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Westfield by Grade School:
Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Homeowner Tips • Uncategorized •
January 19, 2024
What to Include in Your Wintertime Emergency Car Safety Kit
Mother Nature continues to batter much of the country. Wind chill factors put much of the Midwest well below zero. Some areas in the south have been warned of a polar plunge that puts them firmly in the negative numbers. We even received snow squall warnings right here in New Jersey over the weekend. Officials are warning everyone to stay off the roads whenever possible. But if you must travel, it would be smart to keep an emergency car safety kit with you at all times.
What to Include in Your Wintertime Emergency Car Safety Kit
What should you include in your emergency car kit this winter? Here’s a list of essential items you should keep in your vehicle.
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Chains (make sure they fit the tires on your car)
- Flares
- Flashlight
- Ice scraper
- Tow rope
- Blanket, hat, gloves/mittens
- Extra cell phone charger
- Water and snacks (cheese and crackers, trail mix, etc.)
- Bag of sand or kitty litter (for extra traction when stuck)
Also, never let your gas tank go below halfway. Fill it up as often as possible. You do not want to run out of gas and have to hike to the next gas station in below-freezing temperatures.
Staying Safe During a Snow Squall
First, get off the road at the next available safe exit. If that is not possible, ease off the gas to slow down. Avoid slamming on your brakes as this may cause you to spin out or slide into another vehicle or barrier. Pull your car over to the side of the road. Turn your hazard lights on and keep low-beam lights on so other cars can see you. When safe to do so, exit your vehicle. Get as far away from the street or highway as possible.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
January 12, 2024
Cranford Souperhero Stroll 2024
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
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 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
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
Local Events •
December 15, 2023
Cranford Wonka Chocolate Walk 2023
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
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
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
Local Events •
December 1, 2023
Westfield Area Y’s Men Seek Out Volunteers
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
