Category Archives: Opinion

Editorials, letters to the editor and other articles reflecting on iconic people, places and traditions related to them in the area.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Gathering of RFH Class of ’80 Gals

Image July 31, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Fair Haven buddies from the RFH Class of 1980 in 1971 Photo/courtesy of Sandi Richards VonPier — Fair Haven buddies from the RFH Class of 1980 in 1971
Photo/courtesy of Sandi Richards VonPier

The RFH Class of 1980 is having its 35th reunion this weekend.

What better time than to take a look back at some grads of that class?

So, in honor of the Class of ’80 and friendships formed many years ago that are still going strong, the Retro Pic of the Day takes a look back at a 1971 gathering of Fair Haven girls of the class when such bonds were forged.

Nothing like an old buddy.

Who in this crew do you think was considered the best dressed? Remember what the “in” style was then?

Thanks to longtime Fair Havenite Sandi Richards VonPier for this photo contribution!

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Birthday Boy, Fair Haven Mom

Image July 30, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It’s somebody’s birthday.

That person is Doug Newman, who was raised in Fair Haven and runs the Fair Haven Facebook page.

Doug decided it would be a good idea to gather folks together in social media and keep connections forged in the Rumson-Fair Haven area going.

Well, he has done it. The page, which has 2,625 members, or, as he calls them collectively, the “fam.”

Continue reading Retro Birthday Boy, Fair Haven Mom →

Business Buzz, Opinion

Coastal Decor’s Anniversary Party

July 29, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It’s that time again — anniversary party time on Thursday for Coastal Decor in Fair Haven.

And with the River Road store’s annual anniversary/summer celebration comes some socializing, snacking and special prices.

The shopping party starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10:30. “Bring a friend,” the store owners said in a Facebook release.

Coastal Decor is a favorite small business among Rumson-Fair Haven area residents specializing in shore-inspired interior design, furniture, accessories and jewelry.

The Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect Coastal Decor pick of the week for Business Buzz is the sterling silver New Jersey sea glass necklace.

New Jersey sea glass necklace Photo/Facebook screenshot — New Jersey sea glass necklace
Photo/Facebook screenshot

What’s your favorite Coastal Decor item?

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Chillin’ With Donovan’s

Image July 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

There are a couple of things people in the Rumson-Fair Haven area couldn’t wait for after a long, snowy winter — summer and the reopening of Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright.

Well, both have happened. In fact, Monday was the hottest day of the summer yet, according to National Weather Service stats. And Donovan’s Tiki bar is back on the beach.

So, just to cool you down a little and serve as a gratitude nudge, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day offer a glimpse back to a cool snowfall on what was left of Donovan’s (which was pretty much flattened buildings and the Tiki hut) the winter after Hurricane Sandy’s devastation of the iconic place.

The sky had an orange hue that day that seemed to paint it with hope. It made snow look invitingly warm and for what was a chilling scene for Donovan’s devotees.

Well, it’s back and sporting the literal sign of the undaunted “Sandy Who?”

Donovan’s has brought a lot of friends and couples together over the years. It’s a tradition, really, for Rumson-Fair Haven area people. Did you meet your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, BFF or some other significant other or others in your life at Donovan’s? Yes? Of course, yes!

Tell us your story and send us your Donovan’s pics or email us at evd@rfhretro.com. We’re putting together a Donovan’s Connection slideshow.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, Opinion

Break a Leg: Retro Rumson Barn Summer Theater Part II

Image July 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It’s been the subject of the Retro Pic(s) of the Day before and it is again — summer theater at The Barn in Rumson.

It was a place for local talent to gather, hone theatrical skills, have a lot of summer fun and entertain the masses in Monmouth County to boot.

One of the shows produced in the summer of 1977, which thrust lots of arts-thirsty area teens into myriad rehearsals and onto a stage, was Bye Bye Birdie.

As told in our last piece on The Barn, many RFH students were in the cast of the show. And one area resident who played Albert Peterson — the English teacher, no less — broke his leg during rehearsals.

Continue reading Break a Leg: Retro Rumson Barn Summer Theater Part II →

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Fair Haven Kindergarten: The Kids and the Classroom

Image July 1, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Fair Haven afternoon Kindergarten Class of 1965 ... There! I said it! — Fair Haven afternoon Kindergarten Class of 1965 … There! I said it!

With all this talk about the little tykes transitioning from third to fourth grade, school being out for summer and, well, of course, graduation, there’s one milestone that’s been left out — kindergarten.

Back in the day — OK, waaaaay back in the day — there was a third school in Fair Haven for kindergarten. It was the Youth Center. People now know it better as the Fair Haven Police Station and by its newly adopted name that hasn’t quite caught on yet, and may never for us “older” folks still in town — Fair Haven Community Center. Phooey to that. Some things just need to keep a name for nostalgic purposes alone.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven Kindergarten: The Kids and the Classroom →

Local Life, Opinion

Retro RFH Graduation Venues

Image June 30, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

RFH 1978 graduation in front of the high school, replete with daisy chain Photo/Daryl Cooper Ley

1979 RFH graduation at Borden Stadium/football field Photo/George Day

2013 RFH graduation on the football field got rained out

2015 RFH graduation at Monmouth University Photo/Paige McCann

It’s a relatively new tradition for RFH to have its graduation at Monmouth University.

The venue is large. It’s where many of the high schools with larger graduating classes, by sheer virtue of population, have held graduations — mostly out of a need for more room. Middletown, which has two large public high schools, has held its graduations at Monmouth. And, before that, the PNC Bank Arts Center amphitheater in Holmdel. And some high schools have their graduations at Brookdale.

Continue reading Retro RFH Graduation Venues →

Local Life, Opinion, Schools Scene

Retro Father of Fair Haven Schools

Image June 22, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Former Fair Haven Schools Superintendent Robert Chartier and son Michael circa 1960s Photo/courtesy of Michael Chartier — Former Fair Haven Schools Superintendent Robert Chartier and son Michael circa 1960s
Photo/courtesy of Michael Chartier

By Elaine Van Develde

He was known as the patriarch, and perhaps patron saint, of schools in Fair Haven.

He was steadying, calm, encouraging influence — never pushed by politics, never mired by mass red tape, always out for the students’ benefit.

A perpetually sage, serene smile set on his face, Robert Chartier, for many years, stood in front of Knollwood School welcoming his village full of students every single day, watching them learn and grow — fixated on seeing to it that they flourish.

He was always present, always available, always receptive. Under his leadership, students, always seen as unique individuals, soared to hit their full potential. They were all his kids. That’s simply how he saw it.

You could say that, over the years, Robert Chartier was proud papa to thousands. It was that simple to him. As principal for a stint at Willow Street School (now Sickles), then longtime principal of Knollwood and finally superintendent of Fair Haven schools, he retired many years ago, but he is still around. And the lessons learned from this iconic administrator are not forgotten.

Friends of the former top schools administrator’s son, Michael, were thrilled to see the above Father’s Day throwback photo of a young Mr. Chartier and his son.

And, since he is still so fondly recalled as that father figure by former Fair Haven students, many of whom are now parents in the borough, the photo is our Retro Pic of the Day.

Thank you, Mr. Chartier, for being a great dad of education to so many!

Share your memories of Mr. Chartier with us.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect will feature an interview with the iconic leader of Fair Haven schools in the future.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Happy Birthday to Fair Haven’s Sonia Reevey

Image June 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Sonia Reevey at the 2015 Fair Haven Memorial Day ceremony Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Sonia Reevey at the 2015 Fair Haven Memorial Day ceremony
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

It’s more than likely that if you live in or have lived in Fair Haven, you know a Reevey.

The family is rooted in the borough’s history, and with much longstanding honor. There are many Reeveys around, and usually doing something, career wise or otherwise, for their community, neighbors, family and friends. It’s seemingly second nature for them.

It’s living matriarch, Sonia, a modest, community-minded woman who is known to love and do anything she can for her hometown, is always featured at the Memorial Day ceremony singing My Buddy, the old war remembrance tune.

This year was no exception. Well, Sonia, family told us on Memorial Day, is turning (or has turned) 80 this month.

We are not quite sure of her birthdate, but would like to take a moment to honor her and wish her Happy Birthday by featuring her in our Retro Pic of the Day offering thanks for her dedication to Fair Haven.

It’s a comfort to know people like Sonia are still around, part of the Fair Haven family without a second thought.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect will feature a full story on Sonia Reevey in the near future.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Remembrance of a Friend: RFH’s Suzanne Warren

Image June 4, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Suzanne Warren, RFH Class of 1993, died in 2004. Photo/courtesy of Jenny Costello — Suzanne Warren, RFH Class of 1993, died in 2004.
Photo/courtesy of Jenny Costello

By Elaine Van Develde

There’s nothing quite like having a friend to take the journey from childhood through adulthood with you.

It’s cherished time. And when the journey ends for one, it leaves the other to carry on with a weary, but enriched heart, for having had that time, and many milestones in between, with that person.

That friend for at least one Fair Havenite was Suzanne Warren (Cavigliano), honored in our Retro Pic of the Day.

Warren, a Class of 1993 RFH grad, who died 11 years ago, on June 4, 2004, is remembered by her forever friend Jenny (Jones) Costello, as “smart (so smart), funny and always the best dressed.”

Suzanne grew up on Briarwood Road, after coming from Indiana to live in Fair Haven in the third grade. She ended up becoming a social worker, yet, Costello said, cheated by death from being able to realize her full potential.

While her journey through adulthood was cut short, her friends still carry her spirit and many memories with them.

It’s a light, sweet load to tote on the rest of a friend’s journey.

RIP, Suzanne. You are remembered. Cherished.

Share your memories of Suzanne.

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Stoked Up Neighbors at Stokes

Image June 4, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

By Elaine Van Develde

This little crew grew up together. And years later they ended up reliving a sixth grade tradition as adults.

They are Jenny Costello (Jones), Dwayne Reevey, now a Fair Haven police officer, and Andy Dougherty. The three lived on Parker Avenue in Fair Haven across and down the street from one another.

Their parents were all friends and they all had the Stokes experience as Fair Haven schools students. This time around, they were counselors, with Andy Dougherty pretty much running the show from the schools’ end.

Much has changed about the annual trip right after Memorial Day to learn and camp out in the state forrest, but some things never do change — like childhood friendships and memories that connect for a lifetime.

So, our Retro Pic of the Day captures just that. Call it a little time capsule.

Get in for a little trip back …

This editor not only took the trip, way back in the early 1970s, but was also CAT at Stokes. I forget what the anagram stood for, but CATs were RFH seniors who were chosen to take the trip as sort-of junior counselors.

The RFH administrators chose leaders, who had to have above a certain GPA and a expertise or talent in a specific area.

I, along with my acting compadre, Kevin Carpenter, were sent to entertain the kids. We had to spearhead the dancing (poor kids) — and, yes, there was square dancing (yikes) — sing songs around the campfire, like Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley (so uplifting) and tell stories about the Jersey Devil and scare the bejesus out of the kids.

We were a pretty well-behaved lot of semi-nerds, but we did like to have some fun that I’m confident would have gotten us banned nowadays — like raising one poor girl’s bra up on the flagpole for the morning wake-up bugle call and capsizing one another’s canoes.

Oh, there were more pranks, but the mention of them may tarnish some respectable RFH parents’ reputations, so I digress.

Did you go to Stokes? What was your favorite memory?