Gang Member Admits To Plan To Murder Lakewood Witness

An admitted member of the Bloods street gang said today that he acted as a middleman to arrange what he thought would be the murder of a witness at last year's Lakewood barbershop murder trial, and agreed to testify against his alleged co-conspirators. Joseph Powell, 23, of Lakewood pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit witness tampering and unlawful possession of a .45-caliber handgun. The guilty plea was entered this afternoon before Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels. Read full article in APP.

Summer Tznius Reminder From Gedolei Lakewood

TZNIUS REMINDER: Below is the exact text of the letter printed by Lakewood Rabbonim reminding the community about Tznius issues prior to summer vacation: (This letter will appear in this weeks issue of the Voice Of Lakewood). Skirt Length: It's forbidden for the knees to be revealed at any time, in any position. Therefore, all authoritative Poskim have agreed that a skirt must reach 4 inches below the lowest point of the knee cap at all times. Hosiery: It must be readily apparent that one's legs are covered. Hosiery that is so sheer as to be barely noticeable, is not acceptable. Denier alone is not the only factor, as tightness and weave, (among other considerations) also have an affect on the covered appearance of the leg. It can safely be said, that it is almost impossible to find a denier of less than 30 that is permissible. Tightness Of Garments: It's forbidden to wear tight fitting clothing. Clothing must be loose, not snug. The tightness of the fabric is completely immodest when it clings to the figure. Click here for more.

Harav Yitzchok Dwek Shlita Speaking About His Son

AUDIO of Harav Yitzchok Dwek Shlita speaking about his son Shlomo/Solomon. In an emotional speech, the Rav refers many times to his son as a "former member of my family". We apologize for the inconvenience during the time the clip was inactive. Due to the thousands of readers downloading the clip, the account has exceeded its download limit. We have corrected the issue. Thank you for your patience.

"Chap Arein" And Get Your Wine & Liquor Before Shabbos-Taxes Going Up

It will cost more to buy liquor and wine in New Jersey starting Shabbos. The state will raise the tax per gallon of wine and spirits by 25 percent. Customers will pay $5.50 in tax per gallon of liquor and 87.5 cents per gallon of wine. Lawmakers did not include beer when they raised the tax to help balance the budget in the recession. Some bars and restaurants said they won't pass the higher tax on to customers. However, Adam Stromfeld, who is a co-owner of a liquor store in Egg Harbor Township, said wholesale suppliers are taking advantage of the tax increase to raise the cost of their products. Stromfeld says the increases will hit those who buy lower-priced liquors the hardest. AP

UEZ Boundary Map Becoming Available To The Public

The Lakewood Development Corporation, the administrative arm of Lakewood's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), will be unveiling a draft of a map that depicts proposed UEZ boundaries at the next LDC meeting, Tuesday, August 4, 2009, in the conference room of the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231 Third Street. The map of the proposed UEZ boundaries will be on display on the second floor of the Lakewood Municipal Building and will also be available at Township Committee meetings in order to solicit public comment until Tuesday, September 1, 2009. See APP for full article.

Political Ads Start To Get Nasty

VIDEO of the latest ad by the Corzine administration accusing Christie of knowingly covering up a massive tax fraud scam. Newly picked Weinberg is quoted as saying "Chris Christie got caught in a political lie to cover up his role in a sweetheart deal that let a prominent Republican get a slap on the wrist in a tax fraud case involving tens of millions of dollars” .

UPDATED PD On Lookout For Man Who Assaulted Child

JUST IN: Police have just posted at several different areas in the lookout for a man who has fled after assaulting a child, perhaps including giving bleach to the child. The black man, is driving a red 1999 two-doored Pontiac with plate numbers MUJ-75x. The man may be carrying a knife. Anyone with info is asked to call PD immediately.

U/D 5:46 p.m. PD has now received the following additional info: The black man is a passenger in the car. The driver of the vehicle is an eighteen year old white male.

U/D 8:35 p.m. Police have arrested the suspect in Jackson.

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Tisha B'av Shiurim

AUDIO below of Shiurim on Tisha B'av from: (in order of appearance). Reb Pesach Krohn Shlita, Reb Yisroel Reisman Shlita and Reb Yissocher Frand Shlita. Shiurim are from Kol Haloshon.

Unregistered Contractor Admits Fraud And Theft

A 53-year-old Lakewood man has admitted being an unregistered home-improvement contractor as well as writing checks totaling more than $2,000 from a checkbook he stole from a friend. Daniel Guastaferro of Neil Avenue, Lakewood, pleaded guilty Monday before Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr. to engaging in home-improvement contracting between 2007 and 2008, although he was not registered as a contractor with the state Division of Consumer Affairs, as required by state law. Under the terms of a plea bargain, Guastaferro will be required to make full restitution to the victim, Ericka Stern, and will face a jail term of 364 days. Guastaferro could have faced up to five years in prison for the theft, and up to 18 months in prison for unregistered home-improvement contracting. Read full article in APP.

Elmwood Home Burglarized

BREAK-IN: Police are investigating a break-in at a home in Elwood Village in what appears to be a non-forced entry break-in through the back sliding door. It is unclear at this time if anything was taken. We would like to remind our readers again, that LOCKING YOUR DOORS & WINDOWS at night sharply decreases the risk of having a burglar in your home. Also, as mentioned by the LCSW from another resident, keeping lights on outside your home-especially in the rear of the home-is a strong deterrent to any potential perpetrator. Remember, these guys are looking for a quick in & out.
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Tisha B'av 5769 Worldwide Event

(Click on image to enlarge) Attached is the schedule for the Worldwide Tisha B'av event for Lakewood. The audio-visual presentation, which will consist of three parts, will have three showing times for men and three showing times for women. The event for women will be taking place at Bais Faiga (2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) and the event for men will be taking place at Yeshiva Ketana (2:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.). For any further information, including sponsorship opportunities, you can call the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation at 845-352-3505 ext 113.

Readers' Scoop: Thank You Officer

(Below is an unedited 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 TLS,

Today police stopped me for running a red light. Did I deserve a ticket? Absolutely!! Am I angry with Officer L Nieves Sr,.badge #246 for stopping me? Absolutely not!!!!! In fact, I am writing this letter to publicly thank Officer Nieves Sr. for caring enough about our community and the safety of our residents to pull me over in the first place. I was in a hurry....... I was running late......drivers were going toooooo slow.......my appointment was important. These are all the excuses we use to disobey traffic laws. However we all know that running reds, speeding, etc. only causes accidents. Officer Nieves Sr. in his caring and warm manner reminded me that bad accidents occur because we are careless and thoughtless and risk our lives and the lives of others when we disregard traaffic laws. I am actuallly very grateful to Officer Nieves Sr. for reminding me of this important lesson. He is by far, one of our "finest men in blue".

Mrs. Miller.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK: Hatzolah has just been dispatched for a child struck by a car on Marc Drive. As we post this, Hatzolah units have not yet gotten to the scene. We will keep you posted with any further details.
U/D 4:23 p.m. The child will be transported by Hatzolah to Jersey Shore with non-life threatening injuries.
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Rebbee Hill At Kanfei Yonah

PHOTOS of Rebbee Hill (main actor in the film "The Legend Of The Klei Yakar") saying a story at camp Kanfei Yonah this afternoon. (Click here to see a preview of his film which was seen by thousands of children in Lakewood and is currently playing in the mountains).

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TONIGHT Teleconference Tisha Bav Hisorerus

There will be a Tisha Bav Hisororus Drasha, tonight after Kinos, at 10:30 p.m., at Shaarei Shlomo, 41 Henry Street., by Harav Yaakov Yosef Rotenberg Shlit’a, the Rov and Rosh Hakollel, and renowned author and speaker. The Drasha will provide insights on the Churban Bais Hamikdosh, with a special emphasis on lessons to be learned, from the disheartening news events of the last week, the severity of Chilul hashem, and the importance of honesty and integrity. The Drasha can also be heard live at 10:30 p.m., via toll free conferencing, by dialing 1-866-931-7845, and pressing conference code number 439641.

Important Notice For Those Who Have Filed Tax Appeals

NOTICE: The Lakewood Scoop has learned that originally Lakewood appeals were scheduled for the nine days. Tax Board President, Pinchus Gershon (PG) Waxman requested that they be deferred until after Tisha B’Av. He also requested that the hearings be completed prior to Erev Yom Kippur and not go into the days before Yom Tov or Chol Hamoed. There are four appeal days for Lakewood in August, August 4, 6, 13, and 17. The balance of hearings will be held in September, with the exception of commercial and tax-exempt cases. If a taxpayer will be away for their scheduled hearing date, it can be rescheduled by calling the Ocean County Board of Taxation office. Notices for the August hearing dates were already mailed. September notices should go out by mid-August. Regardless of the hearing date, any refund from the Township (for those that win their appeals) will be retroactive to January 1, 2009. (TLS)

Corzine Down 14 Points

Another day, another poll showing New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) still in deep political trouble.The Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling's new survey shows Republican Chris Christie leading the embattled Democratic governor 50 to 36 percent with 14 percent undecided. That's a larger deficit for Corzine than the last time PPP polled the race in June. And even though the campaign has now begun in earnest, voters have not changed their opinions of either candidate much over the last month: Christie’s approval rating last month stood at 43 percent, up one point from last month's survey. Corzine's approval rating is at 33 percent, down a smidge from June’s 36 percent tally.

Vandalism In Coventry

VANDALISM: Police are currently on Governors Road in Coventry investigating an act of vandalism which took place sometime during the night. A car was found this morning with all its tires slashed and key marks all around the car. Anyone with information is asked to call PD at 732-363-0200.

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Smoke The E-cig? Think Again

WARNING: Here's an item you shouldn't include in your ever-growing arsenal of electronic devices, including cellphones, iPods, PDAs, GPS trackers and laptops: the e-cigarette. The FDA just released an analysis of 19 varieties of electronic cigarettes that said half contained nitrosamines (the same carcinogen found in real cigarettes) and many contained diethylene glycol, the poisonous ingredient in antifreeze. Some that claimed to have no nicotine were found to have low levels of the drug. E-cigarettes are promoted by their manufacturers as safer than traditional cigarettes because they do not burn tobacco. Instead, a lithium battery in the cigarette-shaped device heats a solution of nicotine in propylene glycol, producing a fine mist that can be inhaled to deliver nicotine directly to the lungs. An LED glows red at the tip and they even emit puffs of white smoke similar to that seen in stage shows. LAT

Message From The LCSW

LCSW: We had received a call from a resident in Pine River Estates that wanted to bring an interesting and helpful note to everyone's attention. He has had 3 attempted break ins at his house through the lower level & basement windows in the beginning of the summer, however they weren't successful b"h. He then decided to invest in fixing up the lighting around his house which was long overdue, ever since he keeps his property well lit at night and b"h never had any issues to date. He feels very strongly about it and believes it makes a major difference simply as a deterrent to potential burglars, as they like to do things quietly and in the dark as not to bring any attention to themselves. "Remember" NO ONE wants to get caught, so the harder you make it on them, the less chances you have for your house to get broken into.
Thanks,

LCSW

Seudas Preida Of Reb Eli Yagad Shlita

PHOTOS of the Seudas Preida of Reb Eli Yagad Shlita, who is leaving BMG to become Rosh Hayeshiva at Mesivta Keren Hatorah. Also in attendance was the Rosh Hayeshiva Reb Yeruchem Shlita.

Got An Old Fridge Or Freezer? Get $30 Bucks For It

A statewide energy program begins Wednesday that will pay New Jersey residents to ditch their old refrigerators and freezers. It will also create 20 green-industry jobs in East Brunswick. State officials say the effort, part of New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, will reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from older appliances, which will be taken apart and recycled at a plant in East Brunswick. "Recycling an old refrigerator or freezer can reduce a household's annual energy bill by up to $150 and carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to removing two cars from the road," Jeanne M. Fox, president of the state's Board of Public Utilities, said in a statement. Residents can have their equipment hauled away at no cost, plus get $30 as an incentive for giving up old units. Read full article in Star Ledger.

VIDEO: Shmuel Sackett Of Manhigut Yehudit

VIDEO of Shmuel Sackett, Co-founder of Shmuel Feiglins Manhigut Yehudit Knesset faction speaking about the Likud and elections, at a fundraiser for Manhigut Yehudit, which took place last night at the home of Dr. Braverman.

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TLS EXCLUSIVE: Rav Belsky On Recent Molestation Case

TLS EXCLUSIVE: THIS POST HAS BEEN POSTED WITH DA'AS TORAH AND WAS NOW REMOVED WITH DA'AS TORAH.

Texting While Driving Increases Collision Risk By 23 Times

A study of drivers text messaging inside their vehicle shows risk for collision was 23 times greater than when not texting, far surpassing the dangers of other driving distractions, a report in the New York Times said. According to the report, the study, which entailed outfitting the cabs of long-haul trucks with video cameras for 18 months, found that when the drivers texted, greatly exceeds previous estimates based on laboratory research. The study also measured the time drivers took their eyes from the road to send or receive texts -in the moments before a crash or near crash, drivers typically spent nearly five seconds looking at their devices -enough time at average highway speeds to cover more than the length of a football field, the report said. Read full report in Star Ledger.

Fish Tasting At Shloimy's Today

If you're in the mood of some free tilapia and flounder for lunch, you can head to Shloimy's Kosher World today between the hours of 12:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. Haddar will be introducing their new gourmet fish line "Seagate", by setting up a fish tasting stand to promote the new brand. It won't be a full meal, so you may want to eat breakfast/lunch prior.

Message From Burglarized Home Owner

BE VIGILANT: Last night, two homes in Chateau Park were broken into. At least one of the homes had some cash taken. In both homes, the burglar entered through a basement window which was left unlocked. The Police and CIU are investigating the incidents. One of the home owners contacted TLS and had the following message for the residents of Lakewood: LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS AT NIGHT.

Juggling Moish At Camp B'lev Echod

VIDEO of Juggling Moish at Camp B'lev Echod today. The camp-which opened this year under the leadership of R' Moshe Dovid Leifer and R' Shaya Leifer-is located in Raintree.

VIDEO: Chaveirim Safety Inspection

VIDEO of the Chaveirim Safety Inspection. (Photos were posted earlier here).

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President Of BOE Resigns-Message From The LAC

RESIGNED: We would like to inform the public about a recent occurrence on the Board of Ed. Mr. Chet Galdo, the longtime president of the Board, suddenly resigned Friday morning. Most of us remember the last time this happened, back in December when Mr. Braude resigned. At that time it was the opinion of the BOE attorney that an ad must be placed asking for resumes for possible replacements. The ensuing nomination of Mr. Tift over Mr. Silver caused the Tzibbur to vote en-masse for Yoni in the past election. This time however, at the behest of some Vaad members, the replacement was sworn in immediately, at the special meeting of the BOE on Monday morning. The replacement was Ada Gonzales- the candidate that lost in the last election. The candidate who lost because the kehillah felt she did not do enough to lower costs. This was done without any prior notification to some of the Board of education members, however we suspect some members did know about it since Ada was waiting ready to accept upon approval. Click here for more.

Independent Candidate Christopher Daggett Picks Running Mate

JUST IN: Independent gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett has tapped a veteran educator as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Daggett today named Frank J. Esposito, interim dean for the College of Education at Kean University in Union, to his ticket. "Frank has been in the forefront of the movement to reform our education system, which too often has failed New Jersey's children," Daggett wrote in an e-mail to supporters. "His extensive background in higher education will help us revitalize our colleges and universities, which is one of the key ways that New Jersey is going to fix its long-term economic problems. Read full article in Star Ledger.

Fire Drill At BMG

VIDEO of the fire drill and evacuation at the Bais Shalom building of BMG this afternoon.

Readers' Scoop: I Was Abused

(Below is an unedited 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 sat next to you in class, I live on your block. I went to your camp, I studied with you for tests. I am a regular girl. A regular girl with a huge secret. When I was six years old, my father's friend took me down to my basement to play. He used the privacy of the basement to do inappropriate things to me. It took me years of suffering in shameful silence to come out and admit the horrific truth: I had been abused. The full extent of the evil deeds this man had committed didn't hit me until years and years later. Now, as a young adult, standing on the threshold of my adulthood, I am forced to deal with the daily reality of what this means to me, so many years later. As I sit and think about what this man has caused, about the ramifications this has had, and will have on my life, I am engulfed by masses of feelings. I feel...Ashamed. Ashamed? Ashamed of how my body was used, how my body was abused. Ashamed of how I am different. Ashamed at the things that I've gone through. Click here to read full article.

Chaveirim Safety Inspection

PHOTOS (Video will be posted later) 0f Chaveirim's second annual safety inspection, in which over 250 cars were inspected-approximately double the amount of last years' inspection.

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Mazel Tov R' Aaron!

MAZEL TOV! The Lakewood Scoop team would like to wish a big Mazel Tov to Reb Aaron Kotler, CEO of Beth Medrash Gevoah, upon the birth of his first grandchild, a boy, born to his daughter and son-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Ushi and Chana Perel Weiss. May you be Zoiche to have much Nachas from this one and the rest of the family and may the Ribono Shel Olam give you the ability to continue with your Avodas Hakodesh for many years to come! Mazel tov!

Yeshivas Toras Chaim Siyum

PHOTOS of Yeshivas Toras Chaim, under the leadership of Harav Mendel Slomowitz Shlita-end of the year Siyum.

Corzine: One Gun Per Month

Days before he is expected to sign a contentious gun-control bill into law -and motivated by shooting deaths last week that included a Jersey City police officer and a Newark mother -- Gov. Jon Corzine convened a press conference today with his running mate and several Democratic allies to call for additional reforms. The governor also painted himself as tougher on violent crime than Republican challenger Chris Christie, who he criticized for opposing a bill to restrict handgun purchases in New Jersey to one per month. Se Star Ledger for full report.

Arts & Crafts Fair / Living Torah Museum

PHOTOS of the arts & crafts fair and demonstration by Living Torah Museum of Borough Park for children in Yeshiva Ketana this afternoon.

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Tornado Warning In Effect

A storm that has produced funnel clouds, quarter-sized hail and wind damage has struck central New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service. In the event of a tornado, residents are advised to stay in the basement, preferably under a workbench or other study piece of furniture. If the building has no basement, residents should seek shelter in an interior room or closet on the lowest floor of their building, using blankets or pillows to protect themselves and staying away from windows, according to the weather service. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for the following counties: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. A flash flood watch is also in effect in several counties, including Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties. Star Ledger

Free Shiurim For 9 Days

AUDIO below of three Mp3 Shiurim for you to download for the 9 days. The following Shiurim were given by Harav Zev Smith Shlita, Harav Yecheskel Roth Shlita and Harav Shmuel Dishon Shlita. You may download, copy and distribute them.

Corzine: "I've Picked A Fighter"

Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday introduced state Sen. Loretta Weinberg as his running mate, ending six months of Democratic intrigue and setting the ticket for his re-election battle against Republican Chris Christie. "I've picked a fighter," Corzine told an enthusiastic partisan crowd of about 400 in Englewood. "Loretta and I may not always do what is politically correct, but we will always do what we believe is right. Read Star Ledger report here.

Look For "Made With Jersey Fresh" Products

Two New Jersey lawmakers believe a simple marketing change could help boost the sales of products made with Garden State produce. Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam have sponsored legislation that would designate baked goods and other food products prepared with homegrown fruit and vegetables as "Made With Jersey Fresh." The bill (A-4038) also would encourage the state , as well as service areas along the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway , to buy "Made With Jersey Fresh" products and promote them to customers. It was recently approved 79-0 by the Assembly and referred to the Senate's Economic Growth Committee. AP

Fire In Industrial Park

At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Shabbos afternoon, a general alarm was put out for a fabric compnay on Lehigh Avenue in the Industrial Park area. FD arrived to find a heavy smoke condition in the building and a fire in the processing machine. Employees working at the company when the fire broke out, called PD and FD and evacuated the building. The FD under control moments later and no injuries were reported.

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TODAY! Chaveirim Safety Inspection

(Click on poster to enlarge). Chaveirim-in conjunction with LCSW, will be offering a free car safety inspection so that your car is safe enough to drive up to the mountains or wherever you may go on vacation this summer. It includes checking the fluid levels, blinkers, spare tires, tire levels etc. The inspection will be taking place at 410 Oberlin Avenue from 4:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. Please note: This is not a DMV inspection.

Our Road Conditions Ranked 50th In Country

A June study by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials ranked road conditions in New Jersey 50th in the country, a report in the New York Times said. According to the report, the deterioration of the roads are partly due to the sheer number of traffic in the nation's mostly densely populated region -New York ranks 43rd, Connecticut ranks 44th. Read full Star Ledger report here.

YUNGERMAN ASSAULTED

YUNGERMAN ASSAULTED: At about 11:30 p.m. Friday night, a Yungerman walking on 5th and Princeton was assaulted. A neighbor looking out of his window noticed a few black people running towards a Yungerman-so he quickly went and called Hatzolah and the Police. Approximately 6 PD units along with a few Hatzolah members arrived to find the Yungerman's Yarmukah and broken glasses on the floor-but the Yungerman was not there. Police searched the area and questioned a few residents. A few minutes later, they then met up with the Yungerman who returned to where he was assaulted, after he returned home to get another Yarmukah. He told police, his attackers asked him for money and when he said he didn't have on him, they began punching him. Baruch Hashem he didn't suffer any serious injuries.
U/D 10:16 p.m. TLS just spoke with a LCSW member who said that in light of the recent incidents in Lakewood over the past week, they will be beefing up patrols in town and have added a few more volunteers for to ensure the safety of the community-especially during the quieter summer months.

TLS-BM/LCSW

CHEMED, OCHD And OHI To Hold H1N1 Educational Meeting

In a countywide campaign to educate people and to increase their awareness about the H1N1 virus, OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives), a Federally Qualified Health Care Center, Lakewood and Toms River, is joining forces with the Ocean County Department of Health, and CHEMED (The Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry), Lakewood, to meet people on Thursday, August 13, Lakewood Town Square near Clifton Avenue, from noon to 2:00 p.m. Representatives from all three agencies will be on hand to answer questions and provide educational materials in Spanish and English for people of all age. Read APP article here.

Corzine Picks Sen. Loretta Weinberg As Lt Governor Running Mate

JUST IN: Gov. Jon Corzine has selected state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) as his running mate for lieutenant governor, two Democrats close to the governor said today.The governor will announce his decision Saturday in Bergen County, said the sources, who asked not to be named in advance of Corzine's official announcement. Corzine settled on Weinberg today over the other leading contender, state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex). Weinberg, known as a reformer who bucked her own county party machinery, could help Corzine win votes in Bergen, a key county that could go Republican. Read full AP report here.

Hespeidim At BMG

PHOTOS of the Hespeidim for Harav Sholom Menashe Gottlieb ZATZAL, Rosh Hayeshiva of Bais Hatalmud, which took place last night at BMG. Hespeidim were givin by the Rosh Hayeshiva Reb Malkiel Shlita and by Harav Avrohom Bromberg Shlita, Rosh Hayeshiva of Shar Hatalmud.

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Christie On Corzine Staff Member: "I Put Corrupt Public Officials In Jail"

A day after revelations of a massive corruption probe that snared several New Jersey public officials, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie released a new television ad touting his corruption-busting credentials."As U.S. Attorney, I put corrupt public officials in jail -Republicans and Democrats," Christie says in the opening line of the ad, his campaign's first of the general election against Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine. In the spot, Christie promises to "change Trenton" with "the same tough, independent decisions" that he made while serving as the state's top federal prosecutor -a tenure that featured scores of convictions of corrupt politicians. Read full Statehouse Bureau report here.

Dallas Community Kollel Parlor Meeting

PHOTOS of the Dallas Community Kollel parlor meeting, which was held to benefit the Kiruv work of Adams family of Dallas Texas.

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Hey-Need Skis? Just Ask Oorah!

Beginning at noon on Sunday, skis, boots and poles are being given away at the former Scotch Valley Ski Resort, courtesy of the new owners, Oorah Boy Zone and Girl Zone camps. The equipment will be handed out with a limit of two sets of equipment per person until it is gone, according to Clifford Meth, Oorah spokesman. Oorah recently finalized the purchase of the resort on state Route 10 between Stamford and Jefferson. The resort and Deer Run condominium complex will be home to a new summer camp for Jewish children in 2010. Eli Mintz, Oorah chief executive officer, said previously that he was open to the idea of the property being operated as ski resort during the winter if someone with experience can run it as a money-making operation. Read full story from thedailystar.com here.

Try Mopping With Detergent Sir!

JUST IN: The Fire Department has just aired out the Princeton Avenue school after a bad gas smell. Apparently, a school janitor started mopping the floor with gasoline after he found tar stuck to the floor! Someone in the building smelled the gas and called the fire department. The building was evacuated and the FD aired it out. The building, houses the Board of Ed and Yeshivas Tashbar.

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Township To Purchase 8 New Police Cars

The township committee passed a resolution last Thursday authorizing the purchase of eight new Ford Crown Victoria police cars. The price of the eight cars is not to exceed $185,135.60.The Voice asked Police Chief Rob Lawson why the police department needs to purchase new vehicles during these tough economic times. Chief Lawson answered that there is so much wear and tear on a police vehicle in the three years that it lasts that it is more cost efficient to purchase new ones. The Chief said that unlike State Police use vehicles are used to drive at steady speeds, the over 100,000 miles that a local police car logs in three years is mainly of the stop and go variety. Such use creates tremendous wear and tear on a vehicle despite the constant maintenance so that the repairs of the car would cost 1,000’s of dollars for new transmissions and engine repair. See full report in this week's Voice Of Lakewood.

Former Mayor Ray Coles: I Was Hoping It Was Just A Rumor"

The political and housing brass here have long heard the rumors: Jeffrey Williamson, a housing inspector, was for sale. So they weren't exactly blindsided by the news Thursday morning that the two-time Assembly candidate was arrested on bribery charges as part of a sweeping FBI public corruption probe. "I've heard rumors over the years but was hoping they were just that and wouldn't come to light," Township Committeeman and former mayor Raymond Coles said. Read full Zach Patberg's APP article here.

Mazel Tov Simcha!

Mazel Tov! The Lakewood Scoop team would like to wish a heartfelt Mazel Tov to Hatzolah member (Unit 19) and Captain, R' Simcha Shain upon the birth of his daughter this morning! May you be Zoche to have much Nachas from the entire family and may Hashem give you the ability to continue in your Avodas Hakodesh for many years to come! Mazel Tov!

"Of Course Rabbis Were Arrested"

VIDEO below from the Star Ledger of the news conference today. Listen at 1:00 into the video to-when Weysan Dun speaks about the many who were arrested-how he says "and of course, a number of Rabbis...". How would it sound if he said "and of course, a number of blacks..."? You decide.

U.S. Attorney, FBI hold press conference on corruption arrests

Corzine Cabinet Member Resigns Amid Corruption Arrests

Joseph Doria, a member of Gov. Corzine's cabinet, resigned today after his home and state office were reportedly raided as part of the sweeping corruption probe. Doria has not been charged in the widespread arrests.
His resignation marks the downfall of a prominent and powerful official whose career included posts as mayor of Bayonne, speaker of the state Assembly and commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. As the head of DCA, he oversaw a critical state department that manages the state's relationship with towns and is responsible for overseeing and managing the city of Camden, which is under state control. Doria often served as a voice for Corzine in the city. AP

Oros Yisroel Parlor Meeting

PHOTOS of the Oros Yisroel parlor meeting which took place last night at the home of R' Dov Gluck.

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Triple Simcha In Taplin Family

Mazel Tov!! The Lakewood Scoop team would like to wish a big Mazel Tov to the family of Harav Hagaon Reb Yisroel Taplin Shlita upon the three Simchos the family will be celebrating this Shabbos. R' Avrohom Noach will be making a Bar Mitzvah for his son and R' Ahron and R' Binyomin will both be making a Shalom Zachor. Reb Yisroel Taplin Shlita is from the Chashuvei BMG, who has been in BMG for nearly 50 years. May the family continue to see much Nachas from these children and from the rest of the family. Mazel Tov!

Avi Solomon On FBI Raid

(Click on letter to enlarge) The attached letter, talking about the current massive corruption scandal, is solely the views of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of TLS. Please note: Comments with any Frum people's names involved in the case, will not be published-so please don't submit them. Thank you.

UPDATE On Stab Victim / Suspect

UPDATE: The Lakewood Scoop spoke with an official involved in the handling of yesterday's stabbing on Clifton-first reported by TLS here. The stabbing victim remains at this time at Jersey Shore Medical Center in critical but stable condition. Police have a suspect in the case-but his name is not being released at this time pending the investigation. However, the man is an undocumented illegal resident and is a flight risk. Regarding the abduction on Forest Avenue yesterday, first reported by TLS here, no suspects have been taken into custody at this time.

BREAKING NEWS: Housing Inspector Jeff Williamson Arrested

Updated BREAKING NEWS: Jeffrey Williamson, a Lakewood housing inspector, charged with taking more than $15,000 in bribes over the last two years, was arrested this morning as part of the wide-sweeping corruption probe by the FBI. About 30 other officials and 'Rabbis' from New Jersey and New York were also arrested. Real-estate mogul S.D, 36, is apparently a key witness in the FBI corruption cases. In April 2007, Williamson met with a witness who was cooperating with the FBI and another Lakewood resident who had worked managing the cooperating witness's properties. Williamson accepted a $500 bribe from the cooperating witness in an unoccupied women's bathroom of a Lakewood restaurant, according to court documents. The bribe was given after Williamson gave the witness and the other individual advice about how to illegally use a residential property in Lakewood as a commercial office. In May 2007 Williamson met again with the witness at a Long Branch restaurant and indicated he had recently performed lenient inspections on 27 of the witness's properties which would then receive certificates of occupancy.
U/D 12:25 p.m. Unfortunately, several Frum people involved with this massive corruption case, are local Lakewood residents. No names of parties involved will be posted.
TLS-TD/APP

OVERTURNED VEHICLE On New Hampshire

OVERTURNED VEHICLE (PHOTOS) Emeregency personnel have just arrived at the scene of an overturned vehicle at Pine Street and New Hampshire. Lakewood First Aid, EMS, PD and FD are at the scene. 4 patients are trapped inside. We will keep you updated.Photos will be posted soon.
U/D 10:20 a.m All occupants have made their way out of the vehicle with minor injuries.

TLS-CCP/TLS-55/TLS-05

Request From Lakewood UPS Employee

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS. Sandy, a UPS employee in Lakewood, contacted us with the following request. Being that many businesses are closed during the 9 days-and even more so on Tisha B'av-if he is your delivery person, it would be a big help and Kiddush Hashem if you can notify him of your business closure schedule prior to you closing so as not to have him knock on each door to find out your holiday schedule. His email is sandyfisher@ups.com .Thank you.

Baruch Dayan Ha'emes

Baruch Dayan Ha'emes. As many may have seen in headlines around the world, a three year old girl was Niftar today in Eretz Yisroel after falling into an uncovered manhole which contained toxic gases. The young girl was a grandchild of Mr. Louis Friedman of Lakewood-the former owner of Gelbstien's Bakery on Clifton. May the family only hear Besuros Tovos.
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