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Focus: RFH Class of ’79 & Good Times

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If the song fits …

It was the summer of ’79. Bean bag chairs and Sony Walkmans were cool. Trivial Pursuit was launched. McDonald’s introduced its Happy Meal. A gallon of gas cost 79 cents. Disco dancing was still cruising in popularity. And the number one song on the charts on Aug. 17, 1979 was Good Times.

In Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) land, good times are exactly what a bunch of seniors who had just graduated in June were after. It was that summer of senior year — a summer of fun, milestones and memories. Lifetime connectors.

Bonds. Time. Trends. Music. Dance. Good Times was fitting in that summer of ’79. They were all good times; even the worst were the best. And four decades later, the song was the perfect time capsule to capture the RFH Class of ’79’s 40th reunion on that day, Aug. 17.

In RFH land, while bean bag chairs and Walkmans weren’t spotted on the gala weekend (that may still being going) and games of Trivial Pursuit were likely not played. The class was still cruising around the towns to the old haunts, like Barnacle Bill’s, Undici (formerly the ol’ Hook, Line & Sinker hangout), Even Tide, Salt Creek Grille, Donovan’s and just about any other of their hometown streets. The alligator shirts, topsiders and Rumson Roulette belts have since fazed out, but those good times live on.

“These are those good times! Leave your cares behind” and take a look … (and don’t forget to click to enlarge!)

Thanks to Jackie Iglesias Leslie and Karen Apy for the photos! Congrats on your reuniting, RFH Class of ’79!

Local Life, Opinion

Simple Summer: Gone Fishing

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We’ve said it before and now we’ll say it again …

It’s summertime and the living is, well, let’s say pretty fishy if you live in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

In fact, it’s downright status quo when you grow up in the area to do so with some sand between your toes, a fishing pole over your shoulder, a crabbing net and trap and a bucket in which to tote your catch home — even if that catch is a couple of river rocks, some seaweed and a dried out crab shell.

It’s part of the magic of living by the Navesink River — growing up Rumson-Fair Haven style.

It’s a simple concept. And it’s one of those fabulous things in life that’s free. A walk, a view, a little fishing for a great summer day.

So, the Simple Summer feature today is all about fishing for some fun down by the river — honing in on a little spot by and on the Fair Haven Dock.

The catch is a keeper.

Take a look at our slideshow above for the whole picture. (And don’t forget to click on the lower right icon to enlarge!) See you down by the river!

Local Life

A Toast of Remembrance: Fair Haven’s Joe T.

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Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Nobody’s gotta worry ’bout nothing
Don’t go hitting that panic button
It ain’t near as bad as you think
Everything’s gonna be alright
Alright, alright

Kenny Chesney ~ Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

They called him Joe T. He never hit the panic button. And he was more than alright … with a smile, a nod, a laugh and a reassuring pat on the back.

He was a loving husband. He was a devoted dad. He was a dedicated volunteer. He was a calming presence. He was a jokester. He was a beacon of hope, inspiration, fun and laughter. He was a loyal friend. He was just plain, no-nonsesense full of life. And, last year, he lost his life. But, longtime Fair Havenite and Fire Department/First Aid Squad guy Joe Truex lives on in the memories he made with purpose. He was toasted by loved ones in a “never forget” tribute party on Friday night, the one-year anniversary of his death, organized by his wife, Ethel Hodgkiss Truex.

Continue reading A Toast of Remembrance: Fair Haven’s Joe T. →
Local Life

Happy Retro Easter Times

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No matter the religious belief, Easter and spring both signify rebirth. And there are many festive traditions and celebrations surrounding it all.

Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of Rumson-Fair Haven area people donning their best Easter outfits, bonnets and all, hunting for chocolate and eggs, prizes and even a few Peeps. And then there are those visits with that freakish Easter Bunny and tussles at the hunts that provoke the most classic of miserable children poses.

But, most of all, it’s a time to reflect on new beginnings giving birth from the most treasured of memories. Here are some from our friends and neighbors over the years …

Happy Easter! Happy spring! Happy blooming!

Local Life

Focus: Maddy Massabni’s Birthday Gifting

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It was a milestone birthday meant to embrace and roll softly away with the tide, the color, the sunshine, the love, the reminder of her …

Twenty-one pink roses in hand, they walked from Maddy Massabni’s home to her favorite spot on the beach at Anchorage in Sea Bright. They were the loved ones of the Rumson teen who passed away suddenly two years ago on March 30, just three days after her 19th birthday, from toxic shock syndrome.

Maddy would have turned 21 on March 27. That’s why there were 21 pink roses, her favorite. For those who could get to the beach, there was a poem read by Maddy’s mom, Dawn, and a little celebration with hugs, tears, gratitude and a tossing of the roses into the surf Maddy so loved. Out with the tide.

Those who couldn’t be at the beach, celebrated Maddy’s 21st by creating their own home memorials, gravitating to a body of water to signify the Sea Bright spot or just displaying a single pink rose, even giving one to someone to brighten their day unknowingly with Maddy’s love.

In Maddy’s memory, a non-profit foundation dubbed Don’t Shock Me has been created to raise awareness of toxic shock and pay Maddy’s kind spirit forward. Stay tuned for more on that. In the meantime, Happy Birthday, Maddy Massabni! You are remembered.

Take a look at snippets of the celebration in photos from friends and remember … (Don’t forget to click on each to enlarge!)