New Normal For Now
Just as our families are figuring out how to find some stability during this challenging moment, Village government is adjusting to what will be our new normal for a while. Many of our employees need to report to work to keep our village safe and functioning. Whenever possible, staff works remotely. While municipal buildings are all closed, you can call and make an appointment for some services, including reaching out to the clerk's office for a marriage license. While some government initiatives are on hold, many are moving forward.
If you leave your house to make an essential purchase or get some fresh air, remember to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet apart from anyone outside your household. I took this picture at Richard Wishnie Park on Sunday afternoon. It is a large enough space that the several of us who walked along the path were able to maintain ample distance between us. No group activities are permitted at Village, Town or School parks or fields. And all playgrounds are closed.
Many local businesses are deemed essential services and remain open. You can support local businesses by ordering take-out or delivery, or by purchasing gift cards to use at a later date. To help families that are experiencing food insecurity, the Village has partnered with Feeding Westchester to provide grab-and-go groceries on Tuesdays and Fridays at three different times and locations (9-11am @ the Community Center; 12-2pm @ Market Square; and 4-7pm @ Star of Bethlehem Church). Also,
click here
for details about the Ossining Schools' grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.
Community Connections
Open Office Hours with the Mayor
are suspended until further notice.
To reach out by email:
- Mayor Victoria Gearity (gearity@villageofossining.org);
- Board of Trustees (bot@villageofossining.org); or
- Village Manager Karen D'Attore (kdattore@villageofossining.org).
Wednesday Meeting
This week's work session will take place virtually.
Click here to view the full agenda which includes a link to the Zoom meeting which will take place at our usual time of 7:30PM
. County Executive George Latimer will be joining us for the start of the meeting as we discuss the latest updates on the virus. The meeting will be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel within a day. If you would like to attend it live, you may log in to watch and listen. Work sessions are forums when the Village Board meets with staff and experts to become informed on potential action to be taken, and generally is not open for public comment.
A crisis often brings out the best in people. We are seeing that in big and small ways. Neighbors helping neighbors, shoppers appreciating cashiers, volunteers raising funds for local organizations, and nurses and doctors acknowledged as heroes on the front line. Part of what makes the current situation so difficult is that social distancing is the opposite what how we usually deal with a crisis. Instead of coming together in groups, people of all ages are finding ways to connect virtually and by phone. Crisis is the mother of invention. It is my hope that the creative methods for connection that we are learning now will strengthen our community bonds even once this time of isolation has passed.
I look forward to seeing you virtually for now.
With Regards,
