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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
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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
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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
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Coins and Cruz
Growing up, I would sit on my grandmother’s couch with my Uncle Sonny and look at coins. We would go through all the change he would bring home in his pockets at the end of the day and look for wheat pennies. We filled the old blue coin books and I still have a Tootsie… Continue reading
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Welcome Home Evan
Like millions around the country, I watched with joy as the private plane carrying three hostages held in Russia landed on American soil around midnight. Second off the plane was New Jersey favorite son, Evan Gershkovich, a journalist with the Wall Street Journal who was on assignment in Yekaterinburg. Evan had been held since March… Continue reading
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The Mother of all Jersey Girls
This Friday is International Women’s Day. The day we should all stop and recognize the contributions of woman from all over the world. We Jersey Girls know there is something truly unique about us. We can go from perfect lady to Tony Soprano in 2.3 seconds. We may not know how to pump gas, but… Continue reading
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Remembering Staff Sgt. William J. Rivers
A little more than a week ago, a drone strike in Jordan near the Syrian border killed three of our American heroes. One of those three was a member of the New Jersey family. Staff Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Burlington County was just 46 years old. According to the Defense Department, Staff Sgt Rivers… Continue reading
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A Local Guy Named Tommy
I absolutely despite the Giants. There, I said it. Yes, I am a Jersey Girl through and through, but I can’t stand the two so-called “New York” teams that, you know, just happen to play somewhere other than New York. Yeah, I know. History… whatever. But then comes along Tommy DeVito. An American of Italian… Continue reading
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Italian Heritage: St. Gerard
If your family was from the Old First Ward of Newark, chances are they attended St. Lucy’s Church on 7th Avenue. And the height of the year for that community was the Feast of St. Gerard. Thousands would come out to pay homage to the Saint, especially those that were trying to get pregnant or… Continue reading
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New Jersey Loses a Favorite Son: Tony Bennett
“I have to say I owe my career to the master composers of the Great American Songbook who have written such high-quality songs – the best popular music ever composed.” ~ Tony Bennett Yesterday the world lost a music icon and New Jersey lost a favorite son. Of course I am talking about Tony Bennett.… Continue reading
