Galleries

Focus: It’s Another Fair Haven Dock Sunset

Yes, it’s been done many times … Sunset photos at the Fair Haven Dock.

But no two sunsets are ever the exact same. And no feeling each time you stand there, stroll down the dock or on the beach and take it all in is exactly the same.

From one perspective at least, tonight’s setting was about color, clouds and content chatter among fishermen.

Good night, Fair Haven …

— Elaine Van Develde

(Don’t forget to click to enlarge!)

Focus: Dusk Solace at the River

It’s been said umpteen times, so why not say it again? There’s nothing quite as comforting to a Rumson-Fair Haven area native as the sights and subtle sounds down by the river at nightfall.

The gently lapping water. A conversation in the distance. A boat docking. A favorite spot for an exhale. River Rats’ place. Everyone’s place. An anchor.

Take a look and feel the comforting lull of home …

— Elaine Van Develde

Focus: Sunset Ride on the River

Sometimes all you need is a little boat, a lot of heart and some solace in a river ride at sunset. That’s what it was all about for at least one lone kayaker on Monday night … and likely many before and after.

The sky was colorful and the scene was a serene one at the River Rats boat launch in Fair Haven. It’s a picture that countless native Rumson and Fair Havenites have been in. It’s worth more than a thousand words but needs very few.

Take a look and transport back to your last river ride …

— Elaine Van Develde

Focus: Rumson Respite; Sunny Summer Daze

Well, if a sunny Friday morning on the Shrewsbury River is any indication of what’s to come over this Fourth of July weekend, it’s all about celebrating some sunny days along with the birth of our nation.

From the Sea Bright side, overlooking the West Park section of Rumson and Gunning Island this morning, skies were blue and clear as the NJ State Marine Police patrolled the Shrewsbury and boaters boated.

According to the National Weather Service, the only exception to the good weekend weather case may be Saturday, as forecasters forecast some heavy rain and a bit of stormy weather. But, as for the rest of the holiday time, all’s sunny.

Happy Independence Day weekend, all! Enjoy and stay safe!

— Elaine Van Develde

Scene Around: A Knollwood Grad Gathering

Well, the rain didn’t hold out for Fair Haven’s Knollwood School Class of 2017, but, by the looks of things, it didn’t dampen the graduates’ spirits Monday night.

The graduation is and always has been indoors. But, a gaggle of guys and girls from the class gathered after the ceremony for a traditional photo down at Fair Haven Dock and a few others at the ol’ homesteads of grads, captured by mom Jenny Costello.

She said it was raining on the dock, but the grads persevered all in the name of that classic milestone snapshot … and a few more.

Take a look … and if you have any photos you’d like us to add to our gallery, please send them to us at [email protected].

Congrats to the Knollwood Class of 2017! 

Scene Around: Rowing the Boat Ashore at Sunset

It’s sunset at the riverfront in Fair Haven. A sea of anchored sailboats cast a shadow on the Navesink River at low tide. The sound of the river lapping onto the shore is rhythmic, soothing. The site of a solitary row ashore is a sign that it’s time to take it all in and exhale a content sigh that this is home.

See for yourself …

— Elaine Van Develde

Focus: RFH Class of 2017 Graduation … Before the Walk

Before the Pomp and Circumstance, those backstage moments with graduates are like that cumulative, final high five among friends — the smiles, the tears, the jokes, the barbs … up to that walk to the diploma and the goodbye to high school.

Continue reading Focus: RFH Class of 2017 Graduation … Before the Walk

Focus: Fair Haven Day 2017

It all started six years ago with a centennial celebration. Now, six years later, a community tradition begun continues — Fair Haven Day.

The weather was more than fair for the annual fete, bringing community cohorts together to celebrate the borough they’ve made home.

There was plenty of sunshine, food, drink, festivities and fun to be had.

Take a look … (And DON’T FORGET TO ClICK TO ENLARGE!)

— Elaine Van Develde

Scene Around: Donovan’s Opening Day Icon Sighting

Photo/Grace Cangemi Ryan

What would a Donovan’s Reef reopening be without a spotting of its unofficial, or official, mascot — the iconic guy about town everyone knows as Dizzy Dave?

Well, lots of area folks were there for Sunday’s (delayed from Saturday) grand reopening. And, while it was pretty packed and running into Dave was tantamount to playing a giant game of Where’s Waldo, one devout Donovan’s fan, Gerry Ryan, found him and struck the classic pose.

Ryan’s wife, former Red Bank Councilwoman Grace Cangemi Ryan, grabbed the photo op and shared it with Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect.

Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl told us he was there as well, but, no roving photographers seemed to capture him, either. He said he did not see Dizzy. “It’s surprising that I didn’t,” Ekdahl said on Memorial Day. “He’s pretty hard to miss!”

The new place got a thumbs up from the mayor. The Ryans and all other locals and fans we spoke with gave the new Donovan’s rave reviews.

Now, where’s Dizzy Dave?