This Is My New Jersey

November 16, 2024

Remembering a Hero: Dariel Vasquez

During the last few weeks, we have witnessed dangerous and destructive wildfires throughout our beloved state. From Jackson to Hewitt, the extremely dry conditions are a literal hot bed for a spark to become deadly. And this week, we lost a hero. Dariel Vasquez The Jennings Creek Fire took the life of volunteer fire fighter… Continue reading

Outdoors, Passaic County, Preservation

Dariel Vasquez, Greenwood Lake, New York State Office of Parks, Ramapo High School

November 9, 2024

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

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Calandra’s Bakery, Camporeale, Luciano Calandra, New Jersey, Newark, Sicily

October 31, 2024

Upcoming Event at End of Italian Heritage Month

I’ll be honest, October was a terrible month. I normally look forward to October every year, as it is the perfect excuse to celebrate all that is wonderful about Italian heritage. However, that wasn’t the case for me. My Aunt had been sick for a long time. Heart issues, kidney issues, fluid buildup; it was… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, History, New Jersey, Passaic County

Clifton, Italian American Heritage Month, Italian Genealogy Society of New Jersey, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, The Italians of Newark

October 9, 2024

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

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

Dickie Dee’s, Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buffs, Jimmy Racioppi, Newark

October 2, 2024

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

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

East Orange, Good Times, John Amos, Newark

September 10, 2024

The Everyday of 9/10

Today is September 10th, and just like 23 years ago on 9/11, it is a perfectly still day with a clear blue sky. The sun is shining and all is calm. Last year I saw for the first time, a photo someone took of the parking lot at Giants Stadium a few days after the… Continue reading

Uncategorized

9/10, 9/11, Andrew Curry Green, Giants, Jeanette Louise Lafond-Menichino, Jeffrey Mladenik, New Jersey, NFL

September 5, 2024

Carmela Polimeni to be Laid to Rest

Recently, a story touched many hearts in North Jersey. The passing of Carmela Polimeni. Sadly, Carmela had no family and passed away alone. The funeral parlor who received her earthly remains were at a loss. As a last resort, they placed an ad in a local paper. That ad touched off a search not just… Continue reading

Bergen County, New Jersey

Carmelin Polimeni, Leonia, New Jersey

August 21, 2024

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

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

American Women Quarters, Celia Cruz, Cuba, Fort Lee, Grammys, New Jersey, Salsa Music, United State Mint

August 14, 2024

A Search for Comfort in Leonia

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ~2 Corinthians… Continue reading

Bergen County, New Jersey

Bergen County, Carmelin Polimeni, Italian Apostolate, Leonia

August 2, 2024

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

Jersey Icon, Mercer County, New Jersey

Evan Gershkovich, New Jersey, Princeton, Wall Street Journal