Tragedy and the Actions of a Brave little Boy

NEWBURGH, NY – La’Shaun Armstrong, 10, escaped drowning along with his three siblings and mother when she drove her minivan into the Hudson River off Newburgh Tuesday night by opening a window and swimming to safety.

Fire Chief Michael Vatter said a passerby helped the young boy.

“Approximately 10 minutes to eight [Tuesday] evening, a 10-year-old boy and a woman came to the firehouse to report a car in the water at the foot of Washington Street, it drove into the river off of the boat ramp,” he said. “We subsequently learned that the young man, who was soaking wet, was the La’Shaun Armstrong and was a passenger in the car and escaped after the car went into the water.”

Police Chief Michael Ferrara said had the child not freed himself and perished along with the rest of his family, they would have been listed as missing persons because of the murky water of the river masking any sign of the vehicle, he said.

The victims have been identified as LaShanda Armstrong, 25, and her children, Landen Pierre, 5, Lance Pierre, 2, and 11-month-old Lainaina Pierre. Jean Pierre, the father of the three children who perished, did not live with the rest of the family at 53 William Street. That home is across the street from 56 William Street where one-year-old Natali Vaquero Mendoza died in a fire on March 18.

Police were called to the residence at 7:45 p.m. by a family member reporting a possible verbal confrontation. When they got there, no one was home. The plunge into the river was reported shortly after 8 p.m.

The Would, Highland, New York

Debra Dooley


"In the high-stress world of work, work, work, it is more important now than ever for our guests to truly enjoy an evening out. I want them to leave satisfied."

Who better to run an incredibly seasoned restaurant than by someone who is incredibly seasoned in all shapes of life?

Debra Dooley was born and raised in California. She moved to this area to complete college and set her career in a new, unfamliar area. Within a short period of time, Debra became the first woman ever accepted into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 631 of Newburgh, New York, in 1979. Desiring to learn more with a hands on approach, she became involved in Construction and Property Management, which soon led her to the grounds of The Would Restaraunt. After taking over the restaurant with Claire Winslow, Debra quickly transformed The Would into a world of its own. With local artists' works on the walls and a warm glow in the dining room, Debra has created what many call the epitome of "casual elegance."

Debra has had an assertive handle on every aspect of the restaurant. Her relationship with her staff has created a family-type setting, where each member feels more at home at the end of the night than anything else. When she hostesses she greets guests with a smile and takes time to sit and chat with them while they eat. Her dedication to each facet of the restaurant even goes into The Would's Wine Cellar, which, with over 150 wines, has won the Wine Spectator Magazine's Award of Excellence every year, since 1994. And her own words: "I've developed a passion for the business...I want to learn all that I can," shows that Debra will continue to commit her efforts to The Would, so that it can bring her guests an amazing dining experience

Looking for a vacation home?

I was talking with my daughter, Debra Dooley, about vacation homes, and she gave me some interesting information I thought I would pass along.

A great way to have complete rest and relaxation is to own a second or vacation home in one of your most visited holiday destinations. This is very ideal, as you do not have to worry about booking hotel because you have your own home to spend your entire vacation in. You also get to explore the natural beauty of your desired destination anytime you want. A vacation home is really beneficial especially if you have chosen a home which is not only situated in an awesome location but also a low cost property. Buying a fantastic vacation home is not at all elusive if you know the basic guidelines.


There are specific qualities that every buyer is considering before deciding to buy a vacation home. These qualities that you look for in a home may make the entire process of property hunting a bit difficult if you do not know how to start with it. You may even be disappointed especially if there is one quality that is lacking. This is why flexibility is really important as this can narrow down your search. You can give up one quality if it is not that necessary. Find a home that suits your budget and made of high quality materials so you don't have to make any big changes to it.

Great property deals are also a practical way of looking for a vacation home. However, do not just base the property on price. Be keen enough to inspect the entire house and make sure that you do not have to resort to any major home improvement projects just to increase the market value of the house. It should have a rental potential as you will not be using it all the time.