Category Archives: Local Life

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

Local Life

Focus: A Barn Theater Tribe Reunion

Good show folk don’t fade away, they reunite — regularly.

That’s the case with a group of actors and techies of the late 1970s and early 80s who have dubbed themselves the Tribe of Rumson’s Barn Theater, a place aptly named because of its barn roots. They had a reunion on Saturday.

Lots of bonds formed back in the day of rehearsing and putting on shows in the spot that became known as one of the best, if not the best, community theaters in the area. It was a place that was not only known for producing quality shows, but grooming many actors who became professionals, some of whom appeared on Broadway, in film and on television.

Their bond formed decades ago. And while a lot of Tribe members don’t see one another often, they never skip a beat in reconnecting like they’re right back at a rehearsal chatting backstage and waiting for their cues.

Curtain up! Enter stage left. Cue up the spotlight. Places.

There is no curtain call with this crew. But they will bow anyway. Bravo!

— Elaine Van Develde

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into an epic reunion. Don’t forget to click on the lower right icon to enlarge!

Photos for the slideshow were contributed by Elaine Van Develde, Ann Toronto McNamara, Jenifer Weber Zeller, Connie Heath Thibeault and Grateful Red. 

 

Local Life

More Retro Rumson Barn Theatre Buds

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The time has come for all Rumson Barn Theatre buddies to gather once again.

Once upon a time, there was a crew of theater folk in their teens and early twenties who gathered regularly at The Barn in Rumson. They did shows, tech and bonded very quickly as the best of lifetime friends.

The proof is in the contact and gratitude for one another’s show folk mentality to this day.

One crew is reuniting on Saturday.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day honors that gaggle of Barn Theatre kids.

There are a couple of old (and I mean that in the kindest way) Rumsonites in this classic shot taken by fellow theater gal, Ann Toronto McNamara circa the early 1980s.

Recognize anyone? Here’s to old theater friends and bonds and, well, the notion that, according to a David Bowie song used in one of the shows, “We can be heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day!”

Here’s to our theater heroes! Stay tuned for the reunion photos!

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

R-FH Area Weekend: Rooting for a Olympian Jaeger


 

It’s been four years since RFH grad Connor Jaeger went for the gold in the 2012 Summer Olympics and ended up garnering sixth place in the 1,500-meter freestyle swim. Now, it’s his time again — twice over.

Jaeger is in Rio and set to go for the gold on first on Saturday in the 400-meter swim. Next week will be the 1,500-meter race.

Above is a look at a carpool karaoke video of Jaeger and fellow Olympians.

The Jaeger family, Fair Havenites, have expressed their gratitude for overwhelming community support of Connor once again.

The sign is up on the marquee of the Fair Haven Firehouse.

Tune in on Saturday night …

The men’s 400-meter freestyle heats start at 12:48 p.m. EDT.
The final begin at 9:30 p.m.

Go Connor Jaeger! Fair Haven is proud … again!

 

Local Life

Scene Around: Gull on the River Beach

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Ever take a walk down by the river and feel like someone’s following you or even leading the way?

It happened today down on the beach by the Fair Haven Dock.

A lone seagull, seemingly having a little trouble with one of his legs, led the way taking a leisurely walk along the riverbank, picked on some food along the way, waded and tried to fly a little, but to no avail. He was getting around and eating and not fearful of humans.

So, he had a little company for his afternoon walk.

Good night and feel better, Mr. Fair Haven Livingston Seagull.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Focus: Fair Haven’s Night Out

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National Night Out was Tuesday. Every year, the evening, celebrated on the first Tuesday in August in communities throughout the nation, is dedicated to raising awareness of community policing and fire and first aid emergency responders.

It is meant for people to have an opportunity to become better acquainted with the officers, fire fighters and first-aiders and their policies designed to protect and serve them. The night is all about doing so with fun, games, demonstrations, closer looks and socializing.

Here’s a glimpse into Fair Haven’s Night Out (Click on each photo to enlarge.) …

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Iconic Spot Focus: River Rats & Doritos

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While being a River Rat was a staple of summer life for many a Rumson-Fair Haven area rugrat, there were still those who didn’t sail into waterborne activity success. Some, instead, capsized inside at the thought of a wave taking the wind out of their little sails.

But, staying away from the banks of the Navesink was never even a flicker of a thought in an area youngster’s brain.

There was so much to do there — like wading, watching, feeling the sand between the toes and, well, having a heart-to-heart gabfest with a friend while fetching and freeing sand crabs and munching on a big bag of Doritos … tucked into a festive picnic basket, of course.

Yup. That’s was the summer scene for some. And it was more than enough. Sometimes, between Dorito chomping, sand, wading and chatting, the sunset would seem to creep up and those kids would realize that the River Rats had come to shore and gone home.

The walk home with that picnic basket, an empty bag and that buddy was the exhale for the night. The dream was a simple, sweet, well-lived one.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Daily Reflection: Weather, Tides, Moon

Well, it’s Monday and the weather outside is still a bit temperamental and unpredictable.

Today, though, the National Weather Service says there’s still a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m., with heavy rains and temperatures near the high 80s.

Tonight, those scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue, the Weather Service says, with the chance of precipitation lowering to 40 percent.

Tuesday morning brings a chance of rain down to 20 percent with a forecast of partly sunny skies and a high temperature of 78 degrees.

Tides in Sea Bright …

Today, the sun rose in Sea Bright at 5:55 a.m. Sunset will come at 8:10 p.m. The next low tide will be at 2:28 p.m. with the next high tide at 8:49 p.m., according to tides4fishing.com.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, the sun will rise at 5:56 a.m. and sunset will be at 8:09 p.m.. The first low tide will be at 3:17 a.m. with the next at 3:20 p.m. The first high tide will be at 9:20 a.m. and the next at 9:37 p.m.

Interesting sun and moon tidbits, from tides4fishing.com …

Today will bring 14 hours and 13 minutes of sun with the solar transit at 1:02 p.m.

Tomorrow will bring 14 hours and 15 minutes of sun with the solar transit at 1:02 pm.

The lunar phase for today and tomorrow is a waning crescent.

Today, the moon rose in the northeast at 4:38 a.m.. It will set in the northwest at 7:12 p.m..

On Tuesday, the moon will rise in the northeast at 5:39 a.m. and will set in the west at 7:56 p.m..

The lunar transit, when the moon crosses the local meridian, will be 12:47 p.m. tomorrow.

 

 

Local Life

Retro Fair Winner

We have a winner at the 2015 Fair Haven Firemen's Fair Photo/Elaine Van Develde
We have a winner at the 2015 Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Yup, it’s Friday night. It’ll soon be time for that Mega Millions drawing.

Yes, of course, everyone wants to be a winner!

So, in honor of those lucky winners and the idea that the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair is coming soon, the Retro Pic of the Day honors both with a shot from last year of one of the first, very surprised and elated, 50/50 winners at the fair.

Cheers to the winners! The look on his face just says it all!

Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Concerts & Sidewalk Sale

There’s a 60 percent chance of rain on Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service, but there’s a concert and some sale shopping planned in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

Starting on Friday … 

It’s the 62nd year of neighboring Red Bank’s traditional sidewalk sales.

Many R-FH area people remember either catching a bus for 5 cents or walking to Red Bank, babysitting money tucked in that change pocket of the Levis, to walk around, hang with friends and buy just about any bargain more for the sake of the event than price, and head home with that sidewalk sale souvenir.

This year, the sale will again fill the streets of Red Bank on Friday, Saturday and Sunday comprising more than 60 retailers from 6 to 9 . Parking is free, if you’re driving and not hiking it or catching a bus like the kids of the old days.

For a full list of sale participants click here.

StreetLife performances will be held on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. featuring various musicians and family entertainment.

And on Saturday, if the rain doesn’t come …

Fair Haven is holding two Concerts on the Dock.

Local teen band Avery Rose & the Thorns, a funk/rock band, will play at 6 p.m. at the Fair Haven Dock at the foot of Fair Haven Road.

At 7:30 p.m., SHARKHAVEN, a classic and alternative rock band, will play. SHARKHAVEN  is comprised of musicians from The Haven, Riptide, and The Danjo’s bands.

There is no charge and light concessions will be sold.

*In the event of heavy rain, an e-blast notification will be sent out prior to the show.

Local Life, Opinion

A Rumson Barn Theatre Show Biz Buds Reunion

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Once upon a time, 39 summers ago, in a little red building that looked like a  barn and acted like a theater, a bunch of high school kids were brought together, united in a common mission to “go on with the show” Bye Bye Birdie.

The place was The Barn Theatre. The building is still there — near the corner of Ridge Road and Avenue of Two Rivers. The cast of Birdie was comprised of a gaggle of theater-loving teens who didn’t recoil, but, rather, relished long rehearsals on summer nights.

There were high schoolers from Rumson-Fair Haven and the surrounding area. They auditioned, got cast and got down to the businesses of putting on a show and getting to know one another very quickly — as the usual route of show biz goes.

They acted, sang, danced and rollicked their way to what turned out to be a lifetime bonding experience.

Birdie was a hit back in 1977 at The Barn. The bonding experience proved to be an unbreakable one.

The teens ended up going their separate ways to college and theater paths of their own, or not.

But, they never forgot that summer of 1977. And, a few weeks ago, two cast members reunited after 35 years (they had seen each other four years after the show). The two were Connie Cairo (then Cairo) and Alisa Roblenski. Connie played Birdie-obsessed lead teen Kim MacAfee and Roblenski was a Birdie loving teen.

The two, who this Birdie mayor’s wife, Edna, recently reconnected with on Facebook, shared their reunion with us. Take a look.

This is why these two can honestly say, “We love you, Barn Theatre, oh yes we do!” and there’s really “no business like show business!”

To quote, loosely, a song from Birdie, “One bond, one special bond … one bond to grow with …” Sniff, sniff, smile.

This Barn reunion theme is catching! Curtain up! Heads up! Stay tuned for another!

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Local Life

Simple Summer: Fair Haven Campout

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The concept doesn’t get any simpler for summer — a tent, some games, some snacks, some buddies, a movie and sleeping (sort of) under the stars far enough outside of your own back yard to call it an outing.

It’s what kids and parents gathered to do on Saturday in Fair Haven. It was the borough’s annual campout at Fair Haven Fields.

It was still steaming hot at tent pitching time — around 7 p.m..

The Fair Haven Recreation Department helpers were ready and curbside at the fields and set to inform campers about the rules and regs. And the concession stand was staffed. But, well, by 7:30 p.m., only two sets of campers had arrived.

The helpers anticipated that more would show when the movie started at 8:45 and they were ready!

This is how this simple summer night of new local tradition got started on Saturday. These guys in the featured photo were a little wilted from the humidity, but still smiling and energetic enough to kid around with each other a little. Though, one of them reflected that he thinks he always has a “reluctant gaze” when photographed. Hmmm. Can you guess which is the reluctant reflector?

If you have any photos of the campout after perhaps more campers arrived and more fun ensued or fewer campers looked “reluctant,” send them to us at [email protected] for our camp night slideshow for later. 

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Rumson Barn Theatre Buds

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Elaine Van Develde, Alisa Roblenski and Elaine Kraft — Barn Theatre buddies rehearsing Bye Bye Birdie in 1977. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Elaine Van Develde, Alisa Roblenski and Elaine Kraft — Barn Theatre buddies rehearsing Bye Bye Birdie in 1977.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Coincidence? Sort of. It just so happens that it is summer. It is just so happens that Bye Bye Birdie has been running on the Decades channel on TV. And it just so happens that it’s now been 39 years (WHAT??) since summer theater at The Barn Theatre in Rumson was in full swing and in rehearsals for Bye Bye Birdie.

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