Community Chips in for Fifth Annual Ossining MATTERS Run/Walk

Runners came from all over Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland, including competitors as fresh as seven and as seasoned as seventy-two years old.  Several Ossining High School sports teams participated, including volleyball, girls’ soccer, and boys’ and girls’ cross country. Briarcliff High School’s cross country team even joined in this year. Top race honors went to OHS Cross Country runner Jesse McCormick, with teammate Katie Poleski the top female finisher.

Scores of community volunteers, including members of the Police Department and the Recreation Department, plus Village of Ossining elected officials and employees, helped to make the day the big success it was. Dozens of Ossining MATTERS volunteers registered and checked in participants on race day; handed out this year’s t-shirts; and took photos. The Ossining Teachers’ Association served refreshments, donated by local businesses and restaurants, at the end of the race. Members of the school board and district administration handed out water to the runners and walkers along the way – with the exception of OHS Principal Josh Mandel, who finished the race ahead of plenty of the varsity athletes. And the OHS color guard and drum line celebrated the runners and walkers as they stepped off and as they reached the finish line.

“There's so much to like about this event,” observed Ossining MATTERS President Ginny Loughlin. “It was Ossining MATTERS' first, it provides a meaningful source of funds for projects in our schools and it draws our community together in a unique way.” Race Chair Kathleen Crowley – a repeat winner in her division - noted enthusiastically that the morning was “awesome,” and offered her heartfelt thanks to the community.

Congratulations to all who participated, and many thanks to all the volunteers, fans, supporters, and community sponsors whose dedication and contributions made the race possible.