Mayor Dina Long up to her ankles after a rainstorm flooded the street outside her home earlier this month. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Right off the bat, the above photo hints at what new Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long is up against.
Long is far from the first of the town’s top elected officials to confront flooding issues. Pinched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Shrewsbury River, the three-mile-long spit of sand can always count on seeing water slosh onto residential streets abutting the downtown business district during storms.
But a fix is finally in the works, says Long, who hopes to check off flood control, beachfront redevelopment, cellular service quality and one or two other longstanding projects from her to-do list in her term.
“I refuse to see things as problems,” Long told redbankgreen in a recent interview over coffee at Steve’s Breakfast & Lunch on Ocean Avenue. “Otherwise, you’re just stuck all the time.”
Ruben Santiago-Hudson announces JITNEY at the Two River Theater last spring, as Greg Brown and Rona Figueroa (of TRTC’s production of JACQUES BREL) look on.(Click to enlarge)
By TOM CHESEK
The scene is the storefront dispatch office of an unlicensed gypsy cab service in Pittsburgh’s Hill District — a neighborhood unserved by the city’s major taxi companies, and an unlikely setting for one of the truly game-changing works of the modern theater.
When he wrote Jitney in the late 1970s, August Wilson was a largely self-educated impresario who came from far outside the theatrical and academic establishments to found his own shoestring stage troupe in the Hill District. What he didn’t yet realize was that this short-on-plot, long-on-vivid-characters ensemble drama would develop into the cornerstone of a project that would see its author hailed by many as the greatest American playwright of the last 50 years.
Before his 2005 death from liver cancer, Wilson managed to complete the ambitious work that would serve as his legacy: the Pittsburgh Cycle, a set of ten plays — each one set in a different decade — that encapsulate the African-American experience in the 20th century in ways that are tragic, comic, mystical, musical, realistic, hardbitten, hopeful and, in the case of Jitney, maybe all of the above.
Beginning with a just-added matinee preview on Sunday, January 29, Two River Theater Company makes its first foray into Wilson’s world as Jitney takes the stage for a three-week run. Heading a heavyweight ensemble of nine professional players is Tony winner (for The Life) Chuck Cooper as Becker, boss of the dispatch depot and a man whose relationship with his recently paroled son Booster (J. Bernard Calloway of Broadway’s Memphis) boils over into violence. Anthony Chisholm, who won an Obie as Fielding in the play’s original Off Broadway production, reprises the role of the alcoholic ex-tailor here — and the frankly awesome cast is rounded out by Harvy Blanks, Brandon J. Dirden, Roslyn Ruff, Ray Anthony Thomas, James A. Williams and Allie Woods Jr.
Most exciting of all is the identity of the director attached to this project — Ruben Santiago-Hudson, a longtime friend and professional associate of August Wilson who won a Tony for his acting in Wilson’s Seven Guitars (and who went on to co-star in Gem of the Ocean as well as direct numerous Wilson revivals). The busy stage and screen pro, who turned playwright for his autobiographical Lackawanna Blues (and who’s also familiar from three seasons of Castle, a TV series in which his character was rather disconcertingly bumped off), has been busily overseeing rehearsals in Red Bank even as he continues his current Broadway stint in the Alicia Keys-produced Stick Fly.
The Drama Desk at redbankgreen managed to get in a few minutes with Santiago-Hudson as he jitney’d his way between two high profile projects.
The market, whose roots on the same Rumson Road property date back to a farm started in 1660, is organizing an October tour of gardens, cheese-making shops, olive pressers and other artisanal food producers on the Italian island.
For $6,000 per person, up to 12 travelers will get to indulge in “an exclusive insider’s culinary and cultural view of Italy,” says says Kirsty Dougherty, who was hired recently as Sickles’ director of tourism training..
Alternating lamps along the River Road streetscape will be shut off after 11 p.m., officials say. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna says it looks like “an airport runway,” and he’s not the only one who marvels at the candlepower along River Road in neighboring Fair Haven.
Resident Ruth Blaser wonders, “Did the town engineer go to a closeout sale for streetlamps and say, ‘I’ll take them all?’”
The sarcasm, however, may be in for a dial-back soon – at least as it regards late-night travel along the road.
It’s official, apparently, if the sign outside Fair Haven Borough Hall has the weight of officialdom. The expected resignation of Mike Halfacre as the borough’s mayor, that is, to take a job in the Christie Administration. But neither the borough administrator nor the clerk was available Wednesday morning to say if Halfacre had submitted a formal resignation, and Halfacre did not immediately respond to a request for comment. [Update, 10:35 a.m.: Borough Administrator Theresa Casagrande confirms that Halfacre submitted his resignation letter Tuesday, effective immediately.] (Click to enlarge)
Three motorists were injured, and one was airlifted to a hospital, following a head-on collision that closed a stretch of Navesink River Road in Middletown Tuesday night, according to news reports.
According to the NJ.com, the Star-Ledger’s website, crash occurred near the at a curve in the road near the Navesink Country Club and closed the roadway for several hours.
Recent activity reports, unedited, as provided by the Middletown Township Police Department.
• Thomas Burgos, age 24, from Piave Avenue in Staten Island, NY, arrested on January 20, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Parsippany Municipal Courts. He was held on $1,215.00 bail.
• Christopher Hartman, age 26, from Fairview Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 20, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Driving While Intoxicated on Cherry Tree Farm Road. He was released pending a court date.
Little Silver police say a shoplifting suspect’s cups runneth over Sunday afternoon when they found her to be wearing a bra filled with suspected heroin packets, they reported Tuesday morning.
Here’s the full text of the report on the arrest of Dana Labriola (right):
On January 22, 1012, at 4:10 p.m., patrols responded to the CVS located at 510 Prospect Avenue after the store manager recognized a woman from a January 18, 2012 incident where she had exited the store with a basket of cosmetics without paying.
P.O. Salerno determined that the woman identified as Dana Labriola, 30 yoa of Monmouth Beach had shoplifted this evening and made the arrest.
The mayor, seen below in his biking gear, was a no-show Monday night and his nameplate sat on a shelf behind the council dais. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
He’s yet to resign, but the Asbury Park Press says Fair Haven’s Mayor Mike Halfacre now has been formally named to a post in the Christie Administration that will require him to step down from his elected post.
Halfacre, who apparently jumped the gun last week by announcing his new job as head of the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control on Facebook before his appointment was made official by the governor’s office, did not appear at Monday night’s meeting of the borough council.
Borough officials who appeared not to know of the latest Press report told redbankgreen on the condition of anonymity that Trenton had asked Halfacre to “lie low and not do anything mayoral” while his appointment was being finalized.
A concept plan for the pool club that’s envisioned for part of the beachfront, below. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Years in the talking, the transformation of Sea Bright’s dowdy oceanfront into a moneymaker complete with a pool club and restaurant could begin early next year, officials say.
But first, the borough council is awaiting the results of an analysis aimed at gauging the appeal of the project to businesses its meant to lure.
The Red Bank Roller Vixens put on an action-packed show for a full house at the the Red Bank Middle School in a fundraiser for the eighth-grade class trip Friday night.
The event also featured a bit of hardwood action by the Red Bank Riot Girls, a junior league squad for girls ages 12 to 18; some nasal silliness by the Pretty Things Peep Show; and a raffle based on a storm of ping-pong balls.
The crime reports below were provided by the Red Bank Police Department for the period of January 13 to January 20, 2012. This information is unedited.
Subject identified as Jake Evans age 24 male of Brick was charged with stealing bag of assorted breads and rolls from outside of bakery on 1-15-12 in the area of Monmouth Street. Ptl. Nicholas Maletto
Criminal Mischief occurring at Morford Place—apartment building on 1-16-12. Manager reported that unknown person(s) broke two entry doors to building by breaking glass in same.
Criminal Mischief occurring on 1-17-12 at Monmouth St. business. Victim reported that window in business had glass smashed. Ptl. Matthew Ehrenreich.
The snow left a filigree of ice along a railing at Maple Cove in Red Bank. (Click to enlarge)
The Green’s first snowfall of 2012 on Saturday becomes workaday slush Monday, as temperatures climb into the low 50s and rain begins to fall Monday afternoon.
Here’s the forecast by the National Weather Service:
01.27 - Bob Burger The bespectacled master of all music (and friend to the scary famous) returns to Basil T's for several Friday night sets.
01.27 - Bob Burger The bespectacled master of all music (and friend to the scary famous) returns to Basil T's for several Friday night sets.
01.27 - John Pinette SOLD OUT! There's not a comedy club in the land that could contain the crowdpleasing talents of this relatively recent graduate to the big time theater circuit, an observer of life's lighter side (and heavier side) who practically fills a room all by himself.
01.27 - Reckless Steamy Nights: Grupo Yuri The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation's presents multi instrumentalist Yuri Turchyn and his quintet, dealing 'integrations of Latin, Jazz and World Music—based rhythms, seductive melodies and interweaving instrumentals' in the latest in a renewed monthly series of BYOB house parties at the old Anthony Reckless Estate. Proceeds benefit the scholarship programs of the JSJBF and the Woman's Club.
01.28 - AAUW Used Bookstore Half Price Sale Thousands of best sellers, children's books, paperbacks, DVDs and more offered for one day only at half the regular price — as the American Association of University Women used book sale continues in the spacious basement of the Old First Church in Middletown.
01.28 - Jersey Shore Rose Society The monthly meeting of the JSRS takes place at Kensington Court, 864 Shrewsbury Avenue in Tinton Falls, with a beginner's clinic at 12:30pm and the main meeting (featuring guest speaker Brenna Bosch) commencing at 1:30. Call 732.688.4282 for info and directions.
01.28 - Build Little Silver with LEGOs REGISTER NOW for JANUARY 28. The Little Silver Historical Society invites local families to participate in the construction of a 12x18 Lego scale model of their hometown, inside the community room of Embury Methodist Church. Family registration 25 dollars (parents must accompany kids) or FREE to cheer on your neighbors as a spectator. Register in person at Byford & Mills (38 Church St.); call 732.224.8549 for further info.
01.28 - KAGERO at Red Bank Library The monthly Acoustic Saturdays series of free performances by local musicians continues at the Red Bank Library with Kaz Fujmoto and his Japanese Gypsy Rock combo of dynamic 'Cultural Confusion.' Anton Daub, emcee of the weekly acoustic open mic nights at Espresso Joe's in Keyport, as your gracious host.
01.28 - The Good Life/ Sibling Rivalry The nine piece showband brings their big sound back to the doublewide Downtown for some upstairs sets, while dynamic brother and sister duo Justin and Alina Zimmerman entertain on the first floor.
01.28 - INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS It’s a 21st century spin on the “live radio drama” — a sci—fi “graphic novel” brought to life through projected images and a soundtrack custom—created by voice actors, musicians and sound effect artists. Set in the hardboiled world of 1933 — and pitting an intrepid reporter against an invasion of sludge monsters from planet Zygon — the story by Jason Neulander and Tim Doyle is displayed in over 1200 hand drawn panels.
01.29 - RBR PTO Ladies' Luncheon The ladies of the Red Bank Regional High School Parent Teacher Organization invite one and all to a 'Bubbles, Bags & Bling' fundraiser at the Oyster Point Hotel; an afternoon event (featuring signature raffle gift baskets and an opportunity 'where everyone can win something grand') to benefit the academic enrichment of the school, building beautification and staff appreciation. Tix can be purchased by calling 732.450.9725; click for email link to more info.
01.29 - Wedding Set Go Bridal Spectacular at BCC The Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College hosts a bridal event featuring 75 professionals. Doors open at noon; click for contact and info links.
01.29 - August Wilson's JITNEY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
01.29 - Open Mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan The Sunday night event is THE place to find musicians congregating, hanging out, trying new ideas, cutting up on some classics and generally enjoying one of the MUST events for Jersey Shore music fans.
01.31 - Open House at Saint James Elementary School The Catholic school in downtown Red Bank — celebrating its 135th anniversary this year — invites parents of children ages Preschool through Grade 8 to a special Open House session, an opportunity to 'tour our facilities and learn about Saint James curriculum and philosophy, activities and all aspects of school life.' Call the Business Office at 732.741.3363 to schedule a schoolday visit for prospective students and obtain more information.
01.31 - SHIP Counseling in Shrewsbury Got a question on Medicare, Medicaid, insurance and drug plans? The volunteer counselors from the State Health Insurance (Assistance) Program will be at the Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch for one on one Tuesday counseling sessions. Appointments required; call Family & Children' Service at 732.728.1331.
01.31 - Investment Info in Shrewsbury The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury hosts representatives from Merrill Lynch of Red Bank, in a free seminar on 'Government 457 Plan and IRA Rollover Basics.'
01.31 - David Garrett He wields the violin like the hammer of the Mighty Thor — and the golden tressed German musician has both built bridges and smashed barriers between forms as disparate as Bach and Aerosmith; Paganini and Nirvana. The Count Basie will be announcing the winner of a special competition in which an aspiring violinist will get to meet Garrett and sit in on the artist's soundcheck.
01.31 - August Wilson's JITNEY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.01 - August Wilson's JITNEY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.02 - Artists' Workshop The Red Bank Public Library hosts an informal monthly gathering, in which artists can 'find inspiration and motivation' in a space for creative people to draw and paint with others. No registration necessary; bring acrylics, pastels, watercolors, charcoal or pencils (no oils, please).
02.02 - August Wilson's JITNEY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.03 - CBA Art Show Preview Reception The annual art show and sale at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft opens with a special preview event, featuring wine and hors d'oeuvres by Merri Makers and reentry to Saturday and Sunday's art show with purchase of admission to reception. Click for link to RSVP.
02.03 - August Wilson's JITNEY PREVIEW PERFORMANCE. Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.03 - Matt O'Ree The Shore's own world class championship blues guitarist visits Jamian's Food & Drink for several Friday night sets.
02.04 - CBA Art Show and Sale The annual art show and sale at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft continues through the weekend, with a cafe also offered. For more info, visit www.cbaartshow.org.
02.04 - August Wilson's JITNEY OPENING NIGHT WITH RECEPTION. Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.05 - Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's The Middletown Lions Club Charitable Foundation hosts its sixth annual Super Sunday event, with proceeds benefitting an array of local charities including the NJ Blind Citizens Association of Leonardo. Click for phone and email links to purchase tickets or arrange a tax deductible donation.
02.05 - CBA Art Show and Sale The annual art show and sale at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft continues, with a cafe also offered and Progressive 50/50 drawn at 3pm. For more info, visit www.cbaartshow.org.
02.05 - August Wilson's JITNEY Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.06 - Patriots Without Petticoats: Women of the Civil War The community room of Kensington Court in Tinton Falls is the setting for a presentation by historian Glenn LeBoeuf on 'dozens or hundreds of women who hid their gender to follow husbands, brothers, or just their nation's flag into the storm of the Civil War.' It's hosted by the local Association of University Women, free of charge and open to the public.
02.08 - August Wilson's JITNEY Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.' Performances at 1pm and 7pm.
02.09 - August Wilson's JITNEY Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.10 - CHAIRISH THE MUSEUM Silent Auction The Monmouth Museum hosts a special event in which bids are invited on an array of chairs decorated and designed by a variety of area creatives and craftspersons. 'Libations and light fare' will be served, and all proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Museum.
02.10 - August Wilson's JITNEY Two River Theater Company revives the first of the late August Wilson’s 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays of African American life in the 20th century. Set at a gypsy cab company, the 1977 ensemble drama and directed by stage/TV actor Ruben Santiago—Hudson, a Tony winner for his work in Wilson’s 'Seven Guitars.'
02.02 - Red Bank Municipal Court A weekly exercise in indignation and regret known as justice that assembles in the Council chambers. Time: 8:30 am
02.02 - Red Bank Zoning Board Applications requiring variances from zoning laws. Meets in Council chambers, 90 Monmouth Street. Time: 6:30 pm
02.06 - Red Bank Human Relations Committee Meets on the fourth Monday of each month except where otherwise noted, and advises the mayor and council on ways to promote ethnic and cultural harmony among borough residents Time: 6:30 pm
02.07 - Fair Haven Recreation Commission Meets the first Tuesday of each month at Borough Hall (except for the April meeting, held at the Fair Haven Fields concession stand). Time: 7:00 pm
02.08 - Red Bank Council The governing body meets at 6:30 pm in the council chambers at 90 Monmouth Street. Time: 6:30 pm
02.09 - Red Bank Municipal Court A weekly exercise in indignation and regret known as justice that assembles in the Council chambers. Time: 8:30 am
02.13 - Fair Haven Mayor and Council Meets twice monthly, on the second and fourth Monday, except in August and December. See borough website for particulars. Time: 10:00 am
02.14 - Red Bank Environmental Commission Meets the second and fourth Tuesdays in the Council chambers at 90 Monmouth Street. On the fourth Tuesday, the meeting is preceded by a meeting of the Green Team Committee at 6 pm. Time: 7:00 pm
Mayor Dina Long up to her ankles after a rainstorm flooded the street outside her home earlier this month. (Click to enlarge)
