Cranford Life - October 2022

‘Quest for the Cure’ gets people moving

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

Sunday turned out to be a good day for a race.

Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure hosted its ninth annual Cranford Cure T1 Diabetes 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Nomahegan Park, at 1033 Springfield Ave. The 5K takes place annually to rally support to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

“The event was very well attended,” said John Arminio, a representative for Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure, in an interview with Union County LocalSource on Monday, Sept. 19. “The event started at 9 a.m. The weather was great. The turnout was great. We give out awards for different age groups and overall.

“It was a beautiful day, probably the highest level of attendance we had,” he continued. “Last year was the first year kind of back in person, after the pandemic, and it was decent but lower than previous years. This year, we made up for it, definitely. The participation compared to other 5Ks is kind of low but we also do a walk. There were probably 250 people partaking in both events. So there are typically more runners than walkers. It’s sanctioned by the United States Track & Field association. If they sanctioned the event, then, from a runner’s standpoint, you know you can earn points. They help us with liability insurance that we have to have.”

The Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure nonprofit originated as a family-and-friends cycling team that rode each year in the Tour de Cure, a national fundraising event for diabetes research and treatment. After 11 years of enthusiastic participation, the Schmitt family took fundraising to the next level and created a 501(c)(3) organization to raise money to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes and support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, now known as the JDRF, since Type 1 diabetes can affect people at any age. SQC has collaborated on a variety of previous fundraisers, with

more than 1,250 total participants.

Gloria Rose and Andrew Schmitt, siblings, are the founders of Schmitts’ Quest for a Cure.

“I was diagnosed in high school, and all throughout college and probably for three or four years after college, I didn’t want … that to be my only identity,” said Gloria Rose Schmitt in an interview with LocalSource on Wednesday, Sept. 21. “But now I want to share it with others because I want people to know that having diabetes is not a limitation or anything that can hinder your success or your growth.”

Both Schmitts are Type 1 diabetics, said Arminio, who is the Schmitts’ uncle. “They were diagnosed kind of young, and they started with volleyball in Cranford High School to raise money. But it was just grassroots to raise money. And

then they created a 501(c)(3) to raise money. And I said (creating the nonprofit is) a really good way to raise money. … I (helped raise money) in Montville for an organization called Pathways for Exceptional Children for a number of years. I thought (creating a nonprofit) could be a good thing for Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure.”

“Initially, we had participated in a bike ride through the American Diabetes Association,” said Gloria Rose Schmitt. “We did it for a few years, and the first year we had a lot of people come out with us, but by the third year, it was just our family doing it, so we decided we wanted to do something local. So we did a volleyball tournament, but it limited people. So then we decided that we

Photos by David VanDeventer

Altruistic runners and walkers of all ages enjoyed the last weekend of summer by raising funds for others at the ninth annual Cranford Cure T1 Diabetes 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Nomahegan Park, Cranford.

College Women’s Club to host cornhole tournament

The College Women’s Club of Cranford invites the community to the first program of the new club year on Monday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at its new meeting location, Jardine Academy, 75 Rod Smith Place, Cranford, for some light refreshments and a cornhole tournament. This event is free, and all are welcome.

The club members welcome back their favorite team from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to coach them through this event: Marlo Sutphin, manager, community health; Andre Gammon, community health representative; and Lauren Feldman, community events coordinator, government programs, community outreach. This program is provided by Braven Health, a Medicare plan built by Horizon BCBSNJ, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health.

The club, which is celebrating 90 years in the community, is looking for new members. It is devoted to raising scholarship funds for Cranford residents who are graduating from high school and embarking on college. The club also provides free workshops and lectures as part of its general meetings. For more information, visit collegewomensclubcranford.com, email cranfordcollegeclub@gmail.com or visit the club’s Facebook or Instagram page.

Photo Courtesy of Cynthia Isaksen

College Women’s Club of Cranford members participate in the Cranford Memorial Day Parade. The club is always looking for new members to join in the festivities.

Get ready for annual Rubby Ducky Derby in Sperry Park

Hanson Park Conservancy’s 11th annual Rubber Ducky Derby is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m. The race is at Sperry Park in Cranford. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 16.

On race day, more than 1,000 individually numbered rubber ducks will tumble over the falls at Sperry Park, racing to the finish line at the North Union Avenue Bridge. Numerous prizes for the fastest lucky duckies will be awarded. The top prize is a $250 TD Bank gift card.

Boy Scouts will be on hand to collect every rubber ducky after the race is completed. The ducks are then cleaned to be reused next year.

Ducks can be “purchased” at two locations: Periwinkle's Fine Gifts and Home, 19 N. Union Ave., and the Cranford Canoe Club, 250 Springfield Ave., both in Cranford. Any remaining ducks can be purchased in Sperry Park on the day of the race, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, check social media for updates.

All proceeds benefit Hanson Park maintenance and educational programs. Hanson Park is located at 38 Springfield Ave. in Cranford.

— Photos Courtesy of Linda Livelli

Students can join 4-H clubs to explore arts, technology and more

Union County 4-H clubs are gearing up for a new season for students in grades 1-12. Students and their families are invited to attend a 4-H club open house on Friday, Sept. 23, to meet this year’s 4-H club leaders and learn more about the topics for the 2022-2023 school year. The event includes food, activities and more.

“The 4-H program encourages students to become experts in their favorite subjects and share their knowledge with the community. It’s a unique hands-on learning and leadership opportunity,” said County Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca L. Williams. “The board of commissioners is very proud to support the 4-H program in Union County.”

Students and parents who are interested in attending the open house should register by contacting Union County 4-H agent James Nichnadowicz by email at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The open house will be at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, on Friday, Sept. 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Students can sign up for a maximum of two clubs per year. A fee is charged.

Club members meet with an adult leader each month during the school year to plan activities and programs.

For the 2022-2023 school year, the full list of clubs is as follows:

• Archery, grade four and older.

• Cooking, grade four and older.

• Engineering, grades four and five.

• Gardening, grade four and older.

• LEGO Robotics with LEGO Robotics MindStorms kits, grades five and six.

• Crafts, grade four and older.

• Outdoors club, grades five through nine.

• 4-H service club, grades eight through 12.

• Sewing, grade six and older.

• 4-H club for exploring different skills and hobbies, grades one through three.

Union County 4-H is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 4-H program. The largest youth development

program in the country, 4-H began as a way to encourage young people in rural communities to learn about innovative new farming practices. The focus on innovation and leadership continues, through age-appropriate topics and activities.

In Union County, 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County as part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. It is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Ave. E. in Westfield.

Additional information about 4-H in New Jersey is available at nj4h.rutgers.edu.

HOURS

Monday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

Kean University's rise in prominence as a Hispanic-serving institution was showcased as the university’s president, Lamont O. Repollet, met with education leaders in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the same time that the state’s top-ranking Latina politician, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, spoke at a town hall with Hispanic leaders and alumni in Kean’s Miron Student Center.

The events took place during Hispanic Heritage Month. About one-third of Kean’s students are Hispanic.

“It was empowering to be at the White House today discussing higher education issues with a member of the Domestic Policy Council, Dr. Lena Rodriguez of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and my colleagues at HSIs,” Repollet said. “We are tremendously proud of our role as an HSI and are grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on all that we do to support firstgeneration students.”

Earlier in the day, Repollet also joined Nasser H. Paydar, assistant secretary for postsecondary education with the U.S. Department of Education, and other college leaders, including Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor, in a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Kean alumnus Jason Pleitez, Class of ’22, now a graduate assistant in the president’s office at Kean, was a stu-

dent speaker on the panel.

“My story and lineage are similar to

many students who attend Hispanic-serving institutions like Kean,” Pleitez said. “As a first-generation Latino student, I received access to many campus resources. I am grateful to have participated in this meeting with President Repollet to emphasize the importance of student support programs.”

At Kean, Sancha Gray, senior vice president for entrepreneurial education initiatives, welcomed a crowd for a Hispanic Heritage Town Hall program titled “Honoring Our Roots and Building Tomorrow’s Success.”

Ruiz, who is the highest-ranking Latina in the history of the New Jersey Legislature, delivered a keynote speech.

“Kean University, ¿Cómo están?” Ruiz began, greeting the crowd in Spanish. The Newark native talked about her rise in politics, recalling many times when she was the only Latina in the room.

“You never know when that tap is going to come on the shoulder,” said Ruiz, who was first elected to the Senate in 2007. “Sometimes you’re going to be alone, and sometimes you’re going to be

Photo Courtesy of

Whether in D.C. or at home, Kean University shows its role

the only woman of color in the room. We have to do things twice as hard, get louder, do it stronger and repeat it. I feel like I’m the defender of the one that doesn’t have a voice.”

Kean graduate Sara Pena, Class of ’96, the director of external affairs at PSE&G and a former president of Latinas United for Political Empowerment, also offered encouragement to students.“The best advice I can give is, believe in yourself,” Pena said. “This institution showed me I can make it.”

Diana Vasquez, director of the National Internship Program and strategic initiatives at HACU, spoke about her association’s internship program, which helps Hispanic students obtain paying internships at federal agencies. She also said Kean is making itself known at HACU.

“The name of the school rings bells,” she said.

Kean alumnus and Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Classes of 2010 and recipient of a master’s in public administration in 2016, said it is important to have events such as the town hall.

“The goal of events like this is to usher a sense of pride for Hispanic students,” he said. “Today, more Latinos are achieving the American dream.”

The final speaker on the program was Kean Class of 2021 graduate Felipe Peralta, now a graduate student and a graduate assistant in the Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships.

He said that when he began at Kean, he went straight home after classes. Then he said he decided to make the most of his time at Kean, joining the Leadership Program and a fraternity, and developing swagger on campus.

“For all my Hispanic brothers and sisters, there are resources available for us. You just have to find them,” he said. “All my hard work and stress were worth it when I saw my parents at graduation.”

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz speaks at Kean University’s Miron Student Center during a Hispanic Heritage Town Hall.

As economic times remain uncertain, college students are seeking an education that benefits them financially, as well as academically. Associate degree business students who graduate from Union College receive a degree ranked No. 1 by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

This report ranks Union’s as the No. 1 business program for associate degree holders based on economic value. More than 5,500 business programs were

evaluated using data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard 2022. Union’s program tied for the No. 1 spot — these graduates have the highest annual earnings net of debt payments two years after graduating with an associate degree.

“This outcome is a direct reflection of the faculty and staff commitment to our mission of transforming our community, one student at a time,” said Union College board of trustees Chairperson Victor M. Richel, who has a degree in economics from Villanova, with additional certifications from both Columbia University and the Harvard Business School.

“As a former banking and utility executive, I am confident that Union College’s business programs are first rate.”

Union maintains a flat-rate tuition for full-time students, as a student success and equity initiative. Moreover, Union has not increased tuition for students in three years. Because of this, the business students are set up for success from the moment they enroll.

Business students are encouraged to use the Bloomberg Terminals in Union’s Bloomberg Business Center, which serves as a critical destination to support student learning, engagement and career preparedness. Students utilize Bloomberg Terminals to review and analyze economic data, trends and financial data, and build investment portfolios.

Union’s business students also receive an education outside the classroom. Several students who participate in Project Achievement, a student success initiative focused on supporting black males, visited the Bank of New York Mellon. During the visit, senior executives from the company spoke to the students and offered words of wisdom.

“Union’s focus on academic excellence, career readiness and helping students experience a sense of belongingness is what sets us apart from other

colleges,” said Union’s president, Margaret M. McMenamin.

“Students may enter the workforce after completing their degree or continue onto a four-year school.”

Union College offers several businessrelated programs, including Blockchain Technology, Business Marketing, Public Administration, Sports Management and Supply Chain Management.

For additional information, visit ucc.edu/campus-life/academicmaps/business-programs/.

Cranford PD and Cranford PAL host donation drive

Many kids from underserved households are not getting involved in athletics because of the high price of sports equipment. Leveling the Playing Field is a nonprofit that collects and redistributes equipment to expand access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities. LPF expanded to a third warehouse location in Philadelphia during fall 2021 to ensure that all kids in the Greater Philadelphia area can get off the sidelines.

LPF is collecting on Saturday Oct. 15, at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford, from 9 a.m. to noon. Drive to the rear of the building and volunteers will unload the vehicle, or park and drop donations off in the lobby.

LPF accepts new and gently used sporting equipment donations to redistribute directly to children in need. Donations should be in safe, functional condition. Have a question about the gear condition? Contact LPF directly at info@levelingtheplayingfield.org. LPF is collecting the following equipment:

• Baseball/softball: aluminum/wooden bats, bags, bases — rubber and soft, baseballs, catcher’s gear, cleats, gloves — batting and fielding, helmets — five years old or newer, pants, pitching/batting nets, pitching machines, softballs, T-ball sets,

umpire gear, whiffle balls and whiffle bats.

• Basketball: basketballs, basketball shoes, basketball hoops/goals, mini basketballs and basketball shorts.

• Field hockey: balls, goggles, gloves, goalie gear and sticks.

• Football: flag football belts, footballs, football cleats, football gloves, football pads, football helmets – five years old or newer, and kicking tees.

• Golf: golf bags, golf balls and golf clubs.

• Hockey: bags, gloves, goalie equipment, helmets, hockey pucks, pads, shorts/pants, skates, socks and sticks — any type/size.

• Lacrosse: balls, plastic fiddle sticks, goals, goggles, gloves, helmets, pads and sticks.

• Racket sports: ball hoppers, nets, tennis balls, tennis racquet covers, tennis racquets, badminton sets, pickleball sets and squash sets.

• Soccer: soccer balls, cleats, goalie gloves, goals, shinguards, socks and shorts.

• Volleyball: knee pads, nets and volleyballs.

To learn more about LPF, visit levelingtheplayingfield.org or contact Detective John Rattigan at j-rattigan@cranfordnj.org or Lt. Matthew Nazzaro at mnazzaro@cranfordnj.org.

A ‘SCAIRY’ FUNDRAISER — Livingston Avenue School PTA in Cranford will be having a family-friendly haunted house on Friday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 22. The entire school will be transformed into ‘Scairy Tales.’ This event will support the PTA, which works directly with the school to provide everything that students need to be successful. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Livingston Avenue School PTA. The fun will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. A fee is charged. The address is 75 Livingston Ave., Cranford. For more information, visit laspta.digitalpto.com or email livingstonhauntedhouse@yahoo.com.

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Pizzuta

UCC charter school for early college program

Union County College has announced its partnership with Queen City Academy Charter High School in Plainfield for an early college program. Students participating in the Queen City Academy partnership have the opportunity to receive their associate degree from Union County College at the same time as they earn a high school diploma from Queen City Academy. Participating Queen City Academy stu-

dents will have the option to pursue an associate degree in either engineering or computer information systems. There are currently 30 students enrolled in the program. The partnership started at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year; the first students enrolled in the early college program may graduate from college as early as 2025.

“Through our partnership with Union

(County) College, our high school students have the opportunity to begin laying the tracks for postsecondary education in advance, and we are thrilled that QCACS’ inaugural class has set the tone of excellence for this partnership moving forward,” said Danielle West-Augustin, chief executive officer of Queen City Academy Charter School. “This program undoubtedly levels the playing field for black and brown students. With early exposure to a postsecondary and STEM-focused curriculum, we hope to put our scholars on a trajectory to address inequities in education and garner success.”

Students in the program will take all classes for their first two years at Queen

City Academy. For their junior and senior years, they will also attend classes at Union County College. The partnership provides young people interested in STEM the opportunity to pursue these degrees at a younger age.

“We are excited to partner with Queen City Charter to offer students in our community this valuable opportunity,” said Union President Margaret M. McMenamin. “They will experience college courses on our campuses, and, more importantly, they may be eligible to graduate high school with an associate’s degree.”

For more information about UCC, visit www.ucc.edu.

Porchfest is set for Oct. 8 throughout Cranford

In neighborhoods throughout Cranford, the sound of live music will soon float through the air, bringing music lovers together for the annual Porchfest event on Saturday, Oct. 8, with a rain date of Saturday, Oct. 15.

The event takes place on porches from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m., with a finale at Eastman Plaza at 5:45 p.m.

Porchfest is a family-friendly neighborhood music festival that started six years ago as a way for the Cranford community to connect over music. It is sponsored by the Cranford Community Connection.

Forty bands will perform on 10 porches throughout Cranford.

Each year, the event gets a bit bigger. Bands often come back year after year, bringing their fans with them.

The porches are located in all areas of town, so that all Cranford residents have a chance to catch live music in their neighborhood.

For more information, visit Porchfest’s website at cranfordporchfest. wixsite.com/porchfest.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced that Union County and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority are funding a study aimed at preparing for an increase in electric vehicle ownership in Union County in the next 10 years. The growth in EV ownership is anticipated to lead to an increased demand for convenient EV charging sites throughout New Jersey.

“Our goal is to ensure that recharging an EV is just as easy and convenient as filling up with gasoline. By planning for more charging locations, we will be in a better position to support residents and make EVs a more viable choice as they become more affordable and popular,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca L. Williams.

In addition to meeting overall demand for convenient EV charging sites, the study aims to place the county in position to have the needed infrastructure with respect to traditionally underserved communities. The study will attempt to address the challenge of sufficient charging equipment locations for residents renting in multifamily residences and larger developments.

The Union County study will prioritize public outreach and input. On Friday, Sept. 23, the project page will be launched on the county’s website, ucnj.org/evstudy. The project page will include a survey and mapping tool to gather information from the public on where they believe new charging sites should be located.

All members of the public will be invited to participate in the survey, including

individual residents as well as those representing businesses, schools, civic organizations and local governments. When completed, the study will show where EV charging infrastructure should be located in the next 10 years by considering areas of highest demand and need. New Jersey has set a goal for December 2025 to have 330,000 registered passenger EVs and at least 400 public fast chargers throughout the state. The chargers are to be distributed to no fewer than 200 locations.

There are currently three different EV charging options, depending on the driver’s needs. Drivers who charge their EVs at home can use a Level 1 charger. These take several hours to fully recharge a battery, but they are relatively inexpensive and can be run on an ordinary household outlet.

Union starts vehicles charging study Courtesy of Kelly Martins

The faster Level 2 chargers are more appropriate for public use. Level 2 chargers require a heavy-duty outlet, of the type used by refrigerators and other large appliances.

The fastest charger currently available is the Level 3, also called direct-current fast charging. This is a purpose-built power source, which cannot be supported by the electrical system of a home.

This Union County study will focus on Level 2 and Level 3 DCFC chargers, which would be publicly accessible. The county is receiving assistance on the study from a consulting team headed by French & Parrello Associates, with FHI Studio and AECOM.

For more information, contact project manager Liza Betz at ebetz@ ucnj.org.

As the state marks Hurricane Preparedness Month, held each year in September, and the peak of hurricane season, New Jersey State Police Superintendent and state Director of Emergency Management Col. Patrick J. Callahan and New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette remind the public about the vital importance of being prepared as the risks from these powerful storms increase as a result of climate change.

“As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and peak hurricane season begins, it is important to remember that preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, including those with special needs,” Callahan said. “Please make time with your family and significant others to assess your current preparedness plans, whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate. You can start by building an emergency kit, packing a family go

bag and creating a crisis communication plan. The time to prepare is now.”

“We are so fortunate to live in a coastal state with many miles of beautiful beaches and rivers to enjoy,” LaTourette said.

“But we must not for a second believe that rebuilding beaches and building seawalls and levees will protect us from every eventuality that climate change can throw our way. Weather events are becoming more extreme and unpredictable. Every one of us must become smarter about the growing risks of climate change and take necessary actions to better protect ourselves and each other.”

To be better prepared for imminent weather emergencies, the state OEM recommends the following: Sign up for emergency alerts at nj.gov/njoem; register as needed on the New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters; make an emergency kit, including at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water, a two-week supply of prescription medica-

tions if available, baby supplies, pet supplies, any additional items for special medical needs such as an extra pair of eyeglasses and batteries for hearing aids, important phone numbers, and car cellphone chargers; using advice from nj.gov/plan-prepare/your-kit-plan.shtml, make a family go bag in case of an evacuation order; and make an emergency plan.

To become better prepared for increasing climate change risks, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recommends that residents purchase flood insurance; understand their flood risk; consider a buyout if a home is experiencing repeated and severe flood damage; and get “DEP weather ready” as outlined at tinyurl.com/4777243t.

Resilience planning and disaster preparedness is most effective when the entire community is involved. Resilient NJ is the DEP’s flagship resilience planning program and has regular funding opportunities for regions and municipalities to receive technical resilience planning assistance to benefit the whole community.

“For homeowners, the first steps toward resilience include learning about Resilient NJ, contacting local officials to learn more about their municipality’s climate resilience planning efforts, and taking the time to see what resources may be available to them,” New Jersey chief climate resilience officer Nicholas Angarone said. “The true keys to resilience are preparedness and education.”

Photo Courtesy of NJOEM

IN MEMORIAM

• CATENA – Frank Joseph, of Union; June 29. Husband, father, grandfather, 91.

• CRUDER – Robert John, of Roselle Park, formerly of Union; Sept. 15. Worked for Shoprite of Elizabeth for almost 30 years. Husband, brother, uncle, 65.

• DEMAREST – Barbara Gaffney, of Baton Rouge, La., formerly of Cranford; June 18. Nursing supervisor and educator, wife, mother, 77.

• FARACI – Walter Luis, of Brick, formerly of Elizabeth and Union; Aug. 29. Regional service manager of PerkinElmer. Widower, brother, uncle, 60.

• GUY – John R. Sr., of Union; Sept. 1. Was 79.

• HUDACK – Mary, of Cranford, formerly of Ireland; Sept. 5. Crossing guard, volunteer. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 91.

• HUNT – Rosemary Patricia, of Avon, formerly of Union; Sept. 13. Administrative assistant. Wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, 87.

• MCKEVITT – Bonnie Lynn, of Westfield, formerly of Jersey City, Cedar Grove and Cranford; Sept. 6. Teacher, sister, aunt, 79.

• MEISE – Kevin Sr., of Cranford, formerly of Clark; Aug. 3. Journeyman plumber for 39 years. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 62.

• MISUKONIS – Antonette, of Union; Sept. 18. Mother, grandmother, 79.

• SAGENDORF – Raymond, of Union, formerly of Irvington; Sept. 18. Retired line supervisor for Nabisco in Fairlawn. Brother, 60.

• SATCHER – Frankie, of Union, formerly of Newark; Sept. 9. Employed by Morris County. Guitarist. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 78.

• WARD – Veronica I., of Cranford, formerly of New York City; Aug. 27. Devout Catholic. Widow, aunt, 94.

• WASHBURN – William F., of Hyde Park, N.Y., formerly of Winchester, Ma., and Cranford; Sept. 7. Electrical engineer. Brother, uncle, granduncle, 79.

5K walk/run helps money for a cause

would have a race, a run/walk.

“I grew up in Cranford, so I always saw the (Cranford Jaycees) Firecracker 4 Miler and I saw how successful it was. As we got into logistics, we saw that the Firecracker 4 Miler was more on the road, and, because of logistics, they needed police,” Schmitt continued, adding that the Schmitts’ run wouldn’t need as much of an assist from the police, since their event was in a park. But there are still plenty of arrangements to be made.

“We have to communicate with the county and town and get permits,” Schmitt said. My uncle “gets the race sanctioned, so it’s more appealing to runners. The first race, we just handed out fliers. He added more of the professional side to it.”

“All the money goes to JDRF for Type 1,” said Arminio. “We didn’t do it in 2020, but we did a virtual one. We had a site where you could run virtually.”

Through growing event participation and the generosity of their sponsors, Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure has continued its partnership with and commitment to JDRF.

Participants in the race received T-shirts, goodie bags and refreshments. The category winners received awards. Most importantly, the race raises money for a good cause: diabetes research and treatment.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Schmitt. “We all have jobs, and we all have families. September is a nice time to do it, but, as my kids get older, it’s a very busy time. I do not participate, but I would like to.”

“Between the registration fee and straight donations and sponsorships, I’m sure we exceeded $10,000 this year,” said Arminio. “We had about 15 sponsors; that’s a straight donation. There were other donations, too.”

“Since 2017, we’ve almost doubled how much we’ve raised,” said Schmitt. “This year was definitely our best year. We’re hoping to give JDRF about $12,000.

“Ultimately, (I’m working for) a cure,” Schmitt continued. “I’ve been a Type 1 (diabetic) for almost 20 years, and management of it has blown me away. The technol-

Photos by David VanDeventer

The ninth annual Cranford Cure T1 Diabetes 5K Walk/Run comes alive as runners complete the fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. The event is run by Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure and all the money goes to the JDRF to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

ogy, the capabilities we have, it takes a lot of work out of it. I mean, it’s still hard. I wear this glucose monitor all the time. I believe it’s the efforts and the fundraising we do that helps these things be available.”

Schmitts’ Quest for the Cure continues as a family effort to this day.

“The committee that organizes it is all family and friends,” said Arminio. “I’m their uncle on their mother’s side. On their father’s side is an uncle from Maryland

who has Type 1 diabetes and often comes to the 5K. He did this year. It’s a family affair and it goes for a good cause.”

But just because it’s a family affair doesn’t mean others can’t get involved.

“I work as a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering (Cancer Center), so a lot of my friends are very active and we try to do things with them as well,” said Schmitt.

“A family from Mountain Lakes read about the event and they're all runners and they came to it,” added Arminio. “Their child is a Type 1 diabetic. The two families combined will make more than $50,000 this year. (That family’s) website is called Willpower, and they have their run on Thanksgiving morning.”

Cranford’s Great Pumpkin Carve Out returns for its eighth year

Jersey Central Art Studios, with support from the Cranford Jaycees, will host the 2022 Great Pumpkin Carve Out on Saturday, Oct. 22. Saturday, Oct. 29, is the rain date. All activities will take place at Hanson Park, 38 Springfield Ave., Cranford. The pumpkin carving contest is open to all ages. Individuals can drop off their carved pumpkins from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Hanson Park on Saturday, Oct. 22, along with a completed registration form, available on-site or in advance at jcas.org.

Everyone is invited to Hanson Park from 5:30 to 9

p.m. to stroll along the pumpkin-lit garden paths and see the carved-pumpkin display. Cash awards will be given for the funniest, scariest and most original carved pumpkin, grouped by ages; 4 to 8, 9 to 16 and 17 and older. There will also be a family category, so families can submit a group effort. This year’s event starts at 5:30 p.m., a half hour earlier than in past years, to accommodate those who prefer an earlier viewing of the displays.

Additionally, a big-screen outdoor movie screening

will start at dark. Attendees should bring blankets. The movie, stroll and contest are all free. Hot cider and cookies will be available for purchase.

This will be the eighth Great Pumpkin Carve Out. This is a Jersey Central Art Studios event, with support from the Cranford Jaycees. JCAS is a group of artists and citizens dedicated to raising awareness of the arts and the artistic process, as well as integrating the arts into the community through education, events and economic development.

Union College receives grant to support growing Hispanic population

Union College of Union County is one of 12 institutions to receive a grant from Bank of America to elevate and accelerate the path for Hispanic students in targeted health care programs.

The two-year, $220,000 grant will support Hispanic/Latino students pursuing careers in health care through the Progresando Initiative, a collaboration between the Bank of America and education firm EAB. The program was created to help Hispanic/Latino students achieve upward economic mobility through careers in health care, while also helping to increase representation and address the shortage of culturally sensitive, Spanish-speaking health care providers.

As part of the initiative, EAB will provide research, technology, marketing and advisory services to the participating institutions. Throughout the next two years, the initiative is projected to help more than 6,200 Hispanic/Latino students nationwide commit to health care–related programs.

The Progresando Initiative at Union aims to increase retention, course completion rates and licensure pass rates for the Hispanic students in targeted health care programs such as nursing, physical therapist assistant and social services.

Progresando supports Union College’s growing Hispanic population and the college’s continued commitment to advancing nontraditional students toward highdemand careers. While nearly 40 percent of all Union College students are Hispanic, only 27 percent of students enrolled in the targeted health care programs are Hispanic. Moreover, despite high proportions of Hispanic residents within Union County and enrolled at the college, Hispanics represent approximately 20 per-

cent of the county’s health care workforce. The initiative will provide these students with space to collaborate, resources, and access to support networks that promote academic and career success. The initiative will focus on providing students with the following:

• Intensive cohort-based tutoring and test preparation.

• Emergency financial assistance in the form of stipends.

• A bilingual student services specialist

who will serve as an adviser and mentor.

• Cultural events and activities at the Union campuses.

“At Union, we are proud to be a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution based on our enrollment of Hispanic students. Almost half of our students are Hispanic,” states Union College President Margaret M. McMenamin. “This is a valuable opportunity to help a large, underserved group in our community, specifically in the health care field, a field more necessary than ever. This will be a successful partnership and of great value to our community.”

“By focusing on high-demand programs in the health care sector, Progresando helps create a pathway for Union County’s Hispanic student population toward fulfilling careers,” said Alberto Garofalo, president of Bank of America New Jersey. “Demand for health care services will only increase in the years ahead, and, through this program, we are able to help Hispanic students be part of the solution and create brighter futures for themselves and future generations.”

For information about Progresando eligibility, contact Elizabeth Ramos, dean of the Elizabeth campus and the Institute for Intensive English, at ramos@ucc.edu.

Photo Courtesy of Maggie Ortuso