And Castles Made of Sand Melt into the Sea…Eventually

Shored Up, the new documentary about the barrier islands of the U.S., featuring Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Surfers, scientists, politicians and residents help bring us a birds' eye view of the beauty and danger of the living in these low-lying communities on our ocean's edge.

 

Shored Up is a documentary that asks tough questions about our coastal communities and our relationship to the land. What will a rising sea do to our homes, our businesses, and the survival of our communities? Can we afford to pile enough sand on our shores to keep the ocean at bay? In Long Beach Island, New Jersey and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, surfers, politicians, scientists and residents are racing to answer these questions. Beach engineering has been our only approach so far, but is there something else out there to be explored? Our development of the coastlines put us in a tough predicament, and it’s time to start looking for solutions.

 

Hiring our Heroes Toms River

Hiring our Heroes Veterans Event in Toms River

On October 22, 2011 from 9AM to 12PM, there is a hiring fair for veteran job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members and eligible spouses at American Legion Post 129 in Toms River

This event will be a one-of-a-kind FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers.

Employers and job seekers must be pre-register for FREE at HoH.GreatJob.net.

This hiring is being conducted by the Toms River Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion Post 129 as part of a larger effort by the US Chamber of Commerce and The American Legion to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment. Other partners for this event include the Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training (DOL VETS) and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in New Jersey.

A complimentary breakfast will be served to all attendees.

On a personal note: Before becoming a REALTOR I worked for a campany that specialized in placing military officers and enlisted technicians with leading multi-national companies across the globe...some of those companies included General Electric, Siemens, Pfizer, General Motors, Johnson Controls, US Steel, Exelon, Schlumberger and many, many others

The results were stunning to some, but not to me; Every single one of those corporations that worked with us fell all over themselves marveling at the dedication and professionalism exbited by the candidates. As a matter of fact, when we did follow-ups a year later on former military individuals placed within those companies they had the lowest attrition rate any 'sub-group' they've EVER hired.

So, if you're an employer, do yourself a favor - Hire a Hero!

 

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Could be Privatized

Though the Barnegat Lighthouse has stood as a beacon to sailors and beachgoers along the Jersey Shore for almost 150 years, the state's fiscal constraints might force a local agency to take control of the park.

During the last two weeks, a variety of groups, including the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the Borough of Barnegat Light, have expressed an interest in operating the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The state Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks and Forestry runs the park now.

During a recent Borough Council meeting, the council adopted a resolution asking the department, the agency that now runs the park, to consider turning over its management to a local group. Officials said the group would include municipalities on Long Beach Island and a variety of different civic groups that include the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, a volunteer group that helps raise funds for the continued operation of the park.

State officials are willing to listen to any idea of outsourcing the operation of the park, but they are not just going to off-load the park, said Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the department.

Barnegat Light's interest in operating the park comes on the heels of representatives for the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce talking to state officials about the idea of running the park.

According to the chambers' plan, a fee would be charged for parking and entrance into the lighthouse. Reynolds said the fee would only be "a couple of dollars." Currently, there is a $1 fee to enter the lighthouse during the summer.

Officials said it would cost approximately $250,000 a year to run the park.

The idea of privatization of state parks is nothing new. In July 2010, a report issued by the New Jersey Privatization Task Force stated state officials should look into "long-term concession agreements for the operations and management of all state parks" as a way to save money.

Jeff Tittle, the executive director of the Sierra Club's New Jersey chapter, said the talk of privatizations shows state officials are interested in getting out of the parks business. The club is a non-profit group that seeks to protect public access.

Fifteen years ago, staffing was approximately 850 at state parks; now we are down 407 staff members. We are seeing a dismantling of the state park system.

Joseph Mancini, mayor of Long Beach Township, said the park should stay under the control of the either the borough or the Friends group. Information from: Asbury Park Press,http://www.app.com

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

This Month in Real Estate Ocean County, Sept 2011

This Month in Real Estate is a monthly video news series, provided by Keller Williams, that offers an inside look at the national real estate market. Each edition provides a snapshot of the numbers and trends that drive the real estate market, as well as expert opinion and analysis. For information on your local real estate conditions, please contact Karl Hess.

 

 

Statistics Summaries Report Category - SingleFamily Statistics for Entire MLS from 7/1/2011 - 7/31/2011       Total   Avg List   Avg DOM   Median Price %SP/LP   Currently Pending 758   $321,212   136   $250,000 N/A Currently Active 4744   $452,827   150   $329,900 N/A     New (7/1/2011 - 7/31/2011) 754   $438,123   42   $325,000 N/A Pending (7/1/2011 - 7/31/2011) 326   $367,387   114   $269,500 N/A     Sold 262   $411,517   116   $265,000 96% CWH 0   $0   0   $0 N/A UC 53   $351,355   108   $314,900 N/A Expired 302   $456,688   211   $359,450 N/A

--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed-- Prepared by Karl Hess of Keller Williams Realty Monmouth/Ocean on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 12:13 PM.

 

 

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