West New York food drive begins this week
The city will begin donating food to local churches in Room 22 in Town Hall this week, and residents can contribute to this effort by bringing food to several locations throughout town.
In West New York over 20 percent of the population live under the poverty line. This translates into far too many who are unable to consistently access the nutritious foods needed to stay healthy. A healthy meal should not be out of any-one’s reach this holiday.
West New York officials advise, “This holiday season we have an opportunity to help through the West New York food drive. Please help by donating nonperishable foods in the bins located throughout Town Hall, the Police Department and the Traffic Division. The West New York Schools is also encouraging the students of our district to donate to the cause, with bins located throughout the grammar schools, middle school, and high school. Every donor makes a difference in the meal a family can share this holiday.”
For more information about this cause, please contact Sgt. William Kelly at William.Kelly@wnypdnj.org or phone (201) 725-4926.
Santa Claus is coming to town on Dec. 13
Join the 16th Annual Santa Parade on Sunday, Dec. 13, presented by the firefighters and fire officers of North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue. The parade starts at noon on Bergenline Avenue from 85th Street to 32nd Street. This event is held in conjunction with the towns of North Bergen, Guttenberg, Union City, West New York, and Weehawken.
Healthy feast climaxes Harvest Week at WNY Middle School
The state Department of Agriculture participated in “No Boxes, No Bottle, No Bags,” a farm-to-school event at West New York Middle School in West New York last month. The NJDA’s Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario served up roasted chicken from Griggstown Farm in Franklin Township, steamed broccoli from Shady Brook Farm in Egg Harbor City, and honey-glazed carrots with honey from Bob’s Buzzy Bees in Yardville to students during the program that featured locally-sourced, scratch-cooked foods. The cafeteria also featured a harvest bar stocked with seasonal fruits and vegetables from New Jersey farms, including pickles made by students earlier in the week. Pizza prepared with dough and fresh mozzarella made by the students also featured local vegetables. And focaccia bread made by students was used to make sandwiches with New Jersey egg salad and roasted Garden State vegetables. The event was the culmination of Harvest Week at the school, a partnership of the West New York Schools, NuWay Concessionaires, Zone 7 Distribution, New Jersey farmers and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Farm to School program.
Church benefit concert on Dec. 8 will raise funds for stained glass restoration
Enjoy an evening of contemporary, classical, and sacred music and song with internationally-acclaimed musicians and vocalists at the Sounds of Fatima Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the 2,500-square-foot stained glass window that adorns the front of the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
Meet the artists and your neighbors after the concert in O’Gorman Hall with refreshments and fellowship. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the church office (across the street from the church) or on Sundays after each mass. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church is located at 8011 Kennedy Blvd.
Our Lady of Fatima Church can be reached by buses number 88 or 154. Free parking is also available in the church’s lots. For information contact Our Lady of Fatima rectory at (201) 869-7244.
HCST honors five previous members, welcomes new trustee
The Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education presented plaques to five former members at their reorganization meeting on Nov. 2. Honored for their contributions to the district were Rev. Edward Allen, Neil Carroll, Peter Fischbach, Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, and Sebastian D’Amico, who recently passed away and was represented by his family. Combined, the five served on the board for several decades.
“Each one of these distinguished former board members contributed greatly to the success of our district, whether through their strategic recommendations and counseling or simply through their excellent leadership over the years,” said Superintendent of Schools Frank Gargiulo. “They deserve this recognition for their years of service to the students of Hudson County.”
The board also welcomed a new trustee at the meeting, which was held at the district’s North Hudson Center. Hector Zulueta was officially sworn in to the board to replace retiring Board Member Peter Fischbach. A business owner and entrepreneur who works in the jewelry industry, Zulueta is a lifelong North Bergen resident and father of three children, one of whom attends HCST’s High Tech High School. This gives him a unique perspective on the district that will help him contribute positively to the board.
“I am very excited to begin this new role as a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education and to be a part of the wonderful things that are happening here in the district,” said Zulueta. “As a parent I am able to see first-hand the tremendous educational experience that is offered to students here and I look forward to helping improve it even more.”
During the reorganization meeting Craig Guy was re-elected as board president and Hugo Cabrera was elected as board vice president, replacing Peter Fischbach. The ceremony was also attended by North Bergen Mayor and State Senator Nicholas Sacco, HCST Board Secretary Joseph Muniz, board members, family, friends, and staff.