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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

Annual Mekimi BBQ

PHOTOS & VIDEOS below of the annual Mekimi Barbecue at the home of R' Shloime Gornish. Performing, were Uncle Moishe, Illusionist Shimi Illuzini, Yosef Chaim Shwekey, Dovid Gabay, Avraham Fried and Badchan Yoily Lebowitz. Free games and toys were given out by R' Herschel Hershkowitz of Toys For Thought. (Mobile user click here and here to view videos on YouTube).

VIDEO 1 Dovid Gabay

VIDEO 2 Avraham Fried

JUST IN: Man Tied Up And Robbed

JUST IN: Police have just responded to a residence on Foxwood Drive for reports of an elderly man-81 years of age who was found tied up in a closet of his home moments ago. The daughter told police that sometime between the hour of 11:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m last night, a perpetrator entered their home and tied up her dad after igniting some type of explosive device in the home. He then wrapped him up, put him in the closet and then proceeded to rob the home. As we post this, EMS is transporting the man to a local hospital for evaluation.
TLS-CCP/TLS-07

BREAKING NEWS: Fire At Capitol Hotel

BREAKING NEWS: (PHOTOS & VIDEO). Multiple Fire fighters and PD are currently battling a fire at the Capitol Hotel. Smoke was reported about 10 minutes ago and as the fire department arrived, flames started shooting out of the top floor window. A video will be posted soon.
U/D 3:45 a.m One police officer was just transported to KMC by EMS for smoke inhalation. Mutual aid was called in from neighborhing towns. Many community Askanim have arrived on the scene including R' Moshe Dovid Ehrman and Meir Lichtenstien. Hatzolah units on scene are requesting medics to standby. One person has not been accounted for at this time. Chaveirim and LCSW are also on the scene assisting with crowd control.
U/D 5:00 a.m. The fire is out at this time. There are reports of one fatality-found in the room where the fire broke out. CIU units have just arrived and Prosecutors office as well as the Medical Examiners office are en route.
U/D 5:27 a.m. We are getting reports of three police officers at Kimball Medical Center at this time-although unclear if they are there for injuries or to assist. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube)

VIDEO

TLS-55/TLS-001/TLS-44/TLS-05/TLS-04

Kudos To Chaveirim, LPD And Chief Lawson

EXCLUSIVE: Erev Shabbos, as usual, was a busy day for Chaveirim. However this past Friday, there was a little more activity than expected. A couple of hours before Shabbos, the Chaveirim Emergency Shabbos Hosting Program-directed by Chaveirim member R' Yehuda Tzvi Rotberg (unit 47)-received a few calls from passengers stuck in traffic on their way in to Lakewood. Most of the callers, were directed by Chaveirim through side streets and managed to get back in time for Shabbos. One particular driver however-a young woman with a few children-was on the I195, when it was shut down due to an accident. After advancing only a 1/4 of a mile in about 45 minutes, she was still about 25 minutes out of Lakewood. Panicking, she called the Chaveirim Emergency Shabbos Hosting Program-who guided her off an exit. Chaveirim immediately got on the phone with a Rov as well as with Captain Mooney from the Lakewood Police Department- (Read more)

Two Winning Tickets Split $333 Million Jackpot

Two tickets have split last night's $333 million Mega Millions jackpot, according to the multistate lottery's Web site. The winning tickets, which are now worth an estimated $166.5 million each, were purchased in San Gabriel, Calif., and in the Bronx. The winning numbers were: 1, 17, 31, 37 and 54 with the Mega Ball 31. The jackpot for the next Mega Millions drawing, on Tuesday night, drops down to $12 million. AP

Two Telephone Poles Down On Monmouth

This afternoon, at about 5:00 p.m, Police responded to Second Street and Monmouth for two telephone poles which came down. The incident was apparently caused by the weather and to the age of the poles. There was no injuries or damage reported from the incident. JCP&L arrived and cleared the area after a few hours.

Thanks E.

Farewell Detective Joe Isnardi

PHOTOS & VIDEOS below of the Walkout ceremony and retirement of Detective Joe Isnardi after 25 years on the Lakewood Police Department. (Mobile users click on the following to view videos on YouTube. Video 1, video 2, video 3.) (Please note, the photos and videos contain women).

VIDEO 1

VIDEO 2

VIDEO 3

Jackpot Grows To The Second Largest In History

Friday's jackpot in the Mega Millions multistate lottery game has grown to $333 million. That's the second largest jackpot in history. The cash payout is estimated at $210.4 million. The largest payout so far has been a $390 million jackpot shared by a New Jersey couple from Cape May County and a truck driver in Georgia in 2007. If no one wins Friday night's jackpot, it will rollover to $430 million — the largest in history. Tickets are sold in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

PD Ticketing At BMG This Morning

(PHOTO of officer David Silberstien ticketing at BMG this morning). The photo was sent in moments ago by a reader, showing the officer ticketing illegally parked cars during first Seder today. We would like to remind our readers, that parking in a fire lane-will get you a ticket-legally. If G-D forbid there is a fire, your car will delay or prevent emergency personnel's access to the scene.
Thank you SF.

Toys 'Я' Us: Trade In Your Old Product And Save 20% On New Item

Toys "R" Us announced a new national trade-in event beginning today through Sept. 20 in which consumers can turn in used cribs and other baby products in exchange for 20 percent savings on a new item from select manufacturers. The event is designed to call attention to the fact that certain used baby items should not be handed down or resold because of safety concerns. Used items accepted include cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs. The toy giant is limiting the program to its U.S. stores but may offer Canadian customers the same deal depending its success. AP

Witnesses Asked To Come Forward

(Photo of scene). As reported here on TLS Tuesday evening, a motorcyclist was struck and thrown approximately 100 feet, at the corner of Carey and Madison. (See photos of the accident here). A TLS reader who is helping one of the parties involved, noticed from the comments that there may have been witnesses to the accident which may be of a tremendous help. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to please call: 732-779-5442. Tizku L'mitzvos.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

PDESTRIAN STRUCK: Hatzola has just transported a Yungerman to KMC with non life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car at 4th and Forest-in front of Satmar. He was struck to during the few minutes of the heavy downpour a few minutes ago. Medics were not requested to the scene.

TLS/55

Seudas Hodaah Of Reb Chaim Moishe Strulowitz

PHOTOS & VIDEOS below of the Seudas Hodaah this evening for the homecoming of Reb Chaim Moishe Strulowitz. The event-which took place at the Solomon Suites-was attended by the Roshei Hayesiva Reb Malkiel Shlita, Reb Yeruchem Shlita and Reb Yisroel Shlita. Also in attendance was CEO, Reb Aaron Kotler and many Rabbonim from around town. See video for for full speech of Reb Chaim Moishe-talking about his experience in prison. (Mobile users click here and here to view videos on YouTube)

VIDEO 1

VIDEO 2

Lakewood, Seaside Heights, Brick And Toms River Police To Split $73,897

More than $6 million in federal funds is heading to New Jersey for crime victim compensation and upgrades for a handful of Ocean County police departments. Grants from the U.S. Department of Justice are intended to help crime victims get back on their feet and to purchase basic police equipment, said Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), who announced the funding today. The State Department of Law and Public Safety was awarded $5.4 million for its Victims of Crime Act compensation funds and an additional $463,399 for its Internet Crimes against Children task force. Lakewood, Seaside Heights, Brick and Toms River police will split $73,897, Lautenberg said. Lakewood police will use their portion of the money to conduct Geographical Information System mapping, Seaside Heights and Brick will buy hand-held radios for officers and Toms River will purchase new scanners and storage devices to improve record keeping. APP

Man Who Robbed Investors Savings Bank-Sentenced

A New Jersey man who robbed banks in several towns on Thursdays, (including an Investors Savings Bank in Lakewood on Feb. 19, as reported here on TLS) has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison. Peter Bielecke pleaded guilty in June to one count of bank robbery but admitted five other holdups on consecutive Thursdays in January, February and March. He didn't give a reason for choosing Thursdays, but authorities say the pattern made it easier to track him. The 40-year-old was arrested after a March 5 robbery in Old Bridge. He'll serve five years and 10 months in prison. He'll also have to pay nearly $12,000 in restitution under the sentence handed down Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Trenton. TLS/AP

LCSW Assists PD In Apprehending Suspects' Vehicle

At approximately 1:30 a.m. yesterday, LPD and LCSW were notified by a complainant who had eggs thrown at him at 10th & Clifton by a passing dark blue SUV and got a plate number and description of the SUV. Lt. Gregg Meyer personally responded to the scene along with two other officers and had immediately sent officers out on the lookout for the SUV. Moments later, the SUV was spotted by an LCSW member on Central ave heading towards Jackson. PD was immediately notified and Officer Kevin Doyle eventually caught up with the SUV at a residence. The driver, a teenager, admitted that his friend-the passenger and also a teen-had thrown the eggs. However, by the time the officer caught up to the SUV, the passenger had already fled by foot. No arrests were made at the time. Detective Daniel Tworkoski is working on the case.

We All Get Pulled Over-Even Chris Christie

Police allowed New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie to drive on even though he was ticketed for not having auto insurance and a registration. Millennium Radio News reports Christie was stopped in Lambertville in 2005. He was with his wife, four children and Michele Brown. She stepped down from the U.S. Attorney's Office on Tuesday after it was revealed Christie had loaned her $46,000. Lambertville Police Director Bruce Cocuzza says Christie had mentioned he was U.S. Attorney. But Cocuzza says Christie was permitted to drive away because of the children. Cocuzza says Christie later provided police with the registration and insurance card. He pleaded guilty and paid fines. Gov. Jon Corzine also paid a fine for not wearing a seat belt when his the State Police SUV crashed in 2007. AP

TLS EXCLUSIVE: Chavrei Hakollel Fined Nearly $3,000 By Township

TLS EXCLUSIVE: On Monday morning, in the Lakewood Municipal court, Chavrei Hakollel was fined an exorbitant sum of $2850 for not obtaining a C/O for their charity thrift store in a timely fashion. The store was opened about a year ago to raise money for the Kollel and to help employ teenagers who are looking for work. R' Yishai Ghoori tells The Lakewood Scoop that the township inspector Derryl Nelson approached the Kollel before Pesach and told them that the current C/O doesn't cover the store and that a change of use would be needed. Immediately, the Kollel paid around $1,000 and obtained the change. It was then that R' Chaim Abbadi Shlita arranged for an inspection and all went well. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the architect and many other people, (Read more)

Create Your Own Kars-4-Kids Jingle And Win

VIDEO below. Kars-4-Kids, the national car donation program, is giving away gift certificates to students who sing their own version of the famous jingle. Staples gift certificates of $100 each will be awarded for creativity. Professional recording artists, including The Good Rats, are participating in the promotion. "The Kars-4-Kids Jingle Contest allows anyone to perform, recreate or otherwise spoof our well-known jingle," said Clifford Meth, VP of Communications. "The Kars-4-Kids jingle gets inside people's heads and sometimes they can't get it out, so we're giving folks a chance to do it their way." For more info, click here to be redirected to Kars-4-Kids.
UPON THE REQUEST OF OORAH, THE VIDEO HAS BEEN REMOVED.

Lakewood Woman Charged In Sovereign Bank Robbery

(PHOTOS below of the scene). A 43-year-old Lakewood woman-Kyla D. Tobe-has been arrested and charged with robbing the Sovereign Bank located on West County Line Road at 12 p.m. on August 18-as reported here on TLS, and is being held at Ocean County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. She is accused of passing a threatening note to a teller. Tobe, who police said is unemployed, allegedly received an undisclosed amount of money before exiting the bank and walking west across the parking lot. She was taken into custody two days later following an investigation by Ocean County investigators, township detectives and the FBI.

TLS-55/APP

PHOTOS Camp Simcha Summer Memories / Camp Simcha On Channel 3 News

PHOTOS below of Camp Simcha (Chai Lifeline) in Glen Spey NY this summer-which hosted many Lakewood children. Click here to see a featured video and article from channel 3 Eyewitness News. (Please note, by clicking the above link, you will be redirected to external content). (Attention readers who have had privacy issues with these photos: The photos were sent into us by the directors of Chai Lifeline-and not from private parties. As always, if you have a concern regarding a post, feel free to email us at thelakewoodscoop@gmail.com.)

US Airways Checked Baggage Prices Going Up

US Airways Group Inc. said today that it will raise fees for a first checked bag to $20 and for the second checked bag to $30. That's $5 more than the current fees of $15 and $25. US Airways said the increase matches baggage fees put in place by American Airlines earlier this summer. US Airways also said it will charge $50 for the second checked bag on trans-Atlantic flights. The first checked bag is free. US Airways currently does not charge for first or second bags on its trans-Atlantic flights. The fee changes are effective immediately for tickets bought for travel on or after Oct. 7. US Airways will continue to charge an additional $5 airport fee if luggage is checked in at the airport rather than online. AP

Readers' Scoop: Response To The Shadchan Crisis

Dear Editor,

I’d like to respond to yesterday’s post, “Shadchan Crisis.” There are Boruch Hashem numerous dedicated Shadchonim who work diligently on the difficult Parsha of Shidduchim. They are moser nefesh on a daily basis. Their families deal with a father or mother who is on the phone many hours a day. These hardworking people are here to help. They aren’t in it for the money or the Kovod. It’s neither a Bakovodik nor a well-paying job. For the most part, they are L’shaim Shomayim. Sure, there are some exceptions, but overall - Shadchonim are overworked and underpayed. They have no lack of headaches or agmas nefesh. So why are they in this field? To help others! To claim that Shadchonim are the reason behind the crisis is both foolish and dangerous. (Read more)

Jackpot Grows To Third Largest Prize Ever

The bigger jackpots get, the more they jump when no one wins. Last night, the Mega Millions jackpot rose by a whopping $73 million to its third largest prize ever: $325 million. The $325 million up for grabs on Friday is the total for 26 payouts over 25 years. Can't wait? The cash windfall is $206.4 million (minus no small fortune in taxes). The numbers no one completely matched last night were 3, 12, 19, 22 and 40, with a Mega Ball of 2.

Corzine To Gadhafi: Stay Out Of NJ

Gov. Jon Corzine said today that Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi is not welcome in Englewood, or in New Jersey for that matter."Gadhafi is not welcome in New Jersey by anybody's standards,'' Corzine in a statement. "I'm not sure what our legal recourse is, but the fact is that he is not welcome. "I am angry, like every other New Jerseyan and every other American, about the release of Abdel Beset al-Megrahi, the Libyan who murdered 270 Americans, 38 of them from New Jersey. I have no tolerance for it. "Make no mistake, Gadhafi will not have a welcome mat laid out for him by the State of New Jersey, nor by the city of Englewood. It might be better if he stayed in a hotel in New York City." Gadhafi is scheduled to speak at the United Nation in Manhattan next month and his government is refurbishing a Libyan-owned mansion in Englewood. It has been reported Gadhafi plans to stay in a Bedouin tent on the grounds. A request to erect the tent in Manhattan's Central Park was denied by New York City. Newjerseynewsroom.

Yeedle Presents Kulam Ahuvim

AUDIO clip below of the new MBD CD titled Kulam Ahuvim which is set to hit stores this coming week. The album was produced by his son Yeedle. The last MBD CD produced, was titled Efshar Letaken which was released approximately two years ago.

Update On Miriam Bas Sarah

TLS spoke with a close family friend of Miriam Bas Sarah moments ago, who said that Baruch Hashem there has been a tremendous improvement and she has been removed from a respirator. He also added, that she is Baruch Hashem alert and talking. Please continue to be Mispallel for her complete recovery. Besures Tovos.

Parents Express Concerns To School Board

After extending a warm welcome to a new superintendent and an olive branch to the school board, a mostly minority crowd Tuesday once again challenged district officials on what they saw as a supplies shortage, disparities in special-needs services and questionable spending in the public schools. "If and when we see that your desire is to continue to make sure our public school students succeed, you have our support," Pastor Glenn Wilson of the Restoration Family Worship Center said. "There's been a history, especially for the last 10 years; it seems to be an agenda for the need of the public schools to fail so that agenda can succeed. . . . This public has spoken many times, and the board has not listened." The presence at the meeting — the last before school starts — is the latest move by an organizing group of black and Hispanic parents and church leaders following a swell of outrage over the board replacing the popular acting superintendent last month. Read Zach Patberg's report here.

Motorcyclist Struck

JUST IN: (PHOTOS) A motorcyclist has just been struck by a minivan at the corner of Carey and Madison and was thrown approximately 100 feet. PD, FD and EMS with ALS units have just arrived on scene. As we post this, the units on scene are advising that the cyclist is conscious at this time. PD have just closed off the area. We will keep you updated with all further details. Photos will be posted shortly.
U/D 10:55 p.m. The patient is being transported by EMS to Jersey Shore with medics aboard with non life threatening injuries. (Better images will be posted soon).

TLS-05/TLS-44. Photos by: TLS-001/Photo Eli/TLS-SCP

Spiegel / Gottlieb Chasunah

PHOTOS of the Spiegel / Gottlieb Chasunah which took place last night at Bais Faiga. The Choson-Chiam Dovid Spiegel-is a long time Chaveirim member and a Volunteer for Lakewood EMS.

TLS-SCP

Now Read The Lakewood Scoop In Yiddish!

Having a hard time reading English? You can now translate any document or webpage from English (and many other languages) to Yiddish with Google Translate. Google Translate has just added the Yiddish language to it's list of over 50 languages it translates. To try it, click here to be redirected to the home page where you can upload a text document or enter a web page you would like translated.

Forty Two Firefighters Graduate O.C. Training Center

Congratulations! Forty-two new firefighters-including one from Lakewood-who completed an intensive training program of both classroom and hands-on instruction, were feted during graduation ceremonies at the Ocean County Training Center. After completing a demanding 180-hour program at the Ocean County Training Center, which houses the Ocean County Fire Academy, the graduates were awarded Level 1 Firefighter Certification. The students needed a score of 70 percent or better on a 100-question written examination. Students also needed to demonstrate physical and mental stability by passing a practical skills examination. Freeholder Director John C. Bartlett Jr. praised the graduates and their desire to volunteer in their communities. "These brave men and women deserve our thanks for their unselfish willingness to protect our homes and our families," Bartlett said.

Foreclosures Down 6% From Last Year

There were 1,041 new foreclosures scheduled for auction in New Jersey in July 2009. This is almost equal to June 2009 (1,036) and 6% lower than in July 2008 (1,107). Essex County had the highest number of scheduled foreclosures in July 2009, while Atlantic County had the highest foreclosure rate. There were 152 new foreclosures in Essex County in July 2009, 96 in Middlesex County, 94 in Ocean County and 79 in Union County. Atlantic County had the highest rate of foreclosures per household, with one in every 1,418 homes scheduled for auction in July 2009. RER.