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RED BANK: ENGLISH PLAZA, LIGHTLY ACCENTED

Most of the shops along the strip are owned by immigrants. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

The street is named English Plaza, after a former Red Bank mayor. But for the majority of businesses along the short block, English is a second language.

Of the eight shops in the strip of one-story business, at least six are owned by immigrants. That far outpaces the borough’s foreign-born population, which comprises 20 percent of residents, according to the Census.

Here are the stories of five, owners of two restaurants, a home decor shop, a beauty salon and a liquor store.

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September 23, 2022 - 3:00 pm |

RED BANK: TORRES DEBUTS NEW RESTAURANT

Juanito’s Charcoal Grill features outdoor seating with colorful murals on either side. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

It was going to be a laundromat. Think: droning appliances, fluorescent lighting and the cloying scent of fabric softener perfuming  a stretch of Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank.

Luckily for Red Bank-area lovers of food and immersive atmosphere, Juan Torres changed his plans. And on Saturday, the serial entrepreneur will debut his newest creation: Juanito’s Charcoal Grill, a restaurant that’s a volcanic eruption of colors, aromas and flavors, inside and out.

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May 20, 2022 - 4:50 pm |

RED BANK: MURAL LINKS HOMESTEAD TO PAST

Doug Booton, center, and Anthony Jude Setaro with artist Maria Chamra and her mural of Sassano, Italy. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Before they began resettling in Red Bank in 1895, Anthony Jude Setaro and Doug Booton’s ancestors lived for at least 400 years in Sassano, a village in Italy’s Campania region.

Now, a bay window at the family’s Oakland Street homestead frames an idyllic vision of a faraway place that to the new owners still qualifies as home.

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July 23, 2021 - 11:00 am |

RED BANK: WORRY LINGERS AMONG DREAMERS

Clockwise from top left: Adriana Medina Gomez, Itzel Perez Hernandez, Yaritza Ortega, Karina España and Karla Ortega. (Photos from Zoom. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank njAs it became clearer in the weeks after the November 3 election that Joe Biden would become the 46th president of the United States, Adriana Medina Gomez‘s phone began ringing more than usual.

“Among our clients, there was a sense of, ‘OK, Biden won, now what? What can I do to get legal?'” said Medina Gomez, a legal assistant in the Red Bank office of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker social justice organization. “Like immediately, the calls started pouring in about that.”

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February 5, 2021 - 2:30 pm |

RED BANK: COUNCIL BACKS IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

Marchers took to the streets of Red Bank in June, 2018 to protest the Trump Administration’s border policies. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

hot topic red bank nj

By JOHN T. WARD

A virtual parade of speakers, some near tears, pressed the Red Bank council Wednesday night to support a host of protections for undocumented immigrants.

“It is never symbolic to acknowledge the humanity of any one person,” said a young woman who identified herself as Carla, Red Bank Regional senior and officer of the school’s Dreamers organization. “Doing so is, in fact, the most radical of acts,” she said.

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January 14, 2021 - 7:59 am |

RED BANK: IN LIMBO, ‘DREAMERS’ HEAD TO DC

red bank daca dreamersCristian Aparicio, Deysi Avila and Itzel Perez Hernandez have all attended Brookdale Community College under their status as DACA ‘Dreamers.’ (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank njWhile the Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday on the Trump Administration’s move to rescind protections for undocumented young immigrants, a busload of them from Red Bank planned to be out on the streets of Washington, D.C.

The court’s decision “is make-or-break” for them, said Itzel Perez Hernandez, a 26-year-old borough resident who is among the some 700,000 ‘Dreamers’ still afforded protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA.

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November 12, 2019 - 2:00 pm |

RED BANK: RUMAGE REFLECTS ON FIVE YEARS

JARED RUMAGE, red bankSuperintendent Jared Rumage wished middle schoolers a nice holiday weekend on the Friday before Memorial Day in May. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank njRed Bank’s school district still faces stiff financial challenges, but is “without question” in all-around better shape than it was when he arrived five years ago, says Superintendent Jared Rumage.

And as he did at a presentation last week, Rumage is hoping to leverage the narrative of that improvement to win voter approval of a $6.75 million referendum in November.

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September 6, 2019 - 2:00 pm |

RED BANK: INTERPRETERS TO AID POLICE

red bank translator program juan sardoBorough resident Karla Ortega, left, translated remarks by Lieutenant Juan Sardo into Spanish as Councilwoman Kate Triggiano, right, looked on at last week’s council meeting. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank njIn what may be a first in New Jersey, Red Bank police will be able to draw on a team of local volunteers to help them bridge language divides in dealing with the public.

A new program championed by first-term Councilwoman Kate Triggiano will make volunteer interpreters available to help police in their normal duties as well as at community events, she said.

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July 29, 2019 - 7:15 am |

RBR: FORUM ADDRESSES IMMIGRATION CRISIS

brenda codallos, itzel perez, michele alcaldeImmigrant advocates Brenda Codallos, left, and Itzel Perez listen as attorney Michele Alcalde speaks at RBR Thursday night. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

hot topic red bank njThe political conflicts that rage over immigration will eventually be settled by today’s young people, who overwhelmingly believe immigrants are good for America, a guest speaker at Red Bank Regional High said Thursday.

Until then, however, the fears of immigration opponents must be met with data that demonstrates the economic benefits of immigration, he and others said.

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January 18, 2019 - 1:30 pm |

RED BANK: ‘FAMILIES’ MARCH DRAWS 2,000

A march to protest the Trump Administration’s treatment of southern-border immigrants and asylum seekers drew some 2,000 participants to downtown Red Bank Saturday, borough police estimated. 

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July 2, 2018 - 7:41 am |

RED BANK: RALLY FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

A young participant in a march for immigrant rights held in Red Bank last December. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

Supporters of immigrant protections plan to rally for the second time in six months in Red Bank Saturday morning.

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June 29, 2018 - 6:35 am |

LITTLE SILVER: GRAD KEYNOTES HISPANIC FETE

Dance majors from the RBR Visual and Performing Arts Academy onstage at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.  Monica Urena, classe of 2014, below, was the keynote speaker. 

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

Red Bank Regional High School (RBR) welcomed its students to its fifth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.  Principal Risa Clay stated in English (with RBR junior Esperanza Minyety translating in Spanish), “Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community. We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the achievements of a culture that is prominently represented in our school and community.”

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October 11, 2017 - 7:00 am |

LITTLE SILVER: IMMIGRATION POET VISITS RBR

Award-winning British poet Caroline Smith (at far right in photo) made Red Bank Regional a special stop on her book tour for “The Immigration Handbook.”  She was invited to the school by RBR alumnus Rik van Hemmen (at left), and joined for the occasion by students Bella Scheider (Union Beech), Jack Davis (Little Silver), and Tamia Waddy (Red Bank).

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

At its September 27 board meeting, the  Award-winning British Poet Caroline Smith came to the United States recently on a tour to promote her latest work The Immigration Handbook — and along the way, she did a dear friend a favor and came to talk to his alma mater, Red Bank Regional High School.

RBR alumnus Rik van Hemmen told the assembled students, which included Creative Writing, International Baccalaureate and English AP classes as well as English Language Learners, of his own experiences coming to this school and country as an immigrant back in the 1970s. More →

October 3, 2017 - 5:00 am |

AN RBR SR. GOES TO HARVARD AND RUTGERS

Brad Chavero of Red Bank, a student at RBR’s Academy of Engineering, stands in front of Harvard University, where he was able to attend a very competitive camp for advanced math students this summer. He also spent a month at the Rutgers’ campus for the Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

While the American Dream may seem a futile quest for some today, first generation American Brad Chavero, a top student and member of the Academy of Engineering at Red Bank Regional High School, is determined to take advantage of every opportunity presented to him to succeed.

This summer, Brad was able to attend not just one, but two very prestigious programs to further his educational experiences. In July, Brad was selected as one of only 72 students in New Jersey to attend the Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology at Rutgers at B.E.S.T. (Busch, Engineering, Science and Technology) Hall. No sooner had Brad returned home from his Rutgers’ camp than he and his father set out the next day to attend a second two-week camp for advanced math students — this one on the Cambridge, MA campus of Harvard University.

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August 31, 2017 - 5:00 am |

RUMSON: IRISH SPIRIT ON PARADE

rumson st pat 031316 40rumson st pat 031316 34Bedecked in silly hats and shamrocks, hundreds of residents of the Greater Red Bank Green lined the route of the fourth annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Rumson Sunday. We’ve got dozens of photos, below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

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March 14, 2016 - 6:00 am |

RBR SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR FASHION SHOW

ScholarshipstudentsLeft to right: Monica Urena, Jocelyn Rojas, Mariela Reyes, Veronica Perez, Itzel Perez and Carlos Aparicio were among the Red Bank Regional students who were present at last year’s Latino Scholarship Fashion Show, and who benefitted from the fundraiser which greatly supplements their college tuition. Volunteers are sought to help run the 2016 show, which takes place on Sunday, February 21 at the Oyster Point Hotel.

“I have my Associates Degree in Psychology and Political Science because I love the community and want to help the people in it. None of this would have been possible without the Andrew Kroon Memorial Scholarship.” Brookdale graduate, Red Bank Regional High School (RBR) alumna and current New Jersey City University Undergraduate student, Itzel Perez.

“Immigrants come to this country to find their dream and to better themselves…. If not for these people, I don’t know where I would be.” Brookdale graduate and RBR alumnus Andres Perez 

“I benefited from this wonderful, wonderful opportunity, and thank you for making my academic journey possible.” RBR alumnus, Brookdale graduate and current New Jersey City University undergraduate Carlos Aparicio.

These are three of dozens of grateful Red Bank Regional High School immigrant students who realized their dream of attending college, only because of the generous scholarship provided by the Andrew Kroon Memorial Scholarship for over a decade. One of the main events that support the fund is the Andrew Kroon Memorial Fashion Show, which takes place on Sunday, February 21, 2016, at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank. It features fabulous gift baskets, a 50-50 raffle, an accessories boutique and local shop fashions modeled by RBR students.

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November 27, 2015 - 5:01 am |

LITTLE SILVER: A DANCE TO HERITAGE AT RBR

MulticulturalstudetnsStudents and staff who produced and performed in the Hispanic Heritage program at Red Bank Regional High School included, back row, left to right:  Guadalupe Rodriguez, Brandon Trani, Guadalupe Luna, Mizani DelValle, Mya Nunnally, Multi Cultural Club Co- Advisor Odilia Lligui. Front row, left to right:  RBR Principal Risa Clay, Tyler Brunson, Emily Lugos, Skyler (Kyle) Eber, Yaritza Ortega. Not pictured is Multi-Cultural Club Advisor Karina Tedeschi.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

Every October, the Red Bank Regional High School community looks forward to its multi-cultural club’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage. The school recognizes the many countries that compose the Hispanic American experience for both their uniqueness and rich culture, which is also commemorated with performances by the school’s Visual and Performing Arts students.

This year, RBR senior Guadalupe Luna introduced the event in Spanish (translated into English by Principal Risa Clay), stating, “Most Hispanic and Latinos share one significant item, a common passion for food.  To us food represents more than a simple dish. It represents family, sharing and love.”

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October 19, 2015 - 6:00 am |

ON THE GREEN: HOW WE LOOK FROM ABOVE

nj.com census map 101615A new interactive map developed by NJ.com, the website of the Star-Ledger, enables users to zoom down to nearly the street level to show where every one of New Jersey’s more than 8.9 million residents lives, as well as the race and ethnicity of each, according to the 2010 Census.

The map doesn’t pinpoint the exact address of every resident: that would be creepy, wrote NJ.com reporter Stephen Stirling. Instead, developers at NJ Advance Media “created a dot for each person of each race within each Census block, and scattered them randomly throughout their representative geography,” he said. The result, said Stirling, “is the most detailed look at race in New Jersey possible with information available today.”

The effect is highly detailed image that shows while the state is the most diverse in the nation, the Greater Red Bank Green is a near monoculture of whites (represented by blue dots) outside Red Bank’s West Side, which is home to dense concentrations of Hispanic and African-American residents. And even those two groups are somewhat segregated, the data suggests. (Screen grab from NJ.com)

October 16, 2015 - 7:00 am |

RUMSON: TOWN DONS ITS FINEST GREENERY

030815 rumson st pats parade38030815 rumson st pats parade2For their third annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Rumsonians put on a display of kelly green and Hibernian spirit Sunday. A plethora of men in kilts, and a few kilted women, were joined by the young and old marchers and spectators – including a two-week-old – as well as horses, dogs and festive floats on a day of good cheer.

Check out our photos, below. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

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March 9, 2015 - 8:05 am |

RUMSON GOES VERDANT GREEN AGAIN

Under crisp blue skies, Rumson rolled donned its finest greenery for the town’s second St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday.  (Photos by Peter Lindner. Click to enlarge)

March 10, 2014 - 6:51 am |

A LAND OF PURE IMAGINATION, AT TWO RIVER

Pinkolandia2Gaby (Andrea Morales) encounters an inhabitant of PINKOLANDIA in the play of the same name by Andrea Thome at Two River Theater.  (Photo by T.C. Erickson)

By TOM CHESEK

Just days after striking the set from Mr. Shakespeare’s fanciful Forest of Arden, the folks at Two River Theater Company got busy realizing another setting where occasional magic, romance, poetry and acts of heroism happen — a little place called Pinkolandia.

Don’t bother checking the map. Take it instead to the “black box” Marion Huber Theater inside Two River’s branded Bridge Avenue artspace, where a couple of young sisters named Gaby (Andrea Morales) and Beny (Maria Helan) have escaped with their family from their native Chile in the days of the Pinochet dictatorship to the cold and alien landscape of Reagan-era Wisconsin.

For playwright Andrea Thome — who grew up in Madison, WI with her Chilean mother and Costa Rican father — Pinkolandia represents a public triumph that’s interlaced with personal family history. An actor, author, dancer and sought-after translator, Thome has forged an eclectic resume of activity that sprawls from the West Coast (where she founded the Red Rocket Theater Company in San Francisco) to the East (where she serves as co-director of the “New York-based satire collective” known as Fulana). The Drama Desk at redbankgreen was pleased to speak with her during a “delightful, peaceful” week of rehearsals in Red Bank. Read on…

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February 26, 2014 - 6:01 am |

RED BANK: A PARISH CELEBRATES

With temperatures in the low 20s, several hundred parishoners of Red Bank’s St. Anthony of Padua Church celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with their largest procession in years Thursday night. Starting at the pocket park at Shrewsbury Avenue and Doctors James Parker Boulevard, the procession headed east and then up Bridge Avenue, where marchers joined hundreds of other gathered in the parish auditorium for a Mass. (Photos by John T. Ward.)

December 13, 2013 - 6:55 am |

THIRD GENERATION SETS UP SHOP IN MALL

Sandi Vilacoba demonstrates a core-strengthening device in her new Pilates studio at the Fair Haven Shopping Center. Below, Vilacoba and her grandmother, Ofelia Schwarz, who owns the center. (Photos by Danielle Tepper. Click to enlarge)

By DANIELLE TEPPER

A drive down River Road in Fair Haven, with its quaint mom-and-pop shops, can be something of an escape from mainstream consumerism.

But even the borough’s most prominent strip mall, the Fair Haven Shopping Center, anchored by an Acme supermarket, has a family story to it. The Schwarz family’s story.

After nearly a decade of teaching Pilates elsewhere in Monmouth County, Sandi Vilacoba opened her own classical Pilates studio, dubbed The Pilates Project, over Memorial Day weekend. With that, the third generation of her family cemented its ties to the center.

“My grandparents immigrated from Cuba to Fair Haven in 1960 with nothing and built a business from scratch,” said Vilacoba, of Belmar.

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September 11, 2012 - 12:00 pm |
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