‘CIFELLI-SHERRY WAS RIGHT ON ABOUT KEARNY’
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Barbara Cifelli-Sherry for validating the feelings most of us who live in Kearny feel about our town.
I was born in Kearny. My birth announcement was published in this newspaper twice — once on July 21, 1960, and again, to my surprise, on July 21, 2010, as part of your 50 years ago today piece.
My parents moved away once for two years in 1970 — we moved to Newark where I was introduced to many cultures as a tween. I was enthralled with those cultures. It’s where I had my first taste of a “Cuban” sandwich, rice and beans, pounded steak and plantains.
We moved back in 1972 and I came to love Kearny again. I was very happy to be back in 1998.
I, too, get frustrated with the comments about the changing demographics in Kearny, as nothing good can ever come without change. Cifelli-Sherry and I, being of a “certain age,” have had the privilege of experiencing tremendous changes in our lives. We were around when every human, though created equally, was not allowed to use the same public facilities, bathrooms or water fountains.
There were signs that said: “whites only,” and that was a [phenomenon] complained about and rallied against, too. When I talk to my children about this, they can’t imagine it. There is no progress without change.
I hope Cifelli-Sherry’s letter inspires more letters that point out why Kearny was and is a great place to live, work and raise children.
Karen Lake Ferrara
Kearny
