World-renowned mosaic artist Danilo Bonazza has made New Jersey the unlikely epicenter of a luxury art renaissance
Danilo Bonazza has spent the last decade building Art & Mosaics into one of New Jersey’s most exclusive luxury services. His custom pool installations command prices that start at $200,000 and up with waiting lists that stretch across three continents. “People don’t understand what they’re buying until they see it,” Bonazza said during a recent int...
Our Lady of Mount Carmel procession in Shenandoah to enter 111th year
For many, it has been a sacred annual walk that has been part of their lives for decades. For others, it is an excursion they are still learning to appreciate. In Shenandoah PA, the 2025 annual procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through the northwestern part of the borough is about to enter its 111th year. The mere mention of th...
‘The View from Lake Como’ author meets and greets locals
Adriana Trigiani, a 21-time New York Times best-selling author, has set her new book, “The View From Lake Como,” in Monmouth County’s own Lake Como. Trigiani, who grew up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia and based a trilogy of books on her hometown, often takes inspiration from the places she visits. The author came to Lake Como this week, speaking at th...
Farewell to Dr. Joseph Giordano, the Italian American who save President Ronald Reagan in 1981
Italian American Joseph Giordano, former chief of surgery and director of the trauma center at George Washington University Hospital—who played a critical role in saving President Ronald Reagan’s life after he was shot in a 1981 assassination attempt—passed away on June 24, just two days after his 84th birthday. A vascular surgeon who had previousl...
Co-owner of restaurant voted ‘Man of the Year 2025’ by Italian American Society of Kenilworth
Nicola Cristofaro said he is very happy to be voted “Man of the Year 2025.” The Italian American Society of Kenilworth recently awarded this honor to the Roselle Park resident who came to America from Italy 39 years ago. “I do like the club, the Italian American community,” he said. “I consider myself Italian but very Americanized. The club is int...
Italians in America – Our Immigrant Stories: John Stango’s ‘paintings for the people’ can be seen in museums around the world
John Stango’s grandparents immigrated to America from the Foggia region in Italy. His father, also named John, would return to Italy while serving in the Navy. In fact, he survived the Normandy invasion in World War II. John Sr. met John’s mom Elaine (née Rockwell) in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. Also an artist, John remembers her painting...
Cardiologist and sports collector DePace named a South Jersey Man of the Year
Dr. Nicholas L. DePace, a nationally known cardiologist, researcher, author and collector of sports memorabilia, was one of nine men recognized as Men of the Year in the November issue of South Jersey Magazine. In announcing the honorees, the magazine’s editors stated that they have one trait in common: “a desire to make a difference and to uplift...
Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO Presents Donation to Hearing Loss Association of NJ
Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO announced a recent donation to the Hearing Loss Association of America – New Jersey Chapter (HLAA-NJ), furthering its commitment to supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact in the community. SPF UNICO First Vice President Daniela Sellinger was honored to present the donation to Rachel Lieberman, Vice Presi...
Bikers rally to bring back statues of Columbus, Caesar Rodney
Motorcycle enthusiasts who want the return of Italian-American statues rallied on June 1 for a ride that included stops in Wilmington, Del., Media, Pa., and Port Deposit, Md. The purpose of their ride was to show their support for reinstating the statues of Christopher Columbus and Caesar Rodney in Wilmington. The Columbus statue once towered over...
Italian American Congressmen need your voice to advance legislation for Smithsonian Museum
A bipartisan bill (H.R. 1102) — introduced by U.S. Congressmen Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Michael Rulli (R-OH) — would establish a planning commission to explore the feasibility of developing a Smithsonian Museum of Italian American History in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. Securing enough House votes to pass the bill and green-light the feasibi...
A Look Back: Little Italy, Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia holds a special place in America’s heart. The 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, the home of the iconic Liberty Bell and other American Revolutionary sites in this city are forever part of our country’s rich history. Italians have been part of the...
Italian Embassy in Washington celebrates 79th anniversary of the Italian republic Ambassador Mariangela Zappia bids farewell at end of her term
In the presence of around 2,000 guests, the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, hosted a celebration last night in Washington for the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic. After introducing a video message from the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio...