Supervisor's Update – Friday, January 22, 2021

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Last Updated: 22 January 2021 22 January 2021

This week we saw the Inauguration of President Biden as the 46^th President of the United States. This peaceful transition of power represents a pillar of our democratic society. It also celebrates a historical achievement for this country in the swearing in of Kamala Harris as the first woman Vice President. This accomplishment cannot be overlooked - representation is a key step toward equity and progress. The new administration is focused on expanding representation in government based on a number of different facets. I applaud this effort. We welcome the new administration to join officials at the federal, state, and local levels to secure a better future for our residents.

 

The Ossining Public Library is celebrating democracy with a recommended reading list that feels perfect for the occasion. The list has books for young readers asking questions about our electoral process and adults looking to learn more about our history and our constitution. We hope these books and resources educate, inspire, and engage.

 

 

The inauguration on Wednesday was notably different than past years. We mourn the 400,000 Americans lost to COVID-19 since the virus first was recorded in this country – which is expected to grow this weekend to surpass the number of American deaths in all of World War II.

 

Just two and a half days into his presidency, President Biden released his COVID-19 response plan and signed quite a few executive orders to that effect. Included in the President’s plan are ramped up efforts for vaccine distribution and testing, akin to a “full-scale wartime effort” for production of vaccines, PPE, and materials necessary for testing. Additionally, President Biden has announced that the United States will be rejoining the World Health Organization, which creates more opportunity for our country to collaborate with leaders around the world to ensure a coordinated response and collaboration on vaccine distribution globally. To read the President’s full plan, visit the White House website. President Biden and Vice President Harris have also indicated that they are committed to ensuring the federal government’s response to COVID-19 is equitable, and addresses the disproportionate impact this pandemic has had on communities of color.

 

Governor Cuomo announced that vaccine shipments so far have fallen short and demand now far exceeds supply. You may have heard that people across the state were contacted this week and told their appointments to receive the vaccine had to be cancelled. The Governor stated he continues to be committed to the promise the vaccine will be distributed “fairly and equitably.” He asked residents to please be patient, as the new administration’s use of the Defense Production Act manufactures and allocates more vaccines to the states. However, until that time he warns, “[We] will see a constant pattern of basically running out, waiting for a new allocation.”

 

 

Testing in New York State is unrelated to vaccine distribution. There are a number of testing options readily available for Town residents, this includes residents of the Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff. Living room spread continues to be the largest contributor to new COVID cases in New York. Avoid gatherings and get tested often – even if you do not have any symptoms. Drive through and walk up testing is available at Star of Bethlehem Church on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can reserve a Sunday appointment for a test at the Ossining Community Center through Westchester Medical Center. Testing through CVS, Open Door, and other sites can be scheduled through the New York State Find a Test Site Near You feature on their website.

 

 

Locally, the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps began offering free rapid testing by appointment only. Register here to reserve a time slot – under no circumstances should anyone attempt to receive a test without an appointment. Additionally, the Mid-Hudson Ambulance District Board met this week, and during that meeting, we learned of some exciting clinical trials happening locally with Northwell Health. Dr. Emil Nigro and Dr. Barry Geller, physicians at Phelps Hospital (a hospital within the Northwell hospital family) shared with the Mid-Hudson Ambulance District Board that Northwell is participating in clinical trials of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody treatments for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Dr. Nigro and Dr. Geller shared that these treatments have been showing promising results, especially if given to a patient early after testing positive for the virus. A primary care physician needs to review any potential case and refer a patient for this treatment, and the infusions are being given at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. We are very lucky to have such top notch providers in our area. To learn more, visit the Northwell website, and please share with any family members, friends, colleagues, or neighbors who may have recently tested positive for the virus. We hope this information will hopefully save lives against this deadly virus.

 

Chabad Lubavitch of Briarcliff Manor and Ossining is organizing a senior services committee to match helpful volunteers with seniors – especially those who may have no family nearby. The volunteers will be able to help with a number of different tasks. Interested seniors can send their names, contact information, and help request to Rabbi Dovid Labkowski at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I would like to thank all the volunteers who have come out to help our neighbors. It is truly a wonderful feature of our “Volunteer-Spirited Town.”

 

I would like to extend my congratulations to science research students at Ossining High School. Seven original projects in this program were named semifinalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search – out of 300 applicants. Mr. Piccirillo and Ms. Holmes, the faculty advisors for the program, have continued working with students during the pandemic to guide students on their projects. Michael Pavelcheck was named a top 40 finalist for his project. He will now compete in March to be in the top 10.

 

 

The second half of 2020/2021 School Tax Bills are due by January 31^st but will be accepted without penalty until February 1, 2021 (as January 31^st is a Sunday). As a reminder, there is no bill mailed for second half school taxes. In an effort to keep residents safe, the Tax Office is offering multiple options for payment:

 

• Online at townofossining.com by e-check for a cost of $1.50 charged* by our service provider (XpressPay).
• At a dedicated mail slot in the Ossining Post Office Lobby (Open 24/7). You must place a stamp on your envelope. It will be postmarked that day if received by 5 pm. After 5 pm will be postmarked the next day.
• By mail from any other mailbox – just make sure your payment envelope is postmarked on or before 2/1/2021.
• At the Town’s Municipal Building LOBBY at 16 Croton Ave during the hours of 9:00 to 2:30 (protocols are in place to keep everyone safe).

*There is a fee of 2.8% for credit cards and $1.50 for using eChecks. NY State Law requires municipalities to pass these fees on to the consumer for tax payments. The amount of the fee will be stated separately for your review before you pay the bill.

 

The Tax Receiver’s Office is ready to assist you if you have any questions about your bill. You can call the Tax Office at (914) 762-8790 or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz and her staff are very helpful if you have any questions. You can also learn more on the Tax Receiver page on the Town of Ossining website. A guide to the online pay system is also available.

 

 

This upcoming week is also your last call for Christmas tree pickup. The trees will be collected on your bulk pick up day. You can review your 2021 sanitation schedule with the Recycle Right Westchester app on your phone or on the Town of Ossining website.

 

 

Our Assessor’s Office announced last week that protections for seniors with limited incomes were expanded following our request to the Governor’s Office. This law enables the Town to continue an exemption on next year’s assessment roll by using last year’s application. You can read a full letter from Assessor Fernando L. Gonzalez here. For further information you can contact the Assessor and his staff at 914-762-8274.

 

 

Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. is offering grants to homeowners and landlords to help add accessibility modifications in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tenants that are interested in the grant are also encouraged to apply. You can learn about the grant, eligibility, and contact information here.

 

 

On February 5 at 1pm, the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) will host a conversation with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. This is the first time in our country's history that the Majority Leader is from New York and the conversation will allow business owners to ask questions directly to the Majority Leader and his staff. This is an opportunity to hear about critical federal issues and legislation that will impact businesses in the Hudson Valley in the next Congress. This is a free event, but registration is required.

 

 

Do you know you can save green by going green? The Town of Ossining is partnering with Sustainable Westchester on the EnergySmart Homes program, which allows people to heat and cool their homes without fossil fuels. We are always excited to participate in programs that help residents save money while saving the planet. Join us on January 28^th at 7pm to learn how to make your home more comfortable. For more information, visit the Sustainable Westchester website or call (914) 242-4725 ext. 122.

 

 

In some more good news coming out of Washington DC this week, President Biden signed an executive order for the United States to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. In late 2020, my Town Board colleagues and I unanimously approved a resolution, along with municipalities across the country, urging the incoming Biden-Harris administration to rejoin this crucial commitment to curbing climate change. As we have shared here before, during the previous presidential administration, states, cities, towns, villages, and communities across the country took steps to do their part to maintain the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, to fill the void in leadership on the federal level. We are proud of the steps we have taken (locally we have installed electric car charging stations, introduced a food scraps recycling program, purchased electric vehicles for our fleet, set an approval process for tier 2 and 3 solar developments, participated in Community Choice Aggregation for green electricity supply, and much more to do our part) but I know I join local leaders across the country in saying that we are grateful for resumed sustainability leadership at the federal level. Together, we truly can do amazing things!

 

Neighbors Link is helping residents navigate the DACA application process by connecting them with immigration attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives. Appointments are available via Zoom for January 29 and February 5 between 10am and 4pm. Neighbors Link provides services in English and Spanish. Call 914-502-3377 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

Teatown is preparing for its 17^th annual Eaglefest, which celebrates the migration of bald eagles to our beautiful Hudson River. The weeklong event starts on Saturday, January 30 and extends until February 7. There will be no programs at Croton Point Park this year, but other in-person locations have been adapted. Virtual presentations will also be offered. You can learn more about Eaglefest on the Teatown website.

 

 

Fable is hosting a Valentine’s Day cooking class led by Ossining’s own Beylka Krupp. Formerly of Wobble café, Beylka will teach two classes, both over Zoom. Visit the Fable: From Farm to Table Facebook page for information about how to register.

 

 

Bethany Arts Community is offering after school classes for children ages 6 and up. The classes include both in-person and virtual options. You can learn more about the classes and registration on the Bethany website. Classes for adult are also available, including one for art history with Dr. Jill Kiefer.

 

Art classes for winter session are also available at the Cedar Lane Arts Center. Visit the Community Pass page to learn about pottery, painting, and some of the other great classes available.

 

 

Please continue to support our local business! Order in, order locally online, arrange for curbside pick up, participate in online classes with local instructors. Stay safe and hopefully we can be together in person again soon.

 

--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!