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Local Life

Christmas in July in Sea Bright

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Sunday was Christmas … in July … in Sea Bright.

If you wandered into the municipal parking lot in the borough, you’d see and hear evidence of the event — you’d hear the music and see the giant polar-themed inflatable slides and candy-centric bouncy house.

And what would Christmas in July be without Mr. and Mrs. Claus? Well, probably just a Christmas without the Clauses. But, they were there — a summery Hawiian version of the couple, that is.

Some wandered onto the beach and a few bopped on the boardwalk to the festive DJ tunes blasting.

Take a look.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Sidewalk Sales, Campout & Christmas

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The sun is out. It’s supposed to stay out. And there are lots of things to do in the great outdoors this weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

Here’s the line-up …

Friday

• The 61st Annual Red Bank Sidewalk Sale, sponsored by RiverCenter, is ongoing, starting today.

If you’re in the mood for what RiverCenter boasts are the best bargains under the sun, literally, take a stroll through the streets of Red Bank and look around.

Participating merchants on Front, Broad and Monmouth streets will have everything out there for you from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Hanga Loose Fridays continue at Umberto’s on River Road in Fair Haven.

The fun and conversation, in honor of Silvio Fabbri’s memory and love of community, all start at 7 p.m.

Saturday

• If you feel like being a waterborne for a bit and you’d like to be up a lake with a paddle, you can rent a canoe at Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of Middletown and cruise on Marlu Lake via the Monmouth County Park System from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and/or Sundays.

The cost is $15 for two hours and up to three people in a canoe.

• And, don’t forget Fair Havenites that Saturday night is the annual campout at Fair Haven Fields.

Bring your tent and gear. The fun starts at 7 p.m., but we’re told people tend to get there earlier.

• The Red Bank Sidewalk Sale continues.

• There’s a church service by St. George’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on the beach at Anchorage in Sea Bright at 5 p.m.

Sunday 

• The Red Bank Farmers Market is on in the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring all sorts of organic produce, baked goods, crafts and more.

• The last day for the Red Bank Sidewalk Sale. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Oh, and if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit under the sun, make sure you hit the beach in Sea Bright for the borough’s Christmas in July on the Sea Bright Public Beach at 5 p.m..

Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be there along with lots of activities, eats and a sand castle building contest to boot.

• The movie Elf is showing on the Sea Bright beach at sundown.

Police and Fire

Police: Several Arrested on Contempt Charges

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The following recent arrests were made and reported by Middletown police:

• James Cook, 53, of North Washington Avenue in Wilkes Barre, PA, was arrested on July 14 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $1,000 bail.

• Paul Blouin, 55, of Beach Street in Rockaway, NY, was arrested on July 15 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown, Northfield, Bass River, Sayreville and Wall municipal courts.

He was held on $5,502 bail.

• Candace Read, 35, of Railroad Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on July 15 by Detective Keith Hirschbein on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

She was held on $501 bail.

• Patrick Weinheimer, 32, of Mary Mind Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on July 15 by Detective Daniel Sullivan on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

He was held on $501 bail.

• Teresa Fennell, 52, of Grand Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on July 15 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $500 bail.

• Thomas Schnoor, 19, of Glenmary Avenue in the Leonardo section of Middletown, was arrested on July 15 by Detective Daniel Sullivan on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Chad Hacker, 41, of Day Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on July 15 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Howell Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Paige Coward, 53, of Latham Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on July 16 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $500 bail.

• Timothy Kitson, 42, of Van Gelder Street in Tamaqua, PA, was arrested on July 16 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on contempt of court warrants issued by the Woodbridge, Union Beach, Newark and Holmdel municipal courts.

He was held on $6,850 bail.

• Nickya Sanchez-Williams, 37, of Center Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on July 17 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $250 bail.

• Kristina Bufano, 52, of Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, was arrested on July 17 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Marlboro Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $350 bail.

 

Local Life

A ‘Bounty’ Win at Sea Bright Farmers Market

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Well, the Sea Bright Farmers Market was flush with people and sun on Thursday.

Most usual vendors were there. Central Valley Farm folks told many that the corn was, yes, Jersey fresh, as were several other pickings.

There was a lot of other organic produce, like beets, that corn, onions, garlic, scallions, tomatoes, kale, tiny sugar plums, peaches and more, of course.

But, over at the Baker’s Bounty stand, they assured us that not only was everything organic, from flour, to fruit, to produce and eggs, but the onion rye was a major favorite.

Well, we took them up on that and they were right! YUM! Crusty, pretty and tasty.

So, needless to say, the onion rye from Baker’s Bounty is our foodie pick of the week.

The organization has been family owned since 1978 — a favorite year of this RFH foodie.

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Local Life

Fair Haven Wins Third Place in County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition

Fair Haven Fire Department won third place in the 2015 Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition Photo/FHFD Facebook photo
Fair Haven Fire Department won third place in the 2015 Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition
Photo/FHFD Facebook photo

Making sure they first recognized first-place winning Shrewsbury Hose Co. No. 1, Fair Haven Fire Department announced on Facebook Wednesday night that it came in third in the Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition.

It looks like, according to another posted photo, there were 13 companies from the county competing.

Fair Haven’s combined time was 32:06 — 20:00 first round and 12.06 second.

Congrats Fair Haven firefighters!

— Photo/Fair Haven Fire Department, Facebook page

Local Life

Skylight: Lazy, Hazy Riverfront

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It was dusk. The humidity about to break, the sky down by the Navesink River in Fair Haven took on a personality all its own.

There was vivid color. There were cumulus creatures congregating. There was solitude. And, as is a fortunate status quo for those who live or grew up in the area, there was the sound of a singular boat docking and teen chatter about another “awesome” day on the river.

Yes. Awesome.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Chillin’ With Donovan’s

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There are a couple of things people in the Rumson-Fair Haven area couldn’t wait for after a long, snowy winter — summer and the reopening of Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright.

Well, both have happened. In fact, Monday was the hottest day of the summer yet, according to National Weather Service stats. And Donovan’s Tiki bar is back on the beach.

So, just to cool you down a little and serve as a gratitude nudge, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day offer a glimpse back to a cool snowfall on what was left of Donovan’s (which was pretty much flattened buildings and the Tiki hut) the winter after Hurricane Sandy’s devastation of the iconic place.

The sky had an orange hue that day that seemed to paint it with hope. It made snow look invitingly warm and for what was a chilling scene for Donovan’s devotees.

Well, it’s back and sporting the literal sign of the undaunted “Sandy Who?”

Donovan’s has brought a lot of friends and couples together over the years. It’s a tradition, really, for Rumson-Fair Haven area people. Did you meet your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, BFF or some other significant other or others in your life at Donovan’s? Yes? Of course, yes!

Tell us your story and send us your Donovan’s pics or email us at evd@rfhretro.com. We’re putting together a Donovan’s Connection slideshow.

— Elaine Van Develde

Crime, Police and Fire

Crime Close By: Police Report Rash of Business Burglaries

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The following criminal recent incidents were reported by Red Bank police.

• A theft was reported to have occurred on July 10 at a North Bridge Avenue parking lot. The victim reported that someone stole her purse, containing paperwork, sunglasses, a charger and more, from a parked car.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on July 10 at a Mechanic Street parking lot. Juveniles were observed lighting a fire cracker on the trunk of a parked vehicle, causing damage to it.

Patrolman David Smith took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a Leroy Place residence on July 11. The victim reported that a Play Station and cash was stolen from their apartment.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari took the report.

• A robbery was reported to have occurred on July 14 in the area of River Street and Tilton Avenue. A cab driver reported that an unknown male passenger pulled a gun on him and demanded all his money. The driver reported that he turned over $86 in cash and the perpetrator fled.

Patrolman Ashon Lovick took the report.

• An attempted burglary was reported to have occurred at a West Bergen Place business between July 14 and 15. An unknown perpetrator reportedly tried to gain access into a building. The window was broken ad the door had pry marks on it. No entry was gained.

Lt. Robert Clayton investigated.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at a Newman Springs Road business. An unknown perpetrator broke the glass door in, gained entry and stole cash from the register.

Patrolman Sean Hauschildt, Lt. Eliot Ramos and Inv. Heather Pubylski responded.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at an East Newman Springs Road restaurant. An unknown perpetrator(s) gained entry into the  restaurant by smashing glass in the front door. Once inside, the register drawer was pulled open and cash stolen.

Patrolman Sean Hauschildt, Inv. Heather Pubylski and Lt. Eliot Ramos responded.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at a Maple Avenue business. An unknown perpetrator(s) pried front door to business open and gained entry. Three desks were damaged and broken into and a large amount of cash was stolen.

Patrolman Nicholas Maletto and Sgt. Wendy Samis responded.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 14 and 15 at a Newman Springs Road business. The perpetrator(s) gained entry into the business by forcing the front door open. Once inside, the register was removed and cash was stolen.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari and Sgt. Joey Fields responded.

Police and Fire, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police: Rumson Man Jailed Over Two July Assaults, Robbery

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The robbery and assault of a cab driver in Rumson early Friday morning ended in a Rumson man being held in jail over that and another alleged assault incident earlier in the month on a total of $150,000 bail, Rumson police said on Monday.

Phillip Sturner, 30, of Rumson, was arrested and charged with second-degree robbery, simple assault (DP), and theft of services (DP) for the July 17 incident.

He was also charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and false imprisonment in stemming from a July 5 incident that had been under investigation in which he allegedly assaulted two victims at his residence.

Bail was set, by Judge Honora Kilgallen J.S.C., at $50,000 for the July 17 incident and $100,000 for the July 5 incident, police reported.

In connection with the July 17 incident, another alleged perpetrator in the assault and robbery of the cabbie, Christopher Sutphen, 19, of Monmouth Beach, was arrested and charged with second-degree robbery, simple assault (DP) and theft of services (DP), police said.

Sutphen was also held in Monmouth Correctional Institution in lieu of $50,000 bail, set by Judge Honora Kilgallen J.S.C.

Police responded to the July 17 incident when at 3:08 a.m. they were dispatched to the area of Church and First Street “for a report of a fight in the street,” police said.

Upon arrival, police found two men with injuries — a cab driver and Sturner. EMS was called to the scene to treat the injured. In the meantime, a witness at the scene reported that another alleged perpetrator, who turned out to be identified as Sutphen, had fled.

Sutphen was found by an assisting unit of Little Silver police in the area of 15 First Street.

The cab driver — victim — was treated at Riverview Medical Center and released.

An investigation by Patrolman Anthony Ciambrone and Detective Christopher Isherwood determined that Sutphen was the alleged perpetrator of another assault incident on July 5.

That incident was reported to have occurred after a 1:30 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call was made to Monmouth County dispatch, which handles area emergency calls, sending Rumson Police Patrolman Daniel Campanella and Special Officer Class II to the area  of East River Road and Carton Street, where they found a man in his vehicle having sustained severe facial injuries, Detective Christopher Isherwood said.

Further investigation by Isherwood and Campanella revealed that the victim found at the scene and another had allegedly been assaulted by Sturner at his residence.

 

 

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Report Marijuana Possession, DWI Arrests & Incidents

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The following June arrests and incidents were reported by Fair Haven police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• A Ridge Road resident reported on June 4 that several hundred dollars were stolen from his vehicle.

Patrolman Dwayne Reevey took the theft report.

• Jeffrey S. Kowal Jr., 19, of Red Bank, was arrested on June 7 following a traffic stop and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphilia, underage possession of alcohol and weapons possession (knife) by Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson.

Kowal was released pending a court appearance at Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• Zoilo J. Gonzalez III, 26, of Shrewsbury, was arrested on June 7 following a traffic stop and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, speeding and failure to produce a driver’s license by Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson.

Gonzalez was released pending an appearance at Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• A Fair Haven Road resident reported on June 9 that an unknown subject attempted to have a credit card opened under a fraudulent name using the victim’s address.

Detective Stephen Schneider took the report.

• Peter Delamos, 76, of Fair Haven was stopped on June 19 for a traffic violation and found to have and outstanding traffic warrant out of Ocean Township.

He  was transported to headquarters were bail was paid in full before his release. Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson was the arresting officer.

• Conor Murphy, 23, of Belford, was arrested on June 19 following a traffic stop and charged with driving while intoxicated and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana by Patrolman Dwayne Reevey.

Murphy was later released pending a Fair Haven Municipal Court appearance.

• A Clay Street resident reported on June 25 that an unknown subject stole a bicycle out of her driveway the previous evening.

Sgt. Jesse Dykstra took the theft report.

• A Park Lane resident reported on June 30 that his personal bank accounts had several fraudulent withdrawals by an unknown person.

Patrolman John Koetzner took the report.

Police and Fire

SUV Takes a Dive into the River in Rumson

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From Rumson police …

Today at 1:01 p.m., Lt. Christopher York and Officer Michael Berger were dispatched to the Rumson Municipal Boat Ramp for a vehicle that was completely submerged in water.

The driver of the vehicle informed the officers that while he was attempting to launch his boat, at the Municipal Boat Ramp, his vehicle shifted into gear and drove into the water with the boat and trailer attached.

The vehicle was not occupied, while this occurred, and no one was injured.

The Rumson Police Department was assisted by Sgt. Boyd and Trp I Espinoza of the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau along with Hennessey’s Towing and Tow Boat of Atlantic Highlands.

— Photos/courtesy of Rumson police via Facebook

Local Life

A Palmy Friday in Sea Bright

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They seem to be showing up everywhere. Palm trees.

No, it’s not Florida or the Caribbean. It’s Sea Bright. Maybe it’s because the skies are clearer lately that it’s more noticeable somehow, but it seems awfully palmy in Sea Bright — not that there’s anything wrong with that, as the Seinfeld saying goes.

The transplanted palms have actually been a trend on area beaches for some time now. Still, they just seemed to stick out like a sore palm (OK, corny) on Friday. Sore seems to be the right word, since they seem a bit unhealthy. And there are no coconuts!

Take a look. Do you like them or do you think Jersey should stick with a more native planting?