RED BANK: BOOKMARKS MARK FAVORITES

St. James first-grader Declan Duffy chose to draw Red Bank’s Molly Pitcher Inn as his favorite place in town, above. Below, the other winners by grade. (Click to enlarge)

[Press release from the Friends of the Red Bank Public Library]

The Sixth Annual Friends oft he Red Bank Public Library Bookmark Contest has announced this year’s winners! At a well-attended party on May 20, the Friends presented the winners with certificates and gift cards to local businesses.

June 16, 2017 - 7:11 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: SCHOOL TO GET 500 BOOKS

[Press release from the Office of the Governor, June 9, 2017]

Supporting the development and enhancement of student reading skills, First Lady Mary Pat Christie announced today that Red Bank Primary School in Red Bank is receiving 500 books as part of the 11^th annual Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. Last year, 43 Governors’ Spouses, Governors and Lieutenant Governors participated as Reading Ambassadors for the summer program.

June 14, 2017 - 8:09 am | Comments ()

LITTLE SILVER: RBR TEENS BRAVE SHARK TANK

Pictured left to right at the first RBR Shark tank competition are Red Bank Rotary Club President Ken Scaggs; first place winners Bryce Barnes, André Van Der Linde, and Ryan Humelsine; Third Place winner Moises Orocio, and second place winner Jaydah Diaz.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

The tension was palpable on May 30, as Red Bank Regional High School student finalists presented their invention, product or service to a panel of judges during the school’s first annual RBR Shark Tank event. The competition was sponsored by the Red Bank Rotary Club, which offered a total of $5,000 to the top three winners.

First place and $2,500 went to EZ Keyboard, a year-long engineering project by Academy of Engineering seniors Bryce Barnes of Shrewsbury, Ryan Humelsine of Neptune Township, and André Van Der Linde of Belmar. All three young men, who intend to continue their engineering studies in college, are also musicians. They presented a prototype which allows amputees or disabled people with severe arthritis to play full chords with the use of just one hand.

June 13, 2017 - 7:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: THREE WEEKEND DEBUTS PLANNED

The paper comes off the windows Saturday at Cos Bar, a cosmetics store opening next door to Tiffany & Co. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

Two new Red Bank businesses kick off their residencies, and the summer of 2017, with openings planned for the Memorial Day weekend, redbankgreen‘s Retail Churn has learned.

In addition, a longtime veteran of the town’s restaurant and bar scene is unveiling a new outdoor expansion.

May 26, 2017 - 1:25 pm | Comments ()

LINCROFT: RANNEY SCHOOL GRADUATES 82

Press release from The Ranney School

The setting was the Collins Arena on the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College, as The Ranney School Class of 2017 celebrated its commencement on May 25.

The Tinton Falls-based school graduated 82 seniors, of which 31 were known as “Ranney Lifers,” or students who had attended the school for 10 or more years. Next fall, the entire group will head off to attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities across the country, including Columbia, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Georgetown, and Notre Dame, where they will pursue their individual passions and interests in fields ranging from the visual arts and theatrical production to finance, law, and medicine to robotics and information technology.

May 26, 2017 - 1:00 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: BASIES GO TO RFH, RBC, RBR

Phoenix Productions exec director Tom Martini — pictured fifth from left, during the 2015 ribbon-cutting of the troupe’s new Chestnut Street headquarters — was honored with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award during the 12th annual Basie Awards on Wednesday night. (photo by Rich Kowalski)

Students and faculty from five high schools in the greater Red Bank area were honored for excellence in high school theater productions — and the co-founder of a favorite borough-based performing arts company received a Lifetime Achievement recognition — when the 12th annual Basie Awards ceremony took place at the Count Basie Theatre on the evening of May 24.

The big winner among local schools was Red Bank Catholic High School, whose nine nominations for the spring production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Cinderella resulted in three Basie wins: for Shawn Mack (Outstanding Musical Direction), Samantha Siriani (Outstanding Supporting Actress), and Kelly Gemellaro (Outstanding Choreography, shared with Jacqui Fisher for the Middletown High School South staging of The Producers).

May 25, 2017 - 5:05 pm | Comments ()

LINCROFT: A JAZZY ‘TONIGHT’ SHOW AT CBA

Longtime ‘Tonight Show’ bandleader Kevin Eubanks is this year’s spotlight attraction at the annual jazz concert fundraiser at Christian Brothers Academy.

The recent graduation ceremony may have marched to the traditionally stately strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” but adhering to a recently minted tradition at Christian Brothers Academy, the close of the academic session is being given a jazzy jam-session coda, courtesy of this year’s edition of the CBA Jazz Series.

Tonight, the 350-seat Henderson Theatre at the Lincroft school hosts the sixth annual entry in the fundraiser concert series, an event that appropriately enough stars the onetime leader of TV’s Tonight Show band, guitarist Kevin Eubanks.

May 25, 2017 - 9:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: ORGANIC FOOD, BOOZE & CONES

Chef Josh Agnello of JJ’S Organic Grill, now setting up shop in the former Sicilia space at 128 Broad Street. (Photo by Trish Russoniello. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

We’ve got some intel on a new organic restaurant, a liquor store expansion and the return of a seasonal ice cream stand in Red Bank in this here edition of redbankgreen‘s Retail Churn.

May 24, 2017 - 2:32 pm | Comments ()

RED BANK: ‘BASIES’ BUZZ IN THE AIR TONIGHT

The Red Bank Regional production of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ has garnered seven nominations in the Basie Awards for excellence in local high school theater, as the 12th annual ceremony rolls out the red carpet tonight.

In a pop-culture landscape that’s littered with the sharp metal edges of way too many awards and honors, you could make the case that this is the only trophyfest that matters — the kind that recognizes, nurtures and inspires the next generation of acting, singing, dancing and technical talent.

When the 12th annual Basie Awards ceremony takes the famous stage of the Count Basie Theatre tonight, May 24, students and faculty from nearly 20 public, private and parochial high schools in Monmouth County — seven of them located here within the Greater Red Bank Green — will be vying for a chance to deliver their acceptance speech, in a field that, in the words of Basie education director Yvonne Lamb Scudiery, continues “to set the bar higher and higher, resulting in outstanding professional quality work…and certainly making the job or our evaluation team a very difficult yet gratifying one.”

May 24, 2017 - 9:00 am | Comments ()

LITTLE SILVER: BIG SILVER FOR RBR WRITERS

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

The Creative Writing majors at Red Bank Regional High School recently learned that they earned 62 regional and one national award in the prestigious 2017 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, an annual competition sponsored by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Over 330,000 works were submitted by students from around the United States, of which 2,500 received awards from the Alliance.

Senior Kyle Eber of Bradley Beach earned a National Silver Award for 2017, the second year in a row in which he has taken this honor. Kyle will continue his study of creative writing at Emerson College in Boston next year.

May 24, 2017 - 5:01 am | Comments ()

RUMSON: RCDS KIDS SPREAD THEIR WINGS

Press release from Rumson Country Day School

Joyful voices rang throughout the commons. Melodic tunes from the band carried down the hall from the auditorium. From outside on the fields came the sound of dramatic sketches, and from the parents came oohing and ahhing of admiration, as children excitedly pointed out their projects that decorated the walls of the school.

On May 18, over 600 parents, students and teachers experienced the infectious passion of The Second Annual RCDS Arts Festival at The Rumson Country Day School.

May 24, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

LINCROFT: CBA SENIORS SHOW RESEARCH

Press release from Christian Brothers Academy

On May 15, just prior to the school’s graduation ceremony, seniors in the Senior Scholars Program at Christian Brothers Academy presented their research as part of the second annual CBA Scholars Colloquium.

The evening featured four presentations, held in the Henderson Theatre, during which members showcased an incredible degree of dedicated research, experimentation, and practical findings. Each senior provided a 30-minute presentation of their topic, led question-and-answer session, and explained their plans for continued study. Senior Manny Lazarro served as master of ceremonies for the event.

May 23, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

LINCROFT: CBA GRADUATES CLASS OF ’17

Press release from Christian Brothers Academy

On Thursday, May 18, Christian Brothers Academy celebrated the 55th graduation exercises inside the Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College.

CBA Principal R. Ross Fales began the ceremony recalling Bishop O’Connell’s message to the seniors at their Baccalaureate Liturgy: to remain men of integrity.

Of the 233 graduating seniors, 220 will be attending four-year schools that rank among the best universities or colleges nationally or regionally in US News & World Report. Two-thirds of the Class of 2017 received merit-based scholarships, totaling $23,576,000.

The Class of 2017 included 27 members of the National Honor Society. This senior class completed over 23,600 community service hours—an average of 102 hours per graduate.

May 22, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: REFACING… AND RE-FOOTING

The former Doc Shoppe at 43 Broad Street has been rebranded Red Sole, and now includes sneakers among its footwear offerings. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

This edition of redbankgreen‘s Retail Churn includes items about a sneaker store, a liquor store, an ice cream shop and a restaurant.

If there’s a common thread through all, its branding and rebranding.

May 19, 2017 - 7:00 am | Comments ()

RUMSON: BIG HONOR FOR RFH’S DELLETT

Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School

Special Education teacher Jen Dellett has been selected as Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Educator of the Year. The announcement was made on May 12 by RFH Principal Dr. Tracy Handerhan, joined by French Teacher Christine Berg, last year’s recipient of the annual honor.

Dellett has been teaching at RFH for ten years, where she started as an Inclusion teacher and then taught Resource English prior to her current assignment in the Multiply Disabled Program.

May 19, 2017 - 5:01 am | Comments ()

FIELD DAY FOR RED BANK PRIMARY, RCDS

On May 12, students from Rumson Country Day School and Red Bank Primary helped kick off Horizons’ Giving Day celebration with a special Field Day of activities.

Press release from Rumson Country Day School

The buzz of eager children reverberated across the campus of The Rumson Country Day School last Friday, May 12, as RCDS lower school students gathered on the bleachers to welcome their friends from Red Bank Primary School. After a brief introduction, the Red Bank Eagles and RCDS Gators joined forces to create red and white teams for a friendly competitive field day hosted by RCDS and Horizons Student Enrichment Program.

With the help of dedicated 7th grade volunteers and staff, RCDS and Horizons opened their campus to their Red Bank neighbors, in an efforts to provide a fun experience for the students and to kick off Horizons’ Annual Giving Day, which took place on Wednesday, May 17.

May 19, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

LITTLE SILVER: RBR NAMES 6 TO HALL OF FAME

Pictured left to right are the 2017 inductees for the RBR Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame: RBR teacher Cassandra Dorn; Red Bank Middle School Vice Principal James T. Pierson; Dr. Erin Curtis, Optometrist; Sergeant Joey Fields, Red Bank Police Department; Dr. Carol A. Penn, physician family medicine, and Ramona Johnson, special education teacher, Newark NJ public schools.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

On the morning of April 28, an annual highlight of spring took place once again at Red Bank Regional High School,when the BUC Backer Foundation inducted six RBR graduates into its Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

State Senator Jennifer Beck, Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna, Red Bank Councilman Michael Whelan, Shrewsbury Mayor Donald Burden, and Little Silver Councilman Daniel O’Hern were among the friends, family members and community neighbors who gathered in the school’s theatre to celebrate the contributions of this year’s honorees. The inductees were introduced by the RBR Buccaneer Newspaper students, who wrote bios on the alumni for a commemorative journal, and musical accompaniment was provided by the piano majors of RBR’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy. The festivities continued with a celebratory luncheon catered by the RBR culinary students.

May 17, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

RUMSON GALLERY HOSTS RBR PHOTO MAJORS

“Shattered” by Juliet Slattery (above) and “Bared” by Katryn Flynn (below) are among the works by Red Bank Regional photography majors on view at Canvas Art Studio, beginning May 18.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

The talented photography majors of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Red Bank Regional High School will hold their senior photo show at the Canvas Art Studio, located at 126 East River Road in Rumson.

The public is invited to the welcome reception on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with the images remaining on display from May 19 through May 22.

May 12, 2017 - 5:01 am | Comments ()

RUMSON: EX-FHPD CHIEF VISITS RCDS

Press release from Rumson Country Day School

It was the 1960s when a police chief visited Darryl Breckenridge’s home to offer Darryl’s mother a job. During the visit, the chief placed his hat on young Darryl’s head. It was this moment that inspired Darryl to become a police officer.

Fast forward to the 1980s, when Darryl was driving through Asbury Park to get a haircut and he saw the red and blue flash of police lights in his rearview mirror. That night he was pulled over by police because of his skin color.

May 12, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

A KEY EVENT FOR RBR PIANO PROGRAM

Pictured (left to right) with their Piano teacher Camille Thompson are several of the piano majors performing at Red Bank Regional’s celebratory concert on May 24: Anna Cuozzo, Jacqueline Conforti, Pieter Lootsma, Elijah Nishiura, and Griffin Perry. Playing the piano is Andrew Hall.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

On the evening of Wednesday, May 24, the piano majors of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Red Bank Regional High School invite the public to a special Piano and Harp Concert at the high school on Ridge Road in Little Silver. Scheduled for 7 p.m., the event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the high school’s piano program, and showcases ten piano majors in performances of pieces from such classical masters as Chopin, Beethoven and Bach.

The student performers include piano majors Evan Bardinas (Bradley Beach), William Casey (Red Bank), Jacqueline Conforti (Millstone), Anna Cuozzo (Little Silver), Andrew Hall (Little Silver), Pieter Lootsma (Little Silver), Elijah Nishiura (Red Bank), Griffin Perry (Little Silver), Salvatore Valente (Atlantic Highlands), and Jalen Willis (Neptune City).

In addition, a Harp Ensemble including Alona Gerdes (Bradley Beach), Edith Hernandez (Red Bank), Charlotte Jansky (Little Silver), Adeline Monfil (Red Bank), and Edith Torres (Union Beach) will play ensemble pieces “Allegro” by Suzuki and “Rondeau” by Mouret.

May 10, 2017 - 5:01 am | Comments ()

LITTLE SILVER: ESSAY LAUDS “TINY” TOWN

Jack Stamer gets a smooch from his grandmother, Edie Levine, after reading his essay to the Little Silver council Monday night. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

What’s special about growing up in Little Silver? A Red Bank Regional senior’s essay on that theme earned him $1,000 toward college expenses Monday night.

May 9, 2017 - 11:00 am | Comments ()

RUMSON-FH STUDENT TEENS COMMIT TO NCAA

On National Signing Day, May 4, three student athletes at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School signed their letters of commitment to participate in NCAA athletics next fall, as thier proud coaches and families looked on. Pictured left to right are Carson Greengrove (Soccer, Stevens Institute of Technology), sprinter Grace Hofferber (Track and Field, Wake Forest University), and pole vaulter Doug Young (Track and Field, Boston University).

May 8, 2017 - 5:01 am | Comments ()

LITTLE SILVER: SIGNING TIME AT RBR

Twenty student athletes at Red Bank Regional High School committed on May 1 to play sports at the colleges of their choice next fall. Pictured (top row, left to right) are Kevin Laughlin, Shrewsbury (football, University of Richmond); Josh Horowitz, Red Bank (baseball, Millersville University); Jack Mangold, Shrewbury (baseball, Colby College); Connor McCarthy, Shrewsbury (football, Ithaca University); Chris Brannagan, Little Silver (football, Rhodes University); Mason O’Mara, Shrewsbury (baseball, George Mason); Julia Nijnens, Little Silver (girls’ outdoor track, Sacred Heart University). Also (middle row, left to right) Kevin Paz, Little Silver (boys’ lacrosse, Wagner University); Kristen Haynes, Little Silver (girls’ cross country and outdoor track, Wake Forrest University); Edith Torres, Union Beach (girls’ cross country, University of Maryland, Baltimore County); Kelsey Ballard, Little Silver (swimming, College of New Jersey); Mary Vilardi, Little Silver (girls’ lacrosse, Susquehanna University); Emily Bynoe, Shrewsbury (girls’ lacrosse, Catholic University of America); Hannah Proodian, Red Bank (girls’ soccer, Alvernia University); and (front row, left to right) Omar Steward, Red Bank (football, Lakawanna Jr. College); Tyrese Morris, Red Bank (football, Western New England University); Jalen Willis, Neptune City (Misericordia University, football); Chris Outterbridge, Red Bank (football, Sacred Heart University). Not pictured: Ryan Humelsine, Neptune (boys’ cross country and outdoor track, Rensselaer University).

May 8, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()

RED BANK: EMERGENCY PATH PLAN ADVANCES

The existing path, above, links the Red Bank Primary School to Locust Avenue via a wooded area. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

A long-sought emergency roadway to the Red Bank Primary School is nearing reality, borough officials said last week.

May 4, 2017 - 7:00 am | Comments ()

FAIR HAVEN: A GALLERY OF FUTURE ARTISTS

A large crowd of visitors admired an array of art created by students in grades K through 8 at Sickles and Knollwood Schools at the April 25 Fair Haven School District Art Show.

The event was organized by borough art teachers RoseAnn LaBrocca, Jessica Data and Chris Dudick.

Above, Sickles School first-grader Jude Burkhardt and third-grader Brody Burkhardt with Brody’s mixed-media painting. At right, Sickles School third-grader Celia Cope and her mom Carolyn admire Celia’s “Kitty Kitty Love” papier-mâché creation.

May 4, 2017 - 5:00 am | Comments ()