Cranford Life - June 2023

CRANFORDLIFE

Softball team wins UCT title

Sip and Shop celebrates 10 years

By Javon Ross Staff Writer

The Cranford Woman’s Club hosted its 10th annual Sip and Shop event on Friday, May 12. Attendees of the event were awarded a tote bag filled with drink tickets and special coupons for discounts at surrounding stores that were participating in the event.

— See Page 3 Summer fun starts soon!

“I think this is one of the premier events of the town,” Marie Mayor, a longtime attendant of the event, told LocalSource. “It brings everyone together and is a great women’s event that supports Downtown Cranford.”

Many stores and owners affiliated with Downtown Cranford offered to support the event through sponsorships, donations of goods and services, or through special discounts.

“Martin Jewelers is sponsoring this event. There are many stores involved that offer discounts and other rewards for those involved in this event,” Mayor said. “Many stores donated gift baskets and other prizes that can be won.”

The money that was raised at the event goes toward education funds for high school students, via scholarships.

grown to now over 300 people attending this event each year.”

have not missed a year yet.”

— See Page

12 Police, teens swap places

“A majority of the money that is raised at this event goes to scholarship funds for high school seniors,” Chris Shivers, the organizer for the Sip and Shop event, told LocalSource. “The Cranford Woman’s Club is a volunteer organization that was founded in 1949. With a tradition in giving back to the community and its residents, the goal of the organization is enhancing the quality of life in the community. Membership in the Cranford Woman’s Club is open to all women over the age of 18 living in the area. Each year, the club hosts events such as the ‘Home for the Holidays House Tour’ and ‘Breakfast with the Bunny.’

— See Page 14

“We have been doing this event for 10 years,” Shivers said. “One of our club members had the idea for it. Our first event started with 40 people and we have

This event has expanded to become an important event for both the town and for women in Cranford to be honored and celebrated prior to Mother’s Day.

“It is one of the biggest nights of the year for businesses in the town and a great time for women in Cranford to get together and have fun before Mother’s day,” Shivers said.

This event has been held every year since it began, even through the pandemic with safety protocols and social distancing.

“We did miss holding this event in May due to COVID-19, but we were able to host it in October, due to this being an outdoor event where we could social distance and follow state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines,” Shivers said. “We were a little delayed, but we were still able to hold this event for residents and to support local businesses and students and we

The businesses and the Cranford Woman’s Club have an ongoing relationship, with local shop owners donating goods and services to the event to support traction and gain customers.

“All of the businesses in town donate a basket toward this event as a way of support.” Carolyn Capone-Pugliese, Cranford Woman’s Club board member at large, told LocalSource. “Whether it is free dinner, tickets or other prizes, we received 42 baskets for this event.”

The Cranford Woman’s Club said it is dedicated to its goal of enhancing the quality of life in the community, for both residents and the business owners.

“The success of this event is important to us through the money that we raise going toward scholarships, but also to bring business to Cranford,” Shivers said. “We want to keep our downtown thriving, so we believe that it is important to keep everyone engaged as much as we can.”

Photo by Javon Ross Visitors take part in the Cranford Woman’s Club’s 10th annual Sip and Shop event on Friday, May 12. More than 300 people were in attendance.

See event pictorial on Page 8

Transfer scholarship is awarded to two UCUC students

Junaid Ilyas and Carine Medellus, students at Union College of Union County, NJ, are two of 60 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Ilyas and Medellus with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Prior to this year, Union has had four students receive this prestigious scholarship. This is the first time Union has had two students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in the same year.

Ilyas, of Roselle Park, will graduate from Union this spring with an engineering degree. Earlier this year, Ilyas was selected as one of only 11 students selected nationwide as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar. Ilyas is a peer tutor in the Academic Learning Center and is a member of the college’s American Honors program. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a career goal of being a vehicle engineer who innovates vehicle design.

Medellus, of Roselle, has a 4.0 gradepoint average and is majoring in biology. She is a member of American Honors, a

tutor in the ALC and serves as leader of scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa honor society and vice president of the Research Club. This year, Medellus was named as one of only 20 college students nationwide to the prestigious All-USA Academic Team and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Additionally, Medellus was named a 2023 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar based on her score in the All-USA Academic Team competition, which was

the best in New Jersey. She will also receive a $2,250 scholarship.

“There are so many bright and persistent community college students in our nation who we know will thrive at fouryear institutions, if they can find a way to transfer without being weighed down by a heavy financial burden,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are excited to welcome yet another cohort of Cooke

Undergraduate Transfer Scholars to our community, after learning about them through their applications and seeing their unbound potential.”

“We are proud of both Junaid and Carine. Being named Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholars will allow them to transfer to and graduate from universities of their choice — debt free! Our previous Cooke scholars have transferred to Dartmouth, Michigan and Columbia. Union has the top honors program in New Jersey and our students benefit from small class sizes, expert but compassionate faculty, along with a price that can’t be beat. Our college is the destination of choice for discerning students, honors and otherwise, who want a great education, an engaging college experience and an affordable price. I look forward to seeing what great things these scholars will do with their Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship opportunity,” Union President Margaret M. McMenamin said.

Along with financial support, new Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year college and preparing for their careers. Scholars will additionally receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a thriving network of more than 3,000 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

Photos Courtesy of Margaret M. Ortuso

From left, Junaid Ilyas and Carine Medellus, students at Union College of Union County, are two of 60 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

Cranford wins third straight softball UCT title

By JR Parachini Sports Editor

Sometimes it’s not as difficult to win when you’re the team everyone is looking to beat.

Sometimes the pressure of being considered the best team and earning the No. 1 seed in a tournament is too much for teams to go on and win when expected.

But that was not the case for the Cranford Cougars concerning the softball Union County Tournament. Twotime defending champion Cranford High School was the No. 1 seed. The Cougars were expected to win.

They did.

Was it easy?

No, but when all was said and done, they still went on to hoist the trophy once again.

Behind a stellar pitching performance by senior righthander Avery Toddings, a game-tying home run by junior first baseman Sophia DeMarco and a game-winning RBI-single by senior catcher Sabrina Prata, top-seeded and state-ranked Cranford came back in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat third-seeded Governor Livingston High School 2-1 in the 47th annual softball Union County Tournament championship game contested at Kean University’s Cougar Field in Union on Friday night, May 19.

It was the fourth time Cranford defeated Governor Livingston in the final. The first three times were in 2006, 2010 and 2021.

Cranford, which improved to 21-4 after winning its fifth straight, captured the UCT title for the third year in a row. This is the second time in program history the Cougars have done so. The first time was when Cranford won the championship in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The 2009 Cougars, who were Central Jersey, Group 2 sectional state champions and reached the Group 3 state championship game against Pequannock Township High School at Toms River North, were denied a fourth consecutive UCT title by Linden High School, with the Tigers beating Cranford at Linden in the semifinals.

Cranford came back in 2010 to win the UCT for the fourth time in five seasons, with a key player being freshman catcher Melissa Moreno.

Now in her second season as the head coach, Moreno has guided Cranford to its last two UCT titles — last year and this year. Cranford’s three straight UCT titles in 2021, 2022 and 2023 are the program’s first since that 2010 season.

Christine Pemoulie guided Cranford to its 2021 championship. She was also the winning pitcher in 2002 for the Cougars when Cranford won its first UCT crown with head coach Terry Biunno.

Cranford has now won the UCT eight times – third best behind Union High School with 11 and Westfield High School with nine. Governor Livingston is fourth with seven titles.

Cranford and Governor Livingston split Union County Conference-Watchung Division games, with a 7-5 loss at home at Adams Avenue Field to Governor Livingston on Wednesday, May 10, being Cranford’s only setback to a Union County opponent.

Cranford also captured another Watchung Division title, winning the six-team division with a 9-1 record.

Governor Livingston had a five-game winning streak snapped and fell to 17-6. The Highlanders were seeking their first UCT title since 2017.

The UCT final on Friday night, May 19, was a true pitchers’ duel, with Governor Livingston senior Katie DeBello matching Toddings zero for zero after Governor Livingston managed to score a run off Toddings in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by senior catcher Elise Faxon.

Cranford had a base runner thrown out at home

The members of the top-seeded and state-ranked Cranford High School softball team hold their index fingers up symbolizing they are No. 1 after defeating third-seeded Governor Livingston High School 2-1 in the 47th annual softball Union County Tournament championship game at Kean University’s Cougar Field in Union on Friday night, May 19.

plate in the bottom of the first in its initial attempt to tie the game. It would take five more innings for the Cougars to do so.

With one out and nobody on in the bottom of the sixth, DeMarco delivered, blasting a home run over the fence in right-center. Just five outs shy of losing, DeMarco came through in the clutch, after popping up her first two times up against DeBello, to tie the game at 1-1.

Earlier this season in a victory against Elizabeth, DeMarco became Cranford’s first player to amass 100 career hits and 100 career RBIs.

Cranford was not done in the sixth against DeBello. Maddy DeLong and Giulia Olear followed with singles to put runners on first and second. Then Prata hit a blast that reached the top of the center field wall, as DeLong came around to score what would be the winning run.

Toddings then put up her sixth consecutive zero in the top of the seventh and it was time for the Cougars to start celebrating again.

Toddings tossed a four-hitter, allowing only one earned run while striking out 11 and walking none. Toddings retired the side in order in the seventh on two strikeouts and a fly out. She retired the final 14 batters she faced.

DeBello allowed five hits in six innings and gave up just one earned run. She struck out one and did not walk a batter.

DeLong and Governor Livingston sophomore Chelsea

Kiesewetter were the only batters to produce two hits, both going 2-for-3 with two singles.

Cranford Cougar UCT Softball Championships

2023: Cranford 2, Governor Livingston 1 – at Kean

WP: Avery Toddings. Head coach: Melissa Moreno.

2022: Cranford 9, Elizabeth 0 – at Kean

WP: Avery Toddings. Head coach: Melissa Moreno.

2021: Cranford 5, Governor Livingston 1 – at Linden

WP: Morrigan Gardiner. Head coach: Christine Pemoulie.

2010: Cranford 4, Governor Livingston 3 – at Kean

WP: Kelly Hardman. Head coach: Bob Bruno.

2008: Cranford 2, Union 0 – at Linden WP: Kelly Hardman. Head coach: Bob Bruno.

2007: Cranford 13, Linden 0 – at Linden

WP: Kelly Hardman. Head coach: Bob Bruno.

2006: Cranford 1, Governor Livingston 0 – at Linden WP: Elena Morge. Head coach: Shannon Norton.

2002: Cranford 3, Union 0 – at Linden

WP: Christine Pemoulie. Head coach: Terry Biunno.

Photo Courtesy of Cranford Softball Team

COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end in NJ

By Javon Ross Staff Writer

Westfield Regional Health Department

Director Megan Avallone discussed COVID-19 vaccinations at the Summit Press Office on Monday, May 8. Avallone answered several prepared questions and then took questions from viewers.

When asked for her assessment of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, Avallone said she expected, as we enter spring, to see low levels of the coronavirus statewide. “This time of year, as we enter the warmer months, respiratory illness does tend to decline,” she said. “I do not anticipate any spikes until the fall, although COVID-19 has surprised us before. I think that it is safe to say that these summer months are going to be great ones.”

Avallone then reassured everyone that what we were seeing now was actually the end of the pandemic, and not just an end of a phase of it or a particular emergency.

“As everybody knows, May 11 is the federal end to the pandemic,” she said. “That is not a magic date. It does not mean that illness will go away, but what it does signal is a shift. Now, what we consider COVID-19 to be is an ongoing health issue, just like the flu or other respiratory illnesses that will see upticks in the fall and winter and lower levels in the warmer weather. This will be a seasonal illness moving forward.”

The next topic she broached was federal funding, especially with regard to free COVID-19 testing.

“The real change is going to be that there is not going to be funding anymore

for free COVID-19 testing,” Avallone said. “The privatization of vaccinations is different (but), right now, vaccinations will still be free. If individuals are looking to get tested after May 11, they will either have to purchase an over-the-counter test kit or go to their doctor to get tested. But for Summit and the Westfield Regional Health Department, we have lots of test kits for free, so if individuals are interested, all they have to do is contact our office or City Hall and we will let you know where you can get one for free.”

Several questions concerned the COVID-19 vaccination plan for New Jersey and many states along the region, and Avallone said, for now, they will continue to vaccinate those who are high-risk.

“Anybody that still needs a bivalent booster and any children that are now eligible … if any resident is interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccination, they can call our office or contact the press office and we will set them up with a free vaccination appointment,” she said. “We are also doing home visits for individuals who would like that as well. This will continue as long as the federal reserve of vaccines is available – for today we have plenty for those who are interested.”

She then addressed concerns some individuals had regarding potential sideeffects from booster shots or for those experiencing “pandemic fatigue.”

“I can understand and empathize with

that; some individuals may have some mild side effects after a vaccination, feeling a little tired or having a sore arm and cold-like symptoms for a day after vaccination,” Avallone said. “We recommend that you may want to take the vaccination on a day where you can rest the next day. We find our Friday to Saturday clinics to be well attended, because individuals can typically take it easier the next day.”

Avallone emphasized that getting vaccinated or taking a booster shot was a personal choice that every individual should make, considering their age and risk for potential infection in mind, particularly for those who are 65 and older and are immuno-compromised. With regard to the COVID-19 booster being treated in a similar manner as an influenza shot, she admitted it was a little too early to say, although it seemed headed in that direction.

According to Avallone, 97% of the variants detected in New Jersey have been the omicron variant, so the current boosters available are effective against the current strain of COVID-19 being detected in the state.

“What we are seeing now is that a lot of the COVID-19 activity mirrors flu activity, where there are higher rates in the winter,” Avallone said. “I would not be surprised if, in the fall, there was a new formulation of booster that mirrors the type of strains that we are seeing currently.”

Photo by Javon Ross Westfield Regional Health Department Director Megan Avallone addressed many questions and concerns regarding COVID-19, now that the federal government is declaring an end to the pandemic.

We

We are always ready to assist.

Union County will not change its current seal

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

The Union County seal was almost changed last month, if not for the efforts of concerned organizations and individuals in the Union County government.

“We were not told about it at first, but our understanding is that a group, Mothers Against Domestic Violence, questioned why our seal has the scene it does,” said Barbara La Mort, president of the Union Township Historical Society, in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, May 1. “And I don't think the person addressing our group knew the history of the seal. My disappointment with this is that this had been in discussion since 2020, but we’ve only been made aware of it at Christmas 2022. Though polling was introduced in March, the existing seal wasn’t a third option.”

“When we found out about this last December, it was only by a fluke that somebody heard someone talking about it in the court house or the commissioners building, and they passed it onto us,” she added. “The Union County Historical Society also agrees with us.”

“We love our town and want to preserve its history as best we can,” said David Arminio, vice president of the Union Township Historical Society, in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, May 1. “The mission of the Historical

The

Society is not just the preservation of the history of the American Revolution – it’s the preservation of the history of the town, from the 1620s all the way to 2023 and beyond.”

The county seal is unique in New Jer-

sey and very likely the entire nation, as it depicts a woman being killed in the doorway of her home,” La Mort said. “If that was the entirety of the picture, then perhaps Mothers Against Domestic Violence would be justified in its opposition to this

as the county seal; however, when viewed from a historical standpoint, this seal is extremely important to both the county and to the importance of women in our nation’s history.

“Our museum is on the site that’s depicted on the seal. The actual house was burned with Hannah Caldwell’s dead body in the house. One of her neighbors begged the British officers to let the husband and children have a proper funeral for her and then the neighbors brought her body to the neighbor’s house. She was in the house with two of the children and two friends. Steven Speilberg wants to make a movie out of it. There’s deep faith. There’s military battles. It’s like ‘The Patriot.’”

To better understand the significance of the scene represented in Union County’s seal, La Mort went into greater detail regarding this historical event.

“On June 7, 1780, Hannah Caldwell was sitting on her bed, nursing her baby,” she said. “Her 4-year old son kept running to the window and saying he saw soldiers coming. She asks the two women with her to get him away from the window. Finally, she gets up from the bed, hands the baby to one of them and goes to the window and, at that moment, she is shot through the window and dies.”

La Mort said some historians specu-

See DESPITE, Page 10

Photos Courtesy of Union County

Union County seal has remained unchanged since 1933. It depicts a British Redcoat shooting a woman, Hannah Caldwell, as she stands in front of her home. The shadowy figure in the doorway is meant to represent Elias, Caldwell’s 4-year-old son, who was there that fateful day.

Cranford officer is one of the recipients of AG’s policing awards

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on Friday, May 12, announced the winners of the 2023 Excellence in Policing Awards, highlighting the outstanding service displayed by law enforcement agencies, officers, and professionals across the state.

The Excellence in Policing Awards, created in 2019, were designed to encourage and reinforce New Jersey’s commitment to strengthening the relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities. This year, for the first time, the Excellence in Policing Awards were during National Police Week, a week designated by President John F. Kennedy as a time for a grateful nation to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety

of, and in the service to, strangers.

“Today, I am honored to present awards for Excellence in Policing to the dedicated public servants and agencies who work tirelessly to strengthen our communities by implementing innovative, creative and unique programs or by demonstrating particularly heroic actions,” Attorney General Platkin said. “These recipients represent the very, very best of New Jersey law enforcement. Thanks to their efforts, we can better serve our fellow residents and, in turn, not only make New Jersey safer, but truly stronger.”

The following Excellence in Policing Awards were awarded:

Detective Seals Valor Award to Officer

Michael Gamba, Cranford Police Department. The Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award honors a police officer or officers who demonstrated an act of extraordinary bravery or heroism in the line of duty. The award honors Seals, a 13-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, who lost his life in the line of duty in December 2019. Seals’ actions at the time of his death likely saved the lives of many others. Seals was not a stranger to heroism; in 2008, he broke through a window and stopped the rape of a 41-year-old woman on Christmas Eve. The Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award is presented to Officer Michael Gamba of the Cranford Police Department.

Gamba's courageous actions on May

28, 2022, at a senior housing complex in response to a domestic violence incident earned him this award. When Gamba and his team arrived at the scene, they learned that the suspect had already left the residence and was walking in the neighborhood. Fearing that the individual may still be armed, Gamba approached the suspect, who reached into his waistband and pulled out a loaded “ghost gun,” unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home. Without hesitation, Gamba wrestled the firearm from the suspect’s hand, preventing injuries to himself, his colleagues and innocent pedestrians in the area. Gamba’s bravery is the embodiment of valor and pays tribute to the memory of Seals.

Camp Invention’s fun program coming to Orange Avenue School

Camp Invention, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, is coming to Orange Avenue School the week of June 26 through June 30.

A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention challenges children in kindergarten through sixth grade to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems.

Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship, all in a fun and engaging environment.

Each year, the program features a new curriculum

inspired by some of our nation’s most world-changing inventors — the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. This year's Wonder program encourages children to be confident in their ideas and explore their innovativeness though hands-on activities including:

• Catching Air: Taking a confidence-building ride through physics, engineering and art, children design and build their own skate park;

• Invention Celebration: Campers take on the role of event planners as they throw a party celebrating creativity and innovation;

• MimicBot: Children show their unique style when they transform a robot that mimics sounds into a one-ofa-kind animatronic stuffie; and

• Pop-Up Venture: Big ideas come to life as campers design their own mini pop-up business.

“Both of my kids loved Camp Invention! They loved having the opportunity to create, innovate and iterate what they had learned,” said the parent of 2022 Camp Invention campers. “They were intensely proud to tell of their work each day and to showcase their projects at the end of the week.”

All local Camp Invention programs are facilitated and taught by qualified educators who reside and teach in the community. Camp Invention serves 118,000 students every year and partners with more than 2,200 schools and districts across the nation. For more information or to register, visit invent.org/camp.

More than 300 people attend Sip and Shop event

Visitors take part in the Cranford Woman’s Club’s 10th annual Sip and Shop event on Friday, May 12. More than 300 people were in attendance. Attendees were awarded tote bags filled with drink tickets and special coupons for discounts at surrounding stores that were participating in the event.

Photos by Javon Ross

Enjoy tree-watching in Union County parks

Union County residents and visitors can learn about distinctive trees in Union County parks by following specially marked “tree trails.” Each tree can be identified by a green and white tag on its trunk, featuring the name of its species, along with a QR code that links to more details online.

The tree trails are a project of the Master Tree Stewards of Union County, a volunteer program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with support from the Union County Commissioner Board.

“The tree trails provide our residents and visitors with new opportunities to learn about the natural systems preserved by our county parks, and we thank the Master Tree Steward volunteers for their efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of trees

throughout our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. “Trees are essential to the ecosystem of our parks and to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, too.”

The most recent addition to the tree trail project was created last summer in Union County’s Conant Park in Hillside. The trees were marked by a group of certified Master Tree Stewards, including project organizer Dean Talcott, along with Eileen Martines, Clare Minick, Carol Puchalski, Tom Beisler, Mike Dimakos and Jerry Petz.

Visitors to the new Conant Park tree trail can identify green ash, pin oak, black locust, red cedar, Norway maple, gray birch, sugar maple, London plane tree, black birch, American beech, northern red oak, tulip tree, American sycamore, silver maple, white ash,

American basswood, northern catalpa and sweetgum. Additional Union County tree trails are located in Oak Ridge Park in Clark, trail starts near the east end of the parking lot; Briant Park in Summit; Cedar Brook in Plainfield; Echo Lake Park in Mountainside; Echo Lake Extension, trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building; Meisel Park in Springfield; Nomahegan Park in Cranford; Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth; Rahway River Park in Rahway; Sensory Friendly Trail in Mountainside; and Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. For more information about the tree trails and to learn more about trees in Union County, visit ucnj.org/treetrails. To learn more about the Master Tree Stewards and other volunteer programs of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Important information is offered for Union County voters

Union County Board of Elections administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters of important information leading up to the primary election on Tuesday, June 6.

As a result of legislative redistricting in New Jersey, following the 2020 Census, the following towns have been reassigned to a new legislative district: Cranford: District 22; Hillside: District 28; Kenilworth: District 20; and Roselle Park: District 22.

The Union County secure ballot drop boxes are open and ready to accept vote-

by-mail ballots. The secure ballot drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7; available to voters 24/7 and the ballots are picked up by a bi-partisan team, pursuant to state guidelines, with a police escort.

To check to ensure your ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on thewww.njelections.org website. A complete list of secure ballot drop boxes in Union County can be found at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

“Voting drop boxes provide easier means for residents to cast their votes early while still ensuring the voter’s right to a secret ballot,” DiRado said.

“These drop boxes were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and have proven to be highly popular with residents looking to cast a Vote-by-Mail ballot.”

The complete list of election districts and certified polling places is also available on the UCBOE website at ucnj.org/ucboe.

As a result of redistricting, two new election districts have been created: New Providence District 12 and Springfield District 15. Also, six election districts have new polling locations.

All voters affected by the legislative district changes, election district changes or polling place changes will receive a postcard notification.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4123.

Despite controversy, residents vote to keep seal

(Continued from Page 6)

late that Caldwell was assassinated because her husband, the Rev. James Caldwell, was preaching revolution, although she feels that isn’t what happened. Some speculate it was friendly fire, but to her, that’s the least believable. Most likely, a British soldier, maybe not much older than 18, saw movement in the window and shot at it before he knew who it was.

To understand Caldwell’s death, one has to take into consideration its place in history, she explained.

“That day, June 7, 1780, the battle that was fought was called the Battle of Connecticut Farms, what Union was known as before it became Union,” La Mort said. “They were skirmishing over by Milburn and Vauxhall and Springfield. They were trying to get to Washington in Morristown. The Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Battle of Springfield were the last two major battles fought in the north.”

Caldwell’s death inspired people to join the New Jersey militia and the Continental Army, she said. Her husband rode around, telling people they killed his wife, the mother of his nine children.

“Her husband was an ordained minister and was a quartermaster in Washington’s army,” La Mort said. “He was a chaplain in the New Jersey Militia. There are legends about how, when he preached, he kept two loaded pistols in the pulpit with him. There was a price on his head, there was a price on Washington’s head and there was a price on Gov. William Livington’s head. Livingston was the first man elected governor in New Jersey.”

“Caldwell was killed 18 months later in Elizabethport in 1781 A sentry, James Morgan, shot him. There's speculation he was going to collect the reward for bring-

ing Caldwell to the British. So the Caldwell’s nine children were left orphans, but the family was so beloved, all the children were taken in. The 4-year-old boy, Elias Boudinot Cadwell, who was with his mother when she was shot and died, was adopted by the man he was named after, Elias Boudinot, and later became a clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court.”

As for the house itself, even after the British Redcoats burned it to the ground, its place in history was not complete.

“The members of the Connecticut Fams Presbyterian Church rebuilt it in 1789,” she said. “We think they started rebuilding it in 1782. Their church was burned, too, in the battle.”

“The Union Township Historical Society was founded to maintain the house in 1957,” La Mort continued. “They bought it from the estate at the time for $18,000. They even had a campaign in the schools called Pennies for the Parsonage. Otherwise, a lot of other people donated a lot of money.”

“We’re a nonprofit organization that exists to maintain that house,” she added. “The board is all volunteers.”

The house is now known as the Caldwell Parsonage, 909 Caldwell Ave., Union.

According to La Mort, the current seal was being used in 1932 by the county. It became official in 1933.

“We have a copy of the resolution stating why they chose this artwork,” she said.

Despite its historical value, the Union County seal recently became a point of contention when the image it portrayed was considered offensive by Mothers Against Domestic Violence. This led to the Union County Board of County Commissioners deciding to replace it by offering possible new seals for residents of Union County to choose between. Option 1 was the quadrant and option 2 was the

courthouse. Keeping the original seal was not an option.

“We had over 6,600 residents vote for the seal. It’s at stand still until they go over all of the messages,” said Kelly Martins, director of communication and public information, in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, May 1. “We finished the vote last Monday, April 24, at the end of business. I don’t think there is a timeline. They just want to review all the messages before they make a decision. Everyone seems to have different opinions. The commissioners just want to do their due diligence. No decision has been made.”

The poll was open to Union County residents, she said. When the poll ended, anyone who resided out of the county and voted was not counted and separated from the tally. Only the tally of Union County residents were accept-

ed. Each IP address and email was permitted to vote only one time.

Schools who participated in the poll were from Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Garwood, Hillside, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, and Winfield.

“We are aware of a petition that was going around by residents against the changing of the seal which has 1,951 signatures,” said Martins in an online message to LocalSource. “However, those who signed the petition are not just from Union County – they are from all of New Jersey, out of state and sometimes country. Our poll just included Union County residents.”

“I agree with the commissioners that the seal is not accurate and I don’t know if it was ever meant to be accurate,”

Above left, Hannah Caldwell has become a significant historical figure and her death served as a symbol in the fight for independence during the Revolutionary War. These two possible new seals, known simply as

the quadrant, above center, and the courthouse, above right, were the only options given to residents in a recent poll. The original seal proved the overwhelming winner.

Photos Courtesy of Union County

Residents show their support for original seal

(Continued from Page 10)

Arminio said. “It was an artist’s rendition of an action that changed the course of the war. Hannah Caldwell was the first woman killed in battle in New Jersey. She was shot and killed by a British soldier. One of the girls who was with her testified about that.”

“One of the arguments that was used … is that the seal should be replaced because it’s not accurate, but I feel it’s artistic license, it’s a dramatic picture of what happened,” La Mort said. “The picture on the seal in the doorway of the shadow is supposed to be Elias. The artist is trying to tell the story symbolically.”

“The two women who were present, a girl named Abigail Lennington that did some housekeeping and a nurse named Catherine Benward, testified at the Essex County Courthouse at the

inquest into her death.”

Caldwell’s name still figures prominently in Union.

“Hannah Caldwell was the last school built in Union; actually, it was a lab that was converted into a school,” Arminio said. “One of the former board of education members, Ray Perkins, he and his wife were walking down the street when they agreed it would make a good school. They talked to Superintendent Ted Jacobowski and they named it after Hannah Caldwell in the late ’90s.”

As for the issue of the county seal, everyone interviewed said they hoped it was resolved.

“They seem to be indicating that they could revisit this debate, but we're just hoping they’re going to end it,” La Mort said. “The Board of Commissioners meets every other week. We thanked the com-

missioners on April 27 for their decision, but nobody from the other groups was there, so maybe they’re dropping it.”

“It came as somewhat of a surprise that the commissioners were thinking of changing the seal,” added Arminio. “I don’t think this is important enough that (the Union County Board of County Commissioners) should spend so much time on a seal that’s been around since 1933.”

Arminio also praised Kean University history graduate Kelly Komar for everything she did, particularly putting together change.org to try to get more support for the current seal.

“She helped quite a bit in getting the word out,” he said. “She put it on Facebook and all those sites.”

He also pointed out that even other towns were agreeing with them.

“The mayor of Elizabeth endorsed

us,” Arminio said. “Westfield supported us not changing the seal. To me, the seal is significant, not just for Union but for the area.”

As for the county, it’s more of a waitand-see attitude.

“At this time, the Union County Board of County Commissioners are taking into consideration all of the individuals who have emailed, called or attended the commissioner meetings on both sides of the topic,” Martins said. In her statement. “For the moment, we have decided to postpone changing the seal until we have further discussions on all of the feedback received.”

That response is fine with La Mort.

“We’re happy that the existing seal is not being replaced,” she said. “And we hope that continues. Maybe the matter will just fade into the sunset.”

Summer fun starts at The Gateway Family YMCA

Summer is the perfect time to visit the Y and participate in activities for the entire family, including swimming, basketball, pickleball, youth sports and fun family events. The Gateway Family YMCA is celebrating summer, in every branch and in every program, promising a fresh lineup of classes to spark imagination, creativity and socialization. With options such as summer day camp, swimming lessons, youth soccer, dance, basketball and gymnastics, the Y is bringing the fun this summer, as never before.

Registration begins Monday, June 12, for summer YMCA programs online at tgfymca.org and at The Gateway Family YMCA’s branches in Elizabeth, Rahway or Union. The YMCA summer program session includes traditional favorites, along with some added unique programs such as W.I.S.E. — Wellness, Independence and Socialization for our Elders — community services, water exercise, arts programs and more.

“As many families are looking for opportunities to participate together, and socialize after the isolation of the past few years, the Y provides programs and services to build community, develop youth and create safe experiences,” said Melynda A. Disla, president and chief executive officer, The Gateway Family YMCA. “We are uniquely positioned to provide essential services like YMCA housing and social services and child care, while also offering

programs and events to bring our community and families together.”

In response to the growing obesity epidemic and decline in chronic conditions exacerbated by the global coronavirus pandemic, The Gateway Family YMCA offers programs such as blood pressure self-monitoring, group lifestyle balance and diabetes management, which are open to the community, offered in multiple locations and taught in both English and Spanish. A free community membership is available to provide vital access to chronic disease programming and many family events.

“The epidemic of health disparities in underserved communities and communities of color is something that has come to light during the pandemic, and something we have worked diligently to engage and support for many years,” said Rodger D. Koerber, executive vice president and chief operations officer, The Gateway Family YMCA.

“Our dedication and commitment to meet the needs of the communities we serve in Northern Middlesex County and Eastern Union County, provides our Y with an opportunity to improve reach, access and affordability through programs, services and YMCA membership for all,” added Colleen A. Clayton, chief membership and development officer, The Gateway Family YMCA. “The YMCA offers financial assistance to ensure that everyone has access to thrive.”

IN MEMORIAM

• ALDER – Joan, of Tinton Falls, formerly of Cranford and Mountainside; April 19. Worked for AT&T/Lucent/Avaya. Wife, mother, grandmother, 81.

• BERTRAND – David F., of Cranford; April 21. Army first lieutenant veteran. CPA, international tax specialist. Husband, father, grandfather, 82.

• HICKS – Carl Arrington, of Cranford; April 13. Was 81.

• KEIMIG – William J., of Florida, formerly of Elizabeth, Brazil, Hong Kong, Cranford and Monmouth Junction; May 12. Widower, brother, great-grandfather.

• LAMAGNA – Barbara, of Cranford, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y.; May 4. Member of Sunny Acres Civic Association. Widow, mother, grandmother, aunt.

• VICCI – Vincent R. Sr., of Cranford; May 3. Business owner. Elks member. Pop Warner football coach. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 87.

• WIEGAND – Sebastian Robert Carvalho, of Cranford; May 11. Supervisor at EAI in Jersey City. Photographer, car enthusiast. Son, nephew, cousin, 25.

In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

Photos Courtesy of Colleen Clayton

Watch four young peregrine falcons grow into fastest birds on Earth

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites bird watchers and nature fans of all ages to tune into Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream at ucnj.org/falcon, where they can follow along as two adult peregrine falcons raise four newly-hatched chicks in their nest, located on the roof of the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth.

“We are very proud to continue partnering with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, to connect our Union County community — and communities all over the world — with the experience of these magnificent birds, helping to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados.

The Courthouse Tower nest has been occupied by a pair of peregrine falcons every year since 2006. The pair in residence this year is watching over four young chicks, called eyases, which hatched at the end of April.

Eyases are known as voracious eaters. They are expected to double their weight within a week. In three weeks, they are 10 times their size at birth.

At six weeks, they will begin learning how to fly. Visitors to ucnj.org/falcon can watch their progress on a camera located outside of the nest.

Along with the free live streams, the

new Falcon Cam website includes:

• educational resources for teachers to download and use in their classrooms;

• information on how to help this bird of prey, which is still on the New Jersey Endangered Species List;

• a clickable link that enables members of the public to ask questions about peregrine falcons and get answers from a wildlife biologist;

• a behind the scenes look at the instal-

lation of new cameras and microphones from the top of the county courthouse; and

• updated photos and videos.

Peregrine falcons were common in New Jersey and other states east of the Mississippi River until the 1950’s, when the pesticide DDT began to take its toll. DDT was finally banned in 1973. By then, peregrine falcons had disappeared from New Jersey and the entire eastern United States, and they were put on the federal

Endangered Species list.

The falcons did not begin to make a comeback in New Jersey until the 1980s, when conservationists launched a successful reintroduction program.

Union County became involved in the conservation effort in 2005, when a pair of peregrine falcons tried to establish a nest on the roof of the Courthouse Tower. They were most likely attracted by the commanding views of the surrounding area, but the attempt was thwarted by windy conditions.

To help ensure success if the falcons tried again, Union County worked with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation, to install a nesting box at the same location.

Two falcons did take up residence in the nesting box in 2006, but activity inside the nest remained a mystery until 2016, when Union County worked with its two partners to install web cams and set up free livestream on the county website.

Since then, keeping watch for a new clutch of eggs to hatch has become a rite of spring for Union County residents of all ages, and visitors from all over the world.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, visit conservewildlifenj.org.

Photo Courtesy of Tina Casey

A pair of peregrine falcons is watching over four young in their nest, on the roof of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. This photo is a screenshot from Union County’s Falcon Cam livestream at ucnj.org/falcon.

Police and Teens Together offered again at

Members of the Cranford Police Department swapped places with Cranford High School Students during the annual Police and Teens Together programming offered to criminal justice students at CHS.

Detective Matthew Siessel, a trained PATT Program facilitator, organized the event, along with the assistance of members of the Juvenile Bureau, Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, Traffic Bureau and Community Outreach Unit.

Partnering with the Cranford Police Department were Mandy Charles, a criminal justice instructor at CHS, and Mark Cantagallo, principal of CHS.

PATT involves three days of shared experiences for students and police officers.

Day one allows students to engage in honest and open conversations with police officers about their experiences — both positive and negative — with law enforcement.

During day two, students take on the role of police officers and conduct mock motor vehicle stops, learning what tactics police officers utilize to ensure a safe and productive interaction with the public.

Finally, day three consists of learning about the officers behind the badge, demonstrating that police officers are regular people outside of their professions.

Students were able to see body-worn videos of Cranford officers responding to various calls for service to show an officer’s safety concerns and challenges with de-escalating tense crises.

With the goal of breaking down any barriers between law enforcement and Cranford’s younger generation of residents, PATT has been offered to Cranford High School students since 2015.

This year covered three separate classes of 10th- through 12th-grade students.

Photos Courtesy of Capt. Matthew R. Nazzaro

Agreement reached to protect rights of Spanish-speaking voters

The Justice Department announced on Tuesday, May 9, that it has entered into a proposed consent decree with Union County and county elections officials to settle a voting rights lawsuit.

The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court, in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The department’s lawsuit brings claims according to Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency.

Section 203 requires that certain jurisdictions provide election materials and assistance in other languages, in addition to English. These jurisdictions have been determined by the Census Bureau to have a substantial population of citizens who speak a language other than English and who have limited English proficiency. According to Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, Union County is required to provide assistance and make materials available in Spanish.

Section 208 provides a right for voters who need assistance with voting — due to

inability to read or write, blindness or disability — to receive assistance from the person of their choice, so long as that person is not an agent of the voter’s employer or union. The consent decree would resolve the United States’ claims.

“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that every eligible American is able to vote free of unlawful barriers. Through the agreement entered today, we ensure that no one is denied this sacred right simply because they are a Spanish speaker.”

“Language barriers should never prevent an eligible voter from being able to freely participate in the democratic process,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said.

“Equal access to the ballot in a modern democracy means ensuring the availability of bilingual materials for those who are limited English proficient and guaranteeing the right to receive assistance by a person of your choice.

“We will continue using our voting

rights laws to confront the barriers that stand between voters and the ballot box.”

The proposed consent decree, which must be approved by the court, requires the implementation of a comprehensive Spanish-language elections program under Section 203.

The Union County clerk and Board of Elections will provide all election-related information in both English and Spanish, including information in the polling places and online.

The Union County Board of Elections will also ensure that in-person language assistance is available at all early voting sites and at each election district with at least 100 Spanish-surnamed registered voters.

Spanish-language assistance will

continue to be available to all voters by telephone during elections. In addition, the consent decree provides that any voter covered by Section 208 who needs assistance to vote may be assisted by the person of that voter’s choice, other than an agent of the voter’s employer or union, during any stage of the voting process. The consent decree also provides that federal observers may monitor election day activities in polling places in Union County.

Individuals may file voting rights complaints with the Civil Rights Division, either online or by calling 800-2533931. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, either online or by calling 855-281-3339.

CHS Class of 1983 to host reunion

Cranford High School Class of 1983 will host its 40th class reunion on Saturday Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 951 Lincoln Ave E, Cranford 07016. There will be a band, open bar and appetizers only.

For more information, contact the 40th reunion committee at cranfordclassof1983@gmail.com.