Tag:

Special Olympics

Mount Pleasant, NY
News
Program Director Marks 40 Years Changing Lives For Westchester's Residents With Special Needs Program Director Marks 40 Years Changing Lives For Westchester's Residents With Special Needs
Program Director Marks 40 Years Changing Lives For Westchester's Residents With Special Needs What began as a first job out of college turned into a lifelong mission for Nancy Bellini, who recently marked four decades helping create a community for special needs residents in Northern Westchester.  Bellini, the longtime program director of the Hawthorne-based North East Westchester Special Recreation Program, marked her 40-year milestone with the nonprofit on March 11. That immense achievement now has her reflecting on a career defined by connection, growth, and a deep commitment to the people she serves.  “When you do what you love, I guess that’s what happens,” …

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by Ben Crnic
Reading, PA
Sports
Hammer Threats Made At Special Olympics In PA; Suspect Hurls Feces In Cell: Police Hammer Threats Made At Special Olympics In PA; Suspect Hurls Feces In Cell: Police
Hammer Threats Made At Special Olympics In PA; Suspect Hurls Feces In Cell: Police A man threatened participants at a Special Olympics event with a hammer before defecating and throwing feces inside a holding cell, Wilkes-Barre police announced on Thursday, Sept. 4. Matthew Fisher, 36, of Wilkes-Barre, was charged after the incident at Kirby Park on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 6:32 p.m., according to police. Officers were dispatched to the park for a report of a man harassing several individuals and making threats with a hammer. Police said Fisher approached a group participating in a Special Olympics-sanctioned event, yelled obscenities, and threatened to harm them, shouting “…

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by Jillian Pikora
Sewell-Mantua, NJ
Obituaries
Bankbridge High Schooler Mason Gerber Dies: 'Tremendously Painful News' Bankbridge High Schooler Mason Gerber Dies: 'Tremendously Painful News'
Bankbridge High Schooler Mason Gerber Dies: 'Tremendously Painful News' Mason Gerber, a student at Bankbridge Regional High School died in the hospital on Sunday, Feb. 2, Gloucester County Special Services School District Superintendent James Dundee announced. "Mason has been a lifelong member of our school family, touching the hearts of so many students and staff throughout the years," Dundee said. "His presence brought joy, kindness, and warmth, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him." Rest Easy Mason Gerber a big loss to the bankbridge and the special Olympics communities Posted by John Remsing on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Out of respec…

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by Sam Barron
Fairfield, NJ
Police & Fire
Arrangements Set, Obituary Posted For Fairfield Officer James 'Jimmy' Ciampi Arrangements Set, Obituary Posted For Fairfield Officer James 'Jimmy' Ciampi
Arrangements Set, Obituary Posted For Fairfield Officer James 'Jimmy' Ciampi Arrangements have been finalized for Fairfield Police Officer James "Jimmy" Ciampi, who died Monday, Sept. 9, following a battle with cancer. He would have turned 32 in October. According to his obituary on the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home website, visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 12 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home in Fairfield. The funeral will be at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at the funeral home, with a Funeral Mass set for 10 a.m., at the St. Thomas More R.C. Church. Ciampi graduated from West Essex High School before earning his bachelor's from Rutgers University…

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by Cecilia Levine
Hoboken, NJ
Obituaries
Special Olympic Athlete Joseph Maccagnano, Hoboken Native, Dies At 58 Special Olympic Athlete Joseph Maccagnano, Hoboken Native, Dies At 58
Special Olympic Athlete Joseph Maccagnano, Hoboken Native, Dies At 58 Joseph Maccagnano, a longtime Hoboken resident and Special Olympian, died on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the age of 58, according to a fundraiser set up for funeral expenses. Maccagnano worked at Hudson Community Enterprises in Jersey City for 27 years and competed at the Special Olympics for 40 years, being named Athlete of the Year in 2019, according to his obituary at the Jorge Rivera Funeral Home.  Known as "Uncle," Maccagnano also bowled for the Ability League at Hudson Lanes. "He loved being a torch runner with the North Bergen Police Department and was well-known for his bright spirit…

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by Sam Barron
Newark, NJ
News
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…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lynn, MA
Obituaries
'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…

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by Josh Lanier
New Canaan, CT
Obituaries
Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death
Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death A freshman at a prestigious Massachusetts college who graduated from a Connecticut high school in 2023 is being remembered as a brilliant musician who always followed his curiosity into success.  The death of Fairfield County resident Toby Woods, a 2023 graduate of New Canaan High School who was a freshman at Williams College in the Berkshire County town of Williamstown, was announced by officials at both schools on Friday, Feb. 23.  Earlier Report - Young New Canaan HS Grad Dies: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed,' Superintendent Says In a letter to students, faculty, and staff, Wi…

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by Ben Crnic
Hampden-Silver Spring, PA
Obituaries
Roller Derby Star Killed In UTV Crash In PA: State Police Roller Derby Star Killed In UTV Crash In PA: State Police
Roller Derby Star Killed In UTV Crash In PA: State Police A 38-year-old roller derby star died in a utility task vehicle rollover crash in Leidy Township, on April 1, 2023 Pennsylvania State Police announced the following day. Rachel S. Gaddis— known by her derby name Blackout Betty or just Betty by her friends— of Spring Mills was ejected from the 2023 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 on Stewart Hill Road just south of Old Township road around 4 a.m. on Saturday, according to PSP. Preston C. Gaddis, also 38 of Spring Mills was driving the UTV south with Betty "straddling the center console" and Samuel G. Hoy III, 42, of Mill Hall in the passenger seat…

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by Jillian Pikora
Bedford, NY
News
Brr! Fox Lane High Schoolers Raise Over $4K From Polar Plunge For Special Olympics Brr! Fox Lane High Schoolers Raise Over $4K From Polar Plunge For Special Olympics
Brr! Fox Lane High Schoolers Raise Over $4K From Polar Plunge For Special Olympics High schoolers in Northern Westchester braved freezing cold water to raise money for a good cause.  Over the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 12, students from Fox Lane High School in Bedford jumped into the chilly Long Island Sound for a Polar Plunge benefitting the Special Olympics, according to Bedford Central School District officials.  The team raised over $4,000 for the cause, officials said.  The plunge was organized by Student Union President Alexx Hoffmann and Vice President Kate Manning with the help of their advisor, Kayla Mullaney, accordin…

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by Ben Crnic
Columbia, MD
News
Special Olympics Torch Set To Arrive In Howard County This Week Special Olympics Torch Set To Arrive In Howard County This Week
Special Olympics Torch Set To Arrive In Howard County This Week The Special Olympic Torch, or the "Flame of Hope" is set to return to Howard County later this week, officials say. The torch will be handed off at Centennial Park in Ellicott City at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 23, according to Howard County Officials.  Law enforcement officers will carry the torch with the assistance of Special Olympics athletes over a six mile course of roadways around the park.  The torch has been carried hundreds of miles across Maryland during the month of June to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics Maryland. The Special Olympics athletes partic…

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by Annie DeVoe
Danbury, CT
Business
Jersey Mike's Subs To Hold Grand Opening In Danbury Jersey Mike's Subs To Hold Grand Opening In Danbury
Jersey Mike's Subs To Hold Grand Opening In Danbury Jersey Mike’s Subs is getting ready to open a new location in Fairfield County. The sandwich shop, located at 72 Newtown Road in Danbury, will open on Wednesday, March 23, and a grand opening fundraiser event will take place through Sunday, March 27, to support the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, according to an announcement from the business.  Representatives said guests who have a special fundraising coupon can make a minimum of a $3 contribution to the games in exchange for a regular sub. “My team and I are thrilled to be opening our first of two locations in Danbury,” franch…

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by Nicole Valinote
Bristol, PA
Obituaries
Standout Special Olympic Athlete From NJ Dies In Philly At 15 Standout Special Olympic Athlete From NJ Dies In Philly At 15
Standout Special Olympic Athlete From NJ Dies In Philly At 15 Support is pouring in for a Special Olympic athlete based in New Jersey who died at the age of 15 last month. Darius Cheston placed first in the 50-meter dash and third in the 100-meter dash in the 2021 Summer Sports finals in Pennington, NJ, according to the Burlington County Special Services School District and a GoFundMe in his name. The track-and-field star "was full of life and determination," GoFundMe organizer Elizabeth Zaremski wrote. He died on Sept. 30 after three months of fighting an unspecified condition at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, she said. "Darius…

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by Nicole Acosta
Mount Pleasant, NY
Obituaries
Beloved Westchester Teacher Dies At Age 56 Beloved Westchester Teacher Dies At Age 56
Beloved Westchester Teacher Dies At Age 56 A longtime, beloved Westchester special education teacher has died at the age of 56. Christine Amanna (Antonecchia) age 56, of Somers, formerly of Hawthorne, died Tuesday, June 29 at Northern Westchester Hospital. Amanna was born in 1964 to Guido and Barbara Antonecchia. She was the eldest of three children predeceased by her sister Lisa and her father.  She was raised in Yonkers, graduated from the University of Hartford where she received a bachelor of science and a dual master of science of education and Special Education from Manhattan College. Amanna was a special education tea…

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by Kathy Reakes
North Hunterdon, NJ
Obituaries
North Jersey HS Grad Leaves Touching Message In Journal Shared After Death From Cancer At 20 North Jersey HS Grad Leaves Touching Message In Journal Shared After Death From Cancer At 20
North Jersey HS Grad Leaves Touching Message In Journal Shared After Death From Cancer At 20 North Hunterdon High School graduate, college student and beloved friend Kathryn Rose Berger left a heartbreakingly touching message in her journal that was shared after her death from brain cancer on June 1 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at the age of 20. Born in New Brunswick, Kathryn grew up in Bethlehem Township and participated in theater and choir groups at school, her obituary says. Kathryn was known for her “impeccable” comedic wit and timing — particularly when she portrayed the principal in her school’s production of Grease. Kathryn was passionate about helping indivi…

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by Valerie Musson
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
Police & Fire
$980,000 Settlement Reached In Case Of Morris Student, 14, Kissed, Groped By Teacher $980,000 Settlement Reached In Case Of Morris Student, 14, Kissed, Groped By Teacher
$980,000 Settlement Reached In Case Of Morris Student, 14, Kissed, Groped By Teacher A local school board in Morris County reportedly is paying $980,000 to settle a civil suit brought by the family of a former middle school student whose teacher admitted groping and making out with her.  Eric Strand, 61, who was also a Boy Scout leader and firefighter, pleaded guilty in May 2017 to child endangerment and criminal sexual contact for kissing the 14-year-old Hopatcong Middle School eighth grader several times and grabbing her butt over her clothing the year before. He was sentenced to three years in state prison In exchange for his plea, then was released after serving 36…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Mount Pleasant, NY
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Northern Westchester HS Sophomore Raises Funds For Restaurants, Hospitals COVID-19: Northern Westchester HS Sophomore Raises Funds For Restaurants, Hospitals
Covid-19: Northern Westchester HS Sophomore Raises Funds For Restaurants, Hospitals The good in young and old has bubbled to the top of society and showed itself in many ways during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. From providing food to those in need to donating masks, playing music for the masses, and dressing up in blue shark costumes to bring a smile. One of those helping is Northern Westchester resident Eli Yates, a sophomore high school student, who is busy taking pictures of area families in order to raise money to donate to Food for the Frontline Westchester and the Frontstep Project which both help support area restaurants and provide meals to hospital w…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lyndhurst, NJ
Police & Fire
Here’s A Christmas Poll For You: Everyone Loves Lyndhurst’s Santa Sarnoski Here’s A Christmas Poll For You: Everyone Loves Lyndhurst’s Santa Sarnoski
Here’s A Christmas Poll For You: Everyone Loves Lyndhurst’s Santa Sarnoski Ask any of the countless adults and children who’ve met him: You won't find a kinder, more giving -- and beloved -- Santa Claus than Joe Sarnoski of Lyndhurst. For decades now, Sarnoski has made a minimum of 40 appearances a season as Santa, often visiting ailing or disabled children in hospitals and at their homes. For many, the retired Lyndhurst police captain is the face of Christmas. That's why friends and loved ones got so riled over a local newspaper story that used a photo of him for a story that claimed New Jerseyans hate the Yuletide. Daughter Michele Sarnoski, who teaches E…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Bronxville, NY
Sports
Special Olympics Team From Westchester Stars At Soccer Tournament Special Olympics Team From Westchester Stars At Soccer Tournament
Special Olympics Team From Westchester Stars At Soccer Tournament Some of New Rochelle’s finest athletes came together for a special competition that saw them take home the silver medal. Athletes from the New Rochelle Special Olympics team played together against rival schools recently at the Regional Fall Sports Festival in Beacon, competing in the popular soccer tournament for the first time and finishing second. Head coach Rhonda Boychews said that she “saw something amazing happen” at the tournament over the weekend: increased confidence for her players. Boychews has coached the New Rochelle Special Olympics team in the Pioneer Sports School League f…

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by Zak Failla
Fairfield, CT
Obituaries
Trooper From Fairfield County Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer Trooper From Fairfield County Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer
Trooper From Fairfield County Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has ordered all U.S. and state flags in the state be lowered to half-staff in honor of a state police trooper from Norwalk who died Thursday. Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Walter Greene died "following a courageous battle with cancer as the result of his response and service in support of New York City in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001," Malloy said in a statement. Greene was a member of the 101st Training Troop, and most recently was assigned to the Traffic Services Unit. “Our hearts are with the family of Trooper…

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by Kathy Reakes
Beekman-Poughquag, NY
Sports
Dutchess County Submits Bid To Host Special Olympics Next Summer Dutchess County Submits Bid To Host Special Olympics Next Summer
Dutchess County Submits Bid To Host Special Olympics Next Summer After successfully hosting back-to-back Special Olympics, organizers are once again hoping to bring the games back to the Hudson Valley. Dutchess County has submitted a formal application with Special Olympics New York to host the 2019 and 2020 Special Olympic New York State Summer Games after hosting the winter event in 2016 and 2017 with “one of the largest volunteer turnout in the Games’ history,” officials noted. According to officials, Special Olympics is an Olympic-style athletic training and competition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympic New Y…

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by Zak Failla
Paramus, NJ
Police & Fire
Fit Cops: Paramus Deputy Chief Hooked On Racing For Remedies Fit Cops: Paramus Deputy Chief Hooked On Racing For Remedies
Fit Cops: Paramus Deputy Chief Hooked On Racing For Remedies PARAMUS, N.J. -- Standing at the starting line of his very first obstacle course in 2014, everything seems to be moving in slow motion for Paramus Deputy Chief Robert Guidetti. The starting horn blows. Water comes shooting out of hoses in every which direction. The dirt underneath Guidetti's shoes turns to mud and suddenly, he's sinking. There was only one way out: Run. And he did, for just over three miles -- with those who can for those who cannot. That Muck Run four years ago at the Turtleback Zoo in West Orange honored those fighting or who have succumbed to multiple sclerosis. Four …

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by Cecilia Levine