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

 

Local Events July 14, 2023

Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023

Do you like to shop? Do you want to support local entrepreneurs? You can do both when you go to the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023.

What: Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023
Where: Downtown Westfield
When: Now through July 16th
Cost: FREE

Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023

This weekend, several of our local businesses will be participating in the Summer Sidewalk Sale. Organizers put together this fun event every summer to highlight everything that Downtown Westfield has to offer. Plus, shoppers receive some spectacular discounts simply for taking the time to visit these establishments.

Some of the businesses that will be participating in the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale include:

  • American Shoe Repair & Luggage
  • Athleta – women’s athletic wear
  • The Beau Ideal – home furnishings
  • Best Foot Forward – footwear
  • Cachet Boutique – women’s clothing & accessories
  • Club Pilates Westfield
  • Fleet Feet – shoes & sportswear
  • Francis Henri – children’s clothing
  • J McLaughlin – casual classic men’s & women’s clothing
  • Jude Connally – women’s clothing
  • Learning Express Toys
  • Osteo Strong – strengthen bones, joints & muscles
  • Roig Collection Westfield – art gallery
  • Ruby & Jenna – women’s clothing
  • Sofi’s Color Lounge – hair stylists
  • Sole Shoes

If the weather decides not to cooperate, the event still goes on. But you might want to head inside the shops to find those special street sale bargains.

Summertime Music Festivals

Don’t forget. Scotch Plains offers up its Summer Concert Series every Thursday evening throughout July. All you need to bring is a blanket or chair. Each week brings a new act to the Alan M Augustine Village Green starting at 7:30 pm. On Tuesday evenings from now through the end of August, make Westfield’s Sweet Sounds of Summer your destination of choice. With not one, not two, but three stages to choose from, you will never be lacking for musical accompaniment to your weekday shopping. And all of this entertainment comes free of charge. So, enjoy!

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

 

Local Events May 19, 2023

Tour de Westfield 2023 – Sign-Ups Start Now

Anyone who knows me knows how much I like cycling. In fact, I put those skills to use every October for the MS NYC charity ride. For many bicycle enthusiasts, the Tour de France is the highlight of their year. But you don’t have to fly to Europe, wait until July, or even traverse the 2000-mile course to enjoy an epic bike ride. Instead, sign up for the Tour de Westfield 2023.

Tour de Westfield 2023

Unlike its French counterpart, our little bicycle tour is open to the entire family. In fact, the Tour de Tots allows kids ages 9 and under to compete against each other. Kids ages 9 to 15 can learn how to perform fun tricks on their bikes at the Tour de Tricks. Jay’s Cycle Center will be on hand to inspect your bike for safety if you wish as well.

A special bike parade kicks off the festivities at 10 am. If you want to participate in that, you must register for it separately. All participants in the Tour de Westfield are encouraged (but not required) to bling out their bikes. Those who do so may win a $100 gift card to a local business for their efforts.

How to Register

There are only 600 spots available for the entire tour. So if you want to participate, you must sign up as soon as possible. Simply visit the Westfield Recreation Department’s website here. Remember to add yourself and/or anybody else in your part on the parade link if you want to be a part of that as well. If you forget to do so, you will not be able to participate in that. Also, you need to sign up your child for the Tour de Tots separately from your own adult Westfield tour.

Registration is open now. Sign up today to secure your spot on the tour. Have fun!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

 

Local Events August 12, 2022

New Westfield Artist Alley Submissions Now Accepted

Westfield loves the arts in all of their forms. Visit any one of the dozens of galleries in the downtown area to see artwork of all kinds (paintings, pottery, photography, etc.). Sweet Sounds Downtown offers four different live concerts every Tuesday through the end of August. And right now, the Westfield Public Arts Commission is accepting submissions from local artists to create an Artist Alley right in the heart of downtown Westfield.

New Westfield Artist Alley

The WPAC wants to create a permanent public installation in downtown Westfield. But they need talented artists to submit their ideas. Westfield’s brand new Artist Alley will be set up on the side of the old Rialto theatre connecting Broad St. to the parking lot. They wish to see both 2D and 3D works of art (mosaics and wall sculptures) added to the wall. Each artist will be recognized for their individual work.

Anyone interested in participating in Artist Alley may email their full-color submissions to the WPAC. All submissions must be received by the end of the day on August 22nd to be considered.

New Life at the Old Rialto Theatre

The Rialto, a local landmark since 1922, closed its doors rather suddenly back in 2019. After much dispute between the owners, it reopened late last year as the Center for Creativity at the Rialto. Here, they wish to foster creativity in literature, film, live performances, and art. They also want to preserve a bit of Westfield’s past by keeping the Rialto building alive and well for future generations to enjoy.

Less than 20 towns in the entire state have kept old movie palaces like the Rialto alive. One of those towns just happens to be our very own Westfield. Support the arts and history by supporting public installations like Artist Alley. Thank you.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events July 8, 2022

Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Music Festival 2022

Every summer, downtown Westfield fills up with the sweet, sweet sounds of live music. This summer proves no exception. Last week, the Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Music Festival 2022 kicked off with some classic Jazz, Big Band music, and a rock cover band called the Drop the Needle Trio. But that was only the beginning of a whole summer of fantastic concerts to scintillate your eardrums and bring a smile to your lips.

What: Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Music Festival 2022
Where: Four locations around Downtown Westfield
When: Every Tuesday from 7 am to 9 pm throughout July & August
Cost: Free
Contact: Westfield Town Hall (908) 789-4040 or via email

Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Music Festival 2022

The Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Music Festival takes place around the downtown area every Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm throughout July and August. In the past, three different acts were performed on three different stages around downtown Westfield. But organizers wanted to bring a little extra harmony this year. So, they included a fourth stage.

  • Stage A – Central Ave Stage (137 Central Ave)
  • Stage B – Quimby St/Elm St Stage (125 Quimby St)
  • Stage C – Foundation Park Stage (439 South Ave W)
  • Stage D – Evalyn Dunn Gallery Annex (331 W Broad St)

In case it rains on a random Tuesday in July or August, that week’s concerts will be performed on Wednesday of that week instead. So, do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat, and take in a free live concert for dessert during the Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Music Festival.

Sweet Sounds Line-Up

July 12th: (A) Carrie Jackson (Jazz), (B) Big Bruce & The Messengers (Motown/R&B), (C) Radio Star (rock music)

July 19th: (A) Bradford Hayes (Jazz), (B) Glenn Alexander & Shadowland (Jazz Rock), (C) Valencia Music School (Rock)

July 26th: (A) The Joe Taino Group (Latin Jazz), (B) Kolor Blynd Band (R&B), (C) Free Speech (Jazz)

August 2nd: (A) Don Braden/Karl Latham Big Fun(k) (Jazz), (B) The Wag (Rock), (C) Higher Ground (Rock)

August 9th: (A) Charlie Apicella & Iron City (Jazz), (B) Thos Shipley (Jazz vocals), (C) Better Late (Rock)

August 16th: (A) Gordon James (Jazz), (B) Soul Seduction (R&B), (C) Little Secret (Americana)

August 23rd: (A) Mauricio de Souza (Latin Jazz), (B) Elena & Boo Demolition String Band (Country/Bluegrass), (C) NJ Workshop for the Arts (Jazz/Rock)

August 30th: (A) BD Lenz All-Stars (Funk/Motown), (B) Nikki Briar & The Sweet Briar Band (Country), (C) Save Mary (Rock)

Stage D Every Tuesday – NJ Youth Symphony

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes