Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Synagogue Fire 'Not Suspicious' Until Video Showed Arson In Lakewood: Affidavit

Happening soon: Thomas Mathis Burlesque Dinner Show on the Lakewood Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
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Good morning Lakewood! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Synagogue fire in Lakewood reclassified as arson after video surfaces
  • How Lakewood's fire department is changing after a captain's retirement.
  • What will police do about troubling behavior at Lakewood's lake path?

Also on today's calendar: Thomas Mathis Burlesque Dinner Show and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Very warm; a morning shower, with a high of 88 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Turning sunny and less humid, temps: high: 81, low: 58.
  • Saturday: Sun giving way to clouds, with a high of 79 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Synagogue Fire 'Not Suspicious' Until Video Showed Arson In Lakewood: Affidavit (patch.com) — Lakewood residents are learning more about an August fire at Mordy's Shteibel on Delaware Trail, which was first deemed not suspicious until synagogue surveillance video allegedly showed a man setting podium cloths ablaze. Detectives later arrested a Lakewood resident after recognizing him from the footage and locating him at another local synagogue, with court records outlining his prior local driving and assault cases.
   

2. PHOTOS: Lakewood Fire Department Captain Rob Leon Retires After More Than 34 Years of Service (thelakewoodscoop.com) — A longtime Lakewood Township fire captain has retired after more than 34 years of service, honored at the latest Board of Fire Commissioners meeting. Residents also gained added protection as three newly graduated career firefighters were officially sworn in, expanding the township's professional fire ranks to meet the community's growing needs.
   

3. Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles Responds to Your 'Ask The Mayor' Questions: Group at the Lake (thelakewoodscoop.com) — Lakewood residents concerned about vagrants and safety at the Lake's walking path got a direct response from Mayor Ray Coles, who says he's asked police to investigate. The complaint describes disruptive behavior, unsanitary conditions, and broken path lighting, highlighting quality-of-life and safety issues for families using this popular Lakewood spot.
   

4. Strand Theater presents RAEL - The Music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel on Saturday (newjerseystage.com) — Lakewood music fans can catch RAEL, a tribute to Genesis and Peter Gabriel, live at the Strand Theater on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 8 p.m. The New York–New Jersey band will recreate classic early Genesis albums, with tickets available online and the show hosted at 400 Clifton Avenue in Lakewood.
   

📸 Around Lakewood

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakewood

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📣 Lakewood Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday September 10
  • Back to School Night (MSS)
    Middle School South Howell, NJ 07731
    6:00 pm
    • Monday September 14
  • Ridgeway Elementary School - Back to School Night
    Manchester Township School District, 2861 Ridgeway Rd, Manchester Township
    5:00 pm
  • Zoning Board Of Adjustment →
    Howell Township, NJ Calendar, 4567 Rt. 9 North 2nd Floor, Howell
    7:00 pm
    • Tuesday September 15
  • MTHS Back to School Night
    Manchester Township School District, 101 Hawks Wy, Manchester Township
    6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Lakewood PatchAM possible:

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property-Records Lookup for Every NJ Town
    An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property — building permits... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • YMCA of the Jersey Shore Invites Community to "Passport to Wellness" Open House on Sept. 25 —YMCA of the Jersey Shore Read on Patch
  • Santander posted a job opening for Full Time Teller, Route 70, Lakewood, NJ in Lakewood. Apply here.
  • CVS Health posted a job opening for Store Associate in Brick. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.

Ok Lakewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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