Local Events April 18, 2025

Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2025

Earth Day takes place on Tuesday, April 22nd. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has always been a day to stop and think about how our daily lives impact the planet. According to the EPA’s latest statistics, over 290 million pounds of waste enter US landfills each year. That amounts to almost 5 lbs of waste per person every single day. You can help reduce this waste by joining the Scotch Plains Freecycle Market.

  • What: Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2025
  • When: Saturday, April 26th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
  • Where: Jerseyland Park (2354 Beryllium Rd)
  • Admission: FREE
  • Contact: Dept of Parks & Recreation (908) 322-6700 ext 223 or via email

Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2025

The freecycle market happens in two stages: donation and shopping. Donation times can only be done by appointment between now and April 24th. Visit the Scotch Plains Community Pass website to schedule your drop-off time. However, you need to schedule a time sooner rather than later. They will shut down donation drop-off earlier than April 24th if all appointment times fill up.

As for shopping, that takes place on Saturday, April 26th. As the name suggests, freecycle items come free of charge. Sift through all donated items and take whatever you need at no cost to you.

Items to Donate

When looking around your Scotch Plains home for things to donate, keep an eye out for these items in particular and make sure they are in good working order:

  • Athletic Equipment
  • DVDs
  • Games/Puzzles
  • Home Decor
  • Kitchenware
  • Seasonal Decorations
  • Small Appliances
  • Toys
  • Video Games

Unfortunately, they will not accept books, glass items, clothing, accessories, electronics, or bicycles. Thank you.

Egg Hunts and an Easter “Peep”

Because of the inclement weather last weekend, organizers postponed Westfield’s Easter Egg Hunt to this weekend. It takes place at Mindowaskin Park tomorrow (April 19th) from noon to 2 pm. If you missed securing a spot before last weekend, I’m sorry. There are no spots available. But if you did manage to make your reservation in time, your reservation is still good. Have fun.

Cranford’s Easter Egg Hunt happens this Saturday as well at Eastman Clock Plaza. Visit the Cranford Spring Hop website. Then, choose your preferred time slot (noon to 2 pm or 2 pm to 4 pm) and purchase your desired number of tickets.

Finally, the last day to see the entries in this year’s Cranford Peeps-Tacular is Sunday, April 20th. Several businesses in Downtown Cranford put these entries on display in their shops. While you’re there, make sure to take a look around at what each shop has to offer. Please support our local businesses.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

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

Local Events April 11, 2025

Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2025

This weekend looks a bit wet (which affects some of the outdoor events happening in the area). With Easter happening next Sunday, we have a couple of bunny-related events taking place in town: the Cranford Peeps-Tacular and the Spring Hop. Which one do you think you’ll be participating in?

Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2025

Entries for the Cranford Peeps-Tacular have already been received. But that does not mean that it’s too late for you to share in the fun. Dozens of Peep displays popped up around Downtown Cranford starting on Monday, April 7th. Take a stroll along the downtown streets to see what exciting Peep-xhibits local businesses and organizations put together for this year. The exhibits will be on public display through Sunday, April 20th.

Cranford Spring Hop 2025

On Saturday, April 19th, the always-popular Cranford Spring Hop takes place at the Eastman Clock Plaza. Guests have two different times to choose between: 12 pm to 2 pm or 2 pm to 4 pm. This allows organizers to accommodate more kids. Children will “hunt” for eggs at over 15 local businesses. Additionally, each child receives one very special Golden Egg. Tickets cost $15 per person (+ handling fee) and can be purchased online here. Each price of admission comes with a $5 gift card to any downtown Cranford business as well as an Easter basket. Sounds like fun to me.

Westfield Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Egg Hunt in Westfield has been postponed. Instead of taking place tomorrow, it will happen next Saturday (April 19th) in Mindowaskin Park. Unfortunately, tickets have sold out. However, if your household includes a child with a disability (either physical or mental), you may still sign them up to participate. Simply visit the event website here. And remember. This event costs nothing to attend.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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

Market Reports March 31, 2025

April 2025 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Berkeley Heights

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

New Providence

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Westfield by Grade School:

Franklin

Jefferson

McKinley

Tamaques

Washington

Wilson

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

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

Local Events March 28, 2025

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunts for 2025

Wait. Did that say “hunts” as in more than one hunt? Yes. You read that right. There will be two different Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunts this year: one at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and the other at Shady Rest Country Club

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Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunts for 2025

Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA

First up? The FSP YMCA hosts their annual Easter Egg Hunt next Saturday, April 5th. Walk around the FSP YMCA’s campsite to find hidden decorated eggs. Each egg includes a fun prize hidden inside. The fun begins at 10 am with kids crafts. Then, from 10:45 am to 11:15 am, kids get the opportunity to search for those eggs. After the hunt concludes, organizers put together some fun family-themed activities until noon. Don’t forget to purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win a Nintendo Switch. To participate, each family need only donate $25. Spots are limited. So sign up here now.

Shady Rest Country Club

Now on to the following weekend (April 12th). The Scotch Plains Department of Parks and Recreation hosts their annual Easter Egg Hunt. However, this year it will be held at a new location: the Shady Rest Country Club (820 Jeruselum Rd). Only kids ages eight and under may participate. Plus, it’s free. Just bring your Easter basket with you. Gates open at 10 am, with the hunt to start promptly at 10:15 am. In case of rain, the Easter Egg Hunt will be postponed until Sunday, April 13th.

Westfield Easter Egg Hunt

Westfield’s Easter Egg Hunt also takes place on Saturday, April 12th. Tickets for all age groups have already sold out. However, if you happen to have a special needs child in your household, don’t fret. Tickets remain available for them. But you must register online ahead of time in order to participate.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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

Local Events March 20, 2025

Westfield Easter Egg Hunt 2025

Easter falls on Sunday, April 20th this year. But why wait? The Westfield Easter Egg Hunt 2025 takes place the weekend before: April 12th.

  • What: Westfield Easter Egg Hunt 2025
  • Where: Mindowaskin Park
  • When: Saturday, April 12th from 12 pm to 2 pm
  • Admission: FREE

Westfield Easter Egg Hunt 2025

The Easter Bunny agreed to come to Westfield a week early to hide specially decorated eggs all over Mindowaskin Park. Egg hunts get divided up into age groups to help ensure that everyone gets an equal chance to find all the hidden eggs. In addition to the hunt, though, there will be face painting, a balloon artist, food trucks, candy, and more. And, of course, everyone gets the opportunity to pose with the Easter Bunny himself.

This event is always popular with locals. Unfortunately, tickets have already sold out for almost everyone. However, if your child has special needs, there are tickets available. While they cost nothing, you must secure your ticket by registering online before you go. Just don’t wait. Otherwise, you may miss out on the fun. In case of rain, the hunt moves to the following Saturday, April 19th.

Pasta La Vista Cranford 2025

Most of Westfield’s Easter Egg Hunt may be sold out, but there are still tickets available for Pasta La Vista Cranford. For just $15 per person, come enjoy a delicious selection of pasta dishes created by some of Cranford’s most talented chefs. You’ll also receive a $5 gift card to use at any Downtown Cranford shop you wish. Proceeds from Pasta La Vista benefit Cranford Family Care. So, secure your tickets today.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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

Local Events March 14, 2025

Pasta La Vista Cranford 2025

Attention pasta lovers. If the mere thought of spaghetti, lasagna, tortellini, or fettuccine makes your mouth water, then come and enjoy a little “la dolce vita” in New Jersey. Pasta La Vista Cranford 2025 will satisfy all of your carb cravings.

  • What: Pasta La Vista Cranford 2025
  • Where: Eastman Clock Plaza Park
  • When: 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, March 29th
  • Cost: $15 per person

Pasta La Vista Cranford 2025

On March 29th, several of Downtown Cranford’s talented chefs create delicious pasta meals for guests to sample. Put on your comfortable shoes and, perhaps, a pair of stretchy pants to accommodate all of the tasty pasta. If you feel really generous, bring some boxed pasta to donate when you pick up your tickets. All donations benefit Cranford Family Care. Also, this event takes place come rain or shine. So please make sure you dress accordingly.

Ticket Info

Tickets cost $15 per person. With each paid admission, guests receive a $5 gift card to use at any of the Downtown Cranford shops. Pasta La Vista tickets may be purchased online here.

Union County St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Don’t forget. St. Patrick’s Day is Monday. But Union County celebrates it tomorrow, March 15th. Things kick off with a 9 am mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick. Then, at 1 pm, come watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade as it makes its way to Union Center from its starting point at Morris and Jeanette. After the parade, stay for music, food, and more until 4 pm.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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

Local Events March 7, 2025

Union County St Patrick’s Day Parade 2025

We always associate St Patrick’s Day with Ireland. After all, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland. But did you know that the first parade to honor St Patrick was held in what is now known as St. Augustine, Florida in 1601? Since March 17th falls on a Monday, the 2025 Union County St Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 15th.

  • What: Union County St Patrick’s Day Parade 2025
  • Where: Union Center (Morris & Stuyvesant in Union, NJ)
  • When: Saturday, March 15th, from 1 pm to 4 pm

Union County St Patrick’s Day Parade 2025

While the St Patrick’s Day parade itself doesn’t kick off until the early afternoon, the public is invited to gather at the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St Patrick for a 9 am Thornstick Mass. After mass, the day’s festivities continue with a grandstand program at Union Center at noon. Food trucks and live entertainment keep guests entertained for the afternoon, along with a few other planned surprises. The parade begins at Morris and Jeanette Avenues at 1 pm.

Scotch Plains Clothing Recycling Program

Just a reminder. Scotch Plains started a clothing recycling program this year. All residents may drop off their used clothing at the DPW Yard located at 2445 Plainfield Ave between 7 am and 2 pm on Thursdays. Currently, that is the only day they accept clothing. They accept clothing, accessories, and linens in any condition provided that they are odor-free. If you live in the Plainfield area, you may drop off your used clothing and linens at the transfer station located at 95 Rock Ave between 7 am and 2:45 pm Monday through Friday.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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

Local Events February 28, 2025

Scotch Plains Recycling Program

Did you know that 92 million tons of garments end up in landfills around the world each year? Over 11 million tons come from American consumers alone. That’s approximately 81.5 lbs per person right here in the United States. To help reduce some of this waste, Union County launched a new Scotch Plains Recycling Program for 2025.

Scotch Plains Recycling Program

Union County officials partnered up with Helpsy, a wholesale clothing company, to create a new textile recycling program in three Union County cities: Summit, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains. Helpsy provides the drop-off bins at each location. You may donate clothing, accessories, shoes, and even household linens in any condition as long as they are odor-free.

The collection hours and locations of each Union County drop-off bins are as follows:

  • Scotch Plains – DPW Yard (2445 Plainfield Ave). Hours: 7 am to 2 pm on Thursdays only. Call (908) 322-6700 x243 for more information
  • Plainfield – Plainfield Transfer Station (95 Rock Ave). Hours: 7 am to 2:45 pm Monday through Friday. Call (908) 226-2518 for more information.
  • Summit – Summit Transfer Station (40 New Providence Ave). Hours: 7:30 am to 3:45 pm Tuesday through Friday and 7:30 am to 4:45 pm on Saturdays. Call (908) 273-6404 for more information.

Instead of dumping your clothes in the trash, donate them to local thrift stores like Best Friend or Hope Chest. Many churches also take clothing donations. So, you might want to check with pastors or priests at your church. Goodwill and the Salvation Army also accept clothing donations as well as furniture, appliances, and other household goods. Also, consider bringing clothing, blankets, coats, shoes, etc. to local shelters. These alternatives are so much better than simply throwing items out. Just make sure to wash them before donating. And only donate gently used items in good condition.

Cranford Fire & Ice 2025

Quick reminder. Cranford’s Fire & Ice Festival takes place this weekend (Saturday, March 1st) at Eastman Clark Plaza. Festivities begin at 1 pm and continue through 4 pm. Admission is free for all who attend. Come taste test wings from some of the best chefs at our local restaurants. Your vote helps determine the “King of the Wing” for the year. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, organizers set up Sunday, March 2nd as the “rain date”.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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

Market Reports February 28, 2025

March 2025 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Berkeley Heights

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

New Providence

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Westfield by Grade School:

Franklin

Jefferson

McKinley

Tamaques

Washington

Wilson

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

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

Local Events February 21, 2025

Cranford Fire and Ice 2025

What is more perfect than sitting by a roaring fire during a cold winter day? I can think of one thing that might be better: Cranford Fire and Ice. This event partners hot and cold like no other event can.

  • What: Cranford Fire and Ice 2025
  • Where: Eastman Clock Plaza
  • When: Saturday, March 1st, from 1 pm to 4 pm (rain date: March 2nd)
  • Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via email

Cranford Fire and Ice 2025

A popular local event, Fire & Ice showcases everything from fire breathers to ice sculptures. Additionally, guests enjoy face painting and live entertainment while sipping on their free hot cocoa and snacking on ooey-gooey s’mores. As always, everyone is invited to taste-test delicious wings submitted by local restaurants. The winner of the “King of the Wing” always depends on votes from guests at the event. Bring your friends, family, sense of adventure, and a healthy appetite to Cranford’s Fire & Ice event the first weekend of March. You will be happy you did.

Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Pancake Breakfast

This Sunday (February 23rd), the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad hosts its annual pancake breakfast from 8 am to noon at the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad facilities located at 1916 Bartle Ave. For just $7 per person, you receive a delicious meal of all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. Kids ages five and under receive their meals for free. The rescue squad also offers several baskets filled with donated goods and services from local businesses to raffle off. So, make sure you ask about how to purchase your raffle tickets when you get there.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

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