According to the World Health Organization, cleft lips and palates occur in approximately one out of every 700 children born each year worldwide. The CDC reports 4440 babies born with one or both of these cranial abnormalities in the US each year. Many children retreat from the world to avoid the constant stares or bullying they receive from other kids. They become self-conscious and reserved. Why deprive them of sharing a beautiful smile with the world? Operation Smile can help. And so can you. Just come to the Skating for Smiles event in Westfield on Leap Day. Your donation helps bring a smile back to a deserving child and changes their lives for the better.What: Skating for SmilesWhere: Westfield Rink (650 4th Ave)When: Saturday, February 29th, 5:50 pm to 7:20 pmAdmission: $24 for sk... 02/28/2020

With highs hitting the 30-degree mark this week, the idea of summer seems elusive. However, in just over a month, we celebrate the 1st day of spring. Temperatures begin to heat up. Soon thereafter, summer arrives. But before you hit the water this year, take a Westfield boat safety class. Make sure everyone operating a water vessel knows the rules before hitting the waterways this summer.What: NJSP Boat Safety Certification ClassWhere: Westfield Knights of Columbus (2400 North Ave)When: Saturday, February 22nd, 8 am to 4:30 pmCost: $80 pre-register, $85 walk-inContact: Boat Safe USA (609) 613-2339 or via emailWestfield Boat Safety ClassNew Jersey law requires that anyone operating a powered water vessel (boat, Jet Ski, Waverunner, etc.) must obtain a New Jersey boat safety certificate. ... 02/21/2020

As you've no doubt heard by now, Westfield celebrates its 300th anniversary this year. Several businesses and organizations in town plan on hosting various events throughout 2020. I know that I enjoy a good food and wine pairing myself. If you wish to experience a bit of history with your food, consider attending the Westfield Tasting Event at 16 Prospect Wine Bar.What: Westfield Tasting EventWhere: 16 Prospect Wine Bar & BistroWhen: Sunday, February 23rd, 2 pm to 4 pmAdmission: $40 per person (ages 21+ only)Contact: Westfield Historical Society (908) 654-1794 or via emailWestfield Tasting EventOur very own Westfield Historical Society partnered up with the Miller-Cory House Museum to host a colonial-inspired food and wine tasting event on February 23rd. Join WHS's Meg Wastie for a virt... 02/14/2020

In exactly two weeks from today, we celebrate Valentine's Day. Have you made any plans on how to spend it with your sweetie? Have you even started looking around? If you need help determining how to show your special someone just how much they mean to you, consider a few of these Downtown Westfield Valentine's Day ideas.Downtown Westfield Valentine's Day IdeasPampering Your LoveWomen's clothing shop J.McLaughlin offers a special beauty event at their downtown Westfield store called Bubbles, Bites, and Chantecaille Beauty Services. At 10 am on Valentine's Day, ladies enjoy hors d'oeuvres served with glasses of champagne while getting their makeup done. That's one fabulous way to start the day. Or, if you'd prefer, choose an appointment on the 13th for a head start on that special day. Ma... 02/07/2020

I love that our Westfield community believes in helping those less fortunate. (Who donated items for the MLK Service Day Toiletry Kits earlier this week?) As some of us age, mobility becomes a factor. Doing regular chores like grocery shopping, cleaning, and cooking can be a little more difficult. Sometimes, money becomes a problem as well. Mobile Meals of Westfield partnered up with Acme's Give Where It Counts this month. Buy a bag. Help a Human.Mobile Meals of WestfieldFor the last 50 years, Mobile Meals of Westfield has been providing meals to approximately 65 people five days a week in the Westfield area. They serve people in Cranford, Fanwood, Clark, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, and Harwood. And they do this without any public funding whatsoever. They depend on private donations an... 01/31/2020

Mother Nature appears to be throwing quite the winter party this weekend in Westfield. The National Weather Service has already put out a winter weather advisory for Union County. They say to look out for slick roads this weekend. If you start to feel a little down from the cold winter weather, might I suggest a nice cup of tea to warm you up? How about a traditional afternoon English tea put together by our local historical society? They host their Westfield British Tea event next month and would love for you to join them.What: Westfield British TeaWhere: Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center (314 Mountain Ave)When: Wednesday, February 5th, 12 pmCost: $35 for members/$40 for non-membersContact: Westfield Historical Society (908) 654-1794 or via emailWestfield British TeaDo you love ... 01/24/2020

My Westfield neighbors make me so proud to live here. We believe in giving back to the community. Even in a country as great as ours, over half a million men, women, and children are homeless on any given day of the year. Almost 9,000 of them live in New Jersey alone. With temperatures hitting the near-freezing mark overnight right now, that makes life even more difficult for these individuals. Presbyterian Church Westfield asks for donations to help them put together toiletry kits for the homeless on the upcoming Westfield MLK Day of Service.Westfield MLK Day of ServiceDr. Martin Luther King believed in serving the community. He challenged us all to think about what we could do for others. After all, helping other people in your community also helps you. So, by doing something for thos... 01/17/2020

For years, people enjoyed making fun of New Jersey as "less than" its neighbors. Let's face it. Shows like MTV's "The Jersey Shore" did us no favors. (Gym, tan, laundry anyone?) Last month, the New York Post published an article about the level of education residents of each state plus DC achieved. They named the Garden State as the smartest state in the country.Smartest State in the USA: New JerseyThe New York Post's article cited a study that SmartHome.org put together. Smart Home used Census data to compile information about the education levels of the residents of each state. They also took into consideration the SAT and ACT scores and high school graduation rates gleaned from the Department of Education stats. New Jersey ranked at the top of the list with a total score of 337.8. Ou... 01/03/2020

Even though Christmas is still five days away, it wouldn't hurt you to plan how to perform your clean-up afterward. Most HOAs frown on Christmas decorations left up past a certain time frame after the holidays. Some families make defrocking the tree a time-honored post-Christmas tradition. Any way you slice it, your decorations need to come down at some point. What do you do with tree afterward? Schedule a Westfield Christmas tree pick-up.Westfield Christmas Tree Pick-UpThe Westfield High School Band and Choir offers its services to help you dispose of your Christmas tree after the holidays. For just $20 per tree, students come to your house, pick up your tree, and transport it to our local conservation center for recycling. You have until December 27th to register for their services.Mo... 12/27/2019

We're coming down to the wire. With just 11 more shopping days until Christmas, you need to tackle your gift list now. If downtown Westfield features prominently in your Christmas shopping this weekend, enjoy a bit of holiday fun in the process with some Westfield Extravaganzalorious 2019 festivities.What: Westfield Extravaganzalorious 2019Where: South Ave Train Station in Downtown WestfieldWhen: Saturday, December 14th, from 4 pm to 5:45 pmContact: Downtown Westfield Corp (908) 789-9444 or via emailWestfield Extravaganzalorious 2019Before you walk out your door to go shopping, put on your ugliest Christmas sweater. Then, head over to the South Ave Train Station. Starting at 4 pm, Chippey the Elf and local writer Kenneth Waddell meet with the public to share Chippey's humble beginnings.... 12/20/2019

We now have less than three weeks until Christmas Day. With a late Thanksgiving, the time to shop before Christmas feels much shorter than normal. Forget online shopping. Avoid long lines at the big box stores. Instead, support our local businesses by shopping at any of our downtown Westfield stores. To encourage the idea of keeping things local, the Downtown Westfield Corporation created a Westfield Elfie Selfie Contest. Take a pic. Win a prize.What: Westfield Elfie Selfie Contest 2019Where: Various Downtown Westfield BusinessesWhen: Now through December 29thContact: Downtown Westfield Corporation (908) 789-9444 or via emailWestfield Elfie Selfie Contest 2019When you go shopping in downtown Westfield this month, you might find that mischevious Elf on a Shelf lurking inside some of the ... 12/13/2019

I'm very proud to say that I've been a member of the Westfield Area Y Men's Club for many years now. Since its inception in 1947, this non-profit philanthropic group has raised millions of dollars for local charities and organizations. Our annual Christmas tree sales fund the majority of our efforts. So, once you finish up fighting off the Black Friday crowds, get some rest. Then, come to the Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas tree lot on Saturday to purchase your family's Christmas tree this year.What: Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas Tree LotWhere: Elm St Athletic Club (across from Stop & Shop)When: Nov 30th to Dec 23rd (or until supplies run out), 9 am to 6 pm weekends, 5 pm to 9 pm weekdaysContact: Scott Gleason (me) via emailWestfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 20... 12/06/2019

Thanksgiving's less than a week away. After you fill up on turkey and all the trimmings, how do you plan on spending the rest of your time? Fill your weekend with holiday cheer by shopping, decorating a gingerbread house, taking a photo with Santa and the Mrs., and watching the official Westfield tree lighting ceremony. That should get you in the Christmas spirit.Westfield Tree Lighting & More Holiday FunGingerbread House Decorating ContestFirst off, let's talk gingerbread. It seems that everybody loved last year's inaugural contest. So, organizers brought it back for this year. Savory Spice hosts 2019's Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. If you saw last year's entries, then you know that this contest accepts more than just gingerbread houses. Last year's winners included recreations... 11/29/2019

Anyone who's lived through a Westfield winter knows just how cold it gets here. We experience sub-freezing temperatures quite regularly. That means bundling up in your warmest winter clothing simply to go about your regular daily life. However, financial hardships cause some people to forgo winter clothing in order to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. With Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away, share your blessings by joining the Westfield Coat Drive 2019. Spread your holiday cheer to those less fortunate.What: Westfield Coat Drive 2019Drop-Off Location: Westfield Police Station (425 E Broad St)When: Now through 7 pm on December 8thWestfield Coat Drive 2019A couple of weeks ago, I discussed the food drives going on in Westfield throughout November. (The firefighter f... 11/22/2019

I understand that we just celebrated Halloween last week. And Thanksgiving's still three weeks away. But, the end-of-the-year holidays always feel like a rush. Before you know it, we'll be opening presents underneath the Christmas tree. If you still have people on your holiday shopping list that you need to get presents for, stop by the Westfield Sip and Shop 2019 at Holy Trinity School next Friday.What: Westfield Sip and Shop 2019Where: Holy Trinity School (336 1st St)When: Friday, November 15th, 5 pm to 10 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Holy Trinity School (908) 233-0484Westfield Sip and Shop 2019Last year's Sip and Shop event was such a success that the folks at Holy Trinity School decided to host another one this year. Dozens of local vendors set up booths at the school filled with holid... 11/15/2019

After the sugar rush of Halloween, it's time to take a breath and take stock of all that we have to be grateful for in our lives. Thankfully, most of us count a roof over our heads and food on the table among our many blessings. Unfortunately, not everyone in our area can say that. One thing that makes me proud of the community in which I live is that we never shy away from a chance to give back. The Boys Scouts and our local firefighters both hold Westfield food drives this month. Please give generously to both.Westfield Food DrivesScouting for FoodOn November 2nd, members of our Westfield Boy Scout troop plan on leaving donation bags at local residences. Place non-perishable food items inside. Then, leave them out on your front porch for pickup between 9 am and 12:30 pm on November 9t... 11/08/2019

Do you enjoy winding down your workday with a glass of beer? Then I've got an event you won't want to miss. In just over a week, the Westfield Craft Brew Fest 2019 comes to town. With 40 breweries lined up, you're sure to find something that satisfies your tastebuds.What: Westfield Craft Brew Fest 2019Where: Westfield Armory (500 Rahway)When: Saturday, November 2nd, 6 pm to 10 pmAdmission: $15/Designated Driver & $65-$70/General AdmissionContact: Westfield Hops via emailWestfield Craft Brew Fest 2019These 40 breweries offer up more than 100 fine craft beers for guests to sample at the Brew Fest. Valenzano Winery and Señor Sangria bring samples of their wines as well. But you need something in your stomach other than alcohol. Luckily, Angry Archie's Seafood, Bearded One BBQ, and Ma & Pa'... 11/01/2019

It's apple-picking time here in the Northeast. That means warm apple cider, delicious apple tortes, and good old-fashioned American apple pie. In honor of our city's upcoming 300th birthday, the historical society hosts Westfield AppleFest 2019 at the Reeve History and Cultural Center this Saturday.What: Westfield AppleFest 2019Where: Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center (314 Mountain Ave)When: Saturday, October 19th, 12 pm to 4 pmContact: Westfield Historical Society (908) 654-1794 or via emailWestfield AppleFest 2019Some of the festivities guests enjoy at AppleFest include fun children's games, Westfield history quizzes, live music from local band Save Mary, and storytelling. While the Apple Cafe promises some tasty apple-themed treats, they also plan on serving up an All-American... 10/25/2019

Did you know that jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland? Also, they didn't start out as carved pumpkins. (Ireland had no pumpkins.) Instead, the Irish carved turnips. Irish farmers hollowed out turnips, gourds, beets, and potatoes. Then, they carved faces into them and placed an ember inside. This was to ward off any evil spirits on All Hallow's Eve. When the Irish came to America, they brought this tradition with them. Over time, they transferred their carving from turnips to pumpkins. Pick yourself up a pumpkin or two at the 2019 Westfield Pumpkin Patch hosted by FUMC to ward off evil spirits at your house this Halloween.What: Westfield Pumpkin Patch 2019Where: First United Methodist Church lawn (1 E Broad St)When: October 12th to 31st, 10:30 am to 6:30 pmContact: FUMC Westfield (908)... 10/18/2019

Last year, Westfield hosted its very first festival to honor its native son, Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family cartoon series. Everyone enjoyed it so much, that organizers decided to expand it even further for AddamsFest 2019. It pretty much takes over the entire month of October now. The first of several events taking place this month is happening right now: the Westfield Haunt Your House Contest. Judging starts up next week. But, that's only the beginning. There are so much more creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky festivities awaiting anyone who dares to partake.What: AddamsFest 2019Where: Various Locations Around WestfieldWhen: October 17th to 27thContact: AddamsFest Organizers via emailAddamsFest 2019Gomez's Dynamite Model RailwayAny fan of the comic and/or TV series kn... 10/11/2019