If you didn’t hear the sirens in the Hills last night, a house burned to the ground over on South Riverside Drive. Thank goodness the owner escaped and that the fire was contained to the one home.  Thanks to all the firefighters who fought the blaze.

APP article: Cause of Neptune house fire still unknown

Firefighters on the scene at 511 South Riverside Drive, Neptune
photo by Scott Wentworth/Special to the Asbury Park Press

Today, Saturday Aug. 9th is National Marina Day and is being celebrated down at the Shark River Marina over on South Riverside Drive. Here is an excerpt from The Coaster article:

Neptune Township and the Harbor Commission are hosting the town’s first National Marina Day event Sat., Aug. 9.

Both groups are promising a celebration of water activities, free refreshments, free fishing lessons (bring your own rod and reel) and an inflatable basketball hoop.

The festivities begin at 1 p.m. at the Shark River Municipal Marina on South Riverside Drive.

Adding to the day’s festivities, Vessel Safety Check Examiners will be on hand to conduct courtesy safety checks for free.

So, walk or bike on over to the marina (don’t forget your fishing pole) and enjoy the festivities this afternoon!

Kelly Heyboer, who runs the Jersey Blogs section of NJ.com, introduced this little blog to the world (or at least a good part of the NJ.com readership) this afternoon by writing a very nice post about us. Thank you very much Kelly, and welcome NJ.com readers!

This site is still in its infancy, but like I said in my first post, I’m looking forward to growing this site and am looking for my readers and local residents to actively participate and help steer the conversation. I welcome you to take a dip and read some of my initial posts on how Shark River got its name, the local real estate market, and how the Neptune Public Library has embraced social media. Feel free to comment and let’s start a conversation. Also feel free to drop me a line if you have any ideas for topics or would just like to send any private feedback.

Thanks again for visiting and be sure to check back regularly.