The calendar says "October". In Westfield, that means just one thing: AddamsFest! COVID tempered last year's AddamsFest event. But this year's event promises to be as big and bold as ever. Earlier this month, the Mask-erade Ball kicked off the 2021 AddamsFest festivities. This weekend belongs to Addams Family Fun Day 2021.What: Addams Family Fun Day 2021Where: Quimby St, Downtown WestfieldWhen: Sunday, October 17th, 10 am to 5 pmAddams Family Fun Day 2021Organizers outdid themselves this year. First, do some pumpkin decorating with the docs at Atlantic Medical on Central from 10 am to 12 pm. Then, once an hour (starting at 10:30 am), local author Peter Lyons provides a live reading of his illustrated children's book "Tonight, Tonight is Halloween" on Quimby St. The Maniacs Pumpkin Carve... 10/22/2021

Fall is definitely in the air here in the Northeast. The leaves began to change color already here in New Jersey. Scotch Plains recently celebrated the Fall season with their Scotch Plains Days. Traditionally, Westfield's Girls Night Out takes place at the beginning of Fall. Not to be left out, Cranford ushers in the season with their Cranford Street Fair this weekend.What: Cranford Street Fair 2021Where: Downtown CranfordWhen: Sunday, October 10th, 11 am to 5 pmCost: Free admission & free parkingContact: Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce (908) 272-6114 or via emailCranford Street Fair 2021October kicks off the end-of-year holidays with gusto. That means hayrides, pumpkin patches, and decorating your home for Halloween, right? Well, you can find some unique decorations for Halloween, Th... 10/08/2021

We are back. Team Guys and Dolls has been participating in Bike MS NYC for two decades now. In the past, we did so in support of my sister-in-law, Diane, who valiantly fought Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for years. Unfortunately, she also fought a battle against COVID last year and lost. So, now we ride to honor her memory. But the good news is that events like this raise much-needed funds to find medication to help treat this debilitating disease. In fact, the medications have been successful enough to warrant advertising on TV. But we need your help to reach our Bike MS NYC 2021 fundraising goal.Bike MS NYC 2021The RideThis ride provides one of the most incredible routes any cyclist could ever experience. For one day a year, some of the streets around Manhattan completely shut down to moto... 10/06/2021

Scotch Plains residents love where they live. They know that helping each other only makes them stronger. Mayor Losardo says that volunteerism lies at the heart of our beautiful community. At Scotch Plains Day 2021, he plans on acknowledging all of the efforts of local volunteers. But that is just one small part of the family-friendly events planned.What: Scotch Plains Day 2021Where: 430 Park Ave (Between Grand & E 2nd)When: Sunday, October 3rd, 11 am to 3 pmScotch Plains Day 2021As a special "thank you" to our lovely town, organizers invite all township residents to Scotch Plains Day 2021. Part of the celebration includes a special outdoor screening of "Casper" on the town hall's lawn at 7:30 pm on Friday, October 1st. If you make it a little early (7 pm), join in on some pumpkin carvi... 10/01/2021

The global pandemic left so much of our lives up in the air last year. We had to adapt to a new "normal". Fortunately, some things returned for 2021. Outdoor events like Sweet Sounds Downtown and Cranford's own Summer Sounds series made summer that much better here in Union County. Alas, summer is over. Fall is in the air. Now, it is time to bring back Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out.What: Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021Where: Downtown Westfield Shops and RestaurantsWhen: Thursday, September 23rd, 10 am to 2 pm & 5 pm to 9 pmContact: Downtown Westfield Corp (908) 789-9444Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021It's true. Girls Night Out is back in Downtown Westfield. That means more boutique specials, more refreshments, and more relaxation just for you. Dozens of the shops and... 09/24/2021

Back in 2012, Superstorm Sandy hit our neighborhood. Just last week, Hurricane Ida struck. (Reminder: Regular curbside pickup will not allow for bulky storm waste and debris. You must dispose of it at the Conservation Center.) When a natural disaster strikes, many homeowners rely on their insurance to take care of damages to their property. But when was the last time you checked on your homeowners insurance? You need to do that sooner rather than later.Homeowners Insurance Check-UpTornados. Floods. Hurricanes. Severe cold weather. They may all affect our lives here in the Westfield area at one point or another. If that happens, you want to be prepared.FloodsYes, homeowners insurance typically covers damage from a plumbing issue on your property. However, most of these policies do not co... 09/17/2021

Our Westfield neighbors claim Charles Addams (from "The Addams Family" fame) as its native son. But Cranford houses its own set of very talented artists albeit maybe not as famous as Mr. Addams. The City invites artists of all ages to participate in the Cranford Community Paint Out 2021. All you need is a bit of imagination and a willingness to showcase your work.What: Cranford Community Paint Out 2021Where: Fire Me Up Studio (117 N Union Ave) and Various Locations Around CranfordWhen: September 18th (rain date of the 19th)Cranford Community Paint Out 2021Artistry knows no age limit. For the Paint Out, though, children will be split up into two age groups (ages six to 11 and ages 12 to 17). The younger kids receive guidance from the staff at Fire Me Up Studios in painting a Cranford lan... 09/03/2021

After canceling last year due to COVID concerns, the Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K is back for 2021. This fundraiser helps aid local families struck by tragedy. Whether you run, walk, skip, or saunter your way through the 5K, it does not matter. Enjoying yourself along the journey is the goal.What: Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K 2021Start/Finish: Tamaques ParkWhen: Sunday, September 12th, 6:30 pmAdmission: $30 per person through Aug 31st, $35 Sept 1st to 13thContact: Sam Tooley, The Tooley Legacy Foundation, via emailWestfield Area Night of Lights 5K 2021When Sam Tooley's brother Jake died in a house fire back in 2017, his family was overwhelmed by the love and support they received from their community. To pay it forward (and to honor his brother's memory), Sam created the Toole... 08/28/2021

Westfield's Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival concludes at the end of this month. But they are not the only ones showcasing sweet, sweet music this summer. In fact, the Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds Series for 2021 continues through the end of August as well. And it costs absolutely nothing to listen.What: Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds Series 2021Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (N Union Ave)When: Every Thursday through August 26th from 6 pm to 8 pm Admission: FREEContact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via emailDowntown Cranford Summer Sounds Series 2021Visit the Eastman Clock Plaza on Thursday evenings for the rest of August to enjoy live music. Each week promises a new act with a different musical style. Next Thursday (August 19th), listen to Laredo perform their brand of Count... 08/20/2021

Now is a great time to sell your Westfield home. Prices continue to rise. Interest rates remain low. And Westfield made the Top 10 List of Best Suburbs to Live in New Jersey. We keep seeing more and more buyers looking to move here. But even in a seller's market, you need to make sure your property is in tip-top condition. That is why home sellers can benefit from a pre-list inspection.Home Sellers Advice: Pre-List Home InspectionNo SurprisesOne of the best reasons why home sellers should perform a pre-list inspection is because it eliminates the element of surprise. Your buyer will most likely have an inspection performed during the escrow period. If you get one done before you even list your Westfield home, you know the condition of your home as it stands today. Inspections uncover is... 08/13/2021

According to Cedars-Sinai, patients in hospitals all over the country need a total of 38,000 blood transfusions every single day. Type O-negative blood and Type AB plasma are compatible for all blood types. They are also the most in demand. But donation centers happily accept all blood and plasma types. To help fill in some of the shortage, the Community Center plays host to the Cranford Blood Drive next week and they need donors to sign up as soon as possible.What: Cranford Blood DriveWhere: Cranford Community Center (220 Walnut Ave)When: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, 1 pm to 7 pmContact: (732) 616-8736 (text only) or Schedule Appt OnlineCranford Blood DriveOne pint of blood provides the potential to save up to three lives. Any healthy person aged 17 or older may donate as long as they me... 08/06/2021

We love our first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, etc.). They are the ones that run to help us when we need them. But they work better with the community's assistance to report and solve crimes. This keeps us safe. Therefore, it benefits us to get to know our first responders, including our police force. That is why they are hosting Westfield National Night Out 2021 on August 3rd at the North Side train lot.What: Westfield National Night Out 2021Where: North Side Train LotWhen: Tuesday, August 3rd, 6 pm to 9 pmAdmission: FREEContact: City of Westfield (908) 789-4040Westfield National Night Out 2021In the BeginningNational Night Out originated back in 1984 as a way to bring law enforcement, neighborhood watch programs, and the community at large together. When we know one another... 07/30/2021

Westfield is currently under a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service. Make sure you stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and stick to air-conditioned rooms to help keep you cool. Also, check on your elderly family, friends, and neighbors. But the temps outside are not the only thing that heats up during the summer. Our Westfield real estate market is on fire. Keep these tips in mind if you plan on buying a home during the summertime.Tips for Buying a Home in the SummertimeFewer Choices/More CompetitionIn the past, sellers occasionally found themselves in the enviable position of fielding multiple offers. But in today's market, we see this happening more and more. Less inventory means that home buyers may find themselves in a bidding war against other buyers for properties. It h... 07/23/2021

Many of our annual events went "virtual" last year. Girl's Night Out, clothing drives, and even beloved holiday events like Santa Claus Lane included severe restrictions to allow them to take place. Fortunately, we see life returning somewhat back to normal thanks to the percentage of people receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. Our local small businesses bared the brunt of economic hardship last year. It is time to show them some love again. So, grab your checkbooks and head out to the Downtown Westfield Sidewalk Sale 2021 next week.What: Downtown Westfield Sidewalk Sale 2021Where: Various Shops DowntownWhen: July 15th to 18th, 2921Contact: Westfield Town Hall (908) 789-4040 or via emailDowntown Westfield Sidewalk Sale 2021It is time to shop 'til you drop, people. Between July 15th an... 07/16/2021

Summertime means that there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Westfield right now. The New Jersey Festival Orchestra performed for a live sold-out crowd last weekend. The Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival starts up next week. And this weekend, we celebrate our nation's independence. Here are some of the places you can see Westfield area fireworks this 4th of July weekend.Westfield Area Fireworks and 4th of July CelebrationsCranfordIf you find yourself in Cranford tonight (July 2nd), they plan on an early Independence Day fireworks show at Nomahegan Park (1107 Springfield Ave). On July 4th, they host their annual Firecracker 4-Miler and Fun Run at Nomahegan Park. Find out more about the 4-Miler and how you can participate by visiting the Cranford Jaycees' website here.Scotch ... 07/09/2021

This weekend, the New Jersey Festival Orchestra brings Broadway to Westfield. But that marks just the beginning of a summer filled with beautiful melodies. Because in July, the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2021 begins. Three different concerts. One cool location. All summer long.What: Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2021Where: Downtown WestfieldWhen: Every Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm in July and AugustAdmission: FreeSweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2021Make Tuesday night your date night and downtown Westfield your destination every week this summer. Not only do you get to enjoy a lovely evening with your special someone, but you also get to listen to live concerts as well. Each week brings new musical acts to three separate stages set up around the downtown area. In case ... 07/02/2021

Back in March of 2020, Broadway shut its doors amid COVID concerns. Originally, theater owners believed this would only last a few short weeks. However, the shutdown turned out to be several months long. Finally, after over a year of going dark, Governor Cuomo announced that the Great White Way will officially come back to life in mid-September of 2021. But who wants to wait that long? With how successful Glo Downtown turned out to be earlier this year, Westfield residents are itching for more artistic entertainment. Thankfully, the NJ Festival Orchestra brings its take on classic Broadway music to Westfield on Saturday, June 26th.What: NJ Festival Orchestra Performs "Back to Broadway"Where: Hertell Rear Gardens (241 E Dudley Ave)When: Saturday, June 26th, 2021 7:30 pmAdmission: $35 (Ge... 06/25/2021

At the end of April, we saw a return of weekend activities on Quimby Street. With COVID-19 cases dwindling in New Jersey, Governor Murphy relaxed mask mandates late last month. So, we should see even more fun summertime events taking place in our fair city. Unfortunately, the weatherman predicts a bit of a soggy weekend. But that will not hinder the very first Westfield Mini Grand Prix. Why? Because they set up tents to protect you from the elements.What: Westfield Mini Grand PrixWhere: Quimby StreetWhen: Saturday, June 12th, 1 pm to 5 pmAdmission: FreeContact: Extreme Party Racing (609) 458-6143 or via emailWestfield Mini Grand Prix 2021Enjoy all of the high-octane, adrenaline-inducing fun of a NASCAR racetrack but on a 1/18th scale. Extreme Party Racing invites all ages to participate... 06/18/2021

The real estate market is an ever-changing landscape. Currently, sellers wield the upper hand. But that does not mean that buyers will pay an astronomical amount simply because you asked for it. For a successful transaction, you must list your Westfield home at a price appropriate for the current market. Fair market value (FMV) helps sellers determine this price.Fair Market ValueHow to Calculate Fair Market ValueYou must take into account several factors to come to a proper FMV. They change from month to month and sometimes even from week to week. Talk to your Westfield REALTOR® about how the market is behaving right now. Look at how much buyers paid for recently sold homes in your neighborhood recently. Look at the price-per-square-foot of homes similar to your own to provide you with ... 06/11/2021

When writing an offer on a Westfield home, buyers must consider what types of contingencies (if any) they want to include. Contingencies stipulate specific conditions that must be met before a sale can be completed. If these conditions are not met, these contingencies allow a buyer to walk away from a sale and keep their earnest money deposit in the process. But buyers need to keep contingencies to a minimum, especially in a seller's market. Otherwise, a seller may pass on their offer and move on to someone else. Here are common contingencies we see in the Westfield real estate market.Common Contingencies for Home BuyersMortgageUnless you plan to pay for your home with all cash, It is extremely important that you talk to a lender about securing financing before you even start looking at... 06/04/2021