July 26 at 10 a.m. – Officers responded to Target, 621 West Edgar Road, on a report of a shoplifter in custody. Paterson resident Eric Roberts, 49, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting two flat screen televisions and other merchandise worth a total of $820. Police recovered a laptop computer that had also been reported stolen from his vehicle. Roberts was charged with shoplifting, possession of stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also being held on a contempt of court warrant from Irvington. Total bail was set at $35,200 and Roberts was transferred to Union County Jail. Additional charges were pending.

July 26 at 8:45 p.m. – In the vicinity of Willow Glade Road, Officers Ian Conk and Paul Zack arrested Elizabeth resident Ruben D. Vinanzaca, 30 and Harrison resident Victor A. Vinanzaca, 39, and issued them summons for violating municipal ordinances and illegally dumping trash.

July 27 at 12:51 a.m. – While on patrol on the 400 block of Amherst Road, officers Nicole Melchionna and Donald Barwick observed two men on bicycles and a third man leaning into a 2007 Honda. Because the area had been the site of a number of overnight car burglaries, the officers approached the suspects, but the men fled. After a brief foot chase, police arrested Roselle resident Lamair Leary, 19, and charged him with burglary of a vehicle, theft, and resisting arrest. Roselle residents Mychal Cox, 18, and Kyle Cox, 22, were charged with obstructing a police investigation.

Musical Theater • July 30 & 31 at 8 p.m. – Mystic Vision Players will present Aida at the Linden High School Theatre, 121 W. St. Georges Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for students 17 and under. The July 29 show is a senior citizen (62+) benefit. Call 1-908-486-4144 for reservations.

Blood Drive • July 30 from 1-7 p.m. – The Minnie B. Veal Community Center, 1070 Grove Ave., Edison, will host a blood drive. For info, call 1-800-933-2566.

Teen Gaming • July 30 at 2 p.m. – Teens are invited to enjoy a fun afternoon of Nintendo Wii or board games at the Clark Public Library. For info, call 1-732-388-5999.

Musical • July 30 & 31 at 7 p.m., Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. — See a production of “Footloose” at the South Amboy Middle/High School Theatre, 200 Gov. Hoffman Plaza. For tickets, call 1-732-910-7006.

Singles • July 31 at 8:30 p.m. – Steppin’ Out Singles will hold an upscale singles dance at the Woodbridge Hilton, 20 Wood Ave. South, Iselin. Ages 40+, no jeans/sneakers. $15 admission. For info, call 1-732-656-1801.

Blood Drive • Aug. 1 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 267 East Smith St., Woodbridge, will host a blood drive. For info, call 1-800-933-2566

Colombian Day Festival • Aug. 1 – DJ Mad, best known for the club anthem “Put Your Drinks Up,” will perform live at the Colombian Day Festival on Morris Ave., Elizabeth. The festival will run from noon-9 p.m.

Concert • Aug. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. – The Scott Michaels Quartet will perform a free concert at Warren Park Mini Theater, Florida Grove Rd., Woodbridge. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. – The Mahoney Brothers will perform as part of Carteret’s “Concerts by the Bay” series in Waterfront Park. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Ave., Carteret.

Vacation Bible School • Aug. 2-6 from 9 a.m. – noon – First Presbyterian Church of Iselin, 1295 Oak Tree Road, will host vacation Bible school. Donation: $5 per child, $10 per family. For info, call 1-732-283-1188.

Club Meeting • Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. – Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers will conduct a business meeting at the Carteret Community Center, Pershing and Cooke avenues. All widows & widowers welcome to attend. For info, call 1-732-969-2228 or 1-908-757-0515.

Blood Drive • Aug. 3 from 2 – 8 p.m. – What’s The Scoop, 410 Main St.,Metuchen, will host a blood drive. For info, call 1-800-933-2566

National Night Out • Aug. 3 from 5-7 p.m. – The Linden Police Department will host a National Night Out Against Crime event at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 N. Wood Ave., Linden. Free food & t-shirts (while supplies last); win a boy’s & girl’s bicycle.

Concert • Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. – Joboanno & The Godsons of Soul will perform as part of the National Night Out Against Crime event at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. – The Woodbridge Summer Concert Series continues at Main Street and School Street. Aztec Two-Stop will perform folk rock music. In case of rain, the show will be moved to Woodbridge Middle School, 525 Barron Ave. Call 1-732-602-6045 after 3 p.m. for change of venue information.

Concert • Aug. 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – The Elefta Hungarian Folk Band will perform a free concert at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, O’Leary Blvd. South Amboy. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 5 from 7:30-9 p.m. – The Tim Gillis Band will perform a free concert at Centennial Park, Springfield Ave. in New Providence. Before the main event, there will be a kids’ show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Concert • Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. – The One & Nines will perform at the Senior Center, 15 Center St., Metuchen.

Musical • Aug. 6 & 7 at 7 p.m., Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. — See a production of “Once on this Island” at the South Amboy Middle/High School Theatre, 200 Gov. Hoffman Plaza. For tickets, call 1-732-910-7006.

Blood Drive • Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Masons Lafayette Lodge #27, 1550 Irving St., Rahway, will host a blood drive. For info, call 1-800-933-2566.

Blood Drive • Aug. 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – St. James Church, corner of Rt. 35 S. & Main St., Woodbridge, will host a blood drive. For info, call 1-800-933-2566

Octoberfest • Aug. 7 from 6-10 p.m.; Aug. 8 from noon – 6 p.m. – The Deustcher Club of Clark, 787 Featherbed Lane, will hold an Octoberfest event. Admission is $5 per day; German & American food will be available for purchase. Sat. music provided by The Adlers; Sun. music provided by Schwarzenegger Connection. For info, call 1-732-574-8600.

Flea Market • Aug. 8 from noon-5 p.m. – The Ladies Division of the Deutscher Club of Clark, 787 Featherbed Lane, will host a flea market. For info, call 1-732-574-8600.

Concert • Aug. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. – The Great Rootin’ Tootin’ High Falutin’ Puttin’ on the Ritz Novelty Band will perform a free concert at Warren Park Mini Theater, Florida Grove Rd., Woodbridge. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. – 52nd Street will perform as part of Carteret’s “Concerts by the Bay” series in Waterfront Park. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Ave., Carteret.

Concert • Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Denny Laine, former lead singer for the Moody Blues, and Larry Chance & the Earls will perform a free concert on the front lawn of Jonathan Dayton High School.

Blood Drive • Aug. 10 from 1 – 7 p.m. – Linden Knights of Columbus Council #2859, 118 North Park Ave., will host a blood drive. For info, call 1-800-933-2566

Concert • Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m. – David Cedeno & His Salsa American Orchestra will perform Latin-style music at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. – The Woodbridge Summer Concert Series continues at Main Street and School Street. McPeake will perform Irish folk music. In case of rain, the show will be moved to Woodbridge Middle School, 525 Barron Ave. Call 1-732-602-6045 after 3 p.m. for change of venue information.

Concert • Aug. 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Sandy Sasso’s Swinging Big Band will perform a free concert at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, O’Leary Blvd. South Amboy. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Club Meeting • Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. – Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers will conduct a business meeting at the Children’s Room of the Main Library, George Frederick Plaza, Rte. 35, Woodbridge. All widows and widowers are welcome. For info, call 1-732-381-3255 or 1-908-757-0515

Movie • Aug. 12 at 7:59 p.m. – Watch “Hannah Montana- The Movie” (Rated G) at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden.

Concert • Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. – Readymade Backup will perform at the Senior Center, 15 Center St., Metuchen.

Singles • Aug. 13 from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. – Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers, Carteret Chapter, will hold an open dance at the American Legion Hall, 1155 Roosevelt Ave., Carteret. Live music & refreshments. Admission: $10 members, $12 guests. For info, call 1-732-969-2228 or 1-908-757-0515.

Live Music • Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Bradford Hayes will perform jazz at the Salem Roadhouse Café, 829 Salem Road, Union. Admission: $15. Includes gourmet coffees, teas, snacks & dessert. A portion benefits local charities. For info, call 1-908-686-1028.

Dancing • Aug. 14 from 9:30 p.m. – midnight – Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County will host Dancing with the Singles for ages 45-60 at PJ’s Coffee, 315 Raritan Ave., Highland Park. Professional ballroom dancers will entertain and engage you in an interactive evening of dance. Until Aug. 10, cost is $15; afterwards, cost is $20. For info and registration, call Jennine at 1-732-494-3232 x 621.

Concert • Aug. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. – The Joe Monchek Quartet will perform a free concert at Warren Park Mini Theater, Florida Grove Rd., Woodbridge. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. – Emil Stucchio will perform as part of Carteret’s “Concerts by the Bay” series in Waterfront Park. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Ave., Carteret.

Blood Drive • Aug. 16 from 3-8:30 p.m. – Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark, will host a blood drive. For more info or to schedule an appointment, call the church office at 1-908-276-5300 or NJ Blood Services at 1-732-220-7000.

Blood Drive • Aug. 17 from 2-8 p.m. –The American Legion T. Nulty Post #471, 25 Brown Lane, Iselin will host a blood drive. To make an appointment, call 1-732-634-9119. Walk-ins welcome.

Concert • Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. – The Sensational Soul Cruisers will perform Motown-style music at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Aug. 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – The Perry Brothers Irish Band will perform a free concert at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, O’Leary Blvd. South Amboy. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. – Enjoy a concert and Broadway Idol competition as part of the Broadway Summer Series at the South Amboy Train Station Plaza in front of City Hall.

Concert • Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. – No Discipline will perform at the Senior Center, 15 Center St., Metuchen.

German Biergarten • Aug. 20 from 5:30-11 p.m. – The Deutscher Club of Clark, 787 Featherbed Lane, will host an authentic German biergarten. There will music by Richard Jordan, and 35 German theme cars will be on display. German & American food available to purchase. For info, call 1-732-574-8600.

Car Show • Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – There will be a car show in front of City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth. Rain date: Aug. 22.

Concert • Aug. 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. – Bernie Goydish’s Jersey Polka Stars will perform a free concert at Warren Park Mini Theater, Florida Grove Rd., Woodbridge. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. – Dominique & Julian will perform as part of Carteret’s “Concerts by the Bay” series in Waterfront Park. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Ave., Carteret.

Concert • Aug. 24 at 7:15 p.m. – The Bronx Wanderers will perform a Frankie Valli & Dion DiMucci tribute show at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Aug. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – The Tim Gillis Band will perform a free concert at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, O’Leary Blvd. South Amboy. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Movie • Aug. 26 at 7:39 p.m. – Watch “The Princess Bride” (Rated PG) at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden.

Concert • Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. – Roadside Graves will perform at the Senior Center, 15 Center St., Metuchen.

Rodeo • Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – There will be an African-American Heritage Rodeo at 790 Trumbull St., Elizabeth. Admission $5 in advance, $7 at the gate. For info, call 1-908-351-4850.

Concert • Aug. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. – The Billion Dollar Sound will perform a free concert at Warren Park Mini Theater, Florida Grove Rd., Woodbridge. For info, call 1-732-745-3936.

Concert • Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. – Larry Chance & the Earls will perform as part of Carteret’s “Concerts by the Bay” series in Waterfront Park. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Ave., Carteret.

Concert • Aug. 31 at 7:15 p.m. – Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra will perform polka-style music at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Sept. 7 at 7:15 p.m. – Jersey Sound will perform golden oldies-style music at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Movie • Aug. 12 at 7:59 p.m. – Watch “Hannah Montana- The Movie” (Rated G) at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden.

Movie • Sept. 9 at 7:16 p.m. – Watch “The Maltese Falcon” at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden.

Movie • Sept. 23 at 6:53 p.m. – Watch “Invaders From Mars” at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden.

Live Music • Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. – Red Reyne will perform original folk, rock and blues at the Salem Roadhouse Café, 829 Salem Road, Union. Admission: $15. Includes gourmet coffees, teas, snacks & dessert. A portion benefits local charities. For info, call 1-908-686-1028.

Concert • Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Verdict will perform music of the islands at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. – 52nd Street will perform a Billy Joel tribute show at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Concert • Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. – Dara & Frank will perform as part of Fire Prevention Night at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Ave., Linden. In the event of rain, call 908-474-8604 after 4 p.m.

Live Music • Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Pam Purvis and the Blue Skies Band will perform smooth jazz at the Salem Roadhouse Café, 829 Salem Road, Union. Admission: $15. Includes gourmet coffees, teas, snacks & dessert. A portion benefits local charities. For info, call 1-908-686-1028.

Live Music • Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. – Trysette will perform original folk and rock at the Salem Roadhouse Café, 829 Salem Road, Union. Admission: $15. Includes gourmet coffees, teas, snacks & dessert. A portion benefits local charities. For info, call 1-908-686-1028.

LINDEN — Recently Linden Mayor Richard Gerbounka (left) welcomed Basia Jamroz to Linden’s shopping district at the Grand Opening of Basia’s Pastry Shop, 217 N. Wood Avenue.  It is an eat-in or grab ‘n go establishment with an Eastern European ambiance. The shop offers pastries, and lunch and dinner are also served.  The eatery is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The shop offers a 10 percent senior discount every day.

LINDEN — The Recreation Division of the Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services recently sponsored their annual 6 vs 6 Soccer Championship at the Al Kalla Park and Soccer Complex. Twelve teams representing various playgrounds throughout the city competed in the event with the team representing Wilson Park emerging as the champion. Pictured: Back row (l-r) Gustavo Caetano, Daniel Sobolewski, and Peter Martinez. Front row (l-r) Emmanuel Awoyinfa, Anthony Matias, Paul Tarnawski.

LINDEN — The Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services recently hosted the Golden Falcon Baseball Camp, under the direction of former NJIT Coach Edward J. Ward, at the Edward Flannagan Little League Complex in Linden. Twenty-seven local area youngsters took part in the four-day camp that taught them the proper mechanics of pitching, fielding and batting. Pictured above with Coach Ward are the happy campers.

LINDEN — Members of Linden’s Memorial Park Day Camp recently visited Linden Fire House #4 to learn how to escape a fire if one occurred in their home. Twenty-five campers under the direction of Camp Director Rachel Hanns and Counselor Tomas Miro learned how to practice their escape plan in the event of a fire from Rachel’s dad and Linden Fire Officer Wayne Hanns

ROSELLE — A jury found a Roselle man guilty of two armed robberies that occurred in January 2009, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow announced last week.

Benjamin Capers, 37, had been accused in two separate armed robberies of neighborhood grocery stores in Elizabeth and Linden, according to Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin, who prosecuted the case.

According to the investigation, on Jan. 12, 2009 Caper entered the Makim Market on Grier Avenue in Linden. There he produced a handgun and ordered the owner of the store to empty the register, said Cronin. On Jan. 28, 2009, Capers went to the Summer Street News and Food Store in Elizabeth, where he again produced a handgun and demanded money from the owner.

The owner of the second store called 911 and was able to relay the license plate of Caper’s vehicle. Within a few minutes the car was spotted by Elizabeth police officers and a chase ensued into Essex County where Capers eventually crashed his vehicle into a barrier on a highway entrance. Capers then fled on foot, running across Route 78, but was eventually caught by officers, said Cronin.

Capers faces life in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 12.

LINDEN — There will be a meeting for the 5th Ward Residents Opposed to Crime on Wednesday, July 28 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the location is the Linden Multi-Purpose Center located on John Street.

“We are looking for block captains in the 5th Ward,” said Rhashonna Cosby-Hurling. “If you are interested in making our neighborhood one of the safest places in Linden, please consider joining us as we add more blocks to our existing block watches.”

For more information, contact Cosby-Hurling 1-908-477-4120 or Linden5roc@yahoo.com

LINDEN – The SMC team won the New Jersey Senior Softball Association (NJSSA) 50+ State B Division Championship in Linden over the weekend of July 10. The SMC squad, which plays in the Union County Senior Softball League, compiled a perfect 5 -0 record and swept Check Exchange of Middlesex County in the finals.

Harry Streep was the winning pitcher for all five games and also contributed many clutch hits batting in the clean up spot for Manager Ed Lubas’ team in the tournament. Outstanding performances both offensively and defensively were received from Bill Dugan, Jim McCullough, John Amato, and Ed Kushner over the five games.

In game one of the finals on Sunday, SMC battled back from an early eight run deficit fueled by a dramatic three run homer by Jeff Baier in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game. Ray Pelesko hit a two run double in the eighth inning to win it for SMC by a score of 16 to 15.

Game two was won by a score of 11 to 7 by SMC which was led by Walter Serfyn, Chris Paterek, Dennis Valvano, and Paul Levenberg in the championship clinching victory.

SMC had a perfect 3 – 0 record on Saturday parlaying outstanding offensive performances from Amato, Dugan, Lubas, McCullough, and Paterek in support of Streep’s pitching and defensive performance.

(Kneeling from Left) Jim McCullough, Ray Pelesko, John Amato, Dennis Valvano, and Chris Paterek

(Standing from Left) Jeff Baier, Paul Levenberg, Ed Kushner, Harry Streep, Ed Lubas, Water Serafyn, and Bill Dugan

LINDEN — The Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services sponsored the third annual George “Butchie” Scoles Fishing Derby, held at the pond in Wilson Park in July.

Scoles was a maintenance worker for the Linden Department of Public Property who passed away in June 2008. He was an avid fisher, and the derby was named in his honor shortly after his passing.

This year’s derby saw over 50 individuals fishing and awards were presented in two age categories for the Largest Fish Caught, the First Fish Caught and the Most Fish Caught. Winners received new fishing polls and reels and are pictured along with Butchie Scoles’ mother Judith and his wife Dorian.

Front row (l-r) Christian Burns, Shannon Clark, Felix Lettini and Kaitlin Frees-Kroboth. Second row (l-r) Judith Scoles, holding her son Butchie’s picture, Cheyenne Pochopin , Jamar Green and Dorian Scoles, Butchie’s wife.