Recently, the Executive Board of the Amerigo Vespucci Society (AVS) of Long Branch New Jersey hosted the Executive Board of the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO) New Jersey for a formal dinner at Johnny Piancone's Italian Restaurant in the City of Long Branch. The purpose of the dinner, according to AVS President Mr. Jos...

The East Hanover Italian American Club will be hosting the Morris County Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, October 8th.  Council President Frank DeMaio will be honored as 'Man of the Year'. East Hanover Middle School Principal Stacie Costello will be honored as 'Woman of the Year'. The full list of nominees is as follows: - Grand Marshal - Jack Ciatta...

From the St. Ann Italian Festival in Hoboken to La Festa Italiana in Jersey City, Hudson County has no shortage of happenings to celebrate Italian heritage. Another highly popular event that takes place later in the year is The Hoboken Italian Festival, which takes place on the waterfront on Sinatra Drive Promenade between Newark Street and 2nd Str...

Joe Cirillo has never attended the St. Ann's Italian Festa in Raritan, a fundraising feast of volunteer-made meatballs, breaded eggplant, sausage and peppers and pizza fritte. But the volunteer leading the efforts to bring back the Festa for its 115th running is determined to make 2024 his first trip. The free-admission, four-day Festa annually rai...

I am happy to announce my Arts on Bergen Concert Series recital "Songs that Heal and Comfort," featuring my original songs. The recital will honor veterans and include songs I composed in tribute to this service and sacrifice of veterans, in addition to songs for healthcare providers caring for patients with COVID-19, and inspirational and spiritua...

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood chapter of UNICO will be holding a Columbus Day Italian Heritage Essay Contest for local students in grades 5-8 of Italian descent. This contest is a chance for young participants to connect with their roots and explore their family history. Open to Scotch Plains and Fanwood students, this contest will be divided into two...

L’Osteria, an Italian restaurant that opened to much fanfare in Toms River has closed its doors. Today, a new sign went up in its place. And it’s something you can wave your napkin at. Patrizia’s of Staten Island, known for its fine dining and authentic cuisine is coming to Toms River. Patrizia’s Restaurants is a well-known chain of Italian restaur...

The local Orange/West Orange UNICO Chapter was founded in 1957 originally, and the West Orange and Orange chapters merged in 1968. UNICO’s objective is to encourage the ideal of “service about self.” According to the Orange/West Orange UNICO president, Frank Gonnella, the five main focuses of UNICO are Scholarships, Cancer Research & Prevention, Co...

A recent addition was made to the trophy cases at Hammonton High School, as 2023 graduate Tiffany Paretti was recognized for her achievements on the volleyball court. Paretti was a four-year starter for the Blue Devils, setting a record with 206 career aces. A commemorative volleyball was placed in a trophy case near the gymnasium recently, honorin...

The New Jersey Law Journal has named Samantha Stillo to the “New Leaders of the Bar” list for 2023. The recognition honors attorneys who bring forth “both notable achievements and outstanding potential.” At Wilentz, Samantha is Counsel on the Business and Commercial Litigation group. She focuses her practice on complex business litigation, represen...