Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Curious about your home’s value?
Please click below for the market update of interest to you:
Westfield by Grade School:
Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
October 20, 2023
Cranford Halloween Events 2023
The Scarecrow Stroll is just one of the crazy fun Cranford Halloween events taking place this month. Other events include movies, haunted tours, storytime, and even something your furry friends can join in on. Learn more below.
Cranford Halloween Events 2023
Movies
The Cranford Theater set up a pretty sweet schedule of movies for all to see just in time for Halloween. Come see “Back to the Future” on Saturday, October 21st. This includes an opportunity to glance at the DeLorean time machine in person. After you take the kids home and leave them with a babysitter, come back to the theater for a 10 pm screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. (Costumes optional.) The Garlic Bistro provides brunch and a movie with their own showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” on Sunday, October 22nd.
The weekend before Halloween brings out the scarier fare. On Saturday, October 28th, the Cranford Theater shows the Freddy Krueger classic “Nightmare on Elm Street”. Then, on Halloween night, stop by the theater for a screening of what else? John Carpenter’s classic “Halloween”.
Haunted Cranford Tours
Take a haunted tour of Cranford. For one night only (October 21st), Haunted History Productions offers a very special tour of some of Cranford’s oldest residents and tells their tales. The tour starts at the Cranford Municipal Building’s front lawn. Get your tickets now by visiting the Haunted Cranford Tours website here.
Ghostbusters Day
Yes. Cranford celebrates spooky-ooky season with their very own “Ghostbusters Day” on October 28th sponsored by Martin Jewelers. But you might want to prepare for the day with a Ghostbusters manicure at Sister’s Nails on October 24th. Reservations are highly recommended though. And Max & Luna offer a special storytime with Stay Puft on Monday, October 23rd at noon. Sweet ‘n Fancy offers a Ghostbusters Treat Class on October 28th. But you must reserve your spot ahead of time.
Various Other Halloween Fun
Head out to Hanson Park on October 21st for the pumpkin carve-out and parade at 6 p.m. Join the apple pie-eating contest at Eastman Clock Plaza on October 22nd at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a treat at the candy apple station (while supplies last) set up at Venue 104 from 3 pm to 5 pm on October 26th. Dress up your pooch and enter them into the Howl-O-Ween Parade at Eastman Clock Plaza at 11 a.m. on October 28th. Yvette’s Dance Studio hosts a Thrills and Chills Dance Fest at their location at noon on October 29th. And the Jaycees put on their own Halloween parade and a bit of punkin-chunkin from 2 pm to 3 pm at the Cranford Community Center.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
October 13, 2023
Scotch Plains Harvest Festival 2023
There’s more going on in October than just Halloween. Westfield celebrates AddamsFest. And Cranford has their Scarecrow Stroll. But what about us? We celebrate the season with the Scotch Plains Harvest Festival.
- What: Scotch Plains Harvest Festival 2023
- Where: The Frazee House (1451 Raritan Rd)
- When: Saturday, October 21st, 12 pm to 5 pm
- Admission: FREE
Scotch Plains Harvest Festival 2023
This fun fall festival takes place at one of the oldest homes in the area: the Frazee House. The Rotary Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains hosts an afternoon of family-friendly fun. Entertainment for the day includes a petting zoo, pony rides, tons of games, a haunted trail, and much, much more. Enjoy live music while you feast on a tasty offering from one of several food vendors on-site. Parking and admission are absolutely free of charge.
AddamsFest 2023
AddamsFest 2023 is in full swing right now in Westfield. While Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball and Charlie’s Ale Garden have been sold out for weeks, plenty of other events keep visitors entertained throughout the month of October. No one gets bored in Westfield during the month of October.
Cranford Scarecrow Stroll
This year’s Scarecrow Stroll in Cranford starts today (October 13th) with a candy stroll at Eastman Clock Plaza Park. The City also has several other events planned throughout the rest of the month. But do not forget to take a walk around downtown to check out all of the entries in the stroll.
Bike MS NYC 2023
Finally, just a reminder. The Bike MS NYC 2023 ride takes place in just over a week. Team Guys and Dolls would really love your assistance in helping us reach our lofty goal of $5000 in donations. You can donate by clicking the “donate” button above. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go to a very worthy charity that is near and dear to my heart. Thank you.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
October 6, 2023
Bike MS NYC 2023
October is here. That means that Bike MS NYC 2023 is coming to town. Team Guys & Dolls rides again! This special event completely shuts down motorized traffic on the West side of Manhattan for one day only in order to raise money for a cause very near and dear to my heart: the National MS Society.
- What: Bike MS NYC 2023
- Where: Manhattan
- When: Sunday, October 22nd
Bike MS NYC 2023
I’ve told this story before but it bears repeating. When we started riding for Bike MS more than 20 years ago, it was to support my lovely sister-in-law Diane. We rode in hopes of finding a cure for this terrible disease. When Diane lost her life to COVID three years ago, we switched over to honoring her memory by raising money to help others who fight MS every single day.
What You Can Do to Help
This year, Team Guys & Dolls set a pretty lofty goal. But I believe in aiming high. We want to raise $5000. But we need your help to do so. Please click the donate button above. This takes you to my fundraising page on the Bike MS website. Once there, you can donate $35, $50, $100 or more. Everything collected goes directly to the National MS Society.
$500 provides a person living with MS six months of valuable one-on-one counseling services. $1000 outfits a vehicle with modifications that help someone living with MS continue to operate their car themselves, providing them the dignity and independence everyone deserves. $2500 grants 10 people access to their own personal MS Navigator. These Navigators assist in finding goods and services that specifically fit an individual’s needs. $5000 funds an Ask an Expert webinar program. Through just one webinar, thousands of people living with MS and their caretakers learn valuable information and gain access to resources to help make their lives a little easier. Please donate what you can today. Thank you.
Want to Ride?
We have a pretty tight core group at Team Guys & Dolls. But we accept new members with open arms. If you love to ride and would like to see some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks from one of the most unique perspectives ever, contact me about joining the team. We take practice rides to warm up for the big 30-mile trek later this month. You’re always welcome to join.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
September 29, 2023
Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
Fall is definitely in the air. Even Mother Nature couldn’t stop the very first Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour from taking place last weekend. While nearby Westfield offers a month-long celebration of native son Charles Addams during AddamsFest next month, our fair city also provides a tradition of its own: the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll.
- What: Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
- Where: Downtown Cranford
- When: October 13th to 31st
Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
Each year, this beloved event showcases scarecrows created by local businesses, organizations, families, and kids for a bit of friendly fun and healthy competition. Everyone comes out a winner because we all get to enjoy the sights of these silly, scary, and downright creative scarecrows for two and a half weeks leading up to Halloween. But this year’s stroll features so much more. In fact, organizers scheduled a different event almost every one of the 19 days the stroll takes place.
This year’s stroll kicks off with a candy stroll at Eastman Clock Plaza Park on Friday, October 13th. Yes. That’s Friday the 13th. Rather appropriate, no? Registration is required and tickets are limited. The stroll ends with a special Halloween night treat at the Cranford Theater. In between, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in spooky paint and sips, trivia, beer-tasting, an apple pie contest, Halloween yoga, movies, and more. For more information on what happens and when visit the City of Cranford’s website here. Most of the events require you to purchase tickets. Please make note of this when perusing the website.
Registration Information
If you want to participate in this year’s scarecrow competition, it costs nothing to register. However, you do need to register by the end of the day on October 2nd. Register for one of these categories: youth (12 and under), teen/adult (13 and above), families, schools/organizations, or businesses. The winner of each category goes on to compete for Best Overall. For more information and to register, please visit the Downtown Scarecrow Stroll registration page. Good luck!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
September 19, 2023
Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Lattes. Candles. Donuts. Bread. Cheesecake. Oatmeal. ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin spice. Customers go crazy for this seasonal spice every fall. And companies want to keep up. Can you believe Hefty even offers pumpkin spice trash bags? To celebrate this autumnal seasoning, downtown Cranford hosts the Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour.
What: Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (North Union Ave)
When: Saturday, September 23rd, Noon to 4 pm
Admission: $5/person
Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208
Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Looking for something fun to do with the family? Celebrate the final day of summer and welcome in the Fall at the Pumpkin Spice Tour in Downtown Cranford. Enjoy a live pumpkin carving. Visit various stores around the downtown area for a special tasting tour. Listen to live music. Get your face painted. It’s fun for everyone.
You must purchase a bracelet to participate in the Pumpkin Spice Tour. They only cost $5 each. Simply visit the Downtown Cranford Eventbrite website here to purchase your bracelet today. Then, on the day of the event, go to the Eastman Clock Plaza to pick up your bracelet and your map of businesses participating in the tour. It’s that simple.
AddamsFest 2023
Just a reminder (as if you needed one). Next month is AddamsFest 2023. Registration for the Haunt My House ends on October 1st or when all 50 positions are filled up. They fill up quickly, so you need to act quickly if you plan on participating. Tickets for the Morticia and Gomez Masquerade Ball are already sold out. The first round of ticket sales for Charlie’s Ale Garden happened on Wednesday, September 20th. If you missed out, you get another chance to try next Wednesday, September 27th. Log on right at 7 p.m. to buy yours. Otherwise, you must wait until next year. Good luck!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
September 15, 2023
AddamsFest 2023 Info
For those keeping track, we only have 16 more days until October. And around Westfield, October means only one thing…AddamsFest 2023! Yes, Halloween moves over ever-so-slightly to usher everything Addams family-related. And it all makes for a scary good time!
AddamsFest 2023 Info
Arguably Westfield’s most famous resident, Charles Addams made spooky entertaining through his cartoons from the 1930s to his death and beyond. To celebrate, organizers put together several fun activities throughout October.
Haunt Your House 2023
Registration for Haunt Your House opened up last Sunday, September 10th. To accommodate more people, organizers opened up two routes this year. Only work seen from the street qualifies for judging in this contest. Registration is only open to the first 25 people for daytime haunts and the first 25 people for nighttime haunts. So if you’re interested in participating, you need to sign up right away. Registration closes on October 1st or when the limit is reached (whichever comes first). You must decorate your home and submit a photo of the completed work no later than October 8th. Winners will be determined by the number of votes received. Each category includes a first, second, and third-place winner. Good luck.
Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball
This year, the ball takes place on what else? Friday the 13th, of course. This event at the James Ward Mansion proves to be one of the most popular each year. Therefore, it sells out quickly. Tickets went on sale last Tuesday (the 12th). If you’re lucky, there still should be a few left.
The Gallery on Elm Street
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 13th to October 29th, The Gallery at 122 Elm Street features works of art from Charles Addams and Edward Gorey. Chief on display will be the duo’s Wild Curious Creatures and the Addams Animal Menagerie with works of art inspired by Charles Addams’ cartoons.
Wild Walk Pet Parade
From 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, October 14th, dress your favorite mutt or kitty-cat in their best costume. Then parade them through downtown Westfield. Best costumed pet wins a prize. You might even meet your next furry friend here. Several animals will be available for adoption.
Lantern Cemetery Tours
For one night only, the Presbyterian Church offers special lantern cemetery tours. That night (October 14th), tours start at 5 pm and run every 10 minutes until 6:30 pm.
Addams Family Fun Day
On Sunday, October 15th, Quimby Ave transforms into an Addams-inspired wonderland. Decorate pumpkins with the doctors at Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care. Or watch the experts show off their skills at the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers’ demonstration. Local youth bands perform live all day long on the Atlantic Health Youth Stage. And listen to Westfield’s own author Peter Lyons read his children’s book Tonight, Tonight is Halloween every hour on the half-hour from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Charlie’s Ale Garden
The Westfield Armory becomes Charlie’s Ale Garden on Saturday, October 21st. Saved by the 90s headlines the evening’s live entertainment, with several other local bands playing before them. Food trucks provide food for purchase while you drink wine and/or beer provided by the Harvest Restaurant Group. This year, tickets will be sold in two separate rounds: first on September 20th at 7 pm and second on September 27th at 7 pm. Organizers are trying to get permission to use the grounds outside of the armory as well. If that happens, they plan on opening up more tickets to purchase in the days leading up to the event. Check back on the AddamsFest website when the two rounds open up. This is one of the most popular events of the entire month. Tickets sell out right away each year. So, make sure you mark your calendars and check in early.
Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond
All throughout October, a miniature version of the Addams Family house floats out on Mindowaskin Pond. Visitors are welcome to come any time to take a photo with it.
Addams Family-Inspired Murals
Come see the murals created by talented local artists at the Central Ave Underpass all month long as well. This ever-changing canvas showcases a variety of artwork throughout the year. But the ode to Charles Addams’ beloved work only lasts through the end of October.
Wicked Windows of Westfield
Another fun and free chance to celebrate Westfield’s native son is by wandering around downtown Westfield and looking at the Wicked Windows set up in shops around town. Several shops set up Addams Family-inspired displays in their windows for the entire month of October. Once you see the displays outside, head inside to see what frighteningly great deals you may find inside.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
September 7, 2023
Scotch Plains-Fanwood Hometown Hero Banner Program
On November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day. On this day, we honor all of the brave men and women who fought for our country. Scotch Plains and Fanwood want families and friends to show special recognition for their loved ones with their own banner. Right now, Scotch Plains and Fanwood are accepting submissions for their Hometown Hero Banner Program. Do you have someone you want to submit for this special honor?
Scotch Plains-Fanwood Hometown Hero Banner Program
Between now and September 25th, anyone can submit the name of their beloved veteran to be a part of the Hometown Hero Banner Program. The only requirements are that the veteran is either a currently enrolled or former member (either living or deceased) of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Army Air Corps, Merchant Marines, or the Women Air Force Pilots who served during World War II. The service member must also have been a resident of either Scotch Plains or Fanwood at some point.
All you need to do is submit their name, rank, and branch of service they serve/served, including years of service, online here. Organizers also ask that you include a photo of them (preferably in uniform). This photo along with their other info will then be included on a banner hung around the city on Veterans Day. This year marks the last time that this program accepts submissions. Anyone submitted and accepted in years past will continue to have their banners flown for Veterans Day. What an amazing way to acknowledge your appreciation for the sacrifice your loved one made or currently makes for our country. Consider submitting them for their very own Hometown Hero banner this year.
Westfield FestiFall Street Fair 2023
Just a heads up. This weekend is the FestiFall Street Fair in Westfield. From 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, September 10th, downtown Westfield along Central Ave fills up with dozens of food, craft, retail, and other vendors to welcome the Fall season. This is most definitely a family event. Let your children expend some energy in the free Kids Zone. They can ride the rides and bounce and/or slide on the inflatables set up there. Just make sure you pay attention to the traffic around Central Ave during the fair. It will get diverted starting early Saturday morning and going well into the evening the same day. Take the family out on Saturday for Scotch Plains’ 2nd Street Block Party and then spend Sunday in Westfield for FestiFall.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
September 1, 2023
Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023
Many new people and businesses have moved into the Scotch Plains area over the past few years. These businesses brought renewed energy to the 2nd Street business district. To celebrate these wonderful local companies, the Township of Scotch Plains decided to host the very first Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party and Car Show.
What: Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023
Where: E 2nd Street between Park Ave & Hunter Ave
When: Saturday, September 9th, 1 pm to 5 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Margaret Heisey with Township of Scotch Plains (908) 322-6700 x314 or via email
Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023
From 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, September 9th, E 2nd Street shuts down to automotive traffic between Park Ave and Hunter Ave. Instead, the streets fill up with pedestrians and amazing deals from local businesses and organizations. Come see live demonstrations. Enter one of the multiple contests and, hopefully, win a giveaway. Sample some amazing food. See some fabulous art on display. Talk to one of the many consultants on-site to learn more about services provided by our East 2nd Street businesses. Then, of course, there is the car show. You definitely won’t want to miss that. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with this year’s event, organizers plan on hosting a rain date on Sunday, September 10th.
Do you own a classic car that you want to show off at the block party? Now’s your chance to shine. Contact Bob LaCosta by calling (908) 322-6700 x308 or emailing him at blacosta@scotchplainsnj.com.
Businesses You’ll See at the Block Party
- 2 Much Sauce
- Best Friend Thrift Shop
- The Bike Stand
- BISC Pottery Studio
- CSM Fitness Center
- The Details Barber Shop & Shave Parlor
- DiNizo Pools
- Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League Thrift Shop
- First Option Juice Hub & Salad Bar
- Health & Fitness Professionals
- Joan Marie Photography|The Studio
- Lifestyle Studio Barber Shop
- The Moderne Academie of Fine Arts
- No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
- Pat’s American Butcher Shop
- Pizza Brothers
- Savory Selections Catering
- Scotch Plains Medical Center
- Simply Groomed (pet grooming)
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
