westfield area real estate Archives - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

Bike MS NYC 2021 – Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal

October 6, 2021 by Scott Gleason

We are back. Team Guys and Dolls has been participating in Bike MS NYC for two decades now. In the past, we did so in support of my sister-in-law, Diane, who valiantly fought Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for years. Unfortunately, she also fought a battle against COVID last year and lost. So, now we ride to honor her memory. But the good news is that events like this raise much-needed funds to find medication to help treat this debilitating disease. In fact, the medications have been successful enough to warrant advertising on TV. But we need your help to reach our Bike MS NYC 2021 fundraising goal.

Bike MS NYC 2021

The Ride

This ride provides one of the most incredible routes any cyclist could ever experience. For one day a year, some of the streets around Manhattan completely shut down to motorized traffic. The 30-mile route takes you around the outer edge of the City and through Battery Park. NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the George Washington Bridge keep us motivated to continue to the finish line. If you find yourself out there when the ride takes place on October 17th, give the cyclists a cheer.

How to Donate

Team Guys and Dolls likes to set the bar high for our fundraising goals. After all, this subject is very near and dear to our hearts. Right now, we are over halfway to our $12,000 goal. But we need your help in this final stretch to go all the way. Please visit our team fundraising page here or click on the donate button above. Every bit helps. And all donations go directly to the National MS Society to fund research into MS and its treatments as well as support and services to those living with MS. Thank you so much for your help. By the way, we welcome riders of all ages and experience levels to join the Guys and Dolls Team for Bike MS NYC 2021. It is not too late. Contact me today.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021 is a Go

September 17, 2021 by Scott Gleason

The global pandemic left so much of our lives up in the air last year. We had to adapt to a new “normal”. Fortunately, some things returned for 2021. Outdoor events like Sweet Sounds Downtown and Cranford’s own Summer Sounds series made summer that much better here in Union County. Alas, summer is over. Fall is in the air. Now, it is time to bring back Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out.

You and your girlfriends deserve a day of shopping, dining and relaxation. Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out is back for 2021.

What: Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021
Where: Downtown Westfield Shops and Restaurants
When: Thursday, September 23rd, 10 am to 2 pm & 5 pm to 9 pm
Contact: Downtown Westfield Corp (908) 789-9444

Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021

It’s true. Girls Night Out is back in Downtown Westfield. That means more boutique specials, more refreshments, and more relaxation just for you. Dozens of the shops and boutiques in Downtown Westfield open their doors both day (10 am to 2 pm) and night (5 pm to 9 pm) for champagne shopping and general pampering. For this one day only, enjoy free parking at any meter on the street or town-owned garage in the downtown area.

As a fun bonus, all participating shoppers automatically earn a chance to win a gift card to local businesses throughout the day. Five lucky winners each receive a $50 gift card through five random drawings. However, one extra lucky person wins the grand prize of a $250 gift card. We learn that lucky winner’s name at the end of the night. But you must register in order to be considered for the drawings. To do so, visit the Girls Night Out website here.

Cranford Community Paint Out

Just a reminder. This weekend is the Cranford Community Paint Out event. It looks like the weather should be perfect to paint outdoors. Grab the kids, your friends, neighbors, and anybody else you enjoy hanging out with. Then, grab a paint brush and express yourself artistically in the great outdoors.

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Homeowners Insurance Check-Up: Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

September 9, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Back in 2012, Superstorm Sandy hit our neighborhood. Just last week, Hurricane Ida struck. (Reminder: Regular curbside pickup will not allow for bulky storm waste and debris. You must dispose of it at the Conservation Center.) When a natural disaster strikes, many homeowners rely on their insurance to take care of damages to their property. But when was the last time you checked on your homeowners insurance? You need to do that sooner rather than later.

Homeowners Insurance Check-Up

Tornados. Floods. Hurricanes. Severe cold weather. They may all affect our lives here in the Westfield area at one point or another. If that happens, you want to be prepared.

Floods

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers damage from a plumbing issue on your property. However, most of these policies do not cover flooding from a natural disaster. According to CoreLogic, flooding represents the #1 natural disaster in the country. And more than 20% of the claims come from homes located in non-flood zones. You must purchase a separate flood insurance policy to cover your Westfield area home in case of a natural disaster.

Tornadoes/Hurricanes

A typical homeowners insurance policy covers most wind damage resulting from a tornado or hurricane. However, it might require a higher deductible. Plus, you might want to increase your payout to cover total damage and loss of property, including how much it would cost to replace your home at its current value. On the other hand, it does not cover water damage. For that, you need a whole separate flood insurance policy.

Cold Weather

Another issue we deal with here in the Westfield area is cold winter weather. Your regular homeowners insurance policy should cover damage from a frozen pipe as long as you maintain a proper temperature on your property. Damage on properties unoccupied for an extended period of time (such as a second home or during a long vacation) will not be covered under a standard policy. If a tree or branch falls on your roof, any removal and repairs should be covered by your regular policy as well. The same goes for damage from hail.

Wildfires

Finally, while more prevalent in the West, wildfires can occur anywhere. Fortunately, this should be included as a “covered peril” in your homeowners policy. But check with your agent to make sure.

Schedule an appointment with your insurance agent as soon as possible. Go over everything included in your policy. Make sure your deductibles fall where you want them to. Also, double-check that your payout covers a total loss of personal property as well as your home. Most likely, it costs more to replace your home now than when you first purchased your insurance policy. But you want it to be up to date. If it isn’t, increase it to the current replacement value. The last thing you need to worry about when you lose everything is whether or not you have sufficient insurance.

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Cranford Community Paint Out 2021

August 27, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Our Westfield neighbors claim Charles Addams (from “The Addams Family” fame) as its native son. But Cranford houses its own set of very talented artists albeit maybe not as famous as Mr. Addams. The City invites artists of all ages to participate in the Cranford Community Paint Out 2021. All you need is a bit of imagination and a willingness to showcase your work.

What: Cranford Community Paint Out 2021
Where: Fire Me Up Studio (117 N Union Ave) and Various Locations Around Cranford
When: September 18th (rain date of the 19th)

Cranford Community Paint Out 2021

Artistry knows no age limit. For the Paint Out, though, children will be split up into two age groups (ages six to 11 and ages 12 to 17). The younger kids receive guidance from the staff at Fire Me Up Studios in painting a Cranford landmark of the child’s choosing. The older kids, on the other hand, get to choose whatever inspires them most around the Cranford community as their focus. They have between 1 pm and 3 pm to create their individual masterpieces.

Adults paint plein air (outdoors). Organizers chose seven different locations they felt picturesque enough for our artists to capture. These locations include:

Crane-Phillips House
Droescher Mill
Dryer Farms
Eastman Clock
The gazebo at Union and Phillips
Hansen Park
Nomahegan Park

If none of these particular locations inspire you, consider using the “artist’s choice” option. You choose a location where you want to paint. Just let the organizers know where that will be on the day of the event. Painting takes place between 10 am and 4 pm.

How to Register

To register your child into the Cranford Community Paint Out, visit Fire Me Up Studio’s online calendar here. Go to September 18th and pick the link for your child’s age group. It costs $16 per child to participate. The registration fee includes artist supplies as well as a cute little apron to protect their clothes. Adults may register online here for just $15 per person. Each adult registration includes an artist’s tote while supplies last.

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K is Back for 2021

August 20, 2021 by Scott Gleason

After canceling last year due to COVID concerns, the Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K is back for 2021. This fundraiser helps aid local families struck by tragedy. Whether you run, walk, skip, or saunter your way through the 5K, it does not matter. Enjoying yourself along the journey is the goal.

After canceling last year due to COVID concerns, the Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K fundraiser for families after tragedy is back in 2021.

What: Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K 2021
Start/Finish: Tamaques Park
When: Sunday, September 12th, 6:30 pm
Admission: $30 per person through Aug 31st, $35 Sept 1st to 13th
Contact: Sam Tooley, The Tooley Legacy Foundation, via email

Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K 2021

When Sam Tooley’s brother Jake died in a house fire back in 2017, his family was overwhelmed by the love and support they received from their community. To pay it forward (and to honor his brother’s memory), Sam created the Tooley Legacy Foundation. The foundation provides financial and emotional support for families that find themselves in tragic situations such as the one the Tooley’s faced. Fundraisers like this 5K help fund their efforts.

On the night of the event, participants gather at Tamaques Park at 6:30 pm. In keeping with CDC guidelines, runners/walkers will be spaced out to allow for social distancing. Bib pickup will be done outdoors for safety as well. Garden State Radio performs live close to the finish line. That way, participants receive an extra push to complete their final steps of the race. Organizers provide snacks and water for participants to keep them going throughout the 5K course. Then, at the end of the race, refuel courtesy of one of the food trucks on-site.

Registration for the 5K

Early registration for the Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K ends at the close of business on August 31st. This entitles you to a discounted price of just $30 per person. If you register between September 1st and September 13th, you pay an extra $5 per person. Visit the Night of Lights online registration site here to sign up for the race.

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes