Jersey Girl, Italian Roots

https://open.substack.com/pub/jerseygirlitalianroots/p/the-diaspora-dispatch-april-2026
In the April 2026 edition of , I share upcoming events, a new you should follow, and a heartfelt story about . There’s plenty of news and information below and I hope you enjoy this edition!

The Diaspora Dispatch: April 2026 In the April 2026 edition of the Diaspora Dispatch, I share upcoming events, a new Substack you should follow, a heartfelt story about Padre Pio and a lot more!

Read the latest news and information from the community in , including upcoming events, new book announcements, and more.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jerseygirlitalianroots/p/the-diaspora-dispatch-march-2026?r=3cb8o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.com/remembering-the-new-orleans-11/
On the evening of October 15, New Orleans police chief David Hennessy was shot by several gunmen as he walked home. Before he died, Captain William O’Connor claimed the chief responded, “the d***s did it.”

Remembering the New Orleans 11 - Jersey Girl, Italian Roots Learn about the events that took place around March 14, 1891 in New Orleans and how it played a significant role in the formation of Columbus Day.

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.com/newark-archdiocese-witness-plan-on-hold/
While I am no longer physically part of the , the center of my heart and faith will always remain in and . From being baptized at in , to celebrating my sacraments at in , being married 31 years ago at the at in , to the Feast of in Newark, every piece of my spiritual life is part of the Archdiocese.

Newark Archdiocese "Witness" Plan on Hold - Jersey Girl, Italian Roots Learn about the most recent update from Cardinal Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark abou the "We Are His Witness" initiative.

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.com/north-jerseys-italian-immigrant-past-one-word-at-a-time/
I’ve been making the most of being confined indoors by the frigid weather, immersing myself in research for my upcoming book, Mid-Century Migration: The Italians of North Jersey. As always, each day brings a new discovery. This week, I found myself reflecting on what language is deemed “acceptable” even in our present time.

North Jersey's Italian Immigrant Past - One Word at a Time - Jersey Girl, Italian Roots Deep winter research sparks fresh discoveries about Italian immigration, identity, and the evolving meaning of “acceptable” language.

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.com/rootstech-2026/
I don’t have to tell you that it has been a brutal winter. The current blizzard outside my window, sub-zero temperatures, and that constant grey sky. I’ve absolutely had it. There is a bright spot, however. The schedule for 2026 has been announced and I am happy to report there are several classes that will focus on and .

RootsTech 2026 - Jersey Girl, Italian Roots The RootsTech 2026 schedule is online and there are several online classes that focus on Italian ancestry and genealogy research.

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.com/nutley-belleville-columbus-day-parade-2026-heritage-award/
Last year I was humbled when the Nutley-Belleville Committee selected me as the 2025 recipient. I could never put into words what this meant to me, however, I felt there were others that deserved it much more than me. Well, one of those individuals I highly respect has been selected as the 2026 Heritage Award recipient.

Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee Announces 2026 Heritage Award - Jersey Girl, Italian Roots Learn about the recipient of the 2026 Italian Heritage Award from the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee.

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.substack.com/p/the-diaspora-dispatch-february-2026
Welcome to the February 2026 edition of ! We are in a serious deep freeze here in and I am definitely looking forward spring. In this edition, I share upcoming events, an important devotion to , preparing for , and we remember a proud New Jerseyan of Italian descent. There’s plenty of news and information below and I hope you enjoy this edition!

The Diaspora Dispatch: February 2026 In the February 2026 edition of The Diaspora Dispatch learn about an important devotion to Our Lady of the Snows, how to prepare for Lent, and we remember a proud New Jerseyan of Italian descent.

It is amazing I have been able to go back to my fifth-great-grandmother through my maternal grandmother. For generations my family was born, lived, and died in Calabritto. And I have found many familiar last names - Mattia, Corbo, Megaro. Yet in 1888, my great-grandfather decided to leave Calabritto and look for a new life in the United States. The further back I go, the more blessed I feel. I am the product of generations of sweat and sacrifice. Like I often say, we all have a story to tell - and it deserves to be told.

https://jerseygirlitalianroots.com/a-jersey-italian-favorite-son-uncle-floyd/
For the younger generations it is hard to grasp the idea of growing up with one television in the house that had less than 10 channels. When cable was high-tech, the cable access channels were the prime source for local programming. For , that meant the Show.

A Jersey-Italian Favorite Son: Uncle Floyd - Jersey Girl, Italian Roots The Uncle Floyd Show was filmed like a kid's show, but it definitely had an adult slant, and was both fun and entertaining.