Fundraiser at Lefty's Tavern

Louis Katz will be performing at Lefty's Tavern on April 1, 2011. Show starts a 7:00 PM.

Louis Katz started performing comedy shortly after graduating from college in California. He's met with success, performing stand-up on such shows as NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly, HBO's Down and Dirty with Jim Norton and Comedy Central's Live at Gotham.

He will be at Lefty's Tavern, located at 547 Main St. in Barnegat Friday, April 1, as Katz performs alongside host Pete Davidson as well as comedian Maddog Mattern. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $15 each.

What to expect: Laugh-out-loud comedy with some jokes being dirtier than others.

Words of wisdom: Katz has a bit of advice for any up-and-coming comedians out there: "Get on stage as much as possible," he says. "Just keep doing it - unless you're not funny. Then, stop doing it."

Claim to fame: "I just had a half-hour special on Comedy Central," Katz says. "And they also released my debut album, 'If These Balls Could Talk.'"

Go see him: Friday, April 1, at Lefty's Tavern, located at 547 N. Main St. in Barnegat. The event is for the Barnegat High School lacrosse fundraiser, and Katz is headlining the show. Also performing will be Maddog Mattern and Pete Davidson. Tickets are $15 per person. Call 609-607-0707. The show starts at 7 p.m.

The Barnegat High School Girls Lacrosse team made it to the 2nd round of the 2010 NJSIAA Tournament with a record of 14-6-0, losing to powerhouse Rumson.  Come out and have a fun evening while supporting these fine young women!

Karl Hess, Barnegat Homes for Sale

 

ReClam Barnegat Bay

Why are clams important? They are 'filter feeders,' which means they clean the water in which they live. For example, scientists believe that the Chesapeake Bay's once-flourishing clam and oyster population historically filtered the estuary's entire water volume every three or four days. Today that process would take almost a year, and sediment, nutrients, and algae can cause problems in local waters. Bivalves (clams, oysters, etc) filter these pollutants,and either eat them or shape them into small packets that are deposited on the bottom where they are harmless.

ReClam the Bay (RCTB) is a local non-profit environmental organization that promotes environmental involvement and education in a constructive and helpful way. They grow and maintain millions of baby clams and oysters.  As they grow seed clams and oysters to stock our local bay they teach everyone how important and fragile the shellfish population and  our environment really is.

ReClam The Bayis an organization dedicated to providing education and awareness about the environmental benefit of shellfish filtering, feeding and cleaning our estuary. Thier mission is to involve the general public so they will understand that the quality of the water in our estuary, and the quality of the shellfish we eat, are really their responsibility. By involving the public in the care, feeding and life cycle of these fragile creatures they believe that our citizens will better understand how working with the shellfish can help to clean up our environment and keep it clean. RCTB has been granted 501 (c) 3 nonprofit status.

If you would like to learn more about the organization and its mission, or how you can become a Certified Shellfish Gardner, visit the Open House on April 26 at 7 p.m. Set aside the date and have an enjoyable evening with a fun group of people. The Open House will be held at the Ocean County Agriculture Station, Route 527, Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ. For details, or the speakers bureau call RCTB at 732-349-1152.

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore

Doobie Brothers Opener, Larry Stevens at The Captain's Inn

The Larry Stevens Band is comprised of full-time musicians playing everything from rock-pop originals to a variety of cover songs as they've been playing throughout the Tri-state area. 

They have been busy performing at various concert series, festivals and events.  Some past highlights were opening for Peter Frampton as well as sharing he stage with The Doobie Brothers.  Larry recently opened for such artists as Kenny Loggins, Foreigner and Todd Rundgren.

Along with original materal and two albums, the band covers a variety of music ranging from Van Morrison, Elvis, the Beatles, Eric Clapton to John Mayer.  He will be playing in an acoustic duo at the Captain's Inn, Forked River on April 1st. For more information go to www.larrystevensband.com.

Karl Hess, Ocean County Real Estate, Keller Williams Jersey Shore 

Bowl for Kids' Sake and Networking Event Manahawkin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County are hosting the 11th Annual Bowl for Kids' Sake & Net-Working Event

This is an opportunity to network with area business leaders and the board of directors and staff of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ocean County.

It's not really about bowling. It's about kids. Bowl for Kids' Sake is an easy and enjoyable way to make a positive difference. Everyone can get involved as a bowler on a team of family members, friends or co-workers; or as a sponsor. If you care about kids and can spare a little time for fun, then Bowl for Kids' Sake is right up your alley!

All bowlers will receive a T-Shirt, two games, refreshments, and goodie bags. There will also be GREAT door prizes!! All donations benefit BBBSOC's youth mentoring programs. It's an easy and fun way to make a contribution while meeting local business leaders. For additional information or to register to bowl please call Patti at 732-905-5349.

Thunderbird Lanes

640 E Bay Ave

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Venue Phone: 609-978-9300

Sunday, March 27 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Ticket Pricing: $50 to Bowl and Network. $10 to network at Thunderbird Lanes: registration begins at noon. You don't have to be a good bowler, you simply need to care about kids. Everyone is welcome-individuals, families, senior groups and students.

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore Beaches and Towns Top 10 in America

I know summer is still a couple of months away, but it doesn't hurt to start planning ahead! My hometown, Cape May was honored as being one of the top 10 small towns in America, while my current home is minutes away from some of the best beaches in America.

TripAdvisor announced the winners of its inaugural 2011 Travelers' Choice Family award-winning best family destinations and hotels.  Top family-friendly spots were named in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico.

Travelers' Choice Family Award-winning U.S. Amusement Park Destinations:

#3. Wildwood Crest, New Jersey

Top 10 small towns in America

Tired of the big cities? Looking for someplace a bit more quaint to visit while on vacation? Just so happens, Tripadvisor.com has come out with its list of top small town locales.

#6. Cape May (My hometown!)

Just to make sure Ocean County isn't left out, here are New Jersey's Top Ten Beaches:

New Jersey's Top Ten Beaches

1. The Wildwoods
2. Ocean City
3. Long Beach Island
4. Asbury Park
5. Sea Isle City
6. Cape May
7. Island Beach State Park/Berkeley Township
8. Seaside Heights
9. Cape May Point
10. Avalon

Looking for a restaurant on LBI while vacationing?

Avenue  
23 Ocean Avenue, Long Beach, NJ 732-759-2900 
This beautiful new restaurant was designed by the internationally renowned architect David Collins. You'll be amazed by how stunning and modern the decor is. The food is even better. A very nice lounge and Terrace deck seating make this a great place to bring a date. (But make sure to bring your wallet too!)

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Jersey Shore

Manahawkin Housing Market Conditions

Manahawkin Housing Market Conditions, is a compilation of statistical data in graph and written form. Data indicates market conditions on a local level and in three month 'snapshots.' A housing market analysis is available from me, Karl Hess, for any neighborhood in Ocean County, Monmouth County and on The Jersey Shore.  Each report includes a summary of the overall trends and an interactive map of the local housing market conditions and can be produced within minutes of your request.

Go to www.HomeValuesinOceanCountyNJ.com for your free, no obligation, personalized report for your neighborhood.

Market Pricing Details for Manahawkin

 

	Total	Most Recent	Highest	Lowest	Average	Median
Sold Homes	27	02/25/2011	$430,000	$115,000	$290,293	$280,000
For Sale	213	03/08/2011	$899,000	$185,000	$385,059	$349,900

 

Recently Sold Homes in Manahawkin:

% of asking price received: 94%

Sales over asking price:1

Sales under asking price: 25

Sales at asking price:1

 

Time on Market Details for Manahawkin:

 

	Avg Days On Market	Total	Most Recent	Shortest	Longest
Sold Homes	208 days	27	02/25/2011	52 days	907 days
For Sale	155 days	213	03/08/2011	2 days	731 days

 

 

Recent Manahawkin Housing Activity: Number of Sales:27, Number of New Listings :98, Avg # of Homes for Sale: 227

 

 

 

What can you expect the Manahawkin real estate market to do? To find out what this means to you and for your Lacey home buying or Manhawkin home selling decision - no matter where you are in your decision process, contact me:

 

 

 

Karl Hess, Real Estate Consultant, Manahawkin and Ocean County Homes

 

Long Beach Island Featured in NYC Play

Long Beach Island will be the setting of a play written by Zach Braff and will show in NYC this summer.

Zach Braff's new play, All New People, will conclude New York's Second Stage Theatre's current season. The show will begin erformances on June 28 before an official opening in mid-July, according to TheatreMania.com

The play takes place in the dead of winter in the summer vacation getaway of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where Charlie, heartbroken, just wants some time away from the rest of the world, but finds his solitude is interrupted by a motley parade of misfits who show up and change his plans.

Braff received both WGA and Independent Spirit Award nominations for his screenplay for the feature film Garden State. His stage credits, as a performer, include Paul Weitz's Trust at Second Stage and Twelfth Night and Macbeth for the Public Theater. He may be best known for his portrayal of Dr. John "J.D." O'Brien on television's Scrubs.

Karl Hess, Long Beach Island Real Estate

Dave Mathews Band Music Festival in South Jersey

A report in the ACP indicates that the much-discussed music festival hosted by Dave Matthews Band will take place on June 24-26. Atlantic City's Bader Field will be home to the event, which also will draw in a variety of additional acts.

City Solicitor G. Bruce Ward indicated that there will be 12 hours of music each day, running from 11AM to 11PM. Greater Atlantic City Chamber member George Lynn indicated that 15-20 other groups will participate with a formal announcement expected soon. This will be the first of four such DMB events set to take place over the course of the summer.

Dave Matthews Band, sometimes shortened to DMB, is an is a Grammy Award winning American jam band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. As of 2010, Dave Matthews Band have approximate sales over 40 million copies worldwide.

The band is known for their annual summer-long tours of the US and Europe, featuring lengthy improvisational renditions of their songs, accompanied by an elaborate video and lighting show. The band's most recent album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King debuted at number one on Billboard 200, giving the band their fifth consecutive number one debut, making them the second band behind Metallica to do so.

Though DMB announced that they will be taking 2011 off, the've decided to play 4 venues, one on the East Coast, one on the West Coast, and in the Southern and Northern U.S.  South Jersey is one of those venues.

Karl Hess, Ocean County Real Estate

Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade is due to be held on March 12th at 12pm on the Boulevard Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

The parade, which is now in its 27th year running will include over 20 marching bands, so a very musical day is to be expected. St. Patrick's Day in Seaside Heights is guaranteed to be fun for all the family with a parade lasting two hours, without politics or gaps and including many different floats of different themes!

In 1984, a small group of Irish Americans in Ocean County, Led by Judge Damian Murray, decided to stage their own parade in Seaside Heights, NJ.

Their simple philosophy was to have the most entertaining & well organized parade in the State of New Jersey. With financial help from the Freeholders of Ocean County & the Jersey Shore Irish American Club and although the operating budget was only $3,000.00. The 1st parade was a Huge Success with over 50,000 attending. The parade now attracts over 100,000 visitors for a day of Irish singing, dancing and fun.

The weather forecast for the Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Paradeis calling for sunny skies and tempetures in the 50's. Starting at 12 Noon on the Boulevard. Floats, bands and lots of "wearin' of the green. Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold pint-- and another one!

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore

Wedding Road Show LBI Region

Spring is quickly approaching, which means it's "The Wedding Season."  The Wedding Road Show of Long Beach Island (LBI) will feature Spring Weddings and planning a Spring wedding is easy with tips and advice from muliple venders participating. Get the latest in Spring Wedding ideas and insight.

The Wedding Road Show taking place throughout the Long Beach Island Region on Sunday April 10, 2011 has attracted brides locally and from across the country. This complimentary self guided tour is a series of open houses that features forty chamber members who represent venues, shops and services that are directly tied to the wedding industry.

There will be three registration points for brides to begin their day. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce site, which will be headquarters for the media sponsors, The Tuckerton Seaport and The Holiday Inn in Manahawkin will be handing the BlueClaw Vouchers  for the May 1 one o'clock game upon bride's arrival.

All registration points will all be ready to welcome brides and their entourages at 9:30 am on April 10. The brides will receive detailed maps and programs that will allow them to create their own touring schedule until 4 pm.

Every registered stop the bride visits she will acquire a signature from the vendors located there, the more signatures she receives the entries she will have for the grand prize, The Lighthouse Wedding Grand Giveway, which is a customized 2012 wedding for up to 80. valued at over $17,000. All entry forms must received by the chamber office by 3 pm on April 12. 

For more information on the Wedding Road Show call the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 609 494 7211, to register for free event go to www.visitLBIRegion.com

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore

 

 

Pine Shores Art Association of Manahawkin - Purely Pastels

The public is invited to a wine and cheese reception 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Pine Shores Art Association, 94 Stafford Ave., Manahawkin, to celebrate the exhibit "Purely Pastels," on display through March 29. The pastel pictured here is by Chris Koustogiannis, titled "Sunrise."

PSAA fosters art instruction, appreciation, and inspiration to its members and the public. It engages regionally and nationally recognized artists to conduct classes, workshops and demonstrations in watercolor, oil, pastel, and other media.

Monthly Meetings, normally held the first Monday of the month, include art demonstrations by recognized artists, followed by refreshments and an opportunity to meet fellow artists. Also provided are Art History Lectures held in conjunction with the Stafford Library and Museum Trips to shows with with special artistic interest

Pastel is an art medium in the form of a stick, consisting of pure powdered pigment and a binder. The pigments used in pastels are the same as those used to produce all colored art media, including oil paints; the binder is of a neutral hue and low saturation. The color effect of pastels is closer to the natural dry pigments than that of any other process.

The 18th-century painters Maurice Quentin de La Tour and Rosalba Carriera are especially well known for their pastel technique. The 19th-century French painter Edgar Degas was a most prolific user of pastel and its champion.

Again, "Purely Pastels," will be on display through March 29, between 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays, 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Additional times and days can be arranged by calling 609-597-3557, Pine Shores Art Association, Manahawkin.

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore

Berkeley Twp Property Tax

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A Tax assessment and appeal seminar will be held on March 7 at the Central Regional Middle School cafeteria. Taxpayers and Voters Association members will be present along with Tax appeals attorneys to answer your questions.

The last revaluation hit really hard. There are people who are selling their homes because some have had increases of over 100 percent. Many residents - especially those with waterfront and oceanfront properties - saw their property assessments skyrocket after the township's 2010 revaluation, the first in 20 years.

The deadline for appeal is April 1st. Anyone that thinks their property tax assessment is above the true market value of their property should know all aspects of their right to appeal their assessments and to secure tax relief.

Look closely at your real estate tax assessment statement. The assessment figure on your current Notice of Assessment does not necessarily reflect the true value at which your building and land are assessed and taxed. Real Estate Tax Appeals must be filed by April 1st of any given year. However some townships and cities may extend the deadline due certain circumstances.

Your municipality's average ratio of assessed value to true value must be known and applied to your assessment. A town assessing real property at, for example, $500,000, but which has an average ratio of assessed to true value of 50%, is really placing a value of $1 million on the property.

To estimate your tax bill, multiply your assessed value by your municipality's tax rate.

Note that your assessed value, based perhaps on the inflated real estate market of the 1980's, may not truly reflect the lower real estate values prevalent today. You have the legal right to appeal this assessed value and may be entitled to a substantial rebate.

Other factors may reduce your taxes. You may also be entitled to a substantial rebate based upon the following factors:

• Machinery and equipment. Recent legislation and regulations eliminate the assessment of certain machinery, apparatus and equipment used in business or industry.
   

• Transfer of title. A recent decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court holds that a town assessor cannot increase an assessment merely because title to the property has been transferred.
   

• Wetlands. Imposition of Flood Hazard regulations or denial of a Freshwater Wetlands permit will almost certainly give you a basis for seeking a reduction in your assessment.

   

You Have The Right To Appeal Property Taxes Every Year
Under New Jersey law, a taxpayer feeling aggrieved by the assessed valuation of real property may appeal that assessment. In order to bring an appeal, taxes and all other municipal charges must be current up to the first quarter of the year and a petition must be filed with your County Tax Board or the New Jersey Tax Court no later than April 1st.

Again, the Berkeley Township Property Tax Appeal meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Central Regional Middle School cafeteria on Forest Hill Parkway on Monday March 7th.

Karl Hess, Berkeley Twp Real Estate, Keller Williams Jersey Shore

Ship Bottom Circle to be Developed

The entrance to Long Beach Island has been marred for almost 20 years by an unused gas station. The plot of land in Ship Bottom is located between Eighth and Ninth streets and adjacent to the end of Route 72 eastbound.

After the closure of the gas station, groundwater contamination was discovered at the site. The cleanup and remediation process has been going on for 10 years. This parcel of land, located at the gateway to Long Beach Island includes two parcels which werre purchased in 2004 and in 2008.

The demolishing the of building and trying to finish the remediation, which will take a couple of more months, before submitting plans probably for the April meeting of the Planning Board. 

The developer of the project has said that "it's pretty much going to be an old business with a very new twist," but was hesitant to completely explain before plans are submitted to the borough.

The land, across the street from the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop of Ship Bottom has been an eyesore for decades; it's about time someone with a vision has finally decided to use the space more effectively.

Karl Hess, Long Beach Island Real Estate, Keller Williams Jersey Shore