CRANFORDLIFE UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM
OCTOBER 2021
VOL. 06 NO. 02
Girl Scouts Remnants of Hurricane Ida ravage Cranford are honored
— See Page 3
A community that cares
— See Page 6
Cougars win in overtime
— See Page 13
By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer The remnants of Hurricane Ida swept into New Jersey on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and left many in Cranford with flooded homes. New Jersey reported 27 deaths, more than any of the other nine states affected by Ida. Following the heavy rain, tornadoes, rising waters, power outages and abandoned vehicles in a number of towns, the state has started the necessary cleanup. “Please don’t be fooled by today’s good weather,” Union County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Alexander Mirabella said in a press release on Thursday, Sept. 2. “Emergency workers are still engaged in recovery operations from yesterday’s destructive storm. We ask everyone to help out by keeping the roads clear and keeping an eye out for hazardous conditions.” In a Sept. 2 release, PSE&G reported that approximately 20,000 of its 2.3 million electric customers were without service where the majority of outages were, specifically in Essex, Bergen, Somerset, Union, Mercer and Gloucester counties. The Rahway River overflowed into communities in both Rahway and Cranford, forcing mayors in both municipalities to address the damage. “The severe flooding was mostly involving the river, but we’ve seen flood elevation in parts of Rahway we haven’t seen before,” Rahway Mayor Ray Giacobbe said on Thursday, Sept. 2. “This was an anomaly storm that dumped a bunch of water in one area in a very quick time. The city of Rahway continues to work with our engineering department and also with the Mayors Council and the Rahway River Watershed Association, which is a regional group of mayors. We’ve been working with engineers and trying to address Congress on ways to address the flooding issue from a regional matter. “I’ve been working with Dan Aschenbach (the former Cranford mayor, who heads the Mayors Council Rahway River
Photo Courtesy of Gov. Phil Murphy
In the wake of the remants of Hurricane Ida that swept through New Jersey on Wednesday, Sept. 1, Gov. Phil Murphy shakes a homeowner’s hand as he visits Cranford to offer his moral support and the promise of funds and assistance from FEMA. Watershed Flood Control) in Cranford, and we continue to try to address this issue, but, of course, it’s a larger regional issue, which also costs money, which we need funding from the federal government,” he continued. “Talking to our congressman and our senators to try to address the situation and find out how we can attack this regionally and come to a consensus of the money spent, it’s a very hefty process, and we’ve been at it for some years now.” A gas leak caused a house to explode on River Road in Rahway; luckily, the home’s inhabitants were able to get out before the blast. Unable to comment, Giacobbe said the city will take care of the family. Flash floods happened in a lot of the towns, said Cranford Mayor Kathleen Prunty on Thursday, Sept. 2.
“We just had a lot of rain dumped on us very fast — streets that aren’t typically flooded streets at all did have a lot of water, because it all came so quickly,” Prunty said. “Those flash floods flooded a number of streets and caused a lot of people who were on the road to be caught in the water, and we had more than 100 cars that were disabled and abandoned. They’re still removing some of them, which was an all-day effort. That was the first part. “Then, as the volume in the Rahway River increases, we have river flooding,” Prunty added. “That flooding is in the area that is typically the flood zone. It was two different situations, which were both devastating to people.” Prunty confirmed that more than 200 See RESIDENTS, Page 2
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2 — October 2021 — Cranford Life
Photos Courtesy of Gov. Phil Murphy
The Rahway River overflowed into communities in both Rahway and Cranford, forcing mayors in both municipalities to address the damage.
Flash floods forced many residents to bail out the basements and even the first floors of their homes, while some had to seek higher ground.
Residents struggle with flooding after Hurricane Ida (Continued from Page 1) rescues had been made in Cranford alone. “There were initial rescues … and people needed to get out of their homes quickly,” said Cranford’s mayor. “The police department advised people to stay in their homes until someone can get them out, and then those people were taken out.… There were a couple of homes where there was so much water in
the basement that it caused foundations to weaken, so, obviously, those people had to be evacuated quickly. We weren’t aware of any injuries. “All of this will be tallied. We’re hoping that this is declared a disaster area, and it would make homeowners, and even the township, eligible for FEMA grants,” she continued. “Just this week, (it was) 10 years ago with Hurricane
Irene and we worked with a homeowners team that is here. They all have representatives, helping people to complete those applications to get reimbursement and funding for damage to their homes and cars.” While Union County had initially been left off of FEMA’s list of counties eligible for FEMA funding and assistance, it was later added following outcry from the
county and Gov. Phil Murphy. “Regarding FEMA, they provide a great deal of assistance,” said Prunty. “If someone’s home is uninhabitable, the expense that they incur, having to live somewhere else, they can apply for FEMA money for reimbursement, and it’s combined with their homeowner’s insurance. There are a variety of ways to assist people to get through this.”
Cranford Life — October 2021 — 3
Girl Scouts of Cranford honors Silver Award recipients The Girl Scouts of Cranford Service Unit 48 has announced that 24 of its members recently earned the Silver Award, which is the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can receive. To achieve the honor, Cadettes identify an issue they care about, research it and take action. Cadettes, who are in sixth, seventh or eighth grade, work alone or collaborate in small teams to earn the award. The projects, which require a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work, addressed a wide range of needs, from supporting veterans to helping children in need. “Due to the pandemic, we were unable to recognize and celebrate our Silver Award recipients until earlier this summer, so this group reflects two years’ worth of work and service,” said Elayna Torsone, manager of Service Unit 48. “We are so proud of the Girl Scouts and their volunteer advisers for remaining committed to the community and identifying areas where they could make a positive impact.” “Power Down, Charge Up!” was the name of Gianna Pantastico’s project. Gianna met with more than 100 children in a series of book clubs, in an effort to get the children excited about reading and encourage them to spend less time on devices such as phones and tablets. Gianna is a member of Troop 40814. Katelyn Shaw of Troop 40332 focused her project on helping children. As part of her efforts, she created 13 Family Game Night baskets that were given to families the day they completed adoptions. She also volunteered with TopSoccer of the Cranford Soccer Club, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs. Hannah Symanski of Troop 40444 wanted to honor the legacy of her grandfather, a veteran, while addressing a community need. Her project involved beautifying the Cranford VFW Post 335. Breona Pizzuta of Troop 40814 also See GIRL, Page 4
Photos Courtesy of Kerry Rokicki
Above left, Girl Scouts of Cranford honors its members who recently earned the prestigious Silver Award at a ceremony that showcased their community service projects. Above right, Girl Scout Georgia Barnhard created a Little Free Library to encourage reading in her community. Below left, dog adoption and rescue is the focus of Ava Lanier and Leah Rogers’ Silver Award project. Below right, Girl Scout Breona Pizzuta honors veterans with her Silver Award efforts.
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Girl Scouts honored for their accomplishments (Continued from Page 3) honored veterans with her project. She hosted a “Veterans Day Palooza” that included education components as well as a card-making event. Emily Doyle of Troop 40583 put her focus on friendship. She constructed two 4-foot friendship benches and donated them to Saint Michael School of Cranford. “I hope that students will be able to talk to each other and make new friends,” said Emily. “Sitting on the bench can also let other students know a friend is there for them.” Julia Cook of Troop 40693 created a series of events to safely connect different age groups during the COVID-19 crisis. Projects included painting pumpkins for senior citizens, holiday caroling and making cards for cancer patients. Jacklyn Kamm of Troop 40693 collected supplies for a local animal shelter and made donations to benefit the wildlife affected by the Australian wildfires. Rachel Westervelt of Troop 40753 taught other Girl Scouts how to cook, so that they could support friends and family in need. She was inspired after seeing how her own grandparents benefited from meal assistance during a difficult time. Georgia Barnhard, a Girl Scout Juliette, created a Little Free Library in her neighborhood, as a way to encourage reading and build community connection. Girl Scout Juliettes are not affiliated with a
‘We are so proud of the Girl Scouts and their volunteer advisers for remaining committed to the community and identifying areas where they could make a positive impact.’ — Elayna Torsone, manager of Service Unit 48
focused on good sportsmanship, kindness and striving for achievement. Julia Billow, Sarah Butka, Kristen Fries and Lily Goodwin collaborated on the project. The Girl Scouts of Cranford boasts more than 1,139 Girl Scout members in 71 troops and Juliettes, making it one of the largest nonprofit organizations in town. The Cranford Service Unit is a part of the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Council, which is part of the Girl Scouts of the USA. To learn more about the Girls Scouts of Cranford, visit www.cranfordgirlscouts.com.
specific troop but are registered members. quotations and artwork to Livingston A group of seven Cadettes from Troop Avenue School in Cranford. The messages 40951 put their focus on Cranford to create social studies resources for third- and fourth-grade students. They created a pamphlet called “Cranford Through the Ages,” to complement the curriculum on New Jersey history. In addition, they developed a history lesson that included LOCAL, POSITIVE, COMMUNITY NEWS noteworthy women from the township, historical sites and important events. Visit our Website for more news and photos. Grace Donnelly, Maeve Higgins, Abigail Maroney, Sabrina Prata, Adela Rakoski, Madelyn Swanson and Alexandra Toto Publisher: David Worrall PUBLISHED BY: collaborated on the project. Worrall Media Ava Lanier and Leah Rogers of Troop Editor: Yael Katzwer 1291 Stuyvesant Avenue 40583 focused on the importance of dog adoption and rescue. In addition to creatUnion NJ 07083 Managing Editor: David Jablonski ing a website and education programs, 908-686-7700 they had a collection that resulted in a Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina Editorial@TheLocalSource.com donation of $1,300 worth of supplies to All contents ©2021 Worrall Community Newspapers, Inc. local animal rescues. Reproduction of any part of this publication and any republication Four Cadettes from Troop 40693 used or broadcast without written permission is prohibited. their creative talents to add inspirational
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A COMMUNITY THAT CARES — As it worked to recover from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, Cranford Family Care, a nonprofit organization that supports Cranford residents in the form of food and financial support, received help from many groups. One group that deserves a massive shout-out is Caren Anne Demyen, Rebecca Morales Tantillo and the rest of the team from FLAG for Cranford. FLAG secured a grant of $150,000 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; that grant was used to help buy meals for those affected by flooding, as well as for Cranford Family Care’s regular clients.
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Small Business Community Champions announced The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced that more than 100 businesses representing all 21 municipalities have been nominated for recognition in the Union County Small Business Community Champion program. The program is designed to celebrate the role of small businesses in supporting and sustaining their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each nominee is presented with a certificate and an entry on the Union County website at ucnj.org/small-business-champions. Cranford businesses honored as Small Business Community Champions are: • I9 Sports. Nominator Lashanda Parrish said, “I9 Sports of Union County was supposed to have a session in April (2020) but had to cancel. They enrolled the children in the next session automatically and gave parents enough notice. They made it safe for the kids by having less kids on the team and making sure they cleaned all the equipment in between sessions. I was always impressed with coach (Jeff) Johnson for wiping down the bleachers and making sure parents brought their own chairs. The coaches wore their masks and made sure that everyone hand-sanitized. I can go on and on about how they made it safe for all but these are a few key details that I loved.” • Arthur Murray Dance Center. Nominator Kathy Geller said, “The Arthur Mur-
ray Dance Center did everything in their power to stay connected to their students. They instituted virtual private and group lessons and even managed to hold social events. For those students who preferred not to attend virtual lessons, the instructors kept in touch by phone and email throughout the pandemic. The students’ level of comfort was always foremost in the owner’s mind, and they went out of their way to accommodate student schedules. Danila and Nuria (Kartashov)’s tenacity throughout the pandemic is a testament to their professionalism and dedication to their art.” Other nominators were Sima and Kevin Murphy. • Cesar-Kai Karate Academy. Nominator Christina Frescki said, “Cesar-Kai Academy has been a partner in my child’s education for four years. My son is learning a valuable life skill in karate, but is also learning about being a responsible member of his community. I know the staff and appreciate the care and dedication they constantly show me and my son.… They are a trusted treasure!” • Cranford’s BEST Kids. Nominator Christina Frescki said, “Cranford’s BEST Kids is a trusted support, especially in this unprecedented time. From before the COVID-19 pandemic through today, Yesenia Torres and Mario Cesario have developed safe ways to help children still come together and help parents like myself with child care needs.… They
have made an enormous positive difference in me and my son’s lives.” • Lost & Found Tattoo Studio. Nominator Elle Jordan said, “COVID changed the world of tattooing. In the height of the pandemic, there is no social distancing when it comes to tattooing! Lost & Found had to close their doors. While they had to cancel appointments, they still worked on drawing up my sleeve. They kept in contact the entire time and rebooked when it was safe. It has to hurt a business when the days of walk-in visits or in-person consultations are gone. They fight on and actually donate a lot of work to areola restoration for those who suffered from breast cancer. Shows a lot about a business that, after all the hardship, it is still willing to donate.” • The Porch Salon. Nominator Kim Vanbuskirk said, “Already known to be a generous supporter for local organizations’ fundraisers, Linda (Karlovitch) is known for her calm presence and cheerful can-do attitude, along with her noble way of thinking, and the pandemic did not change … her innate concern for her staff, clients and community. Linda was in constant contact with everyone, checking in, making sure everyone was OK, and making sure her clients were all doing well. Linda was more concerned with how she can help, instead of being concerned about her business not being open.” • The Max Challenge of Cranford.
Nominator Sarah Armendariz said, “I needed a place where I can work out and lose weight, as well as help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Mario (Cesario, the owner) encouraged me to join the Max and said I can do everything modified and the instructors will modify the exercise for me, which they did and continue to do. In the beginning I was kind of scared working out, but, after joining, I soon learned that it is a place where you can work out in a group setting with support from everyone. You are encouraged by staff as well as members to keep going and keep pushing yourself to the ‘max.’ … I am currently on disability again, but the staff and members check in on me by calling at least once a week. It is more than just working out — it is a community, a health community that helps you continue on your journey. I can’t wait to work out again with my extended family. They have gone above and beyond for their members and community!” “On behalf of the commissioner board, I would like to thank all those who nominated a business for recognition in the Union County Small Business Community Champion program. Many of our local businesses have overcome extraordinary challenges during the pandemic to keep their doors open and keep serving our community, and they deserve our appreciation,” said commissioner board ChairSee CHAMPIONS, Page 11
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GRATITUDE IN CRANFORD — The Valle family on Belmont Avenue thanks the Cranford police officers and firefighters who rescued them during the flood resulting from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Also, Lowe’s presents the family with a $15,000 check to aid in rebuilding their home.
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NEWS CLIPS The club will be hosting the third annual scholar tea on Sunday, Oct. 24, Hanson Park Conservancy’s 10th annual Rubber Ducky Derby is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bates Hall at the First for Sunday, Oct. 10, at 4 pm. On race day, Presbyterian Church. This afternoon tea more than 1,000 individually numbered will include assorted teas, scones, tea rubber ducks will be released into the sandwiches and desserts provided by the Rahway River at Sperry Park in Cranford, Cake Artist. There will be a musical perwhere they will tumble over the falls, rac- formance, as well as some chances to win ing to the finish line at the North Union a 50/50 raffle or various tricky tray items. Avenue Bridge. Numerous prizes for the All proceeds go to fund scholarships for fastest lucky duckies will be awarded. The graduating high schoolers in Cranford. For more information, email collegetop prize is a $250 gift card. Ducks can be purchased at two loca- womensclubcranford@gmail.com or visit tions: Periwinkles on North Union www.collegewomensclubcranford.com. Avenue and the Cranford Canoe Club on Springfield Avenue. Secure tickets early, ‘NAMIWalks NJ Your Way’ as ducks are limited, and the race has On Saturday, Oct. 9, NAMIWalks NJ been known to sell out. will once again be a virtual experience. All proceeds benefit Hanson Park “NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of maintenance and educational programs. Hope” is a fundraising and awarenessraising event for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. College Women’s Club To participate and donate, visit to meet on Oct. 11 https://www.namiwalks.org/team/Union The College Women’s Club of Cranford County. Checks can also be made payable will meet on Monday, Oct. 11, in the Youth to “NAMI of Union County” and mailed to Center at the First Presbyterian Church, 11 PO Box 724, New Providence, NJ 07974; Springfield Ave. in Cranford. The event write “Walk” or a walker’s name in the begins at 7 p.m. with a meet-and-greet with memo line of the check. light refreshments. The general membership meeting begins at 7:30 and will be followed by a presentation on “The Women of ‘Four Centuries’ with Cranford.” Hear from guest speaker Mau- Cranford Historical Society reen Strazdon, a local author and historian The Cranford Historical Society once who is a member of the Cranford Historic again is participating in Union County’s Preservation Advisory Board. “Four Centuries in a Weekend” on Satur-
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day, Oct. 16, and Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Crane-Phillips House Living Museum, 124 N. Union Ave. in Cranford, from noon to 5 p.m. The theme this year is Cranford’s 150th anniversary, with before and after photos of different places in town and information about how the town evolved from farmland without electricity and plumbing to the suburb of today. Attendees are required to wear masks.
by ages 4-8, 9-16, and 17 and up. In addition, a big-screen outdoor showing of a surprise favorite movie will start when the sun goes down. Bring blankets to sit on. The movie, stroll and contest are all free; hot cider will be available for purchase.
Cranford content creator selected to showcase story at Catalyst Story Institute
The Catalyst Story Institute, a professional development program for TV writers, actors, directors and producers to Jersey Central Art Studios, with sup- advance their work, has selected a finalist port from the Cranford Jaycees, will host from Cranford to present at the annual the 2021 Great Pumpkin Carve Out on Catalyst Content Festival in Duluth, Saturday, Oct. 23, with a rain date of Sat- Minn., from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3. The festival, held in partnership with urday, Oct. 30; for updates, check www.jcas.org. All the activities will take the National Academy of TV Arts & Sciplace at Hanson Park, 38 Springfield Ave. ences, is the premier showcase for the independent television industry. In the in Cranford. The pumpkin-carving contest is a free same vein as independent film festivals, event open to all ages. Individuals can Catalyst discovers new storytelling drop off their creatively carved pumpkins artists and brings them together with the from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Hanson Park world’s best independent content crealong with a completed registration form, ators and leading TV industry professionals at the festival. also available at www.jcas.org. The Catalyst Content Festival has Everyone is invited to come to Hanson Park from 6 to 9 p.m. to stroll along become the country’s longest-running the pumpkin-lighted garden paths to see independent television industry event. the carved pumpkins on display, each on Catalyst receives more than 800 project its own pedestal. Cash awards will be submissions from 15 countries each year given for funniest, scariest and most and selects fewer than 10 percent to be original pumpkins, and will be grouped showcased.
Cranford’s Great Pumpkin Carve Out is coming
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Photo Courtesy of Kathleen Miller Prunty
THE NEXT GENERATION — While on patrol, Cranford Police Sgt. Steven D’Ambola met his future replacement. Cranford looks forward to good things from youngster Cauan.
Gerlach makes history at Cranford Historical Society The Cranford Historical Society has announced that Margaret Gerlach was reelected at its June board meeting for a 12th consecutive two-year term, making Gerlach the longest-term president since the incorporation of the Cranford Historical Society in 1927. Through Gerlach's leadership, a lot has been accomplished for the Cranford Historical Society throughout the years. Gerlach joined the Cranford Historical Society in 1996 and has served as chairperson or co-chairperson of many events for the society. In 2001, Gerlach was elected to the Cranford Historical Society board of trustees; in 2011, she was elected president. As president, she oversees the Cranford Historical Society, the Hanson House, the Crane-Phillips House Museum and the Hanson House Landscaping Committee. Gerlach has said it is an honor to serve as president for this nonprofit educational organization, which preserves and perpetuates the history of the township of Cranford; she has especially been honored to be president during the 150th anniversary of this town. Gerlach said she hopes that more people from the community will join the Cranford Historical Society, as it needs their support. Membership forms are available at the Cranford Historical Society office, 38 Springfield Ave., Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or on its website at www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.org. For more information, call the Cranford Historical Society office at 908-276-0082 or email cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.
Champions are announced (Continued from Page 7) person Alexander Mirabella. To be eligible for recognition, nominees needed to have a small business located within Union County that is currently open for business and demonstrate how they have adapted or given back to the community. Nominations were accepted from Wednesday, June 2, to Saturday, July 31, of this year.
For additional information, contact Deana Mesaros, coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development, at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/office-of-business-development. To see all programs and activities of the Union County Department of Economic Development, visit ucnj.org/departmentof-economic-development.
CRANFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT www.cranfordnj.org/fire-department 908-709-7360 (Non-Emergency) 7 Springfield Avenue Cranford, NJ 07016
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JONES FUNERAL HOME James C. Jones # 2749 & Alan D. Jones # 4940 247 Elm Ave., Rahway 732-381-6981 RAMOS REAL ESTATE 636 Chestnut Street Union 908-851-0320 https://ramos-realestate.com/ TRINITAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 225 Williamson Street, Elizabeth 908-994-5000 www.trinitasRMC.org Caring For You In Every Way FEATHERBED LANE SCHOOL An Educational and Creative Environment
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12 — October 2021 — Cranford Life
This message is sponsored by these community minded businesses and organizations RAMOS REAL ESTATE 636 Chestnut Street Union 908-851-0320 https://ramos-realestate.com/ CRANFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT www.cranfordnj.org/fire-department 908-709-7360 (Non-Emergency) 7 Springfield Avenue Cranford, NJ 07016 HANNON FLOOR COVERING Celebrating Our 91st Year! 1119 Springfield Road, Union 908-686-6333 TRINITAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 225 Williamson Street, Elizabeth 908-994-5000 www.trinitasRMC.org Caring For You In Every Way
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SHARING IS CARING — On Sept. 6, following the big storm, Carole Hayeck Brown, above, made trays of sausage and peppers, homemade chocolate-chip cookies, and fresh rolls — all for two of her neighbors. She said she needed to do something.
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• CLAYPOOLE – Nelson A. Jr., of Cranford; Aug. 25. SP5 Army veteran. Vocational educator at Union High School. Husband, father, grandfather, 87. • MEYERS – Lois, of Ocean City, formerly of Cranford; Sept. 11. Former educator. Volunteer for Plainfield Free Meals. Widow, mother, grandmother, 89. • MORAN – Irene, of Cranford, formerly of Hazlet and Mountainside; Aug. 19. Kean U. librarian. Widow, mother, grandmother, 88. • NEWMAN – Charles H., of Cranford; May 13, 2020. Retired Union County Office of the Disabled director, in Elizabeth. Brother, uncle, 63.
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In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.
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IN MEMORIAM
Cranford Life — October 2021 — 13
Trailing by 14 points, Cougars march back and win in OT By JR Parachini Sports Editor The home team was already trailing by more than one possession as the fourth quarter passed its midway point on Friday, Sept. 10. Mistakes in all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — cost Cranford, favored to win and making its 2021 debut, dearly up to this point. Then North Hunterdon returned an interception 45 yards, with the same player catching his breath to kick the extra point and give the Lions its biggest lead of the game at 16 points. Exactly five minutes remained. “Did I think there was enough time? Honestly, no,” Cranford senior running back Colin Murray said. “At that point, I thought that was it,” Cranford head coach Erik Rosenmeier said. Rosenmeier’s players didn’t. That was the difference. Cranford came back with two eightpoint touchdowns — neither one aided by a turnover — to dramatically tie the game with 1:39 remaining. North Hunterdon then reached as far as the Cranford 14 on a pass over the mid-
dle from Luke Martini to John Sauchelli that was good for 31 yards and a Lion first down with 37 seconds remaining. Two plays later, Cranford senior Will Gallagher, who caught Cranford’s final fourth-quarter touchdown and then two-point pass from fellow senior Shane VanDam to tie the game, broke through the line and blocked North Hunterdon’s attempt at a 32-yard field goal to win the game on the final play of the fourth quarter. “Once we got to overtime, I knew we were going to win,” Murray said. North Hunterdon had the ball first in OT, with a pass interference call going against Cranford that allowed the Lions one more play on fourth down. This time, it was eight yards to go from the 11. Martini went back to pass and threw a ball to Hunter Paulter in the right corner of the end zone. However, Cranford junior Liam Godwin had him covered, and the pass went incomplete. Now it was Cranford’s ball in OT. Murray carried for five yards up the middle on first down. He then carried the ball into the night, rambling 20 yards up the middle to complete perhaps the greatest come-
back in Cranford football history. Cranford pulled out an improbable 4337 overtime triumph against visiting North Hunterdon in Friday night’s Big Central Conference–Division 4 clash. Cranford, which also overcame going for it on fourth down and not getting a first down and missing a field goal that would have given it a lead in the third quarter, trailed by the scores of 7-0, 10-7 and 17-14 in the first half and 23-14, 2321, 30-21 and 37-21 in the second. Murray carried the ball 26 times for 120 yards and four touchdowns. The only quarter Murray did not score a touchdown was the first. “This is the best moment of my life,” Murray said. He explained his winning touchdown: “The play is called ‘Follow.’ The H-back blocks and you follow him. The H-back on the play was Lukas Ruby.” “Our seniors, players like Will Gallagher, Shane VanDam and Colin Murray, really stepped up tonight,” Rosenmeier said. Another senior, Matt Fries, made a touchdown-saving tackle on North Hunterdon’s second-to-final fourth-quarter See COUGARS, Page 14
Photo by JR Parachini
No. 13 for Cranford is senior running back Colin Murray, who rushed for 120 yards and scored four touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
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Cougars score two TDs in last 5 minutes to force OT (Continued from Page 13) possession. He brought down a North Hunterdon runner to put the Middlesex County school at fourth-and-8 from the 50 and it had to punt. Rosenmeier has guided Cranford to more than 100 wins since he took over in 2005 and to 83 victories from 2010 to 2020. However, he said he never witnessed any of his teams come back in the fashion this one did. “I give the kids credit, because I thought they were ready to quit,” Rosenmeier said. “They showed me that they were not ready to quit. “We were on the edge of shutting down and they kept going, kept making things happen. This game was a lot like our preseason, where we played well in spurts.” North Hunterdon scored the game’s first of 11 total touchdowns on its third possession, breaking a 70-yard run that began through a hole at its own 35 and continued down the right side. Cranford immediately came back on its next drive, with Lucca Limeira reaching the end zone from 2 yards out. A little more than six minutes later, North Hunterdon took its second lead at 10-7 on a 22-yard field goal with 3:31 remaining in the half. Cranford took its first lead of the season on Murray’s first touchdown, a 4yard run. The big play of the drive was a 41-yard pass junior Jake Carter reeled in over his shoulder to give Cranford a first-and-goal at the North Hunterdon 4. On Cranford’s first scoring drive, Gallagher caught a similar pass, good for 38 yards, near the same part of the field that Carter made his. Getting the ball back with 1:37 left in the second quarter, Martini shook Cranford up a bit by driving the Lions down field once more before intermission. On a scoring drive that took 11 plays and covered 77 yards in just 1:48, Martini com-
Photo by JR Parachini
Head coach Erik Rosenmeier talks to his Cranford Cougars after a most improbable comeback victory. pleted seven of 11 passes for all 77 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown pass. That put North Hunterdon back ahead for the third time at 17-14 with just nine seconds left to close the half. Martini completed 20 of 32 passes for 310 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Cranford received the second-half kickoff and, after gaining one first down, was faced with fourth-and-2 from its own 39. Godwin was back to punt. He caught the snap and then tried to run for the first down instead. However, he was tackled for a loss at the Cranford 37, with North Hunterdon taking over in excellent field position.
Three plays later, Martini completed a touchdown pass to Sauchelli that covered 19 yards. However, North Hunterdon missed the extra point, which eventually came back to cost the Lions. The Cougars pulled to within 23-21, when Murray scored his second touchdown, this one also on a 4-yard run, with just under two minutes to go in the third quarter. North Hunterdon had a third-and-1 from its own 24 on its next drive, when Cranford junior linebacker Shane Kanterman stuffed the North Hunterdon running back with a first-hit tackle that resulted in a 3-yard loss and forced the Lions to punt on fourth down.
Cranford then drove to North Hunterdon’s 22. On fourth-and-1, Murray went around left end for a 22-yard touchdown run that was called back because of a Cranford holding penalty. Cranford did get the first down on the very next play, when VanDam hit Gallagher for a 15-yard reception to the North Hunterdon 18. VanDam completed 17 of 23 passes for 310 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Four plays later, Cranford was about to attempt a 28-yard field goal that would have given it back the lead, but the snap to the holder was not executed properly and no kick was made. North Hunterdon quickly capitalized by scoring again the next time it had the ball, this time, Martini hitting Paulter for a 64-yard touchdown as a Cranford defender slipped. That put the Lions up 30-21 with 5:38 to go. Then they returned the interception for their final touchdown and a 37-21 lead as the time of play remaining on the scoreboard read 5:00. Cranford drove 42 yards, and scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to pull to within 8, and then marched 80 yards, scored a touchdown and the second all-important two-point conversion to tie the game. “We knew we were going to have a battle on our hands,” Murray said. On the touchdown drive that gave North Hunterdon a 17-14 lead, Gallagher almost came up with an interception to thwart it. He was Cranford’s leading receiver, with seven catches for 141 yards and his one touchdown. “When we were in 7-on-7s, one of the other teams was North Hunterdon,” Rosenmeier said. “We were aware of what they could do. Both quarterbacks threw the ball well. We have a lot of new faces on defense, and it showed at times tonight.”
BIG CENTRAL CONFERENCE–DIVISION 4 North Hunterdon (0-2, 0-1) 7 10 6 14 0 – 37 Cranford (1-0, 1-0) 0 14 7 16 6 – 43
3 plays, 37 yards, 1:18 used CRANFORD – Colin Murray 4 run, Liam Godwin kick (NH 23-21) 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:07 used
FIRST QUARTER: NORTH HUNTERDON – No. 3 70 run, No. 9 kick (NH 7-0) 3 plays, 85 yards, 1:27 used SECOND QUARTER: CRANFORD – Lucca Limeira 2 run, Liam Godwin kick (7-7) 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:48 used NORTH HUNTERDON – FG No. 9 22 (NH 10-7) From own 20 to Cranford 5, 12 plays, 6:17 used CRANFORD – Colin Murray 4 run, Liam Godwin kick (C 14-10) 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:14 used NORTH HUNTERDON – No. 9 14 pass from Luke Martini, No. 9 kick (NH 17-14) 11 plays, 77 yards, 1:48 used
FOURTH QUARTER: NORTH HUNTERDON – Hunter Paulter 64 pass from Luke Martini, No. 9 kick (NH 30-21) 4 plays, 88 yards, 1:14 used NORTH HUNTERDON – No. 9 45 interception return, No. 9 kick (NH 37-21) Exactly 5:00 left in the fourth quarter. CRANFORD – Colin Murray 1 run, Jack Conley pass from Shane VanDam (NH 37-29) 10 plays, 42 yards, 2:20 used Now 2:40 left. CRANFORD – Will Gallagher 36 pass from Shane VanDam, Will Gallagher pass from Shane VanDam (37-37) Now 1:39 left.
THIRD QUARTER: NORTH HUNTERDON – John Sauchelli 19 pass from Luke Martini, kick failed (NH 23-14) The kick was wide left.
OVERTIME: CRANFORD – Colin Murray 20 run (C 43-37) Cranford’s second play of OT. Murray carried for 5 yards on first down from the NH 25.
UL - CL — October 2021 — 15
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At left, Ella Seeto, center, stands with, from left, Detective Matthew Siessel of the Juvenile Bureau and Patrol Officer Ali Muhammad of the Community Outreach Unit. Seeto won the Cranford Police Department’s logo contest; for a limited time, residents can purchase T-shirts emblazoned with Seeto’s logo, pictured above.
Cranford Police announce winner of logo contest This summer, the Cranford Police Department collaborated with Cougar Headquarters to have a logo contest for all youth artists in the community. Using the existing Cranford Police Department logo as inspiration, participants were asked to create their own community-oriented artwork that integrated the police patch. The Community Outreach Unit has
announced that Cranford resident Ella Seeto is the logo contest winner for her blue-and-gold design. In the past, Cranford officers were polled as to which words represented the tradition and history of the organization. Common responses were “community,” “honor” and “integrity.” Seeto’s design included these three words, along with the
Cranford cougar paw, hearts, Cranford’s zip code and a togetherness-inspired illustration of the people in the community. In addition to being honored as the winner, Seeto received a Vanilla Bean Creamery gift certificate from Downtown Cranford. Seeto’s artwork was provided to Cougar Headquarters, where owner
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