Undo's Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival kicks returns July 25-27 in Wheeling (WV)
The 42nd annual Undo's Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival is set to bring a taste of Italy to Wheeling's Heritage Port from July 26-28. The festival promises traditional food, music, and vendors, offering something for everyone. "Food, fun, and family. That's what we're going for, so most of our events revolve around food," said Michelle F...
One of Newark’s last Italian American churches celebrates 135 years
A few days before Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s annual feast, there was some concern if the weather would hold. But at the start of Sunday’s mass, the last gray clouds were long gone — and this has happened many times before in the 135 years of the parish’s history. “If the blessed mother wants it to happen, she’ll make it happen,” said Eric Lavin, a...
A year after their father's death, Corey Comperatore's daughters still looking for their new normal
Each Valentine’s Day, Allyson Comperatore said, her father brought home flowers for her and her sister. This February, the first without their dad, friends and neighbors came together to shower the daughters with flowers. “We’ve had people there for us every step of the way, whether it was shoulders to cry on or people celebrating with us through m...
Celebrating the 150th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hammonton, New Jersey! | IAP 375
Join us as we journey through the vibrant world of Italian-American feast traditions, focusing on the rich history and cultural significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This episode spotlights the oldest celebration of the feast in the US, held in Hammonton, NJ. Louis Pantalone shares captivating stories about the Italian immigrant ex...
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...