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RFH Takes Home Two Basie Awards

“The envelope, please …” as the saying at any awards ceremony usually goes. Last night it was the 12th annual Basie Awards and the winner was …

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) Jake Rallo in the Best Supporting Actor in a Musical category for his role in Tarzan and Joe Esposito for Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical.

RFH was nominated for 17 awards this year.

 

Congrats to Jake and Joe! Keep breakin’ those legs! 

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde

Break a Leg at the Basie Awards, RFH!

Tonight’s the night. It’s the 12th annual Basie Awards, celebrating the talent of area high school students and their mentors.

This year, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) actors, singers, musicians, directors, producers and tech crew have netted 17 nominations.

They are:

• Outstanding drama production, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight;

• Outstanding lead actor in a drama, Calvin Bruno, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight;

• Outstanding direction in a drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Suzanne Sweeney;

• Outstanding set design in a drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Matthew Leddin;

• Outstanding lighting design in a drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Matthew Leddin;

Musical Productions

• Outstanding musical production, Tarzan;

• Outstanding lead actress in a musical, Rachel Makstein, Tarzan

• Outstanding supporting actor in a musical, Jake Rallo, Tarzan;

• Outstanding chorus, Tarzan;

• Outstanding featured ensemble group, Tarzan, The Gorillas;

• Outstanding featured ensemble group, Tarzan,  Island Spirits;

• Outstanding student/adult orchestra, Tarzan, Amy Fredericks;

• Outstanding direction in a musical, Tarzan, Suzanne Sweeney;

• Outstanding choreography, Tarzan, Jen Costa;

• Outstanding set design in a musical, Tarzan, Matthew Leddin;

• Outstanding lighting design in a musical, Tarzan, Matthew Leddin;

• Outstanding musical direction, Tarzan, Amy Fredericks.

Scene Around: Classic Car Coolness

Classic car moment in Sea Bright
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Call it a classic moment at the convenience store. It’s not every day that you pull into the 7-Eleven parking lot in Sea Bright and get a close-up gander of an old classic — car, that is.

Or, maybe it is. Could be that this car belongs to a local.

There have been quite a few classic sightings in the area intermittently. This one, though, we’ve never seen before.

Being slightly car illiterate, we’re not sure of the make and model of this one.

Anyone know? Know its owner?

Yes, we forgot to just look on the bumper or hood.

 

Scene Around: Decent Victory Park Proposal

Prom proposal for a birthday girl at Victory Park in Rumson on Sunday.
Photo/Maeve Bradley

It’s a place where many a Rumsonite has spent many a simple, reflective or milestone moment and racked up many a vivid memory, from childhood through adulthood — the Navesink riverfront Victory Park.

Continue reading Scene Around: Decent Victory Park Proposal

Retro RFH Senior Year Cruisin’

Heat’s on. Top’s down. Spirits are riding high. Summer’s coming. So is RFH graduation. So are those last summer days with high school buds before college.

That last summer before college is a pivotal, cherished milestone. It’s all about making memories that last a lifetime. Even one ride, top down, top 10 hits blasting on an AM radio, belly laughs, pranks and soaring spirits makes an indelible mark in the heart. It’s a mark that always conjures up a smile and an exhale of content.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day is dedicated to that time with a look back to the summer of 1978, best of friends from RFH, a 1965 powder blue Mustang convertible and, well, a big ol’ grimace of good times’ remembrance.

Yes, your esteemed editor is one of these alligator shirt-clad cronies. Another is gone. And one is still a best bud.

The memories … they’re a best friend, too. Smile.

What kind of car did you cruise in back in those summer days? Favorite spots? Pranks?

This crew spent an inordinate amount of time egging unwitting young lovers on the beach, ordering a Ham Dinger (they had them at 7-11) and dancing with the top down just to annoy people making out on Scenic Drive.

— Elaine Van Develde

Sea Bright Fire Department Carnival Time

Tonight’s the night that a longtime annual area tradition sets the pace for riding into summer. The Sea Bright Fire Department Carnival is all set up and ready for its start at 5 p.m. in the municipal parking lot.

The carnival, or fair, is, as usual, is host to rides, games of chance, classic fair food, and live entertainment, and runs through Sunday.

Here’s the schedule: 

• Thursday, May 18, 5 to 11 p.m.

• Friday May 19, 5 p.m. to midnight, featuring The West End Dogs band at 6 p.m.

• Saturday May 20, 5 p.m. to midnight is also Mug Night, featuring The Jukebox Criminals band at 6 p.m.

• Sunday May 21, 2 to 9 p.m.

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde 2016

Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics

The RFH boys of spring baseball season
Photo/George Day

It may look like it, but, no, it’s not a Jets rumble …  And it’s not a musical, either. It could be the west side of the field. But a west side story? Eh, could be. Only the players on this stage know for sure.

So, a few days back, we revisited a case of retro RFH spring fever hitting a high pitch in the 1970s on the ballfield at the high school — or somewhere around there.

Continue reading Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics

Retro RFH Joy Rides

With the thaw of the cranky and closed-in mindset imposed by a heavy dose of spring fever, people tend to get in the mood for a little carefree joy ride to let their hair down, or at least mess it up a bit.

So, the Retro Pics of the (George) Day are dedicated to the good old days of hitting that spring fever pitch with a good ol’ ride in a classic kind of ride, be it a dirt bike, a classic car or a go cart.

In the featured pic, these guys of the 1970s are hanging outside by what was the Junior Lounge at the high school and they’re looking a little restless.

While we’re not certain, it certainly seems like they are a little antsy and looking to break out of the confines of the school, shed their coats and any inhibitions they actually have left and do the “happy days are here again” dance … or ride … ride into some spring fever-like antics.

The other dude and team of monsters are cruising for something. What? No one is exactly sure.

RFH 1978 yearbook photography editor George Day in his yearbook profile shot.
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot

George Day, the RFH yearbook photographer of the time is taking a spin in a go cart.

Riding with the wind — or something — at RFH in the 1970s
Photo/George Day

And whoever those ghouls are … Well, they’re not getting far on that dirt bike in the sunken floor of the RFH Senior Commons.

Know who the monsters are? How about that car in the featured pic? Whose is it? And what are these guys really up to? Anyone know what the most popular car or bike was in the 1970s?

Baby, they were born to ride at RFH — or something like that.

— Elaine Van Develde

Oh, and thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day for this photographic gem!

RFH Youth Rugby Happenings

Rugby has gained popularity in America lately, and its sports appeal has kicked in with kid players and adult coaches in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

RFH Youth Rugby, under the umbrella of Jersey Shore Youth Rugby Association, has kicked off its spring season with a camp session and has more in store.

Photo/RFH Youth Rugby

Here’s what’s happening:

The first day of spring youth rugby camp was held at the Community Center fields in Fair Haven on May 7 with a great turnout, organizers said. The camp comprises a co-ed, non-tackle, flag rugby program for kids kindergarten age through 8 that runs until the middle of June on Sunday afternoons.

The teams play in the fall and spring and the organization hosts many free rugby clinics throughout Monmouth County and is scheduled to hold weekly summer rugby camps through area rec programs in July. 

Check the organization’s website at www.jerseyshoreyouthrugby.org or its facebook page for more information.

• The Spring Rugby Fundraising Mixer will be held on Thursday night, May 11, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Fair Haven Knights of Columbus Hall, Fair Haven Road. The $35 admission includes appetizers, beer, wine and soda.

Photo/RFH Youth Rugby
On Memorial Day, May 27, high school tackle rugby will come to Rumson for the first time as the RFH Youth Rugby Club hosts the 2017 NJ HS Rugby State Championships along with the states’ rugby governing body, RUGBY NJ at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Borden Stadium.

The day will feature an exhibition match of the U16 Blue and Gold Division Boys, followed by the Boys HS Gold Division (Single School Division) and the Blue Division (Community Based) programs which will determine the 2017 NJ HS State Champions.

Also, an exhibition youth flag rugby match featuring kids from the Jersey Shore Youth Rugby Association. The RFH Youth Rugby Club will also participate in the competition.  

Match times are to be announced, but an afternoon start time is anticipated. Student ticket prices are $3 for advance purchase and $5 at the door.  Adult tickets are $6 for advance purchase and $8 at the door.  The snack shack will be open serving hot dogs, hamburgers, cold soda, candy, baked goods, etc.

Check out  www.jerseyshoreyouthrugby.org for more info about the championship games, youth rugby programs in the area, and to purchase tickets.