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Community Service

Beloved Firefighter Dies After Over 25 Years Of Service In Hudson Valley Beloved Firefighter Dies After Over 25 Years Of Service In Hudson Valley
Beloved Firefighter Dies After Over 25 Years Of Service In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley fire department is mourning the loss of one of its active members who served his community for more than a quarter of a century.  The death of Robert "Link" Linkenhoker was announced by Putnam County's Brewster Fire Department on Wednesday, Oct. 16. His age and cause of death were not made public.  According to the department, Linkenhoker joined the department in 1998 and continued serving up to his death.  Other members of the department gathered at Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster on Wednesday afternoon as Linkenhoker arrived. More details ab…
CNN Anchor Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post CNN Anchor Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post
CNN Anchor Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post Alisyn Camerota, A CNN anchor from Fairfield County, CT and with New Jersey roots is mourning the loss of her husband, she announced in a heartbreaking post on social media. Camerota, who was born in Shrewsbury, NJ said on Friday, Sept. 20 on Instagram that her husband, Tim Lewis, died on July 27, 2024 — two years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lewis' obituary on the Harding Funeral Home website says that he and Camerota live in Westport, CT. "I cannot imagine any human being soldiering through a devastating diagnosis with more humor, humility and bravery than Tim," …
Justin Timberlake Admits Driving While Impaired In NY Justin Timberlake Admits Driving While Impaired In NY
Justin Timberlake Admits Driving While Impaired In NY Justin Timberlake formally accepted a plea deal in his alleged drunk driving case in New York. The former NSYNC frontman, age 43, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired in Sag Harbor Village court on Friday, Sept. 13. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and complete 25 hours of community service within a year. He also agreed to make a public safety announcement about the dangers of drinking and driving. The judge said Timberlake's New York State driver's license will have a 90-day suspension. Earlier Report: NY Judge Suspends Justin Timberlake's Lic…
Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions
Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions A former pediatric nurse from Long Island could avoid jail time after confessing that she raked in over $1 million selling forged COVID-19 vaccine cards and opioid prescriptions. Julie DeVuono, age 51, of Amityville, pleaded guilty to filing forged vaccination record cards, laundering the criminal proceeds from selling the cards, and filing false prescriptions for opioids in Suffolk County Court in September 2023. According to prosecutors, DeVuono charged her customers $220 or $350, depending on the year, between June 2021 and September 2022 for entering their false vaccine information into…
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor These students have a date with the president. Six graduating seniors from New York were among just 161 high school students across the country to be selected as a US Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for students. Established in 1964, the award recognizes distinguished seniors who have shown exceptional accomplishments in areas like academics, leadership, and service to their school and communities. The program was later expanded to include students in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and in career and technical education fields. In the Empire State, the…
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze A city in Westchester is mourning the loss of a beloved firefighter who is being celebrated for his bravery and dedication to his community.  Mount Vernon Firefighter Lamont “Wise” Killian, Jr., died from heart-related issues on Monday, Dec. 11 at the age of 51, city officials announced.  According to the US Fire Administration, Killian had been off-duty since collapsing at the scene of a residential fire on June 22, 2019, when he suffered a heart attack.  Killian's city is now remembering him as someone who was always prepared to help people.  "Your bravery …
Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Northern Westchester Dies At Age 66 Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Northern Westchester Dies At Age 66
Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Northern Westchester Dies At Age 66 An award-winning Hudson Valley real estate broker who lived in Northern Westchester is being remembered for the impressive services he provided to his community as well as his dedication to coaching young athletes in several sports leagues.  Yorktown Heights resident and prominent real estate broker John Kincart died on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the age of 66 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary.  Kincart was known for his professional career in real estate, becoming the number-one agent for the firm Houlihan Lawrence in both the Yorktown School District since…
Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community
Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community Students at two Westchester schools were treated to a visit from the grandson of famed activist and politician Nelson Mandela, who encouraged them to take some time to give back to their communities and stand up for others.  Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, visited the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School and Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Nov. 21, Mount Vernon City School District officials announced. During his visits to the schools, Mandela discussed his grandfather's legacy and his activism efforts and also participated…
Business Owner From Northern Westchester Dies At 58: 'Giving, Thoughtful Soul' Business Owner From Northern Westchester Dies At 58: 'Giving, Thoughtful Soul'
Business Owner From Northern Westchester Dies At 58: 'Giving, Thoughtful Soul' A Northern Westchester man who grew his family business into an award-winning enterprise is being remembered for his willingness to give back to both his loved ones and his community. Eugene “Bud” Hammer III of Katonah died on Tuesday, June 13 at the age of 58 after a brave battle against leukemia, according to his obituary. Born in White Plains in 1964, Hammer graduated from Pace University with a bachelor's of business administration in Marketing before going on to begin a career with Atlantic Westchester, Inc., a Bedford Hills-based heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business tha…
Westchester Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People' Westchester Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People'
Westchester Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People' A well-known Westchester County woman killed in a crash is being remembered for her "genuine interest in other people" and for her love of the community where she was born. Christine Kenney O’Rourke, age 70, died tragically on Sunday, June 11 near her Yonkers home when she was struck by a car driven by a White Plains woman while on one of her daily walks. Since her death, her family has received an outpouring of support from the community and the many people she held dear. Born in Yonkers, Chris’ love for her hometown was deep and abundant, according to her obituary. She attended Sacred H…
Former Hudson Valley Deputy Mayor Sentenced For Stealing $11K From Foundation Former Hudson Valley Deputy Mayor Sentenced For Stealing $11K From Foundation
Former Hudson Valley Deputy Mayor Sentenced For Stealing $11K From Foundation The former deputy mayor and village trustee of a Hudson Valley village has been sentenced for stealing more than $11,000 from a non-profit foundation. Rockland County resident Emily Dominguez, age 53, of Haverstraw, was sentenced on Monday, May 22 for stealing more than $11,000 in funds and donations from the Rockland County Community Foundation, a non-profit organization that she oversaw, said District Attorney Thomas Walsh. The Rockland Community Foundation oversees and administers hundreds of charitable funds in Rockland County. One such fund is the Haverstraw Neighborhood Fund…
'Most Difficult News': Police Department In Northern Westchester Mourns Death Of Officer 'Most Difficult News': Police Department In Northern Westchester Mourns Death Of Officer
'Most Difficult News': Police Department In Northern Westchester Mourns Death Of Officer A police department in Northern Westchester is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own.  Gregory Jones, an officer with the Peekskill Police Department, died on Thursday, Nov. 24 at the age of 48, according to his obituary.  A native of Orange County, Jones was born and raised in Middletown and earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill before beginning his law enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, his obituary said.  Jones later transferred to the Peekskill Police Department, where he stayed for…
NY Doctor Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns, Ordered To Pay $245,212 NY Doctor Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns, Ordered To Pay $245,212
NY Doctor Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns, Ordered To Pay $245,212 A New York doctor will avoid prison after admitting that he filed false tax returns. Albany County resident Ehab Kodsi, age 56, of Watervliet, was sentenced to pay $245,212 in restitution and pay an additional $25,000 fine Thursday, Nov. 3, in federal court in Albany. The sentence followed Kodsi’s guilty plea to filing a false tax return and admission that he deliberately underreported revenue from both his pain management company in Queensbury, in Warren County, and his real estate company between 2015 and 2018. He was also accused of improperly deducting personal and business expenses.…
Beloved Teacher Who Graduated From High School, College In Westchester Dies Suddenly At Age 64 Beloved Teacher Who Graduated From High School, College In Westchester Dies Suddenly At Age 64
Beloved Teacher Who Graduated From High School, College In Westchester Dies Suddenly At Age 64 A beloved teacher and longtime Hudson Valley resident has died at the age of 64. Dutchess County resident Michael Ambron, of Fishkill, died suddenly of heart failure at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, July 26, according to his obituary. Ambron grew up in the Bronx, and he graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers. He went on to earn degrees from Manhattan College and Iona College, his obituary said. For 25 years, he worked for IBM in East Fishkill and Southbury, Connecticut, and he served as director of programming, according to his obituary.  In …
Six Brand-New High School Grads In NY Rush To Battle Blaze After Getting Diplomas Six Brand-New High School Grads In NY Rush To Battle Blaze After Getting Diplomas
Six Brand-New High School Grads In NY Rush To Battle Blaze After Getting Diplomas Six brand-new high school graduates rushed to battle a fire shortly after receiving their diplomas. On Long Island, the Port Jefferson Fire Department announced that the department responded to a garage fire on Arlington Avenue in Port Jefferson shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24. Officials said six of the responding firefighters had just completed their graduation from Port Jefferson High School. "In the midst of taking pictures with their families, they responded to the firehouse to handle the alarm," officials said. The fire department said no one was injured in the blaze, and …
Northern Westchester Businessman, Accomplice Sentenced For $15K 'Scan And Skip' Scheme Northern Westchester Businessman, Accomplice Sentenced For $15K 'Scan And Skip' Scheme
Northern Westchester Businessman, Accomplice Sentenced For $15K 'Scan And Skip' Scheme A Northern Westchester businessman and former public official has been sentenced for running a "scan and skip" scheme with an accomplice that net them nearly $15,000 worth of merchandise from Home Depot, authorities announced. Eric DiBartolo, age 60, of Yorktown, and Cortlandt Manor resident Tyrone Bass, age 59, will avoid time behind bars after pleading guilty to misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of stolen property. Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah announced on Thursday, Dec. 16 that the two were each sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, 50 hours of co…
Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Northern Westchester Dies Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Northern Westchester Dies
Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Northern Westchester Dies A lifelong Hudson Valley resident who was a beloved high school coach, and teacher, as well as the chief of a local fire department, and a standout college athlete in Connecticut, has died. Northern Westchester resident Michael Repp, of Somers and formerly of Katonah, died on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at age 82 at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco.  He was born in Orange County on May 15th, 1939, in Cornwall, to the late Michael and Irene Repp. He was raised in Katonah, attended Saint Mary’s School in Katonah, and was a member of the first graduating class from John Jay High S…
Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson Dies Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson Dies
Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson Dies This story has been updated. Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, who has led the department for more than 20 years, has died. Anderson, age 73, of Pawling, died in his sleep on Wednesday, Sept. 29, according to officials. Anderson, who started his career with the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 1, 1970, as a deputy sheriff worked his way up the ladder and was elected sheriff in 1999 and took office in January 2000. “We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," said Undersheriff Kirk Imperati. "This is a tremendous loss for all of us. "Sheriff Anderson f…
Body Of Former Westchester Woman Recovered After South Florida Condo Collapse Body Of Former Westchester Woman Recovered After South Florida Condo Collapse
Body Of Former Westchester Woman Recovered After South Florida Condo Collapse As the digging continues at the site of a condo collapse in Surfside, Florida, members of one family with New York connections announced their mother has been found dead. Judy Siegel, age 65, formerly of Plainview, in Nassau County, Southhampton, in Suffolk County, and Ardsley, in Westchester County, was recovered on Friday, July 9, by first responders working at the scene, her daughter Rachel Spiegel said on Instagram. "Today was one of the hardest days of our lives," Rachel wrote. "We were told by the Miami Dade Police Department that our mom, Judy Spiegel, was recovered on Friday, July …
Area College Student Charged With Rape Admits To Sexual Abuse, DA Says Area College Student Charged With Rape Admits To Sexual Abuse, DA Says
Area College Student Charged With Rape Admits To Sexual Abuse, DA Says A college student in the Hudson Valley who was charged with rape has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Anthony Pennachio, age 19, of Brooklyn, a student in Orange County at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse in connection with an alleged rape that occurred during a party at the college last February. According to Orange County District Attorney's Office Assistant District Attorney Christopher Borek, Pennachio was sentenced to 80 hours of community service, in addition to a final order of protection for the victim. "The defendan…
Longtime Rockland County Police Lieutenant Dies Suddenly Longtime Rockland County Police Lieutenant Dies Suddenly
Longtime Rockland County Police Lieutenant Dies Suddenly A longtime Rockland County police lieutenant has died unexpectedly. The Suffern Police Department announced the death of Lieutenant John Mallon on Thursday, Feb. 18. Mallon was raised in Suffern and fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Suffern Police Officer.  The department said he "proudly" served the Suffern community as a police officer for 40 years, rising through the ranks from patrolman, sergeant, detective sergeant to lieutenant.  In addition to the ranks that he held, Mallon was the Suffern PBA President for several terms, providing leadership to his fellow u…
Rockland Ambulance Crew Makes Food Delivery After Driver Involved In Crash Rockland Ambulance Crew Makes Food Delivery After Driver Involved In Crash
Rockland Ambulance Crew Makes Food Delivery After Driver Involved In Crash A crew of Rockland paramedics were in the holiday spirit a little early when they helped out the victim of a car crash by delivering food he was on the way to drop off. The incident took place on Monday evening in Spring Valley when members of the Rockland Paramedic Services responded along with Ramapo Police to a motor vehicle accident in Spring Valley, said the Ramapo Police. After assessing one of the patients, who is a food delivery driver, the ambulance crew decided to deliver the food after the man expressed concerns about not being able to complete his delivery.  One of the crew…
Man Sentenced For Distracted Driving Crash That Injured State Trooper Man Sentenced For Distracted Driving Crash That Injured State Trooper
Man Sentenced For Distracted Driving Crash That Injured State Trooper A Long Island man will avoid prison, but still spend time behind bars after admitting to distracted driving during a crash that left a New York State Police trooper “severely disabled” in a case that was prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. West Islip resident Jesse Cohen, 24, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, in addition to three years' probation and 1,000 hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to third-degree assault in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office recused themselves from the case due to a conflict…
Lori Loughlin, Designer Husband Sentenced For College Admissions Scam Lori Loughlin, Designer Husband Sentenced For College Admissions Scam
Lori Loughlin, Designer Husband Sentenced For College Admissions Scam Long Island native Lori Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, will spend time behind bars for paying bribes in the so-called "Operation Varsity Blues" college admissions scandal. Loughlin, the former “Full House” star, was sentenced to two months in prison on Friday, Aug. 21, while her husband was sentenced to five months for their roles in conspiring to pay a half-million-dollar bribe to get the couple’s two daughters into the University of Southern California. The two had been engaged in a legal battle over the "Operation Varsity Blues" college admissions scam for…
Rockland Mourns Death Of County Clerk Paul Piperato Rockland Mourns Death Of County Clerk Paul Piperato
Rockland Mourns Death Of County Clerk Paul Piperato Shock and sadness have been expressed across the region as news spread of the sudden death of an area county clerk. Paul Piperato, 61, Rockland County's Clerk, was known for his love of the county and his support of local organizations, died Wednesday morning, May 5, at home. A cause of death has not been announced.  "Today Rockland County mourns," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "The loss of County Clerk Paul Piperato shows the truth in the phrase, ‘only the good die young.’" Piperato, of Haverstraw, was known for being a genuine and caring individual who enjoyed overseeing the n…
$220,000 Raised At Good Samaritan Hospital’s Spring Ball To Support Investments In Healthcare $220,000 Raised At Good Samaritan Hospital’s Spring Ball To Support Investments In Healthcare
$220,000 Raised At Good Samaritan Hospital’s Spring Ball To Support Investments In Healthcare Good Samaritan Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), recently held its 34th annual Spring Ball. Healthcare providers, community leaders and friends of Good Samaritan Hospital were among the 350 guests who attended the event at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, New Jersey. The gala raised $220,000 in support of Good Samaritan Hospital’s investments in state-of-the-art facilities, leading-edge technologies and innovative services. This year, Good Samaritan Hospital recognized Jeffrey S. Oppenheim, MD, Section Chief of Neurosurgery, with the Sis…
Congers Woman Sentenced For Fatal Hit-Run Congers Woman Sentenced For Fatal Hit-Run
Congers Woman Sentenced For Fatal Hit-Run The area woman who struck and killed a man before speeding away last year will not face jail time after being sentenced on Friday. Congers resident Jodi Sarf, who pleaded guilty in July to leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a death without reporting it, was sentenced to one year of conditional release, a $500 fine and her license has been suspended. SHe must also attend defensive driving classes and perform community service as part of her sentence. On Dec. 19 last year, Sarf, 48, struck and killed Miguel Aguaiza, 40, at approximately 10:30 p.m. as he was crossing Route 304 near …
Westchester HS Football Standout Nominated For USA Football Heart Of A Giant Award Westchester HS Football Standout Nominated For USA Football Heart Of A Giant Award
Westchester HS Football Standout Nominated For USA Football Heart Of A Giant Award A trio of Hudson Valley high school varsity football standouts have been nominated by their coaches for a prestigious award that is sponsored in part through the New York Giants. High School seniors Eric Genua (Suffern Senior High School in Rockland), Harry Ravitz (Pelham Memorial High School in Westchester) and Frank Wise (Pine Bush High School in Orange County) have been nominated for the “Heart of a Giant” award, and now will seek their communities’ assistance to help them become finalists. The “Heart of a Giant” award is “based on an athlete’s demonstration of commitment, dedication, wi…
Orange County Couple Sentenced For Tax Fraud Orange County Couple Sentenced For Tax Fraud
Orange County Couple Sentenced For Tax Fraud A judge sentenced an Orange County couple to community service and conditional discharge on criminal tax fraud charges. John Quick, 68, and his wife, Mary Quick, 63, both from the town of Goshen, were sentenced Friday in Orange County Court for tax crimes involving the failure to report over $35,000 they had obtained from a developmentally disabled man living on their property, as well as other income, said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. Orange County Court Judge William DeProspo also issued a restitution order requiring the Quicks to pay $35,783.67 to the man. The Quick…
Clarkstown Dispatcher Earns Fire Chief Of Year Award Clarkstown Dispatcher Earns Fire Chief Of Year Award
Clarkstown Dispatcher Earns Fire Chief Of Year Award Clarkstown dispatcher and the former Congers Fire Chief Jason DiSalvo was recently awarded the Fire Chief of the Year Award by the Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association.Now the Second Assistant Chief with the department, DiSalvo was presented the award for his dedication, involvement, and foresight with the department and for his employment as a communications officer with Clarkstown Police Department.  DiSalvo's family watched proudly while he received the award.  The Clarkstown Poice Department said on Facebook: "We are very proud of Jason and all of the other Clarkstown Police Emp…
New Rockland Eagle Scout Brian Smith Cited For Building Bocce Court New Rockland Eagle Scout Brian Smith Cited For Building Bocce Court
New Rockland Eagle Scout Brian Smith Cited For Building Bocce Court Rockland County Executive Ed Day congratulated Brian Smith of Sloatsburg Troop 31 at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony.  Brian's community service project was to construct a new bocce ball court on the property of the Sloatsburg Senior Center as well as two benches and cedar planting boxes.  Brian is a freshman at Sacred Heart University.  "We are proud of his efforts and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors," Day said.