In this heartfelt interview, Rosalyn Queen shares the rich flavors, traditions, and stories that shaped her life as an Italian-American in Clarksburg, West Virginia. A community leader, author, and the longtime voice behind The Grapevine newspaper column, Rosalyn reflects on her childhood in East View, the strong bonds of her neighborhood, and the powerful story of her father’s immigration and military service. She talks about her cookbook Arrivederci, a collection of recipes and customs meant to preserve the legacy of Italian culture for future generations.

Rosalyn brings the past to life as she recounts baking bread in outdoor ovens, canning peppers in the basement, and preparing the traditional seven fishes for Christmas Eve (for the Feast of the Seven Fishes). She also shares how she discovered her true family name and her emotional pilgrimage to Italy. Her stories highlight not only her love of food and family, but also the resilience of the Italian-American community in the face of discrimination. Through laughter, tears, and unforgettable food memories—from dandelion greens to mushroom hunts—Rosalyn invites us into a world where history lives through tradition, and love is served at every meal. This is a conversation full of heart, heritage, and the magic of remembering. Cover art is an original painting by Raffaella "Folly" Basile, a Clarksburg native who has paintings hanging throughout the United States. Seen in the background of the cover art, the artist depicts Clarksburg's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.