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Community Support

50-Year Owner Of NJ Flower Shop In Fight For His Life 50-Year Owner Of NJ Flower Shop In Fight For His Life
50-Year Owner Of NJ Flower Shop In Fight For His Life Lenny Zieff, a beloved florist and orchid grower from Morris County, is in the fight of his life — and now, his community is rallying to return the support he’s given for decades. Zieff, who has been at the helm of Victor’s Florist in South Orange for more than 50 years, has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, according to a GoFundMe launched by Barry Goldin. He’s also battling congestive heart failure and compromised lung function following recent surgery. “Due to his conditions, Lenny can no longer work, can no longer live in his home, and needs to be where the help and medical ca…
NJ Boy, 13, Suffers Brain Injuries, Collapsed Lung In Bike Crash Without Helmet: Cops, Campaign NJ Boy, 13, Suffers Brain Injuries, Collapsed Lung In Bike Crash Without Helmet: Cops, Campaign
NJ Boy, 13, Suffers Brain Injuries, Collapsed Lung In Bike Crash Without Helmet: Cops, Campaign A 13-year-old Morris County boy is recovering from life-threatening injuries after he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike last week, police said. The boy, identified as Lucas in a GoFundMe launched by his family, was struck just after 6:35 p.m. Sunday, May 11, while crossing Wolfe Road from Cassidy Road, according to the Mount Olive Police Department. The Ford Explorer was heading north on Wolfe Road when Lucas crossed into the southbound lane and did not yield, police said. Officers responded to several 9-1-1 calls about the crash. When they arrived, they found Lucas suffering fro…
NJ 911 Dispatcher Went To ER For Pain, Came Home With Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: Campaign NJ 911 Dispatcher Went To ER For Pain, Came Home With Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: Campaign
NJ 911 Dispatcher Went To ER For Pain, Came Home With Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: Campaign A Sussex County community is rallying behind a longtime 911 dispatcher and mother of two after she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to her liver, loved ones say. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Andrea Wehrenberg says that c, a supervisor at the Sussex County Sheriff's 911 Center, had gone to the emergency room for abdominal pain when she received the devastating diagnosis. “Shannon’s trip to the emergency room for abdominal pain led to the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer, spreading to her liver, and their lives changed in an instant,” Wehrenberg wrote. “…
Philadelphia Plane Crash Claims 8th Victim As Mom Of 3 Dies From Injuries Philadelphia Plane Crash Claims 8th Victim As Mom Of 3 Dies From Injuries
Philadelphia Plane Crash Claims 8th Victim As Mom Of 3 Dies From Injuries A mother of three who was critically injured in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia has died, her loved ones and the coroner confirmed on Tuesday, May 6. Dominique Goods-Burke, 39, passed away on Saturday, April 27, after spending nearly three months in the hospital due to severe injuries and related health complications from the crash. Crash And Aftermath Dominique had been with her family at Macy’s in Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31 when the Learjet 55 crashed into the area during the afternoon rush hour. The impact caused her car to catch fire with her and her …
Iconic NJ Pizzeria Reopens With Fiery Message For Haters After Tax Seizure Iconic NJ Pizzeria Reopens With Fiery Message For Haters After Tax Seizure
Iconic NJ Pizzeria Reopens With Fiery Message For Haters After Tax Seizure An iconic New Jersey pizzeria is back in business—and it's serving up a side of sass with its slices. DeLorenzo’s Pizza in Hamilton, which was temporarily shuttered in March for allegedly failing to pay state taxes, has reopened—and the owners shared a fiery message for critics. “All you haters and know-it-alls out there: If you don’t like my pizza or if you don’t like me, go somewhere else to eat,” reads a message shared to Facebook on Sunday, May 4. It wasn't immediately clear who wrote it, however, the shop is owned by Rick De Lorenzo, Jr. The post continued with a no-holds-barred rant:…
Beloved Coach, Mentor, Father Of George Mason Final Four Star Mourned: ‘A True Legend’ Beloved Coach, Mentor, Father Of George Mason Final Four Star Mourned: ‘A True Legend’
Beloved Coach, Mentor, Father Of George Mason Final Four Star Mourned: ‘A True Legend’ Coach Lamar Butler Sr. didn’t just build basketball players in the DMV — he built men. The DMV basketball world is mourning the loss of Coach Lamar Butler Sr., a beloved mentor, husband, grandfather, and father to George Mason Final Four standout Lamar Butler Jr., who passed away this week.  He was more than a coach — he was a pillar, his loved ones said. Butler shaped generations of young athletes, not only with his love for the game, but with values that extended far beyond the hardwood: discipline, integrity, teamwork, and self-belief.  His contagious smile and unwavering com…
NJ's Foster Care System Ranked No. 2 In US, New Study Says: Here's Why NJ's Foster Care System Ranked No. 2 In US, New Study Says: Here's Why
NJ's Foster Care System Ranked No. 2 In US, New Study Says: Here's Why Northeast and mid-Atlantic states showed wide disparities in foster care quality, with some ranking among the nation's best and others falling behind, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2025 list of States With the Best Foster Care Systems on Tuesday, April 29. The study analyzed every state using 19 key foster care metrics, from adoption timelines and high school graduation rates to monthly stipends. The ranking used a weighted scoring system across three categories: foster youth baselines, community environment and support systems, and legal support. …
Clark DPW Worker Mark Kazmierczak Dies, Remembered For Loyalty, Patriotism, Fireworks Shows Clark DPW Worker Mark Kazmierczak Dies, Remembered For Loyalty, Patriotism, Fireworks Shows
Clark DPW Worker Mark Kazmierczak Dies, Remembered For Loyalty, Patriotism, Fireworks Shows The Clark Department of Public Works is mourning the loss of one of its own. Mark D. Kazmierczak, of Roselle, died peacefully at his home on April 26, 2025, according to his obituary on the McCracken Funeral Home website. He was 45 years old. Great sadness to hear about the passing of Mark Kazmierczak. Brother Knight from Roselle Council 3946 and cousin to... Posted by K of C Council #4504 on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 A lifelong resident of the Linden and Roselle area, Kazmierczak was known for his kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit, and was a member of the Knights of Columb…
Bullies Hurl Racial Slurs At 5-Year-Old Asian Boy — Then Flee When His Mom Shows Up (VIDEO) Bullies Hurl Racial Slurs At 5-Year-Old Asian Boy — Then Flee When His Mom Shows Up (VIDEO)
Bullies Hurl Racial Slurs At 5-Year-Old Asian Boy — Then Flee When His Mom Shows Up (Video) A video of a cowardly group of teen bullies terrorizing a terrified 5-year-old Chinese-American boy in Virginia has gone viral—and now parents are calling for accountability.  The two-minute video, shared on YouTube by the group "JusticeForEthan" shows a group of teens—reportedly from Eagle Ridge Middle School—preying on the young preschooler who was sobbing and begging for the torment to stop. "Don't hurt me!" the child shouted while clutching a blue blanket he tried to hide behind while the teens called him offensive names. "Save me! Save me!" he shouted while running to the corner o…
Bayonne Dad ID'd As Man Killed By NJ Transit Train On Easter Sunday In Jersey City Bayonne Dad ID'd As Man Killed By NJ Transit Train On Easter Sunday In Jersey City
Bayonne Dad ID'd As Man Killed By NJ Transit Train On Easter Sunday In Jersey City A Bayonne father of three and NYC truck driver has been identified as the man struck and killed by an NJ Transit train on Easter Sunday. James Edward Porch, 40, was hit by the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail train operating on the Bayonne branch near the Richard Street Station at 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, according to NJ Transit. Porch was on the tracks when he was struck and killed, NJ Transit said. No injuries were reported to the approximately 44 customers or the operator aboard the light rail vehicle. Porch’s obituary on Legacy.com described him as a “loving son, brother, father, an…
Family Killed In Crash Will Be Laid To Rest Together Family Killed In Crash Will Be Laid To Rest Together
Family Killed In Crash Will Be Laid To Rest Together A mother, her teenage daughter, and her sister who were killed in a crash on Saturday, April 19 in Connecticut will be laid to rest together this weekend. Services for Florinda Antonia Tineo, 50, her daughter Gabriela Johailiz Difo, 17, and her sister Jeannette Tineo, 48, will be held Friday, April 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 626 Willard Ave., with burial at West Meadow Cemetery. Maritza Smith, 56, of New Britain also died in the cra…
NJ College Student Dies: Remembering Evan Esposito, 19 NJ College Student Dies: Remembering Evan Esposito, 19
NJ College Student Dies: Remembering Evan Esposito, 19 Evan Esposito, a 19-year-old Hackettstown resident, died on Thursday, April 17, according to his obituary from the Cochran Funeral Home website. Esposito graduated from Hackettstown High School in 2023 and was pursuing a business degree at Siena College at the time of his death, his obituary reads. An avid fan of the Mets and Packers, one of Esposito's favorite memories was traveling with his mom to Lambeau Field and going on the Packers Cruise, according to his obituary. He loved organizing cornhole, bucketball or Kan Jam tournaments during family camping trips or creating fantasy sports l…
Mother, Daughter ID'd In Trenton Fatal Double Shooting: Prosecutor Mother, Daughter ID'd In Trenton Fatal Double Shooting: Prosecutor
Mother, Daughter ID'd In Trenton Fatal Double Shooting: Prosecutor Malika Whitting, 40 and Jairah Biggs, 13, have been identified as the mother and daughter found fatally shot in a Trenton home on Saturday, April 12, authorities said. RIP Malika Whiting love you .you didn't deserve this you my favorite cousin and we talk we cry and we laugh together... Posted by Jasminda Villoch on Saturday, April 12, 2025 At 10:30 a.m., Trenton police responded to the 300 block of West State Street and found Biggs in a third-floor bedroom, and Whitting shot in a stairwell leading upstairs, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said. Both were pronounced dead at t…
Army Vet Donates Kidney To Retired NJ Cop Best Friend, Here's How The Cop Is Now Helping Him Army Vet Donates Kidney To Retired NJ Cop Best Friend, Here's How The Cop Is Now Helping Him
Army Vet Donates Kidney To Retired NJ Cop Best Friend, Here's How The Cop Is Now Helping Him When Bryan Cirelli donated a kidney to save his best friend’s life, he asked for nothing in return. But now, that friend—retired Montvale police officer Jason Szabo—is making sure Bryan doesn’t face recovery alone. The two have been best friends since 5th grade, growing up together in Montvale, according to a GoFundMe launched by the Montvale PBA. They stayed close through decades of life, service, and challenges. Szabo joined the Montvale Police Department in 1997 and retired in 2023. After the 9/11 attacks, he volunteered to assist in the recovery efforts in New York City. In 2005, Szabo …
Sudden Death Of Bergen County Dad Spreads Shock: Remembering Brian Fennell Sudden Death Of Bergen County Dad Spreads Shock: Remembering Brian Fennell
Sudden Death Of Bergen County Dad Spreads Shock: Remembering Brian Fennell Support is on the rise for the family of a Bergen County dad and Rockland County native who died unexpectedly this week. Brian Fennell  Brian Fennell Facebook Brian Patrick Fennell, of Westwood, died on Wednesday, April 2, at 47, leaving behind a family and community heartbroken by the loss. Brian was a devoted husband to Katrina and loving father to their two children, Caroline Cecilia and Reyer Patrick, his obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website says. He  Brian was raised in Pearl River, NY and had a long, successful career in construction management, starting at ag…
CT Man Kills Estranged Wife, Marine Vet Son Before Being Shot Dead By Son's Friend: Cops CT Man Kills Estranged Wife, Marine Vet Son Before Being Shot Dead By Son's Friend: Cops
CT Man Kills Estranged Wife, Marine Vet Son Before Being Shot Dead By Son's Friend: Cops A Connecticut mother and son are being remembered as pillars of love, strength, and generosity following a horrific double homicide. David Thomas Cote Jr., 34, and his mother Michelle Renee Cote, 55, were killed on Thursday, March 27, by David Cote Sr. in Wolcott. Wolcott police, who did not identify the victims, said officers were called to a. home on Boundline Road just before 6:30 p.m. on reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found three shooting victims dead on the bedroom floor: A 59-year-old father, a 55-year-old mother, and their 34-year-old son. The elder Cote was in the proces…
NJ Newlyweds Were Killed In Crash Last Month, Now Driver Is Facing Additional Charges NJ Newlyweds Were Killed In Crash Last Month, Now Driver Is Facing Additional Charges
NJ Newlyweds Were Killed In Crash Last Month, Now Driver Is Facing Additional Charges An Atlantic City man has been charged in a crash that killed a husband and wife from Mays Landing last month, authorities said. Levon Woods, 25, was charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide following the crash on County Route 552 in Maurice River Township that killed Thomas Splinter and Nancy Orellana-Splinter Saturday, Feb. 22, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae announced in a release on Saturday, March 29. The crash occurred around 4:09 a.m. New Jersey State Police responded to the area near milepost 19.4 for reports of a head-on collision. According to investigat…
Carbon Monoxide Killed 3 American Women On Belize Birthday Trip: Report Carbon Monoxide Killed 3 American Women On Belize Birthday Trip: Report
Carbon Monoxide Killed 3 American Women On Belize Birthday Trip: Report Three Massachusetts women found dead last month in a seaside Belize hotel died from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to an investigation by the Belizean government, CBS Boston reported Wednesday, March 26. The bodies of Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad — all lifelong friends from Revere — were discovered on Feb. 22. The trio had traveled to Central America to celebrate El Arar’s 26th birthday, their families said. Related: Communities Rally Around Families of 3 Women Who Died in Belize Initial reports from officials indicated that the women died of acute pulmonary edem…
Church Community Mourns Loss Of NJ Brothers Killed When Car Flipped 30 Feet Off I-95 Church Community Mourns Loss Of NJ Brothers Killed When Car Flipped 30 Feet Off I-95
Church Community Mourns Loss Of NJ Brothers Killed When Car Flipped 30 Feet Off I-95 Two New Jersey brothers killed in a violent crash on I-95 in Philadelphia are being remembered as “thoughtful, dependable, and deeply loved” as more than $33,000 has been raised to support their grieving family. Aaron Davis, 23, of Cranbury, and Joshua Davis, 22, of East Windsor, were riding in the backseat of a 2006 Mazda when the driver, one of their 18-year-old twin brothers, lost control near mile marker 25.5 around 8:12 p.m. on Friday, March 21, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The car struck a guiderail, flipped several times, and plummeted 20 to 30 feet off the interstate, land…
'The System Failed:' Family Urges Public To Share Story Of Slain NJ Girl, Mom Charged 'The System Failed:' Family Urges Public To Share Story Of Slain NJ Girl, Mom Charged
'The System Failed:' Family Urges Public To Share Story Of Slain NJ Girl, Mom Charged Ne’miya loved to dance. She loved TikToks, taking pictures, and flashing the smile that her family says could light up a room. She was just 6 years old when she died inside her Newark home on Monday, March 10, and now, her mother—Zyhirah Hall—is facing charges of child endangerment, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Police were called to 19 Stratford Place at 10:30 a.m. and found Ne’miya unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the cause and manner of her death are pending autopsy results. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Citing an a…
NJ Among 10 Best States For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why NJ Among 10 Best States For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why
NJ Among 10 Best States For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why A new study says some mid-Atlantic states are among the nation's leaders for having the best conditions for immigrants. Virginia ranked No. 1 as the most welcoming state for immigrants, while Arizona was named the worst, according to the study from SmileHub. The report evaluated states on 17 key factors, including the share of immigrants, job opportunities, and legal protections. The study was released as concerns rise over the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants, which is also increasing fears among immigrants legally in the US. "Over 51 million immigrants live …
Services Set For Woodland Park Teen Nicola Colangelo, Football Player Killed Riding Bicycle Services Set For Woodland Park Teen Nicola Colangelo, Football Player Killed Riding Bicycle
Services Set For Woodland Park Teen Nicola Colangelo, Football Player Killed Riding Bicycle Services have been scheduled for Nicola Domenico Colangelo, the 14-year-old boy who was tragically killed while riding his bicycle on Monday, March 10. A lifelong resident of Woodland Park, Nicola was a freshman at Passaic Valley High School. According to his obituary on the Santangelo Funeral Home website, Nicola participated in the Woodland Park recreational basketball and baseball teams, the travel basketball team, and the Totowa Tigers football team. He was also on the freshman football team at Passaic Valley High School. As the oldest of three, Nicola was a pillar of love and supp…
NJ Parents Facing Long Road To Recovery After Being Shot By Angry Neighbor: Campaign NJ Parents Facing Long Road To Recovery After Being Shot By Angry Neighbor: Campaign
NJ Parents Facing Long Road To Recovery After Being Shot By Angry Neighbor: Campaign A pair of Jersey Shore residents are facing a long road to recovery after they were shot by their neighbor in their home on Monday, March 10, according to a fundraiser set up to support them. Please keep those prayers going for Jill Gawarkiewicz Kwatkoski and Tom!!! This article sheds some light on what... Posted by Linda Klimkowski Flynn on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 At 4:45 p.m., Berkeley Township police responded to Drake Drive and found Tom and Jill Kwatkoski suffering from a gunshot wound, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Billhimer later identified the shooter as Joh…
Freak Sledding Accident Kills Young Mother Freak Sledding Accident Kills Young Mother
Freak Sledding Accident Kills Young Mother A fun day in the snow turned into tragedy for a young Virginia family when a 26-year-old mother was killed in a freak sledding accident, leaving behind her husband and infant daughter, just as they were set to begin a new life, loved ones said. Madelyn Nancy Lowe-Perdue, 26, of Chesapeake, suffered severe injuries in the accident on Thursday, Feb. 20, and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support her family. "As many have heard or seen by now, there was a sledding accident," they said. "Many of our loved ones were hurt or in…
Cause of Death Revealed For 3 American Tourists Found Dead In Belize Resort: Report Cause of Death Revealed For 3 American Tourists Found Dead In Belize Resort: Report
Cause of Death Revealed For 3 American Tourists Found Dead In Belize Resort: Report Authorities in Belize have determined the cause of death for three Massachusetts women who were found dead inside a luxury hotel earlier this month. An autopsy revealed blood in the women's lungs, CBS Boston reported. Police are still investigating what led up to their deaths. The next step is a toxicology report and testing of tissue samples, which could take up to a month for results. Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad — all from Revere and in their mid-20s — had flown to what was supposed to be a vacation paradise to celebrate Wafae’s 26th birthday but were found dead on Sat…
'I Just Want My Jess Back' ICU Nurse Held Hostage In UPMC Memorial Shooting Fights To Heal 'I Just Want My Jess Back' ICU Nurse Held Hostage In UPMC Memorial Shooting Fights To Heal
'I Just Want My Jess Back' ICU Nurse Held Hostage In Upmc Memorial Shooting Fights To Heal The York County community is rallying behind Jessica Huff, an ICU nurse who survived the UPMC Memorial shooting after being zip-tied, dragged by her hair, and used as a human shield. Her fiancé, Jason Huff, shared her harrowing ordeal in an emotional Facebook post, revealing that the gunman forced her to the ground, stood on her back, and pulled the trigger against her head three times—only to hear an empty click. “She broke her zip ties and ran,” Jason wrote. “I just want my Jess back.” Related: Final Farewell: Funeral, Memorial Fund Set For Slain Officer Andrew Duarte "No One S…
Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting
Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte will be laid to rest this week after he was killed in the line of duty during a mass shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County on Saturday, Feb, 22. His family, fellow officers, and an outpouring of community support are ensuring his legacy of service and sacrifice is never forgotten. Funeral Service Details Duarte’s funeral will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA. Due to high attendance expectations, seating arrangements are as follows: Seating inside the c…
Customers Overwhelm Route 46 Bird Store Owner With Love After Crossbow Attack Customers Overwhelm Route 46 Bird Store Owner With Love After Crossbow Attack
Customers Overwhelm Route 46 Bird Store Owner With Love After Crossbow Attack Katarina wasn’t sure what to expect when she unlocked the doors of Birds By Joe 2 on Roue 46 Saddle Brook on Friday, Feb. 21—the first time she’d officially reopened since being shot with a crossbow inside her own store. What she walked into was overwhelming. Customers streamed in, arms full of flowers, gifts, and bags of soft food she could eat. They hugged her, squeezed her hands, and told her they had been worried about her.  Some just stood there, fighting back tears, grateful she was still here. Stephanie Sclafani arrived carrying two milkshakes and a bag of mashed potatoes from…
NJ Family Loses Everything In House Fire NJ Family Loses Everything In House Fire
NJ Family Loses Everything In House Fire A Flemington family of five is reeling after a fire destroyed their home on Saturday, Feb. 8.  This morning at 1133 Hours, the Rescue Squad was dispatched with Flemington Volunteer Fire Department and mutual aid... Posted by Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad on Saturday, February 8, 2025 While the family escaped safely, with one child sustaining minor injuries, the blaze left them with nothing but the clothes on their backs, according to a GoFundMe campaign by Fatima Ledesma.  The Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad responded to the fire at 11:33 a.m…
Hardworking Grandfather Killed Clearing Snow Off Car In Paterson Was 'Joy In The Room' Hardworking Grandfather Killed Clearing Snow Off Car In Paterson Was 'Joy In The Room'
Hardworking Grandfather Killed Clearing Snow Off Car In Paterson Was 'Joy In The Room' A 59-year-old father and grandfather killed in a hit-and-run crash while clearing snow from his car leaves behind a grieving family that remembers him as a hardworking man who always put others first. Abel Herrera Cardoso was struck by a green Chevy Trailblazer near Alabama and Trenton avenues at approximately 8:50 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray. Officers arrived to find Herrera suffering from severe injuries, officials said. He was rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where…
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia displaced countless residents, including Cornelius “CJ” Fannin, who lost his home and all of his belongings in the tragedy. CJ’s Story: Starting Over After Losing Everything CJ had just finished work when he learned the devastating news—his home had been destroyed in the fiery plane crash that claimed multiple lives and impacted 343 homes in the neighborhood. “As a single male with no family or support in the area, I find myself completely lost and homeless,” CJ shared on his GoFundMe campaign. “Everything I built over the years…