It’s been said umpteen times, so why not say it again? There’s nothing quite as comforting to a Rumson-Fair Haven area native as the sights and subtle sounds down by the river at nightfall.
The gently lapping water. A conversation in the distance. A boat docking. A favorite spot for an exhale. River Rats’ place. Everyone’s place. An anchor.
Take a look and feel the comforting lull of home …
— Elaine Van Develde
It’s been a steamy, scalding few days. And, down by the river in Fair Haven, the sun hasn’t taken a break from a typical scorching summer’s day.
Sometimes all you need is a little boat, a lot of heart and some solace in a river ride at sunset. That’s what it was all about for at least one lone kayaker on Monday night … and likely many before and after.
The sky was colorful and the scene was a serene one at the River Rats boat launch in Fair Haven. It’s a picture that countless native Rumson and Fair Havenites have been in. It’s worth more than a thousand words but needs very few.
Take a look and transport back to your last river ride …
— Elaine Van Develde
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.
From the Sea Bright side, overlooking the West Park section of Rumson and Gunning Island this morning, skies were blue and clear as the NJ State Marine Police patrolled the Shrewsbury and boaters boated.
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!
— Elaine Van Develde
Well, the rain didn’t hold out for Fair Haven’s Knollwood School Class of 2017, but, by the looks of things, it didn’t dampen the graduates’ spirits Monday night.
The graduation is and always has been indoors. But, a gaggle of guys and girls from the class gathered after the ceremony for a traditional photo down at Fair Haven Dock and a few others at the ol’ homesteads of grads, captured by mom Jenny Costello.
She said it was raining on the dock, but the grads persevered all in the name of that classic milestone snapshot … and a few more.
Take a look … and if you have any photos you’d like us to add to our gallery, please send them to us at evd@rfhretro.com.
Congrats to the Knollwood Class of 2017!
It’s sunset at the riverfront in Fair Haven. A sea of anchored sailboats cast a shadow on the Navesink River at low tide. The sound of the river lapping onto the shore is rhythmic, soothing. The site of a solitary row ashore is a sign that it’s time to take it all in and exhale a content sigh that this is home.
See for yourself …
— Elaine Van Develde
Before the Pomp and Circumstance, those backstage moments with graduates are like that cumulative, final high five among friends — the smiles, the tears, the jokes, the barbs … up to that walk to the diploma and the goodbye to high school.
Continue reading Focus: RFH Class of 2017 Graduation … Before the Walk
It all started six years ago with a centennial celebration. Now, six years later, a community tradition begun continues — Fair Haven Day.
The weather was more than fair for the annual fete, bringing community cohorts together to celebrate the borough they’ve made home.
There was plenty of sunshine, food, drink, festivities and fun to be had.
Take a look … (And DON’T FORGET TO ClICK TO ENLARGE!)
— Elaine Van Develde
What would a Donovan’s Reef reopening be without a spotting of its unofficial, or official, mascot — the iconic guy about town everyone knows as Dizzy Dave?
Well, lots of area folks were there for Sunday’s (delayed from Saturday) grand reopening. And, while it was pretty packed and running into Dave was tantamount to playing a giant game of Where’s Waldo, one devout Donovan’s fan, Gerry Ryan, found him and struck the classic pose.
Ryan’s wife, former Red Bank Councilwoman Grace Cangemi Ryan, grabbed the photo op and shared it with Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect.
Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl told us he was there as well, but, no roving photographers seemed to capture him, either. He said he did not see Dizzy. “It’s surprising that I didn’t,” Ekdahl said on Memorial Day. “He’s pretty hard to miss!”
The new place got a thumbs up from the mayor. The Ryans and all other locals and fans we spoke with gave the new Donovan’s rave reviews.
Now, where’s Dizzy Dave?
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
The rain may have stopped the Memorial Day parade, but Fair Haven folks still paid homage to those who lost their lives in war defending America.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect could not make the ceremony at Knollwood School on Monday, but signs of remembrance remained all over the borough on the drizzly day.
Take a look … (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
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