NUTLEY, NJ - Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A. Did you know that Vitamin A deficiencies can result in poor eyesight and other ocular conditions. However, eating more carrots and taking vitamin A supplements does not improve vision or reverse conditions.
The rumor about carrots improving eyesight was started as a part of a disinformation campaign in the 1940’s. The Royal Air Force was using an early form of radar and did not want the Nazis to know anything about this new technology. So to explain why British pilots had such an impressive record of hitting their targets, the Home Office explained that the pilots were eating large amounts of carrots.
Another myth is the color. Today we associate carrots as being orange, but before the 16th century, carrots were red, yellow and purple. These carrots were originally found in Central Asia and worked their way to the tables of Europe when trade with “the East” brought all manner of goods westward.
Hybridization and the industrial revolution’s effect on mass farming led to the now ubiquitous orange. Colorful carrots can sometimes be found at local farmers’ markets - we find them frequently at the Montclair Farmers Market on Saturdays.
What is true about carrots is their powerful role in the diet. Study after study show that orange fruits and vegetables play a key role in fighting cardiovascular disease. (A little carrot ginger soup anyone?) Of course, carrots are also a great source of antioxidant nutrients as well as fiber.
Keep in mind that baby carrots and “baby cut” carrots are not the same thing. Baby carrots are vegetables that are harvested early. In the market, baby carrots will usually have their very pointy end intact. “Baby cut” carrots are larger carrots that have been whittled down mechanically from much larger carrots. The usual giveaways with them is that they are already “peeled” and of uniform shape. Sometimes, these carrots consist of a much lighter, and often bitter, core. The white ashy exterior on many of them is just the outer fibers drying out. Be advised, once peeled, carrots start to lose their nutritional value.
Most of the carrots consumed in the US come from California (no surprise there) but to find a wider variety of colors and sizes of carrots, visit a local farmers’ market. From there, decide if you’ll juice them, soup them, grate them for a salad, or how about roasting them with some cumin. Or just snack on them fresh from the market. Yum!
]]>NUTLEY, NJ - The Nutley Department of Public Safety is hosting a hiring workshop for the Nutley Police Department on Wednesday from 6 p.m to 7 p.m.
This is your opportunity to learn the process of becoming a Nutley Police Officer.
The workshop will be held at Nutley Public Safety Headquarters (the courthouse / police dept. firehouse) at 228 Chestnut St.
More details in the attached "flyer"
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NUTLEY, NJ - The Sebek Tenors are scheduled to headline "A Night of Music" for Nutley High School honor student Nelson Matos.
Nelson, an honor student at Nutley High School, is a kind, quiet and gentle soul who loves to cook, play video games and spend time with his family and friends. Shortly after his 17th birthday in January 2022, he was admitted to hospital after not feeling well.
Doctors discovered an undiagnosed heart condition. After the procedure to address that situation, Nelson suffered a stroke and entered a coma. He's since awakened, but is now dealing with other issues. The financial burden the family is facing is unimaginable.
Nutley being Nutley, the community stepped up to help. His classmates, the township at large, and the local business community, including Kurly Kurtosh, Jernick's Specialties, and Mamma Vittoria have raised funds to help Nelson and his family.
The 'Night of Music' will take place on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Nutley High School Auditorium.
Tickets are on sale now, $35 for premium seats, $25 for reserved seats. The online ticket link also allows for donations to support the family.
For tickets or to make a donation, click: "Night of Music"
Related Article: One Carb At A Time, Nutley for Nelson Bake Sale Pulled In Over $3000
]]>If you are a qualified and registered voter of the State who wants to vote by mail in the Municipal Election to be held on May 14, 2024, the following applies:
You must complete the application form and send it to the Essex County Clerk (Hall of Records Room 247, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark NJ 07102) or write or apply in person to the County Clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot. Instead, you may complete the application form electronically on the Secretary of State's website: nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml
The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.
No person may serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election, but a person may serve as such for up to five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.
No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.
A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application at least seven days before the election (deadline Tuesday, May 7, 2024), but such person may request an application in person from the County Clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.
Voters who want to vote by mail in all future elections will, after their initial request and without further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing, or beginning with the 2020 general election cycle, if the voter does not vote by mail in four consecutive years, then the voter shall no longer be furnished with a mail-in ballot for future elections and the voter shall be notified in writing of the change.
Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone, or the application form provided may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.
Eleni Pettas, RMC, CMC
Municipal Clerk
Township of Nutley
One Kennedy Drive
Nutley, New Jersey, 07110
(973) 284-4955
NUTLEY, NJ - Today, Ham It Up For Hunger by donating your ShopRite point-earned Holiday Ham to Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB).
According to Joan Roake of NFSB, "Participating is as easy as 1,2,3! Talk to the cashier at checkout or visit the Customer Service Desk and present your ShopRite Price Plus Card.
Donate your earned points to NFSB and ShopRite will deliver your ham to the NFSB Food Pantry, or you can bring your ham directly to us."
You can sign up to donate your free ShopRite Ham now through March 30.
]]>NUTLEY, NJ - Jazz Harmonicist Yvonnick Prene, who studied at Université Paris Sorbonne, returns to the Oakley in Nutley on Sunday March 17 for a Jam Session starting at 7 p.m.
Yvonnick Prene recently said, "If you happen to be in the vicinity of New York or New Jersey, I am hosting a Sunday jam session at the Oakley Kitchen in Nutley, NJ, from 7 to 10 p.m. with b3 organist Radam Schwartz and drummer Colby Inzer. Come play with us! After our first set, we'll open up for the jam."
Since opening, the Oakley Kitchen has become Nutley's destination for live entertainment.
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NUTLEY, NJ - Not just the Irish, but all eyes were smiling on a dreary Saturday when the Nutley Irish American Association (NIAA) held their 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The song goes “don’t rain on my parade,” however, that is exactly what happened. Despite the inclement weather on March 2, just like in the theater when something isn’t quite right, the show must go on. And so it did, nothing was stopping them this year. After all, a little bad weather was nothing compared to 2021, during the pandemic when everything was shut down.
The Nutley Irish seem to be following the old postal worker motto, “neither snow, nor rain…” will stop them. It’s just a little taste of Ireland’s weather, according to the organization.
The main reason the NIAA holds their parade so early is, so they can easily get as many pipe and drum bands as possible for the parade. And so this was a success again. Eleven pipes and drum bands marched in the soggy weather without a complaint: Essex County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, Essex County Shillelagh Club Pipes & Drums, Police Pipes & Drums of Bergen County, Passaic County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County, Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold, Rory O'Moore School of Pipes & Drum, South Park District Pipes & Drums, St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band, Staten Island Pipes and Drums, Union County Emerald Society. Additionally, the Nutley High School Maroon Raider Marching Band participated.
Brenda Sherman, NIAA treasurer, was the master of ceremonies, and did not skip a beat announcing the parade marchers at the reviewing stand. Deidre Hollywood, NIAA president, served as this year’s parade chair.
This year’s dignitaries were true sports, enjoying the parade and marching through the drops. The 45th Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade dignitaries were Nutley Police Detective Capt. Robert Irwin — Grand Marshal; Maureen Callaghan — Deputy Grand Marshal; Barbara O'Halloran — Member of the Year; Nutley Fire Lt. Gabe Miller — Firefighter of the Year; and Tara Catherine Reid — Parade Queen.
Other dignitaries marching on Saturday included Assemblyman Michael Venezia, Nutley mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli and commissioners Thomas J. Evans, John V. Kelly III, Alphonse Petracco and Mauro G. Tucci, and Belleville mayor Michael Melham. Six Girl Scout Troops as well as Nutley Cub and Boy Scouts marched.
Irish organizations and parade committees who showed support by marching in the parade included the Ireland Softball Team, Rutherford Irish American Association, the West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and the Women of Irish Heritage.
Other participants included American Legion Post 105, Biondi Funeral Home, Clara Maass Medical Center, Lorenzo “Larry” Marchese, Nutley Elks Lodge 1290, Third Half Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 493 and their commander, Maria Hamilin.
Once again, the rain didn’t even stop past honorees from joining in the annual parade. Some of the past dignitaries spotted this year included the 2014 Grand Marshal Brendan W. Gill, Montclair resident and commissioner-at-large on the Essex County Board of Commissioners; 2022 Grand Marshal and Deputy Grand Marshal John V. Kelly Jr. MD, 2017 Grand Marshal Frank Dauksis, 2014 Member of the Year Michael Frobose and, of course, last year’s grand marshal Frank Costenbader, NIAA legal counsel.
Although the parade did not draw the usual numbers of spectators, those who did battle the weather stayed for the long haul.
No rest for the NIAA as they are already planning next year’s parade which is set for March 1, 2025.
Related Articles:
Nutley Irish American Association’s 45th Annual Investiture Mass Kicks Off Parade
NUTLEY, NJ - The Nutley Irish American Association held their 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 2. Before the parade, they gathered at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Nutley for the Investiture Mass.
The church pews were filled with members, dignitaries, families and friends for the 45th annual mass. The Rory O'Moore School of Pipes and Drums led the procession. This year, due to the inclement weather, those participating lined up at the side of the pews. The pipe and drum band stepped off from the narthex and circled their way to the front of the chancel.
The Rev. John Ginty of Holy Family led the mass with the Rev. Thomas D. Nicastro, vicar forane, NIAA chaplain and pastor of St. Mary’s Church; the Rev, Augustine J. Curley and the Rev. Ivan Scriberras of Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Belleville.
According to Nicastro, the rain was actually drops of blessings that day. Many Irish Americans that day claimed it was a taste of Ireland's weather.
The NIAA officers and the parade dignitaries sat in the front rows. It is a Nutley tradition that the NIAA organization, honorees, their families, and friends gather before the parade for mass. During the mass, the reverends bless the parade sashes with holy water and, in a symbolic ceremony, the honorees each receive them one at a time. The dignitaries are then presented to the parishioners.
Organist Giovanni Longo played as the cantor, Stephanie Leotsakos sang in the choir loft.
Grand Marshal Detective Capt. Robert Irwin read the First Reading from Luke 15:11-32 ESV;NIV - The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Harpist Kristy Chmura played “Danny Boy” during the communion meditation. Shortly after, Tara Catherine Reid, parade queen, presented the golden rose to the statue of St. Mary.
Before the communion each year the honorees present Irish “gifts” symbolic to that dignitary.
Irwin carried letters from his great-grandfather who first arrived from Ireland in the 1890s, settled in Jersey City and corresponded back and forth with family who remained in Ireland. According to Irwin, living an ocean away was hard for most immigrants, but sharing their new life with loved ones was important. Writing letters was that connection. Though it took weeks for the letters to get there, it kept them connected to their roots.
Deputy Grand Marshal Maureen Callaghan carried a St. Brigid’s Cross. St. Brigid is one of three patron saints of Ireland. She is celebrated as a saint, scholar and humanitarian. She is the patron saint for women in childbirth, beggars, refugees, learning, healing and protection.
Callaghan wears this symbol around her neck to honor and protect her daughter Bridgette - who works in New York City with the homeless and people with mental health challenges. Callaghan said, much like her patron saint, she has great compassion for the sick and the poor.
The cross is made of reeds and is still handmade in Ireland. It is an Irish Christian symbol of the holy trinity and keeps evil, fire, and hunger from homes in which it is displayed. St. Brigid cross is a meaningful symbol to Callaghan and hangs in her home. Today, children across Ireland continue the tradition of making St. Brigid’s Crosses on St. Brigid’s Day, Feb. 1.
Firefighter of the Year Lt. Gabriel Miller carried a Celtic Cross given to him by his parents. The Celtic Cross is a known symbol for Christianity throughout Irish history. It’s believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, during the 5th and 8th Centuries in Ireland. St. Patrick is credited with the creation of the Celtic Cross, which combined Celtic and Christian Cultures.
The cross Miller had with him was given to him by his parents, Brian and Gabriella Miller.
The Celtic Cross is a common symbol in the fire service, being used throughout many generations. Miller explains that it is also a symbol of his family’s long-standing history.
in the fire service.
Barbara O’Halloran, Member of the Year, carried her daughter’s claddagh ring.
The Claddagh ring originated in the 17th century in a small fishing village of Claddagh near Galway City. The ring is made up of three symbolic elements; the heart — love, the crown — loyalty, and the hands— friendship. The Claddagh ring is popular throughout the world as a universal symbol of friendship and love.
According to the Nutley Irish American Alliance, the organization is built on loyalty, love, and friendship, which are exemplified by O’Halloran through her dedication to the club and all of its members.
Reid carried a scarf she crocheted in the colors of the national flag of Ireland - green, white, and orange. Reid crocheted this scarf, drawing inspiration from Ireland’s rich history of crocheting which dates back to the 19th century. Reid wrote that Ireland profited from potatoes, until the Great Potato Famine, leading to financial hardships across the country. In response, the Irish sought alternatives, and thus Irish crochet emerged to help the nation recover financially. Irish Crochet was not only a lucrative industry, but it was also symbolic to the people of Ireland.
According to Reid, the unique style combines different patterns to form a cohesive piece, much like the Irish flag, which unifies the Catholics (represented by green) and Protestants (represented by orange) with white representing unity in the middle.
Ginty ended the mass with the Irish blessing, “May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of St. Patrick behold you.”
The Rory O'Moore School of Pipes and Drums once again marched around the sanctuary performing “America the Beautiful”, leading everyone out of the church.
]]>NUTLEY, NJ - As soon as the soggy but happy 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade ended the Nutley Irish American Association (NIAA), dignitaries, and supporters joined in on the fun of the after party at the Nutley Parks and Recreation Building.
The Nutley Irish, parade dignitaries and friends/families danced the rain drops away well into the evening. The Captain and O'Neill Band kept the party going, helping the folks dry off by playing a mix of Irish and pop tunes, including Country music such as Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.”
One of the many partygoers was the 2014 grand marshal, Brendan W. Gill, Montclair resident and commissioner-at-large on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. Gill said in a separate interview why Nutley’s St. Patrick’s Day parade means so much to him. “It's a great community event as it always is as we are here in the Nutley Parks and Recs building celebrating not only the Irish traditions but the traditions of community of faith and family. [...] I make it a point every year to be here because of not only what this parade means if you’re Irish American but what this parade means to our community here not only in Nutley but in Essex County,” he said.
The Essex County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums marched the dignitaries in playing their bagpipes once more. Deidre Hollywood, NIAA president, introduced each of the parade honorees one at a time. Each thanked the organization and those who came out braving the weather. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci made a speech thanking the organization for a wonderful job. “Is there a better party or a better parade anywhere in the state of New Jersey,” he asked.
The 45th annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade dignitaries shared their Irish favorites in an exclusive interview.
Grand Marshal Nutley Police Detective Capt. Robert Irwin said the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day parade is a favorite tradition of his. A song that means dearly to him is “Danny Boy” by Frederic Weatherly. He said his favorite food is the Irish American dish — corned beef and cabbage.
It should be noted that the famous dinner was made popular by Irish migrants that settled in predominantly Jewish neighborhoods. Corned beef was the cheapest meat they could get to substitute the traditional Irish bacon and cabbage. The difference between Irish and American bacon is it is made of pork loin instead of pork belly.
Deputy Grand Marshal Maureen Callaghan shared in her parade bio that St. Patrick’s Day for her is a house filled with family, friends and corned beef and cabbage and Irish music, a tradition she looks forward to each March. She added at the party that sharing a Guinness with her husband was meaningful. Her favorite Irish song is “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" written by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr. sung originally by John Francis McCormack.
Member of the Year Barbara O'Halloran also expressed her love for corned beef and cabbage. Her favorite tune is “The Rattlin' Bog” by the Irish Rovers. Her favorite tradition is making homemade Baileys Irish cream.
Firefighter of the Year Nutley Fire Lt. Gabe Miller said his favorite tradition is hearing the bagpipes being played, especially at the Nutley Irish events. His favorite song is “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues and of course the food is corned beef and cabbage.
This year’s Nutley Irish parade queen, Tara Catherine Reid Irish step danced away from the traditional Irish American dish. Her favorite Irish food is potatoes in any form. “I love them so much,” she happily responded.
Speaking of the Irish step dance, that is Reid's favorite tradition. “I feel like I just know how to do it in my bones and I haven’t taken lessons for a very very long time and it's just in my soul,” she explained.
Reid’s favorite song is also “Danny Boy.” When she heard that other dignitaries also said the famous song, she replied, "when it's good it's good.”
Some of the Nutley Irish Association members weighed in on their favorites as well.
Hollywood said her favorite food is Irish soda bread. Her favorite Irish song is not one but two “The Black Velvet Band” and “Galway Girl.” Her favorite tradition is the parade. Hollywood added, “Like Maureen [Callaghan] said it's all about family, the Irish are very big into family and being together and celebrating together. It could be celebrating a funeral and the Irish are still going to have fun.”
She added that her favorite symbol is the claddagh. Hollywood explained why it was chosen as this year’s parade pin. The smaller hands are inside bigger hands because the Deputy Grand Marshal works with kids. The blue line across the middle of the pin is because the grand marshal is a cop. The heart is blue because the organization is celebrating their 45th anniversary which is sapphire.
Colleen Nielsen, NIAA recording secretary said her favorite food is mashed potatoes and her favorite tradition is having corned beef and cabbage every year with her family. Her favorite song is “Galway Girl” by Steve Earle. Another favorite is “The Black Velvet Band” by The Dubliners. Additionally, Nielsen said she also adores the hymn "Lady of Knock" written by Irish singer Dana Rosemary Scallon.
Brenda Sherman, NIAA treasurer said her favorite tradition is making Irish soda bread with her grandmother. Her favorite food, scones, is not technically Irish as it is Scottish. She also loves the song “Galway Girl.”
Alicia Bennett Franicola said her favorite tradition is spending time with family at St. Paddy’s day as well as with family and friends at the NIAA St. Paddy’s Day parade. Her favorite food is corned beef and cabbage for the whole month of March. Bennett Frannicola’s favorite song is “The Fields of Athenry” by The Dubliners.
Everyone's Irish on St. Paddy’s Day, celebrate with a Guinness and maybe some Irish cheddar.
Related Articles::
Nutley Irish American Association’s 45th Annual Investiture Mass Kicks Off Parade,
Nutley Commissioners Honor the 2024 Nutley St. Patrick’s Parade Dignitaries with Resolutions,
Gear up for this year’s Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade; get to know the 2024 dignitaries
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