Local Events • August 25, 2023

Solar Charging Benches Installed in Downtown Westfield

by Scott Gleason

Solar Charging Benches in Downtown Westfield

Westfield takes “going green” to a whole new level. Let’s say you decide to go shopping in the downtown area. You plan on meeting up with your bestie at the Rock ‘n Joe for a cup of coffee. But you can’t remember what time you agreed on. You pull out your phone and realize that your battery may die in the next few minutes. What do you do? Well, if you find yourself near one of the newly installed solar charging benches, simply sit down, plug in, and wait.

Solar Charging Benches Installed in Downtown Westfield

That’s right. Downtown Westfield now includes two solar charging benches with two more set for installation soon. Plus, if these benches prove valuable to the public at large, more benches may be installed at a later date.

For now, you may find the initial two benches set up at Elm and North. Each bench includes dual USB ports. The Downtown Westfield Corporation plans on installing two more benches at the South Ave train station soon. A state grant paid for the $11,600 cost of these initial four benches from Sun Charge Systems. It’s just one way that the City hopes to bring a clean alternative to traditional electric charging and add convenience to local citizens and visitors alike.

Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023 Event

Another way to reduce our carbon footprint (as well as trash thrown into local landfills) is by participating in the Scotch Plains Freecycle Event. If you find yourself with extra children’s toys, old books, small kitchen appliances, puzzles, games, or other gently used items, register for the freecycle event. Schedule a time to drop these items off at Brookside Park early in the morning on Saturday, September 9th. Then, come back later in the morning to search through other people’s donations. Everything will be available to take absolutely free of charge, too.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • August 24, 2023

August 2023 Market Update

by Scott Gleason

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 • August 18, 2023

Westfield School Supply Drive

by Scott Gleason

Westfield students begin their 2023/2024 school year on September 7th. As most parents know, school supplies can be expensive. For some Westfield area households, that brings an additional strain to their finances. If you want to help ease their burden, consider donating to the Westfield School Supply Drive.

What: Westfield School Supply Drive
Where: Various Locations Around Westfield (see below)
When: 8 am to 5 pm now through August 20th

Westfield School Supply Drive

Local high school student Jillian Almendral strives to make a difference in our community with her volunteer work. Since June, she has spearheaded a local school supply drive to benefit those less fortunate kids in our area. Supplies needed include backpacks, notebooks, composition books, #2 pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, erasers, folders, pens, highlighters, crayons, markers, calculators, glue, child-safe scissors, and rulers. They request that all items donated be new (or gently used when it comes to backpacks). They also accept gift cards for Amazon or Visa. New laptops, tablets, and headphones would also be greatly appreciated. All supplies will be donated to Jersey Cares for distribution where needed.

Drop-Off Locations

* Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St)
* Westfield Memorial Pool (713 Cumberland St)
* Westfield Area YMCA (220 Clark St or 422 E Broad St)
* Westfield High School (550 Dorian Rd)

Tax-Holiday for NJ School Supply Shoppers

Every year, New Jersey waives sales tax for back-to-school supplies for a ten-day period. This year, it falls between August 26th and September 4th. Unfortunately, that timeframe comes after the school supply drive takes place in Westfield. But it still provides a bit of relief for parents getting their children ready for the new school year. For a complete list of these items, please visit the NJ Division of Taxation website here.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • August 11, 2023

Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023

by Scott Gleason

Feel like getting a jump on your spring cleaning? Want to clear out the clutter in your home before Christmas? Let your trash become another man’s treasure at the Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023 event.

What: Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023
Where: Brookside Park (1255 Hetfield Ave)
When: Saturday, September 9th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Scotch Plains Department of Parks & Recreation (908) 322-6700 ext 223 or via email

Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023

Have your kids outgrown their toys? Did you redecorate your home but don’t know what to do with your old stuff? Are your shelves brimming with old books that need a new home? Don’t toss them to the curb. Bring it all to the Freecycle event. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate on September 9th, organizers set a rain date of September 10th.

For efficiency, you need to register on Scotch Plains’ Community Pass website. Choose a time slot in which to drop off your items. Acceptable items to donate include books, toys, games, puzzles, sports equipment, small appliances, kitchenware, and holiday decorations. No glass or bicycles, please. All items must be in good condition and working properly or else they will be turned away.

Once everything gets dropped off and categorized/organized appropriately, the shopping begins. From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, the public is welcome to look through all donated materials and take whatever they want home with them. Not only does this keep them from piling up in our landfills, but they are offered absolutely free of charge. Can it get any better than that? You don’t even have to be a Scotch Plains resident to participate. All are welcome to join.

Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration

Scotch Plains Township’s Freecycle event doesn’t take place until September. But the DOGust Celebration happens this weekend. Bring your pooch to Jerseyland Park between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm for some family-friendly fun in the sun.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • August 4, 2023

Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023

by Scott Gleason

Who went to the Westfield Night Out Event on Tuesday? Did you like it? Is it something you would recommend to others? I think it’s wonderful because it lets us get to know our neighbors better as well as our neighborhood helpers. Another fun community event you might want to put on your calendar is the Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration.

What: Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023
Where: Jerseyland Park (2377 Richmond St)
When: Saturday, August 12th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Contact: Scotch Plains Recreation Department (908) 322-6700 x223

Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023

Come praise your favorite four-legged furry friends at the DOGust Celebration. Specifically, this event celebrates all locally rescued and adopted dogs in the Scotch Plains area. K9 Resorts hosts this fun family-friendly/pet-friendly event. They plan on handing out treats (of course) and plan on offering tons of fun activities for both humans and dogs. Since they expect temperatures to run pretty high, they also offer a spectacular cool-off zone for everyone as well. Additionally, several local organizations will be on hand to provide guests with helpful information and tools about caring for our precious furry family members. Plus, there will be a donation drive on-site.

K9 Resorts provides your pet with a luxury experience in daycare. They also offer high-class boarding services. Socialization is important for pets as well as people. Doggy daycare at K9 Resorts allows your pets to interact with other dogs in a safe, well-supervised environment. Check out K9 Resorts today.

Registration Information

While organizers provide all of this fun absolutely free of charge, they ask that you register ahead of time. Only one dog is allowed per human. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination when you sign up for DOGust. To register your pooch, please visit the Scotch Plains Community Pass website here.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • July 28, 2023

Westfield National Night Out 2023

by Scott Gleason

Westfield offers a safe place to live and raise a family. We owe a lot of that to the bravery of our first responders. You can meet them and tell them thank you for their service in person at Westfield National Night Out 2023.

What: Westfield National Night Out 2023
Where: Northside Train Lot
When: Tuesday, August 1st, 6 pm to 9 pm
Admission: FREE

Westfield National Night Out 2023

Hosted by the Westfield Police Department, the Westfield Chapter of National Night Out provides an opportunity to learn more about how you can help our first responders do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Learn how to identify and report criminal activity. Help continue to keep our community safe by creating a deeper bond with our local police. But there is so much more to National Night Out than that.

In addition to community outreach and education, guests can listen to music while noshing on great food, watch live demos, try their hand at the rock climbing wall, and get their faces painted. Come see what equipment firefighters, police, and EMTs use on a daily basis. The little ones can roam around the bouncy house obstacle course. There’s even a dunk tank and a photo booth. This event is meant to strengthen the bond between our first responders and the rest of the community so that Westfield remains a safe and secure community in which to live. I hope to see you there.

Westfield Area Y Carnival Games

Before the National Night Out festivities commence, you might want to bring the kids to Quimby Street. Westfield Area Y hosts free carnival games for the public from 10 am to 1 pm. Members of the Y’s teen leadership program man the booths for these fun games as part of their learning experience. This helps them to positively interact with the community while strengthening their communication skills and boosting their creativity.

Sweet Sounds Downtown Musical Festival

Also, don’t forget about the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival. It also takes place on Tuesday night from 7 pm to 9 pm. If you get too caught up in the National Night Out festivities to attend the August 1st Sweet Sounds concerts, that’s OK. New concerts take place every Tuesday evening through the end of August. You can catch the next one.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • July 24, 2023

July 2023 Market Update

by Scott Gleason

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 • July 14, 2023

Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023

by Scott Gleason

Do you like to shop? Do you want to support local entrepreneurs? You can do both when you go to the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023.

What: Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023
Where: Downtown Westfield
When: Now through July 16th
Cost: FREE

Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023

This weekend, several of our local businesses will be participating in the Summer Sidewalk Sale. Organizers put together this fun event every summer to highlight everything that Downtown Westfield has to offer. Plus, shoppers receive some spectacular discounts simply for taking the time to visit these establishments.

Some of the businesses that will be participating in the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale include:

American Shoe Repair & Luggage
Athleta – women’s athletic wear
The Beau Ideal – home furnishings
Best Foot Forward – footwear
Cachet Boutique – women’s clothing & accessories
Club Pilates Westfield
Fleet Feet – shoes & sportswear
Francis Henri – children’s clothing
J McLaughlin – casual classic men’s & women’s clothing
Jude Connally – women’s clothing
Learning Express Toys
Osteo Strong – strengthen bones, joints & muscles
Roig Collection Westfield – art gallery
Ruby & Jenna – women’s clothing
Sofi’s Color Lounge – hair stylists
Sole Shoes

If the weather decides not to cooperate, the event still goes on. But you might want to head inside the shops to find those special street sale bargains.

Summertime Music Festivals

Don’t forget. Scotch Plains offers up its Summer Concert Series every Thursday evening throughout July. All you need to bring is a blanket or chair. Each week brings a new act to the Alan M Augustine Village Green starting at 7:30 pm. On Tuesday evenings from now through the end of August, make Westfield’s Sweet Sounds of Summer your destination of choice. With not one, not two, but three stages to choose from, you will never be lacking for musical accompaniment to your weekday shopping. And all of this entertainment comes free of charge. So, enjoy!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Home Buyers • July 7, 2023

Down Payment Strategies for the Home Buyer

by Scott Gleason

You probably heard that you need 20% down to buy a home. That is not always the case. Some programs only require a 3% down. If you are an active member of the military or a veteran, you may qualify for as little as 0% down. Some buyers opt to put 5 or 10% down. With all those options, how much of a down payment do home buyers really need? Well, it depends.

Down Payment Strategies for the Home Buyer

20% or More Down

Let’s say that you want to buy a Westfield area home for $750,000. Twenty percent of that is $150,000. Then, you only need to finance $600,000. That means a lower monthly payment. It also eliminates PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). This is the monthly fee a lender charges anyone who borrows more than 80% of the sale price. It protects the bank in case you default on your loan. Not paying it may save you several hundred dollars a month. Plus, the higher down payment opens you up to better mortgage rates. With rates hitting the upper 6% level, home buyers want to save where they can. However, on the flip side, putting more money down may lower or even deplete your emergency savings. It also may take a bit longer to save up for. Fortunately, you have other options to choose from as well.

Less Than 20% Down

As I stated before, some programs require as little as 3% down, with the VA loan available for 0% down. On the plus side, less money down lowers your move-in costs. This leaves more money for your emergency or home maintenance funds. On the other hand, a lower down payment means that you borrow more for your loan. In turn, that translates to a higher mortgage payment. Plus, you pay that pesky PMI I talked about earlier. While less than 20% may not nab you those lower interest rates, putting 5 or 10% down instead may qualify you for a lower interest rate than putting the bare minimum down. Also, even that slightly higher down means paying a smaller PMI per month.

Always talk over your options with your lender before deciding which down payment strategy to go with. Your lender should always be the first person you talk to when considering a Westfield area home purchase. The second person you should talk to is me.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • June 30, 2023

Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023

by Scott Gleason

Yes, we love those summer days. But the summer nights get even better. Westfield hosts their Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival during July and August. And Scotch Plains brings its Summer Concert Series to the public throughout July. Not to be outdone, officials want to welcome you to the Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

What: Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023
Where: La Grande Park (170-204 La Grande)
When: Sunday, July 9th, 11 am to 7 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via email

Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023

On the second Sunday in July, celebrate summer in La Grande Park. Starting at 11 am, dozens of local vendors and craftsmen fill the park with their exceptional handiwork. Here, you’ll find leather goods, woodwork, blown glass, photographs, fine art, handmade jewelry, and more. Make sure you mosey on over to the classic car show, too. Dozens of hot rods, rat rods, street racers, and good ol’ American muscle cars will be on display that would make any car enthusiast drool with envy. Let the kids run themselves ragged in the Kids Zone while you shop. Of course, food trucks keep everyone’s belly full.

Live Entertainment

The main stage plays host to live music all afternoon. First, the festivities kick off with Macho Men and their classic and punk rock music at noon. Higher Ground continues your musical journey at 12:30 pm with their take on oldies and newer rock. After that, get down with the funk, pop, and soul stylings of The Funktown Band at 2 pm. At 3:30 pm, Christina and the Gents perform rock, pop, and metal hits. Finally, Radio Petty closes out the evening with their tribute to Tom Petty’s music at 5:30 pm.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Solar Charging Benches Installed in Downtown Westfield

August 2023 Market Update

Westfield School Supply Drive

Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023

Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023

Westfield National Night Out 2023

July 2023 Market Update

Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023

Down Payment Strategies for the Home Buyer

Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023

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