Many people in our area suffered from damage due to Hurricane Ida. We are now in the full swing of hurricane season – which will be followed by blizzard season. Please note that homeowners who received federal assistance from FEMA for damage caused by a past disaster and failed to obtain and maintain flood insurance on that property are not eligible for assistance. Federal law requires homeowners who qualify for disaster assistance to obtain and maintain flood insurance for the life of the property. If they do not, the property will not be eligible for federal assistance in another disaster.

For those of you who are still recovering – or those who will in the future, here is some important information: FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362; operators are available in over 20 languages.

Local Disaster Recovery Centers (centers are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday):

For additional online resources as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and click “Information.” For referrals to agencies that support community-specific needs, call 211 or visit https://www.211nys.org/contact-us.

Last month, the US Small Business Association opened a Business Recovery Center at the New York Power Authority building (123 Main St.) in White Plains. 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.

FEMA will be hosting a mobile disaster recovery center at the Ossining Public Library to help survivors of Hurricane Ida apply for disaster assistance. You can visit the mobile units and meet in person with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies. They can also get help with uploading documents. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to explain how to apply for low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

53 Croton Ave., Ossining, NY 10562

Saturday, Oct. 23 -- Tuesday, Oct. 26

(closed Sunday, Oct. 24)

On Friday, October 8th, County Executive George Latimer signed into law the Anti-Discriminatory Harassment Bill, legislation that expands the type of harassment that can be prosecuted under the law. If you or someone you know needs to report hate crimes or harassment, please be aware that the DA’s Tips Hotline (914-995-TIPS) is available to you to help combat hate and bias in Westchester.

It's election time! Early voting starts on October 23. There are a number of propositions on the ballot concerning important topics like redistricting, absentee voting, and more; visit the County Board of Elections website to learn more about them. The County is also still looking for poll workers; click here to learn more and apply. We have a number of candidates running in the local elections. Every vote counts.

Every Friday this fall, the Village will be sharing the New York State foliage reports on their social media channels. This year, iloveny.com began issuing its weekly reports, which include an enhanced interactive progression map that tracks foliage change and progression across the state throughout the season.

I encourage you to get there this autumn – go and see the beautiful fall colors – take a brisk walk – and enjoy all the Hudson Valley (especially Ossining!) has to offer in the way of spectacular views in the fresh air and so much more!

Over the past few years, the Village of Ossining has taken the opportunity to rename eight local streets to commemorate individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. These honorary street names do not replace the official street names. Of these eight, I have had the pleasure of being a part of six. You will find three references to street renamings on this week’s Legislative Meeting Agenda:

Public Hearings for the honorary street renamings for Barbara Klapkowski and Dream Shepherd. As well as the approval for renaming the corner of South and State Streets for James Lewis Bason, Jr.

Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app: https://zoom.us/j/92927242629

Webinar ID: 929 2724 2629

Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 929 205 6099