Daily Archives: March 4, 2015

Schools Scene

RFH Students, Staff Pursue Sources of Strength

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The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) peer leaders and staffers recently tapped into Sources of Strength training resources to enhance their knowledge of suicide, violence and substance abuse.

Approximately 80 RFH students who are members of the RFH Peer Leaders organization along with 16 faculty members trained in what is dubbed Sources of Strength, or SOS, on Feb. 18.

“Helping students learn how to access their Sources of Strength during life’s challenging moments will help them to build resiliency and improve wellness throughout their lifetimes,” RFH Student Assistance Counselor Suzanne Fico, who helped organize and participated in the training,” said.

Sources of Strength (SOS), according to the organization’s website, “leads in the field of suicide prevention by respecting differences among individuals, communities, and cultures and by drawing out stories of strength and healing.”

The group’s mission, according to the site is “to provide the highest quality prevention for suicide, violence, and substance abuse. This is accomplished by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults in the school community.”

“We approach prevention in a different way,” Barnabas Health’s Turning the Tides Program Manager and event facilitator Rachel Alvarez said in her introduction to the group at the February training session. “Research has shown that programs like this one work best when people like you — here in this gym right now — learn how to use your own strengths to send positive messages of hope, help, and strength to your peers.”

Jamie Juliano, RFH Child Study Team member and co-advisor to the Peer Leaders, helped organize the event and participated in the SOS training. She described it as a fun experience that appeared to have a powerful impact on all involved.

“It was encouraging to see the students developing creative ideas to spread hope, help, and strength messages to their fellow classmates,” said Juliano. “As one of the adult advisors, I hope to continue helping these students turn their ideas into action so that our whole community can feel the effects of Sources of Strength.”

The group took part of a number of exercises, and learned how to break down communication barriers — or what SOS refers to as codes of silence — to help bring about positive change and also increase the likelihood of peer leaders encouraging their fellow students to seek help when they need it.

“The SOS training makes you think about things in a different way,” RFH sophomore and Peer Leader Ben Pelino said.

News, Obituaries

Remembering RFH’s Coach Lorme

Slideshow photos by George Day and from RFH yearbooks, compiled by Elaine Van Develde

The news of former Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)  coach, gym teacher, Ski Club director, RFH Athletic and Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame inductee Hal Lorme hit the community with a wave of sadness.

While Lorme died on Feb. 15 at his assisted living home in Myrtle Beach, SC,  his obituary was only recently released by Thompson Memorial Home with the pending remembrance service for the coach originally slated for Thursday, but now scheduled for Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Thompson, with a prayer service at 4:30.

When longtime Fair Havenite, RFH grad and Rumson police officer Bryan Dougherty posted the news on the Fair Haven Facebook page on Tuesday, the post was flooded with warm memories shared of the coach.

“RIP Coach,” Dougherty said. “If I know you, you are surely looking for Yankees spring training game somewhere up there in heaven.”

“He was a great guy,” said RFH grad Doug Borden. “I went on lots of ski trips that he put together. RIP.”

“Ohh this is so sad to hear! What an icon he was at RFH,” Susan Kaltenborn Marino said.

“Thanks for all you did. RIP,” said Steve Howie.

“Loved his sense of humor. RIP coach,” said Jack Kavanagh.

And the list of accolades and love for the RFH icon goes on …

The following is Coach Lorme’s obituary from Thompson Memorial Home:

Harold A. Lorme “Hal”, 82, formerly of Oakhurst, passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at Reflections Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Hal was born in Jersey City on Nov. 23,1932, a son of the late Harold and Margaret Lorme. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Patrick Murray.

Hal attended Snyder High School in Jersey City and went on to graduate from Montclair State College. Hal served in the U.S. Army in Korea, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was a Physical Education teacher at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School for 31 years.

He coached Varsity Wrestling for six years and Varsity Baseball at RFH for 25 years. Hal was extremely proud to have won 324 baseball games during his coaching career at RFH and to have the baseball field at RFH High School named in his honor.

He was inducted into the RFH Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and inducted into the Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Hal enjoyed directing the RFH High School Ski Club for 12 seasons.

During the summers, he worked as a cashier at Monmouth Park Race Track in Oceanport, NJ. He was a communicant of St Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach.

Hal was a die-hard NY Yankees fan, enjoyed many trips to the Bronx during the summer and trips to Florida during Spring Training. His passions were collecting baseball memorabilia including many Yankee items, officiating High School football games in the shore area, playing softball and enjoying a round of golf.

His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren especially watching them play sports.

Hal is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Joan Lorme; son, Hal J. Lorme and his wife Tracy, their children, Ryan, Meghan and Matthew, all of Long Branch; daughter, Jacquie Lorme and her son Raymond of Fargo, ND; sister, Doris Murray of Lincroft, and nieces, Lynn, Cathy, Cheryl, Colleen and nephew, Patrick.

A special thank you to Hal’s niece, Colleen and husband, David O’Hagen, who have been such a big help to Hal and Joan over the last few years.