If you are a regular reader, you know how much I love my hometown of Belleville. From stopping at Rosebud's after school, to my memories from marching band in high school, to riding my bike all over town, Belleville will always hold a special place in my heart. What you may not know is Belleville… Continue reading Urgent Repairs Needed at Belleville Dutch Reformed Church
Tag: Belleville
Fourth Grade and New Jersey History
As the school year begins, I think back to growing up in Belleville and starting school in September. I have many wonderful memories of that time. In sixth grade I was part of the school patrol and guarded the kindergarten door. In middle school, I accompanied the chorus on piano for the first time. In… Continue reading Fourth Grade and New Jersey History
Memorial Day 2022 Events
Memorial Day weekend is upon us and we all look forward to it for different reasons. For many it is a three day weekend. It is the unofficial kickoff to summer. It's barbeques, cold beer, and the beach. Actually, no, it really isn't. It is a moment to stop and honor and remember the fallen.… Continue reading Memorial Day 2022 Events
It’s a Wonderful Life in New Jersey
"A toast to my big brother George: The richest man in town." ~Harry Bailey This year marks the 75th anniversary of the movie classic "It's a Wonderful Life" staring James Stewart as George Bailey. Originally a flop at the box office, it has found a place in the hearts of millions over the decades. What… Continue reading It’s a Wonderful Life in New Jersey
A Community Christmas Story
"And to know who needs help, You need only just ask." ~Trans Siberian Orchestra Just about everyone loves their "old neighborhood" where they grew up. A lot of people in Jersey stay in that neighborhood their entire lives. Now, thanks to social media, even if we move away physically, we can still stay close to… Continue reading A Community Christmas Story
Shop Local for the Holidays
As much as I tried to deny it, the summer is long gone. Now that the clocks have changed and it is dark before you get out of work, everyone has turned their attention to the holidays. The problem this year, however, is the ongoing supply chain issue. Cargo ships wait out in the Atlantic… Continue reading Shop Local for the Holidays
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
9/11: Twenty Years Later
Where were you on 9/11? It's a question all of us have asked each other; for those of us who were alive and old enough to remember. Americans seem to find themselves asking that type of question every so often when a major event happens. The Pearl Harbor attackThe assassination of President KennedyThe assassination of… Continue reading 9/11: Twenty Years Later
This Is My New Jersey 