A downright Rockwellian scene during the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Red Bank Primary School Nurse Cathy Reardon listens as Mayor Billy Portman reads a proclamation singing her praises. (Photo by Brian Donohue)
Red Bank Primary School Nurse Cathy Reardon was honored with proclamations from both the Mayor and Council as well as Red Bank’s state legislators (all three of whom were in attendance) for receiving a 2025 Unsung Heroes in Education Award from the New Jersey School Board Association last month.
The Red Bank proclamation honored her for her extraordinary efforts, from coordinating bike helmet sales and partnering with local health care organizations to the distributions of much-needed ice pops or hugs, all in the name of making kids happier and healthier.
“As a physician and moreover as a mom, with kids in the schools, I know how important having someone you can trust, when you’re sending your kids to school, that they will be well cared for, that you’re looking out for them,” said Assemblywoman Margie Donlon. “And it’s a tremendous responsibility that often does not go recognized. So you deserve this above and beyond all recognition.”
Next up were three Red Bank Police Department promotions of officers you may recognize for having helped you out or maybe pulled you over at some point.
Red Bank Police Department Paul Perez, pictured with his family and Mayor Billy Portman and Chief Mike Frazee (far right) was sworn in and promoted from detective to sergeant.
Sgt. Heather Kovar stands with her family and takes the oath administered by Mayor Bill Portman as she is promoted to the rank of lieutenant. (photo by Brian Donohue)
The Red Bank Police Department promoted Robert Kennedy from the rank of lieutenant to captain. He signs his promotion papers after taking the oath of office. (photo by Brian Donohue)
Following the police promotions and school nurse honors, the sounds of Queen’s “We Are The Champions” echoed through the chamber in what is becoming a new Portman-era tradition for when the governing body honors youth sports teams who won it all.
The team of the moment? The Red Bank Middle School boys soccer team, whom opposing teams could seemingly barely score on this year.
The team was honored for a perfect 11-0 season. It was the sixth time the Rockets marked claimed the champtionship of the Shore Athletic League.
And when all the festivities and votes on the people’s busiess were over, Bodman Place resident Thomas Salmon (pictured below) took the dais to implore officials to crack down on construction crews he says are violating ordinances and making life miserable for neighbors of the 210-apartment Saxum development. 
“The last six months have been miserable,”he said. “I’ve been very happy in this town for 20 years but the project going on, it’s been total disrespect for us.”
Salmon described contractors showing up well before the legal starting time with loud backup warnings waking residents. “These guys are banging away seven o’clock in the morning. They have no respect for us.”
“I’m just done,” he added. “I’m really done.”
Police Chief Mike Frazee acknowledged the issues and said a meeting had been scheduled next week between the developer and borough officials. Borough Manager Jim Gant told Salmon the problems would be addressed.
“We hear you,” he said. “We are going to address the issues, between my office and the police department.”
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
