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Today's kickoff also marked the official beginning of Millennium festivities around the City. Joining the Mayor were: NYC 2000 -- the official New York City Millennium Committee -- Honorary Chairman Ron Silver; Marjorie Schussal, Manager of Communications for Toyota Motor Corporate Services; actress and City Parks supporter Isabella Rossellini; Parks Commissioner Henry Stern and Administration for Children's Services Nicholas Scoppetta.
"Friday is the last Arbor Day of the 20th Century and, as part of the celebration, the City is planting 2000 new trees in parks throughout the five boroughs to celebrate the coming of the Year 2000," Mayor Giuliani said. "I cannot think of a better way to celebrate this one-of-a-kind event than with these gifts to future generations of New Yorkers who will benefit both from their beauty as well as from environmental benefits they provide. These are truly gifts that will make a difference in the quality of life of all New Yorkers well into the next century."
The Mayor continued, "On Friday, school children from all five boroughs will join Urban Park Rangers and other volunteers in planting the rest of the 2000 trees in six parks: Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx; Prospect Park and Canarsie Park in Brooklyn; Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan; Forest Park in Queens and Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island. I want to thank Marjorie Schussal of Toyota Motor Corporate Services for sponsoring the tree plantings, Isabella Rossellini for her work with the Urban Park Rangers; and Ron Silver and Commissioner Stern for coordinating and overseeing the Citywide event."
-over- Ron Silver, Honorary Chairman of NYC2000, said, "It is imperative that we recognize the importance of the environment. Every action we take today will impact our quality of life for years to come. As the turn of the Millennium approaches we are committed to making our environment a priority in New York City."
Parks Commissioner Henry Stern said, "In addition to planting a tree in front of every home, we will be able to celebrate the beginning of the new Millennium by planting trees in parks throughout the City. From Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx to Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island, these 2,000 living memorials will help us celebrate the Millennium for many years to come."
Marjorie Schussal, Corporate Communications Manager for Toyota Motor Corporate Services of North America, Inc. said, "Toyota is honored to be able to participate in the kickoff of New York City's Millennium celebrations. 2000 Trees for Year 2000 not only signifies the importance of the environment to New York City, but also Toyota's commitment to protecting the environment in the communities where we do business around the world."
Also attending today's announcement was actress Isabella Rossellini. Ms. Rossellini has worked with Urban Park Rangers for her documentary about wild life in Central Park, "Wild City." The show is premiering on TBS Superstation on May 19th.
On Friday, City officials and school children will plant eight species of trees, including White Ash, Tulip, Black Cherry, Eastern Red Cedar and White Pine, throughout the five boroughs. The location breakdown is as follows: Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx will get 150 new trees; Prospect Park and Canarsie Park in Brooklyn will get 100 and 400 trees respectively; Inwood Hill in Manhattan will see 200 trees; Queens Forest Park will receive 675 saplings; and Staten Island's Wolfe's Pond Park will receive 300 new trees. In additional, the Urban Park Rangers' Living Forest Program will sponsor 425 trees to be planted at Alley Pond Park in Queens, High Rock Park, Staten Island, and Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The total number of trees to be planted is 2,250.
Today's kickoff also marked the official beginning of Millennium festivities around the City. Future events include: NYC 2000 Fashion Show in Times Square and an international lecture series with Henry Kissinger in the Fall; and the largest-ever Macy's Fireworks display on July 4th 2000, among many others.
NYC 2000, the official New York City Millennium Committee, was established through an Executive Order by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani to ensure New York City's Millennium celebrations are befitting of the world's financial and cultural center. Comprised of dynamic group of business and community leaders, and chaired by actor Ron Silver, NYC 2000 will showcase the best New York City has to offer before an international audience on New Year's Eve 2000 and beyond.