
Category Archives: Local Life
A look, in photos, of latest area events, local everyday people and places.
R-FH Area’s Halloween Celebrations
By Elaine Van Develde
OK, Rumson-Fair Haven area friends and fans, there will be festivities to celebrate Halloween this weekend!
First of all, there’s a Fair Haven Halloween Egg Hunt, yes an egg hunt, at the park at Sickles School on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. We have no idea what this really means, other than that Mayor Ben Lucarelli said today that “it’s an opportunity to gather everyone at one spot to celebrate Halloween.”
In addition, the borough is hosting its annual Halloween parade on Sunday at 2 p.m., starting at Knollwood School on Hance Road. Line-up starts at 1:30 p.m.
Also on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. is the Rumson Halloween Parade and Party at Victory Park. There will be all sorts of activities and festivities. Line-up is at 3:15 p.m. There will be a costume contest and prizes and a Mad Science Slime-Making Booth.
Have fun, friends and fans! I’ll see you at the festivities! In the meantime, I offer you a … BOO!
What’s Up This Weekend: Beach Sweeps, Blood Drive
By Elaine Van Develde
There are a couple of things going on this weekend that involve learning and giving.
Friday
• Calling all war history buffs! Friday night at 6:30 p.m. there’s unique lantern tour going on at Sandy Hook’s Fort Hancock Museum. All dressed up as authentic U.S. Army coast artillery soldiers, volunteers from the Army Ground Forces Association will lead people on a historic tour of the Fort, featuring Battery Gunnison.
Saturday
• Get your gloves and hard-soled shoes on and help sweep the beaches you frequent clean of debris with Clean Ocean Action.
The organization, headed by none other than Rumson native and current resident and RFH grad Cindy Zipf, is slated to start at 9 a.m. at various locations throughout the state. The sweeps run through 12:30 p.m.
In the R-FH area, the closest meet-up points are, Sea Bright Public Beach, Borough Hall and Gaiters Restaurant (in Sea Bright), Sandy Hook/Lot D, Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion and Maple Cove at the foot of Maple Avenue in Red Bank.
For a full list of locations, click here.
• And on the same day, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Fair Haven Business Association is asking people to “starve a vampire, feed your neighbor.” The group is sponsoring a blood drive for the Central Jersey Blood Center at the Knights of Columbus Hall at the foot of Third Street (200 Fair Haven Rd.).
Donors must be at least 17, healthy and weigh at least 120 pounds. ID with signature must be presented at the door. Oh, and drink water before you donate.
Sunday
• If you’re in the market for some unique crafts and/or food, hit the Red Bank Farmers Market before the season comes to a close.
The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Galleria parking lot.
And, while you’re there, don’t forget to check out Fair Havenites Melanie and David Stewart’s Handmade Haven tent. Read their story here.
If you can think of anything else that’s going on this weekend, let us know at evd@rfhretro.com.
In the meantime, I’ll see you on the beach, giving blood or around the towns somewhere else!
Halloween Haven: Spooky Fair Haven Sightings
By Elaine Van Develde
They’re creepy and kooky, maybe a little mysterious and spooky, and, perhaps, altogether ooooky, as the classic Addams Family theme music says. Maybe all of the above. But there’s one thing Halloween decorations in Fair Haven definitely are — part of a longstanding local celebration of the season.
Yes, fall is in the air and the Halloween spirit is adorning lawns in this 1.4-square-mile suburb. Have you seen them sprouting up all over? We have.
Here’s a sampling of a few in the light of day. Let us know (at evd@rfhretro.com) where we can find more of the most creative, creepy sights and we’ll get over there to grab a photo.
We’ll be adding to the collection; and, Rumson will have its own gallery as well.
In the end, a special Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect prize may be awarded to the winner. Don’t forget to email us your favorites; and Happy Haunting!
Seasonal Beach Sights in Sea Bright
By Elaine Van Develde
Rumson-Fair Haven area people have been clinging onto summer days by the sea, celebrating locals’ summer into the fall.
The crowds are gone. The temperature is tepid. And the sun gently kisses the the sand and surf. Serenity and solace prevail in a Sea Bright that is still steadily recovering from Hurricane Sandy.
See for yourself.

A Rockin’ Oktoberfest 2014
By Elaine Van Develde
Call it a fall fest fit for loyal Fair Havenites.
Hosted by the non-profit Foundation of Fair Haven on Oct. 4, Oktoberfest 2014 drew hundreds to the grounds of Smart Start Preschool on River Road.
There was plenty of authentic German food, provided by Fairwinds Deli, music by Late4Lunch, beer, sangria, 50/50s and aptly costumed partygoers — yes, lederhosen and all.
Proceeds from the now annual event, in its third year, fund future Fair Haven Days.
Glimpse into our gallery to get a taste of what it was all about.




























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