Every summer since 1999, more than 5,000 children from Belmar, New Jersey, and nearby towns have learned valuable lifelong lessons in self-esteem, sportsmanship, teamwork, and environmental conservation at the Shark River Sailing and Science Academy (SRSSA) presented by The Friends of Belmar Harbor. Registration for the summer 2020 sessions of SRSSA sailing and science programs begins February 1, with early-bird discounts through March 31. Classes and camps are one-week long and will be held weekdays beginning June 22 through September 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SRSSA Summer Programs The Friends of Belmar Harbor (FOBH) Shark River Discovery Camp is open to children between the ages of 7 and 11. During camp sessions, students are exposed to the fundamentals of sailing and kayaking, as well as to the scenic beauty of nature along the shores and in the waters of the Shark River Bay. Children may also participate in beach cleanups, stand-up paddle boarding, eco-themed arts-and-crafts projects, and other activities during their camp sessions. "There is no better feeling, especially for a child, than the feeling of discovery. We get people to step off the shore and introduce them to the wonders of the Shark River Bay," says Eric Krause, FOBH Board of Trustees President, who has been a competitive sailor since age 9. RELATED: Belmar Vacation Bucket List - Summertime Surf School For ages 11 to 16, the Marine Environmental Science program gives older kids the joy of learning in a natural outdoor setting along the shoreline of the Shark River and in the shallows of its basin. Activities such as kayaking on the open water and walking along the shoreline bring kids closer to marine life and the study of oceanography, marine biology, marine ecology, and a touch of meteorology. The summer Junior Sailing Program for ages 7 to 15 is another popular FOBH activity at the Shark River Sailing and Science Academy. Prior sailing experience is not necessary, as the program is open to children of all sailing levels and abilities — beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The program curriculum is designed using instruction standards set forth by the United States Sailing Association, the national governing organization for the sport of sailing. RELATED: Sky-High Summer Adventures At Belmar Parasail Other FOBH programs include the Mayor’s Cup Regatta, the annual Summer Solstice “SAIL-abration” every June, the Friendship Cup Regatta, and adventure sailing for ages 11 to 14. The FOBH headquarters is nestled in Maclearie Park on Route 35 in Belmar, adjacent to the L Street beach, with a second location of the Shark River Sailing and Science Academy at the Neptune Municipal Marina in Neptune, New Jersey. "My 8-year-old son, who has never sailed before, had such a wonderful time during his first week, we went ahead and added on a second week," wrote a mother who rated the FOBH junior sailing program five stars on Facebook. "He loves everything about camp: being out on the water, learning to sail, kayak, using the paddle boards, and having some independence. We will definitely be back next year! Thanks for two fantastic weeks!" Shark River Sailing and Science Academy  The Friends of Belmar Harbor 1300 River Road Belmar, New Jersey www.srssa.org Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. RELATED: Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Except where noted, all copy and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide to the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

During a late August fishing adventure aboard the Skylarker charter boat, we caught our fill of summer flounder (fluke) and black sea bass, while enjoying the boundless ocean views and plenty of fun in the sun with a group of friends. The 70-foot fishing boat departed the Belmar Marina under a sunrise sky around 7:30 a.m. Captain Steve expertly navigated us through the Shark River Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Asbury Park, where we cast our rods baited with squid and minnows. In addition to fluke and sea bass, my fresh catch of the day included a baby black-tip shark, a baby sea robin, and several mackerel (caught and released). In all, I reeled in two keepers, which the mate cleaned and filleted along with all everyone else's fish caught that day. After a full day sailing on the Atlantic Ocean, the captain brought us back to Belmar Marina around 2:30 in the afternoon, and everyone went home with a bag of the day’s fresh catch. I pan sauteed mine with white wine, butter and seasonings. In addition to private fishing charters, party boats (head boats) also sail from the Belmar Marina. Whichever vessel you choose for your outing, the Belmar Beachcomber blog highly recommends a day of ocean fishing during your vacation in Belmar, New Jersey! RELATED: Sky High Summer Adventures At Belmar Parasail Private Fishing Charters Sailing from the Belmar Marina 1. The Celtic Stoirm 732-742-9276 Website 2. Ol’ Salty II Sports Fishing and Scuba Diving Charters 732-681-6650 Website 3. Parker Pete's 732-496-5028 Website 4. Katie H Sportfishing 908-600-6413 Website 5. XTC Sportfishing 732-616-3763 Website RELATED: Fresh Catch With The Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers Head Boats and Party Boats at the Belmar Marina Big Mohawk 732-974-9606 Website Capt. Cal II 732-977-2020 Website Golden Eagle 732-681-6144 Website Miss Belmar Princess 732-681-6866 Website Ocean Explorer 848-565-0519 Website Suzie Girl 732-988-7760 Website RELATED: 6 Things You Will Adore About Vacationing In Belmar Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for comfort, cleanliness, amenities, location, and homelike decor. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Weekly summer rentals at the Jersey Shore. Rent directly from the owner and save. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.vacationinbelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

The Belmar Business Partnership and the Belmar Environmental Commission have joined forces to help keep disposable plastic bags off our beaches and out of our waterways. A town-wide ban on single-use plastic bags took effect in Belmar, New Jersey, on May 1, 2019. As a first step, shops and merchants throughout the borough gave away free reusable tote bags to encourage shoppers to pass on the plastic at checkout. Belmar Councilman Tom Brennan, council liaison to the Belmar Environmental Commission (BEC), is spearheading the town's green initiative to reduce plastic pollution. Some Belmar businesses took a lead role in preparing for the town-wide plastic bag ban. Sweet Tease Tea Room, for example, was one of the first businesses in Belmar to go all green in support of the environment. Coffee and tea are served in recyclable cups made from recycled materials, cold beverages are served with paper straws, and takeout containers are recyclable cardboard and paper. The logo on the BEC's reusable tote bags was created by a 17-year-old student at the Communications High School in Wall Township, New Jersey. Her first-place artwork was one of 103 submissions entered into the BEC's logo design contest in spring 2017. The contest was open to students in grades 4 to 12. We hope you will support the BEC and our local Belmar businesses in promoting the use of reusable tote bags. Recycle your single-use plastic bags at Shop Rite of Belmar, 1801 State Route 35, and at Wegmans, 1104 Highway 35, Ocean Township, New Jersey. Plastic Pollution: A Growing Global Problem Disposable plastic bags are a major source of beach and ocean pollution in coastal communities like Belmar — and across the globe. Plastic never fully decomposes, putting waterways, sea life, marine wildlife, and coastal birds at risk. In addition to disposable bags, plastic pollution comes from straws, water bottles and lids, micro beads in face and body scrubs, polystyrene foam products, and other items. According to Clean Ocean Action, during its October 21, 2017, community beach sweeps, the top five items collected and discarded from the Sandy Hook beach were: 6,994 plastic pieces 5,702 plastic caps and lids 3,012 straws and stirrers 2,926 food and candy wrappers 1,438 cigarette filters, which are not biodegradable In a fall 2018 story on microplastic pollution, CBS News reported that the average American throws away an estimated 185 pounds of plastic each year. "Scientists say a third of our plastic trash ends up in fragile ecosystems like our oceans. One researcher predicts there will be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050, and we are already finding garbage on the farthest ends of our planet — Norway's Arctic Circle," according to CBS News. Read more. Plastic trash from the Americas and Europe is being transported by the Gulf Stream to arctic waters at an alarming rate. According to research by the British Antarctic Survey and published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, microplastic particles have reached as far as Antarctica, reaching levels "five times higher than expected." Read more. (Video credit: University of Hull, England.) Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for comfort, cleanliness, amenities, location, and homelike decor. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Weekly summer rentals at the Jersey Shore. Rent directly from the owner and save! Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.vacationinbelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

With its wide, accessible beaches and its friendly small-town charm, the coastal community of Belmar, New Jersey, is a jewel of the Jersey Shore. Here are six must-do activities during your summer vacation, recommended by the Belmar Beachcomber Blog. 1. Recharge and relax on Belmar beach. Belmar officials take great pride in providing visitors with the cleanest beaches and the best amenities, as well as a smoke-free beach and boardwalk. Belmar consistently ranks among New Jersey's Favorite Beaches and also among the best beaches in Monmouth County. A day spent relaxing on the beach will give you plenty of "vitamin sea." 2. Watch the sunset at Belmar Marina. The Belmar Marina on Route 35 at the Shark River is widely known for its large fleet of fishing boats and charters that sail year-round for fluke, sea bass, stripers, blackfish, ling, and more. In addition, the marina is home to Belmar Parasail and a miniature golf course. RELATED: Dine With A Water View In Belmar 3. Stroll on the Belmar boardwalk. Enjoy the panoramic ocean views during a leisurely walk on the Belmar boardwalk — or go for an invigorating morning run. Pause on one of the memorial benches and see the sunrise unfold, or just take in the natural beauty of the sea. Across from the boardwalk, along Ocean Avenue, you'll find various places to eat and shop. The Belmar boardwalk connects with the adjacent towns of Spring Lake and Avon-by-the-Sea, and you can walk or jog all the way to Asbury Park if you are so inclined. 4. Enjoy free events and entertainment all summer long. Summer entertainment in Belmar includes country line dancing on Monday nights, Belmar Cruise Nights featuring classic cars, and free downtown concerts on Friday nights. Belmar also hosts the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the New Jersey Seafood Festival, the Belmar Kite Festival, the New Jersey Sandcastle Contest, and other special events throughout the year. COVID-19 Update: All spring and summer events for 2021 are currently on hold. 5. Dine outside with a view. When it comes to dining out in Belmar, New Jersey, you will find a delicious diversity of restaurants and cuisines. Many restaurants have outdoor seating in the warmer months and some have water views. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, a romantic dinner for two, happy hour bites, or a home-style breakfast, we're happy to recommend some of our favorite places to eat in Belmar. 6. Explore the downtown shops and boutiques. Downtown Belmar is a great place to treasure hunt in the gift shops and boutiques .... or to pamper yourself with afternoon tea, a massage, a yoga class, or a spa service at one of the Main Street salons. Browse the secondhand bookstore and the vintage record shop. Tour the craft brewery and grab lunch, appetizers or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. COVID-19 Update: Belmar businesses are following current coronavirus protocols. Face coverings and social distancing are required when shopping and dining in Belmar. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for comfort, cleanliness, amenities, location, and homelike decor. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Weekly summer rentals at the Jersey Shore. Rent directly from the owner and save! Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

A misty rain and overcast skies did not dampen the spirits of the more than 200 volunteers who took part in the Clean Ocean Action 33rd Annual Fall Beach Sweeps in Belmar, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 20, 2018. Volunteer groups participating in the cleanup effort on Belmar beach included Boy Scout Troop 204 from Jackson, New Jersey; Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore; and a busload of students from Pennsbury High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In all, more than 3,000 people volunteered across 60 locations along the New Jersey coastline in support of the Clean Ocean Action's Fall Beach Sweeps, according to the organization's Facebook page. The nearby towns of Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, Manasquan, Ocean Grove, Sea Girt, and Spring Lake were also part of the effort to rid the shoreline and waterways of trash and plastic pollution. To help combat plastic pollution in Belmar, in May 2018, the Borough Council adopted an ordinance that bans the use of single-use plastic bags by Belmar retail shops, merchants and food establishments. The Belmar plastic bag ban takes effect May 1, 2019. Certain businesses, such as bait shops, are excluded from the ordinance, as are dry cleaner garment bags and small plastic bags commonly used for produce or meat. Belmar officials are also considering an expansion of the ordinance that would add plastic straws and foam containers to the ban. During the Clean Ocean Action’s 2017 community beach sweeps last April and October, more than 7,400 volunteers collected and disposed of nearly 374,000 total items. The top five items found were: Plastic pieces, 15.04 percent of all items collected; Bottle caps and lids, 13.62 percent; Candy and food wrappers/bags, 10.76 percent; Plastic straws and stirrers, 8.34 percent; and Cigarette filters, which are not biodegradable, 7.76 percent. The next statewide beach cleanup effort will take place in April 2019. For more information about the Spring Beach Sweeps, visit the Clean Ocean Action website, or contact the organization at outreach@cleanoceanaction.org or 732-872-0111. All copy and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, creator and author of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide to the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our consent. All rights reserved. www.vacationinbelmar.com

The Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals has recognized the Belmar Beachcomber Blog with three awards in its 2018 international creative competitions. The Belmar Beachcomber Blog earned a Gold Hermes Creative Award in the category of "Electronic Media and Social Media - Blog Writing" and a 2018 Gold Ava Digital Award in the category of "Web Element - Blog." In addition, the blog earned an Honorable Mention in the category of "Electronic Media and Social Media - Overall Blog" in the 2018 Hermes Creative Awards competition. The blog, which is also ranked among the "Top 60 New Jersey Blogs, News Websites & Newsletters to Follow in 2018" on www.feedspot.com, is written and produced by Christine Cardellino, a freelance copywriter and member of the Belmar Business Partnership Board of Trustees and the Belmar Tourism Commission. She created the Belmar Beachcomber in 2016 to help promote tourism, commerce, and businesses in the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. “Readers of the Belmar Beachcomber blog will see stories written from a local perspective on dining and shopping locally, area attractions, community events, the Belmar Marina, community life, environmental conservation, Belmar business news, and other topics of interest to visitors and residents alike,” says Cardellino. “It is quite an honor to win these awards from the Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals in recognition of these efforts.” The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media. Nearly 6,000 entries in 201 categories from the United States, Canada, and other countries were received and judged in 2018. The AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that honors excellence in digital creativity, branding, and strategy. Nearly 2,500 entries in 227 categories were submitted to the AVA Digital Awards in 2018. In previous AVA Digital Awards competitions, about 15 percent of entries won Platinum, the top award; approximately 20 percent earned Gold Awards; and about 10 percent of entries were awarded an Honorable Mention. In addition to the Belmar Beachcomber Blog, Cardellino earned a 2018 Gold dotCOMM Award from the Association of Marketing & Communications Professionals for her local travel website, www.vacationinbelmar.com. This award recognizes excellence in web creativity and digital communication. All content and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, creator and author of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide to the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. All rights reserved. Do not copy any content (including images) without our consent. www.vacationinbelmar.com

The Education Committee of the Belmar Woman's Club is accepting scholarship applications from college-bound high school seniors who reside in the borough. In evaluating student applications for the $1,000 awards, the selection committee uses a scoring system to evaluate each applicant's academic performance, employment, volunteer service, and written essay. "The process of choosing the winners is done extremely objectively," says Rosemarie Papa, a retired educator in the field of early childhood education​ and chair of the Belmar Woman's Club Education Committee. "I conceal any personal information that would identify the candidates for the people reviewing the applications and reading the essays, so they do not know if the candidate is male or female, or anybody they might know." The 2018 Belmar Woman's Club scholarship winners were Lara Graney, who is majoring in film at the University of Michigan; Erin McDermott, who is studying biological engineering at Penn State University; and Catina Schneck, a freshman architectural engineering major at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. Previous winners have pursued a variety of academic majors, from fashion design and physical therapy, to nursing, engineering, social work, and teaching, according to Papa, who has been overseeing the scholarship program for over a decade.​ The Belmar Woman's Club, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2014, holds card parties and other fundraisers throughout the year to support its scholarship program and other charitable-giving activities. One of the group's major fundraisers is the annual flower show luncheon and gift basket auction, which takes place at Doolan's Shore Club on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. The club also welcomes donations from community members and local businesses in support of its scholarship program and other philanthropic efforts. For the 2019 scholarship awards, the completed application and supporting documentation must be received by May 10, 2019. Winning students and their families will be notified in May and honored during a special presentation at the club's monthly meeting on June 7. Students can ask their high school guidance counselor for more information about the Belmar Woman's Club scholarships, or visit www.belmar.com to download the 2019 application. Story © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.vacationinbelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide to the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.