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The Coast Star & The Ocean Star

Happy early St. Patrick’s Day

By Zach Levine

BELMAR — With pipes and drums bands playing, the aroma of corned beef and cabbage roasting, and weather in the mid-50s, there was no nicer, or greener, place to be on Sunday afternoon than the 37th Annual Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Hours before the parade even began, attendees were saving seats on local sidewalks to get the best possible view of everything the parade had to offer. As the time got closer for the parade to step off, the crowds grew larger, as vendors proceeded down Main Street, here, with hot pretzels, cold drinks, and a wide variety of St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia.

Prior to the parade, parade chairman Chip Cavanagh commented that he was in awe of how nice the weather was for the festivities, adding he could not recall a parade where more people came so early to reserve a spot along the parade route.

“We had people set up chairs at 7:30 a.m. to reserve seats,” he said. “People have cabin fever because of all the snow, so we should be seeing some pretty nice-sized crowds today.”

The parade has been organized over the course of the past several months by various members of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. The committee is made up entirely of volunteers, and has liaisons on local governing bodies.

Funds to help pay for the bands in the parade were raised through various fundraisers held over the past several Sundays in January and February.

Many grand marshals and deputy grand marshals from parades past were in attendance at this year’s event, fully decked out with sashes proclaiming the year they received the honor.

Eileen O’Connell, deputy grand marshal for the 1995 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, said she could not recall the event being held on a more “beautiful” day.

“We’re going to have a lot of people come out for this today,” she said. “I think we’ll do very well this year.”

The parade routinely draws over 100,000 spectators, and thousands of marchers, and many said this year’s parade was the largest ever.

Bob O’Connor, the grand marshal for the 1999 parade, said he, too, was amazed at the weather, as well as by the number of marchers in this year’s parade.

“This is a good day, and we’re all here to have a good time,” he said.

This year, the grand marshal of the parade was Charlie Flynn, of Wall Township.

Mr. Flynn has been on the parade committee since 1994, and for the past 15 years, he has organized, assisted and helped facilitate a great deal of events for each year’s parade.

Mr. Flynn said being named grand marshal of the parade was an honor that he will not soon forget.

“It’s a great honor to have my family and friends in attendance, just great,” he beamed. “It’s beautiful weather, and we’re going to have a wonderful day.”

The deputy grand marshal of the parade was Janet McGrath, of Belmar.

Ms. McGrath is a member of the Jerry Lynch Association and a founding member of the Women of Irish Heritage Jersey Shore.

Ms. McGrath added she, too, was awestruck by being named the deputy grand marshal.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor,” she said, adding she was happy to see such a “wonderful turnout.”

Ms. McGrath said it was a long road to get to the parade, with various fundraisers being held to help raise money for different pipes and drums bands to play in the parade. But, she said, she had so much fun at the fundraisers that the parade actually ended up being more of an afterthought than originally intended.

Ms. McGrath would have walked behind Mr. Flynn in the parade, but she had a sore hip and difficulty walking.

She laughed, saying she was actually scheduled to have hip surgery the day of the parade. However, once she found out she was selected to be the deputy grand marshal of the parade, she said the first thing she did was change her planned medical procedure.

She added that being named deputy grand marshal was kind of like “being elected president.”

“It truly is quite an honor,” Ms. McGrath said.

Mr. Flynn and Ms. McGrath were selected to their positions by the members of the parade committee.

The parade, which began at the corner of North Boulevard and F Street in Lake Como and proceeded down Main Street into Belmar, began around 1 p.m. with the national anthem, followed by the Wall High School Crimson Knights marching band, then Mr. Flynn and Ms. McGrath.

Following were the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen and Court, including parade queen Samantha Misner-Bianchi, 16, of Neptune.

Samantha was chosen to serve as queen at the recent pageant fundraiser, held at St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, in Spring Lake Heights.

Samantha said she was “overwhelmed” by the honor, and had a blast riding throughout the parade.

“This is all so exciting,” she said.

There was a constant stream of music throughout the parade, as well, with over 20 pipes and drums bands performing in the event.

One such group, the Pipes and Drums of the Jersey Shore, based out of Belmar, said this was one of the group’s favorite parades to march in, mainly because the parade actually takes place in their band’s hometown.

“This is our homecoming,” said Dennis Moriarty, of Howell.

“It’s always nice to come back to your hometown, too,” added Amanda Cregan, of Point Pleasant.

Locally, students at St. Rose High School, St. Rose Grammar School and Belmar Elementary School participated in the parade as well, with teachers and various faculty members walking alongside the students.

Members of both the Belmar and Lake Como councils marched in the parade, as well.

Belmar Mayor Kenneth E. Pringle, last year’s parade grand marshal, said, after the snowy weather of the last two months, he was thankful the parade day was so warm.

“We had such a miserable winter, so to have such nice weather today is incredible,” he said, recalling last year’s parade was one of the coldest and windiest he had seen in a long time.

Lake Como Councilman Douglas Witte said this year’s was the 18th parade he has attended, and it may have been the best weather the parade has ever seen.

“I’ve seen this parade in snow, rain and 70-degree weather, so hopefully, today, we get a nice big crowd,” he said.

Lake Como Councilman Jared Cohen echoed his fellow council member’s remarks, saying he was just glad all the snow had melted and allowed people to march safely along the parade route.

He said his favorite part of the parade was marching down Main Street and seeing all of the familiar and new faces waving as the floats and bands strolled past.

“When you walk down, and see everyone off to the side smiling and waving, it just makes everyone feel so good,” he said.

Right after the council members marched, one of the more unique floats to make its way down Main Street came courtesy of the Lake Como Tourism Commission, which featured a DeLorean, a type of vehicle made popular in the “Back to the Future” movie series.

Lake Como Councilman Brian Wilton explained the reason for the DeLorean was because it is the only car made in Northern Ireland, and he thought it would be a great addition to parade.

Belmar Councilman Matthew Doherty said he, too, believed the parade was a great event, and it came at just the right time for all local residents.

“It was perfect timing for families that have just been getting cabin fever from this whole winter,” he said.

He added one thing he liked about this year’s parade was that he saw more younger children and families than at any other parade.

Belmar Councilwoman Claire Deicke said she, too, was thrilled with the parade effort, giving her “hats off” to all involved in the parade.

She also said she was very pleased with the work of the local police departments for controlling the parade, as well as the departments of public works for their quick work cleaning up once the parade concluded.

“The [Belmar] Department of Public Works had the town cleaned up before you can blink an eye — it’s amazing how quickly they cleaned the streets,” she said.

Another interesting float from the parade featured a man dressed as St. Patrick, a religious figure considered the patron saint of Ireland. The man dressed as St. Patrick held a staff, and the sides of the float were decorated with serpents looking to get away from the saint who, according to legend, chased all the snakes out of Ireland.

The parade also featured an appearance by the Jersey Shore Roller Girls [JSRG] roller derby league, with two dozen team members wearing green and skating down Main Street.

JSRG skater Catherine Galioto, of Toms River, said she was thrilled with the weather this year, as, last year, the roller derby players were unable to skate in the parade.

“This year, the weather was perfect — for a parade and for skating,” she said. “We are really proud to be a part of a parade that has so many community groups in it coming together.”

This event marked the 34th consecutive parade that Lake Como Police Chief Rosman Cash has worked, and he said, as much as he enjoyed the day, his job was to make sure everyone in the crowd was behaving themselves and allowing others to enjoy the parade.

“We just want to make sure everyone has a good time and no one interferes in that,” he said Sunday afternoon.

One new idea being tested out during the parade this year was the addition of donation baskets on street corners along the parade route for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

All marchers and attendees were asked to bring canned food with them to drop off in the baskets and donate to the charity organization, which supplies local food banks throughout the two counties it serves.

Numerous residents throughout Belmar and Lake Como took the opportunity to hold parties throughout the day in conjunction with the large-scale parade.

One such individual was Joe Kelly, of Main Street in Lake Como. Mr. Kelly had about 25 friends and family members over for the event.

What made his party unique, however, was that it is located at the very beginning of the parade route.

“We moved here in 1988, and didn’t realize the parade kicked off right in front of the house,” he said, adding he has had a party at his home every year to celebrate the parade

Mr. Kelly said he loves the fact that this “nice, little block party” begins in front of his house every year.

Folks came from far and wide to partake in the parade festivities as well.

Courtney Linstra, of Manasquan, said this year’s was the third parade she attended with her family, and it was one event her whole family looked forward to all year long.

Courtney’s son, Griffin, 3, said there was one part of the parade in particular he was most looking forward to seeing.

“Fire trucks,” Griffin exclaimed, when asked to name his favorite part of the parade.

Claire Connolly, 9, of Manasquan, said her favorite part of the parade was not the marching bands or the floats, but the fact that “everyone has cool hats on.”

Jack Heenan, 9, also of Manasquan, said he loved seeing “all the green stuff” people in the crowd were donning to celebrate the parade festivities.

The morning following the parade, Mr. Cavanagh said he thought this was one of the best parades in years.

“I think it went very well overall,” he said.” We had a good, crowd with quite a few people there. It was a good day.”

When asked what will stick out in his mind about this parade for years to come, he said probably the amount of people who attended will be something he always remembers.

“That was either the biggest crowd, or close to it,” he said. “We all had a good time.”

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Belmar’s mayor to step down

By Zach Levine

BELMAR — In a letter mailed to residents throughout the borough on Monday, longtime Mayor Kenneth E. Pringle announced that he has decided not to seek another term as mayor, here.

Mayor Pringle’s four-year term is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

“For the past nearly 20 years, I have had the amazing experience of serving as your mayor,” Mayor Pringle wrote in his letter to resident. “I am writing now to let you know personally that I have decided not to run for another term.”

Mayor Pringle went on to state this was a very difficult decision for him, and it was something he had been debating for quite some time.

“This has not been an easy decision for me, there is still so much I want to do,” he wrote. “But I have come to realize that no matter how long I serve, I would always feel that way, and there would never be a perfect time to step down.”

The mayor stated that he was extremely proud of his tenure as mayor, and though there is still work to be done, he believes the borough is in good hands and will continue to prosper in the years ahead.

“Over the years, as we’ve worked to lift Belmar up from the state it was in at the end of the 1980s to where it is today, I’ve likened our efforts to rolling a boulder up a hill,” he said. “In the early years, a lot of people stood around and said it couldn’t be done. Over time, as we began to make progress, more and more people pitched in to help.”

He added that his decision does not mean he will work any less diligently for the remainder of his term, and he wrote that he plans on serving out the rest of the year.

“My term of office doesn’t end until Dec. 31. I will continue to work hard until then to make sure Belmar is in the best shape possible for our next mayor,” he stated.

He wrote, though he will not seek re-election, this does not mean he will be leaving the public eye for good, as he still plans to lend a hand throughout the borough wherever he can.

“I plan to stay active in our community, and to continue to do my part as a private citizen and downtown business owner to make Belmar is the best community it can be,” he stated.

Mayor Pringle concluded his letter by thanking all the borough’s public employees, as well as his family, including his wife, Kathy Ellis.

Lastly, he thanked the residents of Belmar for putting their faith in him for the last 20 years to help run the borough they call home.

“I will always be grateful for the faith and trust you first placed in me back in June of 1990, when I was only 32 years old, and for all the support and countless kindnesses you’ve shown me and my family since then,” he stated.

Both the local Republican and Democratic committees, as well as any would-be independent candidates, now have until April 12 to file their nominating petitions with the borough for to run in the June primaries for the open mayor’s seat.

Residents will have the opportunity to vote for their political party’s candidate for mayor during the Republican and Democratic primaries on June 8.

Acting Belmar Borough Clerk April Claudio confirmed yesterday no candidates have filed yet to run for Mayor Pringle’s seat.

Many on Belmar’s governing body credited Mayor Pringle with helping turn the borough around over the last 20 years, s Belmar grew from a town of mostly summer rentals into a more family-friendly borough.

However, in 2008, the mayor came under fire for comments he made in the July 4 issue of the “Belmar Summer Rental News,” wherein he referenced a Web site that referred to rowdy Staten Island tourists who visited the Jersey Shore by the derogatory term “guidos.”

Although the mayor never used the word himself, many interpreted his comments that way.

He said at the time the comments were written “tongue-in-cheek,” although he has apologized to anyone he may have offended.

To ameliorate the situation, the mayor, along with his wife, accepted in invitation of Staten Island tourism group SINY, to take a tour of Staten Island, and immerse himself in its culture and people.

“It was a way to make amends to anyone I offended in Staten Island by working cooperatively with SINY to promote the tourist side of their community,” the mayor said, at the time of his tour.

The mayor’s announcement of his decision to not run again for mayor drew various reactions from his colleagues on the Belmar governing body.

Councilwoman Claire Deicke said, though surprising, she understands why, after 20 years, Mayor Pringle would not want to seek re-election.

“I was somewhat surprised about the news, but I think his decision to not run again is understandable,” she said. “I think, over the past 20 years, he has served in an exemplary manner and has dedicated himself to community improvement.”

She added, as one of Belmar’s longest tenured public servants, Mayor Pringle deserves all the praise coming to him for his work on behalf of the borough.

“He really deserves a great deal of praise for all that he has done for Belmar,” she said. “He had a vision for the town and wanted to see it through.”

Councilman Matt Doherty said because of the efforts of Mayor Pringle, Belmar has earned a sterling reputation among shore communities.

“Today, Belmar is one of the most desirable towns to live and raise a family, and that’s because of Mayor Pringle’s dedication and service over the past 20 years,” he said.

Councilman Brian Magovern, the newest member to Belmar Council, also had nothing but positive things to say about Mayor Pringle’s tenure.

“He’s done this for 20 years, and I know Ken has worked awfully hard for the borough,” he said. “I’m impressed with his energy and developing his law firm at the same time. I don’t know how he did this in so few hours of the day.”

Councilman Richard Wright, the lone Republican on Belmar’s governing body, also expressed his appreciation for everything Mayor Pringle brought with him to the borough in his 20 years of service.

“Ken has been a forceful voice in the community for many of the important changes that have occurred over the last 20 years. Belmar during this period has taken major strides in addressing the rowdy days of bars and summer rentals running roughshod over our family residents,” the councilman said.

He continued to say that, because of Mayor Pringle, the town has taken a turn for the better.

“Property values and the town’s attraction of new families has soared. Belmar is headed in the direction of being a lively, diverse community, sensitive to the environmental and cultural concerns of our times. Ken is correct to be proud of his many accomplishments, and I hope that he keeps his promise to remain active as the community moves forward to complete the work that will be his greatest legacy,” he said.

This past Tuesday, Mayor Pringle noted his decision was “bittersweet,” but something he felt comfortable doing.

He added he does not have any further political aspirations, and loved the time he served as mayor of Belmar.

“I don’t think there is any better job in politics than this one,” he said.

He added he will spend more time now with his law firm, Pringle Quinn Anzano, which is based out of Belmar. The firm started out with just two attorneys and has since blossomed into one of the biggest firms in the state.

He added there are also policy projects he wants to continue to work on, and he will continue to help out in the borough in some capacity whenever he can.

“I still have a lot of interesting things on my plate,” he said. “I’m going to take on some new challenges and enjoy time spent with my family.”

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Belmar Elementary School continues centennial celebration

By Zach Levine

This school year has been one of celebration at the Belmar Elementary School, as the borough institution, which was first built in 1910, is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.

To commemorate this milestone, a series of events celebrating the centennial have already been held, and will continue throughout the course of the school year.

The school, located on Main Street between 11th and 12th avenues, was originally built as a high school, but now serves as a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade facility.

Jeff Brown, a music teacher at Belmar Elementary, as well as the co-chair of the centennial committee, said everyone at the school is enjoying the centennial celebration.

“We are very excited about this centennial and the opportunity it gives us to highlight to the community what a gem of a school we have,” Mr. Brown said.

The teacher said he is hopeful alumni of the school will come back and take part in the festivities, as well.

“We are hoping to get people who have a relationship with the school and its history to come back, share their memories, and see where the school has gone since their time here,” Mr. Brown added. “If anyone is interested in speaking at the school about their experiences here, or has any artifacts that they would like to loan us for the centennial display in the front lobby, please call the school’s front office and leave a message for me.”

Mr. Brown said one of the first things the centennial committee did earlier this school year was hold a competition among eighth-grade students to design a logo for the celebration.

The winning design by Siani Henriques, which features the school’s mascot, an eagle, will be used on the students’ diplomas this year, in banners promoting the centennial, and in other centennial publications.

The school’s art students also hope to decorate store windows along Main Street with the logo, as well as other scenes relating to the elementary school.

Students at the school are also taking part in a “100 Penny Challenge,” where students throughout bring in 100 pennies to donate to the school.

Once all the money is collected, it will go toward a school gift, from centennial students to future classes.

Coming up on March 19, graduates, former employees, and residents of Belmar are invited to an open house, where they will be able to tour the school.

The tour will be given by former Belmar Elementary School teachers Debbie Manser and Councilwoman Claire Deicke.

Later in the spring, the school hopes to hold a “Hands Around the School” event, where residents, students and employees will form a circle around the school.

The school is also in the midst of a “100 Books for 100 Years” book donation drive, as well.

Mr. Brown said the book drive could be used as a way to honor special faculty members, as individuals can donate books to the library that are dedicated to special individuals in the local community.

“We have heard so many stories about people who had a favorite teacher here, and this would be a great way to honor him or her,” Mr. Brown said.

So far, the book drive has been quite successful, with numerous books being dedicated to members of the local community.

At a recent Belmar Board of Education meeting, books were presented to Matthew Sharin, the longtime president of the board, who resigned this past September, as well as former Belmar councilwoman Meredith Brennan.

Mr. Sharin had his name printed in the book Young People in U.S. History, and, in honor of her love of the environment, Mrs. Brennan received a book entitled Planet Earth.

To make a donation to the book drive, visit the school’s Web site, http://www.belmar.k12.nj.us/index.asp. To locate the form from the home page, click on “School Services,” “Our Library,” then “Build Our Library One Book at a Time.”

Anyone who would like to take part in the centennial celebration can contact Mr. Brown at 732-681-2388.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Gone Fishin’

Ryley Kirk, 7, of Belmar, and her sister Kayla, 4, held onto their fishing rods and awaited instructions at the recent fishing seminar for children, held at the Taylor Pavilion in Belmar.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Judge’s Choice For Best In Show

Paul Qiubing Qian, of Sea Girt, recently took home the Best in Show prize in the 2009 Judge’s Choice Awards for his oil painting, entitled “By The Beach.” His painting is currently on display at the Belmar Arts Council, at 608 River Road in Belmar.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Belmar restaurant tour will offer sampling of local cuisine Sunday

By Zach Levine

Residents near and far may want to start thinking about saving up their appetites, as this Sunday, the Belmar Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with St. Rose Grammar School, will hold their annual restaurant tour.

For $25, registered tour guests will have the opportunity to visit more than 25 restaurants throughout Belmar. At each eatery, attendees will be able to sample some form of unique cuisine.

The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. There is no set path for participants to visit the different restaurants, so attendees are free to stop in at the different establishments in any order they like.

Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the tour, but the cost per ticket goes up to $30 on March 14. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Kathy Yevchak, of the St. Rose Grammar School Parent-Teacher Association, said this is the second consecutive year a restaurant tour is being held in town, and after the success of last year’s tour, she is looking forward to a similarly successful event this time around.

“Last year, we had wonderful weather and over 1,000 people attended,” she said.

At last year’s restaurant tour, 29 different eateries throughout the borough participated. Free trolley transportation was provided for participants to make their way to each different restaurant.

Ms. Yevchak said she found last year that many tour attendees did not know the borough had so many restaurants to choose from, and she was glad to be able to pass on this information through the restaurant tour.

“I’m finding restaurants are eager to participate,” she said, of organizing this year’s event. “It’s a good way to get the word out that there are so many restaurants in Belmar.”

Some of the restaurants that participated in last year’s tour and will be involved in the tour this year as well include Brandl. Restaurant, Connolly Station, La Dolce Vita and 10th Avenue Burrito.

“This event is an opportunity for Belmar to showcase its restaurants, and is also a chance for the restaurants to give back to the community,” said Chris Brandl, owner of Brandl. Restaurant and co-chair of the event. “It is so gratifying that nearly every restaurant agreed to participate and are so supportive of helping St. Rose Grammar School.”

Tickets can either be purchased at the Belmar Chamber of Commerce, located at 1005 1/2 Main St., or by sending a check to the St. Rose Grammar School, Attn: Mary Bilotta, 605 Sixth Ave., Belmar, 07719.

Those seeking to purchase tickets are asked to include their name, address, and number of tickets along with a check for the total purchase.

Money raised from the event will go to the St. Rose Grammar School PTA.

Ms. Yevchak said funds collected by the PTA go to a variety of sources throughout the school, including assemblies, technological improvements, and supplementing extra purchases for the school throughout the year.

Upon checking in for the tour Sunday morning, attendees will collect a green wristband, which gives them access to all of the participating restaurants on the tour.

Ms. Yevchak said most restaurants will set up their tour offerings buffet-style, with small portions available for all attendees to enjoy.

“Most places will have marquee menu items,” she said. “Attendees will get to try the food, sit down in the restaurant, and have a taste of what’s on the menu.”

Ms. Yevchak added she hopes the weather holds up for the restaurant tour, and is eager for everyone in the local community to come out and sample all the food offered on the restaurant tour.

“We hope it is nice out enough for people to walk around and enjoy the nice day,” she said. “So, come hungry, because you will eat a lot.”

For more information on the restaurant tour, including a full list of participating restaurants, call 732-894-3528 or visit www.belmarrestauranttour.com.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Belmar restaurant tour will offer sampling of local cuisine Sunday

By Zach Levine

Residents near and far may want to start thinking about saving up their appetites, as this Sunday, the Belmar Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with St. Rose Grammar School, will hold their annual restaurant tour.

For $25, registered tour guests will have the opportunity to visit more than 25 restaurants throughout Belmar. At each eatery, attendees will be able to sample some form of unique cuisine.

The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. There is no set path for participants to visit the different restaurants, so attendees are free to stop in at the different establishments in any order they like.

Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the tour, but the cost per ticket goes up to $30 on March 14. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Kathy Yevchak, of the St. Rose Grammar School Parent-Teacher Association, said this is the second consecutive year a restaurant tour is being held in town, and after the success of last year’s tour, she is looking forward to a similarly successful event this time around.

“Last year, we had wonderful weather and over 1,000 people attended,” she said.

At last year’s restaurant tour, 29 different eateries throughout the borough participated. Free trolley transportation was provided for participants to make their way to each different restaurant.

Ms. Yevchak said she found last year that many tour attendees did not know the borough had so many restaurants to choose from, and she was glad to be able to pass on this information through the restaurant tour.

“I’m finding restaurants are eager to participate,” she said, of organizing this year’s event. “It’s a good way to get the word out that there are so many restaurants in Belmar.”

Some of the restaurants that participated in last year’s tour and will be involved in the tour this year as well include Brandl. Restaurant, Connolly Station, La Dolce Vita and 10th Avenue Burrito.

“This event is an opportunity for Belmar to showcase its restaurants, and is also a chance for the restaurants to give back to the community,” said Chris Brandl, owner of Brandl. Restaurant and co-chair of the event. “It is so gratifying that nearly every restaurant agreed to participate and are so supportive of helping St. Rose Grammar School.”

Tickets can either be purchased at the Belmar Chamber of Commerce, located at 1005 1/2 Main St., or by sending a check to the St. Rose Grammar School, Attn: Mary Bilotta, 605 Sixth Ave., Belmar, 07719.

Those seeking to purchase tickets are asked to include their name, address, and number of tickets along with a check for the total purchase.

Money raised from the event will go to the St. Rose Grammar School PTA.

Ms. Yevchak said funds collected by the PTA go to a variety of sources throughout the school, including assemblies, technological improvements, and supplementing extra purchases for the school throughout the year.

Upon checking in for the tour Sunday morning, attendees will collect a green wristband, which gives them access to all of the participating restaurants on the tour.

Ms. Yevchak said most restaurants will set up their tour offerings buffet-style, with small portions available for all attendees to enjoy.

“Most places will have marquee menu items,” she said. “Attendees will get to try the food, sit down in the restaurant, and have a taste of what’s on the menu.”

Ms. Yevchak added she hopes the weather holds up for the restaurant tour, and is eager for everyone in the local community to come out and sample all the food offered on the restaurant tour.

“We hope it is nice out enough for people to walk around and enjoy the nice day,” she said. “So, come hungry, because you will eat a lot.”

For more information on the restaurant tour, including a full list of participating restaurants, call 732-894-3528 or visit www.belmarrestauranttour.com.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Doherty named council president

By Zach Levine

The recent resignation of former Belmar councilwoman Meredith Brennan left several holes to fill on the borough’s governing body.

During the Feb. 17 Belmar Council meeting, one of those situations was cleared up, as Brian Magovern was sworn in to serve the remainder of Mrs. Brennan’s term.

However, Mrs. Brennan had also served as council president. The council president runs the council meetings when the mayor is absent or unable to do so.

The selection of the council president was the first thing on the agenda at last Wednesday’s council meeting, and Councilwoman Claire Deicke made a motion to fill the open position.

“I nominate Matt,” Councilwoman Deicke said, looking in the direction of Councilman Matt Doherty.

Councilman Brian Magovern seconded the motion, and the council unanimously approved Councilman Doherty as the new council president.

Councilman Doherty thanked his fellow council members for the honor, and will now serve out the remainder of 2010 as the borough council president.

In other meeting news:

• For the first time, Councilman Magovern gave a council report, picking up where Councilwoman Brennan left off.

He said the borough has already begun preparing for its Memorial Day ceremony, adding the Breslin Monument will be dedicated during the ceremony.

The monument, originally commissioned by Pat and Sandy Breslin in 1949, proclaimed their pride for the military and devotion to all who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

However, in 1957, the marina was renovated and the Breslins lost their lease on the establishment. The monument was put into storage, and in 1960, Maj. Gen. William D. Hamlin, the Commanding General of Fort Monmouth, offered to place the monument at Fort Monmouth.

A movement began several years ago to retrieve the monument and put it back near the marina. Several weeks ago, the borough was able to successfully retrieve the stone monument.

Councilman Magovern said he was pleased to have the monument back, and was looking forward to the Memorial Day festivities.

• Councilwoman Deicke used her time during the council report to urge local residents to take part in the 2010 United States Census, noting instructions are available now at 2010.census.gov.

She said the census has been mailed out, and it is very important for all residents to comply with the instructions to fill out and return the census document.

“There are only ten questions on it this year, and we get our federal funding based on this,” she said.

• Councilman Richard Wright took a moment to thank the members of the Belmar Department of Public Works for all they have done over the past several weeks.

He said he was amazed at the amount of snow that recently hit the borough, and he strongly “commended” the members of the DPW for all they had done during the storm clean-up.

Mayor Kenneth E. Pringle echoed Councilman Wright’s sentiments.

“I have to reiterate, the DPW has done a job well done,” he said. “You’ve had a lot of practice, and it’s showing.”

• Councilman Doherty recognized some of the recent successful community events in the borough, including the Celtic Chase mile run, the Irish concert performed by Bobby Byrne, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

He said one more concert will be held this Friday evening, at 7 p.m., at The Barclay, this one featuring Padraig Farrell and Paul Cilinski.

Tickets for the concert are $25, each, which includes the show and a buffet. It will run from 7 to 11 p.m.

For more information on the event, call 732-681-2900.

The next Belmar Council meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18, at 8 p.m. in borough hall.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

Fit Walk Route planning

Belmar Recreation will be meeting interested persons on the boardwalk in front of the Belmar Fishing Club starting Monday March 15  at 11:00. The purpose will be to measure different routes with  Belmar residents using a Rolatape. This will assist people in setting goals and distances for walks or jogging and helping them keep accurate times and distances to mark improvement.

Our goal is to get you moving in a positive direction towards better health. The walks can start in Belmar and go in any reasonable direction and distance. If you have specific needs please plan ahead and call Michael Campbell at 732-681 3700 dial 9 then 211.

Weather permitting we will meet every weekday starting March 15 thru March 25th 2010.

Parade forecast is clear & green

By Zach Levine

BELMAR — Irish eyes will be smiling throughout the Jersey Shore this weekend, as Belmar and Lake Como will host one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the state on Sunday.

The 37th Annual Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. and last for approximately three hours, according to parade chairman Chip Cavanagh, and this year, it appears Mother Nature will cooperate and offer up partly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-40s.

Last year’s parade saw decreased attendance due to rain, low temperatures and bone-chilling winds.

The mile-long parade will kick off from the corner of North Boulevard and F Street in Lake Como and will continue down Main Street in Belmar, finishing up at the corner of Main Street and 7th Avenue.

Mr. Cavanagh is predicting a record turnout for the parade this year.

“Right now it looks like the temperature will be in the high 40s, and people might have cabin fever cause of the snow, so we’re probably going to have some record crowds,” he said.

The parade will be led off by a performance from the Wall High School Marching Band, followed by the Belmar Police Honor Guard and the Belmar and Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Following those individuals will be Parade Grand Marshal Charlie Flynn and Deputy Grand Marshal Janet McGrath.

Mr. Flynn, a Wall Township resident, has been a member of the parade committee since 1994.

Ms. McGrath, a Belmar resident, is a founding member of the Women of Irish Heritage-Jersey Shore and a member of the Jerry Lynch Foundation. The Jerry Lynch Club helped organize and run the first local St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held in 1974.

Mr. Flynn and Ms. McGrath will be followed in the parade by members of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen and Court, as well as the other participants in the recent St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pageant, held last week at St. Stephen’s Green Publick House in Spring Lake Heights.

Members of the queen and court include Samantha Misner-Bianchi, 16, of Neptune City; Farrah Smoke, 18, of Belmar; Veronica Hindes, 17, of Jackson; Bridgette O’Donnell, 16, of Manchester; and Juliann Knight, 20, of Toms River.

Numerous other floats will be featured in the parade, as well, including one from the Lake Como Tourism Commission which will feature a DeLorean vehicle, one of the only brand of cars made in Northern Ireland.

Over the course of the past two months, numerous fundraisers have been held to help raise money for pipes and drums bands to participate in the parade.

Mr. Cavanagh said thanks to the fundraising efforts, 17 pipe bands will be marching in the parade.

“It’s shaping up to be a good mix of a little bit of everything,” he said, adding there will also be string bands performing in the parade.

Beside the pipe bands there will be five high school bands performing, as well, including marching bands from Manasquan High School, Wall High School, Monmouth Regional High School, Lacey Township High School and Neptune High School.

The final fundraiser to help raise money for the parade effort will be held after an Investiture Mass on Saturday, March 6 at the St. Rose Church in Belmar at 10 a.m.

The Mass will be followed by a luncheon at Doolan’s on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights. The luncheon donation is $30. For information or tickets for the luncheon, call the parade office at 732-681-6262 or 732-280 2648, or the Irish Centre in Spring Lake at 732-449-6650.

Mr. Cavanagh added this year, the parade committee, in cooperation with the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean County, will be collecting non-perishable food items during the course of the parade.

FoodBank Containers will be placed at the Belmar Train Station, the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh at 16th Avenue, and the corners of 8th Avenue and Main Street, 10th Avenue and Main Street, 12th Avenue and Main Street, 16th Avenue and Main Street, and 18th Avenue and Main Street.

Requested foods for the collection effort are canned food and drinks, including tuna, chili, soup, and coffee or tea, and plastic jars of food, including peanut butter, jelly and pancake syrup.

Mr. Cavanagh said he has been thrilled with the fundraisers for the parade so far, and he is very much looking forward to the event on Sunday.

He added how amazed he was about the transformation of this parade into such a large event over the past years.

“This started out as just a small St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and has turned into one of the biggest parades in the state,” he said.

For more information on the parade, as well as directions to the event and pictures of past parades, please visit belmarparade.com.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

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