Supervisor's Update - Friday, October 1, 2021

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Last Updated: 01 October 2021 01 October 2021

How is everyone doing on this beautiful fall day? I hope the start of October is treating everyone kindly.

 

I’ve been wanting to dedicate some time and space for a discussion of how things get done around town. There are a lot of dedicated people in our offices working hard every day to deliver the services and resources our residents need. It’s always very busy, but it’s also important to pause sometimes and ensure we’re communicating well about what’s going on and why, and how you as a resident can get informed and make yourself heard. 

 

Because you’re reading this message, we know that YOU already know that we send out regular communications via email to keep you informed about a variety of things, from upcoming meetings to payment deadlines to special events and other goings-on about town. If your friends and neighbors are always turning to you for updates, please invite them to visit our website (which will be getting a major facelift in the next few months - stay tuned!) and sign up for email alerts so they can also get in the know. We also regularly share authoritative information on our Facebook and Instagram feeds for folks who prefer to get their information on those platforms. 

 

Whenever a new initiative or proposal comes up for discussion, those on our mailing lists are the first to know. We also post notices online and in local news publications to ensure that the public has ample time to give their input on any change that could significantly impact our community. For example, we’re still seeking your feedback on our draft comprehensive plan: click here to take the survey! You are also invited to “come to” every virtual Town Board meeting, and there is dedicated time during each Legislative Session for the public to offer comment on any agenda item before the Board votes on resolutions. If you do not like to speak up publicly, you can email and/or call me, any member of the Board, the entire Board (including me, all at once! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or Town department heads - contact information for relevant offices can also be found on the website. Offices are listed on the left hand side of the website; click on those links to reach the landing page and contact information for each board or office. 

 

Now, if you are looking to meet your neighbors and community in a more social setting, there are many ways to do just that this weekend!

 

A record number of households are participating in Green Ossining’s Town-wide tag sale tomorrow, October 2! The full participant list can be viewed in the Green Ossining Tag Sale Facebook group and at www.greenossining.org/tagsale. As I like to say, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Happy shopping!

 

 

Bethany Arts Community’s second annual Artoberfest is also taking place Saturday, October 2 from 10 AM - 4:30 PM. Bethany is such a wonderful asset! Make sure to sign up to enjoy what promises to be a great day of art, food and fun for the whole family. There are timed tickets to limit the size of the crowds, so be sure to click here to learn more and register. 

 

 

Also this weekend: The Westchester Craft Crawl is back! This is always so much fun and the quality of the crafts is top notch. Visit stops on the crawl map anytime between 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3! Visit https://www.westchestercraftcrawl.com/ to learn more about the event, its crafters and sponsors, and get the map.

 

 

Another annual day of fun is back this year as well: the Ossining Boat & Canoe Club is hosting its Family Fun & Fishing Day this Sunday, October 3 from 12-4 PM. $10 per family includes hot dogs, water and fishing instruction. It is so wonderful to have these outdoor events back so we can be with one another in person and safely.

 

At 3:15 on Tuesday, October 5, all are invited to join the County Executive’s office at Kensico Dam as the County raises the Italian flag in recognition of Italian Heritage Month. 

 

 

The Westchester County Youth Bureau invites high school students throughout Westchester County who identify as female to come together to be empowered in celebration of International Day of The Girl. The event will be engaging and interactive, and will be virtual, to be held Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 6-7 PM.  

 

 

The Westchester Library System is hosting a session called “Demystifying Medicare and Healthcare Coverage for Seniors,” at the Briarcliff Manor Community Center. The session will cover a variety of topics related to healthcare for older adults, including original Medicare, the Medicare Advantage Plan, prescription drug plans (Part D), Medigaps (supplemental plans), and various other cost-saving programs. To register, call 914-941-6560 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Nelson Park is now home to a new nine-hole disc golf course! The course opened earlier this week and is available from dawn till dusk. For those who do not know, disc golf is a game played like traditional golf, but instead of a ball you use a frisbee! It is fun for all ages. Instruction is available for new players; register for youth programs (grades 5-8) here and adult programs here.

 

 

In other recreation news: the Village of Ossining is soliciting applications for a lifeguard captain. Click here to read more and learn how to apply.

 

The Ossining Public Library is hosting Latin Dance workshops every Thursday during Hispanic Heritage month. There is an all-ages session at 6:30 and a teens and adults session at 7:30. Learn salsa, bachata and more! Click here to register. 

 

 

Also on the topic of Hispanic Heritage month: Altice USA is running a Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest for middle and high school students. Eligible students are invited to submit an essay about a person of Hispanic heritage, past or present, who inspires them and explain why. Essays must be received by October 31, 2021. Winners will be announced around November 24th and a virtual winner ceremony will take place in early December. Prizes include a $1,500 cash scholarship and iPads. More details, including where to submit, can be found at www.optimum.com/HMM. 

 

As the weather gets colder, please reach out for help if you or someone you know is having difficulty heating their home. Applications open today for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), overseen by the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Click here to read more about the types of help that are available, check your eligibility, and apply.

 

Periodic check-in as we continue to recover from natural disasters and a pandemic. If you are in the process of filing claims for damage related to Hurricane Ida, read your correspondence with FEMA carefully. Here’s how. 

 

The US Small Business Association also opened a Business Recovery Center at the New York Power Authority building (123 Main St.) in White Plains on September 21. It will be open from 9-5 every weekday until further notice. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help people complete applications. As a reminder, business owners can also apply for aid online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/m. 

 

Also, remember that if you or someone you know lost work or income due to the pandemic but were not eligible for unemployment insurance or other forms of federal COVID relief, there are resources to help if you act quickly. Dial 211 to learn more about programs like the Excluded Worker Fund and apply. Emergency Rental Assistance funds are also still available; click here to start or continue an application, and click here to read more about the program and see if you might be eligible. 

 

 

Many people are rethinking their career paths in light of the disruptions (and opportunities for reflection) brought to us by the pandemic. If you’re one of them, the Westchester Library System has a variety of free career coaching resources and they will be offering several sessions of their “Managing Your Career in Changing Times” webinar series this fall. The deadline to register for the session beginning October 13 is October 4. Click here to learn more and register. 

 

 

If going back to school would help you in your career, click here to learn more about applying to Westchester Community College through their virtual information sessions this fall. There are general information sessions taking place every week through the end of the fall. Participants will find out more about available programs and services and be able to ask questions and apply to the college. Attendees will also receive an online application fee waiver code to waive the $50 application fee!

 

 

Here’s an opportunity for those working in science, technology, engineering & math: The Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator, a business incubator for innovation in science and technology, is accepting applications for its 2022 cohort. Click here to read more about the program and how to apply. 

 

If discounted internet would be helpful to you, read on. Altice USA announced last week that it is increasing the speed of its “Altice Advantage Internet” affordable broadband service at no additional cost and renaming it “Optimum Advantage Internet.” The speed increase will provide download speeds up to 50 Mbps to new and existing “Optimum Advantage Internet” customers starting this month at the same price of $14.99 per month. To learn more and check your eligibility for the discounted internet, click here. 

 

Save the date: Ossining Matters will be hosting a Movie by Moonlight fundraiser event on Saturday, October 16. Food and fun for the whole family! Register and purchase tickets at www.ossiningmatters.org.

 

 

So much to do, so little time! Hope you get to a whole bunch.  We will see you soon -- till then, enjoy all that Ossining has to offer, be safe and healthy!

 

--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 email 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!