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…

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…

River View East: End of an Era

Anyone from Jersey knows we all have our favorite places for hot dogs. Italian hot dog? For me it was Dickie Dee's. A hot dog truck dog? I would go to JR's on Franklin Avenue in Nutley. If you wanted something really special, it was Rutt's Hut. For my husband, however, growing up in Elmwood…

Saying Goodbye to The Manor

This week all of North Jersey was shocked to hear The Manor in West Orange will close this summer after 66 years. That magical location has been the location where many wonderful memories were made. From New Year's Eve black-tie dinners, to weddings, to proms, almost everyone from North Jersey has a story. All those…

Support for those who Support the Outdoors

Back in the freezing weather of January, I shared my goals for 2022. One of the most important goals outlined was to fight for our ever-dwindling open spaces in New Jersey. That includes fighting for those who share the love of the outdoors and educate others about the resource. Enter the frustrating situation of the…

Favorite son of Jersey Inducted to Football HOF

A favorite son of New Jersey, as well as a USFL and NFL player may have lived a short life, but he certainly accomplished a lot. This week Sam Mills reached the pinnacle in his sport; induction into the Pro Football NFL Hall of Fame. Born in Neptune City and raised in Long Branch, Mr.…

The Language of New Jersey

If you live in New Jersey, you know we have a language all our own. However, if you are just a visitor, you may not know how best to communicate with us. Here are a few suggestion to help navigate a typical conversation. "How You Doin'?" Most people in other states start conversations with "hi"…

St. Lucy’s Loses a Giant

In the past I have written about a long-time giant at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, NJ, Monsignor Joseph Granato. He served the parishioners of St. Lucy's for 54 years; his entire time of service. I am sad to report the Monsignor went home to the Lord a few days ago. Monsignor Joseph J. Granato…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: John Basilone

In an earlier post, I noted that Italian immigrants and Americans of Italian descent made up approximately 10% of the entire fighting force during World War II; more than any other ethnicity. Despite Italian immigrants kept under surveillance and some put in containment camps, they volunteered by the thousands to fight against their Motherland. One…

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…