Sea Beach Amaranth Found on Belmar’s Natural Beach

Sea-beach Amaranth was discovered late this summer on the Belmar Natural Beach located between the Belmar Fishing Club and the Shark River Inlet.

Sea-beach Amaranth is an annual plant that exhibits low sprawling growth and small spinach-like leaves, and is restricted to open sandy portions of ocean beaches between the high tide line and the toe of the primary dune.

Its range had extended from Massachusetts to South Carolina.  Although originally described as abundant, the number of populations declined precipitously throughout the Twentieth Century and, following a collection from Ocean County in 1913, vanished from the flora of New Jersey.  Habitat destruction and alteration, incompatible beach grooming practices and recreational activities have all contributed to the decline of this species.  By 1989, the species was restricted to a few populations in North and South Carolina.

In 2000 Sea-beach Amaranth was discovered during piping plover survey activities in Monmouth County.  Theories for the reappearance of Sea-beach Amaranth in the region include transport of seeds through storm events and/or resurfacing of seed from beach fill operations.

To help ensure plant reemergence in previously recorded locations, an area free of disturbance (raking, scraping, vehicle access, etc.) should be established during the growing season (May to December) in all areas of suitable habitat. Symbolic string and post fencing should be installed surrounding all emergent plants, and all public access and beach maintenance activities prohibited within fenced areas.

This plant is visible at the easternmost edge of the First Avenue beach but remember to tread lightly and please leave your dog at home.

Jersey Shore Car Meet

Date: Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Raindate: Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

Belmar Beach invites you to participate in making its Jersey Shore Car Meet a success! On July 26th, we will have a line of interesting cars parked along the boardwalk, and you are welcome to register yours. Whether you have a new or vintage Honda Accord, a Toyota Supra or Dodge Challenger, or a classic Corvette or Thunderbird, a parking spot along the boardwalk can be reserved to show off your pride and joy. It’s an opportunity to share your enthusiasm with fellow participants as well as your knowledge of car care, modification, and maintenance tips. We also have rows of spots especially reserved for modified Honda Accords and other special Hondas.

This unique car meet at Belmar Beach is open to the first 75 members who register. Rows of parking spots along the 13th-15th Avenue boardwalk will be cordoned off starting on Saturday evening, July 25th, and will be reserved for participants in this car meet only until 9:00am on Sunday, July 26th. So please arrive before 9:00am to secure your parking spot for the day. Parking meters for registered participants will still be in effect, so each participant is responsible for keeping his or her meter paid.

Please register by sending an email to Dr. Paul (pstuart@eden.rutgers.edu ) or Kaitlin (kfoster@eden.rutgers.edu ) with your name and contact information, the year/make/model of your car, and perhaps what makes your car fascinating to the automotive enthusiast. We will then add your name to our membership list and see you early on July 26th!  Please register your car with us by July 24th to be guaranteed a reserved spot. Note the raindate is August 2nd.

Click here to RSVP on FaceBook!

Event Date(s) and Time(s):

July 26, 2009 9:00 am

23rd Annual NJ Sandcastle Contest TODAY at 18th Avenue Beach

The annual mark of mid-summer, the NJ Sandcastle Contest, will be held tomorrow, July 15th at 18th Avenue Beach.  FREE registration starts bright and early at 8am and participants can sculpt their castles to perfection until judging begins at noon.  2008’s competition attracted 8,000 spectators to Belmar’s beach, which gives organizers the right to claim that this is the biggest sand-sculpting contest in the state.

Past attendees know that the talented competitors won’t limit themselves to regal moats and turrets, but will tackle more challenging and inventive designs; last year’s  “Best of the Beach” winner was titled “Johnny Lobster,” and illustrated a massive lobster falling in love with an equally oversize crab.

Check back tomorrow for a play-by-pay, pictures and video!

Details:

Participation is free to all ages.

There will be three prizes awarded in each of the six categories: ages 7 and under, 8 to 11, 12 to 15, 16 and up, Family, and Day Camps.   Only one sculpture will be crowned “Best on the Beach”.

As always, there will be giveaways, drinks, snacks, music and more for spectators and competitors.

See the NJ Sand Castle Contest website for more information, including past winners and media coverage.

Musical Comedy “Over The Boardwalk” Premiers in Belmar

The Belmar Summer Theater will hold its first production this summer in the Belmar Elementary School building. It’s the New Jersey premier of a family-friendly new musical comedy, Over The Boardwalk.

Some cast members from Over The Boardwalk take a break from rehearsing to pose, in character, outside of the Belmar Elementary School building. L. to R.: Sam Levine as philosophy student and boardwalk worker, “Bobby,” Tanya Desko as Melody, Kaitlin Frotton as “Candy” and Heather Edmonds as “Janet.”

This is the show that the Washington Post, in 2007, called “Grease meets Happy Days with a Peppermint Twist!” It takes place in the summer of 1963 on a boardwalk in New Jersey. The owner, a young widow, her Italian-born mother, and her college-age daughter, join forces with a gaggle of wacky friends and supporters to fight against a ruthless developer who wants to demolish the boardwalk so that he can build a hotel and apartments along the beach. The original score joyously evokes the music of that era, and dancing in the aisles may be unavoidable! Ticket prices are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for children and students with ID. The run is limited to six performances, and it is expected that several of those will be sold out. Performances are scheduled for August 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th in Belmar. For information and to purchase tickets go to www.overtheboardwalkthemusical.com or call Carol DeBartolo at 732-681-0512 Ext. 415

Event Date(s) and Time(s):

August 13, 2009 8:00 pm August 14, 2009 8:00 pm August 15, 2009 3:00 pm 8:00 pm August 16, 2009 3:00 pm 8:00 pm

NJ Sandcastle Contest at Belmar on July 15th!

Wednesday July 15th at 18th Ave Beach, Belmar, NJ

Visitors and residents alike can join professional sandcastle builders as active participants or spectators.  Individuals and groups in several age categories will build for terrific prizes and bragging rights.  Held at the 18th Avenue Beach, registration and sandcastle building start at 8 AM with judging from 12-1 PM.  The event is free to all participants.

Spend a fun day at the beach – free giveaways, drinks, snacks,
music and more!

For more information ceck out www.njsandcastle.com.

Event Date(s) and Time(s):

July 15, 2009

Recent Posts on Belmar.com

• Celtic Chase – March 6, 2010
• Jersey Shore Juried Art Show
• Happy early St. Patrick’s Day
• Belmar’s mayor to step down
• Belmar Elementary School continues centennial celebration