A look, in photos, of latest area events, local everyday people and places.
That first year of school has always been a major milestone.
In Fair Haven, kids in the 1960s walked on a rope to kindergarten at what was called the Youth Center, now the Fair Haven Police Station.
The rope was traumatic for those of us who weren’t allowed to walk beside our best friends. And the official lady toting the rope-load of us, Mrs. McDaniel, was kinda scary to us little cretins.
After spending four years teaching, disciplining and getting to know more than 200 students, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School teachers and administrators saw them through the milestone of graduation at Monmouth University Friday night.
And, after the graduation, they gathered to celebrate and toast to the RFH Class of 2016 at Ron’s West End Pub, around the corner from Monmouth. The staff no sooner arrived when a surprise guest, who was an RFH grad himself and saw the class through the years, showed up — former Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge.
Take a look at the photo gallery above for a glimpse into the after-the-graduation celebration. Give each a click to enlarge.
— Elaine Van Develde
Skies have been clear and bright blue lately. And the scene just before sunset in Rumson recently was no exception.
It’s that familiar, popular spot on the Navesink River at Victory Park where kids play, kayakers row on the river and other boaters dot the horizon.
The clear weather is supposed to hold out through the weekend. Enjoy the view in the photos below.
— Elaine Van Develde
With all the ceremonies of Rumson and Fair Haven students’ transition from third to fourth grade and impending RFH graduation, thoughts reverted to a time when there was no such thing — not that there’s anything wrong with it, though. It’s pretty adorable, really.
No, there really wasn’t a transitional ride or walk from one school in Fair Haven or Rumson to the next. And, in Fair Haven at least, back in the late 1960s and early 70s, students simply went to the school to which they lived closest — until that big ol’ jump to middle school, when everyone in the borough went to Knollwood for seventh and eighth grade. And no one got driven to school. They all walked or rode bikes together.
Oh, and what is now the Viola L. Sickles School was Willow Street School.
So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back to those days when fifth grade was at Sickles (well, Willow Street) and one of the most popular teachers of the era taught there — Mr. DeMarco.
I’m pretty sure that he won several awards in various capacities, not the least of which was some sort of teacher of the year for the state, I believe.
Speaking from experience, he really was a memorable teacher. Very patient. Very kind. Very intelligent. His lessons sunk into our little brains. Thanks, Mr. DeMarco.
Pictured is a class from the early 1970s. Many of these little faces are grown-ups in the area with their own kids. Recognize anyone?
Congrats to all the transitioning students!
— Elaine Van Develde
Skies were cobalt blue today, peppered with wisps of clouds.
And the horizon of the Navesink River off the Fair Haven Dock was dotted with boats. The National Weather Service has predicted similar ideal days of sun, clear skies and dry weather tomorrow.
Take in some of the sights right here.
— Elaine Van Develde
A sure sign that summer is on the cusp is when the now traditional weekly Sandy Hook concerts start. And they start on Wednesday.
Continue reading Sandy Hook Concert Series Starts Season with The Nerds
It was a sweltering Saturday. The sun was shining and so were Fair Havenites’ spirits for as they celebrated the fifth Fair Haven Day.
Take a look at the above slideshow photos below for a glimpse into the day.
Fair Haven Day is Saturday. It was a few years ago that the first Fair Haven Day took place on the borough’s centennial celebration.
Since then, the borough has lost some of its longtime residents who everyone knew in one capacity or another. They were some of the faces of Fair Haven.
So, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day honors two of those people who were there on the first Fair Haven Day, proud longtime Fair Havenites and icons: Life member of the Fair Haven Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary, Pat Topfer; and ever-popular RFH science and dance teacher extraordinaire, George Giffin.
The featured photo on the Fair Haven Day event announcement today included a popular longtime resident and friend to the borough, Ben Hamilton.
RIP, Ben, Pat and Gif. You are remembered.
The tents are in place. The stage is set. Fair Haven Day is Saturday, and organizers say they’re set for a full Fair Haven Fields.
With the event starting at 3 p.m., there will be food (picnic, seafood and desserts), live music, kids’ games, bouncy rides, fireworks and more.
New this year is a climbing wall, brought to the fields by the Monmouth County Parks System and sponsored by Fair Haven business Canyon Pass Provisions. The wall can e climbed by kids 8 and up.
For the adults, new this year is a bottomless white or red glass of wine for $30.
The Fair Haven Business Association is providing a magician to entertain kids and face painters.
Music, provided by Stone Bullets, River Road Band, RipTide and Juke Box Criminals, will begin at 3 p.m.
Beer, wine and sangria can be purchased starting at 4.
Ground rules: No dogs, outside alcohol, personal tents or grills/open flames. And attendees are asked to please clean up after themselves.
Click here to purchase food and beverage tickets and for more details.
Also on Saturday, in Rumson, the tradition of the annual Canterbury Fair continues, rain or shine.
The fair, set on the grounds of St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The fair features a petting zoo, clowns, balloons, cotton candy, face painting, games and a children’s chance auction.
In addition to the famous white elephant sale, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, gently used children’s games and clothing, homemade gourmet treats, plants, flowers and books for all ages will be sold. There will also be a silent auction tent.
Grilled food, lobster salad luncheon, baked goods, coffee and tea will be served.
The sun set. The water was still. It was a serene nightfall on the river in Fair Haven.
A lone kayaker rowed his way from the shore across the Navesink from the Middletown shores to the River Rats boat launch. The clouds seemed to follow him. The new moon a sliver above.
And, in the distance, in the hushed evening, were only soft echoes of the water lapping gently to each paddle, bringing him home.
Home here. Good night, Fair Haven.
— Elaine Van Develde
There’s nothing quite like taking a ride with your buddies when you’re a little kid, especially if your bike is a tractor, too.
What kid rides a tractor in the Rumson-Fair Haven area? Well, back in the 1960s, Fair Havenite Peter Mauger did. He, the pint-sized driver carted Nancy Wilson down Lake Avenue in what was a combo tractor-bike with a cool little trailer to lug stuff or a pal in — a “dump trac,” to be exact. Susan Wilson, old and cool enough to ride a two-wheeler with a bell, rode along.
No power wheels in the form of high end, luxury cars. No helmets. No special permission needed to drive a dump trac, because, you know, they’re rural kinds of vehicles.
And the streets were barren enough in those days to ride up and down and even around the block on a seemingly endless loop. Hey, neighborhood kids used to also play dodge ball and hopscotch in the street. But, that’s a retro pic for another day.
Today, the Retro Pic of the Day, courtesy of Peter Mauger, honors a kids’ bike ride of a simpler time — not that there’s anything wrong with helmets and designer power wheels.
What kind of bike did you have? Your dream bike or foot-pedaled car? Remember those?
The Sea Bright Farmers Market is back in season and with it some popular vendors have returned. But, organizers are looking for a few more.
According to a Facebook post, the market is “looking to expand our 2016 list …” That list, so far, includes: Harvest Moon Farm, Holly Jolly Jams, Pickle Licious, Baker’s Bounty, Neshanic Valley Bee Keepers, Hot Sauce Good, Green Duchess Farm, Harvest Moon Organic Farm, and, new this season, Gourmet Nuts and Dried Fruit.
Organizers say that “at present, we are are hoping to add a coffee roaster and organic dog/cat treat vendor. If you are interested in being considered or have suggestions/recommendations feel free to message us here … or call/text our market managers, Sonya Cappillo at 732-614-9590 or Linda Blevins at 732-757-1374. Any vendor interested in participating must carry a general liability insurance policy.”
The market, which runs for the season every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Sea Bright Municipal Parking Lot, is a produce/food farmers market.
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