Supervisor

Supervisor's Update – Friday, October 9, 2020

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Last Updated: 09 October 2020 09 October 2020

This morning, unfortunately, I was met by a hateful message containing a racial slur written in chalk in front of my house.  It appears this message may have been in response to a lawn sign I have on my front lawn proclaiming “In this house, we believe Black Lives Matter.” I was shocked and stunned, not just because these hateful words appeared in my beloved Ossining community, but because of its close proximity to my home, which I have always considered to be a safe haven for myself, my husband, and my sons.  I am grateful to Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester and his team for initiating an investigation immediately.  

 

This was a horrible way to start my day, in stark contrast to the good work my team and I have done this week, as you will read later on in my update.  However, this afternoon at a press conference, I was joined by elected and appointed officials including my Town Board colleagues Jackie Shaw, Liz Feldman, and Northern Wilcher, Village of Ossining Mayor Victoria Gearity and Trustee Omar Lopez, Ossining Schools Superintendent Dr. Ray Sanchez, Chief Sylvester, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Assemblyman David Buchwald, as well as many community leaders including Reverend Shaun Jones and Bishop Joan Whittaker, Community Equity Task Force members Jermaine Smith and Kemi Pogue, Ossining Public Library Board President Matthew Weiss, Ossining High School Principal Stephen Hancock and members of his staff, among others.  Unfortunately, Town Councilman Greg Meyer, State Senator David Carlucci, and County Legislator Catherine Borgia, were unable to attend in person, but I also appreciated their kind words shared during the press conference. I have also received messages from several members of the community expressing their sadness and frustration following this incident.  This outpouring of support and solidarity has helped to show that in our beloved Ossining, those of us who love outnumber those of us who hate, and hope will always prevail against fear.  In Ossining, we know there is no act of racism that is too innocuous or too small for us to speak out against, and it is our responsibility as community leaders to do so.  In Ossining, Black lives do matter, and hate has no home here.  

 

This continues to be an active investigation, so please if you saw something or have information call the Ossining Police at (914) 941-4099 and ask for detectives.  All calls can be kept anonymous.  Thank you to the Ossining community for your support and kind words following this upsetting event.

 

 

I cannot think of a better time to remind you that today is the last day to register to vote for the November general election is today, October 9, in person or by postmark. You can register online now. It is as important as ever to ensure that your voice is heard this November.  This year, on a local, state, and federal level, we have a rare opportunity to tell all our leaders what matters most to us, and ensure they govern and lead on behalf of our beliefs and values by voting.

 

Registered voters in New York will have several options: voting by absentee ballot, voting in-person early, and voting in-person on Election Day. If you have questions about your voter registration or other voting concerns, please contact the Westchester Board of Elections.

 

Early voting, starts on October 24 and here’s something not many people know: this election, you can vote at any of the seventeen early voting locations throughout Westchester. For a complete list of locations and hours, visit the Board of Elections website. Find the one that is most convenient for you. The most local location for Town of Ossining residents will be the Ossining Community Center at 95 Broadway. You may also elect to drop off your absentee ballot at any one of these locations if you do not feel comfortable either voting in person or mailing back your ballot.

 

 

Do you know your polling place? Do you know where you can vote early? Screenshot this information and other resources from the Westchester County Board of Elections to make sure you are prepared to vote in the General Election.

 

 

Team Ossining participated in Organ Donor Enrollment Day 2020 by hosting a Zoom-a-thon, complete with music and interviews. Though New Yorkers overwhelmingly support organ donation, only 32% are registered organ donors. We need to change this, especially because every 18 hours, someone in New York dies waiting for an organ. You can register right now to be an organ donor at https://donatelife.ny.gov/ref/LiveOnNYDD139/. I would like to thank all the elected officials, musicians, donors, healthcare professionals, and families for helping us get the word out on Thursday. We will be sharing encore videos until October 13^th on the Town of Ossining Facebook page where you can also watch the full five-hour Zoom-a-thon.

 

I would like to thank everyone who participated in making yesterday a success – including everyone who tuned in. We will draw a raffle winner for the $150 Club Fit Gift Card on October 13. Videos from over 20 people were generously shared to help us raise awareness. Thank you to the elected officials NY State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, NY State Senator David Carlucci, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, County Legislator Catherine Borgia, and Ossining Village Mayor Gearity. Thank you to OVAC Chief Nick Franzoso, Karen LaRocca Fels and her team at the Ossining Public Library, and Lindsay Farrell and her team at the Open Door Family Medical Center. Thank you to Dr. Alan Gass, a cardiologist from Westchester Medical Center, Dr. Ophelia Byers, the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President at NYP Hudson Valley Hospital and Dr. Craig Hametz, a cardiologist for the New York-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley. Thank you to musicians Mike and Miriam Risko who helped us coordinate performances and Alexis Cole, Johnny G and Organ Groove, and KJ Denhert. Shout out to Scott Wohl and Dr. Amy Friedman of LiveOnNY for their help and support in getting this project off the ground. And last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank all the people who shared their personal stories, including Phil Faranda and Liz Byle and her mom Shelley for speaking with me, Dominic for your conversation with Mayor Gearity, all six guests of Sandy Galef: Janet, Andrew, Susanne, Linda and Charlie, and Sandy’s Assembly aide Claire, advocate and transplant recipient Ron Cohen, and Senator Carlucci’s guests: Lauren, Roxane, and Diana Lemon with her daughter Dream. Thank you all.

 

 

Last week, the New York State Department of Health launched the “COVID Alert NY” app in partnership with Google and Apple. The free app uses Bluetooth proximity-enabled technology to recognize other phones nearby. When a positive case is confirmed, phones that have been in close proximity will receive an alert. No personal information is shared. The app is voluntary, anonymous, and does not use location services, GPS, or geographical information. Knowing about a potential exposure allows you to self-quarantine immediately, get tested, and reduce the potential exposure risk to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others. You must be 18 or older to use the app. You can learn more through your phone’s App Store or by visiting https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-alert-ny.

 

 

Case numbers this week continue to increase across the State. The best defense we have against COVID-19 is a mask. Please wear your masks, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and social distance. Ossining made some amazing efforts in the spring to flatten the curve and again the summer to keep case numbers low. As the chilly weather brings us into shared indoor spaces, remember the importance of mask wearing in local businesses, in your office, and around anyone outside your household. We are truly all in this together. I know there is a lot of information coming at us at once. You can save yourself from the headache of carrying it all by filtering out the game-of-telephone rumors and sticking to reputable news sources.

 

 

Contact Tracing is underway to reach people who have been exposed to positive cases. If you see an incoming call from NYS Contact Tracing, please pick up the phone. The callers have been trained to provide you with information about testing and other resources – from eldercare and childcare options to information about local testing sites and food deliveries.

 

 

One last Coronavirus reminder: please remember that COVID-19 symptoms can manifest differently in children. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about growing symptoms. Coronavirus tests are free in New York State. Search for the nearest testing site here.

 

 

Have you completed the census yet? The Town of Ossining currently has a self-response rate of 69.8% percent. That is only a .1% increase since last week? Ossining lost $2500 per resident per year since 2010 because of our response rate. Do not be one of the uncounted. It takes only ten minutes to complete the Census. Fill it out right now online or on the phone (844-330-2020 in English and 844-468-2020 in Spanish). Help us get the word out before the data collection period ends. Talk up the Census with friends and family, share Facebook posts, Instagram pics, and tweets. All Ossining residents deserve to be counted and deserve proper funding and representation.

 

 

The Westchester County Board of Elections is hiring! You can participate in the democratic process by coming on board for $350 a day (remember there are early voting days and training days available). You must be a registered voter and 18 or over to be hired. Polling places across the country are reporting a decrease in poll workers. Visit the Board of Elections website and scroll to the “Poll Worker Application Form.”

 

 

This week, Victoria from my office participated in a meeting with Westchester County Department of Transportation and municipal leaders from our neighbors in the Village of Ossining and Village of Tarrytown regarding the Westchester County Mobility & Transit Plan. This important project began earlier this year, and will continue through early 2021, with the goal of better aligning the county’s mobility network with the needs of its residents, workers, and visitors. Our communities experience similar challenges with mobility, including a lack of walkability, limited reliance on the Bee-Line bus system, and a need for more localized transit options to address first mile/last mile trips. Visit the project website at www.westchestermobility.org to review the project documents and submit your comments.

 

We also learned more information this week about Westchester County’s plans to provide food scrap recycling collection to municipalities across the county. Through this shared service, municipalities with existing food scrap recycling programs will realize significant savings in hauling fees. The cost now will be so negligible to municipalities, we also hope that more communities will jump on board and offer this program to their residents. Diverting food waste from our traditional garbage stream not only helps save costs but also reduces our impact on the environment. If you are a Town resident (yes, including both Villages!) visit our program webpage to purchase your kit and get started collecting your food scraps. We will share more in the near future if this new offering from the county will allow us to potentially expand the program soon. The Ossining Food Scrap program will continue over the winter, with a drop off point at the Farmers Market and Cedar Lane. There is no fee to participate, so consider joining in.

 

 

New York State also updated its Travel Advisory again this week. The list of Restricted States now includes New Mexico. It is important to review the Travel Advisory before and after traveling. Case numbers continue to shift around the country, and New York’s strict guidelines are in place to help prevent a second wave across our state. Please remain vigilant and informed if you decide to travel.

 

 

The Ossining Recreation & Parks Department is offering a FREE Community Academy: Youth & Local Leaders Unite program. The program includes workshops and group activities. It also provides an opportunity for our young community members to have a voice in future programming for Ossining Recreation and Parks. Workshops and activities will focus on leadership, building positive relationships in the Community, and addressing risk factors affecting today’s Youth. This program is open to Ossining Youth, ages 13-18. Register through the Community Pass page.

 

 

Halloween is around the corner and our local institutions are getting excited. This season is going to look different this year, but there are lots of ways to celebrate - whether you prefer to celebrate festive Halloween or spooky Halloween. The CDC has released a list of guidelines to help people prepare for a safe Halloween. Ossining is certainly getting excited - I’m already loving the decorations around Town!

 

 

The Ossining Community Action Program (Ossining CAP) is accepting packaged candy donations as part of their Spooktacular COVID-19 Candy Drive. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a drop off.

 

 

Some local Facebook groups have banned together to make Fall a little more fun. Decorate your home with a friendly autumn theme to help make the season more festive. Take a picture and share it on the Ossining Families, Positively Ossining, or Ossining Moms Facebook pages with the caption #fallossining2020 by October 15 to participate in the contest.

 

 

The Briarcliff Public Library is helping us get in the Halloween spirit with a special Halloween reading list. Check out their full collection of kid-friendly spooky fun on the Library Pinterest Page. Click on the book cover for a link to see the summary or place a hold. All the books shown in the collection are available for curbside pick-ups.

Health continues to be a critical concern of ours and this year has put it into laser focus. Those who are unemployed, self-employed, or who cannot get insurance through their employers often struggle to get access to health care coverage. The Westchester County Department of Health’s Insurance Access Program provides residents with free or low cost insurance through New York State’s Health Marketplace, which was created by the Affordable Care Act. You may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus, or you may qualify for a Qualified Health Plan with tax credits. You can learn more about the available plans at 914-995-6350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Now let’s get into some events!

 

Ossining Matters is hosting their 5K virtually this year. Run or walk anywhere with family, friends or neighbors (six feet apart) starting today at 3pm until Sunday, October 11, 2020. Log your miles because the trek must be completed all at one time. Finishers are invited to join us at the 'Finish and Photo Line' on Monday, October 12, 2020 (from 1pm-8pm) at Sing Sing Kill Brewery to enjoy a free draft beverage or a Saranac Soda of their choice - just bring your completed race form. The first 20 race entrants will also receive an Ossining Matters Touch Tool. Register now or learn more on the Ossining Matters website.

 

 

On October 13 at 6pm, join panelists and the Sing Sing Prison Museum to discuss "True Justice," which just won an Emmy for Outstanding Social Issue Documentary. Panelists include the film’s producers and criminal justice experts. Watch the trailer for the documentary and explore the film’s themes, exploring racial bias, and the death penalty by registering to receive the Zoom link.

 

 

On Thursday, October 15, Neighbor’s Link will host an evening of discussion with 60 Minutes’ Bill Whitaker. This is a free, virtual event, but registration is required. You can register here or learn more about the event on the Neighbor’s Link Facebook Event.

 

 

On Saturday October 17, residents may bring confidential personal papers for shredding to the Ossining Community Center at 95 Broadway. Shredding personal documents serves a double purpose - to recycle paper as well as protect sensitive information against identity theft - the fastest growing crime in the nation. Residents can bring up to four file-sized (10”x12”x15”) boxes of confidential papers per household. Please remove all large binder clips and covers. Papers from businesses, institutions or commercial enterprises are not acceptable and will be rejected, as will any junk mail or newspapers.

 

Also on Saturday, October 17^th the annual Riverkeeper Sweep will take place along the Hudson River from Brooklyn to the Capitol District. Volunteers remove debris from the river’s edge and help keep our Hudson River beautiful. Visit the Riverkeeper Website to sign up as a volunteer. There are a few local spots you can participate in to help clean up along the Hudson and its tributaries in Ossining.

 

 

Beginning on October 19, the DEC will enforce the State’s ban on single-use plastic carryout bags. Originally scheduled for March, this ban was postponed until COVID-19 could be better understood. Many people used the pandemic to begin carrying their own bags or switch to delivered food. So remember to keep some extra canvas bags in your car or office as enforcement of the ban goes into effect. New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion plastic bags annually—each for about 12 minutes—and approximately 85% of this staggering total ends up in landfills, recycling machines, waterways, and streets.

 

 

The Bethany Arts Community is hosting an Art in the Time of COVID features Ossining Schools’ art teachers Terrie Bentley, Catherine Ibanez, and Ron Whitehead. You can check out the artwork either virtually or in-person until the end of October. Ms. Ibanez was also recently recognized as the New York State Art Teachers Association Region 7 Elementary School Art Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020! Congratulations Ms. Ibanez, and definitely go check out her amazing artwork now!

 

 

Sing Sing Kill Brewery is hosting a Mask-querade on October 30. In the spirit of Halloween and Covid, the contest prizes will be awarded to those with the best, coolest, or most creative masks. Whether they complement the costume or ARE the costume, showcase your best! If there are nose/mouth holes in your mask, a Covid-appropriate one must be worn underneath. This Halloween celebration is a tribute to “Masks of the Titans,” a taproom art exhibition by John “Twyg” Hyde. Visit the taproom between 8-10pm to chat with the artist, check out his 3D printed works and handcrafted Halloween costumes on display, and enter in the mask contest. Charlie Bennett of The Night Hobs will be performing provide some spooky tunes on the cello. SSKB, like all our local business, is operating under capacity restrictions due to COVID, so the taproom and sidewalk café will remain open during the Mask-querade to allow for social distancing.

 

 

As I wrap up this update, I would like to take a moment to talk about some resources available to local business owners. Grants and other resources are available for businesses in response to the crisis. Westchester Catalyst and Westchester County are collaborating on a Business First Program, which offers grants to small businesses. The grants can be used toward any legitimate business expense. For more information about this program and others available for small businesses, please see the Business Resources Page on the Westchester County website. The LISC and Lowe's are managing a Rural Relief Small Business Grants program, which has grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. LISC will use the funding to provide grants to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19. These are grants, not loans, and do not need to be paid back.

 

 

With Halloween and other autumn fun coming up, please remember that most things you buy online or a big box store could be purchased from a local business. Cooler weather brings a slower season for restaurant owners and other small businesses. COVID-19 has placed a lot of strain on businesses, so now more than ever, we need to #shoplocal whenever possible.

 

As a reminder, Monday is a federal holiday and Town offices will be closed. We will be back on Tuesday, October 13 for a full day and a Legislative Session public meeting via Zoom. The Meeting ID and Zoom link are published on the Town of Ossining website on Fridays. We will continue to hold our meetings via Zoom for the time being, as we anticipate Governor Cuomo will continue to extend his Executive Orders monthly allowing us to conduct meetings via Zoom (he recently extended the order through November 3). We hope this platform continues to be accessible for our residents, perhaps more accessible than in-person meetings at 7:30pm on a weeknight, especially for our busiest families out there. See you on Zoom!

 

--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, October 2, 2020

Details

Last Updated: 02 October 2020 02 October 2020

October is here and it is certainly exciting to see the autumn leaves brighten our days. This week we watched our first Presidential Debate and many people were reminded about the importance of participation in democracy. You may have even seen posts on social media telling you to plan how you are going to vote. This is because COVID-19 has impacted how we will vote this year. For example, your polling place may have moved or the bus passing your polling place may be operating on a different schedule. Your voice matters and you want to make sure your vote is counted.

 

The last day to register to vote for the November general election is October 9, in person or by postmark. You can register online now. It is simple and easy. Our Town Clerk’s office at 16 Croton Ave in Ossining also has plenty of voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications available to the public. Stop by the Clerk’s office in person Monday through Friday during our public office hours (9am to 2:30pm).

 

Registered voters in New York will have several options: voting by absentee ballot, voting in-person early, and voting in-person on Election Day. If you have questions about your voter registration or other voting concerns, please contact the Westchester Board of Elections.

 

Early voting, starts on October 24 and here’s something not many people know: this election, you can vote at any of the seventeen early voting locations throughout Westchester. For a complete list of locations and hours, visit the Board of Elections website. Find the one that is most convenient for you. The most local location for Town of Ossining residents will be the Ossining Community Center at 95 Broadway. You may also elect to drop off your absentee ballot at any one of these locations if you do not feel comfortable either voting in person or mailing back your ballot. 

 

 

Team Ossining is gearing up for Organ Donor Enrollment Day 2020 -- Thursday, October 8. To promote this important event, we are working with a number of organizations who have come together as “Team Ossining” and we are organizing a Zoom-a-thon, complete with music and interviews. New York State has some of the lowest numbers of registered organ donors in the country, but also has some of the highest need. We can change this. If you have been considering registering to be an organ donor - so that you, too, can get that heart on your driver’s license! - now is the time to learn about this life saving gift. Join “Team Ossining” to register as an Organ Donor. A single donor can save the lives of up to eight people and enhance the lives of countless others. The theme this year is “Unleash Your Inner Hero.” We’re all used to masks and gloves anyway, so snap a pic as a hero and help us get the word out. If you have an experience as an organ donor or have received a life-altering gift yourself, send a pic or a video and we’ll include it on October 8^th. If you are a musician who wants to help get the word out, please let us know if you would like to contribute a recording of a song performance to add to our Zoom-a-thon. Make sure your song mentions eyes, hearts, or other organ-themed words, or super heroes. For more info on where to send your videos (or more info about Organ Donor Enrollment Day) please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

The first half of School Tax collection wrapped up this week. Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz and her staff took calls and emails as last minute taxes came in. Some people even sent flowers thanking them for their work to go above and beyond to help them get their taxes paid on time. Holly also likes to say regularly, “Our Taxpayers ROCK!” and she said it again on September 30^th, so thank you to all our taxpayers for continuing to support our institutions, even during this difficult time. In other news about Town Services, our Town Parks department continued their repairs to the Ryder Park tennis court this week. I stopped by to check out the work, and help a little bit! These repairs are Part 1 of a larger upgrade to our courts, led by our Park’s foreman Mario Velardo. The initial repairs just completed will seal the court for the winter in preparation for a full restoration in the Spring. We are hoping to open them up temporarily for a few more weeks if they get a thumbs up from Superintendent of Recreation and Parks, Bill Garrison. If so, they won’t be pretty, but they will be playable this year, for a little while at least.

 

 

This week, the New York State Department of Health launched the “COVID Alert NY” app in partnership with Google and Apple. The free app uses Bluetooth proximity-enabled technology to recognize other phones nearby. When a positive case is confirmed, phones that have been in close proximity will receive an alert. No personal information is shared. The app is voluntary, anonymous, and does not use location services, GPS, or geographical information. Knowing about a potential exposure allows you to self-quarantine immediately, get tested, and reduce the potential exposure risk to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others. You must be 18 or older to use the app. You can learn more through your phone’s App Store or by visiting https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-alert-ny

 

 

Case numbers this week increased across the State. These new cases appear to be related to Labor Day activity and the cooler weather driving people into shared spaces indoors. I know there are a lot balls we are all juggling in the air, but we cannot let our case numbers continue to rise. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and wear your mask. Continue to seek out information from reputable sources. Contact Tracing is underway to reach people who have been exposed to positive cases. If you see an incoming call from NYS Contact Tracing, please pick up the phone. The callers have been trained to provide you with information about testing and other resources.

 

 

The cooler weather has also brought added stress to our local businesses. Typically, autumn temperatures are the beginning of a slower season for restaurant owners and other small businesses. Now more than ever, we need to #shoplocal whenever possible. Why buy online or in a big box store when you can support a neighbor?

 

Grants and other resources are available for businesses in response to the crisis. Westchester Catalyst and Westchester County are collaborating on a Business First Program, which offers grants to small businesses. The grants can be used toward any legitimate business expense. For more information about this program and others available for small businesses, please see the Business Resources Page on the Westchester County website. The LISC and Lowe's are managing a Rural Relief Small Business Grants program, which has grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. LISC will use the funding to provide grants to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19. These are grants, not loans, and do not need to be paid back.

 

 

The date for responding to the Census continues to change. You may have heard a recent court judgment out of California that ruled that people must be able to respond to the census through October 31. However, the Census Bureau has indicated it is prepared to cease operations by October 5. We are still waiting to hear if further court judgments will rule on this issue.  But, don’t wait to find out when the cut off will be – fill out the Census now.

 

Town of Ossining currently has a response rate of 69.7% percent. We can do better than that! Ossining lost $2500 per resident per year since 2010 because of our response rate. Do not be one of the uncounted. It takes only ten minutes to complete the Census. Fill it out right now online or on the phone (844-330-2020 in English and 844-468-2020 in Spanish). Help us get the word out before the data collection period ends. Talk up the Census with friends and family, share Facebook posts, Instagram pics, and tweets. All Ossining residents deserve to be counted and deserve proper funding and representation.

 

 

The Westchester County Board of Elections is hiring! You can participate in the democratic process by coming on board for $350 a day (remember there are early voting days and training days available). You must be a registered voter and 18 or over to be hired. Polling places across the country are reporting a decrease in poll workers. Visit the Board of Elections website and scroll to the “Poll Worker Application Form.”

 

 

The Village of Ossining is hiring a crossing guard for an hourly position paying $18.60/hour. Crossing Guards assist school children in crossing traffic intersections at an assigned post during the hours when children are entering and leaving school. A school Crossing Guard stops traffic at crosswalks near school for the safety of school children only. Learn more about the position or download the application form.

 

 

Also hiring? The Farmers Market! If you are interested in participating in the local food system as a Farmers Market Manager in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or Westchester County, send your resume and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can learn more information about open positions at www.downtoearthmarkets.com. While you’re thinking about the Farmers Market and the cooler weather settles in, I know many people are closing up their home composts for the winter. The Food Scrap program has a drop off point at the Farmers Market and Cedar Lane. There is no fee to participate, so consider joining in.

 

 

Ossining Recreation is offering an After School Program for the 2020-2021 School Year for children in grades K-6. The program will include homework assistance, reading time, art projects, games, etc. You can choose from a one-, two-, four-, or five-days-a-week schedule for up to three hours of supervised care through the Community Pass Program.

 

 

The Ossining Recreation & Parks Department is offering a FREE Community Academy: Youth & Local Leaders Unite program. The program includes workshops and group activities. It also provides an opportunity for our young community members to have a voice in future programming for Ossining Recreation and Parks. Workshops and activities will focus on leadership, building positive relationships in the Community, and addressing risk factors affecting today’s Youth. This program is open to Ossining Youth, ages 13-18. Register through the Community Pass page.

 

 

Halloween is around the corner and our local institutions are getting excited. This season is going to look different this year, but there are lots of ways to celebrate - whether you prefer to celebrate festive Halloween or spooky Halloween. The CDC has released a list of guidelines to help people prepare for a safe Halloween. Ossining is certainly getting excited - I’m already loving the decorations around Town!

 

 

The Ossining Community Action Program (Ossining CAP) is accepting packaged candy donations as part of their Spooktacular COVID-19 Candy Drive. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a drop off.

 

 

Some local Facebook groups have banned together to make Fall a little more fun. Decorate your home with a friendly autumn theme to help make the season more festive. Take a picture and share it on the Ossining Families, Positively Ossining, or Ossining Moms Facebook pages with the caption #fallossining2020 by October 15 to participate in the contest.

 

 

The Briarcliff Public Library is helping us get in the Halloween spirit with a special Halloween reading list. Check out their full collection of kid-friendly spooky fun on the Library Pinterest Page. Click on the book cover for a link to see the summary or place a hold. All the books shown in the collection are available for curbside pick-ups.

 

At 7pm tonight, the Ossining Public Library will show a spooky movie during their Friday Night Flix. You can register for the outdoor, socially distanced event.

 

 

Health continues to be a critical concern of ours and this year has put it into laser focus. Those who are unemployed, self-employed, or who cannot get insurance through their employers often struggle to get access to health care coverage. The Westchester County Department of Health’s Insurance Access Program provides residents with free or low cost insurance through New York State’s Health Marketplace, which was created by the Affordable Care Act. You may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus, or you may qualify for a Qualified Health Plan with tax credits. You can learn more about the available plans at 914-995-6350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Healthcare, like many other issues, has been at the forefront of conversations about equity in our society. This week, New York State took two major steps with equity in mind. As part of the Marijuana and Decriminalization and Expungements Bill, passed in July 2019, records of low-level marijuana convictions can now be destroyed upon request. The Bill sealed many of these records but they can still be viewed by certain agencies related to job applications or permits. Once the records are physically destroyed they will no longer be accessible to these agencies. Convictions under Penal Law section 221.10 or Penal Law section 221.05 are eligible for destruction. The application for the destruction of documents is available on the NY Court website.  

 

The second major effort toward equity was in the banning of the so-called “Pink Tax.” The term reflects the common practice of selling products at a higher price when the target purchasers are women, and a lower price for men. The only major difference between these products – everything from children’s toys and swimming pools to phone cases and calculators - is often that one is sold in blue and the other is in pink. If you see a product or service available for sale in NY that does not comply with the new law, contact the Division of Consumer Protection from 8:30am to 4:30 pm (M-F) by calling 800-697-1220. You can also file a Consumer Complaint Form.

 

 

New York State also updated its Travel Advisory again this week. The list of Restricted States now includes Colorado. It is important to review the Travel Advisory before and after traveling. Case numbers continue to shift around the country, and New York’s strict guidelines are in place to help prevent a second wave across our state. Please remain vigilant and informed if you decide to travel.

 

 

One last Coronavirus reminder: please remember that COVID-19 symptoms can manifest differently in children. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about growing symptoms. Coronavirus tests are free in New York State. Search for the nearest testing site here.

 

 

The Rising Above Boundaries Mentoring Program is looking for Ossining mentors. Mentored teens statistically get better grades, are less likely to skip school, and are less likely to use illegal drugs. You can learn more about this program at https://homerunagainstdrugs.org/

 

 

Here’s a reminder for parents with high schooler’s preparing for college. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form for 2021-2022 is now available at http://fafsa.gov. Fill the form out ASAP to get as much financial aid as possible.

 

 

Now let’s get into some events!

 

Tonight at 7pm the Crossover Yoga Project will host its first virtual fundraiser. You may be familiar with CYP from their free calming and mindfulness classes held during the pandemic. They are also often hosts during our summer Mind, Body, Spirit Ossining program. They will be fundraising to help support their trauma-aware and socially conscious resources made available to girls who have been sexually trafficked, and youth involved in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. The organization has expanded its age and gender restrictions to accommodate more people during the Coronavirus Crisis. To learn more about their program and the fundraiser, please visit their Event Page.

 

 

On Sunday, October 4 Clearwater is hosting the Remastered Virtual Great Hudson River Revival. This online event will run from 11AM-11PM for a full day of music, storytelling, activism, education, and celebration. Scheduled performers include: Chapin Family, The Riks, Peter Yarrow, Matt Turk, Arm of the Sea, David and Jacob Bernz, Reggie Harris, The Mammals, John McCutcheon, Tiokasin Ghosthorse, and Andes Manta. To learn more about this event visit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Facebook Event.

 

 

We have been alerted that New York State DOT Repaving of the northbound entrance and exit ramps for Exit #8 on the Taconic is now scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 6. This project was postponed from an earlier date. Repaving will occur between 9am and 4pm and should be finished (weather permitting) by Thursday.

 

 

On Wednesday, October 7 the Briarcliff Public Library is hosting a virtual talk about the historic impact of women in American history. This program is cosponsored with the Briarcliff Manor – Scarborough Historical Society. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation. To register, please email Shelley Glick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the library at 914-941-7072.

 

 

For music lovers missing their favorite venues and concerts, here’s something fun. On Wednesday, October 7^th Carnegie Hall is hosting its first-ever Virtual Gala to celebrate the Opening Night of their 130th Anniversary Season. Music venues are some of the few business that still remain on PAUSE, so the livestreamed event on their YouTube and Facebook pages is a great way to support artists. The evening will have performances, including some historical throwbacks. Learn more at the Carnegie Hall website.

 The Bethany Arts Community is hosting an Art in the Time of COVID features Ossining Schools’ art teachers Terrie Bentley, Catherine Ibanez, and Ron Whitehead. You can check out the artwork either virtually or in-person until the end of October. Ms. Ibanez was also recently recognized as the New York State Art Teachers Association Region 7 Elementary School Art Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020! Congratulations Ms. Ibanez, and definitely go check out her amazing artwork now!

 

 

Ossining Matters is hosting their 5K virtually this year. Run or walk anywhere with family, friends or neighbors (six feet apart) between Friday, October 9, 2020 from 3pm to Sunday, October 11, 2020. Log your miles because the trek must be completed all at one time. Finishers are invited to join us at the 'Finish and Photo Line' on Monday, October 12, 2020 (from 1pm-8pm) at Sing Sing Kill Brewery to enjoy a free draft beverage or a Saranac Soda of their choice - just bring your completed race form. The first 20 race entrants will also receive an Ossining Matters Touch Tool. Register now or learn more on the Ossining Matters website.

 

 

On October 13 at 6pm, join panelists and the Sing Sing Prison Museum to discuss "True Justice," which just won an Emmy for Outstanding Social Issue Documentary. Panelists include the film’s producers and criminal justice experts. Watch the trailer for the documentary and explore the film’s themes, exploring racial bias, and the death penalty by registering to receive the Zoom link.

 

 

On Thursday, October 15, Neighbor’s Link will host an evening of discussion with 60 Minutes’ Bill Whitaker. This is a free, virtual event, but registration is required. You can register here or learn more about the event on the Neighbor’s Link Facebook Event.

 

 

On Saturday, October 17^th the annual Riverkeeper Sweep will take place along the Hudson River from Brooklyn to the Capitol District. Volunteers remove debris from the river’s edge and help keep our Hudson River beautiful. Visit the Riverkeeper Website to sign up as a volunteer. There are a few local spots you can participate in to help clean up along the Hudson and its tributaries in Ossining.

 

 

Beginning on October 19, the DEC will enforce the State’s ban on single-use plastic carryout bags. Originally scheduled for March, this ban was postponed until COVID-19 could be better understood. Many people used the pandemic to begin carrying their own bags or switch to delivered food. So remember to keep some extra canvas bags in your car or office as enforcement of the ban goes into effect. New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion plastic bags annually - each for about 12 minutes - and approximately 85% of this staggering total ends up in landfills, recycling machines, waterways, and streets.

 

 

Now before I wrap up this (very long!) update, I’d like to take a moment to highlight an organization that stepped up to help the community during this Coronavirus Crisis. Gullotta House is quickly approaching their 100,000^th distributed meal. Jumping into gear as the crisis unfolded, Gullotta House helped so many of our residents who could not access food, as well as our local businesses stay afloat by purchasing meals from them and then managing the distribution throughout the community. The organization is currently competing for a grant for additional funds, but they must raise $3000 by October 16^th and meet weekly fundraising goals to eligible. You can support them and their generous meal distribution program by donating through the Gullotta House website.

 

 

We will be back on Tuesday, October 6 for a Work Session via Zoom. The Meeting ID and Zoom link are published on the Town of Ossining website on Fridays. We will continue to hold our meetings via Zoom for the time being, as we anticipate Governor Cuomo will continue to extend his Executive Orders monthly allowing us to conduct meetings via Zoom. We hope this platform continues to be accessible for our residents, perhaps more accessible than in-person meetings at 7:30pm on a weeknight, especially for our busiest families out there. See you on Zoom!

 

 

--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, September 25, 2020

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Last Updated: 28 September 2020 28 September 2020

Monday is Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish faith, and this year’s will certainly also be most solemn. It is a day when many of us traditionally fast to give us time and space to reflect on the past year, and think about how we can do better in the year to come. Many of us will worship remotely, and make other changes to celebrating the break fast with large groups of family and friends. Yom Kippur traditions remind us of challenges faced throughout history which had to be overcome by our ancestors. COVID-19 is certainly a global phenomenon, but we are not the first generation to face obstacles. As my grandparents and mother were able to survive the Holocaust, with help from some righteous Christian families who hid them from the Nazis, I am reminded at this time that by coming together and working together against any force greater than ourselves, we, too can survive. So let’s all commit to continuing to work together to help and protect others, to wear our masks, keep social distancing and hand washing, and do our best to heal the world, or Tikkun Olam.

 

In some good news, we learned that the deadline to respond to the Census has been, in fact, been extended back to the end of October. The dates for the Census have changed a lot this year. At first, data collection was expected to end in the summer, but that was extended to the fall due to COVID-19. Pressure at the federal level attempted to limit the date to September 30^th but a judge’s decision has moved it back to October 31^st. While this might be a little difficult to follow, the good news is we really do have an opportunity now to get closer to 100%. Let’s not waste it!

 

Town of Ossining currently has a response rate of 69.3 percent. We can do better than that! Ossining lost $2500 per resident per year since 2010 because of our response rate. Do not be one of the uncounted. It takes only ten minutes to complete the Census. Fill it out right now online or on the phone (844-330-2020 in English and 844-468-2020 in Spanish). Help us get the word out before the data collection period ends. Talk up the Census with friends and family, share Facebook posts, Instagram pics, and tweets. All Ossining residents deserve to be counted and deserve proper funding and representation.

 

 

Today 511NY Ride Share is hosting the “Go Car Free Day for Climate” Challenge in the Hudson Valley. With so many people remoting, we know many residents have already reduced their time behind the wheel this year. Sign the NYS Pledge stating how many days you will go car free during the week of September 22 – 27 (you still have two days left!) and you will automatically be entered to win some fun prizes (Amazon gift cards, Applebee’s appetizers, MetroCards and much more!) The goal of this project is to help us all realize how much time we spend behind the wheel, most of the time burning fossil fuels while doing so, and how much our individual actions contribute to climate change. Green Ossining would also love to hear how you are celebrating Car Free Day this year. I laced up my sneakers this morning for a livestreamed walk to work, even stopping at First Village Coffee for treats to share with my staff. On this lovely fall day, it was a great way to get some fresh air before a busy work day! In addition to taking the pledge, follow up by responding to this quick survey from Green Ossining. This will help the Ossining community plan even better for next year, when we can hopefully gather together to celebrate once again!

 

The first half of School Tax bills for both the Ossining and Briarcliff School Taxes are due next week on Wednesday, September 30. The quickest and easiest way to pay your school tax bill is to use the Xpress Pay option on the Town’s Website. An e-check is only $1.50. If online payment is not your preferred method, here are the ways you can pay your taxes:

• Tax Office dedicated Mail Slot at Ossining Post Office: You can pay by mail or drop off your envelope at the dedicated Tax Office mail slot at the Ossining Post Office. (If using the dedicated mail slot, the USPS will postmark mail for the day it is placed in the slot up to 5pm that day, otherwise it will be postmarked the next day). Do not forget you need a postage stamp!
• Mail: Drop your payment in any mail box or at any post office. Only bills postmarked by September 30 will be considered timely.
• In-person: If you would like to pay in person, you are welcome to come to our building at 16 Croton Avenue in Ossining during our public office hours (9am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday). Please bring exact change if you will be paying in person. The Tax Receiver’s Office is ready to assist you if you have any questions about your bill.

Be wary of the online bill pay option through your bank! Although your account is debited immediately, it often takes at least a week for checks to arrive in our office – yes via snail mail. These envelopes from banks are not postmarked, so we can only mark your bill as paid once the check has been received and processed by our office. If you want to complete your transaction online, going through the Town’s Xpress-Pay is truly the best and fastest way. You can call the Receiver’s 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.

 

 

Holly and her team, Patti Cunningham-Jay and Angela Juarez, really miss seeing taxpayers in person – almost as much as I am sure everyone misses the candy prize after traipsing up to the third floor. Huge thanks to the thoughtful taxpayer who dropped off a lovely bouquet of flowers for these amazing ladies! Being apart is hard for all of us, but it is these little reminders that even when we cannot physically be together, we are still a community at heart.

 

 

With schools back in session, I know the world just got even more hectic for parents during this already difficult year. The Ossining Recreation Department is offering two programs to help families get the resources they need. Free Wi-Fi access for students who need an internet connection to complete their virtual studies is available at the Ossining Community Center. Students are required to bring their own devices, headphones, and masks. Wi-Fi access is available for two daily sessions Monday through Friday, until December 22. Session 1 will last from 9AM to 11AM each day, Session 2 will last from 11:30AM to 1:30PM. Students should enter through the Community Center's rear entrance and students under the age of 14 require adult supervision. Register here to reserve a spot.

 

 

Ossining Recreation is also offering an After School Program for the 2020-2021 School Year for children in grades K-6. The program will include homework assistance, reading time, art projects, games, etc. You can choose from a one-, two-, four-, or five-days-a-week schedule for up to three hours of supervised care through the Community Pass Program.

 

 

And now for an event I know many people have on their minds: Election Day. It is important to come up with a plan now, mapping out how you will vote this year. Do you know the location of your polling place? Do you have a way to get there? Will you take advantage of early voting or need to apply for an absentee ballot? Make a plan now to avoid a hassle later.

 

The last day to register to vote for the November general election is October 9, in person or by postmark. You can register online now. It is simple and easy. Our Town Clerk’s office at 16 Croton Ave in Ossining also has plenty of voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications available to the public. Stop by the Clerk’s office in person Monday through Friday during our public office hours (9am to 2:30pm).

 

As you may know, polling places are often school buildings, fire houses, and other public buildings. Due to the threat of COVID-19, some of our regular polling places for Election Day in-person voting may be different. Check your mailbox for a postcard from the Board of Elections telling you exactly where to go to cast your vote. If you bring it in with you to the polling place, they can scan the QR code for you to speed up your in person voting experience.

 

If you want to vote by absentee ballot, you may have already received an absentee ballot application in the mail. Following a change made by the State Legislature and Governor Cuomo, the “unable to appear at the polls due to illness or disability” option has been expanded for anyone looking to reduce their risk of exposure. If you choose to fill out the application, get it in the mail right away to give the Westchester Board of Elections time to review your request and mail you the actual ballot. If you did not receive an absentee ballot application in the mail yet, you can apply for a ballot on the Westchester County Board of Elections website or through the New York State portal. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is October 27 by mail, or up until November 2 if applying in person. You can also submit your application via e-mail, if you request it from the Westchester Board of Elections, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Early voting, starts on October 24 and here’s something not many people know: this election, you can vote at any of the seventeen early voting locations throughout Westchester. For a complete list of locations and hours, visit the Board of Elections website. Find the one that is most convenient for you. The most local location for Town of Ossining residents will be the Ossining Community Center at 95 Broadway.

 

 

The Westchester County Board of Elections is hiring! Come on board to help reduce wait times at polling places. Many senior citizens who work on Election Day have declined this year due to Coronavirus risks. You can participate in the democratic process by coming on board for $350 a day (remember there are early voting days and training days available). You must be a registered voter and 18 or over to be hired. Visit the Board of Elections website and scroll to the “Poll Worker Application Form.”

 

 

The Village of Ossining is hiring a crossing guard for an hourly position paying $18.60/hour. Crossing Guards assist school children in crossing traffic intersections at an assigned post during the hours when children are entering and leaving school. A school Crossing Guard stops traffic at crosswalks near school for the safety of school children only. Learn more about the position or download the application form.

 

 

The Briarcliff Public Library is helping us get in the Halloween spirit with a special Halloween reading list. Check out their full collection of kid-friendly spooky fun on the Library Pinterest Page. Click on the book cover for a link to see the summary or place a hold. All the books shown in the collection are available for curbside pick-ups.

Health continues to a critical concern of ours and this year has put it into laser focus. Those who are unemployed, self-employed, or who cannot get insurance through work often struggle to get access to health care coverage. The Westchester County Department of Health’s Insurance Access Program provides residents with free or low cost insurance through New York State’s Health Marketplace, which was created by the Affordable Care Act. You may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus, or you may qualify for a Qualified Health Plan with tax credits. You can learn more about the plans available at 914-995-6350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Small businesses also continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19. Westchester County is managing a Business First Program, which offers grants to small businesses. The grants can be used toward any legitimate business expense. For more information about this program and others available for small businesses, please see the Business Resources Page on the Westchester County website.

 

 

With schools opening back up, please remember that COVID-19 symptoms can manifest differently in children. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about growing symptoms. Coronavirus tests are free in New York State. Search for the nearest testing site here.

 

 

New York State updated its Travel Advisory again this week. It is important to review the list of Restricted States before and after traveling. Case numbers continue to shift around the country, and New York’s strict guidelines have prevented a second wave across our state. Remain vigilant and informed if you decide to travel.

 

 

The Rise Above Boundaries Mentoring Program is looking for Ossining mentors. Mentored teens statistically get better grades, are less likely to skip school, and are less likely to use illegal drugs. You can learn more about this program at  https://homerunagainstdrugs.org/

 

 

Now before we get into events, I’d like to take a moment to highlight an organization that stepped up to help the community during this Coronavirus Crisis. Gullotta House is quickly approaching their 100,000^th distributed meal. Jumping into gear as the crisis unfolded, Gullotta House helped so many of our residents who could not access food, as well as our local businesses stay afloat by purchasing meals from them and then managing the distribution throughout the community. The organization is currently competing for a grant for additional funds, but they must raise $3000 by October 16^th and meet weekly fundraising goals. You can support them and their generous meal distribution program by donating through the Gullotta House website.

 

 

And now for some events!

 

Tomorrow, September 26 Green Ossining is hosting an event to clear invasive species from Crawbuckie Nature Preserve. Volunteers will be helping cut vines that strangle trees and contribute to damage such as what was seen following Tropical Storm Isaias. Register through the Community Pass Program or call the Recreation Center at 941-3189. Volunteers must wear a mask and gloves, long pants/long shirt preferred if sensitive to poison ivy, and bring loppers or saws. Please remember that hydration is crucial during high heat and humidity so bring water (and a snack). Please register in advance. It’s required.

 

 

All of this weekend you can enjoy Croton Arts Live (online!) a fun music, art and craft event. There will be 8 live performers and 50 artist’s booths, and you can interact directly with the artists virtually. Tickets are free! Register through the Croton Arts website. Many of our local Ossining artists are participating, so please check it out.

 

 On Sunday, October 4 Clearwater is hosting the Remastered Virtual Great Hudson River Revival. This online event will run from 11AM-11PM for a full day of music, storytelling, activism, education, and celebration. Scheduled performers include: Chapin Family, The Riks, Peter Yarrow, Matt Turk, Arm of the Sea, David and Jacob Bernz, Reggie Harris, The Mammals, John McCutcheon, Tiokasin Ghosthorse, and Andes Manta. To learn more about this event visit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Facebook Event.

 

 

For music lovers missing their favorite venues and concerts, here’s something fun. On Wednesday, October 7^th Carnegie Hall is hosting its first-ever Virtual Gala to celebrate the Opening Night of their 130th Anniversary Season. Music venues are some of the few business that still remain on PAUSE, so the livestreamed event on their YouTube and Facebook pages are a great way to support artists. The evening will have performances, including some historical throwbacks. Learn more at the Carnegie Hall website.

The Bethany Arts Community is hosting an art show. Art in the Time of COVID features Ossining Schools’ art teachers Terrie Bentley, Catherine Ibanez, and Ron Whitehead. You can check out the artwork either virtually or in-person until the end of October. Ms. Ibanez was also recently recognized as the New York State Art Teachers Association Region 7 Elementary School Art Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020! Congratulations Ms. Ibanez, and definitely go check out her amazing artwork now!

On Friday, October 2^nd Crossover Yoga Project will host its first virtual fundraiser. You may be familiar with CYP from their free calming and mindfulness classes held during the pandemic. They are also often hosts during our summer Mind, Body, Spirit Ossining program. And I spotted Elisha Simpson, founder of CYP, on my walk to work today! They will be fundraising to help support their trauma-aware and socially conscious resources made available to girls who have been sexually trafficked, and youth involved in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. The organization has expanded its age and gender restrictions to accommodate more people during the Coronavirus Crisis. To learn more about their program and the fundraiser, please visit their Event Page.

 

 

On Thursday, October 8 LiveOnNY will be celebrating Organ Donor Enrollment Day in our region! To promote this important event, we are working with a number of organizations who have come together as “Team Ossining” and we are organizing a Zoom-a-thon, complete with music and interviews. New York State has some of the lowest numbers of registered organ donors in the country, but also has some of the highest need. We can change this. If you have been considering registering to be an organ donor - so that you, too, can get that heart on your driver’s license!--now is the time to learn about this life saving gift. Join “Team Ossining” to register as an Organ Donor. A single donor can save the lives of up to eight people and enhance the lives of countless others. The theme this year is “Unleash Your Inner Hero.” We’re all used to masks and gloves anyway, so snap a pic as a hero and help us get the word out. If you have an experience as an organ donor or have received a live-altering gift yourself, send a pic or a video and we’ll include it on October 8^th. If you are a musician who wants to help get the word out, please let us know if you would like to contribute a recording of a song performance to add to our Zoom-a-thon. Make sure your song mentions eyes, hearts, or other organ-themed words, or super heroes. For more info on where to send your videos (or more info about Organ Donor Enrollment Day) please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

The Ossining Community Action Program (Ossining CAP) is accepting packaged candy donations as part of their Spooktacular COVID-19 Candy Drive. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a drop off.

 

 

The biannual Green Ossining Tag Sale, which usually takes place in the Fall has been postponed to May 1^st due to social distancing concerns. Green Ossining’s Tag Sale is a great event and we are certainly sad that COVID disrupted yet another tradition. Mark your calendars now for May!

 

On Saturday, October 17^th the annual Riverkeeper Sweep will take place along the Hudson River from Brooklyn to the Capitol District. Volunteers remove debris from the river’s edge and help keep our Hudson River beautiful. Visit the Riverkeeper Website to sign up as a volunteer. There are a few local spots you can participate in to help clean up along the Hudson and its tributaries in Ossining.

 

 

Beginning on October 19, the DEC will enforce the State’s ban on single-use plastic carryout bags. Originally scheduled for March, this ban was postponed until COVID-19 could be better understood. Many people used the pandemic to begin carrying their own bags or switch to delivered food. So remember to keep some extra canvas bags in your car or office as enforcement of the ban goes into effect.

 

 

As I’m sure you have heard a million times since March, these are “unprecedented times.” Younger family members and friends will ask you about what it was like to live through 2020. The Ossining Village Historian, Joyce Sharrock Cole, in partnership with the Ossining Public Library, has launched the Ossining Community History Collection Project: Ossining during COVID-19. Share your experiences through journal entries, short stories, poems, essays, pictures, or audio clips. There are a lot of small details about this year that are unique to our time (just because the murder hornets did not show up does not  mean they were not on our minds). Capture those small details and meaningful exchanges before they are lost to time. If you want to participate but writer’s block is getting in the way, the Village has created a question list to help you. Visit the Ossining COVID-19 Project Interactive webpage to learn more and share your quarantine, graduation, loss, survival, or other COVID-19 experience.

 

The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce has the Virtuous Collective, a support system that helps "bridge the gap" between business goals and community needs. The  program hopes to offset that donor fatigue and help relieve charities that have supported residents through the pandemic. You can learn more and donate at the Virtuous Collective Website.

 

 

September 26-October 4th is National Drive Electric Week. Stay tuned for a video from the Town and the Village of Ossining showing off some of our electric vehicles and charging stations. Sustainable Westchester will be hosting a virtual Drive Electric Virtual Ride Along on Sunday, September 27 from 11am to 1. You can register on the Electric Drive Week website.

 

I would like to end this update the same way I wrapped up my last one. Our small businesses had a rough year and they need your support. Try to #shoplocal as the fall holidays roll around, including picking up spooky materials for Halloween. For families concerned about handing out candy on Halloween, I saw a very creative idea floating around online. Some people are choosing to hold onto a long shipping tube which they can use to slide candy down to kids while still keeping a safe distance. Supplies for this and other ideas can be found locally, not just in giant box stores or online. For restaurants, September also means the start of a slower season as the weather gets chilly and fewer people are outside. Help promote your favorite place online, recommend your favorite dishes, and help support our beloved eateries.

 

 

Finally, as a reminder, this Tuesday is a “Fifth Tuesday” in the month, meaning there will be no Town Board meeting this week. We will be back on Tuesday, October 6 for a Work Session via Zoom. We will continue to hold our meetings via Zoom for the time being, as we anticipate Governor Cuomo will continue to extend his Executive Orders monthly allowing us to conduct meetings via Zoom. We hope this platform continues to be accessible for our residents, perhaps more accessible than in-person meetings at 7:30pm on a weeknight, especially for our busiest families out there. See you on Zoom in October!

 

 

--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, September 11, 2020

Details

Last Updated: 11 September 2020 11 September 2020

Today is the 19^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It is amazing to think that this terrible day was so long ago, before the first birthday of children who will be graduating high school this year. It also feels so recent, because of how intensely many of us remember exactly where we were when we first heard the news. This year, memorial ceremonies across the country will look a little different due to restrictions on gatherings. The Governor has not issued any guidance specific to 9/11 ceremonies and health guidelines have not been eased. It is especially important to consider that the Coronavirus is a respiratory illness, and people who were close to Ground Zero on that tragic day now often have a higher risk of respiratory infection. With this in mind, there are several ceremonies happening across the county today that are closed to the public. These efforts are being made to protect the health of our dedicated firefighters, EMTs, and police officers. We thank them for their service on that horrible day and their continued service.

 

The Town of Ossining will participate in the 9/11 ceremony tonight to pay our respect for those lost. This ceremony is organized by the Ossining Volunteer Fire Department and is strictly limited to observe protocols. Because we are unable to gather today in person as a community to remember those we lost on September 11, 2001, I wanted to share some remarks with everyone virtually.

 

 

Some of you may have watched the ceremony at Kensico Dam today that Westchester County hosted and shared on Facebook. Shortly after sunset the Tribute in Light memorial will be projected into the New York City skyline. The twin beams of light are created by floodlights placed near the World Trade Center site.

 

 

The anniversary of the attacks reminds us each year to thank the people who put themselves in harm’s way to better protect us. In a year defined by a global pandemic, we are especially thankful for our emergency response workers and essential service workers. In March, when the rest of us were told to stay home, they were asked to continue working and take on an additional risk. These decisions should not be overlooked. Now in the sixth month since the crisis set in, it may be easy to forget that masks and other PPE were not immediately available in the beginning. Even now, shortages are reported and supply levels are monitored.

 

Late last week, there were reports of the infection at the Holy Innocents Church in Pleasantville. Thankfully, those exposed took swift action and we have not seen a large uptick in numbers. Remember that we wear masks not to protect ourselves, but to protect others. Though it may seem exhausting, we must remain vigilant.

 

 

This week we saw school buses again for the first time since March. Wasn’t it strange to see them again? Be sure to drive carefully in the morning (well, always really) and be on the lookout for kids crossing the street to get to their bus. Remote and hybrid options are in place in many schools.

 

We have already started receiving payments from residents of the 2020-2021 School Tax bills for both the Ossining and Briarcliff School Taxes and we thank those who are able to get their payment in now. School Tax bills are available for online payment on the Town’s Website. We are strongly encouraging taxpayers to pay online (an e-check is $1.50 through our system). For help with the online payment system, the Tax Office created a downloadable easy online guide. Be wary of the online bill pay option through your bank! Although your account is debited immediately, it often takes at least a week for checks to arrive in our office – yes via snail mail. These envelopes from banks are not postmarked, so we can only mark your bill as paid once the check has been received and processed by our office. If you want to complete your transaction online, going through the Town’s Xpress-Pay is truly the best and fastest way. Other payment options are available as well. You can pay by mail or drop off your envelope (with a stamp!) at the dedicated Tax Office mail slot at the Ossining Post Office. (If using the dedicated mail slot, the USPS will postmark mail for the day it is placed in the slot up to 5pm that day, otherwise it will be postmarked the next day). If you would like to pay in person, you are welcome to come to our building at 16 Croton Avenue in Ossining during our public office hours (9am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday). 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.

 

 

Speaking of things by mail, absentee ballot applications have begun to arrive in our mailboxes. I want to emphasize the word application here. If you want to vote by absentee ballot you must fill out that form and mail it back. Following a change made by Governor Cuomo, the “unable to appear at the polls due to illness or disability” option has been expanded for anyone looking to reduce their risk of exposure. If you choose to fill out the application, get it in the mail right away to give the Westchester Board of Elections time to review your request and mail you the actual ballot.

 

If you want to vote by absentee ballot, but did not receive an application you can apply for a ballot on the Westchester County Board of Elections website or through the New York State portal. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is October 27 by mail, or up until November 2 if applying in person. You can also submit your application if you request it from the Westchester Board of Elections via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

If you are eligible to vote but are not registered, be sure to get your name on their radar. The last day to register to vote for the November election is October 9, in person or by postmark. Do this now! It is simple and easy, and you can even register to vote online. Our Town Clerk’s office at 16 Croton Ave in Ossining also has plenty of voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications available to the public. Stop by the Clerk’s office in person Monday through Friday during our public office hours (9am to 2:30pm).

 

New York State has three options when it comes to voting this year: absentee ballots, in person early voting, and in person voting on Election Day, November 3. Early voting, starts on October 24 and here’s something not many people know: this election, you can vote at any of the seventeen early voting locations throughout Westchester. For a complete list of locations and hours, visit the Board of Elections website. Find the one that is most convenient for you. The most local location for Town of Ossining residents will be the Ossining Community Center at 95 Broadway.

 

As you may know, polling places are often school buildings, fire houses, and other public buildings. Due to the threat of COVID-19, some of our regular polling places for Election Day in-person voting may be different. Prior to November 3^rd, you will receive a postcard in the mail from the Board of Elections which will let you know exactly where to go. If you bring it in with you to the polling place, they can scan the QR code for you to speed up your in person voting experience.

 

 

Local elections in the Village of Briarcliff are scheduled for this Tuesday, September 15. Voting will be held at the WJV Community Center (at 1 Library Road) from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The Village uses paper ballots by tradition and separate pens will be provided for each in-person voter. Absentee ballots were able to be requested until September 8^th, but are still able to be obtained in person until 14 September. The application is available online or from the Village Clerk who can be reached at 914-941-4800.

 

 

If you are looking ahead to the November election, you may be interested to know that the Westchester County Board of Elections is hiring. Senior citizens often work at polling places, but many decided this year to decline due to Coronavirus risks. You can help keep lines short at polling places by coming on board for $350 a day (remember there are early voting days and training days available). You must be a registered voter and 18 or over to be hired. Visit the Board of Elections website and scroll to the “Poll Worker Application Form.”

 

 

In some good news: instead of closing on Labor Day some local beaches and pools are open for extra fun! Playland Park Beach in Rye and Croton Point Park in Croton will be open this weekend Sept. 12-13 and Sept. 19-20 from 11 am to 6:30 pm. Briarcliff Pool is open to village residents this weekend from 12 noon to 5:00pm.  The Ossining pool and indoor splash pad at the Rec Center is open all year round.

 

 

Stop by the Ossining Farmers Market Saturday for some great produce, and also from 9:30am - 11:30am Green Ossining will be there to answer questions about our Food Scraps program. You don’t need a kit to participate but if you are interested in purchasing a kit, you can buy it online before Saturday and then pick it up at the Market or at Cedar Lane. Kits are not available for sale in-person at the Market, but learn more about getting your own and the Ossining Composts program by visiting: www.ossiningcomposts.org.

 

 

Also tomorrow, Teatown Lake Reservation will host Beachcombing at RiverWalk at Sleepy Hollow’s Kingsland Point Park to learn about the objects found on the river shore, while learning about the Hudson River itself. This event takes place from 11am to noon and is free for members (and only $5 for non-members).

 

 

Starting September 14, the Ossining School District will be offering free meals Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm. This program is expected to run until the end of 2020, though it is at the discretion of the Federal government. The meals are for 18 year olds and younger.

The Briarcliff Police Department would like to remind you to always lock your car at night. We have been hearing reports of people rummaging through unlocked cars locally. Before you leave your car, cover any valuables – or better yet, bring them inside. Always lock your car and never leave your keys or fob in the car. This #9PMROUTINE will help protect you from being a victim of theft.

 

 

The popular Blaze pumpkin festival will be taking place this year with limited crowd sizes and staggered entrance times. As a reminder, events like this can only take place when everyone cooperates, so grab your autumn-themed masks and reserve tickets. Tickets will not be sold on site this year.

 

 

Every Saturday at the Farmers Market you can drop off unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, towels, sheets, and fabric at the drop box for Green Tree Textiles for reuse and recycling. No rugs or blankets are accepted. If you have any questions or want more information while you drop items off you can speak to the manager at the Down to Earth Markets tent.

 

 

Ossining Recreation is offering free Wi-Fi access for students who need an internet connection to complete their virtual studies. Students are required to bring their own devices, headphones and masks. Wi-Fi access will be available for two daily sessions Monday through Friday, until December 22. Session 1 will last from 9AM to 11AM each day, Session 2 will last from 11:30AM to 1:30PM. Students should enter through the Community Center's rear entrance and students under the age of 14 require adult supervision. Register here to reserve a spot.

 

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer will be holding a Facebook Livestream to discuss economic recovery on Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm. This conversation will be part of the Westchester Town Hall Series. Members of the public are invited to participate and share their thoughts. Send your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ask them in the comment section of the Facebook live stream during the event.

 

Sing Sing Kill Brewery and Crossover Yoga Project are partnering for a Poses2Pints FUNraiser on Sunday, September 20. You can zoom into the event, which will also be streaming live. Tickets are $10 and come with a $5 coupon to the brewery. Learn more about the event on the Sing Sing Kill Facebook event. The Brewery had some big news this week. Next time you stop by, congratulate them on their new fermenters & brite tank, which are now hooked up and running. The Brewery’s packaged beers are made individually by hand, but their new canning line will help speed that along.

 

 

On September 22, the Sing Sing Prison Museum will present a webinar titled Justice Talks; COVID-19 and Incarceration. The webinar will discuss what is occurring on the federal and local level, the realities and history of disease inside prisons, and what the experience of being incarcerated under these circumstances means. The museum has assembled a panel of experts on criminal justice, epidemiology, and advocacy who will explore what is happening and what more can be done in a moderated conversation. The event will be streamed live on Facebook, you can also register here.

 

 

The Ossining Public Library is holding a “library by appointment” program for people who need some quiet space to work alone. Remoting college students especially are encouraged to check out this program. The curbside pickup program is continuing if you already know what book or other media you want to check out. Indoor browsing visits will be limited to 30 minutes. They also have age- appropriate kits of books for all ages, if you are looking for a quick pick-up option. Some areas of the building are restricted or by appointment only, and no computers will be available for use. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, or make an appointment to browse. Masks are required for everyone over 2, and everyone should be mindful of social distancing.

 

 

The Briarcliff Public Library is hosting a virtual workshop about voting on Wednesday, September 23^rd starting at 7pm. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation for the workshop. To register, please reach out to Shelley Glick at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Briarcliff Library at 914-941-7072.

 

 

Starting September 24, WestCOP is offering new volunteer training for Rape Crisis Helpline Counselors. As you may know, their last training was moved to a virtual setting and this newest one will remain virtual as well. Bilingual volunteers are encouraged to join the team. The training will take place every Thursday from September 24th through November 24^th, from 6PM to 9PM. Participants will become NYS Department of Health certified Rape Crisis Counselors. For more information and zoom information, please contact Brenda Luna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Rosani Jimenez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Also on Saturday, September 26 Green Ossining is hosting an event to clear invasive species from Crawbuckie Nature Preserve. Volunteers must wear a mask and gloves, long pants/long shirt preferred if sensitive to poison ivy, and bring loppers or saws. Please remember that hydration is crucial during high heat and humidity so bring water (and a snack). Pre-registration was required by Friday, August 7^th through the Community Pass Program. Please call the Recreation Center if you would still like to register but missed the deadline, at 914-941-3189.

 

 

And finally, the Census. You have only 19 days left to complete the Census. That’s only 19 days to help our community get the funding and representation we deserve. Ossining lost $2500 per resident per year since 2010 because of our response rate. To date, only 68.1% of Town residents have completed the 2020 Census. We need to get those numbers up people. Remind your friends, family, and neighbors. It only takes 10 minutes to complete – ten minutes that helps determine where billions of dollars are distributed. Complete the census by mail, phone, or online now.  You are not allowed to start your weekend if you have not already responded to the Census!  Ok, just kidding, but seriously it is quick and easy, so before you scroll to your next e-mail, just follow the link and get it done. 

 

 

 

--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!