Winter Edition - RFH

DERMER DREAMS MISSION:

Collect & deliver ONE MILLION lbs. of food for people who are food insecure in New Jersey

W I N T E R E D I T I O N 202 3 RUMSON • FAIR HAVEN • LITTLE SILVER RED BANK • SEA BRIGHT • LOCUST

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2023 Fair Haven Turkey Trot Overwhelming success with the community coming together on a stunning day for a trot The Tenth Annual Fair Haven Turkey Trot was well attended with plenty of runners, walkers, and holiday revelers under clear and sunny skies on Thanksgiving morning.

Kids and adults came out to trot, walk their pets, and play some games throughout Fair Haven Fields. Many contributed donations to the annual U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots drive, which continues in town for a few more weeks. The crowdsourced hot cocoa and snacks were a hit for all attendees. The event is produced annually with no cost and no registration making it easy to participate.

The winners of the three-lap course were Ryan Corbett (third from right) and

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Catherine Battoni (second from left). The winners in the ‘kids’ category, Alex Arhanic Knollwood Seventh Grader (third from left) and Sunny Andreae Knollwood Sixth Grader (second from right) and in the High School category were Colin Henrikson RFH Freshman (middle left), and Kaitlyn Hathaway RFH Freshman (middle right).

Each winner took home a handcrafted Turkey Trot trophy to proudly display on their Thanksgiving dinner table.

As always, it took a few folks to stage the community event. Big shout out to the Fair Haven current and past governing body members in attendance including Mayor Halpern and many residents

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for working the aid stations distributing food and beverages. Special shout outs to Christine Braceland for the excellent photographs.

The annual race and toy drive are supported by dozens of local families with contributions to the event supplying race essentials and toys for those less fortunate this holiday season. The annual tradition gets bigger every year with its local participants and holiday visitors. We took full advantage of the wonderful park setting in a warm 44F and sunny fall setting. All the participants and organizers are looking forward to continuing and expanding the tradition in 2024.

Wishing You and Your Family a Joyous Holiday Season!

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Rumson School District

ADVERTISING MANAGER DINA L APETINA REPORTERS HANA VOZZO C H A R L O T T E J . E D WA R D S

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, Rumson’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) team took a significant step forward by pioneering trauma-informed screening, assessment, and intervention practices in our district. Led by Dr. Michael Snyder, Mrs. Nicole Nolan, Mr. Spencer Austin, and the dedicated members of the SEL team, along with the invaluable support of the student services department, these initiatives have been implemented to prioritize the well-being and emotional development of our students.

The SEL team understands the crucial role that social and emotional skills play in a student’s overall success and well-being. By introducing trauma-informed screening, assessment, and intervention practices, they work to create a safe and supportive environment for students who may have experienced trauma in their lives. This proactive approach ensures that students’ emotional needs are met, allowing them to thrive academically and personally. We are grateful to Dr. Snyder, Mrs. Nolan, Mr. Austin, the SEL team, and the student services department for their commitment to enhancing the social and emotional learning experience of our students.

Rumson’s SEL team is paving the way for other districts to adopt trauma-informed practices. By engaging in proactive screening, they are able to identify students who may have experienced trauma and provide them with the necessary resources and support. Rumson’s SEL team recognizes that trauma can manifest itself in various ways and that it can have a profound impact on a student’s ability to learn and thrive.

By incorporating trauma-informed practices, the team is creating a safe and supportive environment for students, encouraging their emotional growth and resilience. This approach not only benefits the students directly but also shapes a positive and inclusive school climate for all.

In pioneering trauma-informed screening, assessment, and intervention practices, Rumson’s SEL team is setting a new standard for addressing the social-emotional needs of students. The implementation of these SEL initiatives in our district would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the SEL team. We are grateful to have such a proactive and committed team working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our students.

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RFH Student-Athletes Make College Commitments Six Rumson-Fair Haven student-athletes made their college choices official by signing Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities that span the coasts of the U.S. Surrounded by their families, friends, coaches, teammates, teachers, and administrators, the athletes donned their new colors and celebrated their hard work both in the classroom and on the sports field. Andy Croddick and Abby Boyle will continue their lacrosse careers at Colgate University and The Ohio State University, respectively. Soccer players Kate Hennen (Northwestern University) and Paige West (University of Richmond) will continue their hard work on the pitch while squash player Anika Goyal will look to make her mark at Tufts University. Hudson Skove will take his skills to the wrestling mats at Harvard University. These athletes will join countless others from RFH that have and are currently making a name for themselves in the NCAA and RFH couldn’t be prouder to share the news. Congratulations, Dawgs!

Andy Croddick, Boys Lacrosse – Colgate University Abby Boyle, Girls Lacrosse – The Ohio State University Kate Hennen, Soccer – Northwestern University Paige West, Soccer – University of Richmond Anika Goyal, Squash – Tufts University Hudson Skove, Wrestling – Harvard University

RFH student-athletes on National Signing Day

CommunityMagazineNJ.com WINTER EDITION 2023

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DERMER DREAMS MISSION:

Collect & deliver ONE MILLION lbs. of food for people who are food insecure in New Jersey

D

ermer Dreams continues to Fight Hunger…One Bag at a Time! In their ongoing, unique approach to fighting hunger, the Dermers empowered 440 high school students across New Jersey as Neighborhood Captains on Saturday November 4th, 2023. The Neighborhood Captains earned community service hours by distributing 44,000 food donation bags throughout the state.

Each Neighborhood Captain was provided 100 Dermer Dreams donation bags and was responsible for creating and managing their own food drive. The Dermers combined the drive and ingenuity of the high school students with incredibly generous New Jersey residents.

Dan Dermer said, “The fact that more than 200,000 children in New Jersey go to bed hungry every night is unacceptable. Alyse and I were born and raised in Freehold, NJ and know that with the help of the great people of New Jersey, we can change this across the state. We have a chance to make a difference but it’s going

to take everyone who can contribute to make it happen.”

Dermer Dreams is on the move and making a huge push to expand the Neighborhood Captain program across New Jersey. New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal and Governor Murphy recently announced a $50,000 grant to Dermer Dreams to assist with the expansion of the Neighborhood Captain program. Senator Gopal said, “We are supporting many important causes throughout the state, but recognized we needed to include Dermer Dreams. I know firsthand the impact Dermer Dreams is making as Alyse Dermer filled our food bank in Red Bank after many different Neighborhood Captain events.”

Dermer Dreams established drop sites in Northern, Southern and Central New Jersey so students across the state can participate in the program. The Dermers are working with high school principals across the state to recruit students and help them earn community service hours.

Dan was recently invited by Principal Jeremy Braverman of Howell High School to

speak directly to his students. Principal Braverman said “So many of our students need community service hours but have no idea where to earn them. Dermer Dreams is their solution. I am going to do everything I can to get our students involved and feed the people who are food insecure in our community.”

Principal Braverman boldly made an offer to his students that if the Howell students were able to raise 30,000 pounds of food, he would shave his head in front of the students. Howell High School had 75 students sign up for our November 4th Neighborhood Captain Event, distributing 7,500 bags in their community. Dan told Principal Braverman, “Get a good razor ready!”

The Neighborhood Captain event is held twice a year in the Spring and Fall. If your child needs community service hours, sign them up to join our team and Fight Hunger…One Bag at a Time.

Dermer Dreams is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact neighborhoodcaptain@dermerdreams.org or visit www.dermerdreams.org, follow @dermerdreams

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The Garden Club of Fair Haven Held a Very Successful Flower Show The Garden Club of Fair Haven held a very successful Flower Show titled “Season Splendor”on November 3, 2023. Over 100 people attended and viewed the displays. Over 18 volunteers from the Club worked alongside the Co-Chairs Beth Ruda and Terry Simboli who organized and executed the Flower Show. First, Second and Third Place as well as Honorable Mention Ribbons were awarded in all Categories including the Four Divisions of the Horticulture Section which included Evergreens; Fall Vegetables; House Plants; and Terrariums. Ribbons were awarded in the Holiday Celebration Floral Designs which included three sections named “Home for the Holidays”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Ringing in the New Year” with four entries in each section. Ribbons were also awarded in the Botanical Arts- Photography “A View of the Season” included stunning entries depicting “Sparkling Season”, “Festive Foliage”, and “Reflective Holidays”. Below are pictures of some of the additional awards the participating club members were awarded.

From left: Fair Haven Garden Club President Lee Davidson with Flower Show Co-Chairs Beth Ruda and Terri Simboli

Jan Warshauer won the Growers Choice Award for house plants

Kathryn Rose-Stori winner of the Harriet Gabel Award for Horticulture

Leslie Eadon winner of the Marilyn Maloney Memorial Trophy

Tracy Cole won the Botanical Arts Photography Award

Nancy Bosco won the Garden Club of Fair Haven Novice Award for her Terrarium

Christine Braceland won Best in Show for Design

CommunityMagazineNJ.com WINTER EDITION 2023

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RCDS Student’s Calling to Community Service Started in the Womb RCDS eighth grader Callie Crowell credits a long-standing family tradition as inspiration for her commitment to community service. The Red Bank Crop Hunger Walk is an event that the Crowell family has participated in for over 40 years and Callie was recruited to join far before she could actually walk.

“My mom did the Crop Walk when she was pregnant with me,” explained thirteen-year-old Callie. “So, I guess you could say that was technically my first time.”

Callie has participated in the Crop Walk to fight hunger ever since.

“My grandma was a very generous person, and she especially loved the Crop Walk,” said Callie. “After her passing, my mom wanted to continue the tradition of doing the Crop Walk together so it’s important to me and my family.”

“Our family walks to support the Crop Walk’s crucial mission to end hunger, but also to honor my mom’s legacy,” added Callie’s mother Jennifer Crowell, RCDS Alumna ‘88.

As a student at The Rumson Country Day School, Callie was pleased to learn that the school also prioritizes community service and makes a huge effort to benefit the Crop Walk each year. Historically, one of the largest rice and beans donors, the RCDS community was proud to contribute 2,052 pounds (over one ton) to the total 12,000 pounds of food collected for

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this year’s Annual Crop Walk.

Callie joined the RCDS community in donating as much rice and beans as she could carry.

She also raised just shy of $1,000 to benefit local hunger-fighting partners in Monmouth County with many of the donations coming from RCDS alumni and past parents who continue to value the importance of the Crop Walk. On Sunday, October 15th, she volunteered alongside her classmates to load and transport the hefty haul of food to Red Bank Regional High School, where the total was weighed and sorted for local food pantries.

“Service, it’s very important to me personally,” said Callie. “Knowing there are people out in the world that are struggling and some that have advantages over others…it makes me feel really upset just thinking about it right now. I want to be able to make a change to help those people, to make the world a better place.”

Callie’s commitment to helping others was proudly on display that day as she and her family continued their tradition and walked several miles to raise awareness of the global food crisis. She doesn’t plan on stopping there. In her free time, Callie volunteers with the SPCA and Clean Ocean Action. She is also a member of the RCDS Student Service Learning Council, which

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spreads the word about the school’s service initiatives and recruits others to get involved. On the tail of Crop Walk, they plan to collect leftover Halloween candy to donate to Holiday Express. They are also working alongside World of Change, a non-profit organization founded by an RCDS alumnus that educates youth about the importance of philanthropy and provides essentials to families in need through the collection of spare change.

Callie hopes to find a secondary school that shares her passion for service so that she can continue her involvement after she graduates. Meanwhile, RCDS will continue to provide opportunities throughout the 2023-2024 school year for its community to give back.

Plant Native Seeds in Autumn to Help Wildlife in Spring

By Jody Sackett, Rumson Environmental Commission

Native plants are essential to our ecology. Over centuries, they have evolved to thrive here in the local soil, water, and climate conditions of our coastal-inland area. Natives are hardy because they don’t need fertilizer or pesticides, and are drought and cold resistant. Plus, with their deep roots, native plants protect against soil erosion, which translates into fewer pollutants entering our beloved local rivers. While deer don’t like to eat them (luckily for gardeners), other wildlife need these essential native plants for shelter and food.

Our local wildlife evolved together with native plants to create important interdependent relationships, so that natives provide resources when wildlife needs them. Flowers will bloom just when the bees and butterflies need the nectar for food, and pollination is the insects’ thank-you gift. The leaves, twigs, and fall-ripening berries of Spicebush provide autumn food and cover for many birds and mammals. A champion native plant is the Red Oak (NJ’s state tree) which sustains the thousands of species that depend on it to survive. For example, in spring the oak leaves attract hungry caterpillars, which in turn attract birds because mama needs

over 9,000 caterpillars to feed the babies in her nest. The same oak tree produces acorns in the fall just when squirrels and chipmunks are storing up food for the coming winter.

We can help wildlife and our environment by growing native plants. There are hundreds of varieties of native flowers, shrubs, and trees that thrive in our area. Cultivation can be as simple as just putting seeds in existing garden beds or empty patio pots. Homeowners have planted gardens filled with a wide assortment of natives, to ensure wildlife visits their yards year-round for food and cover.

Since turf lawns provide little benefit to local insects and wildlife, other ambitious gardeners have transformed their underused side yards and property borders into lovely essential native gardens.

It’s fun to choose garden plantings from so many hardy and colorful options.

Butterfly Weed produces pretty orange flowers to feed and host the threatened monarch butterflies, and grows happily in garden beds or porch pots. Hummingbirds and bees love nectar from purple coneflowers, red Bee Balm, and yellow black-eyed Susans. And evergreen Holly trees not only brighten winter yards but

provide shelter and berries for migrating birds. Visit www.jerseyyards.org for lots of ideas and excellent information about choosing native plants.

The Rumson Environmental Commission, which just received an ANJEC award for its work in building local rain gardens with native plants, makes it easy and cheap for anyone to help here. They operate a year-round Seed Exchange in Rumson’s cherished Oceanic Free Library, and offer many kinds of free native seed packets for anyone interested. These seeds can be planted right now in the fall, so they’ll set roots before the winter hits, and be ready to sprout forth in springtime. Butterfly Weed, Purple Coneflower, Bee Balm, Black-Eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Cardinal Flower – all these beauties are stocked and available now to be planted in your autumn garden or just patio pots.

Experienced local gardeners periodically donate seeds too, so it’s always interesting to see what new varieties have arrived.

Visit the Library, grab some free seeds, and check out the Environmental Commission’s website at https://www.rumsonnj.org/env/native-seed-exchange.html for cultivation instructions and details. And thanks for helping the wildlife.

CommunityMagazineNJ.com WINTER EDITION 2023

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Rumson Historic Preservation Commission Presents 2023 Awards and Free Walking Tour On Sunday, October 1st, the Rumson Historic Preservation Commission handed out its annual preservation awards at Victory Park. More than 75 people were on hand to celebrate Rumson’s historic properties, as Commission Chairman, Rob Adler, spoke about the town committee’s mission and ongoing projects. Then Adler and Rumson Mayor, Joe Hemphill, handed out the awards to 2023’s recipients.

Stewardship – Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club Stewardship – The Tooker Family – 19 Church Street Addition That Blends With An Existing Historic Structure – The Beacher Family – 27 Lafayette Street New Construction That Looks Historic – Sotheby’s and Mary Burke – 1 West River Road Following the ceremony, those in attendance set out on a free self-guided exterior walking tour of century-old homes in the Oceanic neighborhood near Victory Park. The tour began at the iconic Clock Tower House at 68 W. River Road, itself a Rumson Historic Preservation Commission award winner in 2022 for restoration, where homeowner, Christian Cloud, told tourgoers about the home’s extensive renovation.

For those interested in more on the Rumson Historic Preservation Commission, please visit http://www.rumsonnj.org/rhpc.

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Monmouth County Tennis Title Goes to Rumson-Fair Haven for the First Time Ever Rumson-Fair Haven, one of the top ranked girl’s tennis teams in the state of New Jersey, landed their first ever Monmouth County Tournament title in team history on October 13th on the courts Tindall Park in Middletown.

The RFH Lady Bulldogs finished with hardware at either first, second, or third in all five flights of competition and scored 25 points to take the crown. Holmdel, also highly ranked in the state, finished second place with 22 total points, while Marlboro rounded out the top three with 18 points. Manasquan came in fourth place with 15 points, and Colts Neck and Ranney both tied for fifth with 11 points each.

Rumson-Fair Haven had first place finishes in second singles by Anna Casey and in second doubles by the senior duo of Jaqueline Rose Gray and Julia Fedorcik. The first doubles pairing of Savannah Porter (sophomore) and Vivian Braceland (junior) took second place in a hard-fought tiebreaker with rival Holmdel.

RFH rounded out their tournament with third place titles going to Molly Martin (freshman) in first singles and Isabella Rodriguez (junior) in third singles.

CommunityMagazineNJ.com WINTER EDITION 2023

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A Celebration of Life, Love, and Remembrance in Emerald City: An Inside Look into the Frances Foundations’ 19th Annual Gala

T

he Frances Foundation hosted its 19th annual gala, “A Night in Emerald City,” at the Ocean Place Resort on October 21, 2023 - attended by nearly 900 supporters.. The festivities started at 6:30 pm and ended at 12:00 am, followed by a pizza afterparty lasting until about 3 am. Guests were dressed to the nines in Wizard of Oz-themed attire accented by radiant smiles and lively spirits as they enjoyed a night of dancing, music, food, and festivity to honor the bravery and resilience of the Frances Family’s warriors and angels.

Founder Robert Heugle noted that

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BY HANA VOZZO

“the night was outstanding in so many respects,” starting with a cocktail hour, where mingling guests were encouraged to purchase raff le tickets and view the variety of gift baskets provided for the winners. The guests then transitioned into the main room where they were served dinner as the presentation began. One of the first things they did once everyone was settled into their seats was play “Home,” by Phillip Phillips. Guests were urged to hold up their phone f lashlights and wave them to the beat of the song. The sea of lights was an ethereal representation of the power of the Frances Family and their desire to shine a light on the strength of the

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warriors, angels, and their families. After the song, Robert gave a magnificent speech, which was followed by an invocation from Deacon Tom DiCanio.

Some highlights of the night included the rainbow of joy that appeared when Warrior McKenzy Hupke, who has battled through over 50 surgeries, sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with her angelic voice resulting in a huge applause. Another incredible moment was when Robert presented Rachel Colby from the Holmdel Kiwanis with the Super Trooper Hero award, which is bestowed to a guest who epitomizes the qualities of bravery, grit, determination, self lessness, and the ability to smile in

WARRIOR MCKENZY HUPKE

WARRIOR JACK LUPO WITH FOUNDER ROBERT HEUGLE

the face of adversity. These are characteristics Rachel has embodied throughout her entire life, which were similarly celebrated ten years ago when Bruce Springsteen gave her a kiss and called her a “super trooper” during her stay at the hospital! Additionally, to show guests the impact of their generosity, the organization presented a video slideshow to exhibit the Frances Family’s events and memories since the last gala. The foundation also honored the warrior’s siblings by gifting them with Chick-fil-A gift cards, presented to the kids by Oz characters and the Chick-fil-A mascot cow.

Moreover, to everyone’s surprise, there were also gift cards taped under each chair to give back to the wonderful Frances Family whose generous donations make the foundation’s efforts possible.

Nevertheless, despite all the fun and festivities, the most important part of the night, the reason why everyone got

together, was honoring the warriors and angels. To honor the warriors, cued by a song of their choice, each one came to the stage to say one word that came to mind. They said things like “courage,” “love,” “gratitude,” and “bravery.” Robert explained that the gala’s success is measured by how many smiles they see on the kids’ faces, and those kids absolutely glowed when they came up one by one to say a word into the microphone.

To celebrate and remember the legacy of the Frances angels, they played a video slideshow, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the angel’s families were assured that their precious children would never be forgotten. During these two ceremonies, the love and support in the room were never more palpable. After these moments of remembrance and honoring, the dancing commenced, and, looking around the room almost every chair was empty because everyone was

on the dance floor celebrating.

The gala was a great success as New Jersey Senator Vin Gopal honored the Frances Foundation with a Senate Proclamation from the N.J. State Senate to commemorate the foundation for the work it does for pediatric cancer.

The event raised $185,000, 100% of the proceeds going to pediatric cancer kids and their families. Nonetheless, more important than the money was that the night was an unforgettable celebration of life, love, and remembrance. The gala’s Wizard of Oz theme was quite fitting as the movie showcases the brains, courage, and heart that Dorothy needs to complete her journey to Oz. The warriors and angels were honored for the very same qualities as they embody them to fight cancer alongside the rest of the Frances Family. For more information about The Frances Foundation, visit francesfoundation.net.

CommunityMagazineNJ.com WINTER EDITION 2023

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Colts Neck • Holmdel 9,500 Certified Direct Deliveries

Eatontown • Ocean Township 10,000 Certified Direct Deliveries

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Fair Haven • Little Silver Oceanport • Rumson Shrewsbury • Red Bank 12,300 Certified Direct Deliveries

ZONE 3 Allenhurst • Asbury Park Avon by the Sea • Belmar Bradley Beach • Deal Lake Como • Loch Arbour Long Branch• Monmouth Beach 11,000 Certified Direct Deliveries

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74% Married 80%+ College Educated 72% Have Children 40% Own A Second Home Median Age 47 Median Income $185,000 Median Home Value $850,000+ Dine Out 12+ Times Monthly

CommunityMagazineNJ.com OCTOBER 2023

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Nails Plus at Red Bank & Colts Neck A message to all our Nails Plus customers old and new. We would like to express our utmost gratitude for the years of support and loyalty you have shown our business. The past 28 years of the growth of Nails Plus was made possible through you!

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YMCA to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy at 35th Memorial Breakfast January 12

We’re here for you 24/7/365.

Seasons change, our emergency care stays the same.

The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is set to host its 35th annual commemoration, paying tribute to the legacy and contributions of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All are welcome to attend the memorial breakfast on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, featuring keynote speaker Maysa Akbar, Ph.D., the chief diversity officer and chief of psychology in the public interest at the American Psychological Association. The Y will also honor three local residents who reflect the spirit of Dr. King’s social justice work and present the winners of its annual MLK Essay Contest.

The event is scheduled for 7:30-9:30 a.m., at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, 1 Ocean Blvd, in Long Branch.

“The Y’s annual Dr. King celebration is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on our society,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of the Y. “Dr. King’s legacy continues to inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable world.”

Michael A. Wright, chief volunteer officer of the Y and chairperson of the MLK event committee, expressed the Y’s deep honor in having Akbar as the distinguished speaker for the 35th MLK commemoration. “Dr. Akbar is a widely respected advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion,” he said, noting that she played a pivotal role as the former CEO of a New Haven-based clinical practice specializing in race-based trauma. Additionally, Akbar founded a consulting firm and educational network committed to driving organizational cultural transformation. Her areas of specialty include racial identity development, racism, urban trauma, and allyship, topics on which she has written books and authored research articles. She is also a master trainer in equity, diversity and inclusion for both the medical and broader community.

As part of the program, the Y will acknowledge community honorees whose work reflect Dr. King’s principles: Suzy Dyer, executive director of the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank; Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, founded by Ritesh Shah; and Kelly Ellis-Foster, a dedicated supporter of the Y’s volunteer initiative, Togetherhood.

The two winners of the Y’s Annual Dr. King Essay Contest will present their essays at the event and be awarded $3,000 academic scholarships. The scholarships are sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health, the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, New Jersey Natural Gas, PorterPlus Realty, and the VNA Health Group.

The commemorative event will begin with registration at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast at 7:30 and the MLK program will start at 8. Event tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for youth under 16 and $350 for a table of 10 and may be purchased online at https://ymcanj.org/ mlk. Sponsorships for the event, ranging from $250 to $3,500 are also available online.

ELECTION RESULTS RECAP County Commissioners

County Commissioner Ross Licitra (R) and newcomer Erik Anderson (R) were elected with a combined 56% of the vote against Alison DeNoia (D) and Arthur Schlossbach who received a combined 44% of the vote. Anderson replaces a long-time, well-respected county commissioner, Lillian Burry of Colts Neck.

Colts Neck

Republican Township Committeemembers Michael Viola and Tara Buss were re-elected. They were uncontested. The township committee remains 5-0 Republican.

Fair Haven

Local voters split their tickets between one Democrat and One Republican. In a very close election, Michal DiMicelli (D) and Brian Olson (R) were elected. DiMicelli becomes the lone Democrat on the Fair Haven governing body. Despite voters local party split, Democrats running for state legislature easily carried the town.

Holmdel

Republicans DJ Luccarelli and Joseph Romano easily defeated Democrat Kathleen Bauer. The township committee remains 5-0 Republican.

Little Silver

Mayor Tom Neff (R) was re-elected uncontested. Kevin Brennan (R) and Christopher Faherty (R) were elected uncontested. Local Democrats have not run candidates in Little Silver in a number of years, leaving local elections to be uncontested.

Middletown

Republicans Kim Kravitz and Ryan Clarke beat their Democratic opponents with a combined 61% of the vote. The township committee remains 5-0 Republican.

Rumson

Republican Joseph Hemphill was elected Mayor. Gary Casazza (R) and Linda Smith (R) were elected to the Borough Council – All were uncontested.

D

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11th District Senate Race

Incumbent Senator Vin Gopal (D) defeated his opponent Public Relations Consultant Steve Dnistrian (R) by a 22 point margin, over 12,000 votes – 60% to 38%, the largest margin of any legislative candidate in District 11’s history. Gopal defeated Dnistrian in 15 out of 17 municipalities. His runningmates, Dr. Margie Donlon (D) and Former Judge Luanne Peterpaul (D) easily defeated Republican incumbent Assemblymembers Marilyn Piperno (R) and Kim Eulner (R) by nearly 8,000 votes. The race, which was originally predicted by analysts as a close election due to Monmouth County’s Republican lean, ended up being a very wide margin.

13th District Senate Race

Incumbent Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R) won the heavily Republican leaning district against podcaster Lucille LoSapio (D) by a margin of 59% to 41% - a margin of a little over 9,000 votes.

His runningmates, incumbent Assemblymembers Victoria Flynn (R) and Gerald Scharfenberger (R) were also re-elected.

Sea Bright

Brian Kelly (R) was re-elected Mayor. Local voters split their council – removing incumbent Republican Jeffrey Booker, and elected John Lamia (R) and Marc Leckstein (D).

CommunityMagazineNJ.com WINTER EDITION 2023

29

d y an Sell W u it h B

Happy & Healthy Holiday Season

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To find a physician, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/heartcare, scan the QR code, or call 844-HMH-WELL. *2022 NJ Cardiac Data Registries. **American College of Cardiology HeartCARE Centers: Hackensack University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, JFK University Medical Center, Ocean University Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center.