Category Archives: Local Life

A look, in photos, of latest area events, local everyday people and places.

Local Life

R-FH Area Weekend: George Sheehan Classic, Canterbury Fair & Fair Haven Day

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The weekend weather forecast is promising, Rumson-Fair Haven area folks.

So, that in mind, here are some things to do around the towns:

Friday night … 

• This one’s a longstanding event honoring the memory of former Rumsonite and doctor, George Sheehan — the 22nd George Sheehan Classic Race and Kids Classic.

The action starts at 2 p.m. and runs through 8:30 p.m. in Marine Park with activities, including the kids race, Runner’s Expo, music, and more.

• Don’t forget Hanga Loose Fridays at Umberto’s in Fair Haven. It’s a time to hang out in memory of the restaurant’s beloved Silvio, a friend to all.

Stop by the River Road place’s back room, mangia and chat it up!

Saturday …

• The George Sheehan Classic 5K Race runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Red Bank — Marine Park and Broad Street. There will be a post-5K party at Branigans.

• The Canterbury Fair, at St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in Rumson, will be featuring a host of activities, silent auction, white elephant sale and food from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be face painting, a petting zoo, a kids’ auction, activities, burgers, hot dogs, lobster salad, baked goods, plants for sale and more.

The proceeds of the longtime annual event go to area charities.

• And, yes, it’s Fair Haven Day time! The relatively new annual event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in Fair Haven Fields.

Get your tickets for food and beverages. This year, Brennan’s will provide picnic — signature sandwiches, salads and mac-and-cheese. For a little extra, folks can feast on seafood from Lusty Lobster — clams, oysters and lobster rolls. And Booskerdoo will be providing desserts and coffee.

The snack bar will be open, proceeds donated to RFH Hockey.

And, the Fair Haven Business Association will have face painting and photo booths.

For adults, there will be a beer booth, featuring domestic and premium beers and fruit-filled red and white sangrias.

Bands will be playing: Stone Bullets at 3:30 p.m., River Road Band at 4:30 p.m. and Jukebox Criminals at 6:30 p.m.

Then the night will end with fireworks! See you there!

Sunday

• The Red Bank Farmers Market is in the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features the usual fresh produce, organic goods, breads, coffees, desserts, crafts and more.

• And if you feel like being by the water and taking in a little history at the same time, tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, otherwise known as the spooky Spy House, are running from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bayshore Waterfront Park location on Port Monmouth Road in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

Local Life

Retro FHPD Beefsteak Dinner Time

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The officers of the Fair Haven Police Department at the Annual Beefsteak Dinner Photo/courtesy of FHPD, screenshot of FH PBA Local 184 Facebook page
The officers of the Fair Haven Police Department at the Annual Beefsteak Dinner
Photo/courtesy of FHPD, screenshot of FH PBA Local 184 Facebook page

The Fair Haven PBA’s Annual Beefsteak Dinner was last Saturday.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect could not make it there to take pics, so we are honoring the fine officers of the Fair Haven Police Department in our Retro Pic of the Day.

The above photo, courtesy of the Fair Haven PD, was taken of the officers on the night of the dinner.

All are sporting their new PBA T-shirts and lookin’ good!

Thanks for all you do to serve and protect the borough of Fair Haven and its people!

Have you thanked an officer today?

Local Life

Fair Haven Deputy Fire Chief Takes Plunge from Dock

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Fair Haven Deputy Fire Chief Mike Wiehl grew up in Fair Haven. In fact, he’s a third generation Fair Havenite.

And like so many other native Fair Havenites, he spent a lot of time down by the Navesink River at the Fair Haven Dock. He played there. He saw a lot of sunsets there. He likely did a lot of contemplating and soaking up of sun and scenery there.

And, most recently, he decided to make the iconic spot one that would mark a major milestone in his life. He got engaged and married there.

The engagement was three months ago and the wedding was Monday afternoon, officiated by Mayor Ben Lucarelli. So, we congratulate and honor Mike and his bride, Gloria Clark, in our Retro Pic(s) of the Day.

As Wiehl put it in Facebook posts, “Well, today’s the day I have been waiting for. Gloria Clark and I are spending the day together and then off to the fair haven dock to get married at 4pm! … 3 months ago the woman of my dreams said yes to marrying me. I am a lucky man …”

And so goes life as part of the Fair Haven family …

Congrats and much happiness to Mike and Gloria! 

Local Life, Schools Scene

RFH Students to Compete in Rowing Nationals

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Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) student athletes are among several from the area who will be competing as part of the Navesink River Rowing Competitive Youth Crew in the U.S. Rowing Youth Nationals this weekend.

The students qualified for the competition, held in Sarasota, FL from June 12-14, after a bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals at the U.S. Rowing Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships in West Windsor on May 9 and 10.

That competition qualified the crew for three boats in the nationals.

Competing this weekend are: RFH students,Tom Johnston and Emily Unsinn, both of Fair Haven, and Emma Miller, of Rumson; Neil Hughes, of Oceanport; Max Kelly, of Middletown; Erik Bovino, of  Brielle; and Ian Bamberger, head coach.

 

Local Life

Retro River Time with a Gap Tyke Model

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Fair Havenite and Gap model Francesca romps down by the Navesink River in 2013 Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Fair Havenite and Gap model Francesca romps down by the Navesink River in 2013
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

It’s almost summertime, and the livin’ is all about river time in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

That in mind, the Retro Pic of the Day honors the season with a look back a couple of years ago to a day of fun for one little Fair Haven girl — Francesca, who happens to be a Gap model — romping down by the Fair Haven Dock with her mom and dad.

The Navesink River shot that day back in 2013 was just a warm-up for work for the little one, who was set to strike a pose as soon as she saw the camera.

What’s your favorite riverfront spot?

 

Local Life, Schools Scene

RFH’s Charlie Volker: A Champ … Again

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As usual, the sign on the Fair Haven Fire Department’s marquee says it all — or, at least, the important part.

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School senior football star Charlie Volker has scored another athletic accomplishment. The Princeton University-bound star athlete on Wednesday became the victor of the 100-meter dash in the state at the 47th Meet of Champions at Frank Jost Field in South Plainfield.

Volker dashed the 100 meters in 10.81 seconds. His best was 10.80.

The football running back was credited with leading RFH to its big  Central Jersey Group II win.

Check out the video on YouTube filmed by Angelo Clark, who did not know who Volker was as he crossed the finish line.

Congrats, Charlie!

Business Buzz, Local Life

Fair Haven Business Buds Gather

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It was a traditional gathering of friends in business in Fair Haven.

Wednesday marked the annual Fair Haven Business Association’s annual barbecue.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect paid a visit to the festivities among friends, some of whom have been in business in the borough for a long time.

Ferguson Dental Care and Boxwood Gardens Florist and Gifts hosted the meeting/party, with the good doctor (dentist), Paul Ferguson, at the grill.

Besides longtime Fair Haven business Boxwood and Ferguson Dental business leaders, folks from, ForeFront, Two River Computer, Coastal Decor and DeFalco Pools made appearances.

Check out the photo gallery above for a glimpse into the gathering. Do you know who’s who?

Local Life, News

A Weekend Respite: Oceanic Bridge Open

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An extra push with work on the Oceanic Bridge will allow for a weekend opening from Friday evening through Monday morning, Monmouth County officials announced.

Officials said in a release that work has been ongoing around the clock since 6 a.m. on Monday.

Harms Construction, the company doing the work, have assured that the work will be complete by next Friday, June 12, on schedule.

Work on the south side of the drawbridge that spans the Navesink River from Rumson to Middletown will start again on Monday at 6 a.m. 24 hours a day in two 12-hour shifts, a release from the county said.

County officials added that the bridge is open only to marine traffic with the usual season rules and scheduling applying.

 

Oceanic Bridge background information from the county … 

“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.

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

Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Hanga Loose, 5K Run, Art, Market & Gardens

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Well, Rumson-Fair Haven area friends and fans, the weekend is looking nice, according to the National Weather Service.

The sun will be out and activities will abound.

Here’s what’s going on in the area:

Friday

• Don’t forget Hanga Loose Fridays at Umberto’s in Fair Haven. It’s a time to hang out in memory of the restaurant’s beloved Silvio, a friend to all.

Stop by the River Road place’s back room, mangia and chat it up!

• Then there’s A Night of Wine Tasting benefit, the proceeds of which will go to an area favorite charity — Monmouth Day Care Center.

The event, held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Junior League of Monmouth County’s headquarters at 55 Center Street, Rumson, will feature hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings.

Call 732-741-4313 for more information.

Saturday

• A first, the Girls on the Run 5K, kicks off the day in Fair Haven with a start time of 9 a.m. at Fair Haven Fields.

Young girls in third through eighth grades will be running the course that ends where it begins — at Fair Haven Fields.

Run on, girls!

• And, over at River Road Books, Adam Sobel, the popular vegan Cinnamon Snail food truck chef, will be doing a signing of his book Street Vegan from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..

The signing will also feature free donuts with the purchase of the book. Now that’s a sweet event!

• An area favorite is any Art Alliance show opening at the organization’s Monmouth Street headquarters in Red Bank.

The opening reception, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. with some snacks and beverages, kicks off the Ebba Osborne Memorial Award Exhibition. It runs through June 24.

Sunday

• The Red Bank Farmers Market is in the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features the usual fresh produce, organic goods, breads, coffees, desserts, crafts and more.

• And if you feel like being by the water and taking in a little history at the same time, tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, otherwise known as the spooky Spy House, are running from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bayshore Waterfront Park location on Port Monmouth Road in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

• For those who love gardening, Deep Cut Gardens, on Red Hill Road in Middletown, will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..

It will feature lectures and demonstrations by horticultural experts and Rutgers University master gardeners.

For kids, there will be a scavenger hunt and potted plant session.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Remembrance of a Friend: RFH’s Suzanne Warren

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Suzanne Warren, RFH Class of 1993, died in 2004. Photo/courtesy of Jenny Costello
Suzanne Warren, RFH Class of 1993, died in 2004.
Photo/courtesy of Jenny Costello

By Elaine Van Develde

There’s nothing quite like having a friend to take the journey from childhood through adulthood with you.

It’s cherished time. And when the journey ends for one, it leaves the other to carry on with a weary, but enriched heart, for having had that time, and many milestones in between, with that person.

That friend for at least one Fair Havenite was Suzanne Warren (Cavigliano), honored in our Retro Pic of the Day.

Warren, a Class of 1993 RFH grad, who died 11 years ago, on June 4, 2004, is remembered by her forever friend Jenny (Jones) Costello, as “smart (so smart), funny and always the best dressed.”

Suzanne grew up on Briarwood Road, after coming from Indiana to live in Fair Haven in the third grade. She ended up becoming a social worker, yet, Costello said, cheated by death from being able to realize her full potential.

While her journey through adulthood was cut short, her friends still carry her spirit and many memories with them.

It’s a light, sweet load to tote on the rest of a friend’s journey.

RIP, Suzanne. You are remembered. Cherished.

Share your memories of Suzanne.

 

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Stoked Up Neighbors at Stokes

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By Elaine Van Develde

This little crew grew up together. And years later they ended up reliving a sixth grade tradition as adults.

They are Jenny Costello (Jones), Dwayne Reevey, now a Fair Haven police officer, and Andy Dougherty. The three lived on Parker Avenue in Fair Haven across and down the street from one another.

Their parents were all friends and they all had the Stokes experience as Fair Haven schools students. This time around, they were counselors, with Andy Dougherty pretty much running the show from the schools’ end.

Much has changed about the annual trip right after Memorial Day to learn and camp out in the state forrest, but some things never do change — like childhood friendships and memories that connect for a lifetime.

So, our Retro Pic of the Day captures just that. Call it a little time capsule.

Get in for a little trip back …

This editor not only took the trip, way back in the early 1970s, but was also CAT at Stokes. I forget what the anagram stood for, but CATs were RFH seniors who were chosen to take the trip as sort-of junior counselors.

The RFH administrators chose leaders, who had to have above a certain GPA and a expertise or talent in a specific area.

I, along with my acting compadre, Kevin Carpenter, were sent to entertain the kids. We had to spearhead the dancing (poor kids) — and, yes, there was square dancing (yikes) — sing songs around the campfire, like Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley (so uplifting) and tell stories about the Jersey Devil and scare the bejesus out of the kids.

We were a pretty well-behaved lot of semi-nerds, but we did like to have some fun that I’m confident would have gotten us banned nowadays — like raising one poor girl’s bra up on the flagpole for the morning wake-up bugle call and capsizing one another’s canoes.

Oh, there were more pranks, but the mention of them may tarnish some respectable RFH parents’ reputations, so I digress.

Did you go to Stokes? What was your favorite memory?

Local Life

Retro Rumson Sky After the Rain

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A retro look at Rumson and Gunning Island in the Shrewsbury River at sunset after a rainfall a couple of years ago Photo/Elaine Van Develde
A retro look at Rumson and Gunning Island in the Shrewsbury River at sunset after a rainfall a couple of years ago
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

It’s been a bit dreary and rainy today.

So, to show everyone how the skies can brighten so quickly after the rain, the Retro Pic of the Day shows a sunset over the Shrewsbury River looking toward Rumson and Gunning Island after rainy weather two years ago.

Gunning Island is owned by the borough of Rumson. It is roughly 30 acres and is earmarked as preserved open space/ecosystem to never be developed.