One of Red Bank’s culinary gems, the Farmers’ Market at the Galleria at Red Bank, returns for its second outing of the season this Sunday with more vendors than at any time in the past: 45, according to George Sourlis, whose family owns the Galleria.
“We’re packing them in tighter, with some new vendors we hope will be successful, and just hoping for good weather,” Sourlis tells redbankgreen. And no, he says, the market won’t be displaced this season by the family’s plans to erect a parking garage on the site, on West Front Street at Shrewsbury Avenue.
The market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. into mid-November and features locally grown produce and flowers. (Click to enlarge)
After a seven-month shutdown, the Oceanic Bridge linking Rumson and Middletown was to open for vehicle traffic sometime around noon Friday, having been opened for pedestrians and bikers at mid-morning.
Fair Haven resident Ben Hamilton, right, noting that “there are more dignitaries here than audience,” said he knows business owners who have been “suffering in silence” over the duration of the closure and will be glad to have it back in service. (Photos by Stacie Fanelli. Click to enlarge)
The Fair Haven office is one of just five for the locally focused bank. (Click to enlarge)
By MIKE BARON
The shareholders of Rumson-Fair Haven Bank & Trust have spoken, and they apparently aren’t all that worried that hedge fund honcho George Hall is going to turn the their well-heeled area into a Pottersville.
Hall is the founder of investment firm Clinton Group, which has more than $2.5 billion in assets under management, according to its website. On May 11, he won his battle to remove William Barrett as chairman of of the five-branch bank after an independent judge finalized the results of the bank’s annual shareholder vote. Hall is replacing Barrett on the board, and a new chairman is set to be chosen when the bank’s directors meet on Monday.
While the area is undoubtedly a far cry from Bedford Falls, the fictional setting of the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Barrett had reportedly likened Hall to Henry Potter, the film’s villain, amid criticism by Hall that the bank wasn’t doing enough local lending.
The board found the proposed hotel exceeds the height limits of the waterfront development zone along the Navesink River. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Adding yet another twist to what’s already the most convoluted building request in recent Red Bank history, the borough zoning board ruled Thursday night that a proposed 72-room hotel on the Navesink River exceeds height limitations.
In a trial-like case that turned on questions of property frontage and where streets begin and end, the board rejected the contention by Hampton Hotel developer RBank Capital LLC that the hotel site fronts on Route 35, rather than Rector Place, and should be subject to a height limit of 85 feet above mean high tide, rather than 60 feet.
The board’s 6-1 rejection of those arguments appear to mean that Rbank will have to either shear off several floors of the six-story structure or start its application all over again, abandoning a series of hearings now on hold at the planning board.
Answer to last week’s Where: those decorative panels showing arrow-dodging zebras are in the the front window of Silberstein Interior Designs on Broad Street (Route 35) in Shrewsbury.
Reader Susan McLaughlin shared some fun facts about the design:
Red Bank police arrested five adults on narcotics and other charges in a raid on Spring Street apartment Wednesday evening, the department announced Thursday.
A loaded handgun, drugs and cash were confiscated in the execution of a search warrant at the apartment, said Captain Darren McConnell.
The raid was the was the culmination of an investigation conducted by Sergeatnt Robert Clayton into narcotic distribution at the residence, McConnell sai.
Firefighters found the blaze strongest at the northwest corner of the house, as seen from a neighboring backyard, above, and from Hudson Avenue, below. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Two Red Bank families escaped safely as a predawn fire tore through a Hudson Avenue house Thursday.
One half of the structure, at 46-48 Hudson, was fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after 3 a.m., said fire Chief Josh Sanders.
Police patrol units, which were already there, reported that the occupants had escaped safely, he said.
Olivia Mullen ducked into a Red Bank store to get out of the wind so she could recite a bit of the Bard forredbankgreenearlier this week.
By DANIELLE TEPPER
As Olivia Mullen knows, the works of William Shakespeare are a fundamental component of any acting student’s growth as a performer. The Red Bank Catholic junior has shared passions for drama and music, and to her ear, Shakespeare embodies both.
“Shakespeare’s work is beautiful,” she told redbankgreen this week. “It comes to me almost like a song. I’m not nervous performing it.”
After months of arguing that Fair Haven’s tree ordinance is unconstitutional and needs to be put through a chipper, borough Councilman Bob Marchese is now proposing that it be dug up, balled and relocated.
That, he said, would at least begin to address the law’s most problematic elements, as demonstrated by a recent brouhaha over a 100-foot tulip poplar.
The installation of Red Bank RiverCenter’s first new ‘grafitti-proof’ information kiosk on English Plaza isn’t even finished and it’s already had an unauthorized poster pasted over it.
RiverCenter executive director Nancy Adams, who was unaware of the poster, said a notice would be included in the kiosk letting event organizers know their Red Bank events could be advertised inside the glass, and that all other attachments would be removed “just like the countless other stickers and posters we have to take off poles and signs every day.” (Click to enlarge)
Recent activity reports, unedited, as provided by the Middletown Township Police Department.
• Frane Pesa, age 20, from Sunset Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Holmdel Municipal Courts. He was held on $1,750.00 bail.
• Nicole Welch, age 27, from Bergen Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan and Patrolman Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $1,000.00 bail.
Ashley DuPré embarked on a new life Monday with the opening of Femme by Ashley, her Red Bank swimwear and lingerie boutique, below. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Can a Jersey Girl whose work as a 22-year-old prostitute helped derail a political career in spectacular fashion return home and remake herself as a small-town retailer?
Four years after her high-priced hotel romps with Eliot Spitzer dynamited his tenure as governor of New York and made her infamous, Ashley Dupré says she turned a page Monday with the opening of Femme by Ashley, a lingerie and swimwear boutique on the choicest block in downtown Red Bank.
The shop, Dupré told redbankgreen in an exclusive interview, “is almost like the beginning of the rest of my life.
“I made a bunch of mistakes when I was younger, and I feel like, for the first time in my life, I’m growing into an adult, and I’m really excited about that,” she said.
A Red Bank man arrested last August as an alleged member of guns and heroin distribution ring has been indicted by a Monmouth County grand jury, the county prosecutor announced Monday morning.
Russell Vann, 54, right, was one of 20 defendants named as alleged members of “a criminal enterprise responsible for the distribution significant quantities of heroin and the trafficking of firearms,” Prosecutor Peter E. Warshaw, Jr. said in a prepared announcement.
Two other men arrested in the sweep and previously identified as Red Bank residents were not named in the indictment. They are Charles Dixon, 54, and Raymond Jackson, 41.
Navesink River Rowing member Katya Hanson, above, gives some guidance on oar handling to Susan Skeans at the Red Bank club’s annual open house on the Navesink Saturday. At right, Ann Marie Carton of Middletown, a college rower who joined NRR for summer, tunes up. (Click to enlarge)
05.21 - Free movies at MTPL: WAR HORSE Middletown Main Library hosts a free screening of the recent Steven Spielberg film (starring David Thewlis and Benedict Cumberpatch) from the children's novel and hit Broadway play.
05.21 - Approaching Poetry: American Poetry Since 1945 In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library in Shrewsbury hosts another in a weekly series providing an introduction to American poetry in the Post WWII era. Please register at library.
05.21 - Pat Guadagno at Jamian's A Monday night Red Bank tradition continues, as the Shore's celebrated 'saloon singer' moves his weekly solo sets to Jamian's Food & Drink.
05.22 - Navesink Business Group Open House 'Taking Care of Our Own' is the theme as dozens of Red Bank area businesses of all sizes and types come together for an evening of networking at Two River Theater, with a 'focus on helping recently returned veterans gain employment with non—government entities and provide an outlet for them to speak with local business owners regarding career advancement.' Free admission, with numerous discounted services to veterans from local business owners. All proceeds from a food/ wine/ gift auction go to Operation Homefront and Red Bank nonprofit Lunch Break.
05.23 - MY WONDERFUL DAY The work of one of the world's most popular (and prolific) playwrights comes to the Two River Theater stage, via Alan Ayckbourn's 'frenetic domestic farce of marital infidelity, volcanic egos, and comic misunderstandings' in a rich TV personality's household — as seen through the fully observant eyes of the house cleaner's 9 year old daughter. Shows at 1pm and 7pm.
05.23 - Caregiver Support Group at Red Bank Library The RBPL hosts Colleen Smith of the Monmouth County Office on Aging in a free informational presentation, aimed at those who care for aged family members or other elderly citizens. Call 732.308.3770 x8780 for more info.
05.23 - 2012 Basie Awards The Count Basie Foundation's 7th annual awards honoring excellence in Monmouth County high school theater features performances excerpted from the nominated shows and plenty of guest presenters.
05.23 - 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.
05.23 - MAD Wednesday at The Downtown Music, Art & Drafts Wednesdays continue at The Downtown, where upstairs you'll find bargain priced domestic drafts, plus 'some of the best local and touring musical acts along with amazing artists from the tri—state area' — starting at 9pm.
05.24 - New Jersey State of the Shore The Sea Gulls Nest on Sandy Hook is the setting for the 10th annual presentation by NJ Sea Grant Consortium, on the state of our local shoreline in preparation for the 2012 summer beach season.
05.24 - Drawing and painting with Rocco Scibetta The artist hosts a Thursday night series in May at Red Bank Public Library. Registration required; sign up in person or by calling 732.842.0690.
05.24 - Revival feat. Seacoast Mass Choir at Pilgrim Baptist Red Bank's Pilgrim Baptist Church invites all members of the community to a Revival performance by the Seacoast Mass Choir, capping the 2012 Lecture Series (coordinated by the Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor) on the theme of 'Relevant Church Leadership for the 21st Century.' Call 732.747.2343 for more info.
05.24 - Pat Guadagno's BOBFEST With the 14th annual musical celebration of Bob Dylan's birthday (the young upstart is 71 years of age here in 2012), the Shore's perennial 'saloon singer' brings his signature concert event to the big Basie stage and auditorium for the first time, with Tired Horses in tow and NJ 101.5's Big Joe Henry taking advantage of the spacious new digs. Proceeds benefit the Rock & Roll Music Fund and the Anthony X. Guadagno Scholarship Fund at the Berklee College of Music.
05.24 - MY WONDERFUL DAY The work of one of the world's most popular (and prolific) playwrights comes to the Two River Theater stage, via Alan Ayckbourn's 'frenetic domestic farce of marital infidelity, volcanic egos, and comic misunderstandings' in a rich TV personality's household — as seen through the fully observant eyes of the house cleaner's 9 year old daughter.
05.24 - Grateful Thursdays at Jamian's It's Dead around here: a Thursday night tradition in Red Bank continues, as a rotating roster of acts joins likeminded friends at Jamian's Food & Drink.
05.24 - 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.
05.25 - Yoga for Adults Amy Richardson leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
05.25 - MY WONDERFUL DAY The work of one of the world's most popular (and prolific) playwrights comes to the Two River Theater stage, via Alan Ayckbourn's 'frenetic domestic farce of marital infidelity, volcanic egos, and comic misunderstandings' in a rich TV personality's household — as seen through the fully observant eyes of the house cleaner's 9 year old daughter.
05.25 - Reckless Steamy Nights in Red Bank The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation hosts the cool and collected combo known as Tri City Jazz, as the latest in a renewed monthly series of BYOB house parties at the old Anthony Reckless Estate. Proceeds benefit the scholarship programs of the JSJBF and the Woman's Club.
05.26 - Run to Hear 5K Race at Thompson Park RESERVE NOW for June 9. The Middletown Lions Club Charitable Foundation hosts a 5K run/walk event to raise funds for the organization's free hearing aid program, open to runners and walkers of all ages, and presented at Thompson Park in Lincroft on a course that mixes grass, dirt trail and paved surfaces. Medials and trophies will be awarded in all age groups, with tee shirts to all registrants and a drawing for a 1000 dollar scholarship. Click for phone and web links to register.
05.26 - Robotics Programming Workshop at MTPL Middletown Main Library and the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Club of the Monmouth County 4H invite kids ages 10 to 15 to 'learn skills in engineering, design, & development to program robots, while developing critical thinking faculties.' Workshop limited to 12 participants; register in advance online or by phone.
05.26 - Auto Show and Motorcycle Meet in Middletown REGISTER NOW for June 30. The Middletown Lions Club hosts the 7th annual event to benefit the club's Charitable Foundation (which in turn supports a wide variety of locally based nonprofits), with a display of classic chrome in the parking lot of Middletown Shopping Center (Route 35 North and New Monmouth Road). All classes of vehicles including stock, custom, antique, hot rod, collector, imports, luxury, and trucks are encouraged in addition to motorcycles. Click for phone or email links to register a vehicle in the show; admission to the public is free and rain date is Sunday, July 1.
05.26 - MY WONDERFUL DAY The work of one of the world's most popular (and prolific) playwrights comes to the Two River Theater stage, via Alan Ayckbourn's 'frenetic domestic farce of marital infidelity, volcanic egos, and comic misunderstandings' in a rich TV personality's household — as seen through the fully observant eyes of the house cleaner's 9 year old daughter. Shows at 3pm and 8pm.
05.26 - Benefit Concert at Monmouth Conservatory REGISTER BY MAY 26. On the afternoon of Saturday, June 2, Red Bank's Monmouth Conservatory of Music hosts its annual fundraiser concert, featuring violinist Mark Peskanov and pianist Nina Kogan in a program of works by Brahms, Beethoven, Prokofiev and Bizet—Sarasate. A Meet the Artists reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres follows; seating is limited, so click for phone and email links to advance registration.
05.26 - 2nd Annual Summer Car Show Series at BCC The Brookdale Community College Automotive Department hosts the continuation of the monthly event, with music, food and a trophy competition, all of it weather permitting out in Parking Lot 6 on the Lincroft campus.
05.26 - Glen Campbell The legendary singer and guitarist is on the road one more time with his much publicized Goodbye Tour — and the Red Bank audience has one more opportunity to catch the Grammy winning favorite performing a span of hits from a 50 year career, including 'Gentle on My Mind,' 'Wichita Lineman,' 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix,' 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Southern Nights.'
05.26 - Bob Burger at Walt Street Pub The bespectacled Burgermaster of all music (and friend to the scary famous) returns to station stop Red Bank for some Saturday night sets.
05.27 - 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.
05.27 - RBR Teen Performance at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts students from Red Bank Regional High School's Academy of Visual and Performing Arts as they share original works in music, poetry and drama.
05.27 - MY WONDERFUL DAY The work of one of the world's most popular (and prolific) playwrights comes to the Two River Theater stage, via Alan Ayckbourn's 'frenetic domestic farce of marital infidelity, volcanic egos, and comic misunderstandings' in a rich TV personality's household — as seen through the fully observant eyes of the house cleaner's 9 year old daughter.
05.27 - Steve Winwood SOLD OUT! Last time this multiple Grammy winner and Britrock ambassador rolled into Red Bank with his tour bus, he braved an epic blizzard — and with the seasonal weather on his side this time, he'll surely deliver a relentless 50 year retrospective of signature songs from the Spencer Davis Group ('Gimme Some Lovin'), Traffic ('Dear Mr. Fantasy'), Blind Faith ('Can't Find My Way Back Home') and his impressive run of 1980s solo hits ('Higher Love,' 'Back in the High Life').
05.27 - 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.
05.23 - Little Silver Environmental Commission The Environmental Commission is an advisory body to the Planning/Zoning Board and to the Mayor and Council. Its goal is to protect Little Silver’s natural resources and open space by preventing the degradation of the environment through improper use of the land and water. Time: 7:30 pm
05.24 - Red Bank Municipal Court A weekly exercise in indignation and regret known as justice that assembles in the Council chambers. Time: 8:30 am
05.24 - Red Bank Rent Leveling Board Decides disputes between landlords and tenants involving the rent control ordinance on the fourth Thursday of every month in the Council chambers, 90 Monmouth Street. Time: 7:30 pm
06.04 - Rumson Planning Board The Planning Board of the Borough of Rumson holds its regular monthly meetings for the transaction of public business, including formal action, on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Charles S. Callman Hall Courtroom at Borough Hall, 80 East River Road (*except when a holiday interferes) Time: 7:30 pm
06.05 - Fair Haven Recreation Commission The mission of Fair Haven Parks & Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for the members of our community through diverse, year—round leisure opportunities. Time: 7:00 pm
06.05 - Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee The Veteran’s Affairs Committee, established in 2011, is responsible for reporting the concerns of veterans to the governing body, providing information on local state and federal veteran’s programs and making recommendations on how to best meet the needs of veterans. Time: 7:00 pm
One of Red Bank’s culinary gems, the Farmers’ Market at the Galleria at Red Bank, returns for its second outing of the season this Sunday with more vendors than at any time in the past: 45, according to George Sourlis, whose family owns the Galleria.
