Monthly Archives: September 2015

Middletown Police & Fire Files

Man Arrested on Child Custody Interference, Criminal Restraint, Drug Charges; $55K Bail

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

• Talia Lopez, 24, of Easton Avenue in Somerset, was arrested on Aug. 25 by Patrolman Patrick Leonard and charged with driving while intoxicated.

She was released pending a court date.

• Paige Padla,19, of Statesir Place in Middletown, was arrested on Aug. 25 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

She was released pending a court date.

• Emanuel Papasavvas, 41, of King George Apartments in Edison, was arrested on Aug. 25 by Detective Kelly Godley and Patrolman John Walsifer and charged with interference with custody, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal restraint, unlawful possession of Xanax, unlawful possession of Suboxone and distribution of Xanax.

He was held on $55,000 bail, set by Judge John Tassini of the Monmouth County Superior Court.

Continue reading Man Arrested on Child Custody Interference, Criminal Restraint, Drug Charges; $55K Bail →

Local Life

Focus: Lazy River Labor Day

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As summer came to a close on Monday, the sun shone bright, the temperature was still soaring and some took advantage of some final seasonal moments on the Navesink River.

There were a few sailors still sailing, motor boaters motoring, fishermen fishing and some just soaking up a little Labor Day’s end sun on the Fair Haven Dock.

Take a look. Good night, Rumson-Fair Haven area. Local summer starts tomorrow.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Happy Birthday to Fair Haven’s John Riley

It was 50/50 announcing business as usual for John Riley on the last night of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair. It was also his 69th birthday.

Someone got a hold of the mic that’s usually always in Riley’s hands and announced that the birthday on Saturday.

So, Monday’s Retro Pic(s) of the Day is dedicated to Riley.

Riley is pretty modest. And he looks exactly the same as he did back in the early 1970s when this editor first met him during her childhood.

Riley has been a lifetime Fair Havenite and a decades-long member of the Fair Haven Fire Department. He also worked in the borough’s Department of Public Works seemingly forever.

He always has a smile on his face. He wears his modest, gentle demeanor and love of hometown on his sleeve and in his eyes.

Happy Birthday, John Riley! Thank you for all you’ve done for the love of Fair Haven!

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Closing Time: Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair Factoids ‘Til the End

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As Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

That’s sort of how it goes when the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair ends after it’s traditional end-of-summer week-long stint — because it’s never really over.

The fair never really ends. And most of the people running it are still around year-round.

So are the fairgoers in the area. It’s called community. And it’s something that may culminate annually at the fair, but is a mainstay of life in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

But there is that annual closing night. There are also some fair traditions that have not ensued over the years. Do you know what they are?

We do.

Did you know? …

• that there used to be a high wire act on closing night? It dates back to the mid- to late- 60s and early 70s. I think Batman may have actually been there, too.

• There also used to be a band playing nightly on the front balcony of the firehouse. The bands King James and His Court and Pete Galatro’s Orchestra were staples. And, in later years, there was carnival music piped onto the grounds. Notice that there is no longer any music?

• Candy apples, a longtime fair treat, are no longer made and sold at the fair.

• There used to be a booth where you could win Kewpie dolls and many of them served as toilet paper covers, with embroidered skirts to cover the roll.

• There was also a booth where television sets and other smaller appliances were prizes.

• There was no super 50/50. There was a car raffle.

• There was a carousel ride.

• The Zipper has been a fair ride since the dawn of time.

Generations of Fair Haven Fire Department people have worked the fair for decades. Tradition. Some things never change. It ain’t over.

— Elaine  Van Develde

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Chairman of the … Fair & Chowder Man

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James Acker Photo/courtesy of Bill Acker
James Acker
Photo/courtesy of Bill Acker

As closing time for the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair came, yet another old picture popped up, and there was a little chat on the fair grounds with a present co-chairman of the fair and the stockroom guy of more recent years — Andy Schrank and Frank Leslie.

Frank Leslie and Andy Schrank on the last night of the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Frank Leslie and Andy Schrank on the last night of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Schrank, now one of three co-chairs, took us back in time a bit. He reminded us of the times when there was only one chairman. Before there were the present three, Gary Verwilt, former longtime Knollwood School teacher, had the job. Back in the day, though, from the late 1960s to the late 80s, that guy was James Acker.

So, the Retro Pic of the day features a photo of Acker peering out of the stockroom at fair time somewhere in the middle of those years.

What does the chairman do? Well, it’s what it sounds like. He has to make sure that everything is up and running right, son Bill said.

There’s some haggling that goes on over purchases, rentals and state operation licenses.

In then end, though, it’s all boils down to just making sure things are always running smoothly. And they always have.

James Acker, or Jimmy, as my dad called him, always had a sincere smile on his face and twinkle in his eyes, especially when talking about the fire company. He always looked people straight in the eyes when talking to them, too. He was just a nice guy who, his son reminds us, was stubbornly dedicated when it came time to chair that fair — but always a friend.

“I remember going to New York to Conelle’s to buy stuff (prizes) for the fair and rent the tents,” Bill said. “When Dad and Mr. Conelle got together, it was like watching two dogs fight over a bone. But when it was done, Mr. Conelle and Dad were like old friends again.”

Yes, James Acker was loyal. He loved his fire company and his friends. A perfect example of his extreme loyalty was his helicopter dad manner when protecting the fair’s famous clam chowder secret.

He had the secret recipe to the much sought-after soup. He got it from an old Fair Haven friend. He made that chowder with that recipe, Acker kids getting things cooking beside him, for decades.

As promised, Bill said, the recipe went to the grave with him. He had promised the hander-down of the hush-hush concoction that it would never be shared with another soul. It wasn’t.

It was a measure of commitment to the best for Jim Acker, loved his fellow firemen — enough to make sure he got the fair the best chowder around. And it was bowl-licking good.

Oh, the new recipe is good, too, but he and some others would have to argue that the secret recipe version had a bit of an edge.

A 1983 story from the Red Bank Register archives on the fair has Jim Acker quoted. He said that the fair drew about 5,000 people a night then. He also said that it took about 225 people a night to operate it. Don’t forget, there was no internet purchasing then. He said he started going into New York and buying $25,000 worth of prizes in January (from Mr. Conelle, whose first name escapes Bill) for the 15 games of chance.

The big prize in 1983 was a Dodge 400 convertible, rather than the present super 50/50.

Oh, and among the prizes purchased were cartons of cigarettes for the Big Six tent, now the Money Wheel.

Step right up for a spin on the fair memory wheel! Game of chance? No. It’s a sure bet that there are many more where it came from.

RIP James Acker. Thanks for the memories … oh, and the chowder!

 

Local Life

Focus: Sea Bright Still Rising & Razing

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Everything’s still coming up — and down — in Sea Bright.

It’s been nearly three years since Hurricane Sandy just about leveled  the peninsula town.

Since then, homes and businesses have been rebuilt, raised and razed. And, just recently, there have been some more changes to the landscape with more raising and razing.

Some homes are just now being lifted and revamped; and the old firehouse and police station are gone, leaving a clear view from Ocean Avenue to the ocean.

Take a look at some before and after photos of the same scenes.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, Police and Fire

The Fair Faces of Firemen’s Night

They call it Firemen’s Night.

It’s the night of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair when firemen, first aid squad members, police officers — really, all first responders — from all around the country are welcomed to the fair to join their brothers and sisters, honor one another, be treated to some food and drink and just get together and have a good time.

That night was — always is — Wednesday. Tradition. The fair grounds were packed with the people who show up when you dial 9-1-1.

This year, responders showed up from as near as Rumson to as far as Alexandria, VA. True story.

Also on the grounds were reps from: Tinton Falls, Middletown, Shrewsbury, Morganville, Sea Bright, Eatontown, Manalapan, Colts Neck, Ramtown, Freehold (East, Borough and Township), Englishtown, Long Branch, Allenhurst, Brielle and Holmdel.

Oh, and milling around giving thanks to the firemen, showing support for his Fair Haven neighbors and enjoying the festivities with wife Lolly was Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl.

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the evening of tradition and thanks. (Don’t forget to click on the lower right icon to enlarge!)

Have you thanked a first responder today? 

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

A Sepia Focus on the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair

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The Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair is in full swing.

It runs through Saturday, Sept. 5. As a mid-week reminder of what it all means to people in the area, here’s a look at a few pre-opening night and opening night photos of the scenery in a different color tone — sepia.

It captures the retro aspect of this longtime tradition — or not. Either way, it’s an interesting perspective. Take a look.

— Elaine Van Develde

Schools Scene

A Rumson Mom’s Takeaway on ‘The Naked Roommate’ Talk at RFH

Rumson mom LuAnn Hughes attended author Harlan Cohen’s talk presentation at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Tuesday night.

Centered on his book The Naked Roommate (about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable in the college transition), it was designed to help college-bound students and their families.

She posted her takeaway on the speaker’s salient message on Facebook.

Here’s what the mom of teens, also a teacher, got out of the talk and shared with friends …

“It’s important to know what YOU want and stop living for what others expect from you.

“Transitions are hard. There are 5 aspects to pay attention to: social, emotional, physical, financial, academic.

“We need to focus more on people, places and having patience to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

“Universal Rejection Truth: There will be times you lose, attempts you fail, people that don’t give you what you want. If you ignore the universal rejection truth you will spend your time hating, hiding, fighting, attacking and blaming others.

“If you face the truth you will have the strength and resilience to do what you’re meant to do because you’re not afraid to take risks.
You have to be able to take rejection to take risk after risk. Risk taking is what helps you grow.

“Don’t take critical feedback as an attack. Being able to take rejection is the key to people being able to help you.

“Rules:
1. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Embrace the fact that this is going to be difficult.
2. When you panic, think of your people, places and patience. Don’t panic and hang out with the wrong people. You have to have YOUR people and places.
3. Your kids struggles belong to them but the victories belong to you (lol). The challenge is that we are so connected through technology that it’s hard to set boundaries. Consider letting your child marinate in their misery.
4. Advise your child to apply “the 24 hour rule” whenever anything traumatic happens. Clarity will come. Be patient.
5. Get in the habit of asking your child “What do you think you should do?” If answer is “I don’t know” ask about who his 5 people and 3 places are. It takes a good 8 weeks to adjust (patience).

“With 30% of college students facing depression, how do you know when to stop letting your child marinate in their misery?

“Make sure they have their people, give your kids permission to be imperfect before they get there, let them fail.

“Make sure they understand that the first 8 weeks are hard.

“If you’re really worried and your child is showing signs of suicide (2nd leading cause of death among college kids) you go and check and intervene.

“Give your kids permission to struggle, to face adversity and to get over it.

“Places: Look for where you can sweat, play, pray, learn, lead.
People: People who volunteer to help, people you pay to help.

“College is about what YOU want not about who wants you.”

Text college to 44144 for roommate contract.

Good luck parents and college freshmen! 

Local Life

Going Retro with 70s Music Icon Robert John

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Remember those songs in the 70s you slow-danced to or sat in a dark corner and cried over during that teen break-up? Or maybe you blasted them in the car with your gal pals, willing him to come back!

Was one of them Sad Eyes or Hey There Lonely Girl? How about The Lion Sleeps Tonight? OK, maybe not that one.

They were classics. Still are. And, Robert John, the man who wrote Sad Eyes and sang all of them, hitting all those high notes perfectly, lives in the area.

Continue reading Going Retro with 70s Music Icon Robert John →

Arts & Entertainment, Local Life

Simple Summer: Music Jam with Williams Honor

 

By Elaine Van Develde

It doesn’t get any simpler or more enjoyable. A summer night spent at an impromptu music jam/record release party with rising stars.

The temperature was high and so were the spirits of a fortunate few who were treated to a few sets of serenading by Asbury Park-based country duo Williams Honor — vocalist Reagan Richards and instrumentalist and singer Gordon Brown.

The two made their way to Ron’s West End Pub to share their special night, calling it a “home” reminiscent of the type of places in Nashville, Tennessee where talent is typically honed in embracing musical improv nooks.

After doing separate stints in Nashville, the two, each with his/her own Jersey shore connections, wound up meeting in Asbury. Upon being introduced at The Saint, they struck up a kinship over music style.

That’s when their united melodious fight began. It’s a fight to keep their brand of country storytelling thriving through song in an area they think is prime for it but never gave the genre a fair shake.

They’ve now been going country strong for about a year. That year culminated in the record release Sept. 1. Another special surprise for them and everyone else was that they love to cover the iconic 1970s song Sad Eyes, and its writer and singer, Robert John, was in the drop-by audience.

No one was name-dropping, but Williams Honor was, well, honored.

And, what’s in that name?

The impetus for the Williams Honor moniker, the two said, was to honor both of their fathers, military vets. Richards’ father’s name was William. His dog tag dangles around her neck, an integral piece for her in her everyday jewelry draping.

“Some people are uncomfortable with it,” she said. “They say you’re not supposed to wear it as jewelry. But I like to have him (and everything he stood for) close to me all the time, so I can honor, remember him (and vets like him) all the time … holding onto him in a positive way.”

Brown’s father’s name is not William, but he said they chose to use Richards’ dad’s name as a sort of duplicate honor for both and multiple for all vets — thus the plural rather than singular possessive of the name in the group.

To honor the band’s namesake and the difficulty faced by families of those going off to war, the two said they wrote a song that puts a positive twist on the experience, albeit bittersweet.

It’s called Don’t Wanna Let You Go, and “we finished mixing it about 15 minutes before we came to Ron’s,” Brown said. “It’s the last song we finished for the record.”

 

 

“When people go off to war, when they go off into the military, there’s obviously the chance that they won’t come back,” Richards said. “Well, this is a very hopeful song on the record. This is about them coming back, and everybody being so proud, as we are …”

So it goes …

“Keep your father’s laugh he’s in everything you do, and we both know he’d be so proud of you … I don’t wanna let you go … And all that you need to know is I won’t let you go …”

You may not wanna to let Williams Honor go once you hear them.

Call it a rich simple summer experience.

You can download the CD by clicking here.

Red Bank Police & Fire Files

Police Make Arrests on Crack, Weapons, Burglary, DWI Charges & More

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

• A 17-year-old  juvenile female, of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested by Patrolman Thomas Doremus on Aug. 27 in the area of Newman Springs Road and charged with possession of prescription legend drugs, possession of a CDS (less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• James Williams, 30, of Red Bank, was arrested on Aug. 26 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with possession of a CDS, cocaine, unlawful possession of a handgun, person unauthorized to have a weapon, possession of a CDS, crack cocaine, and obstructing administration of the law by Patrolman Nicholas Maletto.

• Termarca Davis, 29,  of Red Bank, was arrested on Aug. 26 in the area of Montgomery Terrace and charged with obstruction of the administration of law by Patrolman Nicholas Maletto.

• Angelo Dolce, 26, of Staten Island, NY, was arrested on Aug. 26 in the area of N. Bridge Avenue and charged with possession of a CDS, under 50 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia by Patrolman Cevin Albert.

• Michael Rascio, 40, of Belford, was arrested on Aug. 25 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with burglary, criminal mischief and theft by Sgt. Heather Publyski.

• Theodore Knowles, 28, of Tinton Falls, was arrested on Aug. 24 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with contempt of court by Patrolman Jorge Torres.

• Kenneth Carpenter, 51, of Red Bank, was arrested on Aug. 24 in the area of River Street and charged with resisting arrest and obstructing the administration of law by Patrolman Benjamin Springer.

• A 15-year-old male juvenile, of Tinton Falls, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of W. Front Street and charged with attempting to elude police, obstructing the administration of law and simple assault by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• A 16-year-old male juvenile, of Red Bank, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of W. Front Street and charged with simple assault by Patrolman George Travostino.

• Julianna Schultz, 46, of Holmdel, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of Riverview Plaza and charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated) by Patrolman George Travostino.

• Robert Front, 44, of Red Bank, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of West Street and charged with simple assault and contempt of court by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Terrence Fitzpatrick, 51, of Marlboro, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of Riverview Plaza and charged with obstructing the administration of law by Patrolman Nicholas Maletto.

• Alexander Fiducia, 26, of Neptune, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of W. Front Street and charged with criminal mischief by Patrolman Nicholas Maletto.

• Tiarra Rivera, 22, of Freehold, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of E. Front Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Stan Balmer.

• Gregory Barich, 47, of Monmouth Beach, was arrested on Aug. 23 in the area of Harrison Avenue and charged with simple assault by Patrolman Dawn Shields.

• Michael Allgood, 49, of Red Bank, was arrested on Aug. 22 in the area of Catherine Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• Sam Levine, 19, of Little Silver, was arrested on Aug. 21 in the area of E. Newman Springs Road and charged with attempting to purchase alcohol while being under age by Patrolman Shane Dengel.

• Barbara Reeves, 38, of Tinton Falls, was arrested on Aug. 20 in the area of Maple Avenue and charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated by Patrolman Benjamin Springer.