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The Memorial Day parade may have been rained out in Rumson, but those who fought for their country and lost their lives in war were remembered.
Take a look … (Don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
The rain may have stopped the Memorial Day parade, but Fair Haven folks still paid homage to those who lost their lives in war defending America.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect could not make the ceremony at Knollwood School on Monday, but signs of remembrance remained all over the borough on the drizzly day.
Take a look … (Click to enlarge.)
— Elaine Van Develde
It was like a scene out of The Wizard of Oz, with a wicked witch of a storm dropping a house on the spirits of Rumson-Fair Haven area locals. It was the scene of what many might call the Superstorm Sandy crime that devastated the Sea Bright peninsula and wiped out a decades-long iconic spot — Donovan’s Reef.
When the coast was literally clear of the storm’s wrath, locals flocked to the site to see what Sandy had spit out and left behind. They cried, reminisced, meditated on the jetty and gathered tiny scraps of memories made at the longtime RFHers’ hang-out.
The Retro Pic(s) of the Day take us back to Donovan’s in the aftermath of Sandy.
Laying on the ground were decades worth of remnants from a hut by the sea where many milestone memories were made. On the cusp of the iconic spot’s reopening, people wonder if the new and expanded hut by the sea will be a place to DO it again? Time will tell. Locals are poised for the fresh start. But, they always seem to look back on the good ol Donovan’s days.
What is your favorite Donovan’s memory from years gone by?
— Elaine Van Develde
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde
It’s day that many Rumson-Fair Haven area locals have been anticipating since the ravaging dawn of 2012’s Superstorm Sandy — the reopening of the devastated iconic Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright.
After many fits and starts, that day, save for any unforeseen issues, now appears to be set. It’s Saturday, a Twitter post confirmed, though with a praying hands emoji.
“4+ years ago we were washed away 
? thanks Sandy,” a post on the Donovan’s Facebook page says. “NOW, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can sit at the inside bar & take in this amazing view! Can’t wait to see you! Hope for no delays and we open MDW!”
Take a look at the progression since Sandy in the below photos …
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde
Despite a forecast that predicts a 40 percent chance of rain, Memorial Day services and parades have been set for Monday.
“The envelope, please …” as the saying at any awards ceremony usually goes. Last night it was the 12th annual Basie Awards and the winner was …
Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) Jake Rallo in the Best Supporting Actor in a Musical category for his role in Tarzan and Joe Esposito for Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical.
RFH was nominated for 17 awards this year.
Congrats to Jake and Joe! Keep breakin’ those legs!
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde
Tonight’s the night. It’s the 12th annual Basie Awards, celebrating the talent of area high school students and their mentors.
This year, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) actors, singers, musicians, directors, producers and tech crew have netted 17 nominations.
They are:
• Outstanding drama production, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight;
• Outstanding lead actor in a drama, Calvin Bruno, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight;
• Outstanding direction in a drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Suzanne Sweeney;
• Outstanding set design in a drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding lighting design in a drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Matthew Leddin;
Musical Productions
• Outstanding musical production, Tarzan;
• Outstanding lead actress in a musical, Rachel Makstein, Tarzan
• Outstanding supporting actor in a musical, Jake Rallo, Tarzan;
• Outstanding chorus, Tarzan;
• Outstanding featured ensemble group, Tarzan, The Gorillas;
• Outstanding featured ensemble group, Tarzan, Island Spirits;
• Outstanding student/adult orchestra, Tarzan, Amy Fredericks;
• Outstanding direction in a musical, Tarzan, Suzanne Sweeney;
• Outstanding choreography, Tarzan, Jen Costa;
• Outstanding set design in a musical, Tarzan, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding lighting design in a musical, Tarzan, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding musical direction, Tarzan, Amy Fredericks.
Call it a classic moment at the convenience store. It’s not every day that you pull into the 7-Eleven parking lot in Sea Bright and get a close-up gander of an old classic — car, that is.
Or, maybe it is. Could be that this car belongs to a local.
There have been quite a few classic sightings in the area intermittently. This one, though, we’ve never seen before.
Being slightly car illiterate, we’re not sure of the make and model of this one.
Anyone know? Know its owner?
Yes, we forgot to just look on the bumper or hood.
It’s a place where many a Rumsonite has spent many a simple, reflective or milestone moment and racked up many a vivid memory, from childhood through adulthood — the Navesink riverfront Victory Park.
The fair-to-great weather held out for fun times to be had by all who attended the Sea Bright Fire Department Carnival over the weekend.
Families and friends were riding with the good times in more ways than one.
Take a look … (Don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
Heat’s on. Top’s down. Spirits are riding high. Summer’s coming. So is RFH graduation. So are those last summer days with high school buds before college.
That last summer before college is a pivotal, cherished milestone. It’s all about making memories that last a lifetime. Even one ride, top down, top 10 hits blasting on an AM radio, belly laughs, pranks and soaring spirits makes an indelible mark in the heart. It’s a mark that always conjures up a smile and an exhale of content.
So, the Retro Pic of the Day is dedicated to that time with a look back to the summer of 1978, best of friends from RFH, a 1965 powder blue Mustang convertible and, well, a big ol’ grimace of good times’ remembrance.
Yes, your esteemed editor is one of these alligator shirt-clad cronies. Another is gone. And one is still a best bud.
The memories … they’re a best friend, too. Smile.
What kind of car did you cruise in back in those summer days? Favorite spots? Pranks?
This crew spent an inordinate amount of time egging unwitting young lovers on the beach, ordering a Ham Dinger (they had them at 7-11) and dancing with the top down just to annoy people making out on Scenic Drive.
— Elaine Van Develde
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