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Beloved Westchester Teacher Remembered For Positive Energy, Impact On Students Beloved Westchester Teacher Remembered For Positive Energy, Impact On Students
Beloved Westchester Teacher Remembered For Positive Energy, Impact On Students A beloved teacher who was a fixture at a Northern Westchester high school for decades is being remembered for her contagious positive energy and her tremendous impact on her students throughout her long career.   Elizabeth “Betsy” Groat of Ho-Ho-Kus in Bergen County died on Wednesday, Oct. 30 after a battle with cancer, according to her obituary.   Groat, who taught physical education and coached at Westlake High School in Thornwood, dedicated 38 years to inspiring and supporting student-athletes in the Mount Pleasant School District, according to a GoFundMe page created…
Beloved Westchester Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness Beloved Westchester Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness
Beloved Westchester Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness A beloved Northern Westchester native and former firefighter is being remembered for his kindness, generosity, and lasting impact on those who knew him following his unexpected passing. Reynaldo “Reycito” Sanchez, Jr., age 37, a resident of Miramar, Florida, and formerly of Yorktown Heights, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 31, according to his obituary. Born in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 25, 1987, he moved to Westchester, where he grew up, attended Yorktown High School, and graduated in 2006.  Reynaldo was a past member of the Harry Howard Hook and Ladder Co. of the Po…
Irvington Police Officer 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Irvington Police Officer 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Irvington Police Officer 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Members of a police department in Westchester will be growing out their facial hair as part of their effort to support one of their own who is bravely facing off against cancer.  Throughout this month, the Irvington Police Department will be supporting the American Thyroid Cancer Association with its annual No-Shave-November as one of its members, Officer Estefania Mejia, fights her own battle against the disease. According to the department, Mejia was diagnosed earlier in the year. There's good news, though — she has undergone surgery and treatments and is now "doing well," …
Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting
Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting Although the family rocked by a Northern Westchester shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead faces a long, arduous road of healing and recovery, they will not go it alone thanks to the generosity of their community.  The shooting happened at around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, when Fernando Jimenez, age 40, shot his girlfriend and her two children with an illegally possessed handgun in the Baldwin Place section of Somers during a domestic dispute, according to New York State Police. Earlier Report - Name Released Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Somers Shooting That Led To …
Support Pours In For Restaurant Owners, Tenants After Fire Damages Tarrytown Eatery Support Pours In For Restaurant Owners, Tenants After Fire Damages Tarrytown Eatery
Support Pours In For Restaurant Owners, Tenants After Fire Damages Tarrytown Eatery Following a devastating blaze that severely damaged a beloved Westchester restaurant and left several tenants without homes, community members are pitching in to help those impacted rebuild.  The fire began at around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Tarrytown's Tarry Tavern at 27 Main St. and went on to significantly damage the building, Tarrytown village officials said. Earlier Report - Fire Damages Tarrytown's Tarry Tavern Although there were no injuries and the blaze was prevented from spreading to surrounding buildings, the incident left restaurant employees without jobs and …
Iconic Longtime Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire In Westchester Iconic Longtime Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire In Westchester
Iconic Longtime Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire In Westchester A more than 80-year-old Westchester County bakery has announced that it will be reopening following a damaging fire that forced it to close for months.  Delite Bake Shop, located in Yonkers at 773 Yonkers Ave., will reopen to customers on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6 a.m. and return to its normal business hours.  The reopening comes months after a fire tore through the building on Saturday, July 13 around 12:30 a.m., according to the store's owner, Eric Jeraci.  Luckily, no one was injured in the blaze, as it had happened when the bakery was closed. Still, the fire caused…
23-Year-Old Army Soldier From White Plains Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void' 23-Year-Old Army Soldier From White Plains Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void'
23-Year-Old Army Soldier From White Plains Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void' Community members are coming together to support the family of a 23-year-old Westchester man who died following a hard-fought battle with cancer.  White Plains resident Matías Ayala died on Wednesday, Oct. 9 after courageously fighting cancer for two years, according to his obituary page.  Although he eventually lost his fight, Ayala faced multiple chemotherapy rounds, radiation, and surgery, never losing his will to fight, according to family friend Ninfa Monges, who created a GoFundMe fundraiser in the days after Ayala's death to collect donations for his fam…
NY 'Hero' Dies Saving Drowning Child: 'Was Life Of Every Party' NY 'Hero' Dies Saving Drowning Child: 'Was Life Of Every Party'
NY 'Hero' Dies Saving Drowning Child: 'Was Life Of Every Party' Jamie Lambros died a hero. The 48-year-old New York resident, from Long Island's Deer Park, died Monday, Oct. 7, while trying to save a young boy and his mother in the waters of Bermuda. Lambros was enjoying a family vacation at Horseshoe Bay Beach when he noticed the 10-year-old boy struggling and went in after him, his friend, Chris Pompeo, said on Facebook. The child and his mother survived, but Lambros drowned. “In his final moments, Jamie showed the courage and selflessness that those who knew him will always remember,” relatives said on a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expens…
Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others'
Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering after their matriarch, a mother of three boys, died late last month.  Jhoseline Nelson, of Trumbull, died surrounded by her family on Sept. 29, her obituary said.  The Westchester County native from Port Chester leaves behind three sons — ages 13, 11, and 6 — and a husband of 17 years, Raney Nelson Jr. She was known for her fierce love of her family, her openness to anyone in need, and her compassion, according to her obituary. "From her earliest days, she was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, a…
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Bella Trezza’s final act of generosity will help others live. Just days after the 17-year-old high school senior and aspiring nurse from Babylon was taken off life support following a car crash that killed two others, doctors removed her organs to help three strangers in need. An honor walk was held at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, before Trezza’s kidneys and liver were recovered, LiveOnNY confirmed to Daily Voice. Earlier Report: 'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled Long Island Intersection “Two women in their 30’s received her ki…
New Update: Support On Rise For Fatal House Fire Victim's Family In Hudson Valley New Update: Support On Rise For Fatal House Fire Victim's Family In Hudson Valley
New Update: Support On Rise For Fatal House Fire Victim's Family In Hudson Valley In the days after a tragic house fire that left a man dead in the Hudson Valley, a community is making sure his family gets what they need to start their rebuilding process.  The blaze, which happened in Putnam County on Sunday, Sept. 22, began at around 5:40 a.m. at a Lake Carmel residence at 16 Marion Way and ended up fully engulfing the home, according to the Kent Police Department. Earlier Report - 1 Killed After House Fire Breaks Out In Lake Carmel One of the home's occupants, Joseph Hunt, was killed in the blaze, while two other residents were hospitalized. A fami…
Westchester's Own Ryan Reynolds Bonds With 8-Year-Old Cancer Patient Westchester's Own Ryan Reynolds Bonds With 8-Year-Old Cancer Patient
Westchester's Own Ryan Reynolds Bonds With 8-Year-Old Cancer Patient Ryan Reynolds got the chance to meet a real-world superhero in Massachusetts.  The "Deadpool" star stopped by Mass General for Children on Friday, Sept. 20, to spend some time with Nash, a Canadian boy getting radiation treatments at the Boston hospital who is also a big fan of the "merc with the mouth."  Nash has a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Related: Ryan Reynolds Raves About His Trip To Region Movie Theater "Everything you've gone through, that is a lot for an 8-year-old kid to shoulder," Reynolds told the boy. "I hope you know that." The Canadian-born Reyno…
New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Hudson Valley New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Hudson Valley
New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Hudson Valley Authorities and animal advocates are increasing the reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot an owned cat in the Hudson Valley with a pellet gun.  The New York State Humane Association and Putnam County SPCA are now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever shot Kiwi, a 3-year-old neutered orange tabby cat, in the town of Patterson around Tuesday, Aug. 20.  This reward is on top of Kiwi's owner's offered reward of $500 and $250 offered by a concerned citizen, officials said, adding that the total reward is now…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home. Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman. Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
Building To Be Demolished Following Devastating Hudson Valley Fire Building To Be Demolished Following Devastating Hudson Valley Fire
Building To Be Demolished Following Devastating Hudson Valley Fire A Hudson Valley apartment building that was destroyed by a quick-moving fire will be demolished this week. The incident occurred in Rockland County around 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, at The Highlands  (the former Avalon Gardens) in Nanuet. According to Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, the fire destroyed eight units, leaving all homeless. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Rockland County Fire Coordinator Chris Kear said construction workers installing lighting may have hit a gas line, igniting the fire. He added the official cause of the fire is still pendin…
Support Rises For Family Of Beloved Former School District Staff Member In Westchester Support Rises For Family Of Beloved Former School District Staff Member In Westchester
Support Rises For Family Of Beloved Former School District Staff Member In Westchester Community members are coming together to help the family of a beloved mother and former school employee in Northern Westchester as they plan to honor her memory.  The effort was prompted by the untimely death of Wendy Liburdi, a former Bedford Central School District staff member who was known by many in the community as a member of the district's Special Education Parent Teacher Organization.  Liburdi was also considered family to the Bedford Hills Fire Department, as she was mother to firefighter Joe Jr. and wife of Joseph Liburdi Sr., the department's former chief who…
Support Pours In For Family Of Westchester Bus Driver That Lost Their Young Son Support Pours In For Family Of Westchester Bus Driver That Lost Their Young Son
Support Pours In For Family Of Westchester Bus Driver That Lost Their Young Son After a well-loved bus driver and school monitor lost his young son from an illness, a Northern Westchester community came together to make sure his family had the means to give him a proper farewell.  Winston Batista, a beloved bus driver and school monitor with the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District for almost 25 years, found himself struggling with funeral costs after losing his son, Aiden, following a two-year illness. His predicament caught the attention of community members such as Michael Portnoy, a Lewisboro town employee who grew up knowing Batista.  …
Iconic Longtime Westchester Bakery Damaged By Fire Seeks Help In Rebuilding Iconic Longtime Westchester Bakery Damaged By Fire Seeks Help In Rebuilding
Iconic Longtime Westchester Bakery Damaged By Fire Seeks Help In Rebuilding A bakery that has served its Westchester community for more than eight decades is now asking for help in recovering from a devastating fire that forced it to close.  Delite Bake Shop, located in Yonkers at 773 Yonkers Ave., was damaged in a blaze that started on Saturday, July 13 around 12:30 a.m., according to the store's owner, Eric Jeraci.  Because the fire happened when the business was closed, no customers or employees were injured.  However, although the business has insurance, the bakery now has a "long road ahead" of them before they can reopen, and all of the costs …
Support Swells After Series Of Tornadoes Devastate NY Homes, Businesses: 'Anything Helps' Support Swells After Series Of Tornadoes Devastate NY Homes, Businesses: 'Anything Helps'
Support Swells After Series Of Tornadoes Devastate NY Homes, Businesses: 'Anything Helps' Donations are flooding in for the victims devastated by a series of tornadoes that touched down in New York during a round of severe storms. At least six twisters touched down in Central New York between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, the National Weather Service confirmed. They were identified at: Canastota, Madison County - EF-1, from 3 p.m. to 3:07 p.m. Peak winds - 100 mph. Rome, Oneida County - EF-2, from 3:25 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Peak winds - 135 mph. Oxbow Lake, Hamilton County - EF- 1, from 4:29 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Peak winds - 100 mph. Wells, Hamilton County - EF-1, from 4:30…
HS Student Killed In Crash At Westchester Shopping Center Was Beloved Baseball Player HS Student Killed In Crash At Westchester Shopping Center Was Beloved Baseball Player
HS Student Killed In Crash At Westchester Shopping Center Was Beloved Baseball Player A 16-year-old high school student from Westchester who was killed in a crash is being remembered for his love of baseball and his role as a mentor to young summer campers.  New Rochelle resident Aidan Galeano, age 16, was killed in a crash that happened just after midnight on Saturday, July 13, in New Rochelle at the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center at 1062 Wilmot Road, New Rochelle Police Captain J. Collins Coyne said on Wednesday, July 17. Earlier Report - ID Released For HS Student Killed In Crash At Shopping Center In New Rochelle Born in 2008, Galeano spent hi…
Injured Victims From PA Trump Rally ID'd By Police Injured Victims From PA Trump Rally ID'd By Police
Injured Victims From PA Trump Rally ID'd By Police The two men who were shot during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania and left in critical condition have been identified by the Pennsylvania State Police on Sunday evening. David Dutch, 57 of New Kensington, PA, and James Copenhaver, 74 of Moon Township, PA, have serious injuries following the shooting by Thomas Matthew Crooks at the Trump rally on Saturday, July 13 but were listed in stable condition on Sunday, July 14, state police explained.   Former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, 50 of Sarver, was identified as the man who was shot dead, as Daily Voice previously reported. &nbs…
Journalist Rallies Help For Westchester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son Journalist Rallies Help For Westchester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son
Journalist Rallies Help For Westchester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son A former news anchor is coming to the aid of a Westchester family hoping to raise enough money to build a therapy pool for their young son facing a challenging genetic disorder.  Karen Swensen, a former news anchor for WWL-TV based in New Orleans, is spearheading efforts to assist Port Chester residents Kristin Testerman and Steven Santiago in constructing a sanctuary pool at their new home for their 11-year-old son, Lucas.  Lucas is affected by a rare genetic disorder that has caused him to go blind and struggle with serious physical and medical obstacles. Lucas, who has no eyes…
New Update: Westchester HS Senior Killed In Crash Had 'Infectious Enthusiasm For Life' New Update: Westchester HS Senior Killed In Crash Had 'Infectious Enthusiasm For Life'
New Update: Westchester HS Senior Killed In Crash Had 'Infectious Enthusiasm For Life' A high school senior from Northern Westchester who was killed in a crash only two days before graduation is being remembered for his success as a soccer player and his desire to serve his country. Fox Lane High School senior Joshua Martinez Arana, age 18, was killed following a crash in Bedford Hills on Tuesday, June 18, just two days before the school's graduation ceremony.  Earlier Report - Fox Lane High School Senior Killed In Crash Days Before Graduation On the day of the crash, a car occupied by Arana and his friend another Fox Lane High School senior, cr…
Support Pours In To Help Hudson Valley Deli Owners Rebuild After Fire Support Pours In To Help Hudson Valley Deli Owners Rebuild After Fire
Support Pours In To Help Hudson Valley Deli Owners Rebuild After Fire Following a fire that devastated a well-liked Hudson Valley deli, community members were able to come together and raise thousands of dollars to help its owners rebuild from the ashes.  The blaze, which happened on Sunday, June 16 in Putnam County, broke out at the Putnam Valley Market Deli at 4 Sunset Hill Rd., which has been in business for more than three decades.  According to the owner's daughter, Alexa Santucci, the fire destroyed the physical structure of the deli's upper floor and also took away "years of hard work and dedication that my dad poured into building this …
Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Westchester Killed In 5-Story Fall Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Westchester Killed In 5-Story Fall
Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Westchester Killed In 5-Story Fall A visitation service will soon be held in honor of a middle school student and star athlete from Westchester whose life was cut short following a fall from the top floor of a parking garage.  Mark-Anthony Effy Giordano, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Harrison's Louis M. Klein Middle School, died on Sunday, June 9 after falling from the parking garage next to the Harrison Metro-North train station, according to MTA officials.  Earlier Report - Harrison Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' According to officials, aroun…
Alleged Hit-Run Biker Who Left 18-Year-Old NY College Student In Coma Enters Plea Alleged Hit-Run Biker Who Left 18-Year-Old NY College Student In Coma Enters Plea
Alleged Hit-Run Biker Who Left 18-Year-Old NY College Student In Coma Enters Plea The man accused of hitting a University at Albany student from Long Island with his dirt bike, leaving her in a medically induced coma, formally responded to the charges against him. Albany County resident Austin Breyette, age 25, of Watervliet, pleaded not guilty to assault and related charges on Monday, June 3, stemming from an alleged hit-and-run crash that seriously injured UAlbany freshman Alexa Kropf. The 18-year-old Kropf, a Long Island native from Floral Park, was struck just blocks from the UAlbany campus at around midnight Saturday, April 27. Earlier Report: Hit-Run Leaves…
Support Rises For Beloved Dog-Walker Severely Injured By Pickup Truck In Westchester Support Rises For Beloved Dog-Walker Severely Injured By Pickup Truck In Westchester
Support Rises For Beloved Dog-Walker Severely Injured By Pickup Truck In Westchester Following a devastating incident at a Northern Westchester gas station that left a woman with several severe injuries, community members are making sure she has financial support while she endures her recovery process.  The effort follows an incident in Croton-on-Hudson on Tuesday, May 7, when a beloved dog-walker named Alex, whose last name was not made public, was struck by a pickup truck at a Gulf gas station at 380 South Riverside Ave. and pinned against a wall. Earlier Report - Pickup Truck Severely Injures Woman At Croton Gas Station After she was struck, a bystander r…
Hit-Run Biker Who Left NY 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say Hit-Run Biker Who Left NY 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say
Hit-Run Biker Who Left NY 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say Nearly a month after a University at Albany student from Long Island was severely injured in a hit-and-run dirt bike crash, a suspect is behind bars. Albany Police arrested Austin Breyette, age 25, of Watervliet, early Thursday morning, May 23, in connection with the collision that left 18-year-old UAlbany freshman Alexa Kropf in a medically induced coma. Kropf, a Long Island native from Floral Park, was struck by a dirt bike rider just blocks from the UAlbany campus at around midnight Saturday, April 27. Earlier Report: New Update: 18-Year-Old Severely Injured In NY Hit-Run Awake …
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life'
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' A beloved US Army veteran from the Hudson Valley who dedicated much of his time and effort toward helping his fellow troops is being remembered for his large personality and ability to form a lasting bond with anyone.  Putnam County resident Luke Rathschmidt of Mahopac died unexpectedly in South Carolina on Saturday, May 18 at the age of 38, according to his obituary.  Born in 1986, Rathschmidt was a proud US Army veteran who served in Iraq in the 82nd Airborne Division.  His time in the military left a lasting impression on him that shaped much of the rest of…
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Hudson Valley Officer Who Died In Crash Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Hudson Valley Officer Who Died In Crash
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Hudson Valley Officer Who Died In Crash A community is coming together to support the family of a US Army veteran and dedicated police officer from the Hudson Valley who died suddenly in a crash.  Following the untimely death of Putnam County's Jose Colon, a committed officer who served with the Brewster Police Department, dozens of friends, family members, and fellow officers have come together to support Colon's wife and son financially. Earlier report - Brewster Police Officer Jose Colon Dies Suddenly At Age 55 Colon, a US Army veteran who spent two decades with the New York City Police Department before serving in …
HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY
HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY Sam Cullen and Suzie Kedar were planning on spending the rest of their lives together when tragedy struck. The Long Island natives and Farmingdale High School sweethearts were killed in a car crash in Washington State on Thursday, May 2. Details about the wreck were not immediately available. Their deaths came just two days after the 28-year-old Cullen, a Petty Officer in the US Navy stationed outside of Seattle on Whidbey Island, picked up an engagement ring that he planned on giving to Kedar, according to relatives. “They had plans on Friday morning to look at houses together with a real…