McNish honors Irish heritage as deputy grand marshal

Joseph H. McNish Jr., better known to his family members as “Brud,” was born and raised in Belleville and said he is tremendously proud of his Irish heritage. His ancestors came from Ireland, settled in New Jersey and began a tradition of becoming civil servants in the community. McNish grew up with a close family and an incredible group of friends who remain an instrumental part of his life today. He graduated from Belleville High School, where he was captain of the wrestling team. McNish married his high school sweetheart, Maria, and moved to Nutley, where he currently resides.

McNish is the CEO of Advanced Therapy of America, a state-of-the-art therapy center providing speech therapy and occupational therapy to children and adults. He started his career in corporate America, working for a global fragrance organization, where he served roles in management, international travel, distribution, logistics and administration. After 16 years in his profession, McNish decided to change his career path to lead Advanced Therapy of America in business development and operations. He had a desire to embrace a profession that would make a difference and improve the lives of others. Under his leadership, the company expanded organically from one to four locations, fulfilling the organization’s mission of making an impact on as many lives as possi- ble. McNish takes part in various charity events to raise funds for research and advancement of care for children and adults with special needs, while promoting awareness and an inclusive society. McNish leads his team with positivity, consistently assuring that his staff provides the highest quality of standards and most innovative treatments for individuals with disabilities worldwide.

McNish said he is extremely humbled and elated about the opportunity to celebrate with the Nutley Irish and such an accomplished group of honorees. He said he would like to thank Deidre Hollywood, officers, and board of trustees of The Nutley Irish American Association. He also said he would like to congratulate his fellow dignitaries for this incredible honor. McNish said he knows that his uncle Thomas J. McEnery’s Irish eyes are smiling up in heaven, delighted that the dream of his godson becoming a dignitary came true. McNish said he would also like to thank his wife and best friend, Maria, and all of his family and friends who are undeniable blessings in his life.

“May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold and, at the end of your rainbows, may you find a pot of gold,” said McNish. “Remember to live every day like it’s the last, dream big and believe in the impossible.”

Connor crowned as 2023 NIAA parade queen

Allison Ann Connor is 26 years old and is a lifelong resident of Nutley. She is a 2014 graduate of Nutley High School and a 2020 graduate of William Paterson University in Wayne. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in disabilities studies. Connor currently works in childcare, where she is a private nanny for several children.

The Connor family trace their roots back to County Roscommon, Ireland. Connor’s paternal grandmother Anna “Grannie” O’Grady was from Lung, Ballaghaderreen. Her paternal grandfather Dank “Grandpa” was from Tibohine. The two emigrated from Ireland and came to Brooklyn, N.Y., where they lived for many years before moving to North Arlington. Her mother’s side of the family originated from Ireland and Germany. With extensive research, Connor's maternal grandparents are roughly the sixth generation to have emigrated from Ireland.

Connor has been blessed with growing up surrounded by her siblings, Tara, Andrew, Joseph and Matthew, and her 30 cousins. One of her favorite memories of growing up is spending Christmas with her whole family and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day, where she would join her family at her grandparents’ house each year for some corned beef and cabbage!

Connor is very involved and volunteers her time throughout the township of Nutley. Being a parishioner at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, she has helped with many events that have happened throughout the years there. She has assisted with the St. Mary’s Tricky Tray, in addition to serving Thanksgiving meals for those in need.

Being the Nutley parade queen was one of Connor’s dreams. She said she is so honored to be the 2023 parade queen and be able to march alongside her fellow dignitaries. Connor said she is so excited to be following in the footsteps of some special people in her life, including her Aunt Karen and Uncle Kevin. Along with them, she is following her mom, Maureen, who was the Member of the Year in 2016, and her sister, Tara, who also was the queen in 2018. She said she wants to thank the Nutley Irish American Association for this amazing opportunity. In addition, she wants to thank her mom, dad, sister and brothers for always being there to support her in every dream she has. Connor said she wishes her fellow dignitaries the best parade season and is praying for sunshine and many shades of green on March 4! Slainte!