CRANFORDLIFE UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM
Taking a virtual walk
— See Page 2
Inspecting child seats
— See Page 3
Seventh UCT champions!
— See Page 10
MARCH 2022
VOL. 06 NO. 06
Black History Month is recognized By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer The Cranford Township Committee honored Black History Month for recognizing black individuals who have made significant contributions in a time when they weren’t accepted due to racism and segregation at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 8. With the township highlighting the importance of this month, Cranford residents are reminded of the great strides many black notable individuals have made. Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis kicked off the meeting with an invocation by reciting the Langston Hughes poem “I Dream a World,” a world, says Hughes, “where black or white, / Whatever race you be, / Will share the bounties of the earth.” Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty read a proclamation honoring Black History Month and detailed the origin of the historic month. Within the proclamation, Miller Prunty also identified black families that have contributed to Cranford’s wonderful history. “During Black History Month, we celebrate the main achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development,” Miller Prunty said during the proclamation at the meeting. The mayor then identified historian Carter Woodson, who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, in 1915. In 1926, that organization determined that the second week of February would be known as Negro History Week. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became Black History Month, which is now celebrated throughout most of North America. “Whereas the observance of Black History Month calls our nation’s attention to the continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives up to democratic
Above, the Cranford Township Committee prepares to honor Black History Month during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 8. At right, Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty reads a proclamation honoring Black History Month and detailing the origin of the historic month at the same meeting. ideals,” Miller Prunty continued, “Whereas Cranford’s rich history could not be written without including names such as Culbreath, Randolph, Parrotts, Cannon, Bryant, Mason, Brown, Harris and so many more.” Miller Prunty said that, in 2020, Cranford saw the creation of the Cranford Equity and Inclusivity Initiative and the Cranford Unity Project to foster awareness and respect for cultures and contributions of all people. These efforts were to promote a better understanding and to help make Cranford a more welcoming and stronger community. She said that ORDER NOW
the 2022 Cranford Township Committee strongly supports these initiatives and is committed to standing against racism and standing for equal treatment, equal opportunity and respect for all people. “Now, therefore, I, Kathleen Miller Prunty, mayor of the township of Cranford, do hereby proclaim the month of February as Black History Month and urge all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage, culture and continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all,” concluded the mayor. “Issued this eighth day of the month of February 2022.”
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2 — March 2022 — Cranford Life
Take virtual nature walk in Conant Park from comforts of home As the winter cold snap continues, nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors from indoors, thanks to a team of expert naturalists from Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center. The team took a tracking hike through Conant Park in Hillside on a snowy day and filmed the adventure, featuring hawks, foxes, woodpeckers and signs of other local wildlife. A link to the video is available at the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside. “It is always surprising to learn how close we are to nature in Union County. The Conant Park winter walk demonstrates how our parks serve a crucial role in habitat conservation and biodiversity, while providing open space for thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy all year,” said Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairperson Rebecca Williams. An oasis of nature bordered by bustling neighborhoods, Conant Park features a diverse habitat that includes open fields, forests and waterways, along with public recreation facilities. The nine-minute “Winter Walk in Conant Park” video teaches viewers about animal signs in winter, how plants and animals cope with the cold weather, the benefits of snow cover and more. Viewers can also learn about which trees keep their needles year-round and which hold on to their leaves long into the winter season. For information about all Trailside activities, visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for holidays. COVID-19 safety rules apply. “Winter Walk in Conant Park” is part of a video series created by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation that also includes videos of historical sites; those are available online from the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at ucnj.org/cultural. Wintertime visitors to Union County parks are reminded that sledding and ice skating are permitted only in designated areas. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the many paths and trails in county parks. Downhill skiing is not allowed in any county park.
Photo Courtesy of the Trailside Nature & Science Center
The red fox is among the denizens of Conant Park in Hillside featured in an online wintertime nature video produced by Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center.
Cranford Life — March 2022 — 3
Photos Courtesy of Tina Casey
Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca Williams and Commissioners Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Bette Jane Kowalski visited the Union Coun-
ty Child Safety Seat Inspection Program in Garwood with Traffic Safety Education Program coordinator Christine Marcantonio on Friday.
County’s Child Seat Inspection Program available for residents After a small hiatus due to rising positive COVID-19 cases, Union County restarted its Child Seat Inspection Program on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Earlier that morning, Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca Williams and Commissioners Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Bette Jane Kowalski visited the inspection location, where PalmieriMouded had two of her children’s car seats installed. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” said Williams. “Statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are the No. 1 cause of deaths of children over the age of six months in the United States. So ensuring your child’s car seat is properly installed is of highest importance.”
The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to check for proper car seat installation by visiting the county’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program Center, located at the Garwood Rescue Squad, 401 Second Ave., Garwood. The program will run every Wednesday and Thursday, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. No appointment is necessary. Masks are required for staff and all adults attending. “It is a parent’s greatest responsibility to keep our children safe,” said PalmieriMouded. “The Car Seat Inspection Program is a great opportunity to help our community and help protect our children. I hope you come and take advantage, as I did, and allow our experts to help with the installation and provide any additional
safety tips you may need going forward.” According to the New Jersey Child Passenger Safety Law, any child younger than the age of 8 years old and shorter than a height of 57 inches shall be secured as follows in the rear seat of a motor vehicle: • A child younger than the age of 2 years and weighing less than 30 pounds shall be secured in a rear-facing seat equipped with a five-point harness. • A child younger than the age of 4 years and weighing less than 40 pounds shall be secured as described, until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing seat, then in a forward-facing child restraint equipped with a five-point harness. • A child younger than the age of 8 and shorter than a height of 57 inches shall be
secured as described until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing or forwardfacing seat, then in a belt-positioning booster seat. • A child younger than 8 years of age or shorter than 57 inches in height must be properly secured by a seat belt. All car seats and boosters have expiration dates. Parents or guardians should buy a used car seat only if they can verify the age of the seat. There should be a manufacturer's label on the back or bottom of the seat that gives the manufacture date and/or specific expiration date. “Union County has expert staff who keep up-to-date on new laws and car seat technology,” said Kowalski. “This is the kind of information that will keep our children safe and protected in a vehicle.”
Join the eighth annual NJ Makers Day at Cranford Public Library The maker movement in the United States isn’t just a hobby; it’s having a significant impact on school curriculum development and growing local economies. Cranford Public Library has been awarded a New Jersey Makers Day mini-grant this year to help fund its event. New Jersey Makers Day is a statewide event that celebrates and promotes maker culture, as well as the values associated with making, tinkering and STEM-based learning. In 2019, New Jersey Makers Day drew more than 83,000 attendees to more than 300 participating sites across 20 counties in the state. Those sites included schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums, and other educational organizations. Cranford’s eighth annual New Jersey Makers Day event will be on Saturday, March 26, at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford. Makerspaces across the state are having a significant impact on education and job skills development by providing access to people, information, resources and tools that facilitate making at a variety of skill levels. New Jersey Makers Day allows communities to share hands-on programming opportunities, demonstrations and displays, and the expertise of the individuals and organizations that make, create and develop. The Cranford Public Library event is from 10 a.m. to noon in the Community Room of the Cranford Commu-
nity Center. Stop by maker stations to test out coding robots, create a DIY water filtration system and make art using recycled materials. This portion is geared toward children ages 5-11, but all are welcome. At 2 p.m. in the theater, there will be a virtual reality demonstration led by a local designer who has created a virtual reality app that allows users to play classical music with the wave of a wand. Registration for this portion of the program is required and can be done at https://bit.ly/3rOcrSm. At both the morning and afternoon programs, sour-
dough bread starter kits prepared by Breadsmith will be given out, while supplies last. There will also be an opportunity to win a Breadsmith gift card at the virtual reality program. This free program is made possible by the support of New Jersey Makers Day, the Friends of the Library and Breadsmith. For additional information, visit the calendar page on the Cranford Public Library website, at www.cranfordlibrary.org, or call 908-709-7272. Find out more about New Jersey Makers Day at www.njmakersday.org.
Historical Society’s membership drive for 2022 is underway New members are being sought for the Cranford Historical Society. Membership is open to all residents, as the community’s support is needed to preserve and perpetuate the history of Cranford. Members will receive five issues of the Mill Wheel newsletter, which offers insight into Cranford's history, each year. The CHS is a nonprofit educational organization with programs throughout the year for all ages. A membership form is available at http://cranfordhis-
toricalsociety.org/; paper forms are available at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave.; Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave.; Cranford Historical Society Office, 38 Springfield Ave.; and CranePhillips House Museum, 124 N. Union Ave. The Cranford Historical Society office is open Monday to Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Crane-Phillips House Museum is open the second and fourth Sunday of every month. For more information, call the office at 908-2760082 or email cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.
4 — March 2022 — Cranford Life
Tiger Scouts are roaring for service in Cranford December marks a time of reflection and giving for many in the community. For those involved in Scouting, the willingness to give of oneself in service to others is learned at a young age. Cub Pack 75 has an enthusiastic group of first-graders from across Cranford in its Tiger program. During the course of this year, Tiger Scouts will work on a variety of Scouting adventures that focus on character development, good citizenship, building respect for others, fostering a sense of achievement and service to the community. The Cub Pack 75 Tiger Dens 2 and 5 collaborated with the Salt and Light Ministry of St. Michael’s Church for their December community service project as part of their “Team Tiger” adventure, which focuses on teamwork. Each Tiger family donated snack and drink items that the scouts then used to assemble snack bags. Den 5 leader Laura Rutzler said, “The boys were so excited to work together to decorate and assemble the snack bags.” The snack bags were distributed to children in need through Catholic Charities, Family Promise, St. Joseph’s Social Service Center, Cranford Family Care and parishioners in need. Zachary Rutzler, a first-grader at Brookside Place School, said, “I was happy to help people.” Together, the 36 Scouts assembled and donated approximately 200 snack bags. Cranford Cub Scout Pack 75 provides opportunities for youths in kindergarten through fifth grade to explore activities centered around earning badges that are specific to each school-grade level. For more information, visit cubpack75.com.
Photo Courtesy of Nikki Savino Mulcahy
From front to back, Scouts from Tiger Den 5 Roman Gens, Zachary Rutzler and Ethan Rochowiak assemble snack and drink items that the Scouts then use to assemble snack bags.
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GREAT TIME FOR A COAT DRIVE — Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung collects coats and winter wear to be donated to Franciscan Catholic Charities in Newark. Pictured, from left, are seniors Caitlin Cotter of Cranford and Emily Benewiat of Dunellen.
Photo Courtesy of Mount St. Mary Academy
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PNC Bank’s Joanna DiCiurcio brings her banking knowledge to the NJBankers executive committee.
DiCiurcio joins NJBankers executive committee The New Jersey Bankers Association announces the appointment of Joanna DiCiurcio to its executive committee. DiCiurcio is the retail market executive for PNC Bank’s central New Jersey market, comprising 10 retail bank regions and
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120 retail bank branches. DiCiurcio’s career at PNC included stops in Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, Pa.; she has served as regional manager, sales and service manager and product manager. She began her career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, where her work as an economic research analyst included writing a quarterly publication on banking legislation and policy. “We’re excited to have Joanna on our executive committee. Her depth of banking knowledge, especially in the retail market space, will be an asset to the committee and our membership,” said John E. McWeeney Jr., president and CEO of NJBankers. “Since joining the board in 2020, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for NJBankers’ work and impact in our state and industry. I’m pleased and proud to join the executive committee and continue my service to the board,” said DiCiurcio.
ExCEL will provide a comprehensive student development program to include academic, career, and transfer advice, a program-specific College Success course, peer tutoring, online resources and career and leadership development activities. In addition, the project will establish a Teaching Excellence Network to enhance faculty and staff professional development. TEN will include workshops that incorporate experiential learning, the use of industry-specific technological tools, innovative and inclusive pedagogy, the use of authentic assessment, and other best practices in improving Hispanic student success. “Union County College is thankful to be a recipient of this grant. The opportunities that will be provided to our students in the education, business and graphic design programs will help us meet our mission to transform our community by providing more experienced graduates into the local community,” said UCC President Margaret M. McMenamin.
Union County College receives $2.9M Title V grant for new ExCEL program Interim principal is now The U.S. Department of Education has named Union County College as recipient in charge of Walnut of a Title V Individual Development grant. Avenue School The award is for $2.9 million over the next five years and is aimed to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students and students from lowincome backgrounds. With the funding from the grant, Union College will implement Project ExCEL — Experiential Center for Education and Leadership — to improve the retention, academic success, transfer and career readiness of Hispanic students and students from low-income backgrounds who are enrolled in the education, business, and graphic design programs. ExCEL will provide students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning opportunities to gain work-based skills through hands-on collaborative experiences using industry-specific technology.
The Cranford Board of Education has announced that Gregg Caverly is the interim principal of Walnut Avenue School, while the school’s principal, Celine McNally, takes a leave of absence. Caverly has worked in the Cranford School District for the past 23 years, the first 12 years as a teacher of mathematics at the high school and the past 11 years as the district supervisor of mathematics and computer science. During these years, Caverly has had the opportunity to work with many of the WAS staff members, interact with parents/guardians and become familiar with the daily operations of the school. Caverly will work closely with McNally to ensure a smooth transition, and there will be a meet and greet for the community in the upcoming weeks.
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Cranford Life — March 2022 — 7
NJAW plans for temporary treatment change in plants serving local areas As part of an annual maintenance program for its water distribution system, New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process from a chloramine residual to free chlorine residual at the company’s Raritan–Millstone and Canal Road Water Treatment plants. These surface water treatment plants serve New Jersey Amer-
ican Water customers in Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties. “This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to provide safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Matthew Csik, NJAW director of water quality and envi-
CPD launches new mobile app The Cranford Police Department announced the launch of its new free mobile app, which is available in both the Apple and Google app stores. The first of its kind in this region, the Cranford Police Department’s app aims to increase resident–police communications through quick push-button notifications, realtime information availability, and customer-service themed conveniences. With this app, residents can request traffic enforcement and submit crime tips instantaneously, activating automatic notifications to supervisors who can address these concerns. With this technology, residents may use their smartphones to access crime mapping, request crash reports, see real-time weather announcements, read press releases and arrest blotters, request parking permits, access the department’s various social media platforms, and find local
resources. There is a directory of officers, so residents can communicate concerns directly and quickly. Chief Ryan J. Greco encourages residents to download the app. “This app is another means for residents to communicate with the police department. Whether about requesting traffic enforcement, submitting crime tips, or reporting street or Victorian light outages, this app provides residents an easy means to communicate to our officers, which enhances their ability to better serve the community,” he said. The Cranford Police Department has created a QR code, which it will soon emblazon on its marked patrol vehicles, that redirects users to the app store. The app was created by Capt. Edward Davenport, along with Apex Mobile, and designed with the Cranford community, its needs and the services provided by the police department in mind.
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New Downtown Cranford gift card to support small business community Downtown Cranford has launched its own gift card to support the small-business community. The Downtown Cranford gift card can be loaded with $20 to $500 and spent right across the town. Caren Demyen, director at Downtown Cranford, said the gift card will help to keep Cranford dollars in the community. “Last holiday season, many residents asked us for the option to have a gift card just for Cranford, and it’s something residents have requested for some time,” said Demyen. “I’m so grateful for the support of our community businesses in stepping up to fund the start-up cost for the Downtown Cranford gift card. Gift card balances do not expire, and there is no deduction if you don’t use the gift card for a period.” Demyen added, “The pandemic has been hard for businesses in Cranford, but we’re lucky that we have a really strong community. Residents realized that our small, independent businesses needed support and they were there to help. The Downtown Cranford gift card is a new way that we can support our businesses, as it can be spent right across Cranford, in retail stores, restaurants, salons, gyms, bakeries and more.” More than 99 businesses accept the new card, including independent movie house the Cranford Theater. Owner Doreen Sayegh said she believes the gift card is a positive move for the town. “Cranford Theater operated a drive-in during our 18-month closure, and we were fortunate to have a lot of support from our fantastic community,” said Sayegh. “The theater opened again recently and it’s going well, but it’s not back to being as busy as it was before COVID. We hope that, over time, everyone will come back to the movies and continue to create those wonderful memories with their families and friends at the Cranford Theater.” Sayegh continued: “The gift card is a wonderful idea and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. It’s a great way to unify everyone and bring business to the downtown. Cranford has a really appealing downtown, and the gift card will not only keep dollars in Cranford but bring new people in, too. Receiving a gift card is like Christmas. You’re more willing to try new things, like a business you've never been to before. Usually, if you’re buying a gift card, you don’t always know if someone likes that store or place, but with the Downtown Cranford gift card, it gives lots of business options.” Two other businesses that are part of the program are Anthem Style + Gift and Max & Luna, both owned by Cori Ardente, who said, “Anthem has been open for six years in December, selling women’s clothing and accessories, and Max & Luna opened last October as a specialty baby store for accessories, toys and gifts. The Downtown Cranford gift card is a great opportunity to centralize the gift-giving process, and provide choice and accessibility to the customer.”
Photo Courtesy of Caren Demyen
Cori Ardente, who owns both Anthem Style + Gift and Max & Luna in Cranford, holds up the Downtown Cranford gift card, which can be used to make purchases in Cranford. Ardente added: “It means everything, when people shop locally. This is how we support our families, and every dollar directly affects our lives. Healthy businesses give back to the community, and that benefits everyone.” The Cranford entrepreneurs involved with the setup of the Downtown Cranford gift card, real estate agent Steve Oliveira and mortgage broker and owner of HomeGotOwned Chris D’Mello, say it’s a way of giving back to the community. “When I meet with clients who are looking to rent or buy a home, the common theme is that they are attracted to Cranford because of its strong downtown and great community of amazing small businesses,” said Oliveira. “People sometimes don’t realize how important a downtown is to the overall prosperity of an area. As a local realtor, I, like many of my fellow colleagues and business own-
ers, benefit tremendously from this.” Oliveira added, “The Downtown Cranford gift card will help keep more money in the town and is an additional tool to help small businesses thrive and compete with the growing convenience of big box stores. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and, time and time again, these same businesses are always there for us when we need them. … “I grew up in Cranford, came back here five years ago to raise my young family and have been humbled and appreciative of the support I’ve received,” continued Oliveira. “I’m honored to be able to give back to the community that has helped me so much by supporting the Downtown Cranford gift card. I encourage everyone to support this program and buy yourself a Downtown Cranford gift card!” “The pandemic has caused a signifi-
cant impact to our Cranford economy, and, by introducing our own gift card program, we are helping to further connect our residents with local businesses,” said D’Mello. “Real estate and a few other types of businesses have done well in the past year, but businesses that depend on foot traffic have been hit hard. We hope that, whether it’s eating out or shopping at your favorite store, this gift card program makes it easier to support our community.” D’Mello added, “We are excited to support the Cranford gift card program; it’s a natural fit for our business and our ethos of community support.” The Downtown Cranford gift card can be purchased at https://downtowncranford.org/purchase or by calling 908-7097208 and picking it up at the Downtown Management Corp. office, room 17, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.
Cranford Life — March 2022 — 9
Cranford BOE meeting canceled due to actions of mask refuser By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer For two years now, wearing a mask has been a key protection against COVID-19, in addition to vaccines and booster shots. In Cranford, at the Board of Education’s meeting on Monday, Jan. 24, one parent in attendance refused to put on a mask when asked and when ordered. The refusal caused a disruption and led to the meeting’s suspension and ultimate cancellation. After a presentation, on seeing the parent without a mask during the meeting, Cranford Board of Education attorney Jennifer Osborne addressed the public. “I just wanted to remind everyone in the audience that we are currently still under an executive order, which requires us to wear masks in all school buildings,” Osborne said during the meeting. “So if there’s anyone in the audience that is not wearing a mask, we invite you to take a disposable one. Mr. (Michael) Mangini has a box walking through the audience. We are also livestreaming this meeting virtually, so you’re also welcome to leave the public meeting in person and attend virtually at home, if you are unable to wear a mask.” After an apparent refusal, Osborne doubled down on her request. “I would just add that we are not able to have anyone in attendance who is not wearing a mask, so we will have to ask you to leave the building if you are not willing to put one on,” Osborne said. “If we are
The Cranford Board of Education meeting is suspended and soon canceled due to the antics of an attendee who refused to wear a mask on Monday, Jan. 24. unable to have full attendance wearing a mask, we will stop the meeting to contact the police department. So again, we just want to let everybody know and offer disposable masks that Mr. Mangini has.” After another apparent refusal, it was decided to suspend the meeting until the executive order was in full compliance. The meeting was then canceled. A written statement by Cranford Public Schools on Saturday, Jan. 29, detailed the reason that no board business was conSee DESPITE, Page 11
IN MEMORIAM • BOYLE – Agatha Steffanie, of Cranford, formerly of Union; Feb. 5. Homemaker, widow, mother, grandmother, 85. • COOGAN – Edith Kennedy, of Cranford and Avon-by-the-Sea, formerly of West Orange; Jan. 21. Mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, 89. • DEVLIN – Barbara Hogan, of Cranford, formerly of Bloomfield; Jan. 19. Real estate agent. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 84. • JACQUIN – John “Jack,” of Cranford; Feb. 11. Husband, father, brother, 86. • KOLBE – Sharon Elizabeth, of Clark and Bayville, formerly of Cranford and Union; Jan. 26. Accountant, sister, aunt, grand-aunt, 70. • PFAHLER – Michael lan, of Cranford; Jan. 22. Also known as “Mike the Bike.” Son, brother, uncle, cousin. • POLI – Joseph F., of Toms River, formerly of Elizabeth and Cranford; Jan. 30. Supervisor, Union County Welfare Office, brother, uncle, 86. • SAGE – Natalie F., of Cranford; Feb. 6. World War II Army veteran, second lieutenant. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 98. • STIRLING – Judy, of Ithaca, N.Y., formerly of Cranford, N. Plainfield, Califon; Feb. 1. Artist, poet, widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 93. • THOMSON – Lois, of Cranford, formerly of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, and Westfield; Jan. 30. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 92. • VICCI – Anna, of Cranford; Jan. 26. Administrative assistant in the Animal Sciences Department, Merck and Co. Sister, aunt, 91. • ZEBROWSKI – John Lucian, of Orange, formerly of Jersey City and Cranford; Dec. 23. Letter carrier with the Post Office. Part-time painting business. Was 67. • ZOELLER – Thomas E., of Cranford; Jan. 26. Army vet. Career in computers with Nabisco Brands, NYNEX. Widower, father, brother, grandfather, 85.
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.
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10 — March 2022 — Cranford Life
SPORTS
Cranford wrestling wins seventh consecutive UCT championship By JR Parachini Sports Editor In the past quarter of a century, there have been three Union County wrestling dynasties. The third one continues to roll along, escaping the clutches of all who attempt to grab the headlines away from it. On Sunday, Jan. 23, in Clark — at the two gymnasiums housed at Arthur L. Johnson High School — the Cranford Cougars proved, once again, that they could not be halted, as they captured the 46th annual wrestling Union County Tournament championship, outscoring second-place Governor Livingston High School 244-202. Westfield High School, which was seeking its first title since 1990 and which came in second to Cranford in the previous tournament two years ago, finished third with 200.5 points. Cranford won the UCT for the seventh straight season, joining Roselle Park and David Brearley high schools as the only three programs that have accomplished this feat in the past 25 years. Roselle Park won every tournament from 1997 to 2003, and David Brearley won every tournament from 2006 to 2012. Cranford High School won six in a row from 2015 to 2020. There was no tournament last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cougars will attempt to win an eighth straight UCT championship next year, with the event planned to be back at Union High School’s Louis J. Rettino Gymnasium. All 14 of Cranford’s wrestlers placed among the top six, with seven of them advancing to the finals. Winning championships, all for the first time, were senior Colin Murray at 165, junior Dylan McDonald at 215 and senior Kevin Shriner at heavyweight. All three were key starters on Cranford’s state championship football team this past fall. Murray and Shriner continue their final wrestling seasons with undefeated records. “Everyone pitched in,” said Cranford head coach Pat Gorman, who has guided Cranford to all seven crowns. “That’s how we won Sunday, and that’s how we’ve won in the past, with everyone doing their part.” Shriner finished second at heavyweight as a sophomore two years ago. For the second time in two tournaments, Shane Kanterman finished second. He was second on Sunday, Jan. 23, at 190 as a junior and was second in 2020 at 160 as a freshman. Kanterman was also a menacing player on the gridiron for the North 2, Group 3, state-champ Cougars. “I’m very proud of all of our wrestlers,” Gorman said. “We’re at a good point in the season to see where we’re at.”
Photo Courtesy of Pat Gorman
Cranford High School’s wrestling team wins the 2022 Union County Tournament for the seventh consecutive time at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark on Sunday, Jan. 23. Murray, the top seed, won by forfeit against Anthony Robbins of Scotch Plains in the 165 final. That was the only bout of the 14 finals that was decided by forfeit. ‘It was unfortunate that Colin couldn’t wrestle his match in the finals,” Gorman said. Cranford’s two big guys, McDonald and Shriner, came through to provide the Cougars with key team points. They were part of Cranford’s famed offensive line that opened up huge holes for Murray and fellow Cougar running backs to run through. “They both have improved so much and in less than a year, with our season last year being in the spring,” Gorman said. “I also think being part of a state championship football team helped them.” Gorman and fellow Union County coaches didn’t want to go a second straight season without a tournament. “For the seniors this year, if they didn’t wrestle varsity as freshmen, this was to be only the second time they could wrestle here, the first time being as sophomores two years ago,” Gorman said. Heralded Cranford freshman Jordan Chapman, with just one loss on a slam, faced undefeated Westfield junior Michael Murphy, as expected, in the 157 final. A very good match went right down to the wire, with Murphy prevailing 9-7. Murphy was named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler for upper weights, while teammate Luke Jacobs, a senior, was the Outstanding Wrestler for the lower weights. Jacobs, like Mur-
phy, won his first UCT title, at 138. In 2020, both wrestler finished second: Murphy at 145 and Jacobs at 113. “Jordan hasn’t really faced a lot of top-quality wrestlers,” Gorman said. “He might face Murphy again this week.” Seven UCT team championships in a row
No. 9: Elizabeth, 60 No. 10: Arthur L. Johnson, 50 No. 11: Plainfield, 40 No. 12: Hillside, 22 No. 13: Union, 21 No. 14: Summit, 17.5 No. 15: New Providence, 13
2022 UCT finals 106: Matthew Griffin, Roselle Park, Cranford Cougars: 2015-2022 (no pin Gavin Turnbull, David Brearley, 3:58 tournament in 2021) 113: Julian McGarry, David Brearley, Head coach: Pat Gorman pin Brandon Scott, Roselle Park, 3:32 120: Scott Rayack, Governor LivBrearley Bears: 2006-2012 ingston, pin Eoghan O’Hara, Rahway, Head coach: Brian Luciani 4:15 126: Ethan Composto, Westfield, pin Roselle Park Panthers: 1997-2003 Claudio Sanchez, Elizabeth, 1:06 Head coach: Sam Appello 132: Mayson Harms, Roselle Park, dec. Aidan Harper, Westfield, 5-1 Outstanding Wrestler Lower 138: Luke Jacobs, Westfield, dec. Weights (106-144) Dante Gioia, Governor Livingston, 7-1 Luke Jacobs, Westfield, senior, 138 144: Angel Mejia, Roselle Park, dec. champion Joey Ortega, Arthur L. Johnson, 5-2 150: Julian Alston, Roselle Park, pin Outstanding Wrestler Upper Connor Hoefling, Cranford, 2:55 Weights (150-Hwt) 157: Michael Murphy, Westfield, dec. Michael Murphy, Westfield, junior, Jordan Chapman, Cranford, 9-7 157 champion 165: Colin Murray, Cranford, forfeit over Anthony Robinson, Scotch Teams Plains–Fanwood No. 1: Cranford, 244 175: John James Ranieri, Roselle No. 2: Gov. Livingston, 202 Park, pin Lucas Esposito, Cranford, 3:10 No. 3: Westfield, 200.5 190: Robert Lerner, Scotch Plains, pin No. 4: Roselle Park, 195.5 Shane Kanterman, Cranford, 2:16 No. 5: Scotch Plains–Fanwood, 133 215: Dylan McDonald, Cranford, dec. No. 6: Rahway, 94.5 Sergio Cabrera, Westfield, 6-5 No. 7: Linden, 72 HWT: Kevin Shriner, Cranford, dec. No. 8: David Brearley, 70 Mathew Ihemesie, Hillside, 3-2
Cranford Life — March 2022 — 11
Despite warnings, a member of the public refuses to wear mask (Continued from Page 9) ducted at the Cranford Board of Education meeting on Monday, Jan. 24. “Unfortunately, the Cranford Board of Education had to abruptly end the Jan. 24 meeting just a few minutes into the session, after a member of the public refused to wear a mask in accordance with Executive Order 281, which reinstates Executive Orders 251 and 253,” the statement said. “The board is compelled to follow all laws, including executive orders. The board is fully aware that not all individuals agree with this executive order and/or may qualify for a medical exception. For these reasons, the board provides an opportunity to take part in board meetings both in person and virtually. The individual was informed that they could participate virtually and refused. “They were also offered a mask on more than one occasion and refused,” it continued. “Rather than contacting the police, the board chose to end the meeting, so it could be in compliance with the executive order. It is extremely unfortunate that this occurred, as the district had official business that needed to be acted upon for the good of the school community, which also impacts the community at large. Moreover, the cessation of the meeting robbed residents of the opportunity to take part in the public proceedings and have their voices heard. Moving forward, we expect that all attendees will be respectful and compliant, allowing official business to take place and affording fellow residents the opportunity for their voices to be heard.”
Cranford BOE attorney Jennifer Osborne addresses the public during the meeting regarding indoor masks.
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Girl Scouts, church announce next drive-thru food collection Cranford United Methodist Church is teaming up with the Cranford Girl Scouts to host its next drive-thru food collection on Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church’s parking lot. Many neighbors are still struggling to keep food on the table, and everyone’s help is very much needed. The church’s parking lot is next to the Cranford Library, 201 Lincoln Ave. E., Cranford. Neighbors should place their bags of nonperishable food in their trunks, drive up and pop their trunks; volunteers will remove the bags, no contact needed. Food donations will be delivered to Cranford Family Care, St. Joseph Social Service Center and other local organizations serving families in need. Examples of especially needed items include paper towels, toilet paper, tis-
sues; hardy fresh produce such as apples, onions and potatoes; cooking oil, tuna, canned chicken, shelf-stable milk, spices, salt, pepper, tea and coffee, sugar, flour, crackers, soup, cereal, canned vegetables, rice — one- or twopound bags — lentils, beans, cake mix and frosting, dish detergent, soap, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. For those who can’t make that date, there are bins outside the entrance to the church off the parking lot where donations can be dropped any time. Many younger Girl Scouts are setting out bins on their porches to make it convenient for neighbors to donate. Others are welcome to do the same, then drop off the donated items at the event on March 12. For more information, contact Susan Caruso-Green at scarusogreen@gmail.com.
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