WNY Mayor Felix Roque announces endorsement of Sen. Robert Menendez
At an impromptu two-minute press conference held at his new headquarters on 53rd Street and Palisade Avenue on March 30, Mayor Felix Roque announced his endorsement of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-32).
Roque had received political flak and criticism for having come out in support of Menendez’s potential Republican opponent State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-13th) in February.
In response to the Reporter’s initial story published earlier that day, which quoted sources close to the mayor claiming Menendez had met with Roque the evening before the press conference, Menendez for Senate Press Secretary Melissa Castro said, “Senator Menendez did not meet with Mayor Roque last night.”
“I’m going to make this very brief,” Roque said at the press conference. “I’m a military man, and one thing I do is follow commands.” He went on to say that he had been receiving emails, texts, and phone calls from West New York residents urging him to support Menendez.
“I will follow the desires of my community and endorse the great senator Menendez for office,” he continued. “He has my support.”
He declined to give any further statements and said he wasn’t feeling well.
Union City High School to put on ‘West Side Story’
The Union City High School Fine & Performing Arts Department presents the classic Broadway musical “West Side Story,” directed by Anthony Gusevich at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Blvd. Performances will be held on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m., Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. General admission is $10 and $5 for students. For more information, visit www.unioncitypac.org.
UC Church to discuss creating community arts center
Artists at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 16th and Palisade avenues invite the Hudson County artistic community to a discussion on how the church facilities can become a community arts center. Artists, art lovers of all mediums, and members of the St. John’s neighborhood are invited to express their ideas at a community meeting on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at 1516 Palisade Ave.
The church is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, under the leadership of the Rev. Geoff Curtiss. They host the Puerta Abierta (Open Door) After School Program for around 40 children during the school year, providing homework assistance and afterschool activities.
For more information, contact Richard Hogue at (201) 348-3966 or email stjohnsuc@yahoo.com.
WNY Cuban Lions Club to hold annual health fair
The West New York Cuban Lions Club will hold their annual free health fair in partnership with the Palisades Medical Center on Sunday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held in the new community room located at 515 54th Street. The health fair entrance is at the back of the building at 514 52nd Street.
Medical professionals will provide free general medical advice as well as free tests and screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, dental health, vision, depression, and more.
Participants will also receive free T-shirts, samples, gifts, and refreshments. All are welcome to attend.
For more information, call Manny Reyes at (201) 424-1201.
Civic Association offers free income tax service
The Brian P. Stack Civic Association will offer free income tax service to residents in need of help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17 is the last day to file state and federal income taxes.
Those interested may contact the association at 1202 Summit Avenue or call (201) 863-8583 to make an appointment.
Segunda Quimbamba to hold dance and drum workshops
The Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs will offer Puerto Rican dancing and drumming classes to adults and children over eight years of age at the Cobra Fencing Club, 629 Grove St. in Jersey City. Classes will be held Sunday afternoons through June 4. Dance classes will run from 2 to 3 p.m., and drum classes will run from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Open registration will he held through April 15. Email nhernandez89@gmail.com or call Segunda Quimbamba Folkloric Center at (201) 420-6332 for more information. The venue is partially wheelchair accessible and students with special requests or accommodation needs should contact Nanette Hernandez at the above number or email.