Tag:

Special Needs

Pascack Valley
Police & Fire
UPDATE: Pedestrian Struck, Killed On Garden State Parkway Was Missing Rockland Teen UPDATE: Pedestrian Struck, Killed On Garden State Parkway Was Missing Rockland Teen
Update: Pedestrian Struck, Killed On Garden State Parkway Was Missing Rockland Teen A missing Rockland County girl died when she was struck on the Garden State Parkway by two vehicles -- one of which kept going -- just before dawn Thursday, authorities said. The 14-year-old victim from Chestnut Ridge was pronounced dead on the darkened southbound highway near Exit 171 south of the James Gandolfini Service Area in Montvale shortly after 5 a.m. Nov. 16, they said. An unknown vehicle hit the girl first and kept going, New Jersey State Police Trooper Troy McNair said. A Chevy Tahoe traveling behind that vehicle then hit her, as well, he said. The Tahoe driver "cont…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Alexandria
Police & Fire
Toddler Who Died In Fall From Alexandria High-Rise ID'd By Aunt Toddler Who Died In Fall From Alexandria High-Rise ID'd By Aunt
Toddler Who Died In Fall From Alexandria High-Rise ID'd By Aunt Support was surging for the family of a 3-year-old boy who fell to his death from an Alexandria high-rise in June 2023. The tot was identified by his aunt, Melissa Velasquez, as Dylan Velasquez, on a GoFundMe campaign launched for his parents.  Police said only that the boy fell from a building at the Arrive Apartments on Yoakum Parkway on Wednesday, June 28, just before 2 p.m. Dylan Velasquez.GoFundMe photo Melanie Velasquez Melissa says on the campaign that her nephew fell from a window. "This loss became a traumatic tragedy for my family who never thought this could be a story for …

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by Cecilia Levine
Essex NJ
Neighbors
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…

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by Sam Barron
Mercer
News
Tornado Damaged Kids' Ballfield In Mercer County Tornado Damaged Kids' Ballfield In Mercer County
Tornado Damaged Kids' Ballfield In Mercer County A tornado damaged an accessible baseball field in Mercer County last month and the public has been rallying to help get their season back on track. The rubberized field, capable of being used by wheelchairs and walkers, is enjoyed by about 200 special needs kids from the region.  An F-1 tornado cancelled opening day in April, and delayed the start of the season until last Saturday, May 6, according to officials at the Miracle League of Mercer County. The bleachers collapsed. And the rubberized surface in the outfield was damaged by the tornado. Repairs have cost at least $10,000 so far, s…

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by Jon Craig
Bucks
Police & Fire
Bucks Mom And Daughter Missing, Car Found Abandoned In Philly: Police Bucks Mom And Daughter Missing, Car Found Abandoned In Philly: Police
Bucks Mom And Daughter Missing, Car Found Abandoned In Philly: Police Detectives are investigating the disappearance of a Bucks County mom and her daughter, whose car was found abandoned in Philadelphia Saturday morning, according to authorities.  Bridget Hennigan and her daughter Danielle Hennigan were reported missing on Friday, April 14 by husband and dad Daniel Hennigan, Bensalem police said in a release.  "His wife Bridget suffers from anxiety and depression and his daughter is developmentally challenged," the department wrote.  They were last seen at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.  Then on Saturday, April 15, police in Philadelphia …

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by Mac Bullock
Clarkstown
Business
New Lego Store In Valley Cottage Helps People With Special Needs New Lego Store In Valley Cottage Helps People With Special Needs
New Lego Store In Valley Cottage Helps People With Special Needs Lego fans looking for a new set or who need a few red or yellow special pieces, or moms sick of bins full of bricks the kids never play with can all find happiness at a new Hudson Valley Lego resale store. Named "Brick It Again," the Rockland County store has just opened its doors in Valley Cottage, and the best part is it provides workers with developmental challenges to learn job skills.  The brainchild of Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro, a non-profit organization services provider in both Rockland and Westchester counties dedicated to advancing the independence, well-being, and e…

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by Kathy Reakes
Worcester
Police & Fire
Special Needs Van T-Boned In Clinton, 7 Sent To Hospital: Fire Department Special Needs Van T-Boned In Clinton, 7 Sent To Hospital: Fire Department
Special Needs Van T-Boned In Clinton, 7 Sent To Hospital: Fire Department A special needs van was T-boned at an intersection in Clinton on Thursday, Jan. 26, sending several people to an area hospital for treatment, fire officials said.  The crash happened when a work van collided with a Keissling Transit van carrying several adults with special needs and staff members on Brook Street just after 8:30 a.m. to HMEA, authorities said.  The driver of the work van was treated on the scene and released, a Clinton fire captain said. Firefighters took the others to receive care out of precaution, and they had no other means of transportation. The most serious injury app…

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by Josh Lanier
Fairfax
Schools
Instructional Assistant At Glen Forest ES Caught Assaulting Special Needs Student, Police Say Instructional Assistant At Glen Forest ES Caught Assaulting Special Needs Student, Police Say
Instructional Assistant At Glen Forest ES Caught Assaulting Special Needs Student, Police Say An instructional assistant at Glen Forest Elementary School in Fairfax County is facing charges after being caught allegedly assaulting a student with special needs last month. The Fairfax County Police Department announced that Meredith Capets, 36, of Alexandria, was served a warrant for simple assault and turned herself in on Tuesday, Jan. 3 to face the charge. Investigators say that on Thursday, Dec. 8, an employee at the elementary school in Falls Church spotted Capets assaulting a student with disabilities, which was then immediately reported to school administrators. Following a near…

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by Zak Failla
Alexandria
Police & Fire
Special Needs Student Assaulted By Reston School Employee: Police Special Needs Student Assaulted By Reston School Employee: Police
Special Needs Student Assaulted By Reston School Employee: Police A staff member at Dogwood Elementary School in Reston was recently charged for assaulting a special needs student, police said. Two teachers witnessed Mark MacDicken, who has been an employee of the school for almost 10 years, assaulting the student on Sept. 16, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.  There was no further information given about the incident. On Sept. 20, law enforcement arrested MacDicken and he was released from police custody on his signature, authorities said. Police are asking anyone with more information to call them at 703-246-7800.

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by AJ Goldbloom
Stafford
Obituaries
VA Boy Is 2nd 6-Year-Old Boy With Autism To Drown On East Coast In 24 Hour Span VA Boy Is 2nd 6-Year-Old Boy With Autism To Drown On East Coast In 24 Hour Span
VA Boy Is 2nd 6-Year-Old Boy With Autism To Drown On East Coast In 24 Hour Span Two 6-year-old boys with autism — one from Virginia the other from New York — drowned near their homes over 600 miles away from each other just days apart. Landon “Waldy” Raber, who is non-verbal and has Down syndrome, was found dead in a pond around 5:30 a.m. Monday, July 11 after he wandered away from his home in Buckingham County Sunday evening, authorities said. Onnex Thompson-Hall, a 6-year-old boy with autism, was also found dead in a pond the day before not too far from his home in upstate New York. He was reported missing from the Washington County Fairgrounds at around 10:40 a.m.…

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by AJ Goldbloom
Fairfax
Schools
VA Toddler Was Abused And Bus Driver, Attendant Let It Happen: Police VA Toddler Was Abused And Bus Driver, Attendant Let It Happen: Police
VA Toddler Was Abused And Bus Driver, Attendant Let It Happen: Police A northern Virginia bus driver and her attendant failed to protect a 3-year-old special needs student who was severely injured on their school bus, authorities announced. Rqia Tabite, 36, and Teresa Wessells, 70, both of Falls Church, face an abuse and child neglect charge stemming from an incident earlier this year, Vienna police said.  Officers were called to a bus stop on March 18 after a Fairfax County Public Schools bus driver had gotten into an argument with a parent after their child was injured on the bus ride home from school, Vienna police said.  It's unclear how the ch…

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by Josh Lanier
Mount Pleasant
Police & Fire
Man Charged With Kidnapping After Missing NY 15-Year-Old Found In Virginia Man Charged With Kidnapping After Missing NY 15-Year-Old Found In Virginia
Man Charged With Kidnapping After Missing NY 15-Year-Old Found In Virginia A man is facing kidnapping charges after allegedly taking a 15-year-old Long Island boy he met online out of state. Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances during which the missing special needs boy was found in Virginia early on Wednesday, June 30. The boy was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, June 29 at approximately 1:30 p.m., after he was last seen leaving his home at 11:30 a.m., police said.  Following an investigation, detectives determined the boy had been communicating with a 20-year-old man residing in Tennessee through an ins…

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by Kathy Reakes
Bucks
News
Bucks County Family, Businesses Displaced By Raging Fire Bucks County Family, Businesses Displaced By Raging Fire
Bucks County Family, Businesses Displaced By Raging Fire Support is surging for a Bucks County family -- including two kids who have special needs -- and several businesses displaced by a fire earlier this week. The blaze ravaged the Weigand family's Farragut Avenue apartment sometime around 12 a.m. Tuesday. The bar downstairs, Sadie's Irish Pub, was also damaged. As a result, Penny Weigand and her two daughters Jes Weigand Martine and Jacqueline Weigand -- along with Jes' two kids -- lost everything. Several local businesses including a pub and tattoo parlor were also destroyed. Two separate GoFundMe campaigns had been launched for Jes and…

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by Cecilia Levine
Union
News
MURDER SUICIDE: Connecticut Mom Intentionally Drove Son With Special Needs Into Lake, PD Says MURDER SUICIDE: Connecticut Mom Intentionally Drove Son With Special Needs Into Lake, PD Says
Murder Suicide: Connecticut Mom Intentionally Drove Son With Special Needs Into Lake, PD Says A crash in which a Connecticut mom intentionally drove her son with special needs into Connecticut lake last summer has been ruled a murder-suicide, authorities said following a lengthy investigation. Connie Crowell, 54, of Monroe, was behind the wheel of an SUV, with her 22-year-old son John Crowell in the passenger's seat, when she steered the vehicle into the Housatonic River in Seymour on July 31, 2020. A nearby boater trying to rescue the Crowells said the driver refused to acknowledge or accept the boater's assistance and rescue efforts, Seymour Deputy Police Chief Robe…

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by Kathy Reakes
Hartford
Police & Fire
Special-Needs/Weed CEO Is Accused Of Stealing $50,000 From Taxpayers Special-Needs/Weed CEO Is Accused Of Stealing $50,000 From Taxpayers
Special-Needs/Weed CEO Is Accused Of Stealing $50,000 From Taxpayers A marijuana entrepreneur who owns a Connecticut vocational center for people with special needs is facing fraud charges. Karen Gaston, 39, of East Granby, was charged in Connecticut on Tuesday, Sept. 22 with larceny in the first degree by defrauding a public community, health insurance fraud, and criminal attempt to commit larceny in the first degree by defrauding a public community, according to Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice. Gaston is the owner of Elegant Clinical Corporation in East Windsor, a nonprofit that seeks to provide vocational education to people with special needs…

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by Kristin Palpini
Union
News
'Where's The Compassion?' NJ Boy With Autism Kicked Out Of Church During Sister's Baptism 'Where's The Compassion?' NJ Boy With Autism Kicked Out Of Church During Sister's Baptism
'Where's The Compassion?' NJ Boy With Autism Kicked Out Of Church During Sister's Baptism A Union County mom says her son who has autism was kicked out of church by the priest during her daughter's baptism. Nicky, 7, was playing with a ball during his sister Sofia's baptism at Christ the King Church Saturday in Hillside, Julia Vicidomini said on Facebook. The service was private, for family only, which Vicidomini said made her feel more comfortable as Nicky -- who is non-verbal -- doesn't do well during long mass services. "Yes, he was playing with a toy where he should not have been, however, the way the priest kicked him out of the church was completely rude and disrespectful…

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by Cecilia Levine
Hudson
Obituaries
Linden Man With Special Needs, 26, Dies In Apartment Fire Linden Man With Special Needs, 26, Dies In Apartment Fire
Linden Man With Special Needs, 26, Dies In Apartment Fire A Linden man was killed in a two-alarm blaze that broke out at his apartment, authorities said. Cyril Spinks, 26, was inside of his second-floor McCandless Street apartment when the fire broke out around 8 p.m. Monday, authorities said. Affectionately known as "Chewy," Spinks -- formerly of Elizabeth -- had special needs and was being remembered as an "amazing soul." The 1400 block building's second floor was fully-engulfed in flames when firefighters and law enforcement officers arrived, Linden police said. Firefighters from Linden, Elizabeth, Rahway, Roselle Park, and Garwood battled th…

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by Cecilia Levine
Hackensack
Police & Fire
Kids OK After Special Needs School Bus Driver ODs Behind Wheel, Crashes In Newark Kids OK After Special Needs School Bus Driver ODs Behind Wheel, Crashes In Newark
Kids OK After Special Needs School Bus Driver ODs Behind Wheel, Crashes In Newark A day after three people were killed by an overdosing driver in a crash at a Route 23 gas station, the driver of a school bus carrying children with special needs had to be revived with Narcan after a crash in Newark. The dozen or so students weren’t injured in the 1 p.m. crash at 14th Avenue and Jones Street. Responders used Narcan to revive the woman, who police said apparently had overdosed on heroin. ****** ALSO SEE: Authorities charged the drugged driver in a Tuesday morning crash that killed a father and son and a gas station attendant on Route 23 in Wayne. https://dailyvoice.…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Paramus
Police & Fire
Paramus Firefighters Douse Lexus Blaze Outside Route 17 Stop & Shop Paramus Firefighters Douse Lexus Blaze Outside Route 17 Stop & Shop
Paramus Firefighters Douse Lexus Blaze Outside Route 17 Stop & Shop Paramus firefighters doused an engine blaze in a Lexus sedan parked outside the Route 17 Stop & Shop early Thursday evening. No injuries were reported at the incident at supermarket on the highway's northbound side. A tow truck removed the heavily scorched vehicle. Paramus police also responded. At the scene.Boyd A. Loving A tow truck removed the heavily scorched vehicle.Boyd A. Loving Boyd A. Loving took the photos and contributed to this report. ****** ALSO SEE: Two special needs students and three workers were safely removed to a nearby store after a school van caught fire…

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by Jerry DeMarco
South Passaic
Schools
Handicap Accessible Swing Set Honors Late Clifton Preschool Teacher Handicap Accessible Swing Set Honors Late Clifton Preschool Teacher
Handicap Accessible Swing Set Honors Late Clifton Preschool Teacher A 31-year-old Clifton teacher's memory lives on with a brand new handicap accessible swing set across from the school where she worked. An opening ceremony honoring Joann Zakrzewski was held last weekend at the Holster Park playground. Zakrzewski -- a School 16 preschool teacher for children with special needs -- won the district's Excellence in Education Award in 2014. Two years later, she died of a pulmonary embolism. "JoAnn had a very special place in her heart for children," her sister Janet Zakrzewska said. "She always put kids first.  "She spent endless hours each day during cl…

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by Cecilia Levine
Cliffside Park-Edgewater
Neighbors
PHOTOS: Balloon Release Honors 9-Year-Old Bogota Boy's Sudden Death PHOTOS: Balloon Release Honors 9-Year-Old Bogota Boy's Sudden Death
Photos: Balloon Release Honors 9-Year-Old Bogota Boy's Sudden Death Families gathered at the Hoover Elementary School Saturday morning in Bergenfield to honor a 9-year-old boy with special needs who died suddenly this week. Joseph "Jojo" Birney -- who was a beloved member of the Bergenfield Lou Harris Challenger group -- passed away on Oct. 16. He was an active participant with the Challenger program, an extracurricular program for youth with special needs. He was also a student at Oakland's CTC Academy. Green and white balloons were released in his memory -- green for his Irish heritage and white because of his new angel wings. "He was a s…

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by Cecilia Levine
Garfield-Lodi
Police & Fire
CAUGHT! Franklin Lakes Man Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident CAUGHT! Franklin Lakes Man Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident
Caught! Franklin Lakes Man Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident UPDATE: A 59-year-old building superintendent from Franklin Lakes was arrested at his home Wednesday morning and charged with the hit-run death of a special needs resident outside a Garfield group home -- thanks to news accounts that included photos of the fleeing vehicle. The Chevy Suburban that struck Giovanni Rivera, 42, was in the driveway when police and investigators took Paul Frischer into custody at his Phelps Road home near the Route 287 overpass just after 6:30 a.m., authorities told Daily Voice. It was impounded as evidence. Frischer was charged with leaving the scene of a crash…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Garfield-Lodi
Police & Fire
CAUGHT! Franklin Lakes Man, 59, Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident CAUGHT! Franklin Lakes Man, 59, Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident
Caught! Franklin Lakes Man, 59, Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident UPDATE: A 59-year-old building superintendent from Franklin Lakes was arrested at his home Wednesday morning and charged with the hit-run death of a special needs resident outside a Garfield group home -- thanks to news accounts that included photos of the fleeing vehicle. The Chevy Suburban that struck Giovanni Rivera, 42, was in the driveway when police and investigators took Paul Frischer into custody at his Phelps Road home near the Route 287 overpass just after 6:30 a.m., authorities told Daily Voice. It was impounded as evidence. Frischer was charged with leaving the scene of a crash…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Garfield-Lodi
Police & Fire
CAUGHT! Franklin Lakes Man Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident CAUGHT! Franklin Lakes Man Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident
Caught! Franklin Lakes Man Charged In Hit-Run Death Of Garfield Special Needs Resident UPDATE: A 59-year-old building superintendent from Franklin Lakes was arrested at his home Wednesday morning and charged with the hit-run death of a special needs resident outside a Garfield group home -- thanks to news accounts that included photos of the fleeing vehicle. The Chevy Suburban that struck Giovanni Rivera, 42, was in the driveway when police and investigators took Paul Frischer into custody at his Phelps Road home near the Route 287 overpass just after 6:30 a.m., authorities told Daily Voice. It was impounded as evidence. Frischer was charged with leaving the scene of a crash…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Lyndhurst
Sports
Lyndhurst High School's First Special Needs Cheerleader Brings Important Quality To Squad Lyndhurst High School's First Special Needs Cheerleader Brings Important Quality To Squad
Lyndhurst High School's First Special Needs Cheerleader Brings Important Quality To Squad A cheerleader is all Lyndhurst's Gianna Cruz has ever wanted to be. Well that, and accepted. This fall, the 15-year-old will be both -- making her Lyndhurst High School's first ever cheerleader with special needs. Born with a rare illness called 22Q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Gianna has never let her disabilities stand in the way of her dream. Gianna is a longtime member of the Sparks (Special Angels) Cheer Squad and two years ago, she joined Lyndhurst's recreational team. "All we've ever wanted is for Gianna to have acceptance and be included," said mom Anna Rizzo.  "All she d…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lyndhurst
Events
Lyndhurst Police Encourage Youth With Special Needs: 'Shoot For The Stars' Lyndhurst Police Encourage Youth With Special Needs: 'Shoot For The Stars'
Lyndhurst Police Encourage Youth With Special Needs: 'Shoot For The Stars' Youth with special needs will face Lyndhurst police officers as part of the annual "Shoot For The Stars" basketball challenge at the high school gym Saturday night. The event is being organized by "Special Angels," an organization that provides sport and leisure activities for special needs children in North Jersey. The organization was started 11 years ago by local grandmother Debbie Wertalik and her daughter, Tara Banuls. At halftime, there will be a performance by special needs competitive cheerleaders -- with dancing between each quarter encouraged on the gym floor.…

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by Cecilia Levine
Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights
Obituaries
Jeff Matthews Of Hasbrouck Heights Dies, 18 Jeff Matthews Of Hasbrouck Heights Dies, 18
Jeff Matthews Of Hasbrouck Heights Dies, 18 Jeff Joseph Matthews of Hasbrouck Heights died on April 10 surrounded by his family. He was 18 years old.  Jeff was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson, to Robert and Kathy (nee Chapman) Matthews. Though he struggled his entire life with special needs, Jeff’s sense of humor was legendary; he spread smiles and laughter wherever he went. Though he became extremely ill in the last few months, his battle was fought with the utmost bravery. Jeff is survived by his parents, Robert & Kathy; his sister Shannon; his paternal grandparents, Florine and Robert, Sr. (deceased) Matthews; prede…

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by Cecilia Levine
Norwalk
Schools
Special Needs Students Enjoy Special Tour Of Norwalk Fire Department Special Needs Students Enjoy Special Tour Of Norwalk Fire Department
Special Needs Students Enjoy Special Tour Of Norwalk Fire Department The High Road School of Norwalk teamed up with the Norwalk Fire Department to arrange student tours of firefighting and specialized equipment last month, with different grade levels attending each day. Students toured the Norwalk firehouse at 121 Connecticut Ave., spent time with firefighters and learned about the day-to-day operations of the department. The High Road School of Norwalk serves students 7-21 with exceptionalities including but not limited to learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, emotional disturbance, traumatic brain injury, communication disorders and physical challenges. Hi…

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by Daily Voice
Southwest Dutchess
Lifestyle
Dutchess County Launches New Website Dutchess County Launches New Website
Dutchess County Launches New Website Residents with special needs now have a new way to connect to services and special events through the county's new “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” website, thinkdifferently.net. The new site connects families to resources, information and community events to enhance the lives of individuals of every ability.  “Our new ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ website will aid residents with special needs and their families connect to services, resources, and others," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. "Whether that means finding educational opportunities, connecting to services and programs to improve the…

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by Kathy Reakes
Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes
Lifestyle
Oakland Family Has Been Living In Hotel Since September Oakland Family Has Been Living In Hotel Since September
Oakland Family Has Been Living In Hotel Since September A newly-single mom, her five children and her two parents have been living in a hotel since September, when their Oakland house went into foreclosure. Nicole Becker explained that after separating from her husband in May, the family was forced to move into a hotel where they are limited to two beds and a mini fridge. Becker says she has no help from her husband, now living out-of-state, and is barely getting by. "Not only am I paying for our nightly stays, we are forced to eat out every night, which as you can imagine, is extremely costly," she said.  "And of course this is…

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by Cecilia Levine
Shelton
Neighbors
Shelton Mayor Gives Kennedy Center A Holiday Surprise Shelton Mayor Gives Kennedy Center A Holiday Surprise
Shelton Mayor Gives Kennedy Center A Holiday Surprise SHELTON, Conn. — The Kennedy Center got a surprise this holiday season — a $5,000 donation from Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti. Lauretti made the donation through proceeds from his annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament. “We want to personally thank Mayor Lauretti and the supporters of his golf tournament for their generous donation to The Kennedy Center,” said Martin Schwartz, president and CEO of the Trumbull-based organization that supports people with special needs.  “This substantial contribution has been earmarked for general operating expenses, which will benefit the 2,000 people with …

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by Meredith Guinness