WNY Board of Education elects a new president
During a meeting of the West New York Board of Education on Oct. 12, a motion was made by new member Vilma Reyes to remove former board president Cosmo Cirillo. The vote was 4-1 in favor of the motion.
Member Christine Piscitelli then nominated member Adrienne Kole-Sires for new board president, seconded by Reyes.
Mayor Felix Roque had Kole-Sires in mind for president when he swore her in the day before on Oct. 11. Roque had also been pushing for Cirillo to step down from the board entirely, because when the town moved him from his position as deputy town clerk to court typist last June, his position on the board became a conflict.
Two months after the new appointment, the Adminstrative Office of the Courts sent Cirillo a letter recommending he step down. Although he has handed his presidential gavel off to Kole-Sires, he remains on the board and is currently challenging the AOC’s decision.
Roque calls Cirillo’s refusal to step down “childish,” and stated he is not doing the “right thing” by keeping his spot on the board.
Cirillo feels differently. “Whether or not I’m the president doesn’t matter,” he stated. “My voice has been for the children of this district for the past four years, and I intend to continue that way until the end of my term.”
Cirillo’s term ends in May of 2013.
Halloween Drawing Contest winners to be announced next week
In recent weeks, the Reporter ran a contest encouraging local children ages 3-12 to design the pumpkin that was printed within these pages. The contest has ended, and the winning work will be published in the issue of Sunday, Oct. 30, the day before Halloween. Watch the Reporter next weekend for the winning pumpkins!
West New York to hold its first job fair
Mayor Felix Roque and the Board of Commissioners of the Town of West New York will be holding its first job fair on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center on 515 54th St.
The fair is meant to help unemployed West New York residents find jobs through proper venues.
Residents who wish to attend must R.S.V.P. with a minimum of one guest by contacting the Department of Public Affairs at (201) 295-5120, or email ffrias@westnewyorknj.org.
Union City Boxing Club crowns four Diamond Gloves champions
Four Union City Boxing Club members were crowned State Champions in the 2011 NJ Diamond Gloves Tournament Friday night, Oct. 14 at Linden High School. Herkin DeLaRosa, Hector Melendez, and Kenneth Torres won championship bouts.
DeLaRosa won the open class 123 lb. title, Melendez took home the 141 lb. Novice Title, and Torres won the 176 lb. 16-year-old bout.
Deandre Guzman won his 70 lb. 11-year-old championship on Sept. 16 in Union City.
Roque proposes a military charter school in West New York
The state Department of Education is considering 42 applications for charter schools—one of which is Mayor Felix Roque’s proposal for a military-themed elementary school, according to the local daily.
The round of proposals came after the state approved four new schools. This brings the current total of independently-run, publically-funded New Jersey schools to 80, with 25 more in the works for next year.
This large number of charter school applications has some officials concerned there may be just too many on the table, and that more information may be necessary to ensure proper accountability.
Union City will host a Halloween costume party and show
Jose Marti Freshman Academy will host a Halloween costume party and special Halloween show by Rosario & Her Stars for children aged 14 and younger on Friday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to the most creative costumes and refreshments will be served. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.
School will hold auction to help children in need
St. Augustine’s School, 3920 New York Ave. in Union City, will host its second annual Sister Roberta O’Hea Memorial Auction on Friday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
The event will be held to continue Sr. O’Hea’s mission by raising funds for children in need who wish to pursue a Catholic education. The auction offers guests a chance to help the community and to bid on auction items, including theatre tickets, electronics and other luxury goods.
The school encourages local businesses, corporations, and individuals to sponsor a table at the event for $100 each. Tickets are also available for $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. You must be 18 or older to attend the event.
If you would like to sponsor a table or purchase a ticket for the event, please contact Sr. Johanna Quinto at (201) 865-5319.