Top Local News

Allstate Westfield Athlete of the Week: Elise Curran

March 29, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — With her help the Westfield High School girls golf team defeated Mount St. Mary Academy last week.

A 17-year-old senior, Elise Curran helped the Blue Devils swing the win, shooting a 53 in the season’s first major competition on March 24. Curran is this week’s Andy Heinz and The Westfield Legacy Agency's Allstate Westfield Athlete of the Week.

This is ...

Watch: Westfield High School Launches Girls Flag Football Team

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield High School girls flag football team — the school’s first for females — is in practices to start the season with a game against Kent Place School on April 16.

Funded by the NFL and the Jets, it is the third year of the sport in New Jersey and the first at Westfield High School.

During a recent practice at Edison Intermediate School, the ...

Frozen Fruit Sold at NJ Trader Joe's Recalled for Hepatitis A Exposure

March 17, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control announced on Friday an investigation into an outbreak of Hepatitis A found in frozen strawberries and fruit blends.

These frozen berries are sold in New Jersey in bags of Organic Tropical Fruit Blends at Trader Joe's stores as well as other retailers around the country.

The FDA and CDC ...

Volunteers Sought for Westfield’s ‘Walk for CAKE,’ Mental Health Fair

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Mental Health Council is seeking volunteers to help with the town’s second annual “Walk for CAKE” and Mental Health Fair set for next month.

CAKE is the Mental Health Council’s ongoing initiative emphasizing Compassion, Acceptance, Kindness and Empathy, organizers said in a news release. The goal of the walk and fair scheduled ...

Westfield School Board OKs Retirement of Teacher Who Overdosed in Classroom

March 30, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Board of Education on Tuesday approved the retirement of an art teacher who faces charges and an upcoming court appearance after overdosing in a Roosevelt Intermediate School classroom last year.

Superintendent Raymond González did not mention Roosevelt School art teacher Frank H. Thompson by name while wishing other retirees well at Tuesday's board ...

Westfield Schools Strategic Planning Process Enters Next Phase

WESTFIELD, NJ — With an evening of small-group discussions between school board members and more than 30 staff members and administrators, the Westfield school district wrapped up a beginning phase of crafting a five-year strategic plan Tuesday. 

A facilitator with The Madison Institute (TMI Education) encouraged Strategic Planning Council members to think ...

Westfield Restaurants Digesting Town’s New ‘Parklet’ Fees, Rules

March 29, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — There might be fewer tables for al fresco dining in downtown Westfield and more parking spots available as a new fee is implemented for restaurants that convert parking spaces for outdoor dining — a practice popularized during the pandemic.

The town council on Tuesday approved the new regulation, which sets a $2,500 per parking space fee for establishments ...

Westfield Library Updating Aging HVAC, Cites $300K Savings Under PSE&G Program

WESTFIELD NJ — The Westfield Memorial Library was closed for about 10 weeks in 2021 because its heating system failed.

Looking to avoid another shutdown and maximize energy efficiency, the library is upgrading its heating and air conditioning systems along with some lighting, all of which date back about 35 years, the library announced.

“The major heating and cooling components, ...

Brush Fires at Westfield Station Cause Train Delays Friday Night

March 17, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — Brush fires caused train delays on the Raritan Valley Line during the rush hour commute Friday, according to authorities.

“First responders are currently at the Westfield train station to address a leaf pile fire on and near the NJ Transit tracks,” Westfield Police said in a Nixle alert at 6:13 p.m. “This activity is currently impacting train service as ...

Wonder Planning Delivery-Centric Physical Location in Westfield

March 19, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — While the company is phasing out its on-truck kitchens, the app-based food service Wonder is planning a delivery-focused brick-and-mortar location in Westfield.

The food service aims to have its new location at 210 South Ave. West, the former location of a CVS pharmacy in Westfield, up and running in June, said Andrew Gasper, Wonder’s chief governance ...

‘Gobblers,’ ‘Godfaddas’ to Go: Millburn Deli Opens Westfield Outpost

WESTFIELD, NJ — The “Godfadda,” the “Gobbler,” the “Sloppy Joe” and many more sandwiches are among the options on offer for takeout at the Millburn Deli’s newest location.

Monday is the first official day for the deli’s “Takeout & Delivery Outpost” at 144 East Broad St. in Westfield, following a soft opening last week, ...

Westfield Wants Restaurants to Pay For ‘Parklets,’ Shorten Outdoor Dining Season

March 27, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — Parking spaces converted into outdoor dining spaces are here to stay, but restaurants are going to have to pay for the privilege of having a “parklet” exclusively for their customers.

The town council is set to hold a public hearing and vote Tuesday on a local regulation that sets fees for parklets and details the regulations for them. Popularized during the ...

Westfield Dances for Girls So Popular, There’s Going to Be One for Boys

March 23, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — A dance for girls and their significant adult is so popular that an overflow version of the event drew over 150 people — on top of at least 500 at the main event — and the organizers of the auxiliary dance anticipate holding a similar one for boys.      

The “Me and My Girl Dance,” an alternative to the town’s ...

Westfield High School Brings ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ to Life

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield High School Theatre Department is getting ready to present “Sunday in the Park with George” this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, the musical was inspired by the Georges Seurat painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” The plot revolves ...

Niche Releases 2023 ‘Best Places to Live’ Rankings. Here’s Where Westfield Sits

March 20, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — This town is the 46th best place to live out of 641 places in New Jersey and the fifth-best in Union County, a new ranking says.

The ranking and review website Niche gave Westfield an overall grade of A+ in its 2023 ranking, which placed it at #595 out of 17,916 “Best Places to Live in America.”

Westfield’s 2023 ranking marks a decline from last ...

11 Diseased, Dying Trees Being Removed in Westfield’s Mindowaskin Park, Town Says

March 6, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — Don’t be surprised if you see workers removing trees in Westfield’s Mindowaskin Park this week.

The town announced Sunday evening that it will be removing 11 trees that “pose structural and safety issues” due to “irreparable damage” from bacterial leaf scorch disease and emerald ash borer infestation.

“Do not be alarmed when ...

New Shop in Westfield Offers Unique Furniture, Home Décor by Local Artists

March 9, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — In Casa Cherry Home Designs, the husband-and-wife team of Christine Escribano and John Pizzi have created a combination home shop and art gallery at 401 W. Broad St.

There is custom-made art, repurposed furniture, décor and gifts. Customers can shop for pre-made items or BYOF (bring your own furniture) and hire an experienced artisan to help transform it or ...

Westfield Democrats: 2 Newcomers, 2 Incumbents Seeking Council Seats

March 28, 2023

WESTFIELD, NJ — Two incumbent Democrats and two newcomers will seek a place on the ballot for the Westfield Town Council's November election, party leaders said on Tuesday.

The Westfield Democratic Committee announced that Erika Vargas-Garrison will seek the Democratic nomination for the Ward 2 council seat, and Dawn Nichol-Manning will seek the nomination for the Ward 3 seat.

5 Candidates File to Run in 2023 Westfield School Board Election

WESTFIELD, NJ — Two incumbents and three challengers have filed petitions to run for the three open seats in the April 25 Board of Education election, according to the school district.

The candidates are as follows, the district said.

Brian Crawford
Kent Diamond*
Brendan Galligan*
Charles Gelinas
Dyanna Pepitone

*Denotes Incumbent

The deadline to file petitions ...

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Activist Asks Union County to Memorialize Black People Burned at Stake in 1741

March 29, 2023

ELIZABETH, NJ — Will the county place a memorial to honor the lives of enslaved people executed in 1741 for their alleged roles in planning a rebellion?

National United Youth Council Inc. Director Salaam Ismial, of Elizabeth, has been asking this question of the Union County commissioners for the past three years.

“Since 2020, I’ve been asking the county to ...

Property Taxes in Union County: Where Westfield Ranked in 2022

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Homeowners in 17 Union County municipalities saw increases in their property taxes while homeowners in four municipalities saw decreases in 2022, according to recently released state data.

When taken all together, however, the average Union County homeowner saw a tax decrease of 0.07% last year bucking a statewide trend of increases, according to the ...

Candidate Statement: Westfield BOE Candidate Charles Gelinas is Committed to the Value and Purpose of Public Education

March 23, 2023

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Westfield Board of Education. My wife, Lauren, and I have two daughters enrolled in the Westfield Public School District and I know firsthand the quality of our teachers and schools and the challenges that face the district. 

I believe that school should provide supports that enable every student to reach their highest ...

Letter: Honoring Two Amazing Women for Women’s History Month

March 25, 2023

To the editor:

I would like to honor two amazing women who do not know each other but are forever connected by The Doll Project started by Lisa (Mueller) Bukowsky, a third grade teacher at Washington School in Westfield, NJ, March 2009.

Lisa was trying to bring to life the accomplishments of women in history in her classroom through a doll project. The focus was to invite the students ...

Upcoming Events

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Fri, March 31
07:30 PM — 09:00 PM

Edison Intermediate School, Westfield

Westfield Community Concert Band Spring ...

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Sat, April 01
11:00 AM — 03:30 PM

The Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg

The Easter Bunny Train Ride and Easter ...

Best_crop_cad5e7fae08b8fdd2e09_palm_sunday

Sun, April 02
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM

First Congregational Church of Westfield, Westfield

Palm Sunday Worship Celebration

Award-Winning LBI Wedding Road Show and Tour Set for April 23

March 30, 2023

Hitting the road for wedding and milestone event planning has introduced new visitors and decision-makers to the Long Beach Island region for 15 years, The Wedding Road Show proved it had what it takes to win recognition from across the state during the NJ Tourism Excellence Award and making the Love it List from NJ Bride.

Changing the way destination events are marketed throughout New Jersey, ...

Columns

The Lemon-Up Stand

Douglas Boneparth is a Westfield resident, author and founder of Bone Fide Wealth, a leading wealth management firm for millennials. For laughs, follow him on Twitter. For help with your finances, contact him here.

On a cold and rainy morning in a New Jersey suburb, I stood outside the Starbucks with my daughter to sell Girl Scout cookies. We had all the ingredients for ...

Lent Reflections and Easter Celebrations at First Congregational Church of Westfield

First Congregational Church of Westfield welcomes all in the community to observe the Lenten Season and celebrate the joy of Easter at its upcoming programs and services where participants will be met with opportunities for reflection, discernment and discovery during the most Holy time in the Christian year.

Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 2,10 a.m.
Hybrid service: In-person/Sanctuary + ...

Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Meet Union Catholic's Vanessa Wyckoff

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. - In our latest installment of Faculty/Staff Spotlight, we shine the spotlight on Union Catholic Athletic Trainer Vanessa Wyckoff.

Here is our Q and A with Wyckoff:

Years of service at Union Catholic?
Wyckoff is in her first year at UC  

Current position at UC?
Athletic Trainer 

Education:
Graduated from MacArthur High School in Levittown, N.Y. in ...

12 Homes Sold March 18 -25 in Westfield Area

Information provided to you by Susan Massa Broker Associate 908-400-0778.

Town                                   Address                ...

Home of the Week: 32 Summit Rd Verona Twp., NJ 07044

Come see 32 Summit Road in Verona; open house this Sunday 3/26 1-4pm. In the desirable Afterglow section, located on a cul-de-sac lies this beautiful Center Hall Colonial. Sitting on a 1/3 acre, you’ll enter through a many-windowed entry with heated floors into the foyer. The heart of the home is the chef’s kitchen with Wolf and Viking appliances, an eating area, and a beautiful view ...

Annual Spring Clothing Drive at the Westfield Area YMCA

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning! If you have clothing or other accepted items that you’re looking to part with, bring them on Wednesday, April 20 from 7:30am – 3:00pm to the parking lot of the Bauer Branch Family YMCA, located at 422 East Broad Street in Westfield. Donations are only accepted at this location during these hours. Accepted items include clothes, shoes (must be ...

Rowan Today

RIPPAC gala honors leaders, raises $100K for scholarships, programming

Political and civic leaders joined together for the first-ever gala fundraiser presented by the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC). And while the event paid tribute to four distinguished leaders in politics and industry, the biggest winners were Rowan University students.

Altogether, the gala raised more than $100,000 for intern scholarships and civic ...

Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others

Around the world, women take care of other people. It’s a natural human expression of love that can be a source of great joy – and a source of exhaustion and stress over time. Although men are taking on more caregiving for children and family, women still handle the majority of childcare, elder care, and informal care to spouses, parents, in-laws, friends, and neighbors.

So, if ...

2023 Union County Hazardous Waste Disposal this Saturday, April 1, in Cranford

The Union County Board of County Commissioners presents upcoming 2023 Union County Hazardous Waste Disposal events, including this Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Union College, Parking Lots 5A/5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.  For this and other hazardous waste disposal events, including details about the events, please click here or view the schedule in the photo ...

Are Kids Under Too Much Academic Pressure?

We live in a culture driven by competition and perfectionism—where success is defined by status, performance, and appearance. Both our children and ourselves are exposed to these pressures daily and respond to such pressures, whether we are aware of it or not. The truth of the matter is that this is the nature of the competitive world we live in, and that may not be changing anytime soon.

Money Talk

Banking Worries … What About My Investment Accounts?

The recent financial troubles of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Credit Suisse have investors worried, testing the mettle of even the most seasoned investor. People want to know:

Is my money in the bank safe?

Should I worry about the custodian institution holding my investments?

Banks are in the business of taking deposits (borrowing from the depositor) and investing those ...

Falcon Profile: Mark Gialluisi - An Unlikely Falcon Star

Mark Gialluisi was a highly sought-after baseball player by high schools all around New Jersey during his middle school years. But Saint Joseph’s High School was not in the plan for his future.

As he grew up, so did his skills and recognition. Traveling to Florida for a 14u National Showcase event in 2018, Gialluisi showed out as one of the best catchers ranking No. 3 in pop time and No.

Wardlaw+Hartridge Students Honor March Celebrations

Middle School students at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison covered a wide range of topics highlighting important March celebrations at their divisional meeting during the week prior to Spring Break. With school closed for about half of the month, the students packed much information into the meeting in the Berry Performing Arts Center.

The meeting included an observance of ...

Westfield Students Visit Marine Lab in Florida

Edison Intermediate School 7th and 8th graders visited the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida as part of a three-day STEM field trip in February, organized by Edison math teacher Ryan Belline and a team of educators.

The students studied small sea animals from the Gulf of Mexico, classifying them by their type. As part of the parent-financed field trip, the group also traveled to ...

TAPinto Journalists Recognized for Excellence by The Center for Cooperative Media

ISELIN, NJ — TAPinto journalists were recently honored by The Center for Cooperative Media with NJ News Commons Excellence in NJ Local News Awards.

"Thank you to the Center For Cooperative Media for recognizing the outstanding local journalism being produced here in New Jersey," TAPinto Founder and CEO Michael Shapiro said. "Congratulations to all the winners including our ...

Holy Trinity School Now Offering Full Day PreK-3

WESTFIELD, NJ -- Starting in September 2023, Holy Trinity School in Westfield will offer a variety of PreK-3 options. The times and days are as follows:

Monday-Wednesday-Thursday half days
Monday-Wednesday-Thursday full days
Monday - Friday half days
Monday - Friday full days

Half day times are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and full day times are 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 ...

Family of Slain Sayreville Councilwoman Speaks Out, Demands Answers

March 23, 2023

SAYREVILLE, NJ — The family of murdered Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour held a press conference at Borough Hall on Wednesday, March 22, to express their deep concern with the perceived lack of information from law enforcement.

It is the first time that family members have spoken publicly about the investigation since the 30-year-old councilwoman was gunned down ...