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Community Support

Ocean Township School District Offers Support After Student Hospitalized In Apartment Fire Ocean Township School District Offers Support After Student Hospitalized In Apartment Fire
Ocean Township School District Offers Support After Student Hospitalized In Apartment Fire A Monmouth County school community was rallying to support a family whose child was severely injured in an apartment fire, officials said. A Wayside Elementary School student was in stable condition at a hospital, Township of Ocean School District superintendent Kelly Weldon said in a letter to families on Monday, Oct. 28. The child was injured in a two-alarm fire at the Middlebrook at Monmouth apartment complex. Weldon said the district has counselors in its schools to support students. "Please join me in keeping this family and all Ocean families impacted by this fire clos…
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery A Toms River police officer who was part of the department since she was a girl died after tonsil surgery, according to a fundraising campaign. Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga, 21, died on Saturday, Oct. 5, her obituary from Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services said. She was a Class I special law enforcement officer with the Toms River Police Department. According to a GoFundMe page, Rivera-Zuniga had a difficult recovery from tonsil surgery. She was hospitalized with meningitis and suffered two strokes. The GoFundMe had raised more than $29,700 from at least 453 donations as of Wednesday, Oct. 9. …
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says Support is on the rise for four girls mourning the loss of their 40-year-old mother, who authorities said was stabbed dead by her husband this weekend in New Jersey. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Rosana Rodriguez's daughters had raised more than $10,000 as of Sunday, Sept. 22, more than 24 hours after she was found lying on the kitchen floor of a Perth Amboy home with stab wounds next to her husband, Wellington Leonard, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Officers were called to the Bertrand Avenue home around 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ci…
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Max Dryerman said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister. The college student from Woodcliff Lake lost his entire immediate family in a crash on the Garden State Parkway over the weekend. A joint funeral service was held for David and Michele Dryerman, both 54, and Brooke Dryerman, 17, Tuesday morning at Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley. A burial service followed at Sharon Gardens on Lakeview Avenue, in Valhalla, NY. Max, whose LinkedIn shows he's studying engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, launched a GoFundMe page to help put himself t…
Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (UPDATE) Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (UPDATE)
Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (Update) Football communities in South Jersey were left reeling following a post-scrimmage crash that left a coach and 9-year-old player dead on Thursday, Sept. 12. A GoFundMe campaign identifies the athlete killed as Easton Beisler, who played for Upper Township.  Vineland police previously said a boy identified only as E.B. was riding in an SUV that collided with motorcyclist Addiel Ortiz, 31, at Maple Avenue near Becker Drive at around 5:53 p.m., Vineland police said. Ortiz was riding a Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle east on Maple when the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse heading…
'Unimaginable Loss': 15-Month-Old Identical Triplet From South Jersey Dies, Fundraiser Says 'Unimaginable Loss': 15-Month-Old Identical Triplet From South Jersey Dies, Fundraiser Says
'Unimaginable Loss': 15-Month-Old Identical Triplet From South Jersey Dies, Fundraiser Says A Cinnaminson family was rallying for support after the death of a toddler who was an identical triplet, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page was set up in memory of Cole Scannell. The 15-month-old boy died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 28, according to an obituary from Givnish Funeral Homes. The GoFundMe page had raised more than $82,000 from at least 989 donations as of Thursday, Sept. 5. One week later, we lay to rest our precious, 15-month-old triplet grandson, Cole Gerard Scannell 👼💔😭 “O clement, O... Posted by Colleen Maloney Mellor on Wednesday, Sep…
Asbury Park Artist With 'Light-Filled Soul' Critically Stabbed On Labor Day: Fundraiser Asbury Park Artist With 'Light-Filled Soul' Critically Stabbed On Labor Day: Fundraiser
Asbury Park Artist With 'Light-Filled Soul' Critically Stabbed On Labor Day: Fundraiser An Asbury Park photographer was critically injured when she was stabbed while walking with a friend on Labor Day, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page said Andrea Laign was the victim of the afternoon Asbury Avenue stabbing on Monday, Sept. 2. The fundraiser called her a "beloved member of our creative family" in the city. The GoFundMe had raised more than $4,200 from at least 59 donations as of Thursday, Sept. 5. "It is devastating that this sweet, talented, light-filled soul is a victim of such a violent crime," wrote Michaela Murray, the fundrais…
Red Bank Man Killed Middletown North HS Grad In Shrewsbury Hit-And-Run, Prosecutors Say Red Bank Man Killed Middletown North HS Grad In Shrewsbury Hit-And-Run, Prosecutors Say
Red Bank Man Killed Middletown North HS Grad In Shrewsbury Hit-And-Run, Prosecutors Say A Red Bank man was accused of killing a pedestrian and leaving the scene of a crash in Shrewsbury, authorities said. Jose Rodriguez-Jimenez, 40, was charged with second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident under certain circumstances, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Aug. 23. The charge came after 23-year-old Mariano Codallos-Tepepa of Brick Township died in a crash on Monday, Aug. 5. Shrewsbury police responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive male lying in the right northbound lane of Shrewsbury Avenue just after 2:45 a.m. Codal…
Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire
Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire A popular Sea Isle restaurant was destroyed by a fire Wednesday, Aug. 14. A Facebook post shared on behalf of Casa Taco owner Victor Loaeza says that the restaurant suffered a roof collapse in the blaze just after 5 p.m. "Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and this time it’s ours to face," the post reads. "The most important thing is that everyone is safe. We can’t thank our fire departments and emergency personnel enough for their quick response and bravery. Your support means more to us than we can express." Conshy Bakery shared footage of the fire. Dozens of patrons commented i…
'Devastating Loss': South Jersey Dad, Masonry Business Owner Dies After Motorcycle Crash 'Devastating Loss': South Jersey Dad, Masonry Business Owner Dies After Motorcycle Crash
'Devastating Loss': South Jersey Dad, Masonry Business Owner Dies After Motorcycle Crash An Elmer father who owned a concrete masonry business and coached youth baseball died after crashing his motorcycle on a rural road, authorities said. Peter Pino, 37, was killed in the crash in Quinton Township, a state police spokesperson said on Thursday, Aug. 15. The crash happened at around 10:01 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. Investigators said Pino was traveling east on Lawrence Road on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he crashed into the back of a Pequea machine trailer parked in the east travel lane. He was ejected from the motorcycle when it ove…
South Jersey HS Athlete Killed By Train Remembered For Playing, Living 'Bigger Than Himself' South Jersey HS Athlete Killed By Train Remembered For Playing, Living 'Bigger Than Himself'
South Jersey HS Athlete Killed By Train Remembered For Playing, Living 'Bigger Than Himself' Friends and loved ones were rallying to support the family of a Palmyra teen killed by a New Jersey Transit train. Matthew Dickinson died on Thursday, Aug. 8, according to the Palmyra School District. He was 15 years old. Dickinson was hit by a River Line train at the Chestnut Street crossing just before 8:20 a.m., a NJ Transit spokesperson said. He was walking to a soccer scrimmage, FOX 29 News reported. A candlelight vigil was held for Dickinson at Palmyra High School on Sunday, Aug. 11. "Matthew was a great brother, a great teammate, and a great class…
Former New Jersey HS Soccer Player Mariano Codallos Dies, 23 Former New Jersey HS Soccer Player Mariano Codallos Dies, 23
Former New Jersey HS Soccer Player Mariano Codallos Dies, 23 Mariano Codallos-Tepepa, a 23-year-old Brick resident and former high school soccer player, died on Monday, Aug. 5, according to his obituary on the John E. Day Funeral Home website. A 2019 graduate of Middletown North High School, Codallos-Tepepa was passionate about music and devoted to his family, his obituary says. An avid fan of the New York Yankees, he was dedicated to his faith and was a longtime parishioner of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Red Bank and became a brother of of the Cursillo de Cristiandad, according to his obituary. He is survived by his parent, Crisoforo …
Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser
Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser Authorities have identified the Freehold man who was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle in Howell Township. Aaron Aponte, 28, died from his injuries in the crash on Tuesday, July 9, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. It happened at the intersection of Fort Plains Road and Jerry’s Lane at around 4:53 p.m. Investigators said Aponte was riding a Honda GL 1100L motorcycle north on Fort Plains when he tried to go around a curve in the road. He fell and slid with his motorcycle across the road into oncoming traffic. A Honda Odyssey crashed …
Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation
Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation What was supposed to have been a relaxing trip for one New Jersey family apparently visiting their grandparents in Texas quickly turned into a nightmare. While snorkeling in San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park in Texas, Ernest Manchin, 82, of Dripping Springs, TX, went under water and did not re-emerge, CBS7 says citing state police. Moments later, Gary Wong, 56, of East Brunswick — Manchin's son-in-law — went under, too. Both Manchin and Wong were rescued from the water but ultimately died at an area hospital, the outlet says. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Wong’s…
Family Loses Everything In Devastating Fire In South Jersey, Campaign Says Family Loses Everything In Devastating Fire In South Jersey, Campaign Says
Family Loses Everything In Devastating Fire In South Jersey, Campaign Says A family of five from Deptford lost everything in a devastating house fire on Thursday, July 4, according to a GoFundMe campaign. The Guerra family "is known for their kindness and willingness to help anyone in need," the campaign said. Now, Rob and Danielle Guerra, along with their three boys aged 8, 11, and 12 need the community's support, said Abbey Ametrano, the campaign's organizer, and a neighbor. "Rob, who works for the township, is a dedicated community helper, and Danielle, a talented nail technician, brings beauty to the lives of Deptford's residents," Ametrano wrote. …
Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor
Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor The dump truck driver accused of passing through a stop sign in a fatal crash in Cumberland County has been formally cited, authorities said on Tuesday, July 2. Lamaas Arthur, 55, of Port Norris, received citations for disregarding a stop sign and careless driving, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. The crash was on Thursday, June 20 in Commercial Township. No criminal charges had been filed as of Tuesday.  New Jersey State Police said that Arthur had "numerous motor vehicle violations." Brandy Woolson, 43, of Port Elizabeth, a mother of four, was killed in the …
Free T-Shirts, Hoagie-Building Competition To Celebrate Wawa's Newest Central Jersey Store Free T-Shirts, Hoagie-Building Competition To Celebrate Wawa's Newest Central Jersey Store
Free T-Shirts, Hoagie-Building Competition To Celebrate Wawa's Newest Central Jersey Store A Wawa is opening in Monmouth County and the convenience store chain will celebrate its 60th anniversary along with the new location, officials said. The new Wawa will be open at 3052 Route 35 in Hazlet on Thursday, June 27, the company said in a news release.  The store will officially open at 8 a.m. and a grand opening ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 customers will get free "In My Wawa Era 60th Anniversary" t-shirts.  After a ribbon cutting, the store will have the "Hoagies for Heroes" sandwich-building competition between police officers and firefighters.…
42-Year-Old Jersey Shore Food Pantry Reopens In Temporary Location After Leaving Old Home 42-Year-Old Jersey Shore Food Pantry Reopens In Temporary Location After Leaving Old Home
42-Year-Old Jersey Shore Food Pantry Reopens In Temporary Location After Leaving Old Home A food pantry that has served Bradley Beach for more than four decades has found a temporary home about a month after closing its only location. Bradley Food Pantry has reopened at 1115 Main Street, the charity announced on Facebook on Wednesday, June 19. Food is distributed under a tent on the backside of the property. The pantry, which has served the coastal borough and surrounding area since 1982, left its space at St. James Episcopal Church on Fourth Avenue on Friday, May 17. "I am deeply grateful for the number of volunteers who have turned out to help with the transformatio…
NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15 NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15
NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15 Collin Zavoda, a 15-year-old student athlete at Bridgewater High School died unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, according to a campaign launched for his family. A native of Edison, Zavoda moved to Bridgewater in 2013 and was active in the community, playing baseball and hockey, his obituary on the Bridgewater Funeral Home website reads.  An avid hockey fan, Collin also worked as a hockey referee, according to his obituary and helped lead his club hockey team to a championship. The rising sophomore was also an active Boy Scout who enjoyed fishing, boating and skiing, his obituary rea…