Tag Archives: feature

Tri-District Music Festival Set for RFH

March 31, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The Tri-District Music Festival will soon strike a collaborative chord at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH).

Slated for 7 p.m. on the evening of April 7, the free and open-to-the-public performance will feature student musicians from RFH, Rumson’s Forrestdale School and Fair Haven’s Knollwood, according to a press release from RFH.

Tri-District features student musicians from Forrestdale School in Rumson and Knollwood School in Fair Haven as well as RFH.

The concert, the release said, brings the high school and sending district students together to perform in various musical capacities and then in a finale featuring all entities: orchestra, chorus, combined band, jazz band and flute choir.

This year’s musical selections will feature: a medley from The Sound of Music by the combined band; Dragon Hunter, an original work, by the orchestra; Lean on Me, as arranged for the GLEE television series, by the chorus; Santana’s Evil Ways, performed by the jazz band; and Pachelbel’s Canon, by the flute choir.

The Grand Finale featuring all performers will be Adiemus, a new age/classical composition that was featured in a 1994 Delta Airlines commercial, the release said.

Student musicians will perform under the direction of Bill Grillo, Mel Chayette, John Lebitsch, Barbara Leutz, Sara Marino, and Vince Mottern.

Crime, Police and Fire

Arrests Nearby: Marijuana, Criminal Mischief & More

March 31, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

• Alexander Prasad, 25, of Manalapan, was arrested on March 25 in the area of Alston Court and charged with possession of a CDS (controlled dangerous substance), under 50 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia by Patrolman John Camarca.

• Trey Rasmussen, 23, of Princeton, was arrested on March 22 in the area of Broad Street and charged with disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and resisting arrest by Patrolman Tanner Shea.

• 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.

Crime, Police and Fire

Crime Close By: Theft, Criminal Mischief & More

March 30, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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

• A incident of criminal mischief was reported to have occurred sometime between March 23 and 24 on an East Front Street building. Someone sprayed graffiti onto the side of the building.

Patrolman Garrett Falco took the report.

• An attempted burglary was reported to have occurred on March 22 at an Alston Court residence.

The victim reported that someone attempted to gain entry to the home, but failed. Police reported that a screen on a rear window of the residence was cut, and there were pry marks on exterior sliding glass doors and bilco doors leading to the basement. No entry was gained.

Sgt. David Hicks took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a Locust Avenue residence on March 21. The victim reported that someone gained entry into the residence and stole and iPad.

Lt. Robert Kennedy took the report.

• A theft was reported to have occurred at a Chapin Avenue location on March 20. The victim reported that an unknown person or persons stole an iPhone, credit card and debit card from a desk area.

Inv. Jorge Torres took the report.

Schools Scene

Sickles Students Lunch with a VIP

March 30, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

First grader Ava Strandberg and her VIP, mom Stacey, enjoy the fun at Sickles School's Lunch with a VIP celebration. Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven School District — First grader Ava Strandberg and her VIP, mom Stacey, enjoy the fun at Sickles School’s Lunch with a VIP celebration.
Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven School District

The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:

This year’s Lunch with a VIP was a success at Fair Haven’s Viola L. Sickles school in Fair Haven.

Sponsored by the Fair Haven Parent Teacher Association, the lunch event, this year held from March 11 to 13, offers first-, second- and third-grade students the opportunity to enjoy lunch, treats, and fun activities with their own special VIP adult guests at a festive celebration.

“It provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with their loved ones during the school day, and to create a lasting memory,” said Jen Halcrow, who served as event co-chair with Suzanne Duffy.

This year’s event featured coffee for the adults, donated by Booskerdoo in Fair Haven, and cupcakes by Cupcake Magician on Monmouth Street in Red Bank (a hit with everyone).

A photo booth, a BINGO game and a Just Dance activity, led by Sickles School Principal Cheryl Cuddihy, added to the fun.

“It was such a pleasure to watch the different generations share stories, collaborate on Just Dance moves, and strategize for Bingo!” said Cuddihy. “We love having guests visit our school, and we were delighted to spend time with our VIPs.”

Local Life

Day is Done: Sunset for Patrolman Henne

Gallery March 28, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

After being posthumously promoted from Fair Haven Police Department Special Officer Class II to Patrolman at his wake on Friday night, the final radio call for Robert J. Henne, badge # 37, was made. And his new badge number was retired.

The patrolman was laid to rest on Saturday. The sunset that chilly night at the Fair Haven Dock in Henne’s hometown was as warm and serene as the smile of the officer etched in the memory of so many. RIP, Patrolman Henne.

A memorial tribute to Robert J. Henne will follow.

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.”

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.

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