Category Archives: Local Life

A look, in photos, of latest area events, local everyday people and places.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Fair Haven Ride

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A special Fair Haven bike ride in the 1960s Photo/courtesy of Peter Mauger
A special Fair Haven bike ride in the 1960s
Photo/courtesy of Peter Mauger

There’s nothing quite like taking a ride with your buddies when you’re a little kid, especially if your bike is a tractor, too.

What kid rides a tractor in the Rumson-Fair Haven area? Well, back in the 1960s, Fair Havenite Peter Mauger did. He, the pint-sized driver carted Nancy Wilson down Lake Avenue in what was a combo tractor-bike with a cool little trailer to lug stuff or a pal in — a “dump trac,” to be exact. Susan Wilson, old and cool enough to ride a two-wheeler with a bell, rode along.

No power wheels in the form of high end, luxury cars. No helmets. No special permission needed to drive a dump trac, because, you know, they’re rural kinds of vehicles.

And the streets were barren enough in those days to ride up and down and even around the block on a seemingly endless loop. Hey, neighborhood kids used to also play dodge ball and hopscotch in the street. But, that’s a retro pic for another day.

Today, the Retro Pic of the Day, courtesy of Peter Mauger, honors a kids’  bike ride of a simpler time — not that there’s anything wrong with helmets and designer power wheels.

What kind of bike did you have? Your dream bike or foot-pedaled car? Remember those?

Local Life

Sea Bright Farmers Market Seeks More Vendors

The Sea Bright Farmers Market is back in season and with it some popular vendors have returned. But, organizers are looking for a few more.

According to a Facebook post, the market is “looking to expand our 2016 list …”  That list, so far, includes: Harvest Moon Farm, Holly Jolly Jams, Pickle Licious, Baker’s Bounty, Neshanic Valley Bee Keepers, Hot Sauce Good, Green Duchess Farm, Harvest Moon Organic Farm, and, new this season, Gourmet Nuts and Dried Fruit.

Organizers say that “at present, we are are hoping to add a coffee roaster and organic dog/cat treat vendor. If you are interested in being considered or have suggestions/recommendations feel free to message us here … or call/text our market managers, Sonya Cappillo at 732-614-9590 or Linda Blevins at 732-757-1374. Any vendor interested in participating must carry a general liability insurance policy.”

The market, which runs for the season every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Sea Bright Municipal Parking Lot, is a produce/food farmers market.

 

 

Local Life

Focus: Rainbow After the Rain

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It rained. It poured. Then a near double dose of good luck symbol stretched across the sky — a vibrant (almost) double rainbow.

And Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect wasn’t the only witness. People in the Rumson-Fair Haven area grabbed shots of the site from many different perspectives.

Here’s what we saw in Fair Haven. If you’d like us to add your photos of the rainbow(s), just give us the OK and we will.

Perhaps it’s a good luck sign for the start of the week.

Here’s to natural wonders and luck!

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Lending a Helping Fair Haven Day Hand

It’s just about that time of the year — time for Fair Haven Day.

And organizers of the now annual event, via The Foundation of Fair Haven, are alerting residents and area business owners that it’s also time to get your tickets and sign up for sponsorships. If you want more perks/business visibility and would like to offer some financial assistance to keep the event going for years to come, this is the best way to help and reap some benefits in the process, they say.

Fair Haven Day started when the borough celebrated its centennial a few years ago. There was an informal barbecue, music and fireworks to cap the day-long event designed to bring the community together at Fair Haven Fields.

People voiced opinion that they wanted to do it again, and again. But, the estimated cost was high. So, The Foundation of Fair Haven, a 501c3 non-profit was formed to defray the cost that wouldn’t be covered in charging a basic food fee.

Now, fundraisers, donations and sponsorships later, tickets for the event are on sale and so are family packages, personal and business sponsorships that include advertising.

According to The Foundation of Fair Haven website, River Road Band, Riptide and Jukebox Criminals will be playing, picnic food will be offered by Brennan’s at $10 per person, seafood from the Lusty Lobster will be sold at $5 a serving and dessert and coffee, at $2 per serving, will be served by Booskerdoo. Unlimited mugs of beer will be offered at $25 and, new this year, is a bottomless wine glass for $30.

In addition to these ticket prices, sponsorships range from $100 on up and include a variety of associated benefits.

Check the site by clicking here and choose your tickets and/or sponsorship offer.

Check out our slideshow here to revisit Fair Haven Day 2015.

 

Local Life

Focus: Summery Sunning Down by the River

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It may be an unofficial start of summer that’s taken hold, but the sun was scorching like it was pretty official down by the Navesink River on Monday in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

The National Weather Service says “patchy fog” is going to hit tonight until early tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. After that, it’s supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees.

Take a look at the above photos for a glimpse into the sunny day in both Rumson and Fair Haven. 

Local Life

UPDATE: Memorial Day in Rumson, Fair Haven

UPDATE: Due to the forecast of inclement weather, the Fair Haven Memorial Day Parade has been canceled. There will, instead, be a ceremony at Knollwood School at 9 a.m.. So far, the Rumson parade is still on with the ceremony to follow at Victory Park.  From the Rumson website: “Due to weather concerns, announcement will be posted 7.30am Monday re: the status of the Memorial Day Parade and location of the ceremony.”  Click here to access the Rumson website. 

Memorial Day parades and ceremonies start the day on Monday, an hour apart, in Rumson and Fair Haven.

Continue reading UPDATE: Memorial Day in Rumson, Fair Haven →

Local Life, News

A Fair Haven Sign-On

It’s a sign of the times — Fair Haven’s new LED digital sign at Borough Hall, that is.

After decades of dealing with updating an old fashioned marquee sign outside of official borough headquarters on River Road letter-by-letter, event-by-event coupled with a combination of not being able to keep up and just plain age-induced wear, a new sign was commissioned.

And, “it’s just about ready to go,” Mayor Ben Lucarelli said. “This is a much better option for us. The old sign was just falling apart and this one is just much more cost-effective. We couldn’t see hiring someone, or taking time away from a borough employee to keep up with changing the sign consistently and on a timely basis. This LED digital sign can be updated right from the computer and holds several alternating messages. It just makes so much more sense and it’s going to be very sturdy and nice looking.”

There was an advisory committee charged with choosing a sign that would fit in with the character of the borough and get the job done of efficiently notifying residents of events and important messages as they drive by Borough Hall. After doing some research and mulling design ideas, this is what the committee came up with.

The price for the sign, including installation, was roughly $30,000, which at least one official balked at in a past meeting, but Lucarelli and other officials said was worth the product in the long run and is a one-shot payment.

The sign, officials have said, will not be as flashy as Red Bank Regional’s when lit and will get the messages out.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Focus: Rumson Bike Rodeo

Kids, police and parents took a successful ride with a message at the third annual Bike Rodeo in Rumson on Saturday.

By all accounts, the event, sponsored by the Rumson PBA and PTO, was a well-attended one in which youngsters ran obstacle courses and races for fun while learning some bicycle safety lessons.

As a bonus, bikes and helmets were inspected by Jonathan Erdelyi of Red Bicycle in Fair Haven, according to the Rumson PBA Facebook page.

Take a look at the slideshow and gallery above and below for a glimpse into the day via photos by Sarah Orsay, Rumson communications director and Detective Sgt. Chris Isherwood of Rumson Police Department.

 

Local Life

Focus: Sea Bright Fair Fun

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It’s that time of the year again — time for the Sea Bright Firemen’s Fair.

The fair opened on Thursday at 5 p.m. Featuring the usual host of rides, games of chance and good ol’ fair food, the fair continues tonight, Friday, from 5 p.m. to midnight, the same hours on Saturday, and Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m.

The Buster White Band will be playing tonight.

Take a look at the above photo gallery for a glimpse into the fair’s opening day. Click each to enlarge.

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro Fair Haven PD

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Fair Haven PD in 2001 Photo/FHPD
Fair Haven PD in 2001
Photo/FHPD

With the news that recently retired Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge was appointed director of the Monmouth County Police Academy, thoughts of past teaching moments by mentors came to mind.

First, the Retro Pic of the Day honored Breckenridge’s mentor, Chief Carl Jakubecy on National Police Week.

That ode is followed by a look back at Breckenridge before he became chief with fellow colleagues in 2001.

Several of the officers in this photo have since retired, including former Chief Rick Towler, Captain Paul McCue, Lt. Bill Heath and … who else?

Recognize anyone in this photo. Who was a former juvenile officer and president of the Monmouth County Juvenile Officers’ Association. Do you know what rank Breckenridge had in 2001?

Have you thanked a police officer today?

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, Police and Fire

Retro Fair Haven Police Chief, Mentor

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Fair Haven Police Chief Carl Jakubecy Photo/FHPD
Fair Haven Police Chief Carl Jakubecy
Photo/FHPD

The news of former Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge’s appointment as the new director of the Monmouth County Police Academy prompted thoughts of the man he says in one moment, with one gesture became his mentor and motivated him to live his dream of being a police officer in his hometown — Chief Carl Jakubecy.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven Police Chief, Mentor →

Local Life

Retro RFH Baseball Home Run

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It’s not only still baseball season at RFH, it’s Friday the 13th.

So, in the spirit of good luck, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day feature some  successful ball playing of the 1970s with a beloved coach whom many felt charmed the game — Hal Lorme.

Lorme passed away just over a year ago. He is still fondly remembered by many an RFH alumni and ball player.

In the top featured photo, Lorme is seen with ball player Tripp Dupree.

Below, he’s behind and in the scenes coaching. Recognize anyone else?

RIP, Coach Lorme. May the luck of Lorme be with today’s team!

— Elaine Van Develde