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 MIKE SPANO LAUNCHES 8th ANNUAL YONKERS “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” SUPPLY DONATION DRIVE
/in News /by Generation YonkersYONKERS, 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
Suggested supply packages for donation include new backpacks filled with the following school supplies:
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
/in News /by Generation YonkersGeneral 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
/in News /by Generation Yonkers“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:
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
/in News /by Generation YonkersAt 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
/in News /by Generation YonkersCity 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
/in News /by Generation YonkersYonkers 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
6th ANNUAL YONKERS ARTS WEEKEND SHOWCASES OVER 300 ARTISTS AT VENUES ACROSS CITY SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 18-19
/in News, News & Events /by Generation YonkersYonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join renowned artists at the 6th Annual Yonkers Arts Weekend Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19th at venues across the City of Yonkers.
Highlights of the weekend, from 12PM- 5PM, include:
Yonkers Arts Weekend, Westchester County’s largest urban arts festival, involves over 300 artists, sculptors, performers, designers and musicians across four spectacular venues across the City. For more details and the complete schedule for Yonkers Arts Weekend, visit www.yonkersartsweekend.com or Yonkers Arts Weekly on Facebook.
***Interviews & Photo Opps***
WHO: Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor
Artists, Performers, Musicians & Sculptors
WHAT: Yonkers Arts Weekend
WHERE: 4 Locations:
WHEN: Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th
12PM- 5PM
MAYOR SPANO AND YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT DONATE FIRE TRUCK & SURPLUS FIRE GEAR TO PUERTO RICO
/in News /by Generation YonkersYonkers, NY – April 23, 2019 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today gathered with the Yonkers Fire Department, Yonkers Department of Public Works and the Yonkers Office of Veterans Services to official send off the City’s donated fire truck and equipment to Puerto Rico. The municipality of Carolina, Puerto will receive the donations as part of its recovery efforts from the historic damage of Hurricane Maria.
The newly donated materials today departed for South Florida and will arrive via cargo ship to the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. The donations include a 2002 American LaFrance Freightliner truck, 60 sets of firefighting bunker gear, 60 flashlights, safety harnesses, and generators, among other various gear and equipment.
“This is truly a win/win for both us and Carolina, Puerto Rico,” said Mayor Spano. “This is a fire truck that had to be replaced anyway because of our strict requirements here in the ‘City of Hills’ — but can still serve Puerto Rico effectively as a backup engine in their current department.”
Yonkers City Council voted in December 2018 to donate the fire truck and equipment to Carolina, a municipality of about 177,000 people that borders the capital of San Juan in eastern Puerto Rico.
Added Mayor Spano: “I’d like to thank our Office of Veterans Services, our Department of Public Works, our Yonkers Fire Department staff, as well as YFD Union leadership and our Corporation Counsel at City Hall. There was a lot of red tape, hard work and patience involved to achieve this endeavor – but it was worth the wait! I’m proud that the City of Yonkers is helping our neighbors in Puerto Rico, and that our City will always be represented in the Carolina community as they continue to rebuild from Hurricane Maria.”
The fire truck and equipment is due to arrive in Carolina, Puerto Rico in approximately thirty days.
YONKERS RECEIVES NATIONAL INNOVATION AWARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
/in News /by Generation YonkersCity Recognized For Solar & Wind Powered Lighting Project at JFK Marina
YONKERS, NY – April 22, 2019 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that Smart Energy Decisions honored the City of Yonkers at its 2nd annual Innovation Awards in the category of “Government Onsite Renewable Energy.” The installation of wind and solar technology at JFK Marina makes it one of the first parks in the region to be completely independent from the power grid through its use of renewable energy, according to the New York Power Authority.
The objective of Smart Energy Decisions’ Innovation Awards program is to recognize the efforts of large electric power users, their suppliers, and their utilities in support of the energy transformation currently taking place. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges, who rated each nomination based on objectives of the project, how the project was executed, innovation, and results of the project against the objective.
“It is an honor to receive this award from Smart Energy Decisions and be recognized nationally with so many other large corporations and institutions,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This Innovation Award is a testament to the hard work of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and departments of Public Works, Parks and Engineering. I would especially like to thank New York Power Authority for all of their support and funding because this project would not have been possible without the 5 Cities Energy Program.”
The off-grid lighting project, completed in November 2017, was primarily funded by NYPA (New York Power Authority) through the 5 Cities Energy Program which also supported the purchase of nine electric-vehicle charging stations in three public parking garages and five hybrid electric vehicles that joined the municipal fleet.
“This innovative, renewable energy powered lighting project is the ideal embodiment of Earth Day and it underscores the impactful clean energy initiatives being carried out in New York State under Governor Cuomo,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “The project utilizes wind and solar power to ensure John F. Kennedy Marina in Yonkers is always well lit, improving safety, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving taxpayer dollars. The recognition from Smart Energy Decisions on this project is well deserved and we at NYPA look forward to building on our successful partnership with the City of Yonkers in the future.”
The JFK Marina Park Off-Grid Lighting project builds on the City’s previous replacement of 11,300 streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights. In addition to annual energy cost savings, tens of thousands of dollars in installation and maintenance costs have been achieved through avoided electrical infrastructure work associated with traditional lighting projects and through avoided repairs due to flooding. What started as a pilot program with one Off-Grid LED unit has grown into a fully self-sufficient, resilient and safe park for visitors and the surrounding community to enjoy – achieving its primary objective.
Added Mayor Spano: “This innovative wind and solar lighting project took a proactive approach to addressing and preventing costly lighting problems at JFK Marina resulting from storm flooding. The project has improved the park’s resiliency in the face of more frequent flooding events, eliminated energy costs for operation and has contributed to the City’s continued efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.”
JFK Marina is one of the largest and most popular waterfront parks in Westchester County and is particularly susceptible to storm flooding due to its location on the Hudson River.
Smart Energy Decisions is the first web-based information resource dedicated exclusively to addressing the information needs of commercial and industrial electric power customers.
MAYOR SPANO ORGANIZES GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP INITIATIVES DURING SPRING & SUMMER MONTHS
/in News /by Generation YonkersAnnual Clean-Up of Old Croton Aqueduct Trail Scheduled for April 27;
Sign-Up Available at www.YonkersNY.gov
YONKERS, NY – April 11, 2019 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers’ Green Neighborhoods clean-up initiatives for Earth Month in April. The clean-ups are organized to encourage community involvement and aimed at cleaning neglected vacant properties, city streets and community gardens throughout Yonkers.
“Throughout this spring and summer, we are taking direct action to restore the health and vibrancy of our neighborhoods,” saidMayor Spano. “Whether it’s beautifying a street, planting trees or encouraging greater recycling among our residents, we are continuing a partnership with our communities to improve our city and its image.”
This season’s Earth Month celebration is highlighted by the Old Croton Aqueduct Yonkers Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 27. Residents are encouraged to join the City of Yonkers, Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and New York State Parks in beautifying the Yonkers section of the trail. Volunteers are encouraged to register by visiting www.YonkersNY.gov or by calling 914-377-6429.
Mayor Spano added, “The Old Croton Aqueduct is a beautiful historic State trail way running through our city that unfortunately has been a hotspot for littering. I am pleased we have gathered a strong group of community stakeholders who are willing to donate their time and resources for the sake of a cleaner, greener trail for all to enjoy. I invite our residents to join our efforts and volunteer that day.”
Additional spring/summer clean-ups and events in the City of Yonkers include:
The Yonkers Department of Public Works will provide resources needed during the cleanups, dispose of trash bags and, in some cases, provide trucks for pick-ups.
To ensure Yonkers remains clean following the clean-ups, Mayor Spano also is reminding residents to report any instances of illegal dumping to the City’s anti-dumping hotline by calling 914-377-DUMP. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for anyone who reports a case of illegal dumping that leads to an arrest and conviction.
“If you see something, it pays to say something,” said Mayor Spano. “We must all take part and take pride in keeping our city clean.”