Local Events September 27, 2024

AddamsFest 2024

October is just around the corner. You know what that means, right? One of the biggest events of the year takes place in October. No. I’m not talking about Halloween. I’m talking about AddamsFest 2024!

AddamsFest 2024

Special Events

Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball – Held on October 4th at the James Ward Mansion, this event sells out quickly every year. If you’re lucky, you might snag a few tickets before they’re gone. Each ticket costs $125, with a cap of four tickets per purchase. Make sure you dress to kill.

Cartoon Workshop – Are you interested in becoming the next Charles Addams? Charles Schultz? Jim Davis? Sign up for a Cartoon Workshop with the New Yorker’s very own Dan Misdea. This workshop takes place from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Westfield Memorial Library. While it costs nothing to attend, you must register ahead of time to participate.

Lantern Cemetery Tours – This free event takes you on a tour of the Presbyterian Church of Westfield’s very own burial grounds. Tours take place every 10 minutes between 4:30 pm and 6 pm on October 6th. First come, first served. In case of inclement weather, organizers scheduled a rain date for the following Sunday (October 13th).

Be Witched – Learn all about the various interpretations of witches throughout the years, including those in Charles Addams’ work. This special presentation takes place from 5 pm to 8 pm on October 11th, from 12 pm to 6 pm on October 12th, and from 12 pm to 5 pm on October 13th at the Gallery on Broad.

Full Moon Community Gathering – October’s full moon takes place on October 17th this year. To celebrate, our own good witch Tammy Spiewak hosts a community gathering at the Minnowaskin Park gazebo at 5 pm. Set your intentions for the upcoming month at this event. In case of rain, the gathering moves into the Westfield Memorial Library. No tickets required.

Haunt Your House – Two haunts for the price of one. Homeowners interested in competing choose between daytime haunts and nighttime haunts. With only 25 spots open in each category, spots fill up very quickly. If you are interested in being one of those homes, register today. Don’t worry if you miss out on competing, though. Honestly, the public becomes the real winners. How? Between October 13th and October 30th, you vote for your favorite homes. The three homes that receive the most votes in each category wins.

Hexed: A Bewitching Musical Revue – For two nights only, the Acting Out Theatre hosts their own haunting musical about famous witches of film, including Hermione Granger (the “Harry Potter” series), Ursula (“The Little Mermaid”), the Sanderson Sisters (“Hocus Pocus”), and many more. Tickets cost $18 per adult and $13 per child (under 14 years old).

Addams Family Fun Day – Don’t miss the fun planned on October 20th on Quimby St and Downtown Westfield. This free event includes pumpkin painting, a  live pumpkin carving performance by the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, a costume contest, OMG Bubbles, live musical performances, and much, much more.

All Month Long

Addams Family House on Minnowaskin Pond (385 E Broad St) – Photo-op waiting to happen.

Addams-Inspired Murals (Central Ave Underpass) – The artists using this ever-changing canvas showcase their ghoulish masterpieces created with inspiration drawn from Charles Addams’ beloved characters.

Bewitched Selfie-Stop (East Broad St) – Located next to the Central Ave underpass, take a scary selfie next to the temporary statue created to honor Salem’s Bewitched statue.

Wicked Windows of Westfield (Downtown Westfield) – Keep your eyes open when walking around downtown. Dozens of local businesses transform their windows into haunted designs using many of the Addams Family characters.

Bike MS NYC 2024

Team Guys and Dolls takes to Manhattan streets again for Bike MS NYC 2024. So far, we managed to raise almost half of the $5000 goal we set for ourselves this year. But we still need your help to raise the rest. Please visit our official Team Guys and Dolls page today to make a donation. Whether you pledge $25 or $200, it all goes to a great cause: helping to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Please donate today. Thank 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 September 20, 2024

FestiFall Westfield 2024

As the weather turns crisper, it’s time to celebrate Autumn. How do we do that here? With FestiFall Westfield 2024, of course.

  • What: FestiFall Westfield 2024
  • Where: Downtown Westfield (Central Ave)
  • When: Sunday, September 22nd from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Admission: FREE

FestiFall Westfield 2024

Organizers shut down Central Ave between North Ave and Broad St for this year’s festivities. The fun also spills over to Quimby St with live music performed by Monkey Wrench, Flannel & Lace, and Big Horse. More than 100 vendors set up their wares along the streets as well.

Be on the lookout while walking around the festival. DinosaursARISE brings these ancient creatures to life with their fully animatronic beasts roaming the city streets. And when you get hungry, 15 food trucks provide a wide variety of cuisine to choose from. Plus, a special Kids Zone provides the wee ones with great entertainment geared towards their age group. But this is just a small snippet of what to expect. You’ll have to come to FestiFall to find out what else is happening in Downtown Westfield.

Check the weather report before you go. This festival takes place come rain or shine. Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store this Sunday evening and you’ll have a great time.

Bike MS NYC 2024

Yes. My wife and I will both be riding in the Bike MS NYC 2024 ride this year. A few friends of ours join us again to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as Team Guys & Dolls. We all would greatly appreciate it if you could help us reach our fundraising goal of $5000 by the time the ride takes place (October 20th). To do so, please visit our Team Guys & Dolls page and donate whatever you can. Every bit helps. And if you’d like to join us on our ride, please contact me directly to talk about it. We’d love to have you as part of our team. Thank you.

Westfield Sweet Sounds September Encore

If you have not been to a Westfield Sweet Sounds concert yet, you still have time. But not much. They take place from 6 pm to 9 pm every Friday in September. It costs nothing to attend. Each week offers a new talented musical act. Plus it offers a very nice way to start the weekend off right. Make plans to bring your friends and family to Quimby Street before Sweet Sounds bows for the last time this year.

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 September 13, 2024

Bike MS NYC 2024

It’s hard to believe, but October is just around the bend. Anyone who knows me knows that this means just one thing. Bike MS NYC 2024. Team Guys and Dolls rides again. And we need your help to assist us in meeting our fundraising goal.

  • What: Bike MS NYC 2024
  • Where: New York City
  • When: Sunday, October 20th
  • Donate: Team Guys & Dolls

Bike MS NYC 2024

Why do we ride? First of all, I have been a cycling enthusiast for decades. But Bike MS has special meaning to my wife Nancy and me. Diane, my sister-in-law, had multiple sclerosis. This event raises money to aid in research to find a cure for this deadly disease. And racing for the cure was something we hoped to find for Diane. Unfortunately, she lost her brave battle after falling ill with COVID in 2020. Now, we ride in her memory and in the hopes of eventually finding a cure to help others in the not-so-distant future.

Team Guys & Dolls

We would love your assistance in reaching our goal of raising $5000 this year. To donate, please visit our Bike MS Team page here. Every bit helps. Please feel free to donate whatever you can to the cause. Also, if you would like to join us on this amazing bike ride through Manhattan, you can do so by also visiting the link above and clicking on “Join Our Team”. We ride often between now and October 20th to train for the event. It is truly a sight to behold to ride your bike freely throughout the streets of the usually bustling city without the roar of vehicular traffic filling up your eardrums. Plus, we are always happy to bring on new members to our team. I hope to hear from you soon. And thank you in advance for your 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

Local Events September 6, 2024

Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore 2024

Sweet Sounds Downtown 2024 played its last concert of the season on August 27th. Or did it? Well, this year’s event was such a roaring success, that organizers decided to bring it back this month for the Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore.

  • What: Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore 2024
  • Where: 125 Quimby Street, downtown
  • When: Every Friday in September from 6 pm to 9 pm
  • Admission: FREE

Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore 2024

For the encore, only one band performs on one stage each week instead of the three different bands on three different stages around the Downtown Westfield area. Joe Taino kicks the encore off tonight (September 6th). Next Friday, C3 Soul Revue performs. Then, the following week, guests get to enjoy the musical stylings of the Kolor Blind Band. Finally, Soul Seduction finishes off this encore with a bang.

As always, make sure you bring a blanket and/or lawn chair to enjoy the concert in comfort. No seating will be made available by organizers. And these concerts come completely free of charge. Come back each Friday and bring the family for some soul-stirring, foot-tapping musical fun on Quimby Street every Friday this month.

Tour de Westfield 2024

Just a reminder. This year’s Tour de Westfield takes place on Sunday. Unfortunately, if you did not sign up before September 4th, you cannot participate. However, that does not mean that you cannot be a spectator. Come out to the North Side Train Station on Sunday, September 8th between 10 am and noon to cheer on the families and organizations riding along our Westfield streets.

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 August 30, 2024

Westfield Family Movie Night

Technically, we have a little over three weeks before summer ends. However, most people use Labor Day as the end of summer. Either way, we still enjoy many more warm evenings before the crisp autumn air hits. One way to enjoy it is with a free Westfield family movie night under the stars.

  • What: Westfield Family Movie Night
  • Where: Elm St Field (204 Elm St)
  • When: Friday, September 13th, 2024 from 7 pm to 9 pm
  • Admission: FREE
  • Contact: Marla Itzkin with the Westfield Area YMCA (908) 301-9622 x264 or via email

Westfield Family Movie Night Under the Stars

The Westfield Area Y presents a special screening of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”. This screening takes place in Elm Street Field (across from Stop & Shop). It costs nothing to attend. Organizers strongly suggest that guests bring blankets and/or lawn chairs to enjoy the movie in comfort. The movie starts at dusk. Don’t worry about refreshments. You can purchase drinks and popcorn at the venue. All proceeds from these sales benefit the Y’s Strong Kids+ program. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, movie night will be moved to Sunday, September 15th.

Tour de Westfield

There’s still time to register for the Tour de Westfield. It comes to town on September 8th. Even though it costs nothing to participate, you still must register ahead of time. Registration ends on September 4th.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown

While Westfield’s Sweet Sounds Downtown ended its run earlier this week, Cranford’s Summer Sounds Downtown offers up one more Thursday evening of live music. Come listen to The Michael Craig Band play all your favorite songs to close out this year’s summertime event. Just head over to Eastman Clock Plaza at 6 pm on September 5th with your friends, family, and a few lawn chairs to enjoy the last summer concert of the season in Cranford.

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

Market Reports August 28, 2024

September 2024 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

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

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Warren

Watchung

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 August 22, 2024

Union County Celtic Festival 2024

Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, Brittany, and the Isle of Wales make up the Celtic nations of the world. Do any of your ancestors come from one of these places? In September, we celebrate all of the things that people from this area brought to the United States at the Union County Celtic Festival 2024.

  • What: Union County Celtic Festival 2024
  • Where: Oak Ridge Park (136 Oak Ridge Rd, Clark, NJ)
  • When: Saturday, September 7th, from 10 am to 9 pm
  • Admission: $5 to $40

Union County Celtic Festival 2024

Organizers put together an amazing one-day festival showcasing the music, food, and history of the Celtic culture in Union County. Festivities include a rugby tournament, Celtic dancing, cultural activities, and live music. The Canny Brothers Band, The Narrowbacks, and Callán all perform throughout the day. They even plan on hosting bagpipe and drumming contests. Additionally, food vendors and a beer garden (for the adults) help quench the thirsts and satisfy the appetites of festival-goers.

A few quick tips. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets with you for your comfort. There will be no seating available for the concerts or demonstrations. This is a rain-or-shine event. So, check the weather report before you leave your house and dress appropriately. Only service animals allowed. Leave all other pets at home, please.

Organizers plan on performing security checks of all bags at the entry point to the festival. All bags must be clear and no bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. Small purses or bags (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ do not need to be clear. If you bring bags outside of these parameters, you will be asked to leave them in your car.

Ticket Info

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 per child ages five to 12. All kids under age five get in for free with a paid adult. But that is only if you purchase your ticket online by the end of the day on September 6th. If you wait until the day of the event, adults must pay $20 per ticket. Organizers offer a discount for families. For $40, you get two adult and two children’s tickets. That saves you as much as $10. To purchase your festival tickets online, please visit the Celtic Festival website here.

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 August 16, 2024

Tour de Westfield 2024

By now, you probably know how involved my wife and I are with the Bike MS NYC every October. (Yes, we plan on riding it again in a few months. Watch out for my blog post about it in the upcoming weeks.) Did you know there is another great bike race right here in town? Tour de Westfield hits the streets on the second Sunday in September.

Tour de Westfield 2024

Unlike the 30 miles involved in the Bike MS event or the 2,235 miles traversed for the Tour de France, Westfield’s Tour lasts for just two miles. So, all ages and fitness levels may participate in this fun family-friendly event. It really boils down to a two-mile bicycle parade. All riders must wear their helmets. (No exceptions.) If you travel by car to the event, simply park your vehicle at the South Side Train Station parking lot and ride your bike up to the North Side lot.

Westfield Police Officers put on a bike safety rodeo for the entire two hours of the event. They plan on teaching you the basics of bicycle safety, including which side of the road you need to travel on as well as how to make a turn safely among other things. Take your bike to Jays’ Cycle Center so the experts can inspect your bike to make sure it is in good working order. And bring your old bikes that you no longer use to the Tour. Make sure they are in good working order. All sizes and styles are welcome. All donated bikes get redistributed to underprivileged communities.

Registration Information

Even though it costs nothing to participate, you still need to register to join the parade. Please visit the Westfield website here to register today. Anyone who registers before August 25th receives a commemorative T-shirt. Registration closes on September 4th.

Westfield National Night Out 2024

Originally scheduled for August 6th, Westfield’s National Night Out was postponed due to inclement weather. It now takes place next Tuesday (August 20th). Just take the family and/or your friends down to the North Ave Train Station parking lot between 6 pm and 9 pm to enjoy the festivities.

Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown 2024

Finally, a quick reminder. Sweet Sounds Downtown ends on August 27th. That means just two more weeks of amazing outdoor concerts before the season concludes for the year. So, visit downtown Westfield on Tuesday night between 7 pm and 9 pm for three different live musical performances each week. And stop into the downtown shops and boutiques to pick up something nice for yourself or someone special while you’re at it.

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 August 9, 2024

Scotch Plains Play in the Park 2024

Who says you only get to play on the weekends? During the summer, get out and enjoy the evenings with your friends and family. Scotch Plains Play in the Park offers a night of family-friendly fun under the summer evening skies.

  • What: Scotch Plains Play in the Park 2024
  • Where: Jerseyland Park (2377 Richmond St)
  • When: Wednesday, August 14th, 6 pm to 8 pm
  • Admission: FREE
  • Contact: Scotch Plains Recreation Dept (908-322-6700 x223)

Scotch Plains Play in the Park 2024

Need some physical activity to help you digest your dinner? Grab the kids and head over to Jerseyland Park on Wednesday, August 14th. All ages and abilities are invited to join in a pick-up game or two of soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc. Or show off your skills with some fun lawn games. Organizers also planned some fun crafts and other activities for those individuals interested in less strenuous action. Admission is free but the memories will be priceless.

Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown 2024

For more summertime fun, head to Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown. Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm, a new free concert takes place outside on three different stages around the downtown area. This Tuesday (August 13th) features jazz music performed by Radam Schwartz on the Central Ave stage. Add some Funk, Rock, or Latin flair into the mix with the Rusty Monks on the Quimby St Stage. Or enjoy a few rock covers performed by Higher Ground on the Foundation Park Stage. These free concerts take place every Tuesday through the end of August.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown 2024

Looking for a way to jump-start your weekend? Then make Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown your destination of choice for Thursday nights. From 6 pm to 8:30 pm, a new musical act performs live for free at Eastman Clock Plaza. This Thursday, August 15th, showcases great country tunes performed by Nikki Briar and the Sweetbriar Country Band. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to listen in comfort.

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 August 2, 2024

Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024

Sopes and spring rolls and Bao buns. Oh my! Calling all foodies. You’re in for a treat. Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024 kicks off this Sunday all around the downtown area.

  • What: Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024
  • Where: Downtown Cranford Restaurants
  • When: August 4th to August 8th
  • Cost: Varies
  • Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via email

Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024

OK. So, restaurant “week” may be a bit of a misnomer. Cranford’s Restaurant Week actually lasts for five days. Several restaurants in the downtown area put together some amazing pre-fixe menus for guests to try. Agave offers a Mexican feast that includes an appetizer, entree, and drink for just 30 per person. 8Thai features a three-course menu of an appetizer, main, and dessert for $26.95 per person. Interested in trying some Greek food? Ambeli Greek Taverna provides a three-course meal for $40 per person. Cafe Paris wants to fill your tummy with their three-course menus. They offer two separate menus to choose from: one at $30 per person and the other at $35 per person. And those are only a few of the restaurants participating in this summer’s Restaurant Week. For a complete list of the 30+ restaurants and their various pre-fixe menus/specials they put together for Cranford’s Restaurant Week, please visit the Downtown Cranford website here.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown

If you happen to choose the last day of Cranford’s Summertime Restaurant Week to eat out, make sure you visit Eastman Clock Plaza before or afterward. Cranford’s Sweet Summer Sounds Downtown event takes place every Thursday through September 5th. Each week features a new extremely talented musical artist or group. Leonieke Schueble and 3 Generations of Jazz Trio perform live on August 8th. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a date night.

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