The recent images and videos of the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arberyre, along with the news accounts of the death of Breonna Taylor, are hard to see and difficult to understand. How could these tragedies happen?

They serve as a blunt reminder that there is still much work to be done in America to ensure our neighbors feel equal.

The reaction has been swift and, at times, violent. It’s been a trying time for leaders and residents across the country as they grapple with how to make their communities safe, welcoming and considerate of all cultures and backgrounds.

The goal of creating a diverse community where all cultures are seen and heard is one that is part of the fabric of Cranberry Township.

It starts with every municipal employee, who are held to high standard when it comes to treating residents and co-workers with respect.

That includes our Police Department, where our officers are held to the highest standards of professionalism and public service, a standard that is embraced and practiced consistently by every officer. They practice their professionalism in a compassionate and understanding manner, no matter the situation in which they find themselves.

That mission spreads throughout the community thanks to organizations like the Township supported Cranberry Area Diversity Network, CADN. For 27 years, the organization has promoted inclusion and diversity for those of any ethnicity, religion, gender, age or race.

Through yearly events like CranFest and frequent programs, the group brings all members of the community together to engage in conversation. The goal is to promote better understanding for others and adopt an appreciation for the challenges their neighbors may face each day.

The mission has been embraced by the community, with thousands from around the region taking part in these programs each year. Our community takes this mission seriously and has helped CADN become an integral part of our community’s fabric. 

These are unsettling times for many, and tough conversations and interactions lie ahead. Our promise is that Cranberry Township will continue to value and place emphasis on promoting diversity through positive interactions and respectful, compassionate dialogue.

We will continue to make Cranberry Township a great – and inclusive – place to live, work and play.

We’d love to hear your feedback. Email me at jerry.andree@cranberrytownship.org.

Sincerely,

Jerry Andree, Township Manager

Kevin Meyer, Chief of Police

Charles Hawkins, Coordinator, Cranberry Area Diversity Network

For the past two months, our daily lives have been turned upside down.

The stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are wide ranging and hard hitting, from financial concerns to keeping families healthy.

Undoubtedly, the strong mothers and women in our community and across the country have been at the forefront of keeping households running smoothly.

It could be as unassuming as having to prepare three meals a day for a hungry family, or as challenging as becoming a teacher for their children. The laundry has certainly increased, and perhaps they have been forced to become a caregiver for an ill or at-risk relative.

Still others have had to find the right words to explain to their children why Little League season won’t happen this year, or why they can’t visit their friends for a play date.

They’re doing this while also balancing careers, with office banter replaced by declarations of boredom and hunger.

It’s a challenge unlike any other in our history, and there is no playbook. Families have been forced to adapt and carry the weight of anxiety and fear. As they tend to do, mothers have stepped up to calm those fears, perhaps while ignoring their own.

As we celebrate a Mother’s Day unlike any other, it is more important than ever to let the special woman in your life know they are appreciated and loved. The celebrations may change, with in-person dinners replaced by virtual meetings. But the sentiment remains the same.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful women in the Cranberry community. We wouldn’t be where we are without you.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Email me at jerry.andree@cranberrytownship.org. 

We’re counting on you!

Or rather, we need you to be counted.

April 1 marks Census Day, the official push for gathering accurate data. Those filling out the Census are instructed to list their place of residence and number of people in their household effective that date.

This data is important to every American, and especially to Cranberry Township residents. Our community has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade, with neighborhoods and communities popping up across the map.

Getting an accurate account of these new developments and the residents in them is crucial, as things like government representation and state and federal funding is based upon those figures.

That federal funding is tied to more than 100 programs, from schools to road construction projects to fire and EMS allocations. The numbers are critical in the formula that is used to distribute a portion of fuel tax you pay at the pumps back to the municipalities to maintain their streets

Additionally, businesses looking to open or relocate often use Census data to determine if an area is a good fit for their company. The Township always wants to present an accurate picture of the community to attract high quality employers on both the national and international arena and accurate data will help in that quest.

With the current stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus in effect through April 30, many of our residents find themselves with time on their hands. We encourage you to take a few moments and complete a Census document via mail or online at 2020census.gov. With just a few minutes, you’ll be helping our community address growth and prepare for the next decade. Make those minutes count!

If you have any feedback on the Census or anything else happening in our community, please reach out to jerry.andree@cranberrytownship.org.