Jaimie Julia Winters

Jaimie Julia Winters is an award-winning editor and journalist. She has held senior editorial and communications roles with local, nonprofit, and faith-based news organizations, including Montclair Local, Jersey Catholic, The Record, South Bergenite, Ridgewood News, and North Jersey Media Group/ Gannett, where she helped pioneer digital-first reporting, transparency-driven coverage, and features.

63 articles published

News People

Kearny Life lands exclusive with Kearny’s beloved Santa and Mrs. Claus

Michele and Joe Sarowski were married in a Christmas-themed wedding on a blustery day in December 1979, a celebration befitting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Joe, a volunteer fireman, later became a police officer in Lyndhurst. Michele taught at St. Stephen’s in Kearny. However, they are most known for their work as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. …

December 16, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News People

Kearny Giving Tree answers growing holiday need

More Kearny families are facing hardship this holiday season than ever before, but the Kearny Giving Tree is helping ensure they still enjoy a merry Christmas—thanks to the generosity of residents, organizations, and businesses. For decades, the Kearny Giving Tree has matched Kearny families in need with local gift givers. The Kearny-Belleville Elks #1050…

December 14, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Lifestyle News

Kearny’s hidden treasures: Gifts for everyone on your list

From sports enthusiasts and Scottish friends to dog lovers, music fans, and even the hard-to-shop-for, Kearny’s downtown shops offer a world of gifts—perfect for spreading holiday cheer and finding something truly special for everyone on your list. Kearny Life shopped downtown in search of the perfect gift for everyone on our list. Here are our…

December 11, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News People

Facing every challenge: Kearny mother helps children with disabilities with strength and love

When Nell Santos learned in 2012 that she was expecting a long-awaited baby girl after giving birth to two boys, she was overjoyed. Nicolle arrived on Oct. 19, 2022, in an uncomplicated delivery, but doctors quickly discovered she had been born with Down syndrome. “On that day, I received the most precious gift God…

December 9, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Lifestyle News

Library director reveals his must-read books of 2025

Kearny Life tapped Joshua Humphrey, Kearny’s Library Director, for his top reads of 2025. From grief to love, and from historical and sci-fi epics to lyrical poetry, he delivered some standouts. See any you like? All are available to borrow at the library. ‘FLASHLIGHT’ BY SUSAN CHOI This wonderful novel starts with…

December 6, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Lifestyle News

Kearny lights up the season at annual tree festival

Santa and Mrs. Claus and some very merry dancers kicked off the season at Kearny’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival with music, magic, and family fun on Thursday, Dec. 4. A Hometown Concert featured performers of all ages. Santa helped Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and the Town Council light the town tree, which will burn brightly…

December 6, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News

Ringing in the season: Kearny Salvation Army launches annual kettle drive

Volunteer bell ringer Michael volunteers to ring a bell at a Salvation Army kettle every day from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.

December 4, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News Season

Let the glow begin: Kearny’s Holiday Tree Lighting

Santa and Mrs. Claus invite all to join them at Kearny’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival to kick off the holiday season with music, magic, and family fun. The magic takes place Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Kearny Town Hall. Hometown Concert The night opens on the Town Hall steps with a lively…

November 26, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News Season

Holiday magic: Classic movies, art, theater, explore history, and more

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season with special Santa visits, markets, movies, meaningful giving, and historic holiday house tours. Kearny Holiday Film Festival The Kearny Public Library is kicking off a Holiday Film Festival packed with eight seasonal favorites, running Dec. 3–31. From timeless classics like The…

November 26, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News

Soldier cemetery dating back to Civil War gets much-needed upgrade

About seven years ago, Doreen Bloomer, the president of the Hudson County Genealogical and Historical Society, received a call from a young man in the northwest. He was researching his family history and seeking information about his ancestor, Alfred Watson, who is buried at Soldiers' Circle in Arlington Memorial Park in Kearny. The call initiated…

November 10, 20250Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Jaimie Julia Winters

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