Cranford Radio

An attempted child-luring incident and a Cranford connection to the Winter Olympics top this week's Cranford Headlines. The CHS boys basketball team begins their run in the Union County Tournament while other teams keep busy this weekend with contests home and away. You'll find some warmer temperatures this weekend but the price is rain Saturday and Sunday. As always, there are events around town to keep you busy.

Craft stores have supplies for a variety of projects. Most can be done at home. But for something a bit more imaginative and elaborate you need tools you likely won't find in your basement. Kick Glass Art Studio at 536 South Avenue East is coming up on their first anniversary in Cranford and they not only will teach you how to work with many different types of glass, but they supply the materials, tools and kilns that make beautiful projects possible. Sheila Hughes and Donna Slevin are the co-owners of Kick Glass and in this Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce member profile they told Cranford Radio about what beginners and more experienced glass workers can do. They also discussed some of the other aspects of the business such as their gallery, restoration work and commissions.

Geri Livelli's, 'The Cameo,' was published last year. It's a story that spans portions of the 19th and 20th centuries and can be described as a work of historical fiction. While this is Geri's first book she certainly is not unknown to Cranford and its residents. She was one of the founding members of the Hanson Park Conservancy and is a long-time member of Cranford's Green Thumb Garden Club.

Geri sat down with Cranford Radio to talk about the book and some of her volunteer efforts in town. She'll have a book signing at Periwinkle's on Saturday, February 10 between 1 and 4 pm.

The Cranford Public Schools are in the news this week as they begin a strategic planning initiative looking ahead to 2023. Also, a Cranford woman is among those being honored with a Women of Excellence Award from the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

In CHS varsity sports, both the bowling and track teams are involved in state sectionals. Other teams are also active over the weekend.

The weather takes a turn toward more wintery conditions over the next few days but we have some indoor activities to keep you warm.

If you've had kids in Cranford schools or you attended them yourself, you know Cranford's teams are called the Cougars. A big part of school pride is wearing the school colors of blue and gold and letting folks know you're a Cranford Cougar. For nearly seven years Cougar Headquarters has been providing not just hometown clothing, but all sorts of local items as well as custom products. Donna and Scott Marino own Cougar Headquarters and RaeAnn Weaver is the store manager. In the latest Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce member profile, Cranford Radio spoke with Donna and RaeAnn and learned there's more to Cougar Headquarters than just the Centennial Avenue storefront.

The Cranford Township Committee has made changes to the North Avenue Redevelopment Study concerning the properties that are a part of the study and the use of eminent domain. 

The Trinitas School of Nursing held their graduation ceremony in Cranford on Sunday and the Knights of Columbus have made a donation to the Cranford Municipal Alliance.

Lots of sports action taking place at both CHS and Union County College and the weekend's looking warmer.

You'll hear details on these stories and weekend events in this week's Cranford Radio headlines.

On Sunday, February 4, many Cranford residents will be sitting in front of their TVs watching the New England Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. Of course, what would the game be without some food?

For a number of years, Cranford resident Rich Pierce, his family and some friends have cooked up over 100 trays of chicken wings that are enjoyed during the game. While the wings are delicious that's not what makes them special. A portion of the money raised goes to help a local family. It's a story though, that goes back 16 years. Cranford Radio spoke with Rich to learn more about the project and its origins.

On Sundays you'll likely find Charlie Cacici at Calvary Tabernacle on Myrtle Street in Cranford. He's an evangelical minister for the church. At other times, though, he's often at work at GEC Communities. There, the work he and his partner Joe Battiato do focuses on saving a portion of the rainforest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Joe and Charlie joined Cranford Radio for a discussion about their business and how a small company in Union County is having an impact in Africa.

The past week was marked by remembrances of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Two highlights were Cranford's sixth annual Day of Service which took place at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday and Thursday's interfaith service at Trinity Episcopal Church. At that gathering, Kevin Mahoney was recognized with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for his work with the homeless.

It was a notable week for the CHS wrestlers, who won their fourth consecutive Union County Tournament last weekend. A number of CHS teams will be competing this weekend. 

The weekend weather forecast looks promising.

Cranford clergy members, township officials and members of the community gathered Thursday evening at Trinity Episcopal Church for the annual Cranford Community Interfaith Service. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award to Kevin Mahoney of St. Michael Church. Kevin was recognized by the Cranford Clergy Council for his volunteer work with the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, St. Joseph Social Service Center and Family Promise.

Following the service, Cranford Radio spoke with Mr. Mahoney about his work.