Well, if a sunny Friday morning on the Shrewsbury River is any indication of what’s to come over this Fourth of July weekend, it’s all about celebrating some sunny days along with the birth of our nation.
According to the National Weather Service, the only exception to the good weekend weather case may be Saturday, as forecasters forecast some heavy rain and a bit of stormy weather. But, as for the rest of the holiday time, all’s sunny.
Happy Independence Day weekend, all! Enjoy and stay safe!
“Patrols responded to a car fire today (Wednesday) on Briarwood Road. Luckily, the operator was not injured. The Rumson Fire Department responded and swiftly knocked down the flames.”
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
Back Camera
Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright after Hurricane Sandy’s wind and rain stopped. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Stairways to Donovan’s in Sea Bright
Donovan’s Tiki hut
A snow-capped Donovan’s Reef Tiki Bar the winter after Hurricane Sandy
Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Prom proposal for a birthday girl at Victory Park in Rumson on Sunday. Photo/Maeve Bradley
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.
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.
Photo/RFH Youth Rugby
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.
• 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.
Photo/RFH Youth Rugby
• On Memorial Day, May 27, high school tackle rugby will come to Rumson for the first time as the RFH Youth Rugby Club hosts the 2017 NJ HS Rugby State Championships along with the states’ rugby governing body, RUGBY NJ at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Borden Stadium.
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.
John P. Kennedy Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home
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.
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!)
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