This Is My New Jersey

All that is great about the Garden State!

New Jersey

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
January 28, 2025

The Importance of Local Journalism

Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was walk up to Plaza Chemist on Franklin Avenue and pick up copies of The Belleville Times and The Belleville Post. By the time I reached high school, I began to appreciate a morning cup of coffee with the Sunday paper. After Sunday dinner, family members… Continue reading

History, New Jersey

New Jersey, New Jersey history, The Beacon, The Belleville Post, The Belleville Times, The Catholic Advocate, The Italian Tribune, The Newark Daily Advertiser, The Star Ledger
January 11, 2025

Gearing up for 2025: Jersey Goals

The year 2024 has officially come to a close and we can turn the page to 2025. I’m not going to lie, 2024 was a really hard year. There were a few positives, but overall, I’m happy to move into the new year. And of course I have big plans! What are my 2025 goals?… Continue reading

Exploring, History, New Jersey

2025, Book review, New Jersey, New Jersey history
November 23, 2024

A Toy Drive for All Seasons

I’ll be honest, this fall has been quite the rollercoaster ride and I’m not really jazzed for the rest of the year as the holidays approach. But I think I might know a way to turn it around, and I’m hoping you’ll help. One month ago, my “adultier adult,” my Aunt Roslyn, went home to… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey, Non-Profits

Glen Ridge, New Jersey, The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnaba, The Roslyn Bolcato Toy Drive in Glen Ridge
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
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 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