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Retro Boating in Rumson

Kayaking on the Navesink River in Rumson Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Kayaking on the Navesink River in Rumson
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

It’s almost that time — to warm up with fun on the Navesink River.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day is dedicated to balmy evenings with friends on the river in Rumson.

These guys had their boat out for a little motoring.

Kayakers and paddle boarders love to take to the river, too. Then there are the water skiers, sailors and loungers.

What’s your favorite river activity?

Sickles Students Lunch with a VIP

First grader Ava Strandberg and her VIP, mom Stacey, enjoy the fun at Sickles School's Lunch with a VIP celebration. Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven School District
First grader Ava Strandberg and her VIP, mom Stacey, enjoy the fun at Sickles School’s Lunch with a VIP celebration.
Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven School District

The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:

This year’s Lunch with a VIP was a success at Fair Haven’s Viola L. Sickles school in Fair Haven.

Sponsored by the Fair Haven Parent Teacher Association, the lunch event, this year held from March 11 to 13, offers first-, second- and third-grade students the opportunity to enjoy lunch, treats, and fun activities with their own special VIP adult guests at a festive celebration.

“It provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with their loved ones during the school day, and to create a lasting memory,” said Jen Halcrow, who served as event co-chair with Suzanne Duffy.

This year’s event featured coffee for the adults, donated by Booskerdoo in Fair Haven, and cupcakes by Cupcake Magician on Monmouth Street in Red Bank (a hit with everyone).

A photo booth, a BINGO game and a Just Dance activity, led by Sickles School Principal Cheryl Cuddihy, added to the fun.

“It was such a pleasure to watch the different generations share stories, collaborate on Just Dance moves, and strategize for Bingo!” said Cuddihy. “We love having guests visit our school, and we were delighted to spend time with our VIPs.”

Day is Done: Sunset for Patrolman Henne

After being posthumously promoted from Fair Haven Police Department Special Officer Class II to Patrolman at his wake on Friday night, the final radio call for Robert J. Henne, badge # 37, was made. And his new badge number was retired.

The patrolman was laid to rest on Saturday. The sunset that chilly night at the Fair Haven Dock in Henne’s hometown was as warm and serene as the smile of the officer etched in the memory of so many. RIP, Patrolman Henne.

A memorial tribute to Robert J. Henne will follow.

A Bulldog for an RFH Dawg Family?

Louie, an American bulldog mix is up for adoption at the MCSPCA. Photo/screenshot of MCSPCA website
Louie, an American bulldog mix is up for adoption at the MCSPCA.
Photo/screenshot of MCSPCA website

Our furry adoptable friend feature of the week is a guy after the ol’ RFH heart — Louie, a two-year-old American  bulldog mix.

Louie, according to the Monmouth County SPCA website, was a stray. He is high energy, loves to play with other dogs and has been tapped as a quick learner.

Louie is in a foster home right now, but needs a forever home.

A Retro RFH March Madness?

RFH Basketball in the 1970s Photo/George Day
RFH Basketball in the 1970s
Photo/George Day

In keeping with the whole March Madness theme, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day takes us back to a basketball sideline scene of the 1970s at RFH.

Here’s the question: What the heck is Andy Koch photographing as the score-keeper stares in a state of captivation?

The players: Check out the looks on their faces. And look at that wooden desk.

Caption this one, friends and fans!

Thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day (RFH Class of ’78) for capturing yet another great moment back in the day and sharing it with us!

RFH Students Help Habitat for Humanity Build for Sandy Victims

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

The Habitat for Humanity Club at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) has been officially named an affiliate campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity International.

RFH, one of only two official campus chapters in Monmouth County, was recently awarded a disaster services grant totaling $11,100 from Habitat for Humanity International and State Farm®.

The $11,100 grant will be used by the RFH Habitat for Humanity Club for the House That Youth Built, a youth-based service project, for the Henn Family of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

The Henns were displaced from their Port Monmouth home in 2012, when it was deemed uninhabitable due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. The family, consisting of a widow raising her 18-year-old granddaughter, has been living in a Keansburg apartment for more than two years.

The House That Youth Built engages schools from Monmouth County in fundraising efforts to help the Henn family to rebuild their home. Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County hopes to raise $60,000 through the campaign in order to construct the home, which will be the fifth build resulting from displacement by Sandy.

The RFH Habitat for Humanity Club, with over 110 student members participating in builds, clean-up projects and fundraising, provided a boost to the campaign by applying for and receiving the grant.

The money will be presented to Habitat for Humanity/The House That Youth Built by a representative from State Farm, a supporter of Habitat for Humanity since 1994.

“We are so grateful to be a part of rebuilding this community after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy,” said the Club’s Faculty Advisor and RFH science teacher Susan Pagano. “I am extremely proud of all our student members who volunteer so much of their time and energy.”

RFH Habitat for Humanity Club Officers for the 2014-15 school year are: co-presidents, Allie Geiger and Sarah Nelson; vice president, Tommy Babcock; secretary, Tommy Lenskold; and treasurer, Lindsey Corydon.

“Our community was greatly affected by Superstorm Sandy, and as students we recognized that we could really make a difference to a family in need; applying for the grant was a no-brainer,” said Sarah Nelson. “We are excited that several local schools are also participating in the House That Youth Built program.”

For more information or to donate to “The House That Youth Built” campaign, visit http://share.habitat.org/henhome.

Nightfall: A Fair Haven in Mourning

Rest in peace, Fair Haven Police Special Officer Class II Robert J. Henne

“Our world will never be the same without him. Heaven has another angel to look over us …”  — Audrey Murphy Henne

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde

 

RFH’s Jack Velcamp Honored as ‘Unsung Hero’

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) freshman Jack Velcamp has faced adversity, conquered it and, because of his visionary drive and dedication, won the 2014 Unsung Hero Award from the Jersey Shore Chapter of the New Jersey Football Officials Association (NJFOA).

The Unsung Hero Award, funded by the Manasquan Elks, was created in 2005 to honor football players and students who demonstrate drive and commitment despite adverse odds, an RFH press release said.

Velcamp, a Rumson resident, has a form of dwarfism known as Achondroplasia that prevents him from participating in football games as a player, the release said.

In spite of the physical challenges that come with the Achondroplasia, he has been lauded for working tirelessly to make positive contributions to the RFH program — first as a waterboy, and now as head of sideline operations, according to the release.

Saying that the RFH Football team is “blessed” to have Velcamp for another three years, Head Coach Bryan Batchler said in the release that “Jack is enthusiastic, passionate and encouraging. He cares deeply about the team, our success, and the hard work required to reach the mountain top.”

 

He also works with the RFH basketball program and Chris Champeau, its head coach, the release said.

With the official presentation made at the Jan. 20 RFH Board of Education meeting, JNJFOA Shore Chapter Member Dennis Heard said, “True stature is not measured in feet and inches … it is gauged by how our conduct and actions are perceived by others. How we handle our responsibilities, those assigned to us and those we volunteer for, is a true measure of who we are.

“Someone who can be counted on; someone who always puts other people’s needs above his own; superior character and work ethic’ – that is what defines stature.”

Looking Back at Fair Haven Schools’ Celebration of Dr. Seuss

The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:

Even a cranky Grinch would have been smiling at the Fair Haven School District’s birthday celebration for beloved author Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss.

The extravaganza at Sickles School kicked off on March 2 – Suess’ birthday and Read Across America Day — with what was dubbed a Birthday Celebration assembly.

Continue reading Looking Back at Fair Haven Schools’ Celebration of Dr. Seuss

Going Retro with the Oceanic Bridge in a Classic Film

Doris Day and Rock Hudson crossing the Oceanic Bridge in the movie "Pillow Talk" Photo/screenshot of movie clip
Doris Day and Rock Hudson crossing the Oceanic Bridge in the movie “Pillow Talk”
Photo/screenshot of movie clip

With the impending overnight closing of the Oceanic Bridge for the next month or so, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect decided to take a look back at a fun time of fame for the bridge.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day captures a moment on film of Doris Day and Rock Hudson crossing the bridge in the movie Pillow Talk.

Yes, that’s the Oceanic — the 76-year-old 1940s Art Deco style bridge.

Remember the scene in the movie?

Reminder: No Overnight Oceanic Bridge Crossing

Rumson-Fair Haven area residents were reminded in Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect’s weekly update on Monday that starting Tuesday night, and every night through April, 30, the Oceanic Bridge will be closed for repairs overnight from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m..

The bridge will be open during the day, with alternating single-lane closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Monmouth County officials advise taking alternate routes or be forewarned that traffic will be delayed during these hours.

From the latest county release … “The Oceanic Bridge schedule, weather permitting, Sunday through Friday mornings, from (on or about) March 24 to April 30 will be:

• 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. — both bridge lanes open to all traffic;
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — single lane closure with alternating lanes of vehicular traffic;
• 2 to 6 p.m. — both bridge lanes open to all traffic;
• 6 to 10:30 p.m. — single lane closure with alternating lanes of vehicular traffic.

Fair Haven Mourns Special Police Officer Robert Henne

With few words, Fair Haven police have announced that they are in mourning over the death of Special Officer Class II Robert Henne.

The announcement came over the Facebook page of fellow officer Jeff Jarvis on Monday night, whose cover page told of  the retirement of badge number 216 — Henne’s.

“Rest in Peace Officer Robert Henne,” Jarvis’ Facebook post said. “End of watch, March 23, 2015.” He had died unexpectedly at his Fair Haven family home earlier in the day on Monday.

Henne was a 2010 Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate. He was a high school athlete and police explorer as a teen. He rose up in the ranks of the Fair Haven Police Department from explorer to Class I officer and then Class II.

Henne received his promotion to Class II distinction in December of 2012 and was lauded by officials and colleagues for his professionalism and camaraderie. He was also a Fair Haven fireman.

The flag at Fair Haven Police Department headquarters, and throughout town, is at half staff.

RIP, Officer Henne.

A tribute to Officer Henne will follow.

— Elaine Van Develde