All posts by Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro Good Neighbor: Rumson’s Paul Hughes

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The Hughes family and Elaine Van Develde at closing day of an RFH show Photo/Luann Hughes
The Hughes family and Elaine Van Develde at closing day of an RFH show
Photo/Luann Hughes

We at Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect continue with our ode to good neighbors in the Retro Pic of the Day.

Today we honor Paul Hughes (and family). It’s pretty simple why we are honoring Paul and family.

Not only has Hughes been a good friend since our days at RFH, he remains one.

Most recently, we attended the Rumson Memorial Day Parade and ceremony.

Our camera lost battery power. Well, just as we took the last shot on the camera, we heard a hearty and always positive “Hey!” from Paul and his family.

It only took one second to explain the situation before Paul quickly handed over his smart phone and told me to just go ahead and snap away any pics I needed to take.

I did, and so gratefully, and he emailed the photos to me so that Rumson could have a nice slideshow of its Memorial Day.

There are so many other things the Hughes family has done for me. But I digress to just say a simple “Thank you. You are appreciated.”

Now, that’s a good neighbor. And, I know, not just to me.

Local Life

Weekend Treat: Oceanic Bridge Open

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Call it a little unexpected gift for Rumson-Fair Haven area residents — and many more.

Just when you thought it was closed for a few weeks that many dreaded, the Oceanic Bridge will be open for the weekend.

Why the unexpected respite from complete closure? Monmouth County officials explained it in the following press release:

“Since 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, around the clock work to repair bearings on the north side of the Oceanic Bridge (S-31) has been under way; the work has progressed on schedule and will be shifting to the south side at 6 a.m. on Monday, June 1.

‘This affords us a unique opportunity to open the Oceanic Bridge to traffic on Saturday evening, May 30, and all day and night Sunday, May 31,’ said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Department of Public Works and Engineering. ‘I have spoken with our contractor, Harms Construction, who anticipates shifting the repair operation to the other side of the bridge late Saturday afternoon; we have agreed to open the bridge to all traffic by Saturday evening.’

Harms Construction Co. Inc. of Howell will resume work at 6 a.m. Monday, June 1 on the south side of the structure that spans the Navesink River and connects Rumson to Middletown. Harms crews will be working 24 hours a day, in two 12-hour shifts, to have the work completed by June 12.

The Oceanic Bridge has been closed to all but marine traffic since 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26. For marine traffic, seasonal rules and scheduling are in effect.

‘A previous Oceanic Bridge repair project revealed deterioration in two areas not readily or previously accessible,’ said Arnone. ‘Two of the bridge’s four main bearings support the bascule and flanking spans on the bridge approaches.’

Ettore explained that the nature of the repair work requires that the bridge load be relieved by lifting the bascule and approach spans off of each bearing and that the bearing work must be completed to maintain public safety and the use of the Oceanic Bridge.

‘It is prudent to lift the bridge spans and perform the repairs to all four of the bearings,’ said Ettore. ‘The bearings in need of immediate repair are on the eastern side of the bridge, but the County is also going to repair the bearings on the western side of the bridge.’

The 2,712-foot drawbridge crosses the Navesink River and serves beach, commercial and residential traffic, as well as pedestrian and bicycle travel. It is also a key route for coastal evacuations and emergency vehicles headed to hospitals or providing mutual aid. The bridge has been classified as structurally deficient.

Built in 1939, the Oceanic Bridge has deteriorated due to decades of exposure to saltwater and from accommodating heavier vehicles and traffic volumes than for which it was designed.

In 2012, Monmouth County completed extensive work to rehabilitate the bridge’s 100-foot, center bascule span, allowing motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to continue use of the bridge.

Monmouth County received notification from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees in January that $600,000 in federal funding was available to perform a Concept Development Study for the replacement or rehabilitation of the Oceanic Bridge.

‘As the years have gone on, maintaining this bridge has become more costly and difficult,’ said Arnone, a NJTPA Board member. ‘This grant will allow us to look to the future and take steps toward building a better bridge, one that will stand up to the extreme coastal storms we’ll face and serve our modern travel needs.’

Monmouth County plans to replace the Oceanic Bridge in the next ten years.

News

Will You Give Some Love to Venus?

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Venus is up for adoption at the Monmouth County SPCA Photo/screenshot of SPCA website
Venus is up for adoption at the Monmouth County SPCA
Photo/screenshot of SPCA website

This is Venus.

It’s all about love with this 2-year-old terrier mix who is a found stray keeping company at the Monmouth County SPCA right now, but looking for a forever home.

This dog is known for being sweet and giving lots of kisses.

Touted as a quick learner, the 55-pound pup likes to go for car rides, play with squeaky toys and is a quick learner.

Venus would love to be an only pet in a home.

Venus is one of many who needs a home. Check her and her other buddies in waiting out at the SPCA website.

Business Buzz, Local Life

Butler’s is Back on Monday!

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The wait is just about over.

The iconic Butler’s Deli, reincarnated as Butler’s Market, is coming back to its original spot at 91 East River Road in Rumson on Monday.

It’s a day that many Rumson-Fair Haven area people have been anticipating for what has seemed like a local casual foodie eternity.

Owner Paul Stout is out of retirement and back to run the place, he says on the Butler’s Facebook page.

And, while people have been begging to know an opening date, he finally announced it would be June 1 and added a photo that officially signifies the finishing touches precursor to opening — the pastel Adirondack chairs loaded in a truck, all set to go back home to the townie chatting spot in front of the market.

Loyal longtime customers are doing a bit of online drooling over their favorites’ comeback, such as the chicken salad and corn chowder. And Stout has said they will return, as will all the classic breakfast sandwiches.

The lobster salad is another favorite, but Stout has not yet said whether or not that will be back.

One thing’s for sure: the longtime patrons will be back en masse. They are counting the hours until the doors open at this point.

And those hours are dwindling.

See you at Butler’s on Monday!

 

Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Riverfest, Yard Sale, Farmers Market & Spy House Tour

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The weather is cooling down a bit for the weekend, and just in time for some waterfront and inland events in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

It all starts Friday night with the annual return of Riverfest at Marine Park in Red Bank.

The classic waterfront event starts at 5 p.m. and features the usual craft/artisan booths, food from a host of favorite restaurants, drink, river rides, live music, kiddie rides and more.

Friday’s Riverfest is scheduled to end at 10 p.m.

Then, on Saturday …

• There’s more Riverfest fun at Marine Park in Red Bank from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.;

• It’s time for Shrewsbury Borough’s town wide yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with maps available by clicking here.

And on Sunday …

• It’s that time again. Time to hit the Red Bank Farmers Market in the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market features the usual locally-grown produce, crafters, baked goods, coffee, Cinnamon Snail vegan food truck and more;

• And if you want to spend some time by the water and take in a little history, there are tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, otherwise known as The Spy House, over at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Middletown’s Port Monmouth section from 1 to 4 p.m.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Good Neighbor Ray Miller

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Ray Miller, the owner of the former Fair Haven Esso/Exxon passed away recently.

So, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect is honoring him as the Retro Pic (Slideshow) of the Day honoring good neighbors.

While he was known for his iconic caring curmudgeon-like personality, when Ray Miller smiled, it was real and he meant it.

Continue reading Retro Good Neighbor Ray Miller →

Police and Fire

Police: $1,200 Worth of Merchandise Lifted from Victoria’s Secret

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The following recent criminal incidents and arrests were reported by Shrewsbury police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Incidents

• There was a report on May 17 of a shoplifting in the area of Victoria’s Secret on Broad Street. The victim reported that $1,200 worth of merchandise was stolen from the store.

Patrolman Derek Myers is investigating.

• There was a report on May 17 of a burglary in the area of Birch Drive. The victim reported that someone entered the residence and removed property.

Patrolman Derek Myers is investigating.

Continue reading Police: $1,200 Worth of Merchandise Lifted from Victoria’s Secret →

Schools Scene

Fair Haven Students’ Earth Day Contribution

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Reduce, reuse, and recycle.

They’re standard procedures at Viola L. Sickles and Knollwood schools in Fair Haven, but especially so when the students and staff are commemorating Earth Day — the day earmarked to honor the environment.

Fair Haven students were asked to reuse and recycle by donating their used books to the Book Recycling Project at Sickles School and the Student Council Book Drive at Knollwood School.

Continue reading Fair Haven Students’ Earth Day Contribution →

Police and Fire

Police: Several Locals Arrested on Contempt Charges

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

• Andrew Melici, 26, of Stephenville Boulevard in Red Bank,  was arrested on May 9 by Cpl. Thomas Meckier on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Dhruv Patel, 24, of Clifton Avenue in Newark, was arrested on May 8 by Patrolman Nicholas Haines on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Nicole Jastrzemski, 40, of Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright, was arrested on May 8 by Patrolman Savvas Roumeliotis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $200 bail.

• Michael Ryan, 53, of Cooper Road in Red Bank, was arrested on May 7 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Englishtown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Jay Lynch, 41, of Ailanthus Lane in Levittown, PA, was arrested on May 7 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $450 bail.

• Jillian Kozzi, 32, of Adams Avenue in Toms River, was arrested on May 7 by Police Officer Tara Stucy on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was held on $1,000 bail.

• Jessica Pascalli, 31, of Harvard Street in Red Bank, was arrested on May 8 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Brick Municipal Court.

She was held on $250 bail.

• Robert Mergel, 22, of Carr Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on May 10 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

 

• Iveta Dunn, 49, of Vineyard Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on May 11 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Old Bridge Municipal Court.

She was held on $828 bail.

• Varashon McQueen, 45, of Main Street in Belford, was arrested on May 12 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $1,000 bail.

• Diana Roth, 20, of Lorillard Avenue in Union Beach, was arrested on May 13 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was held on $1,000 bail.

• Ryan Dunn, 33, of Walnut Street in Keyport, was arrested on May 13 by Patrolman Jesse Toma on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Matthew Isaksen, 22, of Wilson Avenue in Port Monmouth, was arrested on May 16 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Robin Fischer, 53, from Barberie Avenue in Highlands, was arrested on May 14 by Patrolman Frank Mazza on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

She was held on $258 bail.

• Zoilo Gonzalez, 26, of Patterson Avenue in Shrewsbury, was arrested on May 14 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $1,585 bail.

• Jordan Mcaleese, 19, of Manchester Street in Toms River, was arrested on May 14 by Cpl. Thomas Meckier on a contempt of court warrant issued.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Kristie Lepard, 24, of Kentucky Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on May 15 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on contempt of court warrants issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court.

She was held on $9, 235.39 bail.

• Nicholas Gough, 22, of Church Street in Belford, was arrested on May 18 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $951 bail.

• Patti Hoverson, 27, of Park Avenue in Belford, was arrested on May 18 by Patrolman Savvas Roumeliotis on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $1,000 bail.

• Jon Morgan, 25, of Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown,was arrested on May 17 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $5,000 bail.

• Mark Gorski, 52, of Ravine Drive in Matawan, was arrested on May 19 by Patrolman John Walsifer on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

* Arrests with bail less than $200 were not included.

Local Life

A Rumson Memorial Day

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It was a day of remembrance, honor and celebration — Memorial Day 2015 in Rumson.

The day began with a parade which ended in Victory Park. There, vets, friends, family and locals gathered to pay homage to those who died in service to their country.

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the day. Don’t forget to click the bottom right icon to enlarge. Enjoy!