Retro Summer Swim with a Special Fair Haven Couple

Image August 12, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

A day at the beach with Fair Haven's Ray and Irene Miller Photo/courtesy of Peggy Miller — A day at the beach with Fair Haven’s Ray and Irene Miller
Photo/courtesy of Peggy Miller

For former longtime Fair Havenites Ray Miller and his wife Irene, love endured 75 years.

Aptly, the love story between the 60-year Exxon station owner and his wife started with a first date on Valentine’s Day all those years ago when they were teens. They married after an eight-year courtship and never separated for 67 of the 75 years they knew one another — until Ray’s death in May.

As anyone can imagine, the two did a lot together. A lot can happen in 75 years, including the little things, like enjoying their summers at the beach.

So, since the season fits and the love of this Fair Haven couple is timeless, the Retro Pic of the Day honors both summer and love with a fun loving photo of Ray and Irene enjoying a day of frolicking at the beach decades ago.

We’re not certain whether or not it’s Sea Bright, but it’s likely.

Thanks to their daughter, Peggy, for providing the photo.

Hmmmm. Do you think he was about to toss her in? And what do you think they were saying to one another as this photo was shot? Ray was known for his jokes. Hmmmm.

Obituaries

Services Set for Rumsonite, WW II Vet Niels Johnsen, 93

August 12, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Niels Winchester Johnsen, of Rumson, died on Aug. 7 Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home (screenshot) — Niels Winchester Johnsen, of Rumson, died on Aug. 7
Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home (screenshot)

Rumson resident and World War II vet Niels Winchester Johnsen passed away at home on Aug. 7 after having spent “busy summer days with grandchildren and children,” his obituary from Thompson Memorial Home said. He was 93.

The son of Niels F. Johnsen and Anita Winchester Johnsen, Neils Winchester Johnsen was born in New Orleans.

He was co-founder, with his father and brother, Erik F. Johnsen, of Central Gulf Steamship Corporation in New Orleans.

After attending Tulane University, Niels began his career in the maritime industry in 1942, having served as an officer in the Merchant Marine at sea during World War II and surviving two ship torpedo singings (stet).

Continue reading Services Set for Rumsonite, WW II Vet Niels Johnsen, 93 →

Local Life, News

Fair Haven Library Kids Meet Exotic Animals

August 12, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

It’s not every day that a bunch of Fair Haven children get a chance to hang out with a kangaroo, a Mexican raccoon, a snake, an armadillo, an owl and a monkey — just Tuesday.

That was the day that the Fair Haven Library Children’s Vacation Reading Club program came to an end and a celebration that involved introducing the kids to the host of interesting animals followed at the Youth Center.

Laura Anderson, Fair Haven Library’s children’s librarian, ran the club. She said the animals came to visit, courtesy of Long Island-based Nicholas Jacinto, of Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures, “just for fun.”

The summer reading theme was superheroes. And while Anderson said she’d like to say there was some sort of connection to the animals, they were just a treat for the kids to highlight the day’s celebration.

Jacinto, a/k/a Nature Nick, introduced us to LuLu the 2-year-old kangaroo, who came to him from Texas.

She, a seemingly acclimated and friendly marsupial, hopped around, exploring the Youth Center (or Fair Haven Community Center, as it is now called) and checking people out. Very tame, no kangaroo punches were thrown and Nick just scooped her up when it was time for a photo and she obliged without a stir.

The armadillo, curled up in a ball that looked like a yellow rock, was really interesting, peering out from his shell to give things a sniff around.

The Mexican raccoon has a longer nose than the American raccoon. Content, it just gave a glance out of the carrier.

That was the extent of Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect’s preview performance, and it was entertaining, if not just plain interesting to hang out with kangaroo and company.

Tarzan the monkey, we were told, was a bit too “fresh” to preview.

No boxing. No swinging with the monkey.

But, the kids did get an animal action treat.

Get a glimpse into our preview of the afternoon by taking a look at the photo gallery above. Click on each photo to enlarge, then click (next photo) to scroll.

Middletown Police & Fire Files

Police: Two Area Men Arrested in Heroin, Crack Cocaine Bust

August 12, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following recent arrests were made and reported by Middletown police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Ryan Holfer, 26, of Rutledge Drive in Middletown, was arrested on Aug. 4 by Patrolman Richard Fulham and charged with possession of heroin, possession of crack cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property.

He was held on $23,500 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Taylor Hendricks, 28, of Rutledge Drive in Middletown, was arrested on Aug. 4 by Patrolman Richard Fulham and charged with possession of heroin, possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was held on $21,000 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• On Aug. 3, Patrolman Kent Thornton arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile from Middletown and charged him with criminal mischief.

He was released pending a court date.

• On Aug. 3, Patrolman Raymond Sofield arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile form Eatontown and charged him with simple assault.

He was released pending a court date.

• Brooke Elliott, 20, of Hudson Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on Aug. 5 by Patrolman Michael Reuter and charged with driving while intoxicated.

She was released pending a court date.

• Huseyin Colak, 40, of Brookside Drive in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested on Aug. 5 by Patrolman Christopher Menendez and charged with simple assault.

He was held on $2,500 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Christopher Sclavunos, 35, of Frazee Avenue in Keansburg, was arrested on Aug. 5 by Detective First Class Kelly Godley.

He was held on $10,000 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Daniel Taylor, 26, of Cedar Avenue in Middletown, was arrested on Aug. 6 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone and charged with stalking.

He was held on $2,500 bail, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• James Behne, 46, of Pinebrook Road in Eatontown, was arrested on Aug. 9 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood and charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to taking of breath samples.

He was released pending a court date.

• Jenny Taveras, 32, of Clover Road in Maple Shade, was arrested on August 11 by Interim Sgt. Charles Higgins and charged with driving while intoxicated.

She was released pending a court date.

• On Aug. 11, Patrolman Frank Mazza arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile from Red Bank, and charged him with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of fireworks.

He was released pending a court date.