CRANFORD — A nearly 100-year-old theater was evacuated after a suspended ceiling collapsed inside one of the building’s six auditoriums Wednesday night First responders were called to the Cranford Theater around 7:30 p.m and found that everyone in the theater on North Avenue had been evacuated No one in the theater or any of the firefighters was injured “It was a suspended ceiling inside the building in one of the theaters. That was actually the collapse, not the roof or the structure itself,” Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro told News 12. ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported that the auditorium with the ceiling was not occupied at the time Two tickets purchased for the auditorium were not used The building has been declared uninhabitable and the cause of the collapse remains under investigation The theater opened in 1926 as the New Branford Theatre and changed its name a year later It was one of two hosts for the Garden State Film Festival in 2024 Cranford Radio podcast host and former New Jersey 101.5 traffic reporter Bernie Wagenblast was supposed to be at the theater Thursday night for a concert that has been postponed She says the theater is still a part of the community with movie screenings and live shows The 11th Reel film festival was scheduled for Saturday Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Gallery Credit: Mike Brant First responders were called to the Cranford Theater around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night and found that everyone in the theater on North Avenue had been evacuated, according to Cranford police.\nRead More CRANFORD — A nearly 100-year-old theater was evacuated after a suspended ceiling collapsed inside one of the building’s six auditoriums Wednesday night “It was a suspended ceiling inside the building in one of the theaters. That was actually the collapse, not the roof or the structure itself,” Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro told News 12. ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported that the auditorium with the ceiling was not occupied at the time 🎟️ 🎥 11th REEL FILM FESTIVAL (Trailer)• Saturday 2025 - 6PM at the historic The Cranford Theater Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A suspect is at large following an attempted burglary that led to a gunshot being fired in Cranford early morning of Monday officers responded to North Lehigh Avenue and Edgebrook Road on a report of an attempted break-in of a car Officers encountered a suspect upon arrival and a foot pursuit ensued Anyone with surveillance footage is asked to email police@cranfordnj.org A 23-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Ringwood on Sunday afternoon The collision involving the motorcycle and a Jeep Cherokee SUV occurred in the area of Skyline Drive and Greenwood Lake Drive at about 5:30 p.m. according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office which said that the occupants of the jeep were not seriously injured in the crash The crash remains under investigation and no further details were immediately available Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office's tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org Thomas Whitehead allegedly hit a police officer with a pole attached to a Palestinian flag at Rutgers The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s office is seeking to detain Thomas N a former doctoral student at Cornell University without bail after he was arrested Tuesday night for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest on the Rutgers University campus This was the second time in less than a week that Whitehead was charged with attacking a police officer: he was involved in an April 23 incident in Jersey City that was referred to the Hudson County prosecutor on an indictable offense Whitehead is accused of hitting a police officer with a flagpole that was attached to a Palestinian Flag outside the Hillel House a meeting place for Jewish students; a group had been protesting a meeting with Rep a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in the June 10 primary election Three Rutgers students were also arrested He is expected to appear at a detention hearing on Tuesday Whitehead was charged with obstructing a government function in Newark and resisting arrest Cranford police officers charged Whitehead with obstructing a government function and of loud noise; he paid a $540 fine after a plea agreement with the municipal prosecutor In Jersey City, Whitehead was also charged with disrupting a public meeting, harassment, criminal trespassing, and resisting arrest.   Hudson County View reported that Whitehead threatened members of the city council over the “perceived” support of Israel and his use of profanity.”  He attended the meeting to protest a flag raising to commemorate the city’s support of Israel “I have no problem saying that if you continue in this flag raising and your general support of the State of Israel myself and I believe the people standing here beside me will just make your lives absolutely 100% the most miserable as possible,” Whitehead said we will make it impossible for you to continue to support of Israel He wasa graduate teaching assistant at Cornell through August 2024 and was the salutatorian of the Cranford High School Class of 2017 By on May 4, 2025No Comment NJ — More than 50 families were lined up to register for a pool membership Recently in the Centennial Avenue Pool parking lot a pool registration event took place with food trucks and a DJ There were crafts for children and games to keep them occupied while their parents stood in line “Going to the pool is a nice way to spend the day in the summer “It’s the perfect summer day (being at the pool) when you have kids.” loves the Splash Pad at the Orange Avenue pool Michael Bell was there with his three girls “How convenient; the pool is three blocks away from where I live I’m grateful they chose not to close the pool.” He especially likes that there are three separate pools – not combined – for various age groups We live within walking distance from the school.” Tashana Martin lives in Roselle and does most of her social outings in Cranford Celeste Tsiolas has been coming to the Centennial Pool since she was her son’s age To learn more about Cranford Township Recreation visit: https://www.cranfordrecreation.org/ Cranford pools welcome community to register membership added by on May 4, 2025View all posts by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta → Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Bill grew up in Newark and for the last thirty years called Cranford his home He will be eternally missed by his loving wife Gina and “his boys” Ben and Sam Gina knew Bill was the one the second he leaned over during Mass when the collection basket was being passed and told her not to worry Bill lit up every room he walked into; and was always “good” He had a sincere interest in all-things sports – the Mets and the Jets - but his greatest joy was watching his boys play hockey and lacrosse He was the biggest family man and very proud of his children in everything that they did He had so much joy to share and kept a positive attitude in “every” situation He never let you forget he cared and how much he loved you Bill will forever be remembered as an adoring husband uncle and friend and ardent supporter of those he loved but his legacy will live on through stories and memories by those of the lives he touched Bill was preceded in death by his father William and his mother Anne his brothers; David (Alison); Robert (Margery) and sister; Rosanne (Mike); brother in law; Gregory (Patricia) and sister in law; Donna (Ed) Bill was the adored uncle by his nieces and nephews and his light will continue to shine on through them with countless memories he will be deeply missed by innumerable lifelong friends and acquaintances The family of Bill Tipton wishes to extend our sincere thanks to “the circle” for your support and kindness during this difficult time We are so grateful for your friendship and for always having us Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday NJ The funeral Mass will take place on Monday Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to your local animal shelter in loving memory of Bill Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors NEW BRUNSWICK — Tensions flared during a pro-Palestinian protest setup outside a Jewish student union event at Rutgers University Three Rutgers students and a 25-year-old Cranford man who is not a student or employee of the university were charged with rioting and other offenses after their arrests at the New Brunswick campus The same Union County man was arrested last week in Hudson County after making inflammatory pro-Palestinian comments during a Jersey City Council meeting Rutgers Police had a designated protest area outside of Rutgers Hillel on the College Avenue Campus during a roundtable event with Congressman Josh Gottheimer four protesters allegedly refused repeated requests from police to clear the public sidewalk Officers formed a protective line to try and restore access but some protesters tried to breach the line prompting police to say that the protest was unlawful and was over The individuals accused of breaching the line were Thomas Whitehead of Budd Lake and 24-year-old Jasmine Rodriguez Whitehead was charged with aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer Tassone was charged with riot and resisting arrest Hassan and Rodriguez were charged with riot “The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office along with the Rutgers University Police Department value free speech and support peaceful protests the pursuit of these Constitutional Rights cannot interfere with Rutgers operations or deleteriously impact public safety,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Rutgers Police Chief Kenneth Cop said in a joint statement on Thursday Whitehead was being held at Middlesex County Jail Whitehead was arrested and charged in Hudson County after causing a disturbance during the Jersey City Council meeting With very long hair pulled mostly over his face while also wearing sunglasses he took the microphone about three hours and 20 minutes into the session objecting to an Israeli flag-raising that happened the next day He ran through atrocities allegedly inflicted on innocent victims within the Palestinian territory during the ongoing conflict with Israel capitalist society that does not care about the well-being of people All you respect is money and power,” Whitehead said from the podium to the Jersey City Council members he added “If you continue in this flag raising and your general support of the state of Israel — myself and I believe the people standing here beside me we'll just make your lives absolutely 100% the most miserable as possible "We will make it impossible for you to continue the support of Israel — maybe not tonight or tomorrow but we will make you stop," Whitehead said “From the river to the sea Palestine will be free so I think I'll just do some more chants — one two three four occupation no more Five six seven eight Israel's a terrorist state,” Whitehead added the councilman leading the meeting interrupted him “Okay you you got to really relax there you cannot be coming in here and threatening council like that,” to which Whitehead is heard on the microphone saying “F*** you” and walking away A police officer in the building was asked to escort Whitehead out He faces charges that include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest Whitehead is being represented by a public defender in both cases Anyone with additional information on the protest outside the Hillel event was asked to call Lieutenant Melvin Breton of the Rutgers University Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 848-932-8025 or Sergeant Andrew Winter of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at 732-745-4178 Whitehead is pursuing a doctorate in statistics and is a teaching assistant at Cornell University He was previously a research assistant at the New Jersey Institute of Technology while attending and graduating from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Whitehead graduated in 2017 from Cranford High School as Salutatorian of his class It is the forth time in the past year that Whitehead has been arrested, New Jersey Globe reported. In June 2024, Whitehead paid a fine to settle a charge of obstructing a government function, the report said. He was also arrested for the same offense and resisting arrest in Newark on April 18, New Jersey Globe reported. A Hillel event at Rutgers University drew some pro-Palestine protesters. Three students were arrested for ignoring police and a NJ man was accused of hitting an officer.\nRead More Whitehead is pursuing a doctorate in statistics and is a teaching assistant at Cornell University It is the forth time in the past year that Whitehead has been arrested, New Jersey Globe reported. In June 2024, Whitehead paid a fine to settle a charge of obstructing a government function, the report said. He was also arrested for the same offense and resisting arrest in Newark on April 18, New Jersey Globe reported. By: Richard L Smith  A ceiling collapse at the Cranford Theater on Wednesday evening prompted a swift evacuation and emergency response according to information released by Cranford police officials Authorities say the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m at the popular theater located at 25 North Avenue West.  they found part of the theater’s ceiling had collapsed while the venue was open and in operation Emergency crews quickly launched a search and rescue operation to ensure no patrons were trapped inside.  A search for two individuals initially thought to be unaccounted for was ultimately negative and officials confirmed that everyone had safely evacuated the building Cranford police confirmed that no injuries resulted from the collapse.  The theater will remain closed as officials investigate the cause and assess structural damage Library funding is under threat. Find out how you can show up for libraries: ala.org/showup CHICAGO – The “Cranford Dixie Giants” project from Cranford High School in Cranford is the recipient of the 2025 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award this Award recognizes collaboration between school librarians and teachers in the instruction of social justice using school library resources A simple question posed during a visit to the library media center in Cranford High School’s “Sports America” elective class sparked a student-driven multidisciplinary project that grew far beyond the classroom What began as a research lesson evolved into a community-wide effort to honor the Cranford Dixie Giants a long-forgotten semi-professional baseball team with deep local roots writing articles and producing podcasts for the school’s news platform Their work raised awareness and laid the groundwork for a proposal to commemorate the team at the historic site where they once played Inspired by the students’ enthusiasm providing resources and opportunities to expand the project The Cranford Dixie Giants were a testament to resilience and talent in the face of segregation students uncovered an overlooked chapter of history and ensured that the legacy of the Cranford Dixie Giants would be remembered for generations to come “The committee was deeply impressed by the extensive engagement and meaningful impact of this project,” said committee chair Sarah Sansbury “Much like the nurturing guidance of Miss Honey provided students with opportunities to learn and grow in a way that felt both organic and deeply connected to the town’s history By honoring the legacy of the Cranford Dixie Giants this project shed light on a previously unrecognized group that helped shape their community’s history The strong sense of community it fostered will leave a lasting impact—not only on the students directly involved but also on future learners and the community as a whole.” Szeluga emphasized that this project was made possible through a series of collective affirmations from various stakeholders It began with the Board of Education approving the “Sports America” course and extended to multiple departments and community members supporting student-driven initiatives From securing research databases through the “AncestryClassroom” grant to obtaining financial backing from the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium for aspiring journalists The town’s Mayor and Council agreed to honor the Cranford Dixie Giants The Cranford Historical Society provided archival documents and research support while educators across disciplines contributed—woodshop students built a commemorative bench a film teacher encouraged documentary production and a journalism advisor facilitated article submissions beyond the school paper The library media specialist eagerly supported deeper research while an English teacher seized a teachable moment to prioritize student engagement over a planned lesson Through these many "yeses," the project became a powerful example of collaboration “Education is an exploratory experience for learners to discover and reflect Connecting to the AASL Explore Learner Standard took this project and an entire community along on a personal journey to learn about the hidden history within their local area,” said AASL President Becky Calzada “The lens of social justice these learners and their community now look through has been changed and will remain with them forever I commend Christine and the learners involved in this project for the lasting impact they have made in Cranford The AASL award winners will be recognized at the 2025 AASL National Conference Penguin Young Readers Group publishes books ranging from birth to young adults in a variety of formats classic authors and illustrators or exciting new licensed properties we strive to make the perfect book for every reader PYR continues to publish outstanding books for readers of all ages Penguin Young Readers Group is a division of Penguin Random House LLC The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org a division of the American Library Association (ALA) empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order to block the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services The American Library Association (ALA) today released the highly anticipated Top 10 Most Challenged Books List An executive order issued by the Trump administration on Friday night calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries The American Library Association launched a new supporter program on February 10 inviting the public to join the fight to protect libraries and library professionals at a pivotal moment in our country’s history The American Library Association responds to the Department of Education's dismissal of complaints about censorship and discrimination: the "effort to terminate protections.. advances the demonstrably false claim that book bans are not real." Today the American Library Association (ALA) launched Show Up for Our Libraries a campaign to harness the collective power of library advocates to influence elected leaders and policymakers The American Library Association extends our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by and to those who have lost everything during the Los Angeles area fires The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 139 public libraries across 42 states to host digital literacy workshops powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T Lewis has made the largest individual bequest to the American Library Association in the association’s history © 1996–2025 American Library Association passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in his hometown of Greenville Buddy's life was a testament to the enduring power of love and hard work.Buddy was the cherished husband of Nancy Cranford with whom he shared a beautiful journey of companionship and mutual support they raised a family that became Buddy's pride and joy Scot Cranford (married to Fran) and Billy Cranford (married to Debbie) Buddy's spirit will forever be cherished and remembered by his seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who brought him immense happiness and pride He was a treasured uncle to many nieces and nephews who will miss his playful humor and warm guidance.Predeceased by his parents Buddy is also survived by his caring sister-in-laws who were integral parts of his extended family circle.Buddy's education culminated at high school after which he dedicated his life to the craft of drywall installation His skilled hands and strong work ethic left a tangible legacy as he contributed to the construction of thousands of homes across the Greenville area His colleagues knew him as a man who not only built walls but also built lasting friendships and a reputation of reliability and excellence in his trade His involvement with local associations reflected his commitment to his profession and his community.An avid outdoorsman Buddy's passion for fishing and spending time at the lake was more than just a hobby—it was a way of life that he joyously shared with friends and family Many will recall his stories of the "big catch" and the tranquility he found in nature's beauty Buddy also had a talent for working on cars a skill he approached with the same precision and care as his professional work where he could often be found tinkering under the hood always willing to lend a hand or share his knowledge with others.Above all His happiest moments were those spent surrounded by his loved ones and spirited personality made every gathering memorable and his laughter was infectious.Buddy will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family His life was a beautiful reflection of the values he held dear—integrity we also celebrate the wonderful life he lived and the countless ways he touched our hearts.He has left an indelible mark on this world not only through the structures he helped build but more importantly through the strong foundation of love and laughter he established within his family Ralph "Buddy" Cranford Sr.'s memory will be lovingly preserved in the stories passed down through generations and the lessons he taught us all by the way he lived his life.A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered the leading Region 2 provider for the state’s Bringing Veterans .. Every parent wants their child to be happy Hartz Mountain Industries has taken the wraps off a new 250-unit luxury apartment property in Cranford where it expects to welcome its first residents as soon as early next year the development has revitalized what was the site of a vacant obsolete office building just north of the Hyatt Hills Golf Complex and less than a mile from the Garden State Parkway Hartz is now marketing the collection of one- and two-bedroom units to prospective renters touting the property’s accessible location and it upscale amenities modern approach to residential living in Cranford,” said Gus Milano Hartz Mountain’s president and chief operating officer “The new development at 750 Walnut Avenue will not only meet the growing demand for housing in the area but also offer a lifestyle that combines comfort March Associates Construction is the general contractor for what’s known as Fairways at Cranford which was designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners Secaucus-based Hartz sought to redevelop the property as far back as 2017 resulting in a project that is helping Cranford satisfy its state-mandated affordable housing obligations the complex has landscaped courtyards with grilling stations a resident lounge with dining tables and bar seating and a theater room Residents will also have access to clubrooms with outdoor access a fully equipped fitness center and coworking spaces with private meeting rooms while each building includes a lobby and ample parking with electric vehicle charging stations Hartz noted that Fairways at Cranford is also minutes from NJ Transit’s Cranford station and from the township’s central business district “We are thrilled to introduce Fairways at Cranford to this thriving community,” Milano added “Our goal is to create a space where residents feel connected to their neighbors and the vibrant town of Cranford while enjoying the comforts of a modern We look forward to contributing to the growth and energy of this community and preserving the area’s charm.” The complex is adjacent to two newly developed warehouses at 730 and 740 Walnut Ave The firm announced in September that it had preleased the latter as it prepared to market the 132,000-square-foot second phase Hartz preleases 109,000 sq. ft. Cranford warehouse, eyes 132,000 sq. ft. second phase has been covering New Jersey commercial real estate for 13 years Many industry leaders view him as the go-to real estate reporter in the state a role he is eager to continue as the editor of Real Estate NJ He is a lifelong New Jersey resident who has spent a decade covering the great Garden State Greek Real Estate Partners has gained a seal of approval for one of its key divisions thanks to a new accreditation from the Institute of Real Estate Management All RIGHTS RESERVED Copyright 2023 Real Estate NJ 101 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Dina Marie Curro She attended Red Bank Catholic High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University Dina worked as a graphic designer for publishing companies Martin’s Press in Manhattan and Pearson Publishing in New Jersey Dina was deeply devoted to her children and the community that supported them She believed in the importance of being involved and found joy in contributing in many ways or taking on special school projects like the yearbook She also cherished traveling with her family and creating lasting memories and shared experiences Dina poured her heart and energy into her children’s lives supporting their dreams and endeavors with unwavering love and dedication Dina is survived by her three beautiful children: Thomas those who wish to are invited to join the family for the burial at Hillside Cemetery in Metuchen donations may be made to Camp Nejeda (www.campnejeda.org) in Dina’s memory Ruby lived a life characterized by her strong faith working in hospitals and home health nursing agencies from Jasper to Houston She had the honor of caring for patients traveling as far as California Her compassion and nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on the lives she touched Ruby was also known for her artistic talents She found great joy in painting and drawing often sharing her creative pursuits with friends at Jefferson Rehab and Collier Park of Beaumont not to mention her loved ones big and small Ruby embraced her spirituality with a gentle heart instilling in her family the values of love and kindness She leaves behind a vibrant legacy and a host of cherished memories Army veterans Robert (wife Yessica) & Todd (wife Hayley) along with seventeen great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren continue to honor her memory through their love and accomplishments Lewis Elmer Everett and Margaret Sterling LeJeune; sisters Mattie "Punkin" and Ruth; and her great-great-grandchild NY CONNECTS TO UC NJ: EAST COAST GREENWAY BIKEWAY Cranford Recreation and Parks Department2nd Floor A/V Room220 Walnut Avenue Union County will be hosting a public meeting presenting the East Coast Greenway Project Contact Us Organizational Chart the son of the late William Givens Cranford and the late Mary Ruth Ireland Cranford Tom joined the United States Army and faithfully served his country during the Korean War Tom started his working career making dentures and then pursued entrepreneurship by operating a gas station Tom ended his working career in 1993 when he retired from the SFTB railroad in Railroad Publication Services.  He loved to spend time with family and shooting the breeze with fellow members of the VFW Post 10069 Tom is also preceded in death by his sons: Thomas David Cranford and Walter Alan Cranford; and his brothers: William Hurd "Bill" Cranford and Carl Robert Cranford Tom is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years Judy Shipp Cranford; his children: William Harold "Hal" Cranford Gerald (Nancy) Cranford; grandchildren: Scott (Candy) Cranford and Amanda Cranford; ten great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Ruth Cranford and Wanda Marietta; several nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home in Hiram at 11:00 am in Sam Clark Chapel (due to weather conditions) with Pastor Benton Cranford officiating The United States Army Honor Guard will provide military funeral honors.  Hal Cranford and Landon Poole serving as Pallbearers those desiring to do so may make contributions to the VFW Post 10069 Georgia is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mr