Historical Society hosts its Fall Festival
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
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.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Above
Porchfest Music Festival has community dancing in the rain
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Cranford Porchfest recently celebrated its ninth annual Porchfest – in the rain!
Each year, private homes in town offer their porches and lawns for musical acts to perform various types of music throughout the day. People came from all over to hear 51 bands, hosted by 10 homes. They watched and danced in the pouring rain under tents and umbrellas.
Higher Ground was one of the bands performing at 18 Woods Hole Road. It played rock, blues, Americana and Gospel. Beth Charschan, of Scotch Plains, said, “They’re a great band. They’ve come so far. Very relaxing music. Voices are great. My husband is in the band on lead guitar.”
Continuing, Charschan said she would see other bands if it wasn’t so rainy. She said, “This is a great thing they do. People who loan their houses (to let bands perform on their porches) are so nice.”
Matthew Weisser, of Rahway, is the drummer for Shuttle Program. It played at the same location later in the day. The band has been together for a couple years and performs both original and cover songs.
Jeff Schumacher, of Cranford, is the singer and guitarist of Shuttle Program. He started the band when he had a lot of time during lockdown. He was in other bands and wanted to try having his own band. He said he’s inspired by Green
Above left, Higher Ground performs as the community watches under umbrellas for the ninth annual Porchfest
– a blast despite the rain. Above right, Maria Elena Schwartz, of Bergen County, and Jody Guariglia, of Asbury Park, say they love the community spirit of Porchfest.
Day, David Bowie and Ghandi.
Maria Elena Schwartz, of Bergen County, came with her friend, Jody Guariglia, of Asbury Park.
Schwartz said, “I love that it (Porchfest) brings this town together. My son’s girlfriend is one of the singers. Last time, it was so wonderful. What a great idea!”
Guariglia said, “Asbury Park also has a Porchfest. You get to see musicians and
they’re really happy to play for their communities.”
Over at Hollywood Avenue, the Torres family was enjoying a band with a female singer performing a cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” It was their first time at Porchfest. They were just passing by and decided to stop. “I wish the weather was better,” said David Torres. Porchfest began in 2017, open to all
and for all ages to enjoy. The event was inspired by a neighborhood music festival in Ithaca, New York. Porchfest happens every second Saturday of October. Organizers, performers, porch hosts and others who participate are all volunteers who give freely of their time, talents, resources and hospitality as a neighborhood. Performances went on throughout the
See PORCHFEST, Page 6
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Holly Ray Folgia lived in Cranford for the past 26 years. She loved the downtown, the parks, the movie theater and the school system, once she and her husband, James Folgia, started having children. Through the years, her love for Cranford continued to blossom. She became a real estate agent in 2012. “I know Cranford inside out,” she said. “I sold so many houses.”
In October 2024, Holly was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. “It’s kind of a shock,” she said. Being so early in it, she’ll still be getting treatment for another year.
While, physically, having cancer changed Holly, it didn’t change the friendships she made in Cranford. “So many people have supported us,” she said. “It reinforced how incredible the Cranford community is.”
As Holly continues her treatment, she and James try to make the most of every day – with some traveling in their future. “So far, I’m fortunate to be responding so well to the treatment,” she said.
When Holly first found out she had cancer, James was cleaning the house and came upon something she wrote when her children were 8 and 6 – they are now in their 20s – and never had published. James went ahead and spoke to a publisher and in May, Holly’s book, “I Hope You Know: A Loving Conversation Between Child and Parent,” was published.
“I Hope You Know: A Loving Conversation Between Child and Parent” is a narrative that explores the unique bond between a parent and child. “It was dear to my heart,” said Holly. “I know there’s people all over the country, they’re putting it in their libraries. It’s getting
Above left, Holly and James Folgia, center, stand with their sons. Above right, ‘I Hope You Know: A Loving Conversation Between Child and Parent,’ by Holly Ray Folgia.
out there, word of mouth. The stores have been so welcoming of it.”
Proceeds from “I Hope You Know: A Loving Conversation Between Child and Parent” are going to Sloan Kettering for ovarian and fallopian tube cancer research. Once the book began selling, Holly and James needed a foundation to put it in the right place, so they created The Rooted Foundation, a 501c3 dedicated to advancing ovarian and fallopian tube cancer research and prevention.
“I’m a huge gardener and we’re rooted in Cranford,” said Holly.
James and Holly have a goal of selling 500,000 copies of “I Hope You Know: A Loving Conversation Between Child and Parent.”
To make a donation to The Rooted Foundation, visit: https://www.rootedfoundation.net/. To purchase “I Hope You Know: A Loving Conversation Between Child and Parent,” visit: https://www.amazon.com/HopeYou-Know-Conversation-Between/dp/B0F82RNB53.
Photos Courtesy of Holly and James Folgia
Resident forms indie rock band, Shuttle Program
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
As a boy growing up in Cranford, there was always music playing in Jeff Schumacher’s home. His parents were playing records all the time. “They’re into classic rock,” said Schumacher. “The Who, Rush...”
Naturally, Schumacher chose music lessons over sports in school. He played drums, piano and violin, but gravitated toward guitar.
“I started guitar. I wanted to be in a band,” he said. “Formal training ended when I learned enough to play songs. I’m picking up tricks here and there. I can read music, but I just wanted to know enough to do the thing I wanted to do.”
Watching a lot of music on television gave Schumacher the idea that he wanted to be in a band. “Something for fun to do,” he said. “I always wanted to be in front of a crowd, doing something. Music made the most sense.”
His brother had a band, and he was performing with his brother during live shows, but he wasn’t involved in the creative process. He said, “A bunch of coworkers are musicians. We’d jam. After a while, I had this urge to be in front of a band and sing; be more creative, instead of just playing. I wanted to front a band.”
The idea of getting a band together came to Schumacher in 2019. But it was during the pandemic that he had the most
In the meantime, the band has been playing in many bars throughout New Jersey; mainly Crossroads in Garwood. “That’s the one we play the most. The best place I played,” Schumacher said. “I love it there.” Another place Schumacher likes to perform is Prototype in Paterson. “The sound is great,” he said.
Schumacher says he always strives for energy. “I like excitement,” he said. “I like being able to convey excitement and general positivity. I think the songs are catchy, but I’m being biased.”
He says that people who come to see Shuttle Program compare them to Green Day a lot. But he doesn’t mind. “I love it,” he said. “They were one of my favorite bands growing up. If it comes across, so be it.”
time to make it happen. The first four Shuttle Program albums were done by Schumacher. They could be heard on Apple and Spotify. “All the big ones,” said Schumacher.
Since Shuttle Program formed, the band has written more songs. “I write the lyrics and general chord arrangements,” said Schumacher. “The other guys fill in respective parts. I trust those guys completely. There’s almost no disagreement.
It’s a very collaborative process.” The other band members are Matthew Weisser, Nelson Kelly and James Matheson. Lyrically, Schumacher writes based on stuff with which he’s dealing. “I keep it vague,” he said. “We have a song about a long birthday weekend. Things that have happened, not too on the nose.”
Schumacher said Shuttle Program will hopefully be putting out new music early next year.
Shuttle Program is definitely a creative outlet for Schumacher. In regard to success, he says he’s being realistic. “Everyone has a job and is doing other things,” he said. “Any live show is great. We’re taking it one thing at a time. I’m open to most possibilities, I would say.”
In his free time, Schumacher loves to go see live shows. “Any tour coming through,” he said.
Visit Shuttle Program on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/shuttleprogram.nj?igsh=MWI5M2V2NjB2dGUwdg %3D%3D.
To hear Shuttle Program’s music, visit: https://linktr.ee/shuttleprogrammusic.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Shuron
The band members of Shuttle Program are, from left, James Matheson, Nelson Kelly, Jeff Schumacher and Matt Weisser. Schumacher plays guitar and sings, writing the lyrics and general chores arrangements for each song, although everyone contributes their respective parts.
left, Matthew Weisser, Jeff Schumacher, Nelson Kelly and James Matheson of Shuttle Program are ready to perform everything from Green Day to David Bowie, as well as original songs. Above right, a band doesn’t let the rainy weather get it down as it belts out ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ by Nirvana. At right, Jessica, David, Paula and Antoinella Torres were just passing by and stopped to watch a band performing for this year’s Porchfest.
Porchfest Festival is a big hit
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day from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each year, Porchfest has been sponsored by Cranford Community Connection and gets bigger as the outreach grows. Bands come back year after year, bringing their fans with them.
Other talent performing throughout the day included: Paper Lanterns, performing rock; singer/songwriter Tam
Garcia; classic rock band Outside the Box; JP Ensemble; a 1960s tribute, Breaktime; rock band Positive Salt; Clark School of Rock; The Emulators, playing ’80s rock, pop and new wave; and Vincent Lenza performing an acoustic set.
To learn more about Porchfest, visit: https://cranfordporchfest.wixsite.com/p orchfest.
Monday-Thursday 12:00PM–08:30PM Friday-Saturday 12:00PM–09:00PM
12:00PM–08:30PM
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above
UCNJ’s board welcomes four
Cranford’s UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ welcomed four new board members this fall: Kathy Fitzpatrick, Emily Root and Bob Sloan, all of Westfield, and Lisa Vecchione, of Springfield. The new members were sworn in during a joint meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Root was appointed to the Board of Trustees by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Root is a former member of the Westfield Town Council and has a speech therapy practice in Berkeley Heights. She is also an adjunct instructor at both Kean University and San Francisco State University. Root earned a bachelor’s degree from University of California Santa Cruz and a master’s degree from New York University.
Fitzpatrick joined the Board of Governors. She is a 1975 alumna of the college and completed her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University. Fitzpatrick is a successful business woman and entrepreneur. She and her husband created the Fitzpatrick Family Foundation, which is focused on education.
Sloan has been appointed to the Board of Governors. He attended the UCNJ in the 1970s and earned a bachelor’s degree from Curry College and an MBA from Seton Hall University. He was an executive with AT&T FirstNet, serving as chief operating officer, and is now a technology consultant. Sloan previously served as a member of the Seton Hall University Board ofTrustees.
Vecchione joined the Board of Governors as an appointee from the College’s Alumni Association. She is a 2003 alumna and an active volunteer in the community with a number of organ and tissue donation organizations as well as other local philanthropies.
“We are honored to welcome these four new members,” said UCNJ Board of Trustees Chairperson Victor M. Richel. “They bring a distinctive array of talent and
expertise to the Boards which will provide invaluable insight and leadership to support our continued growth and student success.”
Photo Courtesy of Margaret Ortuso
New assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Cranford Public Schools named
Cranford Public Schools has announced the appointment of Kevin Deacon as the new assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Deacon was selected following a comprehensive search process that included multiple interviews with the selection committee as well as an extensive reference review. A dedicated and innovative educational administrator, Deacon brings extensive experience in implementing forward thinking academic practices and creating programs that drive student achievement.
Deacon has been an integral part of the Cranford School District for many years. Most recently, he has served as the principal of Hillside Avenue School since September 2019. Among his many accomplishments, he facilitated the transformation of the middle school learning experience by implementing a new district-wide schedule that incorporates a dedicated period for enrichment and intervention. His commitment to continuous improvement is further reflected in his efforts to enhance teacher capacity through professional development. He has led impactful sessions in areas critical to modern education, including data-driven instruction,
Google Apps for education and artificial intelligence.
Deacon’s career in education began at Walter H. Crowley Intermediate School 5 in Queens, New York, where he served as a special education teacher and assistant principal during a 10-year period. In 2013, he joined the Cranford Public Schools as an assistant principal at Orange Avenue School and, in 2016, he became the principal at Livingston Avenue School.
He has a master’s degree in school leadership from Touro University, a master’s degree in special education from Queens College and a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena University.
“I am honored to step into the role of assistant superintendent and continue my service to the Cranford community,” said Deacon. “My focus has always been on implementing practices that foster student achievement and on supporting our incredible teachers and staff. I am eager to apply my experience in curriculum design, professional development and data analysis to benefit the entire district and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
IN MEMORIAM
• COOK – Helen Marie, of Aiken, S.C., formerly of Cranford and Toms River; Sept. 29. Club member, widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 92.
• DE LAZARO – Josephine Ann “Jo,” of Cranford; Sept. 13. Lab technologist. Member of Rosary Society, Senior Club. Widow, mother, grandmother, 94.
• MCGOWAN – Patricia, of Monroe Township, formerly of Cranford; Sept. 6. Computer scientist, cryptanalyst. Wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, 83.
In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.
Rabies clinic to be hosted
A free rabies clinic will be on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford. If your last name begins with A to M, attend from 9 to 10 a.m.; if your last name begins with N to Z, attend from 10 to 11 a.m. Dogs must be on a nonretractable leash. Cats must be in soft carriers. Pets must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration is required at the Cranford Health Department by calling 908-709-7299.
Zoning Board to meet
Cranford’s Zoning Board of Adjustment will have a meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m., in Council Chambers of the Cranford Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.
Planning Board to meet
Cranford’s Planning Board will have a
workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m., in Conference Room 108, followed by a public meeting at 8 p.m., in Council Chambers of the Cranford Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.
Active Shooter Training Exercises to be conducted
The Cranford Board of Education and the Cranford Police Department take great pride in maintaining a strong and collaborative partnership. Together, it remains committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for both the community and our schools.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety and preparedness, the Cranford Police Department will be conducting Active Shooter Training Exercises on the following dates. Be advised that training times are scheduled for when school is not in session. These exercises
are designed to help officers become more familiar with school buildings and their layouts, ensuring a more effective and timely response in the event of an emergency.
Your understanding and support is appreciated as the district continues working to keep the community safe. If you are around these buildings, you can expect a large police presence and a simulated activity. This is only a training exercise, there will be no threat to the public.
Active Shooter Training Exercise dates: Thursday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cranford High School – Schools closed for NJEA Convention.
Committee to have combo workshop, official meeting
Cranford’s Township Committee will have a workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7
p.m., followed by an official meeting at 8 p.m. in the Cranford Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Ave., Cranford.
Orchard Branch Land Use Vision Meeting scheduled
The Orchard Branch Land Use Vision Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Blue Acres Program welcomes feedback from Cranford residents on how you want to use the postbuyout of the Orchard Brook section of Cranford. Your voice will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this area.
There will be interactive discussions facilitated by community leaders and staff, a visioning exercise to spark creativity and generate ideas, and feedback opportunities to share your insights and priorities.
& Stamp Collections
Art Work - Paintings - Prints - Bronzes • Fine China Art Work - Paintings - Prints - Bronzes • Fine China
Above left, Grace McLear, owner of Cat Willow Creations, displays some of the handmade crochet items she has been selling for the past two years, including bags, hats, coasters and seasonal items. Above center, Peggy Pazdrow is an animal lover who makes items to support different rescue groups. These include handmade pet mats, bags, purses and tote bags. Above right, Scott Fazzini, trustee and program chairperson of
Cranford
(Continued from Page 1)
fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
“We like to spread good vibes,” she said.
The Cranford Historical Society was founded in 1927 by a group of Cranford citizens committed to preserving the unique history of the special place. The society is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to educating the public through special events and school programs, building the collections and archives and furthering public awareness of the importance of Cranford’s history.
To learn more about The Cranford Historical Society, visit www.cranfordhistoricalsociety. org.
the Cranford Historical Society, was in attendance at its recent Fall Festival at the Crane-Phillips House Museum, located at 124 N. Union Ave. in Cranford. Below, Amy Wallace sits in her Good Vibes VW Photo Booth Bus. Attendees were able to have their photos taken inside the bus, free of charge. But Wallace was taking donations to help support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Historical Society hosts its Fall Festival
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
— At left, Jessie Gaeta sits with her mom, Eileen Gaeta. Jessie makes potholders. She began during the pandemic. Above, Charles ‘Chuck’ Goodfellow, treasurer of the Cranford Historical Society, said the event helps more people get to learn about Cranford.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta FALL FESTIVAL FUN
