The Westfield Memorial Pool officially opened up for the season last weekend. But even if you only go to the beach, you really should take a Westfield Water Safety Class. Why? Because approximately 4000 people die in the US from downing each year. In fact, it is the #1 cause of death in children between the ages of one and four and the #2 cause of death in children between the ages of five and 14.What: Westfield Water Safety ClassWhere: Westfield Area YMCA (220 Clark St)When: Sunday, June 11th, 2023, from 12 pm to 4 pmContact: Rob Faggiano (908) 301-9622 ext 276 or via emailWestfield Water Safety ClassDo you have young kids? Are you at least 16 years old and plan on babysitting kids this summer? If so, then you should take this water safety class. You will learn what signs to watch out ... 06/18/2023

Anyone who knows me knows how much I like cycling. In fact, I put those skills to use every October for the MS NYC charity ride. For many bicycle enthusiasts, the Tour de France is the highlight of their year. But you don't have to fly to Europe, wait until July, or even traverse the 2000-mile course to enjoy an epic bike ride. Instead, sign up for the Tour de Westfield 2023.What: Tour de Westfield 2023Where: Starts at North Side Train StationWhen: Sunday, June 11th, 10 am to 12 pmContact: Westfield Recreation Department via emailTour de Westfield 2023Unlike its French counterpart, our little bicycle tour is open to the entire family. In fact, the Tour de Tots allows kids ages 9 and under to compete against each other. Kids ages 9 to 15 can learn how to perform fun tricks on their bikes... 05/29/2023

The absolute best time to sell a Westfield area home is in June, according to data compiled by HomeLight. So if you plan on putting your property on the market, you need to start preparing your home to sell right now. Follow this handy guide to make the process a little easier.Preparing Your Home to SellClean it UpThat includes both the inside and the outside. Vacuum and/or mop. Make sure you dust everything, including the baseboards, the window sills, and those hard-to-reach areas. Buyers use all of their senses when looking at a home. So, a property that both looks and smells clean tends to sell quicker and for a higher dollar amount.As for the outside, you want your curb appeal to stand out. First impressions last. You do not want your home's first impression to be a dud. Mow the law... 05/21/2023

Available In Westfield NJ 04/2024  https://bit.ly/3s1x7L5 425 & 445 South Avenue East Westfield, New Jersey https://bit.ly/3L6rPnA 47 of 150+ Luxury New Residences & 4300 of 17,000 sq ft of Retail Space. Info Call Andy Weissman at 917-885-3792 or Paul Stillwaggon at 908-310-1358 Walk to Train Station, 1 & 2 Bedroom floorplans available, Optional Den/Study (in select units) Pet Friendly (household pets up to 35 lbs) Balconies or Terraces (in select units) Washer/Dryer in each apartment.     Stone countertops, Independent heating and air conditioning, Building Features and Amenities. Pool Deck, Courtyard putting green, Outdoor grilling stations, Private fitness center, Business center. Indoor, heated parking, EV charging available, Storage units available, Bike room. 200+ Luxury New Apart... 05/08/2023

You wouldn't know if by the crazy cold weather we've experienced lately, but it is actually spring in the Westfield area right now. In fact, the weatherman says we should expect to see cloudy and wet weather for the foreseeable future. But whether the sun shines bright or clouds bring rain, the Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023 takes place on the first Sunday in May.What: Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023Where: Central Ave, Downtown WestfieldWhen: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Gene Jannotti with the GWACC Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via emailWestfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce organizes Spring Fling every year. And each year it gets better and better. This year, they cater to all age... 05/07/2023

The weather outside may give you pause. But it really is springtime here in Westfield. And springtime means renewal and rebirth. For local sheep, it also means that it's time for shearing. If you've never seen this done, you're in for a treat. The Miller-Cory House hosts their annual Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival next weekend.What: Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023Where: Miller-Cory House Museum (614 Mountain Ave)When: Saturday, April 15th, 1 pm to 4 pmAdmission: $4 to $5 per personContact: Miller-Cory House Museum (908) 232-1776 or via emailWestfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023The Sheep to Shawl Festival has become a favorite tradition for visitors to the Miller-Cory House. A master shearer takes center stage with these lovely sheep to hand shear just like they used to do in ... 04/16/2023

I believe in giving back to my community and raising money for a good cause. Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I work the Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas tree lot. The money raised gets distributed to local charities and community organizations. In October, a group of my friends and loved ones join me on the Bike MS NYC ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. I ask you all to help our local community again by donating what you can to the Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive.What: Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023When: Thursday, April 20th, from 7:30 am to 3 pmWhere: Westfield Area YMCA - Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 E Broad St)Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023Planning on doing some spring cleaning soon? When you do, set aside any g... 04/15/2023

Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. And our fair city is one of the places on the Easter Bunny's list to visit. In fact, he is scheduled to be a special guest at the Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023.What: Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023Where: Mindowaskin Park (385 E Broad St)When: Saturday, April 8th, 12 pm to 2 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Westfield Police Department Community Policing Bureau (908) 789-6078Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023The Westfield Police Department partnered up with our local Kiwanis Club to put together this beloved annual Easter event. In fact, all of the spots for every age division of the Easter egg hunt itself have already been filled up. However, there are still some spots available for children with special needs. If your differently-abled ... 04/04/2023

The weather outside still feels a little frightful. So, it might feel premature to think about swimming. But the first day of spring falls on Monday, March 20th. So, it's not too early to remind you about the upcoming Westfield Memorial Pool season.Westfield Memorial Pool 2023 SeasonThe Westfield Memorial Pool and Aquatic Center features a 50-meter pool as well as an 8-lane competitive lap pool. Additionally, you will find a dive pool, two water slides, a kids' training pool (only two feet deep), and a zero-entry kids pool with an attached splash pad. The snack bar allows guests to keep up their energy for pool play. The grounds also offer a nice picnic area, playground, and grassy area.Swimming provides an excellent form of exercise. Not only does it tone and strengthen your muscles, b... 03/26/2023

You probably have heard that real estate is all about location, location, location. But, honestly, sometimes it really depends on your timing, timing, timing. So, when selling your home, what is the best time to list it on the market and when should you think about waiting?Selling Your HomeBest Time to Sell Your HomeWhile home sales declined throughout the state last month, the Westfield area (including Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and Cranford) still favors the seller. We live in a highly desirable area. Buyer demand remains relatively high compared to other areas of the state. However, many cities and towns in the Westfield area are seeing a shift to a more balanced market. That means a healthy buyer demand as well as good inventory levels.Also, springtime tends to be a busy time for re... 02/24/2023

Moving into a new Westfield area home is an exciting time. You’re probably daydreaming about decor, paint schemes, and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basic priority tasks for your move-in that you should cover first.Priority Tasks for Your Move-InChange the LocksEven if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your Westfield area home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your property. Changing the locks can be a DIY project or, for a little extra money, you can call in a locksmith to do the job for you.Steam Clean the CarpetsIt’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, ... 02/17/2023

Over the past couple of years, mortgage rates hit their all-time lowest point. At that time, financial experts encouraged buyers to get a fixed-rate mortgage loan to purchase their properties. However, with interest rates on the rise these last few months, many buyers began looking at adjustable-rate loans instead. Which one should you consider for your next mortgage loan? It depends.Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs Adjustable-Rate MortgageFixed-Rate MortgageA fixed-rate mortgage is exactly what it says: one set rate for the life of the loan. Even so, your monthly payment could change depending on current property taxes and insurance rates. But the actual monthly mortgage payment remains the same the entire time. However, lenders charge more interest for fixed-rate loans than they do for adjustab... 01/20/2023

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. With the new year upon us, you may want to start planning for your 2023 taxes. I know. Not the most fun topic. But Uncle Sam rests for no one. If you have questions about your property taxes, please sign up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar hosted by Coldwell Banker Realty.What: 2023 Property Tax Appeal SeminarWhere: Coldwell Banker Realty (209 Central Ave)When: 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 9th, 2023Admission: FREEContact: Scott Gleason (908) 698-26302023 Property Tax Appeal SeminarHave you been in your Westfield area home for a while? Have you seen your property taxes skyrocket over the past couple of years? Moving soon? Then your property taxes may hit you even harder. The lower the property taxes, the more that buyers can afford in m... 01/06/2023

2022 was quite a wild ride for mortgage rates. We started off the year at an average of 3.22% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. By the end of October, rates peaked at 7.08%. After dipping slightly for a couple of weeks, they hit 7.08% again in early November. But since then, rates began to decline. As of the writing of this post, Freddie Mac puts the average at 6.27%. The higher your interest rate, the higher your mortgage payment. What should you do to get the best mortgage rate for your next home purchase? Follow these simple steps.How to Get The Best Mortgage RateWhip That Credit Into ShapeHigher credit scores translate into lower interest rates. Start by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com for a free copy of your credit report. Look for any errors. Each reporting agency (Equifax, Trans... 12/30/2022

Most of the headlines lately talk about how the market has turned in the buyer's favor. Well, that may be true in other areas of the country but not in the Westfield real estate market. Sellers still have the upper hand here. In fact, a five-bed/one-and-a-half bath Westfield property just sold recently for $36,000 over asking after just 20 days on the market. So, if you plan on buying a home in the Westfield area, you need to get your financing in order first. Should you get a pre-approval letter or will a pre-qualification work? What's the difference?What's the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?Pre-QualificationFirst of all, pre-qualification only takes a matter of minutes. Your lender asks you about your income, your debt, and if you have any assets. Then, they tak... 12/23/2022

Brrr. The weather outside is frightful. But the holidays are so delightful. If you want to celebrate the season with the family, make Westfield Winter Wonderland 2022 your destination of choice.What: Westfield Winter Wonderland 2022Where: Foundation ParkWhen: December 18th, 12 pm to 4 pmWestfield Winter Wonderland 2022City officials transform Foundation Park into a Westfield Winter Wonderland on Sunday, December 18th. Let the kids warm up and get that excited energy out at Bouncy House Park. Watch magician Peter Juris perform two separate shows inside Acting Out Studios. And take a photo with Santa at Just a Soul Photography. Lots of fun for the entire family!Menorah LightingThe first day of Hanukkah also falls on December 18th this year. To celebrate, Rabbi Block officially lights the ... 12/16/2022

When purchasing a new luxury NJ home, it is important to do in-depth research on all facets of the home buying process. One thing you’ll need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong. Check out the information on homeowners insurance versus home warranty below to educate yourself on your options.Homeowners Insurance vs Home WarrantyHomeowners InsuranceHomeowners insurance pays for any accidental damages and loss that are caused by fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail. However, damage from earthquakes and floods is typically not covered. It also covers the replacement of personal property in case of theft or damage and liability if a person were to get injured in your home or on your property. According to V Home Insurance, t... 12/09/2022

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to focus on the next big holiday: Christmas! But we cannot forget about Hanukkah (which begins on December 18th) or Kwanzaa (which runs from December 26th to January 1st). A couple of Westfield area tree lighting ceremonies take place over the next week to celebrate all of these holidays.Westfield Area Tree Lighting Ceremonies 2022 Westfield Tree LightingCome to the North Ave Train Station tonight (November 26th) for fun and festivities. Beginning at 5 pm, nosh on cookies while listening to the DJ play classic holiday music. Our local fire department escorts Santa on one of their trucks at 5:30 pm. Once on stage, he promises to take pictures with the kids until 6 pm. At that time, the tree officially lights up.However, before the Westfield tree ... 12/02/2022

First, sit down for a huge Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones. Then, tackle those Black Friday sales. But on Saturday, make plans to visit the Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot to get started on your Christmas decorations.What: Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022Where: Field Across from Stop & Shop on Elm StWhen: 9 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun, 5 pm to 9 pm Mon through Fri starting November 26th (while supplies last)Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022For more than 70 years now, the Westfield Area Y Men's Club has hosted a Christmas Tree Lot for the community. And I am proud to say that I have been personally involved for many, many years now. In fact, the Christmas Tree Lot is our biggest fundraiser for the year. Every single penny raised from ... 11/25/2022

For most people, Thanksgiving means sitting down with your loved ones over a wonderful meal and sharing the blessings they received throughout the year. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. Statistics show that one in five adults suffers from a mental illness. So, chances are good that you know of someone with a mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness stated that 64% of people with mental health issues report that the stress of the holidays made them feel even worse. Instead of hiding these afflictions in the dark, we need to bring them out into the open. Westfield United by Light wants to provide a safe space for people to discuss their issues.Westfield United by Light 2022On Sunday, November 27th, the Westfield United Fund invites the public to join their Un... 11/18/2022