November 28, 2023

I hope everyone in our community enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days because it reminds us to give thanks, count our blessings, and see how we can include others. Suddenly, so many things become so little. 

This past Saturday, the Village Board honored Sandy Galef with a street naming at Church Street and Highland Avenue … now named Sandy Galef Place. A shout out to many who participated and attended.

Former New York Assemblywoman Galef has been a longtime resident of Ossining. Her commitment to our community began by organizing and serving numerous agencies and advocating for the needs of the community. In 1992, Assemblywoman Galef was elected to the New York State Assembly. She chaired the Real Property Tax Committee and served as a member of the Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee, the Election Law Committee, the Governmental Operations Committee, and the Health Committee.

Before becoming a member of the New York State Assembly, Galef served as a Westchester County Legislator for thirteen years, eight of them as minority leader of the Board of Legislators. On the national level, Assemblywoman Galef served as chair of the Labor and Employee Benefits Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties.

On a more personal note, Sandy has been a trailblazer in encouraging more women to enter politics and jobs related to civic responsibilities and leadership. She has mentored many elected officials throughout the state who started their humble careers working in her office. 

Its that time of the year! We started the season with Small Business Saturday this past weekend and continue with many unique events throughout the remainder of the year. December brings with it lots of joy and charitable giving. Ossining always steps up to help so many in need.

As you think about the upcoming month, please consider shopping local and supporting the many businesses in our community. Please also consider supporting the over 200 non-profit organizations, from the very small to the very large, that do so much for the communities they serve and call Ossining their home. 

Please join us at the Village's annual tree lighting in Market Square this Friday, beginning at 6:00 PM!

6:00pm – Mike Risko Band, Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Cookies

6:30pm – After School Recreation Choir

6:45pm – Ossining Middle School Choir

7:00pm - Tree Lighting and Santa Arrives for pictures

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7^th this year. To celebrate, please join us in our annual celebration on December 7^th for the Menorah Lighting in Market Square – starting at 6 PM.  

The Village of Ossining is part of Croton100. Local partners, including Green Ossining, are hosting a free workshop for individuals and businesses to learn about financial incentives for the adoption of clean energy solutions offered by Federal agencies, New York State, and public utility programs on Sunday, December 10^th at 2 PM at the Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive. At this workshop, attendees will learn from experts and meet community members who have taken proactive, environmentally friendly actions. This event is open to all. Please register here: https://community.sustainablewestchester.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=215

Good news – there will be free babysitting with sustainability focused activities provided for children over three years old.

I take great pride in emailing a weekly message to our constituents as one of the many ways of providing ongoing communications and education for the public at large.

The Village of Ossining also sends out weekly correspondence with information regarding the many events throughout our community as well as recreational activities.. Click here to subscribe to the Village Web blast

If you know of someone who you think would be interested in receiving this information, please send them this link: https://www.villageofossining.org/home/pages/email-subscriptions

This week’s Work Session agenda will be held on Wednesday, November 29^th at 16 Croton, beginning at 7:30PM.

Some items of note:

• The Village has been notified of a company interested in applying to open a dispensary at 34 Main Street. "Up The River Dispensary" will present their desire to be in Ossining to the Board of Trustees.
• Our Village Historian, Joyce Cole, will join us to discuss the "Hometown Heroes" banner program, which could feature residents who have served in the Armed Forces.
• Village Treasurer Dale Brennan will join us to review the 2024 budget, including changes requested by the BOT.
• Village Engineer Paul Fraioli will be with us to discuss the recently made safety improvements and planned implementation for the Village.
• We will hear from staff regarding the Indian Brook Water Treatment Plant bond resolution and the design services contract with Hazen & Sawyer.

I am always happy to acknowledge Ossining's small businesses celebrating significant milestone anniversaries. Please join our friends and neighbors this Saturday for a ribbon cutting in celebration of VaZa Salon’s 10^th Anniversary Event at 3pm at 137 Main Street.

Deep frying a turkey this Thanksgiving? The Ossining Fire department highlights dangers, safety tips: