Scott's NJ Blog - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

Westfield Firefighters Holiday Food Drive 2020

November 13, 2020 by Scott Gleason

2020 changed the way we live our lives in many ways. Schools went virtual. Employers sent workers home. Even major events like AddamsFest went virtual. Many businesses are hurting. Some local residents found themselves unemployed and struggling. During the holidays, this stings even more. You can help our less fortunate neighbors by participating in the Westfield Firefighters Holiday Food Drive 2020.

Keeping public safety in mind, the Westfield Firefighters Holiday Food Drive accepts gift cards to grocery stores instead of food this year.

What: Holiday Food Drive 2020
Where: Westfield Fire Headquarters (405 N Ave W) & Westfield Fire Station #2 (1029 Central Ave)
When: Now Through December 1st
Contact: Westfield FMBA Local 30 via email

Westfield Firefighters Holiday Food Drive 2020

Every year, the Westfield Firefighters conduct a holiday food drive for local families in need. This year, the firefighters have already received more requests for meal baskets than they did last year. They need your help to make sure everyone gets taken care of.

With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, the firefighters will not accept food donations in person this year. Instead, they request gift cards to Trader Joe’s, ShopRite, and Stop & Shop. With these cards, they can go shop for the food they need to create each meal basket.

How to Participate in the Holiday Food Drive

If you wish to participate in the holiday food drive, simply visit one of the three stores listed above. Purchase a gift card in the amount you wish to donate ($5, $10, $25…every bit helps). Then, drop off the gift cards at either the Westfield Fire Headquarters or Station #2 between 8 am and 8 pm any day of the week.

If you cannot drop your gift cards off in person, mail them to:

Westfield FMBA Local 30
405 N Ave W
Westfield, NJ 07090

2020 has been a difficult year to say the least. For some, it’s been more difficult than others. Bring some cheer to families in need this holiday season and support our local firefighters at the same time. Please purchase a gift card today.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

November 2020 Market Update

November 4, 2020 by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

RE/MAX SelectLuxury Homes for Sale in Westfield

Westfield Halloween Costume Contest Goes Virtual

October 30, 2020 by Scott Gleason

Tomorrow’s the big day. Halloween officially arrives! In Westfield, we celebrate it a little longer thanks to AddamsFest. If you ventured downtown any time over the past couple of weeks, you probably saw some crazily decorated windows, took a walk along the Tamaques Haunted Trail, or ventured into Mystical Mindowaskin Park. Make sure you cast your vote in the Haunt Your House Contest by October 31st, too. But it seems nothing has been able to outspook COVID-19. So, to enjoy the holiday in safety while still dressing up, this year’s Westfield Halloween Costume Contest goes virtual.

Westfield Halloween Costume Contest

Contest Rules

First, create a costume for the Westfield Halloween Costume Contest. Dress up as a first responder, a doctor, your favorite book, TV, or movie character, etc. Be as creative as you want. Then, submit a video or photo of your family, child, and/or pet(s) in costume by the end of the day on November 1st. If your family includes more than one child, you may submit a video or photo for each one.

Email your submissions to halloween@westfieldtoday.com. Make sure you include “Halloween Costume Contest” in the subject line. Also, include your name (parent), your mailing address, your email address, and the first name of the child in the photo or video. Judges choose one 1st place winner and a runner-up for each category. The winners receive a special medal and a gift card to use at one of the downtown Westfield businesses. With just 55 shopping days left until Christmas, that gift card should come in handy.

If you have any questions about the Westfield Halloween Costume Contest, please contact the Westfield Corporation at (908) 789-9444 or via email.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2020 Brings Halloween Fun to Downtown

October 23, 2020 by Scott Gleason

It feels like we lived a decade in the last 7 or 8 months. With a global pandemic going on, many wondered what the end-of-year holidays would look like. We kick off this year’s holiday season with the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll.

Local businesses, organizations, and individuals created some magnificent works of art for this year's Cranford Scarecrow Stroll. Help choose the winner by casting your vote for your favorites. Then, enjoy a cup of free cider at the Spider Cider stand. Enter the Scarecrow Selfie Contest. And try your hand at Halloween Bingo.

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2020

When you visit downtown Cranford, you might run across some very interesting public displays of “scarecrow” art. These were created by local businesses and residents. Some of the entrants took the term “scarecrow” figuratively rather than literally. But that just made it more fun.

Organizers need your help to determine a winner. Visit the downtown Cranford offices at Lot 7 next to King Strength and Performance tomorrow, October 24th. Give them a food donation for Cranford Family Care and receive a special Scarecrow Stroll bag. If you find a golden pumpkin inside, you win a special prize. Then, walk around the downtown area anytime between now and November 1st to cast your vote for your favorite displays. Cranford Family Care needs cereal, hot chocolate mix, cookies, fruit cups, juice boxes, toilet paper, and paper products.

But Wait…There’s More

Scarecrow Selfie Contest

While you wander around downtown, looking and judging each entry in the Scarecrow Stroll contest, feel free to take a selfie with the ones you love the most. Then, email the photo to dmc@cranfordnj.org, by the end of the night on October 31st. Make sure you write “Scarecrow Selfie Contest” in the subject line. Winners will be chosen from entries received. Enter as many photos as you’d like. Wear your Halloween costume and receive two entries into the contest per photo.

Spider Cider

Stop at Track 5 Coffee this Saturday, October 24th. Exchange a canned good item for a free cup of apple cider. Come in early and you might also receive a complimentary muffin and a plastic spider ring. But that offer’s only good while supplies last.

Halloween Bingo

Download your very own Bingo card here. Complete the action in a square to mark it. Once you “cover” four squares in a row, you get a “bingo”. Take a photo of your completed bingo card and email it to dmc@cranfordnj.org by Monday, October 26th. Add “Halloween Bingo” to the subject line to make it easier for organizers to identify. The winner receives a gift card to a downtown business.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Get Out the Vote for the AddamsFest Haunt Your House Contest

October 16, 2020 by Scott Gleason

By now, you already know that Westfield will be celebrating AddamsFest this year. But, as with everything else in 2020, it comes with a twist. Large crowds are so 2019. Instead, some of this year’s celebrations go virtual. Social distancing, face masks, and hand sanitizing stations play a part in many of the in-person festivities planned. But you can stay safe while celebrating the season by voting for your favorites in the AddamsFest Haunt Your House Contest going on right now.

AddamsFest Haunt Your House Contest

Dozens of people entered this year’s Haunt Your House contest for AddamsFest. (51 to be exact). Download your AddamsFest Haunt Your House Driving Guide to find out where all of the Westfield homes entered in the contest are located. Drive by each location anytime between now and the end of October. Make a note of your top four favorites. To show your love for your favorites, take a photo and post it on your social media. Include #HauntYourHouse in your hashtags and make sure you tag @AddamsFest on your Facebook and/or Instagram posts.

Rules for Voting

Visit the AddamsFest website to cast your vote for the four homes you like the most. No stuffing these ballot boxes either. Only one vote allowed for your four favorites per email. And you cannot vote for the same house more than once. Voting ends at 10 pm on Halloween night.

2020 Election Voting Info

Yes, in the midst of everything going on in 2020, we have an election taking place on November 3rd. Early voting is now open. If you haven’t dropped off your vote-by-mail ballot yet, you may take it to any of the 22 official drop box locations around Union County. Or bring it to your polling place on November 3rd to drop it in their ballot box. You may also drop it off anytime between now and Election Day at the Union County Board of Elections (271 N Broad St) or County Clerk’s Office (2 Broad St) in Elizabeth. The Westfield offices of the County Clerk’s Office (300 N Ave E) also accepts sealed ballots during regular business hours. For a list of Westfield polling locations for in-person voting on November 3rd, visit the City of Westfield’s election information site here.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Westfield Applefest 2020

October 12, 2020 by Scott Gleason

For most people, October means Halloween and pumpkin spice lattes. On a local level, it also means Addamsfest. But those are not the only events taking place in our neck of the woods this month. This weekend, we celebrate Westfield Applefest 2020.

What: Westfield Applefest 2020
Where: The Reeve House (314 Mountain Ave
When: Saturday, October 17th, 12 pm to 4 pm (two 2-hour sessions)
Admission: $5 per person, free for veterans and kids under 3
Contact: Mary Konoslaki, Westfield Historical Society, (908) 654-1794 or via email

Westfield Applefest 2020

A beloved annual fundraiser for the historical society, Westfield Applefest 2020 will be held on the lawn of the Reeve House. Tours of this piece of Westfield history will be off limits this year. As an outdoor-only event, weather plays a part. Currently, the weatherman predicts rain in the morning but letting off by the afternoon. If organizers must cancel the event due to rain, they plan on holding it the next day instead (October 18th). Right now, the skies could be cloudy at that time, but rain should not be a factor.

While not considered an official Addamsfest event, Charles Addams influenced some of the events taking place at Applefest. Ron MacCloskey hosts his popular “Lightning Talks” throughout the afternoon that feature stories about Westfield’s native son. And you will find an exhibit featuring Addams’ “Dudley the Skeleton” drawings on display.

Other events include a mask decorating contest, a history walk, and a history-themed treasure hunt. Kids will have the opportunity to play some old-fashioned games. Feel free to kick up your heels on the dance floor while listening to local band “Save May” perform. And grab a bite to eat from the Apple Cafe. Chef Greg Hichok has some delicious treats on the menu to feed any hungry guest.

Pre-Registration Required

To keep people as safe as possible during this global pandemic, organizers divided up the Applefest festivities into two sessions: 12 pm to 2 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. So, you must register for whichever session you wish to attend ahead of time. To pre-register, contact Mary Konoslaki with the Westfield Historical Society at the phone number or email listed above. Also, all guests must wear masks. Social distancing measures will be put in place as well. Each activity includes a hand sanitizing station for your convenience.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

More AddamsFest Fun Announced in Westfield

October 2, 2020 by Scott Gleason

October brings all things spooky to light. But in Westfield, this month has special meaning. We celebrate cartoonist and former resident Charles Addams. With a global pandemic taking place right now, organizers needed to come up with a different way to honor him. So, they created an Alt-AddamsFest for 2020. Haunted trails, scary movies, painted windows in downtown shops. They all make appearances in the upcoming weeks. Just recently, organizers announced even more fun added to their schedule of events. But they need your help to make them happen.

A pumpkin decorating contest and special drawing contest add to the fun you'll find in Westfield for AddamsFest 2020 this month.

More Alt-AddamsFest 2020 Fun

Painted Pumpkin Contest

Part of our Alt-AddamsFest festivities includes a walk along the Painted Pumpkin Path in Mindowaskin Park. If you fancy yourself a bit of an artist or simply want to be a part of the fun, submit your ideas for a painted pumpkin to publicart@westfieldnj.gov by October 9th. As a tip of the hat to Westfield’s 300th birthday, organizers plan on choosing 30 pumpkins from all submissions received to represent each decade of our city’s existence. If they choose your submission, you will need to paint it (no carving allowed) on a pumpkin and submit it before the official Mystical Midowaskin Painted Pumpkin Path opens on October 25th.

Need a pumpkin for the contest or to decorate your Westfield home? Visit Williams Nursery on Springfield Ave. They’re open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Visitors over the age of two must wear masks. Social distancing is strongly encouraged. If you feel ill, please stay home and come back when you feel better.

Drawing Contest

Another way to be a part of the Alt-AddamsFest fun is to submit your drawing in the Draw This in Your Style Addams Family Challenge. You don’t have to be a pro to participate. Simply visit the AddamsFest website to view Charles Addams’ Addams Family portrait. Then, make it your own by recreating it in a style of your choosing. The only limits are your imagination. Once you complete your vision, upload it to your Instagram account using #DrawThisInYourStyle_Addams as a tag. It must be uploaded by October 20th for consideration in the DTWYS contest. Winners receive fun prizes and become part of a virtual art exhibit later this month.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

October 2020 Market Update

October 1, 2020 by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Fanwood

New Providence

Watchung

Warren

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

RE/MAX SelectLuxury Homes for Sale in Westfield

Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive for October 2020

September 25, 2020 by Scott Gleason

I have been a proud member of the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club for a long time now. Perhaps you saw me at our Christmas Tree Lot last year (or any of the years before that). In fact, it’s almost time for our lot to start up again. (Just over two months to go!). The Y hosted a clothing drive back in May of this year. It went so well, that they decided to host another Westfield Area Y clothing drive in October.

Help raise money for the Y's financial assistance program by dropping off donations for the Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive in Oct 2020.

What: Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive
Where: Westfield Area Y (422 E Broad St)
When: Thursday, October 8th, 2020, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Contact: Westfield Area Y (908) 301-9622 x240 or via email

The Y is Back in Business

The Y offers dozens of programs for children and adults that encourage them to work on their physical fitness. After months of shutdown due to COVID-19 concerns, they recently opened back up for business. They worked hard to put measures in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. In fact, their yoga, pilates, senior classes, group cardio, and other classes are now back on the schedule. They include social distancing guidelines for safety, too.

Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive

The Y bases their membership fees on income. This allows lower income members of the community the chance to utilize their services just as easily as those members with higher incomes. To do so, they rely on grants from the government as well as donations from private companies, organizations, and individuals. That’s where you can help.

Bring your gently used clothing items, accessories, and linens to the Westfield Area Y’s parking lot on Thursday, October 8th, Organizers will set up a tarp for drop-off to minimize person-to-person contact. They also accept stuffed animals and small plastic toys. They take all of these donations and sell them to raise money to help supplement their financial assistance program. If you’d like to donate in other ways, please visit the Westfield Y’s website to find out how.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes