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RED BANK: SCHOOL PIC WINS $1,000, iPAD

rbms-red-ribbon-week-photoA drone photo of some 200 Red Bank Middle School students arranged in the shape of  ribbon on the school’s lawn was a regional winner in last month’s national Red Ribbon contest, school vice principal James Pierson tells redbankgreen.

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RED BANK: YO, VOTE FOR THIS PHOTO

rbms-red-ribbon-week-photoRoughly 200 Red Bank Middle School students gathered on the school’s lawn recently to form a red ribbon in support of the national Red Ribbon contest, which touts the anti-drug message of “YOLO – You Only Live Once.” 

The aerial photo, taken by volunteer firefighter Joe Holiday using a drone, has been entered into a contest in which the school is hoping to win $1,000 and an iPad. To vote for the photo, go here. (Photo by Joe Holiday. Click to enlarge)

RED BANK: SALES SOARING FOR DRONES

Alan Placer of Hobbymasters gives a quick demo of drone flying. Below, a matchbox-sized drone without a camera. (Photo and video by John T. Ward. Click photo to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

rb drone 070814 2By now, perhaps, you’ve seen the spectacular video shot from within the East River Fourth of July fireworks by a small, remote-controlled helicopter. Or the lovely one of the boardwalk in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park, as seen from a gentle distance above.

Less likely, you’ve seen aerial footage of roof inspections. But Red Bank’s Hobbymasters store is having trouble keeping up with demand for drones from real estate agents and roofers, as well as artists and his customary clientele of hobbyists, he tells redbankgreen.

“They’re outselling remote-controlled planes and cars combined,” he said.

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