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Foundation raises $155K
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Jammin’ with the band
JUNE 2021
VOL. 05 NO. 09
Committee addresses redevelopment By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer During her mayoral remarks at the Cranford Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 27, Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty discussed plans for the North Avenue Gateway Redevelopment area within the township. “You’ve likely heard or read about the North Avenue Gateway Redevelopment area. The township decided to designate the area needed for redevelopment because it presents a tremendous opportunity to transform a really important and very visible part of Cranford and the downtown,” Prunty said. “The hope is that it will inspire and continue ongoing investment and revitalization of the busi-
ness district that began more than 15 years ago. There are no quick fixes in this. The process can be long and involved, as it should be, because this is a serious matter.” Prunty said she would be discussing the issue with the commissioners, welcomed public input and stressed the need to address misinformation. “The document itself clearly spelled out some parameters — preserve the firehouse, preserve or expand parking, create a public space for community gatherings, create pedestrian-friendly areas, take into consideration the township’s master plan, the downtown vision plan, the strategic plans and create a mixed-used development with not more than 40 residential
units,” Prunty said. “Twice, this area of North Avenue East was designated for redevelopment: in 2008 and, most recently, in 2017. Those efforts failed, but we’re back at it. I am determined that Cranford will get it right this time, and we will develop this area with sound, sustainable planning, first-rate architecture, inviting public spaces for those community events that we treasure, pedestrian amenities, appropriate parking and mixed uses that meet not just current needs but future needs.” The mayor said the township had opted to issue a Request for Expression of Interest, an invitation to developers, architects and planners to share their See LONG-AWAITED, Page 10
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Team helps life choices
Photo Courtesy of Cranford
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A ROAD RUNS THROUGH IT — Cranford was the recipient of $90,000 from a Union County Infrastructure Grant to support road improvement projects. Pictured are Cranford Commissioner Jason Gareis, County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and administrator Jamie Cryan.
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UCC Foundation raises more than $155,000 for student success More than 200 golfers, diners and volunteers from around New Jersey and beyond joined together at the Union County College Foundation’s 29th annual Scholarship Golf Outing on Monday, April 26. This event raised more than $155,000 in support of its mission to accelerate the pace of student success. The annual golf outing took place at Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster. Thanks to the generosity and support of key community and business leaders over the last five years, the foundation has had a generational impact on the Union County College community by funding nearly $6 million in direct scholarship and grant support, in furtherance of the core mission of the college: to provide students with a high-quality and affordable education. White Claw Hard Seltzer was the key sponsor for this year’s golf outing. Its support will help the foundation continue to expand the opportunities available for Union students. “Thank you to White Claw for being this year’s signature sponsor for our golf outing. Your corporate leadership in support of our mission will translate into our ability to have a positive impact on student success. White Claw is helping to ease the financial burden on our students that will allow them to focus on their academics and graduate,” said foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse. This year’s 16-member golf committee
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Torella
At the 29th annual Scholarship Golf Outing are, from left, UCC Foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse, UCC board of trustees Chairperson Victor M. Richel, three UCC students holding the big check presented to the Union County College Foundation from the golf committee, UCC President Margaret M. McMenamin and golf committee co-Chairperson John Richel. led the charge to ensure a successful day for everyone. “As we have all seen over the past year, trying to organize and produce a successful event has been trying. The pandemic has impacted everything
that we do; however, our committee did not sit idly by but instead worked tirelessly so that we could have a great day for all our golfers. Their dedication to our mission helped make this year’s outing
one of our most successful,” said Rouse. For information about the foundation’s annual events, contact Rouse at douglas.rouse@ucc.edu or at 908-7097505.
Cranford Life — June 2021 — 3
Photos Courtesy of Christine Radlmann
New Jersey country music trio Southpaw has charted its own success during the COVID-19 pandemic. Above, the group consists of, from left, guitarist Colin McConnell, singer Christine Radlmann and keyboardist Sean Garnhart. At right, Southpaw released its first entirely selfproduced album, ‘Unhitched,’ on Sunday, Feb. 14. It peaked at No. 3 on Amazon’s Hot New Country Releases chart. A full-length music video was launched on Thursday, March 11, and has already garnered 15,000 views.
Cranford guitarist helps music group make waves By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer Despite the difficulties the music industry has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the upstart New Jersey country music trio Southpaw has charted its own success. Born and raised in Ridgewood, the band’s lead singer, Christine Radlmann, moved to Union County 13 years ago and currently lives in Westfield. She admits her journey took her in many directions before she found country music. “I’ve worn many hats in my adult life, but the primary one I donned before devoting myself full-time to music was that of a literary editor,” Radlmann said on Saturday, May 1. “I got my start in magazines, as a staff editor at The Atlantic, and went on to copyedit books, including the ‘Twilight’ series. Throughout most of my literary career, I moonlighted as a singer. “I was always a singer — in school plays and such as a kid, and later in cover bands,” she continued. “People would often comment that I had a natural twang to my singer voice. It was totally unconscious, but it’s always been there. Eventually, I became a lead singer in a country cover band, singing June Carter, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert and all the old and new greats in country music. My dad was a big southern rock fan, so I grew up loving Alabama, ZZ Top and the like. One of my first concerts was Lynyrd Skynyrd.” Originally from Pittsburgh, Emmywinning sound designer and Southpaw keyboardist Sean Garnhart, who also lives
in Westfield, is best known for his sound design for major movies. Garnhart grew up around music and art. “I’m originally from a town just outside of Pittsburgh. I grew up in a very artsy family. My dad was an art teacher and my mom was a piano teacher,” Garnhart said on Saturday, May 1. “I started playing when I was 2 years old and started lessons at 3. When I turned 16, I started playing professionally in piano bars and restaurants. After college, I moved to Los Angeles and spent about eight years there before moving back East, where I landed in New Jersey. “Music has been a love of my life since I could breathe. Given my upbringing, playing, listening, performing, producing and arranging have always been in my blood,” he continued. “I’m so grateful that I can pursue something that makes me happy. When I’m not making music, I’m doing sound design for major movies and TV shows that I’m sure you’ve seen and heard. I’ve worked for the Coen brothers, Judd Apatow and M. Night Shyamalan. I’m fortunate to be able to use my creative skills across various media.” The third member of Southpaw, guitarist Colin McConnell of Cranford, was born in New York, spent his childhood in rural Pennsylvania and has lived in New Jersey for his adult life as an award-winning advertising professional. However, music has always been a part of his life. “I grew up in a musical family, traded in a trombone for a guitar in ninth grade, and songwriting and performing have
been a part of me for as long as I can remember,” McConnell said on Friday, April 30. “I had a successful career in advertising and media. It was a great way to apply my creative skills without being a starving artist. Now, I’m an artist, but I’m not starving.” After singing in cover bands for several years, Radlmann was a guest performer with Garnhart and McConnell’s prior band. The chemistry was palpable, leading to the creation of Southpaw. “Colin and I had been playing together before we met Christine. When Christine started singing with us, we instinctively headed down the country path. Her voice is pure country. We started writing and recording together, and the rest is history,” Garnhart said. “I’m a storyteller and a guitarist. That kind of makes me a country musician,” McConnell said. “It just took me years of playing other genres to figure it out. When Christine, Sean and I started performing together with a different band, it sort of pointed us at Southpaw — kind of like a Ouija board.” Formed at the end of 2018, Southpaw released its first entirely self-produced album, “Unhitched,” on Sunday, Feb. 14. It peaked at No. 3 on Amazon’s Hot New Country Releases chart. A full-length music video was launched on Thursday, March 11, and has already garnered 15,000 views. Although the pandemic has hindered touring and shows, the band members say they have used their time wisely the past year.
“I used to perform at live gigs very often. COVID put the kibosh on that for the past year,” Radlmann said. “But my bandmates and I were able to pivot and spend the time creating an album. A year ago, I wouldn’t have guessed that I’d be hearing our songs on radio stations across the United States and abroad today.” It proved fortuitous that, as an awardwinning sound engineer, Garnhart, whose nickname is Squack, had a professional recording studio in his home, so they did everything there themselves. “We went right into the studio working on original material. We were about five tracks into the album when COVID hit, so all the success we’ve had has been in spite of COVID and comes with a lot of hard work,” Garnhart said. “Each of us brings a wide range of creative skills, from songwriting to production, videography, editing, social media marketing and so on. So, we were able to hunker down and get a lot done with just the three of us while staying safe. Technology enabled us to work closely together, even when we were in the peak of the lockdown. It’s a lot like running a start-up company: You just get it done.” “Our music video for our song ‘Within You’ was a labor of love,” said Radlmann. “We shot it ourselves outdoors, smack dab in the middle of winter, throughout scenic New Jersey. Not having extra hands, owing to COVID, to help direct, film and edit, there was a lot of pressure on Squack and Colin, but the two of them rose to the See LOCAL, Page 4
4 — June 2021 — Cranford Life
Local band able to find success with country music (Continued from Page 3) occasion and produced an excellent video. For me, the difficult part was performing the song thousands of times, for very long stretches, while chilled to the bone.” “I’m so grateful for the reception that the video has received,” she continued. “The message of the song is resonating with people through the video. ‘Shake’ is all about fun, letting it all hang out and not caring too much about what other people think. That sentiment seems to be striking a chord with audiences right now. A New Jersey dance studio actually choreographed a whole routine to it called the ‘Southpaw Shake’ that got a lot of attention in social media.” According to a press release outlining the group’s success, tracks from “Unhitched” have been selected for airplay on radio stations in Texas, Washington, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Kentucky, Canada, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Australia, Ireland and the Netherlands, and have been syndicated on more than 400 other stations worldwide. Southpaw’s music has also been featured on several international podcasts. “It’s been three months since the launch of our debut album, and we’ve hit just about every success metric we set ourselves,” Radlmann said. “So far, presale of the album was far better than expected. … Radio play has been great. Our social
Photos Courtesy of Christine Radlmann
Above left, although the band plays country music, its members, from left, Sean Garnhart, Christine Radlmann and Colin McConnell, all hail from Union County. Garnhart and Radlmann live in Westfield and McConnell is from Cranford. Above right, always a singer, when Radlmann found country music, she said it just felt right for her and her voice. Tracks from Southpaw’s first album, ‘Unhitched,’ have been selected for airplay on radio stations throughout the world and have been syndicated on more than 400 other stations worldwide. media following has grown really fast, and the reception to our first video had us over the moon. But we’re just getting started and we’re excited to get out in front of audiences and really blow them away. “We’re already at work on a cover song, a second album of original music and another music video, and we’re going to be scheduling live performances. It’ll be a
busy summer for Southpaw,” she added. Garnhart said the band was thrilled at how rapidly the fan base is growing due to the group’s success. “Feedback on the album has been fantastic. Airplay on radio stations across the U.S. and Europe is an exciting testament that good country music has fans everywhere,” he said. “We’re super excited to
get out in front of live audiences, now that the pandemic is lifting.” With New Jersey lifting its restrictions this season, McConnell spoke about his anticipation of performing on stage again. “I just can’t wait to get out in front of a huge crowd and blow everyone away,” he said. “Stay tuned for that. It’s coming soon.”
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UCC announces educational partnership and scholarship Union County College and Western Governors University, a nonprofit, accredited university, announced the signing of an agreement that creates pathways for UCC employees, graduates and students to earn a WGU degree. As part of the agreement, WGU will apply credit earned at the associate level at UCC toward a bachelor’s degree at WGU. In addition, UCC employees, graduates and students will be able to apply for specially designated WGU Community College Partner Scholarships. Union County College is an open-access public, two-year college that provides a high-quality education at an affordable price. “Union County College is excited to partner with WGU to provide additional
opportunities for our graduates to continue their education, particularly at an affordable price. Cost is an important factor, and we appreciate that WGU is cognizant of that fact. Ultimately, we know that a more educated workforce and community is a stronger workforce and community. Through this partnership, we are happy to help provide further opportunities for our graduates to reach their educational goals,” stated UCC President Margaret M. McMenamin. WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the highdemand fields of business, information technology, K-12 education and health care, including nursing. WGU’s competency-based, high-quality and low-cost
learning model allows students to accelerate at their own pace. Asynchronous courses allow students to log in and study whenever their schedules permit. Tuition is around $3,250 per six-month term for most undergraduate degree programs, and students can take as many courses per term as they and their mentors are comfortable with. “Partnering with Union County College will make it possible for their graduates and employees to complete their degree at a low cost, without disrupting their lives,” said Regional Vice President Rebecca Watts. “After they are admitted and enroll at WGU, our online, competency-based model allows working adults to advance their careers, with personal-
ized support from a faculty mentor.” Watts continued, “At a time when so many people are in need of higher education opportunities that align with employer and industry needs, WGU is thrilled to partner with UCC to advance our mission of providing higher education access to historically underrepresented communities, like working adults.” WGU degree programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees in cybersecurity, human resource management, data management/data analytics, information technology management, business management and leadership, and health care management. To learn more, go to www.wgu.edu.
Cranford BOE names new director of Human Resources The Cranford Board of Education has announced Roseann Walker as the new director of Human Resources. Walker brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise. She began her career as a second-grade teacher in the North Plainfield Public Schools. During her 12 years there, she was also the technology teacher for the elementary and intermediate schools. In 2012, Walker was named the NJ Standards Measurement and Resource for Teaching data analysis and assessment coordinator. She subsequently accepted a position as the technology coach in the Keansburg Public Schools, where she initiated a new district website, oversaw student enrollment and
supported technology programs in the district. Walker was appointed as the grants, assessments and special programs coordinator at Edison Public Schools in 2016. Her responsibilities there included writing the Every Student Succeeds Act grant and providing oversight to the disbursement of funds where needed. At the same time, she assumed the role of district anti-bullying coordinator and testing coordinator for all 19 schools. With a new administration, she was promoted to supervisor of Health and Wellness, a new position, where she successfully transitioned medical benefits to a department that prioritized the well-being of all 3,000 district employees. For a period of time during her tenure in Edi-
son, she also served as the supervisor of Transportation and interim director of Human Resources. Walker earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in administration and supervision from Kean University. She also obtained a second master’s degree, in early childhood education, from the University of Phoenix. Walker lives in Bradley Beach with her husband, Ken, and five sons. She also finds time to serve on the Bradley Beach Board of Education. Walker said she is excited and honored to be joining the Cranford team in July. She said she is looking forward to contributing to the continued success of Cranford Public Schools.
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U.S. News ranks New Jersey’s high schools U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2021 rankings of public high schools. In addition to a national list, U.S. News compiled a ranking of New Jersey high schools, looking at 424 public high schools. The rankings were established by measuring six ranking indicators: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, math and reading proficiency, math and reading performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate. New Jersey high school students are assessed in math and English language arts via the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC, exams. The New Jersey rankings are as follows for public high schools in Union County: Union County Magnet High School in Scotch Plains at No. 6; Academy for Infor-
mation Technology in Scotch Plains at No. 9; Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains at No. 10; Elizabeth High School at No. 13; Summit Senior High School at No. 17; New Providence High School at No. 30; Westfield Senior High School at No. 41; Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in Elizabeth at No. 49; Scotch Plains–Fanwood High School at No. 62; Cranford High School at No. 81; Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights at No. 94; Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield at No. 116; Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies at No. 137; Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark at No. 146; Union County Tech in Scotch Plains at No. 181; Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains at No. 208; Roselle Park High School at No. 219; Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth at No. 224; J.
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School in Kenilworth at No. 321; Abraham Clark High School in Roselle at No. 336; and Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy in Elizabeth at No. 339. Not receiving individual ranks but placed in the Nos. 350 to 406 range are Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Leadership Academy in Elizabeth and Plainfield High School. Simon Youth Academy in Elizabeth was unranked.
Eastern section of Lenape Park to close in June due to construction
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Parks Department have announced the upcoming partial closure of the eastern section of Lenape Park, for dam repair. The dam regulates the flow of water into Cranford during heavy rain events. The eastern section of Lenape Park, beginning from the Rahway River and ending at the Kenilworth border, will be closed beginning in June to all visitors, including hikers, fishermen and bikers. The work is expected to take four months. Additionally, the entire length of the eastern bike path, from Kenilworth Boulevard to 14th Street, will be closed while this maintenance is taking place. Lenape Park’s western section, however, shall remain open. This section is from the Rahway River to the Westfield border and includes the western bike path, which runs from Kenilworth Boulevard to Springfield Avenue in Westfield. Some of these repairs include removal of trees from the slopes of the embankment, installation of a new asphalt overlay and fence on the bicycle path, and the reseeding of the areas of disturbance caused by the tree removal. These repairs are required, in order to bring the dam into compliance with the regulations of the state of New Jersey’s Bureau of Dam Safety and the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, and to ensure the safety of county residents.
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Friends of the Cranford Public Library offers scholarship The Friends of the Cranford Public Library’s Gerard Paradiso Scholarship is awarded to a Cranford resident who is currently pursuing or intends to pursue a graduate degree in library/media information science or to be a media specialist. Named in honor of former Friends of the Library President Gerard Paradiso, the scholarship is worth $1,000. The award is not based on need. The candidate must furnish proof of acceptance to an accredited university, a letter of reference and an essay. Applications are available online at www.cranfordlibrary.org/friends.php. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 1. For more information, contact Michael Maziekien, library director, at 908-709-7272 or m-maziekien@cranfordnj.org.
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Long-awaited Cranford redevelopment addressed (Continued from Page 1) ideas and concepts about how the area might be developed. This was not a request for proposals or for designation as a development. These proposals are nonbinding; the township can pick and choose elements from them or completely disregard them. This is an opportunity to benefit from how someone else sees how the area may be developed. Any discussion, reference or request for things such as a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement are premature and not relevant at this phase. These are not the final proposals, nor is the township ready to select a developer. “First, we have to prepare and adopt a redevelopment plan. Briefly, here are some of the next steps,” Prunty said. “In May, a review team will begin to evaluate and score the proposals to determine how well they meet Cranford’s needs and Cranford’s vision. The review team will include myself, township Zoning and Planning Officer Jason Bottcher, Anthony Durante from the DMC Board and Donna Pedde from the Planning Board. Township administrator Jamie Cryan and our attorney, Ryan Cooper, will serve as support staff. After evaluations, the team will present their report to the Township Committee for discussion. Proposals and the teams report will be public. “Next, the township’s planning consultant will begin work on a redevelopment plan and conduct public sessions to get community input,” she continued. “All of this work will be the basis for the actual redevelopment plan, which requires public hearings before the Planning Board and before adoption. Once adopted, this redevelopment plan becomes the guiding document and the framework for what happens on this site. It is this plan that will be the basis that the town will use to request for proposals from developers. That’s when developers who are vying or who want to be selected will submit proposals. Those proposals will be based on a redevelopment plan. “We cannot lose sight of the fact that
Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty
Commissioner Mary O’Connor
Attorney Ryan Cooper
planning for our future is critical. Longterm vibrancy and success of the business district and elsewhere depends on it,” she added. The mayor said she expected there will be differing opinions and spirited debate, but she asked everyone to take into account the facts — not rumors, not misinformation — before forming their opinion. “I am so confident in Cranford’s ability to be a premiere community,” said Prunty. “We can develop responsibly and still embrace Cranford’s rich history and character, if we’re willing to be open to ideas and lead with confidence.” Cooper reiterated the importance of protecting the integrity of this process. “These are consultative and deliberative materials. As the mayor outlined, we have professionals, the zoning officer and others, who are going to review these and score these,” Copper said. “The submissions are entitled to be subject to that process, as we promised them it would be without outside parties, without politics, without others clamoring to weigh and put their fingers on the scales. That’s why these items are not yet subject to (the Open Public Records Act). They will be
released and completely subject to OPRA, as all proposal bids and requests for expressions of interests are, after the review process is over and they’ve been scored. That’s the purpose. “As the mayor outlined, the team will review them, score them consistent with the (Request for Expression of Interest) documents, and all of that will be released publicly and then discussed,” he continued. “Then that’s really the time for any other interested parties in the public to review the proposals, the review team scoring, conclusions to come out of that process. That’s the time to weigh in. But at this time, as the mayor said, to protect the integrity of the process, we will let the professionals review them without concern about their decisions being second-guessed before they’ve even begun.” Commissioner Mary O’Connor urged residents to get their information from committee meetings, instead of social media. “It’s more important than ever that we, your representatives, are as open as possible during every step of the process,” O’Connor said. “I think we need to set the bar, right now, and get ahead of this with
our openness for our residents on these projects moving forward, because there’s a number of them. Our boards are going to be very busy, and we need to keep the public as informed as possible. As township commissioners, she said, they may not always agree but needed to come to their decisions based on information and facts, not social media posts of opinion. “We need to make sure that public discussion takes place in the arena that is a proper arena, which are meetings that we set, so that people get the same information,” continued O’Connor. “It’s information that is coming from the source, and it’s going to be the information that is correct. “I know that we all like to be on social media, but this is the place where you’re going to get the right information,” she added. “So tune into these meetings, pay attention and participate. We are here for that purpose, and I’d like to see more people take advantage of that, because this is the forum where you should be getting your information. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but you need to be part of the process also. We’re going to do the best we possibly can to make that happen.”
Arbor Day contest winners announced The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board thanked all of the students who participated in the annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest. “Arbor Day is a national celebration of environmental stewardship, and trees are a valuable resource in our densely developed area,” said Commissioner Chairperson Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the commissioner board, I would like to thank all of the students who participated, for helping to raise
awareness about the importance of trees in our community and beyond.” Winners were chosen for first, second, and third place at each grade level. Winning first place among sixthgrade entries was “I Cannot Imagine a World Without Trees,” by Morgan Sinclair from Orange Avenue School, Cranford, supervised by teacher Liz Chandler. The contest was open to students in fourth through eighth grades. There were 130 entries in all.
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Cranford Life — June 2021 — 11
Union County offers grab-and-go meals at senior centers The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced that boxlunch meals will be available to seniors beginning in May, through the grab-andgo program. The program is run through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, in the Department of Human Services. “This alternative dining option will provide seniors with access to nutritious lunches, while reducing the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus,” said County Commissioner Chair-
person Alexander Mirabella. The grab-and-go program is for seniors ages 60 and older who reside in Union County and are not receiving home-delivered meals from Meals on Wheels. It will be available at 19 senior centers and senior housing sites throughout the county every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning on Tuesday, May 4. Reservations are required and are available by calling the Division on Aging by 9 a.m. on the previous Thursday for Tuesday pickup and by 9 a.m. the previ-
Union County introduces new CueHit 9-1-1 service
UNION COUNTY — Union County 9-1-1 callers are the first in the nation to use the new CueHit service for smartphones, provided through the Union County Regional Dispatch Center. The service provides new opportunities for the dispatch center to communicate with callers, while enabling first responders to focus on life-threatening situations and other emergencies. The Regional Dispatch Center handles 9-1-1 emergency calls and other communications for the Union County Department of Public Safety and for a growing number of municipal public firstresponder offices and health care facilities in Union County. “The Regional Dispatch Center provides municipalities in Union County with access to state-of-the-art emergency-call services, while also relieving them from administrative tasks and providing a stable platform for budget management,” County Commissioner Chairperson Alexander Mirabella said. “We are constantly looking for ways to expand this shared county service as new technology comes onto the market.”
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ous Monday for Thursday pickup. To make a reservation or to register for the program, call the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908527-4877. A small voluntary donation is suggested for each meal. Any eligible senior can use the grab-and-go program at any of the following senior centers: Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden; Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park; Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford; Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union; Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth; Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St., Linden; Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside; JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway; Kenilworth Senior Center, 526 Boulevard, Kenilworth; Liberty Square Senior Center,
204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth; O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center, 622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth; Plainfield Senior Center, 400 E. Front St., Plainfield; Roselle Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Ave., Roselle; Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union; Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains; Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth; Union Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court, Union; Westfield Community Center, 558 W. Broad St., Westfield; and Winfield Community Center, 25 Roosevelt Drive, Winfield Park. The grab-and-go program allows for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult age 60 or older.
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12 — June 2021 — Cranford Life
TEAM HELPS LIFE CHOICES — The Peer Ministry Leadership Team at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung assembled 10 large gift bags for the mothers at Life Choices. The bags included shampoo, conditioner, shower puffs, soap, lotions, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and body wraps, as well as a personal note of inspiration. These items were all donated by the Mount Saint Mary Academy students. The team also collected a large bin of feminine hygiene products that will be donated. Pictured from left are juniors Caitlin Cotter of Cranford, Claire King of Berkeley Heights and Rebecca Gagliano of New Providence.
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Cranford Life — June 2021 — 13
Seventh annual Union County Infrastructure Grant Program awards announced Drainage improvements in Berkeley Heights. A detention basin in Elizabeth. ADA improvements at the Municipal Complex in Roselle Park. Repaving on numerous roads. These are some of the projects that this year’s Union County Commissioners Infrastructure Grant Program will fund throughout the county. In all, the Union County Board of County Commissioners made awards to 21 municipalities as part of the seventh annual Union County Infrastructure Grant Program, funding projects aimed at spurring economic development and providing indirect tax relief. Cranford was awarded $90,000 for a resurfacing project. The program was conceived by County Commissioner Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the county’s Commissioner Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development. This year’s Fiscal Committee comprises Hudak as chairperson, Commissioner Vice Chairperson Rebecca Williams, and Commissioners Sergio Granados and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. Road improvements once again topped
the list as the most requested program for funding. “This past winter provided us with plenty of inclement weather, and, as a result, there are multiple roads in need of repair or resurfacing,” said County Commissioner Chairperson Alexander Mirabella. “The Infrastructure Grant Program is aimed at helping our municipalities make these and other needed improvements that benefit the residents of Union County and improve their quality of life.” Hudak agreed, adding: “Our goal is to provide an economic boost to our municipalities and leverage their funds in making essential improvements. With more people moving into Union County than ever before and new development coming on line, it’s important that we continue to make infrastructure our highest priority.” The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2021. Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014.
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IN MEMORIAM • CAPECE – Mary Colombrita, of Cranford, formerly of Irvington and Mountainside; March 18. Businesswoman. Wife, mother, grandmother, 79. • CONROY – Maryanne, of Carlsbad, Calif., formerly of Cranford; March 29. Teacher, adjunct professor at U.C.C. Wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, 76. • CONVERSO – Vivienne Maggs, formerly of Cranford, Naperville, Ill., and Branchburg; Feb. 10. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 88. • FITZULA – William, of Cranford; March 19. Was 89. • GREVE – John H., of Cranford, formerly of Garwood; April 1. Korean War vet. First aid squad volunteer. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 86. • LILIEN – Janice Caren, of Cranford, formerly of Springfield; May 3. Had a career in human service. Received many awards. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, 71. • MERSHON – Michael J., formerly of Cranford; April 28. Had a successful career in the sports and specialty lighting industry. Father, brother, grandfather, uncle, 67. • PEER – Margaret V., of Cranford, formerly of Jersey City; March 17. Secretary for Cranford Public School System. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 102. • SALES – Henry, of Cranford; May 5. Husband, father, grandfather, 82. • SCHLOFF – Gertrude, of Freehold, formerly of Maplewood and Cranford; May 1. Business owner, bookkeeper. Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 97. • SIEGEL – Herbert Richard “Rich,” of Cranford, formerly of Linden; May 4. Car enthusiast. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, 77. • TARVER – Brenda, of O’Fallon, Mo., formerly of Cranford; April 27. Retired Cranford Board of Education secretary. Widow, mother, grandmother, 81. • WIESE – Gary R., of Kenilworth, formerly of Cranford; April 7. Vietnam War veteran. Owned printing business. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 77.
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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14 — June 2021 — Cranford Life
Underground utility incident occurs at Manor and Casino On the morning of Monday, May 3, a crew from Elizabethtown Gas Co. doing work in the area of Manor and Casino avenues severed an underground PSE&G electric line, causing a spill of synthetic oil that spread onto streets, nearby lawns and Casino Brook. There was a large-scale emergency response to stop the leak and repair the affected circuit. Additionally, a substantial environmental response was initiated to contain the oil from the adjacent properties and Casino Brook. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Cranford Fire
Department were at the scene and determined the oil was not toxic and that there was no immediate fire or safety threat for the nearby residents. The NJDEP has downgraded the area from emergency response to remediation and cleanup. PSE&G has stopped the leak and is working on removing all contaminated soil from the immediate area. Additionally, environmental cleanup crews are working to remove any contaminants from Casino Brook. The utility authorities have made substantial progress and expect the impact and inconvenience to the neighborhood to
lessen over the next day or two. There will be no further nighttime or overnight work. In addition, most of the large stationary equipment will be removed in the coming days. Access to the area, however, remains limited, and officials request that nonresidents avoid the area. There will be an extended soil removal and cleanup operation involving Casino Brook in the next several weeks that will not affect the neighborhood. Crews will remove all contaminated soil to minimize the environmental impact. The environmental cleanup operation is
being undertaken by licensed contractors and is supervised by the NJDEP. The crews will be working in the brook to remove contaminated soil and vegetation. Rainfall will help the process. A collection point has been established on Riverside Drive near the Casino Brook entry point to the main riverway. Crews will be on-site at that location to recover any contaminated water. Cranford’s Office of Emergency Management and Police and Fire departments continue to monitor the situation. The public will be updated via NIXLE and newsletter. PSE&G representatives are in contact with residents in the immediate area.
New Jersey Blood Services announces a blood emergency New Jersey Blood Services recently announced a blood shortage in the region, one year after the region was the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic. Before COVID19, donors could stop by community blood drives at convenient locations such as high schools, colleges and offices. It has been one year since these types of locations had to cancel their blood drives due to COVID-19, and few have been able to resume these lifesaving events. NJBS currently has a 4.2-day supply of blood, which is well below what is needed by area hospitals. New Jersey’s health care system requires 1,500 donations each
day to treat patients, ranging from trauma victims to newborn babies and their mothers to cancer patients. Donors with type O and type B blood are especially needed, as NJBS currently has only a one- to two-day supply of these blood types. “With thousands getting vaccinated each day, we are thrilled to watch our state recover from this catastrophic year,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at New Jersey Blood Services. “As New Jersey bounces back in strides this spring, we need everyone to make an appointment and donate blood to help save lives. While
the end of the pandemic is near, our struggle to fight for those in need continues.” NJBS is taking extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID19 precautions is available at https://nybc.org/donateblood/covid-19-and-blood-donation-copy/. Donations are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org/.
NJ Transit launches mobile app for Access Link customers NJ Transit has launched a mobile app for Access Link customers, providing them with a user-friendly interface for making, canceling and monitoring reservations. Access Link users will also be able to update customer information and mon-
itor the status of their EZ-Wallet payment accounts with just a few clicks on the app. “Since its introduction in 2019, NJ Transit has booked hundreds of thousands of trips through Access Link online, which allows customers to sched-
ule rides, prepay fares electronically with EZ-Wallet, check trip status and the estimated time of arrival of pick-up vehicles,” NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett said. “Access Link customers now have access to all of these
great features through this new mobile app — with an easy-to-use interface — building on our many efforts to improve mobility and enhance the experience for those customers who depend most on public transit.”
Cranford Life — June 2021 — 15
STUDENT UPDATE event was canceled due to the pandemic; Emily Harvan, of Cranford, was among certificates of recognition were sent to the the 62 students at the University of Scran- students. Honor students must have a minimum ton, located in Scranton, Pa., inducted quality-point average of 3.5 reflecting at into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society. Harvan is a graduate stu- least 36 semester hours of work completed at ESU, completion of at least 96 dent. Alpha Sigma Nu is the only honor soci- semester hours in their collegiate career ety open to students and faculty in all dis- by Jan. 1 of the year in which the award is ciplines of the university. Juniors, seniors considered and a minimum of two semesand graduate students, including students ters as a full-time student. in doctoral-level degree programs, who PKP induction at Kean have distinguished themselves in scholarCranford’s Rebecca Barnes was recentship, loyalty and service are eligible for ly initiated into the honor society of Phi membership. Appointments are made by Kappa Phi at Kean University. the president of the university on the recMembership is by invitation only and ommendation of the moderator and chaprequires nomination and approval by a ter members of the society, and no more chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors than 4 percent of the junior and senior and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for class may be admitted each year. membership.
Alpha Sigma Nu inductions
Ruppel earns degree Olivia Ruppel, of Cranford, received her degree from East Stroudsburg University, located in East Stroudsburg, Pa., this spring. Additionally, Ruppel was scheduled to be honored at this year’s honors convocation at East Stroudsburg University, located in East Stroudsburg, Pa. This year’s
Kelly wins National Merit Scholarship The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners — among them, Robert J. Kelly Jr., of Cranford. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of some 16,000 outstanding finalists in the 2021
National Merit Scholarship Program. Kelly, who attends Cranford High School, plans to study politics in college. National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Degree for Cicalese Amethyst Cicalese, of Cranford, gradu-
ated with a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity from the University of Tampa, in Tampa, Fla., on May 8.
Enrolling at McDaniel Aidan Riley, of Cranford, has enrolled at McDaniel College, located in Westminster, Md., as a member of the Class of 2025. Riley, currently a senior at Cranford High School, plans to study education.
BULLETIN BOARD Memorial Day in Cranford began April 19. Many, but not all, previDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cranford Memorial Day parade originally scheduled for Monday, May 31, has been canceled. The township will still observe Memorial Day with a virtual commemoration at 9 a.m. on TV35 and Facebook Live.
Registration opens for Cranford pool Registration for membership of Cranford’s Orange Avenue Pool began March 1. The pool will be open weekends only beginning May 29 and will open for a full season as of June 21. Sign-up for summer swim lessons — for members only —
ously available amenities will be available, with modification, if needed, to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Registration may be done online using Community Pass at https://register.communitypass.net/cranford. Residents who already have a Community Pass account should not set up a new one; those who have forgotten their username or password, should call the pool office and select “registration,” or send an email to pool@cranfordnj.org. For more information, visit the website at www.cranfordnj.org/pool-fitness-center or contact the Swim Pool Utility at 908-709-7260.
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Cranford trio among 55 women recognized by county The Union County Board of County Commissioners has recognized 55 women — including Cranford’s Vikki Drake, Rebecca Morales Tantillo and Kathleen Ollen — with the 2021 Union County SHero Award. The award is administered by the Union County Office on Women and was created to help raise awareness about the contributions of women in Union County during the COVID-19 crisis. “This award recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their community during a history-making crisis,” Commissioner Chairperson Alexander Mirabella said. The 55 women recognized by the 2021 SHero Awards were selected based on nominations submitted to the Office on Women. Mirabella nominated Drake, along with Amy Crisp Wagner, of Berkeley Heights, and Jessica Cohen, of Elizabeth. “These three women were examples of Union County employees who went above and beyond the call of duty since the beginning of the pandemic. I have been impressed with their hard work, creativity, self-sacrifice and genuine care each of them have for the staff as well as the public,” Mirabella said. “Vikki Drake was a leader from the onset of the pandemic. Once it was determined that testing was the key to trying to manage the pandemic and the spread of the virus, Vikki worked hard to set up the testing center at Kean University. She sought and managed donations of supplies and food flawlessly. The food for breakfast and lunch were key to enable the testing staff to keep working and serving the public. Vikki’s positive, can-do attitude was contagious throughout the testing and vaccination center, as well as the many
Vikki Drake
Rebecca Morales Tantillo
Kathleen Ollen
food-distribution events. Her organization skills help service the public in each of these areas.” Tantillo was nominated by Caren Demyen, director of Cranford’s Downtown Management Corp. Demyen and Tantillo founded FLAG for Cranford. “Rebecca Tantillo has been an exemplary community member for Cranford; she was one of the driving forces behind FLAG for Cranford,” Demyen said. “In late March, Rebecca helped spearhead the effort to raise funds from the community to purchase meals for front-line workers. Funds were then used to purchase meals from Cranford restaurants to help support our local small businesses. In May 2020, $115,000 was raised and the group had delivered to over 50 locations, including local fire and police departments, the Union County vaccination center at Kean,
Trinitas, University Hospital and countless others. FLAG helped keep morale up in the community for residents and businesses alike. She has helped FLAG pivot to become a 501(c)(3) and recently helped get a $100,000 grant from the (New Jersey Economic Development Authority) to purchase more meals for front-line workers and families in need. “Rebecca also runs a Facebook group for Cranford moms; with over 2,500 members, this forum is a positive, safe space for Cranford residents to ask questions, advice and support of other moms in town,” she continued. “This group has helped fundraise for Cranford Family Care, supply items for a family who lost everything in a fire, as well as a mother-to-be who had fallen on hard times.” Kathleen Ollen was nominated for the award by her husband, Tom Ollen.
“When the virus first started, Kathleen volunteered at the Kean University testing site run by Union County. She worked tirelessly in the heat, cold, wind and rain, testing people outside in the parking lot. When the vaccines finally arrived, she again volunteered at Kean to give the shots to eligible people,” Tom Ollen said. “She also made time to organize friends and family to make sandwiches for those less fortunate than us for the Franciscan Charities soup kitchen. I believe we made at least 400 sandwiches. She did all this while working full-time as a school nurse at a school that had 100 percent of students in attendance. She also is attending postgraduate classes at Kean University.” All SHero awardees will receive a certificate and will be featured on the Union County Office on Women’s webpage at https://ucnj.org/shero-award/.
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