OCTOBER 28, 2022

Message from the Mayor

Dr. Deborah Canon Wolfe is often called the “most famous Cranford resident you’ve never heard of.” We are working to change that and give Dr. Wolfe the recognition she so richly deserves. In 2020, the Cranford High School Library was dedicated and renamed in her honor after a group of residents shared her remarkable story with the Board of Education. 

  Soon, an area in Lincoln Park will become the Dr. Deborah Canon Wolfe Reading Garden to acknowledge her significant contribution in the field of education. Born 100 years ago, Dr. Wolfe grew up at 62 S. Union Ave across from Lincoln Park.

  Education was of the utmost importance to the Cannons and even though they were poor, there were always plenty of books in the house. Deborah had two siblings, a brother David and a sister Mary, who also graduated from Cranford High School and went on to earn a doctorate. This was quite unusual at a time when few Blacks went to college. Dr. Wolfe earned a Master’s Degree and Doctorate from Columbia University.

  As an expert in the field of education, she was often called on to serve the country and was one of the few women, and certainly one of the few African-Americans, to hold a high ranking staff position on Capitol Hill. She served as an advisor to Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. In 1962, Dr. Wolfe was appointed Education Chief of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education and Labor and guided 35 public laws through Congress, including the Higher Education and Facilities Act of 1963 to fund the Head Start Program and introduced community colleges throughout the United States. Dr. Wolfe always kept children’s learning at the forefront of her thinking. She knew the importance of exposing young children to books and she knew they needed to see themselves in books.

  It is fitting to memorialize the accomplishments and contributions of one of Cranford’s most illustrious residents Dr. Deborah Canon Wolfe with a peaceful reading garden to continue her legacy of learning. Take some time to watch this video to learn more about her life and decision to create the reading garden.

  Special thanks to Betty Crawley for sharing her personal memories, Patricia Pavlak for understanding the importance of this memorial. Also, Parks & Rec Director Steve Robertazzi and the Advisory Board, Carolyn Capone for idea of adding a Little Library that will be built by Girl Scouts, DPW Superintendent Erik Hastrup, Kathleen Murray of the Environmental Commission for guidance about native plants, and Eddie Baker for patience during design discussions.

Best,

Kathleen Miller Prunty

Mayor

October 25 Official Township Meeting 

·        Proclamation presented to Fr. Any Kruger in recognition of the 150^th Anniversary of Trinity Episcopal Church

·        Proclamation recognizing former Police Chef Harry Wilde for accomplishments and service

Ordinances Adopted 5-0 Vote

·        Setting salaries and wages of certain employees of the Township

·        Establishing Conflict of Interest Policies in Awarding of Public Employment and Contracting

·        Prohibit smoking, vaping or aerosoling of tobacco, hemp, Cannabis and marijuana

Resolutions Approved 5-0 Vote

·        Accepted with regrets the retirement of Police Capt. Edward Davenport effective November 1, 2022

·        Approved dedication of portion of Alden Street in honor of the late Father Charles Watters of St. Michael Church. Fr. Watters served in the US Army and was killed in service.

·        Authorized contract to Jen Electric for repair and installation of LED Crosswalk at Walnut and S. Union Avenue.

·        Awarded a contract to Arterial LLC to develop a Streetscape Plan for the Special Improvement District.

·        Awarded a contract to Mott MacDonald for engineering services for a Casino Brook Drainage Study for an area from Birchwood to Riverside Drive.

·        Authorized a contract change order to Tri-Form Construction for additional improvements for the renovation of the Recreation Center at 375 Centennial Avenue.

·        Authorized award of contracts for 2023 police vehicles.

·        Authorized to advertise for bids for two DPW trucks.

Workshop Meeting

·        Administrator Jamie Cryan and Chief Financial Officer Lavona Patterson reported that Cranford received a high score of 35 of 36 on the State’s 2022 Best Practices Review that evaluates municipal management.

A Message from Fire Chief Dan Czeh

   I want to address a rumor the Fire House will be demolished and two new stations built: one on the Northside and another at Centennial Avenue Pool, which will also be demolished. 

   There is absolutely nothing truthful or factual about this rumor. In fact, we are preparing to replace the roof at the Firehouse. I invite you to contact me if you have further questions.

Upcoming Meetings

Zoning Board Meeting: November 7 at 7:30pm

Township Committee Combined Workshop & Official Meeting: November 14 at 6:30pm

Leaf pickup started October 24th and the last pickup is December 30th.

Some guidelines:

1. Rake leaves to the gutter line on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before your scheduled pickup. Once your street is

picked up, DO NOT rake anymore leaves into the street.

2. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to have their landscaper comply with the schedule and guidelines to avoid getting

a warning or fine.

3. All sections of town will have at least three leaf pickups. A final pickup of all sections will begin on approximately December 19 and continue until December 30, weather permitting.

4. No leaves are to be placed out after December 18.

5. If you live on a county road, leaf pickup schedules can be found at: www.ucnj.org or by calling 908-789-3660. The following are Union County Roads: Springfield Ave., Centennial Ave., Walnut Ave., Raritan Rd., Kenilworth Blvd., South Avenue East & West.

The 2022 Leaf Pickup Schedule can be found here.