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.

23rd Annual Chowdefest on LBI

23rd Annual Chowdefest on LBI
Saturday & Sunday, October 1 & 2, 2011

This annual extravaganza gives you a chance to be the judge of the best Manhattan and New England style chowder on Long Beach Island. Competition is fierce — and delicious.

Enjoy unlimited chowder tasting and live music, children's entertainment, and a food court are all part of the event. The Chowder Cook-off will be held rain or shine at the Taylor Avenue ball field, Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue in Beach Haven (across from Schooner's Wharf and Bay Village) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2011.

This family fun festival features live music, activities and unlimited Chowder tasting with the opportunity for each ticket holder to vote for their favorite red and white chowder.

The event is nestled in Beach Haven surrounded by beautiful views of the bay and plenty of year end discounted shopping. It has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome in the fall.

Always the weekend before Columbus Day Weekend, this year join us on October 1 for the fabulous Merchant Mart where hundreds of vendors offer the best deals of the season and Sunday for the Chowder Cook Off.

General Admission Tickets - $20.00
Children's Tickets (Ages 4-12 ) - $10.00
VIP Tickets - $50.00

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.)

Stafford Twp & LBI Firemen's Turkey Bowl

Firefighters from the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company and Long Beach Island fire departments will square off Saturday night in the fourth annual Turkey Bowl football game at Southern Regional High School.

But this year, organizers decided to turn the event into a fundraiser. Stafford Township Assistant Fire Chief Jack Johnson said Capt. Heidi Michael suggested at the end of last year's game that the 2010 event should be a venue for collecting food and funds for local foodbanks.  

What: The fourth annual Firemen's Turkey Bowl

When: Saturday Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

Where: Southern Regional High School varsity football field, Route 9, Stafford Township. Spectators are asked to bring a canned good and $1 for the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company's Scholarship Fund

If you're interested in buying, selling or investing in Real Estate in Stafford Township, Ocean County or along The Jersey Shore, click on TheJerseyShoreHomeFinder.com and get free access to thousands of home listings.   If you'd like to keep up with the very latest real estate market conditions in your neighborhood or anywhere in Ocean County and on The Jersey Shore, click here.  

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 and happenings.

Stafford Township is in Ocean County, New Jersey. The township population was 22,532 and was formed by Royal Charter on March 3, 1750. It was incorporated as one of New Jersey's first 104 townships by on February 21, 1798, and became part of the newly-formed Ocean County on February 15, 1850.

Stafford Township is the gateway to the resort communities on Long Beach Island, with Route 72 providing the sole road access, ending in Ship Bottom as it crosses Manahawkin Bay via the Manahawkin Bay Bridge. The Garden State Parkway and Route 9 pass through the township and provide access to Route 72 which would allow an easy commute of about make at 1.5 hours to Philadelphia and 2 hours to downtown Manhattan.  

Karl Hess - 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  

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