Scene Around: Marine Research Vessel Dedicated to Memory of Rumson’s Heidi Sculthorpe

Rumsonite Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe was known as a woman who loved the water.

She passed away on April 25, 2008; and her love of all things water-centric, family and friends was something that loved ones noted as everlasting. In fact, her obituary cited that in lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute (UCI).

Continue reading Scene Around: Marine Research Vessel Dedicated to Memory of Rumson’s Heidi Sculthorpe

Retro Fair Haven Brownie Troopers

It’s that time of the year when all the troops are rallying — Girl Scout troops, that is.

Nowadays there is quite an array of scout troop hierarchy, all falling under Girl Scouts. It used to just be Brownies and regular ol’ Girl Scouts with those brown and green uniforms, respectively. There were troops. They met at what used to be called the Youth Center in Fair Haven, at churches sometimes, and often at the nursery school on the Episcopal church property that was knocked down to make way for homes a few years ago.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven Brownie Troopers

Prosecutor: Area Man Convicted of Murder in 2017 Shooting

A Long Branch man was convicted Friday for the shooting death of another city man last year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said on Tuesday.

Continue reading Prosecutor: Area Man Convicted of Murder in 2017 Shooting

Police Report: Theft, Disorderly, DWI, Assault, CDS Possession, Defiant Trespass

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

Continue reading Police Report: Theft, Disorderly, DWI, Assault, CDS Possession, Defiant Trespass

Paddling Out in Remembrance of RFH Grad Bill Caldwell

“Beautiful” was one word used by many to describe the memorial paddle-out off Sandy Hook on Sunday for RFH alum Bill Caldwell —  avid surfer, skateboarder, craftsman and lover of the water and animals who lost his hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer on July 20.

When, exactly, surfers started celebrating the life of their kindred waterborne spirits in this way is unknown. Still, it has become a steadfast tradition — an unspoken promise, a way to honor one another.

Call it a floating memorial honor ceremony. An apt remembrance in the place where the hearts of these souls of the water are thought to rest. Their peaceful eternity. That’s what a paddle-out is. That’s what Bill’s was.

“I’m glad to have taken part … you’ll never be forgotten,” said Caldwell’s RFH Class of ’78 classmate Chris Wood, owner of Woody’s, where one of Bill Caldwell’s surfboards hangs.

“A powerful send off to a great friend, loved and admired by all,” said RFH classmate Peggy Miller. “RIP Bill Caldwell.”

Encapsulated, it was a “beautiful day to pay tribute to a beautiful soul,” another classmate, Ginger White Tassinari said.

Rest in peace, Bill, Billy, Wilbur … You are remembered.

The following is a slideshow in memory of Bill Caldwell through the years …

— Elaine Van Develde

— Thanks to Bill, Ginger White Tassinari, Peggy Miller, Chris Wood and George Day for the photos.