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R-FH Patch People of the Year 2012

Take a look back on people who made an impact in the Rumson-Fair Haven area in 2012. Who do you think should be the person of the year?

 

The year 2012 was a hectic one, though one filled with many special people who did some significant things, hit major milestones, or were just present in the community.

Remember these people? Let's take a look back ...

Olympian Connor Jaeger, the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School alumni and Fair Haven resident got the community revved up when he made it to the 2012 Summer Olympic Trials.

We followed Jaeger through his Olympic journey, from finding all the signs of support around the area to cheering him on remotely as he swam his way into the Olympics and finally, to his homecoming parade.

Longtime Fair Haven resident Ken Lockwood turned 90, after having lived in the borough for more than 80 years.

Ken had some special stories to tell about his life in Fair Haven and what and who he knew.

Not long after his 90th birthday, the Lockwood homestead was bulldozed to make way for a much larger, new home. Where have all the small homes gone? We looked into that issue.

• Fair Haven schools announced the appointment of a new principal for the Viola L. Sickles School — Susan Alston.

Alston hails from a long tenure in Rumson schools and Holmdel.

• People rushed over the bridge to help when Sea Bright was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Most of those volunteers were cooking or handing out supplies from the Food/Tent City that was created in a snap second after Sandy by Woody's Oceanfront Grille owner and Fair Haven resident Chris Wood.

Out of this effort, the non-profit organization, Sea Bright Rising, was borne. Sea Bright Rising has collected more than $500,000 to date to aid Sandy victims.

Wood, also known as Woody, grew up in Rumson, is a Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate, and, as is tradition for those raised in the area,  spent much time in Sea Bright.

Having worked at Ichabod's when he was a teen, it was his dream to buy the place and call it Woody's. Woody's fared better than most businesses in Sea Bright from Sandy's wrath. So, Wood figured that in his better position, helping was the thing to do.

Rumson resident and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School student Charlotte Nagy caused a good kind of stir when she did her own video documentary of Hurricane Sandy — before, during and after.

Nagy sent a tweet to the Train lead vocalist, who ended up making a special trip to Sea Bright for a concert to cheer up Sandy victims. And what a night it was.

• People were pleased when Scott Paterson, a near 20-year veteran of the Rumson Police Department took the reins from retired Rumson Police Chief Richard Tobias. Paterson, a popular former police lieutenant in the borough, took his oath at the Rumson reorganization meeting on New Year's Day.

Until then, he was acting police chief for a few months.

• They called her the fabric of Fair Haven — Longtime Fair Haven resident and beloved daycare provider Kathy Dougherty.

Dougherty epitomized what it means to be a good neighbor. She died the day after Christmas from brain cancer. Many mourned her death. She took care of hundreds of area children over the years and worked very hard to help her community wherever and whenever she was needed.

She is sorely missed.

Fair Haven's very popular recreation director, Charlie Hoffmann, resigned. Many accolades were heaped on Hoffmann for being ever present in the borough and a fixture at many events.

Hoffmann is back on a part-time basis, due to popular demand and the need for a transition period, until a permanent replacement can be found.

Rumson Recreation Director John Hird retired. His last day was Dec. 31. Mayor John Ekdahl recounted some fond memories of Hird's tenure with the borough.

• And who could forget Alabama Power. The southern utility company lit up Fair Haven and surrounding towns, but really won Fair Havenites' hearts.

Residents cooked for them and honored them with many cheers, signs and a thank-you reception and proclamation reading. The company donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross to go toward Sandy recovery in the area.

Is there someone on this list you think should be named R-FH Patch Person of the Year? Tell us in the comments section below.

Related Topics: Alabama Power, Charlie Hoffmann, Chris Wood, Connor Jaeger, Kathy Dougherty, Ken Lockwood, Rumson NJ, Sea Bright NJ, and fair haven nj

Sal Maita

9:30 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

With all due respect to the other important people in our community, Chris Wood's efforts in mobilizing so many of us to step out and help out cannot be matched. Chris is a hero to so many in Sea Beight and beyond. Not only did his work jumpstart rebuilding our shore but he set an example for men and women of all ages, helping them learn a little more about themselves and jumpstart new opportunities as well. My vote for Person of the Year. Chris Wood.

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Sal Maita

9:31 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Actually that is from Maria Maita :)

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Mitch Cumstein

12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Ditto. Mr Wood and his staff kept the spirits alive for the National Guard and volunteers

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Mary Challenger

7:53 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I have to also go with Woody, but it is a tie with Charlotte Nagy. It is an amazing thing when someone so young finds her voice, shares it with the world, and makes a difference in the world around her. By recording her Sandy experience and sharing it with Train and the world, she has brought attention to the plight of Sea Bright, bringing much needed donations and aid. Woody and Charlotte rock, and have set an example for us all. My vote goes to Chris Wood and Charlotte Nagy!

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Karen Allas

11:31 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013

Without a doubt. Above and beyond. Chris Wood.

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Melanie Benzie

10:34 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013

Without a doubt Charlotte Nagy - What an inspiration. So young with so much natural talent. thoughtfulness and compassion, a truly bright star!

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Reilly Roden

3:23 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013

Hands down - Charlotte Nagy. That girl is a rock star! She makes me want to do better for my community.

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