First baby is born with Zika-related microcephaly in the Tri-State Area
Hackensack University Medical Center confirmed June 1 that a baby was born at the Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital on May 31 with microcephaly, as a result of the mother contracting the Zika virus internationally. The mother, who is visiting the United States and her baby are receiving exceptional care during this difficult time.
Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head size is smaller than expected due to abnormal brain development. There is no cure, but a treatment may help. HackensackUMC said last week that they expect to hold seminars for the public in the future. Watch for dates.
Cuban Parade steps off June 5
On Sunday June 5, the Cuban Parade will celebrate its 15th anniversary beginning at 12 p.m. from 79th Street and Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen to 43rd Street and Bergenline Avenue in Union City.
This year’s parade will feature eight to ten floats with sponsor vehicles, marching bands different groups and organizations as well as distinguished political figures, and will be dedicated to the memory of Jesus “Manito” Perez, one of the pioneers of the Cuban Day Parade which began in 2000. Jesus “Manito” Perez was well known by the community in Hudson County for his furniture stores and senior daycare center. He received awards from local, state and federal officials for his serving his community. For more info about Jesus “Manito” Perez contact Enrique Perez at (201) 927-4453
The parade will have Bernadette Menendez as the queen of this year’s parade, and the Grand Marshall will be Rafael Pineda. For more information call Emilio Del Valle at (201) 240-6145.
New Jersey’s school board adds 19 Hindu festivals to religious holiday list
The New Jersey State Board of Education recently included 19 Hindu festivals to “The List of Religious Holidays Permitting Student Absence from School.”
It included four festivals in October, including Navaratri, which is listed for ten days. This list of religious holidays on which it shall be mandatory to excuse a student includes the Hindu festivals of Guru Purnima, Naga Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Onam, Navaratri, Duserra, Diwali, Goverdhan Puja, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Vasant Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Chandramana Yugadi, Souramana Yugadi, Ramnavami and Hanuman Jayanti.
The Universal Society of Hinduism urged the board to include five festivals on the list, which are included in this list.
According to the NJSBE resolution, “Any student absent from school because of a religious holiday may not be deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award because of such absence.”
The resolution also states, “Students who miss a test or examination because of absence on a religious holiday must be given the right to take an alternate test or examination.” Also according to the resolution, “Any absence because of a religious holiday must be recorded…as an excused absence.”
Two free events scheduled at public library
On Monday June 6 at 7 p.m. organizing specialist and bestselling author Jamie Novak hosts “3 Simple Steps to Sort and Store Paperwork & Photographs.” Take a look at the common challenges of figuring out how to deal with filing papers, and sorting photos. The goal is to walk away with simple solutions and three steps to tackle these projects for the summer.
The main library is at 8411 Bergenline Ave. The event is free and includes refreshments. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
On Thursday June 16 Pee Wee the family magician will perform live with animals. It takes place at 4 p.m. for children and family at the main library. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
Seminar on ‘Special needs children and divorce’ will be June 16
Several issues arise in divorce when there is a special needs child. How will the custody arrangement affect the child’s education? Should child support be paid into a special needs trust? Will the child ever be emancipated? Will the child need a guardian upon reaching the age of majority? Learn how to address these issues, and to draft them in your settlement agreements. This is offered by The Hudson County Bar Association & Foundation’s Family Law Committee. The guest speakers will be attorneys Beth Manes and Lori Cieckiewicz.
It takes place on June 16 at 5 p.m. for check-in, and the program is scheduled to start promptly at 5:30 p.m. It is at the Brennan Courthouse Courtroom of the Hon. Lisa Rose, J.S.C.,
583 Newark Ave., 4th floor in Jersey City.
If you are a 2016 HCBA member you can attend in-house CLE seminars and receive up to 12 free CLE credits. After you have received your 12 credits, cost for members will be $50.00 per CLE Seminar. Price for all NON HCBA Members is $100.00 per CLE Seminar. All checks are to be made payable to the Hudson County Bar Foundation. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are acceptable. You may also fax your credit card information to (201) 798-1740 or email at events@hcbalaw.com. The registration deadline is Thursday June 9.
Cumbia River Band to play season finale of UBS Atrium Series
The UBS Atrium Series will close its 13th season of free midday music with a concert by the Cumbia River Band on June 15 at 12:30 p.m. The concert will take place in the Atrium at 1000 Harbor Boulevard in the Lincoln Harbor section of Weehawken.
The series in sponsored in part by the Hudson Reporter.
This project is the latest by bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Martin Vejarano. Its music draws from a festive repertoire of Colombian Cumbia standards. The concert will feature favorite Cumbia hits from the golden years of this extremely popular Latin American music.
The concert will be free and open to the public and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available in the adjacent outdoor lot and public transportation options include NJ Transit Bus 158 as well as the Hudson Bergen Light Rail to Lincoln Harbor. For directions and more info, please check the Hudson River Performing Arts Center (HRPAC) website at www.hrpac.org, or call the concert hotline at (201) 716-4540.
American Red Cross blood drive is June 11
Walgreens Pharmacy and HackensackUMC Palisades will host a blood drive on June 11 for the American Red Cross. It will be in the Walgreens parking lot on 7401 River Road in North Bergen.
Appointments are preferred, and can be made online. Call Richard Kim for the website or more information 201-662-6280.
Remember to drink lots of water and bring your ID. If you’re not sure about being eligible to donate, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements.
Free native plant walk will be June 5
Learn about the native plants, the pollinators, the birds, and the wildlife they attract in a walk led by the Bergen County Audubon Society. Meet at the Meadowlands Environment Center on 2 DeKorte Park Plaza in Lyndhurst on Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information call (201) 230-4983 or email greatauk4@gmail.com.
Take a pontoon boat tour June 7 and 11
Experience the wildlife of the Meadowlands up-close on a guided pontoon boat ride of the Hackensack River and its marshes. For those who have glimpsed the Meadowlands only from surrounding highways or the window of a commuter train, the two-hour boat tour includes acres of preserved wetlands and a thriving ecosystem. Narrated history of the Meadowlands and the river in included. This is for ages 10 and up with a suggested donation of $15. The tours launch from River Barge Park on 260 Outwater Lane in Carlstadt. Meet at 5:30 p.m. on June 7, or 8:30 a.m. on Saturday June 11. Pre-registration and payment are required. Download the registration form at www.njsea.com. For more information, email cathy.vonk@njmeadowlands.gov or call (201) 460-4677.