Essex County

March 9, 2025

Remembering Detective Joseph Azcona

This is not going to be my usual post about how wonderful my beloved state is. Today I need to take a moment to remember, and pray for, Newark Detective Joseph Azcona. When I headed to bed Friday night, I had just heard about a shootout that took place in Newark and that two officers… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey

Detective Joseph Azcona, Newark, Newark Police, North Ward
February 28, 2025

Sahli Negassi is Simply Perfect

“What did you get on your SATs?” It is a question we have all been asked at some point. And quite honestly, I avoid this question like the plague. If people were judged by their SAT scores alone, I would be considered dumber than a box of rocks. I took my SATs three times in… Continue reading

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

Harvard, Sahli Negassi, SAT, West Orange High School
December 9, 2024

Upcoming New Jersey Events to Celebrate the Season

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and people are starting to decorate and hunt for trees. That means there are plenty of great events taking place throughout the state. From drive-through light displays to craft markets, there is something for everyone. Here are a few events coming up this month. Skylands Stadium Light Show… Continue reading

Cape May County, Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Sussex County

Belleville, Cape May, Christmas in Cape May, Holidays in the Wildwoods, Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show, The Red Mill, Turtle Back Zoo
November 23, 2024

A Toy Drive for All Seasons

I’ll be honest, this fall has been quite the rollercoaster ride and I’m not really jazzed for the rest of the year as the holidays approach. But I think I might know a way to turn it around, and I’m hoping you’ll help. One month ago, my “adultier adult,” my Aunt Roslyn, went home to… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey, Non-Profits

Glen Ridge, New Jersey, The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnaba, The Roslyn Bolcato Toy Drive in Glen Ridge
November 9, 2024

Bakery Legend Passes

Growing up in North Jersey, we were lucky enough to have plenty of awesome food options. And of course we each have our favorite. For generations, Calandra’s Bakery ranks high on many lists. Sadly, the founder of Calandra’s, Luciano Calandra, Sr., passed away at the age of 94. Signore Calandra immigrated from Camporeale, Sicily in… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Calandra’s Bakery, Camporeale, Luciano Calandra, New Jersey, Newark, Sicily
October 31, 2024

Upcoming Event at End of Italian Heritage Month

I’ll be honest, October was a terrible month. I normally look forward to October every year, as it is the perfect excuse to celebrate all that is wonderful about Italian heritage. However, that wasn’t the case for me. My Aunt had been sick for a long time. Heart issues, kidney issues, fluid buildup; it was… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, History, New Jersey, Passaic County

Clifton, Italian American Heritage Month, Italian Genealogy Society of New Jersey, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, The Italians of Newark
October 9, 2024

Italian Heritage Month: The Italian Hot Dog

Growing up in North Jersey, just a stone’s throw from Newark, a battle continues to take place that’s as old as the neighborhood of the Old First Ward – what Italian hot dog do you prefer? What is an Italian Hot Dog? Just like I’ve said countless times, I grew up with certain foods and… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

Dickie Dee’s, Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buffs, Jimmy Racioppi, Newark
October 2, 2024

Remembering John Allen Amos Jr.

Today is October first. Normally my post today would kick off the celebration of Italian Heritage Month. But I needed to pause and note the passing of Jersey’s favorite son, John Amos. John Allen Amos Jr. was born in Newark and grew up in East Orange. He was what I would call a Renaissance Man.… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

East Orange, Good Times, John Amos, Newark
July 16, 2024

Happening at the Zoo

Zebras are reactionariesAntelopes are missionariesPigeons plot in secrecyAnd hamsters turn on frequentlyWhat a gas, you gotta come and seeAt the zoo~Simon & Garfunkel I remember as a child watching the commercial about the Bronx Zoo with the Simon & Garfunkel singing softly in the background. At that age, I really only new of two zoos.… Continue reading

Cape May County, Essex County, Exploring, New Jersey, Non-Profits

Bronx Zoo, Cape May County Zoo, New Jersey, Simon & Garfunkel, Turtle Back Zoo
May 17, 2024

The Kickoff to Feast Season

While the weather may not feel like it, we are on the cusp of the unofficial kickoff to summer. It is time for heading down the shore, getting outside, and enjoying the warm weather… and I promise, it will get better! There are also multiple festivals and carnivals around the state, but for me it… Continue reading

Essex County, Festivals, New Jersey, Non-Profits, Passaic County

Arcangelo San Michele, Clifton, Italian feasts, Madonna del Sacro Monte, Madonna della Fontana, New Jersey, Newark