Community Outreach for Sustainable Jersey in Cranford Educational Presentations and Films

During 2012 and 2013, Cranford’s Green Team hosted a series of educational seminars and events to educate the community on issues related to the environment and sustainability. All events were held at the Cranford Community Center (with the exception of the Earth Day Fair). They were publicized through the newspapers; the Library’s newsletter, The Reader; flyers that were posted in public buildings and in store windows; online news sites; the Environmental Commission’s web site, My Green Cranford (MGC); and notices that were circulated through the Cranford Public School’s E-mailing system. Articles also appeared in the monthly MGC newsletter sent to about 135 subscribers.

The first was on April 19, 2012. To celebrate Earth Day, the Cranford Environmental Commission and the Cranford Public Library sponsored the free screening of “A Sense of Wonder” a docudrama about Rachel Carson, author of “Silent Spring.” The film was introduced by a member of the Green Team. An article announcing the event that appeared in the Cranford Chronicle is attached as a file.

The second was on January 17, 2013 by Green Team member Mary Reilly on Climate Change. Mary has an international M.B.A in Organizational Development from KU Leuven in Belgium. She is certified as a Project Management Professional and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate (LEED GA). An article that appeared in the Cranford Chronicle can be found at http://www.nj.com/cranford/index.ssf/2013/01/cranford_green_team_irene_sand.html

The next event was a special free screening of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, on April 20, 2013 for Earth Day 2013. Free seeds were given out for the guests who came.

See below for copies of the Library’s newsletter for two 2013 events.On April 27, 2013, the Environmental Commission held an Earth Day Celebration at

Hanson Park, a municipal park. Educational sessions were held on planting rain gardens and their benefits, stormwater management, building rain barrels and their benefits, and composting. The rain barrel session was conducted by a member of the Environmental Commission who is certified by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Both rain barrels and composters were sold. Those buying composters were given kitchen compost buckets, which were funded by a grant from Sustainable Jersey.

On April 29, 2013, a special information session on Complete Streets was held. Lawyer and advocate Janna Chernetz, Esq., who works for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Ranjit Walia, an urban planner and founder of Civic Eye Collaborative, LLC, spoke to an audience that consisted of parents, business owners, as well as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on the importance of Complete Streets. The presenters educated the audience of the economical, societal, and health benefits of making sure the roads accommodate for all modes of transportation. The result of this educational seminar was the formation of the Cranford Complete Streets Taskforce, a group of parents, business owners, and advocates who will be responsible for inventories around town and pushing for the adoption of this policy.

Flyers for the latter two events are included in separate files.

T H E R E A D E R The Newsletter of the Cranford Public Library & The Friends of the

Cranford PublLibraryMarch – April 2013

Books & Bagels Begins!The library is pleased to introduce a new program for adults called Books & Bagels. The first session will take place on Saturday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m. in the library’s Raddin Room. Subsequent dates, all Saturdays, are April 6, May 4, June 1, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and

Dec. 2. The format is simple. Just bring a few of your more recent favorite reads and tell your fellow group members what you like about them. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other members of the group. Plus, refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Registration is not required. Attend as many or as few sessions as you like. For questions about Books & Bagels, contact Sally Hanford at 908-709-7272, ext. 2104 or s-hanford@cranfordnj.org. “The Irish and the Civil War”As part of a continuing effort to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the library and the Cranford Historical Society are pleased to present “The Irish and the Civil War,” a lecture by Tom Fox, on Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Mr. Fox is the author of two books, Drummer Boy Willie McGee, Civil War Hero and Fraud, and The Hidden History of the Irish in New Jersey. He also contributed to the award winning New Jersey Goes to War. Admission to the program is free and all are welcome.Readers’ Forum Book Discussions

The Readers’ Forum will meet on March 18 to consider Home (2012) by Toni Morrison. Subsequent titles and dates include Canada (2012) by Richard Ford on April 22, and A Hologram for the King (2012) by Dave Eggers on May 20. Sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. in the library’s Fridlington Room. New members are always welcome!

Senior Citizen Outreach ProgramThe library has arranged a Senior Citizen Outreach session on Tuesday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Cranford Community Center. Counselors from the county’s Division on Aging and Disability Services will be available to offer seniors help with a variety of programs, including pharmaceutical assistance (PAAD), Senior Gold pharmaceutical assistance, gas and electric bills (Lifeline), home energy assistance (LIHEAP), the Universal Service Fund, the New Jersey Citizen Action Oil Group, and various programs and services administered through the Division. Eligibility requirements differ for each program. For more information, call 888-280-8226.Special Screening of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

The library, in conjunction with Cranford’s Green Team, will screen Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax on Saturday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. The Lorax is the tale of a young boy who encounters

a cantankerous forest creature after venturing outside of his artificial city in search of a tree. As part of the program, the Green Team will hand out

seeds for children to plant, as well as pamphlets about simple energy saving tips that can also save money. Bring the whole family! Admission is free and all are welcome.

-from the teen zone-Practice Tests – SAT, Saturday, March 16, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; ACT, Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Both tests will be given in the Cranford Community Center. You must register to take these tests! To register, call the library at 709-7272 and ask for Teen Librarian Fran Housten, or email the library at cranfordlibrary@gmail.com. When registering, please include your name, telephone number, and email address. Teen Advisory Board – Tuesday, March 26, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Movie – Thursday, March 28, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Movie & Earth Day Event – Saturday, April 20, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. World Book Night – Watch for more information at Cranford.com/library/teens.asp.

-From the Children's Room- Looking for a Good Listener?

Children who would like to read to a welcoming, non-critical listener are invited to read to a certified therapy dog (and trainer). Sessions take place on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Room. Please register in the Children’s Room.

Story Times ContinueStory times continue through March 21. Registration must be done in person in the Children’s Room by a parent or guardian. For information about times and age groups, stop by the Children’s Room, call 709-7272, or visit the Children’s Room Web page by going to Cranford.com/library and clicking on Children’s Room.

-News from the Friends of the Cranford Public Library-Friends of the Library Scholarship Applications Now AvailableThe Friends are offering a $1,000 scholarship to a Cranford resident who is currently pursuing or intends to pursue a graduate degree in library science or media specialist. The award is not based on need. The candidate must furnish proof of acceptance to an accredited university, a letter of reference, and an essay. Applications are available at the library reference desk. Completed applications are due by May 15, 2013.Theater Project ProgramsThe Friends are pleased to sponsor three programs by The Theater Project. On March 4 at 7:30 p.m. the group will present “A Few Steps in a Stranger’s Shoes.” The program explores what it is like for a child in a new country, a new town, and a new school. A facilitator and three actors will help participants to analyze the complex relationships of immigrant students in American high schools. On March 16 at 2:00 p.m. the Theater Project will present the Young Playwrights Awards program, featuring plays by the winners of its 2013 Young Playwrights Competition. On April 27 at 2:00 p.m. the group will present a staged reading of a new play or plays. All the programs will be held in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free and all are welcome.Friends of the Library Classic, International and Documentary Film Series

The classic film series continues with Arsenic and Old Lace (comedy, 1944) on March 5, followed by: The Mark of Zorro (adventure, 1940), March 12; The Pirate (musical, 1948), March 19; Smart Money (crime,

1931), March 26; The Adventures of Don Juan (adventure, 1949), April 2; The Enchanted Cottage (drama, 1945), April 9; Made for Each Other (comedy-

drama, 1939), April 16; This Gun for Hire (noir, 1942), April 23; and High Noon (western, 1952), April 30. Shows are on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. The international film series continues with Monsieur Lazhar (Canada, in French, 2011) on March 11 and Nora’s Will (Mexico, 2009) on April 15, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The next documentary film, The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2006, 82 minutes), will be shown on Monday, April 1, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The films are shown in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free and all are welcome.Bargains Galore at the Friends of the Library Used Book SaleChoose from thousands of children's and adult books, CDs, DVDs and recorded books on Wednesday, March 6, 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, March 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Friendly Book Cellar. Most items are priced between $.25 and $2.00. On Saturday, fill a bag with books for just $8.00! Proceeds benefit the library!Rhonda Denét’s “Just Jazz”The Friends invite you to enjoy a evening of “Just Jazz” with vocalist Rhonda Denét and the Silver Fox Trio on Wednesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free and all are welcome.“Titanic: Survivors and Their Stories”

The Friends are pleased to welcome the Traveling Literary Theater, which will present “Titanic: Survivors and Their Stories” on April 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. The program is based

upon true accounts of survivors of the Titanic disaster. Admission to the program is free and all are welcome.Library Hours: Monday – Wed., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Thurs. & Friday, 10 a.m. -

5 pm; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Closed Good Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30.

Phone: 908-709-7272 • Email: library@cranfordnj.org • Web: cranford.com/library