🌱 Patch AM: Cranford Cafe Closing After Nearly 12 Years In Business

Hey there, Cranford! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Beloved Cranford juice bar pours its final drinks Wednesday
• What did police know before the deadly Cranford crash on Burnside Avenue?
• Cranford church hosts emotional farewell for actor Peter Greene

Also on today's calendar: Meadowbrook Day Camp to Host Open House on January 11, 2026 and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Breezy; morning flurries, with a high of 34 and low of 26 degrees.
• Thursday: Cold; morning flurries, temps: high: 29, low: 17. ⛄️ Brr!
• Friday: Breezy with periods of sun, with a high of 32 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Cranford Cafe Closing After Nearly 12 Years In Business (patch.com) — Cranford residents are saying goodbye to Fresh Press Juice Co., which is closing its downtown location on Wednesday after nearly 12 years as a staple for organic, vegan, and gluten-free fare. The sister-owned cafe is inviting locals for one last visit from noon to 2 p.m. on South Avenue East, while encouraging customers to continue visiting their thriving Bernardsville and Summit shops.
   

• Maria Niotis' Alleged Killer Had a Violent History (thenationalherald.com) — Cranford residents are learning more about the troubled history of the teen now charged in the deadly September crash that killed two local girls on Burnside Avenue. Newly released police call records from neighboring Garwood detail escalating concerns and alleged violence reported by his parents weeks before the incident, as questions grow about prior warnings and how authorities responded.
   

• 'Mask' star Peter Greene remembered at private memorial (pagesix.com) — A private memorial for actor Peter Greene was held at St. Michael Church in Cranford, drawing about three dozen family members and close friends to share emotional stories and say goodbye. Attendees remembered the Montclair-born star’s talent, warmth, and plans for New Year’s Eve as questions remain about his sudden death earlier this month.
   

📸 Around Cranford

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cranford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday January 1

• NEW YEARS DAY
  Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
• Closed for New Year's Day
  Westfield Memorial Library , 550 East Broad Street , Westfield

Friday January 2

• Ice Hockey: Boys Developmental vs. Montclair (Home)
  Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
  4:40 pm

Sunday January 4

• SHOULDA 12:00-6:00
  Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
• Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity vs. Madison (Away)
  Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
  8:00 pm

Monday January 5

• WILD 3:00PM - 5:15
  Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
• Bowling: Varsity (Date Changed from 01-09-26) vs. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (Home)
  Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
  4:00 pm

Tuesday January 6

• Wrestling: MS vs. Linden (Away)
  Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
  4:00 pm

Sunday January 11

• Meadowbrook Day Camp to Host Open House on January 11, 2026
  Meadowbrook Country Day Camp , 73 E Valley Brook Rd , Washington Township
  11:00 am

📣 Cranford Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 31

• Countdown to 2026
  Sunny Side Studio NJ , 1833 Front St , Scotch Plains
  9:30 am
• Main - ESL
  Woodbridge Township, NJ Calendar
  10:00 am
• Early Closing
  Springfield Public Library Springfield, NJ 07081
  2:00 pm
• Thrift Store Open
  74 S Martine Ave , Fanwood
  3:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Cranford PatchAM possible:

• Orange Mattress — (732) 428-4125
  Call or Stop by for Daily Deals
• Omega Maintenance Facilities & Janitorial Services — (908) 282-4482
  Hurry - November Savings 20% Discount for All New Accounts!
• Dogtopia of Union — (475) 338-3501
  Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness
• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• One of my earliest holiday commissions was this stunning Palomino 🐎
  Such a beautiful subject to work with, and my client did an amazing job framing it. Funny how, even without posting it, I went on to receive two… (Nextdoor Cranford - South Side)

• ShopRite Supermarkets posted a job opening for ShopRite - Online Shopping Clerk (Village NJ) Salary Range $15.49 - $15.49/hr in Garwood. Apply here.
• Home Depot posted a job opening for Lot Associate in Garwood. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cranford here.

🗞 Nearby News

Kenilworth

• Kenilworth Residents on UCTVS Team ‘The Believers' to Hold Fundraiser at Fearvana Yoga (tapinto.net)
• Kenilworth's 3rd Annual Unleashed Pro Fundraiser for the PBA Date Announced (tapinto.net)
• Michigan Deli Athletes of the Week: Georgia Sode & Joe Squaillaro (tapinto.net)

Springfield

Ok Cranford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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