Cranford’s Class of 2024 graduates
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The Class of 2024 was off to a unique start, as they were all freshman during the pandemic. Their special graduation day was also put off an hour later, due to the heat advisory. Finally, it was their time to shine.
Prior to the commencement activities, Emily Alissia Lassen said she was excited to finally graduate. She said, “It was difficult to start (due to the pandemic), but it got easier.” She’ll be attending Delaware Valley and studying small animal science.
Sofia Ligo said, “It’s a long time coming.” She will be attending Rowan University and studying biomedical engineering.
Julia Lee said, “I was scared in the past, but growing up is a blessing, not a curse. There’s more to life than being a teenager.” She is going to cosmetology school.
Brandon Quach said, “I’m happy, relieved, excited, a little nervous.” He’ll be studying finance, with a minor in marketing at Rutgers.
Evan Shuster said, “I thought I’d be more scared. I’m happy. Excited to see what’s next.” He will be studying finance with a minor in entrepreneurship at Rowan University.
The Cranford High School Band and Orchestra began the ceremony performing “Pomp and Circumstance.” Presentation of Colors from Cranford VFW Post No. 335 followed, and then the “Pledge of Allegiance,” led by Violette Zavadsky, vice president, Class of 2024; Ethan Orr, treasurer, Class of 2024; and Shane Hamblin, secretary, Class of 2024. The national anthem was performed by Cranford High School Concert Choir.
Lily Goodwin, president, Class of 2024, said, “The bond we have all created in these past four years is amazing and I truly think it’s stranger than most, because we all were going through similar experiences with COVID. Entering high school during the pandemic was probably
See CLASS OF 2024, Page 6
Above, Evan Shuster and Brandon Quach said they were happy to be graduating from Cranford high School and moving on to college afterward. Below left, Emily Alissa Lassen said she was excited to be graduating as part of Cranford High School’s Class of 2024 at the commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 19. Below right, Sofia Ligo and Julia Lee both were thrilled to be part of Cranford High School’s Class of 2024 and were looking forward to attending college in the fall.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Reading garden dedicated in Lincoln Park
The Dr. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe Reading Garden in Lincoln Park was dedicated to honor the late Cranford native whose work in education and civil rights impacted the lives of so many in the country. On Monday, May 13, friends, family, her sorority sisters and community members gathered during the dedication ceremony. The Rev. Alfred Brown of the First Baptist Church of Cranford gave the invocation.
Cranford’s notable resident was a trailblazer and a woman of firsts. She was the first black to be named in the National Honor Society at Cranford High School, the first female to be ordained as a Baptist minister and the first black faculty member at Queens College. She led the way in a number of notable civil rights and education initiatives. Visit the Cranford Historical Society website to learn more about Wolfe and her outstanding achievements – and see a photo of her on the grandstand with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz
Cranford Library ‘chalks the walk’ for Pride
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Cranford Public Library recently celebrated its annual Pride Party. This year was extra special, as those in attendance were joined by New York Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman.
Everyone was welcome to decorate the library’s walkway using chalk. There were also many tables featuring a variety of crafts, including sand art and making rainbows.
“It’s very important to let everyone know they’re welcome,” said Lauren Antolino, head of Children’s Services.
“This is great!” said the library director, Kathy Cannarozzi. “Lauren has been doing this for years. Everyone loves it! Everyone comes out and we celebrate together.”
John McGovern, of Cranford, said, “I’m one of the gay dads in town. I grew up in town and there was no opportunity for me to ask questions, no celebrations. I was in the closet for a long time. This is important for our kids. Some are eventually gay, some non-binary, some trans. Giving them an opportunity to see that celebrated will be important for their journeys.”
Mary Brown, of Westfield, said, “It’s so wonderful that the Cranford, Westfield and Clark area can have an LGBTQIA+ community event for families. It’s so peaceful. More than a blessing.”
NY Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman, of Garwood, has written 80 books for both children and adults. “I was a library kid,” he said.
“I would go home with mom, with tons of picture books. I’m super lucky to have my dream job.”
Pearlman said that some of his books are “just for fun,” but many have the message: “Be who you are. Celebrate yourself and others.”
Some of Pearlman’s books include “The Sublime Ms. Stacks” and “Dolls and Trucks Are for Everyone.”
Christina Stoudt, of Newark, said, “It’s amazing to see more family-oriented events.”
Katie Cannon, of Cranford, was there with her three children, Liam, 6; Clara, 8; and Emily, 10. They simply found the event walking around town, and Cannon thought it looked like a fun event. “We’re supportive of all events in town,” she said.
Cathy Queenann was a volunteer making rainbow hearts with the children. “We have to share our love with all people, all pets, the earth. We want to love every creature,” she said.
Ed Walsh, of Cranford, was there with his daughter Charlotte, 2. He was there to support Pride. He said, “I’m happy to be a part of the Cranford community and support.”
Maggie Lynn was there with her children Henry, 5, and Eleanore, 3. “I want
Above left, Cranford Public Library Director Kathy Cannarozzi stands with Zoey, 3, at the library’s annual Pride Party. Above center, NY Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman stands behind some of the more than 80 books he has written for children and adults. Above right, Alexandra and Lisandro Rodriguez, and their children Mateo, 2; and Valentina, 4, stand near some of the library’s walkway that has been decorated with chalk for the Pride Party. Below left, Liam, 6, Clara, 8, and Emily, 10, enjoy themselves at the Pride Party at the library. Below center, Ed Walsh and his daughter Charlotte, 2, are right next to Cathy Queenann, a volunteer at the library’s event. Below right, Lauren Antolino, the head of Children’s Services at Cranford Public Library, is all decked out for the Pride Party. Bottom left, Eleanore, 3, and Henry, 5, hold up little rainbows. Bottom center, Mary Brown, of Westfield, lies on the ground while holding a Pride Flag. Bottom right, chalk words and drawings grace the sidewalk in front of the Cranford Public Library as it supports Pride Month.
the kids to learn from an early age, love is what’s important,” she said. “I want them to be whoever they are and not afraid to love who they want to love.”
Jake Rasor of Highland Park was volunteering, making Pride-related buttons. He said he liked seeing children at events in the community, iden-
tifying with “the kind of community we want.”
Visit the Cranford Public Library at: https://www.cranfordlibrary.org/.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Township Committee raises Pride Flag at Municipal Building
The Cranford community gathered on Monday, June 10, as the Pride Flag was raised on the flagpole at the Municipal Building to celebrate Pride Month and support the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s event had the largest turnout the township had seen, in a year when the community came together to support a Downtown Cranford store after it was threatened in an anonymous letter for displaying a Pride Flag in its storefront window. “We are defined by how we as a community responded,” Mayor Brian Andrews said at the Pride Flag-raising ceremony.
“My heart is full seeing everyone here today,” Andrews began during the Pride Flag ceremony. “The Pride Flag shows our values and recognizes the discrimination the LGBTQ+ community has faced and continues to face. It is to honor members of the community and their allies who fought for dignity and equal protection. And show everyone in this town they are welcome.”
One role the mayor of Cranford takes part in is as a wedding officiant. Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty recalled the time she officiated the marriage between John McGovern and Abe Sandel, who are now the proud fathers of a son and daughter. “I’m thrilled we live in a community where it doesn’t matter if it’s two dads, two moms, a dad, a mom; you are a family, you are all part of the Cranford family,” Miller Prunty said.
Above left, John McGovern, who was born and raised in Cranford, speaks to those in attendance on Monday, June 10, of how important it is to raise a pride flag in the township. Above center, children help raise the Pride Flag on the flagpole at the Municipal Building to celebrate Pride Month and support the LGBTQ+ community. Above right, Mayor Brian Andrews tells everyone that the Pride Flag is to honor members of the community and their allies who fought for dignity and equal protection. Below, this year’s event had the largest turnout the township had seen
McGovern, who was born and raised in Cranford, signaled how important it is to raise a pride flag in the township. Allyship is an important part of Pride Month, McGovern said.
“We are grateful for your support, which is vital to our continued struggles in reaching full equality,” he said.
Tony D’Agostino
Photos Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz
Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz
Class of 2024 graduates from Cranford High School
(Continued from Page 1)
one of the scariest and hardest things that could’ve happened to us during freshman year. But look at us now! We overcame and now we are all here graduating. Let your starting goal be happiness.”
Principal Mark Cantagallo also spoke at the commencement address. He compared the story of “Wicked” to high school and how the song “Defying Gravity” is so important to him. “It’s inspiring to me,” he said. “The song is about inspiring people to do great things. There are going to be obstacles. Class of 2024, you have no limits. You can defy gravity. There is no person that can keep you down.”
Superintendent Scott Rubin said, “Today we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of these remarkable students. Graduation is a time-honored tradition that marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. We are so proud of each and every one of you. Please know that your Cranford School District family will always be here to support you.”
Kurt Petschow Jr., president of the Cranford Board of Education, said, “It takes a village to raise a kid. Cranford has a great village. Class of 2024, good luck in all your endeavors. Have a safe summer with all your friends and family.”
Alexa Roemer, salutatorian, Class of 2024, said, “It’s hard to believe that we’ve finally made it to this moment. Strike a
chord with a passion that ignites you, a courage that steels you and an originality that grounds you. Settle into the thrum of life and remember that your next symphony is waiting for you.”
Aidan Karant, valedictorian, Class of
Hannon Floors
2024, said, “Today is a time to be grateful for all opportunities and support that we have had during our four years here at Cranford High. It is also a time to reflect on our journey through high school. Freshman year was most definitely an
experience to remember. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and virtual school, many of us made the best of it. I urge you all to seek out challenges and find success in the things that you’re passionate about.”
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, Lily Goodwin, president of the Class of 2024, said that although the COVID-19 pandemic had made their classes start stranger than most, they overcame and were now graduating. Above right, Principal Mark Cantagallo told the Class of 2024 that they have no limits and can defy gravity, the same as the song from ‘Wicked.’
Cranford High School graduates its Class of 2024
Mehmet Ali Aksoy
Brianna Marie Alexo
Kyra Elisabeth Alexo
Nicholas Claude Amitie
Fire Juelz Anderson
Dominick Joseph Andreola
Jeremiah J Arellano
Daniel Argasinski
Olivia Jeannet Arroyo
Raquel Christina Atwan
Ian Auriemma
Ella Eileen Bange
Damara Danielle Barnes
Dean Thomas Barnetti
Katharine Elizabeth Batista
Christopher Zachary Battiloro
Christopher Joseph Beach
Gabriel Liam Bedgood
Elizabeth Ann Bergen
Brendan Ried Berry
Simon Betancur
Ryan Gordon Bissell
Nora Lee Blanche
Dempsey Gray Bobbitt
Louis Benjamin Bock V
Jacob Bolivar
Alyssa Rose Borys
Angelica Maurissa Brandi
Kevin Allen Brewster
Joseph George Brodbeck
Nathaniel M. Brown
Julius Bryam
Shaye Teagan Burns
Sarah Elizabeth Butka
Vivienne Helena Caccavale
Lucas Matthew Caldwell
William James Caminos
Loukas Darnley Campbell
Emma Charles Cao
Ryan James Carracino
Jessica Anne Castellano
Olivia Grace Cavanna
Isabelle Avery Cleaveland
Colin Leo Coakley
Olivia Ann Coccaro
Logan Quigley Cole
Catherine Elizabeth Consorte
Emily Rose Coppola
Aidan Thomas Corlett
Anthony Joseph Cosentini
Ethan Adam Costello
Shane Daniel Costello
Owen James Cumiskey
Thomas Joseph Curro
Samantha Rose Curry
Destiny Marie Curtis
Jake Thomas D'aquino
Patrick Francis Daly Iii
Kiran Jaan Davis
Ava Elizabeth De La Cuesta
Alessandra Elizabeth De Simone
Jay Ashton Deangelis
Lilabelle Constance Decastro
Madison Rose Delong
Sophia Marie Demarco
Molly Maureen Devlin
Daniel Louis Dickson
Ellie Charlize Dillon
Cranford High School Class of 2024 says
(Continued from Page 7)
Jackson Douglass
Emily Esther Doyle
Maxim Drobitskiy
Felicidad Bianca Echevarria
Sophia Sarah Edwards
Amanda Raquel Enriquez
Zachary Evan Epstein
Julianna Marie Erickson
Nicholas Escobar
Addison Esposito
Gavin James Estep
Avery Belle Farrales Estoque
Dylan Jameson Falk
Lila Mckenna Fernandez
Matheus Gelbaum Ferreira
Jillian Rose Finan
Ilana Rose Fitzer
Kaylee Grace Fitzpatrick
Nina Susan Fleming
Lucas William Flores
Nyla Simone Folk
Ethan Martin Fong
Benjamin Lee Fossella
Aidan Matthew Frese
Kristen Natasha Fries
Kathleen Grace Garcia
Daniela Rose Gebert
Stefanos Louis Georgiou
Caithlin Cecilia Ginja
Matthew Ryan Goldate
Kevin Michael Goldfeder
Xavier Daniel Gomez
John Duggan Goodwin
Lily Patricia Goodwin
Patrick Robert Gosselin
Isabel Rose Graceffo
Matthew John Greene
Juliano Lionel Guimaraes
David James Guydan
Shane Thomas Hamblin
Lawrence Monette Hatfield
Ryan Thomas Hathaway
Kristopher Tien Ho
Nicole Janucik
Sadie Marie Johnson
Denys Kahliuk
Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Class of 2024 bids farewell to Cranford High School
(Continued from Page 8)
Jacklyn Bobbi Kamm
Daniel Liam Kane
Aidan Davis Goodlander Karant
Jake Michael Katz
Angelina Hyeon Keating
Mikayla Reese Keirstead
Abigail Marie Kelly
Daniel Vito Kennedy
Hannah Rose Kerman
Zachary Lucas Kielczynski
Michael William Kisly
Ryan Michael Klimko
Brandon Russell Klinger
Jason Edward Knight Jr.
Alexandria Rose Kruk
Ava Anne Lanier
Emily Alissia Lassen
Reagan Elizabeth Leahy
Julia Walker Lee
Sofia Justine Lijo
Joshua Danilo Lopez
Kristina Ellen Lowe
Julia Marie Lucas
Olivia Rae Ludlam
Carly Grace Lynch
Ciara Elizabeth Lynskey
Danilo Lysenko
Tess Tully Macchi
James Benton Macmillan
Howard Liam Mann
Annalisa Marczi
Angela Marie Marino
John Thomas Massa
Shea Claire Matheson
Ana Louise Mccabe
Dennis John Mccaffery
Ryan Andrew Po-Hsun Mccarthy
Thomas Bernard Mccarthy
Christopher Andrew Mele
Alyson Nicole Messina
Kate Ann Midura
Julia Mieszkowicz
Kevin James Monahan
Jorge Ivan Mora
Christian Daniel Moroses
Jeffrey Russell Morris
Olivia Grace Morris
Alex Robert Muller
Emily Ann Munoz
Miles James Murphy
Molly Patricia Murphy
Abigail Lynn Nam
Paige Ashley Nataline
Aiden Charles Nester
Quintin Capece Niemsyk
Marcus Erik Nock
Brianna Marie Noll
William John O'keefe
Aneliese Rosa Oliveira
Ethan Jackson Orr
Grace Alexandra Owens
Joseph Anthony Paccione
Olivia Grace Padovano
Mia Noelle Papapietro
Alexandra Jordan Pereira
Amanda Perez Reyes
Sarah Grace Peselli
Alexis Isabel Pineda
Jack Tyler Pinto
See CRANFORD’S, Page 10
Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
A Taste of Cranford benefits Cranford High School Project Graduation
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
A potpourri of culinary delights was offered recently at A Multicultural Taste of Cranford. The event took place at Eastman Clock Plaza Park. Twenty-eight places in the area participated. Attendees who purchased a $5 bracelet were able taste sample-sized foods and drinks between $3 and $8. Proceeds benefited Cranford High School Project Graduation 2024.
The event was sponsored by Downtown Cranford, Cranford Community Connections and Cranford High School 2024 Project Graduation; and organized by Downtown Cranford.
Downtown Cranford Director Caren Demyen said, “It’s a great idea for a good cause. This is our fourth year.”
Alden Street, a Cranford based classic rock band, performed tunes from Tom Petty, Chicago, Jackson Brown and The Rolling Stones.
“We’ve been together eight years. We all met at St. Michael’s,” said drummer Carl Williams.
Papa Ganache Cranford is an all-vegan bakery, with gluten free options, that’s been in town for more than three years. “Something for everybody,” said manager Karter Dinkelacker. “People come in to try, even if they’re not vegan. It’s important to know we’re here.” They were sampling Choco Brownies. Their best sellers are rainbow cookies and Yodels, which
Above left, from left are Brook Filosa of Cranford Community Connect; Marazza Kruk and Sandra Ruple,
persons of Project Graduation; and Caren Demyen, Downtown Cranford director, taking part in the recent A Multicultural Taste of Cranford. The event was sponsored by Downtown Cranford, Cranford Community Connections and Cranford High School 2024 Project Graduation and organized by Downtown Cranford. Above center, Carl Williams, the drummer of Alden Street, was at A Taste of Cranford with the band, performed tunes from Tom Petty, Chicago, Jackson Brown and The Rolling Stones. Above right, Isabella Lebron, a worker at A Better Me Juicery, enjoys the event.
Dinkelacker called “a classic.”
A Better Me Juicery was sampling mini acai bowls. Isabella Lebron, who has been working there nine months, said, “We have a huge range of juices, healthier options. No sugar in anything.” In addition to juices and acai bowls, they also have vegan treats,
gluten free muffins and kosher chips.
Garlic Rose Bistro was sampling sliced tenderloin over arugula. Their specialty, according to server Ben Hand, is medium rare filet mignon with garlic mustard mayo drizzle. He said, “It’s nice seeing families enjoying what Cranford has to offer.”
Ligia DeJesus, owner of Cake Artist Café, said they’ve been in business 13 years as a brick and mortar. Specializing in customized cakes, they also have coffee and “yummy pastries,” said DeJesus.
Niki Savinelli, manager of Vinny’s Pizza, said they are special because they
See RESTAURANTS, Page 12
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
co-chair-
Restaurants, residents come out for A Taste of Cranford
(Continued from Page 11)
build a relationship with customers, remembering their faces and names. “We treat everyone like family,” she said.
Their “Grandma Pizza” is made with sauce from tomatoes grown in Savinelli’s nana’s backyard. “The secret sauce keeps people coming back,” she said. “Everything is homemade. We’re a family environment.”
Lokal Coffee & Co. was sampling iced raspberry mocha with a free croissant. They serve mostly breakfast, brunch and lunch items.
Their biggest sellers, according to barista Valentina Rodriguez, are French toast, turkey clubs and iced lattes. “It’s an experience,” said Rodriguez. “Nice ambience; good setting for people to work and study.”
Vanilla Bean Creamery was sampling a Chipwich sandwich. They’ve been in business for 14 years and Sherri Bogdan recently took over. “We make all ice cream fresh and daily,” she said.
Urban Burger has been in town over 10 years. They were sampling “Da Butt” sliders, which are two pulled pork sliders with pickle and Urban BBQ sauce.
“We have wings to die for,” said
Local restaurants take part in A Taste of Cranford. Above left, Ligia DeJesus, owner of Cake
been in business for 13 years. Above center, Chloe LaSalle, Colin Coakley and Ava Janish are servers at
Creamery. Above right, Damian Rivera, manager at Urban Burger, stands in front of his restaurant.
manager Damian Rivera.
They also have a vegan option on the menu — the Impossible Burger with vegan cheese. “People were ordering them, but without cheese,” Rivera said. He wanted to spread the word that they now have the
vegan cheese to go with the burger.
Other participants included 8 Thai, Agave, Ambeli Greek Taverna, Ani Ramen House, Café Teasia, Don Chicken, Delice Macarons, Folklore Artisanal Taco, Il Gabbiano, La Colina Mexican Cantina,
Oasis Restaurant, Old City Café & Grill, Poke House, River and Rail Cantina, Rustic Mill Diner & Pancake House, Sweet ‘n Fancy Emporium, The Thirsty Turtle, Toast City Diner, Tomasello Winery and The Vine & Oak Tavern.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Artist Cafe, has
Vanilla Bean
Cranford Knights of Columbus donates new ladder truck flag to CFD
A new ladder truck flag was generously donated by the Cranford Knights of Columbus to the Cranford Fire Department. Call Department Lt. Ron Marotta was named Firefighter of the Year by the Cranford Knights of Columbus last year. As part of this recognition, the Cranford Knights of Columbus donates to the charity of choice for the recipient. Marotta graciously chose to give back to his fire department in choosing to have a new ladder truck flag.
In a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, May 21, Cranford Fire Department Chief Dan Czeh said, “Flying a flag from a fire apparatus is a visual display of pride and honor for our department, the community and for the country. This flag will be raised for celebrations and unfortunately, for somber occasions. Every time it is raised though, we will be full of pride and honor as we salute the colors.”
“Thank you to Call Lt. Ron Marotta and to the Cranford Knights of Columbus for making this generous and patriotic donation. This flag will be proudly used as our display for years to come. With Flag Day coming on June 14, we celebrate this donation, we celebrate this flag and we are all proud to be American!” Czeh concluded in his speech.
Marotta has served the Cranford Fire Department for 46 years. His dedication to the department and his community is evident in all he does in service and in this patriotic donation to the Fire Department.
“I am happy to have been able to contribute to our Fire Department and our community with the support of the Knights of Columbus with this American Flag donation today,”
Morotta said. “I am incredibly proud to serve our Fire Department for such a long tenure and Chief Czeh is absolutely one of the finest chiefs that I have served under as he recognizes the service of our members and he works hard to strengthen our Fire Department. He encourages each of us to be the best that we can be for our community and department.”
Administrator Lavona Patterson and Public Safety Commissioner Paul A. Gallo attended the ceremony with members of the Cranford Fire Department and the Knights of Columbus.
“Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for this beautiful flag,” Gallo said.
Jerry Conheeney of the Knights of Columbus said the Knights of Columbus has a mission of charity. “If the fire department and the police department come to us, we try and do as much as we can to raise money.”
A new ladder truck flag was generously donated by the Cranford Knights of Columbus to the Cranford Fire Department. Call Department Lt. Ron Marotta was named Firefighter of the Year by the Cranford Knights of Columbus last year. As part of this recognition, the Cranford Knights of Columbus donates to the charity of choice for the recipient.
Photos Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz
The Raptor Trust teaches children about birds of prey
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The Friends of the Cranford Library recently sponsored a program put on by The Raptor Trust about birds of prey. The program was at Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave.
Kate Seeland, associate director of education at The Raptor Trust, gave the 45-minute presentation to an audience of young children. The Raptor Trust is a non-profit wild bird rehabilitation center located in Millington. Seeland explained that they help birds, so that they could go back to the wild. They don’t treat penguins or flamingos.
To help the children understand about owls, one of the six types of raptors found in New Jersey, Seeland had the audience “become owls,” pretending to put on their owl hats and stretching their “wings.”
Seeland spoke about owls not being able to move their eyes, but rather rotating their flexible necks. “Owl ears are on the sides of their heads,” she said. Next, she talked about talons and how they are used to catch food. “Raptors are meat-eating birds, hunting other animals. They have sharp, hooked beaks to take bits out of mice. Moss is a tasty snack,” she said. “Owl feet are covered in feathers. Hawk feet are bare. Owls live in cavities in trees. Owls are nocturnal, staying awake at night.”
After Seeland gave background information, she took out Penny, a screech owl who has been with The Raptor Trust for 12 years. Penny was hit by a car and lost an eye, so she can’t hunt properly.
“Her aim is off with one eye,” Seeland said. “She doesn’t have depth perception. She’s unable to hunt properly. She can still see with the good eye, but only receives half the information with one eye.”
With human care, Seeland explained that an owl can live as long as 15 years; but in the wild, not as long. Owls are all different shapes and sizes. The screech owl is the second smallest owl in New Jersey. In addition to owls, the six types of raptors found in New Jersey include hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures and osprey.
In conclusion, Seeland encouraged the audience that, if they see a bird in need, contact the closest wildlife rehabilitation center.
After the presentation, Liam, 6, said, “I really like to see that some are little, and some are big.”
Kathryn, 7, said she liked the talk about owls and getting to meet Penny.
To learn more about The Raptor Trust, visit: https://theraptortrust.org/.
Above left, Penny, an injured screech owl, from The Raptor Trust rehabilitation center, is perched on the protective glove of a handler. Above right, Kate Seeland, associate director of education at The Raptor Trust; has Penny perched on her hand for a recent program about birds of prey at the Cranford Community Center. Below left, Liam, 6, and David, 4, hold feathers as they stand in front of a stuffed owl at the recent presentation on birds of prey at the Cranford Community Center. Below right, James, 5, and Kathryn, 7, hold a small toy raptor.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED CRANFORD DAY RECOGNIZED — Church Women United Inc. was recognized by the Township Committee on Tuesday, June 11, with a proclamation recognizing June 1 as Church Women United Cranford Day in the township of Cranford and the important work and partnerships the Church Women United Cranford organization has contributed to the township of Cranford. At the proclamation are, from left, Mayor Brian Andrews and Colleen Williams.
Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz
