Local Events • October 6, 2023

Bike MS NYC 2023

by Scott Gleason

October is here. That means that Bike MS NYC 2023 is coming to town. Team Guys & Dolls rides again! This special event completely shuts down motorized traffic on the West side of Manhattan for one day only in order to raise money for a cause very near and dear to my heart: the National MS Society.

What: Bike MS NYC 2023
Where: Manhattan
When: Sunday, October 22nd

Bike MS NYC 2023

I’ve told this story before but it bears repeating. When we started riding for Bike MS more than 20 years ago, it was to support my lovely sister-in-law Diane. We rode in hopes of finding a cure for this terrible disease. When Diane lost her life to COVID three years ago, we switched over to honoring her memory by raising money to help others who fight MS every single day.

What You Can Do to Help

This year, Team Guys & Dolls set a pretty lofty goal. But I believe in aiming high. We want to raise $5000. But we need your help to do so. Please click the donate button above. This takes you to my fundraising page on the Bike MS website. Once there, you can donate $35, $50, $100 or more. Everything collected goes directly to the National MS Society.

$500 provides a person living with MS six months of valuable one-on-one counseling services. $1000 outfits a vehicle with modifications that help someone living with MS continue to operate their car themselves, providing them the dignity and independence everyone deserves. $2500 grants 10 people access to their own personal MS Navigator. These Navigators assist in finding goods and services that specifically fit an individual’s needs. $5000 funds an Ask an Expert webinar program. Through just one webinar, thousands of people living with MS and their caretakers learn valuable information and gain access to resources to help make their lives a little easier. Please donate what you can today. Thank you.

Want to Ride?

We have a pretty tight core group at Team Guys & Dolls. But we accept new members with open arms. If you love to ride and would like to see some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks from one of the most unique perspectives ever, contact me about joining the team. We take practice rides to warm up for the big 30-mile trek later this month. You’re always welcome to join.

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

Local Events • September 29, 2023

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023

by Scott Gleason

Fall is definitely in the air. Even Mother Nature couldn’t stop the very first Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour from taking place last weekend. While nearby Westfield offers a month-long celebration of native son Charles Addams during AddamsFest next month, our fair city also provides a tradition of its own: the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll.

What: Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: October 13th to 31st

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023

Each year, this beloved event showcases scarecrows created by local businesses, organizations, families, and kids for a bit of friendly fun and healthy competition. Everyone comes out a winner because we all get to enjoy the sights of these silly, scary, and downright creative scarecrows for two and a half weeks leading up to Halloween. But this year’s stroll features so much more. In fact, organizers scheduled a different event almost every one of the 19 days the stroll takes place.

This year’s stroll kicks off with a candy stroll at Eastman Clock Plaza Park on Friday, October 13th. Yes. That’s Friday the 13th. Rather appropriate, no? Registration is required and tickets are limited. The stroll ends with a special Halloween night treat at the Cranford Theater. In between, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in spooky paint and sips, trivia, beer-tasting, an apple pie contest, Halloween yoga, movies, and more. For more information on what happens and when visit the City of Cranford’s website here. Most of the events require you to purchase tickets. Please make note of this when perusing the website.

Registration Information

If you want to participate in this year’s scarecrow competition, it costs nothing to register. However, you do need to register by the end of the day on October 2nd. Register for one of these categories: youth (12 and under), teen/adult (13 and above), families, schools/organizations, or businesses. The winner of each category goes on to compete for Best Overall. For more information and to register, please visit the Downtown Scarecrow Stroll registration page. Good luck!

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

Market Reports • September 25, 2023

September 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 • September 19, 2023

Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023

by Scott Gleason

Lattes. Candles. Donuts. Bread. Cheesecake. Oatmeal. ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin spice. Customers go crazy for this seasonal spice every fall. And companies want to keep up. Can you believe Hefty even offers pumpkin spice trash bags? To celebrate this autumnal seasoning, downtown Cranford hosts the Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour.

What: Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (North Union Ave)
When: Saturday, September 23rd, Noon to 4 pm
Admission: $5/person
Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208

Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Celebrate the final day of summer and welcome in the Fall at the Pumpkin Spice Tour in Downtown Cranford. Enjoy a live pumpkin carving. Visit various stores around the downtown area for a special tasting tour. Listen to live music. Get your face painted. It’s fun for everyone.

You must purchase a bracelet to participate in the Pumpkin Spice Tour. They only cost $5 each. Simply visit the Downtown Cranford Eventbrite website here to purchase your bracelet today. Then, on the day of the event, go to the Eastman Clock Plaza to pick up your bracelet and your map of businesses participating in the tour. It’s that simple.

AddamsFest 2023

Just a reminder (as if you needed one). Next month is AddamsFest 2023. Registration for the Haunt My House ends on October 1st or when all 50 positions are filled up. They fill up quickly, so you need to act quickly if you plan on participating. Tickets for the Morticia and Gomez Masquerade Ball are already sold out. The first round of ticket sales for Charlie’s Ale Garden happened on Wednesday, September 20th. If you missed out, you get another chance to try next Wednesday, September 27th. Log on right at 7 p.m. to buy yours. Otherwise, you must wait until next year. Good luck!

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

Local Events • September 15, 2023

AddamsFest 2023 Info

by Scott Gleason

For those keeping track, we only have 16 more days until October. And around Westfield, October means only one thing…AddamsFest 2023! Yes, Halloween moves over ever-so-slightly to usher everything Addams family-related. And it all makes for a scary good time!

AddamsFest 2023 Info

Arguably Westfield’s most famous resident, Charles Addams made spooky entertaining through his cartoons from the 1930s to his death and beyond. To celebrate, organizers put together several fun activities throughout October.

Haunt Your House 2023

Registration for Haunt Your House opened up last Sunday, September 10th. To accommodate more people, organizers opened up two routes this year. Only work seen from the street qualifies for judging in this contest. Registration is only open to the first 25 people for daytime haunts and the first 25 people for nighttime haunts. So if you’re interested in participating, you need to sign up right away. Registration closes on October 1st or when the limit is reached (whichever comes first). You must decorate your home and submit a photo of the completed work no later than October 8th. Winners will be determined by the number of votes received. Each category includes a first, second, and third-place winner. Good luck.

Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball

This year, the ball takes place on what else? Friday the 13th, of course. This event at the James Ward Mansion proves to be one of the most popular each year. Therefore, it sells out quickly. Tickets went on sale last Tuesday (the 12th). If you’re lucky, there still should be a few left.

The Gallery on Elm Street

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 13th to October 29th, The Gallery at 122 Elm Street features works of art from Charles Addams and Edward Gorey. Chief on display will be the duo’s Wild Curious Creatures and the Addams Animal Menagerie with works of art inspired by Charles Addams’ cartoons.

Wild Walk Pet Parade

From 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, October 14th, dress your favorite mutt or kitty-cat in their best costume. Then parade them through downtown Westfield. Best costumed pet wins a prize. You might even meet your next furry friend here. Several animals will be available for adoption.

Lantern Cemetery Tours

For one night only, the Presbyterian Church offers special lantern cemetery tours. That night (October 14th), tours start at 5 pm and run every 10 minutes until 6:30 pm.

Addams Family Fun Day

On Sunday, October 15th, Quimby Ave transforms into an Addams-inspired wonderland. Decorate pumpkins with the doctors at Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care. Or watch the experts show off their skills at the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers’ demonstration. Local youth bands perform live all day long on the Atlantic Health Youth Stage. And listen to Westfield’s own author Peter Lyons read his children’s book Tonight, Tonight is Halloween every hour on the half-hour from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Charlie’s Ale Garden

The Westfield Armory becomes Charlie’s Ale Garden on Saturday, October 21st. Saved by the 90s headlines the evening’s live entertainment, with several other local bands playing before them. Food trucks provide food for purchase while you drink wine and/or beer provided by the Harvest Restaurant Group. This year, tickets will be sold in two separate rounds: first on September 20th at 7 pm and second on September 27th at 7 pm. Organizers are trying to get permission to use the grounds outside of the armory as well. If that happens, they plan on opening up more tickets to purchase in the days leading up to the event. Check back on the AddamsFest website when the two rounds open up. This is one of the most popular events of the entire month. Tickets sell out right away each year. So, make sure you mark your calendars and check in early.

Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond

All throughout October, a miniature version of the Addams Family house floats out on Mindowaskin Pond. Visitors are welcome to come any time to take a photo with it.

Addams Family-Inspired Murals

Come see the murals created by talented local artists at the Central Ave Underpass all month long as well. This ever-changing canvas showcases a variety of artwork throughout the year. But the ode to Charles Addams’ beloved work only lasts through the end of October.

Wicked Windows of Westfield

Another fun and free chance to celebrate Westfield’s native son is by wandering around downtown Westfield and looking at the Wicked Windows set up in shops around town. Several shops set up Addams Family-inspired displays in their windows for the entire month of October. Once you see the displays outside, head inside to see what frighteningly great deals you may find inside.

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

Local Events • September 7, 2023

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Hometown Hero Banner Program

by Scott Gleason

On November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day. On this day, we honor all of the brave men and women who fought for our country. Scotch Plains and Fanwood want families and friends to show special recognition for their loved ones with their own banner. Right now, Scotch Plains and Fanwood are accepting submissions for their Hometown Hero Banner Program. Do you have someone you want to submit for this special honor?

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Hometown Hero Banner Program

Between now and September 25th, anyone can submit the name of their beloved veteran to be a part of the Hometown Hero Banner Program. The only requirements are that the veteran is either a currently enrolled or former member (either living or deceased) of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Army Air Corps, Merchant Marines, or the Women Air Force Pilots who served during World War II. The service member must also have been a resident of either Scotch Plains or Fanwood at some point.

All you need to do is submit their name, rank, and branch of service they serve/served, including years of service, online here. Organizers also ask that you include a photo of them (preferably in uniform). This photo along with their other info will then be included on a banner hung around the city on Veterans Day. This year marks the last time that this program accepts submissions. Anyone submitted and accepted in years past will continue to have their banners flown for Veterans Day. What an amazing way to acknowledge your appreciation for the sacrifice your loved one made or currently makes for our country. Consider submitting them for their very own Hometown Hero banner this year.

Westfield FestiFall Street Fair 2023

Just a heads up. This weekend is the FestiFall Street Fair in Westfield. From 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, September 10th, downtown Westfield along Central Ave fills up with dozens of food, craft, retail, and other vendors to welcome the Fall season. This is most definitely a family event. Let your children expend some energy in the free Kids Zone. They can ride the rides and bounce and/or slide on the inflatables set up there. Just make sure you pay attention to the traffic around Central Ave during the fair. It will get diverted starting early Saturday morning and going well into the evening the same day. Take the family out on Saturday for Scotch Plains’ 2nd Street Block Party and then spend Sunday in Westfield for FestiFall.

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

Local Events • September 1, 2023

Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023

by Scott Gleason

Many new people and businesses have moved into the Scotch Plains area over the past few years. These businesses brought renewed energy to the 2nd Street business district. To celebrate these wonderful local companies, the Township of Scotch Plains decided to host the very first Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party and Car Show.

What: Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023
Where: E 2nd Street between Park Ave & Hunter Ave
When: Saturday, September 9th, 1 pm to 5 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Margaret Heisey with Township of Scotch Plains (908) 322-6700 x314 or via email

Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023

From 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, September 9th, E 2nd Street shuts down to automotive traffic between Park Ave and Hunter Ave. Instead, the streets fill up with pedestrians and amazing deals from local businesses and organizations. Come see live demonstrations. Enter one of the multiple contests and, hopefully, win a giveaway. Sample some amazing food. See some fabulous art on display. Talk to one of the many consultants on-site to learn more about services provided by our East 2nd Street businesses. Then, of course, there is the car show. You definitely won’t want to miss that. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with this year’s event, organizers plan on hosting a rain date on Sunday, September 10th.

Do you own a classic car that you want to show off at the block party? Now’s your chance to shine. Contact Bob LaCosta by calling (908) 322-6700 x308 or emailing him at blacosta@scotchplainsnj.com.

Businesses You’ll See at the Block Party

2 Much Sauce
Best Friend Thrift Shop
The Bike Stand
BISC Pottery Studio
CSM Fitness Center
The Details Barber Shop & Shave Parlor
DiNizo Pools
Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League Thrift Shop
First Option Juice Hub & Salad Bar
Health & Fitness Professionals
Joan Marie Photography|The Studio
Lifestyle Studio Barber Shop
The Moderne Academie of Fine Arts
No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
Pat’s American Butcher Shop
Pizza Brothers
Savory Selections Catering
Scotch Plains Medical Center
Simply Groomed (pet grooming)

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

Local Events • August 25, 2023

Solar Charging Benches Installed in Downtown Westfield

by Scott Gleason

Solar Charging Benches in Downtown Westfield

Westfield takes “going green” to a whole new level. Let’s say you decide to go shopping in the downtown area. You plan on meeting up with your bestie at the Rock ‘n Joe for a cup of coffee. But you can’t remember what time you agreed on. You pull out your phone and realize that your battery may die in the next few minutes. What do you do? Well, if you find yourself near one of the newly installed solar charging benches, simply sit down, plug in, and wait.

Solar Charging Benches Installed in Downtown Westfield

That’s right. Downtown Westfield now includes two solar charging benches with two more set for installation soon. Plus, if these benches prove valuable to the public at large, more benches may be installed at a later date.

For now, you may find the initial two benches set up at Elm and North. Each bench includes dual USB ports. The Downtown Westfield Corporation plans on installing two more benches at the South Ave train station soon. A state grant paid for the $11,600 cost of these initial four benches from Sun Charge Systems. It’s just one way that the City hopes to bring a clean alternative to traditional electric charging and add convenience to local citizens and visitors alike.

Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023 Event

Another way to reduce our carbon footprint (as well as trash thrown into local landfills) is by participating in the Scotch Plains Freecycle Event. If you find yourself with extra children’s toys, old books, small kitchen appliances, puzzles, games, or other gently used items, register for the freecycle event. Schedule a time to drop these items off at Brookside Park early in the morning on Saturday, September 9th. Then, come back later in the morning to search through other people’s donations. Everything will be available to take absolutely free of charge, too.

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

Market Reports • August 24, 2023

August 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 • August 18, 2023

Westfield School Supply Drive

by Scott Gleason

Westfield students begin their 2023/2024 school year on September 7th. As most parents know, school supplies can be expensive. For some Westfield area households, that brings an additional strain to their finances. If you want to help ease their burden, consider donating to the Westfield School Supply Drive.

What: Westfield School Supply Drive
Where: Various Locations Around Westfield (see below)
When: 8 am to 5 pm now through August 20th

Westfield School Supply Drive

Local high school student Jillian Almendral strives to make a difference in our community with her volunteer work. Since June, she has spearheaded a local school supply drive to benefit those less fortunate kids in our area. Supplies needed include backpacks, notebooks, composition books, #2 pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, erasers, folders, pens, highlighters, crayons, markers, calculators, glue, child-safe scissors, and rulers. They request that all items donated be new (or gently used when it comes to backpacks). They also accept gift cards for Amazon or Visa. New laptops, tablets, and headphones would also be greatly appreciated. All supplies will be donated to Jersey Cares for distribution where needed.

Drop-Off Locations

* Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St)
* Westfield Memorial Pool (713 Cumberland St)
* Westfield Area YMCA (220 Clark St or 422 E Broad St)
* Westfield High School (550 Dorian Rd)

Tax-Holiday for NJ School Supply Shoppers

Every year, New Jersey waives sales tax for back-to-school supplies for a ten-day period. This year, it falls between August 26th and September 4th. Unfortunately, that timeframe comes after the school supply drive takes place in Westfield. But it still provides a bit of relief for parents getting their children ready for the new school year. For a complete list of these items, please visit the NJ Division of Taxation website here.

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

Bike MS NYC 2023

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023

September 2023 Market Update

Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023

AddamsFest 2023 Info

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Hometown Hero Banner Program

Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023

Solar Charging Benches Installed in Downtown Westfield

August 2023 Market Update

Westfield School Supply Drive

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