Jersey Shore Views...

Snow at the Jersey Shore and Biscotti the Original Fruit Cake!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:31:42 -0600

What do you do at the Jersey Shore in the middle of the season’s first snow storm?

Manahawkin’s snow plows haven’t yet been deployed, and the snow is still heavy. So what to do?

It’s Christmas, make biscotti!

The word Biscotti means a twice baked cookie or biscuit. The word is from the Latin biscoctus, meaning "twice-cooked/baked". The Latin word described oven baked goods that were baked twice, so they were very dry and could be stored for long periods of time.

Pliny the Elder, an early Roman commander, historian and philosopher, boasted that these goods would be edible for centuries. Perhaps a very early version of a fruitcake!

Chocolate Biscotti, cooling after the second bake!

Chocolate Biscotti

2 cups all purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

6 Tbsp softened unsalted butter (I use salted)

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

¾ cup dried cranberries

¾ cup chocolate chips

1. Sift together dry ingredients. Beat butter and sugar together until very smooth, then beat in eggs. Mix in dry ingredients until blended. This mixture will be very thick. Fold in cranberries and chips.

2. Divide dough. Make two logs about 12 inches long and about ½ inch around. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, cool for 20 minutes.

3. Slice in ½ inch think cookies. Stand them up on the baking sheet and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

4. Make espresso and enjoy!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Snow Day!

ENJOY!

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Christmas Through A Child's Eyes (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:11:39 -0600

There's a lot of talk about the real meaning of Christmas, and while we sometimes get caught up in the glitz of it all we do try to teach our children the real reason for the holiday.

Sometimes though kids have a different take on the real story of Christmas.

My friend's young son Jake came home after Sunday school last week with a new perspective on the Christmas story.

He had learned all about the birth of Jesus and the Wise Men from the East who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus.

He was so excited he could hardly wait to tell his parents.

So as soon as he got into the car to head home, he immediately began, “I learned all about the very first Christmas in Sunday school today!

Continuing, with barely a breath, Jake exclaimed, "There wasn’t a Santa Claus way back then, so these three skinny guys on camels had to deliver all the toys!

"And then and then," Jake excitedly continued, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn’t there yet, so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around!”

Let the Light of the Season Bring You Peace, Joy and Laughter!

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Manahawkin Homes For Sale - November 2009 Manahawkin, NJ Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:13:26 -0600

Manahawkin Homes For Sale - November 2009 Manahawkin, NJ Housing Market Report

Manahawkin homes for sale increased in November with inventory at about 450. But the November sales of Manahawkin homes also increased, more than doubling 2008 numbers.

Manahawkin, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2009	58	32	39	36	119	$285,750

Take a look at November, 2008...

Manahawkin, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2008	51	30	36	15	138	$325,000

While the median price of Manahawkin homes sold in November saw a dramtic drop since one year ago, it is up from October, 2009 by about $3,000.

Only 11 of the 36 Manahawkin homes that closed in November were waterfront, ranging in price from $245,000 to $600,000.

All but one were located in the Beach Haven West section and the other on Mallard Island. And all but one Manahawkin waterfront home sold from $10,000 to nearly $40,000 less than list price.

Welcome to Manahawkin (Stafford Township), NJ-Ocean Acres Park

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Tuckerton Homes for Sale - November 2009 Tuckerton, NJ Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:44:23 -0600

Tuckerton Homes for Sale - November 2009 Tuckerton, NJ Housing Market Report

Tuckerton homes sold at about the same rate in November 2009 as the previous month, but the median price was much higher. October's figures were a little misleading since a condo was listed twice and sold for well under what a single family or waterfront would command. First take a look at the November 2009 figures for Tuckerton homes.

Tuckerton, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2009	10	5	6	6	116	$182,500

The numbers for Tuckerton homes in November 2008 looked like this...

Tuckerton, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2008	3	2	4	6	145	$168,500

The inventory of Tuckerton homes for sale stood at about 70 throughout the month of November 2009. The quaint Borough of Tuckerton had its strongest 2009 home sales in October and November. November also saw a big drop in the days on the market for Tuckerton homes, the lowest for all of 2009.

Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS)-Tuckerton, NJ

All figures in this Tuckerton Housing Market Report are from the Jersey Shore Multiple Listing Service.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Little Egg Harbor Homes for Sale - November 2009 Little Egg Harbor, NJ Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:57:15 -0600

Little Egg Harbor Homes for Sale - November 2009 Little Egg Harbor, NJ Housing Market Report

The number of Little Egg Harbor homes for sale increased in November, and the median sale price dropped. As in much of southern Ocean County, more Little Egg Harbor homes for sale made it to the closing table in November. In October, 2009 there were 29 Little Egg Harbor homes sold.

Little Egg Harbor, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2009	49	23	44	40	126	$208,375

Compare the November, 2009 Little Egg Harbor figures with last year's...

Little Egg Harbor, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2008	46	14	62	19	129	$237,800

The median price of homes sold in Little Egg Harbor dropped substantially over last year, and is also lower than the price of Little Egg Harbor homes sold in October 2009.

Of the 40 Little Egg Harbor homes that sold in November, 2009, 12 were waterfront homes. Those prices ranged from $130,000 for a 2 bed one bath, 950 square foot ranch on Radio Road to $355,000 for a new 2400 square foot home with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. This home on Daddy Tucker, just off Great Bay Boulevard, was a Little Egg Harbor short sale.

December 2009 and January 2010 market reports will give us a better idea if the increase in the sale numbers for Little Egg Harbor homes is a real signal of a recovering housing market. So far this month 18 Little Egg Harbor homes have sold.

If you'd like more information on Little Egg Harbor homes or neighborhood, give me a call.

Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Osborn Island)
.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Homes for Sale in Barnegat - November 2009 Barnegat, NJ Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:54:25 -0600

Homes for Sale in Barnegat - November, 2009 Barnegat, NJ Housing Market Report

What's going on in Barnegat, NJ? The number of homes for sale in Barnegat is leveling and the sale of single family homes in Barnegat nearly doubled in November when compared to the same month in 2008!

The median sale price also increased, bucking national trends. The December, 2009 Barnegat Housing Market Report should give us a better idea of whether this upswing in the sale of single family homes in Barnegat was fluke due to the expected expiration of the $8,000 first time home buyers tax credit, or a sign of a recovering housing market.

Barnegat, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2009	49	28	21	36	131	$289,500

At the same time last year...

Barnegat, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
November 2008	52	12	36	18	140	$231,250

If you'd like more information on homes for sale in Barnegat or if you'd like neighborhood specifics on homes for sale in Barnegat, please contact me.

..
All figures from the Jersey Shore Multiple Listing Service.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Mandatory REALTOR® Continuing Education Moves Forward in the NJ Legislature!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:21:49 -0600

Mandatory REALTOR^® Continuing Education Moves Forward in the NJ Legislature!

The New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee Monday approved bill A-3099/S-2068, providing for mandatory continuing education (CE) for real estate brokers, broker-salespersons and salespersons.

This legislation represents has been two years in the making, with the New Jersey Association of REALTORS^®calling it a commonsense measure that will benefit both consumers consumers and REALTORS^®.

The legislation, A-3099/S-2068, mandates that at least 16 continuing education hours will be required as a condition for license renewal.

The measure provides that, upon the approval of an appointed advisory panel, continuing education courses may be delivered in a classroom setting or via the Internet, distance learning, correspondence and video.

With proof of completion and prior approval by the advisory committee, the bill also allows continuing education credits received in other states for "elective" courses to be counted towards a licensee's continuing education requirements.

We're not likely there will be any CE requirements until after New Jersey's next real estate re licensing cycle in 2011. Every New Jersey real estate broker, broker-salesperson and salesperson renew their licenses every two years. The next licensing cycle is 2011.

Additionally, the bill establishes referral agents as a new type of real estate licensee who is not subject to the continuing education requirements as long as the licensee operates within a very limited service category.

Before this legislation reaches Governor Jon Corzine's desk for enactment, it must be approved by the full membership of the New Jersey Senate.

My Accredited Buyers Rep class (2008) at the Ocean County Board of REALTORS^®

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Buying a Waterfront Home in Tuckerton - Talk to the Experts!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:14:13 -0600

Buying a Waterfront Home in Tuckerton - Talk to the Experts!

Though made up of volunteers the Tuckerton Waterways Commission is a great source of information on the Borough's waterfront plans, restrictions and protections. The Tuckerton Waterways Commission was established as an advisory board to assist Tuckerton's elected officials.

It's mission is to study the restoration, protection and maintenance of all tidal and non-tidal waterways and shorelines within the Borough, including man made and natural lagoons and adjacent waterways of the Little Egg Harbor Bay.

The Tuckerton Waterways Commission is currently studying the 60 page National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's Smart Growth Report, released earlier this year. Generally the report recommends that communities::

Plan for natural hazards;
Use natural buffers to protect people and property from potential hazards;
Preserve and restore critical environmental areas; and
Plan for public access to waterfront and coastal waters.

This Smart Growth report deals with development and redevelopment of all waterfront communities, both coastal and inland throughout the nation. If you're interested in what your community is doing, contact your elected officials.

The Tuckerton Waterways Commission meets the 2nd Monday every month at 7pm in the Tuckerton Borough Hall at 140 E Main Street. Call 609-296-2701 for more information or email the Commission.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Protecting the Barnegat Bay - One Manahawkin Yard At a Time!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:31:23 -0600

Protecting the Barnegat Bay - One Manahawkin Yard At A Time!

Stafford Township (Manahawkin, NJ) this week could become the first municipality in New Jersey to adopt an ordinance regulating the use of fertilizers in an effort to stem the tide of pollutants flowing into Barnegat Bay.

The Stafford Township Council is considering an ordinance introduced earlier this month that would prohibit certain activities, like applying fertilizers on cement, macadam and other impervious surfaces and applying fertilizer within 25 feet of a waterway.

The ordinance to protect the Barnegat Bay and the Jersey Shore also recommends that residents do not apply fertilizer within a day of substantial rainfall, that they use only nitrogen-based fertilizers in slow-release formulas, and that they limit fertilizer applications to no more than four times per year.

It also advocates the use of drop spreaders, which drop fertilizer on the ground below rather than shooting it horizontally into unintended areas.

Manahawkin officials are calling the proposed ordinance a first step toward a much larger and comprehensive goal: Protecting the Barnegat Bay and other waterways, which have suffered from rapid development and rampant fertilizer use.

Stafford Township Councilman John Spodofora, who has been studying the effects of development in Manahawkin on the Barnegat Bay, led the effort to draft the ordinance. He has been instrumental in working to correct pollution problems caused by storm-water runoff in Manahawkin since the 1980s. Curbing storm-water runoff is also essential to protecting the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Part of the ordinance would require landscaping professionals to complete a one-hour course on how to properly apply fertilizers. Homeowner's in Stafford Township would receive three warnings for violating the proposed ordinance before facing a fine of as much as $100, while a landscaper would face a fine of as much as $1,000 for not taking a certification course required by the ordinance.

The goal is to reduce the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen that seeps into groundwater and runs off into the local bodies of water, where the nutrients cause excessive plant growth, including algae, which depletes water’s oxygen levels and chokes out other life.

Manahawkin has been recognized nationally for its progressive environmental management, specifically its storm-water-runoff controls, and experts have praised the township for leading the way for other municipalities.

While Stafford Township’s ordinance would aim to reduce the impact of fertilizer in one of the largest towns in the county, officials acknowledge it would only be effective if other municipalities follow suit or if the state moves to protect the Barnegat Bay.

More than a half-million people live within the Barnegat Bay watershed, which includes nearly all of Ocean County. Scientists say bay pollution has been occurring for decades, but has now reached a critical stage.

Manahawkin has been the fastest-growing municipality in southern Ocean County for the past 20 years, and the area’s rapid development is a major reason for the increased amount of pollutants flowing into the bay, according to researchers at the Rutgers University Institute of Maine and Coastal Sciences and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The public hearing on Stafford Township's proposed ordinance is scheduled 7pm Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at the Municipal Building on Bay Avenue in Manahawkin.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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New Mortgage Guidelines - HUMOR (I Hope!)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:16:30 -0600

We've all been doing our best to keep up with changes in mortgage industry.

So in an effort to help, a friend of mine passed along these proposed changes to the federal mortgage guidelines.

To qualify for home loan approval:

* All borrowers must have one blue eye and one brown eye to qualify

* Those with less than a 25% down payment requires minimum credit score of 849

* For all Loan To Values greater than 75%, 360 months PITI reserves required

* Borrower’s must have no previous bankruptcies in their family history going back 3 generations

* A minimum of 25 yrs self-employment history required for all programs

* Minimum credit score for FHA Loans is raised to 720

* For all non-arms length transactions borrowers (broker, real estate professionals, family members) will be required to provide full documentation. They will be subject to criminal background checks, wire tapping, strip-searches, and a minimum of 12 hours of interrogation by any governmental agency including, but not limited to, the Department of Homeland Security.

Disclaimer:
This is humor, these are NOT proposed federal mortgage loan guidelines, to my knowledge.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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REALTOR Continuing Education Requirements Possible in NJ's Lame Duck Legislature

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:41:18 -0600

REALTOR Continuing Education Requirements Possible in NJ's Lame Duck Legislature.

A bill requiring continuing professional education for New Jersey REALTORS could become law before Governor-elect Christie takes office in January. At least that's the optimistic outlook of 2010 New Jersey Association of REALTORS President Judy Appleby.

New Jersey currently hold the dubious honor of being the only state with no continuing professional education standards for REALTORS.

Sworn in this week at the Triple Play REALTORS Convention, Appleby noted the brighter outlook for real estate in 2010 and the hope that New Jersey will soon join every other state in the nation and require on-going professional education as a prerequisite to maintaining a real estate license.

You can review the proposed legislation here.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Is Your Customer Service As Good As What You Have on ActiveRain

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:15:31 -0600

Take A Lesson From ActiveRain, Does Your Customer Service Rock?

Problem solved in hours!

Every time there's something new and different I want to try it! So when I read some logs on Active Rain around 4am, I thought I'll try this!

What a mess I made...so what's my Ah Ha minute...THE ACTIVE RAIN RESPONSE!

This is what happened:

I tried to copy an i frame, and I did not really study the directions. I don't know what I did wrong (read on, nobody else does either), only the computer knows (and she's not talking, yet). Some how what I did sent everyone from my log id to Twitter (without asking!)

So it's 5am east coast, I'm freaking. Well I give a shout out..yada..ydda...yada

Can't call...he's on the West (left) Coast...OK email.

Through email I explained my misadventure. It wasn't long before Brad asked, "I have never seen this one happen before, can you tell me which post you created that started causing this? I will try to edit that post for you and correct the issue."

I email him immediately with the name of the offending post

Less than 30 minutes later, this is what I see..

"Laura - all fixed! I had to delete the post that was causing the issue, and man, what a challenge it was just doing that! It kept loading your twitter page before I could even hit the "delete" link. One thing for sure, I learned how to be extra fast with a mouse and click today. Not sure what you added to that post or what HTML or code was causing it, but I would refrain from trying to do that again. :-)"

Aha...you thought you 'd see a web page or link here. Not a chance...I'm refraining!

I only hope the next time a client calls, I can remember my panic and concern today and treat them as well as Brad did me!

ActiveRain Rox...!!! Thanks Brad!

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Miliatary or Homeland Security Relocation to NJ...I Can Help!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:03:18 -0600

Relocating to New Jersey?

Is it for the military at McGuire or maybe you're headed to the Atlantic City Tech Center for Homeland Security. Well, I've got you covered!

You need a home close to work, and something that makes you feel 'like it's home'. Give me a call! I did for this family, I can do it for you.

I helped this family relocate...let me help you!

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Service After The Sale...What Does That Mean to Your Client?

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:10:29 -0600

Service after the sale…What Does That Mean to Your Client?

After you leave the closing table, a postcard twice a year and a magnet calendar in December are not going to keep you in the mind of your client. So what do you do that’s over and above that of the REALTOR® next door?

I live at the Jersey Shore, and sell as many vacation homes as well as primary residences. So let’s talk service after the sale for Jersey Shore properties.

For me service after the sale of real estate is, sometimes, one of the easiest and best parts of my job!

Generally, second home buyers at the Jersey Shore live about one and a half to two hours away. Our primary media outlets are New York and Philadelphia.

For some clients, service after the sale is a call to me to find out when the garbage is picked up, or when they hear something big or little about the surrounding area, and for my out-of stater’s anything to do with taxes in NJ!

Most frequently the calls are about storms and storm damage. We had a bad one over the Veteran’s Day weekend, with beach erosion damage in the millions. I took and emailed pictures of their homes and the dwindling beach. Luckily, the damage to homes was minimal.

Unfortunately, we had another storm last night. It was not sustained, it came from the south. But our media outlets to the north and west put the fear of god into these folks.

So, this morning I got the calls I was expecting.

Is my house still there?

I reassured them that the weather reports far exceeded the strength of the storm, yet promised to email them pictures of their homes and the surrounding area.

So I’m off for a little service after the sale…and a look at the beach!

Who says being a REALTOR® at the Jersey Shore isn’t like a walk in the park?

If you’re looking for a home at the Jersey Shore and want service after the sale, give me a call.

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta, ABR®
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Greetings From Home - Thank a Hero and Their Family Through the Red Cross!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:11:20 -0600

I'm up early to being putting together my Christmas card list. This year I plan to add more than new clients and friends.

After receiving several emails from friends encouraging me to send a Christmas greeting to "A Recovering American Soldier" at the Walter Reed Medical Center, I decided that would be one small way to thank those who've sacrificed so much.

Well, after a little research I found that the post office will not accept anything addressed to "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier". If it does make it through the USPS, it will not be accepted by Walter Reed.

But, for the third year, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes continue the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Christmas cards and other holiday greetings will be accepted until December 7, 2009, so get them in the mail now.

Cards must use the following address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and distributed to participating Red Cross Chapters nationwide.

When the Red Cross Chapters receive the cards, they're reviewed, sorted and distributed to service members, their families and veterans. There are some guidelines.

The Red Cross asks that you sign your card and direct it to a Service Member, family or veteran. You can bundle groups of cards in single large envelopes (individual cards in the envelope do not need postage), however limit the number of cards to 15 per person or 50 for a business group or school class.

You can not include a letter, your own personal information or inserts of any kind. You can write on the card your own special message. The Red Cross also asks that glitter not be used because it can aggravate the health issues of wounded recipients.

Pull out those cards, and drop a few in the mail, thank a hero and their family for their sacrifices!

If you can't get your cards out in time, contact your local Red Cross, your church (Temple, Mosque or Ashram) and see if they have a program or some members that might want to hear from you.

. .

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Tall Tales from Sunday School! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:03:36 -0600

My friend who teaches Sunday School gave her youngsters a little quiz last Sunday. She wanted to know what these kids knew about angels, so she could better prepare future lessons. Here are some of the responses she got!

"Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else."

"Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the kid get over it."

"I hear funny angels all the time in my dreams. And I'm sticking with that no matter how many people tell me I'm crazy."

"Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter."

"Everybody got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why but scientists are working on it."

"Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The basic message is where you did wrong before you got dead."

"It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes."

And my favorite...

"When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado."

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Get Over It...MTV Is Not the Cause of NJ's Problems!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:36:16 -0600

You'd think with sky high taxes, growing unemployment and the highest cost of living, New Jersey's elected officials and residents would have more to think about than the upcoming MTV reality show called 'Jersey Shore'.

The show premieres on MTV Thursday. It claims to follow 8 of "the hottest, tannest, craziest" 'guidos' spending their summer in Seaside Heights, NJ.

Well, that's got the Italian Americans upset, because 'Guido' is a derogatory term. That maybe, but according to the UrbanDictionary...well click here for the current definition of guido (be forewarned, bad language). Now we can't forget the female version, the 'guidette'. Click here, and again I'm warning you it's not nice!

Here at the Shore, it's said 'Guidos' are a way of life over the summer months. Just last year the Mayor of Belmar, a shore town in Monmouth County, got himself in big trouble when he mocked the 'guidos' in his newsletter. If I recall, he had to apologize to all of Staten Island!

Now we've got a state Senator chiming in, saying the show will bring "ill repute to the state".

I say get over it! That's not really what's hurting New Jersey's image.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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What Will I Be When I Grow Up? (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:36:49 -0600

Many parents wonder what profession their child will choose. Well, there's an old country preacher who has it all figured out.

He had a teenage son, and the preacher thought it was time for his son give the idea some consideration. Like many teenagers, the young man didn’t really have a clue about his future, nor did he seem too concerned.

So one day while the boy was away at school, the preacher decided to try an experiment.

The preacher place 4 objects on his son's desk: a Bible, a silver dollar, a bottle of whisky, and a Playboy magazine.

As he hid behind the door, the preacher said to himself, "When my son comes home from school today, I’ll see which object he picks up."

"If it’s the Bible, he’s going to be a preacher like me, and what a Blessing that would be!

"If he picks up the dollar, he’s going to be a business man, and that would be okay, too.

"But if he picks up the bottle, he’s going to be a no-good drunken bum, and Lord, what a shame that would be. And worst of all if he picks up that magazine he’s going to be a Skirt-chasing womanizer," the preacher thought to himself.

He soon heard his son’s foot-steps, the young man entered the room, tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the desk.

He walked over to inspect them.

After a few moments, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink, while he admired the centerfold.

"Lord have mercy," the old preacher disgustedly whispered.

"He’s gonna run for Congress!"

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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So Thanks...For My Famiglia!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:51:37 -0600

Give thanks for the day....

Before we had access!!

So Where's the Food, Aunt Phyl..

Thanks it was great...sorry I was too tired... no dessert pix, but Tori made a mean rum cake!

So, all I can say is...a great Thanksgiving! The only thing could make it better??? If we all could be there!

A Slice of My Life!

Happy Day!

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Happy Birthday Moose and Squirrel!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:59:39 -0600

You know when your favorite cartoon characters turn 50, you're getting up there. Last week two of my favorites, Rocky and Bullwinkle celebrated the big 5-0!

Actually when you talk about Rocky and Bullwinkle, you're talking about many more memorable characters. You have the evil Boris and Natasha, Mr. Peabody (the smart dog) and Sherman (his pet boy) and the WABAC Machine (pronounced Way-Back) and who can forget Dudley Do-right and the lovely Nell!

Most of these cartoons within the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show came from the imaginings of Jay Ward and Bill Scott, pioneers of TV animation.

The prime time cartoon premiered in November, 1959 6:30 p.m. on ABC. The series, Rocky and His Friends, was an instant hit among children and adults. Kids loved the witty characters, while adults enjoyed the social commentaries and satire. I remember watching this with my Dad!

So in honor of this milestone, I thought I'd share some Moose and Squirrel factoids!

Frostbite Falls: Rocky & Bullwinkle's hometown, is actually based on a real place, International Falls, Minnesota. Jay Ward, the creator, nicknamed it Frostbite Falls after one reporter called the area the "icebox of America". On a map, it's located on the northern border of Minnesota, right next to Canada, thus the "international" in the name. Today, it's known for its recreational activities and beautiful national parks.

The Middle Initials: The full names of the characters are Bullwinkle J. Moose and Rocket J. Squirrel. The two J's come from Jay Troplong Ward (voice talent and creator) and/or Bill J. Scott (co-producer and head writer). It's believed the letters really don't stand for anything. It's been rumored that Rocky's middle initial is Jet, Rocket Jet Squirrel, but there's been no documentation.

Boris Badenov: Boris's name was really a pun from Mussorgsky's opera titled "Boris Godenov". The Russian last name sounds like "Bad Enough," yet another pun that the series embraced.

Moosylvania: Moosylvania was a small island, on the show, that Bullwinkle was in president of. No country wanted to claim Moosylvania as belonging to them, so it remained on its own. Well, Jay Ward bought a private island and dubbed it 'Moosylvania'. He even petitioned to get turned into the 51st state on a cross-country campaign, collecting thousands of signatures. Needless the say, the attempt failed. It's reported that Jay Ward lead a small rally of supporters to the White House to present the petition, but they were stopped by the armed Secret Service agents. No one was authorized to get close to the President...It was the first day of the Cuban missile crisis.

The Cold War: Boris and Natasha were in the series as a parody of the Cold War. There was a great fear back then that Russian spies were invading America to steal secrets.

So, Happy Birthday Moose and Squirrel!

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Tall Tales from the Health Care Debate! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:57:38 -0600

On a flight to the west coast, a 6th grade student sat reading a book. A congressional representative boarded the plane and sat next to the girl.

After the plane was airborne, the Congressman turned to the girl and said, "I’ve heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger, would you like to talk?"

She closed her book slowly and said to this total stranger, "What would you like to talk about?"

The congressman smiled smugly and said, "I don't know maybe global warming or universal health care?"

"Those could be interesting topics," the 6th grader said.

"But I need to ask you a question first.

"A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff – grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?"

This legislator is shaken and a little surprised by the young girl’s intelligence.

He thinks about it for a minute and says, "Hmmm, I have no idea."

So the little girl asks, "Do you really feel qualified to discuss global warming or universal health care when you don’t know poop?"

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Mystic Island, New Jersey - Waterfront Homes and Chunks of History!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:24:32 -0600

Mystic Island, New Jersey - Waterfront Homes and Chunks of History!

Mystic Island is a section of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey...Ocean County's southernmost municipality.

It's main road, from Great Bay Boulevard to Mystic Beach at the Great Bay, used to be known as Shore Road. It winds through Mystic Island, Hickory Island and Osborn Island. This thoroughfare is now known as Radio Road.

That name came about in the early 1900's with the construction of the Tuckerton Wireless Tower, the tallest and strongest radio tower in 1912. Its guide wire foundations are still visible, though the tower is long gone.

The tower was built by the German company known as HOMAG, The High Frequency Machine Corporation for Wireless Telegraphy. This tower was used to communicate with an identical station in Eilvese, Germany beginning in 1914, just before the outbreak of World War I.

Though taken over by the US Navy to assure the messages sent and received did not violate America's Declaration of Neutrality, the tower was still manned by German nationals employed by HOMAG. It's rumored that this tower was used to send the message ordering the attack on the Lusitania!

When the US entered the WW I, all radio stations were taken over and shut down by Executive Order. All the German employees of HOMAG were taken as prisoners of war and the Tuckerton Tower was assigned to the US Navy. They used it as a back up for the Navy's main transatlantic wireless station north of here in New Brunswick, NJ.

After the war, the Tuckerton Wireless Tower was included in German war reparations paid to America.

The government then sold the tower to RCA which used it as a backup a facility in Rocky Point, NY. It operated until 1948. The Tuckerton Wireless Tower was demolished in 1955 and that's when the single family homes in Mystic Island began cropping up

This 820 foot wireless tower was anchored by 3 huge blocks that exist today; one is in the backyard of a home on North Ensign Drive, one in the middle of the street on South Ensign Drive, and the other in the middle of Staysail.

..
South Ensign Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ

..
Staysail, Little Egg Harbor, NJ

Many smaller foundations for supporting towers are still visible in the lagoons of Mystic Island. If you'd like to see some great photos of the Tuckerton Wireless Tower, its construction and demolition, visit the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum, home of the Tuckerton Historical Society.

If you'd like information on the real estate market or homes for sale in Mystic Island, Little Egg Harbor or Tuckerton, give me a call!

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

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Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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After the Storm...Long Beach Island, NJ

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:47:42 -0600

New Jersey's coastal counties have been declared a disaster area by Governor Corzine.

Though the rain and wind subsided over the weekend, yesterday was the first day local and state officials could take a firsthand view of the damage. They were out in force on Long Beach Island, calling last week's storm the worst in a decade.

Most lagoon front property in Little Egg Harbor and Manahawkin fared well, some of the beaches on Long Beach Island were not so lucky.

Bulkheads and jetties saw some real action during the 4 days of wind and rain.

The beaches in Surf City handled the storm far better. Last year, Surf City received beach replenishment help from the Army Corps of Engineers. The wider beach and plenty of dune grass helped against the winds and high tides.

That's not to say the Surf City beach was debris free...

So as state and municipal officials continue to tally the costs to repair the damage on the Island, some were just enjoying the remnants of the storm.

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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Go Ahead...Make My Day!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:09:34 -0600

The day started out like any other...but the howling wind and pounding rain reminded me the Jersey Shore was still in the middle of some strange weather confluence.

Sounds like the beginning of a bad novel, but this was my morning. It didn't stop there!

I drove through flooded streets to make it to a termite inspection, only to find the copy of the key that was provided by the listing office hadn't been tested and didn't work!

I wasn't looking forward to it, but then I made the hour drive an hour to my next appointment. So, I recite affirmations and I continue on. Appointment done.

Arriving at my home office, I check my email. It's a habit. In my inbox, I read the following...

Laura,

You have really impressed me throughout this process. Thank you for looking out for the small details to make things go so smoothly.

Dawn J, Wells Fargo

This email was sent before I drove through flooded streets. The email was sent before I did what I promised today. We'll close in the next few weeks on this home, but this little note will stay with me forever!

Take the time to say good job; to another agent or to a contractor you're working with. Yea, we're doing our jobs, but we all love to know we're doing it well!

So, go ahead make my day!!!

Or more important...make someone's day. It doesn'T hurt!

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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More Tall Tales from the Classroom! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:18:29 -0600

A friend of mine watches her grandson after school because both parents work. Sean is in second grade and never ceases to amaze her.

It seems Sean came home from school last week and announced that they had learned how to make ‘babies' in school that day.

My friend was a little shocked; after all we never learned that in second grade. But she took a deep breath and trying to remain calm said, "That's interesting Sean, how do you make babies?"

Munching his after school cookies, Sean said, "It's really easy, you change the ‘y' to ‘i' and add ‘es'."

Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
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