Yet, Matt and Elise Casey seem to be defying all odds. They must be in possession of Hermoine Granger’s Time-Turner gadget to be in multiple places all at once… pure magic.
Elise Casey (36) and her husband Matt (37) are dedicated to lifting up the Fair Haven community not only for its residents but of course their two children, Kate (7) and Cooper (4).
Who is the Casey Family?
It all started right here in Fair Haven. Matt Casey of Middletown (RBC) and Elise Greeley of Rumson (RFH) met each other at a high school party right here on Battin Road on a hot summer night in July of 2005.
Elise went on to graduate from Monmouth University with a Business degree in Marketing and Matt graduated from New Jersey City University with a degree in Criminal Justice.
Fast forward through years of marriage, pregnancies, kids, career changes, and more… Today, Elise Casey is a multi-disciplinary creative who owns her own Creative Design Studio, Elisabeth Lindefjeld, LLC. She is a photographer, visual storyteller and business owner with a background in the New York City advertising industry. By her side is Matt, an Operating Engineer for Local 15 IUOE in NYC where he has made a career in construction and operating machinery.
The Casey family is defined by their relentless positive attitudes, hardworking nature, and love for Fair Haven. “We are active and energetic, and have immersed ourselves into this town,” said Elise.
With a genuine love for her community, Elise understands the importance of Preservation, Conservation, Education, and Pro-Business initiatives, as well as engaging her generation in active community efforts.
Elise who is involved with ;
Historic Association of Fair Haven (President)
Education Foundation of Fair Haven (Co-President)
Fair Haven Farmers Market 501(c)(4) (Co-Founder)
Coat Haven Coat Drive (Co-Founder)
Monmouth County Historical Association (Board of Trustees)
Monmouth Conservation Foundation (Government and Community Relations Committee)
Friends of McCarter Pond (Founder)
Bicentennial Hall Stakeholders Group (Member)
Memorial Park Advisory Committee (Member)
Environmental Commission (McCarter Pond Field Rep)
Fair Haven Green Team (Member)
Rumson Senior Citizens Club (Director of Advertising + Marketing)
Fair Haven PTA (Class Mom for the past 2 years)
“I know that one of my greater purposes here in this lifetime is to help lead my generation to get involved in their community and to do it in a way that spreads light, love, awareness, and goodness,” said Elise.
Matt, is also very involved with his community; since moving to town, he has joined the ;
Foundation of Fair Haven (Member)
Fair Haven Day Committee (Member)
Oktoberfest Committee (Member)
Memorial Park Advisory Committee (Member)
Historic Association of Fair Haven (Member)
Friends of McCarter Pond (Member)
Matt and Elise joined the Memorial Park Advisory Committee at the beginning of this year. Matt lost his mother, Kathleen Casey, on 9/11. She worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower for Sandler O’Neill + Partners. Their daughter, Kate, is named after her. Being on this committee is very close to their hearts. “It offers us a way to turn personal grief into collective action, ensuring that the legacy of the victims endures and continues to educate future generations,” said Elise.
Stake in the Ground at Fair Haven’s McCarter Pond
During the year of 2020, the Casey’s moved to Fair Haven. They purchased their home, which had been in their family for many years, a home with a priceless view of McCarter Pond. The pond has shaped the family's interests, fostering their love for outdoor activities, history, and helped enhance the Caseys’ connection to their community.
“McCarter Pond is so picturesque, and we are so grateful to live here. In the winter, with ice skaters… I mean it’s like a scene out of Currier and Ives. We love being out there and seeing our friends and neighbors and making memories with our kids.”
Elise and Matt recently founded an advocate group, called Friends of McCarter Pond. Its mission is to promote active citizen participation and stewardship to contribute to the management of this natural resource. A group made up of Fair Haven residents committed to preserving and protecting McCarter Pond.
Planning the Fair Haven Farmers Market
Elise is one of three enthusiastic women who founded the Fair Haven Farmers Market this year. This gathering of local businesses, programs, and vendors adds another commitment to the dizzying docket of events and activities for Elise Casey. Along with her two friends, Ana Anttonen and Maggie Ludman, all who share a common bond and hope for the prosperity of their small town, the three have accomplished something incredible for Fair Haven.
“I am so grateful and happy to see the market well attended with people shopping, smiling, and seeing old friends and neighbors,” said Elise. “It has truly brought the community together, and it makes my heart so happy.” The next Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday, August 17th, on Willow Street from 9 am - 12 pm.
Fair Haven Volunteer Work
After the usual parental duties, daily work and participation in local organizations, the Casey parents’ work is still not done. Between Matt and Elise, the two are involved in 16 initiatives requiring their volunteering efforts.
“Volunteers run this community,” said Elise. “What I do, and what I've helped to accomplish, is all due to the incredible group of volunteers that I work with and that I surround myself with.”
Another Casey family passion: Local History.
“When I moved into town, I remember calling the Borough and asking if Fair Haven had a Historic Association and said that I was here to help…” said Elise. She was told that the Historic Association of Fair Haven had been dormant in town for over a decade. Shortly after, Elise was put in touch with, Councilwoman Tracy Cole, who was an instrumental part in getting the association back on its feet. Councilwoman Cole reached out to the original Founder and President, Pat Drummond, (FHL Fabulous Feature, August 2023) and they, along with an incredible group of Fair Haven residents and volunteers, got to work on reviving the Association. Elise took over as President for the HAFH at the end of last year.
With the help of the Historic Association Garden Party Committee, and party co-chair Robbyn O’Neill, Elise Casey helped to bring back the Annual Garden Party last September, which was a wild success. This year, the 19th Annual Fair Haven Garden Party, will be held at the end of Battin Road on Saturday, September 14th.
Last year, the party's focus was on Bicentennial Hall (Historic Fisk Chapel), and emphasized the need for its restoration.” Built in 1882, Bicentennial Hall in Fair Haven, is the oldest religious edifice still in use on the Rumson peninsula and is on both the State and National Register of Historic Places.
“The building is in pretty bad shape, but work is set to begin on it this year. We can’t wait for the building to be brought back to life and are excited about the next steps for the Association. We plan to showcase the longevity of the building and make the History of Fair Haven more accessible to its residents.”
This past April, Elise assisted an incredible group of women bringing to life an Art Show that was held at Bicentennial Hall called, The Estuary, founded by Emily Billington. The Estuary showcased multiple local artists and highlighted the creative and generous spirit of the community.
Elise also worked alongside Bonnie Torcivia, Mark Olson, Sarah Schiavetti, Kelly Flanagan, Steph Adams, Tracy Cole, Robbyn O’Neill, Katy Frissora, Michal DiMiceli, Carolyn and Paul Ferguson and countless other volunteers on the Third Street Trail this year celebrating both Arbor Day and the 3rd Annual Love Where You Live Day. (LWYLD), was a beautiful event celebrating nature, community and the 50th Anniversary of Fair Haven Fields.
Elises’ volunteer efforts reach farther than just our small town. On the Board of Trustees for the Monmouth County Historical Association, she has co-chaired their past three annual MCHA Garden Parties. She is also a member of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation and sits on both the Government and Public Relations Committee and multiple Event Committees with MCF.
Educating Fair Haven
Elise has been working with Fair Haven Public Schools on a plan to incorporate more Fair Haven History into the curriculum—the story of Bicentennial Hall (Historic Fisk Chapel) and the history of our African American community.
As Co-President, work is being done to establish a new Education Foundation in town.“Together with a great team of parents, including Kelly Flanagan, and Stephanie Adams, we intend to address gaps in district funding by implementing a critical fundraising arm to create a mechanism that has legs and longevity” said Elise.
While addressing the History and Education system in Fair Haven, The Casey Family has also found time to influence the current state of pedestrian and traffic safety in town and together with Ana Anttonen ‘A Slow Down in Our Town’ initiative, is intended to improve the quality of life in Fair Haven.
“This is all about safety. Fair Haven prides itself on walkability and biking, and we need to do whatever we can to make this way of life safe for our residents,” said Elise, who talked about the town’s walk-ability and bike-ability as her favorite things about Fair Haven. “We will do whatever we can to ensure the streets are safe for all of us and discourage distracted driving behaviors…”
The Future of Fair Haven
Fair Haven stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that values its heritage as much as it does its future. Fair Haven has continually evolved while retaining its distinctive charm. Today, it serves as a serene suburban enclave, proud of its rich past and hopeful for its future, where history and modern living harmoniously coexist.
Fair Haven exudes a timeless charm that you don't see too much of in the surrounding areas. “We walk everywhere, we bike everywhere, we are always pushing kids around in the stroller - we are so incredibly grateful for this quintessential small town living, and the opportunity to raise our children here.’ said Elise.
Matt and Elise’s daughter, Kate (7), attends Sickles School and will be going into 2nd grade this year. You can usually find her playing soccer, lacrosse, basketball, horseback riding, dancing at KICK or selling Girl Scout cookies.
Cooper (4) goes to Meadow Flower Nursery School and loves the Sticks and Sprouts outdoor program in town. When he isn’t playing in the mud, throwing rocks, catching critters, or back home splashing in the pond–neighbors may see him playing soccer, basketball, baseball, or over at Fair Haven Martial Arts.
But this summer, they’ll spend most of their time swimming at Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright. And, if the Casey’s aren’t in town, you can usually find them in either Upstate, NY, or Vermont. The Casey Family’s love for their small town is endless and their goal is to help maintain a place where their kids will thrive and want to come back to.
“I give a lot of my energy and dedicate a lot of my time to this town. I want my kids to see that as something to admire and to aspire to do themselves as well one day.” said Elise.
A Glimpse Inside Elise’s Social Calendar... Please, Join Her
Fair Haven Farmers Market on Saturdays
AUGUST 17, 2024
SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
OCTOBER 12, 2024
NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Historic Association of Fair Haven
19TH ANNUAL FAIR HAVEN GARDEN PARTY
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Monmouth Conservation Foundation
FALL FOR CONSERVATION COCKTAIL PARTY
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Foundation of Fair Haven
OKTOBERFEST
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Monmouth County Historical Association
FARM TO FORK
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Monmouth Conservation Foundation
HOLIDAY STYLE LUNCHEON & SHOPPING SPREE
Wednesday, December 4, 2024