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Sailing to Death, Baltimore Burning, Arsenic In Wine: Top Patch Stories Of 2015
Patch looks back at the local reporting that captivated readers in 2015.
A pair of 85-year-old twins from Brooklyn, Van and Carl Vollmer, have a wish. Some would call it a death wish; others know that their wish is merely to live, and die, on their own terms.
Earlier this year, Patch reporter Simone Wilson presented the story of these brothers — the what and the why — in a piece called, “The Last Voyage of the Vollmer Twins.”
The dream of these brothers is both simple and profound: To recruit a crew, set sail and live their final days on the water. The crew would be directed to dump the brothers’ bodies at sea. (The twins continue their quest.)
The Vollmer story was but one of many stories on Patch that delved beneath the surface to highlight the beauty of the human spirit — and at times the darkness of the human heart — and put that on display for readers of our network of more than 900 Patches.
Here is the story of the Vollmers and more of the Best of Patch, 2015.
The Last Voyage of the Vollmer Twins
A pair of 85-year-old twins from Brooklyn want to sail around the world until they die. And they want you to come along.
‘Father’ To Marry ‘Son’ In Bucks County -- With Court’s Blessing
As a same-sex couple, Bill Novak and Norman MacArthur found the laws stacked against them despite being together for more than 50 years. So, they found a way to use the law to their benefit.
Charges of police brutality were merely the spark that finally ignited a neighborhood ready to explode.
The Incredible Story Behind One Man’s 7,000-Percent Tip for Waitress
The generous gesture included a specific set of instructions — and made more than just the waitress’ day.
David Carr: The Man the Media Wanted to Impress
A tribute to the legendary New York Times reporter and and columnist. “If you were a reporter in Carr’s orbit, or just imagined yourself to be, it was impossible to publish a piece without wondering in the back of your mind what he’d think about it.”
Also See:
- Vet’s Best ‘Man,’ NFL Star’s Monkey, Harrowing Kitten Rescue: Patch’s Top Pet Stories Of 2015
- Wheelchair Touchdown, Carrying Sister’s Baby, Taylor Swift Gift: Patch’s Most Inspirational Stories Of 2015
- A Hysterical Ape, Dog-Racing Monkeys and a Terrifying Snake Infestation: Top Patch Animal Stories Of 2015
560-Pound Man Riding Bike Across Country to Save Marriage
At 40 years old and weighing more than a quarter-ton, Eric Hites hit a wall in life. And he wanted his wife back.
Drink Any of These California Wines? They Contain Poisonous Arsenic, Class-Action Suit Alleges
A lawsuit alleged winemakers knowingly sell arsenic-contaminated wines such as Menage a Trois, Sutter Home, Wine Cube, Charles Shaw and Beringer.
Newlywed Bride’s Life Ends Just Minutes After Her Vows
After wedding filled with laughter in Southern Illinois, tears, grief and disbelief as friends witness tragic accident on ride to reception.
This New Beer Pong Invention Is a Game-Changer
Five brothers from Brookfield, CT put their heads together to solve a problem that had vexed college kids for generations. Beer pong will never be the same.
Touchdown, Matt! Wheelchair-Bound Westford Boy Scores in Game
Teammates rally around a wheelchair-bound friend as he takes it to the house, on a 50-yard TD.
I Was In That ‘Muslim Celebration’ Area On 9/11, Mr. Trump. Nobody Was Happy
Patch’s Tom Davis: “I was all over North Jersey that day. I was told to get ‘reaction.’ Here it was, in three words: Sad, sorrowful and sick.”
Cancer Survivor Says Super-Hot Sauce Helped Diagnose Malignant Brain Tumor
A taste of Flashbang put Randy Schmitz on the ground — and into the hospital — where his brain cancer was discovered.
Balloon With Students’ GoPro Attached Lost, Found 2 Years Later With Stunning Space Footage
A group of Stanford students thought their project was gone forever. Two years later, they had jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon.
MLB Pitcher Lives in a Walmart Parking Lot
Daniel Norris travels in a 1978 Volkswagen van that also serves as his spring training home.
Spooky! Disneyland Surveillance Video Shows “Ghost” Walking Through Closed Park
It was seen near—you guessed it—the Haunted Mansion.
Couple Giving Away 35-Acre Virginia Farm in Essay Contest
A talented wordsmith with a passion for farm life will write his or her way into owning a 35-acre Virginia horse farm.
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