Supervisor's Update – Friday, July 24, 2020
- Details
- Last Updated: 24 July 2020 24 July 2020
This week we will share our fourth concert of the year. We switched to a virtual format this year so people could enjoy the concerts without worrying about crowds or exposure. Funny enough, this week is the first Friday without heavy rain in the forecast – so virtual performances have been a silver lining for our 2020 Summer Concert Series. Place your dinner order with a 6:45 pick up time so you will avoid missing any of tonight’s concert. Chris and Nancy will be performing TONIGHT starting at 7, tune in live on our Facebook Page.
Each week we share a list of local businesses offering meals, drinks, or treats. This is especially important on Fridays when I hope you’ll order a delicious local meal and enjoy our concert. We have asked a lot of our businesses since March and we are proud of their resilience. Our businesses are owned by our neighbors, each adapting to the new health guidelines as they are unrolled by the State. I ask for your continued patience as they maneuver through these difficult times. The list is updated each week, so if we missed someone, please let us know. Show your love, support local businesses.
This week we lost Geoffrey Harter, a former Town Board Member. Geoffrey served the Town for 24 years and was a Recreation Advisory Board member before then serving many years as the Town Liaison to the Rec Board. He was a wonderful person, very giving and clearly devoted to the Town, as well as his beautiful family, who still lives in Ossining. In memoriam, his family is asking that donations be made in Geoff's name to the Alzheimer's Association or the FDR Veterans Hospital of Montrose. We will be honoring Geoffrey at our July 28th Town Board Meeting.
We held a number of meetings this week to discuss increased use of our parks. Since March there has been an explosion in the amount of foot traffic in our parks. This has impacted the amount of garbage left behind and made people uncomfortable about crowding, especially at our waterfront Engel Park. As we shared earlier this week, we are taking some extra steps to help keep our parks beautiful. You may have seen Chief Sylvester talk about some of these extra steps in his recent Facebook Live post. We are encouraging a carry-in-carry-out policy for garbage in the parks. There is so much garbage that our pails are overflowing, making it difficult to keep up with our lean, mean Parks crew. We have added extra bins and extra workers on the weekends. Our parks officially close at 9pm and alcohol is not allowed. The Police Department will be doing extra patrols to help enforce these rules to help ensure we are able to keep up with the demand for pleasant outdoor spaces. Similarly, gatherings of more than 20 people require a permit at the Louis Engel Park picnic areas. I know our parks have been a wonderful outlet during the outbreak and a much needed escape from the heat. If you are interested in reserving a space, please be courteous to your neighbors and apply for a permit through our Community Pass program. Please do whatever you can, also, to help us help you by wearing your masks, socially distancing with those not in your household, and picking up after yourself when you leave.
I would like to remind everyone that masks are required any time social distancing is not possible. Unless you can tell the future, you need to bring a mask with you whenever you leave the house. Masks and social distancing are key defenses against the spread of the Coronavirus. This also means you should pick up the phone if you see an incoming call from “NYS Contact Tracing.” The person on the other side of that call has been trained by New York State to alert you that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. They can connect you with medical resources, groceries, senior/child care, and other necessities. It is crucial that you pick up this call. There have been recent reports of scammers requesting that people install software on their computers to aid with the tracing. Do not worry, here is some helpful information about what a Contact Tracer can and cannot request. As a reminder, official calls will only come from the “NYS Contact Tracing” Caller ID.
States have slowed – or stopped! – their reopening plans because of the nationwide rise in case numbers. We have to make every effort to protect our health and the health of our neighbors. This week, New York State added ten more states to their Travel Advisory. I know there has been some confusion about the advisory and which states specifically are included. I encourage you to review the COVID-19 Travel Advisory section of the New York State website before and after traveling.
The Governor has also unveiled the COVID Rent Relief Program. Households can apply for a rental subsidy, which would be sent directly to the renter’s landlord. This is not a loan and renters would not be required to pay this money back. The State has established a section of their website with information about the program and a detailed FAQ section. Applicants for the program are eligible if they have lost income between April 1st and July 31st, 2020. Additionally, applicants must provide some information on gross income and rent payment amounts. For more information, please review the COVID Rent Relief Program site.
On Tuesday, I attended the Unity Rally and Vigil held at Market Square to hear discussions of the impact our Black and Latinx communities can have by joining together to combat systematic racism. I am proud to see the continued activism and calls for progress. We continue to work together on looking at how we can make change at all levels and appreciate all the efforts many of our young people have made to continue to keep this critical issue in the forefront. Thank you to the organizers.
If you are interested in having a positive impact on our community, there are a number of upcoming opportunities to safely get involved. The Ossining Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help with food packing. The pantry has seen a drastic rise in need, while also balancing the medical needs of their older, at-risk volunteers. You can join the team and help prepare the bags that are distributed throughout town. They are looking for volunteers to unload the food trucks Fridays 9-11:30, packing food into bags Mondays from 2-4, and delivering bags from the Pantry to distribution points Tuesdays 2-4. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’re interested in volunteering. Other ways to get involved include registering to vote. You can also register to be a poll worker, which helps decrease long lines at polling stations. There is currently a shortage of poll workers, due to fears of the virus. Lastly, you can help us get the word out about the Census, which consistently undercounts chidren and non-English speakers.
For anyone who owns a business, I would like to remind you that the Town and Village have cloth masks available if you need them. The masks are washable and reusable. We do not want businesses to have to delay opening because they may not have the masks they need. Masks can be requested by calling (914) 762-6002, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or filling out our easy-access google form in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Business have faced some daunting challenges over the past few months. If your business purchased PPE, plexiglass barriers, or other protective equipment you may be eligible for reimbursement. The Westchester IDA is offering grants to businesses and non-profits with 51 or fewer employees. The IDA will also offer zero interest loans of up to $25,000 for expenses, rent, and utilities. For more information on these programs, contact Bridget Gibbons (914)995-2952 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The County Office of Economic Development has partnered with RXR Volunteer network to help businesses with completing financial assistance forms, legal advice, social media strategy, graphic design, e-commerce setup, financial forecasting, virtual event production, hiring, PR, etc. Businesses can review the resources available at the Westchester Catalyst website.
The Ossining School District has unveiled their reopening plans for the 2020 school year. Please visit the District’s Reopening Website for more information.
Ossining Schools are holding returns for the district-issued Chromebooks (and the power cord) until August 6th. Stop by the OHS gym on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 and noon to drop off your Chromebook. The district needs to catalogue the condition of each Chromebook and add updates so they can be ready for a possible district-wide distribution in the fall. If your child does not need their Chromebook for a summer program, the district asks that you return it sooner rather than later.
Make a clean break from screen time by picking up a great story. Ossining schools have launched their Ossining Loves to Read Program. Students can request books, leave book reviews, and set up book deliveries to their home. Check out the program at the Ossining Loves to Read site. The BookMobile has also announced the dates and times it will be travelling this summer.
The Ossining School District is looking for Mentors. Join them for an informational Zoom on Wednesday, July 29. If you’re interested in coming on board, check out their Google Form sign up.
The Tri-State Mask Making Group has put out a call for graduation gowns and choir gowns. Clean out your closet! The gowns will be transformed into protective medical masks. Our school colors can go to very good use, so why not? TSMMG has made and donated countless cloth masks and PPE to our community since March. Gowns can be dropped off at 119 Edgewood. If you want to support the Tri-State Mask Making Group, you can donate through their GoFundMe campaign.
Many of us have been separated from our elderly relatives during the Coronavirus Crisis. As nursing homes reopen, I know many people are still nervous to risk bringing the virus with them. Here are some senior-friendly tech solutions to help keep in touch. As a reminder, residents of the Town can sign up for daily R-U-OK calls from our Senior Services Program. Call (914) 762-1350 to sign up.
Tonight, the Gullotta House will celebrate its 5th year anniversary. The organization has done so much good work during this very difficult time, having held countless food distribution events since March. This event is raising money with this annual fundraiser (postponed from an April date). I am so excited to be among these very charitable folks being honored tonight as “Unsung Heroes” beside Irene Amato, Perry DiNapoli, Cinthia Gullotta, and Laura Rey Iannarelli. It’s not too late to buy a last minute raffle ticket at www.gullottahouse.org or jump onto the Gullotta House Facebook page for their live-streamed auction.
A quick PSA: dog poop cannot teleport itself into trash cans. We hope that technology will someday exist, but until then you have to pick up after your pooch yourself. You can use leftover empty grocery bags, bread bags, or newspaper bags. The important thing to remember is to keep our parks, sidewalks, neighbors’ lawns, and wooded areas clean.
The IFCA thrift store has reopened! Closed for renovations prior to the pandemic, the thrift store sells new and gently used clothing, shoes, bedding, dishes, pot/pans, costume jewelry and handbags. Donations are not being accepted just yet (wait until August). Perfect for new parents, new homeowners, and just-moved families.
The Ossining Rec still has room in some of their summer programs. Check out their full Summer Catalogue for all the info on our Summer Playground Programs, Chess Wizards, Lap Swimming, Kayaking and more! You can register now for next week's Basketball Clinics.
Our Census numbers are slowly growing but we are still hovering in the low 60 percent area. Ossining loses $2,500 a year for each non-responding resident. That is millions of dollars we do not want to miss out on. Share information about the Census and make sure this issue makes it into the national spotlight. I know some people may feel more comfortable answering in their native language. The good news is that the Census can be completed in your preferred language either online or by phone. Click here to fill out the Census now in your preferred language (it only takes 10 minutes). The Census is a new concept for many people, so remember: the Census is a count of each resident and is completely confidential by law.
Green Ossining volunteers will be at the Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:30am - 11:30am. We now have two locations for food scraps drop offs: the Farmers Market and Cedar Lane Park. You can pick-up your pre-purchased food scrap recycling kits or buy one at the Farmers Market. For more information on the Ossining Composts program visit: www.ossiningcomposts.org.
On Saturday Sing Sing Kill Brewery is hosting a virtual Singer/Songwriter Showcase from 7 to 9. The event will be streaming live on the Brewery’s Facebook page.
If you are interested in learning about white privilege in a mindful way, you will want to sign up for Deconstructing White Privilege with Elisha Simpson. You remember Elisha from our Mind Body Spirit Ossining program. She’s pairing yoga and meditation to help people approach a topic that can be difficult for some people to understand. This effort to teach and help us grow is an important first step for many. To learn more about the class, visit the class Events Page.
Teatown Lake Reservation is hosting a Meet the Reptiles event on Sunday, July 26th. Hold onto your hats people because this event is actually in person! Bring a blanket or a chair, and join Teatown’s reptile Animal Ambassadors on the lawn. Masks required. The event is free for members and only $5 for non-members. Pre-register at the Teatown website.
For everyone who is interested in learning about home cooking, New York- Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital is offering their next virtual cooking class on Tuesday, July 28. The classes focus on healthy eating options, this week’s meal: Spanish Tapas lead by Chef Emilie Berner. Register by calling 914-734-3780 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Get engaged at the state level. County Legislator Catherine Borgia and your State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef are holding a joint Town Hall Meeting. This event will be held through WEBEX (another zoom-type platform). Register here and set a reminder for this July 28th event.
The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is hosting a zoom lesson on domestic violence, social services, and COVID-19. These compounding issues may not be visible to those outside their circumstances. Learn more about the event and how to register on the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce website.
You may see some interesting looking planes fly overhead next week. Planes are headed to the New York International Air Show, which will take place this year from July 29-30 at Stewart Airport. The headliners this year are the Air Force Thunder Birds.
On July 30, Sing Sing Kill Brewery is hosting Pub Talk: Food Insecurity, Climate Change & Agriculture starting at 5pm. For ticket information and more, check out SSKB’s Facebook event.
Food Distribution events have been taking place since early March through the Gullotta House which also helps support local restaurants while serving those in need. Gullotta House will be hosting their weekly Food Distribution today starting at 4pm at the Ossining Stop & Shop.
Westchester County will be hosting two drive-in movies in the Playland parking lot this year. Tickets are available online only at wcparks.ticketleap.com/drivein.
Ossining Matters has announced they will be holding an August drive-in movie fundraiser. The movie title and location have not been announced yet, but we are excited for this fundraiser.
For everyone who has helped make masks and other PPE, there is an upcoming Sewing Machine Maintenance discussion on August 3rd. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shared the event information with us, though the event’s host is a group in the Carolinas. If you’ve been hand-stitching masks next to a broken Singer or other machine, this Repair Café event may be perfect for you.
Information about what is available right now to help people is included in our easy-to-access COVID-19 Resources Document. This is a joint effort by the Town and Village to organize information during this hectic time. The document lists information on legal assistance, WiFi access, services for seniors, and much more. If you cannot find what you need in this doc, you are welcome to reach out to the Town offices. Our Town staff is responding to all calls and emails.
On Tuesday, there are three pickup food distribution locations running during the day. A number of organizations are coordinating together to keep these distributions ongoing.
For children under 18, the Ossining School District is continuing their summer food program Monday through Friday at Park School (22 Edward St, Ossining).
The Ossining Food Pantry offers food and gift cards to the Ossining Farmers Market. The Pantry is expanding their list of recipients, providing fresh produce, and delivering meals and gift cards to residents who need an extra hand. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply or for more information. As a reminder, all food distribution programs are for Briarcliff residents too.
Please continue to be safe out there and have a good 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!
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - Monday, July 27, 2020
- Details
- Last Updated: 20 July 2020 20 July 2020
Town of Ossining Zoning Board of Appeals
Monday, July 27, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
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/82075025102
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone:
(929) 205-6099
Meeting ID: 820 7502 5102
**Please note that by dialing in, your phone number will be visible to the host, participants, and attendees of the meeting.**
Agenda
- Bethany Arts Center (BAC), 40 Somerstown Rd., Amendment to Special Permit - CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING. Please note, this hearing was adjourned to July 20, 2020, then rescheduled to July 27, 2020 - pdf Bethany Arts Center Public Hearing Notice Update (930 KB)
Visit the Zoning Board Projects Page to view PDF copies of documents pertaining to the agenda for July 27.
Supervisor's Update – Friday, July 17, 2020
- Details
- Last Updated: 17 July 2020 17 July 2020
This week we will share our third Summer Concert of the year. Our summer concerts are a fixture of the Town and we just could not let summer go by without them! We know many people do not yet feel comfortable in gatherings of any size, nor are gatherings over 50 permitted yet, so we have adapted to these crazy times. You can watch the fan-favorite Mike Risko Band TONIGHT in a special acoustic session starting at 7. Our concerts are airing on Facebook Live on the Town’s Facebook page each Friday. We recommend ordering from one of our local restaurants and requesting a pick-up time before the show starts – this way you don’t miss anything.
Each week we share a list of the restaurants that are open in Town. These vital local businesses have adapted to protect their staff and customers during the Coronavirus Crisis – so let’s be sure to support them! Enjoy tonight’s Summer Concert with an amazing meal, right in the comfort of your own home. Try someplace new or seek out an old favorite. If you know of an eatery that is open but missing from this list, let me know.
This week there were a few announcements from the Governor’s office about reopening procedures. Gyms and movie theaters are still not permitted to open, but an outline for school reopening metrics was announced. School districts will be reviewed based on the case numbers in each region as long as they remain in Phase 4. To open, the full region must maintain a daily infection rate below 5% over a 14 day rolling average. If the average climbs higher than 9% the region’s schools will shut down again. School Districts have been preparing different reopening scenarios since June, so this news will help them continue to fine-tune and prepare for the fall.
The Governor has also unveiled the COVID Rent Relief Program. Households can apply for a rental subsidy, which would be sent directly to the renter’s landlord. This is not a loan and renters would not be required to pay this money back. The State has established a section of their website with information about the program and a detailed FAQ section. Applicants for the program are eligible if they have lost income between April 1st and July 31st, 2020. Additionally, applicants must provide some information on gross income and rent payment amounts. For more information, please review the COVID Rent Relief Program site.
This week at our Town of Ossining Board Meeting we received a Departmental Report from Chief Sylvester at the Ossining Police Department. The Chief expressed his appreciation for the ongoing communication and collaboration with those participating in acts of activism in our Town. As you may know, the Governor issued an Executive Order entitled 'New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative' - requiring local police agencies to develop a plan that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs in their community based on community input. Each police agency's reform plan must address policies, procedures, practices, and deployment, including, but not limited to use of force. Police forces must adopt a plan by April 1, 2021 to be eligible for future state funding and certify that they have:
- Engaged stakeholders in a public and open process on policing strategies and tools;
- Presented a plan, by chief executive and head of the local police force, to the public for comment;
- After consideration of any comments, presented such plan to the local legislative body (council or legislature as appropriate) which has approved such plan (by either local law or resolution); and
- If such local government does not certify the plan, the police force may not be eligible to receive future state funding.
The Chief shared that the Ossining Police already have and have had in place many of the practices (including implicit bias training and use of body cams). However, Chief Sylvester underlined his dedication to the calls for progress and engaging the public, and expects the Department will meet the remaining criteria before the end of the year. As the Police Commissioners, the Village of Ossining Board is currently working on a plan for engaging the public.
The Chief also discussed the ongoing efforts to ensure health guidelines are being practiced in Ossining. He highlighted the importance of the Police Department continuing to talk directly to residents in our Town Parks and other public spaces, where he has stepped up assignments. The number of people complying with the new guidelines far outnumber the people who do not. The department is following up on complaints as they come in and helping educate residents about the requirements in place. Hearing the Chief’s report, I was reminded about how much our residents have adapted these past few months. Sometimes in the moment, we forget to grab our mask as we walk out the door, or we forget to stand so far back from people when we (excitedly) reunite. Your actions matter and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant as we go forward.
Our Board Meeting also featured a presentation from Sustainable Westchester. They reported that Ossining’s participation in their Westchester Power program has contributed to eliminating the addition of over 660,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide to our atmosphere. That is the equivalent of taking 142,600 cars off the road for a full year. The Westchester Power program allows areas to buy power together, reducing the overall price and wielding more purchasing power.
This week we also celebrated Matthew Gullotta Day in the Town of Ossining on July 15th. Matt has coordinated Food Distribution events since early March through his Gullotta House Charity, and help support local restaurants while doing so. His work was already well known in the community, holding fundraisers to support residents after house fires, medical procedures, and other hardships. I am very proud to know Matt as a friend and neighbor. If you missed it this year, happy belated Matt Gullotta Day. Still seeing need, Gullotta House will be hosting their weekly Food Distribution tonight starting at 4pm at the Ossining Stop and Shop.
Business have faced some daunting challenges over the past few months. If your business purchased PPE, plexiglass barriers, or other protective equipment you may be eligible for reimbursement. The Westchester IDA is offering grants to businesses and non-profits with 51 or fewer employees. The IDA will also offer zero interest loans of up to $25,000 for expenses, rent, and utilities. For more information on these programs, contact Bridget Gibbons (914)995-2952 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The County Office of Economic Development has partnered with RXR Volunteer network to help businesses with completing financial assistance forms, legal advice, social media strategy, graphic design, e-commerce setup, financial forecasting, virtual event production, hiring, PR, etc. Businesses can review the resources available at the Westchester Catalyst website.
The County announced some important updates this week as well. County Executive George Latimer shared a detailed four point plan to help ease the strain on Election Day in November. The primary election in late June was used as a litmus test of the County’s preparedness. We know there were lots of concerns about lines that stretched outside polling places, lack of seating for senior voters, and health concerns. It is important that these concerns are addressed well before Election Day so plans can be adapted and strengthened as the date approaches. The County also announced a reduced term limit for future County Executives. The previous term limit of 12 years is being replaced with an 8 year limit. This new requirement was proposed by the current County Executive, who is serving his first term.
Both our Town Parks crew as well as the Recreation and Parks Department has been working around the clock as Phase 4 allows more activities. Click here for a full catalog of the programs being offered this year. Enrollment is limited in some our programs due to the health guidelines in place from the State, so do not wait one moment more! Kayak rentals, pottery classes, kids art classes, LEGO building, pickle ball, summer swimming – there is truly something for everyone.
Coronavirus cases in New York are some of the lowest in the nation. It is important for us to remain vigilant. If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing” please pick up the phone. The person on the other line is trained to connect you with vital information once you have been exposed. They can help arrange childcare and eldercare options, and get you paperwork confirming exposure for your employer. These calls are New York’s best defense against a rise in cases. Contact Tracers are a safe, confidential way to contain the virus. The “NYS Contact Tracing” caller ID is being used by the Health Department so you will have no doubts about picking up the phone.
For anyone who owns a business, I would like to remind you that the Town and Village have cloth masks available if you need them. The masks are washable and reusable. We do not want businesses to have to delay opening because they may not have the masks they need. Masks can be requested by calling (914) 762-6002, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or filling out our easy-access google form in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
We need to talk about the Census. The Coronavirus Crisis deserves our immediate emergency response attention, but the Census cannot get lost in the shuffle. Below is a map of the national response rates. We need to get these numbers up. Ossining’s response rate is slightly higher at 64.5% but you would not pass a test at that percentage. We can do better. Ossining loses 2,500 dollars a year for each non-responding resident. That is millions of dollars we do not want to miss out on. Share information about the Census and make sure this issue makes it into the national spotlight.
Ossining residents looking to complete the Census may not feel comfortable answering in English. The good news is that the Census can be completed in your preferred language either online or by phone. The better news is that we dug through the Census website to find the phone numbers and links for your easy access. Share the options below with friends and family who have not yet completed the Census. Filling it out takes only 10 minutes. The Census is a new concept for many people. Remember: the Census is a count of each resident and is completely confidential by law.
English: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-330-2020
TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020
Portuguese: https://2020census.gov/pt.html or 844-474-2020
Spanish: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-468-2020
Chinese: https://2020census.gov/zh-hans.html or 844-391-2020 (Mandarin) 844-398-2020 (Cantonese)
Vietnamese: https://2020census.gov/vi.html or 844-461-2020
Korean: https://2020census.gov/ko.html or 844-392-2020
Russian: https://2020census.gov/ru.html or 844-417-2020
Arabic: https://2020census.gov/ar.html or 844-416-2020
Tagalog: https://2020census.gov/tl.html or 844-478-2020
Polish: https://2020census.gov/pl.html or 844-479-2020
French: https://2020census.gov/fr.html or 844-494-2020
Haitian Creole: https://2020census.gov/ht.html or 844-477-2020
Japanese: https://2020census.gov/ja.html or 844-460-2020
Help your kids break their screen-time streak and improve their reading skills. Ossining schools have launched their Ossining Loves to Read Program. Students can request books, leave book reviews, and set up book deliveries to their home. Check out the program at the Ossining Loves to Read site. The BookMobile has also announced the dates and times it will be traveling this summer.
Open Door is hosting a Youth Summer Leadership Program in collaboration with several other Ossining groups. Starting next week, middle and high school students can take active steps toward change in our community. The program is great for out-of-the-box thinkers, even if they have no other leadership experience. The Youth Leadership program is free and anyone interested can sign up on the Community Pass section of our Recreation and Parks website.
Now for some events – some near, some far, and most virtual!
You may have noticed a new booth at the Ossining Farmer’s Market last week. Green Ossining volunteers will be at the Farmers Market every Saturday, starting July 11 from 9:30am - 11:30am. The location serves as another food scrap drop-off location for participants in the program (the other location is Cedar Lane). You can also pick-up your pre-purchased food scrap recycling kits. At this time, kits are for sale at the market. For more information on how to pre-purchase a food scrap recycling kit, and on the Ossining Composts program visit: www.ossiningcomposts.org.
On Saturday, July 18 from 9am - 3pm, Star of Bethlehem Church is partnering with Open Door Medical Center to provide free COVID-19 testing in the church parking lot at 304 Spring Street in Ossining. Walk-ups are welcome but making an appointment is encouraged. No insurance is required to get tested and the event is not limited to parishioners. You can sign up for an appointment at www.starbethbc.org under the events tab.
The Remastered Virtual Great Hudson River Revival is also happening on July 19th. The event runs from 11am to 11pm for (virtual) music, story-telling, activism, education, and celebration. For more information and livestream details, check out their Facebook Event.
Ossining residents have participated in a number of rallies, forums, and protests in recent months. A Unity Rally & Vigil will be hosted at Market Square on Monday, July 20 starting at 7pm. Social distancing and masks are strongly encouraged by the organizers.
For everyone who is interested in learning about home cooking, Hudson Valley Hospital is offering virtual cooking classes. The classes focus on healthy eating options (including Spanish Tapas) and are prepared by Chef Emilie Berner. Register by calling 914-734-3780 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you or someone you know has been struggling to reach needed services during the Coronavirus Crisis, The Bridge Fund of Westchester is accepting applications for emergency assistance. Their services span a wide range of support for childcare items, groceries, medication, case management, rent assistance, utilities, and other information/referrals. Stop by from 11am to 3pm at Ossining Communities that Care (81 Croton Ave).
The Gullotta House is celebrating its 5 year anniversary. Join them July 24 at 7pm at the Briarcliff Manor for their annual fundraiser (postponed from an April date) with a dinner, silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, and honoring five Unsung Heroes who have made an impact in the community and helped Westchester residents in need. I am very grateful to be named one of the “unsung heroes” beside Irene Amato, Perry DiNapoli, Cinthia Gullotta, and Laura Rey Iannarelli. Tickets are $125 after July 5th and the number available is limited. Register at www.gullottahouse.org
Ossining Matters has announced they will be holding an August drive-in movie fundraiser. The movie title and location have not been announced yet, but we are excited for this fundraiser.
Information about what is available right now to help people is included in our easy-to-access COVID-19 Resources Document. This is a joint effort by the Town and Village to organize information during this hectic time. The document lists information on legal assistance, WiFi access, services for seniors, and much more. If you cannot find what you need in this doc, you are welcome to reach out to the Town offices. Our Town staff is responding to all calls and emails.
On Tuesday, there are three pickup food distribution locations running during the day. A number of organizations are coordinating to keep these distributions ongoing.
For children under 18, the Ossining School District is continuing their summer food program Monday through Friday at Park School (22 Edward St, Ossining).
The Ossining Food Pantry offers food and gift cards to the Ossining Farmers Market. The Pantry is expanding their list of recipients, providing fresh produce, and delivering meals and gift cards to residents who need an extra hand. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply or for more information. As a reminder, all food distribution programs are for Briarcliff residents too.
Please continue to be safe out there and have a good 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!
Town Board Special Meeting - Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 8am
- Details
- Last Updated: 20 July 2020 20 July 2020
Town Board Special Meeting - updated July 20, 2020
Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 8:00am
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/84765258470?pwd=MkwyUnBWTjkvKy9sUkpQZFQ3alVxZz09
Please note password for this meeting: 668812
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone:
Meeting ID: 847 6525 8470
(929) 205-6099
**Please note that by dialing in, your phone number will be visible to the host, participants, and attendees of the meeting.**