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Crime, Police and Fire

Police Arrest Three Locals on Marijuana Growing, Dealing Charges & More

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An extensive investigation and execution of a search warrant led to the uncovering of a local marijuana growing operation and drug bust during which three Middletown residents were arrested at their township home.

On July 9, Kenneth Newell, 48, Samuel Hudson, 26, and Nicole Boutiette, 25, all of Carter Avenue in Middletown, were arrested by Middletown police after a search warrant of their home was executed based on evidence of a marijuana growing operation there, according to a Middletown police report.

Newell was charged with: possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of lost or mislaid property, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, unlawful possession of a rifle and on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court, the report said.

Hudson was charged with: possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin, possession of hypodermic syringes and unlawful possession of a rifle, according to police.

Boutiette was charged with: possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of hypodermic syringes and unlawful possession of a weapon, police said in the report.

Newell was held on $5,750 bail; and Hudson and Boutiette were held on $5,000 bail, set by Judge D’Auria.

The warrant execution was a result of an investigation conducted by Officer Adam Colfer.

Crime, Police and Fire

Police: Major Heroin Bust; 85 Bags

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An investigation launched by area police resulted in a major heroin bust yielding the seizure of 85 bags of the drug on Monday.

Joshua Hart, 23, of Church Street in the Belford section of Middletown was arrested on July 12 after Middletown police found him in the Belford section of the Henry Hudson Trail allegedly in possession of the 85 bags of heroin, police said in a released statement.

Upon his arrest, Hart was charged with: possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and loitering with the intent to use CDS (controlled dangerous substance), police said.

The Middletown Police Department has recently beefed up patrols on foot and using all-terrain vehicles on the community trail.

Hart’s arrest was a result of the increased patrols and an investigation conducted by Detective Keith Hirschbein, Patrolman Gregory Buhowski and Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia, the release said.

Local Life

Helping a Fair Haven Friend in Need

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By Elaine Van Develde

Brian Allison is a son beside himself and by the side of his mom.

He is desperately trying to get some help for the woman who raised him in Fair Haven and grew up there and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School herself — Regina Lamberson Allison.

After a long and winding two-year plus medical journey, Regina has been diagnosed with stage four cancer in her pelvic region, Brian said. And she needs some financial help for her care and hopeful cure.

It’s an all too common healthcare problem that Regina is experiencing, Brian said. In financial straits, “she has straight Medicaid but it does not pay for some of the cancer meds or treatments that could help cure this,” he said. “She will be starting radiation next week everyday for the next five weeks.”

And that begins yet another uncertain medical journey.

It all started in January of 2013 when Regina contracted an infection in a surgical wound after surgery for a broken ankle, her son said. “She has been in and out of the hospital with antibiotics (since 2013),” Brian said. “Then in Janury 2014 they had to remove the hardware because it was protruding from her leg.”

Blood clots had formed due to a lack of movement, he said, and after a some bouts with that issue, she ended up with stage one endometrial cancer. After complications from that, Regina ended up having a hysterectomy, the prognosis being a good one. Cancer had been removed and she did not require any follow-up chemotherapy or radiation, according to Brian.

That was in April of 2014.

But, as of March of this year, Regina found herself facing the worst of her medical dilemmas — the stage four cancerous mass was found in her pelvic area.

“I am trying to raise money to get her the best treatment and care possible to get rid of this cancer hopefully this time,” Brian said.

So, he set up a page on GoFundMe to help offset medical costs not covered by Medicaid and fund alternative treatments that Brian says could be explored and possibly help, but for which she does not qualify through Medicaid.

After a period of hospitalization, Brian said that Regina is being discharged Monday and headed back into rehab at Liberty Royal in Tinton Falls.

While they no longer live in Fair Haven, Regina had lived in the borough for 42 years, again, having been brought up there. Brian, also raised in the borough, spent 18 years of his life there.

While the two live in Ocean now and have for the past 12 years, Brian has volunteered at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair for 16 years, as Fair Haven holds a special place in his and his mother’s hearts.

 

Any help with his mom’s plight at this point, said Brian, would be “greatly appreciated.”

You may contribute to the cause by going to the Regina Lamberson Allison GoFundMe page by clicking here.

Local Life

Red Bank Car Show Classics

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If you made it to the classic car show in Red Bank on Sunday — sponsored by Liberty Hose Fire Company in memory of Bob Holiday — you likely saw the cars featured above.

They, an orange Dodge Super Bee and a Challenger, are owned by Bob’s son Joseph. In fact, if you live in the area, it’s likely you’ve seen the cars around. They’re difficult to miss. Though we’re told that the orange color choice is a popular one for the Dodges.

The reason: it’s a new version of color dubbed Hemi Orange that was popular in the 1960’s and 70’s, a Charger owner and car enthusiast tells us.

Nonetheless, former longtime Fair Havenite and RFH grad Troy Brandon caught up with “Joey” at the show and grabbed a pic of the Dodges along with a Camaro owned by Brian Penta of Tinton Falls.

Of course, he included a photo of a Liberty Hose fire truck.

Thanks to Troy Brandon for the photos! Which was your favorite classic at the show?

Police and Fire

Police Make DWI, Obstruction, Disorderly Arrests

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

• Hugo Cruz, 32, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 5 in the area of Catherine Street and charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated)  by Patrolman Stanley Balmer.

• Elezar Garcia-Avendano, 36, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 5 in the area of Shrewsbury Avenue and charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated) by Patrolman Jorge Torres.

• Tajhi Tomaino, 20, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 3 in the area of Tilton Avenue and charged with obstructing administration of law and resisting arrest by Patrolman Kristin Altimari.

• Mark Scaliti, 48, of Middletown, was arrested on July 3 in the area of Broad Street and charged with disorderly conduct by Patrolman Ashon Lovick.

• Shaquan Jackson, 23, of Tinton Falls, was arrested on July 2  in the area of S. Pearl Street on a COC (contempt of court) charge by Patrolman George Travostino.

• Edwin Segura, 26, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 2 in the area of Wharf Avenue on a COC (contempt of court) charge by Patrolman John Camarca.

• William Manser, 35, of Ocean, was arrested on July 6 in the area of Riverview Plaza on a COC (contempt of court) charge by Patrolman Sean Hauschildt.

• Markies Wells, 29, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 5 in the area of Monmouth Street on a COC (contempt of court) charge by Patrolman Benjamin Springer.

• Kelvin Gonzalez, 23, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 4 in the area of Chestnut Street on a COC (contempt of court) charge by Patrolman Shane Dengel.

• Tariek Boynton, 25, of Red Bank, was arrested on July 3 in the area of Monmouth Street on a COC (contempt of court) charge by Patrolman Michael Zadlock.

Police and Fire

Caution: DWI Checkpoint in Monmouth

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Going somewhere and planning on having cocktails? The Monmouth County DWI Task Force advises that you use discretion and not drink over the .08 blood-alcohol limit and drive or appoint a designated sober driver.

The Monmouth County DWI Task Force, in collaboration with the Oceanport Police Department is conducting a DWI checkpoint to determine drivers’ sobriety in Oceanport tonight, July 10, into Sunday morning.

The checkpoint will area will be set up at Fort Monmouth’s 400 area on Oceanport Avenue. Vehicles will be directed from northbound lanes on Oceanport Avenue into the lot from 11 p.m. tonight to 3 a.m. on Saturday.

Crime, Police and Fire

Police Report Incidents of Theft, Burglary, Criminal Mischief

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The following recent criminal incidents were reported by Red Bank police:

• A burglary, theft was reported to have occurred on E. Westside Avenue on July 4. The victim reported that someone gained entry into their residence by removing a window air conditioning unit. The victim reported that jewelry, prescription drugs and $100 worth of beef were stolen.

Inv. Paul Perez is investigating.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a Chapin Avenue nursing home on July 4. The victim reported that someone stole cash from her room.

Patrolman Sean Hauschildt took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred sometime between July 7 and 8 on Drummond Avenue. The victim reported that someone keyed his parked vehicle.

Patrolman Cevin Albert took the report.

• A burglary was reported to have occurred sometime between July 7 and 8 at a Leighton Avenue residence. The victim reported that an unknown person or unknown persons gained entry into a residence by breaking the lock on the rear door. Two iPads were reported stolen.

Inv. Robert Campanella is investigating.

Arts & Entertainment, Local Life

The R-FH Area Weekend: Concert, Shakespeare, Poppins & Cars

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The sun is out and it looks like it’s going to be shining for the much less humid weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

And the weekend events are the perfect complement to the weather forecast.

Friday

• Hanga Loose Fridays continue at Umberto’s. Come and “hanga loose” in the back room of the restaurant on River Road in honor of Silvio Fabbri’s memory.

Stop by any time after 7 p.m.

• And, guess what? It’s time for the first Concert at the Fair Haven Dock tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The concert tonight features The Lads and is, of course, free at the dock at the foot of Fair Haven Road on the Navesink.

See you there!

• For theatergoers, Shakespeare in the park at Brookdale opens tonight.

Curtain (or something like that) for Titus Andronicus is 7 p.m. on the Great Lawn of Brookdale Community College’s campus in the Lincroft section of Middletown. Head to Parking Lot 2 and bring chairs.

For more information, call 732-224-2411.

• Phoenix Productions’ summer musical Mary Poppins is playing the weekend starting with a curtain at 8 p.m. tonight at the Count Basie Theatre.

Call 732-842-9000 for more information.

Saturday

• St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in Rumson is holding services on the beach on Saturdays for the summer.

The services will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Ancorage beach in Sea Bright, right over the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge (to the left coming from the Rumson direction).

Call 732-842-0596 for more information.

• Titus Andronicus curtain is 7 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Brookdale. See above post for more information.

• Curtain for Phoenix Productions’ Mary Poppins is 7 p.m. See above for more information.

Sunday

• Don’t forget the Red Bank Farmers Market at the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lots of organic produce, baked goods, coffee, crafts and more.

• It’s car show season and the Red Bank firefighters from Liberty Hose are hosting their annual classic car show in the White Street parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Matinee curtain for Phoenix Productions’ Mary Poppins at the Count Basie Theatre is 3 p.m.

 

 

Obituaries

Former Rumsonite Kaye Varone Passes Away at 91

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Kaye Varone Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home
Kaye Varone
Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home

Former longtime Rumson resident Catherine Kaye Varone died on July 7 at Riverview Medical Center. She was 91.

Wife of the late Frank J. Varone, she was predeceased by her sister Joan Hagan.

Kaye was an avid golfer and 18-holer at Bamm Hollow Country Club and Rosemore Golf Club. She was also a volunteer for the Gray Ladies at Riverview.

In 2014, Kaye was crowned Valentine Queen and the poster person for The Chelsea assisted living. Someone who found much joy in time spent with her children, family and friends, they will all miss her deeply.

She is survived by: her three sons Frank B. Varone, and his wife, Linda, of Crystal River, Florida, Timothy J. Varone, Atlantic Highlands, and Shay J. Varone, Toms River, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

The family is requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Kaye’s name.

— Obituary, courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home

Police and Fire

Police: Arrests on Contempt; Non-Support, $23K

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The following contempt of court arrests were reported by Middletown police:

• John Graf, 40, of Mason Drive in Keansburg, was arrested on July 1 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court.

He was held pending a court date.

• Rob Scott,  27, of Monmouth Parkway in Middletown, was arrested on June 30 by Patrolman Christopher Menendez on contempt of court warrants issued by the Woodbridge and Holmdel municipal courts.

He was held on $800 bail.

Continue reading Police: Arrests on Contempt; Non-Support, $23K →

Schools Scene

A Special Year’s End RFH Bio Lesson for Deane-Porter Students

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When AP Biology students at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) thought outside the box recently, they created a winning situation for all involved.

Faced with the task of completing an end-of-year project, the students embraced a novel idea suggested by their teacher Valerie Kilar — to share what they had learned with students in kindergarten through third grade at nearby Deane-Porter School in Rumson.

“My six-year-old daughter Madelyn is a student at Deane-Porter, and she enjoys attending events at the high school with me and interacting with the ‘big’ kids,” said Kilar. “Since the end-of-year project should be something fun and meaningful, I thought it would be perfect if my students created science books and taught lessons to the students at Deane-Porter.”

Kilar contacted Madelyn’s Kindergarten teacher, Gina Varanelli, about organizing the visit. Varanelli worked out the logistics and connected Kilar with other teachers at the school.

The RFH students worked in groups to create lesson plans and produce books describing scientific terms and processes in a way that could be comprehended by elementary school students.

The participating RFH students and their assignments …

• Jack Luby and Jackson Reid – Venus Fly Trap, Shellie Miller’s kindergarten class
• Willie Freeman – Litter/Pollution, Brooke Huff’s kindergarten class
• Oliver Heins, Ted Schroeder, and Chris Tuttle – Butterfly Metamorphosis, Sara Stanziola’s kindergarten class
• Jen Andreacchi – Biomes, Karen Newman’s Kindergarten Class
• Robin Green and Emma Paulus – Symbiosis, Gina Varanelli’s kindergarten class
• Charlotte Miller and Fini Satzke – Genetic Traits, Carissa Azzaro’s first grade class
• Abigael Donohue and Olivia Rosenberg – Clouds, Bridget Albrizio’s second grade class
• Jessica Browne and Jackie Kho – Food Chains, Keri Lecorchick’s second grade class
• Shea Davis and Sean Dunphy – Astronomy, Colleen Henrikson’s second grade class
• Tristan Kilper, Noah Tucker, and Brianna Worobel – Water Cycle, Ken Grasso’s second grade class
• Clara Eskwitt – Levels of the Ocean, Jill Cox’s third grade class
• Katherine Hill, Megan Klem, and Campbell Lee – Challenges for Living Things, Megan Manney’s third grade class

Kilar hopes to make the event an annual collaboration.

“I am proud of all the thought and creativity the RFH students put into their children’s books and lessons,” said Kilar.

— Rumson School District press release