OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST May 14, 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
The state's moratorium on COVID-related residential and commercial evictions will be extended until August 20. New York is also banning fees for late or missed payments during the eviction moratorium. Renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 are also allowed to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.

"Nourish New York" is making sure food doesn't go to waste and instead goes to people who are in need. The new initiative helps to address two problems at once: excess agricultural products at New York farms and food insecurity. To date, food and products have been purchased from more than 2,100 Upstate farms and nearly 50 food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries have been supported. We are asking philanthropies that want to help in this effort to please email [email protected].

Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order mandating that all nursing home staff be tested for COVID-19 two times per week. Nursing homes must implement plans to do so and report any positive test results to the State Department of Health by the next day. Additionally, hospitals cannot discharge a patient to a nursing home unless that patient tests negative for Coronavirus. Any nursing home or adult care facility found to be in violation of health protocols may have its operating license suspended or revoked or be subject to penalty.

New York State is notifying 49 other states of emerging cases of a COVID-related illness in children. We are currently investigating 85 reported cases in New York where children — predominantly school-aged — are experiencing an inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome. The illness is believed to be related to Coronavirus. If your child is experiencing symptoms such as prolonged fever, severe abdominal pain, change in skin color, racing heart and chest pain, make sure you call your doctor.

The State Department of Health is actively pursuing a new drug therapy in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS is distributing an antiviral medication called Remdesivir that may help patients infected with COVID-19 recover more quickly. New York will use the medication to treat 2,900 people at 15 hospitals.

Applications to join New York's COVID-19 tracing effort are now being accepted. In order to reopen the state, we need an army of contact tracers. Apply here.

The state will extend the window for victims to file cases under the Child Victims Act for an additional five months until January 14, 2021. Last year, Govener Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act to make sure survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a path to justice, including the ability to file a case which had already been time-barred or expired, but only for one year. That window was set to close August 14, 2020. Given the reduction in court services due to Coronavirus, we are extending the window to ensure that justice can still be served for these survivors.

Many small farms in New York are seeing a rise in business amid the pandemic. Small farms throughout New York have become a staple in feeding the community through farmers markets and other community-supported agriculture programs.

New York announced the members of the state's Reimagine Education Advisory Council. We are so grateful to the state's teachers who rose to the occasion when school facilities closed and have been teaching students remotely — but we know there is no substitute for in-class learning. Made up of teachers, students, parents and education leaders, this council will help districts strengthen our state's schools for the challenges of today and tomorrow. See the full list of council members here.

The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent in April. We know that the economic toll of this pandemic has been vast, and we are working around the clock to ensure that New Yorkers receive the support they need. New York has paid out $6.8 billion in unemployment benefits to 1.6 million New Yorkers. For information on expanded unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Department of Labor's website.

Governor Cuomo has directing hospitals statewide to prioritize COVID-19 testing for children displaying symptoms of multi-system inflammatory syndrome. We are currently investigating approximately 100 reported cases in New York where children are experiencing a potentially COVID-related illness that has serious symptoms. It's crucial that children hospitalized with these symptoms are tested for COVID-19.

Twelve Members of Congress will introduce the 'Americans First Law' to help prevent corporate bailouts following the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, I proposed a new federal law that would forbid corporations from getting government bailouts if they don't rehire the same number of employees they had before the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve Congresswomen and men from our great state have agreed to propose this law that puts workers first.

See how many criteria your region meets to begin reopening on the Regional Monitoring Dashboard. The regions that meet all seven metrics are ready to begin Phase 1 of a phased-in, carefully monitored reopening starting on May 15th. Visit the dashboard here.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health launched a free online course to train contact tracers. This course is part of New York's large-scale effort to build an army of contact tracers. If you are interested in becoming part of New York's contract tracing efforts, learn more here.

The North Country is ready to begin reopening on Friday, May 15th. Along with the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley, this region has met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state's regional phased reopening plan. Phase one includes reopening construction, manufacturing, retail for curbside and in-store pickup, agriculture, forestry and fishing.

An update on the potentially COVID-related inflammatory syndrome affecting children. The State is now investigating 102 reported cases in New York where children, of a range of ages, are experiencing a serious illness that is possibly due to COVID-19. More details, including the symptoms to watch out for, are here.
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 [email protected] 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
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Here are some Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases, so does the associated anxiety.
For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.

To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and 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
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  [email protected] or Starr Dinio at  [email protected] with any questions. Thank you.
THE OSSINING AND BRIARCLIFF MANOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
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
May
Ossining’s Down to Earth Farmers Market will be open regular hours this Saturday
What: See the full vendor schedule at downtoearthmarkets.com
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.
June
July
September
Information
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.
Contact: [email protected] for further information
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
Info: Income Eligible Click here for flyer
Contact: For more information contact St. Matthew’s at 914-941-1715
Green Ossining Launches ‘Green Ossining Sustainability Partnership
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.
Contact:  For more information or to REGISTER, please visit our website:   http://newsite.logreainfo.com or call us at 914-941-2939
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
Info: Click here for event flyer Register for 2 Classes or Class & Boot Camp(s) and SAVE $10. Enter code: scholar at checkout.
Contact: Eduscape College & Test Prep Dr. Gayle Marchica, Principal Mobile/Text 914.886.5043 Office 914.941.4148 [email protected]
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
Contact: Amy Werner, Volunteer Manager at [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a part of our volunteer team. https://www.facebook.com/NeighborsLink/ https://www.neighborslink.org/
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.
Contact: Mike Risko Music [email protected] www.mikeriskomusicschool.com 144 Croton Avenue Ossining NY 10562 914-762-8757
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 [email protected]. 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]
Religious Organizations
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.
Contact: Dorothée Caulfield, Director, Ossining Prison Ministry, Inc. [email protected]