Belleville

August 15, 2025

Belleville’s Favorite Sons Receive Special Honor

There is nothing I love more than hearing good news from my beloved hometown – Belleville. I spent about 20 years there, in the very same house as a matter of fact, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. This past week, the bandmates were honored with keys to Belleville during… Continue reading

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

Belleville, Giants Stadium, Met Life Stadium, My Chemical Romance, New Jersey
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
December 9, 2024

Upcoming New Jersey Events to Celebrate the Season

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and people are starting to decorate and hunt for trees. That means there are plenty of great events taking place throughout the state. From drive-through light displays to craft markets, there is something for everyone. Here are a few events coming up this month. Skylands Stadium Light Show… Continue reading

Cape May County, Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Sussex County

Belleville, Cape May, Christmas in Cape May, Holidays in the Wildwoods, Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show, The Red Mill, Turtle Back Zoo
April 6, 2024

Were You Rattled Today?

New Jersey experienced something that hasn’t happened in over a century. A strong earthquake. Needless to say, it left many, including me, rattled. However, if you watched the local news, you would’ve thought it happened in New York. I know, you’re shocked. For the record, here are the facts: So as usual, even though the… Continue reading

Essex County, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Outdoors

Belleville, Earthquake, New Jersey, Newark, School 7, USGS, Whitehouse Station
March 23, 2024

Looking for Cherry Trees? Check out Branch Brook Park!

For the most part, I like New 12 New Jersey. However, this morning during their “Close to Home” program, they were showing off cherry blossom trees and boasting how New York City is the place to go to check them out this spring. Ahem, I’ll put this as nicely as possible for a Jersey Girl.… Continue reading

Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, New Jersey, Outdoors

Belleville, Cherry Blossoms, New Jersey, Newark, spring
November 3, 2023

It’s About Our History and Heritage

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a proud New Jerseyan. Despite all the craziness that is the Garden State, there is no where else I would rather live. This week, however, I heard two news stories that made me truly sad. The potential demolition of two historic locations… Continue reading

Conservation, Essex County, History, Monmouth County, New Jersey, Preservation

Asbury Park, Belleville, Greetings from Asbury Park, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Irvine-Cozzarelli Memorial Home, James Cozzarelli, Michael Megaro, New Jersey, Palace amusement Buildingm, Tillie
August 25, 2023

It’s Marching Band Season!

As much as I hate to see summer come to a close, it does mean one of my favorite seasons is right around the corner. No, not all that pumpkin spice nonsense. It’s marching band season! If someone asked me one of most memorable times growing up, my time in marching band would probably be… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Music, New Jersey

Belleville, Glen Ridge, Marching Band, New Jersey, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association
June 30, 2023

Independence Day: Jersey Style

We are finally in the midst of summer and I am absolutely thrilled. I feel less like a hermit and look forward to actually going outside. Whether sitting on the deck with my morning coffee or in the evening with an adult beverage as the sun sets after 8:00 p.m., it is my favorite time… Continue reading

Atlantic County, Conservation, Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, History, Just Plain Cool, Morris County, New Jersey

Belleville, Belleville Dutch Reformed Church, Declaration of Independence, Hammonton, Independence Day, Morristown, Morristown National Historical Park, Revolutionary War, Wildwood Crest
May 29, 2023

Memorial Day: There is Nothing “Happy” About it

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoyforget in time that men have died to win them.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt There are few things that bug me more than I when I hear someone say “happy Memorial Day.” I understand that people normally say things like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” for… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Belleville, Korean Way, Medal of Honor, Memorial Day, New Jersey, President Barack Obama, Private First Class Henry Svehla
April 2, 2023

Those Who Can, Teach

We’re all heard the ol’ saying: Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach. Those who can’t teach, teach gym. Well, I’ll leave my opinion of the last part to myself, but I certainly want to talk about the first part. My answer is this: those who can, teach! I would like to tell you… Continue reading

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

Belleville, Edwin Black, Music Education, New Jersey