Menendez disapproves of governor’s veto of statewide health care legislation
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-13) issued a statement May 11 disapproving Gov. Christopher Christie’s veto of legislation that would have created a statewide health care exchange and provided coverage options for consumers and small businesses.
“I’m disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto this legislation,” Menendez stated in a press release. “The clock is ticking, and the governor’s veto leaves unanswered how we can best achieve getting affordable health coverage for New Jersey families.
“For the uninsured, their predicament is not only unfortunate and unacceptable; it is also unsustainable as a cost to New Jersey taxpayers. New Jersey taxpayers are on the hook every time someone without coverage shows up in an emergency room, whether it’s for life-threatening treatment or routine medical care. The new health exchange will help families find affordable options.
“The one thing I do agree with the governor on is that this should not be done hastily. New Jersey has an opportunity to get this right, with $8.7 million in federal funding for planning and preparation. That is exactly why we can’t afford any delays.”
UC City Hall to host art exhibit
Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners announce that the City of Union City will host their May art exhibit at the Union City Art Gallery at City Hall with an opening reception on Tues., May 22 at 6 p.m.
The art exhibit will feature artist Ines Verges. There will be live music and refreshments will be served. Admission to the event is free.
Artists that would like to be included in future exhibits should contact the Union City Office of Public Affairs at (201) 348-5746 for more details. For more information, visit www.UnionCityArtScene@blogspot.com.
Hudson County teens compete in music competition
On Thursday, May 24, Kishawn Jack of Jersey City and Luis Rolo of Union City will be two of 38 state performers to compete at the Eighth Annual Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert, presented by Comcast.
Jack and Rolo will perform their original songs “Drug Free” and “Drown in Drugs” at the statewide concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition challenges high school students to create original music with lyrics that contain powerful peer-to-peer drug prevention messages. Students will compete for $10,000 in music contracts with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey to perform their winning song at statewide events.
The program’s website, www.shoutdowndrugs.com, features profiles of this year’s finalists and allows the public to cast votes for their favorite songs. These results will be factored into the finalists’ scores on the night of the concert. Online voting is open until May 23. Tickets to the concert are free of charge, but must be reserved at www.shoutdowndrugs.com.
Union City to host artist awards
The first ever Union City Artist Awards will be held on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. at the William V. Musto Cultural Center, located at 420 15th Street, Union City. The awards will honor the most talented and dedicated artists from all disciplines who have contributed to Union City’s artistic fabric.
The elegant red carpet event will feature live music by the group (U)nity, as well as various other guest performances.
Admission is free. Dress to impress.
UC designates honorary orchestra
Union City has appointed the Union City Philharmonic Orchestra as its honorary orchestra. The appointment was made at the commissioners meeting held on April 28.
The Union City Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly Hudson Philharmonic Orchestra) was established in Union City in November of 2011 with a very specific vision: to make a positive impact on the community, primarily through exhilarating, inspiring, and quality classical music performances and education. Union City Philharmonic Orchestra was co-founded by four passionate visionaries: Music Director/Conductor David Jeong, Assistant Music Director Jahye Kim, Orchestra Manager Yedeun Park, and Director of Education and Outreach Soo Park.
UC Philharmonic is committed to sharing their musical talents to inspire and to inform the importance of arts and music for a more holistic cultural development of society.
Everyone involved with the orchestra is deeply honored about the designation. They look forward to promoting classical music on a local and national level, as well as representing Union City and the state of New Jersey with honor and distinction.
For more info on the Union City art scene, visit www.UnionCityArtScene.blogspot.com.
Jon D’Amore, author, comes to UC
A book signing will be held with Jon D’Amore, author of “The Boss Always Sits In The Back” on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the William V. Musto Cultural Center located at 420 – 15th Street.
The event will feature live readings, live music, and refreshments. Attendants will have the opportunity to meet the author and have a copy of the book autographed. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Admission to the event is free.
For more information, visit www.UnionCityArtScene.blogspot.com.