The Memorial Day parade may have been rained out in Rumson, but those who fought for their country and lost their lives in war were remembered.
Take a look … (Don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
It’s day that many Rumson-Fair Haven area locals have been anticipating since the ravaging dawn of 2012’s Superstorm Sandy — the reopening of the devastated iconic Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright.
After many fits and starts, that day, save for any unforeseen issues, now appears to be set. It’s Saturday, a Twitter post confirmed, though with a praying hands emoji.
“4+ years ago we were washed away 
? thanks Sandy,” a post on the Donovan’s Facebook page says. “NOW, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can sit at the inside bar & take in this amazing view! Can’t wait to see you! Hope for no delays and we open MDW!”
Take a look at the progression since Sandy in the below photos …
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde
Despite a forecast that predicts a 40 percent chance of rain, Memorial Day services and parades have been set for Monday.
It’s a place where many a Rumsonite has spent many a simple, reflective or milestone moment and racked up many a vivid memory, from childhood through adulthood — the Navesink riverfront Victory Park.
“Are we there yet?” That’s what Fair Haven Police Cpl. John Waltz was likely chanting on Friday as he feverishly rode his bike on the last, probably sore, leg of his journey in the Police Unity Tour. Destination: the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Continue reading A Fair Haven Officer’s Police Unity Tour Trek
Rugby has gained popularity in America lately, and its sports appeal has kicked in with kid players and adult coaches in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
RFH Youth Rugby, under the umbrella of Jersey Shore Youth Rugby Association, has kicked off its spring season with a camp session and has more in store.
Here’s what’s happening:
• The first day of spring youth rugby camp was held at the Community Center fields in Fair Haven on May 7 with a great turnout, organizers said. The camp comprises a co-ed, non-tackle, flag rugby program for kids kindergarten age through 8 that runs until the middle of June on Sunday afternoons.
The teams play in the fall and spring and the organization hosts many free rugby clinics throughout Monmouth County and is scheduled to hold weekly summer rugby camps through area rec programs in July.
Check the organization’s website at www.jerseyshoreyouthrugby.org or its facebook page for more information.
• The Spring Rugby Fundraising Mixer will be held on Thursday night, May 11, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Fair Haven Knights of Columbus Hall, Fair Haven Road. The $35 admission includes appetizers, beer, wine and soda.
The day will feature an exhibition match of the U16 Blue and Gold Division Boys, followed by the Boys HS Gold Division (Single School Division) and the Blue Division (Community Based) programs which will determine the 2017 NJ HS State Champions.
Also, an exhibition youth flag rugby match featuring kids from the Jersey Shore Youth Rugby Association. The RFH Youth Rugby Club will also participate in the competition.
Match times are to be announced, but an afternoon start time is anticipated. Student ticket prices are $3 for advance purchase and $5 at the door. Adult tickets are $6 for advance purchase and $8 at the door. The snack shack will be open serving hot dogs, hamburgers, cold soda, candy, baked goods, etc.
Check out www.jerseyshoreyouthrugby.org for more info about the championship games, youth rugby programs in the area, and to purchase tickets.
Former longtime Rumson resident John P. Kennedy passed away peacefully on April 27 after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 81.
Born in Brooklyn, John moved to Rumson at the age of 5. In his later years, until his death, he lived in Oceanport. John graduated from Holy Cross Grammar School and Red Bank Catholic (RBC) High School.
A basketball player at RBC, he had many fond memories of his experiences on the hard court, which ultimately led to his volunteer coaching roles at Holy Cross and various other youth basketball leagues, his obituary said.
John was a 25-year volunteer and past president of the Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Company. He was also in the Army Reserve.
Before retiring from Henderson Brothers on the New York Stock Exchange in 2000, John worked for JCP&L for many years.
In his retirement years, he enjoyed “playing golf, walking the boardwalk, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events,” his obituary added.
John was predeceased by: his parents, John and Mary Kennedy, of Rumson; his twin brother, Eugene, of Rumson and Middletown; and his brother, Edward, Red Bank.
John is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Patricia Gerrity Kennedy; sons, JP Kennedy, of Sea Bright, Kevin E. Kennedy, of Red Bank, Gregg J. Kennedy (and his wife, Amanda), of Rumson, son Kyle L. Kennedy (and wife Lori Valvano, of Hoboken; daughter, Kerry Kennedy Kroll (and husband Kevin), of Michigan/South Carolina; and grandchildren, Karleigh Kroll House (and husband Nicholas), Brendan Kroll, Jimmy Kennedy, Wesley Kennedy, Maren Kennedy, and Mason Kennedy.
He is also survived by: Frances Kennedy, the wife of his late brother Eugene; and Patricia Kennedy, the wife of his late brother Edward; and nieces/nephews, friends, and former NYSE colleagues.
A mass celebrating John’s life will be scheduled for the future. The family gratefully acknowledges The Bayside Manor Nursing Home Staff and the Hospice Staff for the care, comfort, and assistance provided during his illness. The Thompson Memorial Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
— Obituary provided by Thompson Memorial Home
Continue reading Former Longtime Rumsonite John P. Kennedy Passes Away at 81
The following April arrests were reported by Rumson police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction. Continue reading Rumson Police Report: Burglary, Eluding, Fraud, Juvenile DUI
Yes, it’s just another Rumson sunset.
With the weather leaping from spring to summer sort of temperatures, lots of people flocked to Barnacle Bill’s for dinner on Wednesday night. Though, that’s not so unusual.
Another thing that’s not so unusual is the pristine view of the sunset over the Navesink River. It just doesn’t get old.
So, why not grab a couple of glimpses as the ball of fire retreats below the horizon? Why not, indeed.
Good night …
Take a look at the rapid progression … (And don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
Sunday was a great day for romp by the river and a little hunt for Easter eggs in Rumson.
Hundreds got set and went on the run for eggs at Victory Park where spring had clearly sprung in a celebratory way.
With the sound of the fire horn, kids in two different age groups hippy hopped to gather their goodies while gobbling up all the sun and fun they could.
Take a look … (And don’t forget to click on the photos to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
After a week peppered with foul weather, forecasters are seeing the light — sunlight — peering through and making way for some weekend activity in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
Continue reading The R-FH Area Weekend: Egg Hunting & Street Fair
When it comes to show biz, sometimes in the RFH area, just sometimes, it’s a family affair. Sometimes it just is.
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