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Charity

DC Mom Finds $50K Jackpot Hiding In Forgotten Maryland Lottery Ticket DC Mom Finds $50K Jackpot Hiding In Forgotten Maryland Lottery Ticket
DC Mom Finds $50K Jackpot Hiding In Forgotten Maryland Lottery Ticket A Washington, DC woman struck gold in the unlikeliest of places—a scratch-off ticket she forgot about for several weeks. The longtime Maryland Lottery player picked up the $50,000 Cash instant ticket on a whim at the Seat Pleasant BP gas station on Martin Luther King Jr. Highway while she was on her way to a hair appointment with her college-age daughter and snagged the $20 scratch-off. Weeks later, while off duty from her job as a social worker, the DC native finally decided to check her ticket, where a quick scan at a Maryland Lottery retailer revealed the life-changing $50,000 top prize.…
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Windham: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Windham: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Windham: 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…
St. John's Riverside Hospital Hosts Coat Drive St. John's Riverside Hospital Hosts Coat Drive
St. John's Riverside Hospital Hosts Coat Drive Celebrate Giving Tuesday by donating to St. John's Riverside Hospital's Coat Drive. Donate new or gently used adult coats, hats, scarves or gloves to one of three drop-off locations: Andrus Pavilion Security Office Dobbs Ferry Pavilion Security Office ParkCare Pavilion Security Office For more information, email Julie Troy at JTroy@RiversideHealth.org.
Irvington Police Officer 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Irvington Police Officer 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Irvington Police Officer '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," …
Mayor Stephen Burker's Death Leaves 'Legacy Of Selfless Service': Officials Mayor Stephen Burker's Death Leaves 'Legacy Of Selfless Service': Officials
Mayor Stephen Burker's Death Leaves 'Legacy Of Selfless Service': Officials The current Coplay Borough Mayor Burker passed away over the weekend, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office announced in a release on Monday, Oct. 21. The Honorable Stephen J. Burker was pronounced dead from natural causes in his home on Saturday, Oct. 19, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio detailed in the release. "His loss is sure to be felt by all, whether you knew him or did not," the Borough of Coplay posted on its Facebook page. Coplay Borough and Coplay Police Department is saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Steve Burker. Burker passed... Posted by Borough of Coplay on …
Popstar Buys Columbia High Schoolers Lunch At Sabatino's Popstar Buys Columbia High Schoolers Lunch At Sabatino's
Popstar Buys Columbia High Schoolers Lunch At Sabatino's High schoolers flocked to a New Jersey pizzeria in droves on Tuesday, Oct. 1 for a free lunch. And not just any free lunch — free lunch from a popstar. SZA sza Instagram Sabatino's owner Sabatino Perotta told NJ Advance Media reporter Jeremy Schneider that SZA, a Maplewood native, called him and asked if he could buy lunch for local high schoolers at Columbia High School. Around 11 a.m., high schoolers began showing up. Then, in droves to the Valley Street pizzeria. Schneider shared a clip of the event to X. .@sza bought lunch for Columbia High School students today at Sabatin…
Reading Firefighter, Dad Battling Cancer Gets Support From Ambulance Corps Reading Firefighter, Dad Battling Cancer Gets Support From Ambulance Corps
Reading Firefighter, Dad Battling Cancer Gets Support From Ambulance Corps First responders have come together to help a lifelong firefighter and father of two from Reading who is battling cancer.  The Lower Alsace Volunteer Ambulance Association is raising money for Christopher Bixler and his family as he ongoes chemotherapy treatments, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched Sunday, Sept. 1. Chris is a career firefighter and paramedic with over 20 years of service to his community. "The physical nature of his line of work combined with the intense toll chemo takes on his body has forced Chris to take extended leave from his work," the GoFundMe expla…
'Sexiest Doctor Alive' Is NJ Physician: Dr. Mike Talks Rise To Fame On Dax Shepard Podcast 'Sexiest Doctor Alive' Is NJ Physician: Dr. Mike Talks Rise To Fame On Dax Shepard Podcast
'Sexiest Doctor Alive' Is NJ Physician: Dr. Mike Talks Rise To Fame On Dax Shepard Podcast A New Jersey family physician whose good looks and medical expertise catapulted him to fame on YouTube is sharing his knowledge on one of the most successful podcasts in the United States. Mikhail Varshavski, more commonly known as "Dr. Mike," is a guest on the Wednesday, Sept. 4 episode of Dax Shepard's "Experts on Expert" podcast — an offshoot of the "Armchair Expert" podcast. Varshavski is a primary care physician at Chatham Family Medicine and has 12.6M subscribers on YouTube. On "Experts on Expert," Varshavski sits down with Shepard and co-host Monica Padman to discuss his rise to fam…
$4M Lottery Jackpot: Mass. Man Plans To Use His Newfound Millions To Help Others $4M Lottery Jackpot: Mass. Man Plans To Use His Newfound Millions To Help Others
$4M Lottery Jackpot: Mass. Man Plans To Use His Newfound Millions To Help Others A New Bedford man decided to treat himself to a $10 lottery ticket while shopping for a friend's birthday present. He walked away a millionaire, and the present was probably nice as well.  Robert J. Ostrye Jr. won the $4 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s game "$4,000,000 Monopoly Doubler." There are two remaining grand prizes and two $1 million prizes as well.  Ostrye chose the lump-sum payment of $2,600,000 (before taxes). He wants to finish some home renovations but also help others. He bought the winning ticket at Jay’s Wine & Spirits at 446…
'Friend To All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Ex-Stoughton Selectman Killed In Crash 'Friend To All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Ex-Stoughton Selectman Killed In Crash
'Friend To All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Ex-Stoughton Selectman Killed In Crash David "Spanky" Sousa spent his life giving back to the Stoughton community he loved. After he was killed while picking up debris along a highway, they're paying it back to his family.  "Spanky loved his hometown of Stoughton and helping people in need," an obituary for the 57-year-old said. "He was a former Selectman for the Town of Stoughton and was also the Chairman for a time. He played Santa for many charities in the area at Christmas time. He was a founder of the Parade of Lights holiday parade in Stoughton. He loved riding his motorcycle, meeting new friends, and the character Fre…
NJ 'Golden Bachelor' Winner Appeared On Family Feud Pre-Divorce In Newly-Aired Episode NJ 'Golden Bachelor' Winner Appeared On Family Feud Pre-Divorce In Newly-Aired Episode
NJ 'Golden Bachelor' Winner Appeared On Family Feud Pre-Divorce In Newly-Aired Episode Well, that didn't age well. A newly-aired episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" on ABC features "Golden Bachelor" couple Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, a New Jersey grandmother, competing on the show before announcing their divorce. The Bachelor-themed episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" aired on Tuesday, July 16, and kicked off with Turner, 72, introducing Nist, 70, to host Steve Harvey as his "lovely wife."  The pair played with their children against other "Bachelor" franchise contestants including Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson. @deciderdotcom Watch #thegoldenbachelor …
Journalist Rallies Help For Port Chester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son Journalist Rallies Help For Port Chester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son
Journalist Rallies Help For Port Chester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son A former news anchor is coming to the aid of a Westchester family hoping to raise enough money to build a therapy pool for their young son facing a challenging genetic disorder.  Karen Swensen, a former news anchor for WWL-TV based in New Orleans, is spearheading efforts to assist Port Chester residents Kristin Testerman and Steven Santiago in constructing a sanctuary pool at their new home for their 11-year-old son, Lucas.  Lucas is affected by a rare genetic disorder that has caused him to go blind and struggle with serious physical and medical obstacles. Lucas, who has no eyes…
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend Akhtar Farzaie needed one more person to bring to a charity golf outing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster last month.  Naturally, retired NY Knicks power forward Charles Oakley was the first person to come to mind. Farzaie, 41, who owns Bella Pizza in Hillsborough, met the 60-year-old NBA legend when he said he was elbowed by him during a pickup game at a local YMCA in 2002. The two were later acquainted by mutual friends, and have kept in touch ever since. Oakley agreed to make a special trip out to Somerset County for Farzie last month, and was treated to seared Bronzino, si…
John Oliver Gives New Update On Hudson Valley Eatery's Bear Cake Tribute John Oliver Gives New Update On Hudson Valley Eatery's Bear Cake Tribute
John Oliver Gives New Update On Hudson Valley Eatery's Bear Cake Tribute After a week of fun and plenty of sweat at a Hudson Valley bakery and restaurant making hundreds of bear cakes with the face of comedian John Oliver, the funnyman has donated $10,000 to People's Place to help feed those in need. Related: John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Out Door Of Kingston Bakery In case you haven't heard, here's a brief recap:  Eric Deising, the owner of the popular Ulster County Deising's Bakery, Restaurant, and Catering in Kington, hears that Oliver, the host of "Last Week Tonight" on HBO, had purchased some equipment he wanted from a closed Red Lobster. Oliv…
Maryland Man With Golden Ticket Claims $500K 'Multi-Match' Jackpot Maryland Man With Golden Ticket Claims $500K 'Multi-Match' Jackpot
Maryland Man With Golden Ticket Claims $500K 'Multi-Match' Jackpot Logic helped a Maryland man claim a $500,000 prize playing the Multi-Match rolling jackpot game. A Baltimore man became the fourth in Maryland to hit the game's jackpot this year after methodically plotting out his play en route to the big win.  The winning ticket was sold at Royal Farms on Cromwell Park Drive in Glen Burnie. Google Maps street view According to Lottery officials, Multi-Match has a starting jackpot that grows each time no winner matches all six of the drawn numbers. Unlike the multi-state games, Multi-Match tickets are sold only in Maryland, so the prizes …
John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Off Trays At Hudson Valley Bakery John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Off Trays At Hudson Valley Bakery
John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Off Trays At Hudson Valley Bakery A bakery and restaurant owner in the region is having the time of his life selling comedian John Oliver bear cakes after a fake fight with the funnyman over restaurant equipment from a closed Red Lobster. The whole "fight" began when Oliver, who had purchased kitchen equipment from a closed Red Lobster in Ulster County, recreated the restaurant in his studio to serve the audience the signature Cheddar Bay biscuits. He also commented on his HBO show "Last Week Tonight" on Sunday, June 2, about someone who had posted a sign on the door of the closed restaurant saying they wanted to buy some k…
'Generous And Humble': Families Remember Men Who Drowned In Lynn Ponds 'Generous And Humble': Families Remember Men Who Drowned In Lynn Ponds
'Generous And Humble': Families Remember Men Who Drowned In Lynn Ponds Authorities have released the names of two men who drowned in separate incidents in Lynn over the Memorial Day weekend.  Michael Petkewich, 60, and Macario Ordoñez Calmo, 30, were both killed on Sunday, May 26.  Firefighters were called to the Breeds Pond just after 7:15 p.m. to rescue Calmo. They risked their lives to pull him from the water, but they couldn't save his life. Doctors at an area hospital pronounced him dead soon after he arrived, authorities said.  Police received calls about Petkewich's drowning around 11 p.m. He had gone under at S…
Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer
Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer A young boy in Monmouth County battling brain cancer will have plenty of summer fun thanks to some generous donations. An above-ground saltwater pool was donated to three-year-old Mick Augustitus, the Ashley Lauren Foundation said in a Facebook post. The Hazlet toddler was diagnosed with four brain tumors and several tumors on his spine. At Home Recreation donated the pool, while Kiki Pools in South Amboy donated a heater and installed the pool. "Not only did Mick come home from stem-cell transplant last Friday [May 17], but his pool was done the same day he came home," the Ashle…
Life After Lottery: Winners Discuss How Life Changed After Hitting Jackpots; Keeping It Secret Life After Lottery: Winners Discuss How Life Changed After Hitting Jackpots; Keeping It Secret
Life After Lottery: Winners Discuss How Life Changed After Hitting Jackpots; Keeping It Secret The only thing better than winning the lottery is doing it anonymously. There are countless stories of lottery winners who've gone bankrupt in part from empty-handed "friends" or scammers looking for a rich target.  In Massachusetts, winners must divulge their names and pose with novelty checks boasting their jackpot amount unless they create a trust to collect their cash. Attorney David Spillane, a partner at the Quincy-based law firm SKB Attorneys, who's done nearly 100 of these trusts, connected us with some of those winners who chose to keep their paydays a secret to see what life …
Yamileth D. Marenco, Operating Room Nurse, 41 Yamileth D. Marenco, Operating Room Nurse, 41
Yamileth D. Marenco, Operating Room Nurse, 41 Yamileth D. Marenco, of Pennsauken, died on March 26, according to an obituary published by Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home. She was 41 years old. Yamileth was the first in her family to graduate from college and was a surgical technologist for over 15 years, working as an operating room nurse at Cooper Hospital, where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues, her obituary said. Beyond her work at the hospital, Yamileth made a lasting impact by collecting donations for the children of her home country, Nicaragua. "Her commitment to improv…
Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns
Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns Two single mothers in Toms River are looking for help after a multi-family home was destroyed by a fire, according to fundraising campaigns. A firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation after falling at the scene of a two-story house fire on Bergen Avenue at around 2:04 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 9. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said no one else was injured and two cats were found safe. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames and remained on the scene for about 90 minutes. The home was ruled as an unsafe structure by the township's building department…
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year A Monmouth County educator who was named New Jersey's teacher of the year could also get the same recognition nationally. Joe Nappi, a history and social studies teacher at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, is one of four finalists for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year award, The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced. Nappi won the state's Teacher of the Year award in September 2023. The other finalists are Cat Walker from Alaska, Christy Todd from Georgia, and Missy Testerman from Tennessee. Nappi is the third Garden State educator to be a nati…
Panhandler Who Attacked Elderly Pair Gets Prison Time For Beating Them With Victim's Cane In DC Panhandler Who Attacked Elderly Pair Gets Prison Time For Beating Them With Victim's Cane In DC
Panhandler Who Attacked Elderly Pair Gets Prison Time For Beating Them With Victim's Cane In DC The panhandler responsible for a life-altering attack on an elderly couple outside a Northwest DC grocery store will spend years in prison for beating the pair up with their own cane when they didn't give him enough charity, according to officials. District resident Alexander Adams, 35, was sentenced to 96 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty in December to two counts of aggravated assault of a senior citizen. His sentence comes after he violently assaulted 78-year-old John Hopkins and then 79-year-old Claudia Hopkins outside Giant in the 370…
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' 'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty'
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' Sondra Fortunato, an iconic New Jersey entertainer and model known to many as "Miss Liberty USA," has died. Condolences were widely posted online on Thursday, Jan. 11 for the well-known local celebrity from Toms River, including the town's Republican party organization. "Dear sweet Sondra, I first met you when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 66. We girls would see you in Seaside buying the latest fashion's," one mourner wrote. "We were all fascinated by your stunning appearance. You truly were the first Barbie doll!  "As the years went by it was a delight to see you in Toms River wh…
Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say
Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say Guests at Hoboken's annual Santacon were on better behavior this year than last, but arrests were still made, police said. Two people were arrested and another 34 people were issued summonses at the annual SantaCon in Hoboken on Saturday, Dec. 16, authorities said. SantaCon is an annual bar crawl where people dress up like Santa. While the event raises money for charity, it has become reviled by many residents, disgusted by the trail of drunken mayhem left in its wake.  This year's SantaCon had less arrests than year's past, Marci Rubin, a spokeswoman for the city said.  "Arrest…
Charities To Benefit From Maryland Lottery Player's $620K 'Multi-Match' Jackpot Win Charities To Benefit From Maryland Lottery Player's $620K 'Multi-Match' Jackpot Win
Charities To Benefit From Maryland Lottery Player's $620K 'Multi-Match' Jackpot Win A Howard County man still can't believe his luck days after winning a six-figure jackpot playing a Maryland Lottery game. Last week, a $620,000 "Multi-Match" ticket was sold at Royal Farms in Elkridge, which was claimed by a Columbia man at Maryland Lottery Headquarters on Monday, officials say. On the night of Thursday, Dec. 7, the lucky longtime lotto player picked up $10 in tickets from the grocery store, choosing a mix of quick-pick and personal numbers to take a shot at the jackpot. The winning numbers of the drawing were 15-24-26-35-39-41. When he went to check his numbers on t…
Central Mass Lottery Winner Has Noble Plans For His Payday Central Mass Lottery Winner Has Noble Plans For His Payday
Central Mass Lottery Winner Has Noble Plans For His Payday A Worcester County lottery winner said he wants to put the money he's won to good use by funding his son's education and giving to charities he believes in.  Venkataramanan Balakrishnan, of Shrewsbury, won $25,000 a year for life after he matched the first five numbers on his Season Ticket. They're the same five numbers he's been playing for years.  Balakrishnan chose to take the one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  He said he would use the money on his mortgage, his son's education, and charitable causes. He didn't go into which cha…
Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Stealing From New Rochelle Charity For Autistic Children Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Stealing From New Rochelle Charity For Autistic Children
Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Stealing From New Rochelle Charity For Autistic Children A former police officer and co-founder of a Westchester-based charity for autistic children has been sentenced after stealing $24,000 from his own organization named after his son, officials announced.  New Rochelle resident Christopher Greco, age 52, was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge for stealing from Christopher’s Voice, Inc., a New Rochelle-based charity for autistic children that he co-founded, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday, Dec. 3. Earlier Report - Former Police Officer Steals $24K From New Rochelle Charity Fo…
Swampscott Cook Turns Scary Injury Into $40K In Donations To Hospital That Saved His Finger Swampscott Cook Turns Scary Injury Into $40K In Donations To Hospital That Saved His Finger
Swampscott Cook Turns Scary Injury Into $40K In Donations To Hospital That Saved His Finger Matthew Swartz sliced his finger open while carving his family's Thanksgiving turkey four years ago, and he's turned that scary moment into a yearly tradition of giving back to the people who saved his digit.  Swartz, of Swampscott, is a cook by trade. He opened Matteo’s, a Newton restaurant that featured Mediterranean Italian cuisine, in 1999 before he sold the place in 2005. But despite his years as a cook, slicing his index finger while trying to cut off a leg of his Thanksgiving turkey in 2019 is the worst injury he says he’s had in a kitchen. “I grabbed my butcher knife, and I de…
$1M Lottery Win: Mass Man Loses Winning Ticket, Housekeeper Finds It $1M Lottery Win: Mass Man Loses Winning Ticket, Housekeeper Finds It
$1M Lottery Win: Mass Man Loses Winning Ticket, Housekeeper Finds It A Middlesex County man is $1 million richer now, thanks to his honest housekeeper.  Khalil Soussa, of Medford, won the payday playing the “15,000,000 Money Maker” scratch-off lottery game, Massachusetts Lottery Officials said.  He bought the ticket months ago but lost it. Soussa's housekeeper found it inside a vase, the lottery said.  Soussa took the lump sum of $650,000 before taxes rather than the annuity.  He said he plans to use the money to help a friend and donate to charities.  He bought the ticket at Tony’s Convenience at 416 Salem St. in Medfor…
Mass-Born Sports Commentator Wins 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' On Buzzer Beater Question Mass-Born Sports Commentator Wins 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' On Buzzer Beater Question
Mass-Born Sports Commentator Wins 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' On Buzzer Beater Question Sports commentator Katie Nolan took Wednesday night's episode of "Celebrity Jeopardy!" down to the wire when she tied with "Law & Order: SVU" alum Christopher Meloni and had to finish the game with a rare tiebreaker question.  Nolan, a former ESPN broadcaster and podcaster who now hosts "Friday Night Baseball Apple TV+, is a Framingham native. She and Meloni faced off against Sherri Shepherd, a daytime TV talk show host who formerly was a panelist on "The View." We love a tie breaker! Watch the dramatic finish of this week's #CelebrityJeopardy! Find Your Station: http://bit.ly/2B…