OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST July 2, 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
Nationwide, coronavirus cases are up 30% compared to the beginning of June. There are 26 states  seeing daily COVID cases increase over the past week. New York State is one of the exceptions — let's keep it that way.  Read the travel advisory that is now in effect for people arriving to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut from hotspot states.

The Nourish NY Initiative continues to provide New Yorkers in need with access to healthy food. To date, more than 1.9 million pounds of produce grown by New York farmers has been directed to homes across the state, including 372,000 pounds of apples, 163,000 pounds of cabbage and 240,000 pounds of potatoes.

New York State's new license plate design officially launched. The new plate features Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline on a white and blue design with the state motto "Excelsior" at the bottom. The design was part of an online contest held last year and has been rolled out in twelve counties so far. See it here.

A reminder that mental health resources are available. We recognize the impact of this crisis on mental health. Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling and resources.

New York is reaching out to offer assistance to states with high infection rates. As states across the nation are seeing spikes in new cases, New York's outlook remains good. NY is contacting Florida, Texas, Arizona and other states with high infection rates to offer our help. In our hour of need we had volunteers from across the country who helped us go from the worst situation in the country to one of the best, and we will repay that help and that kindness in any way we can.

New York restaurants and bars can continue selling alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery for additional days. This extends a measure first implemented March 17th. Remember that bars are responsible for the sidewalk/area in front of their establishment and must comply with health regulations or they can lose their liquor license.

Fireworks are dangerous and illegal. I am directing the New York State Police to establish a temporary Fireworks Enforcement Detail to stop illegal fireworks being brought to New York from Pennsylvania. This is in response to a spike of illegal firework use throughout the state, which has generated widespread complaints and media reports. The Detail will be in place until July 3.


The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, August 30. The event will take place without an in-person audience.

In order for malls to reopen, specific air conditioning requirements must be put in place. Air conditioning filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating capable of filtering COVID-19 particles or similar air exchange measures will be mandatory for large mall reopenings. A COVID-19 particle is approximately 0.125 microns in diameter. Filters with a high MERV, such as HEPA filters, have been shown to help reduce the presence of COVID-19 in air filtration systems.

New York State employees who voluntarily travel to high-risk states will be ineligible for COVID-19 paid sick leave. I signed a new executive order that makes New York employees who voluntarily travel to specified states after June 25 ineligible for this benefit. 
The State Department of Health continues to investigate a COVID cluster in Westchester, NY. The potential exposure is associated with a Horace Greeley High School drive-in graduation ceremony that was held on June 20th in Chappaqua, NY. Individuals who attended that graduation ceremony or events associated with the graduation should self-quarantine until July 5th. Remember, if you get a call from NYS Contact Tracing—answer the phone. 

See the final work of the late Milton Glaser, who designed the famous "I ♥  NY" logo. Over the weekend, we lost Milton Glaser, a brilliant designer and a great New Yorker. Before his death, he was working on a graphical treatment of the word "Together" to evoke that we all have something in common during this pandemic — see it here. 

New York State will expand its testing criteria to all New Yorkers statewide. New York conducts more tests per capita than any big country in the world and we now have the capacity to expand the testing criteria. Any New Yorker can go to any of the State's 750+ testing sites and get a test at no cost. 

New York State will create an enforcement effort to supplement local enforcement of COVID-19 guidance and restrictions. It's important that local governments enforce compliance of the safety protocols in place. If citizens slip and local governments don't comply, we'll find ourselves back on the mountain and we want to avoid that. 

Six major retailers are requiring customers to wear face coverings while shopping at their stores nationwide. The retailers are: Costco, C-Town, Gristedes and D'Agostino, Stop & Shop and Whole Foods.
Volunteer New York’s program to connect small business owners to trained volunteer professionals who can provide PPP help is now back online. Unlike other opportunities on their website, this one is specifically for small business owners who want to receive consultations.
 
Following are links for both English- and Spanish-speaking business owners:
  1. Link to opportunity for English-speaking business owners
  2. Link to opportunity for Spanish-speaking business owners
  3. Link to main page showing both opportunities
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 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 .
*The Village makes no representation that donations are tax deductible. You should always check with your tax professional
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
July
Ossining’s Down to Earth Farmers Market will be open regular hours this Saturday
What: See the full vendor schedule at downtoearthmarkets.com
When: Saturdays from 9AM-1PM
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.
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]