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Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2024
Flowers bloom. Birds sing. Spring is definitely in the air. If the weather holds out, we should see some sun finally break through those clouds. Perfect timing to celebrate Earth Day. How should you celebrate Earth Day? How about attending the Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2024?
- What: Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2024
- Where: Jerseyland Park (2373 Beryllium)
- When: From 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 20th
- Contact: Scotch Plains Dept of Recreation (908-322-6700 x223) or via email
Scotch Plains Freecycle Market 2024
Kick spring cleaning into gear. Instead of dumping your unwanted items in the trash, give them new life at the Freecycle Market. Of course, if those items are no longer usable, they definitely need to go into the trash. But if you do not use them or need them anymore, let someone else have them.
Schedule a donation drop-off time online at the Community Pass website here. You will need to set up a free account to access it. Then, choose a drop-off time (8:30 am to 9 am, 9 am to 9:30 am, and 9:30 am to 10 am). After you drop off your donation, come back for some free shopping from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Test that theory out by going to the Scotch Plains Freecycle Market on April 20th. In case of rain, organizers plan on holding the event on Sunday, April 21st.
Items Accepted
- Children’s toys
- DVDs/video games
- Games and puzzles
- Kitchenware
- Seasonal decorations
- Small appliances
- Sports equipment
Items That are Not Accepted
- Bikes
- Books
- Clothing (including shoes)
- Electronics
- Glass of any kind
Pass It Over in Cranford
This year, the first day of Passover starts on Monday, April 22nd. That happens to also be Earth Day. If you happen to be in Cranford on Sunday, April 21st, bring canned or boxed goods to Eastman Clock Plaza. Every donation equals an entry in a drawing for a $180 Perrotti’s gift card. All donations benefit Jewish Family Services and our local community.
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
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Spring Hop 2024
Believe it or not, Spring has officially sprung. It quietly started on Tuesday. Easter Sunday is just over a week away. But you can celebrate it this weekend at the Cranford Spring Hop 2024.
What: Cranford Spring Hop 2024
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza Park
When: Saturday, March 23rd, 12 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $12 per person
Cranford Spring Hop 2024
Organizers broke up this year’s hop into two separate time slots: 12 pm to 2 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. This helps accommodate more children. Obtain entry by purchasing a $12 tote bag. Each bag includes all the supplies you need to participate.
This “hop” is a little different than other Easter Egg Hunts in the area. For one thing, you pick up your tote at the Eastman Clock Plaza Park. But instead of searching for eggs in the park, your child visits more than 20 different Downtown Cranford businesses to find the hidden eggs. Additionally, kids receive a special Golden egg with a fun prize inside. Make sure you snap a photo with the Easter Bunny sometime during your hop as well.
Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2024
Cranford offers their hop. Westfield organized their hunt on the same day as well. But not to be outdone, Scotch Plains also put together an Easter Egg Hunt of their own this Saturday. Starting at 10:15 am, kids ages 8 and under are invited to join the Easter Bunny at the Shady Rest Country Club. The Easter Bunny hid hundreds of eggs all over the country club’s golf course. This is a free BYOB event (aka “bring your own basket”). After the hunt ends, a balloon artist keeps kids and adults entertained. Several family-friendly Easter-themed activities are also planned for the day. Currently, the weatherman predicts a possibility of rain. In case that happens, organizers scheduled a rain date of March 24th.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2023
Yes. I understand that we just celebrated Halloween. And Thanksgiving is still two weeks away. But by the looks of our local stores, it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas. Apparently, our township’s recreation commission and fire department think the same way. Why else would they be accepting registration for the Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest right now?
Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2023
Organizers welcome all residents of Scotch Plains to join the home decorating contest. First, you must register online by December 1st. That means creating a free account on Community Pass if you do not already have one and going to the 2023 Events section of the site. Then, make sure to decorate your house in all of its holiday glory by December 10th. The Scotch Plains Fire Department plans on bringing Santa to each and every participating household before Christmas to check out the decorations. Online voting runs from December 11th to January 2nd. The homes that receive the most votes win. For more information, please call the Scotch Plains Department of Recreation at 908-322-6700 ext 223. Good luck to one and all who participate.
Organizers also ask that all participants and voters please consider donating to the Community Food Bank of NJ. That may mean donating money, food, or even your time to help them out this holiday season. And remember, food banks hand out food even after the holidays end. So, any donation you can provide now or later is greatly appreciated.
Westfield Haunt Your House 2023 Winners
In case you were wondering, AddamsFest announced the winners of the Westfield Haunt Your House contest last week. The Haunts by Day winners were D2 (1613 Grandview Ave) in third place, D5 (32 Tamaques Way) in second, and D9 (462 Mountain Ave) taking first place. For Haunts by Night, the winners were N8 (552 Edgar Rd) in third, N1 (611 Carleton Rd) in second, and N19 (711 Crescent Pkwy) taking first. Did your favorites win? Let me know in the comments below.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Scotch Plains Harvest Festival 2023
There’s more going on in October than just Halloween. Westfield celebrates AddamsFest. And Cranford has their Scarecrow Stroll. But what about us? We celebrate the season with the Scotch Plains Harvest Festival.
- What: Scotch Plains Harvest Festival 2023
- Where: The Frazee House (1451 Raritan Rd)
- When: Saturday, October 21st, 12 pm to 5 pm
- Admission: FREE
Scotch Plains Harvest Festival 2023
This fun fall festival takes place at one of the oldest homes in the area: the Frazee House. The Rotary Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains hosts an afternoon of family-friendly fun. Entertainment for the day includes a petting zoo, pony rides, tons of games, a haunted trail, and much, much more. Enjoy live music while you feast on a tasty offering from one of several food vendors on-site. Parking and admission are absolutely free of charge.
AddamsFest 2023
AddamsFest 2023 is in full swing right now in Westfield. While Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball and Charlie’s Ale Garden have been sold out for weeks, plenty of other events keep visitors entertained throughout the month of October. No one gets bored in Westfield during the month of October.
Cranford Scarecrow Stroll
This year’s Scarecrow Stroll in Cranford starts today (October 13th) with a candy stroll at Eastman Clock Plaza Park. The City also has several other events planned throughout the rest of the month. But do not forget to take a walk around downtown to check out all of the entries in the stroll.
Bike MS NYC 2023
Finally, just a reminder. The Bike MS NYC 2023 ride takes place in just over a week. Team Guys and Dolls would really love your assistance in helping us reach our lofty goal of $5000 in donations. You can donate by clicking the “donate” button above. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go to a very worthy charity that is near and dear to my heart. Thank you.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Scotch Plains-Fanwood Hometown Hero Banner Program
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
Scotch Plains 2nd Street Block Party 2023
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
Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023
Feel like getting a jump on your spring cleaning? Want to clear out the clutter in your home before Christmas? Let your trash become another man’s treasure at the Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023 event.
- What: Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023
- Where: Brookside Park (1255 Hetfield Ave)
- When: Saturday, September 9th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Admission: FREE
- Contact: Scotch Plains Department of Parks & Recreation (908) 322-6700 ext 223 or via email
Scotch Plains Freecycle 2023
Have your kids outgrown their toys? Did you redecorate your home but don’t know what to do with your old stuff? Are your shelves brimming with old books that need a new home? Don’t toss them to the curb. Bring it all to the Freecycle event. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate on September 9th, organizers set a rain date of September 10th.
For efficiency, you need to register on Scotch Plains’ Community Pass website. Choose a time slot in which to drop off your items. Acceptable items to donate include books, toys, games, puzzles, sports equipment, small appliances, kitchenware, and holiday decorations. No glass or bicycles, please. All items must be in good condition and working properly or else they will be turned away.
Once everything gets dropped off and categorized/organized appropriately, the shopping begins. From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, the public is welcome to look through all donated materials and take whatever they want home with them. Not only does this keep them from piling up in our landfills, but they are offered absolutely free of charge. Can it get any better than that? You don’t even have to be a Scotch Plains resident to participate. All are welcome to join.
Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration
Scotch Plains Township’s Freecycle event doesn’t take place until September. But the DOGust Celebration happens this weekend. Bring your pooch to Jerseyland Park between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm for some family-friendly fun in the sun.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023
Who went to the Westfield Night Out Event on Tuesday? Did you like it? Is it something you would recommend to others? I think it’s wonderful because it lets us get to know our neighbors better as well as our neighborhood helpers. Another fun community event you might want to put on your calendar is the Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration.
- What: Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023
- Where: Jerseyland Park (2377 Richmond St)
- When: Saturday, August 12th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Contact: Scotch Plains Recreation Department (908) 322-6700 x223
Scotch Plains DOGust Celebration 2023
Come praise your favorite four-legged furry friends at the DOGust Celebration. Specifically, this event celebrates all locally rescued and adopted dogs in the Scotch Plains area. K9 Resorts hosts this fun family-friendly/pet-friendly event. They plan on handing out treats (of course) and plan on offering tons of fun activities for both humans and dogs. Since they expect temperatures to run pretty high, they also offer a spectacular cool-off zone for everyone as well. Additionally, several local organizations will be on hand to provide guests with helpful information and tools about caring for our precious furry family members. Plus, there will be a donation drive on-site.
K9 Resorts provides your pet with a luxury experience in daycare. They also offer high-class boarding services. Socialization is important for pets as well as people. Doggy daycare at K9 Resorts allows your pets to interact with other dogs in a safe, well-supervised environment. Check out K9 Resorts today.
Registration Information
While organizers provide all of this fun absolutely free of charge, they ask that you register ahead of time. Only one dog is allowed per human. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination when you sign up for DOGust. To register your pooch, please visit the Scotch Plains Community Pass website here.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series 2023
It’s summertime. The sun shines high above and music fills the air. On Tuesday evenings in Westfield, that music comes from the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival. But nearby, summertime means the Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series is in full swing.
- What: Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series 2023
- Where: Alan M Augustine Village Green (430 Park Ave)
- When: 7:30 pm on Thursdays from July 6th to July 27th
- Admission: FREE
Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series 2023
Located right next to the Scotch Plains Municipal Building, the Alan M Augustine Village Green provides a beautiful, lush green backdrop for many of Scotch Plains’ community activities. The summer concert series is no exception. Every Thursday evening throughout July, a different live band performs free for your entertainment. Bring your own blanket and/or chairs to enjoy this weekly feast for the ears. Admission is free but the entertainment is priceless.
Summer Concert Series Schedule
- July 6th – Soul Seduction (music from the 60s to today)
- July 13th – Garden State Jazz Orchestra
- July 20th – North Ave (rock and roll)
- July 27th – Chris Turner & Clearstream (classic country, country rock & 50’s, 60’s & 70’s Americana)
Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival
Just a reminder. Westfield’s Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival takes place every Tuesday evening throughout July and August. (Rain date: Wednesday). That is three different bands performing every single week for your enjoyment. To kick the festival off on July 11th, Bradford Hayes, the Rusty Monks, and the High Ridge Runners perform live. Don’t miss a moment. Make downtown Westfield your destination of choice on Tuesday nights and Scotch Plains your “go-to” for Thursday evenings this summer.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Scotch Plains Earth Day Community Clean-Up
Each year, Earth Day falls on April 22nd. It is the one day of the year that we are asked to stop and think about how our lives and lifestyles affect our planet. Also, you should consider what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. This year, the Scotch Plains Earth Day 2023 Celebration includes a community clean-up, a free seedling giveaway, and a freecycle market.
What: Scotch Plains Earth Day 2023 Celebration
Where: Various Areas Around Scotch Plains
When: Saturday, April 22nd, from 8 am to 11 am
Scotch Plains Earth Day Community Clean-Up
Whether individually or as part of a group, volunteers from the age of six and up are asked to participate in the Scotch Plains Earth Day community clean-up. The clean-up happens on Saturday, April 22nd from 8 am to 10 am. Simply register online (you need to create an account). When you sign up, pick which area or location you prefer to clean. After you register, organizers will email you directions and instructions for your location. Even though the event comes free of charge, you still need to register in order to make sure all areas get covered.
Free Seedling Giveaway
Visit Brookside Park (1255 Hetfield Ave) from 9 am to 11 am on April 22nd to receive a free seedling courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation’s NJ Tree Recovery Campaign. The foundation set a goal to replant all of the trees lining the streets of neighborhoods struck down by Hurricane Sandy. So far, they managed to replant almost 330,000 trees around New Jersey. While that sounds like a lot, there are still several trees that need to be planted to replace what has been lost. So, pick up your free seedling and give it a good home.
Earth Day Freecycle Market
While you’re picking up your free seedling at Brookside Park, visit the freecycle market. If you wish to donate to the freecycle market, drop off your gently used books, toys, puzzles, games, holiday decorations, kitchen appliances, dishware, and sporting equipment between 8:30 am and 10 am. You must schedule your drop-off time online ahead of time. Then, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Scotch Plains residents may come to the park to shop for these free items. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Let’s keep these treasures out of our landfills and give them new lives in someone else’s home.
If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, organizers of all three of these events set a rain date of April 23rd.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
