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Community Support

Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Bergen County’s Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Bergen County’s Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Bergen County’s Best! Bergen County, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Bergen County a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the business…
Upscale Bergen County Gastropub Closed Due To Kitchen Fire Months After Opening Upscale Bergen County Gastropub Closed Due To Kitchen Fire Months After Opening
Upscale Bergen County Gastropub Closed Due To Kitchen Fire Months After Opening An upscale Bergen County gastropub is temporarily closed following a kitchen fire, the restaurant announced Saturday morning, Nov. 16, on social media. “Thankfully, everyone is safe, but we will need to close temporarily as we begin the process of rebuilding,” wrote the team behind The Four Leaves, located in Park Ridge. The fire, which was caused by defective cooking equipment, forced the restaurant to halt operations.  Owners Eamon Donnelly and Mike Madigan, who brought their vision of American fare with an Irish twist to the 3,500-square-foot space, say they’re committed to reopeni…
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support Kayla Davis knew almost immediately that she wanted to join AEPhi at Rowan University. The sisters were warm and welcoming, and their tight-knit bond stood out to her, she said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Davis, 20, a Little Egg Harbor native and junior exercise science major. Now, as Davis faces an unimaginable challenge—a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer—her sorority sisters are returning the kindness she brought to their sisterhood, rallying around her with unwavering support. As of Friday, Nov. 15, just five days after diagnosis, more than $12,000 had be…
NJ Corrections Officer From Bergen County Seriously Hurt In Parkway Crash With Deer NJ Corrections Officer From Bergen County Seriously Hurt In Parkway Crash With Deer
NJ Corrections Officer From Bergen County Seriously Hurt In Parkway Crash With Deer A senior officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash with a deer on the Garden State Parkway last week, according to a campaign for his recovery and state police. Joel Hernandez, 54, of Fair Lawn, was riding his motorcycle home after work when he collided with a deer on the Garden State Parkway North near milepost 150.7 in Bloomfield, New Jersey State Police Trooper Sgt. Charles Marchan said. A GoFundMe campaign organized by William Sullivan says Hernandez suffered internal bleeding and multiple broken bones, requiring…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.  Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership
Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership A Hackensack restaurant that opened in 2022 will be closing and reopening under new owners. The Aura team shared the news with patrons on Friday, Nov. 8, thanking each of them for the laughter, support, and unforgettable moments that have filled their space on Main Street over the years.  From regulars who made Aura part of their weekly ritual to newcomers who stumbled upon it and became instant fans, each guest helped make the restaurant a vibrant, welcoming spot that felt like a second home. “Our last day of service will be November 9th,” the team wrote. “We hope you’ll come by, sha…
Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken
Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken It's the end of an era for a deli in Hoboken. Losurdo Brothers, Tony's Bakery, will be closing permanently on Sunday, Dec. 8, the deli shared on Instagram. "It has been an incredible 50 years serving the people of Hoboken and beyond," the deli wrote.   "To our loyal customers and supporters - Thank you. Your belief and trust in us have been the driving force behind our every step. We are so very proud to have been a part of your family gatherings holidays, special events and daily lives. While this chapter ends, we are grateful for the friendshi…
'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign 'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign
'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign A 31-year-old man was arrested after police say he was cursing at children and then attacked a nanny in a Hoboken park on Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween, according to police and the nanny's family. Officers were called to Church Square Park around 12:30 p.m. where a man later identified Troy Timberlake had been cursing at children and elderly people, Hoboken City spokeswoman Marci Rubin. Timberlake then began hitting people, including a woman identified by a local family on a GoFundMe campaign as "B." "A deranged man assaulted her in broad daylight in front of many people and kids," the…
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death Nutley's wrestling community is mourning the loss of Marc DellaVolpe, who is being widely remembered as one of the most passionate, supportive, and knowledgeable parents on the sidelines. DellaVolpe, 47, of Nutley, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 17. "He was very supportive of his son, Louis, and traveled all over the place [for his matches]," said 10-year Nutley youth wrestling coach Michael Blanchard. Blanchard's son is the same year as DellaVolpe's son, Louis, and the two have been wrestling together since first or second grade. They both just started as freshmen at Nutley High Scho…
Hackensack Dad Of 6 Killed By Train Was Going To Work, Girlfriend Says Hackensack Dad Of 6 Killed By Train Was Going To Work, Girlfriend Says
Hackensack Dad Of 6 Killed By Train Was Going To Work, Girlfriend Says Support is on the rise for survivors of a Hackensack man who was killed by an NJ Transit train earlier this month. As previously reported by Daily Voice 42-year-old Tameko Joseph was struck by Bergen County Line train 1154 near the Garfield Station, near Outwater Lane, just before 7:50 a.m., a spokesperson for the agency said. A GoFundMe launched by Joseph's girlfriend, Charmaine Brown, said the father of six had been on his way to work. "Tameko's loss has left a hole in our family that can never be filled," Brown writes. "He was the light of our lives and touched the lives of ma…
Clifton School Principal Dies: Remembering Jennifer Lucas Clifton School Principal Dies: Remembering Jennifer Lucas
Clifton School Principal Dies: Remembering Jennifer Lucas Jennifer Lucas, the principal of a Clifton elementary school, died on Monday, Oct. 7, school officials said. Acting Superintendent Mark Gengaro announced Lucas' death in a letter to families. Lucas, who helmed School Two, began working in the district as a music teacher at School 12 in 1995, where she continued to work as assistant principal. She later moved on to become principal of School Two, "where she made a lasting impact on all who knew her as a friend, colleague, and school leader," Gengaro said. "Her ability to inspire and motivate extended across Clifton as she brought our c…
NJ St. Joe's Student Critical After Struck By Car Walking From Class In Philly NJ St. Joe's Student Critical After Struck By Car Walking From Class In Philly
NJ St. Joe's Student Critical After Struck By Car Walking From Class In Philly A St. Joseph's University student from New Jersey remains in critical condition one week after he was struck by a vehicle, according to a GoFundMe launched to help his family.  Russell Hollister, a junior student whose social media pages show he hails from Denville, NJ, was struck by a 2021 Mazda CX-5 traveling south in the 200 block of City Avenue in Philadelphia at 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, as Lower Merion Township police told Daily Voice.  Hollister was crossing the "midblock from the west to the east side of City Avenue," Operations Commander Captain E…
Morris County Deli To Close After Nearly 60 Years Morris County Deli To Close After Nearly 60 Years
Morris County Deli To Close After Nearly 60 Years An institution in Morris County is closing its doors after nearly 60 years Burrini's Olde World Market, which opened in 1966, announced it is closing next month. "This decision was not made lightly," the deli wrote on social media. "Throughout the years, we’ve shared in your joy during weddings, birthdays, and graduations, as well as offered support during life’s more difficult moments. Your loyalty and love have been our greatest reward.  "Unfortunately, due to ongoing economic challenges and depleted capital reserves, we can no longer continue operations." Dear Valued Customers…
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says Support is on the rise for four girls mourning the loss of their 40-year-old mother, who authorities said was stabbed dead by her husband this weekend in New Jersey. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Rosana Rodriguez's daughters had raised more than $10,000 as of Sunday, Sept. 22, more than 24 hours after she was found lying on the kitchen floor of a Perth Amboy home with stab wounds next to her husband, Wellington Leonard, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Officers were called to the Bertrand Avenue home around 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ci…
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Max Dryerman said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister. The college student from Woodcliff Lake lost his entire immediate family in a crash on the Garden State Parkway over the weekend. A joint funeral service was held for David and Michele Dryerman, both 54, and Brooke Dryerman, 17, Tuesday morning at Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley. A burial service followed at Sharon Gardens on Lakeview Avenue, in Valhalla, NY. Max, whose LinkedIn shows he's studying engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, launched a GoFundMe page to help put himself t…
Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (UPDATE) Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (UPDATE)
Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (Update) Football communities in South Jersey were left reeling following a post-scrimmage crash that left a coach and 9-year-old player dead on Thursday, Sept. 12. A GoFundMe campaign identifies the athlete killed as Easton Beisler, who played for Upper Township.  Vineland police previously said a boy identified only as E.B. was riding in an SUV that collided with motorcyclist Addiel Ortiz, 31, at Maple Avenue near Becker Drive at around 5:53 p.m., Vineland police said. Ortiz was riding a Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle east on Maple when the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse heading…
North Jersey Loses Animal Advocate Janine Weinert Who Died Suddenly At 57 North Jersey Loses Animal Advocate Janine Weinert Who Died Suddenly At 57
North Jersey Loses Animal Advocate Janine Weinert Who Died Suddenly At 57 Hearts broke across North Jersey following the sudden death of Janine Weinert. The West Milford resident, formerly of Norwood, died unexpectedly at 57 years old, according to a GoFundMe page launched for her loved ones. Nancy Warner, the page creator, remembered Janine for her kindness and altruism. "An amazing woman, a fiercely dedicated mother to Aidan, an animal advocate and a loving and devoted partner to her soulmate Keith," Warner writes. "No matter what she was struggling with personally, she would always reach out to help anyone in need in the community. Even a perfect stranger. K…
Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County
Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County Her name was Carmela Polimeni, and her family is nowhere to be found. The 92-year-old Leonia resident died at CareOne at Cresskill on July 17, Aree Booker, the executive director of Eternity Funeral Services LLC in Englewood tells Daily Voice. UPDATE: Funeral Home Awaits Payment For Carmela Polimeni's Service Month After Her Death "Nursing homes are supposed to have arrangements pre-planned, next of kin, etcetera," Booker said on a call with Daily Voice Tuesday, Aug. 13. "But it seemed like [CareOne] dropped the ball." That leaves Booker scrambling to locate Polimeni's next of kin. So far…
Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers
Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers A police officer with roots in the New Jersey borough that he serves is battling cancer, and his chief is asking for prayers. James "Jimmy" Ciampi, of the Fairfield Police Department, was described by FPD Chief Anthony Manna as a "young, bright, and dedicated" officer. Ciampi is unable to come to work and remains focused on battling cancer, Manna said. Ciampi began his career with FPD as a Class II Special Officer in October 2016. A year later, he became a full-time officer. In 2022, Ciampi was assigned to the Essex County Auto Theft Task Force for six months "where he excelled at helping…
Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location
Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location Guerriero Gelato is continuing to downsize. A month after announcing the closure of its location in Morristown, the gelateria announced it will be closing its Montclair location in October after 10 years. "This is very emotional for us," the company wrote on social media. "This was the first shop we built out ourselves. We made friendships that will last a lifetime." The eatery said while the Montclair store remains popular, they cannot keep up with rising taxes, rent, cost of living, labor and food.  "We hope that we can all make progress against the ridiculous cost of living a…
Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation
Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation What was supposed to have been a relaxing trip for one New Jersey family apparently visiting their grandparents in Texas quickly turned into a nightmare. While snorkeling in San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park in Texas, Ernest Manchin, 82, of Dripping Springs, TX, went under water and did not re-emerge, CBS7 says citing state police. Moments later, Gary Wong, 56, of East Brunswick — Manchin's son-in-law — went under, too. Both Manchin and Wong were rescued from the water but ultimately died at an area hospital, the outlet says. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Wong’s…
Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor
Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor The dump truck driver accused of passing through a stop sign in a fatal crash in Cumberland County has been formally cited, authorities said on Tuesday, July 2. Lamaas Arthur, 55, of Port Norris, received citations for disregarding a stop sign and careless driving, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. The crash was on Thursday, June 20 in Commercial Township. No criminal charges had been filed as of Tuesday.  New Jersey State Police said that Arthur had "numerous motor vehicle violations." Brandy Woolson, 43, of Port Elizabeth, a mother of four, was killed in the …
Wayne Native Collapses While Walking Dog, Fighting For Her Life, Campaign Says Wayne Native Collapses While Walking Dog, Fighting For Her Life, Campaign Says
Wayne Native Collapses While Walking Dog, Fighting For Her Life, Campaign Says Lauren Krissi, a Wayne native was out walking her dog on Thursday, May 30, when she collapsed while walking her dog. Krissi was found unresponsive and rushed to Overlook Medical Center where she has remained with little responsiveness. Krissi is awaiting the next steps on her road to rehabilitation. A fundraiser has been created to assist her on this journey. As of Friday, June 21, more than $53,800 has been raised. My beautiful daughter Lauren!!! Please read below! Thank you! Posted by Linda Kaulf-Krissi on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Lauren, "is an incredible person," co-worker Steve…
NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15 NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15
NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15 Collin Zavoda, a 15-year-old student athlete at Bridgewater High School died unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, according to a campaign launched for his family. A native of Edison, Zavoda moved to Bridgewater in 2013 and was active in the community, playing baseball and hockey, his obituary on the Bridgewater Funeral Home website reads.  An avid hockey fan, Collin also worked as a hockey referee, according to his obituary and helped lead his club hockey team to a championship. The rising sophomore was also an active Boy Scout who enjoyed fishing, boating and skiing, his obituary rea…
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says Brian Werthmann is in the fight for his life and the community is coming together to help. Werthmann, a sergeant in the Summit Police Department, recently underwent an 8-hour surgery to remove a large acoustic neuroma from his brain.  While surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor from his brain, Werthmann has experienced complications including paralysis on the left side of his body, partial blindness and the inability to walk without assistance. A fundraiser has been created by the Summit PBA to assist Werthmann, his wife Cristina and their two daughters. As of Wedne…
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property If you're from Andover, you knew Joey Luchetti. He was the one driving the Joe Veg trucks. Big, silver cross necklace.  And a personality larger than life. The lifelong Andover resident, 60, died on Friday, May 31, when his 1963 Pontiac veered off of Yates Avenue, local police said.   The car went down into a culvert and Luchetti was ejected into a wooded area, just behind his house, where he died. "On his own property," said friend of 40 years Joe Pepe, of Fredon. "That's how close to home he was." Joe Veg famously lived on Luchetti Way, a roadway named after his mo…
Two Wayne Children Battling Leukemia See Community Support Two Wayne Children Battling Leukemia See Community Support
Two Wayne Children Battling Leukemia See Community Support Two children in Wayne are battling leukemia and the community has their backs. Fundraisers has been set up for the families of Liam Frerichs and Chiara Dell'Accio. Liam, 6, initially had a low-grade fever that ballooned to 104.2 degrees. After tests were run, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and will have to spend the next two years undergoing chemotherapy, hospital stays and medical procedures. "Instead of riding his Mario-Kart, he's facing the toughest battle of his life," his father Thomas Frerichs, who organized the fundraiser, said. "The road ahead is long and u…
Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood
Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood Monica Pidhoreki, a.k.a. The Ice Cream Lady is one of the most popular people in Maywood Pidhoreki, whose ice cream truck is a fixture in town is a regular at Maywood Rochelle Park Girls Softball, sponsoring a team and banner in the league and is a regular at birthday parties and events in the community. Pidhoreki recently suffered a residential fire which left her displaced and her new ice cream truck destroyed. GoFundMe A fundraiser has been set up to assist her and get her back on her feet. As of Thursday, May 23, more than $2,800 has been raised. "We would like to now support her, l…
Support Swells For Wayne Family After Losing Dog In Fire Support Swells For Wayne Family After Losing Dog In Fire
Support Swells For Wayne Family After Losing Dog In Fire A Wayne family is on the mend after a fire damaged their home on Saturday, May 4 killing their beloved dog, Cali. The two-alarm fire on Lenox Road injured two firefighters, first responders at the scene said, though Andrea Jobst and her three children were able to safely escape the home, according to a fundraiser set up to support the family.   "They are mourning the loss of their cherished dog Cali," Jennifer Graf, who organized the fundraiser said. "Cali was not just a pet but a beloved member of their family, having grown up alongside Andrea's children. The bond between Ca…
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter 'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter A New Jersey bakery has received an influx of sweet support after receiving a bitter anti-Pride letter in the mail. Sweet n' Fancy Emporium on South Avenue East in Cranford a letter in the mail earlier this month, signed by the Citizens of Cranford. "As a concerned citizen that was about to shop at your site… I noticed the rainbow flag hanging in your window," the typed letter reads "I have notified all of my girlfriends who in turn have decided to boycott your store. It is not that we despise the flag… it is just we do not want to be associated with crazy left wingers who hate America." O…
'Vibrant Spirit': Death Of Ridgefield Girl, 15, Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities 'Vibrant Spirit': Death Of Ridgefield Girl, 15, Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities
'Vibrant Spirit': Death Of Ridgefield Girl, 15, Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities UPDATE: The death of a 15-year-old Ridgefield girl who was struck while riding a scooter near her home leaves a "profound void," said the schools chief in Clifton, where her father works. Serenity Law was struck at the intersection of Shaler Boulevard and Edgewater Avenue in Ridgefield shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. She was pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center a short time later, the prosecutor said. Although Musella referred to the incident as a "pedestrian death," law enforcement sources confirmed that the teen was…