Essex County

April 4, 2026

The Cherry Blossoms of Newark and Belleville

It is finally springtime. The weather is beginning to warm, the juncos are heading north, and we see robins on the horizon. The most beautiful announcement of the season, however, is the blooming of cherry blossoms in Newark and Belleville. History of Branch Brook Park In 1867, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the designers… Continue reading

New Jersey, Outdoors, Essex County, Festivals, Exploring, Conservation

Belleville, Bloomfest, Cherry Blossom Festival, Cherry Blossoms, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark
January 24, 2026

New Jersey Loses a Favorite Son: Richard Codey

Let’s face it, New Jersey politics is a full-contact sport. And there are very few politicians I genuinely like. Former Governor Richard Codey was one of them and sadly, we lost him earlier this month. Dick Codey Mr. Codey was born an Essex County boy in Orange, the son of a funeral director. When he… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey, Non-Profits

Casting for Recovery, Governor Richard Codey, Orange, Susan G. Komen
December 14, 2025

Last Call for Newark’s Anheuser-Busch

Growing up on the flight path of Newark Airport was always interesting. Some days the planes were so low it almost felt like you could reach out and touch them. As I started working full time and needed to travel, drivers were astonished I knew all the shortcuts to save time getting to the airport.… Continue reading

Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Anheuser-Busch, Ballantine, Beer, New Jersey, Newark, Newark Airport
December 10, 2025

For all the Right Reasons: Najee Jihad

I love to share the stories of fellow New Jerseyans who are doing their best to be a positive role model, lift up their local community, or bring light to an important issue. I’ve written about Mayor Lora, advocate for the Italian American community, Patrick O’Boyle (yeah, I know, the name), Firefighter Daniel Vasquez, and… Continue reading

Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Najee Jahad, New Jersey, Newark
November 22, 2025

Back on the Blog

I will fully admit, I’ve been off the wagon writing posts as of late. There’s been a lot going on and I would like to share the latest news. October: Italian Heritage Month October was Italian Heritage Month; a wonderful time of year that celebrates all that is wonderful about Italian Heritage! It gives us… Continue reading

Essex County, Festivals, Food, New Jersey

family, Feast of St. Gerard, gratitude, holiday, holidays, Italian American Heritage Month, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church, Thanksgiving
August 15, 2025

Belleville’s Favorite Sons Receive Special Honor

There is nothing I love more than hearing good news from my beloved hometown – Belleville. I spent about 20 years there, in the very same house as a matter of fact, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. This past week, the bandmates were honored with keys to Belleville during… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, Music

Belleville, Giants Stadium, Met Life Stadium, My Chemical Romance, New Jersey
July 18, 2025

For Want of Open Spaces

Ever since I started writing this blog, I have made it my mission to share all that is wonderful about my beloved state. I’ve worked hard to avoid the negatives and the politics (which are often one and the same) in order to stay a bastion against the stereotypes and assumptions made by outsiders. We… Continue reading

Conservation, Essex County, Morris County, New Jersey

Conservation, Eminent Domain, Garden State, Housing, New Jersey, New Jersey history, The Garden State
June 1, 2025

Remembering Loretta Swit

This week New Jersey lost a favorite daughter, Loretta Jane Szwed; but the world knew her as Loretta Swit. Born and raised in Passaic, Ms. Swit was an active member of her community. She participated in all the things a typical American girl did growing up. She was a member of the Girl Scouts that… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey, Passaic County

Holy Rosary, Loretta Jane Szwed, Loretta Swit, Montclair, New Jersey, Passaic, Pope Pius XII High School
May 18, 2025

Remembering Sharpe James

This week New Jersey lost a true character. Some considered famous, while others considered him infamous, and your opinion will depend on your age and your neighborhood. The 37th mayor of Newark, Sharpe James passed away on May 11th at the age of 89. Born in Florida, Mr. James’ family moved to Newark in 1940… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey

Columbus Homes, New Jersey, Newark, Sharpe James, St. Lucy’s Church
May 10, 2025

Upcoming Italian Heritage Events in New Jersey

I haven’t had the opportunity to post lately. It hasn’t been for lack of want, or news, or interest. It’s mainly due to a lack of energy. It is hard to believe, but almost two weeks ago, I had orthognathic surgery to address issues I developed from a fall while out fly fishing with my… Continue reading

Bergen County, Essex County, Festivals, History, Hunterdon County, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey, Non-Profits, Passaic County

Arcangelo Sam Michele, Belleville, Clifton, Feast of the Madonna Del Sacro Monte, Filitalia, Italian Apostolate, Madonna della Fontana, Michael's Roscommon, New Jersey, Newark, Paisan Con, Rutherford