Tag Archives: RFH

Local Life

A Retro RFH March Madness?

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RFH Basketball in the 1970s Photo/George Day
RFH Basketball in the 1970s
Photo/George Day

In keeping with the whole March Madness theme, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day takes us back to a basketball sideline scene of the 1970s at RFH.

Here’s the question: What the heck is Andy Koch photographing as the score-keeper stares in a state of captivation?

The players: Check out the looks on their faces. And look at that wooden desk.

Caption this one, friends and fans!

Thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day (RFH Class of ’78) for capturing yet another great moment back in the day and sharing it with us!

Schools Scene

RFH Students Help Habitat for Humanity Build for Sandy Victims

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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.

Schools Scene

RFH’s Jack Velcamp Honored as ‘Unsung Hero’

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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.”

Local Life

Remembering RFH’s Dewey Robinson

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RFH teacher Dewey Robinson circa 1977 Photo/RFH yearbook
RFH teacher Dewey Robinson circa 1977
Photo/RFH yearbook

As the Fair Haven community mourns the loss of Jeanetter Crowell, our Retro Pic of the Day takes Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) alumni back to her son, Dewey Robinson, who taught and coached at the high school for many years and predeceased his mother.

Known for his kind compassionate, level-headed and relatable demeanor, people offering condolences over the passing of his mother couldn’t help but comment on the son.

“Dewey was a very good man; I am sure she played a large part,” said Fair Haven resident Brian Drazin on the post announcing Mrs. Crowell’s death.

“What a great teacher Dewey was and there is always a strong and wonderful woman behind every great and wonderful man,” Tamera Partington Dinklage said.

Share your memories of Dewey Robinson with us. RIP, Jeanetter Crowell.

News

The R-FH Area Weekend: RFH ‘Young Frankenstein,’ ‘Godspell’ & a Wedding Walk

 

This weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area is all about theater and brides.

Friday

For tonight, Friday, take note that Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Tower Players’ production of Young Frankenstein has been postponed to Sunday night at 7 p.m.

• Curtain time for the Monmouth Players’ production of Godspell is 8:15 p.m.

Continue reading The R-FH Area Weekend: RFH ‘Young Frankenstein,’ ‘Godspell’ & a Wedding Walk →

Local Life

Rumson Teen Relays in Memory of RFH Grad, Grandma

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By Elaine Van Develde

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate and lifetime Rumsonite Brittany Hopkins is prepping to take long trek for life in remembrance of two people who made an indelible impact on her life through their fights with and deaths to cancer — former fellow RFH grad, Alyson Raywood, and her grandmother, former Aberdeen resident Mathilde Altinger.

Both died in the fall of 2014 — Raywood on Oct. 11, 2014.

Raywood, 18, a member of the RFH Class of 2014 who is now a freshman at Boston College (BC), will join roughly 1,500 fellow undergraduates in a 12-hour American Cancer Society Relay for Life walk-a-thon,  at the college this weekend. And she’ll be doing it in the name of Raywood and Altinger.

At Boston College, where there are 9,000 undergraduates, “it is the largest non-athletic event on campus,” Hopkins said. “On Feb. 22, BC officially hit the $1 million mark of fundraising over the past 8 years. We are the first university in Massachusetts to do this. Boston College is trying to raise $175,000 this year; and so far we have raised $102,000.”

Hopkins was motivated by the love of her grandmother and the perseverance of Raywood, a 2013 RFH grad. Though she said she wasn’t close with Raywood, she saw her grow sick and couldn’t help but admire her for her positive outlook and bright smile in the face of adversity.

Hopkins’ motivation catapulted her into the fundraiser walk. She felt it was the least she could do to help in the fight against the cancer that stole two people with pivotal, unassuming roles in her life and the lives of so many others.

“When Alyson passed away, it seemed like a part of Rumson passed with her,” Hopkins said. “You could see how distraught the community was. This was the same with my grandmother. My grandmother was the most genuine, kind, generous person that anyone could imagine. When I lost her, I lost a part of myself.

“My grandmother and Alyson were incredibly strong and could put a smile on anyone’s face. It was a shame to watch cancer take over them, but I know they’re still with us in a way. It’s sad that a disease can take such special people away. I hope that we can decrease the amount of people diagnosed and that one day we can find a cure.”

Hopkins is Corporate Sponsorship chair on the Relay for Life Committee.

She has set a personal goal to raise $3,000 and is $300 shy of it. She is appealing to the Rumson-Fair Haven community for a boost for the May 20 to 21 walk.

Check out Hopkins’ fundraising page for Relay for Life at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/brittanyhopkins
or contact Hopkins directly at [email protected].

Schools Scene

RFH Students, Staff Pursue Sources of Strength

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The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) peer leaders and staffers recently tapped into Sources of Strength training resources to enhance their knowledge of suicide, violence and substance abuse.

Approximately 80 RFH students who are members of the RFH Peer Leaders organization along with 16 faculty members trained in what is dubbed Sources of Strength, or SOS, on Feb. 18.

“Helping students learn how to access their Sources of Strength during life’s challenging moments will help them to build resiliency and improve wellness throughout their lifetimes,” RFH Student Assistance Counselor Suzanne Fico, who helped organize and participated in the training,” said.

Sources of Strength (SOS), according to the organization’s website, “leads in the field of suicide prevention by respecting differences among individuals, communities, and cultures and by drawing out stories of strength and healing.”

The group’s mission, according to the site is “to provide the highest quality prevention for suicide, violence, and substance abuse. This is accomplished by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults in the school community.”

“We approach prevention in a different way,” Barnabas Health’s Turning the Tides Program Manager and event facilitator Rachel Alvarez said in her introduction to the group at the February training session. “Research has shown that programs like this one work best when people like you — here in this gym right now — learn how to use your own strengths to send positive messages of hope, help, and strength to your peers.”

Jamie Juliano, RFH Child Study Team member and co-advisor to the Peer Leaders, helped organize the event and participated in the SOS training. She described it as a fun experience that appeared to have a powerful impact on all involved.

“It was encouraging to see the students developing creative ideas to spread hope, help, and strength messages to their fellow classmates,” said Juliano. “As one of the adult advisors, I hope to continue helping these students turn their ideas into action so that our whole community can feel the effects of Sources of Strength.”

The group took part of a number of exercises, and learned how to break down communication barriers — or what SOS refers to as codes of silence — to help bring about positive change and also increase the likelihood of peer leaders encouraging their fellow students to seek help when they need it.

“The SOS training makes you think about things in a different way,” RFH sophomore and Peer Leader Ben Pelino said.

News, Obituaries

Remembering RFH’s Coach Lorme

Slideshow photos by George Day and from RFH yearbooks, compiled by Elaine Van Develde

The news of former Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)  coach, gym teacher, Ski Club director, RFH Athletic and Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame inductee Hal Lorme hit the community with a wave of sadness.

While Lorme died on Feb. 15 at his assisted living home in Myrtle Beach, SC,  his obituary was only recently released by Thompson Memorial Home with the pending remembrance service for the coach originally slated for Thursday, but now scheduled for Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Thompson, with a prayer service at 4:30.

When longtime Fair Havenite, RFH grad and Rumson police officer Bryan Dougherty posted the news on the Fair Haven Facebook page on Tuesday, the post was flooded with warm memories shared of the coach.

“RIP Coach,” Dougherty said. “If I know you, you are surely looking for Yankees spring training game somewhere up there in heaven.”

“He was a great guy,” said RFH grad Doug Borden. “I went on lots of ski trips that he put together. RIP.”

“Ohh this is so sad to hear! What an icon he was at RFH,” Susan Kaltenborn Marino said.

“Thanks for all you did. RIP,” said Steve Howie.

“Loved his sense of humor. RIP coach,” said Jack Kavanagh.

And the list of accolades and love for the RFH icon goes on …

The following is Coach Lorme’s obituary from Thompson Memorial Home:

Harold A. Lorme “Hal”, 82, formerly of Oakhurst, passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at Reflections Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Hal was born in Jersey City on Nov. 23,1932, a son of the late Harold and Margaret Lorme. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Patrick Murray.

Hal attended Snyder High School in Jersey City and went on to graduate from Montclair State College. Hal served in the U.S. Army in Korea, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was a Physical Education teacher at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School for 31 years.

He coached Varsity Wrestling for six years and Varsity Baseball at RFH for 25 years. Hal was extremely proud to have won 324 baseball games during his coaching career at RFH and to have the baseball field at RFH High School named in his honor.

He was inducted into the RFH Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and inducted into the Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Hal enjoyed directing the RFH High School Ski Club for 12 seasons.

During the summers, he worked as a cashier at Monmouth Park Race Track in Oceanport, NJ. He was a communicant of St Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach.

Hal was a die-hard NY Yankees fan, enjoyed many trips to the Bronx during the summer and trips to Florida during Spring Training. His passions were collecting baseball memorabilia including many Yankee items, officiating High School football games in the shore area, playing softball and enjoying a round of golf.

His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren especially watching them play sports.

Hal is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Joan Lorme; son, Hal J. Lorme and his wife Tracy, their children, Ryan, Meghan and Matthew, all of Long Branch; daughter, Jacquie Lorme and her son Raymond of Fargo, ND; sister, Doris Murray of Lincroft, and nieces, Lynn, Cathy, Cheryl, Colleen and nephew, Patrick.

A special thank you to Hal’s niece, Colleen and husband, David O’Hagen, who have been such a big help to Hal and Joan over the last few years.

 

Schools Scene

RFH Chess Club Makes History

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The following is a press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)Chess Club achieved a record-breaking finish at the Shore High School Chess League Championship Tournament on Feb. 25.

RFH placed fourth out of 36 teams in the tournament at the Monmouth Mall for the best finish in school history.

Chess Club Advisor and RFH Math teacher Kevin Pfister describes sophomore Nicholas “Nick” Alescio as the club’s “Top Dawg.”

“Nick is the highest-rated player on our team, and his work ethic both inside and outside of school is remarkable,” said Pfister. “Last year, Nick was our ‘fifth board’ — and after one year of hard work and determination, he has landed himself as our ‘number one board’.”

“I am very excited to see Nick continue to grow as a chess player and as a student over the next two years.”

According to Pfister, the Chess Club provides an opportunity for RFH students to participate in friendly matches against their peers. As a Varsity Club, RFH competes each week against other schools in the Shore High School Chess League, with the top teams vying for a championship.

In addition to their historic finish at the Championship Tournament, the RFH Chess Club achieved a 2014/15 Regular Season record of 6-2. This was the best finish since 2007/08 and it earned the club a Second Place berth in the Fischer Division.

The club’s Playoff record was 2-2.

Members of the 2014/15 Chess Club are: Danny Alegria (Varsity Squad), Nick Alescio (Varsity Squad), Charlie Barnes (Varsity Squad), Jacob Black, Lizzie Boyce-Blanchard, Maggie Boyce-Blanchard, Justin Daluise, Theo de Quillacq (Varsity Squad), Jack Felice, Tristan Kilper, Peter Maris, Teddy Montalbano (Varsity Squad), Arnold Muralt, Logan O’Connell, Connor Placer, Cole Stevens (Varsity Squad), Alex Thomson, Alex Werner, Eli Weitzner, and Doug Young (Varsity Squad).

Local Life

RFH Retro Show Time

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Rehearsal for Plaza Suite circa 1975. Photo/RFH yearbook
Rehearsal for Plaza Suite circa 1975.
Photo/RFH yearbook

Our Retro Pic of the Day honors, in a small way, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) shows.

This shot is a yearbook picture of yours truly, your editor, in rehearsal for Plaza Suite circa 1976.

The co-star was a very nice guy, who dropped five pages worth of lines.

No problem. It was a wonderful experience. Thanks to Dan Olshansky for dropping those lines. It made this editor a better actor.

Cheers to the cast of Young Frankenstein!

Local Life

A Retro RFH Rah, Rah to Special Cheerleaders

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Those special RFH Powder Puff Football cheerleaders of the 1970s. Photo/George Day
Those special RFH Powder Puff Football cheerleaders of the 1970s.
Photo/George Day

In keeping with the spirit of the recent Knollwood School Hoops for Hearts tournament in Fair Haven, we decided to bring back a hearty glimpse of some favorite RFH cheerleaders, courtesy of the great photography work of George Day.

No, they were not cheering for a Hoops for Hearts basketball event, but just think what kind of funds they could have raised for such a cause back in the day — by virtue of how they simply wear their uniforms.

They’re running to their main stage in front of the bleachers here for a 1970s RFH Powder Puff Football competition.

I can’t remember, but someone must have missed a pass while getting a gander of this appearance.

These guys are flipping wigs and losing, uh, parts making this run!

 

 

News

Snow Issue: Delayed R-FH School Openings

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All the school districts in the Rumson-Fair Haven area have announced delayed openings for Tuesday.

Rumson School District:

From the schools website …

“The Rumson School District will have a 90 minute delayed opening on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 with the possibility that school may be closed. You will be notified tomorrow morning if school will be closed.

For the delayed opening the AM Preschool will report to school at 10:10 am to 12:00 noon. Students in grades K-8 will report to school at 10:10 am to 3:05 pm.

Please allow the same amount of time to report to your bus stop as you normally would.”

Fair Haven School District:

From the district’s website …

“As a result of the current forecast for overnight accumulating snow and continued frigid temperatures, along with the need to prepare both campuses for students and staff, FH Schools will operate under a 2 ½ hour Plan B delayed opening schedule for tomorrow, Tuesday February 17th. AM Pre-K and Kindergarten both begin at 10:30; PM Kindergarten begins at 1:00, followed by PM Pre-K at 1:10. No lunches will be served.”

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District:

From the high school’s website …

“Staff sign in is at 9am.
The warning bell is at 9:10am.
Period 1 starts at 9:15am.

Buses will be running this morning on a 90 minute delayed schedule.”