Supervisor's Update – Friday, March 5, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 05 March 2021 05 March 2021

Some good news: everyone who had to wait until March for their vaccine appointment is a little closer to getting one! Last March, crowd sourced information led us to stores with toilet paper, this year everyone is coming together to share information on open vaccine appointments. It is inspiring to see everyone working together to register for appointments.

 

Of course, this is also disappointing that this is necessary. I join you in frustration that the official distribution system and communication system relies so heavily on word-of-mouth from tech-savvy individuals. Thankfully, with the approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we are expecting the number of vaccination sites to increase. UPS began shipping vials across the country on Monday night and the Biden Administration has greenlit increased manufacturing of the vaccine under the Defense Production Action. Johnson & Johnson’s is the third vaccine available in this country and the first that will not require intense refrigeration or a second shot. This is very exciting! Westchester County publishes locations for their vaccine allocation in their weekly press releases (we are just wrapping up Week 12). Check your eligibility on the NYS website.

 

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also conducive to distribution to homebound individuals.  If you know of anyone in Ossining who is unable to leave their home to travel to a vaccination site, please contact my office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (914) 762-6001.  Westchester County has asked municipalities to begin developing lists of individuals who may need a mobile vaccination unit to come to their home and they will hopefully be able to provide this service very soon.

 

For the past few weeks, I have been including a call to volunteers in an effort to establish a program here in Ossining similar to Greenburgh’s COVID Angels program.  This program is volunteer based, and intended to assist seniors with accessing vaccine appointments. Last week, a resident volunteered to spearhead this effort, and we are happy to see it take off.  If you would like to get involved, or know of a senior that may need help navigating the complex appointment process, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Joan Smyth Dengler will make sure they are connected to someone who can help. Big shout out to Joan and the team of volunteers who have come forward to assist our community with vaccines!

 

Remember that we still all need to remain vigilant while we work toward herd immunity. Keep wearing a mask, washing your hands, etc.-- you know the drill--just keep up the good work. Social distancing is also still very important, especially with the variant strains of the virus.

 

 

 

It is hard to believe we are rounding the corner on the one year anniversary of the pandemic reaching Westchester County and Ossining. This past week, County Executive George Latimer recognized this solemn anniversary with a remembrance service, moment of silence, and County-wide “moment of clapping” for our incredible front-line workers.  Next Saturday, March 13 at 10am, the Village and Town of Ossining will participate in a local memorial event to remember the victims in our community.  The Village will be breaking ground on a COVID-19 Remembrance Memorial at Nelson Sitting Park to memorialize those we have lost during the pandemic and establish a space for family members and friends to seek solace.  It has truly been a very challenging year for everyone, but especially those of us who have lost loved ones due to the virus. It is so important to pause, even in our busy lives, to remember and acknowledge the sheer loss we have faced this past year.

 

 

The Ossining Community Equity Task Force held their March meeting on Thursday to discuss access to wifi and vaccine hesitancy. We are hoping to hold a Town Hall style with the community sometime in April to discuss these important topics as they relate to equity in the age of COVID.  Stay tuned!  Meetings are held each month and members are encouraged to share events and information in pursuit of equity in our community and beyond. The group also published the results of the 2020 survey. You can view those survey results here. For information on future meetings, visit our Facebook page or join our email list at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

Another important meeting coming up in April is our second Comprehensive Plan public workshop! On Thursday, April 8 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm please join us to learn more about the “Sustainable Ossining” Comprehensive Plan.  Based upon feedback from the first public workshop, survey, and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, draft goals have been developed.  This workshop will be an interactive opportunity for the public to review the draft goals, see how their input has been incorporated into this draft vision for the Town, and stay involved in this process.  The flyer below includes the Zoom information, and we ask that you join via a computer, versus a smartphone or tablet, so your participation can be enhanced.  And for those of you without access to Zoom, there will be more opportunities to provide feedback via non-virtual methods in the spring.  For e-mail updates specific to the Comprehensive Plan process, please subscribe on our website.

 

 

 

We have heard a lot about large potholes on State Route 9A and other State roads like Routes 9, 133, and 134. You can report potholes on State roads by calling 1-800-pothole. There is a bill before the State Senate and Assembly that would allow a study pertaining to proposed improvements of 9A in the Towns of Ossining and Mount Pleasant. We join this call from State legislators requesting this road receive special attention from the Department of Transportation. The bill would authorize the Department of Transportation to conduct the study of (at minimum) the costs of new guardrail installations, underpass renovation, and the impact of such improvements on local traffic patterns and the environment. Thanks to the Village of Briarcliff it is easy to share your support for this bill here.

 

 

 

Congratulations are in order for a local dynamic duo! Graham and the Virtual Music Lesson was published this week, written by Melody Risko and illustrated by Miriam Risko. The book tells the story of a grizzly bear who is excited for his first virtual piano lesson with his teacher Larry the Lion. The book not only tells a story, but also helps parents and children navigate the world of virtual music lessons with tips for setting up their camera, finding good lighting, when to practice, and more fun.

 

 

 

The Westchester Community Opportunity Program is offering job training and employment readiness services. Get some help touching up your resume, learn how to answer interview questions, get certifications/trainings and much more. Call (914) 636-3050 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

 

 

 

 

The Ossining Padres Hispanos Resource Center is collecting staple food and household items, including toothpaste, toilet paper, dish soap, and detergent and red beans, black beans, chickpeas, rice, pasta, cooking oil, sugar, and flour. The center is located at 23-25 Spring Street, on the 3^rd floor. Check it out!

 

 

 

 

Arts and athletics classes for winter session are available at the Cedar Lane Arts Center. Visit the Community Pass page to learn about all of the amazing programs being offered by the Ossining Recreation Department (open to Village of Ossining residents, unincorporated town residents, and residents of the Village of Briarcliff).  And keep a close eye on the Community Pass page – spring programming should be released next week!

 

 

 

We had some warm days this week, and then some windy – downright frigid – days. If you or someone you know needs a place to stay on a cold night, Ossining and Briarcliff's local houses of worship provide adult shelter and a warm meal every night of the week from December through March. Meet in front of The Open Door before 9 pm. Transportation is provided to the place where the shelter is for the night. All are welcome. No drugs, drunkenness, or weapons are allowed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gullotta House is offering free meals to those who need them from the Stop & Shop parking lot. The organization has been offering community meals each Friday for nearly a year. Distribution begins at 4pm, where volunteers will distribute 300 hot meals and 250 canned goods. Your continued generosity has made this year-long endeavor possible. Donations for the organization are accepted at www.gullottahouse.org.

 

 

 

And now for some events!

 

One of my favorite bi-annual events, Westchester Collaborative Theater is hosting its Living Art Event virtually this year, and it kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, March 6. This is the event they do in collaboration with Ossining Arts Council. Playwrights select a work of art by one of our local talents, and write a play based on something in that work that inspires them. While we cannot have in person docents this year, the event is still such a great one showcasing the works of our performing and fine artists. Virtual performances for ticketholders start tomorrow. The 2021 LAE is dedicated to the memory of Joe Albert Lima, longtime WCT playwright, director, and actor who passed away last year. Lima was scheduled to direct the LAE in 2020. You can purchase tickets on the Westchester Collaborative Theater website.

 

 

 

The Briarcliff Public Library is hosting zoom fiction book clubs this spring. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation for the discussion. To register, please email Shelley Glick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call the library at 914-941-7072, or visit our website at www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org.

 

 

Every four years, Westchester County offers an exam for people looking to become a police officer. The test was delayed last year due to the pandemic, but now it is back! The Ossining Police Department put out a great video on Monday outlining the application process and the requirements. They have also set up a computer in the lobby of the police station for anyone who needs internet access to apply. You can check out OPD’s video on their Facebook page, you do not need to have a Facebook account to watch. Sign-ups for the exam are allowed until the end of the month and the police department will be sharing reminders until then.

 

If you are not interested in becoming a police officer, Westchester County offers a whole host of civil service exams for positions ranging from office work to engineering. The Town, along with all other municipalities, fire districts, and school districts, are required to hire off of these civil service lists for most positions.

 

 

 

 

The fourth (and final, for now) panel discussion hosted by The Westchester Women's Advisory Board will be on Economic Equality on Tuesday, March 9th from 7-8:30pm. The event can be viewed on Zoom or on Facebook (where it will be live streamed. Register in advance here. Send your questions in advance to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

Sugaring Days are back at Teatown at the Warren Sugarhouse! The sugarhouse is one of the site’s longest-standing structures, and is where they produce their maple syrup! You and your family can join in on the fun with weekend programs through March 20^th. Tours are limited to one family (no more than 5 people) for 20 minutes each. Tickets are $10/family for Members, $15/family for non-members. Register on the Teatown website.

 

 

 

Westchester Medical Center will be conducting testing for Ossining residents Sunday, March 14th, 21st and 28th, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. In order to sign up to be tested, residents must make a reservation. Reservations can be made in English or Spanish by calling 914-202-4530 or through the Westchester Medical Center website.

 

 

 

Winter’s cold temperatures - and the high utility bills that follow - might have many residents wondering if there’s a more efficient, environmentally friendly way to heat their homes. Learn about an opportunity to reduce your home energy consumption, lower your energy bills, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the year-round comfort and value of your home with EnergySmart Homes Ossining & Briarcliff! We have participated in a few Zoom sessions on this topic, but if you missed them, now is your chance to learn. Our next discussion will be March 16^th at 7pm and will give an overview of these cost-saving programs and offer residents a chance to ask contractors questions. RSVP to the webinar at SustainableWestchester.org/Webinar or call (914) 242-4725 ext. 122.

 

 

 

Neighbors Link is offering free citizenship clinics for those 18 or older with Green Cards. The program is virtual and pairs applicants with lawyers and other who are trained in the naturalization process. For more information, or to register call 914-666-3410.

 

 

 

Did you know the Recreation Department offers youth esports? Jeff Staples (of our much-loved Forest o’ Fears) is running this 6-week program starting April 6th. You can register through the Community Pass page.

 

 

 

 

The next Town of Ossining Board Meeting will be Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 on Zoom. Join us with Meeting ID 891 2542 2285 and passcode 388123. Meetings are recorded and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube every week.  We will be hearing from our dynamic finance duo Comptroller Dale Brennan and Deputy Comptroller Liz Naccari with a departmental report.  The finance staff has been hard at work closing out 2020 and preparing for our audit in March – no small task!

 

Hope you have a great weekend!

 

 

--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, February 26, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 26 February 2021 26 February 2021

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is currently being reviewed by the FDA for wider release. If it is approved it would be the third vaccine available in this country and the first that will not require intense refrigeration nor a booster. This will allow the State to expand the number of sites where the vaccines can be distributed. How very exciting! More than 19 million people in the US have already received their second shot and the appointments scheduled for March are about to begin.

 

The federal government allocates vaccines through the states. New York is then the entity that coordinates with pharmacies and establishes mass distribution sites and pop-up sites. New York also designates which sites serve which classification for the vaccine, like first responders, teachers, or those over 65 years old, or even residents of specific zip codes. Right now, pharmacies are only designated for those 65+. Others need to go to state run facilities. If you are not eligible yet, please do not attempt to make an appointment. Adding yourself to waiting lists before you are eligible slows the process for seniors, essential workers, and those with additional healthcare risks. We are expecting the number of vaccines allocated for New York State to increase in the coming months. You can make appointments through the New York State website (they must determine your eligibility first). For more information you can also call the New York State vaccine helpline by dialing 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. The State is managing a separate hotline for reports of vaccine fraud and abuse. That number is 1-833-VAX-SCAM. As a reminder, vaccines are free for all residents and you cannot pay to reserve an appointment to receive one.

 

We are also still looking for volunteers to connect seniors with appointments for vaccines! We want to make sure every eligible person who wants the vaccine can get one, but seniors are often at a disadvantage when it comes to navigating the online signups. While we have not been successful in putting together a robust system like Town of Greenburgh’s, we do have volunteers who are able to help and have been successful with helping seniors find and reserve appointments. If you are interested in volunteering for this program or know someone who needs help, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 914-762-6001.

 

This week we joined the Ossining School District in honoring Francine Vernon, a lifelong advocate for children in Westchester. Mrs. Vernon, as she is still known by so many, was a teacher in Ossining, the first Black School Board President in Ossining, and currently serves on the Westchester Library Board. It was wonderful to see so many who took the time to speak about Mrs. Vernon’s contributions, especially her grandson Cruz Vernon, a senior at OHS, who acknowledged that so many of his grandma’s achievements she accomplished before he was even born! We have named tomorrow Francine Vernon Day in the Town. A full copy of the Proclamation issued in her honor can be viewed here.

 

 

Also this week, we held a Steering Committee Meeting for our Sustainable Ossining Comprehensive Plan. We are in the “create” phase of this process, and are making steady progress. We have already heard from nearly 450 people in the community via our first virtual public engagement session and survey. We are planning another public engagement event in April to round out our “create” process. Check out the project website, Sustainable Ossining, to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan, and if you missed our first workshop, view the recording, presentation, and meeting notes. You can also sign up to receive updates on future engagement efforts.

 

 

Chilly weather means there are fewer people in our parks - but still plenty! This is a great time for our Park’s Department to tackle certain types of projects. Today, I stopped by Ryder Park to check in with a park’s crew. Pictured below is Alban using a rechargeable, battery-operated electric handsaw to cut vines away from trees on the back trails. As we decommission older pieces of equipment we are proud to replace them with greener – and quieter – options!

 

 

The Ossining Padres Hispanos Resource Center has opened its doors! Congratulations to Ana Guzman on this project. The Center is collecting toothpaste, toilet paper, dish soap, and detergent. They are also collecting food staples, including red beans, black beans, chickpeas, rice, pasta, cooking oil, sugar, and flour. The center is located at 23-25 Spring Street, on the 3^rd floor.

 

 

The Ossining Public Library is hosting AARP’s Tax-Aide to help residents navigate income tax season. Appointments are available every Thursday starting this week, by appointment only. No walk-ups will be allowed. To make an appointment, call (914) 810-3384 or visit the Library’s website. Be sure to leave your full name, phone number, and the best time to reach you in your message. In order to make the appointment, volunteers will be calling you back to ask a couple of questions, explain new protocols, and help you prepare for your in-person appointment so the process remains as streamlined and safe as possible. The AARP is also providing no-contact tax preparation help this year too, which entails the transmission of instructions, forms, permissions, and scans of tax documents via e-mail.

 

Ossining High School students are also preparing free tax returns as part of the VITA program on Monday evenings. Call 211 to make an appointment. The IRS website also has more details about filing your federal tax return for free on their website, for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

 

 

A reminder for all residents collecting firewood from outside our general area: the Spotted Lantern Fly is not a friendly addition to our town. Keep an eye out for eggs on bark and rocks. If you do see signs of this invasive pest, you can report them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Art classes for winter session are available at the Cedar Lane Arts Center. Visit the Community Pass page to learn about all arts and athletic programs being offered by the Ossining Recreation Department (open to Village of Ossining residents, unincorporated town residents, and residents of the Village of Briarcliff).

 

 

Join the Community Equity Task Force next week for our March meeting on Thursday at 2pm. The meetings are held via Zoom once a month with Meeting ID: 835 5100 4869 and Passcode: 487552. All are welcome to join.

 

 

Thankfully, the weather warmed up a little bit these past few days, but not enough to make a winter night comfortable outdoors. If you or someone you know needs a place to stay on a cold night, Ossining and Briarcliff's local houses of worship provide adult shelter and a warm meal every night of the week from December through March. Meet in front of The Open Door before 9 pm. Transportation is provided to the place where the shelter is for the night. All are welcome. No drugs, drunkenness, or weapons are allowed.

 

 

 

We have heard a lot about large potholes on State Route 9A. We join calls from State legislators requesting this road receive special attention from the Department of Transportation. Every day, 40,000 travelers drive on our local section of State Route 9A. There is a bill before the State Senate and Assembly that would allow a study pertaining to proposed improvements of 9A in the Towns of Ossining and Mount Pleasant. The bill would authorize the Department of Transportation to conduct the study of (at minimum) the costs of new guardrail installations, underpass renovation, and the impact of such improvements on local traffic patterns and the environment. Thanks to the Village of Briarcliff it is easy to share your support for this bill here. You must be over the age of 13 to submit a comment on this matter.

 

 

And now for some events!

 

The Briarcliff Public Library is hosting fiction book clubs this spring. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation for the discussion. To register, please email Shelley Glick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call the library at 914-941-7072, or visit our website at www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org

 

 

The Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative has held several listening sessions since the summer, in preparation for the April 1^st deadline set by Governor Cuomo for police departments to review their policies. There is a Spanish-language session tomorrow, Saturday, February 27^th, at 10am. I encourage all unincorporated and Village of Ossining residents to get involved in this process and let your voices be heard.

The Ossining Parks Habitat Stewards’ guided Forest Species ID walk has been postponed due to the rain forecast for tomorrow. Mark your calendars for March 6^th to meet at 10 at Ryder Park Pond and learn how to identify the trees on the park’s woodland trails. Register for the program through Community Pass.

 

 

On Saturday afternoon, Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole will share her research on some of Ossining’s historic Black citizens at the Ossining Public Library. After hearing about this local history, the group will participate in a roundtable discussion about life in Ossining. Also participating in the panel presentation are Ossining residents Grace Nabors Jones, Althema Goodson, and Gavin Thomas-Walters. You can register for this event through the Library website.

 

 

Sugaring Days are back at Teatown at the Warren Sugarhouse! The sugarhouse is one of the site’s longest-standing structures, and is where they produce their maple syrup! You and your family can join in on the fun with weekend programs through March 20^th. Tours are limited to one family (no more than 5 people) for 20 minutes each. Tickets are $10/family for Members, $15/family for non-members. Register on the Teatown website.

 

 

The Ossining PTA is holding a Take Out Tuesday fundraiser. It is always great to see support for local businesses coupled with programs for schools. The Class of 2021 is ending their high school experiences during a historical year – one we all hoped would be spared by switching to remote sessions in March of last year.

 

On Wednesday, March 3^rd Westchester County will hold a ceremony commemorating the lives lost to COVID-19. The event will livestream on Facebook for all those interested in joining (you do not need a Facebook account to view it). An interfaith prayer service will open the memorial at 11am. At noon, residents around the County will pause for a moment of silence. Municipal flags around the County will be lowered to half-staff for the day. In appreciation for the essential workers who have served on the front lines for a year, we will applaud at 7pm – the time hospital shifts change.

 

 

The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater will be holding its annual Spirit of the Hudson Gala and Auction on March 4. The celebration honors water protectors and raises money for educational programs regarding the river. There will also be a fun musical performance from Gordon Bok. Of course, the event is virtual – which is perfect for these snow-filled days. You can buy tickets on the Clearwater website.

One of my favorite bi-annual events, Westchester Collaborative Theater is hosting its Living Art Event virtually this year. This is the event they do in collaboration with Ossining Arts Council. Playwrights select a work of art by one of our local talents, and write a play based on something in that work that inspires them. While we cannot have in person docents this year, the event is still such a great one showcasing the works of our performing and fine artists. Virtual performances for ticketholders start on March 6^th. The 2021 LAE is dedicated to the memory of Joe Albert Lima, longtime WCT playwright, director, and actor who passed away last year. Lima was scheduled to direct the LAE in 2020. You can purchase tickets on the Westchester Collaborative Theater website.

Neighbors Link is offering free citizenship clinics for those 18 or older with Green Cards. The program is virtual and pairs applicants with lawyers and other who are trained in the naturalization process. For more information, or to register call 914-666-3410.

 

 

The next Town of Ossining Board Meeting will be Tuesday, March 2 at 7:30 on Zoom. Join us with Meeting ID 862 4173 8659 and passcode 292201. We will be joined by Superintendent of Recreation Bill Garrison to discuss a few recreation related topics, including the introduction of a special events policy for the Town. The Village of Ossining recently adopted a similar policy, and since our shared Recreation Department will be administering these permits, it seems to make sense for the Town and Village to have similar policies in place. We are introducing this discussion for the first time on Tuesday evening in Work Session. Opportunities for public comment will come up later in the process, but please join us to hear the Board’s thinking on the topic. Meetings are recorded and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube in case you want to catch up on anything.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Even though there is rain in the forecast, Monday is the first day of March and it is starting to feel warmer and has certainly been sunnier, so here’s hoping that spring is right around the corner.  

 

 --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!

Town Board Work Session - Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 26 February 2021 26 February 2021

Town Board Work Session

Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7:30pm

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING ONLY

Pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order 202.1 dated March 12, 2020

Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86241738659?pwd=QzlWeHVpR2QveDU0cjE0dXlFaUpHQT09

Please note password for this meeting: 292201

Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone:

Meeting ID: 862 4173 8659

(929) 205-6099

 

Meeting Agenda:

1. Discussion of Potential Local Law to Require a Permit for Boat Launch Parking at Louis Engel Park

2. Discussion of Potential Local Law Regulating Special Events

3. Departmental Report - Recreation and Parks Superintendent Bill Garrison