Afternoon Tea with K Britt: Exploring Local Stories and Inspiring Narratives
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
25 September 2025
Variety News & Human-Interest Stories
Former Long Branch CFO Sentenced to 7 Years for $2 Million Embezzlement
Long Branch NJ - John O’Donnell, who previously served as the chief financial officer for Washington Manor, a low-income high-rise in Long Branch, NJ, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for embezzling nearly $2 million. The 58-year-old admitted guilt to first-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity and must serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He is also required to pay $1.7 million in restitution.
The investigation into O’Donnell commenced in 2023 after the company discovered an unauthorized $14,000 withdrawal from its account to cover his life insurance premium. Further scrutiny uncovered that between February 2009 and May 2023, he issued about 400 unauthorized checks totaling roughly $1.9 million to his own construction company, using forged signatures from other employees. Furthermore, O'Donnell improperly utilized a Washington Manor credit card for personal expenses, amounting to over $30,000 for renovations and repairs. It has not yet been confirmed whether John O'Donnell is directly related to comedian Rosie O'Donnell. To learn more please check out Carly Baldwin's of the Long Branch, NJ Patch article titled: Long Branch Low-Income Housing CFO Gets 7 Years For Theft by clicking the link: Long Branch Low-Income Housing CFO Gets 7 Years For Theft | Long Branch, NJ Patch
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Surgeon Resigns Amid Controversy Over Alleged Comments on Charlie Kirk's Assassination
Bergen County, NJ - Surgeon Matthew Jung resigned from a North Jersey hospital following accusations that he celebrated the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The controversy arose after nurse Lexie Kuenzle filed a lawsuit claiming she was suspended for reporting Jung's alleged comments, which she described as cheering the murder in front of patients and staff. The hospital suspended both Kuenzle and Jung while investigating the situation.
In his statement, Jung denied the allegations, stating that he does not condone violence and highlighted the threats he has received as a result. He explained that his comments were intended to address the harmful rhetoric surrounding Kirk, who had faced criticism for his views. Jung expressed regret for his choice of words, acknowledging the pain they caused and emphasizing that he did not intend to celebrate Kirk's death. To learn more please check out Caren Lissner of the Middletown Patch article titled: NJ Doc Says He Resigned Over Death Threats—Not Charlie Kirk Comments by clicking the link here: NJ Doc Says He Resigned Over Death Threats—Not Charlie Kirk Comments | Ridgewood, NJ Patch
The Lunchroom Lifesaver:
A Heroic Tale of Courage and Quick Thinking
Manchester NJ - Jo-Ann Delahanty, a teacher's assistant at Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester, NJ, heroically saved a preschool student from choking during lunchtime. Noticing the girl's distress when she signaled that she couldn't breathe, Delahanty promptly performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the obstruction and allowing the child to breathe again. After comforting the shaken girl, the classroom teacher alerted the school nurse and principal, who then contacted the girl's parents for further assistance. Delahanty credited her CPR training for her quick response and focused on supporting the students throughout the rest of the day, despite offers for breaks from her supervisor. To learn more please check out Karen Wall of the Middletown NJ Patch article by clicking the link: Staffer Saves Choking Preschooler At Manchester School | Manchester, NJ Patch
New Jersey Establishes Cabinet-Level Department of Veterans Affairs
Governor Murphy has enacted groundbreaking legislation to establish a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, designed to enhance support for veterans and their families. This department will concentrate solely on veteran-related issues such as housing, healthcare, mental health services, and benefits, ensuring that those who have courageously served our nation receive the focused attention they deserve. With this positive development, military operations will continue to be managed under the newly named Department of Military Affairs, facilitating a more efficient approach to services.
Further demonstrating commitment to this initiative, Vincent Solomeno has been nominated as the first Commissioner of the new Department of Veterans Affairs. With a robust background in veteran service and extensive leadership experience, Solomeno is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of New Jersey’s veterans. Legislative sponsors, including Senator Joseph Vitale, highlight that this new department is a crucial step toward prioritizing veterans’ voices and needs, reinforcing the state’s steadfast commitment to their well-being. It’s a promising advancement for New Jersey’s veteran community!
The principal sponsors of S4376/A5520 are Senator Joseph Vitale, Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. For more information about this exciting update, please refer to Angelica Stern's article titled, Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs, in the Trenton Daily by clicking the link here:
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