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Trailblazer: RFH’s Shannon Corsi’s Ticket to the GRAMMYs

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) student Shannon Corsi is about to hit the red carpet, or some path close to it, at the GRAMMY Awards tonight.

It was her original song “Trailblazer,” about the plight of substance abuse, that got here there. She’s already looked in on a rehearsal.

Soon it’s show time. No, she’s not a contender, but she won her own contest that got her and a few other teens closer to being one.

In case you haven’t heard it yet, take a look and listen to her song that set her on her way.

Enjoy, Shannon! Congrats!

Schools Scene

RFH Field Hockey Players Honored as Scholars

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Field Hockey team members have been recognized for their academic achievements by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).

Anna Babiak, Kara Dixon, Bridget Fitzgerald, Margaret Jennings, Madison Maguire, Kiera McKay, Gabrielle Ramirez, Maisie Sapnar, and Katherine Sustick have been named to the 2015 NFHCA/Keith Waldman — Optimal Performance Associates High School National Academic Squad.

The High School National Academic Squad program recognizes high school juniors and seniors who have achieved a cumulative, unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5 out of 4.0 through the first quarter of the 2015-16 school year.

High school juniors and seniors with a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.9 or above during the first quarter of the 2015-16 school year are recognized as Scholars of Distinction by the NFHCA.

Scholars of Distinction honorees are: Anna Babiak, Bridget Fitzgerald, Margaret Jennings, Kiera McKay, Maisie Sapnar, and Katherine Sustick.

Local Life

Fair Haven: Tiki Haven Time

The chill is in the air, signaling the time for the Tiki Haven Luau.

The tropical-themed event, designed to warm winter spirits and raise funds for future Fair Haven Days, is set for Saturday, Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall on Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven.

It will feature island-style food (pulled pork and fixins’ as a main dish), music, games (like the limbo, an outfit contest, a 50/50 and auctions with donated prizes from local businesses) and drink (beer, wine and sodas) for $50. A bar will be open and serving drinks not included in the admission price for cash.

“It looks like we may have started yet another wonderful tradition celebrating the Borough of Fair Haven that began with our 2012 Centennial Celebration with this new event,” Fair Haven Foundation President and Councilwoman Susan Sorensen said. “With winter in full swing, we all could use a bit of summer fun!”

So, get out your Hawaiian shirt, grass skirt, coconut top and lei — not necessarily in that order or all together — and order tickets now, the committee recommends.

See you in Hawaii — on the sunny shores of Knights of Columbus.

For tickets, contact Marie Noglows at [email protected] or purchase at Fair Haven Borough Hall.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Families in Community Service: The Brothers Chandler

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By Elaine Van Develde

They were both just that kind of guy — the kind people remember.

They were George Chandler and brother Warren — Chum to most. George, the former Fair Haven police chief and 65-year fire company member was laid to rest a couple of weeks ago at 92. His brother, Chum, died last March, a 64-year fireman.

Continue reading Retro Families in Community Service: The Brothers Chandler →

Local Life

Focus: Fair Haven Food & Folks for the Soul

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The Fair Haven Fiske AME Chapel Soul Food Dinner was deemed a success after only a couple of hours — by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, to be exact.

Oh, the folks at the church may have been a bit worn out by then, but they were still cooking in more ways than one. Even though the ribs sold out completely, chicken was still in the fryer and 66 dinners had been sold. The side dishes were “wiped out,” gone, they said.

It’s no wonder people clamor to feast on the food for this dinner. Sonia Reevey, forever congregant and Fair Havenite, told us the secret is that there is no secret other than good, old fashioned home-cooked food made from special family recipes. “Everyone makes their special dish,” she said. “That’s all. That’s all it takes. We all have something special to cook.”

The ribs, she said, went right away. We were told that the not-so-secret secret to that recipe was a dry rub left overnight in the fridge, then slow baking and special barbecue sauce.

Missed that special treat. But, there was plenty of chicken and the cooks insisted that we try it fresh out of the cast iron skillet. Delicious. Crispy and warm on the outside and moist on the inside. Simple. The seasoning and coating were simple. Nothing overdone.

Call it food fit for the nourishment of the soul. There’s nothing complicated about it. That’s been the recipe for everything at the chapel since the dawn of time in Fair Haven. Hometown comfort food and friends.

Take a look at the photo gallery for a glimpse into the day.

— Elaine Van Develde

Schools Scene

RFH Football Players Sign

Three Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) football players have something to celebrate in addition to their recent state championship win.

RFH seniors Michael Caruso, James Oncea, and Maxwell Pfrang made their college commitments official on National Signing Day 2016. With families, coaches, and members of the school administration in attendance on the morning of Feb. 3, they signed their letters of commitment to play college football.

Caruso, a cornerback and wide receiver for RFH, will play Division I football for the Bucknell University Bisons. A Rumson resident, he is the son of Catherine and Scott.

Oncea, a Bulldogs offensive lineman, will be playing Division III football for the Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays. He is a resident of Fair Haven and the son of Laura and Sam.

Pfrang, a linebacker who played a key role for the Bulldogs’ defense, will be joining the Division III Wagner College Seahawks. A Rumson resident, he is the son of Teri and Philip.

“We are extremely proud of the efforts of these amazing young men, on the field and more importantly in the classroom,” said Chris Lanzalotto, RFH director of Athletics and School Activities.

RFH earned its third consecutive state title on Dec. 5 in a match-up with Red Bank Regional High School. The RFH Bulldogs have won four sectional championships in the last six seasons.

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

Continue reading RFH Football Players Sign →

Schools Scene

Jacob Brown: Knollwood Spelling Champ

Fair Haven fifth grader Jacob Brown is the spelling champ of Knollwood School who is now headed for a county competition.

He won first place in the Annual Knollwood School Spelling Bee on Jan. 26. Jacob claimed the school-wide championship with his correct spelling of the word “nonplus.”

To qualify for participation in the Knollwood Spelling Bee, students first competed at the classroom level. The classroom-level winners then had to claim first-place finishes in grade-level Bees.

Grade-level Spelling Bee champs competing in the schoolwide Spelling Bee were: eighth grader Aaron Bernstein, seventh grader Alex Fratto, sixth grader PJ Rawlins, and fourth grader Sammi Samuels.

“I am extremely proud of all the participants,” said Knollwood School Principal Amy Romano. “Being a part of the Spelling Bee was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. As we proceeded into the final round, I was impressed with their skill levels and excellent sportsmanship.”

Next up for Jacob is county-level competition in the Regional Spelldown on March 14 at Monmouth University.

— Edited press release from Fair Haven School District