Local Events • May 19, 2023

Tour de Westfield 2023 – Sign-Ups Start Now

by Scott Gleason

Anyone who knows me knows how much I like cycling. In fact, I put those skills to use every October for the MS NYC charity ride. For many bicycle enthusiasts, the Tour de France is the highlight of their year. But you don’t have to fly to Europe, wait until July, or even traverse the 2000-mile course to enjoy an epic bike ride. Instead, sign up for the Tour de Westfield 2023.

What: Tour de Westfield 2023
Where: Starts at North Side Train Station
When: Sunday, June 11th, 10 am to 12 pm
Contact: Westfield Recreation Department via email

Tour de Westfield 2023

Unlike its French counterpart, our little bicycle tour is open to the entire family. In fact, the Tour de Tots allows kids ages 9 and under to compete against each other. Kids ages 9 to 15 can learn how to perform fun tricks on their bikes at the Tour de Tricks. Jay’s Cycle Center will be on hand to inspect your bike for safety if you wish as well.

A special bike parade kicks off the festivities at 10 am. If you want to participate in that, you must register for it separately. All participants in the Tour de Westfield are encouraged (but not required) to bling out their bikes. Those who do so may win a $100 gift card to a local business for their efforts.

How to Register

There are only 600 spots available for the entire tour. So if you want to participate, you must sign up as soon as possible. Simply visit the Westfield Recreation Department’s website here. Remember to add yourself and/or anybody else in your part on the parade link if you want to be a part of that as well. If you forget to do so, you will not be able to participate in that. Also, you need to sign up your child for the Tour de Tots separately from your own adult Westfield tour.

Registration is open now. Sign up today to secure your spot on the tour. Have fun!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Selling Your Home • May 11, 2023

Preparing Your Home to Sell

by Scott Gleason

The absolute best time to sell a Westfield area home is in June, according to data compiled by HomeLight. So if you plan on putting your property on the market, you need to start preparing your home to sell right now. Follow this handy guide to make the process a little easier.

Preparing Your Home to Sell

Clean it Up

That includes both the inside and the outside. Vacuum and/or mop. Make sure you dust everything, including the baseboards, the window sills, and those hard-to-reach areas. Buyers use all of their senses when looking at a home. So, a property that both looks and smells clean tends to sell quicker and for a higher dollar amount.

As for the outside, you want your curb appeal to stand out. First impressions last. You do not want your home’s first impression to be a dud. Mow the lawn. Trim the hedges. Get rid of your weeds. Make sure that the pathway to the front door is clear. Place trash bins out of the line of sight.

Get Rid of the Clutter

Buyers need to see themselves living in a space in order to consider it as their own. That may prove difficult if they need to wade through your family photos, your kids’ artwork on the fridge, and travel mementos strewn about the house. When preparing your home to sell, pack up all personal memorabilia. You also want your home to look open and inviting. That means paring down your books, kitchenware, children’s toys, linens, and clothing to the bare minimum. A less crowded space makes buyers believe that there is plenty of room to hold their belongings, too. And buyers always appreciate spacious homes. Since buyers inspect every nook and cranny, you may want to consider renting out a storage unit while your property is on the market. The money you spend on storage may very well come back to you in the form of a higher sale price.

Contact a REALTOR®

Next, contact a REALTOR®. In fact, contact a few. Every agent offers something different. Since your home sale may very well be one of the most expensive financial transactions you are a part of, you need to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Once you find one you like, they can offer you tips about where to focus your efforts when preparing your home to sell. And just as important, they can tell you which areas you don’t need to worry about. This expertise can ensure you get your home in its best shape and on the market as quickly as possible.

Get a Home Inspection

Yes. Your buyer usually orders a home inspection. However, to avoid surprises and tackle potential problems before your property hits the market, you might want to hire your own home inspector to take a look at your property. Besides, the fact that you took the time, effort, and money to invest in an inspection ahead of time makes a great impression on potential buyers. It shows a level of trustworthiness that buyers appreciate.

Gather Your Paperwork

Finally, after all is said and done, start gathering the paperwork that buyers may need to see. For example, HOA documents, insurance claims, receipts for work performed recently on your home, etc. Warranties for new appliances also would be great to provide to a buyer. Did you install solar panels on your house in the last couple of years? Make copies of your electric bill from before installation and afterward to let buyers know about the energy cost savings. Buyers may not ask for all of this, but it helps to get all of your paperwork ready to go now in case you need it later.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • April 28, 2023

Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023

by Scott Gleason

You wouldn’t know if by the crazy cold weather we’ve experienced lately, but it is actually spring in the Westfield area right now. In fact, the weatherman says we should expect to see cloudy and wet weather for the foreseeable future. But whether the sun shines bright or clouds bring rain, the Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023 takes place on the first Sunday in May.

What: Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023
Where: Central Ave, Downtown Westfield
When: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Gene Jannotti with the GWACC Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via email

Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023

The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce organizes Spring Fling every year. And each year it gets better and better. This year, they cater to all ages. A fun Kids Zone keeps the wee ones occupied with age-appropriate rides and activities. The adults may want to visit the Crossroad beer and wine cafe. Valencia Music and the NJ Workshop of the Arts perform live for fair-goers. And, of course, plenty of food and arts and crafts vendors will be available for all attendees.

Central Ave between E Broad St and North Ave shuts down to everyone but foot traffic for the day (starting at 6 am) to accommodate all fair guests. That means no cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, skateboarders, bicyclists, or even rollerbladers are allowed during fair hours. For the safety of everyone, please keep pets at home as well. Large groups sometimes make even the calmest animals jumpy.

Please park in the parking lot of the South Ave Train Station. From there, it is a short walk through the North Ave underpass at the Westfield Train Station. Any Westfield resident living on Central or Lenox Avenues must park in nearby municipal lots during Spring Fling hours.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • April 27, 2023

April Market 2023 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 • April 21, 2023

Scotch Plains Earth Day Community Clean-Up

by Scott Gleason

Each year, Earth Day falls on April 22nd. It is the one day of the year that we are asked to stop and think about how our lives and lifestyles affect our planet. Also, you should consider what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. This year, the Scotch Plains Earth Day 2023 Celebration includes a community clean-up, a free seedling giveaway, and a freecycle market.

What: Scotch Plains Earth Day 2023 Celebration
Where: Various Areas Around Scotch Plains
When: Saturday, April 22nd, from 8 am to 11 am

Scotch Plains Earth Day Community Clean-Up

Whether individually or as part of a group, volunteers from the age of six and up are asked to participate in the Scotch Plains Earth Day community clean-up. The clean-up happens on Saturday, April 22nd from 8 am to 10 am. Simply register online (you need to create an account). When you sign up, pick which area or location you prefer to clean. After you register, organizers will email you directions and instructions for your location. Even though the event comes free of charge, you still need to register in order to make sure all areas get covered.

Free Seedling Giveaway

Visit Brookside Park (1255 Hetfield Ave) from 9 am to 11 am on April 22nd to receive a free seedling courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation’s NJ Tree Recovery Campaign. The foundation set a goal to replant all of the trees lining the streets of neighborhoods struck down by Hurricane Sandy. So far, they managed to replant almost 330,000 trees around New Jersey. While that sounds like a lot, there are still several trees that need to be planted to replace what has been lost. So, pick up your free seedling and give it a good home.

Earth Day Freecycle Market

While you’re picking up your free seedling at Brookside Park, visit the freecycle market. If you wish to donate to the freecycle market, drop off your gently used books, toys, puzzles, games, holiday decorations, kitchen appliances, dishware, and sporting equipment between 8:30 am and 10 am. You must schedule your drop-off time online ahead of time. Then, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Scotch Plains residents may come to the park to shop for these free items. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Let’s keep these treasures out of our landfills and give them new lives in someone else’s home.

If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, organizers of all three of these events set a rain date of April 23rd.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • April 15, 2023

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

by Scott Gleason

I believe in giving back to my community and raising money for a good cause. Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I work the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas tree lot. The money raised gets distributed to local charities and community organizations. In October, a group of my friends and loved ones join me on the Bike MS NYC ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. I ask you all to help our local community again by donating what you can to the Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive.

What: Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023
When: Thursday, April 20th, from 7:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Westfield Area YMCA – Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 E Broad St)

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

Planning on doing some spring cleaning soon? When you do, set aside any gently used clothing, accessories, linens, or other household goods. Then, bag or box them up and bring them to the Westfield Area Y’s clothing drive. All items must be clean and in usable condition.

Items Accepted

Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
Accessories (belts, ties, handbags)
Shoes (must bag these separately from other items)
Linens (comforters, blankets, sheets, towels)
Curtains
Toys (stuffed animals, small children’s toys)
Strollers
Bicycles and scooters

Items collected will be distributed to A & E Clothing Corp for the Strong Kids+ support program. A & E Clothing collects used clothing and other items all over the country. In turn, they sell these items back to the public in bulk in the US and around the world. The sales of these items help create jobs for people in our local communities as well as keep these items out of our landfills. Plus, it allows shoppers to receive quality used items at a huge discount.

They say charity begins at home. Well, start from your home. Box or bag the clothing, accessories, and other items that you no longer use. Then, bring them to the Westfield Area YMCA’s Clothing Drive on April 20th. Clean your house. Help the less fortunate. Create a cleaner world for your family to thrive in.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • April 7, 2023

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

by Scott Gleason

The weather outside may give you pause. But it really is springtime here in Westfield. And springtime means renewal and rebirth. For local sheep, it also means that it’s time for shearing. If you’ve never seen this done, you’re in for a treat. The Miller-Cory House hosts their annual Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival next weekend.

What: Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023
Where: Miller-Cory House Museum (614 Mountain Ave)
When: Saturday, April 15th, 1 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $4 to $5 per person
Contact: Miller-Cory House Museum (908) 232-1776 or via email

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

The Sheep to Shawl Festival has become a favorite tradition for visitors to the Miller-Cory House. A master shearer takes center stage with these lovely sheep to hand shear just like they used to do in the early colonial days. Museum docents dress up in period clothing as well to show how colonial men and women carded, spun, wove, and knitted using sheep’s wool. They’ll also demonstrate other aspects of colonial life such as making soap and washing the laundry. Visitors will also be treated to a show of how food was cooked on an open hearth in the late 1700s using recipes from the era.

Tickets cost just $5 per adult and $4 per child ages three to 12. Kids under three get in for free. You do not need a reservation to attend the festival. Simply show up and pay a fee at the gate. It’s a fun time that the whole family can enjoy together.

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza

Don’t forget. The Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza takes place this weekend at Mindowaskin Park. There will be an egg hunt, plenty of Easter-themed activities, and even a visit with Mr. Easter Bunny himself.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • April 1, 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 • March 31, 2023

Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023

by Scott Gleason

This year, Passover (Pesach) takes place from sunset on April 5th to sunset on April 13th. Passover is the Jewish celebration of the escape of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Perrotti’s wanted to do something special to commemorate this holy time of year. So, they helped organize the Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive.

What: Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (N Union Ave)
When: Sunday, April 2nd, 12:30 pm to 2 pm

Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023

All they ask is that you bring a canned or boxed food item to Eastman Clock Plaza between 12:30 pm and 2 pm on Sunday, April 2nd. When you donate, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a $180 Perotti’s gift card. All food collection goes to the Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey.

JFS has provided food, shelter, and social services to the local community for more than 100 years. Their Charlotte Shak Food Pantry provides more than 400 people and families with food and other essentials each month. Their Kosher Meals on Wheels program provides those in need with a hot meal five days a week. At Home Services provides holocaust survivors with food, nursing, counseling, and simple companionship. Those or only a few of the vast array of programs JFS provides to our local community.

Westfield Area Easter Egg Hunts

Also, don’t forget about the Easter egg hunts going on in and around Westfield over the next two weekends. Scotch Plains’ Easter Egg Hunt takes place tomorrow (April 1st) at Brookside Park starting at 10:15 am. Westfield’s Easter Eggstravaganza happens the following weekend (April 8th) at Mindowaskin Park from 12 pm to 2 pm. The Easter Bunny sounds like a very busy soul to me. If you don’t want to miss him, you better head out to at least one of these events before he hops away.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • March 24, 2023

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

by Scott Gleason

Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. And our fair city is one of the places on the Easter Bunny’s list to visit. In fact, he is scheduled to be a special guest at the Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023.

What: Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023
Where: Mindowaskin Park (385 E Broad St)
When: Saturday, April 8th, 12 pm to 2 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Westfield Police Department Community Policing Bureau (908) 789-6078

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

The Westfield Police Department partnered up with our local Kiwanis Club to put together this beloved annual Easter event. In fact, all of the spots for every age division of the Easter egg hunt itself have already been filled up. However, there are still some spots available for children with special needs. If your differently-abled child wishes to participate, please visit the event website here to reserve your spot today.

In addition to the egg hunt, there are tons of other activities you can enjoy. First, organizers put together some fun games for the kids to play. Plus, there’s face painting, candy, special prizes, and, of course, pictures with the Easter Bunny. Fortunately, you don’t have to have a ticket for these. You only need to show up.

Parents must stay with their kids throughout the entire event. You may park on E Broad St or N Euclid Ave. More parking is available behind the municipal building as well.

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt

Speaking of egg hunts, don’t forget about the Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt. It takes place next Saturday (April 1st) at Brookside Park. It’s also a free event, with the hunt itself only open to kids ages eight and younger. But there are tons of other fun things for kids of all ages to enjoy…that means you, too, parents.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Tour de Westfield 2023 – Sign-Ups Start Now

Preparing Your Home to Sell

Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023

April Market 2023 Update

Scotch Plains Earth Day Community Clean-Up

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

Market Update

Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

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