WESTFIELD, NJ — When he was a freshman, Spencer Weigand ran to stay in shape for soccer tryouts. Now a two-season track captain and one of the best 800m runners in Westfield High School history, the senior finds that the sport has become so much more to him. “I was training with the cross country team for soccer tryouts and by chance missed it,” said Weigand. “Then I started doing track and instantly fell in love with the sport. It was meant to be.” This week’s Ron Bansky and Associates Allstate ...

On this week’s AtlantiCast, an internationally recognized orthopedic oncologist takes a leadership role at Atlantic Health System, see the newest weapon in the fight against HPV-related cancers, Atlantic Health System leads the Castle Connolly / Inside Jersey Rankings, and much more!  

Richard DeLuca of the Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper law firm has joined the board of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC). “We are fortunate to have Mr. Richard DeLuca join our board of directors. His experience will complement those of the current board members and I am sure that he will be a very active member and bring new and fresh ideas to all of us,” said Executive Director Gene Jannotti. DeLuca is the director of business development and marketing at Lindabury. Prior to that, he ...

1. My employer is obligated to come up with a good reason before they can fire me. WRONG – If you are an at-will employee, the vast majority of the time, your employer will not need a reason to fire you. Nor is your employer obligated to let you know what that reason is. 2. If I can refute the employer’s reason for terminating me, I am entitled under the law to get my job back. WRONG – If you are an at-will employee, even if you can prove that your employer’s reason for firing you is wrong, most of the time, ...

When it comes to accurately diagnosing whether someone has suffered a stroke, “one can never be too smart,” says Dr. Gary Belt. Belt, a stroke neurologist at Atlantic Neuroscience Institute in Overlook Medical Center, has more than three decades of experience in making those tricky diagnoses. He knows that superficial signs that seem to indicate a stroke can’t always be trusted and that a stroke neurologist must think like a detective. In a presentation he titled “Stroke Mimics,” Belt recently spoke to a ...

It was an enthusiastic start as students and staff kicked off the 7th Annual McKinley School Mini-THON, a schoolwide, energetic effort to raise money for leukemia and pediatric cancer research. “As you know, McKinley School does a lot to give back [to the community],” said McKinley principal Marc Biunno as he addressed students and staff gathered in the gymnasium on April 11.  “While the theme here [with the Mini-THON] is to have a lot of fun, the point we take most pride in is that we are helping ...

 With the recent storms passing through the area I thought I'd share some of the storm safety tips I shared with my customers this week. Unfortunately, there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the United ...

Ambassador Yoram Ettinger (ret.), an insider on U.S.-Israel relations and consultant to Israel’s cabinet and legislators, will speak at the JCC of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains on Monday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m. Ettinger served as Minister for Congressional Affairs at the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC and regularly briefs the U.S. Congress and their staff on issues of bilateral concern. He will talk about Israel, the "Arab demographic tsunami," Israel’s isolation in the world, and its defense ...

Good news is a brew for New Jersey craft beer advocates. In February 2018, the New Jersey Assembly’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee paved the way for the introduction of Bill A2196, which would remove a current licensing rule requiring breweries and distilleries to provide a tour of their facilities before serving alcoholic beverages to consumers. Currently, breweries holding a New Jersey Limited Brewery License are prohibited from selling their brews at the brewery, unless patrons first complete a tour of the premises. This ...

‘The Sting ‘slithers and shakes at Paper Mill Playhouse By LIZ KEILL MILLBURN, NJ – In a premiere production of “The Sting,” Harry Connick Jr. commands the Paper Mill Playhouse stage in Millburn. Based on the sensational Paul Newman/Robert Redford film in 1973, the 1930s plot centers on a con game and gambling, sometimes on a train between New York and Chicago.  Scott Joplin’s music is intertwined with the show, especially “The Entertainer.”  Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis have ...

Did you know…. there was a time when Chatham kids could ice skate from downtown Chatham all the way to Florham Park? And that a toboggan ride could last from the top of Fairmount Avenue down to Main Street and beyond? Those were the days! This was back in the early to mid-1900s. The Passaic River meandered through grassy meadows and woods on the north side of Chatham. The marshy flood basin surrounding the Passaic, the freshet, provided acres and acres of open space to skate on. Reportedly half the town could be found skating on ...

Dog was found running in the area of Spruce Avenue and Maple Street. No tags. Anyone who recognizes this dog is asked to please contact Garwood Police headquarters.

Name: Anna Mastroianni Years in Westfield: 16 Work: Owner Sole Fine Italian Shoes, 201 East Broad Street, 908-654-7800 Anna Mastoianni has filled some pretty big shoes in her day and not just because she’s the owner of the exquisite Italian shoe store Sole in Downtown Westfield. Turns out the Hollywood stunt double has a resume that would make your head spin, literally. “One of my first jobs was racing a cherry red ’57 Chevy and stopping just inches away from a mailbox for the daytime drama Another World,” ...

If the current interest environment has you concerned about your bond portfolio, remember why you are investing in bonds.  The role bonds, or fixed income, play in a portfolio is not solely based on performance.  Bonds are used to offer stability, particularly when stock market volatility is rising. Rate hikes can dampen bond performance, but keep perspective on how rising rates impact your investments over the long haul. Generally speaking higher rates are better for long term bond investors.  Higher rates equal higher ...

Finally, the weather is getting warmer and you are shedding those down coats. Now is a great time to start thinking about summer and getting your home prepared. Paying attention to a few maintenance items can alleviate painful repairs later on if you wait too long. The line ahead of you will build as the summer rush starts. So, let’s not wait. Check your roof   (hire the expert to perform this inspection) Our winter was a rough one, you definitely want to check your roof to make sure it hasn't been compromised. A ...

Income from virtual currency transactions is reportable on income tax returns. Virtual currency transactions are taxable by law just like transactions in any other property. The IRS has issued guidance that addresses transactions in digital currency.   Taxpayers who do not properly report the income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions can be audited for those transactions and, when appropriate, can be liable for penalties and interest.   Learn more here.   We are happy to work with you to come up ...

This week's feature will focus on TAPinto Plainfield franchisees Jennifer Popper and Carolyn Wellington. TAPinto.net has more than 70 franchised online, local newspapers. Our franchise owners include journalists, hard-copy newspapers, and thanks to Jennifer and Carolyn, non-profit organizations such as the YMCA. Find out how these local Plainfield, NJ residents are able to sustain their profitable business while getting closer to their community and doing what they love.   Q. When did you ...

If you are facing your first holiday after an important person in your life has died, it’s not too early to come up with a plan. Watching others who are feeling thankful and are celebrating when we feel overwhelmed, lonely or sad can be very painful. Holidays force us to realize how much our lives have been changed by the loss of our loved one.    The first step in coping with grief at the holidays is to acknowledge that the first holiday season is difficult and then to prepare for it in advance by making specific plans ...

The last week of January marks Catholic Schools Week across the country.  It is a time to celebrate the unique traditions and academic excellence of Catholic schools.   Catholic schools allow parents to educate their children in a faith- based environment.   At Saint Joseph High School, the administration practices a holistic approach to education, nurturing not only the academic side of the scholastic experience, but tending to the spiritual, physical and emotional requirements of each young man. “We ...

Facebook recently announced it will be changing its feed and algorithms so that news from publishers and posts from businesses will be relegated in favor of posts about your neighbor’s cat.  Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that Facebook is making these changes because he is concerned about his legacy and that of the company he founded. If Mark Zuckerberg is truly worried about his legacy and that of Facebook, casting legitimate news publishers and businesses into the abyss will only further tarnish ...

Why We Keep Kosher This week's parshah, Shemini, introduces the Torah's dietary laws. Animals must chew their cud and have split hooves to be kosher, fish need fins and scales, and a list of forbidden fowl is enumerated. To those of us in Jewish education, it is a continuing source of disappointment that so many Jews still believe the kosher laws to be outdated. After all, they reckon, in the desert our ancestors needed to protect themselves from trichinosis and all sorts of diabolical diseases so some kind of ...

Are you looking to make a wise investment? Who isn’t? We all want to make wise investments. Investing in your children is one of the most important things you can do. Many families at this time of year are either looking to enroll their children in school for the first time, thinking through a transition to middle school, high school, or college, or simply just wanting something different – something better -- for their children. So why not consider making a wise investment in a Catholic ...

A new basketball clinic for children with special needs is registering now at the Westfield Area YMCA. There will be a clinic for grades 1-2 and a clinic for grades 3-4. This clinic is non-competitive and is designed to provide players the opportunity to learn basketball skills and team concepts in an environment that encourages them to enjoy the sport and reach their full potential. Drills develop motor skills and self confidence while focusing on listening, patience, and team building within a group setting. “We have many programs ...