WNY Police Department signs first contract since 2009
The West New York Police Department signed a contract April 13 negotiated between the town and its Police Supervisors Association after operating without contract since July 1, 2009, Lieutenant Mark Flores reported.
Though the contract is retroactive from July 1, 2009 and valid through 2014, the association conceded 18 months of retroactive pay between July 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2011. They will receive a three percent raise across the board each year starting Jan. 1, 2012.
“In this way, the contract benefits both the association and the town,” Flores said.
Members of the police department will no longer be able to bank their unused vacation days as they used to. Any days they do not use during the course of the year will not roll over into the following year. “This way, those set to retire cannot use their accumulated vacation days right before they leave,” Flores said. “This way the town won’t have to compensate.”
He continued that overall, it was a pleasure dealing with the town and that he is happy to have finally come to an amicable and mutually beneficial agreement.
“It’s long overdue and justly done,” Mayor Dr. Felix Roque said. “They put their lives in harms way on a daily basis and they deserve this.”
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.
West New York police officer delivers baby girl in two minutes
West New York Police Officer Richard Alvarado delivered a baby girl in the basement of 5702 Hudson Ave. on April 11, Police Director Michael Indri reported Tuesday.
The police department received a call from Edward Dominguez, the father-to-be, at 6:28 p.m. Alvarado was greeted by Dominguez at the door and found wife Evie Same was crowning, Indri said.
“Richard helped to calm the woman, coached her with her breathing, and did the right thing,” he added.
Baby Karmina Maria Dominguez was born within two minutes after Alvarado arrived.
Emergency Medical Services arrived at the residence at 6:33 p.m. and took over.
“You go your whole career, you help tons of people, but something like that is a real special thing,” Indri stated. “He was very excited, and he did exemplary work.”
Federacion Mercantil Hispana to host art exhibit
Union City’s Federacion Mercantil Hispana will host an art exhibit, “Dominica,” on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 from noon until 6 p.m. at 4111-13 Palisade Ave.
The exhibit will feature the works of Dominica Alcántara, a Cuban American exile whose work features the tropical landscapes of Cuba and the Canary Islands depicted in bright, lively colors.
For more information, call (201) 865-1570.
Union City City Hall to host art exhibit
Mayor Brian Stack and the Board of Commissioners will hold an art exhibit at the Union City Art Gallery at City Hall on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building located at 3715 Palisade Ave.
The exhibit will feature artists Sigfrido Duarte, Victor Lopez, and Annie Merrit, and is curated by Amado Mora. There will be live music and refreshments and admission is free.
For more information, visit www.UnionCityArtScene.blogspot.com.
Benefit Gala to support art youth group
The Grace Theatre Workshop, a not-for-profit youth-based organization dedicated to providing free classes in the performing arts to children, will hold their annual Spring Benefit Gala on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at The Graycliff located at 122 Moonachie Ave., Moonachie. The gala will feature live performances, dinner and open bar, and dance music.
Donations for the Spring Benefit Gala are $60.00 per person and can be purchased online at www.gracetheatre.com/annualspringbene.html.
The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, and donations are tax deductible. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Those who are unable to attend may still make a donation at www.GraceTheatre.com, or mail a check or money order payable to The Grace Theatre Workshop, P.O. Box 4412, Union City, N.J., 07087.
For more information, please visit: www.GraceTheatre.com
Union City to hold Cinco de Mayo celebration
Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners announce that the City of Union City will hold two events in commemoration of Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 4.
The flag-raising ceremony will begin at noon at the International Park located on the corner of Palisade Avenue and 38th Street. The ceremony will include invited guest speakers and the raising of the Mexican flag.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration will begin at 7 p.m. at the Jose Marti Freshman Academy, located at 1800 Summit Ave. The event will include invited guest speakers, live mariachi music, Mexican dancers, and traditional Mexican food.
Admission is free to both events. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.
Union City to hold senior citizen Mother’s Day luncheon
Mayor Brian Stack and the Board of Commissioners will hold their annual Union City Senior Citizens Mother’s Day Luncheon on Saturday, May 12 at 12 p.m. in the cafeteria of Union City High School located at 2500 Kennedy Blvd.
Transportation will be provided beginning at 11:15 a.m. from the following locations: 4545, 1104, and 3700 Palisade Ave., 3911 Kennedy Blvd., 1015 Central Ave., 1509 Bergenline Ave., 380 Mountain Ave., 49th Street and Hudson Avenue, and Bella Vista Apartments.
There will be food and entertainment, and admission is free for all adult residents. No children, please. For more information, call the Senior Affairs Office at (201) 348-5701.
Union City to hold job fair
Union City High School, located at 2500 Kennedy Blvd., will host a job fair presented by Mayor Brian Stack with over 30 participating companies on Wednesday, May 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Participants should bring a professional resume. For more information, call (201) 348-8338.
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.