Office of the Mayor
Vincent Rossillo
112 Main Street  |  Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522  |  914-231-8504
mayorrossillo@dobbsferry.com

 

Village Newsletter: Jan. 7, 2021

Message from the Mayor
Vaccine Information
Vaccine distribution, eligibility, frequently asked questions
News from the Village
Tree recycling, new pen pal program, volunteer emergency responders, lock your vehicles, tax assessors, library happenings
Community Events
Beer, senior walks, pollinator pathways, concerts in support of the food pantry, social justice book club for kids
News from the County
Open call for Advisory Board applicants, report on utility performance during severe storms, County open conversation on vaccines, beware of vaccine scams,
News from the State
Moratorium on residential and commercial evictions extended
Take Care of Yourself

Message from the Mayor


Happy New Year! We begin 2021 with a ray of hope. Our democracy and our institutions still stand, despite the attacks on the Capitol building yesterday. And COVID-19 vaccine distribution is accelerating. In Dobbs, our local healthcare providers and EMTs are receiving their vaccines at our local hospitals. The residents and staff of Cabrini of Westchester have all received their first dose and they will be receiving their second this week via a program administered by CVS. The list of those who are eligible continues to expand. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the vaccine is being distributed in a phased approach according to priority group. No one who is not currently eligible can yet receive a vaccine, and in fact, the Governor has imposed stiff penalties on any institution that does distribute to those who are not eligible. Please beware of vaccine scams. It is not possible to jump the line. 

We are still in Phase 1A of distribution, and we list the categories of eligible recipients below, but if you want to know whether you are currently eligible, the state has developed an app. After healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents have been vaccinated, Phase 1b will include essential workers and those over the age of 75. Phase 1b has not yet begun. There are 6 million people included in Phase 1b, and the vaccine supply is not currently available for this Phase, but there are indicators that it will be soon. The Governor reports that while it is challenging to estimate a timeline because there are still many unknowns, experts estimate that vaccine distribution will be open to the general public in March or April. The County is working with Westchester Medical Center on expanding distribution sites in the region in anticipation of this massive undertaking. We will keep you informed as we learn more. 

In the meantime, if you have concerns about the vaccine, please ask questions of a healthcare provider, and avoid relying on resources that are not credible. Now is not the time to buy into conspiracy theories perpetuated online. The CDC has some good guidance about how to evaluate information online, but speaking to a trusted healthcare professional will likely be your best resource if you are concerned. 

The virus is still spreading in our community. We have 89 active cases in Dobbs Ferry with 22 new cases reported in the last two days. Please remain vigilant, because as a new more contagious variant has been found in New York, we are not out of the woods yet. 

Be well and wash your hands,
Vincent Rossillo
Village Mayor

Vaccine Information

Vaccine Distribution Plan

From the New York State Department of Health

New York State will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in phases based on need and risk.

New Yorkers who are more likely to be exposed to the virus, and who are more likely to become seriously ill if they get COVID-19, will be offered the vaccine first.  Both the federal government and New York State have developed plans to ensure that everyone will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available, at no cost no matter where they live.

Thousands of health care providers will be able to offer vaccination, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) of priority groups. The State Department of Health will share additional information on where New Yorkers can get vaccinated as more vaccine doses become available.

Eligible New Yorkers in Phase 1A are:
  • High-risk hospital workers (emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff)
  • Residents and staff at nursing homes and other congregate care facilities
  • Federally Qualified Health Center employees
  • EMS workers
  • Coroners, medical examiners and certain funeral workers
  • Staff and residents at OPWDD, OMH and OASAS facilities
  • Urgent Care providers
  • Individuals administering COVID-19 vaccines, including local health department staff
Beginning January 4, 2021: 
  • All Outpatient/Ambulatory front-line, high-risk health care workers of any age who provide direct in-person patient care
  • All staff who are in direct contact with patients (i.e., intake staff)
  • All front-line, high-risk public health workers who have direct contact with patients, including those conducting COVID-19 tests, handling COVID-19 specimens and COVID-19 vaccination
This includes, but is not limited to,
  • Doctors who work in private medical practices and their staff 
  • Doctors who work in hospital-affiliated medical practices and their staff
  • Doctors who work in public health clinics and their staff
  • Registered Nurses
  • Specialty medical practices of all types
  • Dentists and Orthodontists and their staff
  • Psychiatrists and Psychologists and their staff
  • Physical Therapists and their staff
  • Optometrists and their staff
  • Pharmacists and Pharmacy Aides
  • Home care workers
  • Hospice workers
  • Staff of nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities who did not receive COVID vaccination through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program

Phase 1B
Following vaccinations for the health care sector, New York will move to Phase 1B of the distribution, which will include:

  • Teachers and education workers
  • First responders
  • Public safety workers
  • Public transit workers
  • People 75 and older

Vaccine Eligibility App


New York State launched the Am I Eligible? online application to help New Yorkers determine if they are currently eligible for a vaccine and, if they are, to connect them with providers who can administer a vaccine.

Successful completion of the “Am I Eligible?" App does not guarantee you access to a vaccine.

As additional allocations are made by the Federal Government to New York State, additional groups will be eligible for vaccine and the “Am I Eligible?" App will be kept up to date. You can recheck your eligibility at any time.

Link to the Vaccine Eligibility App
Link to Instructions for the App

Once you are deemed eligible, you will need to fill out the COVID-19 vaccine form online before receiving the vaccine. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Vaccine


The CDC has answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine online. We have assembled an abbreviated list on our dobbsferry.com website. We will continue to post information about the vaccine rollout as we get it. 

Our Dobbs Ferry Ambulance Corps is putting together a video to address some of our community's questions, working with Dobbs Ferry healthcare professionals to inform us about the vaccine. St. John's Riverside is also going to be hosting a webinar to address questions and concerns. We will inform you when we have details about these informational opportunities. 

News from the Village

Tree recycling

If you haven't done so already, you can put your Christmas tree on the curb on the first day of your garbage collection (Monday or Tuesday depending on where you live) and it will be taken to the organic waste yard in Yonkers to be recycled. 

New pen pal program launching


The Recreation Department is launching a new pen pal program to connect Dobbs Ferry Middle School students with local seniors interested in corresponding. With the increased isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is modeled after other communities that have re-discovered old-fashioned letter writing as a safe way for seniors to connect with others. Students interested in getting paired up with with a local senior pen pal, or just reaching out to someone with a one-off greeting card, should call Abby Connett, the Senior Advocate in the Dobbs Ferry Recreation Department at 693-0024. Any seniors in our community interested in a student pen pal should also get in touch. 

Serving your community

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to give back to your community, there are many ways to do that. Consider joining the volunteer teams helping to keep us safe. Did you know that our Ambulance Corps and our Fire Departments are operated by volunteers from our community - friends and neighbors just like you? Interested in learning more about how you can contribute to this noble service? Check out the recruitment pages of our Dobbs Ferry Ambulance Corps and our Dobbs Ferry Fire Department

Lock your car doors!


We continue to experience multiple vehicle thefts in our Village - seven this past weekend. In every single case, the vehicle was left unlocked. Please do your part to make it hard on criminals. 

Don't forget your reflectors


Many of us have found comfort in outdoor exercise during these trying times, but we are seeing too many people walking and running at night in dark clothing. Please wear reflectors if you are running, walking  or biking along our streets at nighttime.

Tips for pedestrian safety from the County:

Bee Seen
  • Be bright at dawn, dusk and night.
  • Carry a flashlight and wear something that’s bright, light colored or reflective.
  • Stay in well-lit areas, especially, when crossing the street.
  • Cross at intersections or crosswalks.
  • Cars might not see you mid-block.
  • Make sure drivers and bicyclists see you.
  • Make eye contact when crossing and be sure they have plenty of time to see you.
Bee Aware
  • Always look left, right and left again, when crossing.
  • Be aware of the traffic and others around you.
  • Use sidewalks when you can.
  • No sidewalk? Walk facing traffic and in a single file.
  • Obey the traffic signals.
  • Cross on “WALK” or on a fresh green light.
  • Don’t use your phone when crossing.
  • Distracted walking, especially texting, is dangerous.
  • Prevent slips and falls.
  • Dress for walking. Wear comfortable shoes and make sure your shoe laces are tied.
Check out this PSA produced by a 7th grader in neighboring Greenburgh to remind you why wearing reflectors at night is important:
PSA produced by 7th Grader, Siddanth Karthik, in Greenburgh

Greenburgh Tax Assessors working in region


As part of the Town of Greenburgh's town-wide tax assessment update, their independent inspectors from Tyler Technologies are conducting field inspections. This means they will be photographing home exteriors and taking notes. Information about who the inspectors are and their vehicle information can be found on the Town's website

Information from the Assessor's office: 
"Each Tyler employee has undergone a background check prior to the start of this project and is required to wear and display their identification badge at all times. The employee names, automobile make/model and license plates are all on file with the local Police Department. The Town is requesting your cooperation while we collect this necessary data that will ensure that property owner's pay taxes based on accurate property values."
 

Library Happenings

Natalie DeCandia, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader    
Winter Wellness:  Laughter Yoga via ZOOM 
Saturday, January 9, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Looking for a unique and refreshing virtual exercise class perfect for all ages?
Laughter Yoga combines laughter and breathing to stimulate the mind and the body. It also:
—Relieves Stress
—Strengthens the Immune System
—Improves Circulation
—Promotes Positive Attitude
—And is Lots of Fun!
Other family members are welcome, as it may help to generate authentic laughter! We will not be lying on the floor, set up so you can have a chair to sit up straight in and keep a water bottle or glass of water handy.  Have some space around you to move.

Register with dobref@wlsmail.org to get the Zoom link – please indicate you are registering for this program in the email.
 
Poetry Reading via ZOOM: Three Fierce Women

Saturday, January 16, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Three poets – Anne Graue, Sheilla Squillante, and Alison Woods – will present an early evening poetry reading. (Alison Woods is currently a Dobbs Ferry resident.)
Register with dobref@wlsmail.org to get the Zoom link – please indicate you are registering for this program in the email.
Children's Library News:

The library may be closed for browsing, but the Children's Library window displays are open for business. Please consider making a snowflake with your child (or even on your own) and dropping it off for Ms. Gina, our children's librarian, to hang up on the windows facing Main Street. She hopes to build a beautiful collection that represents the creativity of the Dobbs Ferry community! If you need instructions and/or materials for this project, please call her at (914) 693-6615 or email her at dobchildref@wlsmail.org
Parenting in a Pandemic Conversation Series
 
Coming this winter, Rebecca Hershberg, Dobbs Ferry psychologist, parenting coach, and author (https://littlehousecalls.com), joins Gina Elbert, Children’s Librarian for an open conversation about the ups and downs of parenting during the pandemic. Parenting can present difficulties at any time, but right now we are all experiencing major stress and anxiety and we don’t always feel confident in the directions we’re taking.  Dr. Hershberg and Ms. Elbert will co-host a free-ranging (and free of cost) parent discussion and information-sharing series of evenings or mornings. Discussion topics may include:
  • Fostering Resilience
  • Promoting Positive Behaviors
  • Handling Stress & Anxiety
If you are interested in joining the conversation, please email to dobchildref@wlsmail.org and let us know whether a morning coffee chat or an evening post-bedtime chat would be easier for you to join.

Mary's Yarns


The Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library have launched a new group, Mary's Yarns. We are building a community of Knitters, Crocheters, and Crafters. In November, we placed handmade scarves on the trees in Dobbs Ferry on Cedar and Main streets. In December, we made scarves, hats, and headbands for the Seniors in Dobbs Ferry who are part of the Meals on Wheels.
 
Please join us on Thursday, January 14th at 7:00 PM for our second Zoom meeting. At this meeting, we will knit or crochet as we get to know each other and share patterns. If you are interested in supporting us, you can help with any of the following:
  1. If you have yarn you would like to donate, please drop it off at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library at 55 Main Street.  
  2. If you are a young knitter or crocheter, we would like to meet you!
  3. If you have any questions, please email us at dfflmarysyarns@gmail.com
 
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/137954327796040
To register for this event and receive the Zoom meeting information, please email dfflmarysyarns@gmail.com or call the library at (914) 693-6614.

Community Events

Jazz Benefit Concert for the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry


Saturday, January 16, 8PM, $20
Jazz Forum Arts is pleased to present a Jazz Fundraiser to benefit the community-based Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry, housed at South Presbyterian Church. In this incredibly challenging pandemic, their essential services help feed individuals and families in need. Please support this worthy organization by purchasing a ticket and considering an additional donation. The 90-minute Livestream from the Jazz Forum will feature Nicole Pasternak, vocals, Ralph Lalama, tenor, Gary Smulyan, baritone, Mark Morganelli, trumpet/flugelhorn, David Janeway, piano, John Patitucci, bass and Ron Vincent, drums.

Diversity Sings - An Online Interfaith Concert

Saturday, January 9, 7:30 pm

Woodlands Community Temple (Greenburgh, NY), in partnership with Peace Islands Institute of NY, is proud to present an evening of music among Jews, Muslims and Christians offered up in the spirit of mutual understanding. 

The concert will be zoomed on Saturday, January 9, at 7:30 pm. While registration is free and open to all, to demonstrate our shared sense of fellowship and communal support, viewers are encouraged to make online donations to Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry (wct.org/DFFP) to help our neighbors weather the coronavirus.

Windows and Mirrors Book Club

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
 
For DFSD families—
* Go to meet.google.com, and make sure you are logged in with a DFSD account.
* For grades K–2, enter the nickname windowsandmirrorsk2
* For grades 3–5, enter the nickname windowsandmirrors35.
 
For families without a DFSD account—
* Email socialjusticekids@gmail.com to receive a meeting code on the day of the book club.
Do you have a community event you would like to include in the biweekly Village newsletter? Email us.
Community Events Email

News from the County

County seeks applicants to Asian American, Arab American, Hispanic & African American Advisory Boards


The County is actively seeking out new applicants to sit on the Asian American, Arab American, Hispanic and African American Advisory Boards.  These boards provide guidance and recommendations to the County Executive and the Board of Legislators on matters of policy here in Westchester.
 
Latimer said: “Westchester County is a community filled with different cultures, customs and beliefs all rolled into one beautiful landscape. These advisory boards provide added insight and advice to ensure all of Westchester’s voices are heard. This open call is part of our continued commitment to diversity which results in all members of the Westchester community having real input in my Administration.”
 
Legislation creating the African American Advisory Board can be found HERE.
Arab American Advisory Board Executive Order can be found HERE.
Asian American Advisory Board Executive Order can be found HERE.
Legislation creating the Hispanic Advisory Board can be found HERE.
 
Individuals interested in applying should contact ce@westchestergov.com or call 914-995-2900 to ask for more information.
 

United Westchester report details 42 recommendations to improve utility performance


In response to poor performance by utility companies during a number of extreme weather events, the County issued a report including 42 recommendations directed at the Public Service Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and our local electric and telecommunications utilities. 

The report can be found here: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Amy-Paulin/story/94811

Among the recommendations for Con Edison and NYSEG:
  • The use of Smart Meters to track customers who are without power, creating a live interactive outage map for public viewing
  • A regularly updated and shared list of critical facilities
  • An updated map of Con Edison’s grid provided to each municipality
  • Better internal communications in Con Edison between management, field and workers.
  • The creation of the utility reserve corps
  • Better supply and distribution of dry ice
  • A ten-year storm hardening plan and implementation
Among the recommendations for Altice and Verizon:
  • Improved coordination with electric utility companies during post-storm restoration efforts
  • Fixing customer service tools and availability
  • Providing municipal officials with operational contacts
  • Giving customers credits when they lose access to telecommunications services
  • For Altice, upgrading infrastructure and powering network nodes during power outages
Beware of vaccine scams
Cuidado con las estafas de vacunas

News from the State

Commercial and residential eviction bans extended 


The New York Legislature passed and the Governor signed "the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020. The Act (S.9114/A.11181) prevents residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also extends the Senior Citizens' Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption from 2020 to 2021." 
  • Moratorium on residential evictions extended to May 1, 2021
  • Moratorium on residential foreclosures extended to May 1, 2021 
  • Moratorium on tax lien sales and foreclosures by local governments until May 1, 2021
The moratorium on commercial evictions was also extended to January 31, 2021 by Executive Order 202.81
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