New Jersey

June 1, 2025

Remembering Loretta Swit

This week New Jersey lost a favorite daughter, Loretta Jane Szwed; but the world knew her as Loretta Swit. Born and raised in Passaic, Ms. Swit was an active member of her community. She participated in all the things a typical American girl did growing up. She was a member of the Girl Scouts that… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey, Passaic County

Holy Rosary, Loretta Jane Szwed, Loretta Swit, Montclair, New Jersey, Passaic, Pope Pius XII High School
May 29, 2025

Going Down The Shore in New Jersey

Now that the unofficial start of summer is upon us, thoughts turn to going down the shore. And there seems to be specific wants based on age when it comes to which shore town people pick. High School Shore Trips Most teenagers start out at Seaside Heights. It’s where you went after the prom. You… Continue reading

Cape May County, Exploring, New Jersey, Ocean County, Shopping

Belmar, Cape May, Doo Wop, Fralinger’s, Jenkinson’s, Morey’s, New Jersey, Original Fudge Kitchen, Seaside Heights, Sunset Beach, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest
May 18, 2025

Remembering Sharpe James

This week New Jersey lost a true character. Some considered famous, while others considered him infamous, and your opinion will depend on your age and your neighborhood. The 37th mayor of Newark, Sharpe James passed away on May 11th at the age of 89. Born in Florida, Mr. James’ family moved to Newark in 1940… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey

Columbus Homes, New Jersey, Newark, Sharpe James, St. Lucy’s Church
May 10, 2025

Upcoming Italian Heritage Events in New Jersey

I haven’t had the opportunity to post lately. It hasn’t been for lack of want, or news, or interest. It’s mainly due to a lack of energy. It is hard to believe, but almost two weeks ago, I had orthognathic surgery to address issues I developed from a fall while out fly fishing with my… Continue reading

Bergen County, Essex County, Festivals, History, Hunterdon County, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey, Non-Profits, Passaic County

Arcangelo Sam Michele, Belleville, Clifton, Feast of the Madonna Del Sacro Monte, Filitalia, Italian Apostolate, Madonna della Fontana, Michael's Roscommon, New Jersey, Newark, Paisan Con, Rutherford
April 6, 2025

Welcome to Spring Fishing Season

While the thermometer is throwing out temperatures like the Power Ball, I do know spring is here. How do I know you might ask? This weekend marked opening day for spring fishing season. At 8:00am on April 5th, anglers dropped a line and another season full of fishing stores, and lies, began. By the end… Continue reading

Conservation, Exploring, New Jersey, Outdoors, Preservation

Fish and Wildlife, Fishing, fishing season, fly fishing, New Jersey, NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife
March 28, 2025

Saving the Salamanders

We have officially hit spring and I am elated. If you are a regular reader, you are aware of my keen dislike of winter. The light at the end of the day, the warmer weather, it heals my soul. Another sign of spring is the beginning of the salamander migration. Yes, I’m serious. With 33… Continue reading

Exploring, Just Plain Cool, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Outdoors

Amphibian Crossing Project, biodiversity, Conservation, Conserve Wildlife Foundation, East Brunswick Environmental Commission, environment, nature, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, Salamander, Vernal pools, Wetlands
March 19, 2025

Rt. 80 Recos

If you live in Morris County or travel Rt. 80 in Morris County on a regular basis, you have been plagued with sinkhole issues since December thanks to the historical mining that took place in the area since the founding of our country. It all started shortly after Christmas when a sinkhole was identified on… Continue reading

Morris County, New Jersey

511NJ, New Jersey, NJ Transit, Rt. 80, Sinkhole
March 14, 2025

Recommendations for Transplants

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a rabid fan and defender of my state. I love it all and can’t imagine living anywhere else. However, over the last few years, I have noticed a strange phenomenon – transplants. Mainly from New York City. The “T” Word Since COVID,… Continue reading

New Jersey

Brooklyn, Jersey Girl, Lee’s Hawaiian, New Jersey, New York City, North Jersey, Podcast, Podcasts, Rutts Hut, The Belmont, Transplant
March 12, 2025

The Mines of New Jersey

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have watched the saga that is unfolding on Rt. 80 in Morris County. When my husband and I moved from Essex County to Morris County over 20 years ago, there were several life facts we needed to learn. I never appreciated the concepts of public water… Continue reading

Morris County, New Jersey, Sussex County

Franklin Mineral Museum, Franklin-Sterling Hill, Franklinite, New Jersey, Richard Mine Road, Rt. 80, Sinkhole, Sussex 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