Retro RFH Slam Dunk of a Cheer

The boys of RFH's cheerleading squad for the Student-Faculty Basketball Game in 1976. Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot
The boys of RFH’s cheerleading squad for the Student-Faculty Basketball Game in 1976.
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot

A double-dose reprise, because we all need a special kind of cheer right now … and this is a real slam dunk!

Yes, it’s basketball season at RFH. But, have you ever seen a lovelier bunch of cheerleaders?

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Scene Around: Townie Walk with Ray Taylor

The following story was originally posted on Sept. 10, 2021 … after a chat with Mr. Ray Taylor on is way to the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair. With the very sad news today of Mr. Taylor’s passing, we are reprising it in his honor. As all in the area grapple with the death of this cornerstone of the borough and we struggle to pay the best of tributes to him in a story, this serves as a simple, happy reminder of what really matters. Rest In Peace, Mr. Taylor, the best of best friends to Fair Haven. We will always remember. Read on. Remember. Smile …

“I got to keep movin’!”

That’s the first thing that came out of 98-year-old Ray Taylor’s mouth when R-FH Retro ran into him doing his usual walking and savoring the smallest of moments in his Fair Haven hometown.

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In Memoriam: Native Rumsonite, RFH Grad, Volunteer, Judy Hoyt Dorn, 78

Native Rumsonite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate, volunteer and area dental hygienist, Judy Hoyt Dorn, of Ocean Township, formerly of Little Silver, died peacefully at home on Jan. 11 after a long illness.

She is remembered in many capacities, from school to work to church to family and to animals.

Judy Hoyt Dorn
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home

“Judy was known for her warm personality and giving heart, regularly putting herself before others. Over the years, she volunteered with the Little Silver First Aid Squad; at the Red Bank Salvation Army; and as a Reading Buddy at the Red Bank Primary School. A member of the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson for her entire life, Judy enjoyed the fellowship and faith the church community shared. Her hours of volunteer work with the church and its community reflect the strong faith she carried throughout her life. She loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and summer after summer she shared bushels of veggies with friends and family. She treasured time with her many friends, whether playing tennis, enjoying the beach in Sea Bright, or just sharing a cup of (black) coffee and breakfast …
Whether caring for family pets, thrilling at the sight of a hummingbird at her deck feeder, or trying to pet every dog she met on a trip to Alaska, Judy’s heart embraced all creatures, especially those who needed love the most. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, ready smile, and wonderful hugs.”

Loved ones of Judy Hoyt Dorn in her obituary

More about Judy …

After graduating from RFH, Judy graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene program.

Throughout her career as a hygienist, she worked for several local practices, most recently with Drs. Gardiner and DiTuri, formerly of Fair Haven, now in Shrewsbury.

“Judy’s greatest role was as a wife, mother, and grandmother,” family said in her obituary. “She was a Brownie troop leader, room mother, PTO president, and RBR booster. She rarely missed a chance to cheer on her daughters – and, later, grandchildren – at sporting events, recitals, school programs, or graduations. She and the warm home she created served as the hub for family events of all kinds, most notably her epic Thanksgivings for extended family. Judy adored her four grandchildren, who knew her as Pipsie, and they could always count on her for birthday parties, pool time, or simply having fun playing, baking, or reading.”

Judy was predeceased by: a sister, Sarah B. Robison; and a brother, Andrew Hoyt.

She is survived by: her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Daniel W. Dorn, Jr.; three appreciative daughters, Cassandra Dorn (Donna Maerz), of West Long Branch; Nancy Smith (Michael), of Little Silver; and Sarah Wichilfil (Steven), of Ocean; four grandchildren, Avery and Hoyt Smith and Ada and Fin’ian Wichilfil; her sister, Cornelia Drew, of Mount Pleasant, SC; and eight nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 5, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson, with a celebration of life to follow at The Raven and the Peach, Fair Haven.

Donations to commemorate Judy’s life can be made to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls (ahsppz.org).

— Edited obituary provided by family via Thompson Memorial Home

Focus: Docked & Chasing the Moon

Sometimes, the basics are the most meaningful. It’s pretty black-and-white. A night view from the Fair Haven Dock always anchors what really matters. It needs no color, no enhancement. Just the simple starkness, sky and moon.

Sometimes what really matters most is just finding the moon, taking in its night magic and chasing those beams. It’s far better than counting elusive sheep. Night time. River time. Best of times and sighs.

A real Goodnight Moon. Gaze and find in our river moon dance gallery.

(Click on one pic to enlarge, find the moon and scroll to the next. Enjoy!)

And while you’re moon gazing and chasing, check out the moody weekend R-FH area weather from the National Weather Service …

Prosecutor: Juveniles Charged in High School Hazing, Criminal Sexual Contact, Sex Assault Incidents

Complaints against juveniles in connection with sexual assault and hazing incidents have been filed against a number of Wall Township High School students as the result of two separate investigations conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on Monday.    

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Remembering Sunshine: Fair Haven-Raised, RFH ’85 Grad, Kay Corson Zierold, 55

“One of the greatest, kindest, funniest, most loyal, honest, and definitely one of the loudest, stars has moved on …
Even the sun couldn’t stand to
face the day without her.”

Kitty McNally on her lifetime friend, Kay Corson Zierold

The sun looked for her. The horizon went dark. Its ball-of-fire compadre could no longer be found, shining, warming those close on Earth. That’s how the sudden death of one girl seemed to friends. That girl.

Continue reading Remembering Sunshine: Fair Haven-Raised, RFH ’85 Grad, Kay Corson Zierold, 55