Tag Archives: feature

Schools Scene

Focus: Backstage at RFH Graduation

It’s like the backstage flurry in the moments before a major Broadway production — the prep and anticipation that comes before a high school graduation after years of students growing, learning, stumbling and shining in the spotlight together.

It’s like it was at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH’s) Class of 2016 graduation on Friday evening at Monmouth University.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect was behind the scenes, capturing some of those backstage moments before the major milestone — graduation.

Here’s what we saw … Congratulations to the RFH Class of 2016! 

— Elaine Van Develde

*If you would like to purchase individual photos, the slideshow or both, contact me at evd@rfhretro.com.

 

 

Local Life

Focus: Rumson Riverfront Blues

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Skies have been clear and bright blue lately. And the scene just before sunset in Rumson recently was no exception.

It’s that familiar, popular spot on the Navesink River at Victory Park where kids play, kayakers row on the river and other boaters dot the horizon.

The clear weather is supposed to hold out through the weekend. Enjoy the view in the photos below.

— Elaine Van Develde

Schools Scene

Transition Day: Sickles to Knollwood

They hopped onto their bicycles. They boarded the “big red trolley.” Third graders from Fair Haven’s Viola L. Sickles School set out for the school they will attend in the fall as fourth graders — Knollwood. It is a milestone celebrated every year for many years now. It’s Transition Day.

Continue reading Transition Day: Sickles to Knollwood →

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Fifth Grade at Willow Street School

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With all the ceremonies of Rumson and Fair Haven students’  transition from third to fourth grade and impending RFH graduation,  thoughts reverted to a time when there was no such thing — not that there’s anything wrong with it, though. It’s pretty adorable, really.

No, there really wasn’t a transitional ride or walk from one school in Fair Haven or Rumson to the next. And, in Fair Haven at least, back in the late 1960s and early 70s, students simply went to the school to which they lived closest — until that big ol’ jump to middle school, when everyone in the borough went to Knollwood for seventh and eighth grade. And no one got driven to school. They all walked or rode bikes together.

Oh, and what is now the Viola L. Sickles School was Willow Street School.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back to those days when fifth grade was at Sickles (well, Willow Street) and one of the most popular teachers of the era taught there — Mr. DeMarco.

I’m pretty sure that he won several awards in various capacities, not the least of which was some sort of teacher of the year for the state, I believe.

Speaking from experience, he really was a memorable teacher. Very patient. Very kind. Very intelligent. His lessons sunk into our little brains. Thanks, Mr. DeMarco.

Pictured is a class from the early 1970s. Many of these little faces are grown-ups in the area with their own kids. Recognize anyone?

Congrats to all the transitioning students!

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Obituaries

Rumson Mourns Loss of Kenneth Swain, 51

The Rumson community is mourning the loss of 51-year-old Kenneth Robert Swain, Jr., who died suddenly at his Rumson home on June 12, according to bloomberg.com.

Kenneth Swain Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home
Kenneth Swain
Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home

Swain, a U.S. Army veteran and managing director the Red Bank office of BTIG, LLC, a hedge and mutual fund equity trading services company, was known as a “larger than life man with the biggest of hearts, who was often the first to volunteer his time and support to the community,” his obituary from Thompson Memorial Home said. “He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and an amazing friend …”

Swain, a football and basketball coach, was on the board of the RFH Touchdown Club and AYF. He was a graduate of Radford University, his obituary said.

Kenny is survived by: his wife of 16 years, Kim; his seven children, Meghan, Kenny, Tommy, John, Julia, Paige and Colin; his sister, Diane Swain Korsh, of Encinitas, CA; his brother, Clifford Swain, of Moneta, VA; his parents, Kenneth and Carol Swain, of Moneta, VA; his in-laws; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation is set for Wednesday, June 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank.

A Mass of christian burial will be held on Friday, June 17 at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 30 Ward Avenue, Rumson. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people consider a memorial donation in Kenny’s name to the Rumson Education Foundation, P.O. Box 395, Rumson, NJ 07760.

Local Life

R-FH Area Weekend: Fair Haven Day & Canterbury Fair

The tents are in place. The stage is set. Fair Haven Day is Saturday, and organizers say they’re set for a full Fair Haven Fields.

With the event starting at 3 p.m., there will be food (picnic, seafood and desserts), live music, kids’  games, bouncy rides, fireworks and more.

New this year is a climbing wall, brought to the fields by the Monmouth County Parks System and sponsored by Fair Haven business Canyon Pass Provisions. The wall can e climbed by kids 8 and up.

For the adults, new this year is a bottomless white or red glass of wine for $30.

The Fair Haven Business Association is providing a magician to entertain kids and face painters.

Music, provided by Stone Bullets, River Road Band, RipTide and Juke Box Criminals, will begin at 3 p.m.

Beer, wine and sangria can be purchased starting at 4.

Ground rules: No dogs, outside alcohol, personal tents or grills/open flames. And attendees are asked to please clean up after themselves.

Click here to purchase food and beverage tickets and for more details.

Also on Saturday, in Rumson, the tradition of the annual Canterbury Fair continues, rain or shine.

The fair, set on the grounds of St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The fair features a petting zoo, clowns, balloons, cotton candy, face painting, games and a children’s chance auction.

In addition to the famous white elephant sale, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, gently used children’s games and clothing, homemade gourmet treats, plants, flowers and books for all ages will be sold. There will also be a silent auction tent.

Grilled food, lobster salad luncheon, baked goods, coffee and tea will be served.

 

News

Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Plans Aired

By Elaine Van Develde

“The cul-de-sac is no longer an option,” a Monmouth County project coordinator could be heard telling Rumson residents about a hotly contested proposed cul-de-sac on Ward Avenue that was to be an option for intersection improvements that are to come with the 2020 Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge replacement. “People were strongly opposed to the concept, so it has been eliminated.”

It’s one component of what was revealed about conceptual plans at a public information forum on the estimated $60-million federally-funded bridge project at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Wednesday night. Another was held earlier in Sea Bright.

The 66-year-old historic drawbridge, deemed in serious condition a few years ago, is slated for replacement with a similar structure spanning the Shrewsbury River to the south of the original bridge. Though nothing is set in concrete and steel yet, county officials cautioned, it’s a definite that the existing bridge will remain functional as the new one is built parallel to it, significantly minimizing if not eliminating the need for detours during construction.

Continue reading Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Plans Aired →