CRANFORDLIFE UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM
NOVEMBER 2025
VOL. 09 NO. 08
Historical Society hosts its Fall Festival Porchfest rocks in rain
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Research is advanced
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Indie rock band forms
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By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent It’s become a tradition in Cranford. Each year, the Cranford Historical Society hosts its Fall Festival, consisting of vendors, crafts and activities for children, and guided tours of the CranePhillips House Museum, located at 124 N. Union Ave. in Cranford. Charles “Chuck” Goodfellow, treasurer of the Cranford Historical Society, said the event helps more people get to learn about Cranford. Julie Sakowicz, of Kenilworth, came with her son, Patrick, 7. She said, “My son is obsessed with all things history and loves visiting the historical home.” Her friend, Carol Baroudy, of Scotch Plains, was there with her son, Daniel, 5. She said, “I love being in a community.” Grace McLear is the owner of Cat Willow Creations. She has been selling handmade crochet items for the past two years. Items include bags, hats, coasters and seasonal items. McLear has an Etsy page, sells at many fairs and teaches classes at YarnStormers in Cranford. Peggy Pazdrow is an animal lover who has a hobby making handmade pet mats, bags, purses and tote bags. The money she raises is used to support different rescue groups. Ellen Goodlander makes needle-felted whimsical creations. She said, “I’ve always done arts and crafts. I started during the pandemic. It’s a fiber art. I fell in love with it.” Custom dogs and cats are her most popular items. She participates in fundraisers for the American Lab Rescue. Jessie Gaeta makes potholders. She began during the pandemic. Julian, 13, has been making homemade dog treats since he was 9. Twenty percent of this year’s proceeds will go to Raptor Trust in Stirling, an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Long Hill Township, Morris County. Each year, he donates to a different charity. He tests the treats by letting his dog, Basil, sample them. Amy Wallace, of Cranford, was back again with her Good Vibes VW Photo Booth Bus. The bus, made in 1976, is now 50 years old. She was playing retro music, such as The Partridge Family. Attendees were able to have their photos taken inside the bus, free of charge. But Wallace was taking donations to help support the See CRANFORD, Page 10
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, Jen Foster, of Cranford Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, sits behind a table displaying some clips for the center at the Cranford Historical Society’s recent Fall Festival on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Crane-Phillips House Museum, located at 124 N. Union Ave. in Cranford. Above right, Ellen Goodlander fell in love with fiber art during the pandemic. She sits behind a big display of needle-felted whimsical creations. Custom dogs and cats are her most popular items. She participates in fundraisers for the American Lab Rescue. Below left, Julian, 13, makes homemade dog treats. Portions of proceeds go to various charities. He tests the treats by letting his dog, Basil, sample them. Below right, Patrick 7, and Daniel, 5, enjoy the activities at Fall Festival.