, today is the last day to register to vote!  For more information and forms, please visit the Westchester County Board of Elections website (https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/).  Below are some important dates for this November’s election:

• Friday, Oct. 12, 2018: Last day to register to vote in person or form must be postmarked by mail.
• Friday, Oct. 12, 2018: Last day to receive party affiliation change in our office.
• Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018: Last day to receive a change of address within our county in person or by mail in order to appear in General Election Poll books.
• Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018: Last day to register if you have been honorably discharged from the military or became a naturalized citizen since Oct. 12.
• Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018: Last day to submit via mail an application for an absentee ballot.

 

For the next week or so, we will continue to accept responses to our Project Forward survey-- we have gotten more than 130 responses thus far, so keep em' coming! Not sure what this is all about? We sent out postcards to all property owners in Ossining directing them to this site, where you can learn more about Town operations. Once you've gone through the material, we ask that you complete a short survey to give us your thoughts on what you've read. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, it is, and it's also invaluable information for the Town Board as we look into the future of our community-- we look forward to hearing from you!

 

In case you plan to get out of town tomorrow (Saturday), Metro North has let us know that there will be service changes along the Hudson Line to accommodate some necessary track work, which will affect travel here in Ossining. Trains operating between Poughkeepsie and Cortlandt (north of us) will run on an hourly schedule, while local trains operating between Grand Central Station and Croton Harmon will run on a regular weekend schedule. You can find a copy of tomorrow's schedule here.

However, if you plan to stay in town (which of course, I highly recommend!), you will be in good company, there is plenty to do! I am looking forward to tonight's event at Cedar Lane Arts Center, when the Crossover Yoga Project  will be holding their annual fundraiser. There are some tickets still available-- visit CYP's website to get yours and learn more about their very worthy mission.

 

Tomorrow, Ossining Little League Football and Cheer will hold their annual Saturday Night Lights event at the upper field of Veteran's Park between 5PM and 8PM. Bring the little ones and come support Little League Football while enjoying food, bouncy houses, face painting and a chance to buy OLLF gear. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

 

On the evening of Sunday, October 14th, come out for Happy Hour on the Hudson benefitting the Ossining Children's Center! Between 5PM and 7PM, the OCC will host at Factoria at Charles Point in Peekskill-- come for the craft beers, live music, and delicious appetizers, and stay for the amazing view, all while raising funds for the Children's Center's tuition assistance program. Visit ossiningchildrenscenter.org to grab your tickets today.

 

The Ossining Arts Council will be showcasing more than 20 local artists all around Ossining this Saturday, October 15^th, between 11AM and 4PM, as part of their Open Studio Tours. Plan your self-guided route on the OAC’s map, which you can pick up at the Ossining Farmer’s Market or download at www.ossiningartscouncil.org.

 

Tuesday, October 16th will be Senior Law Day at Westchester County Center. Between 9AM and 2PM, visit more than two dozen educational workshops, one-on-one consultations and opportunities to meet elder law attorneys, financial planners, geriatric care managers and more. The County will provide free parking for this event. If you are a senior, or have one in your life, make sure not to miss this free event next week-- get a list of the planned workshops and topics here.

 

Two fascinating documentary screenings are coming up next week. On Tuesday, October 16th, the Briarcliff Manor Public Library will be showing "A Plastic Ocean" at the W.J. Vescio Community Center at 1 Library Road. This film uncovers the role of plastics in the destruction of marine life in our waterways and oceans. Before the screening, there will be a brief presentation on how our continued use of plastics is threatening our natural environment. This free program begins at 6:30PM.

 

The Ossining Documentary and Discussion series returns next week with “Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope.” Learn how toxic stress hormones borne of childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on the bodies, brains, and even life outcomes of those children as they enter adulthood. Scientists and researchers examine the science behind these effects and depend on cutting edge science and therapy methods to fight back. This will be an interesting film for sure, as will the panel discussion that follows. This free event begins at 6:30PM on Thursday, October 18th in the Budarz Theater at the Ossining Public Library—learn more at ossiningdocumentaries.org.

 

(Sidenote-- the Ossining Public Library will be holding the Friends of the OPL Annual Book Sale beginning on the 18th-- stop by between 1PM and 9PM that day and pick up some great books while supporting a great cause! Can't make it on Thursday? Stop by on Friday the 19th between 10AM-5PM, Saturday the 20th between 9AM and 5PM, and Sunday the 21st between 1PM and 4PM. You can find the Friends book sale in the Main Gallery on the ground floor of the Library.)

 

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers will be screening the film "Infinitely Polar Bear" as part of their 2018-19 International Film Festival on Friday, October 19th at 7:30PM. The film is a 2014 American comedy-drama written and directed by Maya Forbes.  It deals with a manic-depressive father trying to win back his wife by attempting to take full responsibility of their two young, spirited daughters, who don't make the overwhelming task any easier. The film festival provides nine monthly offerings on Friday evenings from September to May. The current series -- “Family” -- includes an introduction by a Maryknoll missioner and a brief discussion after the screening. The screening will take place at 55 Ryder Road in Ossining.

 

October 20^th is another big day in Ossining—start off the day with a quick run around town when you join the Ossining PBA for their “Foot Pursuit 5K.” The race starts in our very own Cedar Lane Park before heading on to the local roads—included with the price of registration is a beautiful view of the Hudson. If you are one of the first 3 finishers (you’ll have to “Beat the Chief” and he just completed a Half Iron Man race, so you’d better start training now), you could win a 3 month membership to Club Fit and lots of other prizes, so enroll your family today! Visit the Ossining PBA Facebook page for a link to the registration site—the first 50 people to sign up get some PBA swag, and all proceeds go to benefit a scholarship fund for Ossining children.

 

 

 

 

Bethany Arts Community will host the Northeast Etsy Artists Collective Fall Artisan Market on Saturday, October 20th (10AM-4PM) and Sunday, October 21st (12PM- 5PM). Come get a head start on your holiday shopping while you explore beautiful artisinal art, jewelry, home decor, pottery and so much more. A percentage of sales will go towards supporting Bethany's mission to support artists crate new work and develop programming for the Ossining community. BAC is located at 40 Somerstown Road (Route 133) in Ossining.

 

 

Later that night, you have four chances to see live music right here in Ossining, so you'd better get planning. Join The Jug Tavern of Sparta for a night of banjo and fiddle music when Tim Rowell and Ambrose Verdibello perform at the Jug. There are 2 seatings, one at 3 and one at 7, with a $5 suggested donation at the door. You do not want to wait on this-- both seatings will "sell out" for sure-- so email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your seats. Little known fact-- Tim Rowell is the brother of Ossining resident, and former Ossining Town Historian, Martha Mesiti! Tim and Martha both grew up here in Ossining, which makes these shows even more special.

 

 

If you go see Tim and Ambrose at 3PM, you could ALSO head to the Steamer Firehouse for the soulful tunes of The Vibe Theory, who will be playing that night at 8PM (get your tickets at www.ossiningartscouncil.org), or to see Rhythm Rising perform some latin jazz at the Elks Lodge (118 Croton Avenue) starting at 7:30PM, OR to see jazz vocalist Alexa Cole at the Westchester Collaborative Theater—doors open at 7PM for a 7:30PM show. Visit  www.wctheater.org to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although it seems like Halloween is a long way from here, it is only 3 weeks away! Join us on Saturday, October 27^th for the 3^rd Annual Ossining Howl-o-Ween Kids & Pet Parade on Upper Croton Avenue. The parade kicks off at 11AM outside the Elks Lodge at 118 Croton Avenue and heads up to the Mike Risko Music School at 44 Croton Avenue, but the fun doesn’t stop when the marching does! Stay for music, games, and prizes! Thanks to the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce Uptown Alliance for organizing this fun annual event for our little ones and our furry friends, who also love strutting their stuff this time of year!

 

Not one for marching? No worries. The Ossining Public Library will hold an Adult Pumpkin Painting Workshop at 12PM-- kids can come too, but pre-registration is required for everyone. Call James Trapasso at 941-2416 ext. 327 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up for this free activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're anything like me, this kind of a day makes you want to put on something cozy, curl up and read a good book. Not going to make it to the Library before they close tonight? Not to worry. If you have a library card through the Westchester Library System, you can download the OverDrive app and borrow e-books directly to your Kindle or tablet, for free! Download up to 10 books (or audiobooks) at a time without ever leaving your cozy nook! Not entirely sure how to navigate this? The Briarcliff Manor Public Library will hold a workshop on Saturday 10/13 from 11AM-12:30PM, or on Thursday, October 18th from 6:30PM-8PM. Register for either session by emailing or calling Shelley Glick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 941-7072. 

--Dana

 

Town Hall & Special Meeting- Tuesday, October 16th, 2018

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Last Updated: 12 October 2018 12 October 2018

Town Hall & Special Meeting

Tuesday, October 16th, 2018

Budarz Theater - Ossining Public Library

53 Croton Avenue, Ossining NY 10562

7:30 PM 

 

 

pdf 10-16-2018 Special Meeting Agenda (131 KB)

 

Town Hall Meeting Agenda:

1. Update on CCA Contract and Pricing: Dan Welsh, Sustainable Westchester/ Westchester Power

 

Please remember the following:

• The meeting will begin at 7:30PM. If you plan to attend, please arrive early to ensure you have time to find parking.
• We must leave the Library by 9:15PM at the absolute latest. If you wish to address the Board and time runs out, please be prepared to submit your comment or question in writing and the Board will make sure your question is answered as soon as possible.
• If you cannot make this meeting, it will not be live-streamed (there is no ability to do this from the Library)-- the meeting will be recorded and posted to the Town's YouTube channel within 48 hours. 

Planning Board Meeting- October 17th, 2018

Details

Last Updated: 11 October 2018 11 October 2018

A meeting of the Planning Board of the Town of Ossining will be held on:

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

 

7:30 P.M. at the

 

John Paul Rodrigues

Ossining Operations Center

101 Route 9A

Ossining, NY 10562

 

 

Preliminary Agenda

·      Rayford Daverne & Sons, 52-1 & 52-3 Old Albany Post Road, Architectural Review, PUBLIC HEARING Continued

 

·      Santucci & Schemmer, 37 & 41  Croton Dam Road, Subdivision & Lot Line Amendment, pdf PUBLIC HEARING (14 KB)

 

·      River Knoll, Multi Family Development, 40 Croton Dam Road, Preliminary Final Environmental Impact Statement - Review

 

·      Rinaldi Subdivision, 39 Stormytown Road, 9 Lot Subdivision

 

·      SPCA of Westchester, 590 North State Road, Site Plan Amendment

 

·      General Electric / Lerman, Shady Lane Farm Road & Cedar Lane,  Lot Line Amendment

 

 

Please visit the Planning Board Projects Page to view PDF copies of documents pertaining to the Agenda for October 17th.