MIDDLETOWN: CRIMES & ARRESTS

Recent crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Middletown Township Police Department.

Paige Gaglianese, age 22, from Bayview Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on June 8, 2015 by Patrolman Jason Andrews on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $2,500.00 bail.

Michael Vanalstyne, age 30, from Coffey Lane in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on June 8, 2015 by Patrolman Kent Thorton for Simple Assault and Criminal Mischief. He was transferred to the Keansburg Police Department for bail to be set.

Matthew McKee, age 29, from Pedee Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2015 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Aggravated Assault. He was released after posting $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

June 30, 2015 - 2:12 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: BON JOVI “SERENADES” CLINTON

Bon Jovi, seen here at the opening of Red Bank’s JBJ Soul Kitchen in 2011, was back in town to host the former first lady and secretary of state Monday night. Below, an uncredited photo of Clinton posted on the Twitter feed of former New York Governor David Paterson. (Photo above by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

Jon Bon Jovi “serenaded” Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at a $1,000-a-head campaign fundraiser in Red Bank Monday night, according to PolitickerNJ.

Actually, the report says pop-rocker, who has a home on the Navesink River in Middletown, “serenely serenaded” Clinton at the no-media-allowed event, held at the riverfront Molly Pitcher Inn.

June 30, 2015 - 6:43 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: OPEN ARMS FOR LOCAL SENIORS

Registered Yoga teacher Theresa Conlon progresses flawlessly through her routine in the gazebo at Wesleyan Arms in Red Bank.

Press release from Wesleyan Arms

On Wednesday, June 24, the Red Bank-based senior housing community Wesleyan Arms hosted the grand opening of The Arms Café, a new senior resource hub to the area’s growing population of older adults.

A partnership between Wesleyan Arms and Home Helpers Home Care of Monmouth County with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey, the Cafe is dedicated to a mission of providing opportunities for essential social interaction, physical exercise and continuing learning to people aged 65 and older who live alone.

Located at 9 Wall Street in Red Bank and part of the United Methodist Homes of New Jersey (UMHNJ), the Cafe welcomes older adults in the area to participate each week in a casual setting with a “drop-in center” feel. Open every Wednesday between 10 am and 2 pm, the facility is staffed with a resource coordinator who can offer information about elder care resources to individuals and their families.

Examples of the varied calendar activities include: chair yoga or Zumba, art, technology, reading and book club discussions, meeting new friends, walking groups, finding information, enjoying the company of others, and more. While The Arms Café has some structure, seniors may do as much or as little as they prefer. All resource information and most classes are free. Occasionally, a special offering requires a fee.

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June 30, 2015 - 6:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: PATRIOTIC SOUNDS ON THE HILL

It’s a grand old flag for sure, and on Sunday,its raising forms the centerpiece of the annual Liberty Extravaganza at First Presbyterian Church on Tower Hill.

Independence Day weekends in Red Bank have tended toward the quiet side in the years since the last KaBoom of the big fireworks events. But up at Tower Hill Church, a long-running old-school local tradition continues to make a glorious noise; one that continues for a 27th annual edition this Sunday, July 5.

June 30, 2015 - 6:00 am | Comments ()

LINCROFT: CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

It’s Climb Time in Lincroft this Tuesday afternoon, as the Monmouth County Park System moves its portable mountain to the grounds of Thompson Park for a free instructional session.

From river kayaking and bayside seining to fossil hunting, horseback riding and some challenging hillside hiking, the local facilities of the Monmouth County Park System have always offered a variety of experiences — but until very recently, mountain climbing hasn’t exactly been part of the recreational menu.

This Tuesday afternoon, June 30, the county’s flagship Thompson Park in Lincroft will serve as the scene for a free, three hour introduction to the basics of climbing — supervised by park personnel, and hosted within the safe and controlled environment of the Park System’s portable 25-foot climbing wall.

June 29, 2015 - 4:00 pm | Comments ()

SEA BRIGHT: IRON “INSANITY” ON THE GREEN

Now almost halfway through a push to complete 50 triathlon distances in 50 states in 50 days, James Lawrence discusses his aims in the above video.

James Lawrence, a record-smashing triathlete who bills himself as the Iron Cowboy, plans to bring his campaign to complete 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 states in 50 days to the Greater Red Bank Green on Saturday, July 4.

Yes, you read that correctly: 50 tris in 50 days in 50 states. Insane, right?

“Yeah, pretty much,” says Doug Rice, founder of the Sandy Hookers Tri Club, which is coordinating the Jersey leg of Lawrence’s epic endurance effort.

June 29, 2015 - 10:21 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: LIBRARY ADDS MORE HOURS

Continuing its recovery from a period of shrinkage, the Red Bank Public Library will add seven hours to its weekly operations starting July 6. The West Front Street facility will open at 10 a.m. Mondays, three hours earlier than at present, and close at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, four hours later than the present close.

The change was enabled by the resolution of budget issues and the recent hire of several part-time workers, said library Director Elizabeth McDermott. The institution will be open 38 hours per week, still well short of the 54 hours of operation five years ago, she said. Saturday operations, which had been curtailed, were partially restored last October. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

June 29, 2015 - 6:21 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: A BLESSING OF THE BIKES AT PBC

Recently, Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank hosted its 4th Annual Community Unity and Bike Blessing Festival. Over 350 members of the community attended the festival that featured entertainment, lunch, a blood drive, exhibits and community safety presentations, at no cost for the attendees. For further information regarding the Community Outreach Initiatives of Pilgrim, please call (732)747-2343.

June 29, 2015 - 6:01 am | Comments ()

SHREWSBURY: CYMCA NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP

Press release from The Community YMCA

At its 141st annual meeting, held Wednesday, June 17 at Rumson Country Club, The Community YMCA Board of Directors elected Joseph Oriolo chairman and chief volunteer officer. Oriolo replaces Patricia Whittemore, who led the board for two years.

The Shrewsbury resident has been a member of the Y board since 2008, and most recently served as vice chairperson. He also served as chairman of the Y’s Governance Committee.

“We are grateful for Patty’s leadership and we are pleased to welcome Joe as chairman and chief volunteer officer,” said President and CEO Rhonda Anderson. “He will continue to lead us forward to help increase our visibility as a cause-driven organization that strengthens the lives of over 20,000 people we serve in Monmouth County and beyond.”

June 29, 2015 - 6:00 am | Comments ()

LINCROFT: ALL HANDS ON THIS EXHIBIT

Stella the Stegosaurus gets hands-on with Monmouth Museum visitors, as the found-objects sculpture by the late Jim Gary forms the centerpiece of a special PLEASE TOUCH! show for visually impaired art aficionados.

She’s stood vigilant on the grounds of the Monmouth Museum for ages; her colorful steel skeleton delighting thousands of young visitors to the interactive exhibits at the Lincroft landmark. Welded from repurposed auto parts by the late Colts Neck-based sculptor Jim Gary (and named by a young contest winner), Stella the Stegosaurus is a permanent fixture for sure — but beginning this Sunday, the dynamic dino becomes the star centerpiece of an unusual new hands-on exhibit.

June 27, 2015 - 6:00 am | Comments ()

SEA BRIGHT: BRUNCH MAKES A BEACHHEAD

The dining deck at Ama, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Below, a brunchtime bloody Mary. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

For many years, options for Sunday brunch, the 10-to-2 repast that invites an eat-whatever-you’re-in-the-mood-for approach to breakfast and lunch, were limited on the Greater Red Bank Green.

Our only choices were expensive buffets at Red Bank’s Molly Pitcher Inn and Rumson’s Salt Creek Grille, both of which required reservations and adherence to dress codes.

But the boom of new restaurants in Red Bank and Sea Bright has brought more a la carte options for brunch-seekers.

June 26, 2015 - 2:30 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK & LITTLE SILVER: COMMUTER ALERT

[Update: This post has been updated to reflect a change in the dates of the closure.] Monmouth County plans closings of Branch Avenue between Hudson Avenue in Red Bank and White Road in Little Silver for two nights beginning Tuesday, local officials said.

The closures, to allow for milling and paving of the road, are to be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Parking on Branch will be prohibited during the closings. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

June 26, 2015 - 2:13 pm | Comments ()

FAIR HAVEN: A LUNCH LODGED IN MEMORY

The blackened chicken sandwich at Nauvoo Grill Club in Fair Haven. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

In the mood for something southwestern-but-not-quite Mexican, PieHole was drawn to the lodge-like Nauvoo Grill Club in Fair Haven on a lovely Friday afternoon in late spring.

At the height of the lunch hour, we found the place strangely empty. But what we ate satisfied our craving, even if it left our fingers sticky.

June 26, 2015 - 8:50 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: CRIME & ARREST REPORTS

The crime and arrest reports below were provided by the Red Bank Police Department for the period of June 18 to June 25, 2015. This information is unedited.

CRIMES

Criminal Mischief occurring between 6-18-15 and 6-19-15 at West Bergen Place residence. Victim reported that unknown person(s) threw rocks at parked vehicle and cracked windshield and broke rear driver’s side window. Ptl. Shane Dengel.

Theft occurring between 6-19-15 and 6-20-15 at 50 Locust Ave.—apartment. Victim reported that unknown subject stole his I Phone and cash from apartment. Ptl. Benjamin Springer

June 26, 2015 - 5:30 am | Comments ()

FARMERS MARKETS: WHERE TO GET FRESH

At the Sea Bright farmers market, Meg Paska sells locally grown produce and flowers from Seven Arrows Farm, while the Holly Hill Farm table, below, offers Rumson-grown seedlings and produce. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

Options for finding locally grown produce on the Greater Red Bank Green doubled with the addition last year of a farmers’ market in the Sea Bright municipal parking lot on Thursdays.

For local shoppers, that means more variety. While both Sea Bright and the Red Bank Farmers’ Market at the Galleria on summer and autumn Sundays are dependable for farm-grown veggies, there are some characteristics that differentiate the two.

June 25, 2015 - 2:33 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: MENNA TOUTS PARKING “SOLUTION”

The borough-owned White Street lot, which may offer relief to downtown parking woes. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

Taking heat from a restaurateur, Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna said Wednesday night that the long-awaited “next step” toward a possible parking garage downtown is coming within the next two weeks.

Menna’s pledge also came as the town council, on a 4-2 vote, agreed to extend by six months a moratorium on fees imposed almost exclusively on new restaurants that need parking variances to open.

June 25, 2015 - 12:45 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: BASIE’S STAR-STUDDED STANDUP

Top-of-their-game comedy kingpins Kevin James (Saturday; two shows) and Marc Maron (Sunday) bring their crowd-tested mojo to the stage of the Count Basie Theatre on a busy weekend of laughs.

So you’ve just made serious news-cycle headlines by booking the President of the United States on your garage-based podcast. Or, you’ve watched as your big-screen starring vehicles have racked up nearly a billion bucks in worldwide box office. If your name is Kevin James or Marc Maron, however, you’ll never truly ditch the itch to return to the live-audience roots that set it all in motion — and this weekend, the Count Basie Theatre hosts two of the hottest names in comedy, as they keep their very different standup skills honed before appreciative crowds at the area’s premier theater-scale Chuckle Hut.

This Saturday, June 27 finds the amiable star of TV’s King of Queens (and cinematic franchises that include Paul Blart, Mall Cop and Grown Ups) leaving the Segway in the wings and treading the Basie boards for a pair of shows that spotlight the largely family-friendly, New York working-dude brand of observational humor that’s formed the foundation of his phenomenal showbiz run. continues to Tickets to the 7:30 pm show ($49 – $89) are still available here. Then take it here for tix to Saturday’s 9:30 pm event, or take it around the bend for something completely different.

June 25, 2015 - 12:00 pm | Comments ()

RUMSON: ON THE ROAD TO CANTERBURY FAIR

More than 90 artists — including Michael Scherfen, whose award winning painting “The Ruthie ‘n Junie, Belford NJ” is pictured above — are expected to participate in this year’s Canterbury Art Show in Rumson. The annual event returns to St. George’s Church in September, with advance tickets now available.

Returning for the fourth consecutive year to St. George’s by the River Episcopal Church in Rumson — and relocated once more to Labor Day weekend — the annual Canterbury Art Show…A Tapestry of the Arts event brings one of the area’s largest exhibitions and sales of juried and non-juried artwork back to the banks of the greater Green.

Hundreds of attendees and art patrons have enjoyed the show, in which more than 600 works by artists from all over New Jersey and beyond are displayed each year. All proceeds from the Art Show directly benefit St. George’s-by-the-River and its Outreach Grants to more than 30 local agencies serving the needy of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including Lunch Break, Parker Family Health Clinic, Family Promise, HABcore, The Center in Asbury Park, and more.

June 25, 2015 - 6:01 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: LIGHTING THE NIGHT AGAINST HATE

Several hundred participants gathered on Red Bank’s West Side Wednesday night for a vigil in response to the murders of nine churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina last week.

Beginning with a march from Pilgrim Baptist Church to Ralph ‘Johnny Jazz’ Park, participants sang and heard calls for an end to violence from a handful of local church leaders. And in the final moments, they shared the flame of a “unity candle.”

Click “read more” below for full photo coverage. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

June 25, 2015 - 5:34 am | Comments ()

RBC: HAHN HEADING TO UCONN

Standout Red Bank Catholic quarterback Eddie Hahn, who led the Caseys to their first a state championship in 38 years last season, has committed to play at the University of Connecticut after he graduates next year, according to Shore Sports Zone. Take it to SSZ for all the details. (Video courtesy of Shore Sports Zone)

June 24, 2015 - 10:53 pm | Comments ()

LINCROFT: ARTISTS GO TO SUMMER SCHOOL

Works by Fair Haven-based artists Mike Quon (“Boardwalk” above) and Jill Kerwick (below) are on display during this week’s HONORING SUMMER II exhibition at Brookdale College’s CVA Gallery.

School may be out around the greater Green, but on the sprawling Lincroft layout of Brookdale Community College, a select group of local creative people is willingly being kept “after class” for a chance to salute the too-short season of sun and fun, in a supportive (and climate controlled) setting.

On display as of today, June 24, and opening officially with a public-welcome reception this Friday evening, June 26, the group show Honoring Summer II commandeers BCC’s Center for Visual Arts (CVA) Gallery in a display that includes dozens of paintings, photography, mixed media and other visual artwork from 12 area artists — among them Fair Haven favorites Mike Quon (whose colorfully stylized studies of local scenes and landmarks have proven very popular among Monmouth County art aficionados) and Jill Kerwick.

June 24, 2015 - 12:00 pm | Comments ()

SEA BRIGHT: TOMMY’S DOUBLES DOWN

Tommy and Yvette Bonfiglio, below, expect to open Tommy’s Tavern + Tap on Ocean Avenue within the next month. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

When Tommy Bonfiglio first toured the property that was long the home of Sea Bright’s post office, he was so fixated on an idea that he barely noticed the building at all.

“I only wanted the land,” on which he envisioned putting up an 18-room hotel and restaurant overlooking the Shrewsbury River, Bonfiglio told redbankgreen on Wednesday. Because of that tunnel vision, he never even stepped inside the two-story building fronting on Ocean Avenue, which he expected to tear down because of damage from Hurricane Sandy.

But when he realized he’d have to run a gauntlet of environmental permitting that could take years, he decided to examine the building out front. What he found shocked him.

June 24, 2015 - 9:01 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: ACCIDENT VICTIM IN CRITICAL CARE

A 78-year-old woman is in critical condition after being struck by a truck on Broad Street Tuesday morning, police Chief Darren McConnell tells redbankgreen.

The victim, whose identity was withheld by authorities pending notification of family members, was transported by helicopter to the trauma unit of Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune following the 10:45 a.m. accident, which occurred in front of the Foodtown supermarket, McConnell said.

June 23, 2015 - 5:28 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON BROAD

Emergency personnel tend to a pedestrian struck crossing Broad Street near the intersection of Pinckney Road at around 10:45 Tuesday morning. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was transported by helicopter to the trauma unit of Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune.

Broad Street in the vicinity of the accident remained closed at 1 p.m. as a Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team gathered information, police Chief Darren McConnell told redbankgreen. (Reader photo. Click to enlarge)

June 23, 2015 - 1:03 pm | Comments ()

ON THE GREEN: FREE FILMS UNDER THE STARS

Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock star in a free Sunday night screening of ‘The Blind Side’ at Fair Haven Fields. Red Bank’s Movies in the Park lineup includes a July 21 airing of ‘Beetlejuice,’ below.

It’s still the best summer-movie deal under the setting sun and stars; a moveable feast of (basically) family-friendly, free flicks excitement that lights up the big inflatable screen and blockbuster sound system at parks and beaches all over Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Presented by Shore Flicks, it’s a cinematic slate that makes its seasonal return to the greater Red Bank Green this Sunday starting at Fair Haven Fields.

June 23, 2015 - 9:45 am | Comments ()

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