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Saying Goodbye to The Manor
This week all of North Jersey was shocked to hear The Manor in West Orange will close this summer after 66 years. That magical location has been the location where many wonderful memories were made. From New Year’s Eve black-tie dinners, to weddings, to proms, almost everyone from North Jersey has a story. All those… Continue reading
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Support for those who Support the Outdoors
Back in the freezing weather of January, I shared my goals for 2022. One of the most important goals outlined was to fight for our ever-dwindling open spaces in New Jersey. That includes fighting for those who share the love of the outdoors and educate others about the resource. Enter the frustrating situation of the… Continue reading
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Favorite son of Jersey Inducted to Football HOF
A favorite son of New Jersey, as well as a USFL and NFL player may have lived a short life, but he certainly accomplished a lot. This week Sam Mills reached the pinnacle in his sport; induction into the Pro Football NFL Hall of Fame. Born in Neptune City and raised in Long Branch, Mr.… Continue reading
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The Language of New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey, you know we have a language all our own. However, if you are just a visitor, you may not know how best to communicate with us. Here are a few suggestion to help navigate a typical conversation. “How You Doin’?” Most people in other states start conversations with “hi”… Continue reading
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St. Lucy’s Loses a Giant
In the past I have written about a long-time giant at St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, NJ, Monsignor Joseph Granato. He served the parishioners of St. Lucy’s for 54 years; his entire time of service. I am sad to report the Monsignor went home to the Lord a few days ago. Born in New York,… Continue reading
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Italian Heritage in New Jersey: John Basilone
In an earlier post, I noted that Italian immigrants and Americans of Italian descent made up approximately 10% of the entire fighting force during World War II; more than any other ethnicity. Despite Italian immigrants kept under surveillance and some put in containment camps, they volunteered by the thousands to fight against their Motherland. One… Continue reading
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Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Frankie Valli
“Newark, Belleville; Frankie Valli walks on water. As he should. Frankie Valli has been around so long he’s attached to everything and everybody. And they are very proud.” ~Steve Schirripa, Talking Sopranos podcast. Belleville has been home to plenty of talent over the decades. Connie Francis, Joe Pesci, and of course Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, known… Continue reading
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Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Joseph Rotunda
Many of us have passed by Rotunda Pool in Newark on our way to St. Lucy’s Church or coming out of Branch Brook Park and have not given it a second thought. It is, however, an important location in the community and New Jersey Italian heritage. Rotunda Pool is named after Private Joseph Ralph Rotunda… Continue reading
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Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Connie Francis
When I thought about who I should highlight first this year during Italian Heritage Month, I wanted to go with a local hero. Yes, she is a favorite daughter of New Jersey, but she is also a favorite daughter of my hometown, Belleville. Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, known professionally as Connie Francis, was born into… Continue reading
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Book Review: brat: an 80s Story
When anyone meets me for the first time, two things are obvious. I am a born-and-bred Jersey Girl and I am a Gen-Xer. I still love the music and movies of the 80s. Nowadays when I drive, there are very few radio stations I listen to; most of which are satellite and focus on music… Continue reading
This Is My New Jersey 