Smilestones
LOOK WHAT THE STORK BROUGHT!
OLIVIA PHYLLIS COSKEY
Olivia Phyllis Coskey made first-time parents of Mari and Michael Coskey on June 2. She was born at Pennsylvania Hospital weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces and she measured 20 inches long. Her dad is an attorney with Parker McCay in Atlantic City and her mom is a speech-language pathologist at Middle Township Elementary School #1. Olivia is the granddaughter of Connie Heenan and Stephen Horwitz, of Avalon, and Monica and Dave Coskey, of Avalon. The family resides in Avalon and is settling into life with a newborn.
RASA WILLOW HAUSE
Rasa Willow Hause was born Dec. 1 to Ruta and Bob Hause, of Swainton. She arrived at Shore Memorial Hospital weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long. Her parents are managers at Avalon Super Market, where her dad has been the butcher for more than 25 years. Big brother Dain, who is 2 years old, is excited to have a little sister. The family is enjoying Rasa’s first summer in Avalon and can’t wait for many more
KEEN’S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY
Suzanne Keen, an Avalon resident and the mayor’s assistant, celebrated her 70th birthday on May 28. Born in Philadelphia, Keen graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls before attending the first classes at the Community College of Philadelphia. She moved to Avalon as a permanent resident 51 years ago and has loved every minute of it.
Through the years, Keen has worked at a number of Avalon businesses, including Kohler’s Bakery, Charlie’s Luncheonette, Avalon Movie Theatre, Gallagher’s (Jack’s Place), Maggie’s, Avalon Property Management and Avalon Real Estate. Following a 30-year career with New Jersey Bell Telephone and Bell Atlantic, Keen was hired to work for the Borough of Avalon in 2003. In addition to her role as the mayor’s assistant, she runs the Avalon Senior Center programs.
She also enjoys working with community organizations, and for 26 years has been a member of the Maris Stella Rosary Group, which meets every Tuesday evening and assists with the Holy Redeemer Food Bank. She also assists the Borough with the “Trap Neuter Release Vaccinate” Program, a role she has filled for 21 years.
Stone Harbor Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour makes presentation to record-breaking Bridget Ruskey.
STONE HARBOR SALUTES BRIDGET RUSKEY
Bridget Ruskey, who is headed to La Salle with a lacrosse scholarship after a record-breaking career at Middle Township High School, was honored by her home-town at the Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting on July 18. Joined by her parents, Elizabeth and John, Ruskey was presented with a proclamation by Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour, as well as a wooden replica of the Stone Harbor water tower.
“Since you’re our hometown girl, we wanted to publicly mark this occasion by presenting you with this proclamation from this governing body to honor your excellence, discipline, hard work and dedication,” said Davies-Dunhour. “We are so impressed.
You’re one of us, Stone Harbor born and raised, and your accomplishments are truly remarkable. You’re an inspiration to all of us, especially kids growing up and playing sports, and we wish you the best of luck at La Salle, but remember to always come back home.”
Ruskey played basketball and soccer in addition to lacrosse all four years of high school. In lacrosse, she broke the state record with 486 career goals. She also scored more than 1,000 points in basketball and more than 40 goals in soccer. Aside from sports, Ruskey was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Key Club, Art Club, Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Relay for Life. She also served as student council secretary and class treasurer.
At La Salle, she plans to pursue a degree in international business and communications.
Friends and family enjoy the third annual Davey Day on the Bay.
‘DAVEY DAY ON THE BAY’ FUND-RAISER A BIG HIT
Friends of late Avalon summer resident Dave Whitnack hosted the third annual “Davey Day on the Bay” on Saturday, July 15, and raised more than $11,900 for the Cancer Research Institute. On top of that, Lab-Answer, an organization that partners with the Cancer Re-search Institute, pledged a 3:1 match of the funds, bringing the total to more than $35,000.
More than 300 of Whitnack’s relatives and friends gathered at John Szczepaniak’s home in Avalon to celebrate Whitnack, who lost his battle to stomach cancer in May 2016. “Davey Day” consists of food and fun on the bay. Those who made the day a success included MJ DiNardo, who organized the event and served as its photographer, Donna Delrieu Cantone, Steve Cantone, Bobby Mansure, Michele Stewert, Francis J. Thorpe and Tess Skocik.
If you would like to donate, contact Tess Skocik via email at tesschiro@aol.com.
