SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- It was a great day for the Irish in Scotch Plains and Fanwood as unseasonably warm and sunny weather shined on the community.
Darby Road's annual St. Patrick's Festival drew hundreds of families and revelers all weekend in downtown Scotch Plains, while the Knights of Columbus on North Ave. served its annual corned beef lunch and dinner throughout the day.
A good time had by all.
]]>SOUTH AMBOY, NJ -- It was a great day for the Irish -- and those who celebrate them -- at the annual South Amboy St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
With unusually warm temperatures and sunshine above, the streets of the city were filled with pipe bands, step dancers, politicians, high school bands, police departments, firefighters and even a green dog! And, of course, there were the smiling faces of the Irish young and old.
South Amboy Council President Mickey Gross served as the grand marshal of the annual march through his hometown.
]]>PLAINFIELD, NJ — B Moore Realty will host a free first-time home buyer seminar at Plainfield Public Library on Saturday, March 23 at 1pm. Light drinks, snacks, and giveaways will be provided during the information session that will be hosted by 8 different real estate professionals from the Plainfield area. These professionals include realtors, a loan officer, a title officer, an attorney, and an inspector. The session will cover pre-approvals, down payment assistance, market trends, making an offer, and more.
Those who would like to attend can register here by March 20.
]]>MILLBURN, NJ -- Returning library books is even easier and faster now because the dropbox is back. Just drive up to it and place books in it without having to get out of the car or enter the building.
According to Dorothy Kelly, President of Friends of the Library, "There was a minor traffic mishap in the parking lot that destroyed the last book drop and a new one had to be ordered. It came in faster than we expected--it was supposed to take 2 months. People really missed the convenience of the drive-by bookdrop, so we were all excited to see the new one back in service."
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- All are invited to attend the 2024 opening of the Osborn Cannonball House Museum on Sunday, April 7. As part of a springtime celebration, the museum at 1840 Front St. will feature antique Edwardian clothing from the museum’s vast antique collection.
Costumed docents will be available to give tours of the c.1750 house and will share the story of the Osborn Family, the two Revolutionary War soldiers who grew up in the modest house, and other stories of important, early Scotch Plains families who lived there.
Attendees will also hear how it became the “Cannonball House.” There will be a spring-themed craft for kids in a backyard tent, as well as a special treat for them. Admission is free; donations are always welcome.
To learn more, visit: https://historicalsocietyspfnj.org/museum.
]]>CLARK, NJ — Not yet old enough to qualify for Social Security or join the AARP, but still looking mighty fine each and every summer, the Clark Pool will celebrate its 50th year in existence on July 13!
On that day, there will be a free barbecue, a DJ, a dunk tank, raffles, giveaways, and plenty of other activities for children and adults alike.
The rain date is the following day, Sunday, July 14.
So why should you care? Well, if you want to enjoy all the upcoming festivities (and of course you do!), then you need to sign up, get your membership information up to date, and make certain that you can officially join all the fun this summer.
So click here to get all the information and news you need about the Clark Pool, the summer season, and pool membership.
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]]>MORRISTOWN, NJ - Macculloch Hall Historical Museum will be offering sensory friendly tours. Visit the Museum on the third Saturdays of the month, February through May and September through November, with the first tour happening this Saturday, March 16. The sensory friendly tour will take place from 9:30-11:30.
Families and care partners with neurodiverse children and teens are invited to experience the historic house and gardens with plenty to touch and time for questions.
"We are pleased to be offering these tours, offering a new way to experience the historic house without crowds and set tour times", said Operations Coordinator Carly Cheponis. "Museum staff encourages exploration, questions, and engaging of sight, sound, touch, and smell with our Please Touch objects in the museum and the Outdoor Sensory Pathway".
This program is free for museum members and with museum admission.
Dates include:
The Visit Guide can be downloaded and/or printed to review and prepare for your visit to MHHM by clicking HERE
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]]>MADISON, NJ - Grace Church in Madison is inviting community members to their free Friday Lenten Organ Series. The free concert will be performed by Music Director Anne Matlack at 12:15pm.
She will be performing hymns based on folk songs.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — The Clark Recreation Department held an early St. Patrick's Day luncheon tailored specifically for senior citizens. Held on Thursday, March 7, the event included an afternoon filled with festive delights and lively entertainment.
In the spirit of the Emerald Isle, attendees were treated to a performance by the Irish Trio. The music uplifted spirits and created a joyful atmosphere. Adding to the festivities, guests indulged in corned beef sandwiches, a beloved staple of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
The early St. Patrick's Day luncheon not only offered seniors an opportunity to revel in the holiday spirit but also provided a chance for community bonding and camaraderie.
"We were delighted to host this special event for our seniors," said Ralph Bernardo, Director of the Recreation Department. "It's a wonderful occasion to celebrate Irish culture, enjoy delicious food, and share laughter and music with friends and neighbors."
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]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - The annual Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, (rain date scheduled for Sunday, March 24) at 10:15 a.m. at the Shady Rest Country Club Golf Course, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains.
This free family-friendly event will feature balloon artists, fun activities and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. This event will be open to children ages 8 and under, and don't forget to bring a basket. No registration is required for this event. For more information, call the department of parks and recreation at 908-322-6700 ext. 223.
]]>SOUTH AMBOY, NJ -- The annual South Amboy St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place on Sunday, March 17, starting at 2:00 p.m. (rain date scheduled for Sunday, March 24) This year's grand marshal is South Amboy Council President Michael "Mickey" Gross and the Deputy Grand Marshal is Yolanda Flores.
Related: South Amboy Council President Mickey Gross, 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal
Parade Route
Marchers will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at 12 Noon. The parade then takes the following route:
The South Amboy St Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1976. The parade consisted of one bagpiper, the South Amboy Police, Fire, and First Aid Squads and a small group of marchers representing the Frank Conley Association. Two years later, in 1978, a group of parade supporters organized the South Amboy Irish American Association to continue the parade as an annual event.
As the parade grew, so did the Committee. It comprised individuals from the Irish American Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and volunteers from South Amboy and neighboring towns. Today, the parade has become one of the largest in the State of New Jersey with more than 23 bands and over 2,000 marchers.
Bands performing in 2024:
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Winter Farmers’ Market, sponsored by Grow it Green Morristown, will take place in the parking lot of the Convent Train Station on Convent Road in Morris Township
The market will run every Sunday through April 28, 2024.
The hours are 9:30am - 1pm.
This coming Sunday, Hudson Grinding Knife Sharpening will be in attendance from 9:30am - 1pm. Bring your kitchen knives, shears and garden tools for sharpening.
For weekly vendors, CLICK HERE
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]]>SAYREVILLE - For 40 years, Iris Koval was a fixture at the crossing in front of Our Lady of Victories School on Main Street.
"Aunt Iris" gave every child a big smile and wished them good morning, as she made sure they safely crossed the busy street amindst the rush hour. Koval saw herself as a matronly guardian, a role she took to heart as she stood in all weather, year after year, on Main Street.
Her mantra, "Never lost one," exemplified her sense of humor and commitment to the children of Sayreville.
The community is mourning the loss of Koval, who died Sunday. Born in 1935, she is being remembered as a paragon of style, service, and community devotion. Parents were always grateful that Aunt Iris was on the job. There is no doubt that generations of OLV students who traversed safely to and from school will remember her in their prayers.
She was a lifetime VFW Ladies Auxiliary member and a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville.
Her remarkable fashion sense, leadership, and enduring sweetness will be remembered fondly by those whose lives she touched. Aunt Iris will be deeply missed, her legacy living on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Aunt Iris leaves behind cherished memories, survived by her niece, Angel, and her husband, Gustavo Torino; and the "apple of her eye," Gigi Torino; nephew Frank Hager Jr.; niece Kathleen; and her husband Richard King; nephew Kenneth Hager; and his wife Rebecca and a niece Sabrina Kroski and her husband Steve as well as multiple great-great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Koval; mother Violet Hager; father Emmanuel Hager and brother Frank Hager Sr.
Services are being held Thursday, March 14 at 11:30am at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Provinceline Road in Wrightstown.
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SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- A small group of volunteers is making a big difference in the lives of animals, and now you can help too. Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is holding its annual Tricky Tray on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains.
Attendees will enjoy a delicious brunch that includes an assortment of muffins, bagels and croissants, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, brioche French toast, and fruit platters, along with mimosas, coffee, tea, fruit juice, and hot chocolate in a lovely, upscale atmosphere. Ticket holders will also get to try their luck at winning some exciting prizes. And, to be entered into a Mystery Prize Raffle, just bring some cat food to donate.
Come out for a fun day with friends and family. You might leave with a basket full of goodies or a treasured item, but if nothing else, you’ll know you made a difference in an animal’s life.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are available through the mail and online. Email bestfriendadoptnj@gmail.com to learn more.
Also, be sure to visit Best Friend’s cute little thrift store on East 2nd Street that’s chock-full of wonderful merchandise for shoppers of all ages. All funds raised are used to help the pets in their care with spaying and neutering, boarding, food and veterinary bills. The shop is also a drop-off spot for much-needed cat food, litter and dog food.
]]>MONTVILLE, NJ - The Montville Township Public Library welcomed citizens to attend a Ramadan Celebration on March 9, which consisted of craft making, a chocolate guessing game, food, word searches, books, and creative posters for attendees to read and learn about Ramadan.
This year Ramadan started on March 10 and will go through April 9. Written in a tri-fold at the Ramadan Celebration, the holy month is described as “a month of blessing marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. Ramadan focuses on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).”
Ninety-five citizens signed-up to join the celebration, but many more ended up attending. Crafts at each table were led by the library’s Teen Advisory Board, and were suitable for all ages to enjoy, including; paper stained-glass in the shape of the Rub el Hizb, or octagram shaped Islamic symbol, making prayer bead bracelets, creating tissue paper mosaics, decorating lanterns, coloring and painting, and temporary tattoos.
Children and adults had the opportunity to bring home their own masterpieces in time for Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak!
]]>Children are invited to participate in an Easter egg hunt to find Shelly, the Easter Egg at participating businesses. This is a free event and open to the public.
How does it work?
Easter Fun Fest- Saturday, March, 23 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
more details to follow.......
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UNION, NJ -- It rained on their parade... and they didn't care.
The weather for the 2024 Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade was rainy and cool, not dissimilar from the weather in Ireland, the ancestral homeland of the large majority of participants in this year's march along Morris Avenue. But the raindrops didn't dampen the enthusiasm for celebrating Irish heritage as pipe bands, police and fire departments, Boy Scouts, and other groups quickly made their way down the route in about an hour's time.
]]>RAHWAY, NJ — The Rahway Knights of Columbus Council 1146, located at 80 W. Inman Ave., is holding a St. Patrick's Day Corn Beef Dinner on Sunday, March 10.
The dinner runs from 3-7 p.m.
Adults are $15. Children are $10.
The event is eat in or take out.
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]]>SAYREVILLE, NJ - The flagpoles standing outside of Sayreville Borough Hall were relieved of their duties as Borough grounds crew came to remove them after their long service to the community.
The star-spangled banner will not be flying at Borough Hall for a few days as new flag poles are planned to be installed on Monday, March 18.
Afterward, the red, white, and blue will return to Sayreville to watch over the community and its residents.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Friendly Sons of St Patrick of Union County honored Scotch Plains resident Jim O'Brien and long-timechildhood friend, Bob Sloan of Westfield, as the organization's Irishmen of the Year at the 62nd Annual Irish Heritage Tribute Dinner, Thursday, March 7, at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains.
Jim O'Brien traces his Irish American roots to 1856, when Patrick O'Brien arrived in the U.S. from County Clare. He is managing principal of Napier Park, a First Eagle Investments Company, a leading global alternative credit platform. He previously was co-CEO of Citi Capital Advisors and spent nearly two decades in Morgan Stanley's fixed income division. He and his wife, Judy, have four children (Kelly, Megan, Patrick, and Michael) and two grandsons (James and Milo).
Bob Sloan's ancestors escaped Ireland's Great Hunger by coming to America in the 1840s. He recently retired from a successful 30-year career at AT&T in 2020. Since then, he has worked as a consultant with Altman Solon, a global TMT consulting firm, and advises private equity firms on the acquisition potential of public safety technology. He also serves on Seton Hall's Board of Trustees and has served on the Newmark School Foundation and the Center for Hope Hospice Board.
Several prominent figures throughout Union County received awards:
During the dinner, the Friendly Sons of St Patrick granted two scholarships to outstanding young men of achievement: Owen Giblin (Cranford), a senior at Seton Hall Prep, and Joey Kilgannon (Springfield), a senior at Union Catholic.
“It’s an honor to be awarding these men at the dinner this year. From the Irishmen of the year, our distinguished service award winners and our two scholarship recipients. It’s a great day to be Irish American and a Friendly Son of St Patrick,” said Danny P. Burke, President of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick of Union County.
Attendees included State Senators Jon Bramnick (R) and Joe Cryan (D), who both represent Union County, Scotch Plains fire chief John Lestarchick, Dr. Jim Reagan, assistant principal at Union Catholic High School, Father John McCrone, who gave the invocation, former Cranford Mayor Pat Giblin, and other distinguished guests.
Since its formal organization in 1962, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Union County has been an active, vibrant organization within the community of Union County, NJ. Members meet monthly to conduct society business and share fellowship and experiences of common heritage.
]]>CLARK, NJ — Back in February, Anderson Schieferstein, a presumptive Eagle Scout of Boy Scout Troop #145, launched the Lego Lending Library, a new addition to the Clark Public Library, where community members can check out Legos, just like books.
Anderson, a Clark resident and junior in high school at the Academy for Information Technology, is working to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve. Anderson worked with children's librarian Dierdre Morley to execute his idea.
The Lego Lending Library offers community members the opportunity to access highly sought-after Lego themes such as Star Wars, Marvel, Minecraft, Harry Potter, City sets, and more. Anderson wanted to do a project that would combine his lifelong love of Lego building, along with his desire to share the benefits of this type of creative play with the community.
“Lego building has many benefits. It is a brain-building activity, offers early engineering skills, helps with math skills, and is an example of a relaxing activity which promotes mindfulness,” said Anderson. "It even plays a role in developing cognitive functions at a young age, such as hand-eye coordination."
To achieve Eagle Scout, a Scout needs to have 21 merit badges and then must plan, develop, and provide leadership to others in a service project that benefits the community. In Anderson’s case, he planned a fundraiser, held at Schieferstein Farm, his father’s 121-year-old family farm, where he collected new and used Lego sets, along with financial donations to buy new sets and created an
inventory of over 50 sets for the library. Then, Anderson, along with over 15 members of his troop, spent the day sorting Lego pieces, printing instruction manuals, and building a display case.
On February 4, the troop introduced the new Lego Lending Library to community members, and it was a big success. Edward Grande, the superintendent of the Clark School District, was in attendance, along with Councilman Brian Toal, Clark Recreation Director Ralph Bernardo, members of Troop #145, over 30 local families, and Scout Master John Cistaro.
Deirdre Morley noted that Anderson “raised money for and created many more sets than we even imagined, and the community will enjoy this project for many years.”
The entire event was filmed by local Channel 36. The footage can be viewed on www.Troop145.org, under the “In the News” tab.
And if you have a library card, stop by the Clark Library to browse the Lego inventory, check out a Lego set, and enjoy a new one every 14 days!
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]]>Proceeds from the game will benefit Madison's Project Graduation which is a non-school sponsored, post-graduation event that is a great opportunity for seniors to celebrate their success. The celebration is a drug and alcohol-free event – in a safe, closed environment – which is sponsored by parents and the community of Madison.
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COLTS NECK, NJ - St. Stan's School (Sayreville, NJ) is hosting their 2nd annual golf outing on Tuesday, May 7, at Pebble Creek Golf Club in Colts Neck. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. Continental breakfast, lunch, beverages, raffle door prize ticket, registrant gift bag, green fees, and cart, are included in the $140.00 price per golfer. The proceeds from this event will go towards building improvements.
For more information and to register to golf and/or sponsor a hole: sskgolf2024.cheddarup.com
To request a brochure: sskgolf@sskschool.org
St. Stanislaus Kostka School's faculty, families, and administration share a commitment to fostering a faith-filled community of lifelong learners and compassionate leaders through a challenging academic environment. St. Stan's strives to develop the whole student spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit the St. Stan's website.
]]>MORRISTOWN, NJ - St. Patrick Day Patches and Coins are in! The special edition patches and coins, sold by the Morristown PBA can be purchased separately or together.
This fundraising effort, used along side donations, is used to support " initiatives and provide resources to those in need". According to their website, the mission of the Morristown PBA Local 43 is to "to serve and protect the community we represent and to improve the quality of life for all".
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SAYREVILLE, NJ – The Sayreville Historical Society gave the public a sneak peek of their most recent donation at the Sayreville Historical Society Museum on Sunday, March 3.
The Society received about 300 letters written by Sayreville residents who served in World War II in response to letters sent by businessman Danny O’Brien, the owner of Danny’s Luncheonette. His granddaughter, Kristen O’Brien Neymarc, found the letters in an unmarked box while sorting through family belongings.
“The letters span from November 1944 to June 1945 and were mostly in alphabetical order in the box. They come from soldiers who were stationed all over the world. Some are from Greenland, Okinawa, Northern Africa, Hawaii, London, France, and Luxembourg,” said Neymarc. “The box also contained holiday cards, a typed list of over 350 names, and a newspaper article written in 1944 discussing Danny's project and asking the wives of soldiers to please send Danny their new addresses because a lot of them had moved on.”
Neymarc said she thinks the letters are special as many are unopened.
“I think it is important to share these letters with the public and to the families of these soldiers because they’re filled with untold stories. Each soldier writing to a friend may be sharing something different they might not have shared with their loved ones,” said Neymarc.
Neymarc also spoke about the coincidence between the letters and the Sayreville Historical Society's recently published book “Give ‘Em Hell: Sayreville Goes To War” by Chris Nieratko, which compiles photographs of Sayreville residents serving in World War II that were originally displayed in the windows of Attorney Joseph T. Karcher's office on Main Street.
Related: 'Sayreville Goes to War': New Book Salutes Local WWII Heroes
“It gives me chills to think how the Historical Society just published this book about World War II, and a month later, I found a box containing letters that were lost for 80 years from soldiers serving in World War II,” said Neymarc. “The picture on the book's front cover was even taken in front of Danny’s Luncheonette out of pure coincidence.”
Some letters read aloud at the event discussed food rations, battles, and different countries' cultures. Neymarc read one letter written by John Engelhardt, whose military uniform is displayed in the Sayreville Historical Society Museum.
Frank Terzino, President of the Sayreville Historical Society, expressed his gratitude for Neymarc’s donation and explained the Society’s plans for the letters moving forward.
“Our initial thoughts were to digitize the letters because then it makes it easy to organize and share them on a larger scale,” said Terzino. “We're also thinking maybe between Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day, we'll go to the VFW and have someone dressed as Danny read his letter and have other people dressed as soldiers read the soldiers’ letters while having pictures of the real soldiers in the background.”
Recording secretary of the Sayreville Historical Society, Jane Terzino, said typing and photographing the letters for digital media will be time-consuming, so they are open to volunteers and are reaching out to Rutgers students who may be interested.
Heather Yannone-Pawski, corresponding secretary for the Sayreville Historical Society, added that the librarians at Sayreville Public Library may also help in researching about the soldiers and helping to contact their families.
“Not all of the letters have photos, and I think it would be great to put faces to names. I’m hoping we can find information about them in any way we can,” said Pawski.
Toward the end of the event, former Sayreville Historical Society president Alfred Baumann also thanked Neymarc and her family for preserving this treasure chest of Sayreville and U.S. history.
“Reading these letters makes you think about how men and women from Sayreville were doing all the different jobs it takes to run a military operation. They were carrying rifles, navigating, piloting planes, and driving jeeps across the globe to protect our country,” said Baumann.
The event concluded with Neymarc expressing her hopes for the letters in the future.
“These soldiers deserve to be remembered, and these letters may also raise awareness of the horrors of World War II, which so many people are already forgetting as people joke about World War III. So, I hope everyone gets the chance to read them,” said Neymarc.
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