Minions Take over Chestnut Street with Nutley Family Service Bureau’s Movie Night

NUTLEY, NJ - The Nutley Family Service Bureau parking lot was transformed into a movie theater this summer.

Moviegoers enjoyed free hot dogs, ice cream novelties, and, of course, popcorn thanks to Nutley Family Service Bureau’s new Community Advisory Board. Over 50 families carried their lawn chairs and blankets to watch the movie “Despicable Me” on a large screen in the parking lot.

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The free outdoor movie night happened with a grant provided by Partners for Health Foundation in Montclair. This was the first free movie night the CAB has put together since they began operations under NFSB this year.

Emcee Rob Frannicola from Ultimate Entertainment/board member of NFSB kept the crowd on its toes with a guess the movie logo on the big screen he provided.

Moviegoers were provided with tickets for hot dogs and a novelty ice cream. JR's Hot Dogs from Belleville supplied dogs with just about anything people requested. They had sauerkraut, chili, Italian hot onions, cheese and the basic relish, mustard and ketchup. Of course, if people wanted the Super Duper Works Dog, which has all but cheese and ketchup, they were able to get it with their ticket.

According to Katherine Carmichael, executive director of NFSB, many people came out to view the movie, including volunteers, staff and clients. “This is great, we just hope to do more of these events. We love doing this for the community,” she said.

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“We are really excited that we are able to provide this to the community,” added Peg Conca, director of operations for NFSB’s food pantry/thrift shop.

“We all came together to shape the event. I think the community deserves wellness events; feel good events like this,” said Kelly Rivadeneyra, assistant director of mental health and a licensed clinical social worker.

Rivadeneyra, a staff member who also serves on the NFSB Community Advisory Board, said it was the brainchild of the members of the advisory board.

The NFSB Community Advisory Board was established to bring the residents of Nutley together and break the stigms associated with mental health.

In May, NFSB held a Mental Health Awareness Month Event to reach out to the community.

See related stories: Nutley Family Service Bureau Food Truck "Rave" Breaks Barriers for Mental Health Awareness and More Scenes from Nutley Family Service Bureau's Mental Health Awareness Month Event .

Their next event is their annual fundraiser, the Garden Party from  4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Mountsier-Hardie Garden at 205 Rutgers Place, Nutley. The fundraiser supports all programs by NFSB including the Food Pantry.

To purchase tickets, make a donation, see the entertainment lineup, or learn more about sponsorship and volunteering opportunities, visit the event page at nutleyfamily.org/the-garden-party . Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 in person. Food is provided by Mamma Vittoria in Nutley. VIP tickets are $150 and include an exclusive reception at 2:30 p.m. with premium refreshments catered by The Hudson Rose in Nutley.

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