All posts by Elaine Van Develde

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!

Crime, Police and Fire

Police Cite Concerns for Missing Man’s Safety

February 18, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Middletown police have cited concern for the safety of the 55-year-old township man who went missing Monday night.

Police said, in a released statement, that on Tuesday morning, “the vehicle he (Anthony Tassello) was driving, a white 2008 Ford Escape, was one of five vehicles burned during a suspicious fire at the Tom’s Ford dealership on Route 35 in Keyport.”

Keyport police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office have now joined Middletown police in a collaborative investigation of the car fire and its connection to Tassello.

“Police are concerned for Mr. Tassello’s safety,” the statement from Middletown police said, now adding that they have reason to believe that he may be in the New York City area.

Anthony Tassello, who stands about 6-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs about 230 pounds, was last seen on Monday night at about 9:15 p.m.. He was driving the 2008 Ford Escape and wearing a gray tweed hat, a vest and jeans.

Anyone with any information in connection with this case “is urged to call Detective Keith Hirschbein, of the Middletown Police Department, at 732-615-2068, Detective Shannon Torres, of the Keyport Police Department, at 732-739-5151, or Detective Kevin Condon of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443.”

Police and Fire, Schools Scene

A Winning Hoops for Hearts at Knollwood

February 18, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

A slam dunk success is how Fair Haven’s Knollwood School sixth graders, borough police and firefighters described the recent Hoops for Hearts basketball game at the school to benefit the American Heart Association.

“The entire school was full of energy, camaraderie was high, and everyone put their heart into this effort,” Knollwood Physical Education/Health teacher and event organizer Kim Lagrotteria said in a release. “Hoops for Hearts is an event that you will see again at Knollwood School.”

The Feb. 6 basketball tournament, comprising several games, pitted the “celebrity” police officers and firefighters against two teams of sixth graders on the court in what was dubbed a “fast-paced Championship Basketball Game,” Celebrity Kock-Out, and Half-Court Challenge, the release added.

The “celebrities” garnered the top score in the Championship game. The sixth graders won the Celebrity Knock-Out Game, which left a sixth grader as the last player left standing. And the Half-Court Challenge was one which involved the students making donations to the American Heart Association getting chances to sink basketballs.

The participants took their best shots as Lagrotteria, Andrea Mrusek of the American Heart Association, “celebrities,” and classmates cheered them on. Prizes were awarded to those who made baskets.

The “celebrities” ended up with the top score in the Championship Game, but the $7,560 netted in event proceeds, which was more than double the $3,500 donation goal, was the bigger win, Lagrotteria said.

With roughly 119 students participating, they “helped motivate one another to reach their personal fundraising and physical education participation goals,” said Lagrotteria in the release. “Students in other grades were asking how they could become a part of the event in the future, and donated money to help achieve our school’s goal.

“This event not only brought great attention to a great cause, it also brought the school together.”

Hoops for Hearts activities took place during the month of February, designated American Heart Month by the American Heart Association.

There were incentives put in place by Lagrotteria for students to meet the original $3,500 fundraising goal.

Students were awarded small rubber ducks, which they donned during the school day, in recognition of their efforts. And Lagrotteria, herself, promised to wear a duck costume if the school’s goal was met. That promise was kept (the photo above shows).

In addition to the main fundraiser, Hoops for Hearts featured activities throughout the month that were designed to promote physical fitness. Another basketball tournament featuring all of the sixth graders was held during regular Physical Education classes.

Players in the Championship Basketball Game and cheerleaders were all members of the sixth-grade Physical Education class that raised the largest amount of funds for the American Heart Association.

Cheerleaders were: Brett-Cetnar Garrett, Caroline Danaher, Bridget Mikolajczyk, Charlotte Stant, Emma Walker, Maia Werner and Kitty White.

Basketball players were: John Baker, Jack Costello, Wyatt Kemler, Aidan Kilfeather, David Livingston, Michael Strulowitz, Robby Sypeck, Jack Theodore, Spencer Torine and Drew Venancio.

Police and Fire

Police Ask for Help in Finding Missing Man

February 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Middletown police have asked for the public’s assistance in finding a missing person, a post on the Middletown Police Department’s Facebook page said.

Anthony Tassello, 55, of Middletown, was reported missing by his family. “He was last seen at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Monday …” the post said.

At the time he went missing, police said the white man, described as a standing 6-foot, 3-inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, was wearing a gray tweed cap, vest and blue jeans when he was last seen.

Police ask that anyone with information about Tassello call Detective Keith Hirschbein at 732-615-2068.

Local Life

A Paddle Back to Warmth in Rumson

February 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Kayaking on a warm summer's day by Victory Park in Rumson. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Kayaking on a warm summer’s day by Victory Park in Rumson.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Yes, the chilliest cold snap of the year has had people thinking more of warmer times — and counting the days.

Well, our Retro Pic of the Day is a toasty bounce back to the summer of 2013 and a fundraiser day that had participants languishing in the Navesink River waters ’til the end.

The event was dubbed Paddle with a Purpose. It was a fundraiser that had people paddle boarding and kayaking in part for Sea Bright Rising.

The participants paddled their way roughly five miles up and down the Navesink, ending at Victory Park in Rumson.

Time for that warm-up!

Do you kayak, paddle or just wade in the river water? What’s your favorite spot?

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Report: Theft, Assault, Identity Theft

February 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Fair Haven police reported the following incidents and arrests for the month of January. Arrests do not constitute convictions.

Incidents

• An Oxford Avenue resident reported on Jan. 1 an identity theft with an $800 loss.

Detective Steve Schneider is investigating.

• Patrols responded on Jan. 3 to a report of a possible assault on Battin Road. Neither of the parties involved wanted to sign complaints.

Special Officer Henne took the report.

• A theft of services was reported on Jan. 4 by a River Road business.

Patrolman William Lagrotteria took the report.

• An identity theft report involving a purchase at a Bridgewater Best Buy was taken for a Dartmouth Avenue resident on Jan. 8.

Detective Steve Schneider is investigating.

• A Battin Road resident reported the theft of a watch valued at $8,000 on Jan. 12.

Sgt. Jesse Dykstra took the report. Detective Steve Schneider is investigating.

• A River Road business patron reported on Jan. 16 that his vehicle had been keyed while in the parking lot.

Patrolman William Lagrotteria took the report.

• On Jan. 26, Sgt. Jesse Dykstra took a report of an assault at a River Road business. Both parties involved were located and neither opted to sign a complaint.

• A McCarter Avenue resident on Jan. 30 reported his bicycle was missing/stolen from McCarter’s Pond.

Special Officer Brooks Robinson took the report.

Arrests

• Conor Ban,18, of Rumson, was arrested by Sgt. Jesse Dykstra on Jan. 22 on the charge of an outstanding warrant.

He was released after posting cash bail.

• Kyle Jadevaia, 22, of Rumson, was arrested by Patrolman William Lagrotteria on Jan. 30 following a traffic stop and charged with an outstanding warrant out of Belmar.

He was released after posting cash bail.

• William A. Crawford Jr., 22, of Long Branch, was arrested on Jan. 2 and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop by Special Officer Brooks Robinson.

Crime, Police and Fire

Crime Close By: Theft by Deception & More

February 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent criminal incidents and arrests were reported by Shrewsbury police. Arrests do not constitute convictions.

Incidents

• An alleged incident of theft by deception was reported in the area of Adams Way on Feb. 7. The victims reported that an unknown person or persons cashed checks totaling $500 under false pretense.

Patrolman Matthew Clark is investigating.

• An incident of criminal mischief in the area of White Street was reported on Feb. 10. The victim reported that $100 worth of damage was done to property.

Patrolman Joseph Barnicle is investigating.

Arrests

• Deion E. Martin, 19, of Red Bank was arrested on Feb. 9 by Patrolman Ryan Cullinane in the area of Yale Boulevard and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

• Rachel Lamanno, 26, of Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 12 by Patrolman Matthew Clark in the area of Broad Street and charged with driving under the influence.

News

Snow Issue: Delayed R-FH School Openings

February 16, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

All the school districts in the Rumson-Fair Haven area have announced delayed openings for Tuesday.

Rumson School District:

From the schools website …

“The Rumson School District will have a 90 minute delayed opening on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 with the possibility that school may be closed. You will be notified tomorrow morning if school will be closed.

For the delayed opening the AM Preschool will report to school at 10:10 am to 12:00 noon. Students in grades K-8 will report to school at 10:10 am to 3:05 pm.

Please allow the same amount of time to report to your bus stop as you normally would.”

Fair Haven School District:

From the district’s website …

“As a result of the current forecast for overnight accumulating snow and continued frigid temperatures, along with the need to prepare both campuses for students and staff, FH Schools will operate under a 2 ½ hour Plan B delayed opening schedule for tomorrow, Tuesday February 17th. 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.”

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District:

From the high school’s website …

“Staff sign in is at 9am.
The warning bell is at 9:10am.
Period 1 starts at 9:15am.

Buses will be running this morning on a 90 minute delayed schedule.”

Police and Fire

Arresting News from Nearby: Contempt of Court

February 16, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following contempt of court arrests were recently reported by Middletown police:

• Robert Ellis, 51, ofSuburban Road in Brick, was arrested on Feb. 4 by Cpl. Joseph Ahlemeyer on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $4,433 bail.

• Jessica Swartz, 30, of Howard Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on Feb. 4 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was held on $2,500 bail.

• Alexander Giuriceo, 20, of Greenfield Way in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on Feb. 2 by Patrolman John Walsifer on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,500 bail.

• Brittany Carr, 24, of Atlantic Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on Feb. 7 by Police Officer Stephanie Geisel on contempt of court warrants issued by the Woodbridge and Middletown municipal courts.

She was held on $918 bail.

• Gregory Bruno, 49, of Garden Street in Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 9 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $577 bail.

• Gregory Bruno, 49, of Garden Street in Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 9 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $577 bail.

• Christina Villena, 23, of Rhea Road in Middletown, was arrested on Feb. 5 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Monmouth Beach Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $405 bail.

• Bruce Vaughn, 40, of Pearl Street in Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 7 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $405 bail.

• Selina Lester, 30, of Kimberly Court in Red Bank, was arrested on Jan. 28, 2015 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $468 bail.

• Steven Ciufo, 38, of Shoal Harbor Court in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested on Jan. 25 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

He was held on $236 bail.

• Paul Summey, 32, of Terry Lane in Tinton Falls, was arrested on Jan. 25 by Police Officer Stephanie Geisel on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Selina Lester, 30, of Kimberly Court in Red Bank, was arrested on Jan. 28, 2015 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $468 bail.

• Brian Chevalier, 43, of Broadmoor Road in the Lincroft section of Middletown, was arrested on Jan. 28 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Jackson Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $200 bail.

• Gabrielle Sulner, 22, of East 14th Street in Brooklyn, NY, was arrested on Jan. 30 by Patrolman Michael Allen on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $250 bail.

• Lisa Smith, 26, of Church Street in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on Feb. 6 by Police Officer Stephanie Geisel on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $250 bail.

Schools Scene

RFH Girls Winter Track Team Scores Big

February 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Girls Winter Track Team has earned a double victory.

The team garnered the school’s first Group II State Relay championship for Winter Track and scored its fourth consecutive Central Jersey Group II Sectional title.

The historic State Group II Relay Championship was the result of a first-place finish at the State Relays in January, where 24 teams competed and RFH bested Holmdel by three points.

Continue reading RFH Girls Winter Track Team Scores Big →

Police and Fire

Police Report: Nearby Thefts, Criminal Mischief

February 13, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

• The theft of an iPhone from the restroom of a grocery store on Broad Street was reported on Feb. 5.

Patrolman Garrett Falco took the report.

• The theft of a shower kit, containing a watch, ring and cash, from a Maple Avenue gym was reported on Feb. 5.

Patrolman Shane Dengel took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported on Feb. 9 to have occurred sometime in the past week at a Fisher Place residence. The victim reported that the screen on her window had been cut.

Patrolman Jorge Torres took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on Feb. 9 at a Branch Avenue residence. The victim reported that a glass window was broken.

Patrolman Jorge Torres took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on Feb. 10 at an E. Newman Springs Road business. The victim reported that someone keyed and slashed three tires on a parked vehicle.

Patrolman Shane Dengel took the report.

Business Buzz

DIVE!: A Business Valentine Story

February 13, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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By Elaine Van Develde

It was a dank, dreary day back in October of 2012. Steven Graniero and Christina Dilorio stood at the bottom of bleachers overflowing with sanguine Hurricane Sandy victims at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

The weather gave them an eerie embrace as if to get in another jab as they held onto one another, wiping away tears and trying to comprehend what had just happened.

The engaged couple had just lost everything but one another to Sandy. After earning their stripes bar tending and waiting tables, the two, who met at work, had saved all their pennies to make a dream come true and open a small beachy bar/restaurant of their own in Sea Bright.

Continue reading DIVE!: A Business Valentine Story →