Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Cranford Recruits Graduate Union County Fire Program
Also check out Restorative Chair Yoga on the Cranford Patch calendar

Hello again Cranford! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Four Cranford firefighter recruits earn certifications and join volunteer ranks
- What did police know before the deadly Cranford crash on Burnside Avenue?
- How did Cranford’s hockey team fare in their latest matchup?
Also on today's calendar: Restorative Chair Yoga and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Cranford? Post it to Cranford photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Cold with clouds and sun, with a high of 33 and low of 22 degrees.
- Wednesday: Breezy with clouds and sun, temps: high: 44, low: 27.
- Thursday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 46 and low of 40 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Cranford Recruits Graduate Union County Fire Program (patch.com) — Cranford residents have four newly certified call firefighters after local recruits completed an intensive 18-week program at the Union County Fire Academy. Jacob Cermak, Michael DeGregorio, Brandon Dipaolo, and Robert Salvatore earned Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, with DeGregorio also receiving a leadership award, as town officials welcomed them into the Cranford Fire Department’s Volunteer Division.
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2. Police calls reveal teen accused of killing Cranford girls had history of violence (wpst.com) — Cranford residents are learning that police were called four times in August about a teen now accused in the September crash that killed two local girls on Burnside Avenue. Newly reviewed records and swatting allegations are raising questions about prior responses and whether the case will be handled in juvenile or adult court.
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3. West Essex-Caldwell defeats Cranford - Boys ice hockey recap (nj.com subscription) — Cranford’s boys ice hockey team was shut out 6–0 by West Essex-Caldwell at Warinaco Park in Roselle, despite 36 saves from goalie Evan Ramos. West Essex-Caldwell dominated shots on goal and capitalized on four power-play chances, while Cranford’s power play came up empty in the loss.
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4. Americans like artificial Christmas trees even though few are made in US (kcra.com) — A major artificial Christmas tree maker based in Cranford, National Tree Co., has shifted some manufacturing from China to Cambodia and is exploring more non-China suppliers as tariffs drive up prices. The story explains how global trade tensions, labor costs, and U.S. tariffs are reshaping where most artificial trees are made and why large-scale production is unlikely to return to the U.S. anytime soon.
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📸 Around Cranford
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Cranford
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Restorative Chair Yoga
Temple Emanu-El, 1 E 65th St, New York
11:00 am - Art of Living Part 1 Program in the presence of Gurudev
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, 2 Exchange Pl, Jersey City
6:00 pm - Christmas Eve Family Service with Glowsticks at First Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, NJ, 11 Springfield Ave, Cranford
4:00 pm - Broadway Through the Ages
Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Rd, Westfield
5:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Friday December 19
Wednesday December 24
Wednesday December 31
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Cabaret Rehearsal 7:00
Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford - Wrestling: JV vs. Linden (Home)
Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
5:00 pm - Wrestling: Varsity vs. Linden (Home)
Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
6:00 pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity vs. Cranford (Home)
Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
6:35 pm - Basketball: Girls Varsity vs. Plainfield (Home)
Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
4:00 pm - Basketball: Boys Freshman vs. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (Away)
Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
4:00 pm - Bowling: Varsity vs. Linden (Home)
Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
4:00 pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, NJ , 11 Springfield Ave , Cranford
8:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Wednesday December 24
📣 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!
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 - Dogtopia of Union — (475) 338-3501
Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness - Omega Maintenance Facilities & Janitorial Services — (908) 282-4482
Hurry - November Savings 20% Discount for All New Accounts!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
🪧 Patch Classifieds
- School Bus Monitors
We Are Looking for Team Members!!!... (More info)
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- December Serenade at CDC Theatre —Maureen Monroe Read on Patch
- Cranford Knights of Columbus Supported 2025 Franciscan Charities Annual Fall Coat Drive —John J. Doolan Read on Patch
- H&R Block posted a job opening for Guest Services Coordinator in Cranford. Apply here.
- Kiewit posted a job opening for Safety Manager - Marine Infrastructure in Cranford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cranford here.
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 don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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