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 Those Who Can, Teach
Category: Music
Westfield, Where are the Notes to Your Opus?
"Well, I guess you can cut the arts as much as you want, Gene. Sooner or later, these kids aren't going to have anything to read or write about." ~Glenn Holland, Mr. Holland's Opus One of my favorite actors is Richard Dreyfuss. He is an excellent actor, he's in a large majority of my favorite… Continue reading Westfield, Where are the Notes to Your Opus?
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 Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Frankie Valli
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. Connie Francis, 1961; Credit: ABC Television, under Creative Commons License Concetta Rosa… Continue reading Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Connie Francis
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 It’s About Being Better
It’s Spring: Get Out!
Let's face it; we're all sick of being stuck inside. As the weather continues to improve, the masses will head outside to the many wonderful parks and open spaces throughout New Jersey. As families continue to cancel vacations and choose to stay local, some of the hidden gems of The Garden State may not stay… Continue reading It’s Spring: Get Out!
Kids, a Trumpet, and an Album: 1966
While my husband and I never had children of our own, we have thousands of kids. How you may ask? Decades of students taught by my husband. From marching band during his college years to 25 years as a public school band director. No matter what our kids decided to do professionally, we were always… Continue reading Kids, a Trumpet, and an Album: 1966
Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Bucky Pizzarelli
COVID-19 has certainly left us devoid from us this year. We’ve lost family, friends, and others we admire. One of those wonderful New Jerseyans of Italian heritage we lost to the virus is John Paul “Bucky” Pizzarelli. Born in Paterson in 1926 to the owners of a local grocery store, Pizzarelli picked up the guitar… Continue reading Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Bucky Pizzarelli
Going Old School in Jersey
My entire career has been focused on high tech. From prepress to IT to SEO, everything I've done has involved the latest in technology. I think that's why people are so surprised to hear I have analog hobbies. I fly fish, as well as tie my own flies. I do yoga, hike, crochet, felt, weave,… Continue reading Going Old School in Jersey
Belleville Loses a Favorite Son: Tommy DeVito
Music is a huge part of the history of New Jersey. The Boss. Bon Jovi. Southside Johnny. The Four Seasons early in their career, from left: Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli, Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito. Credit: via The Four Seasons There is another part of music history that goes back a little further. Those greats… Continue reading Belleville Loses a Favorite Son: Tommy DeVito
This Is My New Jersey 