CRANFORDLIFE
Ground is broken on renovation of UCNJ Physical Education Center
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Union College of Union County will soon have a new Physical Education Center.
Officials from Union County Improvement Authority and UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ recently broke ground. The $35 million project will transform the 42,000-square-foot building into a high-tech, state-of-the-art facility located at the UCNJ Cranford campus.
The footprint of the addition is approximately 33,150 square feet, consisting of a new gymnasium to replace the undersized, high school-level gym currently being utilized, along with a weight room, visiting team locker room, therapy rooms and the athletic success educational program classroom.
The second floor of the addition is 1,900 square feet, consisting of an egress corridor from the existing second floor building, officials lounge, and stairway and utility rooms.
The remainder of the athletic spaces that exists in the current building are being renovated to provide locker rooms for men and women, adequate office space for program management and sports officials, e-sports gaming competition area, a new wrestling room, a weight training center, NJCAA regulation basketball court, a modernized physical training room, a mult-purpose room and academic classrooms.
BiBi Taylor, executive director of UCIA, said, “The re-imagined physical ed center will serve as the heart of this campus.”
Taylor asked attendees for patience, as the transformation will take between 18 to 20 months. Contractual substantial completion is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2027.
Margaret M. McMenamin, president of UCNJ, said, “Our mission is transforming our community one student at a time. It’s an asset to the entire county. We will be sharing. Students will be learning teamwork, community, time management, how to work with people who are different from you… The most important thing, things you can’t get from A.I. – human
Above, student athletes, the Office of College Life and athletic staff stand at the site where ground was broken for the $35 million Union County Physical Education Center, consisting of a new gymnasium to replace the undersized, high school-level gym currently being utilized, along with a weight room, visiting team locker room, therapy rooms and the athletic success educational program classroom. Below left, BiBi Taylor, executive director of Union County Improvement Authority, speaks to those gathered for the groundbreaking. Taylor said, ‘The re-imagined physical ed center will serve as the heart of this campus.’ Below right, Margaret M. McMenamin, president of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, speaks to those in attendance for the groundbreaking. She said, ‘Our mission is transforming our community one student at a time. It’s an asset to the entire county.’
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above, a drawing of the renovation and addition of the existing Union College of Union County Physical Education Center. Far left, Victor M. Richel, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, told the crowd gathered for the groundbreaking, ‘Our board of County Commissioners are enormously supportive of this college. The government does many great things and there’s a lesson in that.’ Near left, Lourdes Leon, chairwoman of the Union County Commissioner Board, said, ‘This college stands as a landmark of excellence in our community.’
Ground is broken on new multi-million-dollar renovation of UCNJ Physical Education Center
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contact, getting along with people you disagree with.”
She closed by inviting everyone back in two years for the ribbon cutting.
Victor M. Richel, chairperson of the Board of
Trustees, UCNJ, said, “Our board of County Commissioners are enormously supportive of this college. The government does many great things and there’s a lesson in that.”
Lourdes Leon, chairwoman of the Union County
Commissioner Board, said, “This college stands as a landmark of excellence in our community.”
To keep up to date with the project, follow Union County Improvement Authority at: https://ucimprovementauthority.org/.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Cranford Elks Lodge hosts Holiday Market Vendor Show
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Cranford Elks Lodge No. 2006 recently had its yearly holiday market vendor show on Saturday, Nov. 15.
It was open to the public and had free admission. Fifteen vendors had holiday gifts, such as crafts and décor, homemade chocolates and Scentsy.
Kristen Colfer, Events Committee chairperson, said, “We always have a great turnout.”
Co-Chairperson Annie Quinones said, “It’s a great event we enjoy every year.”
Craft Brothers Seasoning offered all natural, sugar-free, vegan seasoning. They were also offering Coquito, their awardwinning Caribbean eggnog. Matt Permison, of Roselle Park, said he has had the business for 10 years. “I love food. I love cooking,” he said.
His 14-year-old son, Jiancarlos, loves helping out and plans to go into the business.
Maria Rodrigues, of Springfield, makes travel jewelry boxes and customized cards, including a whole line of “Wicked” cards. She’s a graphic designer who sells at events and on Instagram. “I’ve always been entrepreneurial,” she said.
Above left, Kristen Colfer, events committee chairperson, and co-chairperson Annie Quinones stand together at Cranford Elks Lodge No. 2006’s early holiday market vendor show on Saturday, Nov. 15. ‘We always have a great turnout,’ said Colfer. Above center, Barbara Herrington has been making crafts for more than 50 years. ‘It’s my therapy at my age,’ she said. Above right, Paula Schramm, of Garwood, sells Touchstone Crystal, including all kinds of jewelry and holiday ornaments. The jewelry is radium-plated and hypoallergenic.
Paula Schramm, of Garwood, was selling Touchstone Crystal, including all kinds of jewelry and holiday ornaments. The jewelry is radium-plated and hypoallergenic.
Lisa Sweeney-Clark was selling perfume and Color Street nail strips. She
Barbara Herrington, a Cranford resident for 78 years, makes handmade bibs, towels, eyeglass covers and purses. “It’s my therapy at my age,” she said. She’s been selling her crafts for the past 15 years but has been making them for more than 50 years.
said, “Color Street is very innovative. It’s a dry nail polish. It lasts 14 days. You can wear it over natural nails. I hate going to the salon. Sorry to nail techs.”
Christine Salzman-Barbato, of Garwood, was selling Scentsy products, including wax warmers. They melt the wax of candles without
the use of a flame. The wax bars come in a variety of scents. The most popular is Luna, which is a lavender chamomile. “Relaxing,” said Salzman-Barbato. Black raspberry-vanilla and Christmas scents are also popular.
Ellen Goodlander, of Cranford, was
See CRANFORD, Page 4
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Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, Lisa Sweney-Clark sells Color Street dry nail polish and perfume. She said, ‘Color Street is very innovative. It’s a dry nail polish. It lasts 14 days. You can wear it over natural nails.’ Above, second frim left, Christine Salzman-Barbato is a Scentsy seller. The most popular is Luna, which is a lavender chamomile. ‘Relaxing,’ said Salzman-Barbato. Above, third from left, Ellen Goodlander displays her
needle-felted whimsical creations. They were 100 percent wool. She also was selling Christmas ornaments and watercolored handmade cards. Above right, Dana Forsyth, of Wyckoff, represents One Hope Wine, a Napa Valley Winery in California. She said, ‘It’s an impactdriven winery. Every bottle gives back to the community. I drink it. I sell it. I’m all in.’
Cranford Elks Lodge Holiday Market
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selling handmade, whimsical needle-felted crafts such as pets, pumpkins and snowmen. They were 100 percent wool. She also was selling Christmas ornaments and
watercolored handmade cards.
Dana Forsyth, of Wyckoff, is a sales rep for One Hope Wine, a Napa Valley Winery in California. She said, “It’s an impact-driven winery.
Every bottle gives back to the community. I drink it. I sell it. I’m all in.”
Follow Cranford Elks on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/cranford.elks.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
December 1 thru 5
December
thru
January 5 thru 9 KENILWORTH
At the $5,000 ceremonial check presentation at the Cranford VFW Post No. 335 annual Veterans Day Breakfast at the post on Sunday, Nov. 9, are, from left, Brother Knights Rich Leahey and Ed Bagniewski, Post Commander Mike Gregory, Past Grand Knights John Doolan and Jerry Conheeney and Brother Knights Paul Zissler and Rick Ferraioli.
Cranford Knights of Columbus donate $5,000 at Veterans Day Breakfast
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Cranford Knights of Columbus Council No. 6226 made a ceremonial check presentation to Post Commander Mike Gregory at the Cranford VFW Post No. 335 annual Veterans Day Breakfast at the post. The council donated $5,000 from the proceeds of its annual Golf Outing in September at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.
All of the local businesses and organizations are thanked for their help and support that continues to make this worthy event a success every year.
Since its inception in 2004, the council’s annual Golf Outing has raised more than $400,000, which has been used to
help worthy charities and organizations that the council supports on an annual basis.
Since the council’s founding in 1970, the Cranford Knights of Columbus has been a Catholic Men's Fraternal Organization dedicated to the four core principles, Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Cranford Council supports many worthy charities and civic causes and is committed to be a viable part of our community nationally, statewide and locally. For information about joining the Cranford Council, contact Grand Knight Tom Turner at 908-884-4083 or visit the web site at www.cranfordknights.org.
IN MEMORIAM
• LAHEY – Elizabeth “Betty,” of Cranford; Nov. 7. Bookkeeper. Officer Of Union Elks 1583 Ladies Auxiliary. Sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, 79.
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.
Photo Courtesy of John Doolan
Animals come alive at the Cranford Public Library
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Children who recently visited the Cranford Public Library met – and touched –several incredible animals.
Samantha Slevens, the lead animal educator and owner of Zoophoria, offered the library patrons an opportunity to learn about several animals. Slevens has a degree in zoology from Delaware Valley University. She referred to herself as “Miss Sam.”
Cheeseburger is a cane toad. “When she sits and waits for food, she’s very patient,” said Slevens. Cheeseburger has no teeth and her color helps her blend in. She eats bugs. “Anything that fits inside her mouth,” said Slevens.
Zoomba is a zombie crab who likes to eat dead animals, creating a clean environment for other animals.
“Some people eat them,” said Slevens. Zombie crabs have eight legs and their claws are extremely strong. They can pick up food and put it into their mouth.
Bento the box turtle is a year old and grows into the size of a grapefruit. They hatch out of an egg and only travel a mile from where they were born.
They can live as long as 60 years of age. Slevens advises, if you see one, you can pick them up and move them in the same direction they were going.
Or you can use a stick to assist them to move along. They eat meat and vegetables.
Zen is a 20-year-old leopard gecko. “If she gets scared, her tail will fall off,” said Slevens. “Her tail will grow back. She likes to eat bugs. They are common pets and live 30 years.”
LIBRARY, Page 9
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Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Samantha Slevens, animal educator and owner of Zoophoria, holds up a cane toad named Cheeseburger at a recent visit to the Cranford Public Library. ‘When she sits and waits for food, she’s very patient,’ said Slevens.
Holiday Gift Guide 2025 Holiday Gift Guide 2025
How to use pineapple to elevate your holiday dishes
Does holiday cooking stress you out? If so, you’re not alone! According to PWC research, 54% of people admit to feeling uptight any time they think about prepping or cooking food for holiday celebrations. Fortunately, stress-free holiday dishes can be possible with the right ingredients.
Executive chef at Dole, James Bickmore-Hutt has ideas for how to elevate your holiday dishes in preparation for the festivities. “The holiday season is such a busy time of year. It’s also a moment when people are expecting to be ‘wowed’ at mealtime. Selecting high-quality ingredients like Dole® Tropical Gold® Canned Pineapples can reduce prep work and help you deliver crowdpleasing dishes quickly, so you can focus on enjoying the season with loved ones.”
Why are these pineapples Chef James’ best-kept secret? Dole Tropical Gold Canned Pineapples are handpicked at peak ripeness and are a naturally sweeter variety of pineapple. Offered in pre-cut chunks or slices with no sugar added, they help home chefs cut down on prep time without sacrificing freshly-packed flavor. Here are Chef James’ top tips for incorporating them into your seasonal fare:
• Add extra garnishes of pineapple to any holiday dish for a naturally sweet, tropical taste – no need to add extra sugar!
• Pineapples are very juicy, and you can pre-cook dessert filling on the stovetop to thicken the juices. Simply drain the liquid from the can, pour the fruit in a pan,
reduce remaining liquid and then combine it with a thickener of your choice before adding back in.
• Let fruit-filled desserts cool for at least two to four hours after baking to allow the filling to fully set.
• For added oomph and flavor in cocktail or mocktail batches, reserve pineapple juice from the same cans used in your food dishes, like a family-favorite pie.
This holiday season, Chef James’ guaranteed crowdpleaser, Caramelized Pineapple Baked Brie, adds a trop-
ical twist to a traditional spread. Ready in 40 minutes and with just six ingredients, this stress-free appetizer will make your festivities all the more memorable!
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 can (20 ounces) Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple Chunks in 100% Pineapple Juice, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon honey, divided
• 1 package (13 ounces) round brie cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted salted pistachios
Instructions:
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pineapple, rosemary and 1 tablespoon honey, stirring occasionally for 6 minutes or until the pineapple is golden brown.
Line a baking sheet or small baking dish with parchment. Cut the top rind off the brie and discard, placing the remaining portion on the parchment paper.
Spoon pineapple mixture over the brie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of honey before garnishing with pistachios.
To stress less in the kitchen during this year’s holiday festivities, let pre-cut pineapple take center stage for easy preparation of elevated classics.
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Chef James’ Caramelized Pineapple Baked Brie
Library plays host to a whole horde of amazing animals
(Continued from Page 7)
The grand finale of the show was Noodles, a 6-year-old red-tailed boa constrictor. “They live in the Amazon rain forest,” said Slevens. They eat rats, squirrels and birds. They strike and grab animals and have no interest in eating humans.
After Slevens talked about each animal, she let the children pet them.
When the program was finished, she allowed children to pose with Noodles over their shoulders for photos
Library patron and parent Lee Weitzen, of Cranford, enjoyed the program and said, “She lets you pet all the animals. A wide variety of animals. Really cool.”
Justin Barbaro, of Cranford, said, “It’s a community event, open to the public to introduce kids to wildlife.”
Ron Litz, of Cranford, said, “I loved how interactive the presenter was with kids and making animals exciting.”
His son, Everett, 7, said he liked the gecko and the turtle.
To learn more about Zoophoria, visit: https://www.zoophorianj.com/.
To learn more about The Cranford Public Library, visit: https://www.cranfordlibrary.org/.
Monday-Thursday 12:00PM–08:30PM Friday-Saturday 12:00PM–09:00PM Sunday 12:00PM–08:30PM
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, a child meets Tripod, a sulcata tortoise at a recent visit of Zoophoria to the Cranford Public Library. Above center, Lucas, 5, observes Arnold, when the lizard is on display at the Cranford Public Library. Above right, Samantha Slevens, animal educator and owner of Zoophoria, stands above Tripod as she talks about the giant turtle.
Scarecrow Stroll had the community in Halloween spirit
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Once again, more than 100 scarecrows lined the streets of Cranford.
Scarecrows were created by families, businesses and organizations. The creepy, spooky, scary, fun and cute scarecrows were on display throughout October.
People were able to vote on their favorites. The categories were 12 and Under; Adults/Families; Schools/Organizations; Businesses; and Best Overall.
Caren Demyen, director of Downtown Cranford, said, “I’m really excited and grateful for the hard work from scarecrow creators. It’s been a great Halloween season.”
Stefanie Lalor, gallery manager of The Artistic Framer, had an “Under the Sea” theme in front of her store. A high school student and college student who work there came up with the concept.
Lalor said, “We used a vintage mermaid poster.” There’s a hole cut out for visitors to place their faces for photos –but many held up their dog so the dog could be the mermaid!
Maria DaRocha is a barber at Cory Mathews who designed their scarecrow.
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Above left, Stefanie Lalor, gallery manager of The Artistic Framer, stands beside the store’s scarecrow, which had an ‘Under the Sea’ theme. Lalor said, ‘We used a vintage mermaid poster.’ There’s a hole cut out for visitors to place their faces for photos – but many held up their dog so the dog could be the mermaid! Above center, Maria DaRocha, a barber at Cory Mathews, stands beside her creation of a crazy barber. She said, ‘I was going for a “Sweeny Todd” crazy barber. He’s drinking snake venom.’ Above right, A halloween baker was on display at Papa Ganache. Bianca Dee, a manager at the store, said, in regard to the Scarecrow Stroll, ‘It’s very cute. It’s my first year here.’
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
18th annual Scarecrow Stroll had Halloween Spirit
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She said, “I was going for a ‘Sweeny Todd’ crazy barber. He’s drinking snake venom.”
Yarn Stormers had a “Wizard of Oz” theme titled “The Yellow Knit Road.”
Bianca Dee, manager of Papa Ganache, said their scarecrow is a representation of a baker during the Halloween holiday season. “It’s very cute,” she said, in regard to the Scarecrow Stroll. “It’s my first year here.”
Glow Beauty Bar, owned by Maria Barzallo, had a massive display in honor of the movie “Wicked.” Miranda Curanovic, hairstylist, said, “Everyone’s a big fan and we thought we’d incorporate that.”
Other notable scarecrows included Cute Klowns from Outer Space, Assistant Cubmaster Frankenstein, Smashing Pumpkins, Bewitched by Troop 40362, Th-Th-That’s All Scarecrows!, If I Only Had a Brain Freeze, Jack Straw, Maize Max, Not So Scary Halloween Kitty, Sharknado, Sugar Goblin, 5 Little Pumpkins, Bee Kind, Creepy Carrots, Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Happy Gilmore 3: Putt-ing on a Scare, If the Addams Family Became Art Supplies, Hocus Pocus, La Boo Boos, Music Box Ballerina, Betty Bebop, Betty Boop, Captain Crumb Cake, Cone Carnivore, Creatures of the Purple Lagoon, Crepey Creature, Happy Hallow-Bees, Hungry Sand-Witch, Itsy the Spider, The Hardhat of Horror, Poppy Pumpkinpatch, Scooby Doo, Slappy, Sir Bon Bon and Madame Miau.
Voting was open for the 18th Annual Scarecrow Stroll through Thursday, Oct. 30. To see your favorites, visit: https://downtowncranford.org/vote-now-in-the-18thannual-scarecrow-stroll/.
Above left, Cute Klowns from Outer Space were one of the many scarecrow displays to look at at Cranford’s 18th annual Scarecrow Stroll. Above right, Yarn Stormers presents ‘The Yellow Knit Road’ with a ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme. Below left, Smashing Pumpkins, referring to the American alternative band, was another scarecrow on display in Cranford. Below right, Bewitched Troop 40362 channeled witches with pumpkins for faces.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
