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Cranford Radio

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

Location:

United States

Description:

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

Language:

English


Episodes

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

3/15/2024
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 Realtor and currently manages the Westfield office of Weichert Realtors. She's also served as an advocate for Emma's Law, which would require school vehicles which transport special needs children be equipped with tracking and other equipment. Learn more in this week's Cranford Radio podcast.

Duration:00:13:07

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

3/8/2024
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 the podcast this week to talk about the program. Also joining us on the episode is Dr. Lajja Patel, a dentist and owner of South Avenue Dental, and one of the business participants.

Duration:00:14:50

Township Attorney Ryan Cooper

3/1/2024
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 we learn about his role as Cranford's lawyer and his years going to high school on Sandy Hook and how he spent the four years between high school and college.

Duration:00:11:48

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

2/23/2024
"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 foods from breakfast staples such as omelettes to gourmet grilled cheese. Co-owners Amy Russo and Adam Torine chat with me about the restaurant's beginnings, their years growing up in the business, and what attracted them to open their fourth store in Cranford.

Duration:00:17:19

Presidential Visits to Cranford

2/16/2024
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 their terms in office. Vic Bary, a member of the Cranford Historical Society, tells about those visits and a bit about the lives of the presidents who came through town.

Duration:00:22:26

Lifelong Cranford Resident Bridget Gautieri Begins Adventure in Germany

2/9/2024
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 sixth grade at Orange Avenue School she studied German. After getting her undergraduate degree at Roanoke College she entered Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia with plans to become a pastor. This past summer she was ordained and shortly thereafter began a call serving at the ELCA Wittenberg Center in Germany. On this week's episode I speak with Bridget about her years growing up in Cranford, when she realized she might become a pastor, and some of her experiences in Germany.

Duration:00:25:38

Cranford YMCA Preparing to Open

2/2/2024
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 of Operations for the Westfield Area Y. We talk about physical changes that have been made and what programs the Y will be offering.

Duration:00:14:41

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

1/26/2024
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 with three of the folks involved with the production, director Zach Mazouat, stage manager Dana Dispoto and Shannon Ludlum, who plays Helsa Wenzel, to learn a bit about the show.

Duration:00:12:09

Trish Johnson - This Organized Chaos

1/19/2024
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 on this week's episode is Cranford resident Trish Johnson. She owns This Organized Chaos and we chat about things you can do to put your living space in better order and how she can help you do it.

Duration:00:22:27

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

1/12/2024
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 of St. Michael Church for a dozen years before retiring from the parish last year. In this week's episode we discuss the award and some of this memories of Dr. King while growing up.

Duration:00:22:17

Cranford Voters to Decide on School Bond Referendum

1/5/2024
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.

Duration:00:21:23

Bridges Expands Services Addressing Homelessness Into Union County

12/8/2023
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.

Duration:00:21:57

Rabbi Paul Kerbel from Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim

12/1/2023
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.

Duration:00:21:58

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro

11/17/2023
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.

Duration:00:28:50

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

11/10/2023
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.

Duration:00:16:09

CHS Graduate John Fedorchak Inducted Into Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame

11/3/2023
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.

Duration:00:24:37

Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield Celebrates Centennial

10/27/2023
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.

Duration:00:13:19

CHS Class of 1978 to Hold Reunion

10/13/2023
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.

Duration:00:09:21

Stefanie Lalor - The Artist Framer

10/13/2023
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.

Duration:00:10:46

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

10/6/2023
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

Duration:00:22:46