Cranford Life - May 2025 by WORRALL MEDIA

Cranford High School and Lincoln School’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ are recognized

Ashley Sremcevic, a senior at Lincoln School, and Sean Hanna, a senior at Cranford High School, were honored by the Union County School Boards Association with the Unsung Heroes Award on March 12 at Kean University. This prestigious award recognizes a senior from each high school in Union County who is making outstanding contributions to their schools and community.

School counselor Vanessa Velazquez, who nominated Sremcevic, highlighted her unwavering drive to excel and her commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world around her.

�“Having worked closely with Ashley, it is very clear that she is the type of person who has the potential to make a community stronger,” said Velazquez. “This well-deserved recognition highlights her commitment to learning and the positive impact she has on those around her.”

Sremcevic has dedicated herself to service, participating in activities such as wrapping gifts for families in need during Christmas, donating to food pantries and volunteering at day care centers. She is currently working at� the YMCA, through her work study program, where she provides aftercare for students during� the week and coaches sports on Saturdays, further showcasing her leadership and commitment� to others.�

Hanna, Unsung Hero at CHS, was nominated by supervisor JoAnn Sei and school counselors Gretchen Lenehan and Catherine Gallo. They spoke about his determination, resilience and compassion for others.

At the awards ceremony, Principal Mark Cantagallo said, “Sean consistently displays an unwavering commitment to his work, always challenging himself and pushing beyond his comfort zone. He participates in extracurricular activities, takes college-level courses, and relentlessly pursues his

Above left, school counselor Vanessa Velazquez nominated recipient Ashley Sremcevic for the Unsung Heroes Award. Above right, Cranford High School Principal Mark Cantagallo with recipient Sean Hanna, who was also nominated for the award. The students were honored by the Union County School Boards Association with the Unsung Heroes Award on March 12 at Kean University. This prestigious award recognizes a senior from each high school in Union County who is making outstanding contributions to their schools and community.

dream of becoming a firefighter.”

“Through it all, he has remained a positive peer role model,” Cantagallo added.

Hanna is also a volunteer EMT, showcasing his deep passion and commitment to helping others.

“Both students are incredibly deserv-

ing of this recognition, as they embody the values and vision that have the power to shape a brighter future,” said Superintendent of Schools Scott Rubin. “Their passion, character and accomplishments are a source of pride for the entire Cranford Public Schools community.”

Photo Courtesy of Rose Pezzuti

UCNJ’s board welcomes Cranford police chief as new member

The UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Board of Governors swore in Mathew Nazzaro, the latest appointed member. Board of Trustees Chairperson Victor M. Richel welcomed the new member at a joint meeting of the college’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.

Nazzaro serves as the chief of police in Cranford. He is a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the Union County Police Chiefs Association. Throughout his time as a police officer, Chief Nazzaro has earned many awards and recognitions, including the 2022 FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, the 2016 Cranford Knights of Columbus Police Shield Award, and, in 2015, he received the AzureMasada Lodge No. 22 First Responder of the Year.

Nazzaro, Class of ’04, earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from UCNJ. He then went on to attain a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in public administration from Kean University.

“We are proud to welcome Chief Nazzaro to the UCNJ Board of Governors. Not only does he bring his experience as a leader in law enforcement and public service, but also as an alumnus, he has an appreciation for UCNJ’s mission and is dedicated to serving his community. I look forward to the insight and expertise he will bring to help shape the UCNJ community,” said Richel.

From left are UCNJ President Margaret M. McMenamin, Cranford Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro and Chairperson of the UCNJ Board of Trustees Victor M. Richel, standing together after Nazarro was welcomed as a new member at a joint meeting of the college’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.

Photo Courtesy of Margaret Ortuso

American Revolution 250th Anniversary kicks off at Nomahegan Park in Cranford

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

More than 100 locals came out to celebrate at Nomahegan Park in Cranford.

Union County Board of Commissioners presented the American Revolution 250th Anniversary Union County Kickoff Awareness Walk on Saturday, April 19. The day’s events featured elected officials, American Revolutionary War soldier re-enactors, local history sites, music, games and family fun.

There were also display panels, which explained how the American Revolution was connected to Union County; and how the American Revolution affected Black lives.

An Awareness Walk was also hosted to officially launch the commemoration. The event recognized the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, known as the “Shot Heard ’Round the World,” which marked the start of the American Revolution.

Also, as part of this multiyear celebration, Union County unveiled its official 250th Anniversary Logo, which will be featured throughout the county on banners, promotional materials and digital platforms. Additionally, a countywide event calendar has been created, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion.

Longtime Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams were in attendance.

Mark Hurwitz, of the Third NJ Regiment, said, “History happened here in Union County: The Battle of Short Hills, the Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Battle of Springfield.”

The American Revolution is very significant to Pastor Chris Iosso of Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church in Union. He said, “Because of the politics of our time, it’s important now – democracy and accountability.”

The Union County Kickoff was only the beginning. Many organizations in Union County are anticipating the 250th anniversary.

Jeff Pistol, co-chairperson of the 250 Revolution NJ Committee, said they are planning a 250th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United States. “We plan to have a parade on or about July 4, 2026.”

Shirley Maxwell, of Oswald J. Nitsche House in Kenilworth, which is part of the National Register of Historic Places, said they will be celebrating the 250th

Above left, John Prescott, History Programs coordinator, stands beside a banner discussing the role of Blacks in the American Revolution, on display at the American Revolution 250th Anniversary Union County Kickoff Awareness Walk at Nomahegan Park in Cranford on Saturday, April 19. Above center, Cathy Thek, curator of Osborn Cannonball House, an historical landmark in Scotch Plains, was there to take part in the event. Above right, Mark Hurwitz, Third NJ Regimen, looks as if he is ready to fight once again the Battle of Short Hills, the Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Battle of Springfield, all of which happened in Union County. Below left, Arlene Soong, hearth cook at Miller-Corey House Museum, Westfield, built in 1740 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, shares some history with those in attendance at the event. Below center, Linda Jurczak, president of the Springfield Historical Society, is ready to educate attendees about the key role Springfield played in the American Revolution. Below right, Jeff Pistol, co-chairperson of the 250 Revolution NJ Committee, said they are planning a 250th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United States. ‘We plan to have a parade on or about July 4, 2026.’

anniversary of Union County, too.

Rachel Goldberg, executive director of Liberty Hall Museum in Union, said, “We’re gearing up for 250, like everyone else.”

To submit an event taking place in Union County that relates to the United States Semiquincentennial, commemorating and leading up to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of

Independence on July 4, 2026, visit https://ucnj.org/250-events/. Events may pertain to history before, during or after 1776.

For more photos, see Page 4

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Union County celebrates its 250th anniversary

Above left, from left are Jonny Rosser, treasurer of the Vauxhall Historical Society; Dennis and Barbara LaMore, both of the Union Township Historical Society; and Frank Loria, of the Third New Jersey Regimen, at the American Revolution 250th Anniversary Union County Kickoff Awareness Walk

on Saturday, April 19, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. Above right, Eleni Glykis, Elizabeth Public Library director; and Aimee Fernandez-Puente, head of Local History and Special Collections, sit together at the American Revolution 250th Anniversary Union County Kickoff Awareness Walk.

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Frank Vito, a social studies teacher at Cranford High School, is currently a quarterfinalist in the nationwide “America’s Favorite Teacher” competition and is in the running for $25,000, a feature in Reader’s Digest, a trip to Hawaii and a school assembly with Bill Nye.

Vito began his career working for an employment agency, but with a passion for history, he knew he was set out to do more than “sit behind a desk.” He soon found his passion for teaching.

Committed to serving the school and local community, Vito spends time outside the classroom organizing and volunteering for school and community events such as the Holocaust Day of Remembrance, Butterfly Project and Blood Drive. He has taught at CHS for more than 18 years and is a favorite among students.

“My students have said that they love the energy I bring to the class and the passion I have for the subjects I teach,” said Vito.

If Vito wins, he plans to donate a portion of the winnings to a non-profit he works with, American Tributaries, an organization that funds trips for high schoolers in an effort to promote national unity. He also plans to utilize a portion of the winnings to write a book about the history of Down syndrome. Vito’s 23-year-old son has Down syndrome and he would “love to educate as many people as possible on how special this group of people really are.”

“We need people like this in education,” said Supervisor of K-12 Social Studies Gabrielle Rendek. “He goes above and beyond in whatever he does.”

Voting for quarter-finalists ended Thursday, April 17.

nationwide competition.

Photo Courtesy of Rose Pezzuti

Cranford High School teacher Frank Vito advances to the next round in ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’

Cranford Fire Department is selling autism T-shirts

The Cranford Fire Department will once again support “National Autism Acceptance Month” throughout April by wearing custom T-shirts and by lighting up fire headquarters blue.

According to Chief Dan Czeh, “The Cranford Fire Department fully supports the autistic community and will do whatever possible to show love and support to those affected by this developmental disability. While this initiative started as an awareness campaign, it’s more about acceptance. We need to come together as a community and accept and celebrate autistic people as they are.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today. Most children are still being diagnosed after age four, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age two. “We all know someone who is affected by autism. We can only imagine the challenges they face and how difficult life is for them and for their parents. Hopefully, we can have a positive impact and let the autistic community feel the love and acceptance they deserve.”

The Puzzle Piece T-Shirt will be available for purchase via Venmo @Cranford-Local or by visiting Cranford Fire Headquarters at 7 Springfield Ave. The cost of the shirt is $25. Proceeds will go towards local charities. If purchasing a shirt in person, have exact change. Checks will also be accepted and must be made out to Cranford FMBA Local 37.

Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz

From left, Battalion Chief Brian Ingraham, Commissioner of Public Safety Kathleen Miller-Prunty, Fire Inspector Robert Moran and Township Administrator and CFO Lavona Patterson stand together as Miller-Prunty and Patterson hold up the Puzzle Piece T-Shirt and Ingraham and Moran wear their custom shirts.

Miller

Prunty, Curran file for reelection to Cranford Township Committee

Longtime community leader Kathleen Miller Prunty and current Mayor Dr. Terrence Curran have announced their campaign for reelection to the Cranford Township Committee, reaffirming their commitment to public service and the continued progress of the Township.

Miller Prunty, who is completing her second term as county commissioner, brings more than two decades of experience in economic development, government leadership and civic engagement. As Cranford’s former mayor and current Commissioner of Public Safety, she has championed downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements and senior services. “It’s been an honor to serve Cranford,” Miller Prunty said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished and I’m energized by what’s ahead – especially as we continue to invest in safety, sustainability and our thriving town economy.”

Curran, a U.S. Marine veteran, trauma surgeon and former Jersey City police officer, is finishing his first term on the committee. Since being elected in 2022, he has led initiatives focused on replenishing Cranford’s tree canopy, holding developers accountable and fiscal responsibility. “Cranford is a town that leads with heart and purpose,” Curran said. “I’m running for reelection to continue building a community that future generations will be proud to call home.”

Together, Miller Prunty and Curran represent a strong, experienced and forward-thinking team that prioritizes Cranford’s values of transparency, fiscal responsibility and responsive local government. Their reelection campaigns will focus on preserving Cranford’s unique character, public safety, environmental stewardship and infrastructure resilience.

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Feldman

Mayor Dr. Terrence Curran and Kathleen Miller Prunty have announced their campaign for reelection to the Cranford Township Committee, reaffirming their commitment to public service and the continued progress of the township.

Cranford resident sworn in as president of NJSSAR

Cranford resident Christopher Sands was sworn in as the 76th President of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution during the combined Monmouth Chapter, Abraham Clark Chapter, Elizabethtown chapter meeting. He is also the president of the Westfield and Abraham Clark chapters.

The Sons of the American Revolution is the largest male lineage organization in the United States and consists of 50 state-level societies with more than 590 local chapters, several international societies – including Canada, France, Germany, Spain and an International Society –and more than 37,000 members. For more information on joining the NJSSAR, email chrissands44@aol.com.

Publisher: David Worrall

Managing Editor: David Jablonski

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

Photo Courtesy of Christopher D. Sands

Past NJ State President Robert Meyer swears in Chris Sands as Monmouth Chapter President Jackob Rue IV prepares to present the state president neckband.

Cranford Police Department receives sixth reaccreditation

On Thursday, March 13, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, by a unanimous vote, granted the Cranford Police Department their official accreditation status. Executive officers and staff from law enforcement agencies throughout the state attended the hearing.

Delgado explained the significance of reaccreditation and what it means to both the Police Department and residents of Cranford.

“This coveted accreditation status represents a significant benchmark accomplishment in the professional performance of any law enforcement agency. It signifies a level of professional organization and a commitment to excellence in law enforcement that very few other police agencies have achieved.”

The rigorous formal reaccreditation process examines the agency every three years and entails many phases. A “mock” evaluation is used to identify any issues or areas of concern that might not meet

NJLEAC standards. After the “mock” has been completed, the final evaluation, an intensive, on-site evaluation of all departmental procedures and policies, follows. The typical evaluation involves verifying compliance of more than 112 separate law enforcement policies and standards and touches upon every aspect of policing from racial profiling to administrative procedures; from operations to promotions; from use of force to pursuit policy.

The final evaluation report by the assessor team leader is submitted to the NJSACOP Accreditation Program director and, on review, it is forwarded to the Accreditation Commission. The report represents a comprehensive, complete and detailed analysis of the subject department and usually is 25-30 pages.

Organizations that receive accreditation are re-evaluated every three years to ensure that they maintain accreditation standards. Accredited organizations may qualify for a significant discount in their liability insurance which helps justify the time, effort and expense

involved in achieving accreditation.

The Cranford Police Department joins an exclusive group of police agencies that are currently accredited by NJSACOP LEAP Accreditation Commission. They include, among others, Police Departments, Sheriff Departments and Prosecutor’s Offices across the state of New Jersey.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is a professional membership organization serving New Jersey’s law enforcement. Its mission is to promote and enhance the highest ethical and professional standards at every level of law enforcement throughout New Jersey and become the primary vehicle for the development of excellence in law enforcement leadership throughout the state.

The NJSACOP has more than 1,200 members, representing chiefs of police, retired chiefs, other law enforcement and private security executives, and corporate leaders from throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region.

course, more than a dozen varieties of great pizza.

Cranford Elks Lodge No. 2006 installs officers for 2025-2026 term

The Cranford Elks Lodge No. 2006 had its installation of officers for the 2025-2026 year during a public ceremony on Saturday, March 22.

The newly installed officers are Exalted Ruler Adam Smith, Esteemed Leading Knight Natalie Stevens, Esteemed Loyal Knight Steve Jaskowak, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Miguel Quinones, Secretary Anna DiFabio, Treasurer Joe O’Brien, Esquire Melissa Hoffman, Chaplain Alisha Lardieri, Tiler John Smith, Inner Guard Collin Mayer, 1-Year Trustee Michael Gedman, 2-Year Trustee Carl Gaspar, 3-Year Trustee Bob Bruns, 4-Year Trustee Kevin Carney and 5-Year Trustee Andis Kalnins.

The installation ceremony was conducted by District Deputy Hank Bedlivy, who was joined by Vice President Jonathan Joshua, Past District Deputy Mark Dunnder, Past District Deputy Carmel Kretchmer, Past District Deputy Dan Kretchmer, Vice President Elect Steve Grote and Past Exalted Rulers Krste Donovski, Rich Clark, Kevin Sargent, Audrey Smith, Ken Boudreau, and John Kretchmer. Their presence emphasized the strong leadership and support within the Elks community.

Founded in 1871, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the largest fraternal organization in the country, with a network of over 2,100 local lodges. The Elks are dedicated to fostering American patriotism, promoting camaraderie, and serving communities through various benevolent programs. Since its establishment in 1956, the Cranford Elks Lodge No. 2006 has contributed significant time and resources to supporting special needs children, youth scholarships, active and retired military personnel and patriotic initiatives.

For more information about the Elks and how to join, visit www.elks.org.

Cranford Elks Lodge No. 2006 had its installation of officers for the 2025-2026 year during a public ceremony on Saturday, March 22. The newly installed officers are Exalted Ruler Adam Smith, Esteemed Leading Knight Natalie Stevens, Esteemed Loyal Knight Steve Jaskowak, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Miguel Quinones, Secretary Anna DiFabio, Treasurer Joe O’Brien, Esquire Melissa Hoffman, Chaplain Alisha Lardieri, Tiler John Smith, Inner Guard Collin Mayer, 1-Year Trustee Michael Gedman, 2Year Trustee Carl Gaspar, 3-Year Trustee Bob Bruns, 4-Year Trustee Kevin Carney and 5-Year Trustee Andis Kalnins.

Photo Courtesy of Melissa Hoffman

The

Tony D’Agost

Library breaks ground on Children’s Room expansion project

The Cranford Public Library has formally broken ground on the new Children’s Room. On Monday, March 3, Township Commissioner and Mayor’s Designee to the Library Board of Trustees

Brian Andrews, along with Senate President Nicholas Scutari of District 22, Assemblywoman Linda Carter of District 22, Mayor Terrence Curran, Library Director Kathy Cannarozzi, Library Board of Trustees President Susan Burke and members of the Library Board of Trustees put golden shovels to the ground to kick off the expansion project for the Children’s Room.

“This is a multi-million dollar project that is going to benefit the whole library, which is really a cornerstone in our community,” Andrews said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “We were very fortunate to have leaders in our community, Nick Scutari, our New Jersey State Senate president, and his colleagues, Assemblywoman Linda Carter and Assemblyman James Kennedy, who recognized how important a project like this is for Cranford and our community.”

Funding for the expansion was made possible in part from financial support from the state of New Jersey, as well as funding from the township of Cranford and the Library Board of Trustees.

“Senate President Nick Scutari has really been a big supporter of Cranford. We’re really excited about this renovation to the Children’s Room and we’re moving forward just in time for spring,” said Curran.

“Thank you to all the volunteers and to the library board for all the efforts and the volunteerism that you do for this community,” Scutari said. “I haven't represented Cranford for all that long a period of time, but I had a great interest in taking Cranford on when we redistricted because I grew up right next door in Linden. Cranford is such a lovely town, I wanted to be able to be involved.”

“Projects like this are very important for our community, to really let our community know that we are investing in them,” said Carter. “I was really happy to

be able to partner with my colleagues, Assemblyman Kennedy and Senate President Nick Scutari, to be able to push forward to help you all with the funding.”

“The Library Board of Trustees is appreciative of the state of New Jersey and the township of Cranford support to make this renovation a reality. We've been talking about this and dreaming about this for more than 10 years,” said Burke. She also recognized the late Pat Pavlak, the previous president of the Library Board of Trustees. “Pat drove this project

forward for many years, and I know she would be very happy to see this happening today,” said Burke.

“When I came here in May of 2023, within 30 days, I was told, ‘We’ve got funding for the Children’s Room construction!’ There's no greater gift to give someone when they come in because it means the Township and the people of Cranford care about this library,” Cannarozzi said.

This new space will provide more room for reading, learning and chil-

dren’s imaginations to grow. Stay tuned for updates as Cranford builds a brighter future for our young readers. Read more about the updates on the library website at www.cranfordlibrary.org/libraryexpansion.

Temporarily, the Children’s Room has relocated to the Cranford Community Center, next door, and will be open during regular library hours, including Sundays. During construction, additional parking will be provided at the Methodist Church parking lot.

Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz

In a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, March 3, state representatives joined township and library representatives to put golden shovels to the ground to formally kick off the start of an expansion project to the Children’s Room. Pictured from left are Library Board of Trustees President Susan Burke, Library Director Kathy Cannarozzi, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Commissioner Brian Andrews, Mayor Terrence Curran and Senate President Nicholas Scutari.

Mayor presents 2025 Outlook for Cranford

Mayor Dr. Terrence Curran gave the following 2025 Outlook for Cranford.

• Cranford has an outstanding Memorial Day Parade. The participation by our residents, community groups and the township highlights the appreciation felt for our veterans in this town and this year, in partnership with VFW, the Cranford 86 and the Cranford Garden Club, we will renovate and redesign Memorial Park to honor our veterans in a manner fitting of their service.

• We will continue to focus on improving the environment and keeping Cranford green with the efforts of the Cranford Shade Tree Commission, Environmental Commission and the Green Team. We will continue to march toward our goal of planting 1,000 trees around Cranford while we also complete other projects such as a micro forest, rain gardens and native pollinator gardens. We will work on alternatives to chemical spraying for mosquito control and we will explore renewable energy options for the township.

• After 40 years, we will undertake a revitalization of our Downtown streetscape to create more places to gather and keep it the envy of the State.

• We continue to pursue flood mitigation projects. Planning from the last two years will allow us to start river dredging this year. After much work by our township administrator, Lavona Patterson, and Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty, there will be home buyouts and culvert expansion on West Holly Street. The High and Chestnut Streets project will move forward to make critical stormwater improvements in a 50-acre area that includes South Union Avenue, Retford Avenue, Walnut Avenue and High Street, and we will continue to advocate with the Army Corps of Engineers for a larger regional project while we continue to explore further options and complete local projects.

• We will see an expansion of the size of our Public Library Children’s Room and an expansion of the library hours. This

A photo of a pollinator garden at Lincoln Park in Cranford. Cranford will continue to march toward its goal of planting 1,000 trees around Cranford while it also completes other projects such as a micro forest, rain gardens and native pollinator gardens.

has been a priority for the library for a number of years and, thanks to the advocacy and hard work of former Mayor Brian Andrews, we will be undertaking the construction of a state-of-the-art children's room that will provide Cranford with a flexible, modern space to learn, read and play.

• I will work diligently to ensure that we continue to issue timely and accurate information through official channels like our website, TV35 and our township newsletter and through township social media accounts.

As Cranford’s mayor, I am here to serve, advocate, and work with you to build a Cranford that is brighter, stronger, and inclusive for all! There are challenges ahead but, working together, united by the common purpose that is community, we will meet them head on and keep Cranford a wonderful place to live.

IN MEMORIAM

• DOUGLAS – Robert M. Jr., of Tuckerton, formerly of Cranford; April 15. U.S. Postal Service supervisor, fisherman. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 78.

• HULL – William “Bill,” of West Roxbury, Mass., formerly of Newark, Cranford; March 25. Army veteran. Teacher. Husband, father, brother, grandfather.

• STROBL – Wynifred E., of Basking Ridge, formerly of Maywood, Ill., and Cranford; March 25. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 99.

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.