Recent Blog Posts by Marilyn Holda-Fleck

Master Gardeners of Union County -- Spring Plant Fair on Sunday, May 20

The Masters Gardeners of Union County will again hold its annual Spring Garden Fair on Sunday, May 20, 2012.  The Fair will be held at the Watchung Reservation.  The Fair opens at 12 noon with a ribbon cutting and will run until 5pm.  Entrance to the Fair is free; many beautiful annuals and pereneials will be sold, along with vegetable plants, herbs, ground covers, etc.  Come early ...

Westfield's "Spring Fling" is Sunday, May 6

Westfield' 18th Annual "Spring Fling" is scheduled for this Sunday, May 6.  It will be open from 10am to 5pm. It's held outdoors (rain or shine) in the downtown area (East Broad, Elm St).  As in past years, expect to see many vendors selling their wares (including food).  There is usually music, along with games/rides for the kids. It's a fun way to spend a Sunday!

Westfield Community Band Concert on Sunday, April 29

The Westfield Community Band is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, they will be performing a FREE Concert on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 3pm at the Westfield High School Auditorium (550 Dorian Road in Westfield).  All are welcome to attend.

Ferraro's Anticipates Reopening

According to Westfield Patch, the much-anticipated reopening of Ferraro's Restaurant will take place around June 1st.  After being closed by a devasting fire last May, Westfield residents are looking forward to the re-opening of this Italian eatery.  If you  stroll down Elm Street, you can see the progress toward rebuilding.  Ferraro's is just one of the many restaurants located ...

Holiday Tree Lighting in Westfield -- this Sunday, Nov. 27

Santa is expected to be in Westfield this Sunday, November 27 for the Holiday Tree Lighting. As in past years, the Westfield Community Band will be playing holiday favorites to set the mood, beginning around 4:30pm.  Santa is expected to arrive around 5pm.  This event is free and is great fun for young and old.  The festivities will take place at the North Avenue Train station.  ...

Westfield's Annual Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 30

Westfield's Annual Halloween Parade will take place this Sunday, October 30.  Featured in the Parade will be Westfield High School's Marching Band.  Come out in costume to either watch the parade or join in.  The Parade route begins at the Elm Street Field and kicks off at 1pm, winding its way through the streets of downtown Westfield.  Come out for an afternoon of fun for ...

Farmer's Market in Westfield

Stop by the Farmer's Market -- located at the South Side parking lot of the Westfield Train Staion.  This event is held on Saturdays from 8:30am - 2pm.  The Farmer's Market will be there every Saturday, through October.  

Free Concerts in the Park -- Westfield Community Band

The Summer Concert series is underway in Westfield.  The Westfield Community Band presents free Concerts in Mindowaskin Park (located on E. Broad Street in the heart of downtown Westfield).  Concerts are on Thursday evenings, beginning at 7:30.  Dates of the Concerts are:  June 23, June 30, July 7, and July 14.  Don't forget to bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy  ...

Master Gardeners' Spring Plant Sale - Sunday, May 15

The Master Gardeners of Union County will again be sponsoring the Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale.  This event, in its 22nd year is a favorite amongst Union County residents.  It will be held, rain or shine, on Sunday, May 15 from 12 noon to 5pm.  It is being held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation.   In addition to the main event, ...

Westfield Community Band's Spring Concert

The Westfield Community Band will be performing its annual Spring Concert on Sunday, April 10, 2011.  The Concert will be held at Edison Intermediate School (on Rahway Avenue) and will begin at 3pm; admission is free of charge

FHA Rates scheduled to increase in April

An increasing number of Buyers are purchasing their home using an FHA Mortgage.  FHA Mortgages enable a Buyer to put down as little as 3.5% of the Purchase Price and then to finance the remainder.  Effective in mid-April, the monthly "mortgage insurance" associated with FHA Mortgages is set to increase.  While this will not affect those with an existing FHA Mortgage, Buyers who are haven't ...

Energy Tax Credit set to expire on December 31!

The expiration of the Energy Tax Credit is just weeks away.  If you've been thinking about replacing old windows and doors on your home (must be primary residence) -- there's still time to both save on this winter's heating bills as well as save a bit on your 2010 Income Taxes.  The maximum Credit if $1500 -- items such as windows, doors, and insulation may be eligible.  Check with the ...

FestiFall scheduled for Sunday September 26

FestiFall, Westfield's annual street fair, will take place on Sunday, September 26 -- 10am-5pm.  This popular event offers something for everyone -- food, music, crafts, kids' activities, vendors.  Come out and enjoy the fall weather in downtown Westfield.

Downtown Westfield's "Restaurant Week" returns

Back by popular demand, "Restaurant Week" returns Sept 19-26.  This event proved very popular last Fall, so, once again, diners can enjoy lunch or dinner at their favorite downtown restaurant, or perhaps try a new one.   As part of this special event, diners can enjoy a 2-course dinner for $20 or a 2-course lunch for only $10 (beverages, tax, gratuities are extra).  To view the ...

Early Start for Westfield Schools

Unlike most years, Westfield's Public Schools will open before Labor Day this year.  Students are scheduled to begin classes on Thursday, September 2, 2010.

Free Concerts in the Park -- Westfield Community Band

Come join the fun at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield, where the Westfield Community Band performs on Thursday evenings.  The Concerts are free -- bring a lawn chair or a blanket.  The Band is celebrating its 98th year as a community band.  Concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are held on Thursdays rain or shine (rain location is the Municipal Building), with the final Concert of the series on ...

Westfield's Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 31

The weather forecast looks great for this year's Westfield Memorial Day Parade.  Opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 9am on Monday, May 31 at the World War I Monument Circle.  The parade route will be along East Broad St, to Fairview Cemetery for closing ceremonies.  Amongst those marching in the parade will be the Westfield Community Band and the Westfield High School Marching ...

Union County Recycling Event on Saturday April 17

Union County will sponsor a recycling event on Saturday, April 17. This event will be held from 9am to 2pm at the campus of Union County College on Springfield Avenue in Cranford.  Items that will be accepted include automobile tires (w/o rims), oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, pool chemicals, pesticides, and batteries.  For full details on accepted materials, refer to ucnj.org/recycle  

Recycling for old electronics -- March 27, 2010

  Union County will be hosting a recycling event for electronic equipment on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 9am to 2pm.  The location is the Alcatel-Lucent (Bell Labs) facility at 600 Mountain Avenue in Berkeley Heights.  Items such as computers, monitors, printers, TVs, fax machines will be accepted at no cost to Union County residents.  (microwave ovens and air conditioners ...

IRS Clarifies Rules for documentation for Tax Credit

  A recent article in the Washington Post clarified the IRS' requirements for documentation needed for Taxpayers to claim the Homebuyer Tax Credit.  Keep those "HUD-1" forms handy for tax time!    www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/18/AR2010021806665.html Remember Buyer must be "under contract" by the end of April to qualify for the Tax Credit and must "close" ...

State releases Test Scores for public schools including Union County Schools

The State of NJ released its latest "report card" for public schools.  Here are the detailed results for schools in Union County.  http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_inpact/2009/02/aaunion.pdf   Information on school districts is one of the requests I most often hear from prospective home  Buyers.    

First-Time Homebuyers' Seminar -- March 3 -- Westfield, NJ

Hoping to take advantage of the First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit?  Well, time is running out!  To qualify, you must be 'under contract' on your new home by the end of April! Want to buy that "first home", but still have questions on how to proceed?  I invite you to attend a free Seminar, sponsored by Prudential New Jersey Properties' Westfield office.  The Seminar is planned for ...

Westfield School Registration underway for Sept. 2010

The Westfield Public School District has begun its registration process for children who will be eligible for Kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year.  Complete registration information can be found on the homepage of the District's website:      www.westfieldnjk12.org     

Westfield's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event this Sunday Nov. 29!!

A wonderful Westfield tradition -- the annual Holiday Tree Lighting!!! Join in the fun this Sunday, Nov. 29 from 5-7pm at the Westfield Train Station.  Holiday music will be provided by the Westfield Community Band, leading up to the tree lighting, and the grand entrance by Santa on a fire truck!  Fun for children of all ages!  Parking is available at the south-side train parking lot. 

NY TImes Article about Westfield, NJ

Check out what the New York Times has to say about Westfield:      "A cozy town that appeals to All Generations" The Sept 13 edition of the NYT talks about Westfield and says what many of us already knew -- it's a great place to live!