Lakewood Hockers

JVELTRADIO.COM

2009-12-13T18:07:00.004-05:00

http://www.jveltradio.com/

Lakewood man arrested after probe into heroin-dealing

2009-09-06T22:01:00.001-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A month-long investigation into heroin distribution has resulted in the arrest of a Eisenhower Avenue man known on the street as "K.I.," police said.

Robert Callahan, 28, was taken into custody at his home Wednesday night after members of the police department's Street Crimes Unit executed a search warrant, Detective Sgt. John Stillwell said. Stillwell signed complaints charging him with possession of heroin and possession with intent to distribute.
His bail was set at $50,000 with no 10 percent payment option and he was lodged in Ocean County Jail.
Officers Leroy Marshall and Jason Pederson assisted in the arrest, along with the Ocean County Sheriff Department's K-9 unit. (APP)

One dead in Lakewood hotel fire

2009-08-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A fast-moving fire at the Capitol Hotel located at 325 Seventh Street early Sunday morning has claimed the life of one unidentified person and caused at least 40 to 50 people to be evacuated, according to Sgt. Edward Rupp of the Lakewood Police Department.
"There was a casualty. I don't know if it was male or female,'' Rupp said Sunday afternoon. "There was a body found in one of the hotel rooms.''
In addition, three Lakewood patrolmen were taken to Kimball Medical Center on Prospect Street in Lakewood for smoke inhalation. Patrolmen Edward Miick, Steve Kawolski and Leonard Nieves, Jr. were all treated and released from the Center.
Neighbors said the victim was a middle-aged man who was a native of a Eastern European country. They described the man as quiet, who smoked a lot and was often seen performing chores around the hotel.
Resident Sam Steinberg was a witness to the fire and the evacuation process. Steinberg said minutes after the blaze erupted on the third floor corner room, most of the occupants of the hotel were out of the building.
"Everyone moved quickly to get everyone out especially since not a lot of people are up at that time,'' said Steinberg. "When everyone got out, all the occupants were accounted for except one. And the fire was in the room that he used.'' Click HERE for more APP

Click on the Link Below to Sign Petition to Widen Route 9

2009-08-27T12:59:00.001-04:00

http://www.widen9now.com/index.html

LAKEWOOD HOUSING PLAN PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

2009-08-27T12:58:00.001-04:00

The public is advised that the Township Committee of the Township of Lakewood will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 6, 2009 for purposes of review and endorsement of the Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan of the Township’s Master Plan. The Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan presents the Township’s proposed approach and mechanisms to address its fair share affordable housing obligation consistent with the regulations of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing as specified in N.JA.C. 5:97-1 et seq. The hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend and be heard. The report entitled: “Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan” is on file for public inspection during normal business hours in the office of the Township Clerk located at Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood.

Lakewood woman charged in Jackson bank robbery

2009-08-27T12:54:00.000-04:00

JACKSON — A 43-year-old Lakewood woman has been arrested and charged with robbing a township bank earlier this month.
Kyla D. Tobe, of 50 Delaware Trail, is being held at Ocean County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. She is accused of passing a threatening note to a teller at the Sovereign Bank located on West County Line Road at 12 p.m. on August 18.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Jackson Detective Robert Reiff. APP

Lakewood homes, synagogue target of burglaries

2009-08-20T10:38:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — Two burglaries, an attempted burglary and an act of vandalism were reported in the Westgate Community between 6:32 and 9:51 a.m. Wednesday, police said.
The first incident reported was at the Bais Medrash Synogogue, 47 Kelm Woods Ave., where someone entered through an unlocked rear window, disturbed several sacred items and took loose change, said Lt. William Addison.
The second burglary was reported at 8:27 a.m. at 18 Kingsfield Drive where a person entered the home through a back window and took $42 in cash and coins, police said.
An attempted burglary was discovered at 22 Kingsfield Drive and was reported at 9:26 a.m. A window was partially opened but no one entered the home, Addison said.
A vandalism report was taken at 9:51 a.m. at 20 Kingsfield Drive where a window was broken, Addison said.
All residents are reminded to lock windows and doors of their homes and vehicles, Addison said.
Officer Lynn Miller investigated the four incidents.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area is asked to call police at 732-363-0200 ext. 5332.

The debate over whether kosher laws are kosher in some states

2009-08-20T10:36:00.000-04:00

ATLANTA — Rabbi Mark Zimmerman is the twelfth in a line of rabbis that dates back centuries. He has led a suburban Atlanta synagogue for 21 years. He considers himself well-versed in the intricacies of Judaism's dietary laws.
Still, due to a Georgia law that kosher food meet "Orthodox Hebrew religious rules," the rabbi from the Conservative Jewish movement does not have the authority to certify kosher restaurants.
Georgia is the latest front in the debate over whether kosher laws are kosher after Zimmerman and other rabbis, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, challenged the law. Similar rules have been struck down in at least two other states, and attorneys say five others could be targeted: Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin.
"You can't have the government of the U.S. or the government of the state of Georgia determining which branch of Judaism is authoritative," said Zimmerman.
The rabbi and his allies, all members of the Conservative stream of Judaism, say the law should be overturned because not all Jews are Orthodox — the most traditional interpretation of Jewish teaching. The state, they contend, breaches the First Amendment when it favors one religious group over another. APP (click HERE for the rest)

Night out against Crime

2009-07-31T11:10:00.001-04:00

This Tuesday August 4th will be the Annual Night Out Against Crime, at Pine Park. It will be from 4:00 until 9:00 P.M.

Draft of Lakewood's proposed UEZ boundary map available to public

2009-07-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

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.
The proposed UEZ boundaries focus on commercial areas in the Township that show economic activity and the opportunity for businesses to claim some sales tax revenues. “The whole concept,” says Russell Corby, acting executive director of the UEZ, “is that local merchants who are certified in the program can charge 3 percent or one half the sales tax. That money is directed to a special zone assistance fund; and those funds, upon application, can be used for economic development projects in Lakewood Township.” APP (Click HERE for the rest)

Police: Lakewood man facing charges for striking child

2009-07-31T11:07:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A 24-year-old Clover Street man, Nicolas Perez Torres, was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a 5-year-old boy after authorities learned he had struck the child in the face with an open hand, said Detective Steve Wexler.
The incident was reported to police Tuesday by officials at a day camp who found the facial bruising on the child.
The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the Division of Youth and Family Services were notified and participated in the investigation, Wexler said.
The boy is related to the accused, police said.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Web Services

2009-07-26T10:41:00.000-04:00

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Business and Industry Expo

2009-07-08T09:59:00.001-04:00

Thursday July 16th there will be a Business and Industry Expo at Lake Terrace Hall from 3:00 until 7:00 in the evening.

Arrest made in 2008 shooting death of Toms River man

2009-07-08T09:55:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A year-long investigation into the shooting death of an 18-year-old Toms River man has led to the arrest of a suspect from Keansburg.
Dennis Thigpen Jr., 33, who authorities say is also known as "Po," was taken into custody at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday by the Keansburg police Street Crimes Unit and charged with the murder of Anthony D. Skyers II.
Skyers was found laying along a wooded trail between the High Point and Wyndham Place II condominium complexes on Massachusetts Avenue here the morning of June 6, 2008. An investigation and subsequent autopsy revealed he was shot once in the neck and once in the head the night before.
Thigpen, who was turned over to Lakewood police and Ocean County investigators following his arrest, is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. (click HERE for the rest) APP

Fireworks

2009-07-01T20:57:00.001-04:00

This year the Fireworks in honor of July 4th will be held at the Lake Carasaljo on Thursday, July 2nd. Enjoy!

'Barbershop' judge to head Ocean County criminal division of Superior Court

2009-07-01T20:56:00.000-04:00

TOMS RIVER — Ocean County's first black Superior Court judge, who last year presided over the dramatic Lakewood barbershop murder trial, has been tapped to lead the county's criminal division of Superior Court.

Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels was named presiding judge of the criminal division, effective today, in an order signed by state Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
Daniels, 57, of Lakewood, replaces Superior Court Judge Barbara Ann Villano, whose retirement after 20 years on the bench becomes effective today. APP(Click HERE for the rest)

Environmental activists suggest involvement in Lakewood land use

2009-07-01T20:54:00.000-04:00

TOMS RIVER — When the recession ends, Lakewood and the rest of the Metedeconk River basin are likely to be an epicenter for the next wave of commercial and residential development, and community activists say now is the time for residents to get involved with land-use decision making.

With Ocean County's population already past 560,000 and more than a third of the county's land mass developed, "we're kind of at that tipping point now," said Helen Henderson of the American Littoral Society, as the Concerned Citizens of Lakewood and environmental activists met Monday night to discuss a joint effort to get commitments to save open space and redevelop existing commercial districts in Lakewood. APP (Click Here for the rest)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

2009-07-01T20:51:00.001-04:00

There may be severe thunderstorms tonight. Try to stay indoors.

Jvelt Radio Launches with Multiple Jewish Music Streams

2009-06-25T19:21:00.002-04:00

http://www.JveltRadio.com launched today! It has multiple music streams and one news stream. They will add more streams as time goes on. Easy access to Jewish music and it's very easy to change "stations".

Arrest in Lakewood teen stabbing

2009-06-23T12:28:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A 16-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder after eyewitnesses said he stabbed a fellow Middle School student three times on school property Monday, said Detective Lt. Joseph Isnardi.
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The victim was a 15-year-old boy who suffered stab wounds to his back, chest and arm, Isnardi said.
RELATED
Student Stabbed Behind Lakewood Middle School
The victim had run inside a small workshop on the grounds behind the school while being pursued by his attacker, police said. A grounds keeper was inside the shop and called 911 when the victim came in, shortly after 12:30 p.m., Isnardi said.
The school closed for the summer at noon.
The victim was flown via helicopter from the athletic field behind the school on Somerset Avenue to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he was in critical but stable condition, Isnardi said.
The attacker was identified to police by the victim and an eyewitness. Lakewood Police School Resource Officers were able to direct the search to the nearby neighborhood where the suspect lived on the 800 block of Ridge Avenue.
Police Chief Robert Lawson and Capt. Gregory Miick responded to the teen's home and participated in the arrest with the patrol division and detective bureau.
The knife used in the stabbing was found outside the home where the accused lived, Isnardi said. The Ocean County Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office assisted.
The 16-year-old boy was placed in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, Toms River.
The names of the boy charged and the victim were not released because they are juveniles, authorities said.
Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the county Prosecutor's Office said the stab wounds were not life-threatening.
Authorities and school officials, including interim schools superintendent Eugenia Lawson, conferred on the grounds by the small building at the field near where the stabbing took place.
The middle school graduation was held as planned Monday evening. APP

Lakewood woman guilty in assault on police officer

2009-06-17T14:26:00.001-04:00

TOMS RIVER — An Ocean County jury has found a 33-year-old Lakewood woman guilty of assaulting the very officer she had accused of brutality in 2005.
After about two hours of deliberations on Thursday and Friday, the panel convicted Nichole Robinson of Williamsburg Lane of aggravated assault on Lakewood Officer Erick Menck and of resisting arrest.
The jury, however, acquitted Robinson of threatening to kill Menck.
Following the jury's verdict, Superior Court Judge James Den Uyl found Robinson guilty of the disorderly persons offense of criminal mischief stemming from an incident at a beauty supply store that preceded Menck's attempts to take the assaultive woman into custody at her home on Nov. 20, 2005.
(Click HERE for the rest) APP

New rules to end Route 70 congestion in Brick

2009-06-17T13:41:00.000-04:00

BRICK — A series of traffic changes are set to be implemented later this month now that engineers have said that the key to fixing traffic here is the Chambers Bridge Road and Route 70 intersection, according to a study released Tuesday.

The traffic changes will be effective June 23.
Engineers from Birdsall Engineering, Eatontown, claimed they have solved the township retail district's traffic congestion problem to the extent that there will be no backups along Route 70, even during the morning and afternoon rushes.
"You just have too much trying to fit through there," said Frank A. Miskovich, Birdsall vice president of Transportation Services.
Solving the congestion problem doesn't involve building more lanes, more jug handles or completely rebuilding Route 70, but it might get a bit complicated:
No left turns will be permitted from Chambers Bridge Road onto Route 70 in either direction. APP (Click HERE for the rest)

Lakewood warns public to use only licensed taxicabs

2009-06-07T00:11:00.000-04:00

The Lakewood Township Transportation Safety Board has issued a warning reminding the public to use only licensed taxicabs. Unlicensed taxicabs may not be inspected or insured. The driver of an unlicensed taxicab may not have the proper license.
Residents are urged to use taxicabs with the proper licensing. Lakewood Township and the State of New Jersey inspect taxicabs twice a year to make sure the vehicles are safe and comply with safety standards. The New Jersey State Police also make sure drivers meet stringent criminal background checks. To be properly licensed, taxicabs must be insured and provide proof of insurance to the Township.
Bernard Gindoff, chairman of the Lakewood Transportation Safety Board, says, “Unlicensed taxicabs have become a very big problem, and we're trying to rectify the situation as best as we can through the Lakewood transportation board and the police department. We want the public to be aware of what's going on.”
The licensed taxi companies include Leisure Hack & Laurel Cabs (white with blue letters); Latino Cab (yellow); Unidos (red); Los Amigos (blue), and Lakewood Transportation (black).
For further information, call Lakewood Traffic Safety or the Lakewood Police at 732-363-0200. APP

LCSW 732-367-1212

2009-06-04T23:09:00.001-04:00

LCSW now has a new number. You can call if you would like patrols in your neighborhood or if you see something suspicious that you want them to keep an eye on. The number is 732-367-1212

Police: Swine flu case confirmed in Lakewood

2009-06-03T14:32:00.000-04:00

A student in the private school system has been diagnosed with swine flu, Police Chief Robert Lawson confirmed.
Lawson said a school administrator told him a few days ago that a student was diagnosed after going to a doctor last week with flu-like symptoms. The student's name and school were not released, and administrators for the Orthodox Jewish private schools could not be reached immediately.
Lawson said he is setting up a meeting between school administrators and the Ocean County Health Department to discuss ways to prevent the flu's spread and when, if necessary, to close a school. The chief said he is aware of only one case, and that no schools have been closed so far.
"We're trying to avoid panic in the community," Lawson said. "From what I've learned, it's not any more pernicious than the regular flu."
Donna Leusner, spokeswoman for the state's Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state lab is the only place that can confirm a case of swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza. As of Wednesday afternoon, the number of confirmed cases in Ocean County had not risen from the two reported several days ago, Leusner said. A total of 125 cases have been confirmed statewide, with another 23 listed as probable. APP

17 percent cut in New Jersey Natural Gas rate in the offing

2009-06-02T20:27:00.000-04:00

New Jersey Natural Gas plans to cut rates for its residential customers this winter by 17.6 percent, according to a proposal that would give consumers battered by the recession some relief.
The rate cut, which needs to be approved by the state Board of Public Utilities, would take effect Oct. 1. It would lower rates for a typical customer who uses 100 therms a month from $170.05 to $140.17, the Wall-based utility said.
"It's kind of refreshing somebody is thinking about it," said Roxanne Smith, 55, of Tinton Falls, who has been under so much financial pressure lately she doesn't think she can retire. "That would just mean at least somebody is paying attention."
New Jersey Natural Gas has more than 486,000 customers in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. (click HERE for the rest)

Suspect in rabbi bat attack deemed competent to stand trial

2009-06-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

TOMS RIVER — A 38-year-old Lakewood man accused of attempted murder in a baseball-bat attack on a rabbi has been deemed competent to stand trial.

Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson last week ruled that Lee Tucker of Ventura Drive is mentally fit to stand trial on the attempted murder charge and another charge of possessing a weapon.
Tucker is accused of severely beating Rabbi Mordechai Moskowitz in Lakewood on Oct. 9, 2007. Moskowitz, then 53 and a third-grade teacher at Lakewood Cheder School, was attacked while walking to synagogue to pray. (Click HERE for the rest)

THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, MAY 25,2009

2009-05-25T15:58:00.001-04:00

THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE WILL START AT 9:45 AM WITH THE RISING OF THE FLAG AT TOWN SQUARE. IT WILL PROCEED TO ALL WARS MEMORIAL VIA CLIFTON AVENUE MAKING A RIGHT ONTO MAIN STREET CROSSING ROUTE 9 SOUTH INTO NORTH LAKE DRIVE.IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER CHECK RADIO STATION 1160 WOBM AM, 92.7 WOBM FM OR CALL LAKEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT 732-363-0200A SHORT MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AUDITORIUM AT 10:00 AM. Lakewood Township

1-man tax board now 2; more help coming soon

2009-05-22T15:53:00.000-04:00

And then there were two.
After almost three months alone on the dais, P.G. Waxman, commissioner on the Ocean County Board of Taxation, has been joined by a second member.
Nicholas Montenegro, an attorney from Point Pleasant, was sworn into office Thursday morning by retired Superior Court Judge James D. Clyne. After the oath, Montenegro took his seat as the second commissioner on the panel, which still has five empty seats. The board hears property tax appeals from residents living in the county's 33 municipalities, acting as a quasi-judicial body. "He cleared his calendar for the next four months," quipped Waxman, who was also sworn in Thursday for a second, five-year term on the tax board.
The board faces a daunting workload that includes hearing the appeals of 14,128 cases in 2009. By comparison, Bergen County — with the second-highest number of appeals and twice Ocean County's population — has just 8,000 cases this year.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Lakewood UEZ plans more free business seminars

2009-05-20T15:51:00.002-04:00

The Lakewood Development Corporation, the administrative arm of the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), is offering the public free small business seminars. Seminars are held in the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231 Third Street.
1. “Doing Business with the Government Get Your Foot in the Door.” Presented by NJIT Defense Procurement Center, Thursday, June 18, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 13, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2. “Premiere Business Services.” Presented by the N.J. Office of Information Technology, Monday, June 22, 2009, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Using the State of N.J. Web site, attendees will be able to interact in real time with multiple State agencies through a single, secure login. Users will also have access to all N.J. electronic tax filing and payment services that apply to their business, and access to their filing and payment history.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Lakewood prepares for Memorial Day parade

2009-05-19T15:49:00.000-04:00

The township is preparing for its annual Memorial Day parade Monday and is encouraging all veterans to participate, officials said.
The ceremonies will start with the raising of the flag at 9:45 a.m. at Town Square on Clifton Avenue. From there, the parade will pass the review stand on its way down Clifton Avenue to the All War Memorial Amphitheater, where town and state officials will lay a wreath in remembrance of soldiers.
Veterans who would like to walk or ride in the parade and attend the ceremony should call Elva Fegan by Friday at 732-364-2500, ext. 5283. APP

Oorah-thon

2009-05-16T22:18:00.001-04:00

Click HERE to listen to the Oorah-thon!

Rabbi-attack suspect seeks incompetency ruling

2009-05-16T22:16:00.000-04:00

Defense attorneys are seeking to have a 38-year-old Lakewood man declared incompetent to stand trial on charges that he attempted to murder a rabbi in a baseball-bat attack in Lakewood in 2007.
Attorneys Glenn Kassman and Kevin Young are seeking to have Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson declare Lee Tucker of Ventura Drive incompetent to stand trial on charges of attempted murder and weapons possession.
In a hearing before Hodgson on Thursday, Dr. Daniel Greenfield, a psychiatrist, testified that Tucker is incompetent due to a long history of psychiatric commitments dating to 1996 for serious disorders that include schizophrenia.
Another psychiatrist, Dr. Timothy Michals, testified for the state that Tucker is competent to stand trial and faked mental illness during an exam.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Homeless man in Lakewood 'tent city' burned in fire

2009-05-15T14:20:00.000-04:00

A 45-year-old homeless man camped out in Lakewood was burned early this morning after he accidentally kicked over a butane heater in his tent and started a fire, police said.
The small encampment was the same site where Jimmy Wilcox, 65, a one-legged homeless man and local activist, burned to death in February after a propane heater in his tent exploded. Steven Brigham, a Lakewood minister who has spent a decade helping the local homeless, said "fire is a real concern. People can't afford to get careless."
Nj.com [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Winner of Bais Hatavshil $10,000 Raffle

2009-05-14T22:20:00.001-04:00

Bais Hatavshil of Lakewood held its $10,000 raffle this week and the winner is…the Levy family of Lakewood. The raffle was arranged to garner support to ensure that the Bais Hatavshil can continue to feed the hungry.
When we hear of hunger we think of faraway third world countries. We don’t think it happens close to home. However, those at the Bais Hatavshil of Lakewood are witness that it does. Their motto, “Anyone who is hungry shall come and eat,” is testimony that there are very many who are really hungry in our midst.The Bais Hatavshil of Lakewood opened its doors back in the summer of 2007 and every night of the year is literally “sold out” with over 150 people taking advantage of their five-course hot dinner. They are lonely people, divorcees, bachelors, married men whose wives may be ill or just gave birth, and many who come from abroad to try to solicit funds for themselves and worthy institutions. The Bais Hatavshil volunteers never ask questions.
Thanks to all who participated in the raffle. Matzav

Two more nominated for Ocean County tax board

2009-05-14T22:11:00.001-04:00

Gov. Jon S. Corzine made two new appointments Thursday to the Ocean County Board of Taxation, which come on the heels of three other appointments made last week.
If all five nominees are confirmed, all seven seats on the tax board will have been filled.
Mark Ellsworth of Mantoloking and Glenn Harrison of Lakewood will be vetted by the State Police and are subject to review by the state Senate Judiciary Committee and a vote in the Senate before they can be seated.
The board had been functioning with just one member. APP

Area home prices skid 11.3%

2009-05-13T11:28:00.001-04:00

In the midst of a recession, home prices in the area that includes Monmouth and Ocean counties dropped 11.3 percent in the first quarter compared with the year before, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday.

The median sales price for an existing single-family home in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Somerset counties was $320,900 in the first quarter, compared with $361,800 in the same quarter in 2008. The median means that half the homes in the area sold for more and half sold for less.(Click HERE for the rest )

Buckle up: Police to enforce seat-belt laws

2009-05-13T11:26:00.000-04:00

Two dozen law enforcement agencies in Monmouth and Ocean counties will participate in an annual seat-belt enforcement campaign.
The agencies each received $4,000 grants for the national Click It or Ticket campaign, which will run from May 18 to 31.
"I think the one message we really want to get out to the public is the most effective safety device in an automobile is a seat belt," said Pam Fischer, director of the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "We really want everyone to understand how important it is to buckle up."
Fischer said drivers and passengers who wear seat belts reduce their chance of being injured or killed in a crash by up to 75 percent.
"If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your family," she said of seat-belt use. "They want you to get home at the end of the day." (Click HERE for the rest)

Motor Vehicle Agency in Toms River reopens

2009-05-11T14:51:00.000-04:00

TOMS RIVER — The Toms River Motor Vehicle Agency on Hooper Avenue will reopen Monday, six months after a fire caused its closure.
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According to a news release, the agency at 1861 Hooper Ave. had been closed and under repair because of damage caused by a Nov. 30 fire at the Village Square Plaza.
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PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE ARCHIVES: Fire at Hooper Ave. shopping plaza shuts down DMV
Driver testing services will resume at the location beginning at 8 a.m. Monday.
The Manahawkin Agency at 712 East Bay Ave. and the Lakewood Agency at 1195 Route 70 (Leisure Center) still are available to serve customers in Ocean County.

Lakewood Links

2009-05-05T17:10:00.001-04:00

Click HERE to see Lakewoods newest blog.
www.lakewoodlinks.blogspot.com

Senate OKs nominee for Ocean tax board

2009-05-05T10:10:00.001-04:00

The Ocean County Board of Taxation is no longer a one-man show.
Eighteen nominees for county tax boards statewide were confirmed Monday by the state Senate, including Nick Montenegro, 66, of Point Pleasant.
Montenegro will join sitting Tax Commissioner P.G. Waxman, 50, of Lakewood, who was himself awarded another five-year term on the board. As a consequence of attrition and other factors in Trenton, Waxman has been its sole member since March.
Waxman was forced to cancel Wednesday's annual organizational meeting of the tax board after he realized no one would be there to second his nomination as its president.
"I did not think it appropriate to reorganize myself, with myself, by myself,'' Waxman quipped. "I'm happy to get an additional commissioner... It's like having a lawn with a seven zone sprinkler system during a drought. Only one zone works and then the repairman fixes a second zone. Still, what does the lawn look like?'' APP

Dozens hospitalized after bus, pick-up collide

2009-05-04T22:15:00.000-04:00

Dozens of kindergarteners were sent to the hospital after a school bus collided with a pick-up in Ocean County Monday.
The accident allegedly happened after the pick-up tried to make a left turn in front of the bus.
The bus was carrying 46 students from Spruce Street Elementary in Lakewood along with the driver, two teachers and a school aide.
School officials say 43 of the children received medical attention. The teachers, aide and pick-up driver were injured. All were treated and released. News12

Driver, one student injured in Lakewood school bus crash

2009-05-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A school bus carrying about 30 children returning from a field trip to the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk collided with a motor vehicle near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Cedar Bridge Road, resulting in two minor injuries, police said.
Murphy Bus Service No. 103 was traveling south on New Hampshire Avenue, transporting children from the kindergarten-to-sixth-grade Spruce Street School when a motor vehicle, attempting to make a left turn, cut in front of the bus, causing the collision, police said.
One child suffered a minor injury, police said. The other children were transported to the parking lot at the nearby BlueClaws stadium, where a short time later another bus arrived and took them all back to the school.
The driver of the motor vehicle suffered a head injury and is being treated at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, police said.
Officials at Spruce Street School refused to comment on the accident

Lakewood man charged in fatal Jackson crash

2009-05-04T17:41:00.001-04:00

JACKSON — Police have arrested the driver whose minivan struck a sedan broadside, killing one of the sedan's passengers, police said.

Pedro C. Teutle-Castro, 41, of Central Ave., Lakewood was arrested Sunday night by Jackson police and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a fatal accident, said Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.
Teutle-Castro, driving a 2002 Mazda MPV minivan, struck a 2005 Mazda sedan being driven by William Maher, 39, of Jackson on North Hope Chapel Road near South Cooks Bridge Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Mohel said.
One of Maher's passengers, Rohileo Romero, 38, of Lakewood, was killed in the crash, police said. Romero was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:47 a.m., Mohel said.
Another passenger in the sedan, Pelipe Flores Segundo, 22, of Lakewood, was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated and released.
Maher was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was also treated and released. (Click HERE for the rest)

Could traffic improvements be on way for Lakewood?

2009-05-02T23:18:00.000-04:00

More traffic signals, fewer left turns and better street lighting are some of the changes the downtown could soon experience as the township looks to relieve traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety. The township planner recently turned in a report that recommends installing several traffic lights along Clifton, Lexington and Forest avenues as well as at the intersection of North Lake Drive and Lakewood Avenue. It also suggested prohibiting drivers from crossing or making a left turn onto Madison Avenue at intersections with no traffic light. Lakewood's population went from 45,048 in 1990 to 67,910 in 2005, according to the report, citing state figures. Rough estimates put today's population at about 80,000. The increase has taken its toll on the roadway infrastructure and public safety.
The planner, T&M Associates, fielded questions and comments at a public hearing Monday, though only about a half-dozen people showed. Some spoke in favor of improving bus services to alleviate traffic.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Lakewood recycling company cited by EPA

2009-04-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — Federal officials have cited a computer and electronics recycling company in the industrial park for unsafe handling of hazardous waste just months after the state fined the company nearly $500,000 and moved to revoke its permit to operate as a solid waste recycling business.
In a written order issued Feb. 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered Supreme Asset Management and Recovery and its building's owner, Preferred Enterprises LLC, to halt its processing, storage and transfer of hazardous fluorescent light bulbs and batteries, which contain toxic substances including mercury and lead.
"Mercury and lead can pose severe threats to people's health, so properly managing waste that contains them is of the utmost importance," EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou said in a written statement. "These companies failed to handle hazardous waste in a safe manner, so EPA stepped in to protect the health of workers at the facility and New Jersey's air, land and water." (Click HERE for the rest)

Bank foundation supports SCHI

2009-04-24T14:44:00.000-04:00

The Investors Savings Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant of $66,000 to the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence (SCHI), a not-for-profit, fully accredited private school that provides special education services for underprivileged, multiply handicapped children in the tri-state area. Founded in 1994, SCHI has about 200 students ranging in age from three to 21. In addition to a full educational curriculum provided in a safe, nurturing environment, the school offers a variety of special services and vocational training programs to its students. Some of the grant funds awarded by the Foundation, which will be issued over the course of three years, were recently used by SCHI to purchase a 45-passenger bus that transports students for field trips and physical therapy sessions.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

2009-04-21T14:48:00.000-04:00

The winners of the Board Of Educations' three year term seats are
1) Yoni Silver 2,458=
2) Irene Miccio 2,157
3) Meir Grunhut 1,833
The Budget was voted against.

Lakewood police seek leads in home-invasion robbery

2009-04-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

Police are investigating a home-invasion robbery on Warren Avenue about 11 p.m. Thursday, said Detective Lt. Joseph Isnardi.
Shots were reported fired during the robbery but no one was injured by the bullets, Isnardi said.
Officers Josh Spagnuolo, Matthew Moore and Joseph Gregg responded to the call reporting the shots fired, Isnardi said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sgt. John Stillwell at (732) 363-0200 ext. 5339.
Information offered is confidential, Isnardi said. APP

Lakewood board candidates tout fiscal discipline

2009-04-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

It's the axiom hammered home by every school official who wants to keep in the public's good graces. And now, to no surprise, it's the mantra of this year's Board of Education race, with incumbents touting how much tighter their fiscal belts have gotten since last year and at least one challenger saying there are still more notches to go.
Five candidates are vying for three open seats on the Board of Education here, including two newcomers: Jonathan Silver and Eli Hasenfeld. They are challenging incumbents Ada Gonzalez, Meir Grunhut and Irene Miccio.
As an outsider, Silver, 38, who has three children in private schools, said he doesn't have much knowledge of the budgetary process that led to the proposal of the maximum allowable increase for next year — 4 percent — but he speculates that cuts in "wasteful spending" could be made.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Bedridden woman, 78, dies in fire

2009-04-12T22:56:00.000-04:00

A bedridden woman died in the bedroom of her apartment this morning.
The 78-year-old woman, whose name is not being released because her family has not been notified, was found dead in her hospital bed inside the bedroom of her apartment.
According to Lakewood police, the invalid woman was apparently smoking in her bed when she fell asleep. The bed caught fire and she called a neighbor for help because she could not get out of her bed.
The neighbor responsed, but could not get to the woman because of the smoke and flames. He was initially taken to Kimball Medicall Center, Lakewood, but was later flown to the burn center at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston where he is being treated for first- and second-degree burns.
Lakewood Patrolman Joshua Spagnuolo was also injured after he attempted to enter the bedroom. He was taken to Kimball Medical Center where he was treated and released after suffering from smoke inhalation.
Firefighters contained the fire to the bedroom, but there was smoke and heat damage to the apartment, according to Fire Chief Wayne Truex. APP

One arrested, two sought by police following Lakewood chase

2009-04-11T23:51:00.001-04:00

A car reported stolen in Howell was recovered here after a driver tried to speed away from an officer trying to pull him over. Officer Kevin Doyle was following an Infiniti sedan as it swerved up East 7th Street just after 10 p.m. when a look-up of its license plate revealed it to be stolen, Lt. Joseph Isnardi said.
As other officers arrived in the area and attempted to pull the car over, the driver - later identified as Shaddiy Whittaker, 19, - took off, Isnardi said.
At one point, as the car took a sharp left turn, a female passenger was thrown from the car. Doyle stopped to administer first aid and other officers continued the pursuit.
The passenger, a 16-year-old female whose name was not released, was transported the Kimball Medical Center and released after receiving treatment.
The Infiniti eventually crashed on the 700 block of Princeton Avenue. The driver and two other occupants fled on foot before officers arrived on scene, Isnardi said.
A short time later, members of the police department's Street Crimes Unit pulled over a taxi that had recently picked up Whittaker. He was placed under arrest and charged with second-degree eluding, theft, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.
He was also issued 10 motor vehicle summonses.
Police are still searching for the two other occupants of the car, Isnardi said.
The Infiniti was impounded by police and will be released to its rightful owner after processing.
Sgt. John Stillwell and officers Leroy Marshall and Jason Pederson assisted in the investigation. APP

Birchas Hachama

2009-04-11T23:49:00.001-04:00

For fifteen minutes they waited — a sea of black hats tilted upward and toward the east. At 7:30 a.m., through a splintered cloud, a piece of pale white sun showed, prompting a rabbi to sing a psalm. Then a second later it dipped back into hiding. The praying stopped. The waiting resumed. Finally the sun appeared in full, and a Hebrew blessing not heard in 28 years rose from the crowd. "We are all praying for the sick everywhere . . . in Japan and Iran; when 1,000 people come together, the prayers are accepted," Rabbi Yisroel Liebowitz said, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Orthodox Jews. "This is the unity of Jews all over the world."
It was more like 12,000 people who gathered around the large yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, on Sixth and Seventh streets to witness the Birkat Hachamah, or Blessing of the Sun.
The event celebrates the moment on the Hebrew calendar when the sun is in the same place in the sky as when God created it on Wednesday — the fourth day — along with the moon and the stars. Such an alignment occurs once every 28 years.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

CHAG KOSHER V'SAMEACH

2009-04-08T16:24:00.001-04:00

Lakewood Hockers wishes everyone a Chag Kosher V'sameach!

If you are going away for Yom Tov remember that there are lots of burglars out there. The first thing they look for is open doors & windows. Do yourself a favor, before you leave for Yom Tov check all your windows. Set your lights to go on at night, have your neighbor take in your mail, newspaper, and put your garbage on the street on the day of pickup.

2009-04-08T08:34:00.003-04:00

BIRCHAS HACHAMA 5769

Change of Location for Birchas Hachama at BMG

2009-04-07T10:59:00.000-04:00

Matzav.com has learned that the location for the massive gathering tomorrow in Lakewood, NJ, for Birchas Hachama has been slightly altered. The original location for the Beth Medrash Govoha gathering was on Forest Avenue between Seventh and Ninth Streets. However, because the sun is not completely visible from all spots in that vicinity early in the morning, the yeshiva and the organizers of the gathering have now placed the men’s gathering on Seventh Street between Forest Avenue and Lakewood Avenue - adjacent to the Willows, Bais Eliyahu and the main yeshiva building. The original location for women who wish to attend was on Forest Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets. Those women who attend will not congregate on Sixth Street, between Forest Avenue and the yeshiva parking lot, next to the Legion building and the Martin Klein dormitory building.
Matzav [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Another bomb threat empties Howell Wal Mart again

2009-04-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

WalMart was evacuated again today as police investigated another bomb threat. The Route 9 store received the threat via a phone call around 10:40 a.m. today, prompting an evacuation, police said. The store was re-opened early this afternoon.
A unfounded bomb threat forced the same WalMart to be shut down for three hours Sunday while police and bomb-sniffing dogs searched the store. APP

Bomb Threat at Wal Mart in Howell

2009-04-05T12:10:00.003-04:00

11:30 AM: There is a bomb threat at the Howell Wal Mart. Police have closed off the area.
U/D 2:00 PM: Wal Mart is now back open, after nothing was found.

County halts food distribution

2009-04-05T09:07:00.000-04:00

An outdoor food distribution by a Lakewood food bank was halted Thursday over concerns about the condition of perishable items being given out, a health official said. Family Food Relief, a Lakewood-based foundation, was operating the distribution in the parking lot of a warehouse off Squankum Road when Monmouth County Health Department officials arrived in response to a noise complaint, said Michael Meddis, the department's public health coordinator.
Officials found that hundreds of pallets of produce, frozen meat and other foods were being distributed outdoors to the public.
"We were concerned about the food-safety issues," Meddis said.
After taking temperature readings, the health officials found that six pallets of hundreds of eggs did not meet temperature regulations and quarantined them to be destroyed.
The foundation workers eventually moved the rest of the food back to Lakewood, Meddis said.
Calls to the foundation, located on Second Avenue and to the Tomchei Shabbos distribution facility, where the food market was held, were not immediately returned. APP

Passover protest targets impasse

2009-04-05T09:06:00.000-04:00

After 15 months without a contract, public works employees have begun holding "Passover protests" to bring public attention to stalled negotiations with the township. The Passover reference is not meant to protest serving the township's Jewish residents, but to draw their support, workers and their union representatives said.
The Public Works Department is on duty 24 hours a day for three days during the Jewish holiday, which begins Wednesday. The department has the extended hours to assist observant Jewish residents whose activitiies are restricted during the holiday.
"We put those signs out in frustration. We have nothing against the Jewish community," Tony Ruiz, a union shop steward in the Public Works Department, said at Thursday's Township Committee meeting. Outside, some 20 workers stood with signs that read: "Passover Protest: Public Workers Are For You. Help Us Get a Fair Contract." The signs also have been placed around the township.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Sitting alone on tax board

2009-04-03T10:02:00.000-04:00

Meet P.G. Waxman, now one of the most powerful people in Ocean County.
Last month, 50-year-old Waxman, owner of Waxman Realty in Lakewood, became the only remaining commissioner on the county Board of Taxation, a quasi-judicial panel responsible for hearing tax appeals from property owners who dispute the revaluations or assessments made in their towns.
Appointments to the seven-member board are made by the governor and require confirmation of the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
But for various political reasons that are not discussed publicly — privately, Republicans blame Democrats, and Democrats blame Republicans — no one has assumed a seat on the board in more than two years. Thus the panel has been getting smaller and smaller until the board was whittled down to two members last year.
But when Commissioner Tony Graziano resigned a month ago, he left his colleague to preside over what is expected to be 11,000 tax appeals this year. Now Waxman sits alone — a quorum of one.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Lakewood board OKs budget; 39 face layoffs

2009-04-02T10:48:00.000-04:00

The township schools will lay off 39 district employees under a $138 million budget approved by the Board of Education on Wednesday.
The budget carries a $72.4 million tax levy. It is expected to pay for such technology infrastructure improvements as broadband cable and new telephones as well as boost tuition funding by more than 26 percent, school officials said.
The tax levy would raise the tax rate 4 percent, or 3.4 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The owner of a house valued at $350,000 would pay $119 more in school tax. Voters will decide on the budget's tax levy April 21.
The layoffs for next school year are expected to affect elementary, foreign language and special education teachers, administrators said. They are not expected to involve core departments such as literacy or math, Assistant Superintendent William Andersen said.
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Health Screening Today at Chemed

2009-03-29T13:47:00.000-04:00

Today, a health screening for men will be held at the facility of Chemed in the former Jamesway building on Route 9 in Lakewood, NJ. The screening is being sponsored by Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood, Chemed and Hatzolah of Lakewood for the fourth straight year. The screening, which will be held from from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., will test blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body mass index, glucose and cholesterol.

Swave Card

2009-03-18T19:13:00.002-04:00

(click to enlarge)

Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim GRAND RAFFLE

2009-03-18T13:58:00.002-04:00

These words are enough to strike fear and uncertainty into any home at any time. Our Second Annual Grand Pesach Raffle which will help us fund the monumental expense of providing Pesach for families in need. We offer you this opportunity to buy Pesach for yourself for just $10 while helping to provide families in crisis a Pesach worth millions.Purchase your tickets today!
Click HERE to purchase tickets!

Fate of Lakewood EMS employees in video could be decided this week

2009-03-17T21:21:00.000-04:00

LAKEWOOD — A decision on whether to take action against local EMS employees seen on an Internet video doing doughnuts in township vehicles during a snowstorm will likely be made by Thursday, Mayor Robert W. Singer said today.
The three-minute video clip -- which shows a township ambulance and squad car being joyridden in the parking lot of the Lakewood BlueClaws stadium -- sparked widespread media coverage after it was discovered posted on the car-enthusiast Web site www.streetfire.net. (Click Here for the rest)

Lakewood school tax rate expected to increase

2009-03-16T23:07:00.000-04:00

Property owners will see a 4 percent jump in the school tax rate based on a 2009-10 budget proposal that the Board of Education could approve tonight.
The board is expected to vote to introduce a $73.6 million tax levy, of which $72.4 million will placed before voters for approval. The rest is the levy for payments of debt and interest that does not appear on the ballot.
The tax rate is expected to increase 91.9 cents per $100 of assessed value, according to the proposal, meaning owners of a home valued at $400,000 will pay $136 more in school taxes next year. The 4 percent increase is the maximum allowed by the state.
The school tax levy for this school was rejected by voters for the third year in a row. Voters will decide next year's levy April 21. APP

Traffic light on Hope Chapel Road is in wrong spot

2009-03-16T23:05:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, Lakewood installed a traffic light at the intersection of Hope Chapel Road and North Lake Drive.
The traffic was increasing daily due to the houses being built around Hope Chapel Road and New Central Avenue. But the traffic light should have been installed at South Lake Drive and Hope Chapel Road instead.
I wrote to the engineers in Toms River before the traffic light was installed saying it they were putting it in the wrong place. They told me I did not know what I was talking about. Their reply was, "we are making traffic surveys and this is what should be done — light on North Lake Drive."
My opinion, and that of other residents, proved correct. The traffic is unbelievable. Some mornings, one can't make a left or right turn onto Hope Chapel Road from South Lake Drive. You often have to wait several minutes to get through. In the afternoon you can't make a left turn from Hope Chapel Road going into South Lake Drive and a left turn from South Lake Drive onto Hope Chapel Road, and all day it is difficult to make turns from Hope Chapel Road.
Several accidents have occurred and more will follow. Another traffic light has to be installed at South Lake Drive and Hope Chapel Road. APP

Snowstorm joyrides in Lakewood EMS vehicles under scrutiny

2009-03-12T20:32:00.002-04:00

Township officials are reviewing a video clip posted on the Internet that apparently shows an ambulance and another EMS vehicle being used for joyrides through a snow-covered covered parking lot.
The clip, posted on the car-enthusiast Web site streetfire.net, is a little more than three minutes long and appears to depict the two vehicles purposely being driven erratically in the parking lot of the BlueClaws stadium at Cedar Bridge and New Hampshire avenues during a heaving snowstorm.
The video, according to the Web site, was posted by a user named "sickashelltom" on March 3, a day after up to a foot of snow fell in the area. The video carries the title "Cops Drifting in Snow!!!" but does not show a police car but an EMS squad car equipped with overhead lights.
Township Manager Frank Edwards said he was made aware of the video by EMS supervisor Scott Carter and has asked for a written report of the known facts of the video. After receiving the report, Edwards said, he and a labor lawyer will review the video and determine whether any action will be taken against squad members. (Click HERE for the rest)

Lakewood man charged with breaking into Jewish schools

2009-03-12T20:30:00.001-04:00

A River Avenue man has been charged with 11 counts of burglary in connection with a string of break-ins at local Jewish schools.
Errick Daughty, 21, admitted to police that he broke into at least nine schools during the past three months, Detective Steve Wexler said. He was arrested last week after Officer John Novak tracked footprints through five blocks of snow after a break-in at the Bais Kaila school on March 6. While being interviewed at police headquarters, Daughty admitted his role in the Bais Kaila break-in as well as a similar incident at Talmud Torah Bais Avrohom. He told officers he committed several other burglaries but could not remember where, Wexler said.
He then agreed to accompany officers on what Wexler called a "drive-around" and pointed out seven other schools he had targeted. Those were Bnos Yakov on Kent Road, Yeshiva Tiffers Torah on East End Avenue, Yeshiva Orchos Chaim on Oberlin Avenue, Yeshivas Shagas Aryeh on New Central Avenue, Bais Yitzchok on Caranetta Drive, Bnos Pinchos on New Central Avenue and the Lakewood Cheder on James Street, according to police.
Some of those schools were targeted on multiple occasions, police said.
APP (click HERE for the rest)

386 bags of heroin seized after probe

2009-03-12T20:27:00.001-04:00

Two lengthy investigations by the township's Street Crimes Unit have resulted in police seizing 386 bags of heroin.
One of the men arrested is Lamont Scales, 32, of Parker Street in Freehold, who was arrested last year during an Ocean County Prosecutor's Office raid that turned up 550 bags of heroin on Alamitos Drive. On Saturday afternoon, Scales — who is awaiting trial on charges relating to his earlier arrest — was taken into custody on Airport Road, Detective Steve Wexler said. Police said they confiscated 166 bags of heroin, more than $2,000 in cash as well as Scales's 2000 Mercedes.
APP (Click HERE for the rest of the story)

Na Nach Purim Party in Lakewood

2009-03-09T17:48:00.000-04:00

This Purim there will be I"H A Na Nach Purim Party for men women and children,Party Starts 8:00 PM Monday March 9th will continue all purim long Seuda 12:30 PM EST Tuesday March 10th 31 Whispering Pines Lane Lakewood, NJ 08701 for more info call 732-905-6717 Nanach.net

Lakewood sees surge in UEZ businesses

2009-03-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

Although the news is filled with gloomy economic forecasts and tales of failed businesses, Lakewood Township's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), in New Jersey had a surprising 61 newly certified businesses join the business incentive program in 2008; and since January 2009, six new businesses have already received UEZ approval, with an anticipation of more to come.
Russell K. Corby, executive director of the Lakewood Development Corporation which administers the program, attributes Lakewood's designation as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) as being the prime incentive for the growth in the Lakewood business community even during such tough economic times.
“The 2008 numbers represent a nearly 20 percent increase in business participation,” says Corby. “These newly certified businesses expand the number of retail locations that offer the purchases of consumer goods for one half the state sales tax. While the business climate remains challenging, we anticipate the continued growth of UEZ certified businesses in Lakewood.”
APP [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Shots fired in Lakewood, no injuries reported

2009-03-07T19:47:00.001-05:00

Police are investigating a report of shots fired on Martin Luther King Drive late this afternoon.
No injuries were reported following the shots, which police were notified of at about 4:30 p.m., said Sgt. Steve Allaire. The incident took place near the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Cedar Bridge Avenue, he said.
No further information was immediately available, Allaire said. APP

Lakewood town house blaze displaces 3 families

2009-03-04T23:25:00.000-05:00

A fire displaced three families at the Golfview town house condominiums off Joe Parker Road Wednesday evening, authorities said. Two firefighters needed medical treatment as a result of battling the blaze, said First Assistant Lakewood Fire Chief Rodney Youmans.
The fire was a general alarm calling for services of all five township fire companies. About 65 firefighters responded, Youmans said.
One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and a second firefighter suffered an ankle injury, Youmans said. They were taken to Kimball Medical Center by Lakewood EMS.
The fire was initially dispatched as a kitchen fire at at 330 Joe Parker Road at 6:03 p.m. Wednesday, said Sgt. Joseph Goertz.
"When I arrived, I encountered heavy smoke and heavy flames," Youmans said.
Firefighters used an aerial truck to hose down flames on the roof of the town house, Youmans said.
The firefighting efforts continued for nearly an hour before it was declared under control, he said.
There was fire damage to one unit and smoke and water damage to two adjacent units, authorities said.
The Red Cross placed the families in a hotel for the night and would see about further accommodations, authorities said.
The Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office responded and is investigating.
About 100 residents gathered around the complex watching the firefighting efforts. APP

Medical centers are getting $2M in stimulus

2009-03-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Two Ocean and Monmouth county community health centers will receive $2.6 million in federal stimulus funds geared toward broadening the coverage of low-income, medically underserved populations, state officials said Tuesday.
The Center for Health, Education, Medicine and Dentistry in Lakewood and the Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch will each get $1.3 million over the next two years. They are among 126 health centers nationwide to get $155 million in stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"This funding comes at a critical time for our health center," CHEMED CEO David Friedman said in a statement. "We can now move forward with our mission to service the uninsured and underinsured."
"It will also help our efforts to reduce health disparities among the low-income population that the center serves," said Monmouth Family's executive director, Marta Silverberg.
The centers were the remaining two of the state's 20 community health centers — totaling 91 sites — that were federally qualified "look-alikes" not receiving the grant, said Eliot Fishman, director of policy for the state's Department of Health and Senior Services.
The recent stimulus package allowed those funds to come through, Fishman said.
"New Jersey's health care safety net must remain strong during this economic crisis," Gov. Jon. S. Corzine said in a statement. "It is reassuring to know that New Jersey has a true partner in health care in Washington." APP

Harav Nosson Tzvi Finkel to Visit Lakewood Tonight

2009-03-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

Harav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, rosh hayeshiva of Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, will be in Lakewood, New Jersey this evening to attend a kabbolas ponim and reception which will be attended by former talmidim as well as supporters of the yeshiva. The event will be held at the Gratter Building of Bais Faiga, located on Park Avenue South, between Main Street and Second Street. A hot buffet will be served at 7:20 and the program will begin at 8 p.m. Matzav

SNOW!

2009-03-02T12:33:00.002-05:00

Lakewood was hit with its first big snowstorm in 3 years! There is almost a foot of snow out there! Most schools are closed.

Two days left! Win 10 Round Trip Tickets to Eretz Yisroel for just $18.

2009-03-01T14:06:00.001-05:00

Here’s your chance to take part in Beth Medrash Govoha’s 2009 Raffle Campaign and possibly win 10 plane tickets to Eretz Yisroel or a big cash prize! There are also some great supplementary prizes in this one-of-a-kind raffle whose proceeds go to benefit the largest yeshiva in North America. It’s a win-win for everyone as you support the Torah learning of Beth Medrash Govoha. Have a credit card? You can enter here on Matzav.com.
The grand drawing will take place this coming Tuesday, March 3. For just $18, you get a chance to win 10 round trip tickets to Eretz Yisroel or $10,000 cash. But the more you spend, the more you are eligible to win.
Matzav [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Rav Shmuel Dishon to Address SCHI 14th Anniversary Dinner Tonight

2009-03-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

This evening, The School for Children with Hidden Intelligence of Lakewood, known as SCHI, will hold its 14th Anniversary Dinner at Lake Terrace Hall on Oak Street in Lakewood. The guest speaker will be Harav Shmuel Dishon, menahel of Mosdos Yad Yisroel-Karlin Stolin. At dinner, Mr. Kevin Cummings, President and CEO of Investors Savings Bank, will receive the Man of the Year Award in recognition of his efforts on behalf of SCHI.
Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Silberberg will receive the Avodas Hakodesh Award, Rabbi and Mrs. Avrumi Reich will receive the Kesser Shem Tov Award, and Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Rosenberg will receive the Staff Appreciation Award.
The dinner chairmen are Reb Mordechai Eichorn and Reb Michoel Rottenberg.
A special music presentation, with an original song sung by Shua Kessin and arranged by Shmuel Rosenberg, will be shown at the dinner.
The reception will get underway at 6 p.m., and the dinner will begin at 6:45 p.m. An open reception will take place at 8:15, with no reservation needed. Matzav

Emergency Relief Fund

2009-03-01T11:45:00.002-05:00

An emergency relief fund has been set up for the family that lost their home in Fridays fire.
Checks can be made out to: VOFRF
and mailed to:
Victims of Fire Relief Fund
c/o Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen
37 Fifth St
Lakewood NJ 08701

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

2009-02-28T20:37:00.001-05:00

Coventry Shul Melava Malka
Mesivta of Eatontown Melava Malka
Yeshiva Kol Torah Melava Malka

5-year-old falls from balcony in Lakewood

2009-02-28T20:28:00.000-05:00

A five-year-old suffered head injuries today after falling from a second story balcony, police said.
The victim, who fell 15 feet from the apartment building on East Ninth St. at 2:50 p.m., was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, police said. APP

Lakewood Comes To Five Towns: Second Annual Shabbos Of Chizuk

2009-02-27T15:24:00.001-05:00

Beth Medrash Govoha and the Far Rockaway/Five Towns community look forward to the yeshiva’s second annual “Shabbos of Chizuk,” taking place this Shabbos, Parashas Terumah. Participating will be the Lakewood roshei yeshiva, shlita, Rav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, Rav Yeruchem Olshin, Rav Dovid Schustal, and the mashgiach, Rav Matisyohu Salomon, shlita, all of whom will spend Shabbos in the community and speak at neighboring shuls and batei midrash. The event is to culminate in an enjoyable and inspiring community melaveh malkah at the home of gracious hosts Mr. and Mrs. Alex Edelman, replete with fine catering, music, and zemiros.
5TJT [Click HERE to read the rest of the story]

Big Structure Fire

2009-02-27T13:14:00.002-05:00

12:45 PM: There is a big structure fire with flames ripping through on 7th St between Lakewood Ave & Private Way. The family evacuated & B"H everyone is safe.

RITA'S IS OPEN

2009-02-27T09:36:00.002-05:00

Lakewood - 681 River Ave - 732.901.1296

Jackson - 2105 W County Line Rd - 732.987.9882

www.ritasice.com

Résumé-writing class offered in Lakewood

2009-02-27T08:58:00.000-05:00

The Lakewood Community School has scheduled a one-night résumé-writing seminar 7-9 p.m. March 23 at Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Ave., Lakewood. The class fee is $25. Résumé formatting, design and content, how to compose a cover letter, mistakes to avoid, and how to be prepared for the interview will be covered in the class. Attendees should bring a copy of a current résumé. Details: (732) 905-3685 or www.lakewood.k12.nj.us. Tri Town News

PURIM 5769/2009

2009-02-27T07:40:00.005-05:00

Purim in Lakewood

Cause of Lakewood fire electrical, probe shows

2009-02-25T23:08:00.001-05:00

The cause of a fire at 19 Forest Drive Monday night is electrical, based on an investigation by local and county authorities, said Detective Steve Wexler.
The fire, reported at 8:45 p.m. Monday, was in a rear bedroom. A power strip was found at the source of the fire, Wexler said.
A box of ammunition for a licensed weapon was ignited by the heat of the blaze, Wexler said.
The fire was investigated by police Detective Thomas D'Elia, Sgt. Robert Abrams of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the county Sheriff's Department Criminal Investigation Unit. APP

Ever wondered what the land on Squankum is being used for?

2009-02-24T23:30:00.001-05:00

Recession may kill dog park plan

The recession of 2009 is taking a toll on humans and dogs alike. During the Feb. 3 meeting of the Township Council, Mayor Robert Walsh said municipal officials have discussed the idea of abandoning plans to build a dog park at the Bonim recreational facility. The 178-acre Bonim tract has frontage on Easy Street and Lakewood Farmingdale Road (Route 547).
Dog parks typically permit owners to allow their pets to run off-leash. Some dog parks are divided into separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. As originally conceived, the dog park was going to be built at the Bonim recreational facility with a matching grant in the amount of $169,000 from the Monmouth County Open Space Grant Program. In the original Bonim recreational facility plans there was money allocated for a dog park.
Township Manager Helene Schlegel said the municipality has not yet acquired the funds needed to match the county grant.
The dog park was scheduled to open this spring. Proposed amenities were to have included water fountains for humans and dogs; pet waste stations; dog agility obstacles; a shade structure; benches; separate entrance and exit vestibules; landscaping; natural grass berms; a thick stone dust surface along the perimeter of the fences; a natural grass surface on the center areas; and parking areas. GM News

Powerlutions

2009-02-24T23:17:00.002-05:00

Lakewood man led cops on chase through two towns

2009-02-24T22:58:00.000-05:00

Police arrested a 42-year-old Lakewood man after a pursuit that began in Howell and ended in the defendant's hometown, authorities said.
Joseph J. Brown was arrested just before 1 a.m. today.
Patrolman Matthew Cherney tried to pull over a vehicle driven by Brown near the corner of Larabee Boulevard and Calloway Street, but Brown refused to stop, police said.
After a pursuit, Brown pulled over in a cul-de-sac in the Crossroads apartment complex in Lakewood, then jumped out of the vehicle and ran away, police said.
After a foot chase, Cherney and Patrolman Jason Symons caught him and placed him under arrest, police said.
Brown was charged with eluding and driving while intoxicated. He was also issued other motor vehicle summonses, police said.
He was sent to the Monmouth County Jail, with bail set at $5,000.
Lakewood police assisted in the investigation. APP

Fire on Forest Drive

2009-02-23T23:28:00.002-05:00

The Lakewood Fire Dept. & Police Dept. responded to a fire on 19 Forest Dr. (off of Miller Rd). The house belongs to former Deputy Chief Wayne LeCompte.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

2009-02-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

K'hal Zichron Elazar Annual Melava Malka

Police hunt Lakewood bank robber

2009-02-20T13:26:00.001-05:00

An alarm inside the bank at 425 Route 70 was sounded at about 4:35 p.m., Lt. Michael Mooney said. A man walked into the bank, passed the teller a note saying he had a gun and demanding money.
The man was described by police as white, wearing a black baseball hat, blue jeans and a brown suede jacket. He fled the area on foot, Mooney said.
A bulletin was posted to all law enforcement agencies in Ocean and Monmouth counties with the man's description, but was canceled after initial searches came up empty.
The robbery remains under investigation by Lakewood and Toms River police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Ocean County Sheriff's Department assisted with the scene investigation. APP

Lakewood makes move to end use of tent cities

2009-02-19T08:46:00.000-05:00

Tucked into the woods on the outskirts of Lakewood are fully functioning communities of people who live without walls, running water or electricity. They set up camp across 7 acres with tents and now with 24-foot-tall tepees. To stay warm from the bitter cold of winter's bite they use propane tanks or wood-burning stoves.

Eventually, however, their way of life may come to an end. The Lakewood Township Committee has given a grant to Solutions To End Poverty Soon (STEPS), a statewide organization that advocates for minority housing and employment. The grant is expected to provide services and permanent housing to the residents of the tent cities.
According to Lakewood Mayor Robert Singer, STEPS was given a grant out of federal funds to coordinate an anti-poverty program on a local to county level. The organization is charged with placing the homeless individuals in temporary to permanent housing. (Click HERE for the rest)

Firefighters rescue man from elevator

2009-02-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

LAKEWOOD — Firefighters helped rescue a man stuck in an elevator in a senior housing high-rise building after a brief power interruption Wednesday afternoon, police said.
A branch that fell on wires at a Jersey Central Power & Light substation caused a brief outage, police said.
The man, stuck in the elevator for a half-hour at 220 E. Fourth St., a public housing building for senior citizens, was in his 70s and refused medical treatment after being rescued.
Firefighters used a special key to open the elevator door after it became disabled between the third and fourth floors about 4:30 p.m., said Robert Leon of the Lakewood Township Fire Department.
The elevator was stopped about four feet below the floor level, and firefighters "gave him a little boost" to get him out of the elevator, Leon said.
The power outage caused by the tree branch on wires was reported at 4:30 p.m. and lasted 10 seconds, said Jim Markey, spokesman for JCP&L.
The interruption also interfered with traffic signals, and police had to direct traffic for about a half-hour at South Clover Street and Cedar Bridge Avenue until the traffic light was reset. APP

Programs help N.J. families pay energy bills

2009-02-16T18:56:00.000-05:00

Paul Prokop has been without a job since May, so he knew that paying for oil to heat his home might be tricky.
The 46-year-old Boonton Township resident said that for most of this winter, he paid to put oil in his tank in increments, a few gallons here and there."Just to get enough oil to take showers, have hot water in the house," he said last week.But Prokop's tank was filled earlier this month when Dixon Bros. Inc. pumped $700 worth of oil into his tank courtesy of NJ Shares, a nonprofit group operated by the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey.NJ Shares partners with local energy providers to help families who don't qualify for the federal Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP."They gave me a $700 credit," Prokop said. "It came really at the right time. We were having some seriously cold temperatures and I just couldn't keep up on topping it off by myself."NJ Shares' Executive Director Jim Jacob said the program operates statewide."We have intake sites in each of the counties," Jacob said.In addition to providing heating oil, Jacob said, the group works with Jersey Central Power and Light to provide electricity. (click HERE for the rest)

2009-02-15T15:38:00.001-05:00

7:00 AM: Several cops around Corner of Second building on Second & Lexington.

We Are Now Certified Veltish by Jvelt.com!

2009-02-14T21:11:00.004-05:00