New Barnegat Restaurant Opened By Concert Organizer

A new restaurant by Michael Selvanto, Michael's on the Bay, was recently opened in Barnegat overlooking Barnegat Bay.

Michael's On The Bay, at Sun Harbor Bay Club, is sure to be the "Jersey Shore's" premier Steak, Seafood & Pasta House. Proprietor Michael "Uncle Mike" Selvanto, decided to provide eclectic cuisine & warm service to the neighborhood & tourists alike with breathtaking bay-front views. Michael's On The Bay is a great place to "flock" when meeting friends, relaxing, or getting away from the daily routine.

One of the unique ideas Michael has for the restaurant is putting up a 50 foot screen in the outdoor dining area for a drive-in...except this drive-in is by boat. That's right, you'll be able to sit on your boat and watch a movie...great fun!

Michael Servanto is a music producer and concert promoter. He is mostly known for organizing the LIVE 8 concert in Philadelphia in 2005. It was one of the first Live 8 concerts announced, as the city had played host to its Live Aid predecessor in 1985, and, until the inclusion of a concert outside Toronto, was the only city in North America to represent Live 8. It did, however, remain the only United States city to participate in the event.

The Live 8 Philly lineup included megastars Stevie Wonder, The Black-Eyed Peas, Toby Keith, Bon Jovi, Kanye West, Dave Mathews Band, Linkin Park, Def Leppard, Keith Urban, Rob Thomas and included other entertainment stars such as Natalie Portmam and Will Smith.

 

Michael's on the Bay is open Friday and Saturday, 6 AM until ???? During the week (Sunday thru Thursday) 6 AM to 9 PM. Boat delivery and catering is available...so get to Michael's on the Bay, either by car or by boat!

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Jersey Shore

 

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There will be entertainment Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon....considering"Uncle Mike's" connections, who knows what you'll see...or hear...on Barnegat Bay.

Sunshine Foundation Fishing Seminar

The Sunshine Foundation Fishing Seminar will be held on Saturday February 12 at the Mystic Island Community Center on Calabreeze Way. Various vendors and speakers including Senator Jeff Van Drew, Rutgers, Capt. Frick, US Coast Guard, Recreational Fishing Alliance, and more. Breakfast and lunch served. Free giveaways, tickets are $20 per person. Tickets available at Great Bay Marina, Chum Bucket, Scotts Bait & Tackle, Shore Wheels, or at the door.  The seminar starts at 9:00 AM.

Sunshine Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1976 by a then Philadelphia Police Officer, Bill Sample, to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages 3 - 18 whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to the financial strain that the child's illness may cause. To date Sunshine Foundation has answered over 34,000 dreams nationwide.

Sunshine Foundation's programs include Adopt a Dream, Dreamlifts, and Progeria Reunions. Sunshine Foundation answers dreams for children including family trips, personal computers, celebrity meet and greets and other dreams. The most requested dream is for a family trip to the Orlando Theme Parks. When families travel to Central Florida, they stay at Sunshine Foundation's Dream Village. The Dream Village consists of 9 fairy tale themed cottages, a playground and Olympic sized swimming pool all handicapped equipped and wheelchair accessible. The village is meant to be an escape from doctors and hospital visits for Sunshine families.

Sunshine Foundation was rated a top charity in 2008 by the American Institute of Philanthropy for giving 84.6% of all funds directly to the children Sunshine serves.

For more information on the Sunshine Foundation Fishing Seminar, contact Great Bay Marina, The Chum Bucket, Shore Wheels, Scott's Bait and Tackle or by contacting Fred at 201-723-4756 or email fschaf7227@aol.com.

Karl Hess, Ocean County Jersey Shore Real Estate

The Big Read

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.

According the NEA website; The Big Read answers a big need. Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a 2004 report by the National Endowment for the Arts, found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but that the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among the young. The concerned citizen in search of good news about American literary culture would study the pages of this report in vain.

The Big Read aims to address this crisis squarely and effectively. It provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. The initiative includes innovative reading programs in selected cities and towns, comprehensive resources for discussing classic literature and an extensive Web site providing comprehensive information on authors and their works.

Each community event lasts approximately one month and includes a kick-off event to launch the program locally, ideally attended by the mayor and other local luminaries; major events devoted specifically to the book (panel discussions, author reading, and the like); events using the book as a point of departure (film screenings, theatrical readings, and so forth); and book discussions in diverse locations and aimed at a wide range of audiences.

For Ocean County residents, go to The Ocean County Library web-site to sigh-up.

Karl Hess, Ocean County Real Estate

 

Waterfront Homes for Sale in Forked River

Waterfront Homes for Sale in Forked River for under $500,000 with Photos and Maps
There are 12 waterfront homes for sale in Forked River under $500,000. The homes have at least 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Square footage ranges from just under 1200 to almost 3000 square feet of living space.  Prices of these waterfront homes for sale in Forked River range from $299,900 to $500,000.
Forked River is an area located within Lacey Township, in Ocean County, on The Jersey Shore with a population of almost 5,000. Here is a complete list of properties available in Lacey Township.
Many Ocean County residents commonly refer to all of Lacey Township as Forked River with the first word pronounced with two syllables (FOR-ked or FORK-ed). Pronouncing the first word with one syllable (forkt) is a certainly a sign of a new resident or someone not quite familiar with the area.
Forked River is a great place to raise a family with good schools, dining and recreational activities, and as you can see by the picture, easy access to boating, fishing and The Jersey Shore beaches.  Forked River is located on Route 9, minutes from the Garden State Parkway and Routes 70 & 72, which makes commuting to Philadelphia or New York simple.
Are you curious about whether the real estate market as stabilized or about the value of your own home? You can keep up with the very latest real estate market conditions in your neighborhood, or anywhere in Ocean County including The Jersey Shore, by simply clicking on Home Values in Ocean County, NJ.
Looking for something do this weekend in Ocean County or just want to keep up with current events? The Jersey Shore News will keep you informed with local community information, happenings and the latest real estate news.
Looking for Open Houses in Ocean County? Get a complete list of Open Houses in Barnegat and the rest of Ocean County at Open House Ocean County.com
If you're interested in buying, selling or investing in Real Estate in Forked River, Ocean County or anywhere along The Jersey Shore, click on The Jersey Shore Home Finder.com and get free access to thousands of home listings with photos and maps.
Karl Hess, Forked River, Lacey Township, Ocean County Real Estate Agent

Long Beach Island Chocolate Week - Valentines Day in the LBI Region

Long Beach Island Region Chocolate Week is ‘chockfull' of fun things to do on the island and surrounding area from February 11th to February 20th.  Celebrate Valentines Day with romantic gift ideas; dinner, a night at a B&B, a massage, and of course, chocolates!  

February 11 - Daddy O Restaurant presents Valentine Themed Wine Dinner offering 4 courses all paired with a different wine and decadent dessert.   

February 12th  - The LBIF will be giving out "Chocolate Turtles".  While you're getting your chocolate fix, learn about green technology.  Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences 120 Long Beach Blvd, Loveladies.  

Feb 12 - Our Gang Players present Hello Dolly featuring a chocolate themed intermission during their Saturday performance at the Ocean First Stage Performing Arts Center in Manahawkin.  

Feb 16 - TGIFriday's Chocolate Week Bartenders Competition: Bartenders will be creating libations featuring chocolate while being judged their showmanship. Drinks will be auctioned to crowd.  

Feb 17- Healing Hands of Manahawkin Patient Appreciation Day with special chocolate gifts, in office raffles and giveaways. Chocolate Treats for office visits during the week and free New Patient Evaluations just by mentioning Chocolate Week!  

Magnolia House B&B is offering their romantic, cozy rooms for $175 or less (depending on the room) for one night; need more than one day Magnolia House B&B is offering a second night stay at $99!   Lavish Salon is offering 10% all services in the month of February and 10% off all sugar and chocolate skin care products during LBI Region Chocolate Week.  

Island Wellness Center Chocolate Week Valentine Special includes a 60 minute Blissful Massage for singles and couples ($40 each) and a complimentary chocolate bliss drink, an energizing blend of intense Mayan gold chocolate, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fruits and exotic botanicals from around the world.  

Engleside Inn and Restaurant offering Chocolate Martinis, Chocolate Profiteroles and Chocolate Lava Cake. Reservations are not required but suggested.  

Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern offers Chocolate Week and Valentine Specials, Feb 14 - Valentines dinner for two for just $99 featuring 2 appetizers, 2 soups or salads 2 Entrees 2 Desserts and a bottle of wine or champagne.  

MyJerseyShoreHomeFinder.com is offering a free comparative market analysis for your home in Ocean County and a complete market snapshot of your neighborhood. If you're curious about whether the real estate market has stabilized or about the value of your own home or home values in your neighborhood, simply click on Home Values in Ocean County, NJ and you will get your analysis within 24 hours!

Looking for something do this weekend in Ocean County or just want to keep up with current events? The Jersey Shore News will keep you informed with local community information, happenings and the latest real estate news.

Can't seem to find all the Open Houses in Ocean County? Get a complete list of Open Houses in the LBI Region and the rest of Ocean County at Open House Ocean County.com  

If you're interested in buying, selling or investing in Real Estate in Ocean Township, Ocean County or anywhere along The Jersey Shore, click on The Jersey Shore Home Finder.com and get free access to thousands of home listings with photos and maps

Karl Hess, LBI Region and Ocean County Real Estate Agent

 

Life on Barnegat Bay on Local TV

"Life on the Barnegat Bay," a documentary about the ecological deterioration of Barnegat Bay and hopes for its restoration, will be broadcast on local cable television systems Jan. 11 through Jan. 16.

Produced by the Barnegat Bay Partnership and the staff of Ocean TV-20 at Ocean County College, the film features Paul D. "Pete" McLain of Toms River, a veteran wildlife biologist and former deputy state wildlife director whose professional and personal life has been intertwined with the bay for most of his 80-plus.

The airing of this documentary comes on the heels of the recent bills signed by Governor Christie in Waretown which will have a signifcantly positive impact on the Bay. According to legislative testimony by Scotts MiracleGro in August of this year this bill will become the model for most other states. The law will be the first in the country to regulate the content of fertilizer rather than merely rely on homeowners to read and follow the directions on the bag as the mechanism for protecting estuaries.

"Save Barnegat Bay" who is responsible for pushing the legislation, is a not-for-profit environmental group working to conserve undeveloped natural land and clean water throughout the Barnegat Bay watershed. They were founded in 1971 as a local chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, a leading national environmental organization.

The film also features a look at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center near Island Beach State Park, and the Lighthouse Center in Waretown, where environmental education programs are teaching a new generation of students about the bay's problems.

The documentary will be broadcast Tuesday at 8 p.m.; Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.; Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and again Sunday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. It can be seen on Ocean TV-20 on Comcast of Toms River, Long Beach Island Channel 20, and on Verizon FiOS in northern Ocean County, Channel 24.

Karl Hess, Jersey Shore Real Estate

Waterfront Homes Berkeley Twp, NJ Under $400,000

Photos of Waterfront Homes for Sale in Berkeley Township, Ocean County NJ under $400,000 with maps.

There are 12 Waterfront Homes for sale in Berkeley Township, Ocean County for under $400,000, with at least 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms and square footage ranging from 1000 sq ft to over 2300 sq ft. These homes are located on Bayville Ave, Topsail Ct, Ronald Ave, Cedar Run Rd, Longview Drive, Spinnaker Ct, Travelers Way, Albatross Pt, Cedar Drive, and The Moorings; all in the Bayville area of Berkeley Township.

Here is the complete list of all homes for sale in Berkeley Township, Ocean County, NJ.

According to the US Census Bureau Berkeley Township has over 40,000 people living within its boundaries. The township has a total area of 55.8 square miles of which 42.9 square miles is land and 12.9 square miles (23.12%) is water.

Berkeley Township is located in the central part of Ocean County along the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Approximately 72% of Berkeley Township's land area is within the federally designated New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. Approximately 38% is within the State's Pineland Area, which is within the Pinelands National Reserve. Toms River Township forms the northern border of the Township, Cedar Creek and Lacey Township form the Township's southern border. The barrier island, on which South Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park are situated, is the Township's eastern boundary.

Are you curious about whether the real estate market as stabilized or about the value of your own home? You can keep up with the very latest real estate market conditions in your neighborhood, or anywhere in Ocean County including The Jersey Shore, by simply clicking on Home Values in Ocean County, NJ.

 Looking for something do this weekend in Ocean County or just want to keep up with current events? The Jersey Shore News will keep you informed with local community information, happenings and the latest real estate news.

Looking for Open Houses in Ocean County? Get a complete list of Open Houses in Berkeley and the rest of Ocean County at Open House Ocean County.com  

If you're interested in buying, selling or investing in Real Estate in Berekely Township, Ocean County or anywhere along The Jersey Shore, click on The Jersey Shore Home Finder.com and get free access to thousands of home listings with photos and maps

 

Karl Hess, Berkeley Township, Ocean County Real Estate Agent

 

Christie Signs Barnegat Bay Legislation

Good News for Barnegat Bay!

Governor Chris Christie was in Waretown today and signed three bills into law morning aimed at protecting the health of the bay and its inhabitants. The bills establish regulations for fertilizer usage, standards for restoring damage soil, and requirements for the state Department of Transportation pertaining to the maintenance and upkeep of storm-water drains and basins.

Barnegat Bay stretches approximately 30 miles, along the coast of Ocean County. It is essentially a long estuary formed by Barnegat Peninsula, a long barrier peninsula, as well as by the north end of Long Beach Island. The bay is fed by several small rivers, including the Toms River and Metedeconk River, which empty into the bay through small estuaries along its inner shore. The communities of Toms River Township, Berkeley Township, Lacey Township, Long Beach Island Township, among others sit along the estuaries on the bay.

The bay is entered from the ocean through the Barnegat Inlet, along which sits the Barnegat Lighthouse. The bay is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, entered on its north end by the Point Pleasant Canal and connecting on the south end with Little Egg Harbor via the small Manahawkin Bay. In a broader sense, the bay is sometimes considered to stretch to the south end of Long Beach Island and to include Little Egg Harbor.

 The area surrounding the Barnegat Bay and Barnegat Inlet were described by Henry Hudson, in 1609, as "...a great lake of water, as we could judge it to be ... The mouth of the lake hath many shoals, and the sea breaketh on them as it is cast out of the mouth of it." The bay was originally named in 1614 "Barendegat," or "Inlet of the Breakers," by Dutch settlers, referring to the waterway's turbulent channel. During the American Revolutionary War, the bay was used as refuge by American privateers.

Are you curious about whether the real estate market as stabilized or about the value of your own home? You can keep up with the very latest real estate market conditions in your neighborhood, or anywhere in Ocean County including The Jersey Shore, by simply clicking on Home Values in Ocean County, NJ.

Looking for something do this weekend in Ocean County or just want to keep up with current events? The Jersey Shore News will keep you informed with local community information, happenings and the latest real estate news.

Looking for Open Houses in Ocean County? Get a complete list of Open Houses along Barnegat Bay and the rest of Ocean County at Open House Ocean County.com  

If you're interested in buying, selling or investing in Real Estate in Ocean Township, Ocean County or anywhere along The Jersey Shore, click on The Jersey Shore Home Finder.com and get free access to thousands of home listings with photos and maps

Karl Hess, Ocean Township, Ocean County Real Estate Agent

 

Beach Access on The Jersey Shore

New Jersey DEP has proposed new rules that take a step backwards for public beach access on The Jersey Shore.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's proposed beach access rules won't increase oceanfront beach access, but they will make it easier for inaccessible beach towns to get state beach replenishment money.

The current beach access rules are good. The state DEP plans to issue new beach access rules later this month, designed to balance the public's right to use beaches against the cost to towns and property owners of providing public access.

DEP's proposed beach access rules won't increase oceanfront beach access, but they will make it easier for inaccessible beach towns to get state beach replenishment money.

If our taxes are going to dredge and dump sand on a beach, we should be able to get to that sand. The new rules don't do that.

 The current beach access rules are good. We want the state to leave them alone. The state should distinguish between Atlantic Ocean beach access and access to private marinas, back bays, and waterfront industrial sites.

The proposed rules are voluntary for the towns to comply with and the state would have no way to make the towns comply.

A new poll finds most New Jerseyans want shore towns that get public money for beach replenishment to offer better public access to those newly widened beaches.

The state Department of Environmental Protection plans to issue new beach access rules later this month, designed to balance the public's right to use beaches against the cost to towns and property owners of providing public access.

A Rutgers-Eagleton survey paid for by the Surfrider Foundation, a beach access group, found more than 82 percent of those surveyed want towns that get beach replenishment funds to provide better public beach access on The Jersey Shore.

The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches. Founded in 1984, Surfrider Foundation's most important coastal environmental work is carried out by Surfrider Foundation's 60 chapters located along the East, West, Gulf, Puerto Rican, and Hawaiian coasts.

Karl Hess, Jersey Shore Real Estate Agent 

 

 

Mama, Don't Take My Kodachrome

Dwayne's Photo in Parsons, Kansas, the last lab in the world that processes the famed color film Kodachrome, is discontinuing it at the end of the year.

After 75 years, all that will be left of Kodachrome is the Paul Simon song and a state park named after it in Utah.

The Eastman Kodak Co. discontinued making the film in June 2009.

Unlike other color film, Kodachrome starts as black-and-white film. Color dyes are added in the lab, like printmaking, which is why you can't develop it at home.

Dwayne's in Kansas is the last licensed processor, and doing 700 rolls a day, twice its average, but that's not enough demand to convince Kodak to make more chemicals.

Introduced in 1935, Kodachrome was the first commercially successful color film.

The film has an unparalleled reputation among professional photographers as it had a color saturation that is unmatched with any other slide film or with digital.

As Paul Simon sang...

Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, Oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

 Photographer: Steve McCurry

Ocean County, NJ and Jersey Shore Homes and Real Estate - Get free access to all listings with photos in Ocean County including waterfront, beachfront and water-view homes on The Jersey Shore.

 Karl Hess, Real Estate Agent Ocean County

 

 

 

History of Christmas in America

 The History of Christmas in America according to The History Channel.

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Irving Reinvents Christmas It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

 The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

 In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended - in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

 A Christmas Carol: Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

Today in history bought to you by:   Karl Hess, Your Real Estate Agent in Ocean County