Club Members Greet Neighbors at Farmer's Market

Thirteen clubs participated in the Farmer’s Market that took place last Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM. 

The programs that contributed to the market were the Asian American Student Union, Badminton Club, Building Bridges Club, Class of ‘26, Class of ‘27, Class of ‘28 Class of ‘29, Fashion Literacy Magazine, Interact Club, Intercambrio, Key Club, National Honor Society, and Red Cross Club. Alongside the students were other local businesses and vendors who sold fresh produce, cuisine, beverages, and desserts. Live musical entertainment was also on site.

The club members helped raise money to fund for their extracurricular activities by selling candy, pastries, and beverages. The Class of 2027 held a 50/50 raffle in which they earned over $100. Many of the clubs are sanctioned by other sponsored organizations in town, including the Nutley Education Foundation and Nutley Music Boosters Association. They collaborated in advertising several flyers to visitors during the day.

Principal Denis Williams worked alongside Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli and Co-Market Manager Meredith Blank to get the club members involved with the market. He also attended the event in the club section. “It was great to see people getting out on a nice day and being able to expose the public to what we do,” said Williams. He believes getting students to participate is a good way to show the community how active students are in town activities.

Several weeks ago, Co-manager Blank had spoken to Williams about getting the school involved. She is responsible for keeping the vendors local and clean, and expressed her hope to bring back other Greenutley initiatives, such as the recycling events the township had hosted in the past.

Blank provided some insight on the origins of the Nutley Farmer’s Market, and how it remains up and running since 2009. “It started out as an eco-fest with around four farmers,” she said. “It was so successful; they decided to continue hosting weekly festivals because the mayor at the time wanted points for Sustainable Jersey.” Sustainable Jersey is an organization that encourages sustainable activities in New Jersey communities, and rewards actions with points that go towards certification awards. The organization recognized Nutley for its efforts in 2010 and again in 2013.

Sitting next to Blank was Commissioner Joe Scarpelli, the director of Public Works and the Greenutley Committee. The Greenutley Committee also focuses on making environmentally-sustainable decisions. When the Farmer’s Market ends on October 26, Scarpelli wants to continue hosting eco-friendly events. “After fall, in December, we plan on doing an electronic cycling event,” he said. All fees from the Nutley Farmer’s Market will go towards funding for future Greenutley drives.

The Nutley Farmer’s Market is only a small part of the township’s larger incentive to save money and advocate for a sustainable future. As the weather continues to get cooler, Greenutley will carry on pursuing green choices so students and the greater community can save energy, reduce waste, and make healthier choices.