Category Archives: Local Life

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

Retro Rumson St. Paddy’s Parade

Image February 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The first Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2013. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — The first Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2013.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Our Retro Pic of the Day serves as a reminder that Sunday marks the start of fundraising events for the third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

This photo captures a scene at the first St. Paddy’s Day parade that focuses on the marching troupe of the Monmouth County Sons of Ireland.

Know anyone?

The first of fundraisers is tomorrow at Val’s Tavern in Rumson from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be music by Kevin Feehan & Friends. The $10 donation at the door includes music, buffet and bag pipers.

Local Life

Retro Ode to Rumson’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade

Image February 19, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Kylee and Ruth Wallman, of Fair Haven, at the first Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Kylee and Ruth Wallman at the first Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Our Retro Pic of the Day pays homage to the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade in its inaugural year.

The parade is now in its third year; and fundraising efforts begin on Sunday.

Back in its first year in 2012, the parade drew thousands. It is expected to bring more this year.

The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for March 8.

Will you attend one or more of the fundraising events?

Local Life, News

Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraisers Set to Start

February 19, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It takes a village to put together a St. Patrick’s Day parade. That village in the Rumson-Fair Haven area is Rumson.

The third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches into town on March 8.

But, leading up to the main event are several fundraisers to help offset the cost of the new tradition and help out area charities to boot. Those fundraisers kick off at 1 p.m. on *Sunday at Val’s Tavern in the borough.

Parade costs include extra policing, set-up and clean-up for the event. This year, according to the parade website, the charities to benefit from the surplus of parade fundraising events are Jason’s Dreams and S.P.U.R. (Special People United to Ride). Last year, “more than $25,000 was donated to local charities,” according to the narrative on the website.

With an estimated 900 participants in and roughly 7,000 attendees at the 2014 parade, this year’s has lined up “15 bands, floats, active military & veteran’s groups, Irish Step Dancers, antique cars, scouting organizations, non-profit clubs and organizations, novelty acts, and area business and civic groups and a few great surprises,” organizers say on the site.

The fundraising festivities are as follows:

• Sunday, Feb. 22, Val’s Tavern in Rumson from 1 to 5 p.m. … Music by Kevin Feehan & Friends, $10 donation includes music, buffet and bag pipers.

• Friday, Feb. 27, Molly Maguire’s in Rumson from 8 to 11 p.m. … Bloody Callan Band playing Gaelic, American Rock Classics & “a lorry-load of rebel music, $10 donation includes music, buffet and bag pipers.

• Sunday, March 1, Victory Park in Rumson from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. … Lighting of the Green Tree, Irish music and refreshments.

• Thursday, March 5, Salt Creek Grille in Rumson from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. … Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Investiture Cocktail Reception, $75 for tickets.

• Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. … KDM Rumson Run 5K, register at www.kdmfoundation.com.

• Saturday, March 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. … Knights of Columbus in Fair Haven … Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Irish music and games for kids … call 732-747-9199 for more information and tickets.

Local Life

A Retro RFH Rah, Rah to Special Cheerleaders

February 18, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Those special RFH Powder Puff Football cheerleaders of the 1970s. Photo/George Day — Those special RFH Powder Puff Football cheerleaders of the 1970s.
Photo/George Day

In keeping with the spirit of the recent Knollwood School Hoops for Hearts tournament in Fair Haven, we decided to bring back a hearty glimpse of some favorite RFH cheerleaders, courtesy of the great photography work of George Day.

No, they were not cheering for a Hoops for Hearts basketball event, but just think what kind of funds they could have raised for such a cause back in the day — by virtue of how they simply wear their uniforms.

They’re running to their main stage in front of the bleachers here for a 1970s RFH Powder Puff Football competition.

I can’t remember, but someone must have missed a pass while getting a gander of this appearance.

These guys are flipping wigs and losing, uh, parts making this run!

Local Life

A Paddle Back to Warmth in Rumson

February 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Kayaking on a warm summer's day by Victory Park in Rumson. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Kayaking on a warm summer’s day by Victory Park in Rumson.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Yes, the chilliest cold snap of the year has had people thinking more of warmer times — and counting the days.

Well, our Retro Pic of the Day is a toasty bounce back to the summer of 2013 and a fundraiser day that had participants languishing in the Navesink River waters ’til the end.

The event was dubbed Paddle with a Purpose. It was a fundraiser that had people paddle boarding and kayaking in part for Sea Bright Rising.

The participants paddled their way roughly five miles up and down the Navesink, ending at Victory Park in Rumson.

Time for that warm-up!

Do you kayak, paddle or just wade in the river water? What’s your favorite spot?

Local Life

Swing Back to Surfing RFH Class of ’78 Style

Image February 12, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

RFH surfer boys at the Sea Bright beach circa 1978. Photo/George Day — RFH surfer boys at the Sea Bright beach circa 1978.
Photo/George Day

Looking back, the cold didn’t seem to stave off the die-hard Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School ocean dwellers.

We’ve seen them in full Polar Bear Club regalia. Now, in our Retro Pic of the (George) Day, here they are again at shoreline of Sea Bright Beach ready for some surfing fun circa 1978.

Donning down and ski jackets, this crew was always ready to catch a wave — of fun in one way or another.

Know them? Of course, you do.

Thanks again to George Day for providing this original photo from the archives of the RFH yearbook.

We welcome any Retro Pic of the Day contributions from further retro eras or more recent times. Just send an email to evd@rfhretro.com with your photos and proper credit. Thanks and enjoy!

Local Life

Getting Crabby About Winter

Image February 11, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Yes, thinking warmer thoughts is a salient motif of the Retro Pic of the Day lately.

So, in keeping with the warm wishes of many, we decided to, again, remind everyone in the Rumson-Fair Haven area that there’s no time like the present to think some crabby thoughts about the coming spring — in particular, visions of crabbing at the Fair Haven Dock.

This was the scene last year during a more balmy season at sunset.

Count the days until it’s time hang your own “Gone fishin’ at Fair Haven Dock” sign on the office!

What’s your favorite thing to do at the dock?

Local Life

Rumsonite Babes of Forrestdale

Image February 9, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Mousekteers of the 1974 Forrestdale yearbook. Photo/Forrestdale yearbook — Mousekteers of the 1974 Forrestdale yearbook.
Photo/Forrestdale yearbook

Our Retro Pic of the Day gives a glimpse, from the pages of the 1974 Forrestdale yearbook, into the baby faces of some of the eighth grade graduates back then.

The page is entitled Mouseketeers. Hmmmm.

Do you know any of these “model” students? Where were your baby pictures taken? And which of these gems is your favorite?

Local Life

Reflecting on the Warmth of Sea Bright Beach and a Buddy

February 8, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Best buds beaching it in Sea Bright. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Best buds beaching it in Sea Bright.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

That deep chill is still in the air and many minds are on warmth — like the toasty feeling you get when hitting the beach for some sun drenching and catching up with a buddy.

Our Retro Pic of the Day today is dedicated to soaking up that kind of sunny memory.

At the beginning of fall, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught a moment between pals on the Sea Bright Public Beach.

Take a moment to remember such a snapshot in time of your own. And remember that the warmth will return.

Stay warm!

Local Life

Marching Back to an Old Fashioned Halftime

Image February 3, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The RFH Marching Band in 1976. Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot — The RFH Marching Band in 1976.
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot

With all the post-Superbowl talk about the grandiose pop star-studded halftime, we figured our Retro Pic of the Day should be an ode to simpler, well, high school halftimes.

So, that in mind, our featured photo is of the 1976 RFH Marching Band.

No, there were no myriad costume changes, acrobatics, flying people or gigantic glass tigers (that was a tiger, right?) toting pop star Katy Perry, but these guys had a following of their own and their time to shine on the field.

We won’t editorialize on the Katy Perry popularity contest.

Now, who do you recognize in this RFH photo?

Local Life

Looking Back at Oktoberfest with Tiki in Mind

Image January 30, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Former Fair Haven Mayor Michael Halfacre sells 50/50s at Oktoberfest 2014. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Former Fair Haven Mayor Michael Halfacre sells 50/50s at Oktoberfest 2014.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Our Retro Pic of the Day takes us back to a former mayor and Fair Haven Day fundraiser — Michael Halfacre at Oktoberfest 2014.

Oktoberfest is a relatively new annual event in the borough. It took hold in 2012 when officials decided that people enjoyed the centennial Fair Haven Day celebration so much that they’d have one every year in June.

The Foundation of Fair Haven, a (501c3) non-profit organization, was created to raise funds to offset the cost of the day, pay for fireworks, music and keep the food and drink prices low.

Since Oktoberfest has been such a hit, The Foundation of Fair Haven has decided to organize a luau dubbed Tiki Haven that’s slated for Feb. 28.