Tag Archives: Rumson

Focus: Through the … Barnacle’s Wreath

Perspective. It’s all about perspective, especially when it comes to a familiar riverfront scene in Rumson. No matter what way you look at it, it’ll light you up from inside.

So focusing on the sunset view from one simple holiday vantage point offers a closer look at being home for the holidays. Staying there, always in the heart.

This time, sitting at a high-top with a Barnacle Bill’s view through a wreath wraps it up — the gift. Sun down, lights up, the reflection is all about home and the little glints we will never miss if we keep the memories alive through our lone perspective — our view.

The flicker of even one light on a wreath’s full circle lens mesmerizes. It smiles and winks back with a bright flash. A glimmer of a memory gleams. It warms. It never blinds.

Seeing the light often means looking back, focusing on that one teensy, mammoth view of one moment in time.

Once upon a time, the best of teenage girlfriends guffawed over bad engagement pictures in the paper and awful boys. They nursed some coffee and a basket of fried zucchini sticks, satiated by the salty company. Shelling peanuts and rolling them in sea salt on their crumpled paper placemats, they mused about one day missing their misadventures, about coming home after college, about coming back to their table, to their time. They always came back, even when they could no longer sit together. One left at the table, the two still came back with the flash. The view focused, full circle, bright, never lost on either of them.

Look for yours … (click, enlarge, scroll) through the … wreath.

— Photos & reflective piece/Elaine Van Develde

There’s some light in the weekend weather forecast. Here it is, from the National Weather Service. Shine on, view …

In Memoriam: Former Longtime Rumsonite, Deane-Porter Teacher, Marilyn Wuestefeld, 80

Former longtime Rumsonite and Deane-Porter Elementary School teacher, Marilyn Showler Wuestefeld, passed away on Dec. 7 at Hackensack Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation, Shrewsbury, after a long illness. She was 80.

Continue reading In Memoriam: Former Longtime Rumsonite, Deane-Porter Teacher, Marilyn Wuestefeld, 80

In Memoriam: RFH Grad, Red Bank Resident Barbara Joan Gallagher Bogart, 76

Red Bank resident and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate Barbara Joan Gallagher Bogart passed away on Monday, Dec. 6 at Riverview Medical Center. She was 76.

Barbara Joan Gallagher Bogart
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home
Continue reading In Memoriam: RFH Grad, Red Bank Resident Barbara Joan Gallagher Bogart, 76

Focus: Waiting for Santa in Rumson

Santa Claus, Tim McLoone & the Shirleys, school choruses and a lot of festivity came to Victory Park at the usual spot on Sunday for the resurrection of the annual tree lighting.

R-FH Retro got a good glimpse into the pre-show fun. Take a look … (And don’t forget to click on one photo to enlarge and scroll. Enjoy!)

Focus: A Festive Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree

“Thank God it’s F … ugly Christmas sweater time!” That could have been the mantra for at least one crew of holiday revelers on Friday night at Murphy’s Tavern in Rumson.

All dressed up with somewhere to go, donning their special attire, a partying bunch burst onto an otherwise quiet scene at the old speakeasy and got busy showing and telling about their fun and ugly Christmas sweaters. Call them fugly.

There was showcasing, socializing, lots of festiveness and prizes, too. We’re not sure who won, but a glimpse into the scene at the classic side door Rumson hangout offers an idea of who may have. It’s more fun to guess than to know. This way, everyone gets a good look at all the sweaters.

So, cheers to a little ho, ho, hooooocus pocus of the magical season. Check out the all warm and fuzzy holiday fun wrapped in some festive sweaters. (And don’t forget to CLICK on ONE photo in the upper gallery to enlarge and scroll through. Enjoy!)

Who’s the winner in your starry holiday eyes?

Old News: Politics, ‘Hootch,’ Hallowe’en, Hoopla & Pranksters

Woolworth’s Halloween costume ad of 1975/Red Bank Register

Living in the past. Sometimes you just have to live a little … in the past. It’s an eye-opening, or -stabbing, thing. Nothing wrong with a clearer view or jab.

Yet, when someone is told they’re living in the past, it’s usually considered somewhat of an insult. It implies that the person is paralyzed, incapable of moving forward. Not always true, especially when it comes to old news.

Continue reading Old News: Politics, ‘Hootch,’ Hallowe’en, Hoopla & Pranksters