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Community Support

23 Starving Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In Westchester 23 Starving Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In Westchester
23 Starving Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In Westchester Nearly two dozen starving cats and kittens have been rescued from a horrific hoarding situation in Westchester, where they were found abandoned, malnourished, and suffering from severe neglect, officials said. SPCA Westchester is urgently seeking community support after rescuing 23 cats and kittens from a dire hoarding situation. The animals were discovered in a White Plains home abandoned after their owner was evicted, leaving them without food or water for weeks, the organization said in a social media post on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit responded to the sce…
Firefighter Loses Home In Hudson Valley Blaze: Department Asks For Help From Community Firefighter Loses Home In Hudson Valley Blaze: Department Asks For Help From Community
Firefighter Loses Home In Hudson Valley Blaze: Department Asks For Help From Community A Putnam County community is coming together to support a local firefighter and his family after their home was destroyed in a tragic fire.  The blaze occurred in Putnam Valley on Monday, Feb. 10, at 165 Peekskill Hollow Rd., and destroyed a home belonging to Fire Police Officer Juan Garcia and his family, Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department President James Apostolico said on Tuesday, Feb. 11.  In an official statement, Apostolico thanked residents for their kindness and generosity during this difficult time. "We are deeply touched by the outpouring of support from …
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…
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash A mother of three critically injured in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia has been identified as Dominique Goods-Burke, her family said. Dominique, a Day Bake Supervisor at High Point Cafe, was with her family at Macy’s in Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31, when the medical jet crashed into the area, causing her car to catch fire. Fighting To Recover Dominique remains in critical condition but is responding well to treatment, her family said. Her recovery is expected to be long and challenging. Her employer, High Point Cafe, shared their support for Dominique…
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash 9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash Ramesses Dreuitt, the 9-year-old son of Steven Dreuitt, who was killed in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia, is fighting for his life after suffering burns on 90% of his body, family members said. Critical Injuries And Coma Ramesses was in the car with his father on the 2300 block of Cottman Avenue when the medical jet crashed and exploded on Friday, Jan. 31. While Steven was tragically killed, Ramesses survived but sustained severe burns across his body. Facebook/Steven Dreuitt He remains in a medically induced coma and faces a long and painful road to recovery…
Connecticut Dad Of 3, Youth Soccer Coach Killed In DC Crash Remembered For Faith, Conviction Connecticut Dad Of 3, Youth Soccer Coach Killed In DC Crash Remembered For Faith, Conviction
Connecticut Dad Of 3, Youth Soccer Coach Killed In DC Crash Remembered For Faith, Conviction By all accounts, Casey Crafton was a devoted husband and father who served his Connecticut community with conviction and grace. The Salem dad of three young boys was one of 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29. It is the deadliest aviation disaster in the US in more than 15 years. He was returning home from Witchita, Kansas, and had a scheduled layover at Reagan National Airport.  Related: Ex-Head Of International Skating Center Of Connecticut, Olympian Wife Killed In DC Plane Crash Cas…
Westchester Girl’s Rare Cancer Fight Draws Love, Support Westchester Girl’s Rare Cancer Fight Draws Love, Support
Westchester Girl’s Rare Cancer Fight Draws Love, Support The family of a young Westchester girl diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer is certainly not facing this serious trial alone thanks to the help of their community.  White Plains resident Annabelle Herrmann experienced a life-changing event in early December when a troubling health issue led to the discovery of a tumor behind her left eye.  What began as double vision suspected to be caused by an internal stye quickly escalated after Annabelle’s symptoms worsened. Following a visit to an ophthalmologist, doctors determined her eyes were healthy but suspected an issue…
Westchester's Mike West Sr., Lifelong Friend To Many, Dies: Memorial Fund Made In His Name Westchester's Mike West Sr., Lifelong Friend To Many, Dies: Memorial Fund Made In His Name
Westchester's Mike West Sr., Lifelong Friend To Many, Dies: Memorial Fund Made In His Name A Westchester native and former football player known throughout his community is being remembered for his big heart, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to family, friends, and teammates following his death.  Michael West Sr., a lifelong resident of New Rochelle and a celebrated athlete, died on Thursday, Dec. 26 at the age of 61.   According to his lifelong friend Robert "Sonny" Fernandez, West played football at every level from youth leagues to Southern Connecticut State University and left a lasting impression on countless lives with his warm smile, big heart, and ability to…
Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (UPDATE) Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (UPDATE)
Christmas Eve Blaze: Support Pours In For Hudson Valley Family Who Lost Home (Update) A Hudson Valley family who lost their home in a devastating Christmas Eve fire is now receiving overwhelming support from their community as they begin their rebuilding process. The blaze broke out shortly after 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at a Putnam County home on North Salem Road in Southeast. Following the tragic incident, the residence's family was left without a home, according to the Brewster Fire Department. During the fire, the family, including two children, a husband, wife, and the wife’s mother, managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived, though one fami…
Popular Tap Room To Change Ownership In Westchester, Close For Renovations Popular Tap Room To Change Ownership In Westchester, Close For Renovations
Popular Tap Room To Change Ownership In Westchester, Close For Renovations A beloved Northern Westchester shop known for its artisanal olive oils, vinegar, and local flair is changing hands as it prepares for a new chapter in 2025. The Twisted Branch, located at 24 Broadway in Valhalla, has announced that it will soon be under new ownership as the Cozza and Cherico families pass the torch to the Galletti family starting Wednesday, Jan. 1, when it will close for renovations.  Known for its charming tap room featuring over 30 varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, along with a coffee bar and selection of local products, The Twisted Branch has become a s…
Longtime Northern Westchester Firefighter Dies At 56: Remembered For Life Of Service Longtime Northern Westchester Firefighter Dies At 56: Remembered For Life Of Service
Longtime Northern Westchester Firefighter Dies At 56: Remembered For Life Of Service A Northern Westchester community is mourning the sudden loss of veteran firefighter and Hudson Valley resident Christopher Johanson, who dedicated his life to service and his family.  Johanson, a 24-year veteran firefighter with the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 26, at his home in Cold Spring at the age of 56, according to his obituary.  Johanson, badge number 61, joined the Lake Mohegan Fire Department in August 2000 and was most recently assigned to Station 2, the Jefferson Valley Firehouse.  In a memorial post on social media, t…
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO) Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO)
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (Video) A New York woman is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a jet skier who became stranded on a frozen canal, sending him into frigid waters. The dramatic rescue unfolded on Thursday, Dec. 26, on Long Island's Poospatuck Creek in Mastic Beach, after a jet skier found himself stuck and sinking in the icy water. Kayla Masotto, a nearby resident, sprang into action after spotting the man struggling in the freezing canal. Video shared on Instagram shows Masotto walking out onto the thin ice with her paddleboard to reach the man, whose arms and legs had gone numb from the cold water. A second …
Support Pours In For Children Of Parents Killed In Fiery Tesla Crash In Westchester Support Pours In For Children Of Parents Killed In Fiery Tesla Crash In Westchester
Support Pours In For Children Of Parents Killed In Fiery Tesla Crash In Westchester Community members are rushing to lend help to two children left without their parents following a tragic crash involving a Tesla in Westchester  The two victims, identified as 46-year-old Jahmale Ledeatte and 44-year-old Tracey Ledeatte, parents in the New Rochelle school district, were killed on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Shore Road in Pelham Manor, according to police. Pelham Manor Police Chief Gregory Sancho said a Tesla drove through the intersection, struck a wall on the northbound lane of Shore Road, and burst into flames. Speed may have bee…
UPDATE: Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Parents In Westchester School District UPDATE: Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Parents In Westchester School District
Update: Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Parents In Westchester School District A Westchester school community is mourning the tragic loss of two beloved parents who were killed in a fiery crash involving a Tesla, district officials announced. In a message sent to families on Tuesday, Dec. 3, New Rochelle Superintendent Corey Reynolds said two "beloved parents" from the city's school district were killed in a crash in Pelham Manor earlier in the day.  According to village officials and police, the crash occurred on Tuesday morning at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Shore Road.  Pelham Manor Police Lt. Gregory Sancho said a Tesla drove through …
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…
Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Police Officer In Westchester '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," …
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker who died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region will be honored at a memorial service in his hometown. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. Rockland County resident Dariel Vasquez, age 18, suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Par…
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses Actress Melissa Joan Hart is showing some love for her hometown on Long Island following a fire that damaged several businesses. The “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star, who grew up in Sayville, took to Instagram to share a relief fund created to help the half dozen businesses that were damaged in the blaze along the beloved Main Street on Friday, Oct. 25. “The town I grew up in, Sayville, New York, had a devastating fire yesterday and many small businesses suffered big losses,” the 48-year-old Hart wrote. “I'm donating to the chamber of commerce to help them get back on their feet hopefully i…
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 Westchester Eatery Support Pours In For Restaurant Owners, Tenants After Fire Damages Westchester Eatery
Support Pours In For Restaurant Owners, Tenants After Fire Damages Westchester 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 Yonkers Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire Iconic Longtime Yonkers Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire
Yonkers' Delite Bake Shop To Reopen After Fire 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…
Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Teacher Killed In Yonkers Murder-Suicide Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Teacher Killed In Yonkers Murder-Suicide
Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Teacher Killed In Yonkers Murder-Suicide Following a horrific murder-suicide that left a beloved Westchester teacher and mom dead, community members and media company Barstool Sports are coming to the aid of her three children.  The outpouring of support follows the death of Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, who was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16.  According to police, O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot by her husband, retired New York City Police Department officer…
Eatery Closes In Tuckahoe Eatery Closes In Tuckahoe
Eatery Closes In Tuckahoe A Westchester restaurant has permanently closed. Tuckahoe Station Cafe, formerly located at 111 Lake St. in Tuckahoe, closed for good on Saturday, Sept. 21, according to an announcement on its social media pages.  The eatery's owners did not give a specific reason for the closure but said it was a "difficult decision." "We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all who have supported us over the years," the owners wrote, adding, "Thank you for being a part of our journey."  The cafe, which served breakfast and lunch, had been known for its breakfast sa…
23-Year-Old Army Soldier From Westchester Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void' 23-Year-Old Army Soldier From Westchester Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void'
23-Year-Old Army Soldier From Westchester 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…
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Yonkers Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Yonkers
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Yonkers A community in mourning following the tragic death of a beloved schoolteacher in an apparent murder-suicide at her Westchester home is finding the silver lining in remembering her massive impact on countless young students.  Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, according to Yonkers Police. Earlier Report - Retired Nypd Officer, Teacher Found Dead After Murder-Suicide At Yonkers Home O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot …
Support Pours In For Over Century-Old Nursery Facing Financial Struggles In Westchester Support Pours In For Over Century-Old Nursery Facing Financial Struggles In Westchester
Support Pours In For Over Century-Old Nursery Facing Financial Struggles In Westchester Community members are coming to the aid of a nearly 130-year-old nursery in Westchester that has run into financial struggles now threatening its ability to stay open.  The New Rochelle Day Nursery, located at 115 Clinton Ave., has been an integral part of the city's community since its founding in 1895, providing education and care for children aged 18 months to 5 years old.  However, the private not-for-profit nursery is now facing "significant financial challenges" that are threatening to close the facility, according to Jonathan Larosa, who has organized a GoFundMe fundra…
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…
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…
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…
Accused Murderer Ranted About Pronouns, Trump Before Ex-Wife, Her BF Were Slain In NY Home Accused Murderer Ranted About Pronouns, Trump Before Ex-Wife, Her BF Were Slain In NY Home
Accused Murderer Ranted About Pronouns, Trump Before Ex-Wife, Her BF Were Slain In NY Home New details are offering insight into the mind of an accused murderer just hours before he allegedly gunned down his ex-wife and her boyfriend inside their New York home. The Long Island killings happened in St. James, at a residence on Brasswood Road, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28. Suffolk County Police said Daniel Coppola, age 50, put his 15-year-old daughter into his car before going inside and shooting his ex-wife, 50-year-old Kelly Coppola, and her boyfriend, 53-year-old Kenneth Pohlman. Earlier Report: Man Kills Ex-Wife, Her BF At St. James Home, Police Say Both vic…
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.  …