Bring along values when moving

Bring along values when moving

By Joe Renna

Having left the Burg, the obvious topic of my conversations has been the move. It was rewarding, but not for the reasons most people relate to. The move accomplished many objectives for me personally and professionally. But not without compromise. I must make sure the values that were priority in making my decision remain in tact. It is easy to live by these values when there is a network of people with similar values around you. I had that growing up and must continue it now.

I found every thing I was looking for in a house in Cranford. I'm in as urban a setting as Cranford could offer. Having grown up in Elizabeth and my wife from Little Italy, we would have been antsy on a cul-de-sac. Now I have to deal with a front lawn, something that I think is a totally ridiculous concept. The house should be moved up to the sidewalk so there's more room for tomato plants, kids games and a bocce ball court.

The neighbors are wonderful and fortunately I already had a network of good friends who have been in town for quite a few years. The town does lack the cultural diversity that Elizabeth offered. This was one aspect of life in Cranford that I found listed as an attribute all too often in conversations. I have no use for people so culturally bankrupt. The experiences from my multi-cultural relationships have enriched my life. The limitations of a closed mind can only hamper the development of our children.

There does exist a diversity of economic wealth. Evident by the size of some homes. In some towns it results in a classist society. Difficult for the have nots and devastating for their children. I don't perceive that being the case in Cranford. The levels seem to spread evenly across the spectrum.

Other issues that inevitably come up concern politics, taxes and the school system. There is no way to compare these aspects of the small town with those of Elizabeth, New Jersey's fourth largest city. What you could, and should, evaluate is the level of service delivered as it related for the taxes collected. Cranford's reputation for education and municipal services is excellent. Good government will always try to improve the quality and efficiency.

I will miss the daily aspects of life in the Burg. I would see dozens of friends every day early morning at breakfast, at the cafe after dinner and in the clubs at night catching up on what's happening. I started this newspaper those, like myself, who no longer have a physical presnece in thter Burg. This is a connection to the people and places that shaped my world.

As for my two daughters, they will have their own experiences. I can't manufacture a society that I consider perfect in my head and force them to live in it. But I can instill in them the values to create a perfect society for themselves.

Not for Nothing But...
why not encourage dandelions to grow until lawns are completely yellow?