Focus: R-FH Area Faces of 2016 Part II

As 2017 approaches, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect cordially invites you to take yet another look back at the people of 2016.

There were lots of major events, small gatherings and just plain priceless moments among Rumson-Fair Haven area friends, family and colleagues in 2016. We were there to capture them with our lens. So were you.

Take a look back with us at some of those moments with those people in 2016 … (Don’t forget to click the lower right icon to enlarge! Enjoy!)

Happy New Year and thank you for being a part of the R-FH Retro family!

— Elaine Van Develde, publisher & founding editor

Focus: R-FH Area Faces of 2016

As 2017 approaches, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect takes a look back at the people of 2016.

There were lots of major events, small gatherings and just plain priceless moments among Rumson-Fair Haven area friends, family and colleagues in 2016. We were there to capture them with our lens. So were you.

Take a look back with us at some of those moments with those people in 2016 … (Don’t forget to click the lower right icon to enlarge! And stay tuned for Part II). Enjoy!)

Happy New Year and thank you for being a part of the R-FH Retro family!

— Elaine Van Develde

Retro RFH Polar Bear Tradition

RFH Polar Bear Club after a plunge.
Photo/RFH Yearbook screenshot

New Year’s Day is approaching. And, as tradition has it in the area, with the advent of the new year comes a plunge into the cold Atlantic ocean — the annual Polar Bear Plunge, to be exact.

The annual Sons of Ireland’s Asbury Park ocean dip for bonding and charity on New Year’s Day was conceived by Rumsonite Sean Clifford.  It benefits two charities each year. This year, all the proceeds will go to: Red Bank-based Stephy’s Place, a relatively new non-profit dedicated to help the grief-afflicted; and Long Branch’s Shore House, a center of assistance for the mentally ill.

But, way back in the day, there was a high school group of plungers who had a club all their own — the RFH Polar Bear Club.

So, in light of the New Year’s Day plunge of today and the jumpers into the ocean chill of the past, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back to RFH in the 1970s and a bunch of BFF plungers.

The weather really didn’t seem to affect them. Though, a little cold water on a winter’s day as a teen was never a big deal.

We salute the fearless plungers of both eras! Recognize any of the guys in this mid-70s RFH Yearbook shot?

— Elaine Van Develde

Happy Holidays From R-FH Retro!

The happiest of happy holidays from Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect!

Here’s a look at how some present and former R-FH area people celebrated …

Photos/R-FH Retro Facebook friends (Thanks to our Rumson-Fair Haven area friends for sharing your moments with us!)

Slideshow/Elaine Van Develde

RFH’s Global Empowerment Club’s Holiday Snowflake Drive Benefits 180

Helping to make the Snowflake Drive at RFH a success were (from left) PJ Velcamp, Robby Smith, Elijah McAllister, Michael Martino, and Gavin Pomphrey.
Photo/RFH

The Global Women’s Empowerment Club at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) recently held a successful Snowflake Drive to benefit 180 Turning Lives Around.

More than $400 worth of gift cards and over 400 items were donated to the Holiday Boutique of 180 Turning Lives Around, a private non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in our community. The donated items helped local families experience holiday cheer despite financial circumstances resulting from domestic violence.

“We were overjoyed to see so many RFH students helping such a worthy cause. More than 120 students participated,” RFH English teachers and Global Empowerment Co-Advisors Alexis Marinov and Hilary Strauch. “Thanks to their generosity, this year’s Snowflake Drive was an even bigger success than last year’s. It was an incredible experience to donate so many necessary items to 180 Turning Lives Around. We encourage everyone to visit the organization’s web site at 180 turning lives around inc. to see how they can get involved in other projects.”

Global Women’s Empowerment is an RFH student organization dedicated to supporting initiatives that help empower women around the world. Co-Presidents for the 2016-17 school year are Taylor Glassman and Avery Wall. Careena Menzel served as Snowflake Drive chairperson.

— Edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)

Retro RFH Surf n Freeze Part II

RFH surfer boys at the Sea Bright beach circa 1978.
Photo/George Day

You’ve seen this crew before — in a different pose.

This 1970s gaggle of guys was always set for a surf, a party, or some sort of mischief.  The smiles are telling. There’s nothing like a winter non surf to warm the RFH soul.

So, once again, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day honors friendship and keeping it real, riding with it on a winter’s day at the beach.

Some of these guys are still around and still friends. Recognize those faces?

Cheers!

Thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day for this snapshot back in RFH time! 

Prosecutor: Area Man Gets 14 Years in Prison for Finance Fraud Scheme

An area man was sentenced to 14 years in state prison after admitting he deceived and impersonated at least 18 clients, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni announced on Tuesday in a released statement.

Continue reading Prosecutor: Area Man Gets 14 Years in Prison for Finance Fraud Scheme

U.S. Attorney: Alleged Area Investment Fraudster Faces Charges of Bilking $5.3 Million

An investment manager with an office in Middletown will appeared in federal court to face charges that he fraudulently concealed investment losses and diverted at least $5.3 million in investor money for his personal use, U.S Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Friday.

Vincent P. Falci, 57, of Middletown, was charged with two counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud. He appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.

According to the complaint unsealed on Friday, Falci controlled a number of investment funds under the names “Saber Funds,” and “Vicor Tax Receivables LLP” (the Vicor Fund).

Continue reading U.S. Attorney: Alleged Area Investment Fraudster Faces Charges of Bilking $5.3 Million