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Community Support

'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…
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County Two homes were heavily damaged by a three-alarm fire that started in a garage in Middlesex Borough, authorities said. On Friday, June 14, at 2:40 a.m., the Middlesex Borough Police Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 832 West Second Street.  Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that a garage was fully engulfed in flames. Prior to the fire spreading to 836 West Second Street, officers were able to safely evacuate the occupants of both residences, Middlesex police said. The Middlesex Fire Department, assisted by firefighters and equipment …
Fire Nearly Destroys Central Jersey Family's Home: 'The Loss Is So Great' Fire Nearly Destroys Central Jersey Family's Home: 'The Loss Is So Great'
Ditillo Family's GoFundMe A Monmouth County family's home was nearly destroyed by a fire, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page said the house in the Paddock Club in Marlboro caught fire on Thursday, Apr. 25. No one was reported injured but the Ditillo family's home and possessions "were almost completely destroyed." The GoFundMe had raised more than $55,000 from at least 714 donations as of Monday, Apr. 29. "The Ditillo family are known for their kindness and community spirit," wrote Alex Worth, a neighbor who created the GoFundMe. "They have always been the first to offer help to others in need. No…
South Jersey Thrift Store Reopening Three Months After Arson Fire Destroyed All Merchandise South Jersey Thrift Store Reopening Three Months After Arson Fire Destroyed All Merchandise
South Jersey Thrift Store Reopening Three Months After Arson Fire Destroyed All Merchandise A nonprofit thrift store in Atlantic County is about to reopen more than three months after it was significantly damaged in an arson fire. The Goodwill store on Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township will hold a grand reopening on Thursday, May 2. The shop in the Cardiff Plaza Shopping Center lost all of its merchandise in a fire on Monday, Jan. 15. Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia announced the celebration in a Facebook post on Thursday, Apr. 25. "Thanks to the generosity of the local community, we are back and better than ever," the post said. "Come shop for a…
'Vibrant, Funny' Gardener's Home Severely Damaged In Central Jersey Fire: Fundraiser 'Vibrant, Funny' Gardener's Home Severely Damaged In Central Jersey Fire: Fundraiser
Renee Heri-Taylor GoFundMe A Central Jersey gardening club is rallying to support a woman whose home was severely damaged in a fire, according to a fundraising campaign. Keyport firefighters responded to a basement fire in a home on Cedar Street at around 2:27 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 3, according to a Facebook post by Lincoln Hose 2273. When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming from the basement windows on all four sides of the house. Despite dealing with heavy rain and 20-mph winds, firefighters were able to knock down the fire in the basement and the wall of the first floor. No one was injured…
NJ Baby Killed By Dog ID'd In Campaign NJ Baby Killed By Dog ID'd In Campaign
NJ Baby Killed By Dog ID'd In Campaign Support is surging for a New Jersey family whose 3-month-old baby was killed by the family dog. Daymon Jair Balbuena was mauled by the dog at his home on Mereline Avenue in Avenel around 6:15 a.m. Saturday, March 9, according to a GoFundMe campaign, along with Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Department Director Robert Hubner. Daymon's mother, Sierra, suffered serious injuries in the attack, the campaign says. "The love he brought to his family during his short life will never be forgotten," the boy's obituary says. More than $16,000 had been rai…
Three Families 'Lost Everything' In South Jersey Multi-Home Fire: Campaigns Three Families 'Lost Everything' In South Jersey Multi-Home Fire: Campaigns
Three Families 'Lost Everything' In South Jersey Multi-Home Fire: Campaigns Three families in Egg Harbor City are rallying for support after their homes caught fire, according to fundraising campaigns. The families were displaced after two houses on the 200 block of Liverpool Avenue were destroyed on Friday, Mar. 1, Egg Harbor City police said in a Tuesday, Mar. 5 news release. The New Jersey chapter of the American Red Cross said it was helping six people with immediate needs like housing, food, and clothing. Three GoFundMe pages said Unique Cohen, Melanie and Richie Prince-Borges, and Thomasita Ramos were among the fire victims. The online fundraisers w…
'We Need Help:' Atlantic City Leaders Plead For Support After Deadly Start To 2024 'We Need Help:' Atlantic City Leaders Plead For Support After Deadly Start To 2024
'We Need Help:' Atlantic City Leaders Plead For Support After Deadly Start To 2024 Atlantic City leaders responded to criticism and called for community support after four homicides in the city during the first week of 2024. Mayor Marty Small Sr. held a news conference with city police Chief James Sarkos on Wednesday, Jan. 10, to address the sharp rise in deadly violence to start the new year. They were joined by members of the city's anti-violence and reentry services teams. Mayor Small Sr. said he was frustrated by a police union statement released on Monday, Jan. 8 that criticized the city for not having enough resources. "We gave this police department a gr…
New Year's Eve Blaze Claims Everything Including Pets From South Jersey Family New Year's Eve Blaze Claims Everything Including Pets From South Jersey Family
New Year's Eve Blaze Claims Everything Including Pets From South Jersey Family A family from Burlington County lost everything including their pets when their home burned on New Year's Eve, according to a GoFundMe campaign. The fire at the Chilkotowsky home in Tabernacle started on Dec. 30 and continued burning into Dec. 31, according to the Tabernacle Fire Department. Crews arrived on Quint 4314 and completed interior operations, fire officials said on Facebook. "With the assistance of multiple neighboring agencies we were able to keep a majority of the fire damage to the room of origin," firefighters said. Tabernacle firefighters were then called to help put …
Local Celeb Garbage Collector In NJ Out Of Work With Brain Mass, Campaign Says Local Celeb Garbage Collector In NJ Out Of Work With Brain Mass, Campaign Says
Local Celeb Garbage Collector In NJ Out Of Work With Brain Mass, Campaign Says The G Man is down, but not out. The Keansburg community is coming together to support Charles "Buddy" Reeves, a.k.a. the G Man who has been collecting garbage in the town for 44 years. He recently suffered a medical emergency while working, according to a GoFundMe set up to support Reeves while he recovers from a brain mass. As of Thursday, Dec. 14, more than $1,300 has been raised. "He takes his job extremely seriously, professionally and has pride in what he does always," Reeves' wife, Ronda, who organized the fundraiser, said. "He loved, cared for and always thought about all …
Central Jersey Pub Closed After 33 Years Of Business — That Lasted All Of 10 Days Central Jersey Pub Closed After 33 Years Of Business — That Lasted All Of 10 Days
Central Jersey Pub Closed After 33 Years Of Business — That Lasted All Of 10 Days They thought they were closing for good. Then, 10 days later, a Central Jersey pub rethought its decision and decided not to go out of business after all. Buzzy’s Food & Spirits in Piscataway reopened on Aug. 22 after closing just over a week earlier on Aug. 12.  Owners cited a tremendous outpouring of community support as a reason to reopen until the business is sold. "There was a groundswell of support when we announced out closing," Rob Brownlee told Daily Voice, but he discussed keeping the bar open on a limited basis with his wife Sherrie, who owns Buzzy's. It originally anno…
Unexpected Death Of Beloved Central Jersey Dad, 33, Prompts Outpour Of Community Support Unexpected Death Of Beloved Central Jersey Dad, 33, Prompts Outpour Of Community Support
Unexpected Death Of Beloved Central Jersey Dad, 33, Prompts Outpour Of Community Support Support is on the rise for the family of a devoted Central Jersey dad after his unexpected passing at age 33. Thomas H. Barney died at his South Plainfield home on Sunday, August 6, his obituary says. Born in New Brunswick, Thomas had lived in South Plainfield his entire life, graduating from South Plainfield High School in 2008. Thomas spent several years as a landscaper and had more recently worked with Ryland Inn for East Coast Parking in Valet, his memorial says. Described as having a laid-back personality, Thomas “always kept a positive attitude and his head up high” when times grew …
Somerset County Dad Seriously Hurt In 3-Car Crash Gets Outpour Of Support Somerset County Dad Seriously Hurt In 3-Car Crash Gets Outpour Of Support
Somerset County Dad Seriously Hurt In 3-Car Crash Gets Outpour Of Support A Somerset County dad who loved ones say has an “unselfish and caring spirit” is getting an outpour of community support after a serious three-car crash left him with major injuries. The crash occurred on Hamilton Street in Franklin Township on Monday, June 19 and claimed the life of 23-year-old track star Mario Heslop, who authorities say crossed the centerline, prompting a chain-reaction crash between two other vehicles. The driver of the second vehicle, Colin Coakley, of Hillsborough, spent time in the ICU before he was released to continue his recovery at home, according to a GoFundMe …
Unplugged Battery Explosion Destroys Somerset County Home, Prompts Outpour Of Community Support Unplugged Battery Explosion Destroys Somerset County Home, Prompts Outpour Of Community Support
Unplugged Battery Explosion Destroys Somerset County Home, Prompts Outpour Of Community Support A 40v Ryobi battery was sitting on a shelf in the basement of a Somerset County home unplugged when it burst into flames, destroying the home’s interior and leaving a devoted husband and father with burns. The explosion occurred moments before Susanne and Chris O’Brien, and their children, Lucius, 8, and Cassius, 3, awoke to fire alarms sounding in their Bernards Township home around 1:40 a.m. on Friday, July 21, a GoFundMe launched for their support explains. “It turns out an unplugged 40v Ryobi battery in their basement exploded and caught fire,” reads the fundraiser, launched by family …
Monmouth County Dad, Acronis Sales Director Dies Suddenly At 46, Prompting Outpour Of Support Monmouth County Dad, Acronis Sales Director Dies Suddenly At 46, Prompting Outpour Of Support
Monmouth County Dad, Acronis Sales Director Dies Suddenly At 46, Prompting Outpour Of Support Monmouth County is showing its support after the unexpected death of a devoted dad, Acronis Sales Director, and youth football coach at 46. Gregory Joseph Howard, of Colts Neck, died Wednesday, July 19. Born in Orange, Gregory grew up in West Caldwell before attending and playing football at Monmouth University, his obituary says. He then taught at Long Branch High School before starting a sales career and worked as the Director of Sales at Acronis: MSPs, it's time to break free from a world of low margins and improve profitability. Wouldn't you agree? Be sure to... Posted by Acroni…
Lakewood Art Teacher Among Victims Of Toms River Condo Fire Lakewood Art Teacher Among Victims Of Toms River Condo Fire
Lakewood Art Teacher Among Victims Of Toms River Condo Fire The Lakewood community is rallying to support an art teacher who lost her home to a Toms River condo fire. Ashley Antuna-Mayer taught at Piner Elementary School in the Lakewood Public School District and is moving to Spruce Street Elementary School this school year, according to Meghan Dineen of Beachwood, who organized a GoFundMe.  "One of our very own needs our help," Dineen wrote on the page. "On Saturday, July 15th, the Antuna family lost everything due to a fire at their home." The Iverness Drive blaze left multiple families displaced. "I am hoping that as a district we can come…
Unexpected Death Of Somerville Mom Prompts Wave Of Support: 'She Meant The Best For Everyone' Unexpected Death Of Somerville Mom Prompts Wave Of Support: 'She Meant The Best For Everyone'
Unexpected Death Of Somerville Mom Prompts Wave Of Support: 'She Meant The Best For Everyone' The unexpected death of a beloved Somerville mother of two has prompted an outpour of support from the local community. Fayth Ann Logan died Wednesday, July 5, her obituary says. She was 48. Born in Belleville, Fayth spent time in Middlesex before settling in Somerville. She worked as a server at Social with past experience at the Sunset and Time to Eat Diners. More than $2,100 had been raised on a GoFundMe launched for the family’s expenses. “We are shocked and [saddened] by this unexpected news we received yesterday and unfortunately with little funds ourselves are asking for help,” wri…
Boy Killed Riding Bike In Small Central Jersey Town Leaves Community Reeling Boy Killed Riding Bike In Small Central Jersey Town Leaves Community Reeling
Boy Killed Riding Bike In Small Central Jersey Town Leaves Community Reeling Residents of a small, New Jersey town are coming together following the hit-and-run death of a 14-year-old boy riding a bike. A GoFundMe campaign identifies the boy killed in South River on Whiteland and Russell avenues Friday, July 7 as Bryan Barbosa. "Today our town had a devastating loss," campaign founder Nicole Martins writes, noting "a child was taken from him family because of negligence and disgusting behaviors." Meanwhile, 63-year-old Michael Arena has been charged in the crime, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and SRPD Chief Mark Tinitigan announced. Posting abou…