Daily Archives: November 6, 2014

News, Schools Scene

Flash Mob a Halloween Treat at Sickles School

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Those at the Halloween Parade at Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven this year got a spooky musical treat when the kids launched into a flash mob of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Zombie Style.

The concept, a first in the school district, was conceived by parent Bennett Coleman and choreographed by Vanessa Berry, owner/director of Kick Dance Studios in Fair Haven and Rumson, a release from the school district said. The performance involved students in first through third grades dancing up a diabolical storm.

“We had just three rehearsals, and all of the students worked really hard,” said Berry in the release. “This was a great opportunity for the children currently taking dance lessons to show off their moves, as well as for all of the students to enjoy demonstrating what they learned.”

“I thought all of the students were utterly charming,” said parent Susan Culbert in the release. “I was impressed by them.”

The Sickles Halloween parade has been a longstanding tradition. Officials welcomed the new addition.

“I am so grateful to Vanessa Berry for the donation of her time, and to Monmouth Stereo for the donated use of their equipment,” Sickles School Principal Cheryl Cuddihy, costumed as candy Dots, said. “I also want to express my thanks to Bennett Coleman, who was instrumental in organizing this wonderful activity.”

Be sure to check out the video on the Fair Haven PTA Facebook page. Click here.

Local Life, News

A Post-Sandy Sunset in Rumson

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Sunset in Rumson's West Park after Sandy. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Sunset in Rumson’s West Park after Sandy. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

By Elaine Van Develde

Hurricane Sandy’s waters rushed into Rumson’s West Park section, pushing residents out and leaving lots of devastation behind.

The U.S. Army National Guard’s soldiers were posted at its entrances. There was no passing through for some time.

When the downed wires and felled trees were fixed enough and the floodwaters had subsided, there was a sense of calm, yet eerie stillness in the neighborhood.

This is what it looked like at sunset at the foot of Washington Avenue by the Shrewsbury River’s inlet.

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News, Schools Scene

Rumson Book Fair a Success

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The following is an edited release from the Rumson School District … 

“I like books,” said Clara Winters, a first grader at Deane Porter School, when asked why she was excited to attend this year’s Rumson School District Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Book Fair.

Judging by the number of excited youngsters clutching brand new books in anticipation of taking them home to enjoy, Clara was in good company.

The 2014 Rumson PTO Book Fair, held in the gymnasium of Deane Porter School from Oct. 15 to 22, featured a large number of compelling titles to pique the interests of Pre-Kindergarteners through eighth graders at Deane Porter and Forrestdale schools.

Thousands of books and related items were available for immediate purchase, including a selection of titles for adults and young adults.

This year’s attendees were urged to make way for their new purchases by donating gently used titles to the Bridge of Books Foundation.

Bridge of Books provides an ongoing source of books to underprivileged children throughout New Jersey in order to support literacy skills and foster a love of reading.

The Rumson school community donated of 20 cartons of books.

Kicked off with a conch shell concert by Forrestdale School Band Music Teacher John Lebitsch, the book fair’s Family Fun Night was held on Oct. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and featured activities such as face painting, crafts, and King and Queen for a Day photos as well as a gift basket raffle.

Parent volunteers assisted with book sales throughout the event, while eighth graders from Forrestdale School helped out with activities.

“We are so fortunate to live in a district with a wonderful Book Fair and terrific community and PTO support year after year,” said Abby Daly, this year’s PTO book fair chairperson. “The money that is earned through book fair is invested in new titles for our school libraries to help keep our collections fresh.

“It’s truly an investment in the future.”

For those wishing to purchase new books for use in specific classrooms, teacher wish lists were made available as well.

Forrestdale fourth graders Kira and Lisa Hunt. “The Book Fair is always great,” said Forrestdale fourth grader Kira Hunt. Her sister, Lisa, agreed, adding that “picking out books is a lot of fun.”