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Charity

Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At Somerville's Cafe Picasso During Special Trip Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At Somerville's Cafe Picasso During Special Trip
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At Somerville's Cafe Picasso During Special Trip Akhtar Farzaie needed one more person to bring to a charity golf outing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster last month.  Naturally, retired NY Knicks power forward Charles Oakley was the first person to come to mind. Farzaie, 41, who owns Bella Pizza in Hillsborough, met the 60-year-old NBA legend when he said he was elbowed by him during a pickup game at a local YMCA in 2002. The two were later acquainted by mutual friends, and have kept in touch ever since. Oakley agreed to make a special trip out to Somerset County for Farzie last month, and was treated to seared Bronzino, si…
Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer
Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer A young boy in Monmouth County battling brain cancer will have plenty of summer fun thanks to some generous donations. An above-ground saltwater pool was donated to three-year-old Mick Augustitus, the Ashley Lauren Foundation said in a Facebook post. The Hazlet toddler was diagnosed with four brain tumors and several tumors on his spine. At Home Recreation donated the pool, while Kiki Pools in South Amboy donated a heater and installed the pool. "Not only did Mick come home from stem-cell transplant last Friday [May 17], but his pool was done the same day he came home," the Ashle…
Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns
Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns Two single mothers in Toms River are looking for help after a multi-family home was destroyed by a fire, according to fundraising campaigns. A firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation after falling at the scene of a two-story house fire on Bergen Avenue at around 2:04 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 9. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said no one else was injured and two cats were found safe. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames and remained on the scene for about 90 minutes. The home was ruled as an unsafe structure by the township's building department…
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year A Monmouth County educator who was named New Jersey's teacher of the year could also get the same recognition nationally. Joe Nappi, a history and social studies teacher at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, is one of four finalists for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year award, The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced. Nappi won the state's Teacher of the Year award in September 2023. The other finalists are Cat Walker from Alaska, Christy Todd from Georgia, and Missy Testerman from Tennessee. Nappi is the third Garden State educator to be a nati…
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' 'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty'
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' Sondra Fortunato, an iconic New Jersey entertainer and model known to many as "Miss Liberty USA," has died. Condolences were widely posted online on Thursday, Jan. 11 for the well-known local celebrity from Toms River, including the town's Republican party organization. "Dear sweet Sondra, I first met you when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 66. We girls would see you in Seaside buying the latest fashion's," one mourner wrote. "We were all fascinated by your stunning appearance. You truly were the first Barbie doll!  "As the years went by it was a delight to see you in Toms River wh…
Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say
Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say Guests at Hoboken's annual Santacon were on better behavior this year than last, but arrests were still made, police said. Two people were arrested and another 34 people were issued summonses at the annual SantaCon in Hoboken on Saturday, Dec. 16, authorities said. SantaCon is an annual bar crawl where people dress up like Santa. While the event raises money for charity, it has become reviled by many residents, disgusted by the trail of drunken mayhem left in its wake.  This year's SantaCon had less arrests than year's past, Marci Rubin, a spokeswoman for the city said.  "Arrest…
Newest Wawa Opening In Monmouth County Newest Wawa Opening In Monmouth County
Newest Wawa Opening In Monmouth County A new Wawa is opening in Monmouth County. On Thursday, Aug. 17, Wawa is opening its newest store at 1611 Route 35 in Oakhurst with an 8:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. Free coffee will be served all day. Limited-edition t-shirts will be given to the first 100 customers And Wawa's signature Hoagies for Heroes competition will take place. Local first responders from Ocean Township Police Department and Oakhurst Independent Hose Company will compete to see who can build the most hoagies in three minutes.  Wawa will conclude the Hoagies for Heroes competitions by presenting checks for …
What We Know About The Jonas Brothers' Private Performance At American Dream Mall What We Know About The Jonas Brothers' Private Performance At American Dream Mall
What We Know About The Jonas Brothers' Private Performance At American Dream Mall Bergen County boy band the Jonas Brothers made a quick trip home last week. Wyckoff natives Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas performed during a private event at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford on Thursday, Aug. 10 for The Children's Place. View this post on Instagram A post shared by American Dream (@americandream) The performance celebrated back-to-school fashion, giving back to communities in need, engaging in interactive kid-friendly activities. According to a press release, The Children's Place and the JoBros launched their "Best S…
You Can Own The Mic NJ's Cardi B Tossed At A Fan You Can Own The Mic NJ's Cardi B Tossed At A Fan
You Can Own The Mic NJ's Cardi B Tossed At A Fan The microphone seen around the world can be yours for just $99,900. The Shure microphone that Cardi B tossed at a fan who splashed her with a drink at a show in Las Vegas last weekend has been listed on Ebay. As of Thursday, August 3, 124 bidders have pushed the price up to $99,900. The auction ends on Tuesday, August 8. Scott Fisher, the owner of an audio company that provides support for shows at nightclubs in Las Vegas, is listing the microphone. "We provided more than one microphone for this particular show and verified with the in house crew which one was specifically used by Car…
Community Support Abounds For Emmy-Nominated Jersey Shore Musician Community Support Abounds For Emmy-Nominated Jersey Shore Musician
Community Support Abounds For Emmy-Nominated Jersey Shore Musician Mike Dalton has sung the National Anthem for professional sports teams and played in a warm-up band for Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, but has also raised funds for local charities through music. Now, his Jersey Shore community is coming together for him. Amy Hariegel of Neptune, a singer in his band, has launched a GoFundMe page Dalton recovers from the fight for his life. He is still in the hospital working toward a full recovery, she said  According to his biography, Dalton makes original pop/rock music and has composed over 320 original songs. He also sang and…
Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy
Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy The creator of "one of the most famous food retailers in the world" died at 93 years old, leaving a world-record-breaking grocery store chain to his family.  Stew Leonard Sr., of Westport, CT, died on Wednesday, April 26 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City after a brief illness, according to Stew Leonard's website.  We are sad to announce that Stew Leonard, Sr., the founder of Stew Leonard’s, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023,... Posted by Stew Leonard's on Thursday, April 27, 2023 Leonard launched the first Stew Leonard's in Norwalk, CT, in December 1969.  The successful g…
North Jersey Mom's Babka Business Gets Brick And Mortar Store North Jersey Mom's Babka Business Gets Brick And Mortar Store
North Jersey Mom's Babka Business Gets Brick And Mortar Store A North Jersey mom who had help from her husband and daughters launching a charitable babka business at the height of the pandemic is moving into a storefront. Hoboken's Michal Prevor started Babka Bailout to help pay her housekeeper's rent at the height of the pandemic. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Prevor will hold a grand opening for Babka Bailout at its new digs on 476 Central Ave. in Jersey City from 1 to 4 p.m. Babka is a dough filled with chocolate then rolled up or braided and baked.  Babka BailoutBabka Bailout Babka Bailout offers a variety of flavors including Nutella-Oreo, cereal…
Newest Wawa Opens With Free Coffee All Weekend In South Jersey Newest Wawa Opens With Free Coffee All Weekend In South Jersey
Newest Wawa Opens With Free Coffee All Weekend In South Jersey A new Wawa store is set to open Thursday in Burlington County.  With the grand opening ceremony comes free coffee to customers from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, Wawa officials announced. The newest Wawa store is located at 210 Monmouth Road in Chesterfield. The store will open at 8 a.m. Thursday and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. The first 100 customers who walk through the door that day will receive a limited-edition Wawa “Goose Vibes Only,” t-shirt. The grand opening of the Chesterfield location is the second store to open this year out of the 54 total new s…
Bergen County Poker Player Donates World Series Winnings To Charity Bergen County Poker Player Donates World Series Winnings To Charity
Bergen County Poker Player Donates World Series Winnings To Charity A former New Jersey resident and first-time World Series of Poker player is coming home empty handed. Gershon Distenfeld, who recently moved from Teaneck to Hollywood, FL -- will be donating his winnings from the $1,500 No-limit Hold’em Shootout to charity: All $204,063, PokerNews.com reports. Distenfeld was crowned champion after a more than three-hour back-and-forth heads-up battle against Johan Schumacher, the outlet said. Gershon DistenfeldDanny Maxwell for PokerNews.com Distenfeld works in the investment management industry and took up poker about a decade ago, he told Daily Voice…
Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter
Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter A career Bergen County firefighter's valiant battle with cancer ended Saturday, leaving countless loved ones, first responders, friends and others devastated. "We all ask why the great ones are taken to soon and we can't find the answer," Hackensack Fire Capt. Justin Derevyanik wrote as news of the death of Timothy Rice spread on Saturday. Timmy Rice, 42, of Emerson leaves Regina, his wife of 15 years, their daughter, Aubrey, and their son, TJ. He was "one of a kind, truly one of the nicest, most caring people I’ve ever known," Doug Habermann wrote -- just one of a rapidly growing collect…
Bergen Boy, 9, Clings To Life, Loved Ones Hold Onto Hope After SUV Accident Bergen Boy, 9, Clings To Life, Loved Ones Hold Onto Hope After SUV Accident
Bergen Boy, 9, Clings To Life, Loved Ones Hold Onto Hope After SUV Accident Friday promises another ray of hope for the family of a 9-year-old Fair Lawn boy critically injured in a tragic accident last month. Aiden D'Angelo "is opening his eyes and moving his limbs," his father said Thursday. The news is heartening to many. There are Aiden's parents, Joe and Jessica, as well as his brother, Luca. There are the neighbors who called 911 and rushed into the street after Aiden was struck by a Honda CR-V on 17th Street near Morlot Avenue on May 26. There's the local police officer who held Aiden's head in his hands, the EMS workers who took him to St. Joseph's Re…
North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30 North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30
North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30 North Jersey native, artist and musician Marc Louis DiCianni died March 30 from complications of diabetes. He was 30. Born in Denville, DiCianni grew up in Sparta and spent time in California before moving to Burlington, Vermont, his obituary says. DiCianni was known for his relentless love of all things music. He often attended live shows, composed and performed his own songs and created art inspired by his own music, his memorial says. “Marc was a selfless and generous soul, frequently contributing to a variety of charitable causes and always living for others,” reads his obituary. “Mar…
Bergen County Coworkers Rally For 'Angelic' Special Ed Behaviorist Battling Cancer -- Again Bergen County Coworkers Rally For 'Angelic' Special Ed Behaviorist Battling Cancer -- Again
Bergen County Coworkers Rally For 'Angelic' Special Ed Behaviorist Battling Cancer -- Again Ashley Van Valen and Jenny Venezio have long called Cassie Romano their angel. The three met each other working in Paramus for Bergen County Special Services, and have since become close friends. "She has this platinum blonde hair," said Van Valen of Dumont. "She lights up a room and she's so soft-spoken." "She's the sweetest, most generous person," Venezio added. "She cares about her friends, family and the students she works with." And so when Cassie was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer last September, Van Valen and Venezio knew they needed to be what their colleague has…
Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies At 60 Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies At 60
Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies At 60 Diego Armando Maradona, considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, died of a heart attack in Buenos Aires early Wednesday, according to multiple reports.  Maradona, 60, who'd been in failing health, has left the hospital after undergoing surgery for a blood clot on his brain earlier this month, according to the Argentinian newspaper Clarín. Known as “El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”), Maradona was honored along with Pele with the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award.  Following a 21-year career, he briefly coached Argentina during the 2010 World C…
VIDEO: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thanks Ridgefield Firefighters With New Kicks VIDEO: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thanks Ridgefield Firefighters With New Kicks
Video: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thanks Ridgefield Firefighters With New Kicks Amid this week’s 9/11 remembrances came news of a token of appreciation that meant a lot to volunteer firefighters in Ridgefield. Movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Under Armour sent the department 100 pairs of his new $140 training sneakers as part of a rollout honoring first responders. The First Responders Children's Foundation arranged for delivery of the new Under Armour Project Rock PR3 sneakers to departments near Ground Zero. Jillian Crane of the non-profit First Responders Children's Foundation officially presented the new kicks at Engine Co. 2 in Ridgefield last month, but …
NJ Landlord Waives 3 Months Rent During Pandemic NJ Landlord Waives 3 Months Rent During Pandemic
NJ Landlord Waives 3 Months Rent During Pandemic A Montclair landlord is waiving rent payments for three months to help ease his tenants' financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic. David Placek originally waived rent for April and May and recently added June. Overall, his BDP Holdings LLC and Community Investment Partners is eating about $50,000 -- at an average of $1,200 to $1,500 a unit per month. The goal is to show tenants "some compassion and feelings for what they might be going through," Placek told ABC7. We didn't ask them what financial position they're in." The father of three "exemplifies the spirit we need to see ri…
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 …