Placing a Bet at the Diner

A New Jersey Senate panel will vet a bill that would create horse racing betting sites in the state's northern counties, and part of Ocean County, where electronic wagering terminals can be placed at a limited number of bars and restaurants.

The measure would essentially create mini off-track wagering sites, according to the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill, N.J.

The measure limits the program to Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, and northern Middlesex and Ocean counties.

Host municipalities would collect a local impact fee of 1 percent from each betting machine's gross revenues. Other funds would go to horse racing purses and be used to prevent underage gambling, according to the Courier-Post.

Current legislation calls for 15 full-scale OTW (off-track wagering sites), but after more than 10 years since the law was enacted the only sites developed are in Woodbridge, Toms River and Vineland.

Ocean County New Years Eve 2011

New Year’s Eve 2011 is here! It’s time to celebrate the New Year in style! Some people head to Time Square for New Years, but we all know that the best New Years Eve parties are right here at The Jersey Shore. This New Year’s Eve, say farewell to 2011 and hello to 2012 at one of Ocean County’s great New Year’s Eve parties. This is your ultimate guide of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ocean County, New Jersey:

Northeast Ocean County

Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant Beach (Tickets: $25 in advance. $30 at the door if available)

The Mike Dalton Band performs LIVE. Martell’s will have a some good food. Plus party favors, champagne and DJ Rob playing your favorite tunes.

Jenks Club in Point Pleasant Beach (Tickets: $50)

This New Years Eve party features DJ Unique and The Benjamins performing. There’s an open bar from 8PM-10PM, a buffet, and Jenks Club is open till 5AM.

Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty in Point Pleasant Beach (Tickets: $120)

This year, Jack Baker’s has an open bar ALL NIGHT. Come to listen to Brian Kirk & The Jirks and have a fun time.

Club Maggies in Lakewood (NO COVER CHARGE)

Club Maggies will have a New Years Eve dance contest with $1000 in cash and prizes. Plus FREE champagne toast and party favors.

River Rock in Brick (Tickets: $30)

River Rock’s DJs will be playing your favorite songs all New Years Eve. There’s an Open Bar from 8PM-10PM, a Buffet that lasts after midnight and pastries will be served at 3AM.

Idle Hour in Point Pleasant (Tickets: $20)

Undispusted will be playing at Idle Hour on New Years Eve. Plus a FREE buffet, great drink specials and more!

709's beautiful scenery will host a New Year's Eve Party in 2011

709 in Point Pleasant Beach (Tickets: $110)

709’s DJs will having you dancing the night away! Plus, there’s good food, champagne and a 3-hour open bar.

Northwest Ocean County

Stadium After Dark in Jackson (Tickets: $35 a person, $50 a couple)

This New Year’s Eve party takes place fro 9PM-4AM. That’s right! DJ Steel will be spinning records till 4AM. Plus, there’s an open bar from 11PM-2AM and a buffet beginning at midnight.

Three B’s Bar and Bistro in Lakehurst (Tickets: $58.99 plus tip)

They’ve got a 3 Hour Open Bar till midnight. Plus LIVE entertainment and their famous signature dishes. Yummy!

Toms River Area

Spicy’s in Seaside Heights (Tickets: $30 in advance. $35 at the door)

In one section, Bullzeye will be performing rock and country music. In another section, there’s a dance party. Plus, an open bar from 8PM-11PM and a Breakfast Buffet at 4AM.

Crab’s Claw Inn in Lavallette (NO COVER CHARGE)

Trax Band will be performing tonight with champagne at midnight. And Crab’s Claw has you covered on New Year’s Day with a brunch from 10AM-4PM.

Sawmill in Seaside Park (Tickets: $25)

2 DJs + 4 Hour Open Bar = a Fun time! Plus, they’re open till 2AM!

High Velocity in Beachwood (NO COVER CHARGE)

Instant Karma will be playing LIVE tonight. Plus great drinks!

The Cove in Bayville (Tickets: $32-$40)

DJ Vibe will be spinning records upstairs and Frogmore Stew rocks the house downstairs. And a four course dinner!

Beachcomber will try to top their New Year's Eve Party from last year.

Beachcomber in Seaside Heights (Tickets: $35)

Temporary Grace will be the entertainment at Beachcomber on New Years Eve 2011. Plus, an open bar from 8PM till Midnight and great food available.

Atlantic BallRoom in The Holiday Inn in Toms River (Tickets: $95-$135)

From 8PM-1AM there will be an open bar, great food, a DJ spinning great songs, party favors and more.

Southern Ocean County

Captain’s Inn in Forked River (NO COVER CHARGE)

In the lounge, Mike Kelly performs. On the dance floor, White Rabbit plays. Add great food and drinks and you got a great New Years Eve.

Longshots in Waretown (Tickets: $45 in advance. $50 at the door)

Longshots will have an open bar from 9PM to midnight. There’s a DJ, and a karaoke contest that includes great prizes such as an iPad 2, flat screen TVs and more.

Nardi’s in LBI ($70 in advance. $80 at the door)

Richie & The All Stars will be the entertainment tonight. Plus FREE pizza and drinks from 9PM-1AM.

The Gables in LBI (Tickets: $89 for the 5:30 dinner. $125 for the 8:30 dinner)

Not only a great menu, but the Gables will also have dancing and a midnight toast this New Years Eve.

Joe Pops in LBI (Tickets: $90 in advance. $100 at the door)

Joe Pops has not just 1, but 2 bands! Shots & Goggles and The Rock Lobsters will be playing tonight. Plus a DJ. And an open bar from 9PM-1AM. Remember to dress to impress. And the bar will be open as long as the party goes.

 

 

Independent Theatre in Toms River

The Traco Theater goes beyond the ordinary when bringing entertainment to downtown Toms River with independent films. One would have to drive up north to one of the many art houses to see films that will be shown here, but now independent films are showing at the Traco Theater in downtown Toms River. This small seventy seat theater is the perfect setting to watch an independent film in high definition with an exceptional sound system that is sure to excite the senses.

Movies such as “Margin Call” staring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons and Demi Moore will be playing. In addition to having some of the finest independent films available to the Toms River downtown area, the Traco Theater will also host various events throughout the year. Everything from plays, comedians, guest speakers, readings and poetry are just some of the events the Traco Theater has waiting for you.

Stop in for dessert at The Cookie Cab and a movie at the Traco Theater, the perfect blend of taste and culture. The dessert and a movie special includes Gourmet Cupcake, House Coffee and Single admission to a movie at the Traco Theater for thirteen dollars plus tax. When purchasing tickets you must request the Dessert and a Movie Special so we can stamp your ticket stub to present at The Cookie Cab.

The Traco Theatre and The Cookie Cab…a great way to spend an evening.

Looking for a Home in Toms River? Contact Karl Hess, Toms River Real Estate

Celebrity Chef at Barnegat Library

Aaron Sanchez will be at the Barnegat Public Library Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 PM promoting his book Simple Food, Big Flavor.

Sanchez is the executive chef and part-owner of the restaurant Centrico in NYC. He has appeared on Iron Chef and he currently appears on the show Heat Seekers. He is a recurring guest judge on the show Chopped on The Food Network and has also been featured on Chefs vs City.

Aarón Sánchez’s passion for food has placed him among the country’s leading contemporary Latin chefs. He has earned a premiere spot in the world of culinaria, introducing an enthusiastic national audience to his technique and creativity with modern interpretations of classic Latin cuisine. In Simple Food, Big Flavor, rather than over-whelming readers with complex, intimidating dishes, he starts small, showing how one simple but fabulous “base” recipe can become many fantastic dishes. Take Garlic-Chipotle Love, a blend of roasted garlic, canned chipotles in adobo, cilantro, and lime zest that keeps in the fridge for weeks or in the freezer for months. Once you make it, you’re just a few steps away from delicious dishes like Chipotle-Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Bean and Butternut Squash Picadillo, and Mussels with Beer and Garlic-Chipotle Love.

And that’s just the beginning. Sánchez features fifteen of these flavor base recipes, including Roasted Tomato Salsa, Cilantro-Cotija Pesto, and homemade Dulce de Leche. He even shares his plan of attack for making the perfect mole and how to team it up with roasted Cornish game hens, turkey enchiladas, and the ultimate crowd pleaser, braised beef short ribs. He then provides detailed yet easy tips for applying each sauce to everyday meals, whether you spread it on hamburgers, turn it into a marinade for easy grilled chicken, or stir in a little oil and lime for salad dressing with a kick.

With his warm and engaging style, Sánchez equips home cooks with the skills and knowledge they need to come up with their own simple, flavorful meals every night of the week. Your kitchen will be en fuego! As Sánchez says, your food will go from inspiring smiles and polite nods to igniting ridiculous grins and bear hugs. Enjoy.

Meet Aaron Sanchez at the Barnegat Public Library Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 PM were he will be promoting his book Simple Food, Big Flavor.

Things to do in Ocean County, Saturday August 20, 2011

Things to do in Ocean County, Saturday August 20, 2011

Summer Dock Concerts: Roustabouts, Barnegat Municipal Dock, E. Bay Ave. 7 pm. In case of rain, concerts will be held at the Community Center, 900 W. Bay Ave. Concerts run Saturdays from July 4 - September 10. Information: 609-698-0080 or www.barnegat.net- BARNEGAT

Cranberry Bog Tour, Double Trouble State Park, Pinewald Rd. 10 am. 1-mile to 2-mile walk over flat sandy trails. Information: 732-341-4098 or www.njparksandforests.org- BAYVILLE

Childrens Theater: Snow White, Surflight Theatre, Engleside & Beach Aves. 6 pm. $ Information: 609-492-9477 or www.surflight.org - BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

The Odd Couple, Surflight Theatre, Engleside & Beach Aves. 8 pm. A Neil Simon Comedy featuring Cindy William and Joanne Worley. Hilarious comedy classic of mismatched roommates. Information: 609-492-9477 or www.surflight.org- BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

Ice Cream Social, Havens Homestead Museum, 521 Herbertsville Rd. 1 pm - 4 pm. Re-creation of an old-fashioned event on the patio. Rain date August 21. Donation. Information: 732-785-2500 or www.bricktwphistoricalsociety.com- BRICK

Blue Claw Craft Show, Sunset Park, West Salem Ave. 10 am - 3 pm. Information: 609-361-7990 www.harveycedars.org/ - HARVEY CEDARS

Anything Floats Race, Sunset Park, West Salem Ave. 4 pm. Find anything that floats and bring it to race. Information: 609-361-7990 www.harveycedars.org/- HARVEY CEDARS

Blue Claw Crab Race, Sunset Park, West Salem Ave. Registration at 10 am, Race begins at 11 am. Bring your own crab or rent one. Prizes awarded. Sponsored by PBA 175. Information: 609-361-7990 www.harveycedars.org/- HARVEY CEDARS

Minor League BASEBALL: Lakewood BlueClaws Home Game, FirstEnergy Park, Cedar Bridge & New Hampshire Aves. 7:05 p.m. Hosting the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Florida Marlins). Logo Baseballs. The BlueClaws are a Single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Information: 732-901-7000 or www.blueclaws.com - LAKEWOOD

Bellarine Theatre Company Presents: "The Wedding Singer," Pinelands Regional H.S. Auditorium, 565 Nugentown Rd. 7:30 pm. $ Information: 609-661-2083 or www.bellarinetheatre.com- LITTLE EGG HARBOR

Art exhibit: Steve Tobin- Master Pieces, Michael Ryan Architects' Long Beach Island space: 60 Loveladies Harbor. 11 am - 7 pm. Curated by Bridgette Mayer, presented by Michael Ryan Architects, in conjunction with Bridgette Mayer Gallery, Philadelphia, PA. Information: 215-413-8893 or www.bridgettemayergallery.com- LOVELADIES

Christmas in August, New Egypt Speedway, 720 Route 539. 6 pm. Modifieds, Crate-1, Late Models & 305 Sprints. Schedule subject to change. $ Information: 609-758-1900 or www.newegyptspeedway.net- NEW EGYPT

Family Flukin' Frenzy, VFW Post 4715 Men's Auxiliary. Fishing hours daybreak 'til ? Weigh in 1 - 4 pm. Open to all ports. 4 hooks maximum per angler. Entry Fee includes t-shirt, guest pass to picnic and door prize ticket. Captain's meeting is August 19th at 7 pm. Proceeds to benefit Point Pleasant Boro and Beach High Schools Student Scholarships. Information: 732-899-9725 or vfw4715mensauxiliary.tripod.com/id13.html- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Beach Yoga, Hiering Ave beach area. 7:00 am to 9:45 pm. Instructor Dawn Keen from Center for Health and Healing. $ Information: 732-505-8282 - SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Town Wide Garage Sale, 8 am - 4 pm. Maps available at local businesses. Sponsored by Summer in the Park Business Association. Information: 732-793-3700 or www.seasideparknj.org- SEASIDE PARK

Beach Yoga, Beach, 26th St. 8:30 am. All levels welcome. Information: 609-492-4906 - SPRAY BEACH

4th Annual NJ Maritime Heritage Celebration, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. 10 am - 5 pm. Boat rides, lectures, demonstrations, surfboard exhibit, stand-up paddle board competition and lots of fun maritime activities. Information: 609-296-8868 or www.tuckertonseaport.org- TUCKERTON

Decorative Painting: Barnegat Lighthouse, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. 10 am - 2 pm. Paint a scene of Barnegat Lighthouse both in the summer and winter complete with dunes and blooming goldenrod on an old saw. optional to bring your own paints and supplies. $ Information: 609-296-8868 or www.tuckertonseaport.org- TUCKERTON

11th Annual Gala Fundraiser, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. 6 pm - 10 pm. Cost includes wine tasting, food, desserts, live big band, dancing, silent auction, and treasure hunt. Information: 609-296-8868 or www.tuckertonseaport.org - TUCKERTON

Karl Hess, Ocean County Real Estate, Keller Williams

Things to do in Ocean County, August 13, 2011

With the growing year round population, Ocean County's economic base has become increasingly diverse, with a variety of industries now supplementing traditional tourist related businesses. The growth in employment opportunities within Ocean County is now becoming as notable as the population growth was in the recent past. Over the last ten years, Ocean County has had one of the fastest increases in new jobs in the State. The Health Care Industry has been by far the fastest growing employment sector and is now the top employer in the County. Employment projections released by the NJ Department of Labor show that Ocean County will continue to be at the forefront of New Jersey employment growth well into the next decade

Things to do in Ocean County August 13, 2011

Summer Dock Concerts: Reunited, Barnegat Municipal Dock, E. Bay Ave. 7 pm. In case of rain, concerts will be held at the Community Center, 900 W. Bay Ave. Concerts run Saturdays from July 4 - September 10. Information: 609-698-0080 or www.barnegat.net- BARNEGAT

Zion Church Summer Bazaar, Zion Church, 18th St. & Central Ave. 9 am - 1 pm. Book & bake sale. Information: 609-494-8676 or www.visitlbiregion.com- BARNEGAT LIGHT

Childrens Theater: Snow White, Surflight Theatre, Engleside & Beach Aves. 6 pm. $ Information: 609-492-9477 or www.surflight.org- BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

Reptile World, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, 7th Street & Long Beach Blvd. 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm & 9:30 pm. A fascinating, entertaining and educational show featuring live reptiles such as a 16' 165 lb. Albino Indian Rock Python, Alligator Snapping Turtle, South American Green Iguana, American Alligator and Cobras. Information: 609-492-4000 or www.fantasyislandpark.com- BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

The Odd Couple, Surflight Theatre, Engleside & Beach Aves 8 pm. A Neil Simon Comedy featuring Cindy William and Joanne Worley. Hilarious comedy classic of mismatched roommates. Information: 609-492-9477 or www.surflight.org- BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

Full Moon Hikes, Island Beach State Park, Interpretive Center, End of Rt. 35 S. 7:30 pm. Information: 732-793-1698 or www.friendsofislandbeach.com- ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

STARBURST Summer Concert Series: The Best of Reggae, Northern Star Arena, Six Flags Great Adventure, Rte. 537. 6 pm. Featuring Beres Hammond, Kymani Marley (son of Bob Marley), Wayne Wonder and Anthony B. Concert requires an additional admission ticket. Information: 732-928-1821 or www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure- JACKSON

Flea Market, Lavallette First Aid Parking Lot, Bay & Philadelphia Ave. 9 am - 4 pm. Sponsored by the Lavallette Business Association. Rain date August 14. Information: 732-793-7477 or www.lavallette.org- LAVALLETTE

50th Annual LBI Lifeguard Tournament, 68th Street Ocean Beach. Information: 609-361-1200 or www.longbeachtownship.com- LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP

Our Gang Players presents: Oliver, OceanFirst Theater, 1000 McKinley Ave. 7 pm. $ Information: 609-597-0553 or www.ourgang.org- MANAHAWKIN

Summer Slam, New Egypt Speedway, 720 Route 539. Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Crate-1, Late Models, Enduro & Demolition Derby. 6 pm. Schedule subject to change. $ Information: 609-758-1900 or www.newegyptspeedway.net- NEW EGYPT

Beach Yoga, Hiering Ave beach area. 7:00 am to 9:45 pm. Instructor Dawn Keen from Center for Health and Healing. $ Information: 732-505-8282 - SEASIDE HEIGHTS

The Bikinis, Arts & Community Center Theatre, Ocean County College, College Drive, off Hooper Ave. 8 pm. A new musical beach party beginning in the summer of 1964. $ Information: 732-255-0500 or www.ocean.edu- TOMS RIVER

Indoor Flea Market, Church of the Holy Spirit, 220 E. Main St. 8 am - 1 pm. Information: 609-296-9618 or www.holyspirittuckerton.org- TUCKERTON

National Lighthouse Day, Tucker's Island Lighthouse, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. Setup between 8 am - 9 am. Promotes public awareness of ham radio and lighthouses and fosters camaraderie within the ham fraternity. Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge class held at the lighthouse during the day. Sponsored by the Old Barney Amateur Radio Club . Information: kc2yaf@comcast.net - TUCKERTON

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Reality Ocean County

 

New Olive Garden in Stafford Twp

Stafford Park's newest addition, Olive Garden, opened its doors to the public, making it the first restaurant to join the variety of successful retailers at the large-scale mixed-use redevelopment in southern Ocean County.

The 7,600-square-foot casual dining eatery was built on a pad site within the retail portion of the complex. The new "green" building features a number of sustainable design elements including recycled building materials and energy-efficient equipment and fixtures. As a result, the building has been awarded certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Italian restaurant is known for its Tuscan farmhouse design offers seating for more than 200 diners, plus a lounge that can seat about 60. This is the restaurant's second location in the southern Ocean County area. There are several locations in New Jersey and more than 700 restaurants in North America. Olive Garden's corporate parent is Darden Restaurants, a Florida company that also owns Red Lobster and four other chains.

"Stafford Park is an ideal location in this market for Olive Garden. It's become an attractive destination for both retailers and local shoppers," said Ed Walters, Jr., founder and partner of Walters Group.

Stafford Park is a LEED-certified redevelopment with the majority of corporate tenants attaining LEED-Silver certification. Currently, the roster of retailers reaping the savings of green building include Best Buy, Costco, Dick's Sporting Goods, PetSmart, Target, AT&T and Ulta. The Vitamin Shoppe reached LEED-Gold certification. In addition, atop the Best Buy, PetSmart and Dick's Sporting Goods there are solar arrays that provide 30 percent of the electrical needs of the stores. The center is situated off exit 63, at the southwest corner of the Garden State Parkway and Route 72 interchange.

(Press Release by Caryl Communications Inc.)

3rd Annual Jazzy Scallop & Seafood Festival

In the mood for some good seafood? Look no further than the 3rd Annual Jazzy Scallop Seafood Festival. Held at the historic Viking Village at 19th & Bayview in Barnegat Light from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., this event features fresh seafood prepared by local chefs, cash bar for beer and wine, sushi and raw clam bar, local jazz musicians, a performance by the Surflight Theater and more.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce in Ship Bottom or at the Viking Village Shoppes in Barnegat Light. Proceeds will benefit the Southern Regional High School Scholarship Fund and the Surflight Theater.

Local restaurants cooking up their favorite seafood for your tastebuds, jazz music and cash bar! Festival takes place at Viking Village in Barnegat Light.

Broiled Scallops (the easiest and best way to prepare)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds scallops
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Turn broiler on.
2. Rinse scallop and place in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with garlic salt, melted butter or margarine and lemon juice.
3. Broil 6 to 8 minutes or until scallops start to turn golden. Remove from oven and serve with extra melted butter or margarine on the side for dipping.

It doesn't get any better!

 

 

Long Beach Island Stand Up Paddleboard Pro-Am Relay Race

Event: Long Beach Island Stand Up Paddleboard Pro-Am Relay Race July 17, 2011

Organizer: The New Jersey Windsurfing and Watersports Association.

Venue: Competition will take place within the cove at Bayview Park, 68th St., Brant Beach, Long Beach Island, New Jersey. (Little Egg Harbor). A limited number of SUP boards will be available on a first come first served basis.

Teams: Younger/Inexperienced Paddlers will be paired up with Older/Experienced Stand-Up PaddleSurfers. The race is open to men, women, and children age 10 years and older. All competitors are encouraged to join the NJWWA

Courses: A course circuit will be set within the harbor, between the boat channel and the shoreline. Marks may consist of buoys, no-wake markers, and islands.

• The Amateur/ First Leg will be a shortened course for the younger/less experienced part of the team, approximately 1/4 mile long.
• The Professional/ Second Leg will feature a bayside course designed to challenge the competitor's technical and athletic skills, approximately 1.0 mile long.

Start: LeMans style Beach Start with competitors standing in the water next to their board. Each competitor may be randomly assigned their starting station at the line. Amateur Younger/Inexperienced competitors will start first. You will be allowed 5 strokes to get on your feet and stand up. Each competitor must complete the course in a standing position on their board. Paddlers must follow the Race Committee's instructions. Final instructions will be announced prior to the start of the race.

Relay: After rounding the last mark, each Amateur competitor must paddle in towards the designated beach area and "high five" their partner, who will be waiting in the shallow water in the designated beach area. The choice is yours if you use the same or different equipment.

Finish: After rounding the last mark, paddlers will finish in a standing position, leaving the board on shore, running to the finish line carrying their paddle. Each paddler must cross the finish line. Competitors must not leave the finish area until their place, name and number, has been recorded by the scorer. Top finishers will be encouraged to perform an SUP Talent Exhibition.

Registration opens at 9am. Please check in by 12:00 on July 17, 2011. For more information click here.

Lighthouse International Film Festival on LBI

Long Beach Island will present 65 films as part of the Lighthouse International Film Festival, June 3-5, 2011.

Securing some key programming from Sundance, Toronto, South-by-Southwest and the Tribeca film festivals, including "Gun Hill Road," "Prairie Love," "Surrogate Valentine," and "The Trollhunter," the festival will open with "Salvation Boulevard" (Pierce Brosnan, Jennifer Connelly, Marisa Tomei and Ed Harris) and close with Michael Winterbottom's "The Trip."

The Lighthouse International Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to showcasing new and innovative films and fostering the next generation of filmmakers. The festival offers three days of films, panels, Q&A's, networking, parties and surfing, and draws some of the industry's top film critics, producers and distributors.

The festival also seeks to serve the community by presenting unique programs that inspire, engage and challenge a diverse audience through the art of film.

The Lighthouse International Film Festival was founded by a collection of filmmakers, film critics and film industry professionals who share a passion for film and wanted to create an event aimed first and foremost at film enthusiasts.

The 2011 festival will present feature films, shorts, documentaries and family films, as well as panel discussions with leading film industry professionals. Taking place on Long Beach Island, NJ -- one of the East Coast's most popular surfing destinations -- the festival celebrates three days of new, exciting and challenging films in honor of Long Beach Island's historic Barnegat Lighthouse.

To find out more about the festival, or to check out screening times and venues, visit http://www.lighthousefilmfestival.org.

Karl Hess, Keller Williams Jersey Shore

Wild New Jersey

No, it's not an especially crazy episode of the locally-despised series The Jersey Shore, it's a new book chronicling author David Wheeler's travels through-out New Jersey's varied natural habitats.

Wheeler's New Jersey is a place where the fastest animal on earth dive-bombs him from the skies. A young black bear bounds up a mountain trail a few yards away. Poisonous snakes swirl at his feet. A thousand bats careen past his head in a pitch-black roost. Pods of dolphins swim right past him by the scores. Where? You may ask, in Wild New Jersey, of course.

Wheeler traversed mountains, valleys, beaches, forests, caves, rivers and marshlands via kayaks, pontoon boats, dogsleds, canoes and his own feet. Among his non-human companions were porcupines, bobcats, snapping turtles, beavers, Atlantic puffins and peregrine falcons...through-out the region's diverse wildlife and terrain - possibly the best kept secret in a state known for malls and diners, not nature.

The book looks at the different geographic regions of New Jersey: the Rugged Northwest, the Urban Northeast, the Jersey Shore, the Cape and Pines, and the Heartland, and includes maps and images taken by a variety of photographers.

Among the state's attractions Wheeler lists are "world-class" bird migrations along The Jersey Shore, scenic marshes around Trenton and Hamilton, and "rugged and dramatic wilderness" in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The area known as the Pine Barrens is particularly intriguing to Wheeler, who calls the region "the last true wilderness on the eastern seaboard" and lived for a time in Toms River, just outside of the 1.1 million-acre tract of forest.

Wild New Jersey invites readers along Wheeler's whirlwind year-long tour of the most ecologically diverse state for its size in America. Along with the expert guidance of charismatic wildlife biologists and local conservationists, he explores mountains, valleys, beaches, pine barrens, caves, rivers, marshlands, and more-breathtaking landscapes and the state's Noah's Ark of fascinating creatures.

This isn't your ordinary ride on the Jersey Turnpike. Fasten your seat-belts and join Wheeler as he, kayaks through the Meadowlands under the watchful eye of the Empire State Building, pans for cretaceous fossils in a hidden brook once home to mastodons and giant sloths, rides a fishing boat in the frigid snows of winter on a high-seas quest for Atlantic puffins, trudges through the eerie darkness of a bog on a mysterious night hike, dogsleds across the windswept alpine slopes in the haunts of the porcupine and bobcat.

With Wheeler's compelling narrative, in-depth background details, and eye for revealing the offbeat, you can count this as the first nature book to paint the extraordinary picture of New Jersey's unlikely wilderness in all its glory. Come along for all the adventure and insight in Wild New Jersey!

Karl Hess, Keller Willams Realty Jersey Shore

Manahawkin Easter Egg Hunt - Eggstravaganza!

Sunday, April 17 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Doc Cramer Ballfields - Manahawkin Easter Egg Hunt - Eggstravaganza!

Families are invited to hop on by to enjoy an afternoon of eggceptional fun

There is no need to rush, there is not a timed hunt, eggs will be scattered throughout the ballfields from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Did you know? 

The Romans believed that "All life comes from an egg." Ancient Christians considered eggs to be "the seed of life" symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia eggs were dyed for spring festivals. In medieval Europe, beautifully decorated eggs were given as gifts. Today hundreds of novel methods of decorating Easter eggs have been invented, and during the week of Easter about 30 million more eggs are sold compared to any other week of the year.

Traditionally the game is associated with Easter and Easter eggs (Easter egg hunt), but it has also been popular with spring time birthday parties.

Eggs are placed with varying degree of concealment, to accommodate children of varying ages. In South German folk traditions it was customary to add extra obstacles to the game by placing them into hard-to reach places among nettles or thorns.

When the hunt is over, prizes may be given out for various achievements, such as the largest number of eggs collected, for the largest or smallest egg, for the most eggs of a specific color, consolation prizes, booby prizes, etc.

Legend of the Jersey Devil at the Albert Music Hall

Legend of the Jersey Devil at Albert Music Hall

 

November 6th at 8:00pm

 

125 Wells Mill Road
Waretown, NJ 08758
(609) 971-1593

 

Legend of the Jersey Devil, with the "Libby Prison Minstrels"

 

Since 1974 - The Best Place on the East Coast to Hear Live Country, Bluegrass, & Pinelands Music Concerts Every Saturday Night:  7:30 - 11:30 PM! 

 

Albert Music Hall is: "The No. 1 Thing to Do at the Jersey Shore" - Asbury Park Press

One of "52 Things Every New Jerseyan Must Do" - NJ Monthly

 

Albert Music Hall has been inducted in the American Folklore Center, Local Legacies Collection Archive at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

 

The Pinelands Cultural & Historical Preservation Society and Albert Music Hall are registered in the Moving Image Collections Directory, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

 

 

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders has Proclaimed the 3rd Saturday in each November to be: "Pinelands Cultural & Historical Preservation Society Day"

 

Did you Know? Albert Music Hall is listed, on the "Things to See and Do" map in National Geographic's 386-page book: "National Geographic Guide to America's Hidden Corners".

 

Karl Hess, Jersey Shore Real Estate Expert  Search for Homes in Waretown