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Boston Globe
24-07-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
‘A family, dysfunctional, but a family.' Fall River fire survivors process the tragedy, as their next steps remain uncertain.
Sitting on a motorized scooter a block away from the living facility where he's currently residing, the double amputee's bright blue eyes shone as he recalled fond memories of the lives lost. Advertisement 'It was a family, dysfunctional, but a family,' Pimentel said. Survivors who made it out of the assisted living facility the night of July 13 are now scattered across the Fall River area and eastern Massachusetts, living in at least 10 living facilities identified so far by the Globe. Most are in and around Fall River, though one resident is staying at a living facility around 60 miles away in South Yarmouth. They are waiting to learn when they will get to retrieve their belongings — and where they will live next. As of this week, all of the displaced residents had been contacted and are in a case management system, Kimberly Smith, the executive director of United Way of Greater Fall River, said before a press conference Tuesday. Advertisement More than 75 percent of Gabriel House residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and chose Gabriel House because it charged less than a typical facility for private-paying patients. However, residents and family members have long complained about living conditions at the House, citing broken elevators, mice, and a lack of fire evacuation plans. The night of the fire, Pimentel said that he didn't see any emergency lights go off. He said there was 'too much smoke in the hallway' for him to leave his room. Quickly, he ripped his second-floor bedroom window 'off the hinges.' A fireman helped carry Pimentel down a ladder. Pimentel remembers watching his prosthetic leg fall off halfway down. Pimentel said he will be at Fall River HealthCare, another assisted living facility, for at least 30 days, but after that, his living accommodations are uncertain. He wants to stay in Fall River because he knows the neighborhood like the back of his hand. When he lived at Gabriel House, he went to the nearby convenience store, and he could visit his wife and his father's graves at the cemeteries. This late in life, he isn't prepared to start over. Officials said when his stay at Fall River HealthCare runs out, one of his options is to transfer to a facility in New Bedford. But he has never lived in New Bedford and doesn't know anyone there, he said. 'I don't know anything about New Bedford,' he said. 'I don't know where the DMV is. I don't know where the bus station is.' He wants to go to the River Falls Senior Living, an assisted living facility that is a fifteen-minute walk from Gabriel House, because of its proximity to his closest friend, Russell Silvia, and all places Pimentel is familiar with. Advertisement He knows Landmark at Fall River is 'expensive' but 'doesn't care,' saying he'd figure out how to make ends meet. 'It's close to everything I need,' he said. Pimentel said he has been leaning on his friend, Silvia, for help. Silvia helped organize the retrieval of his motorized scooter from Gabriel House last week. 'If it wasn't for me putting these sneakers on his feet, he'd still have the ones from the fire on,' Silvia said. In the fire's aftermath, residents are missing items, ranging from sentimental knick-knacks to daily necessities like hearing aids. There has been no official date or time set for residents to pick up their belongings, according to Ann O'Neil-Souza, chief of staff for Mayor Paul Coogan. If people need certain belongings, they should reach out to the mayor's office, she said. Donna Murphy, a former resident of Gabriel House who spent a rare evening away from the facility the night of the fire, has been staying with different family members as her family weighs more permanent options, according to her sister Nancy Jones. Jones said Murphy's granddaughter took a leave from work to care for Murphy, who has dementia and can't be left alone. 'My niece may have to make a decision to either take care of her grandmother, or we're going to have to put her somewhere,' Jones said. The family was never happy with Gabriel House, but it was the only option they could afford. Advertisement Murphy also had to be hospitalized after a panic attack caused by intense survivor's guilt while processing the incident, which injured and killed several of her friends. 'When she finally sat and thought about everything, it just all caught up,' Jones said. 'She was getting herself all worked up, talking about and losing her friends.' Like Murphy, many survivors have been mourning the deaths of the 10 residents, whom they called their friends and loved ones. Since the fire, there have been at least two funerals for the victims. Margaret Duddy, 69, was remembered on Tuesday, and Rui Albernaz, 64, was laid to rest Wednesday. Pimentel's friend Silvia made sure to borrow a van from a friend and drive residents to Albernaz's funeral. That morning, a hushed silence filled the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption ,as the Albernaz family watched Albernaz's casket get blessed. One of the four pallbearers looked up to the ceiling to avoid tears spilling down his face, and Albernaz's sister sobbed silently over the casket. The large Portuguese family, with many of Albernaz's siblings, cousins, and nieces and nephews, sat in the first two rows of the church. About 75 community members sat behind them listening as the priest described Albernaz as a 'man full of joy,' who loved to dance and play scratch tickets and who went by 'Rui, Roy, or Buddy.' At the funeral was Debbie Bigelow, 68, who dated Albernaz for six years. The two met at Gabriel House, and Bigelow 'had my eye on him for a while' before he 'finally came my way.' They'd planned to get married. Time would fly when the two talked, she said. Advertisement 'From the first time I saw him, he was so joyful,' she said. 'He didn't get into fights with other guys.' They played 'action games' together at the facility, like bean bag toss, to improve their mobility, and did arts and crafts. Bigelow said she is doing OK after the fire. Like Pimentel, she is staying at Fall River HealthCare for at least another week, and then, she doesn't know where she will be placed. Bigelow has family members who have been supporting her through the transition. 'I don't know,' Bigelow said about where she is going next. 'I don't know.' Ava Berger can be reached at
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penn State Behrend turns trash into treasure
(WJET/WFXP) — A local college campus is doing its part to help out the community. The Penn State Behrend Athletic Department, in partnership with United Way of Erie County, is bringing back its Trash to Treasure Sale on Saturday, May 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the campus' Junker Center, located at 5103 Station Road. The event hopes to help break the cycle of poverty by selling donated items at a discounted price. Orphan Angels offers new services thanks to HQ remodel The public can shop for gently used items, including dorm furniture, electronics, clothing and houseware, with all proceeds going directly to United Way. Prices for all items are negotiable. There will be a $5 entry fee for those who shop from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. After 9 a.m., the event will be free to the public. Erie Water Works, Keep Pa Beautiful unite to release litter control boom Patrons should be aware that during the first 90-minute window, all purchases must be made with cash. After 9 a.m., credit cards will be accepted for purchases over $10. Those looking to donate items can drop them off at the Junker Center now through May 16, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
United Way of Knox County donates to local Kindergarten Jumpstart programs
KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Checks were given out by the United Way of Knox County to local Kindergarten Jumpstart programs. These programs over the summer will use the funds to prepare children who need additional support to begin elementary school. United Way provides funding like this for teachers, pre- and post-program screening, and awards participants with a Bedtime in Box to assist kids and families prepare for the best outcome. Three of the schools that received funds were South Knox Elementary School, North Knox Elementary School, and Vincennes Riley Elementary. South Knox and North Knox both received over $2,000 and Vincennes Riley Elementary received $4,481.37. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Transcript: Talk-Line with Steve Marco interviews Ashley Richter on United Way fundraising events
Apr. 25—Read the transcript from our Talk-Line interview featuring the Executive Director of United Way of Lee and Ogle County, Ashley Richter discussing upcoming fundraising events. Those events include a "Guest Bartending Night" at Tipsy's in Dixon Friday, April 25, a United Way Campaign Celebration Luncheon Thursday, May 1, a "Coffee for a Cause" at Coffee Crush in Dixon on May 5, offering a percentage of sales back to United Way, "United We Bingo" at the Dixon Elks Club Thursday, May 8, starting at 5 p.m. and a brief look at the upcoming Summer Lunch program starting in June. Like what you hear? Be sure to visit WIXN, part of Shaw Local Radio. We're also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
American Press
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Dolly Run puts kids on fast track to reading
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library aims to foster a love of reading in young children in hopes of building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The initiative provides free books to children from birth to age 5. In Southwest Louisiana, 3,480 children receive free books each month through the program — with a waiting list for others who are eager to join the program. Ashley Norman, associate director of marketing for the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, said it's clear more support is needed to ensure every child has access to the adventures found in the pages of a book. To celebrate Parton's initiative and raise funds so that more can experience the joy of reading, the United Way is hosting its inaugural Dolly Run Saturday in downtown Lake Charles. From 8 a.m. to noon, participants can walk or run along a scenic route featuring live music stations playing Parton's hits and country classics. The Dolly Run will start at the United Way's offices at 815 Ryan St. Participation fees include early bird runner, $40; virtual runner, $30; and event day runner, $50. Norman said after the run attendees can enjoy a mini country fair with food trucks, games and activities centered around Parton's music and the joy of reading. She's also encouraging participants to dress in their best Dolly -inspired outfits and walk the runway on Ryan Street. 'There will be a Dolly Stroll that participants can register for on our website and you can dress up as your best Dolly Parton,' Norman said. 'We'll pick best character and best costume.' The entrance fee for the Dolly Stroll is $15. Participants are also encouraged to bring children's books to donate at the Book Donation Station, which will benefit local classroom libraries. Norman said the event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. To register, visit
