Monthly Archives: March 2010

RED BANK STORES SHINE IN MAG’S POLL

A recent view down Broad Street in Red Bank. (Click to enlarge) By DUSTIN RACIOPPI In addition to Democratic bent and hyperlocal news sources, Red Bank and Maplewood can add one more item to the list of things they have in common: garnering the most attention from New Jersey Monthly’s readers in the magazine’s annual [...]

BOARD PASSES BUDGET, TAX INCREASE

Board members Ann Roseman and Ben Forest at Tuesday night’s session. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi) By DUSTIN RACIOPPI The Red Bank Board of Education unanimously passed a $19 million budget Tuesday night, a spending plan that will increase the tax levy if voters approve it next month. Even with $1.4 million in reductions in the [...]

‘MOISTURE-RICH’ MARCH EXITS WITH A ROAR

Rumson Road just west of Bellevue Avenue in Rumson offered a water hazard for motorists late Tuesday afternoon. (Click to enlarge) The good news: the torrential rains of the past three days are just about over. The better news: warm and sunny days are forecast to bloom with April, following one sopping wet month. How [...]

HALFACRE ENDS CAMPAIGN

Instant memento: Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre in his office with a campaign sign earlier this month. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi) Coming off a disappointing failure to win the backing of GOP powerbrokers in Monmouth County, Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre has quit his run for Congress, according to an announcement from his camp Tuesday [...]

HALFACRE RACE LOSES AIR

Mike Halfacre stops in downtown Red Bank during a bike ride in 2008. (Click to enlarge) By DUSTIN RACIOPPI Congressional candidate Mike Halfacre failed to capture home-county backing from his party Monday night, a hit that shows dwindling support for the Fair Haven mayor’s bid to unseat 12-district incumbent Democrat Rush Holt. Meanwhile, local newspaper [...]

CHALK ONE UP TO ASKING NICELY, IN PUBLIC

Lisa Tegen came into work at Java Stop two weeks ago to find this message on the chalkboard. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi) By DUSTIN RACIOPPI It isn’t quite as audacious as, say, proposing on a JumboTron or a Port Authority bus with the media on hand to witness. But one Fair Haven teenager earned big [...]

TRT’S ‘ORESTES:’ MATRICIDE AND SONG

To enlarge the photo display, start it, then click the embiggen symbol in the lower right corner. To get back to redbankgreen, hit your escape key. Some pix from the reception that followed the opening-night performance of ‘Orestes‘ at Red Bank’s Two River Theater Saturday. Star-Ledger theater critic Peter Filichia has a review of the [...]

IN oRBit: REPORT FROM THE BRANCH

There’s a creative new coalition of artists and businesspeople, on the verge of producing their first big public event. A movement to start a new, year-round, monthly series of 2nd Saturdays happenings. And don’t even get us started on the ambitious Urban Canvas project. But where is it? Where’s it all going on? Today’s edition [...]

A NEW PIZZERIA, AND A RAVE FOR VIA 45

Pizza Fusion boasts 68 seats, and plans to offer delivery in about three weeks. (Click to enlarge) We’ve got some Red Bank eatery news this rainy Monday, with a long-awaited organic-ingredients pizzeria opening today and a second Broad Street restaurant getting a laudatory review from New Jersey’s largest newspaper.

IT’S A MAYORAL THING

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI He may be the town’s top dog, but to the dozen or so kids who showed up Saturday to (belatedly) celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at the Red Bank Public Library, Mayor Pasquale Menna was just a thing. Thing 1, to be exact. Decked out in tomato-red shirts, Menna and children’s librarian Samantha [...]

LITTLE INK ON THIS WEEK’S BLOTTER

Crime reports provided by the Red Bank Police Department for the week of March 19 to March 26, 2010. This information appears here unedited. Auto Theft occurring between 3-15-10 and 3-24-10 at Newman Springs Rd.-auto dealership. Victim reported that a grey 2006 Nissan Altima was stolen from the lot by unknown person(s). Ptl. Jorge Torres.

IN oRBit: TRAGIC MAGIC AT TWO RIVER

It’s got a leading man who keeps his Redford-esque looks even when marinated in blood, dust and grime. A chorus of maidens whose siren songs are worth the price of admission in themselves. A couple of drag parts, a bonus comic book — and a surprise cameo from a member of show business royalty. In [...]

RED BANK STILL HELPING HAITI

Red Bank isn’t done showing its support for Haiti just yet. More than two months after the earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation, locals are again rallying to provide relief. “Helping Haiti,” a community benefit concert sponsored by Pilgrim Baptist Church, will be held at 6p Saturday at the auditorium at Red Bank Middle School.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT, STREETLIFE’S COMING

Buskers, like this unidentified trio from Streetlife 2009, are warming up their pipes for the 2010 edition. (Click to enlarge) By DUSTIN RACIOPPI It’s getting closer to that time when the streets of Red Bank become dotted with guitar slingers, mimes and magicians on Saturday nights as part of the summer-long StreetLife series. But first, [...]

IN oRBit: MOVERS & SHAKERS & MORE

He’s a mover, a shaker; a go-to guru and a “Maharishi of Make It So.” He’s seldom seen in the spotlight, but he’s seen the biz from both sides now, be it in the backing band (that’s him on the second LP by the Asbury Jukes) or in the front office. In today’s edition of [...]


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    • 06.18 - Book Discussion at the Library The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch hosts a discussion of Ayelet Waldman's novel RED HOOK ROAD.
    • 06.18 - 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.
    • 06.18 - SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody Inspired by the guilty pleasures of the blockbuster FIFTY SHADES books, this touring musical satire offers 'comedy, musical numbers, sexy striptease performances from the devilishly handsome leading man,' plus a chance to 'pose for a photo with Mr. Dangerous himself!'
    • 06.19 - Book Discussion at the Library The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch hosts a discussion of Ayelet Waldman's novel RED HOOK ROAD. Sessions at 10am and 7:30pm.
    • 06.19 - 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.
    • 06.19 - Jersey Inchkins Red Bank Library hosts a club made up of adults who do 'very little work.' Every third Wednesday of each month, club members build houses, rooms, scenes, and vignettes in miniature, usually on a scale of one inch to one foot.
    • 06.19 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs. Shows at 1pm and 7pm.
    • 06.19 - Time Out with Timber, at Red Bank Library Certified therapy dog Timber visits the Avice Noblett Children's Room at Red Bank Library, to 'sit and listen as hesitant and reluctant readers, and dog lovers too, ages 5 and over, read to him.' Call or visit the Children's Room to sign up for a 15 minute 'Time Out with Timber' reading session, on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
    • 06.19 - Sandy Hook Beach Concerts: British Invasion Tribute The summertime series of free Wednesday evening concerts on the Hook continues on the portable stage and sandy seating area at Beach Area E.
    • 06.19 - Readin' on the River at RBPL The Red Bank Public Library hosts its monthly (third Wednesday) adult book discussion group, with the featured book THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING by Carson McCullers. Register with Patrice Baldino at 732.842.0690.
    • 06.19 - 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.
    • 06.19 - 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.
    • 06.19 - Guns for Hire Trio Appearing every Wednesday night in June, at Walt Street Pub.
    • 06.19 - Paul Heaney Trio Appearing Wednesday nights in June, downstairs at The Downtown.
    • 06.20 - 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.
    • 06.20 - Final Exam Study Session for Teens Middletown Main Library hosts a study session in the air conditioned community room, with tutors and snacks available and no registration required.
    • 06.20 - 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.
    • 06.20 - Chris Roselle Appearing at Basil T's for several Thursday night sets.
    • 06.20 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs.
    • 06.20 - 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.
    • 06.21 - Yoga for Adults Amy Novak leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
    • 06.21 - Harry & Joel Those cats from Cats, Diamonds and other legendary Jersey Shore bands return to Basil T's for several Friday night sets.
    • 06.21 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs.
    • 06.21 - Tracy Morgan The Emmy nominated star of 30 ROCK (and SNL and Kevin Smith flicks etc.) returns to Red Bank for another standup stopover on the Basie boards.
    • 06.21 - Matt Noffsinger at Walt Street Pub Appearing at station stop Red Bank for some Friday night sets.
    • 06.21 - Jukebox Criminals Appearing upstairs at The Downtown.
    • 06.22 - 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.
    • 06.22 - The Great Outdoor Family Festival The Great Lawn at the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College is the setting for a celebration of the great outdoors, presented by the neighboring Monmouth Museum (with local private and nonprofit partners) as a way of encouraging everyone to take a 'staycation' and support the economy of our Jersey Shore. Featured are games and activities, live music, camping demos, nature crafts, artwork, story—telling, entertainment, antique cars, bumper cars, miniature golf, boardwalk treats, souvenirs and guided tours through the museum's featured exhibition, America Hits the Road. Rain date is Sunday, June 23.
    • 06.22 - 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.
    • 06.22 - Collage Klatch at RBPL Red Bank Public Library's local history librarian Elizabeth McDermott hosts a free monthly session open to anyone interested in the art of collage. No registration necessary; pick up a materials list at the library.
    • 06.22 - Falun Dafa Cultivation Class Middletown Main Library hosts an introduction to the Chinese self cultivation practice (aka Falun Gong) that improves mental and physical wellness through a series of easy to learn exercises, meditation and development of one's Heart/Mind Nature (Xinxing).
    • 06.22 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs. Shows at 3pm and 8pm.
    • 06.22 - Red Bank StreetLife The summertime Saturday night series of free local music showcases returns to the sidewalks and storefronts of the borough’s business district for a 13th season, with performers and locations TBA.
    • 06.22 - Steve and Johnny Appearing at Basil T's for several Saturday night sets.
    • 06.22 - An Evening with Terence Blanchard at CBA As a fundraiser for the Performing Arts programs at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, the CBA Jazz Series presents the five time Grammy winning trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader in the intimate setting of the school's Henderson Theatre. He'll be joined in the Terence Blanchard Group by special guests Ravi Coltrane, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Robert Hurst III and Fabian Almazan for a set that draws from his new release MAGNETIC and a catalog that includes acclaimed jazz albums, film scores and a voice role in THE PRINCESS & THE FROG. Seating is limited to 350 tickets; an additional 25 dollars allows access to a cocktail reception prior to the show. Click for phone link to reserve.
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