If you made it to the Fair Haven Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner last week, it probably brought back memories of those same guys as youngsters and their dads doing chef duty at the firehouse for many an event.
The marquee at the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company’s Firehouse is once again imparting the sad news of the passing of another of its longtime members — Philip Bianco.
Continue reading Services Set for Longtime Fair Havenite, Fire Company Member Phil Binaco
So the tradition goes … The annual NJ Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood was held at the end of last week.
And, by the looks of all the Facebook posts, a great time was had by all.
The convention has been a yearly mainstay for, well, many years. Call it an old tradition. And nothing goes with an old tradition like some good ol’ boys.
So, in keeping with the good ol’ tradition, the Retro Pic of the Day is a look back to 1967 and guys who were deemed “The Older Boys” of the Fair Haven Fire Volunteer Fire Company.
Today and tomorrow are the days Fair Havenites are spending saying goodbye to lifetime resident Chum Chandler, who was also a 65-year member of the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company.
So, we felt it only fitting to honor Chum and his wife Bette, who predeceased him in 1996, in today’s Retro Pic of the Day.
The two were married on Sept. 25, 1955, daughter Carol Chandler-West said in a Facebook post.
“I was blessed with two special parents, and for giving me a wonderful life,” she said. “God Bless!!!”
RIP, Chum and Bette Chandler.
It’s comfort food and company for the soul — the annual Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company’s Spaghetti Dinner.
The trek up those steps at the firehouse sets off a surge of soothing memories for any longtime Fair Havenite. The smell of sauce simmering on the stove, the familiar sound of a banquet room full of friends, the sight of the good ladies of the auxiliary serving meals and the kitchen … oh, the kitchen, where the guys who made the spaghetti and meatballs keep things cooking.
Then there’s Angelo, meatball master supreme. He watches over everything and keeps it all good.
Take a look at our slideshow above to get a glimpse into the evening and all things fine at the firehouse. Mangia!
Oh, and don’t forget to click the icon on the bottom right of the slideshow to enlarge it and get a full view!
The upcoming weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area is flush with fun, festivity, remembrance and tradition.
To start, on Saturday …
• It’s been a longtime tradition of the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company — the annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.
The sauce and meatballs are prepared under the tutelage of 85-year-old Angelo DePonti, a Red Bank friend of Fair Haven who has been a social member of the fire company for 25 years.
“I was born to cook and I love sharing my recipe and food with so many,” Angelo says.
The meal of spaghetti and meatballs, salad Italian bread, soft drinks and homemade desserts is made and served by firemen, Ladies’ Auxiliary members and fire cadets.
The dinner, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the firehouse on River Road, is BYOB and costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Oh, and take-out is available.
Mangia!
• Later on Saturday night, as a prelude to Sunday’s Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the parade’s Investiture Cocktail Reception fundraiser from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.
Tickets are $75. The price includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
And on Sunday …
• The third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches into town beginning at 1 p.m.
The parade lines up at Victory Park and then proceeds east on River Road for about 1 mile to Piping Rock Park.
Last year, police estimated that there was a crowd of roughly 7,000.
• Also on Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. RFHers may pay their respects to former RFH teacher and coach Hal Lorme.
The service is being held from 3 to 5 p.m., with a prayer service at 4:30, at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank.
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