Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Belmar, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
- Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ
- Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ
- Is Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ Actually Legit?
- What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ?
- The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
- Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
- What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
- The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Belmar, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Belmar, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Belmar, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Belmar, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Belmar, NJ
'It's become a struggle.' Simply Southern restaurant in Belmar is closing
Sarah Griesemerhttps://www.app.com/story/entertainment/dining/2023/11/17/simply-southern-belmar-restaurant-closing-rasheed-simmons/71622709007/
Simply Southern, a Belmar restaurant owned by Rasheed Simmons and his mother, Rita, is closing.The pair opened the restaurant, where Rita cooked Southern family recipes like oxtails, smothered chicken, hush puppies and fried green tomatoes, in 2014. It will close Friday, Dec. 1."We're coming up on our 10-year anniversary, and it's been a really slow summer," Rasheed said. "The cost of goods are up, everything is up, so it wasn't as busy as it normally would've been."Going into the winter, we didn't ha...
Simply Southern, a Belmar restaurant owned by Rasheed Simmons and his mother, Rita, is closing.
The pair opened the restaurant, where Rita cooked Southern family recipes like oxtails, smothered chicken, hush puppies and fried green tomatoes, in 2014. It will close Friday, Dec. 1.
"We're coming up on our 10-year anniversary, and it's been a really slow summer," Rasheed said. "The cost of goods are up, everything is up, so it wasn't as busy as it normally would've been.
"Going into the winter, we didn't have that extra fat ... that we normally would, so it becomes a struggle."
Looking back:NFL star refuses to fail with Shore restaurant
Rasheed said he has been searching for another location where his restaurant wouldn't be as dependent on summertime traffic. He is looking in Red Bank, Freehold, Long Branch and Old Bridge, "someplace with much more foot traffic because it's vital to the success of our business."
"I'm very excited ... and I feel as if we reached the level where we couldn't get any higher," he said. "I want to level up."
Rasheed said a restaurant serving Indian cuisine will replace Simply Southern in Belmar Plaza, which is home to many other eateries.
"I know a lot of people like the concept of our plaza ... but now we have (many) restaurants, and we're not Asbury Park or Hoboken where there's 100,000 people at any given time in a (few) mile radius. At this point, we're just beating each other up."
Prior to opening in Belmar, and for more than a decade, Rasheed and Rita owned a small eatery called My Two Sons at the Englishtown Flea Market. They offered catering as well, and became a part of the Belmar community through their presence at Belmar's annual seafood festival.
"I'm happy to see Mom's dream come true because this has always been a dream of hers to have her own restaurant, and that's why we're going to keep on moving, keep her dream going and doing what we do, just not in Belmar," he said.
Simply Southern will continue doing catering and events.
COPVID-19:How a global pandemic impacted Shore restaurants like Simply Southern
"I absolutely love and appreciate all the support, from not just Monmouth County but from the whole state of New Jersey," Rasheed said.
"We hope we can see everyone before we close the doors, just to give them a hug," he added. "You can just pop your head in and say hello, so we can say thank you for your support."
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
In one day, historic Belmar, NJ landmark is totally gone
Big Joe Henryhttps://nj1015.com/belmar-white-house-hotel-demolished/
The hotel in Belmar, NJ known as the White House is gone, all gone.Ownership of the hotel has been in place since 1963 and served many vacationers and seasonal employees who wanted a residence-like property for the gainful summer season.Just steps away from the ocean, the White House had lots of amenities that made it the perfect place to reside for the bustling summer season.Although listed with hotel status, the property maintained privacy for residents only, assuring that the amenities were only used for that purpose....
The hotel in Belmar, NJ known as the White House is gone, all gone.
Ownership of the hotel has been in place since 1963 and served many vacationers and seasonal employees who wanted a residence-like property for the gainful summer season.
Just steps away from the ocean, the White House had lots of amenities that made it the perfect place to reside for the bustling summer season.
Although listed with hotel status, the property maintained privacy for residents only, assuring that the amenities were only used for that purpose.
White House is sold
In 2017 the owners of the White House decided to sell it. It was tough to keep the property and amenities up, especially with only three to four months of steady revenue coming in.
What many originally thought would be a virtually smooth sales transition from the owners of the White House property to the Down to Earth Construction Company became a tangled legal mess. The property was sold to Down to Earth Construction for $2.4 million.
To paraphrase five years of legal battles, the plans laid out to the Belmar Zoning Board for the site of the White House by Down to Earth Construction included two multi-room townhouses on the property with aesthetically pleasing features that would blend in with the historic environment of the Second Avenue address.
There were five Planning Board hearings, and the 108-page proposal was eventually approved. The approval was appealed by Joseph and Rital Puleo and John Russell who own two properties adjacent to the White House property.
They claimed that they weren’t duly notified about the zoning and had other claims. The legal back and forth continued until the lawyers of the Down to Earth Construction Company claimed interference of financial gain, sale of property and due diligence among other claims.
What's next for the property
A judge finally ruled against the Puleos and John Russel and the Down to Earth Construction Company was free to start demolition and building.
Construction on the new buildings will take about 18 months. They’ll be many memories when you pass the location at 102 Second Avenue.
The Down to Earth Construction Company wasted no time in demolishing the White House. The swiftness of its demise seemed so quick after serving the community for so long.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.
Belmar, NJ residents fight beachfront 5G towers
Dan Alexanderhttps://nj1015.com/belmar-nj-residents-fight-beachfront-5g-towers/
BELMAR — A resident leading the fight in a Jersey Shore town against a plan to install over two dozen 30-foot cell phone towers along a boardwalk had to adjust her battle plan.Verizon has been trying to install towers along the mile-long boardwalk for several years and went to court after the borough delayed approval.A settlement in 2022 allowed Verizon to install 20 "small wireless facilities," each 30 feet tall, at street lights located at each block along Ocean Avenue.Caitlin Donovan created a website,...
BELMAR — A resident leading the fight in a Jersey Shore town against a plan to install over two dozen 30-foot cell phone towers along a boardwalk had to adjust her battle plan.
Verizon has been trying to install towers along the mile-long boardwalk for several years and went to court after the borough delayed approval.
A settlement in 2022 allowed Verizon to install 20 "small wireless facilities," each 30 feet tall, at street lights located at each block along Ocean Avenue.
Caitlin Donovan created a website, BelmarAgainst5GTowers.com, and an online petition expressing her opposition. She has used social media to gain support.
"We think they're excessive and we're worried about environmental damage, damage to the character of our beach, and even for a lot of peoples and health concerns," Donovan told New Jersey 101.5.
Donovan contends that the towers will be an eyesore and could decrease property values. There is also concern about health risks posed by long-term exposure to the 5G towers.
However, after Donovan focused her efforts on elected borough officials it was discovered that the property along Ocean Avenue where the towers would be placed is actually the county's land.
Donovan addressed the county commissioners on June 8. County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone said that the county is also opposed to the towers.
He said Verizon's application is being reviewed by county attorney Mike Fitzgerald.
"We're making sure they go through the whole process," Arnone told Donovan. "Mike has reached out and let them know we are obviously against it and in support of you guys in Belmar."
Arnone declined to comment for this report.
In a statement, Verizon spokesman Andrew Testa said the poles were custom designed as a "concession to the township" as part of a plan to optimize network coverage and capacity.
"Verizon’s deployment of new small cells in Belmar provides customers and emergency service providers in our community with enhanced and more reliable wireless voice and data services to meet not only today’s needs, but also those of the future," Testa said.
Battle brews in Belmar, N.J. over 5G towers near the boardwalk
Vanessa Murdockhttps://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/battle-brews-in-belmar-n-j-over-5g-towers-near-the-boardwalk/
BELMAR, N.J. -- A battle is brewing as residents fight to keep 5G wireless sites away from the beach and boardwalk in Belmar.There's a grassroots effort underway to stop Verizon.Monday was a perfect day for a game of spikeball on the beach, or to stroll on the inviting...
BELMAR, N.J. -- A battle is brewing as residents fight to keep 5G wireless sites away from the beach and boardwalk in Belmar.
There's a grassroots effort underway to stop Verizon.
Monday was a perfect day for a game of spikeball on the beach, or to stroll on the inviting Belmar Boardwalk.
"I love coming here and getting my steps," Jackson resident Michelle Stern said. "It's beautiful."
But the aesthetic might change if Verizon gets it way. Plans are in place to install 20 small 5G poles beside the Boardwalk along Ocean Avenue. Upon completion, they'd climb 30 feet high in the sky.
"I think it would kill the vibe a little bit. It would kill the look for sure," Stern said.
Joe Lustig does not live in Belmar, but has heard all about Verizon's plan.
"I sure have. Everybody I've talked to who lives here has mentioned it to me," Lustig said.
"How will that change the experience for you?" CBS2's Vanessa Murdock asked.
"It's hard to say before they're really up," Belmar resident Nick Waszkielewicz said.
Many Belmar residents are making their mission to stop Verizon. A banner on Ocean Avenue shouts "STOP VERIZON – NO 5G Towers on Belmar Beach." Lawn signs line streets. A Change.org petition has nearly 2,500 signatures. Local Caitlin Donovan started the grassroots effort.
"I grew up on this beach, and we feel like living on the beach is not living next to Disney World. We're not here for entertainment. We're here because we love this beach and we're environmental stewards," Donovan said. "We think constructing the towers here will ruin the character of our boardwalk."
She led a week of action, encouraged residents to reach out to their congressman, county engineer and Verizon.
A spokesperson for Verizon told CBS2, "The final design and placement of these poles maximize technical and community needs… locations have been extensively vetted and approved by the Township over the last five years."
No township here, said Borough of Belmar Mayor Gerald Buccafusco. He called the 5G poles overkill and hopes a consent agreement between Verizon and Borough signed in Summer 2022, during the former administration, does not hold water.
"We discovered that the road Ocean Avenue is a county road and they own the right of way," Buccafusco said. "They really needed to deal with Monmouth County rather than Belmar to get approval to do this."
Buccafusco said the borough informed Verizon of the find, and has not heard back.
The borough also hired an attorney to help them win the battle over 5G poles
Vanessa Murdock joined the CBS 2 Weather Team in October 2011 as the weekend morning meteorologist and weekday reporter.
Christmas Light Show Announces 2023 Dates
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/belmar-slash-lake-como/sections/community/articles/christmas-light-show-announces-2023-dates
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Christmas Light Show By Jack SlocumPublishedNovember 30, 2023 at 2:15 PMBELMAR, NJ — Residents and visitors once again have the opportunity to enjoy one of the area’s most dazzling and beautiful spectacles — The 17th Annual Christmas Light Show. For the second year in a row, the show will take place in Belmar Plaza on the Connelly-Campion-Wright Building.The 2023 show will kick off on December 9 at 6 p.m. There will ...
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Christmas Light Show
By Jack Slocum
PublishedNovember 30, 2023 at 2:15 PM
BELMAR, NJ — Residents and visitors once again have the opportunity to enjoy one of the area’s most dazzling and beautiful spectacles — The 17th Annual Christmas Light Show. For the second year in a row, the show will take place in Belmar Plaza on the Connelly-Campion-Wright Building.
The 2023 show will kick off on December 9 at 6 p.m. There will be an additional show on December 17 at the same time. Expect stunning lights accompanied with your favorite holiday songs.
The Christmas Light Show has been a staple in Monmouth County since 2005 when it was started by Daniel Brateris. Brateris has an electrical and computer engineering background and formerly owned his own DJ company. Seventeen years ago, he teamed up with his brother Brian and their friend Matt Pinnella to create the show to bring Christmas spirit to their Wall neighbors. The first show took place at Pinnella’s parents' house on Paynters Road, and after “countless nights of programming in the freezing cold, The Christmas Light Show display was born.” To see an example of the dazzling light show, click here to view the one in 2015.
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It was in 2018 when Brateris and his all-volunteer crew created Raising4 Inc., a non-profit focused on running events to raise funds for other charities. It was around that time that Atlanticus Innovations LLC took over the production of the show, allowing its founders to focus more on collecting donations for charities.
Raising4 Inc.’s main beneficiary is RallyCap Sports, formerly Challenged Youth Sports, a non-profit organization that raises money to “provide recreational sports specifically designed for children and young adults with special needs.” The Monmouth County-based charity is 30 years old and has helped special needs children with sports for decades.
“At the heart of RallyCap Sports is our vision that children and young adults with special needs have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy sports just like everyone else,” a RalleyCap statement read. “To create an inclusionary sports program, we open the door to children and young adults with abilities and special needs of all kinds. We want every RallyPlayer to feel like they belong and to have fun.”
While the light show is free, Raising4 Inc. encourages audience members to make a donation to RallyCap. “We suggest donations of $25 for a family of 4 and $10 for an individual adult,” a Raising4 Inc. press release read. “In past years fans have donated tens of thousands of dollars to RallyCap Sports each year.” Donations are collected during the show and can be made online here.
While this is the first time The Christmas Light Show is being held in Belmar, it is not the first time Raising4 Inc. has put on a spectacle in the borough. Raising4 Inc. is also responsible for the Fourth of July Lightshow that took place this year at Taylor Pavilion.
For more information on the show, Raising4 Inc. and RallyCap Sports, click here.
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