Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: 'Souperheroes' Taking Over Streets Of Cranford In January

Happening soon: 5 Things You Must Know About Estate Planning After 65 (Online) on the Cranford Patch calendar

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Friday January 9th Patch AM
Friday January 9th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

What's up Cranford! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Cranford’s downtown becomes a comic-themed soup stroll this January
  • What investigators just revealed about the deadly Cranford teen e-bike crash
  • Hear how a Cranford voice guided New York’s historic mayoral inauguration

Also on today's calendar: 5 Things You Must Know About Estate Planning After 65 (Online) and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: A little afternoon rain, with a high of 53 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Saturday: Rain from late morning on, temps: high: 45, low: 39.
  • Sunday: Clouds giving way to some sun, with a high of 46 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 'Souperheroes' Taking Over Streets Of Cranford In January (patch.com) — Cranford’s downtown will transform into a comic-themed “Souperhero Stroll” on Jan. 17 and 18, featuring balloon sculptures of heroes and villains and soup tastings at local restaurants. Families can choose timed slots, dress kids in costumes, and bring canned soup donations to support local food banks, with registration at Eastman Plaza.
   

• Uncovered: Cranford Teen Stalked Before She and Her Best Friend Were Killed (usmagazine.com) — Two Cranford teens, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were fatally struck by a speeding car in their neighborhood last September, after Maria had repeatedly reported harassment and stalking by the driver. A new true-crime video series episode revisits the case, outlining prior swatting incidents at the Niotis home, the family’s concerns about police response, and their lawyer’s push for full accountability and justice.
   

• Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing: 1/8/2026 (insidernj.com) — A longtime Cranford resident, Bernie Wagenblast, served as the official announcer when New York City swore in its new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, on January 1. Her familiar voice guided millions of viewers through the historic ceremony, highlighting Cranford’s connection to a milestone moment in big-city politics.
   

📸 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 ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Friday January 9
  • Julia Gagnon
    Crossroads , 78 North Ave , Garwood
    8:00 pm
    • Saturday January 10
  • FIDDLER AUDITIONS 10:00AM
    Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
    • Sunday January 11
  • SHOULDA 12:00-6:00
    Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
    • Monday January 12
  • FIDDLER CALLBACKS 6:00PM
    Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
  • WILD 3:00PM - 5:15
    Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
    • Tuesday January 13
  • SHOULDA 7:00
    Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
  • Wrestling: MS vs. Arthur L. Johnson (Home)
    Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
    4:00 pm
    • Sunday January 18
  • Cranford Jaycees Winter Blood Drive
    VFW Post 335 , 479 South Avenue East , Cranford
    10:00 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!

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:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • New Jersey Blood Services Declares Blood Emergency —Shauna Lynch Read on Patch
  • Allied Universal posted a job opening for Security Officer - Government Entry Screening PT in Scotch Plains. Apply here.
  • Staples posted a job opening for Retail Sales Supervisor in Linden. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cranford here.

🗞 Nearby News

Kenilworth

  • Kenilworth's Fearvana Yoga Announces January Schedule & Upcoming Events (tapinto.net)
  • Michigan Deli Lunch Specials January 8 (tapinto.net)
  • Kenilworth's Brearley Girls Varsity Basketball Team Continue to Make Fans Proud (tapinto.net)

Summit

  • Threat Leads To Shelter-In-Place At Union County Schools: Police (patch.com)
  • Parking Temporarily Prohibited In Areas Of Summit: See Where (patch.com)

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 really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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