Scotch Plains News Archives - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

Scotch Plains Kindsgiving 2021

November 19, 2021 by Scott Gleason

‘Tis the season of giving: thanks, time, a helping hand. Last year, in the midst of a pandemic, several local organizations got together to help those in need during the holidays. They managed to raise $7000 for local food pantries and delivered 75 meals to people for Thanksgiving. This year, they hope to surpass that and help even more people in need. You can assist them with their goal by contributing what you can to Scotch Plains Kindsgiving 2021.

Help your neighbors experiencing food insecurity get through the holidays by donating to the Scotch Plains Kindsgiving. The deadline to donate is Nov 22nd.

What: Scotch Plains Kindsgiving 2021
Where: Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA (1340 Martine Ave, Scotch Plains)
When: Now through November 22nd
Contact: FSP YMCA (908) 889-8880

Scotch Plains Kindsgiving 2021

How You Can Help

First, go grocery shopping. When you do, include some extra food items to help create Thanksgiving meals for our less fortunate neighbors. Then, take these items to the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and drop them off in the designated bins in the lobby. Second, donate a grocery store gift card in any denomination. Most stores conveniently keep these near the register when you check out. You may also donate online if you prefer. All of the money received gets used for buying more gift cards to distribute to those experiencing food insecurity this holiday season. Finally, consider volunteering your time. Donations need to be separated, organized and delivered to our local food pantries.

What Foods to Donate

Broth (canned or boxed)
Cereal (boxed)
Corn bread mix (boxed)
Cranberry sauce (canned)
Evaporated milk (canned)
Foil pans (disposable for baking turkey)
Juice (boxed)
Gravy (can or jar)
Mac & Cheese (boxed)
Mashed potatoes (boxed)
Pie crust (ready-made)
Pie filling (pumpkin or apple, canned)
Pumpkin (canned)
Rice
Soup (canned or boxed)
Stuffing (boxed)
Vegetables (canned)
Yams (canned)

Scotch Plains Toy Drive

Now that the bellies are taken care of, let’s turn our attention to some Christmas joy for the kids. Joint Motion Physical Therapy hosts a toy drive between now and December 15th. Simply drop off new, unwrapped presents, socks, hats, scarves, or hats at their office (373 Park Ave.) between 8 am and 8 pm every Monday through Thursday except for Thanksgiving Day. Please donate what you can to make sure all of our kids experience a very merry Christmas this year. Thank you.

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

Scotch Plains Day 2021 Brings Fall Fun to Town

September 24, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Scotch Plains residents love where they live. They know that helping each other only makes them stronger. Mayor Losardo says that volunteerism lies at the heart of our beautiful community. At Scotch Plains Day 2021, he plans on acknowledging all of the efforts of local volunteers. But that is just one small part of the family-friendly events planned.

What: Scotch Plains Day 2021
Where: 430 Park Ave (Between Grand & E 2nd)
When: Sunday, October 3rd, 11 am to 3 pm

Scotch Plains Day 2021

As a special “thank you” to our lovely town, organizers invite all township residents to Scotch Plains Day 2021. Part of the celebration includes a special outdoor screening of “Casper” on the town hall’s lawn at 7:30 pm on Friday, October 1st. If you make it a little early (7 pm), join in on some pumpkin carving.

Then, on Sunday, the 3rd, come see the unveiling of our new historical kiosks located town hall. Visit one of the booths set up by local community groups to learn more about what each organization does and how you can help them out. Theatrical Artist Prep entertains the crowd, while the Brother John Brown Band performs live. A special Kids Zone will be set up for the little ones to stay busy. Make sure to stop by one of the food trucks to grab a bite to eat. If you find yourself thirsty for a beer, visit Stage House Tavern’s beer garden by 6 pm.

Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out Update

Finally, a quick note. The morning events for Westfield’s Girls Night Out 2021 went off without a hitch. Unfortunately, the evening’s events were postponed due to a flood watch. Therefore, organizers arranged a raincheck date of next Thursday, September 30th. That just means a second chance to spend time with your favorite gal pals and pamper yourself. Have fun!

FEATURED WESTFIELD AREA LISTING – UNDER CONTRACT

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

Westfield Area Fireworks and 4th of July 2021 Celebrations

July 2, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Summertime means that there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Westfield right now. The New Jersey Festival Orchestra performed for a live sold-out crowd last weekend. The Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival starts up next week. And this weekend, we celebrate our nation’s independence. Here are some of the places you can see Westfield area fireworks this 4th of July weekend.

Still trying to finalize plans for this holiday weekend? There are several public July 4th celebrations to chose from this weekend, including Westfield area fireworks shows.

Westfield Area Fireworks and 4th of July Celebrations

Cranford

If you find yourself in Cranford tonight (July 2nd), they plan on an early Independence Day fireworks show at Nomahegan Park (1107 Springfield Ave). On July 4th, they host their annual Firecracker 4-Miler and Fun Run at Nomahegan Park. Find out more about the 4-Miler and how you can participate by visiting the Cranford Jaycees’ website here.

Scotch Plains

Scotch Plains celebrates the 4th on the 3rd, with a free Westfield area fireworks show at the Scotch Hills/Shady Rest Country Club. After last year’s disappointing cancelation due to COVID, this beloved event returns this year in full force. If Mother Nature decides to rain on July 3rd (which is a possibility), organizers set a rain check date of July 5th. So, keep an eye on the weather forecast this weekend.

In Westfield

There is power in words. And the words our founding fathers put forth to declare our independence from England in 1776 were powerful indeed. The Westfield Historical Society plans on celebrating Independence Day with a flag ceremony accompanied by the national anthem. Then, listen to a recording of President Kennedy’s reading of the Declaration of Independence. Following that, hear a live reading of the Bill of Rights. Finally, listen to a recitation of President Lincoln’s second inaugural address. Hear his powerful words spoken as he took office a second time, just over a month before his assassination. This is one way to truly appreciate the importance of Independence Day in the United States.

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

Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021

April 23, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Who likes to eat? In the past year, so many more people discovered the joys of cooking at home. But if you need a break from creating a delicious meal for your family, try a food truck. And, if you want to help out high school students, visit Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School on Sunday, May 2nd for the Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021.

What: Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021
Where: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (667 Westfield Rd)
When: Sunday, May 2nd from 12 pm to 5 pm
Admission: $10/person, $25/family

Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021

Money raised from the food truck festival helps fund the Class of 2021’s senior activities. Several local food truck owners already signed up to participate in the festival. They include:

Bites & Bowls (Mexican fusion)
Cheezen (next level grilled cheese)
Empanada Guy
GoodMood Truck (hamburgers & fries)
House of Cupcakes
La Coqueta (tacos, burritos)
Ms. Yummy Food Truck (Asian fusion)
Violante’s Catering (cheesteaks, sausage & peppers)

Here, you will find something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. Plus, dessert! (Thank you House of Cupcakes.) Each of the food trucks is set up to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Anyone who plans on coming to the food truck festival must wear a mask. The high school marching band joins the Moonglowers and other local musicians to provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

Westfield Earth Day Fair 2021

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Earth Day? Visit the South Ave Train Station tomorrow (April 24th) for the Westfield Earth Day Fair. In addition to fun activities and great eco-friendly information, you will want to peruse the free market to recycle/reuse gently used items from your neighbors. If you have items you wish to donate to the free market, schedule a time to drop them off here.

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

Scotch Plains Touch a Truck 2019: Fun for All Ages

May 2, 2019 by Scott Gleason

Did you ever play with Tonka trucks when you were a kid? Hauling sand in dump trucks to make huge sand castles. Creating moats around your sandcastle with a backhoe. Maybe you extinguished a house fire with your toy firetruck, saving an entire family in the process. Perhaps you chased down the bad guys in your toy police car. Have you ever thought about what it must be like to work in their real-life counterparts? At the Scotch Plains Touch a Truck 2019 event, you and your kids have the opportunity to climb aboard all kinds of trucks, including emergency vehicles.

What: Scotch Plains Touch a Truck 2019
Where: JCC of Central NJ (1391 Martine)
When: Sunday, May 19th, 1 pm to 5 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Caren Goldberg, JCC NJ (908) 889-8800 x236 or via email

Scotch Plains Touch a Truck 2019

Several public utility and emergency vehicles will be on display at the ever-popular Scotch Plains Touch a Truck 2019 event. Kids of all ages are welcome to climb inside and explore the various buttons, gauges each has to offer. Get behind the wheel if you’d like. Live out your childhood fantasies in one spot on May 19th.

In addition to the big boy vehicles, Camp Yachad will set up fun games and bounce houses for the kids to enjoy. When your hunger calls, answer it with delicious fare provided by one of several food trucks on-site. For those with an aversion to loud noises or other sensory issues, a special “Hold the Horn” hour takes place from 1 pm to 2 pm. During that time, no music, sirens or horns will be allowed. That way, everyone gets to enjoy their time at the event.

All of the entertainment at the Scotch Plains Touch a Truck 2019 event is provided absolutely free of charge. A shuttle will be provided to take you back and forth from the nearby Union County Vo Tech campus’ free parking area. This event happens come rain or shine. So, be prepared for whatever the day brings before you get to the JCC facility. Bring the family and just have fun.

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