Cranford Radio

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 the costs.

Cranford Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Scott Rubin joins the podcast this week to discuss the referendum in greater detail. Additional information can be found online in a website about the bonding question. 

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 without permanent housing to find long-term solutions and to provide a safe place to live.

In this week's podcast I speak with Richard Uniacke, the president of Bridges, and Cranford resident Scott Waldman who is on the board of directors. We talk about how the organization has evolved and their recent expansion into Union County. We also note how listeners can help.

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 he was drawn to becoming a rabbi and his impressions of Cranford.

We also talk about recent events in the Middle East and how that has affected him and his congregation.

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 this week's episode we chat about his life as a police officer and how technology and world events impact his profession. We also note how an infamous crime still impacts the department and its officers. Stick around to see which team Chris roots for when Cranford and Westfield meet on the playing fields.

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 St. Michael's and Cranford. The current leader of the council is Kevin Cumiskey. He's served as Grand Knight since July 2023.

On this week's episode he tells me about the organization, the work they do and how he became involved.

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 Athletics Hall of Fame.

John, who is also in the Cranford Sports Hall of Fame, is now retired. He chatted with Cranford Radio about his experiences as a player on one of only two Rutgers teams to go undefeated.

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 to women who are struggling financially and behind-the-scenes help for those in need.

My guest on this week's episode is Marge Szymona, a sustaining member for over 40 years and the former long-time manager of the Jumble Store. She shares more information about the group and tells how the Jumble Store got its name 90 years ago.

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 class, Joe Attanasi, Jr. chatted with Cranford Radio about what's planned and some of his memories from the 1970s.

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, The Artist Framer. 

On this week's podcast I visit Stefanie in her store to learn what inspired her to become part of the art world, both as a practitioner and  an entrepreneur.

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 28th.

On this week's podcast my guests are Sean Lough (director), Jannette Fisher (Mopsa), Sean Lynch-Littlejohn (Basilius) and Hannah Elarmo (music director).

Purchase tickets