New Jersey

October 23, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Patrick O’Boyle

Now, I know what you are thinking. This is Italian Heritage Month. Why am I highlighting a guy with an Irish name? Stick with me and you will quickly see why. So far this month, I have highlighted important figures who have been important parts of the foundation of Italian heritage and culture in New… Continue reading

History, New Jersey, Preservation

Italian American Heritage Month, Montclair State University, New Jersey, New Jersey history, North Arlington, Patrick O'Boyle, Queen of Peace High School, Seton Hall University, The Italian American Podcast
October 18, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: St. Lucy’s Church

If someone asked me what is the most important location associated with Italian heritage in New Jersey, I would say without hesitation St. Lucy’s Church. Since its cornerstone was placed in 1891, St. Lucy’s Church in Newark has been a source of pride and devotion for the millions of Italian immigrants and the generations that… Continue reading

Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, History, New Jersey

Feast of St. Gerard, First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
October 13, 2021

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

History, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey, Somerset County

John Basilone, Marine Corps, Medal of Honor, New Jersey, Quantico, Raritan, Somerset County, US Army, World War II
October 8, 2021

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

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

Belleville, Frankie Valli, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, Newark, Stephen Crane Village
October 6, 2021

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

Essex County, Exploring, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, Pvt. Joseph Rotunda, World War II
October 3, 2021

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

Arts, Essex County, History, Jersey Icon, Music, New Jersey

Belleville, Connie Francis, New Jersey, Newark
October 1, 2021

October is Italian Heritage Month

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a proud New Jerseyan. I am also very proud of my Italian heritage. October in Italian Heritage Month and as I do each year, I plan on writing about New Jerseyans of Italian heritage that have made a significant impact on our… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
September 21, 2021

It’s About Being Better

I started this blog to share with the world all that is wonderful about New Jersey. And I would say almost all my posts are positive and highlight what I love about the Garden State. Sadly, this is not one of those posts. Absolutely everyone who knows me knows I grew up a dedicated band… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Music, New Jersey

Belleville, Marching Band, Mayor's Cup, Nutley
September 9, 2021

9/11: Twenty Years Later

Where were you on 9/11? It’s a question all of us have asked each other; for those of us who were alive and old enough to remember. Americans seem to find themselves asking that type of question every so often when a major event happens. The Pearl Harbor attack The assassination of President Kennedy The… Continue reading

Essex County, History, New Jersey, Preservation

9/11, Belleville, Hendrick's Field, World Trade Center
August 20, 2021

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

Arts, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey, Union County

Andrew McCarthy, Brat Pack, Gen-X, Pingry, Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, Westfield