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)
Lucas Sileno, 8, played catch with his dad, Phil, below, as Red Bank fifth- and sixth-graders faced off in an opening-day game Saturday. (Photos by Danielle Tepper. Click to enlarge)
By DANIELLE TEPPER
Red Bank’s Parks and Recreation department held its second annual baseball/softball day at Count Basie Fields Saturday to promote the town’s sports programs and to entice kids to sign up.
After several years of rebuilding, the department was able to field a seventh- and eighth-grade boys team for the first time in decade, parks & rec director Memone Crystian tells redbankgreen.
“Our objective is to get Red Bank kids playing through to the high school level,” she said, to the background sounds of hardballs landing in leather mitts. “To do that, we need to get them interested, which is why we’re having a day like today.”
Kathleen Fox-Smith chats with a customer on opening day of her Little Silver shop last Friday. (Click to enlarge)
By DANIELLE TEPPER
Home Depot, Costco, PetSmart: With their enormous inventories, the big-box-stores that transformed American retailing in the 1990s destroyed innumerable small, local businesses along the way. They also forced customers to travel farther for the privilege of finding what they need at unbeatable prices.
Kathleen Fox-Smith has chafed against the tradeoff for years.
“I have three dogs, and the nearest major pet store is PetSmart on Route 36″ in Eatontown, says the Little Silver resident. “It’s not that far, but it’s just a nuisance to go over there.”
So, answering a deep desire to own an animal-related business and her belief that area pet owners are ready to again shop locally, Fox-Smith has decided to take on the giants in her own, small way.
The crime reports below were provided by the Red Bank Police Department for the period of May 4 to May 11, 2012. This information is unedited.
Criminal Mischief occurring on 5-5-12 at Spring St. parking lot. Victim reported that unknown person(s) dented parked vehicle and shoe prints were visible on the car. Ptl. Michael Zadlock.
Theft occurring on 4-29-12 at Riverview Plaza. Report that unknown person(s) stole a
diamond and sapphire ring from patient while in the hospital. Sgt. Robert Gannon.
A sewerage authority representative said a line on the Fair Haven beach near the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club, in background, is slated for replacement but is not leaking. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Mark Lockwood spent the night on his boat at the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club in Fair Haven Friday, and woke to the sight of a Navesink River gone brown. The worst kind of brown, he thought.
Though it didn’t smell, it appeared to be human waste, he said.
“It was disgusting,” he told a Fair Haven police officer who’d come to the club to investigate Saturday evening. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’ve been on this river all my life.”
Ben Hamilton, whose home abuts the club property, said he had never seen anything like it, either.
But whatever they saw, it wasn’t from the town’s sanitary sewer, said an official with the regional sewerage authority that serves the borough. And it may have been pollen.
Jessica Dalmedo working her new juice bar at Fairwinds Deli Friday. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Two years after losing her teaching job in a budget squeeze, a Rumson woman has reinvented herself as a squeezer of fresh fruits, wheat grass and other healthy ingredients.
Red Bank School of Rock manager Janet Wheeler tells us she was taking a photo of her studio’s Pink Bank finery Wednesday when this vehicle drove by unexpectedly. (Click to enlarge)
Susan Heyward stars as Winnie, the “nearly nine year old” central character in the comedy MY WONDERFUL DAY, by Alan Ayckbourn, below.
By TOM CHESEK
As the author of nearly 80 produced plays, he’s been a magnet for gleaming trophies, plaques and medallions that include the Tony, the Olivier and the Moliere Award, not to mention five honorary doctorates and — what was that other one? Oh yeah, a knighthood.
You’d think then with all of that precious metal clanking about, Sir Alan Ayckbourn might make a healthy amount of noise on this side of the Atlantic. But regrettably, the works of the dramatist best known for the Norman Conquests trilogy and Absurd Person Singular are apparently in no danger of challenging the likes of Nunsense for dominance outside of America’s biggest cities and universities.
Beginning Tuesday, May 15, Two River Theater Company endeavors to change all that — as indeed they’ve worked to change the standard set of expectations for a “suburban” stage operation — when the professional troupe caps its 2011-2012 mainstage season with a new production of the 2009 comedy My Wonderful Day.
A week of pink-themed fun-and-fundraising events in support of breast cancer prevention concluded in Red Bank with the annual Girls’ Night Out party at the Downtown Thursday night.
The final event on the the multi-town Pink Weekcalendar is a Zumba workout in Holmdel on Saturday. (Click to enlarge)
05.17 - Library Book Sale in Little Silver As part of the Little Silver Sidewalk Sales, the borough library will be offering gently used adult books, new 'library edition' children's books, DVDs and books on CD.
05.17 - Sea Bright Firemen's Fair The annual event takes place at the 'former Peninsula House' parking lot at the center of town; featured are rides, games, live music and carnival food, with 50/50 drawing proceeds to benefit the borough fire department and recreation committee. Tonight's hours 5pm to 11pm; call 732.842.0099 x11 for more info.
05.17 - 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.
05.17 - MY WONDERFUL DAY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. 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.
05.17 - 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.
05.17 - 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.
05.17 - Comedy Night Live at The Dub Chris Covert presents the latest in a twice monthly series of standup comedy Open Mics, in which some of the region's up 'n coming standups are showcased upstairs at the Dublin House.
05.18 - 'Color My World' Quilt Show at Poricy Park The nature center, barn and farmhouse at Poricy Park in Middletown host the biennial exhibition by Rebecca’s Reel quilters. with more than 150 quilts on display and ribbons awarded in several judged categories. All this plus raffle, refreshments, demonstrations, vendors, a batik artist display and demos by the nonprofit Project Pillowcase, with a portion of every sale going to support Poricy Park Conservancy. Kids 8 and under get in free; five dollars admission at door.
05.18 - Library Book Sale in Little Silver As part of the Little Silver Sidewalk Sales, the borough library will be offering gently used adult books, new 'library edition' children's books, DVDs and books on CD.
05.18 - Yoga for Adults Amy Richardson leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
05.18 - 2012 Relay for Life of the Two Rivers Because cancer never sleeps — the track at Red Bank Regional High School is setting for a local overnight event in the worldwide American Cancer Society Relay for Life campaign, in which teams of volunteers walk or jog from 3pm to 5:30am 'to raise funds to keep one step ahead of cancer.' Click for link to registration and other info.
05.18 - Sea Bright Firemen's Fair The annual event takes place at the 'former Peninsula House' parking lot at the center of town; featured are rides, games, live music and carnival food, with 50/50 drawing proceeds to benefit the borough fire department and recreation committee. Tonight's hours 5pm to 12am; call 732.842.0099 x11 for more info.
05.18 - A World of Thanks awards dinner for PAW Salt Creek Grille in Rumson is the scene as Project Animal Worldwide (PAW) invites the public to a fundraiser dinner honoring two local supporters of the international nonprofit's spay/neuter and rescue programs, with proceeds from tickets (incl. buffet dinner, cocktail, hors d'ouevres) benefitting PAW efforts in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Click for phone and web links to reserve.
05.18 - MY WONDERFUL DAY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. 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.
05.19 - Modern Methods of Care Giving at Pilgrim Baptist Red Bank's Pilgrim Baptist Church hosts a one day seminar featuring workshops on caregiving in both home and clinical settings. No cost to participate, but registration is required. Call 732.747.2343 for more info.
05.19 - Paper Shredding for county residents All residents of Monmouth County are invited to visit the Tinton Falls Municipal Complex for a free opportunity to dispose of old documents safely; up to 100 pounds accepted per person. Call 732.431.7460for more info.
05.19 - 'Color My World' Quilt Show at Poricy Park The nature center, barn and farmhouse at Poricy Park in Middletown host the biennial exhibition by Rebecca’s Reel quilters. with more than 150 quilts on display and ribbons awarded in several judged categories. All this plus raffle, refreshments, demonstrations, vendors, a batik artist display and demos by the nonprofit Project Pillowcase, with a portion of every sale going to support Poricy Park Conservancy. Kids 8 and under get in free; five dollars admission at door.
05.19 - Library Book Sale in Little Silver As part of the Little Silver Sidewalk Sales, the borough library will be offering gently used adult books, new 'library edition' children's books, DVDs and books on CD.
05.19 - Jersey Shore Rose Society The monthly meeting of the JSRS takes place at Kensington Court, 864 Shrewsbury Avenue in Tinton Falls, with a beginner's clinic at 12:30pm and the main meeting (Safety in the garden, featuring guest speaker Bruce Rodman) commencing at 1:30. Call 732.688.4282 for info and directions.
05.19 - Acoustic Saturdays at Red Bank Library The monthly series of free performances by local musicians continues at the Red Bank Library, with Anton Daub, emcee of the weekly acoustic open mic nights at Espresso Joe's in Keyport, as your gracious host.
05.19 - Author Mike Scotti The Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran — whose film project SEVERE CLEAR played the Count Basie last year — visits Barnes & Noble at Monmouth Mall to read from and sign copies of his book THE BLUE CASCADE: A MEMOIR OF LIFE AFTER WAR.
05.19 - Sea Bright Firemen's Fair The annual event takes place at the 'former Peninsula House' parking lot at the center of town; featured are rides, games, live music and carnival food, with 50/50 drawing proceeds to benefit the borough fire department and recreation committee. Tonight's hours 4pm to 12am; call 732.842.0099 x11 for more info.
05.19 - MCM Faculty Recital feat. Vladislav Kovalsky Red Bank's Monmouth Conservatory of Music hosts a free concert by MCM executive director (and internationally lauded Steinway artist) Vladislav Kovalsky on piano, joined by the Monmouth Conservatory String Chamber Ensemble in a program of works by Mozart and Vivaldi. A Meet the Artists reception with refreshments follows immediately after the concert.
05.19 - RBCS Luau on the Navesink A private residence on the red banks of the Navesink River is the setting for Red Bank Charter School's 4th annual fundraising event, a 'grownups only' outdoor party featuring live music, food, drinks and auctions. All proceeds benefit the school's 'Go for the Goal' recreation improvements effort; purchase tickets online or click for phone and email links to additional info.
05.19 - WGIRLS Rock the Dock in Sea Bright TICKETS ON SALE for June 7. A full docket of NJ bands face off at The Dockside in Sea Bright as WGIRLS Coastal New Jersey hosts its 2nd annual Battle of the Bands fundraiser. All proceeds go to the Lakewood based nonprofit org Women of Purpose; 40 dollar ticket includes a three hour open bar plus hors d'oeuvres. Click for links to purchase tix or obtain further info.
05.19 - The Bar—Top Bandits The Fixx on Front Street is the place, as the ladies of 'The Northeast's Newest and Hottest Entertainment Troupe' return to Red Bank with a set of stylized song and dance, dress up fun and those patented Margarita Mouthfuls. It's an Armed Forces Day salute (featuring free admission with valid military ID) that climaxes with the new Bandit Calendar release.
05.19 - Lorenza Ponce A veteran of tours with Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and many others, the violinist and singer plays a special free gig at Red Lounge in downtown Red Bank.
05.19 - Get the Led Out The 'American Led Zeppelin' returns to the Basie stage with one of the most popular touring evocations of the mighty Hammer of the Gods — with a team of six 'non impersonator' musicians channeling the Zep's most fabulous flights.
05.19 - MY WONDERFUL DAY OPENING NIGHT. 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.
05.20 - Colonial Candle Workshop at Poricy Park Poricy Park Conservancy invites interested parties ages '7 to 107' to visit the hearth kitchen of the Murray Farmhouse, and learn how candles were made in Colonial times from tallow, bayberries, beeswax and whales. Register in advance.
05.20 - 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.
05.20 - Ocean Fun Day on Sandy Hook The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium building (at the Fort Hancock area of Sandy Hook) is the scene for an afternoon of exhibits, classes, nature tours, and children's activities, all designed to learn about 'the science of our shorelines and how to care for them for years to come.' Click for website info.
05.20 - Red Bank Food & Wine Walk The successful Food & Wine Walk events return for summer, with more chances than ever to sample food and wine at more than 20 different Red Bank restaurants, eateries and caterers. Find out where to purchase 25 dollar wristbands (good for one wine sample and/or food sample at each location) at RedBankFlavour.com or OnlyOneRedBank.com.
05.20 - Sea Bright Firemen's Fair The annual event takes place at the 'former Peninsula House' parking lot at the center of town; featured are rides, games, live music and carnival food, with 50/50 drawing proceeds to benefit the borough fire department and recreation committee. Tonight's hours 2 to 9pm; call 732.842.0099 x11 for more info.
05.17 - Red Bank Municipal Court A weekly exercise in indignation and regret known as justice that assembles in the Council chambers. Time: 8:30 am
05.17 - Rumson Historic Preservation Commission The Historic Preservation Commission will hold regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month at the Charles S. Callman Hall Courtroom, Borough Hall at 6:00 PM Time: 6:00 pm
05.17 - Middletown Safety Council The Safety Council is an advisory board that reviews safety concerns in the township and provides guidance to the Township Committee and the Police Department. Time: 7:30 pm
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
