Local Life

Christmas in July in Sea Bright

Gallery July 27, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Sunday was Christmas … in July … in Sea Bright.

If you wandered into the municipal parking lot in the borough, you’d see and hear evidence of the event — you’d hear the music and see the giant polar-themed inflatable slides and candy-centric bouncy house.

And what would Christmas in July be without Mr. and Mrs. Claus? Well, probably just a Christmas without the Clauses. But, they were there — a summery Hawiian version of the couple, that is.

Some wandered onto the beach and a few bopped on the boardwalk to the festive DJ tunes blasting.

Take a look.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro Summer Campout Days

Image July 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Campout in Fair Haven Fields circa 2013 Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Campout in Fair Haven Fields circa 2013
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Well, this weekend, Saturday, to be exact, Fair Haven is having its annual campout in Fair Haven Fields.

It’s a relatively new tradition, and a very popular one.

Parents, kids, teens … well, just about everyone joins in on this fun time in this small town.

So, to honor the annual festivities, the Retro Pic of the Day takes a gander back at a shot of the campout a couple of years ago.

Yes, a good time was had by all … Recognize anyone in this pic?

Of course, Carson Kirman is font and sort of center (more like right) with the posing!

Have fun this weekend, all!

Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Sidewalk Sales, Campout & Christmas

July 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The sun is out. It’s supposed to stay out. And there are lots of things to do in the great outdoors this weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

Here’s the line-up …

Friday

• The 61st Annual Red Bank Sidewalk Sale, sponsored by RiverCenter, is ongoing, starting today.

If you’re in the mood for what RiverCenter boasts are the best bargains under the sun, literally, take a stroll through the streets of Red Bank and look around.

Participating merchants on Front, Broad and Monmouth streets will have everything out there for you from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Hanga Loose Fridays continue at Umberto’s on River Road in Fair Haven.

The fun and conversation, in honor of Silvio Fabbri’s memory and love of community, all start at 7 p.m.

Saturday

• If you feel like being a waterborne for a bit and you’d like to be up a lake with a paddle, you can rent a canoe at Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of Middletown and cruise on Marlu Lake via the Monmouth County Park System from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and/or Sundays.

The cost is $15 for two hours and up to three people in a canoe.

• And, don’t forget Fair Havenites that Saturday night is the annual campout at Fair Haven Fields.

Bring your tent and gear. The fun starts at 7 p.m., but we’re told people tend to get there earlier.

• The Red Bank Sidewalk Sale continues.

• There’s a church service by St. George’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on the beach at Anchorage in Sea Bright at 5 p.m.

Sunday

• The Red Bank Farmers Market is on in the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring all sorts of organic produce, baked goods, crafts and more.

• The last day for the Red Bank Sidewalk Sale. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Oh, and if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit under the sun, make sure you hit the beach in Sea Bright for the borough’s Christmas in July on the Sea Bright Public Beach at 5 p.m..

Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be there along with lots of activities, eats and a sand castle building contest to boot.

• The movie Elf is showing on the Sea Bright beach at sundown.

Police and Fire

Police: Several Arrested on Contempt Charges

July 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were made and reported by Middletown police:

• James Cook, 53, of North Washington Avenue in Wilkes Barre, PA, was arrested on July 14 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $1,000 bail.

• Paul Blouin, 55, of Beach Street in Rockaway, NY, was arrested on July 15 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown, Northfield, Bass River, Sayreville and Wall municipal courts.

He was held on $5,502 bail.

• Candace Read, 35, of Railroad Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on July 15 by Detective Keith Hirschbein on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

She was held on $501 bail.

• Patrick Weinheimer, 32, of Mary Mind Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on July 15 by Detective Daniel Sullivan on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

He was held on $501 bail.

• Teresa Fennell, 52, of Grand Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on July 15 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $500 bail.

• Thomas Schnoor, 19, of Glenmary Avenue in the Leonardo section of Middletown, was arrested on July 15 by Detective Daniel Sullivan on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Chad Hacker, 41, of Day Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on July 15 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Howell Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Paige Coward, 53, of Latham Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on July 16 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $500 bail.

• Timothy Kitson, 42, of Van Gelder Street in Tamaqua, PA, was arrested on July 16 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on contempt of court warrants issued by the Woodbridge, Union Beach, Newark and Holmdel municipal courts.

He was held on $6,850 bail.

• Nickya Sanchez-Williams, 37, of Center Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on July 17 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $250 bail.

• Kristina Bufano, 52, of Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, was arrested on July 17 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Marlboro Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $350 bail.

Local Life

Retro RFH Ride to Nowhere

Image July 23, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

RFH Class of 1978 crew on a joy ride Photo/George Day — RFH Class of 1978 crew on a joy ride
Photo/George Day

Yes, it may be summer joy ride time somewhere.

Yet, these RFH old timers found their own bit of joy on a Halloween ride of a GI kind and made the most of it circa 1977.

So, in honor of our never easily forgotten classmates — just because they always strove to do memorable things like this — and a good little ride into the past, this is our Retro Pic of the (George) Day.

Security? Hitchin’ a ride, anyone?

Cheers to the guys in this pic! Know who they are?

Send us your past joy ride pics at [email protected].

Oh, and thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day for this great shot of the past!

Local Life

A ‘Bounty’ Win at Sea Bright Farmers Market

July 23, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Well, the Sea Bright Farmers Market was flush with people and sun on Thursday.

Most usual vendors were there. Central Valley Farm folks told many that the corn was, yes, Jersey fresh, as were several other pickings.

There was a lot of other organic produce, like beets, that corn, onions, garlic, scallions, tomatoes, kale, tiny sugar plums, peaches and more, of course.

But, over at the Baker’s Bounty stand, they assured us that not only was everything organic, from flour, to fruit, to produce and eggs, but the onion rye was a major favorite.

Well, we took them up on that and they were right! YUM! Crusty, pretty and tasty.

So, needless to say, the onion rye from Baker’s Bounty is our foodie pick of the week.

The organization has been family owned since 1978 — a favorite year of this RFH foodie.

— Elaine Van Develde

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Local Life

Fair Haven Wins Third Place in County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition

July 23, 2015 Elaine Van Develde

Fair Haven Fire Department won third place in the 2015 Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition Photo/FHFD Facebook photo — Fair Haven Fire Department won third place in the 2015 Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition
Photo/FHFD Facebook photo

Making sure they first recognized first-place winning Shrewsbury Hose Co. No. 1, Fair Haven Fire Department announced on Facebook Wednesday night that it came in third in the Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition.

It looks like, according to another posted photo, there were 13 companies from the county competing.

Fair Haven’s combined time was 32:06 — 20:00 first round and 12.06 second.

Congrats Fair Haven firefighters!

— Photo/Fair Haven Fire Department, Facebook page

Crime, Police and Fire

Police Report Arrests on Drugs, Theft, Burglary, Leaving Scene of Fatal Accident

July 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were made and reported by Middletown police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Brian Kavanagh, 49, of Swimming River Road in Colts Neck, was arrested on July 14 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert and charged with disorderly conduct.

He was released pending a court date.

• On July 15, Patrolman Nicholas Haines arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile from Red Bank and charged him with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was released pending a court date.

• On July 15, Patrolman Nicholas Haines arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile from Red Bank and charged him with possession of Psilocybin mushrooms.

He was released pending a court date.

Continue reading Police Report Arrests on Drugs, Theft, Burglary, Leaving Scene of Fatal Accident →

Local Life

Skylight: Lazy, Hazy Riverfront

Gallery July 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It was dusk. The humidity about to break, the sky down by the Navesink River in Fair Haven took on a personality all its own.

There was vivid color. There were cumulus creatures congregating. There was solitude. And, as is a fortunate status quo for those who live or grew up in the area, there was the sound of a singular boat docking and teen chatter about another “awesome” day on the river.

Yes. Awesome.

— Elaine Van Develde

Police and Fire

Police: Arrests on DWI, Marijuana, Burglary, Assault Charges & More

July 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were made and reported by Red Bank police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Mario Sciacca, 35, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 16 in the area of Bergen Place and charged with burglary and theft by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Osiel Gomez-Garcias, 27, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 12 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct by Patrolman Nicholas Maletto.
Continue reading Police: Arrests on DWI, Marijuana, Burglary, Assault Charges & More →

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Chillin’ With Donovan’s

Image July 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

There are a couple of things people in the Rumson-Fair Haven area couldn’t wait for after a long, snowy winter — summer and the reopening of Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright.

Well, both have happened. In fact, Monday was the hottest day of the summer yet, according to National Weather Service stats. And Donovan’s Tiki bar is back on the beach.

So, just to cool you down a little and serve as a gratitude nudge, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day offer a glimpse back to a cool snowfall on what was left of Donovan’s (which was pretty much flattened buildings and the Tiki hut) the winter after Hurricane Sandy’s devastation of the iconic place.

The sky had an orange hue that day that seemed to paint it with hope. It made snow look invitingly warm and for what was a chilling scene for Donovan’s devotees.

Well, it’s back and sporting the literal sign of the undaunted “Sandy Who?”

Donovan’s has brought a lot of friends and couples together over the years. It’s a tradition, really, for Rumson-Fair Haven area people. Did you meet your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, BFF or some other significant other or others in your life at Donovan’s? Yes? Of course, yes!

Tell us your story and send us your Donovan’s pics or email us at [email protected]. We’re putting together a Donovan’s Connection slideshow.

— Elaine Van Develde

Crime, Police and Fire

Crime Close By: Police Report Rash of Business Burglaries

July 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following criminal recent incidents were reported by Red Bank police.

• A theft was reported to have occurred on July 10 at a North Bridge Avenue parking lot. The victim reported that someone stole her purse, containing paperwork, sunglasses, a charger and more, from a parked car.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on July 10 at a Mechanic Street parking lot. Juveniles were observed lighting a fire cracker on the trunk of a parked vehicle, causing damage to it.

Patrolman David Smith took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a Leroy Place residence on July 11. The victim reported that a Play Station and cash was stolen from their apartment.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari took the report.

• A robbery was reported to have occurred on July 14 in the area of River Street and Tilton Avenue. A cab driver reported that an unknown male passenger pulled a gun on him and demanded all his money. The driver reported that he turned over $86 in cash and the perpetrator fled.

Patrolman Ashon Lovick took the report.

• An attempted burglary was reported to have occurred at a West Bergen Place business between July 14 and 15. An unknown perpetrator reportedly tried to gain access into a building. The window was broken ad the door had pry marks on it. No entry was gained.

Lt. Robert Clayton investigated.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at a Newman Springs Road business. An unknown perpetrator broke the glass door in, gained entry and stole cash from the register.

Patrolman Sean Hauschildt, Lt. Eliot Ramos and Inv. Heather Pubylski responded.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at an East Newman Springs Road restaurant. An unknown perpetrator(s) gained entry into the restaurant by smashing glass in the front door. Once inside, the register drawer was pulled open and cash stolen.

Patrolman Sean Hauschildt, Inv. Heather Pubylski and Lt. Eliot Ramos responded.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at a Maple Avenue business. An unknown perpetrator(s) pried front door to business open and gained entry. Three desks were damaged and broken into and a large amount of cash was stolen.

Patrolman Nicholas Maletto and Sgt. Wendy Samis responded.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at a Newman Springs Road business. The perpetrator(s) gained entry into the business by forcing the front door open. Once inside, the register was removed and cash was stolen.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari and Sgt. Joey Fields responded.