What Happens Here Matters
Environmental Event at Manhattanville College
For more than a year, County Executive Andy Spano’s Task Force on Global Warming has been working to develop a far-reaching action plan as a blueprint for what the Westchester community can do to help combat climate change. On Tuesday, Feb. 26th Spano and the task force presented the plan, with its detailed recommendations on how businesses, governments, schools and households can work together to help address the challenge of global warming.
Richard Berman, Chairman of the education sector welcomed the crowd and said “I was honored to be selected as a member of the Task Force and agree with Andy Spano that the Action Plan the Task Force is presenting today will enable the community of Westchester to do its share to address climate change and promote sustainable development.”
As part of the day-long event that launched the Action Plan, there were numerous workshops targeted to each sector and an outdoor exhibit of Alternative Fuel and Modified Design Vehicles in front of Reid Castle. The voluminous Action Plan is be available on the county website.
The task force is made up of 34 representatives from government, business, schools and colleges, and the environmental community. It is chaired by North Castle Supervisor Reese Berman and co-chaired by Robert Funicello, environmental project director of Westchester County. The task force was assisted in its work by more than 70 volunteers from the county with special knowledge in particular areas.
Manhattanville College student organizations “Achieving Conservation Together” (A.C.T.) and “Student Government Association” (S.G.A.) also volunteered as hosts and guides at the launch event. Over the last few semesters ACT has improved recycling practices around campus and promoted environmental awareness through lecture series and conservation exercises including a tie-dye workshop where students had the opportunity to recycle old clothing, and litter and stream cleanups.
Banner Photo Left to Right: North Castle Supervisor Reese Berman, County Executive Andy Spano, Manhattanville President Richard Berman, and Environmental Project Director Robert Funicello.