NUTLEYJOURNAL ESSEXNEWSDAILY.COM
VOL. 37 NO. 8
APRIL 2026
They mean business!
— See Page 3
SAL goes to Washington
Photo by Steve Ellmore
Members of the Nutley Irish American Association march down Franklin Avenue during the annual parade. The organization created and runs the popular event. See more photos on page 4 and at www.EssexNewsDaily.com.
Irish paint the town green — See Page 6
NHS rolls to great year
— See Page 23
The township was awash in green as the Irish celebrated their heritage during the 47th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, capping a season of celebration that included dinners, parties and recognition from the township’s Board of Commissioners. “The 47th annual St Patrick's Day parade to celebrate the legend and spirit of St Patrick for a fun filled good old fashioned parade and to promote an atmosphere of benevolence, friendship and community spirit,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci. “St Patrick's Day is founded on the cultural traditions of the Irish, but also the historic American commitment to embrace the multifaceted traditions of all immigrant people who have come to our shores.” The parade featured a number of Nutley community members including the Board of Commissioners and various honorees from Nutley and surrounding communities. The Grand Marshal of the parade was Stephen “Steve” Blank, a Nutley native and one of the founders of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Nutley Irish American Association. “I helped start this 47 really, 48 years ago, and we only went halfway down Franklin Avenue. We could only do that at that point. But then I was 21 years old at the time, and here we are,” said Blank. “I have a lot of good memories here, and I’ll always carry them close to my heart.” Other honorees include Deputy Grand Marshal Noel Lenahan
and Firefighter of the Year Brandon Griffitt, both from Belleville. The 2026 NIAA Member of the Year was granted to Katherine Bennett of Belleville and the title of 2026 Queen was awarded to Victoria Healy of Nutley. “Congratulations to all the honorees and to the great Nutley Irish committee,” said Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli. Kelly also showed his appreciation for the honorees and event. “Every one of you is a great representation of Irish heritage and I couldn't be happier to see all of you leading us down Franklin Avenue in representation of that Irish heritage,” Kelly said. Festivities began with a special Investiture Mass at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church before marchers lined up at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church at 12 noon. The parade began at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Evergreen Street, proceeded north along Franklin Avenue and ended on Chestnut Street at the Review Stand in front of John Walker Middle School. Nutley Irish American Association President, Deidre Hollywood, expressed her gratitude for the Township. “It's really something special that we can show them how much the town appreciates their efforts that they've done throughout their lives, really to honor our heritage, and I really do thank all of you,” Hollywood said.
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