South Jersey Real Estate Blog

2009 South Jersey Restaurant Week

 

I think the banner says it all!  If you live in South Jersey or are visiting this week (maybe looking for a new home) it's Restaurant Week!  If you venture out you're sure to have a great meal at some of South Jersey's finest at a great price!

Head over to SJ Hot Chefs to view the list of participating restaurants and view menu's!

Enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season...

A Time to Remember

To all those who have served and are serving today, we honor and recognize your service, and we offer our gratitude.  This day in 1918, World War I came to end, and with it came a day known as Veterans Day which we pay tribute to those who have served in our armed forces. 

Philly Commute Costs To Increase This Fall

Do you live in New Jersey and commute to work in Philadelphia?  Thinking of moving to New Jersey to commute to Philadelphia?

Starting in September, this commute could cost a few extra dollars each month.  The DRPA just announced proposed fare increases today, which if approved, will be effective September 2008.  Here is a summary from the press release:

BRIDGE TOLLS

1. A $1.00 increase September 2008, another $1.00 increase September 2010 and cost of living increases every two years after that. There will be proportional increases for all other toll classes.

2. A phase out of the commuter discount. The credit for 18 crossings a month on the same transponder will be reduced to $12 September 2008, reduced to $6.00 in September 2009 and the discount would end September 2010.

3. The Senior Citizen discount would remain with a few changes. The Senior discount will now be directly linked to an E-ZPass account and will only be accepted during off-peak hours. The peak hours when the discount will be invalid are from 6-9am and 4-7pm Monday thru Friday. The Senior Discount will be 50% of the normal toll and is limited to one crossing a day. THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY REMAINS THE ONLY TOLL AGENCY IN THE COUNTRY WITH A SENIOR DISCOUNT.

4.The current commercial discount will be eliminated.

5.CREATION OF A NEW GREEN PASS DISCOUNT. This new $1.00 discount will be offered to E-ZPass customers driving low emission vehicles that get at least 45 miles to the gallon. The vehicles must meet the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle or pre-model year 2005 hybrid vehicle certified to the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Standard. This discount is scheduled to sunset after two years.

PATCO FARES

1. A 10% increase September 2008, another 10% increase September 2010 with cost of living increases every two years after that.

2. The federally mandated reduced fare program for seniors and disabled which is now 57 cents would increase to 62 cents September 2008 and then 70 cents September 2010.

3. PATCO fares vary depending on the length of the trip however looking at the person who travels from Lindenwold, Ashland or Woodcrest, to Center City Philadelphia the cost of a one-way ticket would increase 25 cents from $2.45 to $2.70 September 2008. In September 2010, the cost would increase 30 cents from $2.70 to $3.00.

If you're intersted to learn more, there will be two public hearings. These will be held on July 22nd at Rutgers-Camden and July 23rd at the Cruise Terminal in South Philadelphia. Both hearings will be from 6pm to 8pm.

 

2008 ACS Bike-a-thon - Who Are You Riding For?

For the second year in a row, I'm helping raise money to battle cancer.  I'll be riding in the 36th Annual American Cancer Society Philadelphia Bike-a-thon this Sunday July 13th 2008.  Almost everyone, including myself, knows a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer.  If you would like to support this event and my efforts, please Click here to visit my personal page and make on online donation.  

About the American Cancer Society

There’s never been a more exciting time to get involved with the American Cancer Society. Today, the number of people dying from cancer is dropping, despite our growing population. Fewer people are being diagnosed with cancer and fewer people are dying from the disease. We know more about the causes of cancer and its treatment and cures than ever before. And we are helping to save lives every day.

The work of the American Cancer Society over many decades has helped us make amazing strides against this disease. The trailblazing cancer research funded by the Society has led to valuable developments such as the link between smoking and lung cancer, and Gleevec, which improves quality of life and stunts cancer growth with fewer side effects. With billions invested in cancer research, the Society has helped promising investigators make important discoveries.

 

The Bike-a-thon is more that just a fund raiser. It’s a chance for caring people in a community to come together to support each other. And support is crucial for those who have been touched by cancer. At the American Cancer Society, the funds raised through Bike-a-thon not only go to research, advocacy, and education, but also for vital programs and services that give people hope and answers.

 

About the Ride 

The first starting point is the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia and ends 65 miles later in Buena Vista NJ.  Some will ride the Century option which will extend the ride to just under 100 miles.  Although I wish I could ride this far, I can't!  I'll be starting from the second starting point in Cherry Hill, NJ which will bring the ride to 54 miles.   

Please consider making a donation to my efforts and that of the American Cancer Society.  No donation is to small! 

Click here to visit my personal page and make on online donation.

Ravi Shah, REALTOR^®
South Jersey Real Estate Blog
Prudential Fox & Roach
O: (856) 222-0077 x153
C: (609) 760-7852

McGuire AFB Hosting 2008 Air Expo

Mark your calendars.  The 305th Air Mobility Wing will host the 2008 McGuire Air Expo - which is free and open to the public - on May 31 and June 1 2008.

Gates will be open from 9am to 6pm daily with performances from 11am to 4:30pm.

For more informatino visit the 2008 McGuire Air Expo website

Halloween Safety Part 4 of 4

Pedestrian Safety
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child.

Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Children should not enter homes unless they are accompanied by an adult.

All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street.

Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments or furniture present dangers.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun but they need to know the other side as well-clean up and damages can ruin Halloween. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Make sure you set a time that they should be home. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time.

Halloween Safety Part 2 of 4

Tips For Parents About Treats
Children should not snack while they're out trick-or-treating. They should wait until they get home and parents have had a chance to inspect the handouts. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go-don't send them out on an empty stomach.

Tell children not to accept-and, especially, not to eat-anything that isn't commercially wrapped.

When children bring their treats home, discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

If juice or cider is served to children at Halloween parties, make sure it is pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy harmful bacteria. Juice or cider that has not been treated will say so on the label.

Halloween Safety Part 1 of 4

There's No Trick To It!

The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts, devils and goblins. Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, many of the young and young-at-heart take a more light-spirited approach. Glowing skeletons and lighted Jack O' Lanterns decorate homes, while children dressed in all kinds of costumes begin flocking out onto neighborhood streets in search of treats. Make this year's holiday extra safe by following these safety tips on costumes, treats, decorations and more!

Costumes
When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.

For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.

Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.

Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.

Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

Mt Laurel Fall Festival - 2007

Just a quick reminder, the Mount Laurel Fall Festival is being held this weekend. 

The event is occuring on Saturday, September 15th over at Laurel Acres Park.  It runs from 11am to 4pm. 

Not sure where Laurel Acres Park is...check out the map below:

View Larger Map