Park Ridge Neighbors Collab On Dazzling 42K Christmas Light Display (PHOTOS) Park Ridge Neighbors Collab On Dazzling 42K Christmas Light Display (PHOTOS)
Park Ridge Neighbors Collab On Dazzling 42K Christmas Light Display (Photos) Matt Kaprielian's Christmas lights display looks like something out of a holiday movie. He has more than 25,000 lights up at his home at 138 Ridge Ave., in Park Ridge.  "I'm really pushing the limits this year," said Kaprielian, who is almost entirely LED. "Christmas is a gift and I like to give back to the community. This is my gift to our neighborhood." Take a look next door: Kaprielian coordinates lights and music with his next door neighbor, John, at 144 Ridge Ave.  The two began working together to decorate in 2019, when Kaprielian described a "Step Brothers" mome…
Doctor Who Helms 30 EMS Agencies Across NJ Recognized With National Award Doctor Who Helms 30 EMS Agencies Across NJ Recognized With National Award
Doctor Who Helms 30 EMS Agencies Across NJ Recognized With National Award Matthew Letizia has always wanted to help people in their most vulnerable time of need. The 48-year-old Mahwah emergency medical physician was named the 2023 EMS Medical Director of the Year by NAEMT- Bound Tree Sarnova. Letizia will be honored at a ceremony next month in New Orleans. "What I enjoy most is helping those in need who are not able to help themselves," Letizia tells Daily Voice.  "To be able to stand there with the family and I know I did what's best for their loved one and gave them the best chance of survival. How can I help people when they feel the most vulnerable?" Afte…
North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake
North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake Rayen Bekri, a 13-year-old girl, was trapped in the rubble for six days following an earthquake in her native Turkey in February. Now living with family in Bergen County, the community has come together to help her. While trapped under six floors of a collapsed building, Bekri held onto her brother, though he did not survive. Bekri's mother also died in the earthquake, which killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria.  Bekri was finally discovered, though her leg had to be amputated. Bekri's father had previously died in a war in Syria.  Rasha Kattan, Bekri's aunt, flew to T…
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge Sharon Governale has been battling health issues her entire life. But now she faces her toughest battle. In May, Governale underwent emergency spinal surgery after an infection traveled to her spinal cord. While the surgery was successful, her spinal column suffered severe damage, rendering her a quadriplegic. She currently uses a motorized wheelchair.  Governale has rheumatoid arthritis, has had two hip replacements and battled thyroid cancer. Her health challenges haven't stopped her from working as a preschool special education teacher for the last 18 years and having a three-year-o…
Passaic County Family Whose Home Destroyed By Fire Sees Community Support Passaic County Family Whose Home Destroyed By Fire Sees Community Support
Passaic County Family Whose Home Destroyed By Fire Sees Community Support The Fuquene family has been reeling since their West Clifton home was destroyed after being struck by lightning and catching on fire.  While the family of seven made it out safely, they lost their home and personal belongings and are currently staying in a hotel, which has put a financial strain on the family. A fundraiser has been set up to support the family. As of Friday, July 21, almost $4,000 has been raised. Raquel White, who organized the fundraiser, said money raised will assist the family with expenses not covered by insurance and help them rebuild their lives. To view the fu…
NJ Mom Going Through 'Worst Nightmare' Sees Surge Of Support NJ Mom Going Through 'Worst Nightmare' Sees Surge Of Support
NJ Mom Going Through 'Worst Nightmare' Sees Surge Of Support North Jersey mom Rose Conforti's life has been completely upended since her daughter, Olivia, suffered a cardiac arrest in May, which caused severe brain damage. Conforti, who lives in Bergenfield, said Olivia is alive but remains in "fragile" condition. "This is a nightmare situation I’m living every single day as my sweet Olivia hangs onto life in an acute care hospital," Conforti said. "Please pray for me and Olivia during this most difficult time." A fundraiser has been set up to assist Conforti with medical expenses and any additional expenses she may incur. As of Wednesday, July 19, …
NJ Police Officer Fighting Cancer Won't Do It Alone NJ Police Officer Fighting Cancer Won't Do It Alone
NJ Police Officer Fighting Cancer Won't Do It Alone Mark Steinberg, recently sworn in as a police officer in Verona, is in for the fight of his life. And the community is rallying to his side. Steinberg, 23, was recently was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer. A fundraiser has been created by the Verona PBA to assist him and his family with any expenses. As of Tuesday, July 11, more than $73,500 has been raised. Steinberg went to the emergency room in May suffering from mild back pain and a fever. CT scans revealed multiple masses in his abdominal cavity and he was eventually diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors and …
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash Jonathan Roman is lucky to be alive. The Paterson firefighter, a veteran who served in Iraq, was on his way to work when he was involved in a motorcycle crash in Sept. 2022.  Roman lost a significant amount of blood and has faced numerous surgical procedures. Roman's wife, who was two months pregnant and raising their one-year-old daughter at the time of the crash, has been unable to work while she cares for her family. A fundraiser has been set up to assist with Roman and his family with medical bills and for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. As of Thursday, July 6, $10,670 has been r…
'What More Can A Grandson Wish For?': Don't Miss News Producer From NJ On 'Jeopardy!' 'What More Can A Grandson Wish For?': Don't Miss News Producer From NJ On 'Jeopardy!'
'What More Can A Grandson Wish For?': Don't Miss News Producer From NJ On 'Jeopardy!' It was Ittai Sopher's grandmother who was probably the most excited to hear the news. After years of hoping and trying, the Englewood native will compete on the Wednesday, July 12 episode of "Jeopardy!" An avid "Jeopardy!" fan himself, Sopher said getting the news was one of the happiest moments of his grandmother's life. "What more can a grandson wish for?" Sopher said. For Sopher, appearing on the popular game show is a culmination of a long journey that began when he started watching it as a kid in 2010. "I immediately tried out the first opportunity I got," said Sopher, who works for…
Community Rallies Around Boy Critically Injured While Riding Bike Community Rallies Around Boy Critically Injured While Riding Bike
Community Rallies Around Boy Critically Injured While Riding Bike Agel Khalifeh, a 13-year-old Clifton resident and rising 8th grader at Christopher Columbus Middle School, is in a coma after he was hit by a car while riding his bike on Sunday, June 25.  Khalifeh suffered internal bleeding to the brain and stomach and has undergone multiple surgeries since the accident. A fundraiser has been created to assist Khalifeh's family with expenses and medical bills. As of Tuesday, June 27, more than $67,000 has been raised. "Aqel's recovery is going to be a long and challenging journey, not only for him but also for his family who are dealing with this trau…
Beloved Music Teacher Fighting Cancer Again Sees Community Support Beloved Music Teacher Fighting Cancer Again Sees Community Support
Beloved Music Teacher Fighting Cancer Again Sees Community Support Lynette Parks is once again in the fight of her life and the community is coming to her aid. The beloved music teacher at Young World Day School in Mahwah has been diagnosed with cancer. Parks previously beat cancer in 2019.  Parks, a mother of three, works at Trader Joe's in Wayne when she's not sharing her love of music at preschools in the area. A fundraiser has been set up to help ease her financial burden. As of Monday, June 26, almost $12,000 has been raised. "Lynette is a ray of sunshine despite all the hardships she has faced," Emma Joseph, who organized the fundraiser, said.…
North Jersey Boy Struck By Car Sees Overwhelming Community Support North Jersey Boy Struck By Car Sees Overwhelming Community Support
North Jersey Boy Struck By Car Sees Overwhelming Community Support As Stefan Wiklinski remains on the mend after being struck by a car in Old Tappan while riding his bike, residents of the borough are showing they have his back. A fundraiser has been created to support Wiklinski's family with medical expenses following the Sunday, June 11 incident. As of Tuesday, June 20, more than $60,000 has been raised. Wiklinski, an eighth grader who was set to graduate from Charles DeWolf Middle School, suffered a brain injury and remains under sedation. Wiklinski, called "Stefan Spectacular" by his dad, Stephen, was inducted into the National Honor Society and played…
Twin NJ Docs Fight Cancer In Honor Of Late Father Twin NJ Docs Fight Cancer In Honor Of Late Father
Twin NJ Docs Fight Cancer In Honor Of Late Father The Danish twins are New Jersey doctors making it their life mission to get rid of cancer in honor of their late father. Dr. Adnan Danish is an attending physician at Hackensack Meridian's cancer center and chief of radiation oncology at St. Joseph's Health and Dr. Shabbar Danish operates on brain tumors as chair of neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City. The Danish brothers are said they were inspired by their father, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 49. At the same time their father received his leukemia diagnosis, Adnan was…
Jersey City Mom Killed In Five-Car Crash Left Behind Young Twins, Teens Jersey City Mom Killed In Five-Car Crash Left Behind Young Twins, Teens
Jersey City Mom Killed In Five-Car Crash Left Behind Young Twins, Teens The family of Desiree Milow, the driver who was killed when her vehicle overturned and struck five others in Jersey City on Memorial Day Weekend, is seeing support from the community. A fundraiser has been created to assist with funeral expenses and to help Milow's children in the aftermath of her death. She was the mother of a 15-year-old, a 14-year-old and two 17-month-old twins. "Desiree was beloved by her family, friends, church family and members of the community," Tamala Young, who organized the fundraiser said. "Desiree was generous, loving and quick witted. She will be sorely m…
Community Rallies Around Passaic County Man Battling Brain Injuries Community Rallies Around Passaic County Man Battling Brain Injuries
Community Rallies Around Passaic County Man Battling Brain Injuries Steve Hinkle, a 28-year-old Woodland Park resident, has been courageously battling since he was diagnosed with having an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain. Last December, Hinkle suffered a stroke and a brain bleed, which sent him to intensive care and rendered him immobile, facing a lengthy recovery. When he was 15, a cluster of blood vessels in his brain burst, forcing him into a coma and causing him to suffer memory less. Hinkle had to relearn how to breathe without medical aid, walk and talk. Despite the injury, Hinkle was able to graduate high school on time.  In c…
NJ Triathlete Struck By Car Sees Community Support NJ Triathlete Struck By Car Sees Community Support
NJ Triathlete Struck By Car Sees Community Support Mary Truer was out riding her bicycle when she was hit by a car. Now people in Essex County are coming together to assist her and her family. Truer, a triathlete, will need surgery, said her friend Jonathan Tabuzo, a Bloomfield native, who organized a GoFundMe fundraiser. The money will help Truer and her family during this ordeal, Tabuzo said. As of Monday, May 15, more than $5,700 has been raised.  To donate, click here.
North Jersey High Schooler Celebrates AAPI Culture In New Children's Book North Jersey High Schooler Celebrates AAPI Culture In New Children's Book
North Jersey High Schooler Celebrates Aapi Culture In New Children's Book A junior at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest is hoping her new children's book will help people embrace their Asian-American culture and customs.  Phoebe Kim's first children's book "Kimbap" was self-published last month, inspired by her childhood and her desire to share more of her Asian-American culture with others. In "Kimbap", Boram is nervous about starting kindergarten but then starts conversations and makes friends by sharing aspects of her Korean culture. In Korean, kimbap (or gimbap) is a popular meal with cooked rice, vegetables, fish and meat rolled in dried shee…
'Miracles for Michael': Community Rallies Around Baby Who Doesn't Give Up 'Miracles for Michael': Community Rallies Around Baby Who Doesn't Give Up
'Miracles for Michael': Community Rallies Around Baby Who Doesn't Give Up Since he was born eight months ago, Michael has been overcoming all obstacles in front of him. The Englewood Cliffs native was born with a brain injury that caused brain bleed, seizures, strokes and brain damage. He was later diagnosed with Hemophilia A.  Despite being given little chance of survival, Michael continues to fight. He has dealt with bacterial meningitis, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and had three brain surgeries. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to assist his family as they need to pay for equipment, physical and occupational therapy sessions and hospital bills. As of Fr…
Expecting NJ Family Loses Nearly Everything In Fire Expecting NJ Family Loses Nearly Everything In Fire
Expecting NJ Family Loses Nearly Everything In Fire While anticipating the birth of their child, Daniella and Matt Dortch lost everything. The Dortch's Wayne house caught on fire, damaging nearly everything they own, including items for the new baby like a stroller, car seat and clothing. The house has been deemed unlivable and the Dortch's are scrambling, while they await the birth of their baby boy next week. "They are under tremendous amounts of stress during a time when Daniella should be her most relaxed," wrote Taylor Longo. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been put together by family friends to help them get what they need. As of Wednesday,…
Bergen Girl Bitten By Dog Undergoes Surgery, Sees Community Support Bergen Girl Bitten By Dog Undergoes Surgery, Sees Community Support
Bergen Girl Bitten By Dog Undergoes Surgery, Sees Community Support A family in Upper Saddle River needs all the help they can get after their 3-year-old daughter was severely injured after being bitten by a dog — and their neighbors are rising to the occasion.  On Friday, April 21, Willow Galasso was playing with the family dog when the dog became startled and bit her face, according to a GoFundMe campaign. She was taken to Valley Hospital and then transferred to Hackensack University Medical Center's trauma center because of the severity of her injuries, according to the campaign set up by Diana Reinkraut, a friend of the family. Willow underwent em…
Hoboken Doctor Fighting Glioblastoma Sees Surge Of Community Support Hoboken Doctor Fighting Glioblastoma Sees Surge Of Community Support
Hoboken Doctor Fighting Glioblastoma Sees Surge Of Community Support A doctor is in for the fight of his life, and the Hoboken community is standing behind him. A GoFundMe has been created for Dr. Ahntu Vu, a 28-year-old 2nd year resident at Hoboken University Medical Center Family Medicine Program, as he battles a terminal stage four diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme. As of Monday, April 10, $23,813 has been raised from 223 donors. "Anhtu has shown himself to be a caring, compassionate, relatable, funny, and down-to-earth guy," Judy Joseph, who organized the fundraiser, said. "He leaves his patients feeling well attended to and cared for and has shown hi…
TikTok Chef From NJ To Compete On Gordon Ramsay Cooking Show TikTok Chef From NJ To Compete On Gordon Ramsay Cooking Show
TikTok Chef From NJ To Compete On Gordon Ramsay Cooking Show After the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12, audiences can stay tuned to root for someone else with Philadelphia ties. Cassie Yeung is a chef and TikTok influencer who will appear alongside Gordon Ramsay on FOX's "Next Level Chef." The competition series puts culinary pros head-to-head to test their skills under the leadership of TV's most recognizable celebrity chefs — including the famously prickly Ramsay.  "He's intimidating by nature but honestly so supportive," Cassie tells Daily Voice. During filming, Cassie was chosen to compete…
PA Native, NJ Mom Of Five Dies In Crash Headed To 2nd Job PA Native, NJ Mom Of Five Dies In Crash Headed To 2nd Job
PA Native, NJ Mom Of Five Dies In Crash Headed To 2nd Job Christine Severino, a Pennsylvania native and New Jersey mom of five, was on her way to her second job when she was killed in a car accident in Tredyffrin Township on Saturday, Jan. 28, her loved ones say. She was 41.  Chrissie, as the Pennsville mom's friends and family knew her, was born in Upper Darby and later graduated from Delaware County Community College and Widener University, loved ones wrote in her obituary.  She worked as a pharmacy technician and put down roots in Eddystone Borough where she raised her five children — Kailee, Ceaira, Joshua, Carleigh, and Ma…
Victim Seriously Wounded In Shooting On Passaic Street Victim Seriously Wounded In Shooting On Passaic Street
Victim Seriously Wounded In Shooting On Passaic Street Gunfire that erupted on a Passaic Street seriously wounded a Paterson man and left two bullets holes in the rear window of his assailant’s vehicle, responders said. The 23-year-old victim was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center following the Passaic Street shooting between 4th and Essex streets shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. A vehicle apparently belonging to his assailant was found parked and unoccupied – with the bullet holes – up the block near Bergen Street, responders said. It was unclear who fired the shots that hit it. Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passa…
Left Penniless By Embezzler, Ridgefield Park Boy Scouts Get Surprise Gift From Police Left Penniless By Embezzler, Ridgefield Park Boy Scouts Get Surprise Gift From Police
Left Penniless By Embezzler, Ridgefield Park Boy Scouts Get Surprise Gift From Police A Bergen County Boy Scouts chapter that authorities said had its bank account drained by a thieving Scout master got an unexpected boost from local police. Ridgefield Park detectives charged Christopher Infantino, 58, of New Milford with embezzling more than $11,000 from the Boy Scouts of America Troop 3 last July. The troop was left penniless while the charges against Infantino moved through the court system. Enter Ridgefield Park Police Chief Joseph Rella. In a rare move, Rella agreed to let the village PBA Local 86 extend its annual “No Shave November” fundraising campaign through Febr…
Daily Voice Founder Shares "A Lifetime of Work" in His New Book Daily Voice Founder Shares "A Lifetime of Work" in His New Book
Daily Voice Founder Shares "A Lifetime of Work" in His New Book Ten years after founding Daily Voice, Carll Tucker is bringing out a new book called Collected Words. We sat down to talk to him about his book, Daily Voice, and what he’s been doing since his retirement in 2019. DV: So what is Collected Words? Tucker: Collected Words is five books I’ve written during the last thirty years. The first, Good Morning, was mined from the daily email missives I’ve been sending to my friends every day for eight years. Our Rift is a book of poems. Paddle’s Last Gift is a memoir of our beloved family dog. Dear David is a letter I wrote to my youngest son on his bar…
COVID-19 Concerns Block Kidney Transplant For Popular Bergen Baker, Now His Life’s At Stake COVID-19 Concerns Block Kidney Transplant For Popular Bergen Baker, Now His Life’s At Stake
Covid-19 Concerns Block Kidney Transplant For Popular Bergen Baker, Now His Life’s At Stake Franklin Lakes baker Tom Minardi was all set to get the kidney he needs to stay alive when a suspension of elective surgeries in New Jersey in response to the coronavirus pandemic postponed the procedure. Then came word that the donor backed out. A man who has spent his life doing for others now needs a hero of his own. “He was scheduled to have his transplant this spring,” Minardi’s children wrote in a post, “but due to COVID-19, it was put on hold.” “When his hospital began to schedule transplants again, we unexpectedly and sadly got the call that his donor backed out,” they wrote. “He …
LITTLE HERO: Quick-Thinking 4-Year-Old In Franklin Saves Mom's Life LITTLE HERO: Quick-Thinking 4-Year-Old In Franklin Saves Mom's Life
Little Hero: Quick-Thinking 4-Year-Old In Franklin Saves Mom's Life Police in Franklin are preparing to honor a little girl who kept her cool when her mother suffered a medical episode earlier this month.  Emergency dispatchers Julie Kozo and Olivia Klein received a 911 call shortly before 8 a.m Dec. 6 from Isla Glaser. The four-year-old told the dispatchers that her mother had fallen and needed help. A Franklin police spokesman said the poised little girl gave the dispatchers all the information needed to get help to the home as quickly as possible.  Officers Frank Mahon and Michael Casey arrived and found the door locked. Talking through the doo…
Donate Directly To Restore Franklin Lakes Church Demolished By Arson Fire Donate Directly To Restore Franklin Lakes Church Demolished By Arson Fire
Donate Directly To Restore Franklin Lakes Church Demolished By Arson Fire Those who want to donate to the rebuilding of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes can do so directly instead of responding to what could be bogus GoFundMe campaigns."Father John Job and the staff of Most Blessed Sacrament Church are very appreciative for the outpouring of support and prayers from not only our parishioners but also the community," a statement issued Thursday said. "Many people have reached out to us in regards to donating for the restoration of the church." You can mail a check to:  Most Blessed Sacrament Church787 Franklin Lake RoadFranklin Lakes, NJ 07417 Plea…
Fitness Guru Seeks 'Elves' To Help Bring Christmas To North Jersey Homeless Fitness Guru Seeks 'Elves' To Help Bring Christmas To North Jersey Homeless
Fitness Guru Seeks 'Elves' To Help Bring Christmas To North Jersey Homeless Leah Fairchild had just given Christmas bags to a dozen homeless people on the streets of Manhattan when she began to cry. She wanted to do more. Since that Christmas five years ago, she has. “Each year I vow to do it bigger and better,” said Fairchild, who, with the help of volunteers raised nearly $3,500 last year, visited seven shelters in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties and distributed 350 gift bags to those living on the street. Fairchild, a single mom of three who owns and operates Train on Purpose (TOP) Hybrid Fitness Studio in Lyndhurst, launched her “Christmas Miracle …
Requiescat In Pace: Popular Wayne Music Producer Succumbs To Injuries From Crash Requiescat In Pace: Popular Wayne Music Producer Succumbs To Injuries From Crash
Requiescat In Pace: Popular Wayne Music Producer Succumbs To Injuries From Crash Tributes mounted Tuesday as word that a popular music producer from Wayne who was struck by a tire that popped off a dump truck as he rode his bicycle died his injuries. "Surrounded by his father Jack Sr., brother Jack Jr., and holding the hand of Cat, his loving wife of 20 years, James John DeSalvo departed this life and reunited with his beloved mother Kathleen in that special place he liked to call 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' ” family friend Ruth Ozbolt Cleary wrote Monday night. Outpourings of love, honor and respect have continued to multiply ever since. Jim "Bean" DeSalvo…