Supervisor

Supervisor's Update – Friday, July 24, 2020

Details

Last Updated: 24 July 2020 24 July 2020

 

This week we will share our fourth concert of the year. We switched to a virtual format this year so people could enjoy the concerts without worrying about crowds or exposure. Funny enough, this week is the first Friday without heavy rain in the forecast – so virtual performances have been a silver lining for our 2020 Summer Concert Series. Place your dinner order with a 6:45 pick up time so you will avoid missing any of tonight’s concert. Chris and Nancy will be performing TONIGHT starting at 7, tune in live on our Facebook Page.

 

 

Each week we share a list of local businesses offering meals, drinks, or treats. This is especially important on Fridays when I hope you’ll order a delicious local meal and enjoy our concert. We have asked a lot of our businesses since March and we are proud of their resilience. Our businesses are owned by our neighbors, each adapting to the new health guidelines as they are unrolled by the State. I ask for your continued patience as they maneuver through these difficult times. The list is updated each week, so if we missed someone, please let us know. Show your love, support local businesses.

 

This week we lost Geoffrey Harter, a former Town Board Member. Geoffrey served the Town for 24 years and was a Recreation Advisory Board member before then serving many years as the Town Liaison to the Rec Board. He was a wonderful person, very giving and clearly devoted to the Town, as well as his beautiful family, who still lives in Ossining. In memoriam, his family is asking that donations be made in Geoff's name to the Alzheimer's Association or the FDR Veterans Hospital of Montrose. We will be honoring Geoffrey at our July 28^th Town Board Meeting.

 

 

We held a number of meetings this week to discuss increased use of our parks. Since March there has been an explosion in the amount of foot traffic in our parks. This has impacted the amount of garbage left behind and made people uncomfortable about crowding, especially at our waterfront Engel Park. As we shared earlier this week, we are taking some extra steps to help keep our parks beautiful. You may have seen Chief Sylvester talk about some of these extra steps in his recent Facebook Live post. We are encouraging a carry-in-carry-out policy for garbage in the parks. There is so much garbage that our pails are overflowing, making it difficult to keep up with our lean, mean Parks crew. We have added extra bins and extra workers on the weekends. Our parks officially close at 9pm and alcohol is not allowed. The Police Department will be doing extra patrols to help enforce these rules to help ensure we are able to keep up with the demand for pleasant outdoor spaces. Similarly, gatherings of more than 20 people require a permit at the Louis Engel Park picnic areas. I know our parks have been a wonderful outlet during the outbreak and a much needed escape from the heat. If you are interested in reserving a space, please be courteous to your neighbors and apply for a permit through our Community Pass program. Please do whatever you can, also, to help us help you by wearing your masks, socially distancing with those not in your household, and picking up after yourself when you leave.

 

 

I would like to remind everyone that masks are required any time social distancing is not possible. Unless you can tell the future, you need to bring a mask with you whenever you leave the house. Masks and social distancing are key defenses against the spread of the Coronavirus. This also means you should pick up the phone if you see an incoming call from “NYS Contact Tracing.” The person on the other side of that call has been trained by New York State to alert you that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. They can connect you with medical resources, groceries, senior/child care, and other necessities. It is crucial that you pick up this call. There have been recent reports of scammers requesting that people install software on their computers to aid with the tracing. Do not worry, here is some helpful information about what a Contact Tracer can and cannot request. As a reminder, official calls will only come from the “NYS Contact Tracing” Caller ID.

 

 

States have slowed – or stopped! – their reopening plans because of the nationwide rise in case numbers. We have to make every effort to protect our health and the health of our neighbors. This week, New York State added ten more states to their Travel Advisory. I know there has been some confusion about the advisory and which states specifically are included. I encourage you to review the COVID-19 Travel Advisory section of the New York State website before and after traveling.

 

 

The Governor has also unveiled the COVID Rent Relief Program. Households can apply for a rental subsidy, which would be sent directly to the renter’s landlord. This is not a loan and renters would not be required to pay this money back. The State has established a section of their website with information about the program and a detailed FAQ section. Applicants for the program are eligible if they have lost income between April 1st and July 31st, 2020. Additionally, applicants must provide some information on gross income and rent payment amounts. For more information, please review the COVID Rent Relief Program site.

 

 

On Tuesday, I attended the Unity Rally and Vigil held at Market Square to hear discussions of the impact our Black and Latinx communities can have by joining together to combat systematic racism. I am proud to see the continued activism and calls for progress. We continue to work together on looking at how we can make change at all levels and appreciate all the efforts many of our young people have made to continue to keep this critical issue in the forefront. Thank you to the organizers.

 

If you are interested in having a positive impact on our community, there are a number of upcoming opportunities to safely get involved. The Ossining Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help with food packing. The pantry has seen a drastic rise in need, while also balancing the medical needs of their older, at-risk volunteers. You can join the team and help prepare the bags that are distributed throughout town. They are looking for volunteers to unload the food trucks Fridays 9-11:30, packing food into bags Mondays from 2-4, and delivering bags from the Pantry to distribution points Tuesdays 2-4. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’re interested in volunteering. Other ways to get involved include registering to vote. You can also register to be a poll worker, which helps decrease long lines at polling stations. There is currently a shortage of poll workers, due to fears of the virus. Lastly, you can help us get the word out about the Census, which consistently undercounts chidren and non-English speakers.

 

 

For anyone who owns a business, I would like to remind you that the Town and Village have cloth masks available if you need them. The masks are washable and reusable. We do not want businesses to have to delay opening because they may not have the masks they need. Masks can be requested by calling (914) 762-6002, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or filling out our easy-access google form in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

 

 

Business have faced some daunting challenges over the past few months. If your business purchased PPE, plexiglass barriers, or other protective equipment you may be eligible for reimbursement. The Westchester IDA is offering grants to businesses and non-profits with 51 or fewer employees. The IDA will also offer zero interest loans of up to $25,000 for expenses, rent, and utilities. For more information on these programs, contact Bridget Gibbons (914)995-2952 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The County Office of Economic Development has partnered with RXR Volunteer network to help businesses with completing financial assistance forms, legal advice, social media strategy, graphic design, e-commerce setup, financial forecasting, virtual event production, hiring, PR, etc. Businesses can review the resources available at the Westchester Catalyst website.  

 

 

The Ossining School District has unveiled their reopening plans for the 2020 school year. Please visit the District’s Reopening Website for more information.

 

 

Ossining Schools are holding returns for the district-issued Chromebooks (and the power cord) until August 6^th. Stop by the OHS gym on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 and noon to drop off your Chromebook. The district needs to catalogue the condition of each Chromebook and add updates so they can be ready for a possible district-wide distribution in the fall. If your child does not need their Chromebook for a summer program, the district asks that you return it sooner rather than later.

 

 

Make a clean break from screen time by picking up a great story. Ossining schools have launched their Ossining Loves to Read Program. Students can request books, leave book reviews, and set up book deliveries to their home. Check out the program at the Ossining Loves to Read site. The BookMobile has also announced the dates and times it will be travelling this summer.

 

 

The Ossining School District is looking for Mentors. Join them for an informational Zoom on Wednesday, July 29. If you’re interested in coming on board, check out their Google Form sign up.

 

 

The Tri-State Mask Making Group has put out a call for graduation gowns and choir gowns. Clean out your closet! The gowns will be transformed into protective medical masks. Our school colors can go to very good use, so why not? TSMMG has made and donated countless cloth masks and PPE to our community since March. Gowns can be dropped off at 119 Edgewood. If you want to support the Tri-State Mask Making Group, you can donate through their GoFundMe campaign.

 

 

Many of us have been separated from our elderly relatives during the Coronavirus Crisis. As nursing homes reopen, I know many people are still nervous to risk bringing the virus with them. Here are some senior-friendly tech solutions to help keep in touch. As a reminder, residents of the Town can sign up for daily R-U-OK calls from our Senior Services Program. Call (914) 762-1350 to sign up.

 

 

Tonight, the Gullotta House will celebrate its 5th year anniversary. The organization has done so much good work during this very difficult time, having held countless food distribution events since March. This event is raising money with this annual fundraiser (postponed from an April date). I am so excited to be among these very charitable folks being honored tonight as “Unsung Heroes” beside Irene Amato, Perry DiNapoli, Cinthia Gullotta, and Laura Rey Iannarelli. It’s not too late to buy a last minute raffle ticket at  www.gullottahouse.org or jump onto the Gullotta House Facebook page for their live-streamed auction.

 

 

A quick PSA: dog poop cannot teleport itself into trash cans. We hope that technology will someday exist, but until then you have to pick up after your pooch yourself. You can use leftover empty grocery bags, bread bags, or newspaper bags. The important thing to remember is to keep our parks, sidewalks, neighbors’ lawns, and wooded areas clean.

 

 

The IFCA thrift store has reopened! Closed for renovations prior to the pandemic, the thrift store sells new and gently used clothing, shoes, bedding, dishes, pot/pans, costume jewelry and handbags. Donations are not being accepted just yet (wait until August). Perfect for new parents, new homeowners, and just-moved families.

 

 

The Ossining Rec still has room in some of their summer programs. Check out their full Summer Catalogue for all the info on our Summer Playground Programs, Chess Wizards, Lap Swimming, Kayaking and more! You can register now for next week's Basketball Clinics.

 

 

Our Census numbers are slowly growing but we are still hovering in the low 60 percent area. Ossining loses $2,500 a year for each non-responding resident. That is millions of dollars we do not want to miss out on. Share information about the Census and make sure this issue makes it into the national spotlight. I know some people may feel more comfortable answering in their native language. The good news is that the Census can be completed in your preferred language either online or by phone.  Click here to fill out the Census now in your preferred language (it only takes 10 minutes). The Census is a new concept for many people, so remember: the Census is a count of each resident and is completely confidential by law.

 

 

Green Ossining volunteers will be at the Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:30am - 11:30am. We now have two locations for food scraps drop offs: the Farmers Market and Cedar Lane Park. You can pick-up your pre-purchased food scrap recycling kits or buy one at the Farmers Market. For more information on the Ossining Composts program visit: www.ossiningcomposts.org.

 

 

On Saturday Sing Sing Kill Brewery is hosting a virtual Singer/Songwriter Showcase from 7 to 9. The event will be streaming live on the Brewery’s Facebook page.

 

 

If you are interested in learning about white privilege in a mindful way, you will want to sign up for Deconstructing White Privilege with Elisha Simpson. You remember Elisha from our Mind Body Spirit Ossining program. She’s pairing yoga and meditation to help people approach a topic that can be difficult for some people to understand. This effort to teach and help us grow is an important first step for many. To learn more about the class, visit the class Events Page.

 

 

Teatown Lake Reservation is hosting a Meet the Reptiles event on Sunday, July 26^th. Hold onto your hats people because this event is actually in person! Bring a blanket or a chair, and join Teatown’s reptile Animal Ambassadors on the lawn. Masks required. The event is free for members and only $5 for non-members. Pre-register at the Teatown website.

 

 

For everyone who is interested in learning about home cooking, New York- Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital is offering their next virtual cooking class on Tuesday, July 28. The classes focus on healthy eating options, this week’s meal: Spanish Tapas lead by Chef Emilie Berner. Register by calling 914-734-3780 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Get engaged at the state level. County Legislator Catherine Borgia and your State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef are holding a joint Town Hall Meeting. This event will be held through WEBEX (another zoom-type platform). Register here and set a reminder for this July 28^th event.

 

 

The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is hosting a zoom lesson on domestic violence, social services, and COVID-19. These compounding issues may not be visible to those outside their circumstances. Learn more about the event and how to register on the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce website.

 

You may see some interesting looking planes fly overhead next week. Planes are headed to the New York International Air Show, which will take place this year from July 29-30 at Stewart Airport. The headliners this year are the Air Force Thunder Birds.

 

 

On July 30, Sing Sing Kill Brewery is hosting Pub Talk: Food Insecurity, Climate Change & Agriculture starting at 5pm. For ticket information and more, check out SSKB’s Facebook event.

 

Food Distribution events have been taking place since early March through the Gullotta House which also helps support local restaurants while serving those in need. Gullotta House will be hosting their weekly Food Distribution today starting at 4pm at the Ossining Stop & Shop.

 

 

Westchester County will be hosting two drive-in movies in the Playland parking lot this year. Tickets are available online only at wcparks.ticketleap.com/drivein.

 

 

Ossining Matters has announced they will be holding an August drive-in movie fundraiser. The movie title and location have not been announced yet, but we are excited for this fundraiser.

 

 

For everyone who has helped make masks and other PPE, there is an upcoming Sewing Machine Maintenance discussion on August 3^rd. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shared the event information with us, though the event’s host is a group in the Carolinas. If you’ve been hand-stitching masks next to a broken Singer or other machine, this Repair Café event may be perfect for you.

 

 

Information about what is available right now to help people is included in our easy-to-access COVID-19 Resources Document. This is a joint effort by the Town and Village to organize information during this hectic time. The document lists information on legal assistance, WiFi access, services for seniors, and much more. If you cannot find what you need in this doc, you are welcome to reach out to the Town offices. Our Town staff is responding to all calls and emails.

 

 

On Tuesday, there are three pickup food distribution locations running during the day. A number of organizations are coordinating together to keep these distributions ongoing.

 

 

For children under 18, the Ossining School District is continuing their summer food program Monday through Friday at Park School (22 Edward St, Ossining).

 

 

The Ossining Food Pantry offers food and gift cards to the Ossining Farmers Market. The Pantry is expanding their list of recipients, providing fresh produce, and delivering meals and gift cards to residents who need an extra hand. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply or for more information. As a reminder, all food distribution programs are for Briarcliff residents too.

 

 

Please continue to be safe out there and have a good weekend.

 

--Dana

 

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

 

Supervisor's Update – Friday, July 17, 2020

Details

Last Updated: 17 July 2020 17 July 2020

 

This week we will share our third Summer Concert of the year. Our summer concerts are a fixture of the Town and we just could not let summer go by without them! We know many people do not yet feel comfortable in gatherings of any size, nor are gatherings over 50 permitted yet, so we have adapted to these crazy times. You can watch the fan-favorite Mike Risko Band TONIGHT in a special acoustic session starting at 7. Our concerts are airing on Facebook Live on the Town’s Facebook page each Friday. We recommend ordering from one of our local restaurants and requesting a pick-up time before the show starts – this way you don’t miss anything.

 

 

Each week we share a list of the restaurants that are open in Town. These vital local businesses have adapted to protect their staff and customers during the Coronavirus Crisis – so let’s be sure to support them! Enjoy tonight’s Summer Concert with an amazing meal, right in the comfort of your own home. Try someplace new or seek out an old favorite. If you know of an eatery that is open but missing from this list, let me know.

 

 

This week there were a few announcements from the Governor’s office about reopening procedures. Gyms and movie theaters are still not permitted to open, but an outline for school reopening metrics was announced. School districts will be reviewed based on the case numbers in each region as long as they remain in Phase 4. To open, the full region must maintain a daily infection rate below 5% over a 14 day rolling average. If the average climbs higher than 9% the region’s schools will shut down again. School Districts have been preparing different reopening scenarios since June, so this news will help them continue to fine-tune and prepare for the fall.

 

The Governor has also unveiled the COVID Rent Relief Program. Households can apply for a rental subsidy, which would be sent directly to the renter’s landlord. This is not a loan and renters would not be required to pay this money back. The State has established a section of their website with information about the program and a detailed FAQ section. Applicants for the program are eligible if they have lost income between April 1st and July 31st, 2020. Additionally, applicants must provide some information on gross income and rent payment amounts. For more information, please review the COVID Rent Relief Program site.

 

 

This week at our Town of Ossining Board Meeting we received a Departmental Report from Chief Sylvester at the Ossining Police Department. The Chief expressed his appreciation for the ongoing communication and collaboration with those participating in acts of activism in our Town. As you may know, the Governor issued an Executive Order entitled 'New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative' - requiring local police agencies to develop a plan that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs in their community based on community input. Each police agency's reform plan must address policies, procedures, practices, and deployment, including, but not limited to use of force. Police forces must adopt a plan by April 1, 2021 to be eligible for future state funding and certify that they have:

• Engaged stakeholders in a public and open process on policing strategies and tools;
• Presented a plan, by chief executive and head of the local police force, to the public for comment;
• After consideration of any comments, presented such plan to the local legislative body (council or legislature as appropriate) which has approved such plan (by either local law or resolution); and
• If such local government does not certify the plan, the police force may not be eligible to receive future state funding.

The Chief shared that the Ossining Police already have and have had in place many of the practices (including implicit bias training and use of body cams). However, Chief Sylvester underlined his dedication to the calls for progress and engaging the public, and expects the Department will meet the remaining criteria before the end of the year. As the Police Commissioners, the Village of Ossining Board is currently working on a plan for engaging the public.

 

The Chief also discussed the ongoing efforts to ensure health guidelines are being practiced in Ossining. He highlighted the importance of the Police Department continuing to talk directly to residents in our Town Parks and other public spaces, where he has stepped up assignments. The number of people complying with the new guidelines far outnumber the people who do not. The department is following up on complaints as they come in and helping educate residents about the requirements in place. Hearing the Chief’s report, I was reminded about how much our residents have adapted these past few months. Sometimes in the moment, we forget to grab our mask as we walk out the door, or we forget to stand so far back from people when we (excitedly) reunite. Your actions matter and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant as we go forward.

 

 

Our Board Meeting also featured a presentation from Sustainable Westchester. They reported that Ossining’s participation in their Westchester Power program has contributed to eliminating the addition of over 660,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide to our atmosphere. That is the equivalent of taking 142,600 cars off the road for a full year. The Westchester Power program allows areas to buy power together, reducing the overall price and wielding more purchasing power.

 

 

This week we also celebrated Matthew Gullotta Day in the Town of Ossining on July 15^th. Matt has coordinated Food Distribution events since early March through his Gullotta House Charity, and help support local restaurants while doing so. His work was already well known in the community, holding fundraisers to support residents after house fires, medical procedures, and other hardships. I am very proud to know Matt as a friend and neighbor. If you missed it this year, happy belated Matt Gullotta Day. Still seeing need, Gullotta House will be hosting their weekly Food Distribution tonight starting at 4pm at the Ossining Stop and Shop.

Business have faced some daunting challenges over the past few months. If your business purchased PPE, plexiglass barriers, or other protective equipment you may be eligible for reimbursement. The Westchester IDA is offering grants to businesses and non-profits with 51 or fewer employees. The IDA will also offer zero interest loans of up to $25,000 for expenses, rent, and utilities. For more information on these programs, contact Bridget Gibbons (914)995-2952 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The County Office of Economic Development has partnered with RXR Volunteer network to help businesses with completing financial assistance forms, legal advice, social media strategy, graphic design, e-commerce setup, financial forecasting, virtual event production, hiring, PR, etc. Businesses can review the resources available at the Westchester Catalyst website.  

 

 

The County announced some important updates this week as well. County Executive George Latimer shared a detailed four point plan to help ease the strain on Election Day in November. The primary election in late June was used as a litmus test of the County’s preparedness. We know there were lots of concerns about lines that stretched outside polling places, lack of seating for senior voters, and health concerns. It is important that these concerns are addressed well before Election Day so plans can be adapted and strengthened as the date approaches. The County also announced a reduced term limit for future County Executives. The previous term limit of 12 years is being replaced with an 8 year limit. This new requirement was proposed by the current County Executive, who is serving his first term.

 

 

Both our Town Parks crew as well as the Recreation and Parks Department has been working around the clock as Phase 4 allows more activities. Click here for a full catalog of the programs being offered this year. Enrollment is limited in some our programs due to the health guidelines in place from the State, so do not wait one moment more! Kayak rentals, pottery classes, kids art classes, LEGO building, pickle ball, summer swimming – there is truly something for everyone.

 

Coronavirus cases in New York are some of the lowest in the nation. It is important for us to remain vigilant. If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing” please pick up the phone. The person on the other line is trained to connect you with vital information once you have been exposed. They can help arrange childcare and eldercare options, and get you paperwork confirming exposure for your employer. These calls are New York’s best defense against a rise in cases. Contact Tracers are a safe, confidential way to contain the virus. The “NYS Contact Tracing” caller ID is being used by the Health Department so you will have no doubts about picking up the phone.

 

 

For anyone who owns a business, I would like to remind you that the Town and Village have cloth masks available if you need them. The masks are washable and reusable. We do not want businesses to have to delay opening because they may not have the masks they need. Masks can be requested by calling (914) 762-6002, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or filling out our easy-access google form in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

 

 

We need to talk about the Census. The Coronavirus Crisis deserves our immediate emergency response attention, but the Census cannot get lost in the shuffle. Below is a map of the national response rates. We need to get these numbers up. Ossining’s response rate is slightly higher at 64.5% but you would not pass a test at that percentage. We can do better. Ossining loses 2,500 dollars a year for each non-responding resident. That is millions of dollars we do not want to miss out on. Share information about the Census and make sure this issue makes it into the national spotlight.

 

 

Ossining residents looking to complete the Census may not feel comfortable answering in English. The good news is that the Census can be completed in your preferred language either online or by phone. The better news is that we dug through the Census website to find the phone numbers and links for your easy access. Share the options below with friends and family who have not yet completed the Census. Filling it out takes only 10 minutes. The Census is a new concept for many people. Remember: the Census is a count of each resident and is completely confidential by law. 

English: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-330-2020

TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020

Portuguese: https://2020census.gov/pt.html or 844-474-2020

Spanish: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-468-2020

Chinese: https://2020census.gov/zh-hans.html or 844-391-2020 (Mandarin) 844-398-2020 (Cantonese)

Vietnamese: https://2020census.gov/vi.html or 844-461-2020

Korean: https://2020census.gov/ko.html or 844-392-2020

Russian: https://2020census.gov/ru.html or 844-417-2020

Arabic: https://2020census.gov/ar.html or 844-416-2020

Tagalog: https://2020census.gov/tl.html or 844-478-2020

Polish: https://2020census.gov/pl.html or 844-479-2020

French: https://2020census.gov/fr.html or 844-494-2020

Haitian Creole: https://2020census.gov/ht.html or 844-477-2020

Japanese: https://2020census.gov/ja.html or 844-460-2020

 

Help your kids break their screen-time streak and improve their reading skills. Ossining schools have launched their Ossining Loves to Read Program. Students can request books, leave book reviews, and set up book deliveries to their home. Check out the program at the Ossining Loves to Read site. The BookMobile has also announced the dates and times it will be traveling this summer.

 

 

Open Door is hosting a Youth Summer Leadership Program in collaboration with several other Ossining groups. Starting next week, middle and high school students can take active steps toward change in our community. The program is great for out-of-the-box thinkers, even if they have no other leadership experience. The Youth Leadership program is free and anyone interested can sign up on the Community Pass section of our Recreation and Parks website.

 

 

Now for some events – some near, some far, and most virtual!

 

You may have noticed a new booth at the Ossining Farmer’s Market last week. Green Ossining volunteers will be at the Farmers Market every Saturday, starting July 11 from 9:30am - 11:30am. The location serves as another food scrap drop-off location for participants in the program (the other location is Cedar Lane). You can also pick-up your pre-purchased food scrap recycling kits. At this time, kits are for sale at the market. For more information on how to pre-purchase a food scrap recycling kit, and on the Ossining Composts program visit: www.ossiningcomposts.org.

 

 

On Saturday, July 18 from 9am - 3pm, Star of Bethlehem Church is partnering with Open Door Medical Center to provide free COVID-19 testing in the church parking lot at 304 Spring Street in Ossining. Walk-ups are welcome but making an appointment is encouraged. No insurance is required to get tested and the event is not limited to parishioners. You can sign up for an appointment at www.starbethbc.org under the events tab. 

 

 

The Remastered Virtual Great Hudson River Revival is also happening on July 19^th. The event runs from 11am to 11pm for (virtual) music, story-telling, activism, education, and celebration. For more information and livestream details, check out their Facebook Event.

 

 

Ossining residents have participated in a number of rallies, forums, and protests in recent months. A Unity Rally & Vigil will be hosted at Market Square on Monday, July 20 starting at 7pm. Social distancing and masks are strongly encouraged by the organizers.

 

 

For everyone who is interested in learning about home cooking, Hudson Valley Hospital is offering virtual cooking classes. The classes focus on healthy eating options (including Spanish Tapas) and are prepared by Chef Emilie Berner. Register by calling 914-734-3780 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

If you or someone you know has been struggling to reach needed services during the Coronavirus Crisis, The Bridge Fund of Westchester is accepting applications for emergency assistance. Their services span a wide range of support for childcare items, groceries, medication, case management, rent assistance, utilities, and other information/referrals. Stop by from 11am to 3pm at Ossining Communities that Care (81 Croton Ave).

 

 

The Gullotta House is celebrating its 5 year anniversary. Join them July 24 at 7pm at the Briarcliff Manor for their annual fundraiser (postponed from an April date) with a dinner, silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, and honoring five Unsung Heroes who have made an impact in the community and helped Westchester residents in need. I am very grateful to be named one of the “unsung heroes” beside Irene Amato, Perry DiNapoli, Cinthia Gullotta, and Laura Rey Iannarelli. Tickets are $125 after July 5^th and the number available is limited. Register at www.gullottahouse.org

 

 

Ossining Matters has announced they will be holding an August drive-in movie fundraiser. The movie title and location have not been announced yet, but we are excited for this fundraiser.

 

 

Information about what is available right now to help people is included in our easy-to-access COVID-19 Resources Document. This is a joint effort by the Town and Village to organize information during this hectic time. The document lists information on legal assistance, WiFi access, services for seniors, and much more. If you cannot find what you need in this doc, you are welcome to reach out to the Town offices. Our Town staff is responding to all calls and emails.

 

 

On Tuesday, there are three pickup food distribution locations running during the day. A number of organizations are coordinating to keep these distributions ongoing.

 

 

For children under 18, the Ossining School District is continuing their summer food program Monday through Friday at Park School (22 Edward St, Ossining).

 

 

The Ossining Food Pantry offers food and gift cards to the Ossining Farmers Market. The Pantry is expanding their list of recipients, providing fresh produce, and delivering meals and gift cards to residents who need an extra hand. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply or for more information. As a reminder, all food distribution programs are for Briarcliff residents too.

 

 

Please continue to be safe out there and have a good weekend.

 

--Dana

 

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

Supervisor's Update – Friday, July 10, 2020

Details

Last Updated: 10 July 2020 10 July 2020

Today we are expecting heavy rainfall and high winds associated with Tropical Storm Fay heading up the East Coast. In our area, we can expect potential flooding and flash floods, strong winds, and tropical storm conditions in coastal and marine areas. Please keep an eye on the forecast today. Keep all of your mobile devices charged in case of power outages and remember – do not touch downed power lines! There are several different ways to notify Con Edison in the event of a power outage, including via their website and mobile app. In the Unincorporated Town, our Highway Department is set and ready to get to work if there are downed trees or limbs in the roadways this afternoon. The good news is this storm seems to be fast moving, and we should be in the clear by tomorrow morning. Please stay safe!

Tonight marks our second Summer Concert of the year. Our series moved to a virtual platform since health concerns are a top priority – and the added benefit is that there is no need to cancel due to rain (hopefully our power lines and WiFi will remain strong through the storm)! Concerts are airing on Facebook Live on the Town’s Facebook page each Friday from 7 to 8pm. This week’s concert features Drew Bordeaux. His music is a mix of Southern Rock & 70s Soul with the urgency of Alternative and Grunge Rock. His percussive guitar style is reminiscent of Richie Havens and Dave Matthews, and violin playing fuses his upbringing as a classical musician with elements of blues and rock.  He has played venues of all sizes and shared stages with Daughtry, KT Tunstall, Gin Blossoms, and more. Tonight’s concert is being emceed by Mike Risko – be sure to order your dinners and drinks from some of our great local eating and drinking establishments, then tune in at 7pm for a not-to-be-missed concert!

We share a list of open restaurants every week but we especially want everyone to look it over on Fridays so you can place that dinner order from a local business and enjoy during the concert, right from the comfort of your own home. This list is updated each week and we change the color each time another business is added. Local businesses are working through challenging times so it’s up to us to support them and be patient as they adapt.

Ossining entered Phase 4 this week, the last of the phases outlined by Governor Cuomo’s NY Forward plan. Unfortunately, Phase 4 does not mean everything is back to normal. While case numbers continue to rise across the country, New York is remaining cautiously optimistic and maintaining a gradual reopening. Instructions will continue to come down from the Governor’s office and State Department of Health. I encourage you to continue reviewing incoming information from official sources. To stay up to date, you can sign up for Coronavirus Updates from New York State. Free diagnostic testing is now available for all New Yorkers.

Phase 4 brought some exciting new changes. Gatherings of up to 50 people are now permitted. Masks must still be worn in all public spaces and social distancing rules still apply. Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment, including zoos and botanical gardens can open. They will operate at 1/3 capacity, including staff. Indoor religious services, arts, and entertainment, including museums and aquariums can open up with 25% capacity. Education was originally included in Phase 4, but Governor Cuomo has adjusted that portion of the phase since most schools are on summer break. He has asked school districts to draft plans for the fall, but an official decision on schools will not be made until the first week of August. Professional sports have permission to return in New York, though stadiums cannot allow fans. Movie production can begin again as well. I know many people were disappointed that gyms and movie theaters were not included in Phase 4. The Governor has outlined his concerns that air conditioners in these types of large-scale establishments can spread the virus. Special filters that can be added to air conditioning units may eventually be used to help these businesses reopen. Malls can open starting today, if they have these enhanced HVAC filtration systems & measures in place.

Coronavirus cases in New York are some of the lowest in the nation. It is important for us to remain vigilant. As people become more comfortable traveling, we are expecting to see clusters of the virus emerge. Fortunately, there is a plan in place to identify these clusters and get people the information they need. If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing,” please pick up the phone. The person on the other line is trained to connect you with vital information if you have been exposed. They can help arrange childcare and eldercare options, and get you paperwork confirming exposure for your employer. These calls are New York’s best defense against a rise in cases. Recently they were used when a cluster was found after a graduation-related event in the county. More cases were able to develop because people were hesitant to speak with Contact Tracers, but we need to change this mindset. Contact Tracers are a safe, confidential way to contain the virus. The “NYS Contact Tracing” caller ID is being used by the Health Department so you will have no doubts about picking up the phone.

This past weekend you may have noticed some patriotic decorations around town. Thank you to all the family that participated in our House Decorating Contest. We’ve selected four winners based on the creativity of the designs. From balloons to buntings, mini-flags to homemade enthusiasm, we believe this was a great way to celebrate the holiday this year. Coronavirus may have stopped us from being able to gather for fireworks, but our community still found a great way to show our spirit.

 

We are also excited to announce that Green Ossining volunteers will be at the Farmers Market every Saturday, starting tomorrow, July 11 from 9:30am - 11:30am (weather permitting). The location will serve multiple purposes: as a food scrap drop-off location for participants in the program, and as a pick-up location for food scrap recycling kits that have been pre-purchased. This has been a goal of our program since we started up in the winter, and we are very excited to finally be able to implement this second location.  Please note kits will not be for sale at the market, and the deadline has passed for ordering for tomorrow’s pick-up. But still, stop by, say hello (from six feet away, of course) to our Green Ossining volunteers, and be sure to place your order for next Saturday.  For more information on how to pre-purchase a food scrap recycling kit, and on the Ossining Composts program visit: www.ossiningcomposts.org. This is a secondary drop-off location for food scraps feel free to continue to use Cedar Lane if it is more convenient.

2020 Town and County Taxes were due on April 30, 2020. Taxpayers who experienced a financial hardship directly attributed to COVID-19 were able to defer payment without penalty up to July 15^th  provided they complete a hardship certification (which is available on the Town's website). To avoid penalties, the completed form should be returned with your 2020 Town and County tax payment postmarked by July 15^th. If you cannot certify a financial hardship, you may still pay your 2020 Town and County taxes at the reduced penalty of 1% if paid (postmarked) by July 15th. After this date the penalties return to the prescribed (by New York State) schedule of penalties. Please note, these options apply ONLY to the 2020 Town and County tax bill. 

If you have further questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Town Tax Office at (914) 762-8790.  If they are unable to answer the telephone when you call – please do leave a message and they will return your call promptly. The Town Tax Office is here to assist you, and is now available on the 1^st Floor, during public office hours Monday through Friday, 9am to 2:30pm, to collect your taxes and to provide you with any tax information you may need – just let the greeter at the front door know that you need to see someone from the Tax Office. Click into the image for a link to a high resolution copy and further information.

More exciting news -- our Cedar Lane Arts Center is getting ready to reopen its doors. Health guidelines and space limitations given by New York State have made our popular classes in even higher demand, so sign up now to get a spot! More detailed class descriptions are available on the Ossining Parks and Recreation website.

For anyone who owns a business, I would like to remind you that the Town and Village have cloth masks available if you need them. The masks are washable and reusable. We do not want businesses to have to delay opening because they may not have the masks they need. Masks can be requested by calling (914) 762-6002, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or filling out our easy-access google form in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Every ten years, the United States conducts a Census to assess how many people live in the country. This count is not limited by age, race, primary language, or legal status. Billions of dollars are allocated based on Census results. Reps in the House of Representatives are also chosen based on the results. Since March, we have shared the website and phone numbers you can use to complete the Census. If you take a look at the map below, you can see that the Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on response rates across the county. We need your help to get the word out. Copy the language options and share on social media. Challenge your friends to complete the Census. It takes only 10 minutes. We need to make a concentrated effort to reach our relatives and friends and neighbors.

English: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-330-2020
TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020
Portuguese: https://2020census.gov/pt.html or 844-474-2020 
Spanish: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-468-2020
Chinese: https://2020census.gov/zh-hans.html or 844-391-2020 (Mandarin) 844-398-2020 (Cantonese) 
Vietnamese: https://2020census.gov/vi.html or 844-461-2020
Korean: https://2020census.gov/ko.html or 844-392-2020
Russian: https://2020census.gov/ru.html or 844-417-2020
Arabic: https://2020census.gov/ar.html or 844-416-2020
Tagalog: https://2020census.gov/tl.html or 844-478-2020 
Polish: https://2020census.gov/pl.html or 844-479-2020 
French: https://2020census.gov/fr.html or 844-494-2020 
Haitian Creole: https://2020census.gov/ht.html or 844-477-2020 
Japanese: https://2020census.gov/ja.html or 844-460-2020

For more language options, visit the US 2020 Census website’s language center: https://2020census.gov/en/languages.html. The Census is a new concept for many people. Remember: it is a count of each resident and is completely confidential by law. 

We have received fewer calls about fireworks now that the 4^th of July has passed, but are often still hearing them at night. As a reminder, fireworks are illegal in Westchester County.  Additionally, healthcare workers have just worked for four months straight to get Coronavirus numbers down and reduce the number of people in hospitals. When you shoot off illegal fireworks you take a dangerous risk, not only to yourself but to our EMTs, homeowners, local healthcare professionals, police officers, and firefighters. You also contribute to the single biggest cause of animals being lost – the frightening sounds disorient them and they get hurt wandering streets trying to get back home.

Our phones have been ringing off the hook with questions about our parks. Phase 4 allows low-risk recreational activities, and we know people are excited to get back outside. Ossining sports fields are open for baseball, softball, and other activities. While group athletics are allowed, direct person-to-person contact should be avoided. That means shooting hoops is okay, but a full basketball game is not. Practicing soccer skills is great, but a pickup game with teams is not advisable. All park users must wear their masks at all times. The only exception to this rule is the Spray Park, when use is required unless in the spray area.

Our spray park reopened this week with a new set of guidelines to help parents and kids stay safe. Please review the Spray Park rules before visiting. You must sign in, participate in a brief health screening, and provide contact information to the Park attendant. This information is being collected in the event a cluster emerges in our community and contact tracers need to identify other Spray Park users. The Spray Park is open 7 days a week, from noon to 7pm. 

We also received a lot of calls this week about the Dog Park. The Dog Park at Cedar Lane is now open. As a reminder, there is no fee to use the dog park if you are an Ossining or Briarcliff resident, however all dogs MUST be licensed with the Town of Ossining or Village of Briarcliff, at which point you will be given a dog park tag for the year.  And yes, all dogs over the age of 6 months must be licensed per New York State Law!  Owners must wear a mask at all times. For a full list of rules related to the dog park please see our Dog Park Local Laws. Dog licenses are issued through the Clerk’s offices. Apply or first time registration here (certificate of rabies vaccination required). To renew a dog license, apply here.

Starting tomorrow, July 11th, we will be accepting permit applications for our pavilions and picnic areas. Gatherings are still limited and masks are required when you cannot maintain 6 foot distancing, but these open air venues might be just the thing for a safe, small party as long as you can maintain it. Pavilion rentals can be done online here.

We have recently had an increase in calls about the lack of mask wearing and social distancing taking place in our parks. I would like to remind everyone that the fears we faced in March are currently being felt in over 30 states in our country. We do not want to backslide on our progress and add further stress to the healthcare community. The safety practices are in place to protect us from more close downs. Largely, the burden is on all of us to look out for one another. If you see something, say something. Feel free to call our community partners and enforcement agency, the Ossining Police Department, at (914) 941-4099, if you believe there are unsafe practices in our Parks and Public Spaces. If you wait to get home or post to Facebook, it will be difficult to help with enforcement. Our actions today will have a direct impact on our health.

I would like to remind everyone especially about the importance of mask wearing. This was a particularly muggy week and I know that can make the masks uncomfortable, but it is still very important to wear them. In March, health officials did not immediately recommend mask wearing for the general public, but some evidence suggests that if mask wearing had been recommended earlier, literally tens of thousands of lives could have been saved across the country. As the number of cases increases, this guidance is as important as ever.  Wearing a mask is crucial. For young children, who are less likely to understand social distancing rules, try brightly colored masks made from handkerchiefs or with patterns cut from a t-shirt. Wearing a mask requires some getting used to - do not wait until returning to your office or classroom to start. Disposable masks get the job done but there are also some great tutorials for homemade masks out there.

Help your kids break their screen-time streak and improve their reading skills. Ossining students can request “book bundles” as part of an innovative solution to these trying times. Students or guardians can fill out the book bundle application to help identify their favorite stories. The answers will be used to introduce readers to new stories, available for pickup or delivered to your home! 

If your child borrowed a book before students were sent home in March, it is important to return it. Books should be brought back to your child’s school. Call the school building for drop off times. 

Now for some events – some near, some far, and most virtual!

From Monday, July 13 to Thursday July 16^th, you can watch a free livestream of Prince Among Slaves, a film about the true story of Prince Abdul-Rahman's, who was captured in Guinea on the West Coast of Africa in 1788. The story follows him as he is sold into enslavement on a tobacco farm in Mississippi and his campaign for his freedom and the freedom of his family. The Award-Winning movie can be watched for free with registration through the Our Common Beliefs website. 

On Saturday, July 18 from 9am - 3pm, Star of Bethlehem Church is partnering with Open Door Medical Center to provide free COVID-19 testing in the church parking lot at 304 Spring Street in Ossining. Walk-ups are welcome but making an appointment is encouraged. No insurance is required to get tested and the event is not limited to parishioners. You can sign up for an appointment at www.starbethbc.org under the events tab. 

The Gullotta House is celebrating its 5 year anniversary. Join them July 24 at 7pm at the Briarcliff Manor for their annual fundraiser (postponed from an April date) with an dinner, silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, and honoring five Unsung Heroes who have made an impact in the community and helped Westchester residents in need. This year, I am honored to have been named an Unsung Hero myself, joining a fabulous line-up of others who give of themselves daily to help our community.  Congratulations in advance to: Irene Amato, Perry DiNapoli, Cinthia Gullotta, and Laura Rey Iannarelli. Tickets are $125 after July 5^th and the number available is limited. Register at www.gullottahouse.org

Every Wednesday at 8:30pm, the Crossover Yoga Project is offering free livestreamed Evening Mediation to help us get through the summer. You can follow their Facebook event page for upcoming class dates. 

Save the date for this August's fundraiser from Ossining Matters. Details on the movie and location are forthcoming.

Information about what’s available right now to help people is included in our easy-to-access COVID-19 Resources Document. This is a joint effort by the Town and Village to organize information during this hectic time. The document lists information on legal assistance, WiFi access, services for seniors, and much more. If you cannot find what you need in this doc, you are welcome to reach out to the Town offices. Our Town staff is responding to all calls and emails.

 

Food distribution has continued throughout Ossining, but many locations and times have shifted. As Ossining begins Phase 4, the Community Center will shift toward recreation programs. Food distribution is coordinated through many different agencies, so take a look at the summer options available. Today, starting at 4:00 Gullotta House is distributing hot meals in the Shop & Shop parking lot.

On Monday, July 13 Gullotta House is distributing hot meals in partnership with Ossining CAP. Distribution will be in the Stop & Shop parking lot starting at 5:30.

On Tuesday, there are three pickup locations running during the day. The organizations managing these distributions are below the graphic.

For children under 18, the Ossining School District is continuing their summer food program Monday through Friday at Park School (22 Edward St, Ossining).

The Ossining Food Pantry offers food and gift cards to the Ossining Farmers Market. The Pantry is expanding their list of recipients, providing fresh produce, and delivering meals and gift cards to residents who need an extra hand. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply or for more information. As a reminder, all food distribution programs are for Briarcliff residents too.

Please continue to be safe out there and have a great weekend.

--Dana

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

Supervisor's Update - Thursday July 2, 2020

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Last Updated: 02 July 2020 02 July 2020

 

Tomorrow we are celebrating a holiday across the country, recognizing the United States declaring its independence from England. Each year, Independence Day is an opportunity to celebrate the United States’ promise of liberty, equality, and justice for all as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The events of this year have given us pause, forcing us to reckon with the fact that these promises have not been extended equally “for all” throughout our country’s history. This year, we think it is important we recognize Independence Day as a humbling experience, and definitely a call to action that we can all do better in the future. Our Town offices will be closed tomorrow, July 3, in observance of the holiday. We will be back on Monday, July 6, ready to continue all our hard work on behalf of you, our constituents!

 

We know many people were disappointed to hear that the Town will not be hosting our annual fireworks show this year. We certainly miss seeing everyone in person, but we cannot justify bringing thousands of people together during this pandemic, as mentioned at our meetings and in past updates. Our annual celebration has drawn close to 4,000 attendees in the past, far beyond the gatherings of 25 currently allowed by New York State. As your Town government, we recognize we need to be a leader on this issue and do whatever we can to prevent large gatherings of people, continue to contain the spread of COVID-19, and protect public health. We know this event is a community favorite, so please rest assured you can mark your calendars for a great 2021 fireworks show.

 

To celebrate, we have adjusted our Summer Concert Series to a virtual show each Friday in July, and we may possibly extend into August, depending on how popular they are. The Zoom concerts will be streamed on Facebook live starting tomorrow, with Mike Risko as our emcee! The line-up will feature super talented musicians performing from their own homes so there will be no in-person viewing of the shows.

 

 

 

You are NOT going to want to miss this Friday’s concert, featuring Marc Von Em, starting at 6pm on Facebook Live via the Town’s Facebook Page. Marc is not only a veteran performer from our Waterfront Summer Concert Series, but he has toured with Rob Thomas and performed with Santana! We are so grateful he has agreed to join us this week to officially kick off our Virtual Concert Series. If you just cannot wait, check out our page for a surprise dress rehearsal featuring Marc from yesterday afternoon – trust me, it will just leave you wanting more!

 

 

We encourage the community to support our local restaurants during these virtual concerts. We will be highlighting some of the amazing local dishes available, so instead of getting jealous, get yourself some take-out before the show starts and keep track of all the amazing food choices you have available right here in your own backyard. We have been sharing a restaurants list since the PAUSE orders started in March. As you probably noticed by now, the list changes color every time there is a new addition. There are two new restaurants on the list this week, and we are happy to have them back.

 

 

The Town and Village will also be co-hosting a patriotic House Decorating Contest. Register here for your house to be considered! The deadline for participating has been extended to Sunday, July 5. We can’t wait to see creative Ossining on display this weekend! We hope this will be a small, but impactful way to remind us all that even if we cannot be together in person, we are certainly all in this together.

 

 

Before we jump into some of the other great events happening around town (and virtually) I would like to remind everyone that Ossining is currently on track to enter Phase 4 on Tuesday. Ossining is part of the Mid-Hudson region, which had a slight rise in cases due to a graduation related event in a nearby town. It is important to recognize that we are not in the clear yet. Phase 4 is not a full return to normal. As we see other states deal with increasing cases we must remain vigilant in our hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing. We have come so far, we do not want to go backward! The spikes in cases across the country have largely been tied back to unsafe gatherings in various settings from Memorial Day weekend. As we look at another long weekend, please remember lives are at stake when we let down our safety guard. It is not just “you” at risk, but many, many others.

 

Phase 4 will allow gatherings of up to 50 and the reopening of aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens with limited capacity. Religious institutions can resume operation with limited capacity as well. Many people hoped malls, gyms, and movie theaters would reopen with Phase 4, but the Governor has indicated we are not quite there yet. There is no Phase 5, 6, 7 etc. but the NYS Health Department will continue to issue guidance regarding reopening procedures. As a reminder, we are still in Phase 3.

 

 

We have also heard that people who have been contacted by contact tracers have not been honest and/or if exposed to COVID-19, have not been isolating according to safety protocols. Again, this is not just one’s self at risk, but tens, hundreds, then thousands of others if you do not comply. Be smart, be safe, be considerate. If you receive a call from NYS Contact Tracing please pick up the phone. The calls are being made by individuals trained to contact you if you have been exposed to the virus. They can help you get food, manage childcare/eldercare responsibilities, and connect you with healthcare experts. They can also get you the necessary paperwork for your employer to allow you time off. As cases rise in other states, New York is expecting clusters to surface. You can prevent the spread by picking up the phone.

 

 

A lot of people are skeptical of callers asking for personal information – as we all should be these days. Here is some helpful information to help everyone stay safe. Official contact tracers will ONLY call you from the official state Caller ID “NYS Contact Tracing”. If your phone does not allow caller ID features, the call will come from (518) 387-9993.

 

 

For anyone who owns a business, I would like to remind you that the Town and Village have cloth masks available if you need them. The masks are washable and reusable. We do not want businesses to have to delay opening because they may not have the masks they need. Masks can be requested by calling (914) 762-6002, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or filling out our easy-access google form in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

 

 

We have been bombarded with calls about our parks facilities and have been working round the clock to get them ready for Phases 3 and 4. We believe everything is in place for the Spray Park at Louis Engel to open on Monday, 7/6 from 12-7. Here are the protocols that will be in place so please read and share and be prepared!

 

 

We have also gotten a lot of questions about our Dog Park. Our Park’s team has been working to get the final touches finished on some updates. The park is not quite ready yet, but we hope to have an opening date to announce for you soon.

 

Right now, we believe our baseball and softball fields will be open for organized team play starting next week. Our very, very busy Parks department has been getting them ready, so, as long as there are no further restrictions announced, they should be operating for team sports next week.

 

We will also be accepting permit applications again for our pavilions and picnic areas starting July 11^th. Gatherings are still limited and masks are required when you cannot maintain 6 foot distancing, but these open air venues might be just the thing for a safe, small party as long as you can, actually, maintain it.

 

 

Largely, the burden is on all of us to look out for each other. If you see something, say something. Feel free to call our community partners and enforcement agency, the Ossining Police Department, at 941-4099, if you believe there are unsafe practices in our Public Spaces. If you wait to get home or post to Facebook, it will be difficult to help with enforcement. This is a challenging time for us to ask our Police to “be tough on crime,” especially mask enforcement or safety protocols. Nevertheless, they will certainly come to check on unsafe activities and remind people about the rules.

 

 

I know businesses have been asked to take on a lot during these past few months. Westchester County has made grants available for small businesses and small not-for-profit corporations up to $10,000 for acquiring personal protective equipment, or installing equipment necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No interest loans are available through the County of Westchester's Industrial Development Agency (IDA), for small businesses and small not-for-profit corporations in an amount up to $25,000. The full loan amount being considered is $500,000. Businesses interested in the grants or loans should contact Bridget Gibbons at 914-995-2952 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Here is your weekly reminder to complete your Census. I know this information looks familiar (we share it every week) but we’re still not reaching everyone. Help us get the word out! It only takes about 10 minutes to complete. You can fill it out online or by phone, in your preferred language. The specific links and numbers for some of the languages are copied below. If you know someone who probably hasn’t filled out the Census (grandma? Great Aunt Sally? Cousin Luke?) help us get this information out to them.

English: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-330-2020
TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020
Portuguese: https://2020census.gov/pt.html or 844-474-2020 
Spanish: https://my2020census.gov/ or 844-468-2020
Chinese: https://2020census.gov/zh-hans.html or 844-391-2020 (Mandarin) 844-398-2020 (Cantonese) 
Vietnamese: https://2020census.gov/vi.html or 844-461-2020
Korean: https://2020census.gov/ko.html or 844-392-2020
Russian: https://2020census.gov/ru.html or 844-417-2020
Arabic: https://2020census.gov/ar.html or 844-416-2020
Tagalog: https://2020census.gov/tl.html or 844-478-2020 
Polish: https://2020census.gov/pl.html or 844-479-2020 
French: https://2020census.gov/fr.html or 844-494-2020 
Haitian Creole: https://2020census.gov/ht.html or 844-477-2020 
Japanese: https://2020census.gov/ja.html or 844-460-2020

For more language options, visit the US 2020 Census website’s language center: https://2020census.gov/en/languages.html. The Census is a new concept for many people. Remember: it is a count of each resident and is completely confidential by law. 

 

Due to the Independence Day holiday, curbside sales of kits and compostable bags for the Food Scrap Recycling program will not be available tomorrow, Friday, July 3 or Saturday, July 4. Any kits ordered during this timeframe will be available for pick-up on Monday, July 6. Please also stay tuned for an exciting new addition to this program – kit pick-ups and a secondary collection site at the Ossining Farmers Market! Thanks to volunteers from Green Ossining and help from our friends at Teatown Lake Reservation, we hope to begin this new offering as early as July 11^th. You can sign up for the Food Scraps mailing list at the Ossining Composts website.

 

Now for some events – some near, some far, and most virtual!

 

After the virtual concert tomorrow you will probably be in a very musical mindset. If you have Disney+ you can celebrate Independence Day with a lesson in US History. The streaming service is airing the Tony award winning play Hamilton on July 3. The release date for this event was originally scheduled for 2021 but was moved up as fireworks and other crowd-based celebrations were cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The performance was filmed in 2016 with the original cast. My family and I (and yes, my staff too!) have been singing these songs for a few years now, so we definitely cannot wait!

 

 

On July 4, we hope you take advantage of the holiday and enjoy your time off. Please do not set off fireworks on your own, as they can cause serious injury. Our healthcare workers have a lot on their plates right now and we do not want to see an unnecessary rise in emergency room visits. Also, remember that unplanned firework events of any kind can be triggering for Veterans suffering from PTSD, who are not expecting the displays, not to mention the stress the noise can place on some of your furry friends as well. For anyone who absolutely cannot celebrate 4^th of July without fireworks, I am excited to share Macy’s fireworks show will air on television from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST on July 4. New York City has specifically stated that it will not share the location the fireworks will be launched from that night, so please do not visit the city in an attempt to watch them live.

 

 

Early morning on Sunday, July 5 the USS Slater will pass Ossining on its way from Albany to a repair dock in Staten Island. The USS Slater is a floating museum now, but was used in WWII as a destroyer to combat U-boats (submarines). The exact time the ship will pass Ossining will depend on a lot of factors that morning, so you can keep tabs on the projected times on the ship’s Facebook page.

 

At 11am on Sunday, July 5, Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church will host a parking lot service with the sermon airing over FM radio and streamed online. Members and guests should sign up in advance on the church website. All attendees will stay in their cars for the entirety of the one hour Park and Praise service. We are pleased to see that our houses of worship are finding innovative ways to observe. Star has been an excellent partner in helping provide food to families in need, we are grateful for their community partnership.

 

 

Additionally, on Saturday, July 18 from 9am - 3pm, Star of Bethlehem Church is partnering with Open Door Medical Center to provide free COVID-19 testing in the church parking lot at 304 Spring Street in Ossining. Walk-ups are welcome but making an appointment is encouraged. No insurance is required to get tested and the event is not limited to parishioners. You can sign up for an appointment at www.starbethbc.org under the events tab. 

 

 

Books on the brain? Ossining students can request “book bundles” as part of an innovative solution to these trying times. Students or guardians can fill out the book bundle application to get a head start on their summer reading – and their new favorite stories.

 

 

If your child borrowed a book before student were sent home in March it is important to return it. Books should be brought back to your child’s school. Call the school building for drop off times.

 

 

Did you miss the Members Show from the Ossining Art’s Council? Check out their Virtual Gallery and learn more about the pieces and their creators.

 

 

 

Our Cedar Lane Arts Center is getting ready to reopen its doors. Health guidelines for New York State have made our popular classes even more exclusive so sign up now to get a spot! More detailed class descriptions are available on the Ossining Parks and Recreation website.

 

 

Information about what’s available right now to help people is included in our easy-to-access COVID-19 Resources Document. This is a joint effort by the Town and Village to organize information during this hectic time. The document lists information on legal assistance, WiFi access, services for seniors, and much more. If you cannot find what you need in this doc, you are welcome to reach out to the Town offices. Our Town staff is responding to all calls and emails.

 

 

Food distribution has continued throughout the Ossining, though it may change locations in the upcoming week so continue to look carefully. Check out the schedule below for the upcoming week. The food distributed is done in collaboration with multiple local agencies, so please see below for all those working hard to feed Ossining.

 

 

The Ossining Food Pantry offers food and gift cards to the Ossining Farmers Market. The Pantry is expanding their list of recipients, providing fresh produce, and delivering meals and gift cards to residents who need an extra hand. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply or for more information. As a reminder, all food distribution programs are for Briarcliff residents too.

 

 

I would like to take this moment to congratulate the staff of the Ossining Public Library for their awards as the “Best Library” and “Best Children’s Library” in Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester. These vote-driven merits show how much residents love our library. It is also a testament to the dedication of the library’s staff. Please join me in congratulating them! To see some of the amazing programs they have continued, adapted, or rolled out for us during these past few months, visit the Ossining Public Library website.

 

 

Historic Hudson River Towns and all its member communities, which include the Villages of Briarcliff, Ossining, and the Town of Ossining, worked with the company Travel Story to develop a driving tour of communities along the Hudson, north of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The tour app is available for free via the TravelStorys app. Big shout out to Dana White and Scott Craven, Town and Village of Ossining Historians for their hard work writing and in some cases recording copy for our special local sites. We are excited to be a part of this program and hopefully with more families planning road trips this summer, we can highlight all the best Ossining has to offer virtually.

I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the holiday weekend. I know this year is atypical, but there is a silver lining to all dark clouds. I am happy to see so many families introducing themselves to our beautiful parks. The Town has over 130 acres of parks, walking trails, and nature preserve space. Due to the increased use of our parks, we are maintaining the carry-in-carry-out policy to reduce garbage left behind. Our Parks team has worked tirelessly to keep everything in ship-shape. If you see garbage carried out of cans by the wind or night-time animals, please do not kick it into waterways or sewers.

 

 

Please continue to be safe out there and I hope you enjoy a restful Independence Day weekend!

 

--Dana

 

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