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New Tomchei Shabbos ‘Keep The Change’ Program Goes Into Effect

In a groundbreaking move, the indefatigable staff of Tomchei Shabos of Lakewood has introduced a new, innovative way to let Lakewood residents donate money to tzedaka conveniently. The “Keep the Change” program allows shoppers in many area stores to have the change from their purchases, rounded up to the nearest dollar, transferred seamlessly to Tomchei Shabbos. Simply showing your keychain sized card, or just telling the cashier to “Keep the Change for Tomchei Shabbos” will automatically round your total up to the nearest dollar and send your change to this worthy cause! The program works when paying with cash, credit card or check. 25 stores have already enrolled in the program, including most local groceries, as well as Judaica Plaza, Center of Town, KlassiKids and many more popular establishments.

Update: Progress Made With High Schools

UPDATE: Wherever you go these days, there's one unavoidable discussion which keeps coming up-High Schools. With only days left until the beginning of the new school year, many parents are still frantically trying everything possible to get their daughters in. And it's not just parents-many teenagers feel-and some were-rejected. TLS again spoke with Askonim directly involved with the ongoing school crisis and one thing is clear. While a specific number of girls without a school, was not given-"A tremendous amount of progress has been made'' and there is no word of school's opening day being postponed at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you any further developments.

NJ Can Limit School Administrator Payouts

A state appeals court says New Jersey's education commissioner has the authority to adopt regulations that limit payments made to school administrators for unused sick time and vacation leave. Wednesday's ruling rejects arguments made by the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials that Education Commissioner Lucille Davy exceeded her authority by adopting the regulations. The appeals panel also upheld a requirement for local school districts to adopt anti-nepotism policies as a condition for receiving state aid. Davy said the ruling will help ensure that public dollars are not wasted on excessive administrative costs. An after-hours message left for the business officials association was not immediately returned Wednesday. AP

Undisputed King Of Jewish Music Releases Album Today

AUDIO clips below of the new MBD CD titled Kulam Ahuvim which is set to hit stores today-as well as a 25 minute interview with MBD from JMR (Jewish Music Report). The album was produced by his son Yeedle. The last MBD CD produced, was titled Efshar Letaken which was released approximately two years ago. Mendel the Sheichet of the JMR got the chance to interview one of Jewish Music’s most legendary artists. Mendel discusses many topics with MBD including his brand new album and the involvement of Yeedle, Lipa, Aaron Razel and others in this new CD.

Unemployed Feel Traumatized By Recession

A new study finds that the recession has left many jobless workers struggling to cope with the psychological stress caused by becoming unemployed in a weak economy. Researchers at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University said the financial strain that comes with being out of work combined with the sometimes daunting task of seeking new employment in a difficult job market has left many Americans "traumatized." "Psychologically, it's a world of hurt out there for the jobless," Cliff Zukin, a Rutgers professor and co-author of the study, said during a conference call with reporters. Zukin said "significant numbers" of respondents have had trouble sleeping since losing their jobs, have strained relations with family members and increased alcohol and drug dependency. Many also say they now avoid social situations. AP

Feinstien / Jacobowitz Chasunah

PHOTOS & VIDEO of the Feinstien / Jacobowitz Chasunah which is currently taking place at Lake Terrace. The Choson is an Einekel of Harav Reuven Feinstien Shlita. The Kallah is a daughter of the late Reb Moishe Jacobowitz Z'L-an Einekel of long time Mechanech Reb Avrohom Yehudah Jacobowitz from Toronto and sister of Hatzolah member R' Yosef Baruch Jacobowitz. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

VIDEO

Eastern Union Sees Increased Activity In Real Estate Market

Despite the recent downturn in the real estate market-Lakewood based Eastern Union Commercial sees a brighter future. The month of August for Eastern Union has been the best month for the origination of new deals put together-since March of last year. On the closing front, Eastern Union has closed 41 deals since Memorial Day and currently has over 70 deals in process with 22 different lenders. The deals include multi-family, office, retail, notes, construction, single tenants and owner occupied. A large percentage of the deals originated, were through hires of the new Scoop division of Eastern Union. Last month alone, EUC closed two deals worth over $20,000,000.

Two Indicted On Home Invasion Charges

Two Lakewood men have been indicted on charges related to the home-invasion robbery of three people in April. And, one of the defendants also was charged with robbing one of the victims in the home invasion earlier the same day. An Ocean County grand jury recently handed up a 14-count indictment against Kenneth Scott, 20, of Marshall Street, Lakewood, and Darius Nash, 29, of Joe Parker Road, Lakewood. The indictment charges Scott and Nash with three counts of armed robbery and one count each of armed burglary, burglary with the intent to inflict bodily injury on the occupants, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. In addition, both were charged with aggravated assault by pointing firearms at occupants in the home. See APP for full story.

Gov. Corzine: Children Only Get One Shot At Being A Child

Corzine: Next to fixing the economy, nothing has been more important to me during my four years in office than educating our children. As we faced a global recession in a year of declining revenues, our funding for education increased because I believe we have an obligation to provide adequate funding for public education. The reason is simple. Children only get one shot at being a child — one chance at a quality education. An investment in education is an investment in the economic well-being of New Jersey. Companies come to New Jersey or remain in the state if there is a well-educated workforce that can meet the company's needs. For years, this state has had a reputation for having such a workforce. By spending wisely on education, that tradition will continue. That is why I have refused to cut state aid to education. Since I became Governor, state aid to education has gone up $1.8 billion including federal funds. From preschoolers to college students, we have worked to protect children and to ensure we are continuing to deliver a world class education. Read full article in. NJN

Readers' Scoop: Kosher Cars

(Below is a letter submitted to us by a reader. TLS welcomes your letters at thelakewoodscoop@gmail.com . The views are solely those of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of TLS).
Dear Editor,
I'd like to say a few words about the cars on the roads of Lakewood. It is my observation that many cars in Lakewood meet one of two extremes. They are either clunkers that haven't been cashed in or gashmius driving out of control. I feel that it is a chillul Hashem when yidden drive around in car with cracked windows or dents. Lakewood isn't the ghetto and the frum community shouldn't present themselves in such a way. On the other hand, I feel that all these new Altimas and Hondas on the roads of Lakewood is just another example of how we yidden forget to be modest about the blessings that Hashem is showering upon us. (Read more)

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

HATZOLAH has just arrived to the scene of a child struck by a car on the south side of the lake. Arriving units have requested PD and medic units to respond as well. We will keep you updated with any further.
U/D 4:46 p.m The child is being transported to KMC with non life threatening injuries.
TLS-55/TLS-CCP/TLS-05

Driving And On Handheld? Make Sure You Have A License

If you plan on breaking the law by talking on your handheld while driving, you should probably make sure you have a license. Earlier this afternoon, police pulled over a driver for talking on his cell phone and when asked for his license and registration, oops-he didn't have one. After a couple summonses, police took the keys from him until a valid driver could pick up the car.

Yeshiva Toras Emes Moves Into New Building

PHOTOS: Yeshiva Toras Emes-headed by Reb Simcha Lichtenstien Shlita-moved into their new building on James Street today, the first day of school.

MVA Takes Out Pole

PHOTOS of a MVA moments ago at the intersection of Oak and New Hampshire, where a SUV took out a telephone pole. Miraculously only one driver suffered minor injuries and was treated by EMS at the scene.

Lakewood Yungerman Comes Across Alligator Near Office

PHOTO & VIDEO (click on image to enlarge) taken approximately 30 minutes ago from a cell phone by a local Yungerman who came across an alligator near his office in Trenton. The alligator which has just been captured, has been eluding wildlife officials since Monday. Officials believe the nearly 5 foot alligator may have been dumped in the Stacey Park pond by someone who may have kept is as a pet but decided to get rid of it after growing too large. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

Post Cereal To Discontinue With Pas Yisroel Status

NOTICE: (The following is a statement from the OK). Within the next four weeks Post Cereal has elected to discontinue with the Pas Yisroel status of all their cereals. All Pareve Post cereals that will be found on the shelves of stores and supermarkets for the next four weeks from the date of this notice (except Great Grains, Shredded Wheat and product of Canada, which are not Pas Yisroel) will have been produced under the Pas Yisroel program. OK KOSHER CERTIFICATION cannot accept responsibility of the Pas Yisroel status for any products purchased after this date. Collive.

Undercover Cops Continue To Crack Down At Crosswalks Statewide

Undercover crackdowns on motorists who blow through crosswalks are in full swing in area municipalities. More than 700 drivers have already been warned or ticketed in Collingswood, Pennsauken and Cherry Hill in recent weeks. The operations, which are part of a statewide safety campaign, put plainclothes police officers in crosswalks. Motorists who fail to yield, as required by state law, face fines or lectures. "Some of the stuff is just inexcusable," said Collingswood Police Capt. Richard Sarlo, noting that some drivers were talking on cell phones as they drove through crosswalks. Motorists who don't yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk face a $100 fine, as well as fees, court costs and two points on their driving record. APP

Historic Hachnosas Sefer Torah At BMG

PHOTOS & VIDEO of the Historic Hachnosas Sefer Torah which took place this evening. The Sephardic Sefer Torah, donated by the family of Edward Massry was the first of it's kind to be donated to BMG. Thousands took part in the event which was attended by the Roshei Hayeshiva Reb Malkiel Shlita, Reb Yisroel Shlita and by the Mashgiach Reb Matisyahu Shlita. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

VIDEO

Statement To TLS From Tax Board President PG Waxman On Linda's Retirement

JUST IN: In response to a question from The Lakewood Scoop, PG Waxman, President of Ocean County Board of Taxation just confirmed that Linda Solakian sent a letter to him as president of the Tax Board announcing her retirement effective September 15th 2009, with the tax assessor adding that she would be out on sick leave until the retirement date. Mr. Waxman added "It is my understanding that the Township will immediately begin a search for a new tax assessor. In regard to the current Tax Board cases, the vast majority of Lakewood cases have already been heard by the Tax Board or have been settled. Though I do not sit on Lakewood cases, I believe that Lakewood is scheduled for two additional hearing days, with the first date being September 15th. There is also an additional day in September for those who were unable to attend their original scheduled hearing date, whose cases were postponed to a special day for rescheduled hearings".

Gang Expert And Prosecutor Allowed To Testify At Lakewood Murder Trial

State police gang expert Lt. Keith Bevacqui and prosecutor William Porter will both be allowed to testify at the upcoming trial of four Lakewood men accused of arranging a murder in an attempt to prevent the state's star witness in the barbershop case from testifying, a judge ruled today. Four men, James Russell, 24, and Jamell Scott, Lee Reeves and Trishawn Cochran, all 22. and reputed members of the Bloods street gang, are accused of the murder of Athelma Vazquez, 55, and the attempted murders of her teenage daughter and her daughter's friend, Christian Vivar Granados, in their Lakewood apartment. Granados was the state's only witness to implicate Russell, Scott and a third man, Tyleek Baker of Manchester, in the murder of Jose Francisco Olivares whowas gunned down in front of a crowd of customers inside the now-defunct Man, Woman and Child barbershop in Lakewood on the afternoon of Feb. 7, 2006. Read full report in APP.
APP/TLS-55

Corzine Campaign Takes Advantage Of Christie's 'Mistake'

VIDEO below of the latest TV ad by the Corzine camp-looking to capitalize on the $46,000 loan Christie made to a subordinate. The quote is "One set of rules for himself, another for everyone else", after Christie went after others for making the same 'Mistake'. NBC

EXCLUSIVE: Audio And Statement From Vaad Hatzala Japan / Lakewood Sheds New Light On Case

TLS EXCLUSIVE: (Photo of Avraham Shwartz-2nd right-in Chabad Tokyo)(Audio below is from Avraham Schwartz-who was an assimilated Israeli man living in Japan, who upon hearing of the plight of the 3 Bochurim, dropped his business, and dedicated himself, to the cause of freeing these boys. He has spent much of the last year and a half visiting these boys, working to improve their condition, and help with their legal process). Much information about the 3 bochrim in Jail in Japan has been released in various news papers and events. Due to the large amount of partial information and disinformation, there is much confusion about this case, by the general public. We would like to clarify some of this. There are 3 boys currently still in jail. Even though the names of these boys are widely known in many circles, we will not disclose their last name, due to the desire of one of the boys. There are 2 older boys, who are over 20 years old, named Yaakov Yosef, and Yoel, and one younger boy, named Yossi .The three boys are not all being represented by the same people or lawyers. The two older boys where initially being handled by a Dayan in Antwerp, named Chaim Dovid Weiss, Later Rabbi Bleich, a Rav in Ukraine joined him. The younger boy, Yossi, is being represented by Attorney David Buxbaum. (Read more)

Leifer / Geldzahler Vort

PHOTOS of the Leifer / Geldzahler Vort which took place last night at Rabbi Laeifer's Shul. The Kallah is the daughter of R' Berel Leifer Shlita and the Choson is the son of R' Daniel Geldzahler Shlita.

Last Day For Back To School Advertising Special

LAST DAY! Sign up for one month of advertising and we'll give you the second month 50% off. Additionally, the first ten to sign up will receive an extra two weeks free. (Which means, you get 8 weeks for the price of 6 and the first ten advertisers will get 10 weeks for the price of 6!) With thousands of readers on our site each day, it may just be the publicity your business can use. With the new school year and the Yom Tov season quickly approaching-now is the time to advertise. To take advantage of this special offer, email us at thelakewoodscoop@gmail.com with 'Ads' as the subject. OFFER EXPIRES TODAY.

Woman Posing As Photographer Robs Frum Home

URGENT: A Frum lady had her wallet stolen from her home today, after letting a woman-claiming to be a photographer doing a documentary-into her home. The perpetrator-who says she's from Israel-tried to gain entry into numerous homes in the Ridge area but was unsuccessful. One woman however, let her into her home. After a short time in the home, she walked out with the homeowners wallet. A couple of hours ago, Sovereign Bank phoned the homeowner regarding a purchase of $950 made on her credit card at Shop Rite. It was at that point that the homeowner realized her wallet was stolen and contacted police. Police are currently investigating and working to obtain video surveillance footage. Anyone with information on the woman is asked to call PD immediately.

TLS-16/G.N/M.Y.

BREAKING NEWS: Tax Assessor Linda Solakian Resigns

JUST IN: The tax assessor of the Lakewood township-Linda Solakian-has resigned. Linda, gave in her resignation letter today. Details of the resignation are still very sketchy, but TLS spoke with one Askan who said "I think she may have just had enough". Linda has been on vacation for the last week and submitted her certified resignation upon her return. She has been with the township for close to 15 years. We will keep you updated with all further details as they emerge.
TLS-CCP/S.

Military Visits Lakewood

PHOTOS & VIDEO of the Military-including Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors from McGuire AFB, Fort Dix and Lakehurst-during their visit to Lakewood today. They enjoyed dinner at Yussi's Grill after which they had a police escort-led by officer John Wilson-to the Blue Claws Stadium. Kim Curtis-whose husband Mike was just deployed to Kuwait for 4 1/2 months- threw out the first pitch at this evening's game. (Please note, the video and photos contain women). (Mobile users click here to view video on Youtube).
VIDEO

Car Drives Into Jimmy's Barber Shop

JUST IN: (PHOTOS & VIDEO). Emergency personnel are currently operating at the scene of Jimmy's barbershop on Route 70-next door to Wireless Made Simple-frequented by Lakewood Yungerleit-where a car drove through the front of the store. The driver and one passenger suffered minor injuries.
U/D 4:18 p.m We are waiting for an official press statement from the Manchester Police Department on the incident regarding two other customers who were in the shop at the time and may have been injured. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

VIDEO

TLS-CCP

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

HATZOLAH (PHOTOS) has just responded to a pedestrian struck in Brookhill. As we post this, Hatzolah units have just arrived and are requesting medics to respond. As we post this as well, Hatzolah is responding to a MVA on Cedarbridge and Oberlin. PD is responding to Brookhill. We will keep you posted with any further details.
U/D 2:50 p.m The child was pinned underneath a mail truck. Medics have just arrived. Photos will be posted shortly.
U/D 3:01 p.m Hatzolah is transporting the 3 year old child to Jersey Shore with an ujury to the leg. The child was riding her new bike when she was struck by the truck. About 5 local residents lifted the truck to remove the pinned child. Hatzolah arrived moments later.

TLS-CCP/TLS-07

Not Your Classic Burglar

LPD just responded to a residence after the caller claimed her home was burglarized. When police arrived, they did in fact fing the home ransacked. However, upon the arrival of the police, the women explained that her roommate had just notified her that in fact it was their dog who 'burglarized' the home and not a burglar. Nobody was injured during the burglary and no charges were filed against the dog.
TLS-CCP

Smoking May Have Caused Fatal Fire-Man May Have Been Behind Fire In 2008

Investigators say smoking was likely to blame for the fire that killed a man and injured 3 officers this past Motzei Shabbos as reported here on TLS. Authorities have not yet released his name because they have yet to find relatives. Eleven people were relocated and many residents were offered a place to say by community members as well as by Bikur Cholim. Three officers taken to KMC-Edward Miick and Steve Kawolski for smoke inhalation and Leonard Nieves Jr. for a cut to his hand. TLS also received an unconfirmed report, that the man who perished in the fire is believed to be the same person who caused a fire at the Motel back in October of 2008. (Click here for PHOTOS & VIDEO of the scene).

TLS/AP

State Does Not Allow Politically Motivated Plates-Group To Challenge It

If you treasure New Jersey's trees, support football or buy local produce, the state has a license plate just for you. But if you want the world to know how you feel about abortion, property taxes or health care, buy a bumper sticker. The state makes license plates to extol, celebrate or simply recognize any number of things Jersey, but it doesn't produce plates that it considers politically motivated. That policy is being challenged in federal court by the Children First Foundation, a New York-based pro-adoption organization, which is opposed to abortion and wants license plates emblazoned with the slogan "Choose Life." AP

Cars Blocking Driveways At BMG

NOTICE: Police have just been called to 6th Street in the BMG area for parking enforcement. Police were called by a neighbor who says her driveway was blocked by an illegally parked car. The car is being ticketed at this time. We would like to remind our readers-that although it's important to be on time for Seder-besides for receiving a ticket-causing a Chillul Hashem in the process is not worth it.

Paschkusz / Rubin Chasunah

PHOTOS & VIDEOS below of the Paschkusz / Rubin Chasunah which took place this evening at Ateres Chaya in Borough Park. The Choson is the son of Harav Refoel Paschkusz Shlita-Rov of Bais Elimelech (E. Harvard). The Kallah is the daughter of R' Yanky Rubin (Grand Sterling). (Mobile users click here and here to view videos on YouTube).

VIDEO 1 R' Yechiel Fligman

VIDEO 2 Dancing