Cranford Radio

It's National Library Week and to mark the occasion my guest on this episode of the Cranford Radio podcast is Kathy Cannarozzi, the director of the Cranford Public Library. We chat about a variety of topics including her first year at the library, the plans to expand the children's section and the CPL's role as a book sanctuary.

Often, the highway infrastructure of the state is taken for granted. We hop in our cars and drive from place to place with little thought of what's necessary to let it happen. When something goes wrong, however, we quickly realize how fragile our infrastructure can be.

Chris Feinthel, Assistant Commissioner for Operations in the New Jersey Department of Transportation, grew up in Cranford never thinking he would be in charge of operations for a massive roadway system stretching from High Point to Cape Map Point. On this joint production of Cranford Radio and Transportation Radio, I talk with Chris about his job, what happens when weather throws a wrench into transportation and how NJDOT is making adjustments as climate change impacts the transportation infrastructure.

You may know Dinah Dunn through her work as a writer and reporter for TAPinto Cranford. Your grade school kids may know her through the books she's written for Scholastic Books. 

On this week's podcast I talk to Dinah about what she's learned about Cranford since joining the online news site in September and how she writes to encourage young reluctant readers to pick up and read a book.

When you're a parent, especially with young children, you keep a close eye on your kids. You want to give them everything they need to thrive and you're on the lookout for any areas in which they need help.

It's a big moment when they say that first word, and from there advance to simple sentences and build their vocabulary. Some kids need help in developing their communication skills and that's where this week's guests comes in. Amanda Kukis is the owner of FUNctional Speech + Language and a Cranford resident. She works with young children, starting as young as 15-months, to overcome issues they may have with speech. We'll hear about some of the conditions she deals with and how she helps not only the children but their parents resolve these issues.

On this St. Patrick's Day weekend we talk with Cranford resident Jennifer Love. Jennifer was named the Irishwoman of the Year by the Union County Daughters of Ireland. The honor is just one facet of her story.

She is a long-time Realtor and currently manages the Westfield office of Weichert Realtors.  She's also served as an advocate for Emma's Law, which would require school vehicles which transport special needs children be equipped with tracking and other equipment. Learn more in this week's Cranford Radio podcast.