Each May, the Downtown Westfield Corporation hosts a Girls' Day and Night Out. This is a chance for women to spend time pampering themselves and simply enjoying each other's company for one full day. This year, organizers wanted to continue this tradition. But how do you do that in the midst of COVID-19 concerns? You harness the power of the web and host Downtown Westfield's Virtual Girls' Night, that's how.What: Downtown Westfield's Virtual Girls' Night 2020Where: Your House via Zoom or Facebook LiveWhen: Thursday, May 28th, 3 pm to 5:30 pmDowntown Westfield's Virtual Girls' Night 2020Girls' Night Out has now become Girls' Night In. We tend to focus on the "distancing" part of "social distancing" right now. And we understand why. But now it's time to focus on the "social" aspect. Every... 05/29/2020

Do you remember the Freshman 15 in college? Well, some of us seem to be reliving our college days. They call it the "quarantine 15". How have you spent your "stay at home" order? Streaming movies and binging on comfort food? Those pounds sneak up fast. Out Run Your Fork wants to motivate you to get some exercise while helping feel our frontline workers. They organized a Westfield Virtual 5k set over Memorial Day weekend. Are you up for the challenge?What: Westfield Virtual 5kWhere: You Set Your Own CourseWhen: Sunday, May 24th, anytimeCost: Free registration, $15 donation per person preferredContact: Out Run Your Fork (973) 348-9898Westfield Virtual 5kLike any other physical 5k, you can run or walk your way through the virtual 5k course. You still must actually physically complete the e... 05/22/2020

Expect to see cold, wet weather this weekend. It might not be the best time for yard work or projects to boost your curb appeal. But, forget the binge-watching for a moment. Instead, tackle some spring cleaning chores by clearing out your closet. Then, bag up your stuff for our local Presbyterian Church's Westfield Clothing Drive. Money raised from the sale of donated items benefits the church's AGAPE Community Kitchen program.What: Westfield Clothing DriveWhere: Presbyterian Church in Westfield (140 Mountain Ave)When: May 17th to 21stContact: Janet Smith, Event Coordinator via emailWestfield Clothing DriveTowards the end of March, the Presbyterian Church in Westfield followed the same protocols put in place for restaurants. They suspended their weekly Wednesday dinner program due to pu... 05/15/2020

Millions of New Jersey residents continue to follow Governor Murphy's Stay at Home order. Currently, only essential businesses remain open, with restrictions. Usually, June marks the start of our local farmer's market season. However, beginning tomorrow (May 2nd), the Westfield Farmers Market opens with curbside pickup available.Westfield Farmers MarketEarlier this week, the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the Westfield Farmers Market would open up early this year. In keeping with social distancing and the CDC's guidelines on responsible practices, patrons of the market can now place an order from vendors online. Pay for it when you order. Choose a time for pickup (between 10 am and 12 pm). Then, show up to the Westfield Train Station at your designated time.Wh... 05/08/2020

The way we buy and sell houses has changed over the last few weeks. In the past, open houses and private tours allowed buyers the opportunity to physically see a property. New restrictions make that impossible at this time. While some buyers might try to wait for their chance to "buy the dip" if that happens in a few months, others might want to take advantage of current low interest rates to buy now. Virtual online tours allow you to check out an available Westfield home for sale while you shelter in place. But did you know that you can virtually tour your next neighborhood, too?Virtually Tour New Neighborhoods From HomeGoogle Street ViewToday's technology makes social distancing a little easier. It also makes buying a Westfield home during a pandemic a little easier, too. Virtually to... 04/24/2020

Are you practicing good social distancing techniques? With many of us spending more and more time at home lately, we seem to find the time now to tackle those projects around that house that we put off for so long. Maybe you attempted to increase your curb appeal. Or you used your time to do some spring cleaning. In either case, your trash cans might be overflowing at the moment. If you need to bring trash to the dump, you're in luck. The Westfield Conservation Center recently opened back up to the public. However, for now, they only accept trash on Thursdays and Fridays.Westfield Conservation CenterThe City recognizes a need for the conservation center to open back up. But they also want to keep their workers safe by practicing social distancing. To do so, they must stagger their shift... 04/24/2020

Did you spot any rainbows while out on your daily walk in Westfield lately? It may seem like a little thing, but they certainly raise your spirits when you see them. With unemployment filings in the multi-millions over the last few weeks, we see more and more people struggling just to put food on the table. One way you can help alleviate this strain for those in need is to donate food and other essentials to the Westfield Food Pantry. The Westfield Area YMCA offers a convenient drop-off location for anyone able to help during the pandemic.Westfield Food Pantry Drop-OffThe Westfield Area Y always accepted donations for the Westfield Food Pantry. They continue to do so even though they temporarily shut their doors to the public. The Y set up donation drop-off bins in their front vestibule... 04/17/2020

Last weekend, Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency for New Jersey. In his Executive Order, he urged all residents to practice good hygiene practices (wash hands often and for 20 seconds at a time). He also asked that we practice social distancing to limit the potential for exposure to the deadly COVID-19. That means no gatherings of more than 10 people. Stay at home whenever possible. Leave the playdates for later. And stay at least six feet away from others when outside. To help kids (and parents) combat "cabin fever", some neighborhoods have started putting up Westfield rainbows in their windows. Get your kids involved for free.Westfield Rainbows Among COVID-19Social distancing doesn't mean cloistering inside your Westfield home for the next several weeks. Yes, you must place... 04/03/2020

As more and more people get tested for COVID-19, we see confirmed cases in Westfield and the greater New Jersey area increase. Many businesses have either closed down for now or allowed their employees to work from home to limit exposure to the Coronavirus. Schools started up online teaching this week. Restaurants remain open for take-out or delivery only. We are urged to practice social distancing. But that does not mean you must stay trapped inside your Westfield home at all times. Breathe in some clean air and tackle those curb appeal projects you've been putting off. That will really help if you plan on placing your property on the market in the next few months.Easy Curb Appeal ProjectsYardworkPE time for the kiddos. Give them each a rake and garbage bag and tell them to start clean... 03/27/2020

We have about a month left before the 2020 tax filing deadline. Currently, that is Wednesday, April 15th. However, in a recent address to the nation, President Trump announced that he would be allowing an extension for some "individuals and businesses negatively impacted" by COVID-19. Specifics about who qualifies for an extension and how long that extension will be are still forthcoming. Meanwhile, anyone who sold their Westfield home last year may be entitled to certain tax deductions and exemptions.Westfield Home Seller Tax DeductionsSelling CostsAny costs associated with the actual sale of your home (legal fees, escrow fees, commissions, etc.) can be deducted from your taxes. These should all be included in your closing statement. However, you need to have used that Westfield home a... 03/13/2020

We consider Westfield to be an affluent community. But even here, approximately 2.66% live below the poverty line. While that's significantly lower than the national average, some of our neighbors still need our help. This month, donate your old linens to the Westfield Used Linen Drive.Westfield Used Linen DriveI know it's still winter, but do you plan on doing any spring cleaning soon? Start now and help those less fortunate in the community. Two local Westfield residents (Emily Root and Amy Flax) found out that Furniture Assist, a local non-profit that assists residents in need, often ran out of linens for the families they served. They just couldn't seem to keep enough in stock for the demand. So, they took it upon themselves to talk to several Westfield businesses about joining in a... 03/06/2020

Whether buying or selling a Westfield home, you need someone on your side who knows the local market. Navigating a real estate transaction can feel daunting sometimes. With your busy schedule, who has the time? Where do you start? To find the right real estate agent, keep the following tips in mind.Finding the Right Real Estate AgentTake Your TimeFirst of all, take your time. This will probably be the biggest transaction you are a part of in your life. Therefore, you need to find someone who knows the business. Do you know anyone who bought or sold a house recently? Ask them who they used and if they were satisfied with the experience. Would they use them again? Word of mouth provides some of the best recommendations possible. Make sure to get the agent's name and contact info.Interview... 03/06/2020

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