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Obituaries

Services for Fair Haven’s Molly Ann Richards, 3, Wednesday

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Losing her battle with DIPG, a progressive brain cancer, Molly Ann Richards, of Fair Haven, passed away on July 6. She was 3 years old.

Born on July 23, 2011, Molly was diagnosed with DIPG on August 23, 2013. She is survived by: her parents Ann and Tyler Richards; and her big sister Emily, of Fair Haven.

“Molly, although not here with us long, touched the hearts of many,” family said in her obituary. “She never once complained or cried during her dance. Let her life be a true example of courage, strength and fortitude until the last breath. We will LOVE you forever, Daddy and Mommy.”

A Mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Rd., Fair Haven.

— Obituary, courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home

Crime, Police and Fire

Police Report Area Drug Busts, $15K and $10K Bail

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

• Michael Ryan, 27, of Main Street in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on July 1 by Patrolman Adam Colfer and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of hash, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing the administration of law.

He was released pending a court date.

• Sean Hanrahan, 28, of Hunter Point Road in Middletown, was arrested on July 1 and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of hash, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing the administration of law.

He was released pending a court date.

• Christopher Stryker, 20, of Wedgewood Circle in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on July 1 by Patrolman David Ringkamp and charged with providing false information to a police officer.

He was released pending a court date.

• Julieanna Mezzacappa, 23, of Oakwood Road in the Leonardo section of Middletown, was arrested on July 2 by Detective Daniel Sullivan and charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was held on $7,500 bail with a 10 percent option, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Dylan Bulinsky, 23, of Rutledge Drive in Middletown, was arrested on July 2 by Detective Keith Hirschbein and charged with  possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic syringe.

He was held on $15,000 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Anthony Sciacovelli, 47, of Thompson Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on July 5 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski and charged with simple assault.

He was released after posting $2,500 bail set by Judge James Newman.

• Patricia Petersen, 60, of Carriage House Lane in Little Silver, was arrested on July 5 by Patrolman Nicholas Haines and charged with driving while intoxicated.

She was released pending a court date.

• Jacquelin Migliaccio, 24, of the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights, was arrested on July 5 by Deputy Chief Stephen Dollinger and charged with possession of hypodermic syringes.

She was released pending a court date.

• Corey Ozelas, 29, of Campbell Avenue in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested on July 4 by Patrolman Christopher Menendez and charged with disorderly conduct.

He was released pending a court date.

• Joseph Lamar, 27, of Ideal Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on July 4 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski and charged with disorderly conduct.

He was released pending a court date.

• Jeremy Browne, 23, of Fulton Street in Keyport, was arrested on July 4 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz and charged with simple assault.

He was released after posting $5,000 bail, set by Judge James Newman.

• Vito Benedictis, 45, of East End Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on July 3 by Patrolman Christopher Menendez and charged with possession of fireworks.

He was released pending a court date.

• On July 5, Patrolman David Ringkamp arrested a 15-year-old male juvenile from the Port Monmouth section of Middletown and charged him with simple assault.

He was released pending a court date.

• Grace Reid, 31, of Port Monmouth Road in Keansburg, was arrested on July 6 by Patrolman Adam Colfer and charged with possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of hypodermic syringes, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.

She was held on $10,000 bail, set by Judge James Newman.

• Edward Cooney, 29, of Carter Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on July 6 by Patrolman Adam Colfer and charged with possession of heroin, unlawful possession of Xanax, unlawful purpose of Suboxone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hypodermic syringe, disorderly conduct and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

He was held on $15,000 bail.

From the Meeting Room, News

Names in Fair Haven News

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There are some familiar and new faces and names in Fair Haven borough business.

At last Monday’s Borough Council meeting, a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I was promoted to Class II in the Fair Haven Police Department, a new full-time laborer was hired for a probationary period in the borough’s Department of  Public Works and part-time seasonal laborer was brought into the same department.

By resolution, Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge recommended that Michael Volker be appointed to Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II.

The recommendation came along with a request, via resolution, to appoint a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I to fill the spot vacated by Volker in his promotion.

Volker is filling the Special Class II spot left open when Robert Henne Jr., who passed away in March, was posthumously promoted to patrolman in the department.

The appointment of an as of yet unnamed Class I officer will become effective July 15.

Volker, a Fair Haven resident, is a Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate. He is also a graduate of the Academy of Law and Public Safety, Long Branch.

His rate of pay for the Class II position is $16.75 per hour.

In Public Works, Matthew Rosenstreich was hired, via resolution, as a full-time laborer.

Rosenstreich, whose hiring is now in the probationary period, will earn an annual salary of $30,043.99.

The position was advertised on the borough’s and League of Municipalities’ website. Rosenstreich, who was deemed to best suit its qualifications, was interviewed by both the borough administrator, Theresa Casagrande and Richard Gardella, director of the borough’s Department of Engineering and Public Works.

Also hired as a part-time seasonal laborer in Public Works was Patrick Anderson, according to the resolution.

Anderson’s hours are not to exceed those of a part-time employee, according to the resolution, and his rate of pay is $11 per hour.

 — Elaine Van Develde
Crime, Police and Fire

Police Report Theft, Criminal Mischief

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The following recent incidents of theft and criminal mischief were reported by Red Bank police:

• A theft was reported to have occurred on June 25 at a Broad Street business. There were reports of an unknown person or persons shoplifting expensive cosmetics — body and face creams — over the past 10 months.

Patrolman Ashon Lovick took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred sometime between June 25 and 26 on Hudson Avenue. The victim reported that a necklace was stolen from a parked car.

Patrolman Kristin Altimari took the report.

• A theft was reported on June 27 to have occurred sometime between May 14 and 21. The victim’s husband reported that while his wife was hospitalized at Riverview Medical Center, someone stole credit cards and a driver’s license from her wallet.

Patrolman John Camarca took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on Bank Street on June 28. Damage was reportedly done to the front door of a vacant residence and the rear window of a parked van.

Patrolman George Travostino took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred on June 30 at a West Bergen Place residence. The victim reported that several unknown juveniles threw eggs at the house.

Patrolman Jorge Torres took the report.

• An incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred between June 28 and July 1 on Harding Road. there was a report of someone smashing a window on a parked vehicle.

Sgt. David Hicks took the report.

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

A Look Back at Forrestdale’s Evening of Fine Arts

Knollwood School Music Teacher John Lebitsch leads a performance by student-musicians from Forrestdale School at the Evening of Fine Arts. Photo/Rumson School District
Knollwood School Music Teacher John Lebitsch leads a performance by student-musicians from Forrestdale School at the Evening of Fine Arts.
Photo/Rumson School District

Did you make it to the Forrestdale Evening of Fine Arts?

Here’s a look back at the art show and concert held on the evening of May 28:

Artwork by students in fourth through eighth grade filled the school, with three-dimensional work in the lobby and cafeteria and framed works lining the halls.

“The artwork is amazing, and I would especially like to thank the Parent Teacher Organization and Rumson Education Foundation for recognizing the importance of art in our children’s education,” said Forrestdale Visual Arts Instructor Amy Lepping. “I would also like to extend a special thank you to Art Club members Pia Binns, Sophia Kho, Isabella Hu, and Shelly Champeau who help organize and prepare artwork for display.”

“I would also like to thank all of our tireless volunteers!”

The evening’s Concert held in the school auditorium featured Junior Choir and Senior Choir directed by Forrestdale Music Teacher Barbara Leutz, and Beginning Band and Jazz Ensemble directed by Forrestdale Music Teacher John Lebitsch.

Musical performances …

• America (featuring Hannah Duprey, Piano) – Junior Choir
• Scales and Arpeggios (from The Aristocats) – Junior Choir
• Imagine – Junior Choir
• Yellow Submarine – Junior Choir
• E.F.A. Fanfare – Beginning Band
• When the Band Goes Marching In – Beginning Band
• Hard Rock Blues – Beginning Band
• Lightning! – Senior Choir
• It’s Only a Paper Moon – Jazz Ensemble
• Get Back – Jazz Ensemble

— Rumson School District press release

Police and Fire

Arresting News: Contempt of Court

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

• Keith Ettis, 28, of Raritan Avenue in the Leonardo section of Middletown, was arrested on June 20 by Patrolman Savvas Roumeliotis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Roselle Park Municipal Court.

He was held $1,092 bail.

• Daniel Marrero, 41, of Jersey Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on June 19 by Patrolman Ian May on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,285 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Justin Duryea, 24, of Garfield Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on June 19 by Patrolman John Mele on contempt of court warrants issued by the Sayreville and Keyport municipal courts.

He was released after posting $296 bail.

• Teddy Betesh, 20, of Robin Court in West Long Branch, was arrested on June 19 by Patrolman Christopher Menendez on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Kyle Brittain, 28, of Washington Avenue in the Leonardo section of Middletown, was arrested on June 21 by Patrolman Thomas Foster on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,500 bail.

• Brent Heck, 36, of Thompson Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on June 21 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on contempt of court warrants issued by the Hazlet and Middletown municipal courts.

He was released after posting $2,268 bail.

• Milton Rainey, 45, of Ocean Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on June 21 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court.

He was held on bail.

• Marcello Cosmo-Cruz, 20, of Hudson Avenue in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested on June 24 by Patrolman Ian May on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Nicole Doherty, 33, of First Avenue in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, was arrested on June 23 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Shrewsbury Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $639 bail.

• Kathleen Stone, 29, of Sea Drift Avenue in Highlands, was arrested on June 23 by Patrolman Jason Andrews on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was held on $1,000 bail.

• Nicholas Radice, 28, of Greene Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on June 25 by Deputy Chief Stephen Dollinger on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Manalapan Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $304 bail.

• Joshua Washington, 23, of Locust Terrace in Middletown, was arrested on June 27 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on contempt of court warrant issued by the Wall, Holmdel and Woodbridge municipal courts.

He was held on $2,568 bail.

• Oreste Jimenez, 32, Lohsen Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on June 26 by Patrolman Michael Heaton on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Carl Taylor, 46, of Walnut Avenue in Red Bank, was arrested on June 26 by Cpl. Robert Shannon on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Hiram Polanco, 18, of Loshen Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on June 29 by Police Officer Erica Weeks on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

• Paige Gaglianese, 22, of Bayview Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on June 8 by Patrolman Jason Andrews on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $2,500 bail.

• Patrick Weinheimer, 32, of Railroad Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on June 9 by Detective Keith Hirschbein on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $1,000 bail.

• Nicholas Arriaga, 22, of West County Line Road in Jackson, was arrested on June 11 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court.

He was held on $818 bail.

• Jeffrey Misdom, 27, of East Garfield Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on June 27 by Patrolman Nicholas Haines on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Oceanport Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $250 bail.

• Harold Johnson, 33, of Sherman Avenue in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on June 10 by Patrolman Ian May on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $2,500 bail.

• David Cook, 34, of Doherty Drive in Middletown, was arrested on June 10 by Patrolman Brenden Santiago on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown and Denville municipal courts.

He was held on $2,000 bail.

• Ashley Blascak, 24, of Ironwood Court in Middletown, was arrested on June 13 by Patrolman Joshua Midose on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $300 bail.

• Faisal Chaarawi, 19, of North Riverside Avenue in Red Bank, was arrested on June 12 by Police Officer Tara Stucy on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $1,000 bail.

• Chemaine Curtis, 23, of 8th Street in Neptune, was arrested on June 16 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $3,000 bail.

• Michael Thomas, 24, of Main Street in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on June 17 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook on a Violation of Probation warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court and on contempt of court warrants issued by the Middletown and Red Bank municipal courts.

He was held on $1,988 bail.

* Contempt arrests with bail amounts less than $250 were not included.

Police and Fire, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Report Theft, Fraud, Vandalism

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The following criminal incidents were reported by Rumson police: 

• Sgt. Boyer took a report on June 22 of fraudulent charges on a PayPal account from a Blackpoint Road resident. Total loss of $1571.

• Patrolman Ciambrone took a report on June 22 of theft by deception from a Navesink Avenue resident. Total loss of $2140. The matter was turned over to Detective Christopher Isherwood.

• Patrolman Ciambrone took a report on June 18 of vandalism to a mailbox from a resident on North Park Avenue.

• Special Officer Maggiulli took a report on June 15 of an internet scam from an Oak Lane resident. Fraudulent checks were intercepted by the bank before a loss occurred.

• Patrolman Gaynor took a report on June 8 of credit card fraud from a Washington Avenue resident.

• Headquarters received a report on June 5 of approximately $600 worth of lawn damage on a Wardell Avenue property from an unknown vehicle.

• Sgt. Koenig took a report on June 4 of theft of services totaling $600 in unpaid wages from an employer.

• Patrolman Campanella took a report on June 3 of vandalism to mailboxes on Riverside Drive.

• Detective Christopher Isherwood took a report on June 1 of a theft of cash and goods from a business on East River Road.

• Patrolman Schneider took a report on May 8 of a fraudulent tax return filed to the IRS. Information was turned over to the IRS investigations unit.

• Patrolman Torres took a report on May 16 of the vandalism of numerous mailboxes in the area of Post Road and Brookside Drive.

• Special Officer Class II Morse took a report on May 25 of wire fraud from a Waterman Avenue resident with a loss of $1000.

• Sgt. Koenig took a report on May 26 of a fraudulent tax return filed to the IRS. Information turned over to the IRS investigations unit.

• Patrolman Torres on May 29 took a report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident in the First Street lot.

 

 

 

 

Crime, Police and Fire

Police: Area Man Arrested on Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy Charges; $22.5K Bail

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

• Kristie Lepard, 24, of Kentucky Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on June 18 by Patrolman Adam Colfer and charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was released pending a court date.

• Philip Mathew, 37, of Shannon Way in Trevose, PA, was arrested on June 18 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes of the Anti-Crime Unit and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

He was released pending a court date.

• Boby George, 36, of Laramie Road in Philadelphia, PA, was arrested on June 18 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes of the Anti-Crime Unit and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

He was released pending a court date.

• Alexander Green, 20, of Wesley Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on June 18 by Detective William Strohkirch and charged with burglary, theft and conspiracy.

He was held on $22,500 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Continue reading Police: Area Man Arrested on Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy Charges; $22.5K Bail →

Schools Scene

Fair Haven Schools’ Transition Tradition: Third to Fourth Grade

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It’s a tradition. The Fair Haven School District celebrates the transition of students from third to fourth grade — from Viola L. Sickles to Knollwood School.

This year was no exception. It happened on June 11 and here’s how it went:

Teachers and students from Viola L. Sickles School cheered from the sidelines on Willow Street as the third graders began their journey on bicycles and the big red trolley.

Escorted by members of the Fair Haven School District staff and administration, as well as eighth-grade peer leaders, the students headed toward Knollwood School on Hance Road. They were greeted along the way by many well-wishers holding signs and shouting encouragement.

“I love seeing all of the students begin their transition to a new school, just as I did when I was a third grader,” Knollwood School Peer Leader Grace Geiger said.

At Knollwood School the third graders attended a brief assembly hosted by Principal Kevin Davis, learned about the school’s music program, and were given a tour by the eighth grade Peer Leaders.

“This is such a wonderful tradition,” said Davis. “It’s always so much fun to greet the incoming students at Sickles School and bring them over to Knollwood.”

— Fair Haven School District press release

Police and Fire

Rumson Police Make Several DWI Arrests

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The following May and June arrests were made and reported by the Rumson police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Arrests

• Special Officer Class II Morse arrested Timothy J. Hill, 40, of Little Silver, on May 3 in the area of Rumson and Seven Bridges Road in Little Silver and charged him with DWI (driving while intoxicated). Hill was released pending court.

• Special Officer Class II Morse arrested Lea C. Brantly, 30, of Rumson, on May 10 in the area of the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge and charged her with DWI (driving while intoxicated). She was released pending court.

• Patrolman Lovgren arrested Christopher P. Merker, 23, of Atlantic Highlands, on May 13 on the Oceanic Bridge and charged him with contempt of court (COC). He was released after posting $310 bail.

• Patrolman Torres arrested Julia Concannon, 20, of Shrewsbury, on May 31 in the area of Navesink Avenue and Ridge Road and charged her with DWI (driving while intoxicated). Concannon was released pending court.

• Special Officer Class II Morse arrested Kristy Leight, 33, of Rumson, on June 14 in the area of Rumson Road and Sailor’s Way and charged her with DWI (driving while intoxicated). Leight was released pending court.

• Special Officer Class II Morse arrested Drew Flynn, 40, of Rumson, on June 18 and charged him with DWI (driving while intoxicated) and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana. He was released pending court.

• Patrolman Lovgren arrested Robert Piwko, 38, of Jackson, on June 19 and charged him with COC (contempt of court). Piwko was released to the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department in lieu of $29,426 bail.

• Patrolman Torres arrested Thomas Cozzens, 26, of Annandale, on June 29 and charged him with DWI (driving while intoxicated).  Cozzens was released pending court.

 

Local Life, News

Former Fair Haven Mayor, ABC Director Joins Genova Burns Legal Firm

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Former Fair Haven Mayor Michael Halfacre has a new job; and, there’s nothing controversial about the fact that he resigned from an appointed, high profile state position before signing on to the private sector post, he told Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect a couple of weeks ago at Fair Haven Day.

Halfacre announced he would be bowing out as director of the NJ Division of Acoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in the state Attorney General’s Office not too long  before making the announcement that he had joined Genova Burns LLC law firm as a member of its Commercial Real Estate & Redevelopment and Business Law & Commercial Transactions Practice Groups effective today, July 1, a release from Genova Burns said. He will also be available for consultation to the firm’s Craft Beer, Spirits & Alcohol Law Practice Group, a new branch of the firm, it added.

The Gov. Chris Christie administration-appointed public sector job with the ABC, the lifelong Fair Havenite added, was an opportunity to serve the public that he was honored to have had. He just made a decision to move on, he said, nothing more. “It’s all good,” Halfacre said casually on the subject, before revealing his next career move.

Of his new job, he said in a released statement that he was “honored to join this prestigious law firm. I was basically a small-town attorney before joining the Attorney General’s Office (under which the ABC is run) as head of the ABC, and I am thrilled to join a firm with the prestige and regional presence of Genova Burns.”

Michael Halfacre at Fair Haven Day 2015 Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Michael Halfacre at Fair Haven Day 2015
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Halfacre stepped as mayor of Fair Haven in his second term to accept the ABC appointment. He had been mayor since 2006. Prior to the ABC position, he worked ion the private sector as a commercial real estate attorney specializing in transactions, including sales and refinance of commercial real estate and transfers of ABC licenses, the release said.

“Michael’s experience running the ABC these past three years makes him an excellent choice to offer counsel to the firm’s newly formed Craft Beer, Spirits & Alcohol Law practice group,” said Managing Partner Brian W. Kronick. “Genova Burns occupies a niche at the nexus of business, law and government. Michael’s background, experience and knowledge of top business people around the state is a perfect fit.”