Supervisor

Supervisor’s Update – October 29, 2021

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Last Updated: 30 October 2021 30 October 2021

Happy Friday! Long time no speak!

First, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out with kind words after my surgery last week. It means more to me than you know. I am happy to report that things went very well - enough so that I was able to take a walk down to the Community Center on Sunday to vote with my family! 

Early voting continues this weekend, with voting hours from 12-5 PM on Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31. Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 2 from 6 AM until 9 PM. In addition to several offices, there are five statewide propositions and one County proposition on the ballot, concerning important topics like redistricting, absentee voting, the environment, ethics, and more. Visit the County Board of Elections website to learn more about them, then make sure to vote!!!

In other news, we filed our 2022 Tentative Budget on October 20, nine days ahead of the deadline. It is viewable online, and once again comes in under the tax cap.  I am so proud and thankful to our Town Department Heads for their careful budgeting requests this year, and especially to our Comptroller Dale Brennan, Deputy Comptroller Liz Naccari, and Budget Director Victoria Cafarelli for their hard work in another budget season.  The Town Board will be meeting with each Department Head on Wednesday, November 10 and Friday, November 12.  Please also mark your calendars for the Tuesday, November 16 Town Board Work Session, during which we will review the Tentative Budget. We will be taking public comment on the 2022 budget live at a public hearing on Tuesday, November 23 at 7:30pm, in anticipation of the Board’s final approval of the budget in December.  All of these budget meetings will be held via Zoom, and you can find all of the Zoom access information online.  You can also submit comments by emailing the Town Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

We are also close to finishing one of our biggest projects of 2021, our new Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements, called “Sustainable Ossining.” If you have not already done so, please go to www.sustainableossining.com to take the survey to share your input on the draft objectives and strategies by the end of the weekend! Using a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, this Comprehensive Plan will be a framework for our community for the next 10 years. For those who don’t know, this plan evaluates sustainability through what we refer to as the “three Es” – environment, economy, and equity.  Throughout the planning process, although we have been constrained by limits on public gatherings due to the pandemic, we have sought to meet residents, business owners, and stakeholders where they are through virtual public meetings, online surveys, focus group sessions, and in-person activities at local businesses and outdoor community events.  You can learn more about this process and review notes from public engagement at www.SustainableOssining.com.  Thank you to our dedicated Steering Committee members for their thoughtful input and participation during this year-long process.  

Once the Comprehensive Plan has been approved by the Town Board, we will turn our focus to a review of our Town Code, policies, and procedures to bring this plan to life. We are already planning to undertake an Open Space Preservation plan, as we have heard from the community and our Town Environmental Advisory Committee throughout the Comprehensive Plan process that open space, for both recreation and preservation, is extremely important to residents.   

Now for some fun stuff! The Briarcliff Manor Fire and Recreation Departments will be hosting their annual Ragamuffin Parade on Saturday, October 30. Line up is at 9:25 at the International Union of Operating Engineers’ building (1360 Pleasantville Road) for those who want to march. The parade will start at 9:30 AM, proceeding down Pleasantville Road to the Firehouse. Rain won’t put a damper on the fun; in the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled, but entertainment will still take place at 10 AM at the Firehouse. Bring your masks!

There are still a few tickets available for Teatown’s Enchanted Forest’s remaining dates, this Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31 (Halloween!). The cost of admission includes a 30-minute guided walk with costumed performers, parking, a treat for the kids, and a visit with Teatown’s Animal Ambassadors! Register and purchase tickets here. 

 

For the grownups, Sing Sing Kill Brewery will be hosting a Halloween Party on Saturday, October 30 at 7 PM. Live music, craft beer and a costume contest - what could be better on a fall evening? 

Boo! Visit the parking lot of Mike Risko Music Store (144 Croton Ave.) for Trick or Treat from 6 Feet on Sunday, October 31 from 2-4 pm. Wear a mask (and a costume of course) and visit trick or treat booths from several local businesses and organizations. Treats will be handed out at 6 Feet to keep everyone at a safe distance. If you can, bring a new hat or pair of gloves for the “Keep Warm” drive for O-Prime. Kids of all ages (accompanied by their grownups) are welcome!

(Speaking of Risko Music - sending a special shoutout of congratulations to Miriam Risko who, along with fellow Ossinauts Lindsay Farrell, Tatiana Diaz, and Jan Fisher, was named to 914INC’s 2021 Women in Business Awards list! Well done, ladies!) 

Unfortunately, the Chamber of Commerce is cancelling its Spooktacular & Drive-in Movie event due to the weather forecast. If you have already purchased a ticket, please reach out to them for a refund. 

Save the date for The New Giving Tuesday, Ossining’s community-wide day of learning about organ and tissue donation, coming up on Tuesday, December 7. On that date, we will be hosting a blood drive IF we can get enough pledges to donate by November 1. We have 30 pledges so far, and need a minimum of 50. Are you willing and able to donate blood? Please pledge by clicking here. You can learn more about donor eligibility here. If you’re unable to donate blood, you can still help others by sharing the pledge link and the information we will provide in the coming weeks about the event. Thank you in advance!!! 

This Tuesday, November 2, the Briarcliff Manor Library Cookbook Club will be holding its last gathering of the season. The theme is “Autumn Harvest Sweet/Savory Small Bites.” Bring small bites to share with the group and a copy of the recipe for everyone to keep and try on their own. Yum!

Save the date for admittedly one of my very faves: the Campwoods Holiday Craft Fair is coming up, on Saturday, November 13 from 10 AM - 4 PM. This highly anticipated annual event features one-stop, high-end seasonal shopping for unique handcrafted items featuring the work of talented local artists and craftspeople. There will be refreshments, a raffle and more! Masks will be required for all participants, vendors, visitors and volunteers, so come prepared. Visit www.campwoodsgrounds.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

In local sports news, our JCYS 12U travel baseball team is fundraising in hopes of playing in Cooperstown next summer. If you’re able to, please consider pitching in to help (pun intended!)! This team has been together since they were 8 years old, with no turnover. They're working hard to raise the $20,000 they need to ensure every family can participate in the trip with no out of pocket expenses. Click here to learn more about this team and donate. 

If you’re planning a fall hike in Teatown, take note of a trail change. Significant repair work began on the Teatown Dam on October 25, and is expected to last 3-6 weeks. Click here to view the new map with the temporarily re-routed trail. 

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

The US Small Business Association also opened a Business Recovery Center at the New York Power Authority building (123 Main St.) in White Plains last month. It will be open from 9-5 every weekday until further notice. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help people complete applications. As a reminder, business owners can also apply for aid online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/m. Even individuals can apply for FEMA assistance through the small business link. It is worth doing, even if you do not have a business. In this line of recovery money, there is a place to apply for individual assistance. This could be the ticket to getting reimbursed for any money you had to lay out.

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

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

Lastly, a note for those traveling in the area of Morningside Drive on a regular basis. The Highway Department has begun resurfacing Morningside Drive and Morningside Court, as well as the installation of new concrete curbing. The project is expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting. The roadway will remain open, though you may encounter delays while equipment is being moved during the preparation process, and during the installation of the curbing and new pavement. We regret any inconvenience that this may cause, but look forward to the finished product. 

It is hard to believe that next week is November, but please remember Town Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 2 for Election Day.  With the Tuesday holiday, our Town Board Work Session is going to be held next week on Thursday evening, November 4.  

We will see you soon - till then, have fun this Halloween weekend, and as always, be safe and healthy!

--Dana

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please email a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

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Supervisor's Update - Friday, October 1, 2021

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Last Updated: 01 October 2021 01 October 2021

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

--Dana

 

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please email a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

 

 

Supervisor's Update - Friday, September 28, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 24 September 2021 24 September 2021

Happy Friday! How was your week?

 

It was such a pleasure to celebrate Car Free Day this past Wednesday! Several Town and Village of Ossining staff and I walked to work, and it was fun to hear from and see others online taking the car-free/car-lite pledge, in addition to those who signed up in person at last week’s Farmer’s Market. 

 

 

Many thanks to the folks who made Car Free Day happen this year. Suzie Ross and Green Ossining, our amazing teams of Town and Village staff, Mike & Miriam Risko, and the many businesses who participated in offering incentives for car-free and car-lite travel: Mike Risko Music, Sing Sing Kill Brewery, recenter space, Speak Easy 10562, Family Veterinary Care, Bob’s Army & Navy, The Tasty Table, and Bigfoot Creamery.

 

Though September 22 has been the official Car Free Day worldwide for many years, any day is a good day to think about what it would mean to use our cars less frequently. New York State observes this week as “Get There Green” week, and there’s still time to participate. 

 

 

This weekend is an especially good time to ponder car-free travel, as we’ll have representatives from Bewegen Technologies at the Farmer’s Market demonstrating their bike share solution. Please stop by between 10 AM and 1 PM to learn more about it and share your thoughts! After that, walk over to Bigfoot Creamery, which is closing out “Get There Green” week by offering a free scoop of ice cream any day this weekend to car-free visitors who take the pledge. 

 

 

As a community, we’ve been thinking about roads and connectivity issues for a long time. Millwood-Ossining Go, our partnership with New Castle and Westchester County, was recently in the news as the topic of bike lanes has come up again. You can read more about that in the River Journal Online. These issues are also addressed in a component of our Comprehensive Plan; click here to take the comprehensive plan survey and give us your input (and stay tuned for more on this topic). 

 

One last note on the topic of car-free/car-lite travel - quick plug for the MTA’s Customers Count & COVID Travel Study! Take the survey to give the MTA insight into your travel habits, to assist with planning. The survey closes October 4.

 

Also happening at the Farmer’s Market tomorrow: Green Ossining & Ossining Pollinator Pathway’s Seed Swap! If you’ve been collecting seeds, please stop by and share between 8:30 AM and 1 PM. 

 

 

Other fun things to do this weekend: Cedar Lane Arts Center clay instructor Keith Gordon will be hosting an introduction to Horsehair Raku and Obvara Pottery at Bethany Arts Center tomorrow, September 25. You can register at www.bethanyarts.org. 

 

 

And ENU Builds is hosting Adult Recess this Sunday, September 26 from 12-3 PM at Snowden Avenue Park. De-stress with some fun and games! 

 

 

Westchester Dance Artists is hosting an all-styles youth dance battle at Market Square this Sunday, September 26 at 4 PM. It’s $20 to enter and a donation of any amount to watch. 

 

 

Nelson Park is now home to a new nine-hole disc golf course! The course will be open daily from dawn until dusk starting Tuesday, September 28. For those who don’t know, disc golf is a game played like traditional golf, but instead of a ball you use a frisbee! It’s fun for all ages. Instruction is available for new players; register for youth programs (grades 5-8) here and adult programs here.

 

 

 

The Briarcliff library will be hosting a Japanese poetry workshop on Tuesday, September 28 from 12:30-2 PM. Learn about various forms and try your hand at writing! Register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

The new Ossining Youth Bureau has lots of new programming coming up, planned by youth for youth! Next Wednesday, September 29, the bureau will be hosting a coed basketball skills challenge for 12-16 year olds from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Community Center. There will be free gifts for all as well as raffles and prizes for winners. Capacity is limited, so click here to register in advance. 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

It’s nearly October! Save the date and register for Bethany Arts Community’s second annual Artoberfest, taking place Saturday, October 2 from 10 AM - 4:30 PM. A fun day of art, food and fun for the whole family. Click here to learn more and register. 

 

Periodic check-in as we continue to recover from natural disasters and a pandemic. How are you doing? Hurricane recovery is a long process. Are you in the process of filing claims for damage related to Hurricane Ida? Read your correspondence with FEMA carefully. Here’s how. 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Many people are rethinking their career paths in light of the disruptions (and opportunities for reflection) brought to us by the pandemic. If you’re one of them, the Westchester Library System has a variety of free career coaching resources and they will be offering several sessions of their “Managing Your Career in Changing Times” webinar series this fall. The next two sessions begin October 5 and 6 and the deadline to register for one of these is Monday, September 27. Click here to learn more and register. 

 

 

If going back to school would help you in your career, click here to learn more about applying to Westchester Community College through their virtual information sessions this fall. There are general information sessions taking place every Thursday this month at 3 PM, and a special session on the Nursing program coming up on Wednesday, September 29th at 5:30 PM. Participants will find out more about available programs and services and be able to ask questions and apply to the college. Attendees will also receive an online application fee waiver code to waive the $50 application fee!

 

 

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

 

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

 

Please remember that the gas powered leaf blower ban remains in effect in the Unincorporated Town of Ossining through the end of this month.  Thank you to Green Ossining for preparing the summary below, and thank you for your cooperation! Please share this information with your friends, neighbors, and landscapers.  We have made this available for download in both English and Spanish as JPG and PDF files.  Please help us spread the word! This information was mailed directly to all landscapers who are based in Ossining for their reference. 

 

Reminder: the first half of school taxes for the Ossining and Briarcliff School districts is due September 30. If you pay your taxes directly (as opposed to it being paid by a mortgage escrow account) please make sure to get your payment in on time. You can pay your taxes online, by mail (postmarked September 30 or earlier to be considered timely), or in person at our offices at 16 Croton Avenue from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The Tax Office will also be open until 6pm on Thursday, September 30. You can also drop your envelope with payment in the dedicated mail slot at the Ossining Post Office, which then gets delivered to our offices the following day (no passing through White Plains!). Just don’t forget to put a stamp on it!

 

Please be mindful of timing if you are using online bill pay from your bank. These payments are not postmarked, and if they are not received in our office by the deadline, you will be assessed a penalty. Please consider paying your bill directly through our online payment feature on our website instead. We also know that with many people heading back to the office, it may be more challenging to get your local errands done during the work week. So if you need help getting your payment to us or have any questions at all, please call (914) 762-8790 to speak to Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz and her team. They are always happy to help and they always do so with a smile!

 

Lastly, we experienced some technical difficulties with our e-mail server for most of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  We are back up and running for the most part, but if you have a hard time reaching a department by e-mail, please do give us a call.  Earlier in the week, we posted a quick list of departmental phone numbers on our website for easy reference.  Thanks for your patience.

 

We will see you soon -- till then, be safe and healthy!

 

--Dana

 

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please email a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

Supervisor's Update - Friday, September 17, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 17 September 2021 17 September 2021

I hope this update finds you all doing well out there, Ossining/Briarcliff. If Hurricane Ida impacted you and your property, and you are in need of help, be sure to visit the State’s comprehensive new Relief and Resources website. It contains information about NYS Department of Financial Services resources as well as a wealth of information regarding meeting basic needs, cleanup, accessing federal disaster assistance funds, and more. 

 

Storms like Ida make the threat of climate change ever clearer. Here in Ossining, we have long been engaged in efforts to build a more sustainable future, and this week one of those efforts came to magnificent fruition. With the completion of the community solar project at Maryknoll, our town is now home to the largest solar canopy in Westchester County! The 2,184 panel system will produce enough electricity to offset CO2 emissions from 2,292,637 gallons of gasoline consumed. The clean electricity produced over the project's lifetime is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 24,963 acres of U.S. forests in one year. I was so pleased to be able to join representatives from a variety of public and private organizations committed to sustainability as we cut the ribbon on this project.  

 

 

One of the significant additions the Town of Ossining made in the last few years was adding in a solar code to allow larger scale, tier 3 solar developments to exist. Of course, we know these developments are a balance between protecting the environment through reduction of fossil fuel reliance and acknowledging the benefits we receive from trees, not all of which can be measured by carbon offsets. So we were super excited that the first real solar development project that we approved in Ossining was with Ecogy Energy (the solar developer) and Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, where an already cleared piece of property (a parking lot--actually two!) was identified as a place to build a solar canopy. Not only will it be helping Maryknoll balance their books, keep rain off the heads of those opening their umbrellas as they step out of their cars, and continue Maryknoll’s mission to help sustain all of us in our “shared home”; it will also help the Fathers & Brothers offset their reliance on fossil fuels. And it’s a community solar development, with 77 households in Ossining, including all of IFCA's affordable housing units (representing 220 tenants)-- already signed up. Those who subscribe receive a 10% reduction off their electricity supply bill. Ecogy Energy has a focus on developing energy systems that serve traditionally underserved communities and low to moderate income individuals, who have historically been left out of the clean energy transition. We are extremely grateful for this project, which aligns so well with so many of our local priorities.

 

This new project opens as we are gearing up for another big event to promote sustainability: International Car Free Day is this Wednesday, September 22! On Car Free Day, we are asking everyone to change their habits for at least one day to reduce dependence on single-occupancy, gas-powered automobiles.  So join us by walking or biking to work or school (and stop by a local business for breakfast on the way!), telework, carpool with a colleague, hop on mass transit, or take your electric vehicle out for a carbon-neutral drive. To learn more and take the pledge, click here!

 

 

We hope that after this one day, you can think of ways to keep the initiative going and reduce your carbon footprint through your commute. To that end, there is now a 511NYRideshare kiosk at the Community Center in Ossining. You can use it to learn more about program benefits, ask questions, enroll in the ridesharing program, and take the Car Free Day pledge. Check it out ASAP! 

 

 

Over the course of this weekend we’ll be sharing more information about businesses who will be offering cool rewards for participating in Car Free Day. The Town of Ossining is also chipping in by offering free charging at the electric vehicle charging stations located at Louis Engel, Ryder, and Cedar Lane Parks.  Check out our Facebook or Instagram to learn more and/or stay tuned for another email! 

Representatives from Green Ossining and the Town and Village of Ossining will be at the Farmer’s Market tomorrow, September 18, to discuss ongoing and upcoming local environmental initiatives at our pre-launch event. Click here to learn more about the event and what’s to come!  Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

We are still looking for local businesses to participate in Car Free Day. If you own a local brick-and-mortar business that would like to support this initiative by rewarding patrons for visiting your business car-free, please fill out this Google form by Sunday, September 19. We will provide a poster for you to hang in your business and add your establishment to our promotional efforts. Pedestrians and cyclists are excellent customers - the ability to pause and discover new businesses is higher on foot, when you are not zooming by on your way to something else!  

 

Saturday is quite a busy day around Ossining.  Green Ossining will also be hosting a Repair Cafe on Saturday, 9/18 from 11 AM - 3 PM at the Community Center. See the flyer below for information about what sorts of items can be brought for repair. 

 

 

ENU Builds will be hosting a free, coed youth fitness pop-up this Saturday, September 18,  from noon to 2 PM on the basketball courts at Nelson Park. If you’ve got kids interested in basketball, or just looking for something active to do, check it out!

 

 

The Westchester County Volunteer Firemen’s Association will cap off their annual convention with a dress parade at 3 PM on Saturday, September 18. More than 30 departments, most with apparatus and bands, are expected to participate. The parade will begin at Campwoods and Croton Avenue, continue down Croton to Main Street, and then follow Main Street down to the riverfront, ending at Louis Engel Park. The Ossining Police posted a map of the route on their Facebook page, please take note and if you need to get through town on Saturday afternoon, give yourself plenty of extra time.  More importantly than getting AROUND the parade is coming out to watch it and support our local firefighters. Hope to see you there!

 

 

Briarcliff Recreation will be hosting an introductory pickleball clinic this Sunday, September 19 from 9-11 AM. Now that we have those new courts at Ryder, what better time to learn? To reserve your spot, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

 

Also in Briarcliff: a Fall cornhole league is getting started this coming Tuesday, September 21. Games will be on Tuesdays at 7 PM every week until November 9 under the pavilion in Law Memorial Park. There is a social league and a more competitive league. Visit www.nycornhole.com to learn more and register. 

 

 

Ossining Padres Hispanos is hosting a back to school supplies drive this Sunday, September 19 from 1-3 PM in Market Square. Please help if you can! Call (845) 216-2053 if you have any questions. 

 

The next walking tour of the historic Sparta neighborhood at the south end of Ossining will take place on Sunday, September 19 from 1-3 PM. The tour will begin at the Jug Tavern (Rockledge Avenue and Revolutionary Road, behind the CVS) at 1 PM with an introduction to the history of the area. Participants will then walk about six blocks through the neighborhood learning about the historic homes in the landmarked district. Dr. Alan Stahl, a neighborhood resident who teaches in the History Department of Princeton University and has served as chair of the Village of Ossining Historic Preservation Commission, will lead the tour. The last tour for this year is scheduled for Sunday, October 10. The tour is free, but participation is limited to 20 people. For a reservation or further information, go to the Jug Tavern website: www.jugtavern.org.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month started this past Wednesday! In the Town of Ossining, we are excited and proud to honor and uplift people of Hispanic Heritage this month and every month. Many local organizations are hosting special programming to celebrate and we will be sure to share. 

 

The Ossining Public Library is hosting a Latin Music 101 session on Zoom this coming Tuesday, September 21 at 6:30 PM. Click here to register!

 

 

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

 

 

There will be a Community Bike Ride at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, September 22nd to celebrate Car-Free Day. Click here to sign up - find the “Ride Schedule” menu and look for the Wednesday, September 22 ride with Kate Marshall. 

 

 

If you or someone you know are interested in applying to Westchester Community College, click here to learn more about their virtual information sessions this fall. There are general information sessions taking place every Thursday this month at 3 PM, and a special session on the Nursing program coming up on Wednesday, September 29th at 5:30 PM. Participants will find out more about available programs and services and be able to ask questions and apply to the college. Attendees will also receive an online application fee waiver code to waive the $50 application fee!

 

 

Registration for Green Ossining’s Community-Wide Tag Sale is open now and ends September 24. The sale will be on Saturday, October 2. For the $25 registration fee, you’ll receive branded promotional materials and placement in online and local media publicizing the event. Click here to learn more and register to help reduce, reuse and recycle your old stuff. Remember one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure! 

 

 

Getting a lot of seeds from your garden this summer? Start collecting them now so you’re ready for the Green Ossining + Ossining Pollinator Pathway Seed Swap event September 25 at the Farmer’s Market! Click here to learn more about how to collect and preserve your seeds, and check out the flier below for more details on the event. 

 

Parents: Ossining Recreation is hosting a Kids’ Night Out next Friday, September 24. There will be food and loads of fun activities. Register in advance and enjoy a couple of hours to yourself while your kids have a great time at the Community Center. 

 

 

Cedar Lane Arts Center clay instructor Keith Gordon will be hosting an introduction to Horsehair Raku and Obvara Pottery at Bethany Arts Center on September 25. You can register at www.bethanyarts.org. 

 

 

Jill Kiefer of the Ossining Arts Council is offering on-line art history classes via Bethany Arts Center this fall - click here to view more details and register. 

 

 

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

 

Congregation Sons Of Israel in Briarcliff Manor has taken over the running of The Opportunity Shop thrift shop in Chappaqua. Donations began on September 1, and the official reopening took place on September 13. The shop has been cleaned, painted, and new display tables were built. In keeping with Congregation Sons of Israel's history of helping those in need in the greater community, each month they will earmark a charity to which they will donate some of the earnings. The phone number for The Opportunity Shop is 914-483-4144. The hours for sales are: Monday through Friday from 10:00-4:00 PM. For donations: 10:00-4:00 PM and for consignments the hours are from 10:00-12:00 noon.

 

Please remember that the gas powered leaf blower ban remains in effect in the Unincorporated Town of Ossining through the end of this month.  Thank you to Green Ossining for preparing the summary below, and thank you for your cooperation! Please share this information with your friends, neighbors, and landscapers.  We have made this available for download in both English and Spanish as JPG and PDF files.  Please help us spread the word! This information was mailed directly to all landscapers who are based in Ossining for their reference. 

 

 

Finally, we are nearing the end of our Comprehensive Plan drafting process. Thank you to everyone who has given feedback in meetings and via our comment boards, and a big round of applause to the Comprehensive Plan steering committee for all of their hard work to date. We are now sharing a survey to collect feedback on your priorities for the draft objectives and associated strategies we will pursue in our Comprehensive Plan. Click here to take the survey and stay tuned for more on this topic.

 

Our next public meeting, to be held on Tuesday, September 21st at 7:30 PM, will be dedicated to a discussion of our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. We will be making a presentation to the Board discussing the amount of funding the Town is receiving and the parameters determining what it can be used for, and soliciting your feedback on how it should be spent.  We are also going to give a quick update on some upcoming grant applications.  Please join us! The meeting will be on Zoom and the link to join is here. The link will also be at the top of the agenda that we send out via email prior to the meeting.

 

We will see you soon - till then, be safe and healthy! 

--Dana

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please email a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!