OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST APRIL 23, 2020
Village & Town Information
|
|
The Village of Ossining is committed to share up-to-date and relative information regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. In our weekly web blasts you will find this section dedicated to new information. For previously shared information, please visit the Village of Ossining's dedicated
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page.
|
|
Helpful Information from New York State
|
|
Governor Cuomo outlined a blueprint to get New Yorkers back to work and ease social isolation without triggering a renewed spread of the virus. The blueprint operates under one overarching principle — do no harm. As part of the strategy to reopen, we will strengthen the healthcare system; use diagnostic testing, antibody testing and contact tracing to limit the spread of the virus; and implement a phased return to a "new normal" — which will include evaluating risk by industry, starting with the most essential businesses that present the lowest risk, rethinking the workplace to make it safer, and implementing protocols for response if a worker develops COVID-19 symptoms. View full plan
here.
Governor Cuomo announced the creation of the Reimagine NY Task Force to improve systems in downstate New York once the state is no longer on PAUSE. The Task Force will be led by the state and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio,
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and will comprise other local elected officials and housing and transportation experts.
The State Department of Labor has launched a new,
streamlined unemployment benefits application. The agency is laser focused on getting New Yorkers the aid they deserve. This new application will make sure that eligible New Yorkers get their benefits faster. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, DOL has paid $2.2 billion in unemployment benefits to 1.1 million New Yorkers.
Click here for more info
|
|
Helpful information from Westchester County
|
|
For
Coronavirus testing inquiries or to schedule an appointment at the Glen Island drive-through site, please call the New York State hotline at (1-888) 364-3065.
For appointments at the
Westchester Medical Center’s drive-through testing site, please call (914) 202-4530.
For Coronavirus inquiries, you can reach the
New York State Department of Health’s hotline at (1-833) 626-7662 and (1-855) 626-7662.
You can also call the
Westchester County Department of Health Coronavirus hotline at (1-866) 588-0195.
General Coronavirus questions can be answered by the
United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Helpline at 211.
If you are a
non-essential employee and being asked to report to work, please call the New York State attorney General’s office at (212) 416-8700.
If you need assistance in
determining if your business is deemed essential under the governor’s executive order or want to apply for an essential business designation please go to
esd.ny.gov
To apply for
social services benefits, please visit
mybenefits.gov or call (914) 995-3333
All
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles offices are closed but many services are available online at
dmv.ny.gov
|
|
New York State Executive Order Allows Westchester County Executive George Latimer To Remove Property Tax Late Fees For County Residents And Businesses
Residents and businesses must demonstrate economic hardship caused by COVID-19, threshold will be set by the County and vetted by the towns and cities.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer received permission from Governor Andrew Cuomo to go forward with his plan to remove late fees for County residents and business for the late payment of their property taxes (
New York State Executive Order No. 202.22).
Latimer said: “I want to thank Gov. Cuomo for recognizing the need to help Westchester residents and businesses. I am concerned about the financial pressures that the residents of this County are under. We can, we should - and now, we are - offering them some financial relief by waiving the late payments for the County taxes now due. This is the right thing to do for our constituents.”
To provide assistance to the cities and towns that collect these taxes, the Executive Order allows for the County Executive to accept less than 60% of the taxes (along with special ad valorem levies and special assessments) due on May 25 from towns and cities, as long as the municipalities waive residents’ late fees for the late payment of property taxes up to July 15, 2020.
To have the fee waived, the resident or business must certify economic hardship caused by COVID-19. The threshold for the certification requires in part that a resident must have qualified for the STAR exemption, is not paying property taxes through an escrow account and can assert that they have suffered loss of substantial employment income as a result of COVID-19.
|
|
Helpful information from NYS Bar Association
|
|
Any New Yorker who sees excessively priced consumer goods and services that are used primarily for personal, family or household purposes to prevent or respond to the Covid-19 virus should file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.
or
Consumer hotline +1 800-697-1220
|
|
|
|
|
What is the Village of Ossining doing?
The Village of Ossining is paying close attention to the situation in New York, the country, and around the world. We are closely collaborating, planning, and coordinating with the Town of Ossining and local non-profits.
Staff is regularly participating in conference calls with Westchester County and the State of New York to receive regular updates from both agencies.
We are working in conjunction with Feeding Westchester to set up mobile food pantries for various days and times in walkable areas in the Village to distribute bags of food to our neighbors in need. Our Community Center has been converted into a hub for staff to pack what is to be distributed.
|
|
What can you do?
As many of you know, our local food pantries and non-profits have been coming together to ensure our community does not go hungry. We can’t thank these organizations enough for all their help. Below you will find links to our local non-profits that have been working in partnership with the Village of Ossining to distribute food to people who need it. If you would like to provide donations or volunteer support we encourage you to do so*.
These efforts will continue through this COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. We are proud to say that many of our local restaurants are also taking donations toward providing meals to those in the community that cannot leave their homes. We will be including this information in a section of our
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page.
Please send emails to
webblast@villageofossining.org if you know of any other Ossining based agencies that are providing food during this time so that we can add them to this list.
We appreciate your commitment to our community.
|
|
Tri-State Mask Makers are creating masks for those in need - healthcare workers to neighbors in nursing home.
Your
donation will allow many sewists to continue with their work of love.
|
|
The Ossining Micro Fund
is a non-profit organization offering interest-free loans to individuals and families who encounter unexpected financial obstacles. Our philosophy is to “pay it forward” – when a loan recipient repays a loan, the money becomes available to help another person in need.
Click here for information
.
|
|
GoFundMe for people who want to make smaller donations to collectively send meals.
|
|
Our Phelps Hospital family is deeply moved by all of the offers of help we have received from community members. Thank you. One way you can help is to take care of those on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Let's come together to support the team at Phelps Hospital. By ordering a delivery from a local restaurant, we'll help support our local businesses while providing nourishing, comforting food to our front-line caregivers. Having the support of the community will mean so much to them and will help keep them going during this marathon. Please consider supporting however you can. Our doctors, nurses, techs, respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, case managers, security officers, and teams in food and nutrition, emergency management, environmental services, facility management, and more are all critical parts of our Phelps family. To a person, they are committed to ensuring we may continue to serve all those who entrust their care to us during these challenging times.
|
|
A Meal Train is active for Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps. mealtrain.com simplifies the process of giving and receiving meals and more.
|
|
*The Village makes no representation that donations are tax deductible. You should always check with your tax professional
|
|
We know that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve heard that a little financial support can go a long way, so we are offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time.
Up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries where we operate will be able to receive the grant. To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Be a for-profit company
- Have between 2 and 50 employees
- Have been in business for over a year
- Have experienced challenges from COVID-19
- Be in or near a location where Facebook operates
How the program can help
Examples:
- Keep your workforce going strong
- Help with your rent costs
- Connect with more customers
- Cover operational costs
|
|
Vegetable gardens for beginners: 6 steps to get started
During periods of uncertainty, time outside in a natural setting can provide a measure of calm.
Taking an actionable approach by growing your own vegetables may provide a small sense of control, even if the vegetables produced are a small supplement to your diet. Gardening is a low-tech (hey, no-tech!) activity you can do with your kids or grandkids.
If you’ve always wanted to grow your own vegetables and feel that now is the time to start, but don’t know how to begin, here are some basic tips:
Where to plant?
Most vegetables require six to eight hours a day of direct sun, so a plot with a southern or southwestern exposure is perfect. Avoid low areas that tend to drain poorly. As a beginner, keep your plot to 100 square feet or less. That size will take you roughly an hour to prepare, an hour to plant and a half hour each week to weed, water and harvest.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the perfect location — almost nobody does. Consider using several small areas to take advantage of fragmented sunny spots. Or interplant vegetables in your flower garden. Many vegetables grow well in containers on a sunny porch. (Container plants dry out faster than garden soil, so you have to be diligent about watering, and these will also require more fertilizer than vegetables grown in the ground.)
Soil prep
Soil in our area typically has sufficient nutrients to grow vegetables. Do not disturb the soil until it is dry enough to be worked. Wait until a handful of soil crumbles a bit after you if give it a gentle squeeze. There’s no reason to haul in topsoil, but do remove any weeds where you plan to grow your crops.
It’s a good idea to check the soil pH and correct this if needed (pH is the relative acidity or alkalinity that determines nutrient availability). It’s also a good idea to mix in organic matter such as compost. And you’ll want to fertilize occasionally, especially if the vegetables you plant are heavy feeders, such as tomatoes. Consult seed packages and the Cornell Cooperative Extension for information on fertilizer requirements for specific vegetables.
Critter control
Your hard work will be for naught if you don’t varmint-proof your garden. Unless your vegetables are in containers on an inaccessible deck or patio, this means erecting a tall fence for deer, and one that extends out at least 12 inches horizontally from the base (a few inches under the soil surface) so rabbits and woodchucks don’t burrow. For accessible container gardens, consider covering plants with hardware cloth cages or supported plastic mesh so critters don’t have a feast on your porch.
What to grow?
Plant what you know your family will eat; if they tolerate only vegetable basics, don’t go wild with kale and bok choy. This first year of your garden, consider growing easy vegetables that typically taste better homegrown than store-bought, such as peas, snap beans and some salad greens. Good for small spaces: salad greens, beets, herbs, hot peppers, radishes and snap beans. Tomatoes may be more of a challenge. Start with small to medium-fruited varieties that have multiple disease resistance. Know that broccoli, cabbage, corn, cucumber, melons and squash take up a lot of room and can get buggy.
How to plant and how much to grow?
Plant tall vegetables in the back (north side) of your garden so they don’t cast shadows on smaller plants. Save space by trellising crops that produce runners or vines, such as squash and pole beans. You can group plants together with similar requirements, such as those that tolerate a bit of shade, or group early crops together so you can plant a second batch more easily. You can plant in rows or in “blocks” of plants; the latter provides a higher yield.
Avoid growing too many plants of one crop. A few productive tomato plants can supply the average family more than enough fruit. A few square feet of radishes or lettuce can overwhelm you; if you plant several at a time biweekly, you’ll have a steadier supply of produce. Follow advice on seed packages or seedling pots for planting, spacing and yield information.
Care and harvest
Keep seeded areas evenly moist until plants emerge. Mature vegetables typically require an inch of water per week. A good, deep soaking is better than frequent, light waterings. To minimize diseases, water early in the morning and try not to wet leaves. Fertilize only as necessary. Suppress weeds with a thin layer of organic mulch or pluck them when they’re young; they otherwise compete with your vegetables for light and water. Harvest vegetables regularly and at their peak for continued production (and best flavor).
|
|
Let's all wash our hands to prevent the spread of viruses
|
|
If you are using a gmail account for FOILS, to please check your spam for communications from the Village and the Town. This is especially important when dealing with FOILS – regarding to acknowledgement letters and receipts of the information.
|
|
The Ossining Recreation & Parks Department has many great upcoming Special Events and program offerings that are now open for registration.
**NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WIFI**
Password for all WIFI Networks:
95Broadway
|
|
Ossining Union Free School District
New York State extended its closure of schools to May 15th.
Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch Program-
Grab & Go Breakfast & Lunch will just take place at Park School from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Please contact Alita Zuber at
azuber@ossiningufsd.org
or Starr Dinio at
sdinio@ossiningufsd.org
with any questions. Thank you.
|
|
ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
|
|
Ossining Public Library
is closed until further notice. Readers can still access their Digital Library services such as e-books
here
. No late fines are being charged, and due dates are also being automatically extended.
|
|
Upcoming Programs in the Village and Town of Ossining
|
|
Ossining’s Down to Earth Farmers Market will be open regular hours this Saturday
When: Saturday from 9AM-1PM through April
Where: Near Market Square at the corner of Spring & Main Streets, Ossining, NY
|
|
Don't miss Ossining Village Trustee Omar Lopez's podcast - "Omar Lopez Talks to the People"
What: Every Sunday, Ossining Village Trustee Omar Lopez releases a new podcast covering local issues and interviewing officials and community members. From improving parking to legalizing backyard chickens, no issue is to too large or small.
When: New episodes available every Sunday
|
|
Free parking at Teatown until further notice - Parking fees at Teatown have been discontinued until further notice.
Please park safely in designated parking lots and not along public roadways.
|
|
Mandala: A Mindful, Creative Practice
What:
The mandala is a symmetrical design that has historically appeared in art forms, architecture and ceremonies around the world. This day retreat is designed to introduce participants to the experience and practice of creating their own, unique expression.
When:
Sat., May 2, 2020
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
|
|
Virtual book discussion: Nature's Best Hope
What: In this new book, Tallamy shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy—you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard. Join us for an interactive virtual discussion on Tallamy’s new book. Participants will receive the access code via email the day before the program. Programs require pre-registration. Online registration available until 24 hours before the event.
When: May 7, Thursday, 10am - 11am
Where: Program to take place over Zoom. Max 20 participants, pay what you wish.
|
|
Ossining’s Museum in the Streets (MITS)
What:
MITS is a free, self-guided walking tour and consists of 25 numbered panels with images and explanatory text about the architecturally and historically significant buildings within the Downtown Ossining Historic District.
When:
On a 24/7 basis
Where:
The tour starting point is located on the north side of the Ossining Open Door Medical Center at 247 Main St. in Downtown Ossining. However visitors one can also begin at any of the numbered panels and take as few or as many panels as desired.
|
Green Ossining Launches ‘Green Ossining Sustainability Partnership
|
|
St. Matthews Headstart Daycare Early Headstart & Headstart Program
What:
High quality research based curriculum, screenings and services to support healthy development and promote school readiness; family support, nutrition, guidance and access to community resources.
Hours:
Head Start Hours 9:00 – 3:00pm/Daycare Hours 7:00-9:00am & 3:00-6:00pm
Contact:
For more information contact St. Matthew’s at 914-941-1715
|
|
|
Theater O Classes!
What: Theater O offers classes in all things theater for children ages 3+: From Acting to directing, play writing to design, Improv! to Musical Theater and more. Our faculty is comprised of seasoned professionals who excel in their craft. Listen, Learn, Imagine, Perform & Join the Play. Middle School and Pre-K/K classes resume 12/2. Elementary Classes resume 1/13. High School Auditions are 12/6-8. visit
www.theatero.org.
Where: Theater O @ 25 State St, Ossining, NY 10562
Contact: (914) 487-4322
|
|
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER and FALL CLASSES at LOGREA now open online
What:
Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Theatre Dance and Mommy and Me
When:
March 16th for CURRENT Students; March 30th for NEW students
Where:
Logrea Dance Academy, 2 Dale Ave, Ossining NY 10562
Info:
Beginner to Advanced training. Discounts available. Scholarship auditions in September.
|
|
Ossining Athletic Booster Club
What:
The Ossining Athletic Booster Club is a not-for-profit volunteer organization established in 2001 to promote the athletic programs of the Ossining School District, recognize their achievements, and support Ossining's student-athletes and coaches by funding items not in the school budget and awarding scholarships to worthy graduating seniors of Ossining Athletic Booster Club members and donors.
|
|
|
|
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Admissions Test -TACHS PREP CLASSES & BOOT CAMPS
What:
Prepare with us for the TACHS – Test for Admissions to Catholic High Schools. This course will heavily concentrate on the Reading, Language, Mathematics and Reasoning skills covered on the TACHS Examination. During class, students will practice timing, test taking strategies and extensive drill and review of all TACHS Exam topics. Register online at
https://www.eduscapeassociates.com/tachs-exam-prep-classes/
When:
Fall 2019-Check website for schedule of Classes/Boot Camps
Where:
WESTCHESTER & BRONX Ossining Public Library, Ossining NY Sacred Heart School, Hartsdale, NY
St. Margaret of Cortona School, Riverdale, NY
Contact:
Eduscape College & Test Prep Dr. Gayle Marchica, Principal Mobile/Text 914.886.5043 Office 914.941.4148
info@EduscapeAssociates.com
|
|
Therapeutic Foster Parents NEEDED
What:
Family Services of Westchester is looking for individuals who are interested in learning about becoming a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent! We are looking for loving people willing to open their homes and hearts to a child in need of a stable, safe home environment.
Contact:
Please contact Melissa Aversa, Home-finder & Recruitment Specialist at (914) 358-5828
|
|
Volunteers Needed - English-Spanish Translators
What:
The Ossining School District needs volunteers! Volunteering offers an opportunity to serve the community and can be a rich, rewarding experience. The district is seeking bilingual English-Spanish volunteers to serve as translators at district and school events. These events include but are not limited to, parent-teacher conferences, parent engagement nights and college fairs. We are dedicated to ensuring all members of our diverse community have equal access to Info and can fully participate in the educational life of their children. An Infoal flier is attached. Please kindly share this Info with members of your agency and/or community. Individuals with some time to serve as a translator and who are interested in making a difference may fill out an online form to be added to the district’s translator database. We welcome and greatly appreciate your help!
When:
Ongoing
Where:
Ossining Union Free School District
Contact:
Ms. Ferzeen Shamsi at (914) 762-5830, ext. 4309
|
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEIGHBORS LINK: Ossining Site
What:
Neighbors Link is recruiting volunteers for its Ossining Site. Programs include ESL tutoring and a Parent Child Together class. We offer great training to our volunteers as well.
When:
MONDAYS: 10-12: ESL tutoring 1-3: Parent Child Together Class FRIDAYS: 10-12: ESL tutoring
|
|
Mike Risko Music now accepting registrations
What:
Mike Risko Music, just named a Top 100 Music School/Store in the world by NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is now accepting registration for Winter session music lessons.
When:
Call or email today to schedule a free trial and/or find out about our programs
Where:
All programs are offered at Mike Risko Music right here in Ossining.
Info:
Design your own schedule and take music lessons on any instrument or voice in our state of the art studios. All ages, levels and instruments are welcome! We even have programs for adults.
|
|
Safety Tips from the Ossining Fire Department
Sign Up for NIXLE Alerts
: The Village of Ossining has launched a program to help notify the public of emergencies, road closures, hazardous conditions, and other incidents concerning the public within the Village of Ossining. This program, called Nixle, is a free program and allows members of the public to receive these messages in email, text message, and on an internet web site. Village of Ossining residents are urged to subscribe to receive emergency messages only by texting 10562 to 888777 on their cell phone, or to receive a full complement of messages, including community updates residents can visit www.Nixle.com and click the
sign up now! button
.
Sign up for ConEdison Customer Alerts via Text
: Use your cell phone to text REG to OUTAGE (688243) and follow the prompts. You will need your account number and zip code. To retrieve your account number, log in to My Account or check your next bill. This information is also located on the ConEdison website at
coned.com/text
.
|
|
WEB BLAST FORMAT
Do you have an event, Info or picture of the Village of Ossining that you would like included in this web blast? If so please submit to
webblast@villageofossining.org
. All Info must be submitted by noon on the Wednesday prior to the distributed web blast. Submissions included in this listing are intended solely to inform of events and Info of general interest to subscribers. The Village of Ossining does not necessarily endorse or support organizations or entities whose events and / or activities are listed above. The Village makes no representation as to the accuracy thereof, nor does it assume any liability in connection with same. Please don't print this e-mail unless necessary.
All submissions must follow the format listed below:
Title:
What:
[Limit description to 100 words or less]
When:
Where:
Info:
[May include a single flyer]
Contact:
[Name of organization/ individual, phone, email]
|
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Ossining Prison Ministry, Inc.
What:
Volunteers for a hospitality program at the Sing Sing Correctional facility that is held
When:
Saturdays, Sundays, and most major holidays; from 8am to 11 am or 12pm to 2:30pm.
Where:
Sing Sing Correctional Facility 354 Hunter Street, Ossining NY 10562
Info:
Our organization provides hospitality to the visitors who come to visit their loved ones. We also provide toys, puzzles, and games to the people in the facility to help normalize the visiting time.
|
|
Reflection/Discussion Series: Spiritual Journey Surprises
What:
If you are longing for a new view of how spiritual growth happens, you may enjoy five sessions of pre-reading some chapters, reflecting prayerfully and discussing with others the profound content of the book Falling Upward by Richard Rohr.
When:
Tuesdays, May 5 and June 2, 2020
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
|
|
The Seven Pillars of Forgiveness
What:
People often ask “How do I actually start the process of forgiveness? Are there any practical things I can do?” This weekend retreat offers profound access into our ability to forgive, through a depth of content and experiential processes – connected with the Seven Pillars of Forgiveness.
When:
Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, 2020
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
|
|
Heart Speaks to Heart: Biblical Women in Conversation
What:
This guided retreat invites us into heartfelt conversations with Biblical women across the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Each day offers ample time to be with these women through drama, reflection and rituals. Our retreat guides are also available for individual spiritual conversations throughout the retreat week.
When:
Sunday, May 17 to Friday, May 22, 2020
Who:
With Nancy Sheridan, SASV
,
Nicki Verploegen, PhD
Where:
The Center at Mariandale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
