YONKERS MAYOR SPANO KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON WITH YONKERS CITY HALL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will usher in the 2019 holiday season with the Annual Yonkers City Hall’s Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, December 3rd at 4:30PM.

The Children’s Choir of St. Casimir Church in Yonkers, Cross Hill Academy Drumline, Nepperhan Community Center Choir, Yonkers Idols and the Hand Bell Choir of Oakview Preparatory School are scheduled to perform and be a part of the event. Mayor Spano and Yonkers City Councilmembers will join their families and Santa Claus as they light the tree. 

WHO:     Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                  Yonkers City Council

                  Children’s Choir of St. Casimir Church

                  Cross Hill Academy Drumline

                  Nepperhan Community Center Choir

                  Yonkers Idols

                  Hand Bell Choir of Oakview Preparatory School

                  Santa Claus

 

WHAT:   Yonkers City Hall Christmas Tree Lighting

 

WHERE: Yonkers City Hall

                  40 S. Broadway

                  Yonkers, NY

                  Washington Park (front side of City Hall)

 

WHEN:  Tuesday, December 3, 2019

                  4:30PM

STOP & SHOP HELPS YONKERS PROVIDE THANKSGIVING ASSISTANCE TO 450 YONKERS FAMILIES IN NEED

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today joined Stop & Shop’s Stephen Neilsen, store manager of the Yonkers Stop & Shop located at 111 Vredenburgh Avenue in Yonkers at Yonkers City Hall for the presentation of 450 “Stop & Shop Holiday Boxes.”

Stop & Shop “Holiday Boxes” are hand-picked care packages of essential food items, which can be donated directly to local food pantries and neighbors in need. About 100,000 Holiday Boxes are donated annually to communities.

Stop & Shop donates over $28 million in product and financial support to fight hunger. In addition to the Turkey Express program, Stop & Shop continues to fight hunger through the Food for Friends campaign, which will raise more than $2 million this year for more than 300 local hunger relief organizations.

(L-R): Stop & Shop’s Gary Devita, Front End Manager Elvira Djonovic, Store Manager Stephen Neilsen; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; Yonkers City Council Legislative Aides Anand Singh and Steven Tvert

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

 

CITY OF YONKERS ATTAINS PERFECT SCORE FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR ON MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX

Yonkers Rated as One of the Top U.S. Cities Exhibiting LGBTQ Inclusion in Municipal Law & Policy

YONKERS, NY – November 19, 2019 – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, today released its seventh annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law and policy, scoring the City of Yonkers with a perfect 100. Yonkers was one of four cities in New York to receive a perfect score and one of 88 nationally.

“Our administration works tirelessly toward full equality amongst our residents and employees,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “We are once again extremely proud to continually be part of the growing list of communities with a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index. Our rating reflects diversity as Yonkers’ greatest strength and the respect we have for one another, regardless of who you love.”

Yonkers was specifically recognized for its non-discrimination laws; municipal services; law enforcement and leadership of LGBTQ equality.

Michael Sabatino, Yonkers City Council Majority Leader stated, “As a member of the LGBTQ community,  I am proud to know that Yonkers was one of 88 out of 506 cities nationwide to score a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index.   We can attribute this to the hard work of Mayor Spano’s administration and the Mayor’s LGBTQ advisory board.   Yonkers is truly a culturally diverse city where our residents are respected and embraced regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender or their sexual orientation.   We promote a safe environment that allows everyone to co-exist and creates an atmosphere that allows all to contribute to the betterment of the City of Yonkers. Our second pride festival was a huge success having been supported by the community at large.  Congratulations to all.”

The 2019 MEI reveals that cities across the nation are not waiting for their states to extend vital protections to the LGBTQ community, nor are they intimidated by some state elected officials threatening to deny cities the ability to extend fully-inclusive protections to their residents and workers. This year, 88 cities earned perfect scores for advancing fully-inclusive policies and practices — at a time when the nation has been seeing a record number of anti-LGBTQ measures proposed by state elected officials bent on promoting discrimination.

MAYOR MIKE SPANO HONORS YONKERS RESIDENTS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OR MORE OF MARRIAGE

Over 45 Couples Celebrating 50-70+ Years of Marriage to Renew their Vows  

Mayor Mike Spano will honor over 45 Yonkers couples celebrating 50 years of marriage or more onTuesday, September 24 at 4:30PM at Yonkers City Hall, Unity Fountain. Mayor Spano to officiate as the couples renew their wedding vows.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 55% of all married couples have been married for at least 15 years while 35% have celebrated their 25th anniversaries and a special 6% have made it more than 50 years.

Who:                 Mayor Mike Spano

Yonkers City Council
Yonkers Couples Married 50+ Years

What:                 Ceremony Honoring Yonkers Couples Married 50+ years

When:                Tuesday, September 24

4:30PM

Where:               City Hall, Unity Fountain

40 South Broadway

Yonkers, NY

U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS TO PRESENT YONKERS MAYOR SPANO WITH 2019 SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE AWARD

Yonkers Mike Spano will be presented the 2019 Small Business Advocate Award Tuesday, September 24th at 1PM at La Piñata Bakery (118 Main St.) by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Mayor Spano has demonstrated his commitment and support of small business by creating a business friendly environment in Yonkers helping businesses grow and prosper.

Who:             Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano

Jeff Bean, U.S. Conference of Mayors

Roberto Espiritu, owner of La Piñata Bakery

Yonkers Downtown BID

What:           U.S. Conference of Mayors Small Business Advocate Award

Where:         La Piñata Bakery

118 Main Street

Yonkers, NY

When:           Tuesday, September 24

1PM

MAYOR MIKE SPANO TO DISTRIBUTE OVER 400 BACKPACKS TO PAIDEIA SCHOOL 24 STUDENTS AT 8th ANNUAL “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” DRIVE

Over 1,500 Backpacks and Over 5,000 Supplies Collected

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Quezada, Board of Education Trustees, parents, students and staff of Paideia School 24 for the 8th Annual “Backpack to School Drive” Wednesday, August 28th at 12:00 PM at Paideia School 24-Gymnasium (2nd Floor) located at 50 Colin Street, to distribute backpacks and school supplies received through the “Backpack to School Drive” to the students and families in attendance.

Backpacks and School Supplies were donated by corporate and nonprofit sponsors including Precision Concierge New York (PCNY), Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Heavenly Productions Foundation, Elite Investigations LTD, Ridge Hill, Rock & Rod’s Collector Car Club, Castle Royale, Macaroni Kid-Yonkers and Yonkers residents.

Who:              Mayor Mike Spano

Yonkers City Council

School Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada

Yonkers Board of Education Trustees

Paideia School 24 Principal Kim Davis

Paideia School 24 Families & Students

Event Sponsors

What:            “Backpack to School” Drive Press Conference & Distribution

Where:         Paideia School 24’s Gymnasium (2ndFloor)

50 Colin Street, Yonkers

When:           Wednesday, August 28

12:00 PM

MAYOR MIKE SPANO LAUNCHES 8th ANNUAL YONKERS “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” SUPPLY DONATION DRIVE

YONKERS, NY – July 31, 2019 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” school supply donation drive. The 8th Annual Donation Drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public School students most in need.  Items donated will be provided to the students of Paideia School 24. Any remaining items will be available to students while supplies last.

“Back to school supplies can be a financial burden for working families, especially for families  who have more than one child in school,” said Mayor Spano. “I encourage our community to join our Backpack to School Drive and lend a helping hand to those students most in need.”

“It is important for children to begin a new school year with a positive outlook,” noted Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada.  “Having a new backpack and supplies bolsters a young child’s confidence and optimism as they enter the next phase of their educational journey.  Our families do the best they can to provide new materials; for so many this can be challenging.  The Mayor’s annual drive eases the financial burden for our families, and more importantly, energizes the entire community to support quality education and Yonkers’ children.”

Beginning today, backpacks and school supply donations may be made at Backpack to School drop-off locations, including:

Yonkers City Hall-40 South Broadway

Robert W. Cacace Justice Center-100 South Broadway

Government Building-87 Nepperhan Avenue

Yonkers Riverfront Library-1 Larkin Center

Grinton I. Will Library-1500 Central Park Avenue

Crestwood Library-16 Thompson Street

Ridge Hill (Guest Services)-73 Market Street

All four Police Precincts

  • PCT 1-730 E. Grassy Sprain Road
  • PCT 2-441 Central Park Avenue
  • PCT 3-435 Riverdale Avenue
  • PCT 4-53 Shonnard Place

Suggested supply packages for donation include new backpacks filled with the following school supplies:

  • Crayons
  • Colored pencils
  • Washable markers
  • Glue sticks or Elmer’s glue
  • Rulers
  • Pink erasers
  • #2 pencils
  • Pencil Sharpeners
  • Loose leaf paper
  • Composition Books
  • Pencil pouches
  • Pocket folders
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissue Packets

 According to the National Retail Federation, the national average spent on back to school supplies is $29.5 Billion.  Parent spend hundreds of dollars on back to school items, including school supplies, clothing, shoes and electronics totaling to more than $600 per child.

The Backpack to School Drive will run through August 22nd. For more information about the program, please contact the City of Yonkers Public Information Office at 914-377-6300 or visit www.yonkersny.gov/backpack.

City of Yonkers, Yonkers Native Pat Quinn and Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts to Host 2019 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 3

General Public Invited to Support Pat Quinn in His Quest to Find a Cure for ALS in

Largest Simultaneous Ice Bucket Challenge; All Ages Welcome

(Yonkers, NY) – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts President & COO Uri Clinton and Yonkers Native Pat Quinn announced today the 2019 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge will take place on Saturday, August 3 trackside at Empire City Casino. The annual event, co-founded by Quinn after his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2013, became a global phenomenon in 2014 as thousands of people from around the world participated in the challenge on social media. Since 2015, Empire City Casino has hosted the annual challenge in support of Quinn and to continue to generate awareness for ALS research. The festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. with food concessions available for purchase, music, and much more. Ice Bucket Challenge participants can pre-register in-advance online at www.YonkersNY.gov or www.empirecitycasino.com .

ALS, often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. With no known cure, Quinn began the Ice Bucket Challenge to put ALS on ice by raising awareness as well as donations for research. The challenge has remained a catalyst of the efforts to find a cure for ALS, with Quinn helping inspire billions of dollars in donations for ALS research, which has helped produce significant discoveries and breakthroughs.

Empire City Casino is proud to continue supporting Yonkers-native Pat Quinn in his courageous fight and to be part of the worldwide phenomenon he helped create as co-founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge,” said Uri Clinton, Empire City Casino President & Chief Operating Officer. “We are incredibly humbled to be part of a community that always shows up to support each other. We can all do our part to raise awareness of the need for more funds for ALS research. We’ll see you trackside August 3rd.

Each year, Empire City Casino donates the space, set-up and staffing, as well as over 1,300 pounds of ice.

Pat Quinn’s fight and determination to combat this horrible disease has been so inspirational and we are proud to join him in that effort,” said Mayor Spano. “Pat and his organization, Quinn For The Win, have courageously and selflessly turned his battle with ALS into one of the most successful social media fundraising movements this world has ever seen. We encourage any and all to join us on August 3rd for a great day of family fun at Empire City Casino.”

Pat Quinn commented, “I’m so grateful for the continued support from Mayor Mike Spano, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, and the entire City of Yonkers. I’m extremely proud to know Quinn For The Win and Yonkers continue to fight ALS together. We live by the mantra Every August Until A Cure. This is the fifth time the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been held at the casino. Let’s make it the biggest and best yet to show everyone the fight against ALS is stronger than ever! Please join me August 3rd at Empire City Casino to kick off the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in Yonkers.

A recent report from RTI, an independent research firm, showed that donations from when the Ice Bucket Challenge first began in 2014 helped the ALS Association increase its annual funding for research worldwide by 187 percent. A recent Oregon State University study showed a copper compound can help slow the progression of ALS after recent testing in mice. Just a few short years ago, researchers discovered a new gene associated with ALS that may hold the key to one day finding a cure. Additionally, new technology is allowing individuals affected by ALS, like Pat, to regain their voice.

ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70. Approximately 20,000 Americans currently suffer from the disease.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Quinn for the Win which benefits Pat Quinn’s care as well as not-for-profit ALS research organizations. For more information, go to YonkersNY.gov, Quinn4theWin and Facebook.com/QuinnForTheWin.

Assets: http://bit.ly/ALSIBC2019

 

 

MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES “YONKERS PARKS DAY” IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL PARKS & RECREATION MONTH

“Yonkers Parks Day” Set for Saturday, July 13, at Four Neighborhood City Parks

YONKERS, NY – June 27, 2019 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers will celebrate Yonkers Parks Day in honor of National Parks and Recreation Month on Saturday, July 13th from 1 PM to 5 PM, at four of Yonkers’ City parks.

“Our parks are the cornerstones of our City and the fabric our neighborhoods and communities,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “By paying tribute to our parks during National Parks & Recreation Month helps to encourage our residents to visit these four local parks and enjoy great music, games and the company of their neighbors.”

Yonkers Parks Day will be held at the following locations:

  • Lennon Park –  Lake & Park Avenue
  • Annette Vizzini Park – Mile Square Road & Little John Place
  • Lincoln Park – South Broadway & McLean Avenue
  • Stilwell Park – 1018 McLean Avenue

Each of the four parks will include arts and crafts, music, sports activities, along with so much more, FREE of cost for all Yonkers residents.

For further information regarding the day’s festivities, contact the City of Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department offices at 914-377-6450.

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.