Local Events June 16, 2023

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023

Some people consider Memorial Day as the beginning of summer. But the official start to summer is June 21st. And while the air quality lately may have not been the greatest, it should clear out in plenty of time to enjoy the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023 in Westfield.

What: Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023
Where: Downtown Westfield
When: From 7 pm to 9 pm Every Tuesday between July 11th to August 29th
Admission: FREE
Contact: Downtown Westfield Corporation (908)789-4040 or via email

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023

Each summer, downtown Westfield transforms into a live music extravaganza. Every Tuesday evening after the 4th of July through the end of August features different artists on three stages. Jazz groups feature prominently on the Central Ave Stage (137 Central Ave). The Quimby Stage (located at Quimby and Elm) features primarily R & B, Mowtown, Rock, Soul, and even Country music. Then, on the third stage at Foundation Park (439 S Ave W), local talent gets the spotlight. And all of this comes absolutely free of charge to the public. All you need to do is show up downtown on any Tuesday night to enjoy this treat for your ears. While you’re at it, please patronize some of our lovely local shops in the downtown area as well. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate on Tuesday, then the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival moves to Wednesday for that week.

Sweet Sounds Line-Up

Central Ave Stage 

  • July 11th – Bradford Hayes (Jazz)
  • July 18th – Mitch Marcus Quartet (Progressive Jazz)
  • July 25th – Joe Taino Group (Latin Jazz)
  • August 1st – Carrie Jackson (Jazz vocalist)
  • August 8th – Big Fun(k) (Funky Jazz)
  • August 15th – Eric Mintel (Jazz)
  • August 22nd – Elena & Boo Demolition String Band (Bluegrass)
  • August 29th – Bossa Brasil (Latin Jazz)

Quimby Stage

  • July 11th – Rusty Monks (Funk/Rock/Latin Jazz)
  • July 18th – Kolor Blynd Band (R & B)
  • July 25th – The Wag (Classic Rock/Beatles)
  • August 1st – Big Bruce & The Messengers (Motown)
  • August 8th – Glenn Alexander & Shadowland (Jazz)
  • August 15th – Soul Seduction (R & B)
  • August 22nd – Karickter Band (R & B/Soul)
  • August 29th – The Sweet Briar Band (Country)

Foundation Park Stage

  • July 11th – High Ridge Runners (Bluegrass)
  • July 18th – Valencia School of Music (Rock)
  • July 25th – Say It Ain’t Scorcho (Weezer)
  • August 1st – Higher Ground (Rock)
  • August 8th – Better Late (Rock)
  • August 15th – Twice Heard (Rock)
  • August 22nd – NJ Workshop for the Arts (Rock & Jazz)
  • August 29th – Drop the Needle (Rock

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

Market Reports May 30, 2023

May 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 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 April 28, 2023

Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023

You wouldn’t know if by the crazy cold weather we’ve experienced lately, but it is actually spring in the Westfield area right now. In fact, the weatherman says we should expect to see cloudy and wet weather for the foreseeable future. But whether the sun shines bright or clouds bring rain, the Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023 takes place on the first Sunday in May.

  • What: Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023
  • Where: Central Ave, Downtown Westfield
  • When: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Admission: FREE
  • Contact: Gene Jannotti with the GWACC Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via email

Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023

The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce organizes Spring Fling every year. And each year it gets better and better. This year, they cater to all ages. A fun Kids Zone keeps the wee ones occupied with age-appropriate rides and activities. The adults may want to visit the Crossroad beer and wine cafe. Valencia Music and the NJ Workshop of the Arts perform live for fair-goers. And, of course, plenty of food and arts and crafts vendors will be available for all attendees.

Central Ave between E Broad St and North Ave shuts down to everyone but foot traffic for the day (starting at 6 am) to accommodate all fair guests. That means no cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, skateboarders, bicyclists, or even rollerbladers are allowed during fair hours. For the safety of everyone, please keep pets at home as well. Large groups sometimes make even the calmest animals jumpy.

Please park in the parking lot of the South Ave Train Station. From there, it is a short walk through the North Ave underpass at the Westfield Train Station. Any Westfield resident living on Central or Lenox Avenues must park in nearby municipal lots during Spring Fling hours.

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

 

Local Events April 15, 2023

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

I believe in giving back to my community and raising money for a good cause. Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I work the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas tree lot. The money raised gets distributed to local charities and community organizations. In October, a group of my friends and loved ones join me on the Bike MS NYC ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. I ask you all to help our local community again by donating what you can to the Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive.

What: Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023
When: Thursday, April 20th, from 7:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Westfield Area YMCA – Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 E Broad St)

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

Planning on doing some spring cleaning soon? When you do, set aside any gently used clothing, accessories, linens, or other household goods. Then, bag or box them up and bring them to the Westfield Area Y’s clothing drive. All items must be clean and in usable condition.

Items Accepted

  • Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
  • Accessories (belts, ties, handbags)
  • Shoes (must bag these separately from other items)
  • Linens (comforters, blankets, sheets, towels)
  • Curtains
  • Toys (stuffed animals, small children’s toys)
  • Strollers
  • Bicycles and scooters

Items collected will be distributed to A & E Clothing Corp for the Strong Kids+ support program. A & E Clothing collects used clothing and other items all over the country. In turn, they sell these items back to the public in bulk in the US and around the world. The sales of these items help create jobs for people in our local communities as well as keep these items out of our landfills. Plus, it allows shoppers to receive quality used items at a huge discount.

They say charity begins at home. Well, start from your home. Box or bag the clothing, accessories, and other items that you no longer use. Then, bring them to the Westfield Area YMCA’s Clothing Drive on April 20th. Clean your house. Help the less fortunate. Create a cleaner world for your family to thrive in.

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

 

Local Events April 7, 2023

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

The weather outside may give you pause. But it really is springtime here in Westfield. And springtime means renewal and rebirth. For local sheep, it also means that it’s time for shearing. If you’ve never seen this done, you’re in for a treat. The Miller-Cory House hosts their annual Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival next weekend.

  • What: Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023
  • Where: Miller-Cory House Museum (614 Mountain Ave)
  • When: Saturday, April 15th, 1 pm to 4 pm
  • Admission: $4 to $5 per person
  • Contact: Miller-Cory House Museum (908) 232-1776 or via email

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

The Sheep to Shawl Festival has become a favorite tradition for visitors to the Miller-Cory House. A master shearer takes center stage with these lovely sheep to hand shear just like they used to do in the early colonial days. Museum docents dress up in period clothing as well to show how colonial men and women carded, spun, wove, and knitted using sheep’s wool. They’ll also demonstrate other aspects of colonial life such as making soap and washing the laundry. Visitors will also be treated to a show of how food was cooked on an open hearth in the late 1700s using recipes from the era.

Tickets cost just $5 per adult and $4 per child ages three to 12. Kids under three get in for free. You do not need a reservation to attend the festival. Simply show up and pay a fee at the gate. It’s a fun time that the whole family can enjoy together.

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza

Don’t forget. The Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza takes place this weekend at Mindowaskin Park. There will be an egg hunt, plenty of Easter-themed activities, and even a visit with Mr. Easter Bunny himself.

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

 

Local Events March 24, 2023

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. And our fair city is one of the places on the Easter Bunny’s list to visit. In fact, he is scheduled to be a special guest at the Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023.

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

The Westfield Police Department partnered up with our local Kiwanis Club to put together this beloved annual Easter event. In fact, all of the spots for every age division of the Easter egg hunt itself have already been filled up. However, there are still some spots available for children with special needs. If your differently-abled child wishes to participate, please visit the event website here to reserve your spot today.

In addition to the egg hunt, there are tons of other activities you can enjoy. First, organizers put together some fun games for the kids to play. Plus, there’s face painting, candy, special prizes, and, of course, pictures with the Easter Bunny. Fortunately, you don’t have to have a ticket for these. You only need to show up.

Parents must stay with their kids throughout the entire event. You may park on E Broad St or N Euclid Ave. More parking is available behind the municipal building as well.

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt

Speaking of egg hunts, don’t forget about the Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt. It takes place next Saturday (April 1st) at Brookside Park. It’s also a free event, with the hunt itself only open to kids ages eight and younger. But there are tons of other fun things for kids of all ages to enjoy…that means you, too, parents.

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

 

Local Events October 15, 2022

Westfield AppleFest 2022

Ah! Fall is in the air. After the wet weather we saw last weekend, this weekend appears to offer sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Sounds like the perfect time for the annual Westfield AppleFest to take place.

  • What: Westfield AppleFest 2022
  • Where: Reeve House Lawn (314 Mountain Ave)
  • When: Saturday, October 15th, 12 pm to 4 pm (Raindate: October 16th)
  • Admission: $5 per person
  • Contact: Westfield Historical Society (908) 654-1794

Westfield AppleFest 2022

Westfield AppleFest 2022 takes place on the lawn outside of the Reeve House. Funds raised from the event benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital. Learn about the hospital’s history through a special presentation and slide show. Local author Fran Bovella conducts a reading of her children’s book “A Day at the Beach”. The little ones will enjoy all of the activities set up on the grounds, which include a treasure hunt, games, and even some pumpkin decorating. Grab a bite to eat at the Apple Cafe. Listen to the “Save Mary Band” perform. And all of this is just $5 per person. Veterans and kids under three get in for free.

Now, the weatherman predicts sunny skies for Saturday’s AppleFest. But, if Mother Nature has other ideas and turns those bright skies gray and rainy, the festival will take place on Sunday instead.

AddamsFest Events

Just a quick reminder of which AddamsFest activities are taking place this weekend. On Saturday, October 15th, you may take a Lantern Cemetery Tour at Westfield’s Presbyterian Church on Mountain Ave from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Public voting for favorites in the Haunt Your House Contest is going on right now. So, visit each decorated Westfield home and vote for your favorite three. Addams Family Fun Day takes place in Downtown Westfield on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. And you might want to take a stroll around Mindowaskin Pond or through the Central Ave underpass to see Addams-inspired artwork created by our own talented local artists anytime throughout October.

Bike MS NYC 2022

Last but not least, we are in our final push for fundraising before the Bike MS NYC 2022 ride takes place. As of the writing of this post, we have just eight more training days until the October 23rd ride through Manhattan. We are still shy of the $5000 goal Team Guys and Dolls set for this year. Please, please dig deep and donate what you can to help us reach our goal. Every little bit helps fight the terrible disease that is Multiple Sclerosis. Thank you.

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

 

Local Events October 8, 2022

Bike MS NYC 2022

It’s that time of year again. Team Guys and Dolls is saddling up to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Bike MS NYC 2022 takes place on October 23rd. And we need your help to reach our goal of $5000 before race day.

Bike MS NYC 2022

Why We Do This

For over 20 years, Team Guys and Dolls have been participating in Bike MS NYC events. We lovingly started out in support of my wonderful sister-in-law Diane. She fought a brave battle with MS for many, many years. We wanted to help her and many others like her who utilize special programs and equipment to perform the day-to-day tasks that many able-bodied people take for granted. Unfortunately, Diane ultimately lost her life to COVID in 2020. So, this year, we ride in her memory and to support others living with MS.

About the Ride

I do this ride for two reasons. First and foremost because of my sister-in-law (obviously). But I also ride because this is the only opportunity to bicycle through Manhattan without any motor traffic whatsoever. Along the 30-mile route, we get to experience Battery Park, the George Washington Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other iconic NYC landmarks from a vantage point no one else gets to see them. It truly is a ritual I have looked forward to each and every year. If you want to join us, feel free to contact me. We train regularly right up until the day of the ride.

Help Me Reach My Goal

This year, I set myself a huge fundraising goal to honor our dear Diane. But you guys have been so generous in the past. I know that you can help me reach that goal. To donate, please visit the Guys and Dolls Bike MS NYC fundraiser page here. You may choose the one-time donation option or opt for a monthly donation instead.

No donation is too small. Everything helps and goes to a great cause. So, please donate today. Thank you!

MS NYC 2022 - Donate Now

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