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.

Shadchan R' Shlomo Lewenstien To Speak In Fallsburg Tonight

Kesher, will be holding a gala Tea Party/Chinese auction this evening for women & girls in shidduchim, at the home of Mrs. Debbie Weisman, 13 Laurel Park Rd. (off Brickman Rd. -block of South. Fallsburg Yeshiva). The program-which will begin at 8:00 p.m. will feature a 'Meet & Greet Shadchonim', led by famous Shadchan Rabbi Shlomo Lewenstein. Also speaking, will be Mrs. Yael Kaisman, followed by entertainment by comedian Leah Forster, in an all new episode, titled Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Oh What a Catch! Pareve Buffet/Sushi Bar Couvert $36 (includes 1 auction ticket). Parking at Brickman Public School. For more info, you can call 732-966-5880.

Readers' Scoop: The Shadchan Crisis

(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:
We have all heard about the shidduch crisis, but many have been greatly misinformed as who is really to be blamed. Obviously, the picky boys and girls are a factor. The boys in learning who are looking to marry a bank account before anything else don’t help the problem. However, there is much blame that lays squarely on the shoulders of the shadchanim. The shadchanim who read a shidduch without having seen one or both parties beforehand are committing an aveira by promoting the shidduch. The shadchanim who lie about looks or personality in order to make that first date happen have wasted hours upon hours of a boy or girl’s time in trying to get married. The worst are the shadchanim who push a boy or girl into another date (read more)

Checkpoint At Lakewood / Howell Border

(Photo of Howell checkpoint) The Lakewood Scoop is getting reports about a checkpoint at the Lakewood-Howell border (right before Valero gas station). The checkpoint, was set up by the Howell Police Department. There is a cop standing on the road checking each and every car's registration and looking out for seat belt and handheld cellphone violators. If your car registration is not up to date, you can get your car towed.

Thanks 'E' and SN.

Patrolwoman Lynn Miller From The First Trained In ALPR System

It takes about a second for Patrolwoman Lynn Miller to run a license plate number through a computer to see if it's legally registered, if it's stolen, or if there's an arrest warrant for the owner, said Deputy Police Chief Frederick J. Capper. Miller is trained in the use of the Automated License Plate Recognition system. It can instantly provide the status of vehicles, or the owners, and is up and running in the township, funded by a $30,000 grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security and state Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Miller is one of the initial six officers chosen to train on the system because she showed strong computer skills and is a self-motivator, Capper said. A total of nine officers now are trained. Six cameras are mounted on the roof of the "reader car" to read the plate numbers. Information about the vehicle then is displayed on the dashboard computer screen. An alert beeps when a vehicle warranting examination is spotted and the officer then can initiate a motor vehicle stop. APP

Wachtfogel / Licht Sheva Brachos

PHOTOS of the Wachtfogel / Licht Sheva Brachos which took place at Bais Pinchos this evening.

TLS-60/TLS-16

Spigelman / Sommer Chasunah

VIDEO below of the Spigelman / Sommer Chasunah which took place this evening in Tarrytown NY. Dacing with the Choson is the Rov in Chateau Park Harav Wosner Shlita, Reb Shia Gelbwachs Shlita-Rov Bais Medrash Ner Yisroel and Harav Avrohom Spitzer Shlita-the Skverre Dayan. (mobile users click here to view on youtube).

UPDATED Mother Leaves Children Unattended-Child Calls Police

JUST IN: Police were called to a home a short time ago to find four children home alone-with the oldest among them eleven years old and the youngest just six months old. Apparently, the mother had stepped out for a few minutes leaving the oldest to babysit. However, upon hearing a knock at the door, one of the children got frightened and called the police. Police arrived moments before the mother-to find the children unattended. Although a neighbor was left monitoring the children, apparently this did not suffice, and upon his arrival, the officer contacted DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) to deal with the situation. Several Askonim are working with the authorities on the case at this time.
U/D 12:11 a.m. DYFS just left the home and Baruch Hashem they were pleased with what they heard and saw. The parents are not facing any charges.

New Thursday Night Shiur In Town

NEW! A new Thursday night Shiur from Harav Osher Cheim Lieberman Shlita will be starting this coming Thursday evening. The Shiur-which will be from the Sefer Orchos Shabbos in the Inyan of Choleh on Shabbos-will be taking place at K'hal Zichron Schneur, 282 Oak Knoll Road each Thursday night from 10:35 p.m.-11:20 p.m.

$62 Million To Ticket You On GSP And Turnpike

It cost $62.6 million for state troopers to patrol the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway last year. That's a 37 percent increase compared with 2004, when a change in accounting practices followed a merger that brought the parkway under the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Most of the spending covered salary, health, retirement and pension benefits for the estimated 415 troopers. They enforce motor vehicle laws, aid motorists, respond to accidents, track toll cheats and make arrests for lewd behavior at service areas. During the first half of this year, troopers on the turnpike issued nearly 32,000 tickets. Troopers on the parkway issued nearly 26,000 summonses. AP

One Week Left For Back To School Advertising Special On TLS

One week left! 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. This offer is valid until September 1st.

Siyum At Harav Shlomo Chaim Kanarek Shlita

PHOTOS of Siyum on Bava Metziah at the Daf Hayomi Hayomi Shiur of Harav Shlomo Chaim Kanarek Shlita.

Photos-SH.

BREAKING NEWS: Police Officer Tickets Hatzolah Member On Call

BREAKING NEWS: (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO & PHOTOS below) (as witnessed by a TLS reporter) A Lakewood Police Officer, John Wilson, just gave a summons to a Hatzolah member (Unit 31) after claiming he pulled up too close to the scene of the pedestrian hit and did not obey him when telling him to move. The Hatzolah member pulled up to the intersection at 7th and Clifton with lights on and parked his car right up to the white line of the intersection when officer Wilson yelled at him to get back into his car and move it. The Hatzolah member immediately got back into his car-before attending to the patient-and moved back his car. While the Hatzolah member was attending to the patient, the officer called in his plate over the radio and when the member returned to his car, the officer gave him the summons for not obeying a police officer. VIDEO & PHOTOS of the incident will be posted shortly. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

VIDEO

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK: (PHOTOS) Multiple Hatzolah and PD units have just pulled up to 7th and Clifton for a Pedestrian hit-knocked from a bike. Medics are being requested. We will keep you updated. Photos will be posted shortly.
U/D 7:35 p.m. Patient is being transported to Jersey Shore with non life-threatening injuries B'H.

VIDEO

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TOMORROW MORNING! Start Your Elul Off With Breakfast / Lunch & Learn

The now popular Breakfast/Lunch & Learn programs will be resuming this coming Monday, August 24th. The Breakfast & Learn program-which features a Shiur from Reb Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita-runs Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m.-7:40 a.m. with 5 minutes of Mussar, followed by a free buffet breakfast. There is a Minyan Shachris at 6:15 a.m. as well as one after the Shiur, at 7:40 a.m. The program takes place at Rabbi Rosenblatts' Yeshiva, 218 Joe Parker Road in Raintree. The Lunch & Learn program-which takes place at the Coventry Shul-begins with Mincha at 1:25 p.m. followed by a 25 minute Shiur from Reb Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita. Following the Shiur-enjoy your free lunch-to-go-partially sponsored by J2 Pizza. This program runs Monday through Thursday. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 732-299-3000. tomorrow

BMG Tumult Day

PHOTOS & VIDEO of the official Tumult Day at BMG this morning. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

VIDEO

In Case $207 Million Wasn't Enough To Return To Kollel...

With no grand-prize winners in Friday's $207 million Mega Millions lottery, the jackpot for Tuesday night's drawing has grown to $252 million, according to the multi-state game's Web site. The lump-sum cash payment would be more than $159 million, the Web site says. Last night's numbers were: 9, 38, 44, 48, 49 and the golden Mega Ball was 13. The next drawing is at 11 p.m. Tuesday. AP

Places To Go With The Family

(Reposted) Looking for somewhere to take the family today? The Voice Of Lakewood has compiled a list of 101 vacation spots, trips and activities for you and family to enjoy-far and near, including aquariums, farms, zoos, museums and Pennsylvania attractions. To view these attractions online, click here to be redirected to The Voice's digital paper. Wherever you may be, stay safe and enjoy :) (Please note: The attractions listed are for informational purposes only. The Voice and TLS do not endorse nor accept responsibility for the Tznius standards, Kashrus or reliability of any attractions listed). In addition, last week, we posted another link to a great website with dozens of attractions. Click here to be redirected to funnewjersey.com.

It's Never Too Late To Join! New Daf Hayomi Mesechta Begins Today

(Click on image to enlarge) Have you always wanted to join the Daf, but kept on pushing it off? Well, now you have a new opportunity. Today, hundreds of thousands across the globe will have started Meseches Bava Basra, the 23nd Mesechta of the Daf Hayomi cycle. It's never too late to start! For your convenience, The Lakewood Scoop has compiled a list of the Daf Hayomi Shiurim around Lakewood. If you'd like to listen to a Daf Hayomi Shiur while in the office or wherever else you may be, click here to listen and see the Daf of the current day, or go to http://www.dafyomi.org/.
Thank you TLS-60/WM.

Kumzitz At The Braudy Home

VIDEO below of a Kumzitz this evening at the home of R' Avi Braudy. The Kumzitz was held in the honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Zacky (Zecharya) Hennessey of Atlanta, GA. (Mobile users click here to view video on youtube).

Free Cotton Candy At Pharmex Tomorrow

In honor of their grand opening tomorrow, Pharmex will be giving away free cotton candy-whether you make a purchase or not. The new store-located in Todd Plaza-was recently purchased by Lakewood First Aid member Motty Twerski as reported here on TLS. Click here to see photos of Harav Chaim Meir Roth Shlita-Rov in Sterling Forest-hanging up a Mezuzah at the new Store.

Up To Fifteen High School Girls Remain Without A School

With only about two weeks left to the new school year, there are between 10 and 15 high school girls who still have nowhere to go. (Contrary to popular belief that there are over 30 without a place). Many readers have asked us what the status is with these girls and what has been done this far by community activists. On Friday, TLS spoke with several Askonim involved who said that they are working around the clock with the school principals and Menahelim to resolve the matter as quickly as possible-and "Baruch Hashem, there is progress". Last year, the Roshei Hayeshiva Shlita prevented all girl's schools from opening until all students were settled. We will keep you updated with any further developments.

Several Lakewood Children Join The KOC Trip To Florida

VIDEO. Several Lakewood children joined nearly 100 other children with disabilities in a week of fun in Florida-sponsored by Kids Of Courage-a year-old nonprofit group that organizes retreats year-round for kids with complex medical conditions. The children left through Newark airport on a chartered plane. To make the trip possible, Continental Airlines arranged for a separate security screening for the kids and the Kids of Courage team, which included two doctors, three paramedics, five nurses, a physical therapist and an emergency medical technician, plus a personal counselor for each camper. The group, which is funded by private donations, was able to secure discounts and special accommodations from many of the places they plan to visit in Florida, including Universal Studios, Disneyworld and the Tampa Bay Rays. For more info on Kids Of Courage, visit Kidsoc.org.

Power Outage On Tanglewood

JUST IN: The Fire Department has just been dispatched to Tanglewood and County Line for a report of wires down. Several residents in the area have lost electricity as a result. As we post this, the units on scene are advising that it seems there is some type of fuse which busted-but there are no wires down. JCP&L was requested to respond.

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Bachurim Assist PD In Aprehending Suspect

ARRESTED: At approximately 2:00 a.m this morning, a perpetrator broke into to a home on Oak Knoll Road and was scared off by the alarm. Moments later, a car door around the corner-on Chicanos Road-was found open-but nothing was taken from either. Bachurim on the block noticed the perpetrator running into the wooded area and alerted police. Police chased the man and apprehended him a short time later. The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

LCSW Beefs Up Patrols In Westgate

Many Westgate residents may have noticed a LCSW patrol car parked in the development last night. That's because, in light of the recent string of burglaries which hit the Westgate community this past week-as reported here on TLS, LCSW has stepped up patrols in many areas-especially in Westgate. On Wednesday, police were quite busy investigating two residential burglaries and an act of vandalism in the Wetsgate Shul in the close knit community. Again, we remind our readers to double check-and alarm your doors and windows at night. (A Rav should be contacted regarding setting an alarm on Shabbos being that many operate on sensors).

New Shwekey CD Sampler

AUDIO below of the new Shwekey CD, titled Ad Bli Dai-which is set to hit stores this coming Monday. The last album-L'sheim Shomayim-was released two years ago. Six months ago, he also released an album titled Live In Caesaria.