Cranford Life - March 2023

Teacher of the year

Taking a ‘Paws’ for Reading at the library

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

Reading is a wonderful tool for learning, as well as a great escape into worlds of adventure, but some children need a little encouragement, both to read aloud and with others. Fortunately, the Cranford Public Library has something perfect to help encourage children to read: “Paws” For Reading.

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This program has been offered since before she started working at the library eight years ago, said Lauren Antolino, principal librarian for the Children’s Department of the Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave., Cranford, in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, Feb. 13.

“We took a little break during the pandemic and had a virtual option, but now we’re back to once a month,” said Antolino. “We have certified therapy dogs come into the library. The children get a 10minute session with the dogs, where they can read to the dogs. And the dogs, since they are therapy dogs, have a very relaxed temperament.”

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Bald eagles surge back

Antolino explained that there is a certification process the dogs go through and, once they are certified, they can work with people. She said the group they work with is called The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc., out of Morris Plains. Authorized in all 50 states, this charitable organization will go to assisted living facilities, hospitals and other libraries around the state. “I’ve heard of some libraries having dogs come in during really stressful times, like finals,” Antolino added.

“People who bring their dogs in are volunteers and they do it out of the goodness of their hearts,” she continued. “Tonight, we are having two dogs come in. People who bring dogs in – they’re really nice people. Sometimes, we have more dogs. Last month, we had three, and next month, we have four.”

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The program is an hour long, which is how long the dogs can sit in one place comfortably, said Antolino.

“It’s been really great for the kids, especially children who are a little scared and might not have the confidence or feel comfortable reading to adults or others,” she said. “It’s nice to see them come out of their shells.

“Some parents are putting off getting a dog and this is their dog time.”

Antolino admitted they are getting a pretty good turnout for this event.

“We used to do registration, but now we do no registration,” she said. “People can just show up and reserve a spot when they get here.

“Bright and Beautiful are the ones who are certified and they coordinate the people and dogs who are coming. So they really arrange it. I think people learn about their program that way. It seems to be a real labor of love.”

Antolino said it’s nice to see children building their confidence through “Paws” For Reading, as well as because they love to see the dogs. And she said the dogs are excited, too.

Sometimes, she said the children will hold the book so the dogs can see the

Photo by David VanDeventer

A child reads to one of the dogs as part of the ‘Paws’ For Reading program at the Cranford Public Library. His name is Charlie and he is a Havanese. The library offers this program every month for children who need a little encouragement reading.

Local educator named teacher of the year for 2022-23

Beth Lambe has been named the teacher of the year for Brookside Place Elementary School as part of the 20222023 Governor’s Educator of the Year Recognition Program.

“When I think of the teaching profession, the old adage ‘Choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life,’ always comes to mind. Not only do I love to teach, but I have fun each day I am with my students. I truly enjoy watching them grow and learn, especially when they are struggling and then finally have the ‘aha’ moment,” said Lambe, who has 31 years of teaching experience, with 29 years in the Cranford school district, first serving as a middle school teacher at Hillside Avenue School.

Lambe became a special education teacher at Brookside Place Elementary School 15 years ago. “I revel in watching them learn about the world around them, cultivate new talents, make new friends and develop the ability to problem-solve. Witnessing student growth, successes and improvements is an exceptionally rewarding experience,” Lambe said. “I have had the unique privilege to usher my students out into the world, only to watch them come back to Cranford as productive adults to raise their own children. Having my former students return to Cranford to work, raise their families and contribute to Cranford’s continued success as a caring community is one of my greatest

accomplishments. I am honored to be recognized as Brookside Place School educator of the year.”

Lambe’s love of teaching extends beyond the classroom. She has served as a soccer coach, peer leader adviser, student

council adviser, after-school sports adviser and mentor for junior year and senior year student teachers. Lambe has been the Cranford Education Association president and is currently the BPS representative to the CEA, a New Jersey Education Association consultant, a member of the Cranford Municipal Alliance and has been district webmaster. She has led the popular summer STEM camp, Camp Invention, in Cranford, serving as director for 24 summers. She is a past participant and recipient of the Pairing and Sharing Grant, as well as being student-nominated and recognized as an outstanding educator by the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence in 1997.

Lambe has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kean University, a substance awareness coordinator certification from Kean University, an OrtonGillingham certification from Fairleigh Dickinson University, computer programming certification from Chubb Institute and a mental health/first aid certification.

“I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart, Louie, for 28 years. When I’m not teaching, I am the proud mom to my daughter, Gabrielle, a Cranford High School and Centenary University graduate, and my son, Patrick, a sophomore at Suffolk University in Boston. In addition to my human children, I also have two fur babies, Max and Sasha,” said Lambe.

Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz

Beth Lambe has been named the teacher of the year for Brookside Place Elementary School.

It’s always a good time to ‘Paws’ For Reading

(Continued from Page 1)

pages, which she thought was adorable.

“I used to run this program, but my colleague, Cathy Queenan, has been running it for the past few months,” said Antolino. “She does a wonderful job. It’s nice to be a part of this program.

“We have a programming room that usually is pretty empty. We try to give them as much room as possible. So it’s the children, the trainer and the dogs.”

“Paws” For Reading becomes a family experience, she said, for children of all ages and their parents.

“Sometimes, the parents sit in the room on the side, but sometimes they browse the collection of books while the children read,” Antolino said. “It depends on the child’s confidence level. They are usually pretty good. Some are pretty comfortable and they have their younger siblings sit in.

“The children are usually kindergarten through second grade, although we have occasionally seen up to fifth grade. They like to spend time with the dogs. We’ve had toddlers come in and hang out with their older siblings, who are reading.

“My colleague, Leala, is running the program tonight.”

For many, the interaction between the children and dogs is a memory worth saving on film.

“Sometimes, the parents take pictures,” Antolino said. “It’s a nice photo op. Sometimes, the dogs fall asleep, and we tell the children that they enjoyed their reading.”

At left, Spencer, a lovable Havanese who takes part in the ‘Paws’ For Reading program. gets a big hug from his owner. Above, both the children and the dogs seem to enjoy the program a lot, judging by the smiles and wagging tails. At right, little Charlie strikes a pose worthy of a Hollywood star.

Photos by David VanDeventer

‘Paws’ For Reading library program makes learning fun

David

Cranford Public Library offers many family-friendly programs and their

For Reading nights are always a big hit with the children. Youngsters are invited to hone their comprehension skills by reading to certified therapy dogs on a first come, first serve basis. The next date for ‘Paws’ is slated for March 7; additional information can be found in the feature story on Page 1.

Photos by

VanDeventer

‘Paws’

Photos Courtesy of

Cranford Public Library has much to offer the community

The Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave., Cranford, is hosting a variety of programs for children and families.

• “Paws” for Reading: Dogs are a perfect, nonjudgmental audience for children learning to read independently. Young readers are invited to hone their skills by reading to certified therapy dogs; each child gets a 10-minute spot with a pup on Tuesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required, though space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Winter Reading Challenge: Celebrate reading and earn free books in the library’s winter reading challenge. Enroll online to get started: https://cranfordlibrary.beanstack.org/. Everyone who registers will receive a free book — donated by the Friends of the Library — and can pick up a new book or small incentive each week. This program runs from now to Friday, March 31, and is open to all children with a valid Cranford library card.

• Around Again: This group is about taking a look at trends that were popular, faded from obscurity, and then came back into style. On Wednesday, March 22, it’s a groovy, ’70s party. This program meets at 7 p.m. and is intended for children ages 8 and older with an adult caregiver.

• School-Age Storytime: Children in

kindergarten to grade five are invited for an afternoon storytime, where they’ll share some exceptional books and create art, on Tuesdays, Feb. 28, and March 8 and 15, at 4:30 p.m. No registration is required.

• Turtle Dance Music: Join the Cranford Public Library for a high-energy, inclusive-for-all music and comedy show on Friday, Feb. 24, at 10:30 a.m. Attend virtually from home or watch a stream in the Cranford Community Center. There will be songs, comedy, bubbles and music technology. Registration is required and can be done online: eventbrite.com/e/turtle-dance-ages-2tickets-510980525507.

• Pajama Storytime: Relax, listen to a story, and make some crafts on Thursday, March 2, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Registration is required and can be done online at cranfordlibrary.org/calendar.

• Who Was/Is … Club: Read about favorite African American icons, such as the Obamas, Coretta Scott King and Michael Jordan. Children in grades two to five should stop by the Children’s Desk to select their book pick. Reserve a spot online: eventbrite.com/e/who-wasisbook-club-tickets-433579496947.

• Graphic Novel Book Club: Fans of graphic novels and comics in grades three to five are invited to a new book

club at the library on Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m. The first book is “Max Meow: Cat Crusader,” by John Gallagher. Registration is required: eventbrite.com/e/graphic-novel-bookclub-tickets-511006693777.

• Open Play: Drop in for free play. This program is for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, no registration is required. Tuesdays in March at 10:15 a.m.

• Family Art/Craft: Families with children of all ages are invited to create spring art on Tuesday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. No registration is required.

• New Jersey Makers Day: New Jersey Maker’s Day is a statewide celebration of creativity. Children in grades two and three can sign up for a Dot and Dash Robot Workshop at 11 a.m.: eventbrite.com/e/dot-and-dash-workshop-new-jersey-makers-day-tickets508034323337. Children ages 6 and older are invited to drop in for Lego Hour at noon, and toddlers can dive into making at Tinker Tots from 2 to 3 p.m.

• Storytime Yoga: Children ages 2 to 5 will use props — such as balls, scarves, pinwheels and pompoms — to build strength, flexibility and self-confidence through play. The program mixes poses, games, storytelling, art and music to teach children to release the sillies and find the calm. Thursdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.,

from March 2 to April 20. Registration is required: eventbrite.com/e/storytimeyoga-tickets-508030913137. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

• Breadcrumbs Book Club: Friends in grades three to five are invited to a discussion of the book Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu on Thursday, March 30, at 5:30 p.m. This is an in-person program with a maximum of 10 participants. The first seven readers to enroll will receive a free copy of the book; reserve a spot online at eventbrite.com/e/breadcrumbs-bookclub-tickets-399609281117.

The Cranford Public Library can be reached at 908-709-7272, library@cranfordnj.org or cranfordlibrary.org.

Cranford library board meets monthly in 2023

The 2023 monthly meetings of the Cranford Public Library board of trustees will be at the Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave., Cranford, at 7 p.m. on the following dates. Thursday, Feb. 23; Thursday, March 23; Thursday, April 27; Thursday, May 25; Thursday, June 22; Thursday, July 27; Thursday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Sept. 28; Thursday, Oct. 26; Wednesday, Nov. 15; and Thursday, Dec. 28. All are welcome to attend.

NJ bald eagle population continues to climb

The bald eagle population in New Jersey continues to climb, according to the 2022 New Jersey Bald Eagle Project Report developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife Division and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, with 250 active nests identified last year, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced Jan. 20.

The 250 active nests — meaning the nests produced eggs — represent an increase of 28 active nests since 2021. Of those nests, 83 percent were successful and collectively produced 335 offspring. The productivity rate for nests with known outcomes was 1.42 young per nest, which is above the range required to maintain healthy population numbers.

“The continued growth of New Jersey’s bald eagle population is an inspiration to all of us and is a direct result of strong environmental protection laws, firm partnerships, innovative scientific techniques, and the dedication of many volunteers who devote much of their time to monitoring and protecting eagles,” LaTourette said. “The efforts of the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project — a partnership among the DEP, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and volunteer eagle watchers — demonstrate how new technologies, effective coordination, public engagement and education are at work to protect treasured wildlife species such as the bald eagle.”

“The ongoing recovery and growth of New Jersey’s bald eagle population is a remarkable story that gets better with each passing year,” Fish and Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden said. “Conservation efforts, such as protecting sensitive eagle nesting and wintering areas, engaging and educating the

public, and tracking eagles’ movements, have all contributed to the enormous success of the program that will continue to conserve New Jersey’s wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”

The 250 active nests confirmed in 2022 represent a more than twofold increase since the beginning of 2013, when 119 active nests were counted. The Delaware Bay region remained the state’s eagle stronghold, with roughly half of all nests located in Cumberland and Salem counties and the bayside of Cape May County.

A total of 267 total territorial pairs were monitored in 2022. This number includes pairs that had active nests as well as those that maintained nest territories but did not lay eggs. Fourteen new territorial nesting sites were confirmed in the southern region, 10 in the central and five in the north.

“New Jersey continues to collect highquality data on the health and productivity of its bald eagles, which is no small feat given the species’ ever-growing numbers. Other states increasingly look to New Jersey’s volunteer-based monitoring program as a guiding example of how to monitor this species efficiently and effectively in this latest stage of its recovery. It is a fitting moment to recognize these successes, as the Endangered Species Act, which supported this inspiring recovery, now celebrates 50 years,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Northeast eagle coordinator, Thomas Wittig, said.

New Jersey had just one surviving bald eagle nest into the 1970s and 1980s — a pair in a remote part of Cumberland County — due to widespread use of DDT. This synthetic insecticide had lasting impacts on the food chain, accumulating in fish that eagles eat and causing eagles

to lay thin-shelled eggs that could not withstand incubation. The federal government banned DDT in 1972.

Recovery efforts in New Jersey began in the early 1980s, with reintroduction of eagles from Canada and artificial incubation and fostering efforts, which started to pay discernible dividends throughout the 1990s.

The federal government removed the bald eagle from its list of endangered species in 2007, reflecting strong gain in the population throughout the nation. The current bald eagle protection status in New Jersey, however, remains endangered during the breeding season and threatened for the nonbreeding season. The greatest threats to bald eagles in New Jersey are disruptive human activity in nesting and foraging areas and habitat loss.

DEP Endangered and Nongame

Species Program biologists work throughout the year to reduce disturbances to nests by coordinating with a team of volunteer nest observers, providing guidance to landowners on how to protect eagle habitat, identifying land for acquisition and management, applying the state’s land use regulations, and educating the public.

Goals of the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project include monitoring the bird’s recovery status in the state; protecting nesting sites, foraging and wintering areas; documenting location data to identify at-risk habitats; and providing education to private landowners. Biologists and Conserve Wildlife Foundation staff work with volunteer observers to monitor nests, report sightings and protect critical habitat to support the continued growth of the state’s bald eagle population.

Publisher: David Worrall

Editor: Yael Katzwer

Managing Editor: David Jablonski

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

Photo Courtesy of Rich NicolPhoto Courtesy of Jimmy Douglas

Union County announces its 2023 recycling schedule

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising residents that schedules for free countywide, drivethrough recycling programs are now available online at ucnj.org/recycling. Along with two locations for scrap metal recycling, there will be traveling locations for secure paper shredding of personal documents and for safe disposal of unwanted household chemicals and other potentially hazardous home and yard products.

“We encourage everyone in the whole Union County community to use our countywide drive-through recycling programs to recover valuable metals for recycling, prevent identity theft, and help keep hazardous products out of the environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. “I would also like to thank our municipal partners

for helping to stem the tide of waste with local drop-off programs.”

Union County’s recycling programs are run by the Bureau of Recycling and Planning, and are for household use only. Residents must arrive in a vehicle and remain in their vehicle while staff on-site unload the items.

The following Union County drivethrough recycling programs can be used by any county resident this year, regardless of hometown.

• Scrap metal recycling: Drop off metal appliances, fencing, gutters, kitchenware and more at two locations, in Rahway and Kenilworth. This program begins in April and continues on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month until November. Visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrap-metal for details.

W A N T E D WANTED

• Secure paper shredding: Union County’s secure, mobile paper shredding program will visit locations in Scotch Plains, Plainfield, Berkeley Heights, Hillside, Clark, Cranford, Rahway, Union Township and Westfield this year. The shredding events, 13 in all, will take place from March to October. Visit ucnj.org/recycling/mobile-paper-shredding for details.

• Household hazardous waste: Residents can bring a wide variety of home and yard products, from unwanted cleansers to hobby supplies, fire extinguishers and car tires, to five events between April and October, in Cranford, Union Township and Scotch Plains. For details, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Residents can contact their municipal recycling coordinator to inquire about

drop-off locations for recycling plastic film including shopping bags and bubble wrap, block-type Styrofoam packing material, fluorescent light bulbs, electronic goods, motor oil and oil filters. A list of municipal recycling coordinators is available at ucnj.org/recycling/municipalrecycling-coordinators.

Experts from the Bureau of Recycling and Planning are also available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program, contact Heather Miara at heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

NJ launches expanded Potential Lead Exposure Mapping tool

New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection, announced Jan. 24 the launch of an expanded version of the Potential Lead Exposure Mapping, or PLEM, tool, which provides new publicly available data that indicate potential sources of lead exposure.

The tool may be used by local health officers, community groups and other members of the public to help identify the potential sources of lead exposure. The PLEM tool also will have multiple uses that will be phased in over time. Phase 1 will look specifically at lead paint in housing as a source of exposure, while future phases will examine other indicators of childhood blood lead poisoning risk.

The DOH provided funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the map’s development, as well as through a CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking grant.

The DEP developed the original data layer and platform and hosts the map tool. The PLEM tool can be found at tinyurl.com/yruv8xj4. The DCA contributed the latest data layers visualizing one- and two-bedroom rental housing units constructed prior to 1980 and applicable lead inspection methodology required in each municipality.

“The PLEM map is an extraordinary

tool to help us track lead exposure in New Jersey,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA commissioner. “New Jersey remains a leader in the nation in protecting children from lead and is out ahead of the majority of states in that we continue to regularly and systematically inspect multifamily housing for leadbased paint hazards. This tool demonstrates how state agencies can partner to provide resources to help New Jersey residents and communities, and I commend DOH and DEP for partnering with us on this important work.”

“The expansion of this tool’s information capabilities will further strengthen New Jersey’s reach and efforts to protect children and families from the risks associated with lead exposure,” DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “Protecting New Jersey’s environment requires a comprehensive approach and a variety of tools to assist the public with

information about their communities. We are grateful to our sister agencies DCA and DOH, who continue to partner with DEP to ensure New Jersey is empowered and made healthier through knowledgeexpanding public resources.”

“Lead paint is one of the largest sources of lead exposure to our children, and any blood lead level above zero is unacceptable. These additional map layers will assist local health staff as they continue to work to eliminate lead exposure among New Jersey’s children,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said. “I applaud the partnership between New Jersey Departments of Health, Environmental Protection and Community Affairs in the collective effort to reduce lead exposure in our state.”

Prior to the 1950s, lead was used in paint to achieve certain pigments, as well as to improve drying times, durability and moisture resistance. Lead-based

paint was used for both home interiors and exteriors, and it became commonplace in the early 20th century as production shifted to larger commercial scales. Exposure in older homes happens when lead-based paint starts to deteriorate, cracking or peeling away from the walls. When paint is intact, meaning it is neither flaking nor breaking apart, exposure risk is low for inhabitants, even children.

Deterioration of lead-based paint results in lead-contaminated dust, which may be directly ingested or inhaled, and paint chips, which may be touched or, less commonly, ingested. Exposure through direct ingestion of contaminated dust, paint chips or even soil around a house is especially a concern for young children, who often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. Living in a house with lead-based paint can result in a chronic accumulation of the heavy metal in the body.

Houses built after 1978 are less likely to contain lead-based paints. That year, Congress banned the use of lead-based paint in homes built or rehabilitated with federal funding through the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act. By 1992, the act was amended to address lead-contaminated dust and soil in homes, as well as to adopt preventive strategies to reduce future lead exposure. Newer homes have the lowest risk of potential lead exposure from lead-based paint.

‘ This tool demonstrates how state agencies can partner to provide resources to help New Jersey residents and communities, and I commend DOH and DEP for partnering with us on this important work.’

— Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver

RWJBarnabas Health receives grant for children, families

RWJBarnabas Health announced Jan. 26 that the health system is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office on Trafficking in Persons. ACF formally announced this funding in late 2022 and, to mark National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, RWJBarnabas Health announced that the new funding will be used to help support the system’s Anti–Human Trafficking Collaborative’s efforts in educating staff across the system to identify and treat individuals experiencing human trafficking and expand access to critical services through strategic partnerships.

The Anti–Human Trafficking Collaborative was formed at RWJBarnabas Health to raise awareness among health professionals about labor and sex trafficking of children and adults. Drawing

upon the expertise of Covenant House New Jersey in screening and identification protocols, the collaborative has been working to improve the ability of health professionals to recognize individuals who may be experiencing human trafficking and respond appropriately. As a grant recipient, the system will now implement ACF’s SOAR to Health and Wellness Training Demonstration Program, which is grounded in a public health approach and designed to build the capacity of health professionals through specialized training to identify, treat and respond to the complex needs of individuals who have experienced trafficking.

“In recognition of the investment we have already made in the system’s AntiHuman Trafficking Collaborative, as well as a comprehensive education program to train our staff, we are incredibly honored to be one of only two organizations recog-

nized by the Administration for Children and Families with this generous grant,” said Suzanne Spernal, vice president for women’s services at RWJBarnabas Health. “Hospitals and health systems are critical parts of the solution to human trafficking. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of people access health care services during their trafficking experience. As an anchor institution and New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive academic health care system, we are in a unique position to help groups that have been economically and socially underserved, including people who are experiencing human trafficking.”

According to ACF, “The SOAR to Health and Wellness Training Demonstration Program, a new pilot program grounded in ACF’s SOAR to Health and Wellness framework, will equip professionals in clinical health and social services settings to identify, treat and respond to people

impacted by human trafficking by delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed and patient-centered care.”

Human trafficking is a global issue, but it is a pervasively local issue in New Jersey. Jersey City and Newark — each home to an RWJBarnabas Health hospital — were identified as two of the top cities in New Jersey from which calls are placed to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

“RWJBarnabas Health has been a committed advocate for individuals who have experienced human trafficking in New Jersey for several years,” said Julia Einbond, associate executive director at Covenant House Action and Research Tank. “In working together to further build out the system’s Anti–Human Trafficking Collaborative through this grant, we will be able to connect many more individuals experiencing human trafficking with the support that they need.”

Safe Routes to School recognizes local schools and municipalities

This year, the EZ Ride Bike & Pedestrian Program team hosted more than 450 events in 300 communities, including safety presentations, poster contests, bike safety presentations, walk assessments and walk-to-school days, to promote safety and biking.

Approximately 40,000 students attended these events.

The result: 154 schools and municipalities were recognized as winners of the NJ Safe Routes to School Program by the New Jersey Department of Transportation;

76 percent, or 117, of the 154 awardees were from disadvantaged communities.

• From Elizabeth, Sonia Sotomayor School No. 25 and Winfield Scott School No. 2 received First Step awards, and Joseph Battin School No. 4 received a gold award.

• From Garwood, Lincoln Franklin Elementary School received a bronze award.

• From Kenilworth, Harding Elementary School received a First Step award.

• From Linden, Highland Avenue School No. 10

received a First Step award.

• From Roselle Park, Ernest J. Finizio Aldene Elementary School received a silver award.

• From Scotch Plains, Coles Elementary School received a First Step award.

In addition to schools receiving awards, individual municipalities were also recognized. Clark, Fanwood, Kenilworth, Springfield and Westfield received First Step awards, and Elizabeth, Linden and Roselle Park received gold awards.

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