Local Events • December 20, 2024

Westfield Menorah Lighting 2024

by Scott Gleason

Only four more shopping days until Christmas. But did you know that the first night of Hannukah is actually December 25th this year? If you want to celebrate, make plans to watch the official Westfield menorah lighting.

What: Westfield Menorah Lighting 2024
Where: North Ave Train Station
When: Thursday, December 26th at 6 pm

Westfield Menorah Lighting 2024

On the second night of Hannukah, the City plans on officially lighting the menorah in honor of this special Jewish holiday. Bring your friends and family to enjoy this ceremony at the North Ave Train Station lot. Scotch Plains also plans on hosting a menorah lighting on Sunday, December 29th at 6 pm. Their ceremony takes place at Augustine Village Green (430 Park Ave) and includes some arts and crafts as well as treats. Meanwhile, Cranford’s official menorah lighting ceremony takes place at 6:30 pm on Monday, December 30th.

Westfield Santa Convoy

The Westfield Santa Convoy comes through town tomorrow, December 21st. First, he heads out through the southside of Westfield (south of Mindowaskin Park) from 9 am to noon. Then, he hits the northside (north of Mindowaskin Park) from 1 pm to 4 pm. Listen for the jingle bells coming up your street. When you hear them, go outside to catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf for yourself.

Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest

Have you voted for your favorite house this year? You only have a few more days to get your vote counted for the Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest. Voting ends this Monday, December 23rd. Winners will be announced after Christmas.

Westfield Christmas Tree Lot

Still haven’t bought your tree yet? Well, with only a few more days to go, you might want to visit the Westfield Area Y’s Men’s Christmas Tree Lot. We just might have a couple left for you to choose from. And if you see me, come up and say “hi”. I’ll be happy to help you load your tree up to take home. All money raised from the sale of these trees helps our Westfield Area Y Men’s Club with our philanthropic endeavors throughout the year. I look forward to seeing you.

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 • December 13, 2024

Westfield Santa Convoy

by Scott Gleason

Santa’s a very busy elf this time of year. But he agreed to take time out of his schedule to make a trip to our fair town just a few days before Christmas. Where can you see him? At the Westfield Santa Convoy.

Westfield Santa Convoy

Our local fire department, police department, and other officials worked together to bring Santa to our Westfield Streets. On Saturday, December 21st, Santa hits the southside beginning and ending at Mindowaskin Park from 9 am to 12 pm. After a brief break of milk and cookies, he’ll visit the northside of Westfield from 1 pm to 4 pm. Again, he starts and ends his journey at Mindowaskin Park. Click on either the southside or northside links above to see his exact route. Merry Christmas everyone.

Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest

Don’t forget to go see all of the entries in the Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest for yourself. Make notes of which ones you like the best. Then go to Westfield’s website to vote for your favorites. The three houses with the most votes get a prize. But you must vote before the end of the day on December 23rd.

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot

Finally, a quick reminder. If you have not bought your Christmas tree yet, please visit our Westfield Y’s Men’s Christmas Tree Lot. We still have some great trees left. But they won’t last forever. We are open from 5 pm to 9 pm every Monday through Friday and 9 am to 6 pm every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd (or while supplies last…whichever comes first). I hope to see you 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

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

Local Events • December 6, 2024

Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest 2024

by Scott Gleason

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with their loved ones. With it taking place so late this year, that leaves less than three weeks from today before we celebrate Christmas. And in this town, that means just one thing. The Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest 2024.

What: Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest 2024
Where: Westfield NJ homes
Registration Ends: December 10th
Judging Takes Place: December 13th to 23rd
Contact: Westfield Recreation Department

Westfield Holiday House Decorating Contest 2024

Registration for this year’s Holiday House Decorating Contest is open now. However, if you wish to participate, you must register by the end of the day on December 10th. Then, send one photo of your decorated home to the Recreation Department via email by end of day on December 11th. Westfield then adds your home’s address to the list of homes entered into the contest and posts the complete list on its Facebook page as well as the City’s official website on December 13th to start the judging period by the public. The homes that receive the top three number of votes win gift cards ranging from $25 to $100.

Contest Rules

You must be a Westfield resident and agree to allow photos of your home to be posted to both the town’s official website and their Facebook page along with your family’s name and address. Additionally, you agree to keep your decorations up throughout the entire duration of judging (December 13th to 23rd). Only one person per household needs to register. When putting up decorations, remember that only the decorations seen from curbside will be judged for the contest. No professional installations will be considered. Only homes decorated by their occupants can be entered into the contest.

Westfield Christmas Tree Lot Open for Business

The Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas tree lot opened for business last weekend. We currently stock hundreds of various sizes of balsams and firs. Our lot stays open from 5 pm to 9 pm every Monday through Friday and 9 am to 6 pm every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd (or while supplies last). Keep this in mind, though. We tend to sell out very quickly. So, if you want to bring one of these beauties home, you need to get here sooner rather than later. And if you see me, make sure you say “hi”. I’ll be helping everyone load up their cars most days. I’d love to hear from you.

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 • December 2, 2024

December 2024 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 • November 26, 2024

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2024

by Scott Gleason

Thanksgiving came late this year. That leaves just a few weeks before Christmas arrives. So, once you put your Thanksgiving leftovers away, make plans to visit the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot.

What: Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2024
Where: Elm Street Field
When: November 29th to December 22nd (while supplies last), 5 pm to 9 pm Mon thru Fri & 9 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2024

I have been very fortunate to be a part of the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club for many, many years now. Our biggest fundraiser for our philanthropic efforts starts the day after Thanksgiving every single year: our Christmas Tree Lot. A fresh batch of balsams and firs gets delivered at 9 am on November 29th. If you want first dibs on the freshest trees, I highly suggest that you show up bright and early.

We promise to stay open every day to fulfill your Christmas tree needs. But we tend to sell out pretty early each year. So, if you want to purchase a tree from us this year, I highly recommend that you come sooner rather than later. We promise to stay open until every last of the 1000+ trees goes to a good home for the holidays.

Small Business Week in Cranford

Just a reminder. You still have time to participate in Cranford’s Small Business Week. Grab your Christmas gift list and head out to one of Cranford’s locally-owned businesses. Not only will you find unique gifts for your loved ones, but you’ll also be supporting our local entrepreneurs. Plus, every $10 you spend equals one shot at a great prize in the raffle that takes place at Eastman Clock Plaza on Saturday, November 30th. Just keep your receipts for your chance to enter.

Fanwood Toys for Tots Drive

Finally, in the spirit of giving thanks, the Edward Jones office in Fanwood currently accepts donations for the Toys for Tots campaign. Simply drop off any new, unwrapped toy at their office (located at 250 South Ave) during business hours (9 am to 5 pm) between now and the end of business on December 10th. If you have any questions, please feel free to call their office at 908-288-7094,

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 • November 22, 2024

Small Business Week in Cranford

by Scott Gleason

Every year, those Black Friday “specials” seem to start earlier and earlier. Some of the “diehard” bargain shoppers plan to hit up certain stores as soon as the turkey gets served on Thanksgiving Day. But this year, I encourage you to shop locally instead. Consider venturing out to Downtown Cranford for Small Business Week instead.

Small Business Week in Cranford

Starting on Monday, November 25th, officials in Downtown Cranford invite the public to visit one of the many small businesses located in the Cranford area. Shop anytime at any Downtown Cranford establishment between November 25th and 30th. And make sure you keep those receipts! For every $10 you spend at one of these establishments, you are eligible for a raffle ticket that may land you some amazing prizes.

Then, simply bring your receipts (digital or on paper) to the Eastman Clock Plaza on November 30th (aka “Small Business Saturday”) between 10 am and 4 pm. Organizers draw winners from all raffle tickets received for prizes totaling $5000. You may easily be one of those winners. But you need to shop in order to be eligible. Start ticking off the items on your Christmas gift list. And maybe pick up a little something for yourself. Support our local business owners.

Westfield & Cranford Aqua Turkey Trots

Don’t forget. The Cranford Y hosts its annual Aqua Turkey Trot on Monday, November 25th. The Westfield Y’s Aqua Turkey Trot takes place on Wednesday, November 27th. Everyone is welcome to join. You must be at least 15 years old on the day of the event and must register 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 • November 15, 2024

Westfield Aqua Turkey Trot 2024

by Scott Gleason

Instead of waiting until after Thanksgiving dinner to work off those calories, why not burn a little extra ahead of time? And enjoy a bit of fun as well. The Westfield Aqua Turkey Trot 2024 offers both and it costs nothing to attend.

What: Westfield Aqua Turkey Trot 2024
Where: Westfield Area YMCA (220 Clark St)
When: Wednesday, November 27th from 9:30 am to 10:25 am
Admission: FREE
Contact: Rob Faggiano with the Westfield Area YMCA, (908) 301-6622 x276 or via email

Westfield Aqua Turkey Trot 2024

Come to the Westfield Area Y’s Aqua Turkey Trot the day before Thanksgiving. Instead of jogging on land, the Aqua Turkey Trot takes place in the Y’s Wallace Pool at their main facility in Westfield. Dive on in and go for a “jog”. There will also be fun trivia games to keep you entertained. While admission is free, organizers still request that you register ahead of time. Why? Because they only allow a certain amount of people. The only restriction for participation is that you must be at least 15 years old on the day of the event.

Cranford Aqua Turkey Trot 2024

Cranford’s YMCA also offers its own Aqua Turkey Trot. But theirs takes place on Monday, November 22nd from noon to 12:55 pm. It also costs nothing to participate. All aqua “joggers” must be at least 15 years old to participate and need to register online beforehand. For more information about Cranford’s event, please contact organizer Kim Koza-Baird at 908-844-9622 x326 or via email.

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 • November 8, 2024

Fanwood Food Bank

by Scott Gleason

I wrote about St. Bartholomew’s turkey drive last week. This week, I want to direct your focus to the Fanwood food bank. They could also use your help this holiday season.

Fanwood Food Bank

Fanwood Presbyterian Church, located at 74 S Martine Ave, fills the needs of the local food-insecure population. They hand out food between 9 am and 11 am in the church’s parking lot on the third Saturday of each month. If you would like to help them fill their cupboards, they accept donations at any time. On Tuesdays, you may drop off non-perishable food items in the blue carts located in the church’s parking lot between 3 pm and 5 pm. However, you may drop off your donations at any time in the plastic “food bank” bins located on Martine Ave or at the church’s back door. They also accept donations during service times on Sundays.

Of course, monetary donations are always acceptable as well. They use this money to purchase food for distribution later. If that works better for you, please make your check payable to Fanwood Presbyterian Church. Just make sure to write “food bank donation” in the memo line. Then mail your check to Fanwood Presbyterian Church, 74 S Martine Ave, Fanwood, NJ 07023.

Volunteers Welcome

The church also needs volunteers to help sort and distribute food each week. Volunteering looks great on college applications. But it also instills a sense of community for people of all ages. If you want to help the church’s food pantry provide this invaluable service to our fellow citizens, please contact Andrew for more information.

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 • November 1, 2024

Scotch Plains Turkey Drive 2024

by Scott Gleason

Now that Halloween is officially over, it’s time to look forward to the next big holiday: Thanksgiving. One way to give thanks for all you have received over the past year is to give to others. For those in the Scotch Plains area, St. Bartholomew’s holds its Scotch Plains Turkey Drive later this month.

What: Scotch Plains Turkey Drive 2024
Where: St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church (2032 Westfield Ave)
When: Sunday, November 24th from 8 am to 12 pm
Contact: Richard Scannell, Director of Community Outreach, via email

Scotch Plains Turkey Drive

St. Bartholomew hosts their annual turkey drive on Sunday, November 24th. They ask that you bring your donations to the church’s parking lot between 8 am and 12 pm. They need everything to help put together a complete Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin’s. Frozen turkeys and/or hams. Boxed stuffing. Instant mashed potatoes and packages of gravy mix. Canned fruits and vegetables (green beans, corn, fruit cocktail, etc.). Canned soup. And, of course, canned cranberry sauce. For more information, please contact the Director of Community Outreach Richard Scannell via email.

St. Bartholomew also accepts food and non-perishable goods donations all throughout the year. If you are a parishioner, you can drop off donations anytime you attend mass. They also accept food donations at the basket in front of the rectory at any time. No frozen food items, please. All non-perishable food items are welcome at any time. However, right now, they need jarred or canned tomato sauce, boxes of cereal, cookies, crackers, juice, canned fruit, and coffee. They also need paper products such as napkins, paper towels, individually wrapped toilet paper, and facial tissues. Other items requested most by patrons include toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.), socks, and gently used coats.

Bike MS NYC 2024

Finally, I wanted to give a great big thank you to everyone who donated to Team Guys & Dolls for the Bike MS NYC 2024 race. We almost hit our goal of raising $5000. We definitely had a great time. Nancy and I appreciate everyone’s support.

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