This is a special weather broadcast from your local Office of Emergency Management on Thursday Sept 2, 2010.

The potential storm conditions from Hurricane Earl during the weekend of Sept 3rd through Sept 4th 2010.

It is anticipated that Hurricane Earl will be passing approximately 150 miles off our coastline during the daylight hours on Friday.

We are going to experience tropical storm type weather, with winds in excess of 35 mph  and possible gusts of over 50 mph. High tide, for the bay at the Manahawkin Bay Bridge will be Friday 6am and again at 6:20pm.  Please plan accordingly.

Minor tidal flooding is expected with rainfall of 1 inch.

Swimming will be prohibited on all Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom and Barnegat Light Beaches on Friday Sept 3, due to the extreme surf conditions and dangerous rip tides associated with this storm.

Only swim on guarded beaches and do not swim when lifeguards are not on duty.

Secure all loose items, deck furniture, garbage cans, flags, etc. Check your neighbors homes for loose items if they are vacant and secure their items as well.

Stay tuned to Channel 22 LBI Info Channel and Channel 39 The Weather Channel.

For periodic updates call (609) 494-6900, Press 1, Ext. 2100. Only use 911 for emergencies.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Inside Jersey began asking readers to think about the Jersey Shore back in January. Long Beach Island is a favorite vacation spot among many and it showed when Long Beach Island was voted 2nd place as Best Beach of the Jersey Shore.

So here are Inside Jersey readers’ selections of the best of the Jersey Shore. Long Beach Island will always be #1 to us! If you visit LBI this year try one of the businesses on the winning list and don’t forget to try a new place. There is always a nice surprise on Long Beach Island.

BEACH
 
2nd place
Long Beach Island

PIZZA
 
Honorable mentions
Panzone
Long Beach Island

BREAKFAST
Winner
Sand Box Cafe
2604 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom
(609) 361-2425

2nd place
Chicken or the Egg
207 N Bay Ave., Beach Haven
(609) 492-3695
492fowl.com
 
Honorable mentions
Starving Artist, Ocean Grove
L B I Pancake House, Ship Bottom

ICE CREAM
 
3rd place
Skipper Dipper
9305 Long Beach Blvd., Peahala Park
(609) 492-9680
skipperdipper.com

Honorable mentions
Dairy King, Beach Haven
Custard Hut, various locations

CLUB

Honorable mentions
Nardi’s Tavern, Long Beach Island
Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant, Ship Bottom

FAMILY RESTAURANT
 
Honorable mentions
Greenhouse Café, Ship Bottom
Scojo’s, Surf City

UPSCALE DINING
 
3rd place
Daddy O Restaurant & Hotel
4401 Beach Ave., Brant Beach
(609) 494-1300
daddyohotel.com

A major challenge of the Manahawkin Bay Bridges Project, projected to start in 2012, will be to keep all lanes of traffic open during the summer.

The $234 million project will result in two main bay bridges side by side. One bridge will carry eastbound traffic and the other bridge will carry westbound traffic.

The first phase of the project is road widening on either side of the of the bridge including a re-design of the Marsha Drive intersection with Route 72. New drainpipes will be installed in Ship Bottom and a pump station will be added at 8^th St. and Shore Avenue. The circle at Long Beach Boulevard and at Central Avenue will be eliminated. Central Avenue will be converted to a two-way.

The second phase will build a 2,500 foot-long bridge parallel to the 50 year-old Manahawkin bridge. The new bridge will be about 12 feet south of the old one.

The third phase will include rehabilitation of the decks of the three smaller trestle bridges.

The final phase includes rebuilding the deck of the existing main bridge.

The following quote came back to The Sandpaper about filtering the discharge from the pump station. “The water discharged into the bay will be treated prior to its entry into the bay.”

The 140 page preliminary environmental assessment report is online along with the project maps at www.state.nj.us/transportation/works/environment/.

Everything is contingent on the availability of funding. This project has only been funded through the design phase and the construction phase has yet to be funded.

The popular “string of pearls” lighting will be updated with new technology to improve reliability. 

The placards used when returning to LBI after an evacuation will be distributed soon.

 All six Long Beach Island municipalities have signed the approval for car window placards. The placards will be color coded according to which section of the island the resident lives in.

Placards will not be issued to seasonal renters.

 These placards will allow the homeowner to come back onto Long Beach Island after an evacuation to assess damage but only after the residence has electrical power, potable water, and approved sewage disposal to be deemed habitable.

 The placards will most likely be sent in the mail to the taxpayer on record.

Full story in The Sandpaper by Maria Scandale

LBIfest Staurday June 12, 2010 11 am – 6 pm

On the Bay:

-Reel & casting instruction from Oceanside Bait & Tackle

-Stand Up Paddle boarding demos from Island Surf & Sail

-Airbrushing & Sand Art provided by Balloon & Clown Express

-Hemp Macrame instruction with Just Bead It

-Raffles with various participationg vendors

At the Ball Field

-”Field Day” races

-Inflatable Bounce Houses

Restaurants and Food Vendors

Stefano’s, Pinziminio, The Chicken or the Egg, Joey’s, Tiki Taco, Dunes Farm Market, Rita’s, Carmenucci & Sons Pizza, Sweet Jenny’s, Raw Bar provided by Reclam the Bay, The coffee Bouteaque

Vendors

How to Live, Island Surf, Kit & Caboodle, Ciao Bella, the Good Life, Jetty, Sea Moon, Oceanside Bait & Tackle, Island Surf & Sail, Fuession by Just Bead It, Surf Unlimited, Paws on the Beach, Pampered Chef, Mod Hatter, Art Futures, Alison’s Wonderland, Love Lula

Artists

LBI Artists and Crafters, Michael Indorato, Blanche Connolly Photography, Jeffries’, C-Glass Studio, Beach Haven Handbags, Island Arts, Gallery 1603, Coqui Corner Jewels, Bercanna’s

FREE TRANSPORTION: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

Shuttle buses will be running from 10:30 am -6:30 pm at 30 minute intervals in a continuous loop between the following locations: RE/MAX in Ship Bottom, Joe Pop’s, Daddy O’s, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, LBT Municipal Complex/LBIfest, Acme Market, nardi’s, Terrace Tavern, fantasy Island, and Buckalew’s/Kapler Pharmacy.

Street parking is provided surrounding event location

Handicap parking only will be allowed in Bayview Park in Brant Beach

ATM available on location

5NCPXGRDQPGZ

Panoramic bayfront views, reversed living, open living, dining, kitchen bayfront area with skylights and cathedral ceilings, gas heat, central air, with fiberglass bayfront decks and vinyl railings, vinyl siding, deep water riparian grant with dock for large boat slip and one small boat slip.

Immaculate condition, inside and out, very well landscaped, oversized one car garage, lower level bedroom/office area w washer/dryer and pull out sofa bed.

 Living area also offers a pullout sofa bed, and an upper bedroom with a walk in closet and full bath.

This adorable bayfront home was raised and completely gutted and renovated in 1994. It shows like new and has new carpeting, seashore teal green colors, is fully furnished, and truly turn key.

As a buyer, you might be able to find a good deal at a housing auction but it is not without risks.

There are certain types of properties that are particularly well suited to be sold through an auction:

• Repossessed homes that require a quick sale to meet the former owner’s debts.
• Unique or individual properties that are difficult to value  
• Properties that are hugely in demand.
• Any property for which it would be hard to find a buyer through the normal route.

As a buyer or seller, you should be aware of the following disadvantages of a housing auction.

Disadvantages of buying at a housing auction:

In some cases, you can’t withdraw a winning bid, even if you’re not able to secure financing later. Penalties for backing out of a winning bid can be steep, often as high as 25 percent of the bid amount or whatever the bid deposit may have been.

All properties sold at auctions are offered ‘as-is’ which means that if there are problems in the property, there is no recourse for you.

There is a possibility that you will be able to bid more than the worth of the property since you have not had the time for a thorough inspection of it.

This means that even if you’re the winning bidder, you may not get the house if your highest bid isn’t over the reserve price, which should be disclosed in advance of sale.

Auctioneers may add a buyer’s premium of 5 to 10 percent of the winning bid as their cut. Be sure and take this into account when you’re calculating the maximum price you’re willing to pay. Confirm who pays the auctioneer’s fee.

Auctions require a high non-refundable binder. Most auctions require high and non-refundable binder, which usually amounts to at least ten percent. This could be a bit risky especially when you are a novice in the real estate business.

You might also fail to see me you might be responsible for tax liens on your new property. Make sure the property has a free and clear title. You don’t want to buy something only to learn after the fact that you may be l you might be stuck with many unexpected debts, which could ruin your investment.

If you’re buying a property as an investment, rather than a residence, the mortgage approval process may require a much larger chunk of change up front.

Disadvantages for selling at a housing auction:

There is no guarantee your property will sell successfully at auction. Reserve price is not always met

The market value of your property is decided on the spot.  You can never be sure of precisely how much you will get. The buyers at the auction may decide that your property is barely worth the asking price, or worse, much lower. This would result in your property being sold at a lesser price than anticipated, or even remaining unsold.

Marketing costs tend to be higher.

Selling at auction is not the cheapest way to sell your house. The expense of auctioning off your property can be more than whatever profit the seller might look to gain from the sale.  It is more expensive and there are certain fixed costs involved, regardless of whether you manage to sell it.

Auctions concentrate the buying process into a short period of time. This may turn out to not be the ideal time to sell. More interest may be right around the corner.

Auction contracts are unconditional and can’t be subject to finance or inspection and may not suit some buyers.

Could be more difficult to sell if passed in as potential buyers have a better idea what others are prepared to pay and reduce their offer accordingly.

Results in a greater invasion of your privacy during the pre-auction phase. You must make the property accessible to surveyors who wish to value it for their clients. You may therefore find that your house is overrun with people in the weeks leading up to the auction.

You can set the reserve too low and sell too cheaply or too high and not sell at all.

Advantages of selling at a housing auction:

There is a potential for a bidding war and the property could achieve a much higher than expected value.

With an auction, you have the benefit of a “reserve price” so you will never
sell your home for less than you want.

The auction process is a lot quicker than the normal sale process. The bulk of the work is carried out before the auction and once you leave, the sale is virtually complete. Exchange of contracts happens before you leave the auction and completion will take place within 28 days.

Advantages of buying at a housing auction:

If someone makes the seller a higher offer the next day, they can’t back out of the deal.

Conclusion:

There may be some advantages for the home auction buyer and seller but it is very risky.

Sell your property using an experienced REALTOR. They have the knowledge and expertise to work for you at getting all your desired needs met in the sell of your property.

If you are interested in selling your LBI home, Click here to receive a complete market analysis of your Long Beach Island real estate.  

References:

The Move Channel

Ehow

Ezine

New photos were taken of the Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Island beach replenishment project. The street links with new photos taken on May 28 and on May 30, 2010 are below. Go to the link and scroll to the bottom to see the newest photos and progress.

Harvey Cedars Beach Replenishment Project is still underway-be careful when going to the beach. The storms this winter pushed the project end date into June. The dune grass plantings will have to wait until fall since the warmer weather hit and plantings can only be done in the cooler weather while the plants are dormant.

Pipeline Pictures

Bergen Ave. 5/26-10

It’s that time of year again for the Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island, NJ, June 4th-6th (Friday-Sunday).  Below are the spotlight and feature film selections for this year.  Be sure to check out the full program guide on the website:

Spotlight & Feature Films

New Low 

Director:  Adam Bowers

USA, 82 min.

A hysterical comedy that premiered at the 2010 Sundance film festival, New Low tells the story of a neurotic twenty-something struggles to figure out which girl he really belongs with:  the best or the worst one he’s ever known.

              Screening:  Fri. 8:45 PM, Arts Foundation
Beware the Gonzo

Director:  Bryan Goluboff

USA, 94 min.

When Eddie “Gonzo” Gilman gets thrown off the staff of his school newspaper by his arch-rival, he vows revenge by forming “The Gonzo Files”, an underground paper to champion everyone in the school that the paper of record.  Together with a staff of fellow bullying-victims and other assorted misfits, Gonzo and his Files shake up the entire school, only to learn that there’s more to writing the truth they anticipated.  Beware the Gonzo is a fantastic teen comedy that premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.

Screening:  Sun. 12:30 PM, Beach Haven School

A Film Unfinished
Director:  Yael Hersonski

Germany/Israel, 88 min.

A powerful documentary that examines an unfinished Nazi propaganda film of the Warsaw ghetto and the insights that arise when a long-missing reel of the film is discovered. Survivors of the ghetto and one of the film’s original cameramen add depth and provide specifics, supplementing the powerful, disturbing images of the film itself. The film premiered at this year’s Sundance and Berlin film festivals.

Screening:  Sun. 3:00 PM, Arts Foundation

 The Freebie

Director:  Katie Aselton

USA, 78 min.

Annie and Darren are in a rut. Still in love, no longer in lust, they decide that perhaps an unconventional solution is called for to get their relationship rekindled – a freebie. Star Katie Aselton’s directorial debut, which premiered at this year’s Sundance and South-by-Southwest Film Festivals, is a charming comedic look at whether one night of no-questions-asked can be the key to keeping a relationship going.

Screening:  Sat. 7:00 PM, Beach Haven School

Jimmy Tupper vs. the Goatman of Bowie

Director:  Andrew Bowser

USA, 70 min.

Jimmy Tupper, resident slacker, likes to push the issue with his friends. One night, they push back, and leave a passed-out Jimmy alone in the middle of the woods to fend for himself. But when Jimmy emerges from the woods, bloodied, battered and going off about the legendary monster the Goatman of Bowie, his friends wonder if this is another of Jimmy’s tales, or maybe, just maybe, he really did see the Goatman. Only time, and Jimmy’s video camera, will tell.  The film premiered at the 2010 South-by-Southwest film festival.

Screening:  Sat. 9:30 PM, Arts Foundation

Feature Narrative Films:

 Broken Dreams

Director:  David Crabtree

USA, 80 min.

For Johnny, a struggling young filmmaker, there just isn’t enough time in the day.  He can’t seem to finish the documentary he has been working on for years, and he can’t seem to declare his love for Julie, his best friend.  Afraid he’s on the verge of losing Julie, Johnny turns to “the blues” – a new pill that he hopes will give him a few more hours a day, helping him to finish his film even as it puts Johnny and his friends in danger. 

Screening:  Sat. 4:30 PM (Beach Haven School)
 Cigarette Girl

Director:  Mike McCarthy

USA, 93 min.

A dystopian fantasy about a world where smokers are banished to the lawless part of the city called the Smoking Section. Cori Dials is captivating badass as the “Cigarette Girl,” a dark heroine whose attempts to quit smoking trigger hallucinations, and a promise of revenge from her outlaw boss at the Vice Club – awakening in her a sense of vigilante justice as she tries to escape the underworld intact.  Dark, stylized, original and highly entertaining, the landscape and tone evoke the best aspects of noir thrillers and independent cinema.

Screening:  Sat. 11:30 PM, Arts Foundation
 Earthwork

Director:  Chris Ordal

USA, 93 min.

Based on a true story, the film captures a turning point in the life of landscape artist Stan Herd as he takes on his most ambitious project, an art installation in indifferent New York City in the early 1990s. Featuring a terrific lead performance by acclaimed film and television actor John Hawkes (Me and You and Everyone We Know, Deadwood) the film chronicles the strength it takes to believe in oneself and in one’s art in the face of huge obstacles.

Screening:  Sat. 2:30 PM, Arts Foundation

Holy Water

Director: Tom Reeve

UK, 93 min.

Stuck in a slowly dying town, four men come up with a plan to turn their fortunes around – by stealing a shipment of Viagara. When their half-baked plan goes awry and the heat comes down, the town receives an unusual wake-up call of its own. A charming comedic look at a caper gone bad, the film hits it spots perfectly.

Screening:  Sat. 5:00 PM, Arts Foundation

Ice Grill, USA

Directors: Mark Bernardi and Greg Santarsiero

USA, 102 min.

An ensemble cast led by rising star Connor Fox explores the tensions and connections of the gritty Atlantic City underbelly and how hard it is to stay noble in a world where misery is company.  An examination of the pursuit of the American Dream in a morally indifferent community, the film is hard-hitting, thoughtful, quick-paced and pitch-perfect in its dialogue.  Set and shot entirely in Atlantic City, NJ.

Screening:  Fri. 9:00 PM, Beach Haven School

My Stepdad’s a Freakin’ Vampire

Director:  David Matheny

USA, 90 min.

Mysterious happenings and disappearances around town lead a high school student to suspect his stepfather has a hidden agenda, one that involves more than normal parental duties.  Fans of horror-comedies will revel in this feature sendup of the horror classic.

Screening:  Fri. 6:45 PM, Beach Haven School

Upstream

aka Alles Stroomt, Netherlands (Dutch with English subtitles)

Director:  Danyael Sugawara

A terrific drama from the Netherlands that explores a relationship between a mother and her son after his high school graduation. As he struggles to assert his independence, he struggles with how to be an adult. Simultaneously, his mother’s new relationship with a barge skipper leads her further away from her own son. Used to relying on one another, each struggles to adjust to the changes they must face without their support network of one another. As good a family drama as you will see, superbly acted and perfectly paced.

Screening:   Sun. 11:00 AM, Arts Foundation

Feature Documentary Films:

 Card Subject to Change

Director:  Timothy Disbrow

USA, 94 min.

Northeast Premiere

A documentary that examines a NJ-based independent wrestling circuit, from once-famous wrestlers to the new crop of hopefuls. An inside look at the sacrifices and distractions its participants endure as well as the complex family lives they lead, all while in pursuit of something that might not be possible. A story that looks at the human aspects of the individuals involved and why many of them continue long after the sport has battered their bodies and dreams.

Screening:  Sat. 9:00 PM, Beach Haven School

Gus: An American Icon

Director: Pedro Brenner

USA, 89 min.

New Jersey Premiere

An honest look at the life and times of Gus Giordano, the man considered by many to be the father of American jazz dance.  Photos, extracts of his choreography and a full performance of “Wings” are supplemented by the words of Gus’s closest friends, family, artists and collaborators, who relate their own memories of this amazing artist.

Screening:  Sat. 12:30 PM, Arts Foundation

Jezis Je Normalni!

Director: Tereza Nvotova

Czech Republic, 67 min.

New Jersey Premiere

A Czech filmmaker has a chance encounter with a church group that she had been a part of as a child. Intrigued, she seeks out old classmates and teachers and examines the religion’s teachings in an attempt to understand how it has affected all of them. A look at both sides of the religion raises questions about the techniques the religion uses in pursuit of enlightenment and how it pushes some away even as it pulls others in.

Screening:  Sat. 11:00 AM, Oskar Huber

Lives of the Artists

Director:  Ross Cairns

United Kingdom, 81 min.

USA Premiere

A gorgeous film with stunning visuals connects the lives of disparate men – musicians, surfers, a snowboarder – and shows how they all deserve the title of artist.

Screening:  Fri. 9:30 PM, Oskar Huber

A Long Haul

Director:  Nathaniel Kramer

USA, 44 min.

A documentary depicting the struggles of a charter boat captain whose seasonal summer business has fallen prey to a bad economy, high fuel prices, loss of customers and depleted fish populations.  Forced to moonlight on a broken down commercial fishing trawler, he sets sail for a trip to net squid alongside his loyal first mate to try to salvage his career as a fisherman.

Screening:  Sun. 1:00 PM, Arts Foundation

Sold: Fighting the New Global Slave Trade

Director:  Jody Hassett Sanchez

USA, 52 min.

Filmed in India, Togo and Pakistan, Sold intertwines the stories of three courageous people who defy death threats, carry out daring rescues and challenge powerful interests in the battle to end slavery in the 21st Century.  A Hindu, a Christian, and a Muslim, this trio has never met but they fight the same enemy, while employing decidedly different strategies.

Double Feature Screening:  Sat. 6:00 PM, Oskar Huber

When the Night Comes

Director:  Bobby Bailey

Uganda/USA, 61 min.

When the Night Comes is a well crafted, informative documentary on both the immense devastation of malaria and the simplicity of extremely effective tools which can be used to combat this disease, namely, bed-nets.  The film has a balanced blend of the history of malaria, and the current struggles that are faced by those who live in areas ravaged by this deadly disease.

Double Feature Screening:  Sat. 6:00 PM, Oskar Huber