This Is My New Jersey

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

August 1, 2021

The End of an Era: The Fireplace

Over the last year or so, New Jersey has seen many wonderful businesses close for good. Last year I shared my memories of Rosebud’s in Belleville, which closed forever. The independently-owned pharmacy I used for over a decade closed earlier this year. Now, I am sad to share the news of another closure; The Fireplace… Continue reading

Bergen County, Food, New Jersey

New Jersey, shop small, Small Business

July 25, 2021

NJ State of the Arts

It’s been awhile since I posted. Like many, life has been full of challenges as of late, but I’m doing my best to pull myself out of this slump. I’ll spare you all the details. It is important to look for inspiration in times of crisis. And while there has been much sadness, there has… Continue reading

Arts, New Jersey

Kea's Ark, NJ State Council on the Arts, PBS, State of the Arts, Stockton University

May 15, 2021

Always Bee Prepared

Nature is a truly amazing thing. Whether you like to go for a hike, fly fish, or something else, being outside is always an adventure. Last night’s nature adventure took place at the local Roxbury Community Garden. This is my third season at the garden and it has been a great experience. I’ve met wonderful… Continue reading

Conservation, Just Plain Cool, Morris County, New Jersey, Outdoors

Apiary, Bee Keeping, Community Gardens, Honey Bees, New Jersey Bee Keepers Association