A Retro RFH March Madness?

March 26, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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!

Schools Scene

RFH Students Help Habitat for Humanity Build for Sandy Victims

March 26, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Local Life, Police and Fire

Nightfall: A Fair Haven in Mourning

Gallery March 26, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

Police and Fire

Arresting News: Teen Faces Heroin, Weapons Possession Charges & More

March 25, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

• Dawn Coughlin, 53, of Leonardville Road in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested March 11 by Police Officer Erica Weeks and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and terroristic threats.

She was held on $5,000 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• David Keator, 55, of Western Reach in Red Bank, was arrested on March 11 by Police Officer Lisa Vreeland and charged with driving while intoxicated.

He was released pending a court date.

Continue reading Arresting News: Teen Faces Heroin, Weapons Possession Charges & More →

Schools Scene

RFH’s Jack Velcamp Honored as ‘Unsung Hero’

March 25, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.”

Schools Scene

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

March 25, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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 →

Obituaries, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Chief: Loss of Class II Officer Henne a ‘Tragedy’

March 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Fair Haven Police Special Officer Class II Robert Henne Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven Police Department — Fair Haven Police Special Officer Class II Robert Henne
Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven Police Department

With the news of the untimely death on Monday of 23-year-old Fair Haven Police Special Officer Class II Robert Henne, the community continues to mourn.

Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge issued the following statement on Tuesday:

The Fair Haven Police Department deeply regrets to announce the untimely death of Class II Officer Robert Henne.

Officer Henne served the Borough since 2011. He was a graduate of the 39th Basic Course for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers of Monmouth County.

Officer Henne was a squad leader while attending the Monmouth County Police Academy and he graduated in the top of his class.

Officer Henne received a life saving award from both the Borough of Fair Haven and the 200 club. He also had received letters of commendation while serving the Borough.

Officer Henne was 23 years old. He served our community with great pride and dedication, both as a Class II Officer and a volunteer firefighter.

The loss of Officer Henne is a tragedy to his family, the residents of Fair Haven, and to the entire Law Enforcement community.

Officer Henne will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Wake will be held at the Church of Nativity (340 Hance R.d Fair Haven) on Friday, March 27, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Police service will be held 6:30 p.m.

Funeral will be held at the Church of Nativity on Saturday March 28th at 10 a.m. in Fair Haven.

Local Life

Going Retro with the Oceanic Bridge in a Classic Film

Image March 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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?

Local Life, News

Reminder: No Overnight Oceanic Bridge Crossing

March 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Police and Fire

Arrests Nearby: DWIs, Marijuana Possession & More

March 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde

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

• Tara Thurber-Snyder, 34, of Bradley Beach, was arrested on March 20 in the area of Mechanic Street and charged with defiant trespass by Patrolman Ashon Lovick.

• Gilberto Cruz-Hernandez, 30, of Red Bank, was arrested on March 18 in the area of Bridge Avenue and charged with contempt of court by Sgt. Juan Sardo.

Continue reading Arrests Nearby: DWIs, Marijuana Possession & More →

News, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Mourns Special Police Officer Robert Henne

March 23, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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