Find Your Daily Voice
Popular Alexandria Dance Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas Dies At 38
He had charm. He had grace. He was a unique ray of light.
This is how Johnathan Thomas, or Jeigh Tea, is being remembered.
The 38-year-old Alexandria dance instructor died on May 30, 2024, according to his obituary on the Jefferson Funeral Chapel website.
A GoFundMe launched for Jeigh Tea's loved ones had raised more than $7,600 as of press time.
An innate performer, Jeigh Tea was "a trained dancer, a trusted coach, and an insightful, full person with an incredible sense of self and style," his obituary reads. "His love and his friendship was a privilege for those who knew him for it was …
ID Released For 25-Year-Old Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie Sold In Danbury
A 25-year-old woman has been identified as the person who died after eating after eating a cookie at a Connecticut gathering that included peanuts - but didn’t say so on the label.
Earlier report: Person Dead After Eating Mislabeled Cookies Sold In Danbury, Recall Issued
The legal representatives of Órla Baxendale, age 25, of New York City, said the "talented" dancer died on Thursday, Jan. 11 from anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction.
In a statement, the law firm of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf said Órla’s passin…
'Beautiful, Joyful Soul': New Mom, Dance Teacher From Huntington Dies At Age 35
Tributes are pouring in following the unexpected death of a beloved dance instructor, wife, and new mother from Long Island.
Andrea Kolbe, of Huntington, died Monday, Dec. 11, one day after her 35th birthday, according to her obituary.
Her death followed a battle with postpartum depression, leaving her husband Chazz and their 3-month-old son to grapple with her immense loss, said a GoFundMe by Heather Umhafer.
Kolbe was known in the community as a co-owner and dance instructor at Art In Motion Dance Center of Melville and Commack, where she spent 14 years.
“Our hearts are broken as we sad…
Radio City Rockettes Casting Brand Ambassador To Spread Holiday Cheer On NYC Streets
What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to spread Christmas cheer, and get paid to do it?
The Radio City Rockettes are casting a team of performers who will be the formal brand ambassadors ahead of "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular," starring the Rockettes, this season in New York City.
What's it take to be a brand ambassador for the Rockettes?
"This fierce cast will be in full costume in high traffic locations around New York City, such as Times Square, Bryant Park, Herald Square, Radio City Music Hall, 5th Ave, and more, spreading joy to passersby through dance, song, and o…
Purchase College Ranks Among Top 10 Public Schools In US, New Report Says
A college in Westchester is near the top of its class, according to a new report ranking the best public schools in the country.
The State University of New York at Purchase, more commonly known as Purchase College or SUNY Purchase, has earned the No. 9 spot on the 2024 Top Public Schools Rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
The rankings on the list were determined by measuring several factors, including graduation rates, peer assessment, student-faculty ratio, first-generation graduation rate performance, borrower debt, and the number of alumni earning more than a high s…
‘Truly Beautiful, Inside And Out:’ Alexa Brown Of Phillipsburg Dies At 16
Phillipsburg is mourning the loss of a lifelong resident and beloved teen.
Alexa Marie Brown, “Alexita,” died Thursday, August 24 at age 16.
Born in Phillipsburg, Alexa was known for her wide range of hobbies, including cheerleading, softball, and basketball, in which she became “a competitor on and off the court” with the help of her father, her obituary says. She played on several basketball teams, including the Steele Hill Bulldogs, Steele Hill Warriors and Team Jenkins.
“She was feisty, tenacious and quickly recognized as a tough defender,” reads her memorial, adding that the talented …
Victim Killed In Center City Crash, 31, Embraced Life, Loved Ones Say
Ariana Bird, a Philadelphia-based artist, dancer, and performer, died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Center City on Sunday, April 2, their loved ones say. They were 31.
Known to friends as simply Bird, the west coast native pursued dance from a young age and attended the Arts and Communications Magnet Academy in Beaverton, Oregon, according to their obituary.
They went on to receive a dance scholarship to study at the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, and earned a bachelor's degree there, loved ones said.
After graduating college,…
Young West Pittston Cheerleader Raeann Merlino Dies After RSV, Influenza Battle
Raeann Merlino, a fifth grader from West Pittston, died after being hospitalized on Thanksgiving Day with a combination of RSV and influenza, those who knew her said. She was 10 years old.
Rae was rushed to CHOP as the illnesses wreaked havoc on her vital organs, according to a GoFundMe page launched the girl's family. She died on Sunday, Dec. 4.
According to her obituary, Rae was a student in the Wyoming Area School District, who loved twirling and dancing.
"Rae was constantly dancing with exceptional rhythm," her obituary reads. "Her love of dance led her to cheerleading, which became a …
Covid-19: Guidance Released For CT Fall HS Sports
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) has laid out its plans for all fall high school sports this year.
Officials announced that all fall sports will have seasons this year, including football, with certain COVID-19-related protocols put in place to help curtail the spread of the virus.
Masks will be required for volleyball, swimming while outside the water, indoor cheerleading, and dance for athletes, coaches, and officials. No masks will be required for football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, or outdoor cheer.
The CIAC noted that “this plan is fluid and in a…
Westchester Native Melanie DiDomizio Dies At 16
A Westchester native has died at age 16 after a valiant battle with bone cancer.
Melanie Paige DiDomizio, a Yonkers native, died on Thursday, Jan. 23.
"Mel," as she was known, moved to Sparta, New Jersey in 2012 where she was an accomplished dancer and gymnast.
Her obituary remembers her as the "life of the party," all the while looking out for others.
"She touched the lives of so many; our beloved, shining, happy girl, the light of our lives and the star of our hearts," her obit says.
"She never complained. She took whatever circumstance came her way and never let it stop her from get…
Dancing Program Founder, Former Ridgefield Resident Joan MacDonald, Ex-Rockette, Dies
The founder of a popular long-running dance program for kids and adults in Ridgefield has died.
Joan Elizabeth (Seyfried) MacDonald, 87, formerly of Ridgefield, died Friday, May 24 at Filosa Nursing and Rehabilitation in Danbury, after an eight-year struggle with dementia.
She was born in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 14, 1931 to Oscar and Evelyn (Robert) Seyfried. MacDonald graduated from Immaculata Junior College with a degree in home economics.
A life-long performer and teacher, MacDonald started taking tap and ballet lessons at the age of three. She also studied Hawaiian dancing with…