All posts by Elaine Van Develde

Man Indicted on Rumson Sandy Theft Charge

February 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

A man who took a $6,200 payment from a Rumson resident in the post-Hurricane Sandy era and failed to deliver and install a generator, as contracted, has been indicted on a theft charge and is facing, if convicted, a three- to five-year sentence in state prison, a release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said.

A Monmouth County grand jury on Monday charged Mark E. Herrneckar, 51, of Riverwood Drive, Toms River, with one count of third-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property.

Herrneckar, the indictment said, took the $6,200 payment from the Rumson resident in December of 2013 for a generator that was never delivered and installed. Herrneckar never returned the money to the homeowner, either, according to the indictment.

Herrneckar was arrested in December by members of the Monmouth County Superstorm Sandy Fraud Task Force. He is currently free on $5,000 bail, as set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley, J.S.C.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew S. Fried of the office’s Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau. Fried serves as coordinator of the Superstorm Sandy Fraud Task Force.

The task force processes and investigates all complaints related to the storm. Homeowners or citizens are urged to report complaints via the following:

The task force webpage at www.SandyFraud.com
Call the task force hotline at (855) SANDY 39.

Schools Scene

Knollwood Fifth Grader a Spelling Champ

February 23, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Can you spell champion?

Knollwood School fifth grader Addie Cope probably can. The 10-year-old Fair Haven resident has just been declared the winner of the school’s second annual spelling bee, according to a Fair Haven School District press release.

Cope won the final round and title on Feb. 2 by spelling the word jocularity correctly, the release said.

The win qualified her to go on to participate in the 31st annual Asbury Park Press/Home News Tribune Spelldown to be held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch on March 16 and 17.

Spelldown will feature 8- through 14-year-olds declared champions at their school levels in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The winner will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

“We are so proud of Addie and all of the students who participated in the grade level spelling bees at Knollwood,” Knollwood School Principal Kevin Davis said in the release. “We wish Addie the best of luck at the Spelldown and we hope to see her at the National Spelling Bee.”

Preliminary spelling bees were held in all Knollwood grades (fourth through eighth) to determine grade-level participants prior to the school-wide event.

Competing along with Addie in the Knollwood School Spelling Bee were: fourth grader Annie Kersten, sixth grader Abby Tuorto, seventh grader Aaron Bernstein and eighth grader Bridgette Simpson.

Police and Fire

Arresting News: Marijuana Possession, DWI, Contempt of Court

February 22, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were reported by Red Bank police. Arrests do not constitute convictions.

• Jeannie Spinelli, 20, of Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 15 in the area of E. Front Street and charged with possession of a CDS, under 50 grams of marijuana, by Sgt. Juan Sardo.

• James Gorman, 46, of Asbury Park, was arrested on Feb. 14 in the area of Broad Street and charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated) by Lt. Errico Vescio.

• Lori Costello, 43, of Red Bank, was arrested on a contempt of court charge on Feb. 18 by Patrolman Benjamin Springer in the area of Spring Street.

• Maximo Sanchez-Gonzalez, 19, of Red Bank, was arrested on a contempt of court charge on Feb. 18 by Patrolman Shane Dengel in the area of Leonard Street.

• Felicito Bautista-Barrios, 36, of Long Branch, was arrested on a contempt of court charge by Patrolman Thomas Doreumus on Feb. 17 in the area of Mechanic Street.

• Gregorio Rojas-Tlapanco, 35, of Red Bank, was arrested in the area of Monmouth Street on Feb. 17 and charged with hindering apprehension and contempt of court by Patrolman Jhonatan Quispe.

Contempt of Court

• Timothy Johnson, 29, of Red Bank, was arrested on a contempt of court charge on Feb. 14 by Patrolman Shane Dengel in the area of Monmouth Street.

• Genaro Escalante-Castillo, 23, of Red Bank, was arrested on a contempt of court charge on Feb. 13 by Patrolman Jorge Torres.

• Thomas Bouldin, 30, of Middletown, was arrested on a contempt of court charge on Feb. 12 in the area of Throckmorton Avenue by Patrolman David Smith.

Local Life

Fair Haven Dock Wrapped in a Snow Blanket

Gallery February 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The snow started falling again on Saturday afternoon. And down at the Fair Haven Dock, the Navesink River had transformed into a blanket of snow against an white-out backdrop.

The scene was nothing but a big snow blanket to keep dock die-hards warm with some down-by-the-river serenity.

Take a look at our gallery for a glimpse into the snowy scene. Just click on any photo and scroll. Enjoy and stay warm!

Local Life

Retro Rumson St. Paddy’s Parade

Image February 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The first Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2013. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — The first Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2013.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Our Retro Pic of the Day serves as a reminder that Sunday marks the start of fundraising events for the third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

This photo captures a scene at the first St. Paddy’s Day parade that focuses on the marching troupe of the Monmouth County Sons of Ireland.

Know anyone?

The first of fundraisers is tomorrow at Val’s Tavern in Rumson from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be music by Kevin Feehan & Friends. The $10 donation at the door includes music, buffet and bag pipers.

News

Fairer Days with Fair Ladies

Image February 20, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Some fair ladies of the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair at the Grab Bag Booth in 2014. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Some fair ladies of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair at the Grab Bag Booth in 2014.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Yes, we’re still dreaming of warmer days.

It seems like the lower the temperature plunges, the more many of us wants to be transported to sunny days and balmy nights — and some summer fun.

So, we decided that our Retro Pic of the Day should take us all back again to fair Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair days in 2014 with some more fair ladies, as we like to call them in Fair Haven.

Here are the balloon ladies from the Grab Bag Booth.

See you in a few months, ladies!

Crime, Police and Fire

Crime Close By: Robbery, Criminal Mischief

February 20, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent criminal incidents were reported by Red Bank police:

• A robbery on West Bergen Place was reported to have occurred on Feb. 13. An unknown male displayed a handgun, stole cash and a cell phone and fled on foot.

Patrolman Cevin Albert took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred sometime between Feb. 12 and 13 at a West Front Street church. Three spotlights were knocked off a post and broken.

Patrolman Benjamin Springer took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on Feb. 15. Someone spray painted graffiti in black paint on a vehicle parked on Locust Avenue.

Patrolman David Smith took the report.

Local Life

Retro Ode to Rumson’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade

Image February 19, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Kylee and Ruth Wallman, of Fair Haven, at the first Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Kylee and Ruth Wallman at the first Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Our Retro Pic of the Day pays homage to the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade in its inaugural year.

The parade is now in its third year; and fundraising efforts begin on Sunday.

Back in its first year in 2012, the parade drew thousands. It is expected to bring more this year.

The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for March 8.

Will you attend one or more of the fundraising events?

Local Life, News

Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraisers Set to Start

February 19, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It takes a village to put together a St. Patrick’s Day parade. That village in the Rumson-Fair Haven area is Rumson.

The third annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches into town on March 8.

But, leading up to the main event are several fundraisers to help offset the cost of the new tradition and help out area charities to boot. Those fundraisers kick off at 1 p.m. on *Sunday at Val’s Tavern in the borough.

Parade costs include extra policing, set-up and clean-up for the event. This year, according to the parade website, the charities to benefit from the surplus of parade fundraising events are Jason’s Dreams and S.P.U.R. (Special People United to Ride). Last year, “more than $25,000 was donated to local charities,” according to the narrative on the website.

With an estimated 900 participants in and roughly 7,000 attendees at the 2014 parade, this year’s has lined up “15 bands, floats, active military & veteran’s groups, Irish Step Dancers, antique cars, scouting organizations, non-profit clubs and organizations, novelty acts, and area business and civic groups and a few great surprises,” organizers say on the site.

The fundraising festivities are as follows:

• Sunday, Feb. 22, Val’s Tavern in Rumson from 1 to 5 p.m. … Music by Kevin Feehan & Friends, $10 donation includes music, buffet and bag pipers.

• Friday, Feb. 27, Molly Maguire’s in Rumson from 8 to 11 p.m. … Bloody Callan Band playing Gaelic, American Rock Classics & “a lorry-load of rebel music, $10 donation includes music, buffet and bag pipers.

• Sunday, March 1, Victory Park in Rumson from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. … Lighting of the Green Tree, Irish music and refreshments.

• Thursday, March 5, Salt Creek Grille in Rumson from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. … Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Investiture Cocktail Reception, $75 for tickets.

• Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. … KDM Rumson Run 5K, register at www.kdmfoundation.com.

• Saturday, March 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. … Knights of Columbus in Fair Haven … Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Irish music and games for kids … call 732-747-9199 for more information and tickets.

Police and Fire

Police: Missing Man Found

February 19, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The missing man Middletown police had asked for help finding has been found; and he is safe.

The following is a message from the township:

“The press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Middletown Police Department today has been cancelled.

Anthony Tassello, the 55-year-old Middletown man who was reported missing on Monday evening by family members, was located this morning in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.”

Middletown police posted the following on the department’s Facebook page:

“We would like to thank everyone for their attention to this matter. We are pleased to inform you that Mr. Tassello has been located safely in Florida.

Once again, thank you for all of your help.”

Local Life

A Retro RFH Rah, Rah to Special Cheerleaders

February 18, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Those special RFH Powder Puff Football cheerleaders of the 1970s. Photo/George Day — Those special RFH Powder Puff Football cheerleaders of the 1970s.
Photo/George Day

In keeping with the spirit of the recent Knollwood School Hoops for Hearts tournament in Fair Haven, we decided to bring back a hearty glimpse of some favorite RFH cheerleaders, courtesy of the great photography work of George Day.

No, they were not cheering for a Hoops for Hearts basketball event, but just think what kind of funds they could have raised for such a cause back in the day — by virtue of how they simply wear their uniforms.

They’re running to their main stage in front of the bleachers here for a 1970s RFH Powder Puff Football competition.

I can’t remember, but someone must have missed a pass while getting a gander of this appearance.

These guys are flipping wigs and losing, uh, parts making this run!