Police Using Automated License Plate Recognition

A front page article in the Asbury Park Press titled Cameras make license plate checks a snap reveals that police in Lakewood, NJ are training in the use of a system known as Automated License Plate Recognition. The township received a $30,000 grant related to the program which provides instant information about vehicle status and about the owners of vehicles. The system entails the use of a "reader car" equipped with six cameras mounted on the car roof and able to read plate numbers. Vehicle information is then displayed on a computer screen within the vehicle. Warning beeps are sounded when information reveals possible violations and a police officer can stop the related car based on this. Since the start of the system usage in July two stolen parked vehicles were identified as a result.

J.A. Cissel Manufacturing Company

J.A. Cissel Manufacturing Co., 1995 Rutgers University Blvd., P.O. Box 2025, Lakewood, NJ 08701, Tel: 732-901-0300, is a manufacturer of outdoor netting products having a variety of uses which encompass tennis courts and soccer netting, protecting wildlife and even protecting people from golf balls. The company also supplies sports padding for walls and fences.

August 31st Blue Claw Promotion

On Monday, August 31st the Lakewood Blue Claws play the Hagerstown Suns in Lakewood. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 PM. The Hagerstown Suns are an affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Promotions that night include a tote bag give away to the first 2,000 fans age 18 and over. In addition all children age 12 and under will be provided with free hot dogs, chips and soda.

Lake Carasaljo

Are there lakes in a town named Lakewood? No doubt. One of them is named Lake Carasaljo which acquired its name by combining parts of the names of three daughters of the notable historic settler Joseph Woolston Brick, who neighboring Brick Township is named after. Lake Carasaljo and neighboring Lake Manetta are man made and were formed by damning a tributary of the Metedeconk River.

Georgian Court University is situated to the north of the lake and heavily traveled Route 9 is the eastern boundary. Appropriately named North Lake Drive and South Lake Drive form the respective directional boundaries. The western boundary is formed by Hope Chapel Road.

Guitarist and Singer Mike Webb Performing

On Tuesday August 25th at 7:00 PM the Lakewood Library will host a free concert which is part of the Lakewood on the Green Concert Series. Guitarist and singer Mike Webb will provide the entertainment.

Lakewood Jazz Ensemble

The Lakewood Jazz Ensemble is scheduled to perform as part of the Ocean County Carousel of Music. The performance will take place on Saturday, August 22nd at 7 PM at the Ocean County Library in Toms River, New Jersey.

August Meeting Schedule

* On Tuesday August 18th the Planning Board will meet at 6:00 PM at the Municipal Building. The meeting is open to the public.

* On Thursday August 20th at 7:30 PM there will be a meeting of the Township Committee at the Municipal Building. The meeting is open to the public.

* On Wednesday August 26th the Lakewood Industrial Commission will meet at 12 Noon in Conference Room C of the Municipal Building. At 7:00 PM on the same day the Heritage Commission will meet in the Municipal Building.

Astor Chocolate

Lakewood is a diverse town with a large industrial park. Astor Chocolate Corp. is a manufacturer of one of my favorite products. Their home page looks delectable.

Contract manufacturing is one the the services offered. Quoting from the website:

We will partner with you to develop products that reflect your unique brand.

Astor Chocolate offers 55 years of fine confectionery tradition with drive, innovation and state-of-the art manufacturing facilities. The company was founded with a commitment to creating superior quality confections while upholding exceptional customer service.

As consumers get more sophisticated, you need to differentiate from the competition. Put our vast experience in private label manufacturing to work for you and make a statement with high-end confections and upscale packaging with the Astor difference.

Astor Chocolate can be reached by phone at: 732-901-1000.

Obtaining a U.S Passport

Lakewood residents may apply for United States passports in Lakewood. Applications can be submitted at the Northern Ocean County Resource Center, 225 4th Street, Lakewood, NJ (732) 370-8850. But if you plan to shop at the Ocean County Mall there is a location near JC Penney, (732) 288-7777, where passport applications can be made. A web page of the County Clerk details what is needed to get a passport. In addition to proof of citizenship, proof of identification is required. This may consist of a valid driver's license (not a permit) or a permanent identification card issued by a government agency, employer or school. The total fee is $100.00

An Informational Web Page

Phone Numbers & Links from the Lakewood New Jersey website has a list of useful organizational entities with their phone numbers and website links. Municipal departments, schools, utilities and miscellaneous service providers are represented.

Motor Vehicle Locations in Lakewood

Lakewood has two New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission locations. One is an agency location which enables applicants to secure and renew licenses and registrations. It is located within the Leisure Center at 1195 Route 70, Lakewood NJ 08701 (off Airport Road). It is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday.

There is also a Motor Vehicle Inspection facility at 1145 Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Vehicle safety inspections are performed there from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and from 7:00 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday. The inspection location is just a bit west of the agency and is on the same side of Rt. 70.

The MVC can be reached by phone, within New Jersey, toll-free at: (888) 486-3339. From out of state call (609) 292-6500.

The Rt. 70 Flea Market

Lakewood is a diverse town. One of the interesting options for shoppers is the Rt. 70 Flea Market. It is large and outdoor and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 732-370-1837.