D'Jais Kicking Off Summer Season Friday

Fourth-annual 'Rock for Autism' benefit set for 5 p.m.

There is perhaps no better sign of the start of the summer season in Belmar as when D'Jais opens its doors for the first time of the year.  And on Friday, May 4, the bar and cafe on Ocean Avenue plans to open up shop at 5 p.m. for the fourth-annual Rock for Autism, presented by the borough's First Aid Squad.  For a $10 admission fee, guests will be privy to a free buffet and cash bar -- all in the name of supporting the Surfers Healing foundation for autism.  Mayor Matt Doherty said he expects to be on-hand, and on Wednesday he encouraged his fellow governing body members to join the party.  Tickets can be ordered by emailing fhines@belmarfirstaid.com

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PHOTOS: First 'Beach Day' of the Year

Cooler shore temperatures provide relief from the heat

There were plenty of bathing suits. Just no bathers. With highs expected to hit 90 degrees in some places along the Jersey Shore, the temperature was considerably lower on area beaches on Monday. And while Manasquan and Belmar's beaches were sprinkled with beachgoers, not one swimmer could be spotted braving the cold water this afternoon. Maybe it had something to do with it being only 66 degrees (according to this reporter's car thermometer) down at the beach. The cool oceanfront weather, however, didn't stop large crowds from swarming Belmar -- where parking on Ocean Avenue was scarce. In Manasquan, the crowds were smaller but sunbathers could be spotted along the shoreline.

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Down the Shore: Fireworks, Concerts, Boat Races

What to do at the beach this weekend

Sunny skies and warm weather should welcome travelers to the Shore this weekend, as communities celebrate Independence Day festivities. While the region's beaches await sun-starved travelers, there are plenty of other things to do, places to go and things to see this weekend. Want to catch fireworks? Check out our guide here. Looking for family fun? Nightlife? Read on! The free Ocean County Carousel of Music summer series begins with three concerts this weekend at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. The 63rd Army Band performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the Garden State Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Toms River Municipal Band concludes the holiday weekend lineup at 7:30 p.m. Monday.  An …

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The Tao of Healthy Living

Health Benefits of the Beach

Utilizing all the beach has to offer, from the sun to the sand to the ocean.

Did you ever notice how good you feel physically and mentally after a long day on the beach? This is because there are many health benefits gained by spending time on the beach and utilizing all it has to offer. With the sand, the ocean and the full-on sunshine, there is not much more one could possibly need to feel great inside and out. Here are a few aspects of the beach that contribute to living a healthy summer lifestyle and some tips to go along with them. The Sun It’s definitely true that sunburn and skin cancer are real threats to our health. It’s unfortunate that people are unaware of how serious this actually is. All it takes is a day of not wearing sunblock and someone with sensitive skin could be in danger. However, with the …

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Wrecked Boat Could Cramp Beachgoers' Style

Authorities worried that the sunken Atlantic Traveler could pose a safety threat at Jenks

Some beachgoers say they have safety concerns about a wrecked fishing boat being so close to the Manasquan inlet rock jetty and Point Beach shore line. "They should at least put some signs up, telling people 'Boat Off Shore' and to stay away," said Ed Harris, who was walking on Jenkinson's Beach with his wife, Diane Harris, on Wednesday afternoon. "When the tide gets higher, surfers may not see the boat," said Diane Harris, noting that only one corner of the boat, along with its propeller tangled in green fishing line, is now visible. Diane Harris, who lives in Brick with her husband, said surfers and those who are curious may venture too close. "You can't tell your kids to be afraid because they have no fear," she said, speaking from her …

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Manasquan Easter Egg Hunt an "Egg-ceptional" Event

Children from all towns flock to beach for annual Easter outing

A spectacular, sunny early evening and temperatures in the mid-60s welcomed children to the annual Easter egg hunt held April 21 at Manasquan Inlet Beach.  The hunt, sponsored by Manasquan Recreation Commission, drew approximately 400 youngsters searching for close to 3,000 plastic eggs by the Atlantic. “Siena couldn’t wait to see the Easter bunny by the ocean,” commented Christina Notaro of Manasquan. Several volunteers donated time to the annual “eggstravaganza,” which a few estimated took the children less than 10 minutes to complete. Jim O’Neill of Manasquan, had nothing but praise for the effort.  “We love it, these guys do a great job here," he said.  "You can’t say enough about Manasquan Recreation!” Volunteer Trish Brown of …

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Stranded Seal Gets Aid at Inlet Beach

Grey seal beached itself Friday afternoon

Scientists from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine were on their way to Manasquan late Friday afternoon in hopes of rescuing a beached grey seal. A local volunteer for the center who was at the scene said the seal had beached itself during the afternoon Friday and attracted a crowd. A police line was staked around the portion of the beach where the seal was lying on its side and occasionally flapping its tail. It was located at Inlet Beach, just next to the jetty rocks of the Manasquan Inlet. The volunteer said the seal was showing signs of stress and should not have been out of the water so long. The immediate concerns were that the seal could be whisked out to sea with the rising tide or overheat in the warm temperatures. …

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