All posts by Elaine Van Develde

Business Buzz

Former FH Sunoco at a Standstill

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Site of the former Fair Haven Sunoco gas station Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Site of the former Fair Haven Sunoco gas station
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

It seems as if plans for future development at the Fair Haven Sunoco station have run out of the gas to drive them home.

One thing, though, seems pretty clear — that the site at 626 River Road won’t become another gas station.

The site has been completely cleared of underground tanks and remediated for safe development. But it’s static and empty, with no sign of any sort of comeback — not yet, anyway.

“There’s no tenant,” Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli said. “It’s in a state of limbo between Sunoco and someone who may or may not be under contract (to develop the site). The site has been decommissioned and debranded, so one would assume that was done for a transfer of title. Maybe, maybe not.”

Who that title would have been or is in the works of being transferred to, the mayor said he did not know.

As for the notion of another gas station, not only have the tanks to make that a reality been removed, but “that business model in a small town is shot,” Lucarelli said. “Any new gas station being built right now is something like a WaWa or a Quick Check, with 16-24 pump operations on big highways.”

There used to be several gas stations between Rumson and Fair Haven. Now each borough is down to one.

Fair Haven is in the process of reworking its master plan. There has been talk of some zone changes and alterations.

What sort of development do you think the site, now zoned for business, is ripe for? 

 

Local Life

Sea Bright Stairway to Donovan’s?

Gallery

[WRG id=3490]
It’s May. Countdown to Memorial Day weekend has begun and the unofficial start of summer is not far off. But whether or not Donovan’s Reef will make its comeback with summer is not yet clear.

The lot of the iconic Sea Bright spot has been cleared. The Hurricane Sandy-ravaged bungalow is gone. That all happened, after a static period, in December of last year.

Last word, according to Donovan’s Facebook page, was in February of this year. In answer to a patron’s query of whether or not the bar would be back and exactly when, ownership said, “Yes. Things are moving forward, just don’t have specifics yet!”

Since then, not a word. Only speculation. After Sandy, there was a time when a sale was pending. Then that changed. And in the summer of 2013, owners were saying that it would be back in 2014.

Plans for a larger Donovan’s, replete with on-beach Tiki bars and tree houses, were approved, after some delay, in 2014. And there was a plan to at least partially open with Tiki bars on the beach that year, as a teaser.

A Tiki bar and thatch umbrella have remained on the beach since.

The cleared lot and sea wall are fenced in. Small remnants of the original Donovan’s remain. And there’s a relatively new staircase over the sea wall to the beach, where Donovan’s deck and staircase to the beach was before Sandy. Another staircase is a few feet away for beach access.

One of the owners, Dr. Robert Carducci, died in February of 2014. The other is Bob Phillips.

Phillips was not reachable for comment.

There have been rumors of sales bandied back and forth for years.

But, as of now, the above gallery offers a glimpse into its present state — looking far from ready for an end of May, or even summer, opening.

Could that change?

Rumson-Fair Haven Restrospect will keep you updated. 

 
— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro Appreciation of RFH Teacher Bill Kern

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Former RFH math teacher Bill Kern in a 1960s RFH yearbook.
Former RFH math teacher Bill Kern in a 1960s RFH yearbook.

By Elaine Van Develde

Today is the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day all week will randomly highlight fondly remembered RFH teachers who have passed.

The first pick brought to the attention of Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect was RFH math teacher Bill Kern, a former longtime Fair Haven resident.

Continue reading Retro Appreciation of RFH Teacher Bill Kern →

Crime

Area Woman Headed to Prison on $500K Insurance Fraud Charge

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An area woman has been sentenced to three years in state prison for submitting more than $500,000 worth of fraudulent healthcare insurance claims, Acting Attorney General John Hoffman and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) announced.

Donna Dzienisewski, 41, of Middletown, pleaded guilty in October to a second-degree healthcare claims fraud charge that she bilked Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey by submitting 101 completely illegitimate claims within a two-year period — between March 18, 2011 and March 12, 2013.

“Defrauding an insurance company is not the path to easy money, it is the road to prison,” Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Ronald Chillemi said in a released statement. “We will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases and seek punishment for those who commit these crimes.”

Dzieniskewski, according to the Attorney General, “gave the false impression that she incurred approximately $502,740 in reimbursable” health care expenses during 107 doctor visits, when she actually incurred only $2,640 of those expenses in six legitimate of the total 107 doctor visits. The legitimate $2,640 in the six visits was also falsely inflated by her to show $8,640 in expenses.

Dzienisewski then deposited $141,126 into her bank account, according to the Attorney General.

She was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr.

Deputy Attorney General Bradford Muller represented the state at the sentencing hearing. Deputy Attorney General T.J. Harker and Detectives Wendy Berg and Matthew Armstrong coordinated the investigation. Analyst Kelly Celenza provided substantial assistance in the financial analysis of the investigation.

People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the website at www.NJInsurancefraud.org. 

Crime, Police and Fire

Arresting News: Prostitution, Cocaine, Marijuana Possession, Dealing & More

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

• Esperanza Avendano-Morales, 47, of Freehold, was arrested on April 28 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with engaging in prostitution and contempt of court.

Patrolman Sean Hauschildt made the arrest.

• Edwin Ventura-Egochega, 41, of Staten Island, NY, was arrested on April 28 in the area of Locust Avenue and charged with promoting prostitution and contempt of court.

Patrolman Jhonatan Quispe made the arrest.

• Oscar Ciriaco-Molina, 27, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 30 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with hindering apprehension and contempt of court.

Lt. Errico Vescio made the arrest.

• Alfredo Hernandez-Codero, 38, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 26 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest by Patrolman Cevin Albert.

• Veirick Kirlew, 26, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 24 in the area of Newman Springs Road and charged with possession of a CDS, Ecstasy, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of a CDS with intent to distribute by Patrolman Benjamin Springer.

• Pepita Gadson, 22, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 23 in the area of Montgomery Terrace and charged with terroristic threats by Patrolman Jhonatan Quispe.

• Zachary Roslin, 23, of West Palm Beach, FL, was arrested on April 23 in the area of Bridge Avenue and charged with possession of a CDS (cocaine), and possession of of under 50 grams of marijuana by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• Alvin Ross, 25, of Eatontown, was arrested on April 25 in the area on Monmouth Street on a contempt of court charge by Patrolman Gary Watson.

• Maximo Sanchez-Gonzales, 18, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 29 in the area of Bridge Avenue on a contempt of court charge by Patrolman Shane Dengel.

• Leanni Munoz, 28, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 29 in the area of Monmouth Street on a contempt of court charge by Sgt. Juan Sardo.

 

Crime, Police and Fire

Police: Patient Flees Hospital with Heart Monitor in Tow

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

• An incident of criminal mischief — air let out of tires on a parked vehicle Montgomery Terrace — was reported on April 24.

Patrolman Michael Zadlock took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a Tower Hill Drive residence sometime between April 23 and 25. The victim reported that someone stole cash and a pair of gold and diamond earrings from the residence.

Patrolman Shane Dengel took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at Riverview (Medical Center) Plaza on April 25. Staff of the hospital reported that a patient who left from the Emergency Room took a heart monitor, valued at $3,000, and never returned.

Patrolman Benjamin Springer took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a McLaren Street residence. The victim reported that an unknown person, within the past few weeks, stole a bicycle, circular saw and Craftsman tool box with tools in it from the garage.

Patrolman Shane Dengel took the report.

Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Townwide Yard Sale, Arts Fest, Historic Places Tours & More

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The weekend is going to be a sunny one, so they say.

And there will be plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the great outdoors via some popular annual events.

Keep the traditions going and get out to a few …

Friday

• Hanga Loose Fridays continue starting at 7 p.m. at Umberto’s on River Road in Fair Haven. The Friday night get-together was created to inspire and pay forward the community spirit of the deceased beloved pizza-making man who knew everybody’s name and remembered everything about them, down to food preference — Silvio Fabbri.

Join in the fun and “Hanga Loose” a little, as Silvio would say.

• The Monmouth Players’ production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter is on it’s closing weekend. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time.

Curtain for Friday and Saturday performances is 8:15 p.m.

Saturday

• The town-wide yard sales in Fair Haven and Red Bank are both slated for Saturday. And it looks like the weather will suit the events just fine.

Fair Haven’s sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lists may be picked up at borough hall of who’s on the list. Or, you can just drive around and look for the blue and white balloons that will be marking the spots around town.

Fair Haven officials have announced that they will be extending the hours of the DPW bulk drop-off ’til about 5, so people who have leftovers will have a chance to unload what they haven’t sold.

And, next door in Red Bank, the town-wide sale is happening as well. Fair Haven has handed over its list of sale spots to Red Bank so that Red Bank shoppers can come over and vice versa.

Red Bank’s sale ends at 3 p.m., though.

• The Spring Arts Festival comes to Thompson Park on Newman Springs Road in the Lincroft section of Middletown.

The festival, on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., features the work of local artists and crafters in a juried show.

Live music complements the daylong event. Entry is free. Check out what area talent has been creating lately.

• The People’s Choice Car Show will be set on the grounds of Poricy Park, on Oak Hill Road in Middletown, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Old and new cars will be on display. Stop over and see if you know anyone there and their cars, from antique to new.

• The Weekend in Old Monmouth event, showcasing historic places and landmarks across Monmouth County, is set for noon to 5 p.m.

Two places in Rumson will be featured: Sea Bright Lawn, Tennis & Cricket Club and the First Presbyterian Church.

Check out any other of the 40 historic places in the county (by clicking on the green) that will be featured and see the map.

• Closing night for Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter. See above.

Sunday

• Spring Arts Festival at Thompson Park (see above) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• People’s Choice Car Show at Poricy Park, Middletown, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. See the above entry.

• The Weekend in Old Monmouth event, showcasing historic places and landmarks across Monmouth County, from noon to 5 p.m.

Check out any other of the 40 historic places in the county (by clicking on the green) that will be featured and see the map.

News

Make SPCA’s Maeve a Part of Your Family?

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Meet Maeve.

She’s a 6-year-old labrador mix who is a transplant from another shelter in the state and needs a home, according to the Monmouth County SPCA website.

She is known as very smart, sweet and loving and knows her basic commands. She wants to be part of an active family, her bio says.

She weighs 62 pounds.

Get in touch with the SPCA if you’d like to adopt this smiley girl. And check out the other animals up for adoption. Many need homes.

 

Schools Scene

RFH Students Help Fill Thousands of ‘Empty Bowls’

“Amid a sea of plenty, many in Monmouth County go without. We stand ready to take care of those in need, as long as we continue to get food and funds.” ~ Monmouth County Food Bank Executive Director Carlos Rodriquez.

The figures are in; and, it’s been determined that a Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) fundraiser has put 5,190 meals on the tables of area residents in need via the Monmouth County Food Bank.

The fundraiser, held on March 10 at Rumson’s Bingham Hall, was dubbed Empty Bowls to represent the empty bowls at the tables of many local families struggling to stock their cupboards with food, according to a release from RFH.

It featured original artwork in the form of 150 bowls created by RFH Ceramics students as well as members of the RFH National Art Honor Society.

The bowls, purchased by the public with the proceeds going to the Food Bank, were filled with a variety of soups provided by members of the RFH school community. Bread and desserts were served as well to accompany the soup meal fundraiser.

Both Sickles Market in Little Silver and Cups and Cakes Bakery and Coffee Shop in Rumson served as community sponsors of Empty Bowls, the release said.

The desserts were made and donated by members of the RFH Cooking Club, members of the RFH staff and community, and Cups and Cakes. Sickles provided bread for the event, it added.

Members of the RFH Character Education Club and RFH Cooking Club offered a helping hand at what was a well-attended event.

For more information on how you can help as a volunteer or by making a donation, visit foodbankmoc.org.

News

A Knollwood Elementary Flashback

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First grade with Mrs. Kamin at Knollwood in 1966 Photo/School picture
First grade with Mrs. Kamin at Knollwood in 1966
Photo/School picture

It all just seemed so simple then. Going to school and living in Fair Haven.

We were neighbors and friends. We walked and rode our bikes to school. And we couldn’t wait to find out who our teacher would be. We always found out in time to talk about it at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair.

So, back in 1966, a class of familiar community faces found out that they had Mrs. Kamin for first grade at Knollwood School.

That year was the beginning of a lot of longstanding friendships and neighborhood bonds. Treasured time.

Treasured time that warrants a look back in our Retro Pic of the Day and an anecdote about remembrance and gratitude. Remember where and how it all started and how lucky we all were to have had one another in our lives, many for a long time.

Mrs. Kamin still lives in Fair Haven. Some of these kids are grownups still living in town. Some have, sadly, passed. Some still have family here. Some are running businesses here and live one or a few towns away.

Recognize anyone? What did you learn from them or your time in that first grade class in Rumson or Fair Haven? What stuck with you most?

Local Life

Rewind to Rumson Mayor, Oceanic Bridge Reopening

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Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl gives a speech at the 2012 opening of the Oceanic Bridge. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl gives a speech at the 2012 opening of the Oceanic Bridge.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl takes a tour of the gatekeeper's quarters of the Oceanic Bridge in 2012. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl takes a tour of the gatekeeper’s quarters of the Oceanic Bridge in 2012.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Yes, the Oceanic Bridge is going to need some new imminent, unexpected repairs.

And, yes, that means the bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic for about three weeks, from the day after Memorial Day to June 12, Monmouth County officials have announced.

The much-needed complete replacement of the historic bridge is slated to happen within the next 10 years.

But, about this time three years ago, in 2012, major repairs thought to have taken care of safe travel for the interim, were completed.

The bridge, after being completely closed for a time, reopened to much fanfare.

Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl was up close for the official reopening of the drawbridge section. And he got a tour of the gatekeeper’s quarters.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day takes a look back on that day.

 

Local Life, News

Oceanic Bridge to Close Before Summer Takes Hold

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Just when they thought the temporary fixes to the Oceanic Bridge were coming to an end, and traffic could proceed as usual, Monmouth County officials have announced that the bridge needs more major work and will be closed from May 26 to June 12.

The April structural steel and concrete deck repair work to the bridge that spans the Navesink from Rumson to Middletown revealed the need for more significant repair work critical to safe traverse.

Two of the bridge’s four main bearings are in imminent need of repair and the other two will be fixed as well, Monmouth County Engineer Joseph Ettore said in a release. The bearings are part of the mechanism that supports the bascule and flanking spans on the bridge approaches, he explained.

The $653,650 needed for the additional repair work on 100-foot bascule span of the 2,712-foot historic drawbridge was authorized by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders at its April 24 meeting.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders authorized $653,650 for the repairs to the 100-foot bascule span of the 2,712-foot historic drawbridge at its April 24 meeting.

“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 nature of the work repair requires that the bridge load be relieved by lifting the bascule and approach spans off of the bearing. To accomplish this, the Oceanic Bridge must be closed to motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic.”

During the period of complete closure, the bridge will still be open for marine traffic, seasonal rules and scheduling will be in effect, the release said.

The hold-off of the total closure until after Memorial Day weekend was scheduled to accommodate the holiday traffic, officials said.

Working around the clock will make it possible to open the bridge to all traffic just a few weeks into the start of the summer season, they added.

Preparation for the bearing work will start immediately and continue weekdays through May 21.

That work may require full overnight closures of the bridge from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. from May 13 to 15 and May 18 through 21, the release said.

The bridge will be open to all traffic from May 22 through Memorial Day on May 25.

Detours will be posted. But, standard alternatives are: from Rumson to Middletown, motorists should travel east and north through Sea Bright and Highlands to Middletown; and, from the Navesink and Locust sections of Middletown, motorists are advised to travel east and south through Middletown, Highlands and Sea Bright to Rumson.

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, the release said.

In 2012, extensive rehabilitation work was done to the bascule span, or drawbridge portion, in the center.

It is slated for total replacement within the next 10 years. Area residents have rallied to maintain the original design of the drawbridge.

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.