Cranford Life - September 2024

CRANFORDLIFE

UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM

SEPTEMBER 2024

VOL. 08 NO. 09

CDC Theatre Summer Storytime is a hit with the nominated Cranford Police and Fire departments Summer Storytime with Downtown Cranford and the Cranford Police and Fire departments has been a hit this summer. Taking place every Thursday at 10 a.m. through Labor Day, families are treated to stories read by police officers and firefighters, as well as the chance to explore fire and police vehicles. Donations to Cranford Family Care are also collected and given to local families in need.

— See Page 6

Lego Night connects

— See Page 16

2024

Photos Courtesy of Michelle Stavrou

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2 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

Recreation Center opens registration for fall and winter programs Fall and winter programs start up soon at the Cranford Recreation Center, 375 Centennial Ave. Registration for the following programs is open now on Community Pass online at: www.register.communitypass.net.

Sunrise Pickleball begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, to Tuesday, Nov. 26, offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. The full session is $150 for Cranford residents and $175 for non-residents of Cranford.

Monday Evening Pickleball League runs Monday, Sept. 9, through Monday, Oct. 28, from 8 to 10 p.m.

This evening league is $150 for Cranford residents and $175 for non-residents of Cranford. Games will be in a round-robin format and are open to a maximum of 12 to 14 players. Bonus offer: The winner of the roundrobin will receive free entry into the next league.

Men’s Basketball League for ages 30-plus is holding an evaluation day on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 9:30 p.m., for players interested in signing up for the new basketball league. The league will run practices and games on Thursdays from Sept. 12 to Nov. 21, from 8 to 10 p.m.

This is open to Cranford residents only. Registration is open now and closes on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Teams are chosen by the league participants. The program includes an eight-week session plus playoff games.

Middle School Girls Volleyball League begins Tuesday, Sept. 10. This new travel league is offered to girls in grades six through eight at Hillside Avenue School and Orange Avenue School in Cranford. The season runs through Friday, Nov. 1.

Practices are daily, Tuesdays through Fridays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., at the Cranford Recreation Center.

Games will be at 4 p.m. during the weekdays with days and locations to be determined. Transportation to practices and games is not provided. The cost for this program is $375 and includes equipment, coaches, insur-

Photo Courtesy of Christina Miskewitz

Sunrise Pickleball begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, to Tuesday, Nov. 26, offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., at the Cranford Recreation Center, 375 Centennial Ave. ance, a game jersey and use of the facility.

All programs listed are at the Cranford Recreation Center. Parking is available in the upper parking lot at Centennial Avenue pool on Pat Fossella Street.

Visit www.cranfordrecreation.org and the Cranford Parks and Recreation Facebook and Instagram pages

for updates and more information.

The Cranford Recreation Center is a 19,000 squarefoot multi-sports facility. A list of activities provided can be found online at www.cranfordrecreation.org and is also available to rent to local sports groups and for parties. For more information, call 908-324-4433.

Cranford Life — September 2024 — 3

Groundbreaking search engine revolutionizes the way people find volunteer opportunities

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent A group of passionate volunteers have created a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered search engine that launched last month. Samaritan Scout is a free platform which helps people find inperson volunteer opportunities.

The co-founders of Samaritan Scout are Will Rosenthal and Dvora Inwood.

Rosenthal, of Cranford, is a 19-year-old computer science student at Cornell University. Inwood, of Springfield, is a former educational technology product developer. In high school, Rosenthal was good friends with Inwood’s daughter, which is how their paths connected.

In creating Samaritan Scout, Inwood led a team of volunteer software developers that included Jack Greenwald and Akash Dubey, recent graduates of Union County’s Academy for Information dj Technology, who created the frontend. Then, Rosenthal brought on two Cornell classmates, Pradhi Pakkerakari and Wyatt Sell, who built a search engine that analyzes 501c3 organization’s websites using AI to identify and describe volunteer opportunities.

Via the Samaritan Scout, users can get in touch with organizations about which they are enthusiastic. Currently, the website offers 5,000 volunteer opportunities, with 1,000 in New Jersey and 150 in Union County. In addition to New Jersey, the site serves New York, Utah and Wisconsin. The future of Samaritan Scout is expanding to all 50 states. “We plan on adding them on a weekly basis,” said Rosenthal. “It will happen quickly.”

Both Inwood and Rosenthal agree that volunteerism is declining. Rosenthal feels it’s especially because of the pandemic.

“People were very limited,” he said. “It’s important to us (that) people are still active in the community.”

No stranger to volunteering, Rosenthal helped at Shining Stars Network in Cranford. It’s a 501c3 non-for-profit organization that specializes in shining a light on the special needs community through the performing arts while providing opportunities for people with and without special needs to improve their singing, dancing, and acting abilities. The program allows volunteers, known as “buddies,” to help the stars of Shining Stars to rehearse, practice and get ready for the show – a gala for entertainers with special needs. “I volunteered there for a long time,” Rosenthal said. It’s a personal cause to him because he has a family member who is a special needs person, and it hits close to home. He said, “I just know that being able to do this (Samaritan Scout) means a lot for my dad, for myself. He loves that I’m so involved.”

Rosenthal also volunteered at

Photo Courtesy of Samaritan Scout

Will Rosenthal, of Cranford, is the head of technology for Samaritan Scout, and Jack Greenwald, of Springfield, a recent graduate of Academy for Information Technology, is the front-end developer of the groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered search engine that launched last month.

Reeves–Reed Arboretum in Summit on the weekends. “I look at a lot of software,” he said. “I’m a programmer. It’s nice to get outside, planting new trees. Helping out in the arboretum makes me happy. It’s really a great time.”

When Inwood came up with the idea for Samaritan Scout, Rosenthal thought it was genius. He said, “Our mission is to help people. It’s been an absolutely lovely experience. Volunteering has always been huge in my family. I am 19 and there’s still

plenty of time to volunteer. Volunteering from a young age really helps a person shape who they become. It opens them up to wonderful experiences in life.”

Visit Samaritan Scout at https://www.samaritanscout.org/.

4 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Above left, Rhonda Denet performs some of her favorite songs along with the Silver Fox Trio at a recent performance at Cranford Community Center. Above, second from left, married to Denet for 17 years, Charles Batton says he was inspired by Motown and emulates their drummers when

he plays. Above, third from left, Gene Torres, who plays electric bass, says he was also inspired by Motown, as well as rock and roll, including artists such as Led Zeppelin and Cream. Above right, keyboardist Mike Bardash says he has been playing classical music since he was 5 years old.

The Sounds of Summer Concert captivates at Community Center

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Throughout the years, most everyone has their favorite summer songs they hold dear to them. It’s just not summer until they’ve heard those songs on the radio or via other music mediums. Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Trio recently covered the scope of summer songs at Cranford Community Center.

They entertained a full house with music that’s been evoking those summer

feelings throughout the decades. Denet delivered the best, from the 1930s through the 1970s. She and the Silver Fox Trio flawlessly performed those songs music fans love – and had them tapping their feet and singing along.

Denet got the beach ball rolling, opening with Gershwin’s “Summertime.”

“One of the most recorded songs in history,” Denet said. “It’s a keeper.”

Other songs in the performance included “O-o-h Child,” by The Five

Stairsteps; “Hot Fun in the Summertime,”

by Sly and the Family Stone; “Summer Breeze,” by Seals & Crofts; and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” by Otis Redding.

“We’re so excited to have them back,” said Marissa Lieberman, head of Reference Services at Cranford Public Library.

“It’s always a fantastic show. I’m grateful for the Friends of the Cranford Library for supporting these events.”

Renee Herz said, “She’s terrific! A great

entertainer. We keep coming back.”

Harriet Mazur added, “She’s wonderful. I saw her four or five times.”

Mary Egenton said, “She gives so much info, history behind the songs. The camaraderie, so much fun. It’s a great time.”

Denet, who lives in East Orange, said she was inspired by Minnie Riperton, then Natalie Cole – as well as a lot of men too, such as Al Jarreau. “As I got older, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin,” she said.

See RHONDA, Page 5

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Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Trio put on a show (Continued from Page 4) She realized she could sing at age 9.

When she performed at a midnight Mass at age 11, that’s when she saw how her voice affected people. By 14, she knew she wanted to sing professionally.

Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Trio perform both covers and originals. She says love and relationships influence her.

Thirty percent of her original songs are about love and the rest are about spirituality. “I’ll be walking down the street, and a bass line will pop in my head,” she said.

“I love bringing bliss. I walk into the room with it.”

Denet and drummer Charles Batton have been married for 17 years. He’s inspired by Motown and says his mom

had 45-records – all Motown. “That’s how I learn to play,” he said. “I tried to emulate their drummers.”

Gene Torres, who plays electric bass, is also inspired by Motown, but he likes rock, too – Led Zeppelin, Cream.

Keyboardist Mike Bardash said he played classical music when he was 5 years old. “I was holding my own,” he said.

Then, at age 12, he discovered the music of Oscar Peterson. “He’s not my influence, but that’s how I caught the bug.”

Currently, Denet is working on an online place to celebrate 20th century jazz and soul. “Each song has a fantastic story behind it,” she said.

To learn more about Rhonda Denet, visit: https://rhondadenetmusic.com/.

NEWS CLIPS Planning Board to meet Cranford’s Planning Board will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cranford Township Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.

Workshop meeting hosted Cranford’s Township Committee will

have a workshop meeting on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Cranford Township Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.

Zoning Board to meet The Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on Monday, Sept. 9, at

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

7:30 p.m., at the Cranford Township Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.

Conference meeting hosted Cranford’s Township Committee will have a conference meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., at the Cranford Town-

ship Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.

Official meeting hosted Cranford’s Township Committee will have an official meeting on Tuesday, Sept.

10, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cranford Township Municipal Building.

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6 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

CDC Theatre nominated for 12 NJACT Perry Awards

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent The New Jersey Association of Community Theaters Perry Awards are given for outstanding achievements in the New Jersey Community Theater, and it’s no surprise that Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre has been nominated for 12 awards this year. The 105-year-old nonprofit community theater continuously puts on top notch-productions.

CDC President Joe Leo said, “We’ve been nominated and winning for a very long time. In the last years I’ve been president, we’ve been on their nominations for a lot of our shows. It’s been nice. There’s a lot of community theater in New Jersey.

There’s a lot of talent around the state. To be recognized is a nice honor and acknowledgement of our hard work.”

In fact, CDC has won so many Perry Awards, Joe Leo has lost count.

In 2023, CDC’s wins were Angela Cusumano-Perez, “In the Heights,” Outstanding Choreography. and Gail Cevallos, “In the Heights,” Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical.

This year’s CDC nominees are Colleen Renee Lis, “The Wizard of Oz,” Outstanding Direction of a Musical; Nik Marmo, “Head Over Heels,” and Mark Reilly, “Hair,” Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical; Shannon Ludlum, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” Outstanding

Supporting Actress in a Play; Karen Carratura, “Head Over Heels,” and Jannette Fisher, “Hair,” Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical; Ian Federgreen, “The Wizard of Oz,” and David Rivera Jr., “Head Over Heels,” Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical; Jannette Fisher and Lilly Tremblay, “Hair,” Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical; Raven Abbott, “Head Over Heels,” and Jordyn Sava, “The Wizard of Oz,” Outstanding Choreography; and Dana Dispoto, “Hair,” Outstanding Stage Management of a Musical.

Some of the nominations, Leo said he anticipated. “I definitely expected our stage manager, Dana, to be nominated for ‘Hair.’ And Shannon Ludlum for ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.’ Those were the two I felt sure were definite.

Everything else was a pleasant surprise.

Whether CDC wins or loses, Leo said he considers the Perry Awards to be a night to have fun. “It’s a night to show everybody within the community what their theater has to offer. Just go have a good time, see some great entertainment.

Chalk it up to having a nice night out.

Everybody’s a winner.”

Leo is so busy at CDC, he rarely has time to go see other shows at other theaters. “As much as you want to go support your friends, they are doing shows the same time you are,” he said.

See TALENTED, Page 7

Photos Courtesy of Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre

Above, David Rivera Jr. belts it out in ‘Head Over Heels.’ Rivera has been nominated for the 2024 NJACT Perry Award in the category of Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for this production. Below, Ian Federgreen, right, is captured onstage in Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ for which he has been nominated for the 2024 NJACT Perry Award in the category of Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.

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Cranford Life — September 2024 — 7

Talented cast nominated for 12 NJACT Perry Awards (Continued from Page 6) When he does have time, Leo said he supports Chatham Playhouse and Westfield Theatre Group – and he’s worked at both.

“It’s all about supporting New Jersey community theater and people who are

doing it for the love. None of us get paid.

We’re doing this because we love it. An award is just gravy,” he said.

To learn more about NJACT, visit: https://njact.org/.

To learn more about CDC Theatre, visit: https://www.cdctheatre.org/.

Photos Courtesy of Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre

At left, Jannette Fisher lets the sunshine in during the CDC production of ‘Hair,’ for which she has been nominated for the 2024 NJACT Perry Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical.

Above, Shannon Ludlam may be up to no good in CDC’s production of ‘Musical Murders of 1940,’ but she is good enough to be nominated for the 2024 NJACT Perry Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play.

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8 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

Downtown Cranford goes country under the clock

Photos by David VanDeventer

Country music recording artist and local Jersey girl Nikki Briar, shown at far upper right, and her Sweetbriar Band set up shop on Thursday, Aug. 15, under the Eastman Clock and delivered more than two hours of highenergy country and rock hits. Her show was part of the Downtown Cranford team’s ongoing Summer Sounds concert series at the clock plaza and is sponsored by various community-minded local business owners.

Different musical acts are spotlighted every Thursday through Labor Day weekend with live performances beginning at 6 p.m. In addition to Nikki’s foot-stompin’ and hand-clappin’ tour de force, the gals from Bullet Boots, shown below, had an onsite hat bar and branding service stand ready for those hardy souls who briefly wanted to turn Cranford into Nashville!

Cranford Life — September 2024 — 9

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Cranford Life — September 2024 — 11

March of Time 2024 57 YEARS Providing quality meat for 57 years

57 YEARS

Photo by Rick Gerritty

Perrotti’s Quality Meats, at 23 S. Union Ave. in Cranford, has been in its current location for 57 years.

David Perrotti Sr. and Mario Perrotti, brothers from Italy, opened the business in October 1967. Nick and Dave Perrotti took over in 2015.

Perrotti’s traces its roots to 1957, when David and Mario Perrotti immigrated to the United States from Vallata, Italy, at the ages of 10 and 12, alongside their parents and seven siblings, where they settled in Elizabeth. The two brothers began working at a local, old-time pork store, where they learned the art of butchering and the meat market industry. Little did they know that they would become lifelong business partners. In the fall of 1967, David and Mario opened Perrotti’s Quality Meats, with the hope of turning their newly found craft into a business of their own. More than 50 years later, their business still operates on the corner of S. Union Avenue and Cherry Street in Cranford.

At Perrotti’s today, they pride themselves in being a family-owned and operated business that treats its loyal customers like part of the family. The sons of David Perrotti, Dave Jr. and Nick Perrotti, have earned the responsibility of taking over the family business, with an eye toward keeping the old-world butcher shop a part of the community for the next 50 years.

Always an active member of the community, Perrotti’s Quality Meats sponsors numerous charitable endeavors, including the Jaycees/St. Michael’s Church, St. Michael’s Feast, the Cranford Fire and Police departments, football at all schools, the Rescue Squad, Special Olympics, the Firecracker 4-Miler and T-ball.

Through the years, Perrotti’s Quality Meats has changed by becoming not just a full-service butcher but also by offering a wide variety of prepared foods. The original service as a full-service butcher has been maintained, in addition to employee recipes and traditional food.

Customers continually praise the business for providing great service, delicious food and having an informative staff.

Perrotti’s has been helping local families and businesses celebrate milestones for decades. If you need a caterer for a large party or event, view Perrotti’s catering menu and give them a call or send them an email to start planning your next party or event.

Perrotti’s Quality Meats is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached by calling 908-272-4980 or visiting its website at perrottiscranford.com.

Owners Nick and Dave Perrotti Photo by Rick Gerritty

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12 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

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Cranford Life — September 2024 — 13

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14 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

End-of-summer reading party a real bubble blast

Photos by David VanDeventer

The Cranford Public Library parking lot was filled with the delightful sights and sounds of kids just being kids on Thursday evening, Aug. 15, as they celebrated the CPL Summer Reading Program’s huge, end-of-summer party. A variety of games, music, crafts, entertainment and a bounce house kept everyone busy but the true star of the evening was a large bubble cannon that drove the children crazy! The annual summer reading program is free and made possible by the Friends of the Library. Upcoming event information can be found at cranfordlibrary.org.

Cranford Life — September 2024 — 15

Positive helmet rewards program returns, thanks to Jaycees In an effort to promote the use of helmets and encourage safe behavior, the Cranford Police Department and Cranford Jaycees have collaborated with Big Apple Pizza and Vinny’s Pizza and Pasta to implement the Keep Calm and Helmet On Safety Reward Program for the remainder of 2024. This safety initiative uses positive reinforcement and education to reinforce the importance of helmet safety and brain injury prevention.

Children younger than the age of 17 seen wearing a

helmet and safely participating in a wheeled sports activity will be given a “positive summons” by a Cranford police officer. The summons includes a reward for the child for practicing safe responsible behavior. The rewards are donated by the Cranford Jaycees and entitle the recipient to plain slices of pizza and a drink at either Big Apple Pizza or Vinny’s Pizza and Pasta in Cranford.

Brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. A properly worn helmet is the

IN MEMORIAM • KELLY – Anne Shearer, of Cranford, formerly of Hewlett, N.Y.; April 4.

Widow, mother, grandmother, 80.

• SCHLOGL – Margaret Ann, of Lincroft, formerly of Cranford and Virginia; July 6. Teacher, FBI support. Wife, mother, grandmother, 77.

• WYCISKALA – John Paul Jr., of Pompton Plains, formerly of Bismarck, N.D., Cranford; July 5. Managing director, NYSE. Husband, father, grandfather, 88.

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.

single most effective safety device available to reduce brain injury and death by as much as 88%, according to Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. surgeon general. New Jersey’s helmet law requires that “Children under the age of 17 wear a helmet while bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerskating.” Cranford’s Keep Calm and Helmet On Safety Reward Program is a community program that involves police, local charitable organizations and local businesses to encourage safe riding within the township of Cranford.

Cranford recreation basketball registration is open right now Registration is open for Boys and Girls Recreation Basketball Leagues, offered for grades three through 12. The fee per child is $175.

Teams are led by volunteer coaches, with one practice and one game per week during the basketball season, occurring approximately November through April.

Cranford recreation also offers firstand second-grade skills and drills with introduction to league play for $125 per child.

Both programs offer a $25 sibling discount.

Recreation basketball is open to Cran-

ford residents only. Registration will close on Friday, Oct. 25.

Registration can now be done in person at the Community Center or online through Team Sideline at www.cranfordrecbasketball.org.

Recreation Basketball is a fun, inclusive program for children of all levels and abilities.

This program is sponsored by the Cranford Recreation and Parks Department. For additional information, call 908-709-7283, email recreation@cranfordnj.org, and visit www.cranfordrecreation.org.

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16 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

LEGO Night comes together piece by piece at library

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Hudson Rose and Sarah are “LEGO buddies.”

“They have LEGO dates,” said Jill Karnyski, Sarah’s mom.

“She loves the creativity,” said Jennie Richardella, Hudson Rose’s mom. “Letting her imagination flow.”

“I like following ‘no rules’ when it comes to LEGO,” said Hudson Rose.

Hudson Rose and Sarah were just two of the many young people who took part in Downtown Cranford’s LEGO Night recently.

“LEGO Night is a great event to see everyone’s creativity,” said Caren Demyen, the director of Downtown Cranford. “We look forward to it every year. It’s a fun annual event.” Registration for LEGO Night included a commemorative T-shirt and a bag of LEGO candy. The event was sponsored by Think D’sign Print.

Mike Anderson was there with his son, Brady, 8. He said, “I grew up playing LEGO. It’s cool seeing my son enjoy it.”

Jessica Ferrence was with her son, Silas, 7, who attended the event last year and worked in a group. This year, Silas decided to work solo, building by himself.

“It’s very fun, very exciting, very confident,” said Silas.

Danielle Dimeglio was there with her son, Michael, 7. They attended LEGO Night both last year and the year before.

“It’s a nice opportunity for him to do something creative,” she said. “Thinking outside the box.”

LEGO Master Corey Samuels was in attendance and hosted the event. Samuels is the CEO and lead designer/instructor of Samz BREGO LLC. A LEGO enthusiast since the age of 5, Samuels has constructed thousands of LEGO Mocs – an acronym for My Own Creation – through the years, focusing his attention on “Fashion with LEGO” as the primary material.

In 2019, he was on the first season of See LEGO, Page 17

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Above left, Lindsay Clark, event coordinator, and Caren Demyen, the director of Downtown Cranford, hold up commemorative Cranford LEGO Night 2024 Tshirts, which went to everyone who registered for the event.

Above center, LEGO buddies Hudson Rose and Sarah are all smiles in their commemorative Cranford LEGO Night 2024 Tshirts as they plan what they will make next. Above right, Brady, 8, enjoys playing with LEGOs, just as his father did when he was younger. At left, LEGO Master Corey Samuels stands next to Demyen as he addresses those in attendance for Cranford LEGO Night 2024.

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Cranford Life — September 2024 — 17

LEGO Night is a fun time for the entire family at library

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Above left, Silas, 7, has four LEGO figures on the table before him, waiting to see what he will create. Above, second from left, the latest creation of Michael, 7, is already beginning to take shape on Cranford LEGO Night 2024. Above, third from left, Luke’s construction of the Cranford Theater (Continued from Page 16) LEGO Masters (USA), alongside his brother, Travis Samuels.

“I love this night,” said Samuels. He challenged the children to “build something that represents Cranford.” The rules were that nothing could be prebuilt. “Work as a team. Have a unified vision,” he said.

Luke, who was there with his mom, Kristin Salsberry, decided to build the Cranford Theatre. “I watch movies there and I had a birthday there,” he said.

Jill Sohler, of Cranford, said her son,

Henry, 5, is “obsessed with LEGOS.” She added, “Our whole basement is LEGO.” Henry was creating a Star Wars-themed police station. Cranford Sgt. John Guempel said he was impressed!

Michele Stoma was there with her 8year-old daughter, Madelyn. “The community comes together, she meets kids, builds, has fun.”

Madelyn’s LEGO imaginative vision was “a monster is taking over Cranford.”

To learn more about Downtown Cranford, visit: https://downtown cranford.org/.

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with LEGOs is starting to come together. Above, fourth from left, Sgt. John Guempel is impressed as Henry puts together a Star Wars-themed police station made out of LEGOs. Above right, Madelyn imagines a ‘monster is taking over Cranford’ as she creates using LEGOS.

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18 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

2024

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Cranford Cougars are out to rebound with experienced cast

By JR Parachini Sports Editor Out to bounce back from its first season finishing at less than .500 since 2009, the Cougars have a number of returning starters back in addition to players who saw extensive action in 2023.

After a 4-2 start last year the Cougars closed with an uncharacteristic three-game losing streak, the final loss a 13-0 decision at eventual champion West Essex High School in the first round of the North 2, Group 3 playoffs.

While a streak of 13 consecutive (2010-2022) winning seasons came to an end, Cranford High School did extend its streak of consecutive years of making the playoffs to 12 – 2011-2019, no playoffs in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021-2023.

Leading the multiple spread offense once again under center will be senior quarterback Tyler Veltre (6-1, 190).

Running backs include seniors Amari Petgrave (6-1, 215) and Dylan Jones (5-10, 180) who both started several times as juniors, junior Joseph Acinapura (6-2, 190), junior Sam Slayton (5-10, 175) and sophomore Gabe Worrell (6-1, 195), who head coach Erik Rosenmeier said has been very impressive in the pre-season.

At wide receiver are senior returning starters Luciano Fiorenza (6-2, 175) and Niko Aloi (6-2, 175), junior Quinn Smith (5-11), junior Jake Teixeira (6-0, 190) and senior Jake Zarzecki (5-9, 165).

Photo by JR Parachini Slot players include senior Ryan Gregersen (5-9, 170), Erik Rosenmeier is now in his 20th season at a projected starter, senior Brandon DiPaolo (5-9, 165), the helm of the Cranford Cougars. His record junior Ryder Connors (5-9, 165) and junior Michael is 129-65 (.665), which includes all three Tripodi (5-9, 175). state championships Cranford High School At tight end or H-back will be seniors Justin Hoeffler has won in the playoff era.

(6-1, 220), Arthur Hrycak (6-4, 235) and Yousf Elashry starter at guard senior Mike Scotti (6-2, 250), projected (6-2, 235). All three saw heavy minutes as juniors.

Protecting Veltre on the offensive line will be return- starter at guard senior Louis Kruk (6-1, 265), junior ing starter Max Brown (6-2, 250) at center, projected guard Lucas Ruela (5-11, 280), junior tackle Austin

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Hooey (6-5, 260), senior tackle Hunter Quinn (6-0, 225), junior tackle Andre Pereira (6-4, 235), senior tackle Jake Ulicki (5-9, 215) and junior tackle Joseph Petino (6-4, 260).

Returning starters in Cranford’s 3-3 defense feature Scotti at nose guard and Hrycak and Petgrave at ends, Hoeffler at mike linebacker and Jones at safety and Aloi at cornerback.

Other defensive linemen include Elashry and Pereira, both at end.

Acinapura will start at stack linebacker, senior Kevin Gormley (5-10, 170) will start somewhere on defense according to Rosenmeier, while seniors Lucas Gutierrez (6-1, 175) and Ryan Coon (5-10, 190) are competing for time at linebacker.

Also in the secondary are Worrell and Smith, Connors and Zarzecki at cornerback and at safety Gregersen, DiPaolo and juniors Vincent Silva (5-10, 170) and Sam Slayton (5-10, 175).

Jones is the punter and senior Cristiano Ambrosio will handle the kicking duties.

Hoeffler and Petgrave have Division 1 interest and should have offers. Scotti has several 1-AA schools looking at him.

Hrycak has Ivy League, Patriot League and high academic Division 3 schools interested in his services. Aloi, Jones and Fiorenza will play in college, according to Rosenmeier.

Longest tenured coach in Union County Rosenmeier, a 1983 Arthur L. Johnson High School graduate who went on to excel at Colgate University and who then played briefly for the Buffalo Bills during the strike games of the 1987 NFL season, has been at the helm of the Cougars now since 2005.

See COUGARS, Page 19

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Cranford Life — September 2024 — 19

2024

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Cougars look to bounce back from last season’s slump (Continued from Page 18) This is Rosenmeier’s 20th season. He continues to be the longest tenured coach in Union County.

Chris Hull, a 1984 Cranford graduate, got things started at Cranford, with Hull leading the Cougars to the playoffs the final three years of his six-season stint before he moved on to become the head coach at Morristown High School. Cranford had only made the playoffs once before Hull led the Cougars there in 2002, 2003 and 2004 – that was back in 1975.

Although Cranford did not make the playoffs during Rosenmeier’s first six seasons, from 2005 to 2010, strides were made. Not only did Cranford get back to the playoffs the next year in 2011, but the Cougars went on to capture the North 2, Group 3 crown that season with a record of 10-1 for the program’s first state championship in the playoff era.

Cranford reached the North 2, Group 3 final again in 2014, finishing 11-1, and won it again in 2015 at 12-0 and 2021 at 11-0 before falling in a regional championship game to finish 11-1.

Rosenmeier’s record at Cranford for Photo by JR Parachini his first 19 seasons is 129-65 (.665). So, Memorial Field is where Cranford High School calls home.

You see the essentially for two decades now, Rosenthree years displayed at the top of the press box when the Cougars won meier has guided the Cranford Cougars to state championships: 2011, 2015 and 2021. wins every two games out of three.

Rosenmeier has also led Cranford to all three coming in North 2, Group 3. bers being what they are now and the sucfour of the state championship games the A weight room upgrade and the cess that follows on a yearly basis.

Cougars have played in and all three of emphasis on his players also succeeding at Winning seasons total 15, there has their playoff state championships, all other sports are two reasons for the num- been just one season where the Cougars

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finished .500 and there have only been three seasons where they closed less than .500 during Rosenmeier’s guidance.

Rosenmeier put together a staff to deal with the number of players, where to position them the best and how to navigate through a schedule to give the Cougars the best chance at season’s end of excelling should they qualify for the playoffs.

At 77-28, Cranford had the secondbest record among Union County schools in the decade of the 2010s (2010-2019), which included three state championship game appearances and two state titles.

While last year’s record won no Academy awards, there’s every reason to believe that it was the exception and not the norm at one of the top football programs right now in the state of New Jersey.

Cranford Cougars 2024 • Friday, Sept. 6, Somerville, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 13, Carteret, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 20, at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 28, at Summit, 1 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 4, at Rahway, 7 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct 10, at Scotch Plains–Fanwood, 7 p.m.

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• Friday, Oct. 25, Hillside, 7 p.m.

Head coach: Erik Rosenmeier, 20th season BCC division: United Gold Section: North, Group 3

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20 — September 2024 — Cranford Life

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