Monthly Archives: August 2015

Local Life, Opinion

A Retro Happy Birthday to Lucille Ball

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Actor, writer, producer, director Billy Van Zandt with Lucille Ball Photo/courtesy of Billy Van Zandt
Actor, writer, producer, director Billy Van Zandt with Lucille Ball
Photo/courtesy of Billy Van Zandt

Everyone loves Lucy … well, a lot of people do — like this editor who shares the same birthday!

Yes, today is Lucille Ball’s birthday. She would have been 104!

And there’s one area guy, who got a jump start on his long successful writing, producing, directing and acting career at Rumson’s Barn Theater, among other very familiar classic community and professional spots in the area.

That guy is Billy Van Zandt. And the great comedic love and inspiration of his live, besides his lovely wife, actress Adrienne Barbeau, is Lucille Ball.

To know Billy or to have heard him tell tales of his life is to know that he doesn’t just love Lucy, but he adores her.

The writer (along with partner Jane Milmore) of and actor in many a successful stage farce and TV sitcom (movies and more) has always credited Lucy as his top comedic inspiration.

And, lucky and talented as Billy is, he had the honor of not only meeting Lucy, but producing a TV special all about Lucy entitled Lucy: The Very First Show for which he was nominated for an Emmy. He also had his dream come true when he acted alongside his comedic heroine in her final TV series.

Billy will tell you that he was scared to death to meet her for fear that his comedic goddess-like vision of who she was might be shattered. The opposite happened. He felt they were kindred comedic spirits and he was awestruck with her personality, professionalism and, well, comedic genius. He loved Lucy, to say the least, and remained friendly with her until the time of her death.

He said, though, the comedy queen did rule with a worthy, spiky scepter and was “tough, scary tough. She liked to rehearse a lot, work with her props a lot … and if you didn’t do things the way she wanted them done, it got ugly.”

He has joked about how Lucy even chided Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, working them to death. He has told the story of how Burton asked, “Who does she think she is?” and Taylor replied something like, “She’s the queen of comedy, dear … do it again.”

And we know Billy would! So would I, for that matter!

Bravo, Billy! Happy Birthday, Lucy! And, well, Happy Birthday to me, who also loves Lucy and wants to grow up to be just like her, too! Whaaaaaa!

Thanks to Billy Van Zandt for sharing this classic photo with us!

Oh, and, yes, Billy is the brother of rocker Stevie Van Zandt.

 

 

Police and Fire, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Report Party Arrests, Theft by Deception, Disorderly, Marijuana Possession, DUI

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The following arrests were made and reported in the month of July by Rumson police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Patrolman Anthony Ciambrone on July 1 arrested Sayyied Rida, 36, of Red Bank, on a warrant issued by Detective Christopher Isherwood for theft by deception with a loss of $2,140.

Rida was released on bail of $2500 with a 10 percent option, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Sgt. Ronald Vilardi on July 3 arrested Michelle Waldron, 39, of Fair Haven on a contempt of court charge.

Waldron was released after posting $1000 bail, set by the Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• Patrolman Daniel Campanella and Special Officer Michael Berger arrested two juveniles on July 4 in the area of Blackpoint Road and Navesink Avenue and charged them with disorderly conduct and maintaining a nuisance, after observing approximately 100 juveniles leaving a party.

The matters were referred to the juvenile division.

• Capt. Jeff Nixon arrested Michael Gambino, 32, of Highlands on July 6 on two contempt of court warrants out of Little Silver ($216) and Tinton Falls ($751).

Gambino was released after posting full bail.

• Special Officer Grace Maggiulli arrested a male juvenile on July 9 in the area of Ridge Road and Center Street and charged him with disorderly conduct and minor in possession of alcohol.

The subject was released to a parent and referred to the juvenile division.

• Patrolman Anthony Ciambrone arrested Connor Carroll, 19, of Tappan NY on July 11 in the area of North Ward Avenue and charged him with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and disorderly conduct.

Carroll was released pending court.

• Special Officer Michael Berger arrested Jose Valentin III, 31, of Egg Harbor City on July 13 in the area of 22 West River Road for the theft of approximately $12,895 from his employer.

Valentin was released after posting $25,000 bail set by Judge Alfred D’Auria.

• Patrolman Anthony Ciambrone and Detective Christopher Isherwood arrested Phillip Sturner, 30, of Rumson, and Christopher Sutphen, 19, of Monmouth Beach, on July 17 and charged them with robbery, simple assault and theft of services.

Sturner was transported to MCCI in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Sutphen was transported to MCCI in lieu of $50,000 bail.

• Patrolman Daniel Campanella and Detective Christopher Isherwood arrested Phillip Sturner, 30, of Rumson, on July 17 and charged him with aggravated assault, simple assault, and false imprisonment stemming from an investigation of two assaults that took place at an East River Road home on July 5.

Sturner was transported to MCCI in lieu of $50,000 bail, set by Judge Honora Kilgallen J.S.C.

• Patrolman Cody Lovgren arrested Paul Seyffart Jr., 20, of South Plainfield, on July 19 and charged him with driving under the influence (DUI) after he struck a parked vehicle on Maplewood Avenue.

Seyffart was released pending court.

 

Middletown Police & Fire Files

Police Arrest Several Locals on Contempt Charges

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The following recent arrests on contempt of court charges were made and reported by Middletown police:

• James Rice, 25, of Creek Road in Hazlet, was arrested on July 27 by Patrolman Christopher Menendez on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Belmar Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• John Balzer, 27, of Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, was arrested on July 29 by Detective First Class Daniel Sullivan on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Keyport Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Curtis Jones, 47, of Roosevelt Avenue in Carteret, was arrested on July 28 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Ashley Mowery, 26, of Applegate Street in Red Bank, was arrested on July 29 by Lieutenant Michael Kenney on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $500 bail.

• Carlos Maxime, 36, of Hancock Street in Keansburg, was arrested on July 31 by Patrolman Savvas Roumeliotis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Diana Roth, 20, of Lorillard Avenue in Union Beach, was arrested on Aug. 2 by Patrolman Thomas Foster on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown and Keansburg municipal courts.

She was held on $1,540 bail.

• Walter Finley, 25, of Cliffwood Avenue in Cliffwood, was arrested on Aug. 2 by Patrolman Nicholas Haines on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Borden Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Chad Hacker, 41, of Day Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on Aug. 3 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Howell Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $750 bail.

* Arrests with bail of less than $250 were not included.

Local Life

Retro Ode to Fair Haven Firemen & RFH Class of ’80 Boys

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Fireman and boys of the RFH Class of '80 Photo/courtesy of Ray Bennett
Fireman and boys of the RFH Class of ’80
Photo/courtesy of Ray Bennett

Just as the RFH Class of ’80 celebrates 35 years since graduation, they’re setting up for the oh, so traditional Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair.

And, we found, from a lifetime Fair Haven fireman, a classic photo of fireman meets guys from the Class of ’80 as they’re touring the firehouse and attempting to be junior firemen. Note that most of the guys in the pic had parents in the Fair Haven Fire Department.

So, yes, the Retro Pic of the Day honors Fair Haven firemen, future firemen and the scouts of the Class of ’80.

The photo comes from Ray Bennett, lifetime fireman, and, yes, that’s him on the right. The boys: Frank Leslie, Jim Kirman (?), Troy Brandon and Doug Lang.

Thanks for the pic, Ray Bennett!

Middletown Police & Fire Files, Police and Fire

Area Man Arrested on Aggravated Assault, Weapons Charges; $30K Bail

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

• Christopher Gallagher, 42, of East End Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on July 27 by Detective Keith Hirschbein and charged with driving while suspended under a conviction for driving while intoxicated.

He was held on $25,000 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Anthony Maturo, 22, of Middlewood Road in Middletown, was arrested on July 30 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield and charged with obtaining a prescription by fraud and possession of hypodermic syringes.

He was released pending a court date.

Continue reading Area Man Arrested on Aggravated Assault, Weapons Charges; $30K Bail →

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Local Life

Fun Times at Fair Haven’s Night Out

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Fair Haven police and emergency responders were focused on the local side of National Night Out Tuesday and the close-up view was one that honed in on community unity.

It was a goal achieved at the borough’s 13th Night Out — police and residents, young and old, getting to know one another, the public seeing that inside view of protecting and serving.

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the evening. (Don’t forget to click the lower right icon for a full screen view.) Enjoy!

And thanks to the Fair Haven Police Department and emergency responders!

 

Local Life

Simple Summer: Swimming Buddies & an Award

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There’s nothing quite like a buddy, a couple of missing front teeth and an award to make a summer complete.

It’s a simple concept. And, Annabelle (Annie) Costello personifies the three-in-one bonus as the Simple Summer feature photo(s) of the week.

The pint-sized Fair Havenite won Most Valuable Player award for her swim team at Ship Ahoy Beach Club in Sea Bright recently.

To get that kind of award, it takes a lot of teamwork, practice and, yes, plain old summer kid fun with pals. And Annie and her pal worked and played hard, as evidenced by their smiles of sheer happiness to just hang together.

Congrats, Annie!

Local Life, Opinion

Retro RFH Class of ’80 Reunion

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RFH Class of 1980 35th reunion at Salt Creek Grille Photo/Steve H-Minus Facebook post screenshot
RFH Class of 1980 35th reunion at Salt Creek Grille
Photo/Facebook post screenshot

Yes, the RFH Class of 1980 reunited after 35 years (OK, some still hang out together) over the weekend — or some of the class, anyway.

When these guys and girls graduated, the top song was Blondie’s Call Me and number two was Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall. Can you guess what number three was? Hint: the singer was another blonde female.

Class members tell us they were out and about at the classic Donovan’s Reef Tiki bar stop, where all RFH reunions traditionally start — well, except when the Class of ’78 had its reunion 10 months after Hurricane Sandy.

And the main event was held at Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.

So, in honor of the RFH Class of ’80, the Retro Pic of the Day is one of the gathering of classmates at Salt Creek.

Speaking of classmates, do you know which local official is an RFH Class of ’80 alum? Shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out.

Cheers, Class of ’80! Here’s to another 35! Well, five? Ten?

Thanks to Steve H-Minus for taking this pic and sharing it!

 

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Fair Haven Night Out Mayoral Dunking

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Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli gets dunked at Fair Haven Police Department's National Night Out 2012 Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli gets dunked at Fair Haven Police Department’s National Night Out 2012
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Well, the Fair Haven Police Department’s National Night Out is Tuesday.

It’s a night when people in the community gather and get to know the police and their job better. It’s also a night for mixing, mingling and a little fun at the expense of, well, a little bit of dignity — like a dunk tank.

At Fair Haven’s National Night Out in 2012, Mayor Ben Lucarelli got a good soaking.  He was a good sport.

So, in honor of all good dunkings to come at this year’s event on Tuesday, the Retro Pic of the Day takes a look back at that moment when the esteemed mayor went down — for a major dunk.

Who’s next?

Middletown Police & Fire Files

Three Area Men Arrested on Warrants for Burglary & Criminal Restraint Charges

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The following recent arrests on contempt of court charges were made and reported by Middletown police:

• Jamie Reynolds, 30, of Carr Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on July 20 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court.

She was held on $500 bail.

• Eric Fox, 44, of Lakeside Drive in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested on July 21 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $2,500 bail.

• Kevin Gesualdo, 24, of Sunset Place in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested on July 23 by Sgt. Gerald Weimer on a warrant issued by the Toms River Police Department for robbery and criminal restraint.

He was transferred to Toms River Police.

Continue reading Three Area Men Arrested on Warrants for Burglary & Criminal Restraint Charges →

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Getting Set for National Night Out with Fair Haven Police

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It’s that time of the year — time to learn about law enforcement and emergency response in a festive atmosphere at the Fair Haven Police Department’s 13th Annual Night Out.

Slated for Tuesday evening at 5 p.m., the event at the Youth Center on Fisk Street behind police headquarters will kick off with a close-up look at a MONOC Air Medic Unit helicopter on the grounds.

From that point on there will be demonstrations, looks at police and fire equipment and vehicles, a gaming tent sponsored by the Fair Haven First Aid Squad, a bounce house sponsored by the Fair Haven Fire Department, a dunk tank sponsored by The Foundation of Fair Haven,  Karate demonstration by Fair Haven Martial Arts, a K-9 demonstration by Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officer Mike Mindo and K-9 Tango, an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog, food, soft drinks, drawings and prizes from local businesses and Target, and, of course, an opportunity to meet Fair Haven police officers better understand their job protecting and serving the community.

Can you guess who’s going in the dunk tank this year?

 

National Night Out, an event designed to foster community-police awareness in the United States, is held every year on the first Tuesday in August.