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Local Life

Holy Cross Reopening on Hold

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“Here’s the church, and here’s the steeple
Open the door and see all the people.
Here’s the parson going upstairs,
And here he is saying his prayers.”

It isn’t quite as simple as the old finger-acted nursery rhyme goes when it comes to the restoration/expansion of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Rumson.

The church is there. The steeple is there. But, it’s not quite ready for opening the door to welcome and see all the people, according to a letter sent out to parishioners by Fr. Michael Manning a couple of weeks ago.

The delay was estimated by Fr. Manning to be a couple weeks or more. Depending on “a realistic assessment of the time needed for each subcontractor to complete their work, especially as the flooring progresses,” Fr. Manning said in his note that the postponement of the previously planned June dedication is necessary.

In addition to making certain that the tile flooring is complete, he said that “possible dates then need to be coordinated with the bishop’s office to schedule the (dedication) ceremony.”

According to Catholic church doctrine, any new church, or newly structured house of worship, must be dedicated.

And, according to an informational piece on the church’s website, this is why …

“What dedicates a church?

“It is the diocesan bishop’s responsibility to dedicate new churches in his diocese. Every church must have a titular, e.g. a canonized saint, Blessed Trinity, Our Lord Jesus Christ according to a mystery invoked in his life or a title in the Sacred Liturgy, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary or one of the angels.

“The celebration of the Eucharist with its special prayers and readings and hymns most fittingly dedicates a church along with other unique parts of the Rite of dedication

“Blessing and sprinkling of water
Prayer of dedication
Anointing of the altar and walls of the church Incensation of the altar and church
Lighting the altar and church”

For more information on the rite of dedication, click here.

“As soon as we can announce a new date, we will,” Fr. Manning said in his note. “Keep praying!”

 

News

Retro Principal: RFH Alum School Daze

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Tom Famulary at RFH in the 1970s Photo/RFH yearbook
Tom Famulary at RFH in the 1970s
Photo/RFH yearbook

It’s the principal of the pic — literally.

With the school year coming to a close, it seemed like a good time to take Rumson-Fair Haven area people back to days at RFH in the early 70s when the teen pictured was a student at the high school.

Take a close look. Many from the area, especially those who grew up with him, will recognize this now Rumson resident who was principal at Fair Haven’s Knollwood School for 11 years, interim principal at Sickles School and interim superintendent for a stint not all that long ago.

Yes, it’s Tom Famulary, who grew up in Fair Haven.

Here are a couple of fun retro facts about Tom:

His mom, Millie, was piano teacher to many in the area, and quite talented herself.

His father, John, was publisher of an area weekly newspaper in his retirement years (well, sorta). That paper was the Courier.

Tom was also known to be quite the piano player.

 

Schools Scene

Sickles School Students Strive to Understand Differences

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Students at Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven have been exploring and celebrating differences.

It’s an annual event — Understanding Differences Day.

Held on May 15 this year, the day featured hands-on activities and presentations hosted by school staff members and volunteers.

Continue reading Sickles School Students Strive to Understand Differences →

Schools Scene

Knollwood Stock Market Club Soars

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Call them stock market savvy.

Knollwood School students George Clough, Patrick Malpass, and Charles Newbury of Fair Haven finished first place in the Southern Region of New Jersey Spring Stock Market Game.

The three fifth-graders, members of the Knollwood School Stock Market Club, competed against more than 100 other teams in the game, which ran for 10 weeks, ending in May. With a virtual $100,000 to invest, they made a profit of $6,977.56.

As winners of the top prize, the three attended an awards ceremony on May 26 at Stockton College where they gave a speech about their experience.

“Each of us had different ideas for choosing companies to invest in,” said George. “I chose General Electric during the week that it was number one on the Dow Jones, Charles chose Ford because the price of the stock was low and it was a solid company that had performed well in the past, and Patrick chose Sony because he loves gaming PS4.”

“I learned that it’s not hard to turn one amount of money into a lot more money when you invest carefully and have a little bit of luck. And I also learned that you never know what’s going to happen next, so you need to be prepared” said Patrick. “When we earned money, we then found more good companies to invest in.”

“You need to work together to make good decisions about your stocks, so we didn’t buy anything without informing our team members,” said Charles. “We put Pat in charge, and he wanted to buy Sony, and that became our winning stock,”

The three were also among Knollwood students honored by Superintendent Nelson Ribon, Principal Kevin Davis, and members of the Fair Haven Board of Education at a pizza party celebration on the evening of June 9.

“Having worked in finance, I know that it was not easy to achieve what you did,” Fair Haven Board of Education President Mark Mancuso said in his presentation. “Thank you for doing such a fine job of representing our school district.”

The Knollwood School Stock Market Club is comprised of fourth and fifth graders and approximately 30 students participate each year. The Club meets once a week at lunchtime and recess from February through May to learn about the stock market and to participate in online investing simulation and stockmarketgame.org.

“I am very impressed with how much these boys learned about investing,” Club Advisor and Knollwood Fifth Grade Teacher Jessica Dougherty said. “They were very motivated throughout this entire game, and their hard work paid off in the end.”

— Fair Haven School District press release

Local Life

Focus on Fair Haven Day 2015

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The sun was shining on Fair Haven Day 2015 and fun abounded.

Longtime friends caught up with one another, music played, people ate, drank and were quite merry.

Take a look at the slideshow above for a glimpse into the day.

 

Thanks to Tom Bull, David Becker and Cathy Mazza Truesdell for the extra help with our camera emergency! The photo of Mayor Ben Lucarelli, DJ Breckenridge and Susan Sorensen is courtesy of David Becker. 

Local Life

Canterbury Fair Fun at St. George’s-by-the-River

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It’s an annual event that’s been going on for more than half a century. And Saturday marked its 67th year.

The St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church Canterbury Fair was held under sunny skies on the church’s grounds.

Fun in the form of kids games, food, festivities, a petting zoo and classic white elephant sale was had by all.

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

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro Fair Haven Day with Two Who Have Passed

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Saturday is Fair Haven Day.

Since the first, on Fair Haven’s Centennial Celebration in 2012, the day has become a borough tradition.

On that first Fair Haven Day, a couple of local celebrities, longtime Fair Havenites, were there and all jazzed up with love of their hometowns to celebrate.

Since then, these two have passed: RFH teacher and dancer extraordinaire, George Giffin; and longtime Fair Haven Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary member Pat Topfer.

So, today, with our Retro Pic(s) of the Day, we take a look back at those smiling faces, remember what these two did for their beloved borough and its people, thank them and remember the sincerity of their giving, neighborly hearts.

RIP George Giffin and Pat Topfer. May future generations of Fair Havenites carry on with spirits as generous and caring as yours!

Local Life

R-FH Area Weekend: George Sheehan Classic, Canterbury Fair & Fair Haven Day

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The weekend weather forecast is promising, Rumson-Fair Haven area folks.

So, that in mind, here are some things to do around the towns:

Friday night … 

• This one’s a longstanding event honoring the memory of former Rumsonite and doctor, George Sheehan — the 22nd George Sheehan Classic Race and Kids Classic.

The action starts at 2 p.m. and runs through 8:30 p.m. in Marine Park with activities, including the kids race, Runner’s Expo, music, and more.

• Don’t forget Hanga Loose Fridays at Umberto’s in Fair Haven. It’s a time to hang out in memory of the restaurant’s beloved Silvio, a friend to all.

Stop by the River Road place’s back room, mangia and chat it up!

Saturday …

• The George Sheehan Classic 5K Race runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Red Bank — Marine Park and Broad Street. There will be a post-5K party at Branigans.

• The Canterbury Fair, at St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in Rumson, will be featuring a host of activities, silent auction, white elephant sale and food from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be face painting, a petting zoo, a kids’ auction, activities, burgers, hot dogs, lobster salad, baked goods, plants for sale and more.

The proceeds of the longtime annual event go to area charities.

• And, yes, it’s Fair Haven Day time! The relatively new annual event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in Fair Haven Fields.

Get your tickets for food and beverages. This year, Brennan’s will provide picnic — signature sandwiches, salads and mac-and-cheese. For a little extra, folks can feast on seafood from Lusty Lobster — clams, oysters and lobster rolls. And Booskerdoo will be providing desserts and coffee.

The snack bar will be open, proceeds donated to RFH Hockey.

And, the Fair Haven Business Association will have face painting and photo booths.

For adults, there will be a beer booth, featuring domestic and premium beers and fruit-filled red and white sangrias.

Bands will be playing: Stone Bullets at 3:30 p.m., River Road Band at 4:30 p.m. and Jukebox Criminals at 6:30 p.m.

Then the night will end with fireworks! See you there!

Sunday

• The Red Bank Farmers Market is in the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features the usual fresh produce, organic goods, breads, coffees, desserts, crafts and more.

• And if you feel like being by the water and taking in a little history at the same time, tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, otherwise known as the spooky Spy House, are running from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bayshore Waterfront Park location on Port Monmouth Road in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

Local Life

Retro FHPD Beefsteak Dinner Time

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The officers of the Fair Haven Police Department at the Annual Beefsteak Dinner Photo/courtesy of FHPD, screenshot of FH PBA Local 184 Facebook page
The officers of the Fair Haven Police Department at the Annual Beefsteak Dinner
Photo/courtesy of FHPD, screenshot of FH PBA Local 184 Facebook page

The Fair Haven PBA’s Annual Beefsteak Dinner was last Saturday.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect could not make it there to take pics, so we are honoring the fine officers of the Fair Haven Police Department in our Retro Pic of the Day.

The above photo, courtesy of the Fair Haven PD, was taken of the officers on the night of the dinner.

All are sporting their new PBA T-shirts and lookin’ good!

Thanks for all you do to serve and protect the borough of Fair Haven and its people!

Have you thanked an officer today?

Schools Scene

Meet Rumson School District’s New Superintendent

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There’s a new superintendent in the Rumson School District.

John E. Bormann, Ed. D., was unanimously appointed to the district top administrator spot at a special Rumson Board of Education meeting on June 9. His start date is Aug. 1.

The board considered 32 candidates and conducted several rounds of interviews before choosing Bormann.

“When we did our research and checked his references, we discovered one good thing after another about Dr. Bormann,” Rumson Board of Education President Colleen O’Connor said. “His strong leadership skills and track record of successful interactions with teaching staff and with parents make him a perfect fit for our district.”

Bormann’s contract runs through June 30, 2020. He will be responsible for Deane-Porter School (pre-K through third grade) and Forrestdale School (fourth through eighth grade).

“I would like to thank the Rumson School Board for this opportunity,” Bormann said. “I am very excited to learn the Rumson traditions and history and meld that with my own vision, which is this — ‘If it doesn’t expand the possibilities for our students, why do it?’

“I have a special interest in motivating the stakeholders in our children’s education to help them become better learners for their own sake, and I believe that the road to success is in non-stop trying. I am determined to uncover how to make this happen for the students in Rumson.”

Bormann spent 19 years in the Spring Lake School District, where he served as chief school administrator for the past four years. He also has experience in the field as a science teacher, supervisor of curriculum, and superintendent/principal.

Dr. Bormann has a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University, a master of science degree in Educational Technology from Ramapo College, a master of arts degree in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Peters University.

A two-time recipient of the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award, Dr. Bormann has also earned the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. As a superintendent, he received the Monmouth County Education Association Friend of Education Award.

An avid reader, traveler, and gardener, Bormann lives in Freehold.

— Edited Rumson School District press release

News

Area Man Arrested as Alleged Leader of Drug Trafficking Network

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An area man has been arrested and pinpointed as the alleged ringleader of a drug trafficking network that distributed mostly cocaine in Monmouth and Ocean counties, NJ State Police announced.

Edmund A. Scattaglia Jr., 39, of Middletown, alleged leader of what has been dubbed the Scattaglia Network, was one of 32 arrested on Wednesday in a state sting dubbed Operation Tidal Wave, which began in October of 2014 and targeted Scattaglia’s alleged drug trafficking organization operating out of his home in Middletown another in Beachwood Township, Ocean County, according to police.

The investigation revealed that Scattaglia allegedly met people at his home, where he supplied them with cocaine for redistribution.

Scattaglia was allegedly supplied with multiple kilograms of cocaine by Francisco Romero, 38, of 159 John Street, Englewood. Romero allegedly stored bulk quantities of the drug at his home and funneled them to Scattaglia’s network. One kilogram of cocaine, valued at $40,000, was seized from Scattaglia’s alleged network in the bust.

Romero’s residence was searched under the authority of an executed warrant by state police detectives and the Englewood Police Department, on June 2, 2014. That search resulted in the seizure of one pound of cocaine, $75,000.00 cash, an Acura TSX, and other assets valued at $50,000, state police said in a released statement.

A companion search warrant of Scattaglia’s home the same day  yielded roughly $15,000 cash, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and a BMW 325XI, police said in the release.

As a result of the takedown of both alleged trafficking operations, detectives recovered: more than 4 kilograms of cocaine, more than three ounces of heroin, 16 pounds of marijuana, 1,000 Xanax pills, Oxycotin and ecstasy pills, a large variety of steroids, one handgun, seven vehicles, and more than $125,000 in cash.

“These ring members allegedly were dealing large quantities of heroin and prescription pills in Monmouth and Ocean counties, which have been particularly hard hit by the devastating epidemic of opiate addiction sweeping the nation and New Jersey,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said in the release. “Through operations such as this one, we are taking aim at the criminals who are maliciously fueling the epidemic and profiting from it.”

The cooperative effort was led by the New Jersey State Police Trafficking Central Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-Atlantic City Office, with assistance from the Division of Criminal Justice, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Middletown Township Police Department, and the Jersey City Police Department.

The following is a list of all the Monmouth County residents arrested in Operation Tidal Wave:

• Edmund A. Scattaglia, 39, Middletown;
• Tabraz Mohammed, 34, Red Bank;
• Mark Ugaro, 35, Middletown;
• Scott M. Leander, 55, Keyport;
• Shawn P Cotter, 38, Middletown;
• Brian J. Rosenberg, 30, Red Bank.

For more information on what was dubbed the Beachwood Network and the complete list of those arrested from other counties, click here.

This case will be prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice under the Office of the Attorney General.

Local Life

Fair Haven Deputy Fire Chief Takes Plunge from Dock

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Fair Haven Deputy Fire Chief Mike Wiehl grew up in Fair Haven. In fact, he’s a third generation Fair Havenite.

And like so many other native Fair Havenites, he spent a lot of time down by the Navesink River at the Fair Haven Dock. He played there. He saw a lot of sunsets there. He likely did a lot of contemplating and soaking up of sun and scenery there.

And, most recently, he decided to make the iconic spot one that would mark a major milestone in his life. He got engaged and married there.

The engagement was three months ago and the wedding was Monday afternoon, officiated by Mayor Ben Lucarelli. So, we congratulate and honor Mike and his bride, Gloria Clark, in our Retro Pic(s) of the Day.

As Wiehl put it in Facebook posts, “Well, today’s the day I have been waiting for. Gloria Clark and I are spending the day together and then off to the fair haven dock to get married at 4pm! … 3 months ago the woman of my dreams said yes to marrying me. I am a lucky man …”

And so goes life as part of the Fair Haven family …

Congrats and much happiness to Mike and Gloria!