A look, in photos, of latest area events, local everyday people and places.
Here we go again … revisiting one of those unforgettable trips to Santa that may be all too familiar … Yes, it’s time again for a little remembrance of the time-honored holiday tradition of the not-always-so-smooth Santa visit at the Fair Haven Firehouse, among other festive places.
Continue reading Retro Scary Santa IVSanta Claus came to Fair Haven on Friday. Well, he rode down the street in the firetruck to the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll, after arriving from the North Pole, of course. Something like that.
Tradition is the cornerstone of the 1.4-square-mile borough. It prevailed on a chilly Friday evening laced with a community spirit of comfort and warmth. Nestled in a time-honored corner at Memorial Park, young helpers helped, officials officiated, families flocked, friends got festive and, once again, Santa came to town.
Take a look at the smiles and get a glimpse into what transpired … (And don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
Happy holidays!
— Elaine Van Develde
As the classic song goes, it’s that most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for tree lighting, Santa arrivals, community cheer and a lot of giving.
So, to kick off the weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area, the season of celebrating and giving is getting a big jump start with the annual Rumson DPW Toy Drive today and tonight and Fair Haven’s tree lighting, Santa visit and holiday stroll through the business district.
It begins today from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in Rumson with the annual toy drive, which is a festive community gathering packed with holiday spirit.
“The employees of the Rumson Public Works Department will once again be volunteering their time to collect new toys for needy children,” the Rumson website announced. “They are asking you to help by donating a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy for a boy or girl.”
And this isn’t your ordinary drop off and run toy drive. People in the area like to gather, socialize, sip on some cocoa and give. The event, for those who cannot make it on Friday, is also run on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
And down the road in Fair Haven, Santa is coming to town again on the firetruck. The borough’s annual tree lighting and celebrating starts at 5 p.m. with Santa arriving at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park at the corner of Fair Haven and River roads.
The usual holiday festivities will ensue, with games, crafts, song, photos with Santa and a stroll in the business district where businesses will hold open houses, offer refreshments, specials and socializing.
You never know who you’ll run into — a snowman, a neighbor or an old friend. It’s all about the Fair Haven community spirit tonight.
And, continued over the weekend …
Fair Haven Councilman Christopher Rodriquez is reminding folks to
“please bring a new unwrapped toy to one of three locations on Saturday: Rec basketball games at Knollwood and Sickles gyms and the Library. Send me a message if you have questions about timing or anything else and thanks for bringing joy to kids in need.”
And at 39 Parker Avenue, resident Maria Ruscigno, in an effort to give back the kindness she and her family received when their son was hospitalized, is conducting a pajama drive for Jersey Shore University Medical Center to keep sick kids and their parents cozy through the holidays and beyond. The collecting is being done right on her porch. She invites residents to stop over and see her decorations and drop off some PJs.
“Happy Friday Fair Haven friends, we are still collecting Pajamas for Jersey Shore Medical Center families!!!” she said in a Facebook post. “Swing by this weekend check out the small display we did and perhaps donate a pair of Pajamas.
39 PARKER AVE!!!!!!!!”
Happy holiday celebrating, all! See you around the towns!
Photo/courtesy of Ann Clark
You know the drill. It’s that time of the year when the kids want to visit Santa — or not. It seems that since the dawn of time, when Santa time comes, there’s always at least one squirming, miserable child plopping on Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick’s lap with a cringe bigger than his signature belly accompanied by Fright Night screeches and tears rolling down his or her cheeks.
Everyone knows the scene well. It’s classic. The holiday tradition that goes terribly awry.
The days have been dank on the banks of the Navesink River.
Yet, sea gulls seem to always seem to settle into a bit of hovering and hanging out at Victory Park in Rumson.
Year after year, damp days or not, they always come back home, lie many this time of year.
It’s another familiar scene down by the river. You’ve seen it before. Take a look again … It never gets old.
— Elaine Van Develde
Photo/Marc Edelman, Facebook
Football season is winding up — or down — at RFH.
But it wasn’t always just about football at game time back in the day — as if that wasn’t enough. As tradition had it, there were always lots of things happening before, during and after games, whether on the field, off the field, around the bend or, well, in the parking lot. Yes, the parking lot.
Continue reading Retro RFH Girls’ Football Season Fun-Raising
Their faces are the faces at the core of a close-knit community.
They were neighbors, dads, and just plain friendly faces around the Rumson-Fair Haven area towns. They were also veterans.
Sunday is the day for honoring veterans — the 11th month, 11th day, 11th hour. That’s how the tradition goes.
Photo/George Day
Well, the soggy state of the area lately has been drying up and making way for some falling for fall activity — or not falling. In the last Retro Pic of the Day, we offered a glimpse back into RFH skateboarders doing some impressive balancing acts on the boards on an area street. Yes, it was Sycamore.
Turns out it was a weekly (or more) occurrence at the hands and boards of a few RFH pals.
The spirit of Halloween has officially swooped in on us like a wicked witch on a fired-up broomstick!
So, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day is, well, several pics in a slideshow of none other than the happy tricksters and treaters of RFH’s Class of ’78!
So, here’s to the retro spirit of haunting from a classic RFH gaggle of ghouls!
And, thanks to the fabulous George Day for these spectacular shots!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Halloween. That’s because it is.
So, everywhere in the Rumson-Fair Haven area there are reminders of the spooky season. Over the years, people have outdone decorations of the past and, in some cases, never managed to measure up to those unforgettable houses many of us visited as a kid.
So, to set the mood for the day, take a look back at some the finest Rumson-Fair Haven Halloween sightings. Your favorite? What tops these haunts? Your house? Send us a photo, if you dare!
Happy Halloween! (And don’t forget to click to enlarge and scroll!)
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde
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