Toni Graham, a teacher at Red Bank Middle School, comforts student Kadajyah Smith as she chokes up during a reading for Jonelle Melton, who was killed in September. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Just walking into the Red Bank Middle School auditorium Friday night, you could learn a lot about Jonelle Melton. She had a great big smile, loved butterflies, her favorite color was purple and, perhaps above all else, she touched a lot of lives.
And this you could figure out before anybody said a word.
As students, teachers, friends and family entered the middle school for a memorial to Melton, who was killed in September, they were greeted by a placard with butterflies bordering a picture of Melton — the same picture that was screened onto T-shirts that teachers and students inside the auditorium wore.
Those who didn’t wear the shirts chose to wear a purple band, Melton’s favorite color, on their left sleeve.
Ledger Live reporter Brian Donohue shot this pre-storm vodcast about weather-induced panic shopping last Friday at Red Bank and Middletown supermarkets. Will we see a repeat run on bread and milk this week?
Just days after Saturday’s blizzard, the Red Bank area could be facing another wintry mess beginning Tuesday night.
The National Weather Service is warning of an “explosively developing” northeaster (or as they call it, a ‘nor-easter,’ as though we all lived in a Pepperidge Farm commercial) that could bring “heavy snow” to the area through Wednesday.
Locally, it sounds as though we could be in for less pretty white fluffy stuff and more yucky mess. Read More »
Crime reports provided by the Red Bank Police Department for the week of January 29 to February 5, 2010. This information appears here unedited.
Shoplifting incident occurring at Broad St.-Pharmacy on 1-29-10. The owner reported that subject shoplifted items from drugstore and fled. Items valued at approx. $50.00. Amy Matheny of Keansburg was arrested by Ptl. Nicholas Maletto.
Criminal Mischief occurring on 1-30-10 at Union Street. Victim reported that unknown subject(s) keyed his parked vehicle. Ptl. Michael Zadlock.
One’s the most successful writer of comedies in Broadway history. The other’s a serious scholar of classic literature, a retired college professor and founding father of Two River Theater Company. Together they’re teaming up for laughs this Valentine’s season, as Robert M. Rechnitz prepares to open a new production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park at the Red Bank performing arts auditorium named for Dr. Rechnitz and his wife Joan.
Today’s edition of Red Bank oRBit the details how the professor — a man more likely to be found staging the works of Chekhov, Ibsen and Moliere — came to be “Simonized,” as he tells it, and fall in love with the 1964 comedy by the creator of The Sunshine Boysand The Odd Couple; “a delightful, compelling play that moves like lightning.”
On the eve of the first previews for the production that stars Meg Chambers Steedle and John Wernke (above), director Rechnitz talks about his personal history with this show, about Simon’s lasting legacy, and about how a good romantic comedy brings out the youthful blush in all concerned. Read all about it, right here inRed Bank oRBit!
A young book lover takes a brownie break at last night’s Friends of the Library reception, where partygoers got first crack at books to be sold. (Click to enlarge)
The sale is now scheduled for next Saturday, February 13, from 10a to 4p. A concluding bag sale, at which patrons may fill up bags for $2 each, will be held the following Tuesday, February 16. Read More »
To enlarge the photo display, start it, then click the embiggen symbol in the lower right corner. To get back to redbankgreen, hit your escape key.
The reception room of the Atrium at Navesink Harbor was packed with river rats and history mavens old and young Thursday night for short program on the history of our beautiful Navesink as a playground for recreational boaters and iceboaters.
Sketches for the proposed Community YMCA expansion, which the zoning board rejected Thursday night. (Click to enlarge. Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Though it got more votes in favor than against, a proposal to nearly double the size of the Community YMCA facility on Maple Avenue in Red Bank isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
After months of back-and-forth over design plans and the Y’s acceding to some concerns of the borough zoning board — to the degree that every board member praised its efforts — the plan failed to win the votes it needed to move forward.
The board voted 4-3 in favor of the plan, but because a use variance was at issue, the YMCA needed a supermajority of five or more votes, said board attorney Marc Leckstein.
Board chairwoman Lauren Nicosia had recused herself over a conflict of interest and Chris Ferrigine was absent.
Red Bank is prepping 11 snow plows, plus loaders and back hoes, to handle this impending snow invasion this weekend. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
It may not rival the pre-Christmas pounding, but if the weather forecast is correct — insert wisecrack here — Red Bank and the surrounding area will be spending some time digging out from a substantial snowfall again tonight and tomorrow.
In Red Bank yesterday, borough workers readied 11 snowplows, with additional loaders and backhoes geared up to 24 hours on the streets to clear an expected foot or so of snow, said public utilities Director Gary Watson.
Bargain hunters can start licking their chops, because Fair Haven is heaping a town-wide yard sale onto its already-popular semiannual sidewalk sale.
The Borough Council gave the green light Monday for the Fair Haven Business Association to spearhead the event, which will coincide with the borough sidewalk sale in May.
That means the rush is on to get all the particulars worked out beforehand — making maps, promoting the sale and more than likely, talking to its neighbors in Red Bank to get tips on how that annual sale, held in September, is run.
“We’ll get an idea of what Red Bank does,” Mayor Mike Halfacre said. “But if we’re going to do it in May, we have to get on the ball.”
02.08 - Acoustic Open MicIt's an open mic for strummers, singers and poets, hosted by guitarist David Crowton and Carol Barbieri, now and every Monday at the venerable Val's Tavern in Rumson (starts 9pm; performer sign—in 8pm).
02.09 - Author Dr. Joy OhayiaThe fitness professional, holistic nutrition expert and author of STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE SELF ESTEEM AND SUCCESS! conducts a free motivational presentation and workshop on that topic at the Warner Student Life Center at BCC's Lincroft campus. Registration is recommended, with the first 50 signups getting a free copy of Dr. Joy's book BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS—PROVEN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND SURVIVAL.
02.09 - ETTY: A One Woman Show (Tuesday, March 9)Adapted and performed by Susan Stein and directed by internationally renowned actor/director Austin Pendleton, ETTY is a theatrical presentation based on the diaries of Dutch Jew Esther 'Etty' Hilesum, who perished at Auschwitz in 1941. A chronicle of hope and strength against all odds, the one woman show will be presented as part of Women's History Month in the Navesink I room at BCC's Warner Student Life Center. Tickets reserved exclusively via phone or email by advance payment (no credit cards) to the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Center at Brookdale Community College.
02.09 - BAREFOOT IN THE PARKTRTC founder Robert M. Rechnitz returns to the director’s chair for a fresh look at 'the play that put Neil Simon on the map;' a comedy of newlyweds, neighbors and nosy in—laws that took Broadway by storm in 1964 and stood on the cusp of an era of changing sexual mores and gender roles. (PREVIEW PERFORMANCE)
02.10 - Red Bank Humanists Monthly ForumDr. J. Brett Bennington, Hofstra professor and geologist, is guest speaker (on the topic 'When Dinosaurs Ruled New Jersey') at a forum hosted by the Red Bank Humanists organization.
02.10 - BAREFOOT IN THE PARKTRTC founder Robert M. Rechnitz returns to the director’s chair for a fresh look at 'the play that put Neil Simon on the map;' a comedy of newlyweds, neighbors and nosy in—laws that took Broadway by storm in 1964 and stood on the cusp of an era of changing sexual mores and gender roles. (PREVIEW PERFORMANCE)
02.10 - Author William D. CohanOn February 17, NovelTeas Authors, Aromas and Gifts on Bridge Avenue welcomes the author of HOUSE OF CARDS, the stranger than fiction story of the collapse of Bear Stearns and 'the beginning of the end of the Second Gilded Age on Wall Street.' A 45 dollar ticket includes presentation, a signing copy of the (updated paperback edition) book and a reception catered by David Burke Fromagerie at the new Bridge Avenue space.
02.10 - Steve WinwoodThe Count Basie welcomes for the first time the rock music perennial whose career spans such 60s groups as Traffic, Blind Faith and the Spencer Davis Group — along with a resurgent solo career in the 1980s and recent triumphs with his old bandmate Eric Clapton. In addition to the regular ticket prices, there's a limited offering of $$250 tickets that include a tax deductible donation to the Basie's restoration fund, premium seating and a meet 'n greet with the artist.
02.11 - Celebrating Chinese New Year at BCCBrookdale Community College invites the community to celebrate the Year of the Tiger inside the Navesink Rooms of the Warner Student Life Center, with a display of the traditional lion dance by 40 students of the Jersey Shore Chinese School, plus Chinese folk dances with drum ensemble, a dragon parade and a demonstration of Chinese yoyo technique. For more info on the free event, call Professor Linda Wang at 732.224.2861.
02.11 - Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection MattersThe Red Bank Library and the Alzheimer's Association host a free educational workshop on recognizing the warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease. Seating is limited, so call for registration and additional information at 973.586.4300.
02.11 - IF YOU EVER LEAVE ME...I'M GOING WITH YOU!Just in time for V—Day, the husband/wife team of actor—playwrights JOE BOLOGNA and RENEE TAYLOR return to Red Bank for one night only, with the toruing edition of their comedy celebrating the long running personal and professional relationship.
02.11 - BAREFOOT IN THE PARKTRTC founder Robert M. Rechnitz returns to the director’s chair for a fresh look at 'the play that put Neil Simon on the map;' a comedy of newlyweds, neighbors and nosy in—laws that took Broadway by storm in 1964 and stood on the cusp of an era of changing sexual mores and gender roles. (PREVIEW PERFORMANCE)
02.12 - FELA Party at Frank Talk Art BistroIn honor of the new Broadway show FELA — a celebration of the life and music of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti — Frank Talk founder Gilda Rogers hosts a '7pm til ?' party featuring Nigerian born guest speaker Yinka Coker and AfroBeat sounds from Claude Chingwe. All this plus door prize CDs and a grand prize drawing for a pair of tickets to the show at the Eugene O'Neill Theater. Seating's extremely limited, so call 732.747.2572 to reserve.
02.12 - LeAnn RimesThe Grammy winning country firecracker who duetted with Bon Jovi on 2008's 'Til We Ain't Strangers Anymore' comes to BoJo's stomping grounds for a full band acoustic concert that puts an Americana spin on her 15 years worth of hits.
02.12 - BAREFOOT IN THE PARKTRTC founder Robert M. Rechnitz returns to the director’s chair for a fresh look at 'the play that put Neil Simon on the map;' a comedy of newlyweds, neighbors and nosy in—laws that took Broadway by storm in 1964 and stood on the cusp of an era of changing sexual mores and gender roles. (PREVIEW PERFORMANCE)
02.13 - Paper Moon Puppet TheaterMaster puppeteer Jim Racioppi and crew present CINDERELLA, the latest in their long running series of Paper Moon marionette shows for family audiences. One of the Shore's best kept secrets, these productions (on the custom scaled mini stage at First Avenue Playhouse in Atlantic Highlands) combine handmade figures and scenery with genuine theatrical artistry for a rare experience that's capped by the 'backstage tour' following the show.
02.13 - GEORGE SEGAL EVERYMAN Preview and BenefitOn February 27, the Monmouth Museum hosts a special preview party for their major installation of sculptures, paintings and drawings by 20th century great Segal, featuring a discussion with daughter Rena Segal, his friend and documentary photographer Donald Lokuta, and several of the artist's other friends and models. Tickets are 65 dollars and include refreshments, tour and discussion. Contact Julia Fiorino at 732.747.2266 for reservations and further info.
02.13 - A Night of Old Time Doo WopFrom the streetcorner to the stage: the Basie hosts another evening of classic vocal rock and roll, starring the 21st century editions of The Cleftones ('Heart and Soul'), The harptones ('Sunday Kind of Love'), The Jive Five ('What Time Is It?'), The Dimensions ('Over the Rainbow'), The Students ('So Young') and the Solitaires ('Walking Along').
02.13 - BAREFOOT IN THE PARKTRTC founder Robert M. Rechnitz returns to the director’s chair for a fresh look at 'the play that put Neil Simon on the map;' a comedy of newlyweds, neighbors and nosy in—laws that took Broadway by storm in 1964 and stood on the cusp of an era of changing sexual mores and gender roles. (OPENING NIGHT with catered reception)
02.13 - SOCIAL SECURITYAndrew Bergman's comedy about art gallery owners whose urban lifestyle is thrown into disarray by the arrival of the wife's aged mom is presented by the Monmouth Players as part of a completely comic Season of Laughter here in 2009/2010, seriously served up with that famous Players dessert spread.
02.14 - 13th Annual Brookdale Guitar ShowThe yearly expo and seminar on all things stringy has become a 'can't miss' event for neophytes and know it alls alike. Included on the menu at the Student Life Center on BCC's Lincroft campus are a series of free clinics, technique workshops and panels on licensing/copyright, careers in radio and the changing face of women in the music biz. There's live music from a slate of acts to be announced, plus scores of guitars to see, touch and taste, all presented by Raritan Bay Guitar Repair.
02.14 - SOCIAL SECURITYAndrew Bergman's comedy about art gallery owners whose urban lifestyle is thrown into disarray by the arrival of the wife's aged mom is presented by the Monmouth Players as part of a completely comic Season of Laughter here in 2009/2010, seriously served up with that famous Players dessert spread.
02.14 - BAREFOOT IN THE PARKTRTC founder Robert M. Rechnitz returns to the director’s chair for a fresh look at 'the play that put Neil Simon on the map;' a comedy of newlyweds, neighbors and nosy in—laws that took Broadway by storm in 1964 and stood on the cusp of an era of changing sexual mores and gender roles.
02.14 - Trey Anastasio & Classic TABSOLD OUT! The Phish guitarist and bandleader makes his Basie debut with the extended bigband version of his core quartet, fortified by a full defensive line of horn players.
Toni Graham, a teacher at Red Bank Middle School, comforts student Kadajyah Smith as she chokes up during a reading for Jonelle Melton, who was killed in September. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
Red Bank is prepping 11 snow plows, plus loaders and back hoes, to handle this impending snow invasion this weekend. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
