Manalapan, NJ

I started blogging less than a year ago and haven't looked back. In fact, it's been very disappointing to not have enough hours in the day lately to post or comment as often as I would like.

The good news is, in my opinion, my lack of time to blog is a direct result of my blogging!!

When I joined Active Rain, I gave serious consideration to the message I wanted to send with the majority of my postings.

I saw this forum as an opportunity to position myself as the Manalapan New Jersey Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist! I've lived in Manalapan almost 17 years and have been raising 2 daughters through the school system. I'm a Girl Scout Leader and community volunteer. What better place in which to specialize?

I started posting about community, school and local area events. I'd post my Manalapan listings. I'd write about market trends in Manalapan Real Estate. Working with my Weichert colleague and fellow Manalapan resident, Gail Szeluga, we've been working toward buidling a focus toward reporting on the different communities that make up Manalapan Township. Soon thereafter we expanded our Manalapan presence via Facebook, Twitter and other Social Networking forums. Join us (and the 286 other Manalapan residents) on Facebook at the Manalapan Residents Group.

Almost immediately, the phone starting ringing.

Buyers would find me via posts on Manalapan homes for sale. Sellers started to stumble upon me when searching for information on Manalapan Township.

I've been thrilled with the response and felt I was making great strides toward my goal of being seen as the source for Manalapan Real Estate information.

Recently, I received a phone call from Ms. Jill Capuzzo. That's when I KNEW the plan was working!

Jill is a reporter with the New York Times! She was writing an article on "Living in Manalapan" and needed a local professional to show her around town and fill her on on the local market. She found MY blog which then led her to my website and finally to my listings! Don't you just love when a plan comes together??

About a week later, Gail and I had the pleasure of meeting Jill and touring her around Manalapan!

We visited neighborhoods throughout Southern and Northern Manalapan, as well as East and West of the Route 9 corridor.

We talked about the award winning Manalapan-Englishtown and Freehold Regional High School Districts. We covered the newly expanded Manalapan Recreation Center and the recently rejuvenated Thompson Grove Park. We toured many Manalapan landmarks, including the municipal building, 9/11 memorial, Old Tenennt Church, Holiday Park Duck Pond, Millhurst Mills, historic Englishtown and Pine Brook Golf Course. We talked about the attraction Manalapan holds for New York City transplants looking for a little extra elbow room while still enjoying a reasonable commute. Good schools, affordable homes, reasonable taxes... what's not to like? The time flew by! Once you start a realtor talking about real estate, good luck getting them to shut up! We had a blast!

What a thrill it was tonight when I felt my blackberry buzz and looked down to see my most recent Google Alert...

REAL ESTATE | June 28, 2009
Living In | Manalapan, N.J.: High Marks for Space, Schools and Location
By JILL P. CAPUZZO

I scanned the article quickly. As promised, Jill highlighted my Manalapan listing at 9 Old Queens Boulevard. What I didn't expect was that she would give mention to both myself and Gail! What a treat! A great afternoon showing off all our real estate know how, talking about the town we love AND a mention in the New York Times!

Me!! In the New York Times!! Excuse me while I go call my Mommy!! :-)

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

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This blog is for anyone interested in what happened. The day started very optimistically. I was there with my fellow realtors (Gail, Joanna, Lee, Curt, Al, Essie - hope I did not forget anyone), and we were all in a very good mood. The sun was shining and we were setting up the tent, tables, and "giveaways" or promotional items. The band was playing in the background, the kids were checking out the rides, and the other vendors were setting up. Everything looked great for a fun day. Then, the sky in the distance began to change color and darken. And. the rain came, and came, and came. In the beginning we were hoping that it was going to stop. The weather reports had been chance of an occasional shower. But this rain, kept coming. So finally, we decided to pack up and leave. Of course, that took some time, because everyone decided to leave. Too bad! It was a case of very good intentions, but mother nature had other ideas. Anyway, I want to thank everyone who worked on this, and everyone who did stop by for doing so. Hope to see you all another time!

Regards,

Phyllis Katz, Weichert Realtors, Marlboro, NJ

www.PhyllisKatzsellshomes.com

If you live in or near Manalapan NJ, or are visiting this area on Saturday, June 13, you are in for a treat! Come and visit the annual extravaganza known as Manalapan Under the Stars. This fun family event will be held at the Manalapan Recreation Center on Route 522 near Taylors Mills Road across from the Municipal Complex.

There will be exhibits, vendors, food, live entertainment, rides, games, and more. The fun begins at 4:00pm and lasts until 10:00pm. Highlights will include a performance by Micky Dolenz of the Monkees at 8:15pm and a fireworks display at 9:30pm.

Tommy G, NJ 101.5's Leader of the Late Night, will M.C the festivities.

Outstanding local talent will be on hand to entertain, including Rising Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts, ICON Dance Complex, Gallery of Dance, Bryan Klein's Taekwando Academy, the Speed Limit band, and the BJ Adams Orchestra.

Strolling costumed characters including Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob, and Uncle Sam will delight the kiddies and add to the merriment.

For information on parking, shuttle busses, and the rain date, visit the Manalapan Township official website.

This will be too much fun to miss! See you there!

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Lynn Michaels is one of the Top Producers in the Marlboro / Manalapan office of Weichert, Realtors. Whether buying or selling a home in Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold or the surrounding areas, call Lynn for outstanding service and results.

Lynn Michaels (Cell) 908-804-3200 (Email) lynnmichaels@hotmail.com (Web) www.LynnMichaelsHomes.com

What better way to kick off the summer season than with a parade!

Each year, Manalapan Township celebrates Memorial Day with a parade down Main Street!

It is a wonderful opportunity for marchers and spectators to show their community spirit by celebrating Memorial Day together, as a township.

The parade starts at Manalapan's Municipal Complex, travels past the Recreation Center through the heart of Englishtown and finishing up at the American Legion Hall on Sanford Street.

As a Girl Scout Leader and Mom, I've been marching with my kids for years and think I will miss it some day!

Families line the street waving and cheering. Parade marchers come prepared with treats to throw to the kids who are watching and eagerly waiting to snatch a lollipop or piece of candy!

Manalapan High School Marching Band led the way followed by numerous Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops. There were police cars and fire trucks, and even Uncle Sam made an appearance on stilts!!

There were representatives from Manalapan's local government and many were hoping for their 15 minutes of fame when the local news channel showed up!

Last, and most certainly not least, on hand were many township veterans showing their support and pride as the community came together to remember the many people who gave their life for their country and to support the American soldiers who risk their lives every day for our safety.

I hope all my Manalapan neighbors, friends and family had a wonderful, safe Memorial Day Weekend! Best wishes for a very fun filled summer!

Manalapan Under The Stars 2009

June 13, 2009

Manalapan Day 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm

Manalapan Recreation Center

Join the excitement as the township celebrates another great fun filled family day. Bring your entire family, your neighbors and your friends for an evening of fantastic entertainment, exhibits, displays, vendors, children's rides, amusements and games. Bring your appetites to our food court. The evening continues after 9:30 pm with a spectacular fireworks finale!

Main Stage entertainment will feature: Risings Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts, ICON Dance Complex, the "Speed Limit" band and the BJ Adams Orchestra. At 8:15 pm we will present Micky Dolenz of the Monkees. Additional entertainment will appear on the Future Stars Stage: Rising Stars School of Performance and Dance, ICON Dance Complex, Bryan Klein's Tae Kwando and Gallery of Dance. Be on the lookout for strolling performers and characters.....Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, Uncle Sam and more! Visit the Organized Sports Center for sign-ups and information.

We welcome back Radio Station NJ 101.5 and our Master of Ceremonies.....the Leader of the Late Night.....Tommy G! The Samaritan Center will be accepting donations of non-perishable food and supplies. Parking will be available at the Municipal Complex, Manalapan High School, Manalapan Recreation Center and Temple Beth Shalom. Shuttle busses will run from Symmes Road commuter lot and Covered Bridge commencing at 4:00 pm. These busses will continue all evening with the last bus departing from the Recreation Center 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks. There is something for everyone, so come early! We suggest bringing your chairs and blankets for your comfort. Join the whole community for "Manalapan Under The Stars"! Rain date will be Saturday, June 20^th. Same time, same place. In case of rain on June 13^th, Micky Dolenz of the Monkees will perform at Manalapan High School. Admission will be limited to the capacity of the auditorium and will be cut off when full.