Detective given award
Cranford High School 2023 graduation
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The rain held off on the cool summer night, as 280 Cranford students participated in graduation. Prior to the commencement activities, Principal Mark Cantagallo said, “It’s been a pleasure. This graduating class has so much potential to make the world a better place.”
— See Page 2
Baton troop succeeds
— See Page 3
The sounds
of summer — See Page 12
Gianna Pantastico, 17, said she’s really excited about graduating and looking forward to attending George Washington University, where she’ll be studying international affairs with a minor in French.
While Abby Gorman, 17, said she was also thrilled to graduate and get a fresh start, she shared, “It’s a little bit sad. I’ll miss my friends.” She’ll be attending St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia for business administration.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Christian Buontempo, 17. “I’m relieved. I’m happy. And ready to conquer.” The graduate will be attending High Point University in North Carolina and plans to study business management and administration.
The festivities began with the Cranford High School Band and Orchestra performing “Pomp and Circumstance.” Presentation of Colors from Cranford VFW Post No. 335 followed, and then the “Pledge of Allegiance,” let by Breona Pizzuta, vice president, Class of 2023; Sabrina Prata, treasurer, Class of 2023; and Aila Riera, secretary, Class of 2023. The Cranford High School Concert Choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Garret Hanlon, president, Class of 2023, addressed the class reflecting on experiences that shaped them. “Time is the most precious resource we have,” he said. “It’s up to us to cherish these moments. Take risks. Pursue your passions. Seize the day. Live fully.”
After a heartfelt speech about the parents who took care of the students, Cantagallo encouraged the graduating class to be proud of their accomplishments.
hoped their future dreams go well.
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Kurt Petschow Jr., president of the Board of Education, thanked the class for taking the Board on an amazing ride and
After the conferring of diplomas, Class
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Page 6
Above, a student receives her diploma at Cranford High School’s graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 22. Below, students celebrate their graduation. See
CLASS,
Officer receives Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award
On Friday, May 12, the New Jersey Office of Attorney General presented Officer Michael Gamba of the Cranford Police Department with the Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award at an Excellence in Policing Awards ceremony hosted in Trenton.
Nearly a year earlier, on May 28, 2022, Cranford Patrol Units responded to the senior housing complex located at 40 Meeker Ave. for a reported domestic violence incident. The incident involved an elderly woman who said her son had physically assaulted her and, during the course of the assault, pointed a firearm in her direction. The mother further said that her son may be having suicidal thoughts. Sgt. Steven D’Ambola, Gamba and Officer Nicholas Cook proceeded to the residence to make contact with the suspect and place him under arrest.
As each of the officers arrived on scene, it was determined that the suspect had already left the residence and was walking in the neighborhood. Due to the beautiful spring night, there were many pedestrians in the area, which made the situation more complicated. Gamba spotted the individual walking down Meeker Avenue toward the apartment complex. Utilizing a ballistic shield, the officers tactically approached the suspect, placing themselves in the line of fire, should the suspect be armed. As D’Ambola began the approach, the suspect began to back away, ignoring the verbal
commands of the officers.
Fearing that the individual may still indeed be armed, Gamba exited his position of cover and moved quickly toward the suspect. As Gamba approached, the suspect reached into his waistband and began to raise a black semi-automatic
firearm. Gamba immediately recognized the firearm and, without hesitation, placed himself in direct danger in what was most certainly a deadly force encounter. Gamba grabbed hold of the firearm by placing his hand on the slide and wrestled the firearm from the sus-
pect’s hand. Cook and D’Ambola immediately tackled the suspect to the ground and placed him under arrest.
“The heroic actions by all three officers almost certainly prevented injuries not only to themselves, but also the innocent pedestrians in the area,” Chief Ryan J. Greco said.
Once the scene became stabilized and the suspect was in custody, it was determined that the firearm was a loaded 9mm Polymer 80 Inc. “Ghost Gun.” The significance of this incident has brought much attention to the topic of Ghost Guns. This gun was ordered in numerous pieces via the internet as the suspect, a known druguser with psychiatric issues, would never have been legally able to own a firearm.
For his efforts, Gamba was awarded with the Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award by Attorney General Matthew Platkin. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the “Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award honors a police officer who demonstrated an act of extraordinary bravery or heroism in the line of duty. The award honors Detective Joseph Seals, a 13-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, who lost his life in the line of duty in December 2019. Detective Seals’ actions in December 2019 likely saved the lives of many others.”
Present for the ceremony on behalf of the Cranford Police Department were Greco and Capt. Matthew R. Nazzaro.
2— July 2023 — Cranford Life
Photo Courtesy of Matthew Nazzaro
From left are Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Officer Michael Gamba and Chief Ryan J. Greco, who presented Gamba with the Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award at an Excellence in Policing Awards ceremony hosted in Trenton.
Diamondettes look to even more successes
By David Jablonski Managing Editor
It was a special day for Diamondettes Baton and Dance LLC owner/director Nicole Marie Placca on Saturday, June 3, when she received an award from Cranford Mayor Brian Andrews at Diamond Gymnastics Academy in Cranford.
“The award recognizes the program for offering baton twirling, which is very rare for the area, and the mayor acknowledged the team for their championship in Wildwood,” said Placca in a recent interview with LocalSource.
“We’re the only baton-twirling program in the area, the official one in the area,” she explained. “We’re the first studio since Ms. Pat’s in Union. Batontwirling isn’t a common sport, so all the students who come to me are relatively novice. I’m really building athletes from nothing.”
The number of trophies she and her students possess demonstrate just how successful her efforts have been.
Diamondettes is the first private baton and dance program to be established in Union County since the decade-run Patti's Dolls ran out of Union,” Placca said.
“Classes take place conveniently in many Union County locations, in particular the main home of Diamondettes, which is Diamond Gymnastics of Cranford,” Placca said. “Recently, Sunburst Gymnastics of Union has been holding
From left are Diamondettes Baton and Dance LLC owner/director Nicole Marie Placca and Cranford Mayor Brian Andrews, holding an award he presented to her on Saturday, June 3, at Diamond Gymnastics Academy in Cranford. Also in the photo are Placca’s Diamondettes who are standing and kneeling to one side holding trophies they won this season. The award recognizes the program for offering baton twirling, which is very rare for the area, and the mayor acknowledged the team for their championship in Wildwood.
consistent classes as enrollment grows.”
Looking to increase the availability of her program throughout the county, she added that there is something unique
about what she has to offer that makes it a good fit for girls of all ages and athletic abilities.
“Our program greatly differs from the
commonplace youth athletic programs in that we focus on individuality and tailor instruction in real time to adapt to each child,” Placca said. “We reward the imperfections just as much as the successes, because they are necessary to the learning process.”
Placca, who is a baton-twirling coach at Union High School and also teaches high school Spanish, said, as an educator, she sees first-hand that the social and emotional needs of youth need to be focused on and she ensures that every class session is devoted to not only teach twirling, but to motivate and emphasize social and emotional needs.
“Unlike many performance groups, our program adapts the skills to meet the abilities of the child; therefore, our program makes it possible for those with no prior skills to succeed, while those with performance skills enhance their current abilities with a learning baton,” she said.
She said the basis of the program is that of celebrating individuality and giving each student what they personally need to experience success in terms of their own needs.
“We strive to show everyone that they can be an athlete and that athleticism comes in all forms,” she said.
There are a variety of packages available including the Exquisite Star Program
See BATON, Page 14
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Union board member named a NJ Irish American Leader
Union College of Union County has announced that Board of Governors member and Union alumnus from the Class of 1995 Brian Campbell, of Berkeley Heights, has been named a 2023 New Jersey Irish American Leader by Insider NJ.
Campbell grew up in Cranford and, along with all six of his siblings and his father, attended UCUC and graduated with his associate degree. He went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, both from Rutgers University. Campbell currently serves as Vice President of Investor Relations at Wiley, based in Hoboken.
The Insider NJ listing of 2023 Irish American Leaders acknowledges the accomplishments and contributions of New Jersey’s Irish Americans.
“We are proud of the recognition of our exemplary board member, Brian Campbell, by Insider NJ. Brian is a diligent and thoughtful member of our Boards. He’s active and engaged and he brings with him the valuable perspective as a former Union student. We’ve benefited much from his finance expertise. He’s an asset to our Board and our community,” said UCUC Board of Trustees Chairperson Victor M. Richel.
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Brian Campbell, of Berkeley Heights, has been named a 2023 New Jersey Irish American Leader by Insider NJ.
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Cranford Life — July 2023 — 5
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(Continued from Page 1)
of 2023 salutatorian Joseph Uglialoro spoke about a letter he wrote to himself in eighth grade that focused on things such as class trips and pool parties that parents had to approve with their signature. “The chapter of that life ends, a new life begins,” he said.
Uglialoro continued to speak about students going off to college, the work force, the military or trade schools and being independent for the first time. “It seems like a like because it is,” he said. “Let’s have the best summer ever and grab the world by the horns this fall.”
Becky Boesen sang “I am possibility,” accompanied by the Cranford High School Concert Choir, followed by a profound talk by Tamiyana Roemer, valedictorian, Class of 2023, who focused on the paths taken and thanked teachers and the Board of Education for clearing those paths.
Romer, who spent three years editing the high school’s literary and art magazine, Prologue, said, “For three years, I’ve been constantly reminded of how many people walk the same paths as me. If you’ve written it, I’ve probably read it,” she said. “I’ve consumed Cranford High School’s students’ tales of disappointment, confessions of insecurity and, honestly, a lot of post-break-up poetry. But I’ve also read about your passions, your joys, your triumphs. We’ve shared these feelings because we’re shared so many of
our experiences. When you look back at your time at Cranford High School, I hope you look back on the communities that strode with you.”
In conclusion, Romer encouraged her classmates to, “Continue to march forward. The most important paths are rarely mapped.”
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Cranford
Class of 2023 graduates from
High School
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Above, Principal Mark Cantagallo wears school colors at Cranford High School’s Class of 2023 graduation on Thursday, June 22. At right, students celebrate graduation in style.
Thomas Vincent Adamski
Christian Carlos Agnello
Gina Marie Agnone
Maddox Christian Aguiling
Brian Altobelli Jr.
Audreyana Alvarez
Christopher Aden Alvarez
Jakob Andreassen
Adrian Arber
Gavin Christopher Aschmies
Victoria Esther Aslin
John Clive Attebury
Madison Reese Au
Gabriella Amelia Baiada
Ari Benjamin Barmak
Charlotte Therese Bauer
Samuel Harrison Beck
Penelope Sol Espinoza
Elizabeth Ann Beckley
Alyssa Kristine Bellante
Katie Marie Bendert
Jude Cecelia Berglas
Thomas Vincent Blanche
Ella Catherine Bradley
James Christopher Breslin
Cathryn Nola Brown
Dakota Brown-Howard
Thomas Edel Buckman
Olivia Ann Bufkin
Christian William Buontempo
Kori Burns
Samantha Rae Burns
Joscelin Lily Busse
Tiago Caetano
Vincent Salvatore Cafiso
Ava Campos
Aiden Jacob Santos Cancio
Julia Dolores Canfora
Jonah Earl Capozzi
Sophia Zlata Carpenter
Michael Anthony Carrea
Victoria Machado Carrico
Jacob Matthew Carter
Anne Cartnick
Jake Tyler Carvalho
Madelyn Elyse Casazza
Lyla Grace O'keefe Cassidy
Evan Chang
Samantha Chang
Matthew Dennis Chapman
Anjalina Alexus Chen
Ryan Michael Chiodo
John Christopher Coccaro
Melissa Lynn Collins
Taylor Morgan Colter
Quentin James Connolly
Ashley Cooper
Madeline Corlett
Ethan Correia
Quinten John Costello
Sarah Dasilva
Rose Deeb
Erin Agnes Degroat
Manuel De Luca
Isabella Ann Destefano
William Reid Devaney
Benjamin Anthony Difabio
Tyler James Dipaola
William Harris Domber
Declan Paul Dowd
Oliver Michel Duboscq
Jason Steven Ebersole
Christian Michael Echavarria
Tyler Lardieri Egan
Christopher Miguel Egurrola
Ryan Steven Egurrola
Gwyneth Emily Esteves
Lucas Michael Esposito
Emma Kathleen Ewing
Kyle Robert Fargo
Gwyneth Claire Farley
Kyle Christopher Fay
Kyle Jamal Ferguson
See CLASS, Page 8
Cranford Life — July 2023 — 7 28 Eastman St.,Cranford www.VinnysPizzaAndPasta.net See Our Menu & Order Online! Catering • Delivery • Eat In • Take Out 908-709-9000 908-709-9000 Fax 908-709-9009 Congratulations And Best Wishes To The Seniors! Congratulations Congratulations CLASS OF 2023 CLASS OF 2023 CRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL CRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL Congratulations Cranford High School Seniors & Good Luck! UNION COUNTY LOCALSOURCE 908-686-7700 UNIONNEWSDAILY .COM
Cranford High School graduates its Class of 2023
Class of 2023 bids farewell to Cranford High School
(Continued from Page 7)
Paige Jennifer Fiore
Matthew Vincent Folgia
Shayne Patrick Fowler
Jordan Paige Fry
Jamie Luke Garrow
Asher Coltrane Gelfand
Allison Rose Gluck
Liam Clarence Joesph Godwin
Abigail Patricia Gorman
Julieanne Grace Gormley
Shea James Grady
Alexander John Grohol
Gabrielle Violet Gudoski
Derek Tomas Gutierrez
Brandon Haiser
Garret Patrick Hanlon
Charles Albert Hasbrouck
Kayla Grace Haughey
Elizabeth Clare Hecht
Ryan John Heesters
Kelvin Jose Hercules-Miranda
Isabella Anne Hidalgo
Maeve Anne Higgins
Connor John Hoefling
Mason William Hooey
Jonah Reese Horne
Miles Henry Horne
Maria Eduarda Horta
Marin Elizabeth Host
Julia Margaret Hulse
Owen Lawrence Hunt
Ryan William Inglesby
Quinn Robert Isaksen
Safa Ashraf Ismaeil
Ryan Richard Jaros
Madison Lee Jones
Anastasia Kalinchak
Shane Carl Kanterman
Leo Kapetanakis
Kylin Blaire Keene
Faith Isabella Kelly
Joseph Salim Khouri Jr.
Karina Nunzianna Kilbashian
Ryan Ohannes Kilbashian
Sansa Lorelei Kirby
Michael Paul Kosty
Jake Brian Kowalski
Clayton Russell Kozak
Viktor Jozef Kubrak
Emma Kulka
Sarah Jane Labrutto
Jessica Anne Lamastra
Claudia Marleni Lamberts
Meaghan Ann Laniewski
Samantha Lester
Anthony Donato Lettini Iii
Sydney Emma Leung
Samantha Rose Levenstein
Brianna Grace Littler
Ryan Christopher Littler
Angelina May Loffredo
Marco Giuseppe Loikith
Liz Maria Mendonca Lopez
Alexis Michelle Lorenc
Natalia Lucio
Cael Ronan Lynch
Kevin Connor Lynch
Ryan John Lynskey
Sophia Marie Mack
Nathan Alexander Maggio
Daniel Martin Malanka
Cassee Marchese
Devin Hunter Marler
Luke Justus Marmarou
Abigail Maroney
Lara Gomes Marques
Gianna Rose Massoni
Madison Jean Mcateer
Timothy Mccaffery
Maximillian James Mcconnell
Dylan Francis Mcdonald
Aileen M Mcgovern
Aislinn R Mcgovern
Cornelius Christopher Mcgovern
Ryan James Mcgowan
Caroline Jane Mcintyre
Audrey Marchant Mcmahon
Benjamin Marchant Mcmahon
Petra Maeve Mctiernan
Max Joseph Melchiorre
Noah Stone Merriman
Nolan Christopher Mikesell
Benjamin Lawrence Monahan
Sebastian Enrique Morales
Patrick Ryan Morin
Nicholas Andrew Moritz
Kathryn Mary Morris
Rylee Jordan Motts
Tyler Joseph Motts
Christopher Michael Muller
Andres Enrique Munoz
Grace Emma Murphy
Alexandra Muzzicato
Jesus Manuel Namroud
John Feher Narvaez
Carson Gary Nicholls
Meghan Marie Normann
Michael Joseph Normann
Kaylie Marie Nudelman
Matthew Jerome Nudelman
Emma Lynn O’brien
Kimberly R O'donnell
Sarah Madeline O'donnell
Daniel William Olear
Giulia Jean Olear
David Gerard Onofri
Veronica Juliette Pacheco
Emma Grace Pachkowski
Gianna Michelle Pantastico
Kyra Hope Patterson
Tomas Felipe Pereira
Luke Michael Pitts
Breona Rose Pizzuta
Colin Steven Podeszwa
Alyssa Grace Potash
Rafael Steven Potenciano
Sabrina Elisabeth Prata
Riley Ann Puchinsky
Declan Andrew Quigley
Nicholas Daniel Ramirez
Nicholas Michael Ret
Aila Rene Riera
Dewayne Scott Rivers Jr.
Tamiyana Dar-Mei Roemer
Ryan Edward Roese
Hailey Elizabeth Romanski
Khalil Zaire Roper
Amber Lynn Rosa
Olivia Rose Russomanno
Madeline Elizabeth Ryan
Ava Raquel Saionz
Eva Ann Salvatore
Jeremy L Sanchez
Grace Elizabeth Santomauro
Ava C Santonastaso
Abigail Grace Sassi
Thomas James Scaturo
Ethan Cole Schaufler
Benjamin Raul Serna
Finnegan Valentine Sezer
Katelyn Shaw
Hannah Danielle Silverman
Zachary Smolanoff
Gabriella Marie Sormillon
Andrew John Soyka
Matthew Stanley
Lindsey Rose Stevens
Gage Louis Stiles
Madelyn Swanson
Hannah Rose Symanski
Matthew Augustyn Szczepankiewicz
Zack Szekeres
Samuel Phillip Tallon
Autumn Victoria Tines
Benjamin Jude Tipton
Samuel Carl Tipton
8— July 2023 — Cranford Life
See CRANFORD’S, Page 9
Cranford’s Class of 2023 becomes latest alumni
(Continued from Page 8)
Avery Lynn Toddings
Michael Vincent Tona Jr.
Andrea Bernadette Torres
Alexandra Heddy Toto
Kieran Daniel Touhey
Charlotte Elizabeth Towery
William David Towne
William Joseph Troiano
Jacob Allan Trotta
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Meghan Catherine Turner
Joseph Victor Uglialoro
Owen Daniel Usinowicz
Ana Beatriz Valdivieso
Guillermo Gabriel Valladares
Alasia Dawn Villanella
Ryan Adam Viverito
Anna Elizabeth Waller
Molly Ryan Walsh
Henry Mason Warren
Teagan Pamela Waters
Makayla Anne Werner
Ryan Lawrence Whitmore
Matteo Wilde
Madelyn Wilhelm
Aidan Bryce Wilson
Riley Redmond Wintonick
Charles Jackson Wischusen
Sean Martin Woodruff
Carmella Maria Yianolatos
Lily Elizabeth Young
Jack Michael Zambito
John Thomas Zamboni
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County announces Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to a Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which will cele-
brate the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The Summer Festival is a joyous occasion that aims to foster inclusivity,
IN MEMORIAM
• BLACK – Robert MacCullough Jr., of Fredericksburg, Va., formerly of Cranford and Madison; May 19. Educator. Husband, father, grandfather, 90.
• SANDLER – Ruth Diamond, of Gainesville, Fla., formerly of Cranford and Boca Raton, Fla.; May 25. Diamond Foundation president, mother, grandmother, 85.
• ZOURZOUKIS – Vasiliki, of Cranford, formerly of Greece and Eizabeth; June 14. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 91.
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.
empower individuals with disabilities, and provide a fun atmosphere for families to enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados.
“This event is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the valuable contributions made by people with disabilities. I hope to see you all there!”
The event will take place on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
The festival will feature a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages and abilities.
Attendees can look forward to inflatable rides, music, games, crafts and a captivating magic show. With a focus on accessibility, all areas of the event will be designed to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the festivities.
Admission to the Summer Festival is free of charge; however, attendees are requested to register in advance.
To register, visit www.ucnj.org/opdsnreg<http://www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg>.
This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, through the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.
To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-5274807.
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Union College student selected as Kaplan Leadership Scholar
Union College of Union County has announced that student Junaid Ilyas, of Roselle Park, has been selected as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar. Ilyas is one of only 11 students selected nationwide as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar.
The Kaplan Leadership Scholar Program, which is a part of the Kaplan Educational Foundation, targets students at two-year schools who demonstrate financial need, leadership potential and educational acumen.
While pursuing his degree in engineering at Union, Ilyas also serves as a tutor to his fellow students in the Academic Learning Center and is an American Honors student. Regarding Ilyas’ future, he plans to further his education by pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering, with a career goal of being a vehicle engineer. Specifically, he plans to be a part of the innovation side of vehicle design, creating ideas that he believes “other gear-heads would go crazy over.”
“Junaid is a dedicated student and is a great example of hard work resulting in tremendous opportunity,” said Union
Junaid Ilya
College President Margaret M. McMenamin. “The financial support provided by the Kaplan Educational Foundation is transformative, and we are proud of Junaid for being one of only 11 students across the country to be selected for this honor.”
Ilyas is the fourth student from Union selected as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar. Marlon Artega, Union Class of ’22, shared his experience being selected as a scholar.
Union County returns with a summer of free concerts in parks
The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced a full schedule of free music and fun for the whole family in their Union County parks this summer. The events continue throughout July and August with the Summer Arts concert series beginning on Wednesday, July 12.
“The Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce another unforgettable summer of free and funfilled concerts in our wonderful Union County parks,” said Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. “I encourage all of our residents to grab their family and friends and come out to enjoy great bands at our concert series. With something for everyone, these events are the perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and experience the sounds of music with your community. See you there!”
All Summer Arts concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free yoga session for all, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
The series will take place in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside each
Wednesday throughout July, including:
• July 12 — Pink Floyd USA Experience: A tribute band that captures the essence and magic of the legendary British rock band, Pink Floyd. Their meticulous attention to detail and performances recreate the timeless hits that have made Pink Floyd a lasting musical phenomenon.
• July 19 — Winslow-An Evening of the Eagles: This talented tribute band pays homage to one of the greatest American rock bands of all time, the Eagles. Winslow captures the essence of the Eagles’ harmonies, soulful melodies and timeless classics, bringing audiences back to the era of California rock.
• July 26 — Dead On Live: This remarkable tribute band recreates the spirit, jams and vibrant energy of the iconic band, the Grateful Dead. Dead on Live brings the timeless songs and free-spirited vibes of the Grateful Dead to life, creating an immersive concert experience for Deadheads and music enthusiasts alike.
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Downtown Cranford fills Thursday nights with Summer Sounds
Live music filled the air weekly as the Summer Sounds concert series embellished every Thursday night in June. Sponsored by Garlic Rose Bistro, in conjunction with the Downtown Cranford team, musical acts set up under the big clock in Eastman Plaza, to the delight of those in attendance. At right, Big Train delivered a robust mix of ‘horninfused R&B and Soul’ on June 15. Above and at lower left and right, MPack Live got the crowd moving with their ‘high energy, soulful R&B sounds’ on June 22. The final show of the series was on June 29 and spotlighted the sweet sounds of Blues People.
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Baton and dance school continues to win awards and trophies
(Continued from Page 3)
for students with special needs.
The Diamondettes attended the 2023 All East Baton Twirling Championship on the weekend of April 28-30 at the Wildwoods Convention Center on the boardwalk – a convention center and indoor arena located on the Boardwalk at 4522 Ocean Ave.
Placca said it’s run by some of the biggest names in the baton-twirling industry: “It was the first time my studio has ever attended this event,” she said. “In one of these categories, they actually won an All-East state title for a small twirl team, baton and dance category. Five girls were competing from my team. There had to be more than 30 teams, but in the category they were in, it was small. But just to get there was amazing.”
It was an honor to be in attendance, she added, but the fact that the team won a first-place State Dance Twirl title was a huge victory for the newly established group of novice twirlers.
“Some parents stayed all night, some drove up, but I was there all weekend,” Placca said.
“Their success hasn’t stopped there.”
For the second year in a row, the Diamondettes attended the United States Twirling Association State Championships on Sunday, May 7. Here they won first place in the Juvenile Dance Twirl Small Team Category.
But for all her school’s success, Placca
alway has her eyes on the future, and that means offering her baton-twirling classes to even more students.
“I offer classes in many Union County towns, in particular Union,” she said. “That is starting to become more consis-
tent with growing students and, most importantly, Diamond Gym, which has been the main home.”
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Photos Courtesy of Nicole Marie Placca
Above left, for the second year in a row, the Diamondettes attended the United States Twirling Association State Championships in the Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Ave., Rahway, on Sunday, May 7. They won first place in the Juvenile Dance Twirl Small Team Category. Pictured are, from left, Liana Torres, Leyla Akin, Director Nicole Marie Placca, Soleil Greyon Lopes and Sofia Nicole Sermeno. Bottom row: Natalynn Molina. Above right, at left, Meghan Charlton, and at right, Madison Borges, stand on either side of, sitting from left, Giuliana Concetta Schultz, Sarah Osario and Giane Riley Luzung, along with all of the trophies they have won in competition this season.
Cranford High School softball has a solid season
By JR Parachini Sports Editor
There was simply nothing that this year’s Cranford High School softball team could not do, accomplish or achieve.
The Cougars repeated as the Union County Conference’s Watchung Division champion. Cranford then captured a third straight Union County Tournament championship, pulling off the feat for only the second time in program history and the first time since 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Then Cranford captured the North 2, Group 3 sectional state championship for the second time in three years.
Cranford came in at 26-5, two victories shy of capturing a first-ever overall group state championship.
In the Group 3 semifinals on Tuesday, June 6, North 2 champion Cranford was defeated by visiting North 1 champ Morris Knolls High School 12-11 in eight innings at Adams Avenue Softball Complex. The Cougars staged a pretty impressive rally when down 11-3 going into the sixth inning. Cranford scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull within 11-9. Cranford then tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, sending it to extra innings.
Morris Knolls went ahead again with a run in the top of the eighth on a squeeze play. The Golden Eagles of Denville then held Cranford scoreless in the bottom of the eighth to advance to the Group 3 final
on Saturday, June 10, at Kean University’s Cougar Field in Union.
Central Jersey champion Steinert High School won at South Jersey champ Shawnee High School 13-4 in the other Group 3 semifinal on Tuesday, June 6.
Then Steinert edged Morris Knolls 3-2 in the Group 3 state championship game at Kean University on Saturday, June 10.
Steinert, which captured its first state title since 2018, finished 21-5. Morris Knolls came in at 24-5 and Shawnee at 16-10.
Although standout seniors Avery Toddings, right-handed pitcher; Sabrina Prata, catcher; and third-baseman Giulia Olear are graduating, junior standouts Sophia DeMarco and Maddy DeLong will be back to lead the way for the Cougars in 2024.
Toddings struck out 223 batters in 156 and one-third innings. Her earned-run average was an impressive 1.21.
DeMarco, who in Cranford’s 8-0 home win against Elizabeth High School on Thursday, April 13, became the first player in program history to reach and surpass 100 career hits and 100 career RBIs, led the Cougars in several categories.
DeMarco was first in hits with 54, runs with 43, home runs with 16, RBIs with 43, batting average at .529 and slugging percentage at 1.127.
DeLong and Prata both slugged seven home runs. Players with at least 30 hits included DeMarco with 54, Olear and Bendert with 34, Jones with 33, Prata
with 32 and DeLong with 31.
Cranford began the season with a 10game winning streak and had another one snapped by Morris Knolls. The Cougars won 15 games by shutout, including four in a row in one stretch.
Group 3 State championship game at Kean
Saturday, June 10 – Steinert 3, Morris Knolls 2 Group 3 semifinals
Tuesday, June 6 – Steinert 13, Shawnee 4 – at Shawnee
Tuesday, June 6 – Morris Knolls 12, Cranford 11, 8 innings – at Cranford
Cranford Cougars 2023 — 26-5 Division, county, section champions
Seniors: Avery Toddings, Karina Kilbashian, Katie Bendert, Madi Jones, Giulia Olear, Taryn Palm-Morrison, Emma Grace-Pachkowski and Sabrina Prata.
Juniors: Sophia DeMarco and Maddy DeLong.
Sophomores: Morgan Bond, Ava Orr, Adrienne Lettini, Hannah Semple and Alexa Stulpin.
Freshmen: Brook Bentrewicz, Grace Ingraham, Mady Garafalo, Ciara Conley and Lilliana Pardo.
2023 Cranford Cougars results
April 3: Cranford 9, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 1 – at Cranford
April 5: Cranford 14, David Brearley 2 – at David Brearley
April 6: Cranford 12, Roselle Park 0 –
at Roselle Park
April 8: Cranford 2, Watchung Hills 0 – at Watchung Hills
April 11: Cranford 17, Westfield 0 – at Cranford
April 13: Cranford 8, Elizabeth 0 – at Cranford
April 14: Cranford 6, Jonathan Dayton 1 – at Cranford
April 16: Cranford 2, Immaculate Heart 1 – at Immaculate Heart
April 18: Cranford 2, Governor Livingston 0 – at Governor Livingston
April 19: Cranford 8, Arthur L. Johnson 2 – at Cranford
April 21: St. Thomas Aquinas 2, Cranford 0 – at Cranford
April 22: Cedar Grove 5, Cranford 3 –at Cedar Grove
April 25: Cranford 10, David Brearley 0 – at Cranford
April 26: Cranford 6, Westfield 0 – at Westfield
May 2: Cranford 12, Elizabeth 5 – at Elizabeth
May 5: Cranford 6, Arthur L. Johnson0 – at Arthur L. Johnson
May 6: Hunterdon Central 1, Cranford 0 – at Hunterdon Central
May 8: Cranford 4, Old Bridge 0 – at Old Bridge
May 9: Cranford 12, Summit 0 – at Summit
May 10: Governor Livingston 7, Cranford 5 – at Cranford
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