According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the USA needs blood. One pint of blood potentially benefits three people. Hospitals request Type O blood the most due to its universal interaction with all blood types. Even so, they accept all types of blood for donation, of course. But storage in blood banks runs low. New Jersey Blood Services urgently needs donors to attend its Cranford Blood Drive next Wednesday to help build up their reserves.What: Cranford Blood DriveWhere: Cranford Community Center (220 Walnut Ave)When: Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, 2 pm to 8 pmContact: Text Genevieve at (732) 672-5281Cranford Blood DriveThe Cranford Blood Drive takes place from 2 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, August 19th at the Cranford Community Center. They do accept walk-ins. Howev... 08/21/2020

We exercise to make our bodies healthy. But what do we do to keep our mind fit? We celebrate all things artistic. As part of our city's 300th birthday celebration, the Westfield Public Arts Commission put together their very first Westfield Art Takes Flight exhibit to showcase the talent of local artists and the greatness of our fine city.What: Westfield Art Takes Flight Public Art StrollWhere: Downtown WestfieldWhen: Saturday, August 8th, 11:30 am to 1:30 pmWestfield Art Takes Flight 2020The Westfield Public Arts Commission formed last year with the authorization of Mayor Brindle. Dawn Mackey with the Town Council and Bob Zuckerman with the Downtown Westfield Corporation oversee several resident volunteers as part of the commission. They reached out to local artists to help them come u... 08/14/2020

There are so many things to love about our fair city. Great food options. Lots of shopping. And we always help others in whatever way possible. So it should be no surprise that Westfield ranked in the Top 10 of Niche.com's Best Places to Live in NJ for 2020.Westfield Among Top 10 Best Places to Live in NJAt #9, Westfield was the top-rated Union County city in New Jersey to make Niche.com's list. The only other Union County city on the list was New Providence. That makes three years in a row that Niche.com bestowed this honor upon Westfield. Our real estate market has seen an increase in buyer demand even with COVID-19.Niche.com bases their rankings on 12 different factors. These include public schools, jobs, health and fitness, outdoor activities, nightlife, and whether it's a good plac... 08/07/2020

Politics. Religion. The Patriots. We all have different opinions about these subjects. However, I believe I found something that we can all agree on: the majesty of the night sky. This weekend, Mother Nature puts on a celestial display unlike anything you've ever seen in the last 20+ years: Comet Neowise. Your best opportunity to see the comet in Westfield happens this weekend before and after the Westfield Virtual Pizza Run.How to See Comet Neowise in WestfieldComet Neowise first came on NASA's "radar" on March 27th, 2020. But in the past few days, people all over the world searched the night skies to see what kind of performance it would put on for them. This Saturday and Sunday evenings mark the best nights to see the comet in New Jersey. Fortunately, the weatherman predicts crystal ... 07/24/2020

Tropical Storm Fay may be giving us a bit of a downpour right now, but that won't last. Before you know it, hotter Westfield temperatures will set in. When that happens, energy usage and expense tend to go up. Try these easy, helpful ways to save money on your energy costs this summer.Save Money on Summertime Energy CostsProgrammable ThermostatProgrammable thermostats make it easy to regulate the temperature in your Westfield home. Set it at a higher temperature when everybody leaves the house. Then, about 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive back, set it to start cooling down to a more comfortable level. For every one degree you raise your temperature, you end up saving anywhere between 3% and 5% on your air conditioning costs. So, instead of living in an icebox the entire summer, set it... 07/17/2020

Many 4th of July fireworks celebrations around Union County have been canceled this year due to COVID-19 concerns. Governor Murphy indefinitely delayed reopening any indoor dining at New Jersey restaurants. However, outdoor dining and takeout remain open. Which one of these Downtown Westfield events do you plan on attending this 4th of July weekend?Downtown Westfield Events for July 4th 2020 WeekendWhat's Happening on Quimby Street?No cars on Quimby Street again this weekend. Pedestrians only from Friday night to Sunday night. Even though Governor Murphy put the kibosh on indoor dining anytime soon, most restaurants still allow takeout, curbside pickup, and outdoor dining. They strongly encourage social distancing. Retail establishments welcome patrons. However, the governor only allows... 07/10/2020

After months of operating under a stay-at-home order, Governor Murphy has begun to allow New Jersey businesses to open back up. To reduce the potential for a second outbreak of COVID-19, the governor decided to approach reopening in phases. Currently, he allows restaurants to offer outdoor dining as an option. This helps them continue to operate while allowing for social distancing. Also, customers of our Westfield farmers market can now go booth-to-booth to visit vendors.Westfield Farmers MarketAs of May 2nd, our Westfield farmers market opened up for curbside service only. Customers placed their orders and paid online. Then, they picked up their purchases at the Westfield Train Station during normal farmers market hours. To keep things as safe as possible, market staff placed purchase... 06/26/2020

Governor Murphy recently announced that the state will begin Phase 2 of the reopening process. That means allowing in-house dining at local restaurants as well as opening up non-essential businesses to the public again. Even so, he suggested that businesses continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines as outlined by the CDC. As a result, expect to see a few changes to Quimby Street in the weeks ahead.Quimby StreetDowntown Westfield Corporation conducted a survey of residents recently asking participants what they thought of transitioning some downtown streets to "pedestrian only" temporarily. An overwhelming 81% of the 2000 people questioned said that this would make them more likely to patronize downtown businesses.You spoke. They listened. To start, expect Quimby Street to shut ... 06/19/2020

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