The year 2015 was a very busy time at the Jersey Shore. Our beaches saw record numbers, pavilions were approved for construction, storm mitigation projects moved along, parades, fireworks, and celebrations were very well attended, and much more happened. New board members and council members took their seats. Ordinances were passed for the betterment of all. And most importantly, everyone was excited about another great year at the Jersey Shore.
Here are town highlights from the year:
SPRING LAKE – The Spring Lake 5K is a great way to meet and greet as it is attended by runners from all over New Jersey. The award to dredge Wreck Pond and install a new outflow pipe comes as welcome news for the town. The second annual Ladies Night Out took place downtown to support local businesses. But it's not to be outdone by the Garden Tour, Historical Inn Tour, Kitchen Tour and Christmas Tour of homes in town. The Spring Lake Theatre had a wonderful schedule of shows all year long.
BELMAR – The Home by Summer campaign brought the two remaining Belmar families displaced by super-storm Sandy back in their homes. The Belmar-Lake Como Saint Patrick’s Day parade was another success with 20,000 people who attended. Belmar and Meridian Health broke the Guinness World Record for the longest "pinky promise" chain to get mammograms. Governor Christie visited again to congratulate the town on receiving grant monies for storm mitigation. The New Jersey Seafood Festival overwhelmed the town with visitors and enthusiasts. The Taylor and Fifth Avenue Pavilions referendums passed.
AVON-BY-THE-SEA – Avon continued to see record numbers at its beautiful beach this year. The Marina building was completed and the Avon Pond ice skating rink once again delighted all ages of skaters. The new boardwalk attracted diners and walkers and was finally graced with its new pavilion. The second annual Turkey Trot raised $10,000 this year.
MANASQUAN – The Manasquan High School’s SQUAN-A-THON raised over $91,000 for local families affected by pediatric cancer. The school board approved a revised referendum for renovation projects. The town held a victory parade for Manasquan resident Christie Rampone, captain of the US Woman’s National Soccer Team, in honor of the team's World Cup win. All of the various parades and events were enthusiastically attended again this year. The Algonquin Theatre also had another successful year.
WALL – The Christmas Light Show broke all records, raising $18,000 for charity and entertaining 12,000 spectators. The Historic Village at Allaire teamed up with The Mill to raise funds for improvements so that they can continue to offer wonderful programs to visitors.
SEA GIRT – Beach and outflow pipe work took center stage this year in Sea Girt. The Sea Girt National Guard Training Center, along with many other community wide events, took part in the National Night Against Crime. The Sea Girt Lighthouse held a night climb offering guests a rare view of the full moon on October 27.
