CITY OF YONKERS AND YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELIMINATE USE OF POLYSTYRENE FOOD TRAYS IN SCHOOLS

At the Enrico Fermi School, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Public Schools Announce Elimination of Polystyrene Food Trays
(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

 

YONKERS, NY – June 18, 2019 — Mayor Mike Spano, along with Trustees from the Yonkers Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, today announced Yonkers Public Schools has replaced all of its polystyrene (known as Styrofoam) food trays with 100% recyclable food trays.

As of March 2019, all 40 Yonkers Public Schools eliminated the use of polystyrene trays, which are produced using fossil fuels and carcinogenic compounds, including Styrene and Benzene. Polystyrene does not biodegrade and pollutes air and waterways.

The transition to recyclable trays comes at the suggestion of Mayor Spano’s Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee which provides guidance and recommendations to the city on ways to create a healthier, more vibrant and attractive city by prioritizing energy and sustainability initiatives.

“I want to thank the Green City Advisory Committee and Office of Sustainability for their insight and recommendation to the Yonkers Public Schools on how we can continue to provide greener, more sustainable materials and services in our schools,” said Mayor Spano. “Together with Yonkers Public Schools, we are leading by example and teaching our young people how they too can be better stewards of the environment.”

“Wherever possible the Trustees look for ways to encourage the use of environmentally safe products throughout the District.  The work of the Mayor’s Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee has focused the entire City on this important initiative, we are happy to do our part,” stated Rev. Steve Lopez, President, Yonkers Board of Education.

“The biodegradable compostable five-compartment circular trays are sturdy and easier for small hands to carry,” notedSuperintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada.  “The environmental benefits of these new trays will last generations. Thank you to our Food Services team for seamlessly transitioning the trays and continuing to work towards better sustainable solutions for our students.”

Yonkers’ Office of Sustainability Director and Chair of the Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee, Jason Baker,commented, “The removal of millions of polystyrene foam trays from our school cafeterias is a sensible initiative to help eliminate a major source of pollution and provides a valuable learning opportunity for students to understand the importance of taking simple environmental actions now to protect our future. The Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee commends Mayor Spano and Superintendent Quezada for their continued leadership in protecting the health of our city and students.”

Yonkers Public Schools use approximately 2 million food service trays annually.

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES 2019 SUMMER FILM AND CONCERT SERIES LINE-UP

City of Yonkers Parks Department to Offer Family-Friendly Outdoor Movies & Music Every Week in July & August

 

YONKERS, NY – June 13, 2019 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the schedule for the City’s 2019 Summer Film & Concert Series that will run during July and August at several Yonkers parks.  The family-friendly series is FREE of charge and open to children of all ages.

“Our Summer Film & Concert Series in Yonkers continues to be a hit with residents of all ages and we’re excited that it’s returning again this summer,” said Mayor Spano.  “With more than 75 dynamic parks and playgrounds in Yonkers, there is no better way to spend your summer nights than to enjoy an outdoor movie or concert with family and friends at your local neighborhood park.”

Music begins promptly at 7PM on Thursday nights throughout the summer and the genres range from Jazz to Rock, Swing, R & B and much more. This year’s lineup features two tribute bands: Strawberry Fields and Larger than Life: the Ultimate Boy Band.

Movies will be screened on Friday evenings in July and August and begin at dusk at various locations throughout the City.   All movies are family-friendly and rated PG.

Music and movie performances are subject to change and City residents are strongly encouraged to bring their own seating.  In case of rain, residents should call the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation at 914-377-6450 or visit @CityofYonkers on Facebook and Twitter to confirm cancellations.

The complete Summer Film & Concert Series schedule is as follows:

CITY OF YONKERS TO KICK OFF PRIDE MONTH AT UNTERMYER GARDENS

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Council, Hudson River Museum, Untermyer Gardens and the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board will gather to kick off Pride Month in the City of Yonkers on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 3:00 PM, at Untermyer Gardens (945 North Broadway).

The month of June was chosen for LGBTQ Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in June of 1969.  In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, New York City is home to World Pride Month this June. With nearly 4 million additional visitors anticipated in the New York Metropolitan Area for Pride Month, Mayor Spano and City officials are gathering to highlight the top tourism destinations Yonkers has to offer, as well as the City’s Pride events for the month of June.

***Interviews & Photo Opps***

WHO:          Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                       Yonkers City Council

                       Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board

                       Hudson River Museum

                       Yonkers Downtown BID                                               

WHAT:        Pride Month Kick-Off      

WHERE:     Untermyer Park & Gardens

                       945 North Broadway

                       Yonkers, NY 10701

*Media will be directed to press conference location upon arrival*

WHEN:       Monday, June 3

                       3:00 PM