WESTFIELD, NJ — For the fourth straight year, students at Westfield High School led a clothing drive for people in need, collecting more than 2,100 items over the spring and summer to be given to three local charities, according to Jane D’Alessandro, a teacher who oversaw the effort.

“As in the past, we asked for jeans and pants of any style, size, color ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Competitors took to the streets Sunday for a 5K race to benefit programming for people with special needs at the Westfield Area YMCA.

Jon Johnnides of Westfield crossed the finish line bare-chested and covered in sweat. Johnnides noted an increase in people running on local streets in the weeks leading up to the race.

“As I’ve been around ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — The volunteer staffed crisis hotline Caring Contact is raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month with coffee sleeves that have been distributed to cafés in the town.

Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery, Boxwood Coffee Roasters and Farinolio are all distributing the sleeves with Caring Contact's logo to help educate and reduce the ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Public Schools open this year on Thursday, Sept. 5. Help kids stay safe and healthy as they head back to the classroom with tips from the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Alert your school nurse to changes in allergies and ailments.

“Keep medications and medical records up-to-date, including EpiPens to prevent allergic reactions, and insulin to ...

Updated at 9:47 p.m.

WESTFIELD, NJ — When the Archdiocese of Newark released its list of priests credibly accused of sex abuse earlier this year, Westfield resident Michael Mautone distinctly recognized one name on the list: the man he recalls abused him when he was 16 years old.

The church lists “child pornography” next to the name of that man, Kevin Gugliotta, and shows ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Just footsteps away from a train station with access to New York City, some 400 people gathered Wednesday to memorialize victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Eighteen years after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, residents still felt the loss, including that of the 12 victims from Westfield.

Carolyn Ibrahim, of Westfield, had been in the World ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — For the fourth straight year, students at Westfield High School led a clothing drive for people in need, collecting more than 2,100 items over the spring and summer to be given to three local charities, according to Jane D’Alessandro, a teacher who oversaw the effort.

“As in the past, we asked for jeans and pants of any style, size, color ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — The community is responding to security procedure changes in Westfield public schools. 

Over 20 community members spoke at the school board meeting Tuesday night, offering their thoughts on topics ranging from the use of armed officers in schools to public communication about security plan updates and protocols for after school events.

“Security is ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Picking up a meal at Vine Ripe Markets now can also be an opportunity to pick up some vino.

Frank Bruno, a partner at Vine Ripe Markets, said the store had longed to be a one-stop-shop for customers putting together dinner, but securing a liquor license proved an elusive task.

A new arrangement through an outlet license, however, will allow the Washington State Winery, ...

Consumers identifying themselves as vegan has increased from just 1% to 6% between 2014 and 2017, a 600% increase, according to a report in Forbes. Growth of plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products is on the rise. Vegan (no animal products, including dairy) products are growing in popularity even among those who don't consider themselves vegetarian ...

New Jersey Date Night is a series on NJ Flavor by relationship writer Craig Rogers.

When you date someone not from New Jersey they might ask why we’re known as the Garden State. Typically the answer can be found with one visit to a local farmer’s market, but if doubt persists all you have to do is take them to a New Jersey orchard. 

A beautiful fall afternoon becomes ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — The community is responding to security procedure changes in Westfield public schools. 

Over 20 community members spoke at the school board meeting Tuesday night, offering their thoughts on topics ranging from the use of armed officers in schools to public communication about security plan updates and protocols for after school events.

“Security is ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Crashes in this town injured 72 pedestrians and 33 bicyclists between 2013 and 2017, the most recent state data show. Vehicular accidents killed two people and incapacitated five in that time, the figures show. Then there are the spots that stoke public fear.

Residents expressed concerns about these at a workshop last July, during which they discussed dangerous turns, ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — His leaping one-handed grab of the 24-yard-long pass put the Blue Devils at the opposing team’s 20-yard-line.

Wide receiver Griffin Rooney made the catch in the season opener against Linden Saturday helping the Westfield High School varsity football team to secure a 28-14 win. Rooney is this week’s Ron Bansky and Associates Allstate ...

The tennis courts at Tamaques Park in Westfield have been lined for pickleball play.

WESTFIELD, NJ — She was driving through a park in Clark about a year ago when she heard the popping sound coming from the tennis courts.

Resident Jodi Jacobs, who is an avid tennis player, stopped her car and peered into the courts, where she witnessed people playing a game similar ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset Patriots (22-38, 64-66) defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters (31-28, 66-63) 10-7 at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday night.

The Patriots jumped put to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Olmo Rosario started the scoring with an RBI single, followed by an RBI fielder’s choice by Jimmy Paredes. Edwin Espinal then launched a two-run home run (7) ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Somerset Patriots have acquired right-handed Taylor Wright in a trade with the Evansville Otters (Frontier League) for future considerations. He is active for tonight’s game against the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Wright enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and first in the Atlantic League. The 6’5” righty spent his first professional season ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Who do you call when you need an expert in both law and taxes? Attorney Parag Patel, a Westfield dad who also serves part-time as Westfield’s municipal judge, can help.

“What I do is unique because very few lawyers are also tax professionals,” Patel said.

The big difference between him and some other guys?

“I don’t run away from ...

Updated at 9:47 p.m.

WESTFIELD, NJ — When the Archdiocese of Newark released its list of priests credibly accused of sex abuse earlier this year, Westfield resident Michael Mautone distinctly recognized one name on the list: the man he recalls abused him when he was 16 years old.

The church lists “child pornography” next to the name of that man, Kevin Gugliotta, and shows ...

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — The JCC of Central New Jersey has announced the schedule for annual Jewish Film Festival, which will take place this year at AMC Mountainside, 1021 Route 22, Mountainside.

The festival begins on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The featured films are:

Love in Suspenders
Wednesday, October 16 • 7:30 ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Following a wildly popular beer garden at last year’s AddamsFest, a series of ticket sales for the beer garden, called Charlie’s Ale Garden, will begin next week, the town announced Monday night.

Select groups of people — including volunteers for the festival — will get a first chance at purchasing tickets to the beer garden to be held at the ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Picking up a meal at Vine Ripe Markets now can also be an opportunity to pick up some vino.

Frank Bruno, a partner at Vine Ripe Markets, said the store had longed to be a one-stop-shop for customers putting together dinner, but securing a liquor license proved an elusive task.

A new arrangement through an outlet license, however, will allow the Washington State Winery, ...

CLARK, NJ – Workspace can be as important as the work being done. Surroundings can affect productivity, creativity and more.   

Office Evolution of Clark offers flexible and affordable professional workspace in a newly designed space.   Members can choose traditional office space or a more open coworking option. They also offer conference room space, ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — The town’s annual bulky waste pickup program received a green light from Town Council Tuesday marking the second consecutive year in which the municipality is not subsidizing the program, resulting in higher fees for homeowners purchasing permits for it.

The council awarded a contract for the program to Republic Services, of New Brunswick, at a cost of $185 per ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — After uncertainty about its feasibility, the municipality’s annual bulky waste pickup program, commonly referred to as “junk day,” is anticipated to return.

The Town Council is set to award a contract to the lone bidder for the program, Republic Services, at a special meeting to be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

“The special meeting is being called in ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — A severe Thunderstorm warning is in effect for the area until 8:45 p.m., the National Weather Service said Thursday night.

Gusts of wind up to 60 mph are expected, it said.

The service said to expect damage to trees and power lines.

How much local news do you miss because you aren’t signed up for free enews delivery? What are you waiting for?

Updated at 9:47 p.m.

WESTFIELD, NJ — When the Archdiocese of Newark released its list of priests credibly accused of sex abuse earlier this year, Westfield resident Michael Mautone distinctly recognized one name on the list: the man he recalls abused him when he was 16 years old.

The church lists “child pornography” next to the name of that man, Kevin Gugliotta, and shows ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Just footsteps away from a train station with access to New York City, some 400 people gathered Wednesday to memorialize victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Eighteen years after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, residents still felt the loss, including that of the 12 victims from Westfield.

Carolyn Ibrahim, of Westfield, had been in the World ...

LONG BEACH ISLAND REGION — The end to the 2019 summer flounder season in New Jersey is drawing near with the final day this Saturday, Sept. 21. Predicted strong winds will roil the ocean up for most of the rest of the week and likely mean a slow finish to the season.

I fished the Little Egg Reef with fishing buddies Joe Hummel and Dave Rinear last week, and we returned to the ...