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.
MAYOR MIKE SPANO, YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCH REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. POEM/ESSAY/VIDEO CONTEST
/in News /by Generation YonkersYONKERS, NY – January 15, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada today launched the 2020 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video Contest. Yonkers students are encouraged to submit essays, poems or videos reflecting this year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Vote,” as it speaks to the ongoing struggle on the part of both black men and women throughout American History.
“Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1957 speech ‘Give Us the Ballot’outlined a strategy for justice that extended through the 1960s and beyond,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “African Americans faced official and unofficial restrictions until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was established. However, today we have federal protections that help to ensure every American has an equal voice in the political process. This year, in particular, I’m excited to see how students will be able to express their views on voting rights while incorporating Dr. King’s message through a poem, essay or video.”
The Mayor’s African American Advisory Board select one poem from grades 1-4, one essay from grades 5-8 and one video from grades 9-12. The winning poem, essay and video will be displayed at Yonkers City Hall and online for Yonkers residents to enjoy. Winners will be presented a certificate from Mayor Spano and will be asked to present their work at the City’s Annual Black History Month Celebration at Yonkers City Hall on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 6:00 pm.
Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools stated, “As educators, we have the responsibility to assist our students in finding their voice, expressing their opinions and to be relentless in standing up for tolerance and civil rights. Dr. King, Jr. will forever be the beacon for nonviolent protest, unyielding in his commitment to civil rights for all people. The Mayor’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video Contest provides an opportunity for Yonkers children to research and emulate Dr. King’s work.”
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video Contest is open to all primary and secondary Yonkers students; only one poem, essay or video may be submitted per student. Guidelines and specifications for the contest can be found at https://www.yonkersny.gov/mlk. Poem and video submissions are due Friday, February 14, 2020 and may be emailed tocontest@yonkersny.gov, dropped off to the Mayor’s Office or by mail to MLK, Jr. Contest, Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Winners will be notified on February 21.
YONKERS AWARDED $350,000 FOR NEW BOAT DOCK AT DOWNTOWN CITY PIER
/in News /by Generation YonkersFunding Awarded By NYS Regional Economic Development Council Will Support Growing Demand For Excursions, Dinner Cruises and Commuter Ferry Service
YONKERS, NY – December 23, 2019 – The City of Yonkers will receive $350,000 for the construction of a new floating boat dock along the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront through New York State’s latest round of Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) awards, Mayor Mike Spano announced.
“This is an exciting project that will meet the increasing demand for waterborne tourism and transportation by expanding boat access to Yonkers’ growing Downtown Waterfront area,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “It’s another example of how we are utilizing our location and natural assets to establish waterfront amenities that attract new residents and visitors, foster transit-oriented development, and solidify Yonkers as a regional destination.”
The new floating dock will be constructed on the north side of the 1901 two-story City Pier, located in the Downtown Waterfront district, and will supplement boat access at the existing dock on the Pier’s south side which has emerged as a popular maritime destination for excursion and educational vessels and Hudson River cruise ships. The dock will foster the introduction of dinner cruise operators and is anticipated to become one of the home ports for the Henry Hudson’s replica ship, the Half Moon, upon its return to the Hudson Valley from the Netherlands. The dock is also envisioned to support future commuter ferry service between Yonkers and Manhattan.
“I thank Governor Cuomo and the REDC for their continued support through this competitive grant program which has yielded millions of dollars in investment in economic development projects throughout Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano.
The REDC funding awarded to Yonkers will leverage $1.1 million in City capital funds already approved for the project.
YONKERS MAYOR SPANO KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON WITH YONKERS CITY HALL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
/in News /by Generation YonkersYonkers 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
/in News /by Generation YonkersYonkers 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
/in News /by Generation YonkersYonkers 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
/in News /by Generation YonkersOver 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
/in News /by Generation YonkersYonkers 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
Love food? Learn how to take professional food photos!
/in News & Events /by Generation YonkersGet your tickets for Jeanne Muchnick’s food photography workshop on Sept. 17th in Yonkers!
Ticket info: https://tickets.lohud.com/e/lohud-food-on-location
MAYOR MIKE SPANO TO DISTRIBUTE OVER 400 BACKPACKS TO PAIDEIA SCHOOL 24 STUDENTS AT 8th ANNUAL “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” DRIVE
/in News, News & Events /by Generation YonkersOver 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
/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.