Tag Archives: feature

Local Life, News

Perspective: Woody, Sea Bright Sandy Survivor, On Joaquin

Fair Havenite and Sea Bright Woody’s Ocean Grille owner Chris Wood knows what havoc is wreaked by a superstorm hit.

He and his waterfront restaurant/bar weathered Sandy. Not only that, but Wood, a/k/a Woody, a longtime Rumson-Fair Haven area resident and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate, in the wake of Sandy started Sea Bright Rising in the Sea Bright municipal parking lot with a grill, some burgers and the help of his head chef Onofrio Moscato.

Looking back on his own Sandy experience, he offers, via a Facebook post, a calm-down perspective on Joaquin:

“As I look out my window right now at Woody’s I see the ocean and two news teams. Then I listen to those news people say, ‘Prepare for Joaquin’ or ‘Joaquin is barreling towards us.’ This is FAR from the truth.

“Unfortunately, we’re experiencing a very strong Nor Easter type storm (High pressure system meets Low pressure system coming up coast)…This is VERY common for us in Sea Bright.

“What is uncommon is the expected duration. (It may last 2 + days)……So unfortunately there will be some major beach erosion, high winds, rain and some coastal flooding. We’ve seen this before and yes it sucks…..

“But call it what it is and stop terrifying people by saying this is related to the Hurricane Joaquin. IT IS NOT. THANKFULLY it looks like that storm will pass.

“1: Hurricane Joaquin is STILL 1200 miles away as of 8am
2: The rain and wind we are experiencing now STILL has ZERO to do with Joaquin. (see above)
3: Joaquin has no similarities to Sandy at ALL…Thankfully NONE
4: The 5am National Hurricane Center has the eye drifting MUCH further East .The probability cone NOW has left front quadrant about 400 miles offshore…(this would be what impacts us if anything and it’s a weaker area of the storm)
5: The Front Right Quadrant is where the strongest winds and surge occur ….these will be HUNDERDS of miles to the East of NJ (this is one reason Sandy was so bad…we got the brunt of the front right quadrant along with lunar high tides)
6: Joaquin is not expected to be close to NJ until very early Monday. (still 4 days away)
7: The models STILL continue to trend East and we should have NO impact from Joaquin other than higher surf.
8: Time will tell and the models will probably change so watch NOAAs Hurricane Tracker and don’t believe all the hype.
9: Pray for the people in The Bahamas. They’re STILL getting hammered and will need help!”

Local Life, News

Joaquin Watch: Retro R-FH Area Post-Sandy

With Joaquin winding its way northeast, Rumson-Fair Haven area residents are hoping it the predicted path will stay on course and not become reminiscent of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath.

Despite the lack of similarities in storms, officials area urging preparedness with a since-Sandy “better-be-safe-than-sorry” mindset.

So, as a reminder that we made it through the worst in a storm, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect is taking a look back at the post-Sandy scene in Rumson, Fair Haven and Sea Bright.

For the latest from the National Weather Service, click here.

— Elaine Van Develde

Shrewsbury Police

Police Report Theft, Fraud

The following recent criminal incidents and arrests were reported by Shrewsbury police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Criminal Incidents

• There was a report of an identity theft in the area of Yale Boulevard on Sept. 21. The victim reported that someone fraudulently obtained and used credit in their name without consent.

Patrolman Ralph Latham is investigating.

• There was a report of a theft in the area of Beechtree Lane on Sept. 19. The victim reported that property valued at $329 (which was later recovered by Shrewsbury police) was stolen.

Patrolman Derek Myers is investigating.

 

Contempt of Court Arrests

• Luis F. Couto, 33, of Newark was arrested on Sept. 21 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue on a contempt of court warrant by Special Law Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Kless.

• Merlandia Narcisse, 21, of Asbury Park was arrested on Sept. 22 in the area of Broad Street on a contempt of court warrant by Special Law Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Kless.

Schools Scene

Lessons Learned by RFH Girls Soccer Team from Olympian Christie Rampone

It was a motivational moment for Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s female athletes — specifically, soccer players.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Christie Rampone on Monday made an appearance at a team practice at Rumson’s Meadowridge Field East.

During an informal session, Rampone described participation in high school soccer as a “privilege.”

Continue reading Lessons Learned by RFH Girls Soccer Team from Olympian Christie Rampone →

Local Life

Hail to the Fair Haven Chief on Retirement Eve

You could say that Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge’s days are numbered.

That’s because the chief’s last day of work is Wednesday.

At the end of the day, the Fair Haven native is hanging up his police chief’s hat and walking out of the office he first walked into decades ago as a kindergartener in the borough and years later set up office as a cop.

While he’s been mum on in what direction post-Fair Haven police retirement take him, Breckenridge looked back in a recent interview with much love for and pride in his work and community.

So, in honor of the chief’s last day, we take a look back at some moments in his career.

Best of luck, Chief!

Effective Oct. 1, Fair Haven Police Captain Joseph McGovern will become acting chief/captain.

For information on Darryl Breckenridge’s retirement dinner in October, click here.

Local Life

UPDATE: Holding Off on Gearing Up for Fair Haven Oktoberfest

UPDATE: Don’t get your lederhosen on just yet. Despite the rain-or-shine, move-forward original declaration, the event, due to uncertain Joaquin storm repercussions, Fair Haven Oktoberfest has been postponed, according to Councilwoman Susan Sorensen. 

Sorensen advised on the Fair Haven Facebook page that people should check the page for updates and a new date. 

Stay tuned.

Original story, posted on Sept. 29 …

Hoist up your lederhosen and grab your beer stein. It’s that time of the year again in Fair Haven — Oktoberfest time.

For the fourth year, The Foundation of Fair Haven (a 501C3 non-profit group) is sponsoring the fundraiser on Saturday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Smart Start Preschool and adjacent River Road municipal lot.

The proceeds of the adults-only event will benefit special community events, such as Fair Haven Day, some   borough capital improvements and other amenities.

“A very dedicated committee has been hard at work for many months and excited that the Fair Haven Oktoberfest has now become a fun outdoor fall tradition celebrating the Borough of Fair Haven,” Fair Haven Borough Councilwoman Susan Sorensen, also president of The Foundation, said. “We hope that the residents come out and support this event. We have some community restaurants providing authentic Oktoberfest food, a great local band, RipTide, providing music and, back by popular demand, the Pong Tournament.”

This year’s Oktoberfest will feature RipTide, traditional Oktoberfest food from local eateries, games, seasonal beer and sangria.

The cost for admission is $25 and includes the food and entertainment. The beer and sangria are to be purchased separately as is inclusion in games.

Tickets are available at Fair Haven Borough Hall or by contacting Sorensen at susan.sorensen6@gmail.com or via Facebook or blasts with a link.

Fair Haven Oktoberfest is a rain-or-shine event.

Local Life

Fair Haven Super Moon Gazing

Video

It was a lot of things — the full moon on Sunday was a harvest moon, a super moon, a blood moon and, yes, it was a moon in full eclipse mode to boot.

Skies were a bit hazy, but, post-eclipse, the moon managed to peek through and cast an irdescent glow.

Fans of the movie Moonstruck might simply call it “la bella luna.” Bella. Take a look.

Don’t forget to click on the lower right icon to enlarge!

— Elaine Van Develde

Middletown Police & Fire Files

Detour: West Front Street Milling & Paving

If you’re headed down West Front Street, from the border of Red Bank through Middletown, any time from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, you may need to find an alternate route.

The street will be closed overnight on four nights, from 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. from Monday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 2., according to a release from Middletown police.

During the closure hours NJ Natural Gas will be milling and paving the road from Hubbard Avenue, right across the West Front Street Bridge (or Hubbard’s Bridge) to Half Mile Road, which is a route to the Garden State Parkway.

The four-day overnight West Front Street closure marks the final phase of the improvements to the NJ Natural Gas infrastructure.

Police advise that drivers follow posted detours.

Red Bank Police & Fire Files

Police Report Theft, Burglary, Criminal Mischief, DWI, Drugs

The following recent criminal incidents and arrests were reported by Red Bank police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Criminal incidents

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred at a Waverly Place residence on Sept. 15. The victim reported that someone tampered with the front door lock and dead bolt, causing damage.

Patrolman Dawn Shield took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at Riverview Plaza on Sept. 15. The victim reported that while in the emergency room of the hospital, two prescription bottles containing medication and her social security card were stolen from her pocketbook.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred on Sept. 17 at a South Street residence. The caller reported that within the past 10 days, someone stole an antique armoire from the barn on her property.

Patrolman Gary Watson took the report.

• A robbery was reported to have occurred on Bridge Avenue on Sept. 18. There was a report of six black males assaulting three Hispanic people. Cash was reportedly stolen from the victims’ pockets and the perpetrators fled on foot.

Patrolman Benjamin Springer took the report.

Continue reading Police Report Theft, Burglary, Criminal Mischief, DWI, Drugs →

Rumson Police and Fire Files

Drug Drop-Off at Rumson PD

From Rumson police …

Got drugs? You can drop them off at the Rumson Police Department on Saturday.

The department is taking part in the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the 80 East River Road police headquarters.

People can drop off unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter pills and patches.

Liquids and/or sharp objects, such as needles, will not be accepted.

Middletown Police & Fire Files

Police Report Prostitution, Drug Arrests & More

The following recent arrests were made and reported by Middletown police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Crystal Sharkey, 26, of Bayview Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on Sept. 14 by Detective Keith Hirschbein and charged with prostitution and promoting prostitution.

She was released pending a court date.

• Peter Plein, 60, of Boulevard Lane in Glen Rock, was arrested on Sept. 14 by Detective Daniel Sullivan and charged with prostitution.

He was released pending a court date.

• Marie Finley, 35, of Prospect Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on Sept. 14 by Detective Lt. Paul Bailey and charged with providing false information to a police officer.

She was released pending a court date.

Continue reading Police Report Prostitution, Drug Arrests & More →