One passenger was airlifted to a trauma center after the VNA van at right collided with the dump truck, at left. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
A passenger injured when a tour van collided with a dump truck in Rumson Thursday is in critical condition, authorities said Friday.
Details about the incident remained undisclosed as authorities withheld the identity of the victim, by name, age, town of residence or gender. The passenger was transported by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune after the crash.
Nine people were in the Visiting Nurse Association van, said First Assistant Prosecutor Rick Incremona of the Monmouth County Prosecutor‘s office, which is investigating. Two incurred minor injuries, he said.
No charges have been filed, said Incremona, who declined to identify the van’s driver.
RED BANK:Reservoir Doggs come sniffing around the Downtown. The four-piece cover band plays hits by ’80s idols such as Bon Jovi and Guns ‘N Roses as well as modern day top 40 rockers Nickelback and Foo Fighters. The cover is $10 and the show begins at 9 p.m. 10 West Front Street.
Contractors swarming Chapel Beach Club in Sea Bright on Thursday. Below, a lifeguard boat at the ready at Surfider Beach Club. (Photos by Wil Fulton. Click to enlarge)
By WIL FULTON
Seven months after Hurricane Sandy slammed ashore, Sea Bright enters the summer of 2013 far from fully recovered, with many buildings and storefronts still boarded up or demolished.
But there is ample evidence of rebuilding, and hope in the air, as the weather warms and more and more people begin to show up at the shore community.
“For all our losses, we managed to keep our customers,” said Frank Bain, owner of Bain’s Hardware, one of the first businesses on Ocean Avenue to reopen after the hurricane. “Business has been steady since we opened our doors. It’s safe to say the shop is back to normal. We’re here, and we’re ready for the upcoming season.”
Suzanne Viscomi, who last week quit-without-quitting the Red Bank council race, confirmed Thursday that she won’t run as either a Republican or an independent.
Viscomi told redbankgreen by phone that she would officially be dropping out of the race as a Republican. That leaves ex-running mate Cindy Burnham alone on the GOP ticket against Democratic incumbents Kathy Horgan and Sharon Lee.
“There were reports I might run as an independent,” Viscomi said, “but I’m not going to run this year. I wanted to serve on the council as a member of the Republican party, but that didn’t work out. I still want to be a watchdog for the community, though.”
The sign outside Little Silver surf shop Brave New World on Oceanport Avenue was destroyed by a fire caused by an electrical short at about 8:45 Wednesday night, according to store employee – and volunteer firefighter – Clayton Smith. (Click to enlarge)
Emergency personnel place the victim in a MONOC helicopter that landed at Rumson-Fair Haven regional to transport her to Jersey Shore Medical Center. The damaged van, below. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
A Visiting Nurse Association van carrying “multiple” sightseers on an annual tour of grand homes smashed into a dump truck in Rumson early Thursday afternoon, seriously injuring one passenger.
The victim, who was not immediately identified, was transported by MONOC helicopter to the trauma center at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, said police Chief Scott Paterson.
Two other passengers may have also been taken to a hospital lesser injuries, said Paterson, who added that information was still being gathered by investigators shortly before 3 p.m.
Look Back Antiques is seeking permission to do business on the town’s tiny boardwalk on weekends this summer. (Click to enlarge)
By WIL FULTON
Sea Bright business owners struggling to reopen their stores damaged by Hurricane Sandy will be allowed to operate from mobile trailers under a measure approved by the borough council this week.
And one merchant is angling for permission to sell her wares from a tent on the town’s tiny boardwalk on weekends this summer.
Paul Finkler is severing his ties with Pizza Fusion and rebranding his Broad Street restaurant Earth Pizza. (Click to enlarge)
By ROBERT KERN
You might call it a pizza “de-fusing.”
Just three years after opening a Pizza Fusion franchise in Red Bank, owner Paul Finkler is cutting the chains and rebranding his newly independent Broad Street restaurant as Earth Pizza.
Dissolving ties to a franchisor may seem daring, but Finkler looked at the restrictions imposed by the chain versus his desire to meet the needs of his customers, and said he knew what he had to do.
“Pizza Fusion is a franchise like McDonald’s is a franchise, and they don’t like people tinkering with the menu,” Finkler tells redbankgreen. “I wanted to give my customers what they were asking for, like more gluten-free and more vegan options. Being in a franchise, my hands were tied.”
The colorfully painted 55-gallon drums shown in last week’s Where Have I Seen This, as noted by reader Ginni Koehler, are part of the outdoor decorations and mini-farm in front of Pop’s Garage, the Mexican restaurant in the Grove West shopping center in Shrewsbury.
A Sea Bright man was arrested Wednesday and charged with ripping off the Federal Emergency Management Administration by racking up hotel charges he didn’t deserve, authorities announced.
Bill Nagle, 51, of Center Street, was charged with defrauding FEMA of more than $12,000 under a Transitional Shelter Assistance program, according to a press release by Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni.
Young runners on Broad Street in Red Bank on Wednesday afternoon. Speaking of running… the 20th edition of the George Sheehan Classic comes to town on Saturday, June 15. (Video by John T. Ward)
The male, just a few days old, checks out healthwise, according to the Humane Society. (Click to enlarge)
[See correction below]
An ailing baby deer was found in the playground of the Shrewsbury School Creative Learning Center in Shrewsbury Wednesday morning, borough animal control officer Henry Perez tells redbankgreen.
The fawn, “just a few days old,” was lethargic and undernourished, Perez said.
The deer’s mother was nowhere to be seen, he said.
An Asbury Park man was arrested Tuesday after he bolted from the upscale Garmany clothing store with nine leather belts worth $2,725, Red Bank police said Wednesday.
Activity reports for April, 2013, unedited, as provided by the Little Silver Police Department.
April 1- A resident from Manson Pl. reported Fraud after he discovered some fraudulent charges on his credit card after vacationing out of the country. Sgt. Martin Scherzinger and Det. Greg Oliva investigated.
April 2- Morgan Karalewich, 23, of Shrewsbury, NJ, was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on Oceanport Ave. for an active Contempt of Court warrant out of the Oceanport Municipal Court. P.O. Peter Giblin made the arrest.
Recent activity reports, unedited, as provided by the Middletown Township Police Department.
• Pietro Amato, age 37, from Leonardville Road in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2013 by Patrolman Albert Scott for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.
• Julio Nieto, age 50, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Shoplifting from the Shop Rite Store. He was released pending a court date.
• George Echevarria, age 21, from Monmouth Parkway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2013 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Long Branch Municipal Court. He was held on $542.00 bail.
05.25 - AAUW Used Booksale Thousands of best sellers, children's books, paperbacks, DVDs and more at bargain basement prices — as the American Association of University Women used book sale continues every Saturday (except holidays) in the spacious basement of the Old First Church in Middletown.
05.25 - Spring Book Sale at Eastern Branch The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury hosts the annual sale, running during normal library hours for one more day only.
05.25 - One on One Help with Your Resume at RBPL Red Bank Public Library offers hourlong sessions by appointment with librarian volunteers, who assist job seekers with creating or updating a resume to compete effectively in today's job market. Please call or visit the Reference Desk to sign up for this free program.
05.25 - American Sign Language for Tweens The Middletown Main Library hosts a series of ASL instruction workshops for ages 8 to 12 (with tween instructors Sarah and Phoebe), each Sunday afternoon in May. Registration is required (click for phone and email links).
05.25 - Summer Comedy Benefit at the Basie, starring Artie Lange and Rich Vos The nonprofit Rebuild Seaside organization presents the first in a series of shows at the Count Basie, dedicated to post Sandy rebuilding efforts in and around the Ocean County resort of Seaside Heights. Rich Vos (TV's Last Comic Standing) emcees a show that toplines the Red Bank return of king of most media (and Toms River resident) Artie Lange, plus Bonnie McFarlane, Chris DeStefano and Dave Saitzyk.
05.25 - The Haven Appearing for some Saturday night sets, at Walt Street Pub.
05.26 - Sunday Morning Dialog at UUCMC As part of its May series of guest speaker events, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County in Lincroft hosts a group of homeschooling moms, in a discussion entitled 'Homeschooling in NJ, Not As Crazy As You Think.' Preceded at 8:45am with serving of bagels and coffee in the community room.
05.26 - Red Bank Farmers Market Fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers, plus equally homegrown crafts, at this Sunday morning staple running May through the end of November in the Galleria parking lot.
05.26 - The Ribeye Brothers It's a Memorial Weekend tradition: classics like 'D.W.I.' and 'Drinkin' and Stinkin;' selections from the new release CALL OF THE SCRAPHEAP, and other prime cuts of red meat from the leaner (but no less meaner) poobahs of punk/ swamp/ garage frenzy — served up with gusto (and with The Neverly Brothers opening) outside The Dub.
05.26 - Open Mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan The Sunday night event is THE place to find musicians congregating, hanging out, trying new ideas, cutting up on some classics and generally enjoying one of the MUST events for Jersey Shore music fans.
05.27 - Shrewsbury Borough Memorial Day Observation All are invited to the annual ceremony at Patriot Isle (corner of Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue), with the event followed by refreshments at Shrewsbury Hose Company #1 on Route 35, also the site for the ceremony in case of rain. Click for phone link to more info.
05.27 - River Rats Community Picnic in Fair Haven The 'River Rats' of the Fair Haven Sailing Club invite local residents to join them for a community cookout following the Memorial Day Parade, beginning 11:30 am at the club’s site (foot of Batten Road, next to the Fair Haven launching ramp). Hot dogs, cold drinks and dessert provided free of charge, with applications available for families interested in sailing lessons for their children this summer. Click for link to more info on the River Rats sail training programs for adults and children, or how to join and store your kayak.
05.27 - Pat Guadagno at Jamian's A Monday night Red Bank tradition continues, as the Shore's celebrated 'saloon singer' resumes his weekly solo sets to Jamian's Food & Drink.
05.28 - Story Time with Kate Benedict The Little Silver Librarian hosts weekly story sessions for Toddler (ages 2 to 3; 9:30am), Baby (ages 10 to 24 months; 10:30am), Preschool (ages 3 to 5 years; 1:30pm) and School Age (grades K and up; 3:39pm) audiences.
05.28 - PC Roundtable at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts the monthly Brookdale Computer Users Group workshop for intermediate and advanced users, with an opportunity to 'discuss problems you are having with your computer with the experts.'
05.29 - Noble Writers at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the writing group for women, with all welcome to join and no registration required.
05.29 - Max and Ruby Story Marathon The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch invites grades K and up to listen to lovable bunny stories y Rosemary Wells. Space is limited; registration required.
05.29 - Conversational Spanish Classs at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday evening program (conducted by Maria Jose Martinez Reid) for adults and teens who want to start or improve their Spanish speaking skills. No registration required.
05.29 - Your Health Benefits Checkup In observance of Older Americans Month, the Red Bank Public Library hosts a free program presented by the National Council on Aging and Alcoeur Gardens. Register by phone or at the Reference Desk.
05.29 - National Book Award Author Nathaniel Philbrick in Fair Haven River Road Books hosts the National Book Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist, in a reading and signing of his new book BUNKER HILL at the nearby Nauvoo Grill Club on Fair Haven Road. Reservations required; call 732.747.9455.
05.29 - Bill Burr A frequent flyer on talk shows, TV series (BREAKING BAD), movies and podcasts takes it to the Basie boards for a debut headline set.
05.29 - Reggae Night with Random Test A Wednesday night tradition in Red Bank continues, as the Shore based partystarters bring the warm and the cool to Jamian's Food & Drink.
05.30 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Thursday morning meeting of the support group for people who are re—entering the job market, struggling small business owners and anyone looking for part—time or volunteer work.
05.30 - Book Club at Oceanic Library Helen Simonson's debut novel MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND is the topic for dicussion, as Cynthia Dannen invites readers to the monthly session at the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson. Registration recommended; light refreshments served.
05.30 - Teen Jazz Coffee House at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a Thursday evening session featuring students from Middletown High School North, under the guidance of Mike Coppolla.
05.30 - Yoga Kids at RBPL The Avice Noblett Children's Room at Red Bank Public Library hosts free yoga sesions for kids ages 5 and up, conducted by Alice Balzarini. Registration required; bring your own mat.
05.30 - Rock N Roll Karaoke The band from NYC's Arlene's Grocery hosts this popular weekly feature at The Downtown, in which civilian hopefuls can front a hard—rocking combo on any of a couple hundred classic rock favorites.
05.31 - Yoga for Adults Amy Novak leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
05.31 - Friday Knitters at Oceanic Library Crocheters are welcome too, as the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson invites needlecraft enthusiasts of all levels to bring your projects to show and share.
05.31 - Riverfest Food and Music Festival Returning to Marine Park for 2013, the three day smorgasbord of savory tastes, savvy sounds, sensational activities and sunsets opens (beginning at 5pm) with food from some 20 local favorite restaurants and vendors; a Rock the River Waterfront Stage (hosted by Musicians on a Mission), plus Navesink River cruises, an Artisan's Alley, kiddie rides, and more. Live music tonight by Red Bank School of Rock, Eryn Shewell, Secret Sound and Motor City Revue; click for link to more details.
06.05 - Red Bank Regional High Board of Ed Workshop meetings held first Wednesday of the month; regular meetings on third Wednesdays, both in the Conference Room of the Administration Building. Time: 8:00 pm
One passenger was airlifted to a trauma center after the VNA van at right collided with the dump truck, at left. (Click to enlarge)
