Essex County

April 17, 2021

It’s Spring: Get Out!

Let’s face it; we’re all sick of being stuck inside. As the weather continues to improve, the masses will head outside to the many wonderful parks and open spaces throughout New Jersey. As families continue to cancel vacations and choose to stay local, some of the hidden gems of The Garden State may not stay… Continue reading

Cape May County, Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, History, Morris County, Music, New Jersey

Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossoms, COVID-19, Essex Zero Jazz Festival, Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Hedden Park, Morristown National Historical Park, PPE
December 6, 2020

My 2020 Jersey Christmas List

This has been a hard year for all of us; especially for the small business owners of New Jersey. Like many, I am urging everyone to shop small as much as possible this year. My Christmas list this year has a special Jersey flair this year. These are gifts that are made by Jersey artisans… Continue reading

Atlantic County, Cape May County, Conservation, Essex County, Exploring, History, Morris County, New Jersey, Non-Profits, Ocean County, Outdoors, Preservation, Shopping

Cape May Suncatchers, Discover Jersey Arts, Just Jersey Goods, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, New Jersey Historical Society, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Peters Valley, Reddie to Burn, shop small, Sue Sachs
November 9, 2020

End of an Era: Rosebud’s

Being allowed to walk home from school by yourself if a big step when you are a kid. For me it was around fourth grade. After crossing Passaic Ave. from School 7, I would regularly stop at what was known as Rosebud’s Sweet Shop for penny candy and Swedish Fish (the big ones, separated by… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Michael's Roscommon, Rosebud's, School 7
October 22, 2020

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Rose Fieramosca

You’ve probably never heard of today’s New Jerseyan of Italian heritage. She wasn’t famous, or rich, or any of the other things most would people consider noteworthy. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an aunt, a great cook, and a devout Catholic. She was my Grandmother – Rosina Fucetola Fieramosca. Like many of… Continue reading

Essex County, History, New Jersey

Catholic Faith, Communion, Italian American Heritage Month, Newark, Rose Fieramosca, Rosina Fucetola, St. Lucy’s Church
October 11, 2020

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Dr. Steve Adubato

A modern-day New Jersey native of Italian descent I feel is deserving of recognition is Steve Adubato, Ph.D. Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey

Caucus New Jersey, Essex County, Italian American Heritage Month, Newark, NJTV, PBS, Rutgers, Seton Hall University, Steve Adubato
October 6, 2020

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Msgr. Joseph Granato

If there is anyone who should be the first individual I highlight for Italian Heritage Month, it must be Msgr. Joseph Granato. Msgr. Granato borders on rock star status at St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, home to the National Shrine of St. Gerard. He served St. Lucy’s for 54 years. It was the only parish… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Feast of St. Gerard, Italian American Heritage Month, Italian Culture Medal, Monsignor Granato, Newark, Seton Hall University, St. Lucy’s Church
September 27, 2020

Class Action Park

“Shake it off…” That was the phrase I heard regularly growing up. Whenever I came home with a scraped knee, a bruise on my arm, or even if I was upset about something, I regularly heard that phrase. What is now often referred to “free range parenting,” was just called “playing outside” when I was… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey, Sussex County

Action Park, Hamburg, Skiing, Vernon Valley
September 24, 2020

Belleville Loses a Favorite Son: Tommy DeVito

Music is a huge part of the history of New Jersey. The Boss. Bon Jovi. Southside Johnny. There is another part of music history that goes back a little further. Those greats include Francis Albert Sinatra, Bucky Pizzarelli, Connie Francis, and The Four Seasons. Straight from Essex County, and more specifically, my hometown of Belleville,… Continue reading

Essex County, Jersey Icon, Music, New Jersey

Belleville, Jersey Boys, The Four Seasons, Tommy DeVito
September 11, 2020

Remembering September 12th

Tomorrow is the 19th anniversary of the most horrific attack on United States soil. Like many, I remember every minute of the day. The report on the radio that there was “some kind of accident” at the Twin Towers. Searching feverishly for the flight information for two of my colleagues that were flying out of… Continue reading

Essex County, History, New Jersey

9-11, Belleville, NYC, World Trade Center
August 15, 2020

Gardens in the Garden State

It is safe to say this has been a tough year for everyone. Cut off from our families, friends, and our normal routines, many have decided to take on new challenges during this time. Many are turning to what I refer to as “analog hobbies;” meaning things we can do that do not involve technology.… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, Morris County, Outdoors

Community Gardens, Denville, Garden State, Newark