Holy Cross Reopening on Hold

June 17, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

“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

Image June 16, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Police and Fire

Police: Contempt of Court Arrests

June 16, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests on contempt of court warrant charges were made and reported by Middletown police.

• Ryan Fisher, 34, of Harbor View Drive in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on June 1 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood of the Anti-Crime Unit on contempt of court warrants issued by the Keansburg and Middletown municipal courts.

He was held on $1,800 bail.

• Michael Burgos, 45, of Moore Avenue in Woodbridge, was arrested on May 31 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown and Keansburg municipal courts.

He was held on $2,250 bail.

Continue reading Police: Contempt of Court Arrests →

Schools Scene

Sickles School Students Strive to Understand Differences

June 16, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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 →

Crime, Police and Fire

Former Rumson Man Jailed on Sexual Assault, Child Endangerment Charges

June 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

A former Rumson resident is facing up to 15 years in prison on sexual assault and child endangerment charges after allegedly being caught in the act of committing the crimes against a 13-year-old boy, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Albert DeCresci, 86, now of Tinton Falls,was arrested by Tinton Falls police on June 5 on the respective second- and third-degree criminal charges. He was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold, where he remains in lieu of $250,000 bail with no 10 percent option for release pending trial, a release from the Prosecutor’s Office said.

With a conviction, the second-degree sexual assault charge carries with it a 10-year sentence with no parole in a NJ state prison, it added. The third-degree child endangerment charge brings with it up to a five- year sentence.

If convicted, when he is released from prison, DeCresci will be registered as a sex offender, subject to the provisions of Megan’s Law and Community Supervision for Life, the release said.

The bail and its conditions were set by Judge Honora O’Brien Kilgallen, J.S.C., who also ordered that should DeCresci make full bail, he is to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Tinton Falls police and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office investigators ask that any additional victims to come forward by contacting: Detective Delisa Brazile, of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-620-4045; or Detective Robert Wilson, of the Tinton Falls Police Department, at 732-542-3400 ext. 443.

Crime, Police and Fire

Police: Local Woman Arrested on Theft by Deception Charges; $40K Bail

June 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were made by Middletown police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

•Maximillian Paredes,18, of Third Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on May 31 by Police Officer Stephanie Geisel and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was released pending a court date.

• Matthew Callori, 24, of Hilda Court in Red Bank, was arrested on May 30 by Cpl. Mark Ward and charged with simple assault, terroristic threats and criminal mischief.

He was held on $8,000 bail.

• Debra Debenedetto, 43, of Wedgewood Circle in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on May 30 by Police Officer Stephanie Geisel and charged with simple assault.

She was released pending a court date.

• Gary Spann, 52, of Linden Avenue in Red Bank, was arrested on May 30 by Patrolman Brady Carr and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was released pending a court date.

Continue reading Police: Local Woman Arrested on Theft by Deception Charges; $40K Bail →

Obituaries

Services for Fair Haven Centenarian Start Tuesday

June 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Fair Havenite John Somerville passed away peacefully at his home on June 12. He was 100 years old.

Born in Evanston, IL to John and Corinne Patton Somerville, John divided his time between Chicago and Sarasota, FL. He graduated Asheville High School, Asheville, NC in 1934 and earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from Cornell University in 1938.

Continue reading Services for Fair Haven Centenarian Start Tuesday →

Schools Scene

Knollwood Stock Market Club Soars

June 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

Video June 15, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

Gallery June 14, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

Police and Fire

DWI Checkpoint in Monmouth County

June 13, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

There will be a DWI checkpoint in Deal Saturday night through early Sunday morning.

The Monmouth County DWI Task force will have the checkpoint set up at the Deal Casino parking lot on Ocean Avenue in Deal from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., pulling vehicles from northbound lanes into the lot to check drivers’ sobriety, Monmouth County DWI Task Force Coordinator and Brielle Police Chief Michael W. Palmer said.

Police and Fire

Arresting News: Weapons Possession, Drugs, DWIs & More

June 12, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were reported by Red Bank police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Jorge Cheves-Flores, 36, of Long Branch, was arrested on June 9 in the area of E. Front Street and charged with prohibited weapons, possession of a weapon with unlawful purpose by Patrolman John Camarca.

• Robert Vaccarelli, 38, of Bradley Beach, was arrested on June 8 in the area of Maple Avenue and charged with possession of a CDS, under 50 grams of marijuana, by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Edward Moore, 39, of Forked River, was arrested on June 9 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with DWI by Patrolman George Travostino.

• Jennifer Anderson, 23, of Freehold, was arrested on June 8 in the area of Montgomery Terrace and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Cevin Albert.

• Mario Oldani, 26, of Red Bank, was arrested on June 7 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with burglary and theft by Patrolman Ashon Lovick.

• Justin Distiler, 30, of Middletown, was arrested on June 6 in the area of Locust Avenue and charged with defiant trespass by Patrolman Benjamin Springer.

• Rogelio Bodolla-Crespo, 39, of Red Bank, was arrested on June 5 in the area of Chestnut Street and charged with possession of a CDS, cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing administration of law by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• Amy Matheny , 45, of Red Bank, was arrested on June 5 in the area of Chestnut Street and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• Daniel Trembley, 32, of Red Bank, was arrested on June 3 in the area of Linden Place and charged with simple assault by Patrolman Michael Zadlock.

• Juan Santamaria-Torres, 39, of Red Bank, was arrested on May 31 in the area of Locust Avenue and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• Sydney Brown, 38, of Red Bank, was arrested on May 31 in the area of Mechanic Street and charged with obstructing administration of law by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Shawn Garaffa, 33, of Oceanport, was arrested on May 30 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Thomas Doremus.

• Michael McCabe, 45, of Round Rock, TX, was arrested on May 30 in the area of Monmouth Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Genaro Escalante-Castillo, 23, of Red Bank, was arrested on May 28 in the area of Wallace Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Thomas Doremus.

• Roberto Diaz-Romero, 18, of Red Bank, was arrested on May 28 in the area of Wallace Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Thomas Doremus.

• David Hayden, 57, of Brick, was arrested on May 29 in the area of Newman Springs Road and charged with DWI by Patrolman Shane Dengel.

• Nicolas Vargas, 22, of Asbury Park, was arrested on May 28 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with possession of a CDS, cocaine, and possession of a CDS, under 50 grams of marijuana, and unlawful possession of weapons by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Two male juveniles, both 17, of Red Bank were arrested on May 28 in the area of Linden Place and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Michael Zadlock.