Category Archives: Local Life

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

Local Life, Opinion

Focus: Sea Bright Coolness Tide Ride

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It’s all about letting the sun and surf shine, and scorch a little, these summer days. And there’s nothing better to take the heat off while soaking the goodness of it all up than a cool ride with the tide along a Sea Bright beach.

The scene is a reminder that the boon of the ocean’s refreshing roar is a mainstay respite, a bigger and brighter beacon that overshadows any sliver of scald.

A bit of relief has come from the sun, and the beach always beckons with cooler days of comfort ahead.

In other words, the heat wave has lifted. Phew. Better days under the sun are ahead. Take in the view, feel the relief and check out the weather forecast, from the National Weather Service, below …

Sun and surf up!

The weather forecast for the Rumson-Fair Haven area through the weekend from the National Weather Service …

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Local Life

Retro Sandy Hook Lifeguarding Muscle

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Sandy Hook lifeguards circa 1984
Photo/courtesy of Joanne Distefano Garelli via Miguel Mejia, Facebook screenshot

Well, it’s been a sizzling summer and everyone’s been diving in … to the ocean for refreshment and, of course, in the name of locals’ tradition. And while everyone’s diving in and swimming with the summer tide, lifeguards are making sure that all make it back to shore.

Continue reading Retro Sandy Hook Lifeguarding Muscle →
Local Life

Retro Happy Summer Scout Campers

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Fair Haven Boy Scout Troop #125 set to embark on a trip to Forestburgh in 1976
Photo/Frank Boesch

Heigh-Hoh! It’s off to scout camp they went …

Back in the 1970s, that is. Fair Haven Boy Scouts are wrapping up their return to camp at Forestburgh, NY after a two-year COVID-inspired hiatus and they’re soaking up not only the heat wave, but a lot of make-up time and tradition.

Continue reading Retro Happy Summer Scout Campers →
Local Life

Focus: Throwing Some Sunny Shade in Sea Bright

The scorcher of a weather week in the Rumson-Fair Haven area has had most locals headed to the Sea Bright beaches’ promise of that solace by the sea they know so well. Yet, they’re seeking shelter from the sun under that old umbrella of tradition.

It’s a dichotomy — seeking out the sun-drenched hot with a cool wave view — but one that makes sense to a local. The beach, any Sea Bright beach, not “the shore,” is the only place to be for a local in the summer — and beyond, really.

It’s the only way to stay cool in more ways than one. So, if you can’t get there and tradition beckons, the glimpse is here. (Just click on one of the photos in the above gallery to enlarge and scroll.)

And check out the weather forecast from the National Weather Service. The heat advisory continues through 8 p.m. tonight. The rest of the week? Well, let’s hope the advisory is truly lifted after 8.

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Local Life

Retro Fair Haven TGIF Crew

A little TGIF kind of gathering at the Lang home in Fair Haven circa 1970s
Photo/Lang family

Originally posted on Feb. 25, 2022, we are reprising this one in honor of Jim Butler, who passed away a few days ago … RIP, Mr. Butler. RIP, all. It’s official, no one in this photo remains. The memories sure do, though …

Nothing says “neighborly TGIF” like a look back at what was a common kind of casual gathering of friends just because.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven TGIF Crew →
Local Life, Opinion

Focus: Balmy, Palmy Sea Bright Surf & Skyline

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There’s nothing quite like seeing the New York skyline as if it’s in the palm of your Sea Bright beach.

And it is, even though the palm trees aren’t indigenous to Sea Bright by a long shot — and a lot longer than the distance to that skyline. But, whatever works to bring the Sea Bright locals’ scene into perspective.

What works is taking the time to take in the view of what’s surrounding you on a summer’s day. It’s what’s home to and in the heart of those in the Rumson-Fair Haven area every day. From the sand to the surf to the palms to the skyline, there’s always something new in the view — something to savor. Something to make you exhale, knowing that you’re home.

Take it all in. Find the subtle differences in perspective. Find the little things. See what matters in the big picture. Exhale the comfort of home.

Enjoy the view, click to enlarge one photo and scroll for the full picture. Find those little things and find out what’s in store this weekend and into next week with the area weather, courtesy of the National Weather Service …

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde exclusively for R-FH Retro

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Local Life

Focus: Taking a Summer Stand in Sea Bright

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Sometimes you just have to take a stand — one to guard your life in a special way. The notion holds true especially in the summertime in Sea Bright.

When a beautiful summer’s day winds down, the scene become serene and the view clearer from the mind’s eye, no matter where you’re looking. From an abandoned lifeguard stand, it’s just all the sweeter a sight — as far as the New York skyline or as close as the shoreline and some child’s play or local scene home-in with a content sigh.

Taking a stand to take in all that’s home and a beach always gives perspective. Taking it in with ease and awe makes the sigh all the more grateful.

So, take a stand with us and take in the view — grande and microcosmic, there’s something to see and sigh for in every corner. Ahhhhh … That’s summer life that’s a beach in the heart of the Rumson-Fair Haven area kid.

Click on one photo to enlarge and scroll. Enjoy!

—Photos/Elaine Van Develde exclusively for R-FH Retro

The view will remain clear for days now … until Saturday’s rain. Take a look at the week’s weather forecast from the National Weather Service …

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Local Life

Scene Around: Fair Haven Fire Department Finery

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It was a banner weekend for the Fair Haven Fire Department.

The forever Fair Haven group of volunteer firefighters, first aid tenders and auxiliary helpers swept some awards at another company’s 150th anniversary on Saturday and the next day celebrated the old and new with its traditional Old Timers’ Day.

Fair Haven, with it’s unique white trucks, has always stood out at parades and celebrations. This past weekend it was at Freehold Fire Department’s 150th anniversary that the department shone bright with its sharp, gleaming white apparatus and membership.

The department garnered first-place awards for: Most Active Members Present; Best Appearing Command Vehicle; Best Appearing Pumper 6-15 Years; Best Appearing Ambulance; and Best Appearing Rescue (light or heavy). A second-place award was won for Best Appearing Motorized Antique.

Congratulations, FHFD!

Then, on Sunday, the crew gathered to celebrate fire company tradition with a blend of generations, the old and new, in Old Timers’ Day. This gathering of all that’s good in connecting through volunteering and friendship for the community is a tradition that dates way back.

There are casual contests, fun, food and fire department family bonding. This fire company kid vividly remembers a tug of war and egg toss miserably lost. There may have been a two-legged race with sister tossed in the failures somewhere. Yet, everyone wins with this fire company day.

Take a look at the above photos, courtesy of the FHFD, for a glimpse into the win and Old Timers’ Day Gathering. (Click on one to enlarge and scroll.) Cheers to FHFD tradition! And, who won the egg toss?