Tag Archives: feature

Police and Fire

DWI Checkpoint Starts Saturday Night

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Monmouth County DWI Task Force members and West Long Branch police will be conducting a DWI checkpoint on Route 36 in West Long Branch from late Saturday night through early Sunday morning.

Officers will be pulling vehicles from westbound lanes into the Monmouth Park Corporate Center parking lot from 11 p.m. Saturday through 3 a.m. Sunday to conduct sobriety checks, a release from the Task Force’s coordinator, Brielle Police Chief Michael W. Palmer, said in a release.

 

The checkpoint is being set up in cooperation with the NJ State Police.

Schools Scene

RFH Class of 2015: Awards, Scholarships to More Than 80

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The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Class of 2015 is graduating Friday night, and not without many of its members first recognized for special achievements

More than 80 awards were given out at the RFH Annual Awards Program on June 8, including valedictorian recognition, departmental achievement, student life, and honorary awards as well as scholarships.

RFH Principal Dr. Tracy Handerhan presented the Valedictorian Achievement Award to Alexandra Siwulec, who also received the American Association of University Women 2015 Book, Catalyst STEM, Holy Cross Church Scholarship, U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence and Superintendent’s awards.

Siwulec will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, where she will major in biophysics and minor in Latin as part of the College of Arts and Sciences and Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program.

At RFH, Alexandra’s extracurricular activities include: co-founder and co-president of Global Women Empowerment Club, president of Paws and Claws, chairman of the Gender Issues Committee of the Social Justice Club, and junior board member for Change a Life Uganda. She is an accomplished pianist, having participated in the Golden Key Music Festivals in Vienna and New York City as well as the annual Monster Concert at Brookdale Community College.

Some of the highlighted awards presented to RFH seniors were:

• Alyson M. Raywood Scholarship — Erin Blewett

A 2013 RFH graduate, Alyson M. Raywood completed her first year at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia before passing, after a  courageous two-year battle with cancer, on October 14, 2014 at the age of 19.

The Alyson M. Raywood Scholarship was created to honor an individual who has suffered a tragedy but continues to fight on while maintaining a positive outlook. The scholarship was presented to Blewett by Alyson’s mother, Ro Raywood.

• Class of 2009 Scholarship Award — Ashley Adler

RFH Class of 2009 graduates Stephen Noglows, Timothy Robinson, and Daniel Ryan presented this new award to Adler in honor of their late friend and classmate Robert Anthony Melita. Funds for the scholarship were raised by the First Annual Robert Melita Softball Tournament.

• Robert Anthony Melita Scholarship — Abbey Weis

This scholarship is awarded to an RFH senior who, like Robert Anthony Melita, possesses the courage to stand up for what he or she believes in regardless of popular opinion and serves as an advocate for others. This year’s Robert Anthony Melita Scholarship was presented to  Weis by Robert’s sisters Lauren and Haley Melita.

• Catalyst STEM Award — Russell Binaco and Alexandra Siwulec

This new award recognizes two outstanding students planning to study science, technology, engineering, or math at the post-secondary level. Dr. Tracy Handerhan presented the Catalyst STEM Award to  Binaco and Siwulec.

• U.S. Army Reserve Top Future Soldier Award

This award was presented by Sargent Ethan Newago to Anthony Sciametta, who has enlisted in the Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.

• American Patriot Award

This award is given to a senior who has displayed honor, courage, and commitment by taking the oath to protect and defend our country as a United States Marine. Michael Longo received this award from Sargent Pedro V. Roman.

• Gold and Silver Awards were presented to RFH seniors at a breakfast held on April 17. Students from the RFH Class of 2015 amassed 58 Gold Awards and 31 Silver Awards.

A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 4.00 at the conclusion of the seventh high school semester qualifies students for the Gold Award. A cumulative GPA of 3.67 at the conclusion of the seventh semester earns the Silver Award.

— Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School press release (edited)

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

An RFH ‘Night of the Arts’

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Did you make it to Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH’s) Night of the Arts?

If not, here’s a glimpse of what you missed.

If so, take a look back!

— Photos/courtesy of RFH

Local Life

Retro & Present Forrestdale Graduation

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Forrestdale graduation 2015 Photo/Paul & LuAnn Hughes Facebook screenshot
Forrestdale graduation 2015
Photo/Paul & LuAnn Hughes Facebook screenshot

It’s graduation time. And Forrestdale School in Rumson held its ceremony at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Wednesday night.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect could not make it to the ceremony, so we are asking people to send in their photos so that we can put a slideshow together.

In the meantime, here’s a group shot from the Hughes family (directly above) and a Retro Pic of the Day of the 2013 graduation (featured).

Congrats, grads!

Thanks, Hugheses!

From the Meeting Room, Local Life

Honor for Nativity’s Father Bob

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They call him Father Bob.

His full, formal name is Rev. Robert Schecker. He’s been the pastor at Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven since 2004.

Since he started at the church 11 years ago, everyone, including non-parishioners, got to know him. That’s because he has become, over the years, a highly visible and valued member of the community.

And, since Father Bob announced his retirement from Nativity, effective June 30, the Fair Haven governing body decided it was a good time to thank him for his dedication to the community with a proclamation.

That was Monday night.

The proclamation, in particular, cited that “Father Bob has not only been a spiritual leader of the parish, but an overseer of many projects to improve the church and surrounding property including many upgrades and repairs to the Church Building, Chapel, Cloister, Office and Religious Education classrooms, the Rectory and Parish Hall as well as the outside grounds; and …

“he is a member of the Rumson-Fair Haven Community Alliance which was formed in 2013 to provide prevention education, guidelines when recovery is needed and compassionate, ongoing support for all. He has provided valuable input and support for the program; and …

“Father Bob has always made the church facilities available to the Borough in our time of need which has been the hallmark of his tenure, accommodation for community needs.”

A man of few words, Father Bob accepted the proclamation, listened in on the regular meeting for a bit and made a quiet exit, not without Mayor Ben Lucarelli and council members once again thanking him for his service and wishing him well.

Thanks, Father Bob.

Share your memories of Father Bob.

— Elaine Van Develde

From the Meeting Room, News

Fair Haven Municipal Budget Adopted

By Elaine Van Develde

Calling the $8.4 million 2015 Fair Haven municipal budget a sound one with no compromising of borough services, the Borough Council unanimously adopted the spending plan at its Monday night meeting.

What it boils down to is roughly a $100 hike in the municipal rate for the average assessed property in the borough.

The average assessed property value in Fair Haven this year is $720,000, up from $688,540 last year. It actually means a slightly lower tax rate per $100 of assessed value, but the rise in average assessed value naturally raises the rate on the average home.

The amount to be raised by taxation is $6.1 million for 2015, calculating an increase of $231,591.

The budget “brings us back to the same spending level as in 2008,” after vacillating from cuts to increases in spending, Mayor Ben Lucarelli said. But, he added, it has never gone past that 2008 point.

The spending plan increased by about 3 percent this year.

Surplus is at $800,000, Borough Administrator Theresa Casagrande said, adding that she feels the budget is a tight, sound one. leaving a healthy enough surplus.

Another plus for the borough is that its debt is down to about $3 million, after paying down about half, which gives the borough an excellent credit rating, officials said.

For more details, click here for the story on the budget draft and here for the full budget on the borough website.

Local Life

Holy Cross Reopening on Hold

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“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!”

 

Schools Scene

Sickles School Students Strive to Understand Differences

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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