As the weather outside in the Rumson-Fair Haven area started getting frightful, the view from the banks of the Navesink River was one filled with choppy waters and a blustery dusting of snow.
It all started Monday morning. As forecasts continue to promise piles of the white stuff, it was still stable enough to get out and capture a bit of the clam before the blizzard in the afternoon.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect hit the docks in Fair Haven and Rumson so people could get the picture.
Take a look at the photos above to get a glimpse into the beginning of the 2015 blizzard. Just click on any image to enlarge, and scroll.
• and Forrestdale, Deane Porter and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School will be closed on Tuesday.
Residents are also advised, according to a post by Councilman Ben Day, that there will be “NO overnight parking on Borough streets or Borough Parking Lots to allow for DPW Crews to clear. Cars left there will be towed.”
Forrestdale School in Rumson showcased student talent in the Instrumental Music Program’s Winter Concert on Jan. 15.
Under the direction of John Lebitsch, the Intermediate and Advanced bands and the Jazz Ensemble took center stage to entertained a large, appreciative audience in the school’s gymnasium, a press release from the Rumson School District said.
The Winter Concert, the release added, featured the following selections:
• Percussion Portrait, by Jerry Nowak, was performed by the Advanced Band, showcasing the skills of the percussion section on six different instruments;
• The Intermediate and Advanced bands teamed up to present Walkin’ Cool, a jazz piece.
• The Jazz Ensemble closed the show with the Duke Ellington piece Satin Doll followed by an encore reprise of the band’s favorite holiday number, Feliz Navidad.
If you were at the concert and would like to have your photos added, send them, with proper credit, to [email protected]
• There will be early dismissals on Monday at both Sickles and Knollwood schools, according to the latest post on the Fair Haven Schools website.
Sickles will dismiss at 12:10 p.m. and Knollwood at 12:30.
“For the safety and well-being of our students and staff, FH schools we will have an early dismissal today,” Superintendent Nelson Ribon post on the district website. “Overnight forecast models show a potential for extremely windy conditions (blizzard warnings) during the early afternoon along with snow.”night:
So far, for Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:
• There will be an early dismissal at 11:45 a.m. on Monday.
All after-school activities have been cancelled.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect will update this article as information becomes available. Please check back for updates.
Along with the upgrade of the blizzard warning for the Rumson-Fair Haven area from noon Monday through Tuesday evening, preparation mode has gone into overdrive with the anticipation of up to 33 inches of snow in a two-day period.
“There’s nothing left,” a grin-sporting guy joked as he left the near barren Acme in Fair Haven Sunday night.
Here’s how it’s going to hit the area, the NWS says:
• Overnight into Monday morning, starting at about 3 a.m., there is a chance of up to about half an inch of snow predicted with temperatures hitting a low of about 25 degrees and northeast wind from 11 to 16 miles per hour
• Monday during the day, intermittent snow is expected with accumulation of roughly 1 to 2 inches and a northeast wind of 20 to 24 miles per hour.
• Monday night, a new snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches is expected with a north wind blowing at 26 to 36 miles per hour and gusts of up to 47 miles per hour. A low temperature of 25 degrees is anticipated.
• Tuesday will see a lot of areas with blowing snow, winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour, gusts up to 43 and heavy accumulation of roughly 10 to 14 more inches. A high temperature of 32 degrees is expected.
• On Tuesday night, the NWS predicts temperatures at a low of 19 degrees, winds of up to 31 miles per hour with gusts of as high as 36 miles per hour and 1 to 3 more inches of snow.
The Fair Haven Fire Department asks that residents keep hydrants clear of snow by 3 feet in each direction and clear to the street. “Attention Residents…Help US Help You!!! If there is a hydrant in front of or near your property, please keep it clear. Thank you!!!” a post on the department’s Facebook page said. See the graphic below.
Forecasters say that what puts a snow storm in the blizzard category is mostly the high winds causing high drifts and dangerous circumstances.
A coastal flood warning is also in effect for Sea Bright and Sandy Hook that could also affect low-lying areas of Rumson.
On Tuesday, at Sandy Hook, high tide is slated to come in at 1:07 a.m. “with a forecast tide level of 7.5 to 8 feet above mean lower low water,” according to the National Weather Service.
On the heels of what was a major, albeit bandaid, fix to a portion of the corroding Oceanic Bridge, Monmouth County officials have gotten a boost via state funding to undertake the appropriate studies to rehabilitate or replace the entire structure.
The 2016 $600,000 “concept development study” of the county-owned 2,712 foot Oceanic span between Rumson and Middletown over the Navesink River was one of five approved last week by the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA).
The drawbridge, built in 1939, has been targeted as one in need of replacement and/or major revamp for several years now. In 2012, major repairs to the 98-foot bascule span, or moveable drawbridge part, of the bridge was refurbished.
But, even then, officials said that that was only a temporary fix. A permanent solution, they had said, was the only answer.
Options for rehab and/or replacement have been bandied about. But, for years now, there has been a large contingent of people adamantly opposed to replacement with a fixed, higher structure. The opposition to that slightly cheaper plan have felt it would be an injustice to bridge’s historic integrity and make it more difficult to be used by pedestrians and bicyclists.
The bridge’s capacity to carry its maximum load of vehicles, too, has consistently diminished with its age and consequential deterioration from wear and tear and salt water submersion.
So, the need for a permanent plan has become more imminent and potentially costly, county officials have said.
As a result of the fiscal year 2016 NJTPA program grant, the door will be open for construction costs to be covered by federal funds.
The year 2014 was one of much loss — an unraveling of what people in the area had grown accustomed to as a tightly woven, familiarly comforting fabric of the community.
There was a lot of death — death of people whose faces and contributions Rumson-Fair Haven area people had grown accustomed to as part of their lives in one way or another.
We said it in the first part of our tribute and it bears repeating:
Well, it’s not over for them or us. These people, in one way or another, contributed to life in the area and were part of our lives.
We honor them with a photo and a token of remembrance.
Take the journey with us, one more time …
Ian Carpenter, 44, RFH Class of 1988, soccer player, drummer, advocate for ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease research, Feb. 22, 2014
Ian, an RFH grad who had relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, died on Feb. 22, a victim of ALS.
Known as a craftsman and carpenter, Ian, who lived most of his life in Fair Haven, built his own home and was known as a family man who loved coaching his son in soccer and baseball. He left behind a wife, Lindsay, son Winston and daughters Clara and Mary.
Ian, himself, was a varsity soccer player at RFH and a “talented drummer,” said his sister, Angela.
“So many of our high school friends came together for them in the end … it meant the world to him to have his hometown family help so much,” she said in an email.
Rest in peace, Ian Carpenter.
Jack Croft, 84, 64-year Fair Haven resident, 35-year Fair Haven Fire Department member, Sept. 7, 2014
This is a special one for this editor, in the interest of full disclosure.
Jack Croft has been sending me notes of appreciation for my writing dating back to roughly the year 2000 — probably earlier.
A family friend and neighbor, he always made a point of reading my stories and commenting privately via a personal, hand-written note and/or email.
As a journalist who is, as all of us are, accustomed to many queries critiques, and sometimes selfish pleas for one-sided agenda promotion, it was always such a pleasure to wake up to an email or note in the mail from Jack concerning any current issue about which I happened to be writing.
He always ended his notes reminding me that my parents would be proud. Now, that’s the kind of pay-it-forward, random contribution to the community that trumps a high-ticket social event any day. His effect in this and many other small gestures, was enduring and selfless.
A modest, true gentleman, who was often seen walking about town hand-in-hand with wife Jane, it was always not only heartwarming, but encouraging to read his opinion.
He did not gush. He was not ever after a special favor. He just felt it his duty to let a female journalist he knew as a child and neighbor that he appreciated her work. He was always constructive and supportive. And, yes, the gesture was so greatly appreciated.
It meant more than I can say, actually. We, in this thankless business, cover the news because we feel it’s our responsibility. And it is. Though, sometimes, people can be heavily imbalanced in opinion — merciless. He, thankfully, felt it was his responsibility to appreciate the work with a healthy balance. And that went both ways.
Thank you, Jack Croft, for the many moments you took out of your day to show gratitude and brighten this editor’s day. Now it’s our turn.
We so vividly remember you. You and your undying love for your wife, Jane, always affected not only this editor, but all who saw you about town.
Your sincerity, love of community and family will not be forgotten. Oh, and the notes have been saved. One is still on the fridge.
Rest in peace, Jack Croft.
Keith D. Smith, 41, of Rumson, manager of Val’s Tavern in Rumson, May 6, 2014
Kieth, a longtime Rumson resident, died on May 6.
Many had grown accustomed to his face at Val’s. He is missed.
Ida Twist, 90, longtime Fair Havenite and Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair volunteer, Jan. 1, 2014
All you had to do was spend any time at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair and you’d recognize Ida.
For the past couple of decades she was at the Grab Bag Booth as what people have come to know as one of the “balloon ladies,” cheerfully getting those balloons to kids and putting smiles on their faces with some homestyle chatting.
If you didn’t see Ida at the fair, then you probably saw her at an event or parade — and she really loved parades — or with the Fair Haven Seniors group. She also helped her grandson, Charlie, start his lawn business.
She loved and was dedicated to community and family.
She looked like “That Girl,” Marlo Thomas, in her younger years — wide-eyed, sage grin with shiny black hair in a “flip” with bangs. And she had the bright disposition to go with the persona.
She was good friends with this editor’s mom and we spent much family time together. There was always a belly-ache of a laugh somewhere in there through the years.
In that time, her contagious laughter infected anyone whose path she crossed. Mom to sons John, Jim and Tom, and many grandchildren, she embodied sincerity and love of life and community. Her legacy is evident in her children.
Mary just had a way about her, as the Billy Joel song goes. She was always approachable, always smiling. Her laugh and smile are things that will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched.
Rest in peace, Mary Kirman.
Milton Edelman, 93, former Fair Havenite and Zoning Board member, April 27, 2014
Milton was known as an interesting, witty longtime Fair Havenite who relocated to League City, Texas, and passed away at 93 on April 27, 2014.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Milton Edelman and family moved to Fair Haven in 1962. There, the family settled in and he served on the Zoning Board for quite a few years. He was known to offer many anecdotes and sage advice, according to an obituary written by his son Marc.
He was a lawyer with the firm Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman and Dicker, which was recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the top 50 firms nationwide. He retired from the firm in 1998.
After relocating to two homes in Vermont and Texas, Milton continued to serve on the local zoning board in Vermont.
Before he died, Milton worked with son Marc at an information technology services firm in Texas — PC and Cable.
He leaves behind his children, Eric, Marc and Alexandra, all RFH grads, and his wife, Frederica.
Rest in peace, Milton.
Dr. Peter Sheehan, 60, renowned diabetes doctor, son of Dr. George Sheehan, May 2014
A Rumson native, Peter Sheehan was one of 12 of Dr. George Sheehan’s children. Dr. George Sheehan, who is deceased, was and is still known as a well-recognized author and runner who raised his family in Rumson.
Peter did groundbreaking work in the study and treatment of diabetes in his lifetime.
Oh, Mrs. Dexter. She was a beautiful woman, with a sharp edge, who died at 84 on Jan 10, 2014.
Mrs. Dexter, a mom of four, was a Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School graduate who married Howard Dexter in 1950.
After having served as a Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) aide for a stint in the 1970s, she retired from AT&T in 2000.
Mrs. Dexter was known to many an RFH student as a troubadour of monitoring many hallway hijinks and incidents of library lunacy spearheaded by many good, yet antsy and mischievous students.
Thanks for rolling with us and doling out those myriad reprimands and fun times at RFH, Mrs. Dexter.
Rest in peace.
Karen Harrington Bovenzi, 54, 1978 RFH grad, formerly of Rumson, June 26, 2014
Karen passed away at Newark Beth Israel Hospital after a heart transplant.
Comments flooded the RFH Reunion Facebook page upon Karen’s death. “It’s with great sadness that I tell you that Karen Harrington Bovenzi passed away this afternoon after a very long and courageous battle with a heart transplant and many side effects and issues,” said her good friend Rita Marass Kellegher.
Rest in peace, Karen.
Henry Leon “Sike” Reevey, 85, of Fair Haven, Oct. 20, 2014
Born in Fair Haven in 1929, Henry, known as Sike, was a staple in Fair Haven life.
The senior Reevey is one of many in town who contributed to the town’s homegrown culture.
There are many Reeveys out there to this day. Sike, himself, was born on Sept. 24, 1929, and was a U.S. Army vet of the Korean War, according to his obituary on legacy.com.
“As a member of the Fair Haven Reevey’s (stet), I would like to say Thank You for all the kind words extended to us in the passing of my Uncle Sike. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers especially Aunt Sonia and all his children. He loved all deeply and equally,” his relative said on the Fair Haven Facebook page.
He was, sadly, predeceased by his son Aaron, a 1978 RFH graduate, as well as his parents, Shockely and Margaret Ensley Reevey; and brothers and sisters, James, Dorothy, Stanley, Theodore, Rose Jackson, Lawrence and Frank Reevey.
He is survived by: his wife, Sonia; three children, Henry, Jr., of Freehold, Dwayne, Sr., of Fair Haven, and Stephanie Hurt, of Lawrenceville, GA; one sister, Shirley, of Tinton Falls; 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Sike was known to emanate a true love of his hometown community and everyone in his family has been known to carry on his legacy of loyalty to and love of Fair Haven.
Rest in peace, Mr. Sike Reevey.
Arlene Albano, 62, former RFH Math teacher, Aug. 22, 2014
Arlene Albano, who died of breast cancer, was a well-liked Math teacher and advisor of the RFH Twirling Squad. She had many fans.
A graduate of Shore Regional High School and Montclair State College, she, after her teaching career at RFH, became a software developer of nuclear power plant simulation at Electronics Associates, Inc. (EAI), West Long Branch.
This editor had Arlene Albano for Math and found her to be a great teacher with a lot of patience and a pleasant personality.
Carol Nagle Skinner, an RFH twirler, said on the RFH Class of ’78 Facebook page: “Some of her twirlers were able to see her last week to say goodbye. She fought cancer for way too long but never complained. I don’t know how she put up with us in high school! She is finally at Peace.”
Rest in peace, Miss Albano.
Madeline Robbins, 92, longtime Fair Haven resident, longtime member of the Fair Haven Fire Department’s Ladies’ Auxiliary, Oct. 6, 2014
Madeline Robbins was known as a fun-loving woman with a glowing smile and great heart for her community — Fair Haven.
She served on the Fair Haven Election Board and as Fair Haven’s assistant borough clerk.
As daughter Kathy recalls, she “was always ironing the alter linens for Church of the Nativity.”
This editor remembers Madeline as a family friend with whom Fair Haven families went camping.
She, her husband Al, kids and other families made an annual trek to Pennsylvania Dutch country to camp for many an outing on Memorial Day in the 1970s.
She was always laughing, singing a verse or two of “This Land is Your Land” and joking around the campfire.
Anyone would recognize that bright smile anywhere. Thanks for all the fun, sincere and spirited memories.
Rest in peace, Madeline.
Joseph Lincoln Davidson III, 63, ex-chief of Rumson Fire Department, February of 2014
Born in Reading, PA, Joseph was a lifetime member and ex-chief of the Rumson Fire Department and past president and member of Rumson First Aid.
An avid boater, he was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and loved fishing.
He leaves behind his wife, Regina, of 42 years, sons Christopher and Steven, and daughter Jennifer and grandchildren.
Thank you for your service. Rest in peace, Joseph.
Marylyn J. Scott, former Fair Haven teacher, July 20, 2014
Marylyn Scott was an elementary school teacher in Fair Haven for decades, from the early 1960s to 1990, when she retired.
Many remember Marylyn for her kind nature and conscientiousness as an educator.
Her obituary, spearheaded by family, asked that she be remembered as not only a teacher, but a mother, friend and neighbor. She was all of those things.
Thank you for your dedication to the children of Fair Haven.
Rest in peace, Marylyn.
John Edward Kondrup, 93, longtime Rumson resident, former borough mechanic, U.S. Army World War II vet, driver for Rumson First Aid, member of Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. #1, Sept. 18, 2014
Kondrup was known to always have a smile on his face and a great deal of pride in his vegetable garden.
Many have said that he was known to also ride his bicycle around town for many years, until he reached his 90s.
Rest in peace, John.
Photos/courtesy of families and Thompson Memorial and Days funeral homes.
John Kondrup
Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home
Jerome Koch
Memorial to Silvio Fabbri
Silvio Fabbri
Craig Bahrs
Nina DeSesa
Mary Welling
Mimi Hughes
By Elaine Van Develde
It seemed to happen an awful lot in 2014 — the death of people whose faces and lives we’ve grown accustomed to being woven into the fabric of Rumson-Fair Haven area life.
There were times it seemed that the fine people manning the Fair Haven Firehouse marquee couldn’t even keep up. It’s the place in the area where the news of loss is often spread.
In 2014 it seemed that there were all too frequent tiny gasps and self-mutterings of “Oh, no!” as a ride by the firehouse revealed yet another passing. It all seemed to echo as yet another familiar face flashed and a memory was evoked.
We said it in the memorial tribute to Mimi Hughes. We, at Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect, are dedicated to remembering those who have passed.
Why? Because, as the line in the Rogers and Hammerstein musical Carousel put it, “As long as one person on Earth remembers you, it’s not over.”
Well, it’s not over for them or us. These people, in one way or another, contributed to life in the area and were part of our lives.
We honor them with a photo and a token of remembrance.
Take the journey with us …
George Giffin, 85, longtime RFH science teacher and dance instructor extraordinaire, May 15
This true area icon could get Attila the Hun to crack a smile.
The man, known for his true appreciation of dance, would pretty much break into a routine wherever he was.
This editor ran into him a couple of times in the recent past — at the Fair Haven centennial and Fairwinds Deli in Fair Haven.
He never forgot a face, either. He knew who I was from 30-something years past in high school when he taught me ballroom dance and I was abysmal.
I asked him then what advice he had for the many teens he taught to dance. He told me he still made appearances at RFH grads’ and their kids’ weddings to get them through the festivities with his special blend of dance instruction.
His motto, he said at the time: “When you get that beat, you gotta move your feet.”
Keep dancing, Mr. Giffin, and rest in peace when and if you take a break.
Pat Topfer, 77, Fair Haven, Oct. 26
Pat, also known in the past as Mrs. Cook, was a 52-year resident of Fair Haven and an 50-year Fair Haven Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary member.
She always had a great smile and zest for life. Her daughters, all RFH grads, inherited her beautiful face and smile.
She shared many a crumb cake and cup of coffee with this editor’s mom. Many years past my teens, she saw me at Marine Park in Red Bank. I was pregnant with my son. She gushed with joy and support and insisted upon snapping a picture of my friend and me. She made sure she got it to me. I still have it — that any many good memories of her friendly demeanor and smile.
Last I saw Pat, she was at the Fair Haven centennial celebration, gussied up in festive red, white and blue sparkles for the occasion.
She was more than happy to pose for my photo of her as a longtime, proud Fair Havenite.
Rest in Peace, Pat.
Lois Brett, formerly of Fair Haven, longtime teacher, Oct. 29
Lois Brett was a teacher in the Fair Haven School District for many years.
The daughter of Lester and Esther England, she graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. “She refused to limit her teaching to the classroom, but rather passed on her knowledge, wisdom, and joy of life, learning, love, and knitting to all those she knew however briefly,” according to her obituary.
Mrs. Brett was a friend of my mom’s. She was known for her kind nature and knack for making those Christmas cookies. There was nary a Christmas in our house without some of Lois Brett’s cookies.
Rest in peace, Lois Brett.
Mary Welling Hunnewell, 54, RFH graduate, Class of 1978, Oct. 17
Mary was a gymnast, equestrian, skier, and just all-around nice girl.
She grew up in Fair Haven and graduated from RFH. She had a soft voice, tiny stature and gentle demeanor.
As high school friend Devon Martin put it, “We shared many great times between Gillespie and DeNormandie…on my dad’s little sunfish…having to be rescued! Through middle school and high school. Gymnastics. She was a sweet, kind, generous and beautiful person. I am glad to have been her friend. She will truly be missed on this earth.”
Rest in peace, Mary.
Nina DeSesa, 88, formerly of Fair Haven, Nov. 23
Nina and her husband Michael raised their family, children Blaise and Stephanie, in Fair Haven.
Both were Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduates. Stephanie died unexpectedly in 2011 at 50. In the interest of full disclosure, she was this editor’s best friend.
Nina, known lovingly as “the bull” to friends, was a force to be reckoned with when it came to her family and convictions. She was also pretty darn funny and astute.
She loved the opera, her husband and children more than anything in life.
Many saw Nina as quite a stern character, nonetheless fabulous cook, with a mission to play Bridge and MaJong. But, she was much more than that.
She had a great heart. This is my chance to say thank you to a woman who, though many times criticized me mercilessly, was always there for her daughter and me — front and center at both my parents’ funerals.
I have a few things to say to Nina:
Thank you for that artichoke pie, the best baby shower ever, the beautiful blanket you knitted for Cole, all the fabulous dinners and trips into the city to cool out-of-the-way restaurants, the scoldings, that Gilbert O’Sullivan sweater you knitted for Steph (that we fought over).
And, most of all, thank you, Nina, for moving to Fair Haven in 1967 and bringing Steph into my life. I hope you are together again. Oh, and … Step away from the stuffed stork!
Rest in peace, Nina DeSesa.
Silvio Fabbri, 59, owner of Fair Haven’s Umberto’s and friend to many, Nov. 26
Fabbri died very suddenly; and his death saddened a community very accustomed to hearing his anecdotes and knowing that he knew who they were, what was going on in their lives and what they liked to eat.
It could be months that Silvio didn’t see you, yet he’d remember everything about you when you walked in the door.
I got yelled at for not coming around enough, but he remembered my favorite special sub.
Rest in peace, Silvio, and “hanga loose.”
Fair Haven Councilman Jerome Koch, 63, Nov. 30
Jerome Koch died as the result of a tragic Nov. 29 bicycle accident on River Road in Fair Haven.
Koch was known for his sardonic wit and keen sense of humor while sitting on the dais of the Fair Haven Borough Council for nine years.
On Nov. 29, the councilman took what was described by Mayor Ben Lucarelli as his characteristic bike ride around town. The mayor, an avid cyclist, was out for a ride that day as well. He said that when he had passed Koch, he was doing his customary scouting for errant garbage and tidying up.
Not much longer after that, the councilman was hit by a car not too far from his home on River Road and flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center Trauma Unit. He remained in the hospital’s intensive care unit and, sadly, died the next day.
Rest in peace, Councilman Koch.
Mimi Hughes, 83, Rumson resident and 26-year RFH English teacher
Mimi Hughes, who taught English at RFH for 26 years and acted and sang in many a production in the area, died on Dec. 20 surrounded by her loving family.
This is a tough one for this editor. Mrs. Hughes and her family were like family.
John Kondrup, 93, 67-year Rumson resident, Rumson First Aid, Oceanic Fire Company and borough mechanic, Sept. 18
A World War II U.S. Army vet, Kondrup made Rumson his home for 67 years.
In addition to all of his volunteer service to Rumson, he was known for his bright smile, bike riding around town, and his prideful vegetable gardening.
A production of Bye Bye Birdie at The Barn Theater, Rumson, circa 1977. Photo/Sally Van Develde
Our Retro Pic of the Day brings us back to shows at The Barn Theater, formerly on Avenue of Two Rivers in Rumson, in the late 1970s.
Pictured are a bunch of area high school students, from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional and other area high schools, performing a scene in Bye Bye Birdie.
It’s a bit blurry, due to the lack of focus, and perhaps unsteady hand, on the instamatic camera with the rotating flash cube, but it was one of many moments at the popular theater.
Rumson’s 2015 reorganization ceremony was a simple, reflective one.
There were no new Borough Council members to be sworn in. Re-elected incumbents Broderick and Ben Day took oaths for another term.
However, the coming year’s fire and first aid officers received their badges; and Mayor John Ekdahl gave his customary end-of-the-year speech.
The new fire and first aid officers are as follows:
• EMS Captain, Mary Nichols, who was also captain in 2014, took the oath for 2015;
• 2014 Fire Chief Robert Halligan was thanked for his service to the borough and 2015 Chief Kevin McCarthy was given his badge as was 2015 Assistant Chief Ronald Immesberger.
In his speech, the mayor called attention to:
• the deaths of three longtime firemen;
• the diligence and dedication of the officers in borough’s police department;
• and DPW Director Mark Wellner’s recognition by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Public Works Association (NJ APWA) with a 2014 Superintendent/Director Award for his 28-year career with the borough.
The benediction was offered by Rev. Manning of Holy Cross Church.
Both Rumson and Fair Haven’s reorganizations are, as usual, slated for the same day, same time — New Year’s Day at noon.
Though they are, naturally, in different places — Rumson’s at Bingham Hall and Fair Haven’s at Borough Hall. And, the agendas are different.
In Fair Haven, Democrat Aimee Humphreys will be sworn in to her first term on Borough Council. Mayor Ben Lucarelli will be sworn in to his first full four-year term in office after filling the unexpired term of former Mayor Michael Halfacre. Susan Sorensen will be sworn in to her second term on the dais.
Fire Department and First Aid officers will also be inducted into their new annual roles.
There are no new council members in Rumson to be sworn in for this year’s reorganization. However, the usual municipal reappointments will take hold as well as those of fire and first aid officers.
In Rumson, however, Mayor John Ekdahl is known for his annual speech. Which, he tells Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect, will be delivered about half way through the ceremony.
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