West New York to hold Memorial Day Parade

West New York’s Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 30 at 6 p.m.

It will begin on 67th Street and Bergenline Avenue. It will head down to 60th Street and turn towards Boulevard East. The parade will end on the corner of Boulevard East and 54th Street. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

Union City to get major school aid

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled 3-2 on Tuesday morning that the state must spend an additional $500 million on public education in Abbott (“special needs”) school districts. New Jersey has 31 Abbott districts that receive state funding to help address educational deficiencies in urban areas. Past court rulings have said that students in poorer districts deserved as good an education as students in other districts.

In Hudson County, Union City is expected to receive an additional $32.8 million in state aid; Jersey City will received $21.5 million; West New York is slated to receive $14.7 million; Harrison is to receive $6 million, and Hoboken will receive $1.7 million, according to media reports.

The court's ruling was based on a 2009 case that implemented a formula for funding schools in New Jersey.

Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D – 33rd Dist., including Union City) issued a statement following the ruling on Tuesday.

“As a school teacher, I’m pleased with the court’s decision. I know, first hand, the challenges teachers face in the classroom. This funding is necessary to ensuring our schools have every resource available to provide a thorough and efficient education. I believe every child deserves the right to a quality education in New Jersey, regardless of their zip code.”

Group holds food drive for animal shelters

The Hispanic Mercantile Federation will host a pet food drive Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on 4111 Palisade Ave. in Union City.

All food donated will be distributed to animal shelters in Hudson County. For more information, contact Odela Montesi at (201)865-0383.

Cancer event to be held at Union City High School

A Relay for Life event will be held at Union City High School from June 3 at 3 p.m. until June 4 at 3 p.m. at 2500 Kennedy Blvd. The theme will be “Toon Out Cancer,” so participants are encouraged to use cartoon characters to inspire a team name.

Relay for Life is a two-day event in which participants stay up all night and participate in various activities to raise awareness about cancer and share stories to inspire further research and fundraising. Anybody can participate in the event, from family, friends, neighbors, and sports teams.

For further information about participation or donations contact Diane Berry at (973)232-2585 or diane.berry@cancer.org.