All posts by Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Going Retro With a Taste of Italy & a Fair Lady

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For our special treat today, in honor of all things Italian style and to honor the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company Spaghetti Dinner, we take you back to a minute with the fire company’s own fair Italian lady, Jeanette Choma.

Jeanette has been working at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair, well, forever. She loves working in the Grab Bag Booth and selling those balloons.

And, she will tell you in a heartbeat that she’s been at the fair for “50 YEARS!”

Watch what happens when we ask her about her age in this outtake clip above.

Local Life

Rewind: Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

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The third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day parade is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.

The relatively new area tradition has drawn hundreds of participants and thousands of viewers.

This year, the parade is dedicated to its first lead organizer, Michael Larkin. Fair Havenite and Fox 5 reporter JoAnn Pileggi is back for the third year as emcee; and the grand marshal is Philip Murphy, a Middletown resident with a Rumson connection who was U.S. Ambassador to Germany.

Take a look back in our slideshow revisiting the first Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See you Sunday!

 

Schools Scene

Delayed R-FH Area School Openings

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All three school districts in the Rumson-Fair Haven area will be operating Friday on a staggered delayed opening schedule.

Fair Haven School District — Knollwood and Sickles schools

• Superintendent Nelson Ribon has announced that the delayed openings of the Fair Haven schools will follow the Plan B schedule, which is a two-and-a-half hour delay to prep “both campuses for students and staff.”

And, “AM Pre-K and Kindergarten both begin at 10:30; PM Kindergarten begins at 1:00, followed by PM Pre-K at 1:10. No lunches will be served,” according to the district website.

Rumson School District — Forrestdale and Deane Porter

• There will be a 90 minute delayed opening of the schools.

*Pre-school a.m. session will be open from 10:10 a.m. to noon

* K-8 will operate on a 10:10 am to 3:05 p.m. schedule

There will also be no 1 p.m. dismissal, as previously scheduled for parent/teacher conferences. They will be rescheduled, according to the website.

Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School

• The high school will open on 90-minute delayed schedule.

* Staff sign in is at 9a.m.

* The warning bell will sound at  at 9:10am.

* Period 1 starts at 9:15 a.m.

“Buses will be running this morning on a 90 minute delayed schedule,” the website says.

Local Life

The R-FH Weekend: Spaghetti Dinner, St. Patrick’s Day Parade & More

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The upcoming weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area is flush with fun, festivity, remembrance and tradition.

To start, on Saturday  …

• It’s been a longtime tradition of the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company — the annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.

The sauce and meatballs are prepared under the tutelage of 85-year-old Angelo DePonti, a Red Bank friend of Fair Haven who has been a social member of the fire company for 25 years.

“I was born to cook and I love sharing my recipe and food with so many,” Angelo says.

 

The meal of spaghetti and meatballs, salad Italian bread, soft drinks and homemade desserts is made and served by firemen, Ladies’ Auxiliary members and fire cadets.

The dinner, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the firehouse on River Road,  is BYOB and costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Oh, and take-out is available.

Mangia!

• Later on Saturday night, as a prelude to Sunday’s Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the parade’s Investiture Cocktail Reception fundraiser from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.

Tickets are $75. The price includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

And on Sunday …

• The third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches into town beginning at 1 p.m.

The parade lines up at Victory Park and then proceeds east on River Road for about 1 mile to Piping Rock Park.

Last year, police estimated that there was a crowd of roughly 7,000.

• Also on Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. RFHers may pay their respects to former RFH teacher and coach Hal Lorme.

The service is being held from 3 to 5 p.m., with a prayer service at 4:30, at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank.

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.

 

News

Retro Rumson St. Paddy’s Day Parading

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Rumson Cub Scouts Pack 11 marches in the first Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Rumson Cub Scouts Pack 11 marches in the first Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

The countdown to Sunday’s third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade has begun.

People are lighting the town green (photos of that to come) and fundraising is in full gear.

So, our Retro Pic of the Day today hones in on the first St. Paddy’s Day parade and a pack of parading cub scouts.

Are you marching this year?

Police and Fire

Contempt of Court Arrests Nearby

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The following arrests on contempt of court charges were recently made by Red Bank police:

• Perry Veney, 28, of Red Bank, was arrested by Sgt. Juan Sardo on Feb. 19 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with contempt of court.

• Michael Granados-Campos, 28, of Red Bank, was arrested by Patrolman Cevin Albert on Feb. 19 in the area of Spring Street and charged with contempt of court.

• Kristie Lepard, 24, of Middletown, was arrested by Patrolman Kristin Altimari in the area of Monmouth Street on Feb. 20 and charged with contempt of court.

• Thomas Armstrong, 32, of Eatontown, was arrested on Feb. 19 by Patrolman Jorge Torres in the area of Willow Street and charged with contempt of court.

• Timothy Cusack, 45, of Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 19 by Patrolman Gary Watson in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with contempt of court.

 

 

Schools Scene

RFH Chess Club Makes History

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

The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)Chess Club achieved a record-breaking finish at the Shore High School Chess League Championship Tournament on Feb. 25.

RFH placed fourth out of 36 teams in the tournament at the Monmouth Mall for the best finish in school history.

Chess Club Advisor and RFH Math teacher Kevin Pfister describes sophomore Nicholas “Nick” Alescio as the club’s “Top Dawg.”

“Nick is the highest-rated player on our team, and his work ethic both inside and outside of school is remarkable,” said Pfister. “Last year, Nick was our ‘fifth board’ — and after one year of hard work and determination, he has landed himself as our ‘number one board’.”

“I am very excited to see Nick continue to grow as a chess player and as a student over the next two years.”

According to Pfister, the Chess Club provides an opportunity for RFH students to participate in friendly matches against their peers. As a Varsity Club, RFH competes each week against other schools in the Shore High School Chess League, with the top teams vying for a championship.

In addition to their historic finish at the Championship Tournament, the RFH Chess Club achieved a 2014/15 Regular Season record of 6-2. This was the best finish since 2007/08 and it earned the club a Second Place berth in the Fischer Division.

The club’s Playoff record was 2-2.

Members of the 2014/15 Chess Club are: Danny Alegria (Varsity Squad), Nick Alescio (Varsity Squad), Charlie Barnes (Varsity Squad), Jacob Black, Lizzie Boyce-Blanchard, Maggie Boyce-Blanchard, Justin Daluise, Theo de Quillacq (Varsity Squad), Jack Felice, Tristan Kilper, Peter Maris, Teddy Montalbano (Varsity Squad), Arnold Muralt, Logan O’Connell, Connor Placer, Cole Stevens (Varsity Squad), Alex Thomson, Alex Werner, Eli Weitzner, and Doug Young (Varsity Squad).

Local Life

A Warm Winter Tiki Haven

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By Elaine Van Develde

Aloha! The Foundation of Fair Haven has gone from Oktoberfest lederhosen and beer steins to hula skirts and leis with its newest fundraiser — the first annual Tiki Haven.

Locals gathered at the Knights of Columbus hall in Fair Haven on Saturday for an evening of luau food and festivities. Most everyone came dressed for the occasion in one way or another; and while gathering for “some tropical fun,” people participated in a super 50/50, auctions, games and dancing for a $50 donation to The Foundation of Fair Haven for Future Fair Haven Days.

The photo booth in the food and dancing room revealed some interesting visitors.

Food was provided by Red Bank Flavour. Local businesses provided baskets for the raffles and auctions; and Jake’s Surf Shop, a Sea Bright business owned by an RFH graduate, donated sweatshirts to the Tiki Toss game.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught a glimpse into the evening with lots of photos. Check out the above slideshow set to tropical music for a look. Make sure you click on the icon in the lower right corner of the video to enlarge to full screen!

 

Local Life

Serving Up Soul Food for the Soul

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By Elaine Van Develde

It was good for the soul. A comforting scent of collard greens, pigs’ feet, chicken and fish filled the air. And there was a hearty helping of Fair Haven families rooted in the borough since the 19th century connecting.

It was Saturday afternoon’s Fisk AME Chapel Soul Food Dinner at the church in Fair Haven.

“We sold out!” one of the organizers cheered. “Seventy dinners!”

That was only a couple of hours after they opened the doors. They were proud and the food was not the only reason why.

The Fisk AME Chapel congregation has been steeped in Fair Haven history since 1858. Named after Civil War hero General Clinton B. Fisk, a “devout Methodist” and champion of civil rights, the first Fisk Chapel in Fair Haven was where Bicentennial Hall now stands.

Before that, the congregation had a church on River Road near what is now the Shrewsbury Yacht Club — then dubbed the Bethel AME Church (congregation).

Fisk, a Union officer, ran President Lincoln’s Freedman’s Bureau when the Civil War ended. He championed equal rights laws for African-Americans and education focusing on special courses about those rights. He ended up living in Rumson.

“Soon after the Civil War and his arrival in Rumson, New Jersey, General Clinton B. Fisk became very interested in the local Black community at Fair Haven village,” a narrative on Facebook compiled by Stacy Harris (a descendent of the well-known Rileys and Browns) said. “Many of his servants were Blacks, and Fisk apparently won the admiration and respect of these employees.”

After a fire destroyed the original Bethel church in 1875 and those in the black community, many of whom were some of Fair Haven’s founding fathers, were forced to make their way to Red Bank to worship, Fisk made sure a chapel was built to quell the difficulty of commuting.

Right before the church was built, he was also instrumental in having what was a school for black children on Fisk Street. It was known for many years as the Youth Center. After the end of segregation, Youth Center was used for kindergarten.

Kids were walked there to school on a rope. But, that’s a whole other story.

Fisk Street Chapel’s Rev. Thomas Johnson was very proud on Saturday, as were all the participating congregants and guests who made the Soul Food Dinner a Success.

Take a look at the photos in the above gallery for a glimpse into the event. Recognize anyone? It’s a pretty sure bet you do, if you’ve lived in the area for any length of time.