Former JC commissioner Serrano indicted
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark announced on Thursday that former Jersey City Housing Authority Commissioner and City Council candidate Lori Serrano has been indicted and charged with accepting $10,000 in bribes from the government’s cooperating witness, Solomon Dwek, allegedly in exchange for her assistance on Dwek’s purported Garfield Avenue project once she became a council member.
Serrano ran for a city council at-large seat on mayoral candidate Louis Manzo’s ticket in May but did not win.
The indictment charges Serrano with conspiring with then-Jersey City official Edward Cheatam, now-deceased political consultant Jack Shaw, and others. Cheatam has already pleaded guilty to bribery charges.
The indictment stems from the FBI political corruption and international money laundering investigation that led to 44 arrests of religious and political leaders on July 23.
U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said the corruption and money laundering investigations are continuing.
Fishman said Serrano will have to appear for arraignment on the indictment on a date to be determined.
Group to host memorial service for local homeless who have died
On Monday, Dec. 21, a coalition led by the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation and the Church of the Incarnation will host Hudson County’s first interfaith Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. The service will be held at the Church of the Incarnation, 68 Storms Ave., Jersey City, at 1 p.m.
This memorial service will remember friends and loved ones who have passed away from causes related to homelessness, and to raise awareness that people are still living and dying on the street.
People are invited to submit the names of deceased homeless persons, invite homeless clients to attend, and contribute or solicit contributions of socks, hats, gloves and scarves. The items will be distributed to homeless guests at the service.
The ceremony will also include a tribute to the late Deacon Joe Del Monte, who fed countless homeless people on the streets of Jersey City every week. Del Monte was the founder of St. Francis Workshop, a program that provides food and clothing to the less fortunate out of a storefront in the Lafayette section of the city.
To drop off donations or for further information, please contact them at hudson.homeless.memorial@gmail.com or call (201) 604-2600 x. 209.
Peace group holds awards ceremony
T he Jersey City Peace Movement is holding its 2009 Peace and Progress Honors Awards on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Black Waxx Studios, 280 First St., Jersey City.
The free event will be open to the public and will feature cultural performances and free vegetarian food and refreshments.
There will be 20 honorees, including Female Activist of the Year, Adela Rohena, and Male Activist of the Year, U-Savior Washington.
For more information, visit the website: www.jcpm.org
Menendez meets with JC high school kids
U. S. Sen. Robert Menendez met Wednesday with Jersey City Superintendent of Schools Charles T. Epps Jr. and students of Jersey City Public Schools to discuss their campaign to get President Barack Obama to be next year’s high school graduation speaker.
As part of this campaign, NJ school children grades K-12 have written personal letters to the president explaining the special meaning his appearance would have for them. Today, they visited their congressional representatives to deliver more than 25,000 letters and talk about the campaign.
The students also delivered several portraits of the president created by Jersey City students. Senator Menendez’s office will ensure that the letters and portraits are received by the president.
“I was delighted to meet a group of dedicated and civically-engaged students who are the future of New Jersey,” said Sen. Menendez. “These children look at President Obama and they see not only an admirable president committed to the success of our nation, they also see a role model and the endless possibilities that lay ahead for them. I am proud to help them in their efforts, and look forward to continue supporting them as their graduation in 2010 nears.”
Adoption specials at JC animal shelter
Animal lovers can adopt, foster, and volunteer at Liberty Humane Society, 235 Jersey City Blvd., across the street from Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
The shelter is open everyday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Wednesday), and late nights Tuesday and Thursday until 8 p.m. Adoption includes one month pet health insurance. Fosters are eligible for tax deductions. Volunteer to socialize with our cats and dogs at your convenience.
Tabby Tuesday allows for adoption of cats over one year old at half off the regular adoption fee. An adoption van is in Hoboken twice each month with both cats and dogs, outside Barnes & Noble, and Seniors for Seniors allows for adoption of pets over six years old by people 63 and over at a reduced adoption fee and with gifts. Support programs for Jersey City pets and their owners are available.
Donations of bleach, paper towels, latex gloves, large rawhide bones, electric heating pads and KMR kitten formula are always appreciated.
Call the shelter at (201) 547-4147 or email at lhs@libertyhumane.org for details.