Cranford Radio

By Bernie Wagenblast

Society & Culture Business Non-Profit

What's Cranford Radio about?

Cranford Radio presents the sounds and voices of Cranford, New Jersey. Hosted by Bernie Wagenblast.

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Cranford Radio episodes:

05.31.2024
Meet Township Committee Member Paul A. Gallo
The newest member of the Cranford Township Committee is Paul A. Gallo. In this episode of Cranford Radio we get to know a bit about Paul, including his work life, why he decided to serve on the committee and some...
05.24.2024
YWCA Union County: Empowering Women
While the YWCA Union County has been serving the community for over a century, they had a forced new beginning in 2019 when their headquarters in Elizabeth burned to the ground. The building may have been lost, but the work...
05.17.2024
Downtown Street Fest Pivots with Changes In Store
For over two decades Downtown Cranford streets have hosted Sunday street fairs. A new vendor, Marketspace Vendor Events, is behind the event taking place Sunday, May 19th. The company is owned by Cranford residents Kim and Kevin Kraemer. The event...
05.10.2024
A Cranford Tradition Closes After 112 Years
A lot has changed when it comes to hair since the Cranford Barber Shop opened. Crew cuts gave way to long hair. Getting a haircut also meant getting a shave for many men and while they were waiting...
05.03.2024
Cranford Dramatic Club Stages Hair
There's much about the current political state in the US that is shared with the 1960s. Both periods are seen by many as a time of division. Anti-war protests and civil rights are very much in the news. The Cranford...
04.26.2024
Chair Molly Kellett Talks About the Role and Responsibilities of the Planning Board
Most major building projects in Cranford require hearings and approval of the Cranford Planning Board. If you're not involved yourself in a project, you may not be aware of the board does. On this week's podcast I speak with the...
04.19.2024
Downtown Cranford Sponsoring Business Development Series
A Cranford-based organization, the UCEDC, working with Downtown Cranford and the Cranford Theater is holding a four-part series designed to give Cranford business owners tools they can use to grow their business.Mary Adelman, a business consultant with the UCEDC, will...
04.12.2024
Cranford Public Library Director Kathy Cannarozzi
It's National Library Week and to mark the occasion my guest on this episode of the Cranford Radio podcast is Kathy Cannarozzi, the director of the Cranford Public Library. We chat about a variety of topics including her first year...
04.05.2024
Keeping New Jersey Moving - Chris Feinthel of New Jersey DOT
Often, the highway infrastructure of the state is taken for granted. We hop in our cars and drive from place to place with little thought of what's necessary to let it happen. When something goes wrong, however, we quickly realize...
03.29.2024
Cranford Journalist and Children's Author Dinah Dunn
You may know Dinah Dunn through her work as a writer and reporter for TAPinto Cranford. Your grade school kids may know her through the books she's written for Scholastic Books. On this week's podcast I talk to Dinah about...
03.22.2024
Amanda Kukis: FUNctional Speech + Language
When you're a parent, especially with young children, you keep a close eye on your kids. You want to give them everything they need to thrive and you're on the lookout for any areas in which they need help. It's...
03.15.2024
Jennifer Love: Union County Daughters of Ireland 'Irishwoman of the Year'
On this St. Patrick's Day weekend we talk with Cranford resident Jennifer Love. Jennifer was named the Irishwoman of the Year by the Union County Daughters of Ireland. The honor is just one facet of her story.She is a long-time...
03.08.2024
Union County School and Cranford Businesses Partner to Aid Students with Disabilities
A number of Cranford business have teamed with the Work Readiness Academy, part of the Union County Educational Services Commission, to prepare students for work following their schooling.Josh Bornstein, director of the academy and a Cranford resident, joins me on...
03.01.2024
Township Attorney Ryan Cooper
Serving as the township attorney is just one of the responsibilities of Ryan Cooper. In addition he has a law practice in town and he also serves as the chairman of the Cranford Democratic Municipal Committee.On this week's episode...
02.23.2024
Cranford's New Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch Spot: Toast City Diner
"Peace, Love & Pancakes" is the phrase Toast City Diner uses to describe themselves. Truth is, they are much more than that. The restaurant at the corner of South and Walnut avenues has a menu that offers a variety of...
02.16.2024
Presidential Visits to Cranford
As we come to Presidents Day Weekend, we're going to go through a bit of presidential history by looking back at those men who served as president of the United States and who visited Cranford either before, during or after...
02.09.2024
Lifelong Cranford Resident Bridget Gautieri Begins Adventure in Germany
While growing up in Cranford, Bridget Gautieri may not have realized some of the things she was doing were preparing her for a journey that would lead to Germany. She was a youth leader at Calvary Lutheran Church and from...
02.02.2024
Cranford YMCA Preparing to Open
Early February is the when the refurbished Centennial Avenue indoor pool and fitness center is expected to open. The facility will now be operated as the Cranford YMCA.In anticipation of the opening, Cranford Radio spoke with Greg Hatzisavvas, Vice President...
01.26.2024
CDC Theater to Present "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940"
A great way to spend a winter evening is enjoying a production by the Cranford Dramatic Club. In February, the community theater will be presenting the play, "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940."Cranford Radio had an opportunity to catch up...
01.19.2024
Trish Johnson - This Organized Chaos
Many of us have things like junk drawers, piles on tables and a garage so crowded with stuff that we can't park our car inside. How do you get away from the mess and get your space better organized?Our guest...
01.12.2024
Monsignor Timothy Shugrue To Be Given Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award
Each year the Cranford Clergy Council and the Interfaith Human Relations Committee recognize someone with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award to honor his legacy. This year's recipient is Monsignor Timothy Shugrue. Father Tim served as the pastor...
01.05.2024
Cranford Voters to Decide on School Bond Referendum
This month voters have an opportunity to decide if they will approve a $75 million bond referendum. The bond includes funding for construction of full-day kindergarten classes in the district and facility enhancements. State aid will cover approximately 26% of...
12.08.2023
Bridges Expands Services Addressing Homelessness Into Union County
As the weather turns colder, the need to address homelessness becomes more urgent. Bridges, a non-profit organization based in Summit, does more than just provide clothing and food for those dealing with homelessness. They also work with those who are...
12.01.2023
Rabbi Paul Kerbel from Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim
As a child Paul Kerbel moved around quite a bit, but for the past five+ years his home is Cranford as he serves as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim. Rabbi Kerbel talks about his childhood, why...
11.17.2023
Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro
Chris Battiloro was officially appointed as Westfield's police chief in December 2018. While he grew up in Westfield and has spent his entire law enforcement career in our neighboring town, Cranford is the town Chris and his family call home.On...
11.10.2023
Cranford Knights of Columbus: Serving St. Michael's and the Community
If you're not Roman Catholic you might not be too familiar with the Knights of Columbus and the work they do. Cranford Council 6226 is associated with the Parish of St. Michael but their members come from more than just...
11.03.2023
CHS Graduate John Fedorchak Inducted Into Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame
As a Cranford High student, John Fedorchak stood out as a football player and wrestler. He was recruited by the Rutgers football program and, as a junior, was part of the 1976 undefeated team that was inducted into the Rutgers...
10.27.2023
Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield Celebrates Centennial
The Jumble Store is probably the most visible part of the Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield, but it is far from the only activity run by the organization. Among its other projects are scholarships, a service which provides free career-dressing services...
10.14.2023
CHS Class of 1978 to Hold Reunion
It's been 45 years since the members of the Cranford High School Class of '78 walked the halls of CHS. On Saturday, October 21 the class will be gathering at the Cranford Elks Lodge for a reunion.One member of the...
10.13.2023
Stefanie Lalor - The Artist Framer
If I told you to I was at the purple building on North Avenue, you'd probably be able to guess where I was. For nearly a quarter century, Stefanie Lalor has been a part of Downtown Cranford with her shop,...
10.06.2023
Cranford Dramatic Club Presents Head Over Heels to Start 105th Season
A 16th century story filled with music from the 1980s female rock band, The Go-Go's, is the first offering of the Cranford Dramatic Club's new season. The musical takes to the stage weekends starting October 13 and running through the...
09.29.2023
The Cranford Education Association — Representing Educators in Public Schools
Throughout this summer labor unions have been in the news; writers on strike, actors walking picket lines, and autoworkers shutting down production, are three of the more prominent examples. Here in Cranford, most public school employees are represented by the...
09.22.2023
FLAG for Cranford Still Helping Residents and Businesses After COVID Beginnings
When nearly everything shutdown in March 2020 at the start of COVID, some organizations stayed open. FLAG of Cranford was created with a duel purpose of providing for those front-line providers and supporting Cranford restaurants which were hard hit by...
09.01.2023
Ed Davenport Looks Back on His Years At TV35 Following His Retirement
From Day 1 of TV35's existence the one constant presence was Ed Davenport. After 37 years at the Cranford channel, both as a volunteer and as the station's manager, Ed retired at the start of August. Before exiting, Ed chatted...
08.11.2023
State Bankers Group Headquartered in Cranford
The New Jersey Bankers Association represents financial institutions throughout the state. The guest on this week's episode of the Cranford Radio podcast is Jenn Zorn, the executive vice president for education and business development for NJBankers. She tells...
07.28.2023
The Owner of Two Unique Cranford Stores Talks About Her Businesses
Chelsea Selby, along with her husband Joe Randazza, is the owner of Witch Baby Soap and Magick Manor. Witch Baby came to Cranford in 2019 at 11 Eastman Street and Magick Manor opened this spring at 11 North Union Avenue.Guest...
07.21.2023
Rev. Jin Bae, Senior Pastor at Cranford's First Presbyterian Church
It was January of this year when Rev. Jin Bae was installed as the senior pastor at Cranford's First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Bae's journey to Cranford had a number of interesting twists and turns starting with his birth and early...
07.14.2023
Cranford Ecology with Dr. Daniela Shebitz of Kean University
Cranford resident Dr. Daniela Shebitz has had an interest in the environment going back to seventh grade. She's a professor at Kean University as well as the chair of the Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. In addition, she serves...
07.07.2023
Getting to Know Cranford Deputy Mayor Terry Curran
Marine, cop, surgeon. Just a few of the roles that Terry Curran has performed during his career. On this week's episode of the Cranford Radio podcast we learn a bit more about Cranford's new deputy mayor.
06.23.2023
The Cranford Elks: Serving the Community Through Charity
To drive past the Cranford Elks lodge there's nothing remarkable about the building, but what happens inside and what its members do is what makes it special. On this week's Cranford Radio podcast, I speak with Kevin Carney, the...
06.16.2023
Turning Union County Rails Into Trails
While Union County is still criss-crossed by multiple active rail lines, there are several that haven't seen a train in years and have been slowly returning to nature. Three of them converge near the Cranford/Roselle Park line.Union County Connects was...
06.09.2023
The Art of Tattooing with Max Galindo of Inklightened Tattoo & Piercing
Max Galindo is the owner of Inklightened Tattoo & Piercing on Miln Street in Cranford. He's been in town only since 2020 but has been a tattoo artist since the turn of the century. On this week's Cranford Radio episode...
06.02.2023
Mike Burdick's Stages of Madness Hits CDC Stage for Only 3 Nights
The last production put on at the Cranford Dramatic Club was the popular In the Heights. This show, which will have a much different feel, is a two-act production. The first show is Mercy Killing, described as a dark...
05.26.2023
Devoted Mamas Helping With Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum
There are few moments in life as transformative as giving birth and becoming a parent. However, the process takes a physical and emotional toll. Kendra Fitzgerald and Nicole Coons are sisters and the women behind Devoted Mamas. Their business offers...
05.19.2023
Financial Planning for Higher Education
This season of graduations is one of celebration. While great pride and excitement comes with the awarding of diplomas, there's also the financial reality of paying for tuition or student loans. On today's Cranford Radio podcast I speak with Robert...
05.12.2023
Mental Health Association in New Jersey Plans Annual Walk in Cranford in June
May is Mental Health Month and on June 10 Cranford will be the site of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey's Walk for Wellness at Nomahegan Park. Mental health, of course, is about much more than a month...
05.05.2023
"In The Heights" Comes to Cranford
Washington Heights isn't very far from Cranford as far as distance is concerned. A trip over the George Washington Bridge or taking a train to New York and then an uptown subway will get you there in about an hour....
04.28.2023
It's Year 24 for the Cranford Street Fair
Typically, spring and autumn see the downtown streets closed for Cranford's street fairs. This year's first event will take place on Sunday, April 30 between 11 and 5. The man behind Cranford's festival is Darryl Walker. He's the event organizer...
04.21.2023
Getting to Know Cranford Township Commissioner Gina Black
Gina Black is serving her first term on the Cranford Township Committee. As with most folks who are elected to the committee, it comes after years of volunteer work around town. In addition, their elected responsibilities need to be balanced...
04.14.2023
Navigating the Highways and More with Cranford's Don Smith
There are many places you may know Don Smith from. It could be as a neighbor. Perhaps it's from his years on News 12 and TV35. More recently you might see his morning Tri-State Traffic Show or hear his voice...

What's Cranford Radio about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Cranford Radio episodes:

Meet Township Committee Member Paul A. Gallo

YWCA Union County: Empowering Women

Downtown Street Fest Pivots with Changes In Store

A Cranford Tradition Closes After 112 Years

Cranford Dramatic Club Stages Hair

Chair Molly Kellett Talks About the Role and Responsibilities of the Planning Board

Downtown Cranford Sponsoring Business Development Series

Cranford Public Library Director Kathy Cannarozzi

Keeping New Jersey Moving - Chris Feinthel of New Jersey DOT

Cranford Journalist and Children's Author Dinah Dunn

Amanda Kukis: FUNctional Speech + Language

Jennifer Love: Union County Daughters of Ireland 'Irishwoman of the Year'

Union County School and Cranford Businesses Partner to Aid Students with Disabilities

Township Attorney Ryan Cooper

Cranford's New Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch Spot: Toast City Diner

Presidential Visits to Cranford

Lifelong Cranford Resident Bridget Gautieri Begins Adventure in Germany

Cranford YMCA Preparing to Open

CDC Theater to Present "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940"

Trish Johnson - This Organized Chaos

Monsignor Timothy Shugrue To Be Given Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award

Cranford Voters to Decide on School Bond Referendum

Bridges Expands Services Addressing Homelessness Into Union County

Rabbi Paul Kerbel from Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro

Cranford Knights of Columbus: Serving St. Michael's and the Community

CHS Graduate John Fedorchak Inducted Into Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame

Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield Celebrates Centennial

CHS Class of 1978 to Hold Reunion

Stefanie Lalor - The Artist Framer

Cranford Dramatic Club Presents Head Over Heels to Start 105th Season

The Cranford Education Association — Representing Educators in Public Schools

FLAG for Cranford Still Helping Residents and Businesses After COVID Beginnings

Ed Davenport Looks Back on His Years At TV35 Following His Retirement

State Bankers Group Headquartered in Cranford

The Owner of Two Unique Cranford Stores Talks About Her Businesses

Rev. Jin Bae, Senior Pastor at Cranford's First Presbyterian Church

Cranford Ecology with Dr. Daniela Shebitz of Kean University

Getting to Know Cranford Deputy Mayor Terry Curran

The Cranford Elks: Serving the Community Through Charity

Turning Union County Rails Into Trails

The Art of Tattooing with Max Galindo of Inklightened Tattoo & Piercing

Mike Burdick's Stages of Madness Hits CDC Stage for Only 3 Nights

Devoted Mamas Helping With Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

Financial Planning for Higher Education

Mental Health Association in New Jersey Plans Annual Walk in Cranford in June

"In The Heights" Comes to Cranford

It's Year 24 for the Cranford Street Fair

Getting to Know Cranford Township Commissioner Gina Black

Navigating the Highways and More with Cranford's Don Smith

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