Tag:

Community Support

Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County
Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County Her name was Carmela Polimeni, and her family is nowhere to be found. The 92-year-old Leonia resident died at CareOne at Cresskill on July 17, Aree Booker, the executive director of Eternity Funeral Services LLC in Englewood tells Daily Voice. UPDATE: Funeral Home Awaits Payment For Carmela Polimeni's Service Month After Her Death "Nursing homes are supposed to have arrangements pre-planned, next of kin, etcetera," Booker said on a call with Daily Voice Tuesday, Aug. 13. "But it seemed like [CareOne] dropped the ball." That leaves Booker scrambling to locate Polimeni's next of kin. So far…
Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers
Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers A police officer with roots in the New Jersey borough that he serves is battling cancer, and his chief is asking for prayers. James "Jimmy" Ciampi, of the Fairfield Police Department, was described by FPD Chief Anthony Manna as a "young, bright, and dedicated" officer. Ciampi is unable to come to work and remains focused on battling cancer, Manna said. Ciampi began his career with FPD as a Class II Special Officer in October 2016. A year later, he became a full-time officer. In 2022, Ciampi was assigned to the Essex County Auto Theft Task Force for six months "where he excelled at helping…
Curry House Closing In Montclair After 15 Years Curry House Closing In Montclair After 15 Years
Curry House Closing In Montclair After 15 Years A British curry house is saying cheerio to Montclair after 15 years. Brick Lane Curry House on 540 Valley Road announced on Facebook it will be closing on Sunday, July 21.  "Your unwavering support has meant the world to us," the restaurant wrote.  "This journey has been magical - we've forged lifelong friendships, been part of your special moments, and hopefully added a dash of spice and warmth to the vibrant tapestry of Montclair. Your appreciation for our food have been the greatest rewards we could have asked for. Patrons expressed their sadness over the closure in the comme…
Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location
Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location Guerriero Gelato is continuing to downsize. A month after announcing the closure of its location in Morristown, the gelateria announced it will be closing its Montclair location in October after 10 years. "This is very emotional for us," the company wrote on social media. "This was the first shop we built out ourselves. We made friendships that will last a lifetime." The eatery said while the Montclair store remains popular, they cannot keep up with rising taxes, rent, cost of living, labor and food.  "We hope that we can all make progress against the ridiculous cost of living a…
Community Rallies For Family Of 6-Year-Old Killed In Fire Community Rallies For Family Of 6-Year-Old Killed In Fire
Community Rallies For Family Of 6-Year-Old Killed In Fire A fundraiser has been set up to assist the family of Saniya Felton, a 6-year-old who was killed in a fire in Bayonne on Monday, July 1. "This is an extremely vulnerable and emotional time for my family and I," Saniya's mother Latrice wrote. "I could have never imagined losing any of my children. Saniya was my only daughter – my youngest child. "As I write this I am thinking of all of the fun times we spent together and the massive void that I will live with forever. My son and I watched the house burn down, as we stood there helpless. It goes without saying that our lives will never be the …
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…
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 …
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…
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says Brian Werthmann is in the fight for his life and the community is coming together to help. Werthmann, a sergeant in the Summit Police Department, recently underwent an 8-hour surgery to remove a large acoustic neuroma from his brain.  While surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor from his brain, Werthmann has experienced complications including paralysis on the left side of his body, partial blindness and the inability to walk without assistance. A fundraiser has been created by the Summit PBA to assist Werthmann, his wife Cristina and their two daughters. As of Wedne…
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property If you're from Andover, you knew Joey Luchetti. He was the one driving the Joe Veg trucks. Big, silver cross necklace.  And a personality larger than life. The lifelong Andover resident, 60, died on Friday, May 31, when his 1963 Pontiac veered off of Yates Avenue, local police said.   The car went down into a culvert and Luchetti was ejected into a wooded area, just behind his house, where he died. "On his own property," said friend of 40 years Joe Pepe, of Fredon. "That's how close to home he was." Joe Veg famously lived on Luchetti Way, a roadway named after his mo…
Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood
Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood Monica Pidhoreki, a.k.a. The Ice Cream Lady is one of the most popular people in Maywood Pidhoreki, whose ice cream truck is a fixture in town is a regular at Maywood Rochelle Park Girls Softball, sponsoring a team and banner in the league and is a regular at birthday parties and events in the community. Pidhoreki recently suffered a residential fire which left her displaced and her new ice cream truck destroyed. GoFundMe A fundraiser has been set up to assist her and get her back on her feet. As of Thursday, May 23, more than $2,800 has been raised. "We would like to now support her, l…
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter 'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter A New Jersey bakery has received an influx of sweet support after receiving a bitter anti-Pride letter in the mail. Sweet n' Fancy Emporium on South Avenue East in Cranford a letter in the mail earlier this month, signed by the Citizens of Cranford. "As a concerned citizen that was about to shop at your site… I noticed the rainbow flag hanging in your window," the typed letter reads "I have notified all of my girlfriends who in turn have decided to boycott your store. It is not that we despise the flag… it is just we do not want to be associated with crazy left wingers who hate America." O…
Community Rallies To Save Orange Barbershop Community Rallies To Save Orange Barbershop
Community Rallies To Save Orange Barbershop Blade Barbershop has been an institution in Orange for over 20 years. Now the community is giving back. A fundraiser has been launched to help keep Blade Barbershop open, as its owner Eli Simmons, battles several health issues. As of Tuesday, April 23, more than $1,000 has been raised. Simmons is facing hip surgeries, leaving him unable to work behind the chair, his son, Eli Simmons, Jr. said. The financial burden has been become overwhelming, threatening the barbershop, the younger Eli said. "My father's commitment to his craft and his customers remains unwavering," Eli, Jr. said. "His ba…
'Vibrant Spirit': Death Of Ridgefield Girl, 15, Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities 'Vibrant Spirit': Death Of Ridgefield Girl, 15, Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities
'Vibrant Spirit': Death Of Ridgefield Girl, 15, Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities UPDATE: The death of a 15-year-old Ridgefield girl who was struck while riding a scooter near her home leaves a "profound void," said the schools chief in Clifton, where her father works. Serenity Law was struck at the intersection of Shaler Boulevard and Edgewater Avenue in Ridgefield shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. She was pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center a short time later, the prosecutor said. Although Musella referred to the incident as a "pedestrian death," law enforcement sources confirmed that the teen was…
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…
Summit Supports 'Superhero Sam's' Fight Against Leukemia Summit Supports 'Superhero Sam's' Fight Against Leukemia
Summit Supports 'Superhero Sam's' Fight Against Leukemia Sam Davydov is just five years old, but is already in the fight of his life. The Summit five-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last week, right before his sixth birthday. A fundraiser has been created to assist his family with the financial burden of treatment and allow his parents, Yan and Katie to take time off work to be by his side. As of Monday, March 4, more than $95,000 has been raised.  Please pray for our little superhero, Sam Davydov, a kindergarten student in my class. Sam has the most loving parents,... Posted by Alissa Mauro Rust on Friday, …
Barstool Bolsters NJ Pizza Icon Damaged By Blaze Barstool Bolsters NJ Pizza Icon Damaged By Blaze
Barstool Bolsters NJ Pizza Icon Damaged By Blaze A longtime New Jersey pizzeria heavily damaged in a fire is seeing support from none other than Dave Portnoy. Al Santillos Brick Oven Pizza in Elizabeth, the more than 100-year-old pizzeria on S. Broad Street, went up in flames at approximately 9:40 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, city spokeswoman Ruby Contreras said. I'm aware that Al Santillos Brick Oven Pizza had a fire this morning. Al is okay thank god. Obviously Barstool will be there for whatever Al needs. Posted by David Portnoy - El Presidente on Saturday, January 6, 2024 The blaze was spotted by a passerby and a rear neighbor, …
Ringwood Rallies After Family Loses Home In Fire Ringwood Rallies After Family Loses Home In Fire
Ringwood Rallies After Family Loses Home In Fire The Sanders family has been displaced following a fire to their Ringwood home and the community is coming together to help. A fundraiser has been created by Nancy Minunni to assist Jean and Steven Sanders, and their two kids, Steve and Joe.  Joe has cerebral palsy and funds will go toward replacing his physical and medical equipment. As of Wednesday, Dec. 27, more than $15,000 has been raised. We would like to wish all of you the happiest of holidays! I spoke with Jean today, she wanted me to express her... Posted by Sue Rosenhaus Fajen on Sunday, December 24, 2023 "They are…
North Jersey HS Sweethearts' Bright Idea Brings Christmas Spirit To Neighbors Battling Cancer North Jersey HS Sweethearts' Bright Idea Brings Christmas Spirit To Neighbors Battling Cancer
North Jersey HS Sweethearts' Bright Idea Brings Christmas Spirit To Neighbors Battling Cancer The Katz family knows the meaning of Christmas magic. Every year, the Roxbury family decks their Parkview Drive house out in thousands of Christmas lights, then sets them to music. And each year, they do it with the same goal: To raise money for a community member fighting cancer.  This year is the family's seventh, and they're doing it for their neighbor, who's been battling esophageal cancer for about a year and a half. “We started it because one of my son's friends who was on his ice hockey team came down with brain cancer, glioblastoma, and everybody was doing something for …
North Jersey Fire Department Raising Funds For New Kitchen North Jersey Fire Department Raising Funds For New Kitchen
North Jersey Fire Department Raising Funds For New Kitchen The Upper Saddle River Fire Department needs a new kitchen and the community is coming together to help. A fundraiser has been launched to assist in raising money for the project. As of Friday, Oct. 27, almost $2,200 has been raised.  The kitchen has not been renovated since the 1970s, Erik Seay, the secretary for the fire department said. Seay said the goal is to make the kitchen more accessible and exceed current safety standards. "Our fire department serves as an emergency shelter during natural disasters and we need to modernize our kitchen to continue providing this service," Sea…
'Lost A Good One:' Man Dies 2 Years After Harrowing Attack That Killed His Mom At NJ Home 'Lost A Good One:' Man Dies 2 Years After Harrowing Attack That Killed His Mom At NJ Home
'Lost A Good One:' Man Dies 2 Years After Harrowing Attack That Killed His Mom At NJ Home William "Bart" Trachin has died two years after an attack that left him seriously injured and his mother dead, according to his community. The Washington Borough man was 53 years old when he and his mother, 84-year-old Elaine Trachin, were attacked at their home in Washington Borough (Warren County), in 2021, as Daily Voice reported. Kyle Kaspereen, 24, of Easton, PA, is accused of carrying out the Nov. 30 attack. He has been charged with first-degree charges for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, and burglary, Warren County Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer stated in a release foll…
'RHONJ' Stars Help Open North Jersey Hoagie Shop 'RHONJ' Stars Help Open North Jersey Hoagie Shop
'Rhonj' Stars Help Open North Jersey Hoagie Shop PrimoHoagies brought the sandwiches. Teresa Giudice and Danielle Cabral brought the star-power. "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars appeared at the grand opening of PrimoHoagies new location in Wayne, helping to cut the ribbon and taking photos and signing autographs with guests as the line stretched around the block on Tuesday, Aug. 29. "They are an amazing small business that I love and support," Cabral said at the grand opening. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PrimoHoagies Wayne NJ (@primohoagieswaynenj) The franchise …
Woman Killed In Home Explosion On 95th Birthday Was North Jersey’s ‘Cookie Lady,’ Family Says Woman Killed In Home Explosion On 95th Birthday Was North Jersey’s ‘Cookie Lady,’ Family Says
Woman Killed In Home Explosion On 95th Birthday Was North Jersey’s ‘Cookie Lady,’ Family Says To many of those in North Jersey, Maria V. Mallozzi was “the cookie lady,” her family says. That’s because, for 18 years, customers could count on seeing her cheerful smile behind the counter at Angelo’s Bakery in Newton, which her family owned until late 1996. In her younger years, she worked at and lived above an older family business, Vitiello’s Bakery in Newark, her obituary says. Tragically, Maria died in the explosion at her home on Dove Island Road in Stillwater Township just after 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 16, her 95th birthday. One of her grandchildren, Elizabeth, 33, reflects on th…
Community Rallies Around Families Of Newark Firefighters Killed Community Rallies Around Families Of Newark Firefighters Killed
Community Rallies Around Families Of Newark Firefighters Killed Newark firefighters Augusto "Augie" Acabou and Wayne "Bear" Brooks made the ultimate sacrifice when they were killed battling a massive ship fire at Port Newark on Wednesday, July 5. Now, the community wants to give back. A fundraiser was created by the Newark Firefighters Union to assist the families of the two men killed. As of Monday, July 10, more than $104,000 has been raised.  "Augie and Bear served the city with bravery, courage, and honor," the union wrote on the fundraising page. "As a community, we can rally around their families, offer our support, and alleviate some of the …
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…
High School Sweethearts' Dream Home Destroyed In NJ Arsonist's Violent Rampage High School Sweethearts' Dream Home Destroyed In NJ Arsonist's Violent Rampage
High School Sweethearts' Dream Home Destroyed In NJ Arsonist's Violent Rampage A family who lost their dream home to an arsonist's violent rampage through a Central Jersey neighborhood last month is hoping to rebuild. Angel and Brenda Rivas, who are high school sweethearts and share two daughters together, spent their life savings on a lot in Manchester Township's Pine Lake Park in October 2017. They broke ground in October 2022 and were planning on moving in come Fall 2023, according to a GoFundMe page for the family. Fate cared little for their future, though, as on June 7, 2023, the family fell victim to a hate crime at the hands of Ron Carr, prosecutors in Ocean…
Mother Of North Jersey Track Star Killed In Multi-Car Crash At 23 Gets Outpour Of Support Mother Of North Jersey Track Star Killed In Multi-Car Crash At 23 Gets Outpour Of Support
Mother Of North Jersey Track Star Killed In Multi-Car Crash At 23 Gets Outpour Of Support The mother of a former North Jersey sprinter killed in a Somerset County crash is seeing a massive outpour of community support. “I am beyond broken and my words can't express the emptiness I feel inside,” writes Cynthia Mclean, the mother of Franklin High School graduate and star sprinter Mario Heslop, in a GoFundMe launched for her son’s funeral expenses. Heslop, of New Brunswick, was behind the wheel of a 2013 Infiniti Q50S heading eastbound in the left lane of Hamilton Street in Franklin Township when he crossed the centerline and fatally struck a westbound vehicle in the left lane on…
North Jersey Mom On Life Support Days After Giving Birth North Jersey Mom On Life Support Days After Giving Birth
North Jersey Mom On Life Support Days After Giving Birth North Jersey is rallying for a local mom who was put on life support just days after giving birth. Described as an “extraordinary woman who brings joy and laughter to everyone she meets,” Melissa Hunter went into severe septic shock and was put on Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in hopes of avoiding vital organ failure just days after giving birth to her second daughter, Zoey, loved ones say in a GoFundMe launched for the family. “Despite her current health status – and in true Melissa fashion – she still exudes strength and determination while fighting for her life,” organizer …
UPDATE: Clifton Boy, 13, Hit By Car Remains In Coma UPDATE: Clifton Boy, 13, Hit By Car Remains In Coma
Update: Clifton Boy, 13, Hit By Car Remains In Coma A 13-year-old Clifton boy remained in critical condition after being thrown from his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle in a city intersection. It was nearly 8:30 p.m. when Aqel Khalifeh headed down Fifth Avenue and was struck at the intersection of West 2nd Street near Main Avenue on Saturday, June 24, Clifton Police Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said. "The driver of the vehicle stopped immediately to render aid and police and fire department personnel responded a short time later," the lieutenant said. The eighth-grader at Christopher Columbus Middle School was taken to St. Joseph's…
Inspiring Coach Sees Community Support After Shooting Inspiring Coach Sees Community Support After Shooting
Inspiring Coach Sees Community Support After Shooting The Montclair community wants to help Coach Butter. Khalid Branch a.ka. Coach Butter was shot in the foot over Mother's Day weekend. A fundraiser has been set up to assist him while he recovers. As of Friday, June 9, almost $4,500 has been raised. "Can't we give him a boost and ease his burden while he's out of commission?" Ashley Few, who organized the fundraiser, said. "I can't think of a more deserving person." Coach Butter, who has special needs and earned his associates degree from Essex County College, works at the Geyer YMCA, where he is known for having the kindest and gentlest sou…
Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Jersey Shore DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Jersey Shore DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery
Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Jersey Shore DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery The 10-year-old boy struck on his bike by a DUI driver Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore is seeing an overwhelming amount of community support. Jackson became embedded in the windshield as the driver, Giancarlos Fernandez, of Hasbrouck Heights, allegedly sped off and then tried to flee police by foot, authorities said. "Jack has a long road to recovery and I’d like everyone to share this story to help support this beautiful family on their healing journey," Jack's aunt, Erin Albertson of Ocean Gate, said on a GoFundMe page. Jack underwent reconstructive surgery to repair the missin…