Editor’s Note: ‘Home for the Holidays’ does not get more poignant than contemplating the possibilities for children at the all new Rebecca and Arthur Samberg Building during a ribbon cutting ceremony under a beautiful fall sky at the Ossining Children’s Center. Dozens of supporters and many Westchester County officials turned up to share kind words and a whole lot of‘oohs and ahhs’ upon viewing the gorgeous 2700-square-foot facility, located at 32 State Street in Ossining. – Grace Bennett
The bright and modern new space, a news release from the Center noted, will bring the Center’s programs under one roof while meeting the growing need for infant, toddler, preschool and before and after-school care in the greater Ossining community. More info from the Center:
Rebecca Samberg, of Ossining, cut the ribbon for the new building named for her and her late husband Arthur Samberg. “Art and I have always felt strongly that every child should be able to have the kinds of experiences that our children and grandchildren have had,” said Mrs. Samberg. In the new space, 60 additional children can gain the skills necessary to thrive and succeed. The large state-of-the art classrooms, indoor gymnasium, large indoor common area, and multiple outdoor recreation areas provide ample space for children to learn, grow and play while staying healthy and safe. “Though welcoming children back during a pandemic is challenging,” said Assistant Executive Director Claudia Weger, “our flexible spaces, along with outside entrances for every classroom, allow for social distancing without compromising the integrity of our programs.”
OCC has been a fixture in Ossining for 125 years, helping families thrive, while maintaining partnerships with a range of community and cultural organizations. “The ceremony today is a testament to the interconnectedness and strength of our community,” said Executive Director Howard Milbert. The project was awarded grants from New York State through the auspices of Assembly member Sandra Galef and State Senator David Carlucci. OCC’s $17.8 million capital campaign to support the project has raised more than $15 million to date. The campaign also includes an expansion of OCC’s scholarship program to enable additional working families to enroll their children at the Center. For more information, visit
As the coronavirus reared its ugly head, we all retreated. My rising juniors, who were working hard to get ready for exams, saw their efforts evaporate. During this time, many American colleges and universities told rising seniors that testing was optional. Some of these colleges are among the most competitive nationally. The new ‘Test Optional’ means that a student can choose not to submit scores. If a score is submitted, it will be considered as part of the application, regardless of result but scores are de-emphasized. It differs from Test Blind, which means that scores will not be viewed, even if a student submits a 1600 SAT and a 36 ACT. Conversely, in some state universities, test optional means that as long as a student has a threshold GPA, an SAT or ACT is not required. Even though a university may go test optional, certain programs at those schools may still require testing. Very selective programs, such as BA/MD or Engineering may require some form of testing.
