For a very long time I wanted to take a painting class. I had the opportunity to take a class tonight. This is what we made. I honestly felt mine was the worst one of the class, but I’m okay with that. It was relaxing and fun. I will try again in the near future!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an author and award-winning journalist. Her latest book, “The Gypsy Smiled” can be purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Smiled-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta-ebook/dp/B074VC7MT9
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta and Carol Black-Lemon, artist
As a journalist, I’m usually covering stories on the weekend. Today was the first Saturday I had free in a long time. I looked up NJ Events and saw that the West Orange Arts Council was having a Mother’s Day Shopping Boutique event. For those in the area, it’s happening again tomorrow (Sunday, May 6, 2018) from 1 to 5 p.m. at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, New Jersey.
This event was so cool, I just had to blog about it! Check out all the links and maybe you can guess which artists I purchased from. It was a tough choice!
Carol Black-Lemon (www.blacklemonart.com) has original paintings, plus handmade jewelry.
Vivienne O’Neill (https://www.etsy.com/shop/vivienneoneill) has unique handmade fashion accessories, home furnishings, and all-natural beauty items, including natural soap made with goat’s milk.
JDenaro (https://shop.aboutfacejdenaro.com/) is a fashion designer who has unique t-shirts, pillows and much more.
Sheila N. Kibutu (http://www.shiiscollection.com/) has incredible jewelry.
Sheila N. Kibutu, jewelry artist
I hope you enjoyed checking out all the artist’s websites and remember to buy local whenever you can! ❤
For more information on the West Orange Arts Council, go here: http://www.woarts.org/
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an author and award-winning journalist. Her latest book, “The Gypsy Smiled” can be purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Smiled-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta-ebook/dp/B074VC7MT9
Pat DiNizio Way (photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta)
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
(Artical originally appeared in Scotch Plains Monthly)
Smithereens fans, friends, family, and township officials gathered on April 17, 2018, at Montague Avenue, at the corner of Westfield Avenue, for the official Pat DiNizio Way street unveiling
Pat DiNizio, frontman for The Smithereens passed away December 12, 2017, at the age of 62. He was a proud resident of Scotch Plains.
“It’s a little bittersweet for us. Obviously, we’d rather have him than the sign,” said Paul “Paulie” J. Smith, who grew up in Scotch Plains with DiNizio. “It’s very heart warming for the town we grew up in to give him recognition. It’s emotional he’s not here anymore. Deep inside he’d feel touched and honored. He was humble, he’d be a little embarrassed about the recognition.”
Jim Babjak, Smithereens guitarist agreed. “He’d say, ‘Don’t make a big deal of it’ on one hand, but he’d be winking; Pat would be very honored.”
Babjak performed a Smithereens song, “Life is So Beautiful” prior to the street unveiling. He also gave a heartfelt speech, ending with, “He was a real trooper, he kept playing to the very end.”
Severo Jornacion, Smithereens bassist, who was able to fly in from L.A., said, “Of all places Pat lived in his life, Scotch Plains was his favorite.” He reminisced about the places in Scotch Plains that Pat took him to, like Alfonso’s Pizzeria, Stage House Tavern, and even the local Quick Check.
Band members Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros weren’t there, but Babjak read emotional messages from them, as well as a heartrending letter from DiNizio’s daughter, Elisabeth.
Musician Rick Winowksi, who played in Pat’s other band, The Scotch Plainsmen, performed a poignant song he wrote in honor of DiNizio.
Mayor Al Smith said the he “got emails from all over the country. Best thing we could do is have a street named after him.”
Township Manager Al Mirabella said, “I wish we weren’t here. I wish Pat was here. I’m glad you are here to honor Pat. Pat was a real fan of Scotch Plains and we’re a real fan of his.”
Bill King, fan and friend, said “We’re still mourning. His voice is so full of emotion reflected in his songs. One thing was evident; how much he loved his mom.”
After each speaker at the podium shared their memories of Pat, there were cheers and tears from the audience. It was truly a moving event. After the unveiling Antoinette DiNizio, Pat’s mom, made an appearance. She proudly spoke about her beloved son to the many who approached her.
Fan Frank Lima, who spearheaded the event, said, “Pat’s one of the greatest songwriters. I’m sad the whole thing had to happen. I’m glad to get the whole ball rolling. [Regarding the street naming].”
The Smithereens sold millions of records/CDs of melodic pop alternative hits like “A Girl Like You,” “Only a Memory,” “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” and “Blood and Roses.”
For more information on The Smithereens, visit the official website at: officialsmithereens.com.
To see original article, including more photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, visit: https://rennamedia.com/scotch-plains-township-ceremoniously-unveils-pat-dinizio-way-in-honor-of-late-smithereens-frontman/
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” available on Rebel Press: https://www.rebelpress.com/product/on-the-guest-list/
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta 