Local Events • January 12, 2024

Cranford Souperhero Stroll 2024

by Scott Gleason

First, there was the Scarecrow Stroll in October. And then the Chocolate Walk in December. Now, you might want to try the Cranford Souperhero Stroll.

What: Cranford Souperhero Stroll 2024
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: 12 pm to 4 pm on January 13th & 14th
Admission: $10 per person

Cranford Souperhero Stroll 2024

Businesses and organizations created some truly spectacular superheroes out of balloons. You can see these amazing creations in person along the Souperhero Stroll. Feel free to wear your favorite superhero costume (with or without a cape). Then, sample delicious soups created by some of our community’s most talented chefs.

This year’s event benefits the Cranford High School’s Class of 2024 Project Graduation. In addition to CHS, organizers want guests to assist them in helping those experiencing food insecurity in our community. How? By donating cans of soup. All donations received will be distributed to local food banks. Thus, you become a “souperhero” to those in need. Feel free to donate as many cans of soup as you want. Just bring them with you when you pick up your registration materials on at your pre-determined date and time.

Ticket Info

You may purchase your ticket online at Cranford’s Eventbrite website. Choose which time slot you want to sample your soup in. This event happens come rain or shine. So make sure you dress appropriately. Also, organizers offer no refunds. All sales are final.

Westfield Christmas Tree Recycling

Now for a quick reminder. You may bring your Christmas tree to the Westfield Conservation Center to recycle it for free any Saturday through March 13, 2024. However, you must be a Westfield resident. And please make sure you take all tinsel, decorations, lights, and tree stands off the tree before you drop it off. The center stays open from 9 am to 3 pm every Saturday.

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

Local Events • January 5, 2024

Christmas Tree Recycling in Westfield

by Scott Gleason

When do you usually take down your Christmas tree? The day after Christmas? New Year’s Day? Now? What do you do with that tree once you take it down? If your answer is not “use it for firewood”, you need to know that regular curbside pickup is not an option. Instead, utilize this Christmas tree recycling in Westfield to safely dispose of it.

Christmas Tree Recyling in Westfield

Christmas Tree Recycling

Unfortunately, you missed the deadline to sign up for the Westfield High School Band to come pick up your tree. Fortunately, however, the Westfield Conservation Center stays open from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays throughout January. And they take in all Christmas trees that fulfilled their destiny this holiday season. Just make sure you get rid of any decorations, lights, tinsel, and the tree stand.

Usually, the center requires a permit for “organic materials” (shrubs, twigs, branches, grass clippings, logs, etc.). But in January, you may drop off your Christmas tree (like the one you purchased at the Y’s Men’s Tree Lot) for free. However, you still need a permit to drop off any organic materials. You must obtain a permit online before you visit the Westfield Conservation Center. Otherwise, you may get turned away at the gate. The center accepts Christmas trees through March 13, 2024.

Other Recycling Allowed

Other items you may drop off without a permit include plastics, books, cardboard, clothing, food waste, household batteries, fluorescent lights, styrofoam, string lights, toys, scrap metal, reusable bags, plastic bags, tennis balls, household electronics, and wine corks. Household bulk waste and mattresses require permits. They cost $40 per carload for Westfield residents and $60 for Scotch Plains residents. All permits must be purchased online. None will be sold at the center. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Westfield Conservation Center at (908) 789-4100.

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

Local Events • December 22, 2023

Vote for Your Favorite Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorations

by Scott Gleason

Last weekend, Cranford hosted its very first Wonka Chocolate Walk. In Westfield, they offer free parking and gift wrapping for all who visit local Westfield shops. A hop, skip, and a jump away, the Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorations Contest is underway. And you get to help determine the winners.

Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorations

First, visit the Scotch Plains website here to find out where each contestant’s home is located. This year, more than three dozen families participated in the contest. Then, vote for your top three favorites. Each winner receives a fantastic prize and bragging rights for the next year.

While you’re on the site, please consider donating to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. After all, the contest is meant to raise awareness of food insecurity in our own community. Just a $1 donation feeds three people a delicious, nutritious meal. With more than 650, 000 New Jersey individuals facing food insecurity throughout the year, you can help ensure they don’t have to wonder where their next meal will be coming from. When you donate, you can even check to see if your employer matches your donation and make sure that even more community members receive a hot meal this holiday season.

Westfield Area Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has come out to our annual Christmas tree lot at Elm Street Field. Tomorrow marks the official last day of the season. We still have a few trees and wreaths available to choose from. The pickings may be slim but there are some left. I’ll be there making sure that all trees get loaded safely onto your car. Make sure you say “hi”. Your patronage at our annual tree lot helps us fund many wonderful projects in our own community throughout the year. So, thank you and Merry Christmas!

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

Market Reports • December 21, 2023

December 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 • December 15, 2023

Cranford Wonka Chocolate Walk 2023

by Scott Gleason

First of all, I want to thank everyone who came out to the Westfield Area Y’s Men’s Christmas tree lot this year. You helped us raise thousands of dollars that we promise will go right back into the community. When you think about this time of year, one of the things that springs to mind is chocolate. To celebrate the release of “Wonka” this weekend, our fair city will be hosting the Cranford Wonka Chocolate Walk.

What: Cranford Wonka Chocolate Walk 2023
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: Saturday, December 16th, 12 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $10 per person
Buy Your Ticket: Eventbrite

Cranford Wonka Chocolate Walk 2023

Your $10 price of admission grants you a special “Wonka” hat, bracelet, and your very own Wonka bar that may or may not contain the most sought-after prize of all…a golden ticket. Several businesses in the downtown area offer specials during the walk. So, it might be a good time to check some items off your Christmas list. Plus, shoppers get to enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores at Eastman Clock Plaza. Some stores even supply shoppers with a delicious chocolate treat at a discounted price. Afterward, head over to the Cranford Theater and watch “Wonka” in all of its cinematic glory.

Cranford Horse & Carriage Rides

Next weekend, return to downtown Cranford to celebrate the season with a horse and carriage ride. Between 6 pm and 9 pm on Friday, December 22nd, guests may climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage and take a tour of downtown Cranford like they did back before the automobile became the main mode of transportation. All you need to participate is a non-perishable food item for each rider. Everything collected on that night goes to Cranford Family Care. Rides begin and end on Main Street near the entrance of Lot 7. Enjoy!

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

Local Events • December 8, 2023

Last Call for 2023 Westfield Y’s Men Tree Lot

by Scott Gleason

Last Call for 2023 Westfield Area Ys Men Tree Lot

I want to thank everyone who showed up to the Westfield Area Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot over the past couple of weeks. Our stock has been selling like hotcakes. With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, this marks our last call to come out before our stock completely sells out.

Westfield Area Y’s Men Tree Lot 2023

We still have some beautiful Fraser and Balsam firs available as well as gorgeous garlands, wreaths, and grave stands. Yes, we plan on staying open until December 23rd. But we tend to sell out well in advance of that. Unfortunately, once our stock is gone, we close up shop for the season. So please do not wait until the last minute or you might just miss out. And make sure you stop by and say “hi” if you see me there. As a reminder, our lot hours are 5 pm to 9 pm on weeknights and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends.

All proceeds from our Christmas tree lot go right back into the community. In the past, our club used these funds to donate to the Scotch Plains Children’s Learning Center, the NJ Youth Theater, the Westfield and Scotch Plains Rescue Squads, United Fund of Westfield, the Westfield Area Y’s financial assistance program, and many other organizations. With your help, we can continue to help these organizations well into the future.

Cranford Gnome for the Holidays Scavenger Hunt

After you visit the tree lot, consider heading over to Cranford for their Gnome for the Holidays Scavenger Hunt. While you do a little shopping in the downtown area, be on the lookout for these little bearded men…eight of them to be precise. Download your scavenger hunt list here and bring it with you. When you spot each of the gnomes, write down where you saw them. Once you complete your list, take a photo of it and submit it via email. You may just win yourself a great prize.

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

Uncategorized • December 8, 2023

Westfield Area Y’s Men Tree Lot 2023

by Scott Gleason

Westfield Area Y’s Men Tree Lot 2023

Cranford Gnome for the Holidays Scavenger Hunt

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

Local Events • December 1, 2023

Westfield Area Y’s Men Seek Out Volunteers

by Scott Gleason

Westfield Area Ys Men Volunteer Opportunities

The Westfield Area Y’s Men’s Christmas Tree Lot opened up last weekend to much success. If you haven’t picked up your Christmas tree yet or need a wreath, garland, or grave stand, stop by anytime. Lot hours run from 5 pm to 9 pm on weeknights and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. With all these trees comes a great opportunity to volunteer your time with a fantastic organization like the Westfield Area Y’s Men.

Westfield Area Y’s Men Seek Out Volunteers

Our Christmas tree lot is run completely by volunteers. We could always use some extra sets of hands. If you belong to a youth group or simply want to give back to the community while getting yourself into the holiday spirit, please contact the Y’s Men through either our Facebook page or on our Westfield Area Y’s Men’s Club website.

Who are the Y’s Men?

We are a group of local men from the Westfield, Cranford, Mountainside, and Scotch Plains area who get together and raise money for local charities. We are a service organization that instills a sense of community into our youth to help create a brighter tomorrow. Our annual Christmas tree lot goes right back into the community. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, feel free to talk to one of us at the lot or contact us online through the website or our Facebook page. We’re always happy to welcome new members.

Westfield Firefighters Food Drive

Another way you can help spread cheer this holiday season is by donating to the Westfield Firefighters Food Drive. Between now and December 8th, you may drop off non-perishable food and/or gift cards to Stop & Shop or Trader Joe’s at the FMBA Local 30 offices (405 N Ave W) anytime between 8 am and 8 pm. Last year, they helped 131 local families. Help them reach their goal of 140 families this year by donating today.

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

Local Events • November 22, 2023

Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot 2023

by Scott Gleason

The wait is over. The Westfield Area Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot opens this weekend. New year. New look. Still the best selection of trees, wreaths, and more.

What: Westfield Area Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot 2023
Where: Elm Street Field
When: November 25th to December 23rd (while supplies last)

Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot 2023

After unloading truck-full after truck-full, the lot has been set. Gates open promptly at 9 am on Saturday, November 25th. The lot stays open from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and from 5 pm to 9 pm on weeknights. We will remain open as long as our supply lasts. But I must warn you. We run out well before the 23rd every single year. So, I strongly encourage you to plan on shopping early for the best selection.

Like years past, we offer Fraser firs and Balsam firs to hang your Christmas decorations on. Additionally, we showcase beautiful wreaths (a lovely way to welcome guests to Christmas dinner), evergreen roping (perfect for those holiday photos on the stairs), and grave stands (to honor our loved ones who can no longer be with us during the holidays). We also provide tree stands for sale just in case you find yourself without one.

New this year is our beautifully redesigned trailer. While the old white one served us well for many, many years, we thought it was time for something new. Thanks to Maria Baker, we boast a brand new gingerbread house sales trailer that looks good enough to eat. What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments below. Or, better yet, seek me out at the lot and let me know in person.

Fanwood Santa Parade

For our friends over in Fanwood, I have good news. The Santa Parade returns in 2023. What does that mean? Santa takes a moment from his busy schedule to visit Fanwood on December 16th to bring presents to good little boys and girls all over town. If you want to ensure that your child/children receive a gift directly from the big man, drop it off at the Fanwood Fire Department between 5 pm and 9 pm on November 27th to December 1st. All gifts must be no bigger than a shoebox, come pre-wrapped, and include the child’s name, parent’s/guardian’s name, delivery address, and a phone number in clear letters on the box. Only kids aged 14 and under can be part of Santa’s parade.

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