Palm Sunday, Good Friday events planned in the township

Several Nutley congregations will assemble with palms from their churches on the front lawn of town hall on Palm Sunday, April 2, at 9:15 a.m. for a brief blessing of the palms service.

The palm branch for Christians is a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem when the crowds waved palm branches of victory. It will conclude by 9:30 so participants can worship with their individual congregations, according to a press release from the Nutley Clergy Fellowship, which said that all are welcome. Town hall is located at the corner of Chestnut Street and Vincent Place.

A Good Friday Cross Walk is also planned by the Nutley Clergy Fellowship, which has invited the community to join them for the event on April 7 at 12. The walk will start at noon in front of Nutley High School.

Prayers for peace, healing, safety, compassion, and justice will be offered in front of locations like Town Hall, Nutley Family Service Bureau, and Nutley Police and Fire Departments, the release said.

Participants of all ages can join for all or part of the walk and are invited to bring a cross of any size to carry as a Christian witness, the release said. Those with difficulty walking can meet the procession in the town hall area at 12:45 p.m.

Nutley’s own Super Bowl winning coach David Merritt can be heard on the Inside Nutley Podcast this month.

The former Nutley resident discusses his journey growing up in North Carolina,his National Football League playing days, his coaching career and of course, living and raising a family in Nutley.

Merritt shares his stories about such legends as Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes, Don Shula, Andy Reid, Tom Coughlin and Michael Strahan as well as his favorite memories of his 14 years in

Nutley. Hosted by lifelong resident Thomas Greco, the monthly podcast provides a look at current town issues, explores how the town is moving forward, spotlights residents and businesses and answers questions from Nutley residents.

To view or listen to the latest Inside Nutley Podcast, go to youtu.be/RsHkSvoirlU. Merrit has been part of a Super Bowl winning team four times; twice with the New York Giants and twice with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he is currently coaching.

The Belleville Police Department will be hosting a Bike Rodeo on April 22, at the School 7 parking lot. Police have teamed up with EZ-Ride to create a full day of fun and helpful Safe Basic Skills and Learn 2 Ride classes, according to the township.

The BPD Bike Unit will be on scene along with a Bike Technician for minor adjustments and repairs. Several vendors will be present and have safety equipment, bicycles and other bike related items available for purchase. BPD has a limited amount of bike helmets available if your child is in need of one.

This is a free event for Belleville residents and registration will be limited and on a first come first serve basis. Please review the requirements for the class and if you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Abate at 973-450-3348.

More information and registration details can be found at bellevillenj. org/_Content/pdf/events/2023-BikeRodeo.pdf.

A Belleville woman has released a children’s book about healthy eating habits.

“Mary Dairy Strawberry,” a new book by Crissy C. Fitts-Riley, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc., according to a press release from Dorrance.

Fitts-Riley wants to encourage young children to know that eating healthy allows people to find happiness in life, the release said. Fitts-Riley has a master’s degree in public sociology. She works with children and adults from all walks of life.

“Mary Dairy Strawberry” is a 30-page paperback with a retail price of $18 or $13 for the eBook. The ISBN is 978-1-48095534-9. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 will be holding a car show on Sunday, May 7. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the show is open to all makes and models, according to a press release about the event, which said the event will feature DJ-Carlos, a 50/50 giveaway and hot dogs.

The entry fee for cars is $25 while the general public can enter for free, the release said. Judging will be from 10 a.m. to noon with trophies awarded at 1 p.m.

The show is being held at American Legion Post 105, which is located at 621 Washington Ave., Belleville.