RED BANK: THOUSANDS PACK OYSTERFEST

Sunny and cool weather provided ideal conditions for the return of the Red Bank RiverCenter-hosted Guinness Oyster Festival Sunday.

After a missed year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s 11th edition saw fewer local restaurants owing to staffing shortages. But thousands of attendees packed the White Street parking lot, waited patiently in lines for food and drinks, and partied with friends in front of two stages as in the past.

Were you there? Look for yourself and your friends in redbankgreen‘s beaucoup photos below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

September 27, 2021 - 7:30 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: KNITTING ‘STUDIO’ SET TO OPEN

Vidar and Laurie Brekke in the new Mother Knitter shop on Broad Street. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

In this, the first Retail Churn update of autumn, 2021, we turn our attention to sweaters, hats and mittens.

That’s because downtown Red Bank is about to get a new yarn shop, one that its owners envision as a “studio” for knitting and crocheting enthusiasts.

September 24, 2021 - 10:30 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: SUN TO SHINE ON OYSTERFEST

Likely to be the biggest bash Red Bank has seen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guinness Oyster Festival is set to return for a skipped-year 11th edition Sunday.

Here’s some helpful information for those planning to attend, including a lookahead at the forecast.

September 24, 2021 - 7:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: REPAIR WORK CONTINUES

Motorists traveling into Red Bank via southbound Route 35 may encounter delays Thursday as a utility crew continues post-accident work at Pearl, Water and Wall streets.

September 23, 2021 - 6:20 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: CAR STRIKES HOME

[See UPDATE below]

No injuries were reported after a car struck a home on Branch Avenue in Red Bank shortly before 4 a.m Thursday.

September 23, 2021 - 5:16 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: SEASONS ON THE WING

Maple Cove in Red Bank provided a summer-ending birder’s bounty Tuesday. Who can identify these feathered friends of our beautiful Navesink River?

Autumn flutters in at 3:21 Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, according to the Farmers Almanac. The new season will arrive under cloudy skies, and maybe some rain, with temperatures rising to the high 70s, says the National Weather Service.

Check out the extended forecast below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

September 22, 2021 - 6:40 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: KIDS LEND A HAND FOR NEW MURAL

A vivid new mural began taking shape Tuesday at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County unit in Red Bank, courtesy of artist Stacey Pritchard.

With funding provided by the Monmouth Arts Signs of Hope program, Pritchard said the finished mural will include “words of inspiration” (at right) provided by children who attend the club, at Drs. James Parker Boulevard and Bridge Avenue.

(Photos by Allan Bass. Click to enlarge.)

September 21, 2021 - 2:50 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: WARMING CENTER SET FOR WINTER

Men’s Fellowship members of two Red Bank churches – Pilgrim Baptist and Tower Hill Presbyterian – teamed up to prepare the Red Bank Warming Center for the coming winter Saturday.

The event brought together the two houses of worship to make repairs and beautify the Shrewsbury Avenue center, which provides temporary shelter to homeless men when severe weather conditions exist, said Pilgrim’s Pastor Terrence Porter.

The men also spent time together during a BBQ lunch sharing life and faith experiences that helped to foster greater understanding.

For more information about the Red Bank Warming Center, or to make a financial donation to help support it, visit the Pilgrim Baptist website or call 732-747-2343.

(Photos courtesy of Pilgrim Baptist. Click to enlarge.)

September 21, 2021 - 8:00 am | Comments ()

SHREWSBURY: HISTORICAL PLAQUE INSTALLED

Forty-three years after the Shrewsbury Historic District attained placement on the National Register of Historic Places, community members marked the installation of a commemorative plaque outside Borough Hall on September 10.

The district, in the vicinity of Broad Street and Sycamore Avenue, won the national designation in July, 1978, two years after the New Jersey equivalent was awarded.

Marking the occasion, the Shrewsbury Historical Society was joined by borough officials, religious leaders, members of Boy Scouts Troop 50 and local history lovers in Colonial-era costumes. (Photo by Shrewsbury Historical Society. Click to enlarge.)

September 20, 2021 - 11:45 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: TOWN HALL OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

After 17 months off-limits to visitors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, offices in Red Bank’s borough hall have reopened on an appointment-only basis Monday, the town announced Monday.

September 20, 2021 - 8:30 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: SCENES FROM TOWN YARD SALE

A revived Red Bank Townwide Yard Sale raised $700 for the Red Bank Public Library Saturday.

It also and gave sellers and freecyclers a means of getting household goods into new hands.

Among them was Monique McSorley, who moved to River Street with husband, Brad, and their son, James, in June, bringing boxfuls of toys they kept so they might get them into the hands of other children, she said.

“We’re just so glad the town is doing this,” she said.

Above, scenes from Harrison Avenue, top, and River Road. More photos from around town are below. (Photos by Trish Russoniello and John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

September 20, 2021 - 6:50 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: YARD SALE SET TO SHINE

After ~~five~~ three years in some dark corner, the tarps come off the Red Bank Townwide Yard Sale Saturday.

With 62 (and counting) sellers participating and a weather forecast of sunny skies, it’s looking to be a bonanza for buyers and sellers alike.

September 17, 2021 - 12:00 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: MUMFORD YANKS APARTMENT PLAN

Linda Clark addressing Roger Mumford at Thursday’s hearing. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank nj Developer Roger Mumford withdrew his controversial proposal for a 20-unit apartment building on Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank Thursday night.

The move, coming moments before an expected up-or-down vote by the zoning board, was a win for residents who opposed the plan as gentrifying to a low-income area.

September 17, 2021 - 7:30 am | Comments ()

FAIR HAVEN: RESIGNATION FOLLOWED CLASH

Ben Lucarelli at the dedication of Williams, Albert and Robards Park in 2019. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank nj Since he abruptly resigned as Fair Haven’s mayor two days ago, Ben Lucarelli hasn’t said a word publicly about his decision.

But a recording of Monday night’s council session captures him frustrated over a loss of “decorum” at public meetings and taking flak for his own conduct.

September 16, 2021 - 6:30 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH ON PAUSE

Chief Darren McConnell at National Night Out in August. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

redbankgreen hot topic One of two Red Bank council members who last week called the search for a new borough administrator “stalled” said he learned only this weekend that his colleagues had halted the search weeks earlier.

Meanwhile, two others on the all-Democratic council, as well as Mayor Pasquale Menna, said they’re happy with the job police Chief Darren McConnell is doing as interim administrator, and feel no pressure to replace him.

September 15, 2021 - 8:30 am | Comments ()

FAIR HAVEN: LUCARELLI RESIGNS AS MAYOR

Ben Lucarelli during the council’s annual session held at the Knollwood School in 2017. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank nj After nearly a decade in the position, Ben Lucarelli has resigned as Fair Haven’s mayor, effective immediately, borough Administrator Theresa Casagrande announced Tuesday.

No reason was given.

September 14, 2021 - 3:00 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: GRANT BOOSTS LIBRARY WIFI

Scenes from the recent installation of enhanced wifi at the library. (Click to enlarge.)

Press release from the Red Bank Public Library

The Red Bank Public Library has been selected as one of 27 libraries and was recently awarded $10,000 of grant funding by The NJ State Library to
support the CARES ACT Mini-Grant for Public Libraries.

The grant award supplemented the cost of an improved WiFi system that is now strong enough to provide service to anyone on the library grounds, inside or outside the building.

September 14, 2021 - 11:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: GOP BAILS AND VISCOMI JUMPS IN

Sue Viscomi has mounted a candidacy as an independent, making it a three-way race for two council seats. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Red Bank voters will have three candidates to choose from for two council seats in November.

For the second year in a row, none of them will be Republicans.

And for the second time in three years, Sue Viscomi is running as an independent.

September 13, 2021 - 6:00 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: DOGS AGAIN FROLIC IN PARK

Like a dog aroused by the smell of food, Red Bank’s pandemic-interrupted Dog Days of Summer series snapped back to life in Marine Park Saturday.

The gathering, organized by the borough’s Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, featured live music by the Wag, displays by pet care organizations and several hundred wet noses.

Check out redbankgreen‘s photos from the event below.

(Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

September 13, 2021 - 11:15 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: STREET FAIR RETURNS

Sunday’s Street Fair in downtown Red Bank, a fundraiser for the borough’s volunteer fire department, drew thousands of attendees to Monmouth and Broad streets.

September 13, 2021 - 10:45 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: REFLECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 11

Former Red Bank fire chief Wayne Hartman tolled a bell in memory of 343 New York City fireighters who who died at the World Trade Center. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

On a swath of Riverside Gardens Park lawn emblazoned with a temporary memorial, Red Bank residents and others gathered Saturday morning to remember the 2,996 lives taken on American soil on September 11, 2001.

September 13, 2021 - 7:30 am | Comments ()

ON THE GREEN: IN MEMORY

September 11 2001 memorial gif

Dozens of residents of the Greater Red Bank Green were among the 147 Monmouth County residents, and 2,996 overall, who died in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

Information about commemorations in Red Bank and Atlantic Highlands can be found here.

September 10, 2021 - 9:00 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: TWO CALL EXEC SEARCH “STALLED”

Former Business Administrator Ziad Shehady, right, with council members Ed Zipprich, left, and Michael Ballard in December, 2018. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

redbankgreen hot topic With a second vacancy in a key position looming, Red Bank’s search for a borough administrator has stalled without explanation, say two council members.

And the current, interim holder of the position, police Chief Darren McConnell, tells redbankgreen” that there has been no recent movement” toward a replacement.

Mayor Pasquale Menna, however, disagrees, and says the local government is operating “in stellar fashion” under McConnell.

September 10, 2021 - 4:00 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: SEPTEMBER 11, 20 YEARS LATER

Red Bank-area residents will mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America with memorial events Saturday.

September 10, 2021 - 6:50 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: FORECAST IDEAL FOR ‘DOG DAYS’

The weather outlook appears ideal for the 2021 installment of Dogs Days of Summer in Red Bank Saturday.

Organized by the borough’s volunteer Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and Parks and Rec department, the event runs from noon to 4 p.m. in Marine Park, and features live music by the Wag (naturally), as well as contests, pet-care information, vendors and animal welfare organizations.

The Red Rock Tap + Grill on Wharf Avenue, opposite the park, will host a Doggy After Party.

According to the National Weather Service, the event won’t need its rain date (Sunday), with lots of sunshine expected amid temperatures peaking in the mid-70s. Here’s the extended forecast. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

Read More »

September 10, 2021 - 6:17 am | Comments ()