Author: Local Media NJ Staff

Westfield Area YMCA Celebrates 100 Years of Community Service

In 2023, the Westfield Area YMCA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary of service to the community. As a nonprofit human service organization, the Y is dedicated to the communities of Westfield, Cranford, Garwood and Mountainside. But the history of establishing a local YMCA actually began in the 1800s. In fact, there were two prior attempts to form a YMCA. Thanks to strong leadership and the support of the community, the Westfield Area YMCA we know has grown to provide a wide variety of programs and services that reflect and anticipate the ever-changing needs of the community.   Early...

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Westfield Area YMCA Celebrates 100 Years of Community Service

Name: Betsy Lau Family (names/ages): Lillian is 6 and Luke is 2   How long have you lived in town? How do you like the area? I moved back to Westfield in Nov 2020. I LOVE being back. This town is so special – I feel truly blessed to have been raised here and I cannot wait for my children to experience this town through their childhood as I did!   How long have you been members at the YMCA? Why did you join originally? We have been members of the YMCA since my parents moved to town (in 1983!). My fondest memories of the YMCA are from high school. I was on the Westfield High School Blue Devils...

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Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan in Volatile Times

Investment markets are in a challenging period in which large swaths of the stock and bond market have lost value. You may have noticed the impact of this on your own workplace retirement savings plans, such as 401(k) or 403(b) accounts. While watching the value of your portfolio drop is never easy, investors must understand that markets can be volatile over short periods. Variable investments like stocks and bonds don’t move in a straight line – and occasional cooldowns are inevitable. It’s also worth remembering that if you’ve been investing in your workplace retirement plan for some time,...

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Music Honors for Westfield Intermediate and High School Students

The Westfield High School Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble traveled to the Central Jersey Music Educators Association (CJMEA) Region II Concert Band Festival on March 22. The Symphonic Band received the top rating of Gold for just the 3rd time in school history. The Wind Ensemble received a Gold rating for the 10th consecutive year. “The Wind Ensemble also was selected for the 4th time to the annual New Jersey State Band Gala, honoring the top 12 bands statewide,” says WHS Co-Band Director Trevor Sindorf.  “The concert will take place at Rowan University on Sunday April 30.” At the intermediate...

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Munchkin Goes Everywhere!

Family member names Ella, Brandon, Nina and Stan Chelov Type of Breed Pomeranian PET’S NAME Munchkin MALE OR FEMALE Male PET’s AGE 9 Where/why did you get your pet? I got him under the tree for Christmas in 2013 Is there a story behind your pet’s name? As everyone always refers to, we were thinking like the “dunkin donut’s Munchkin”. The story was we were brainstorming what to call him when my mom jokingly said Munchkin and 13 year old me was obsessed. Therefore, it stuck. Anything special or unusual about your pet? Munchkin always tends to sit on the top part of any couch and comfortably...

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Meet local kid Teagan Freeman, an art and crafting enthusiast who aspires to be a Creative Director when she grows up

Name: Teagan Freeman Age: 10 Grade/School: 4th / Brookside Place School Family Member Names: Brian (Dad), Jen (Mom), Addison (Sister)Pet’s Name/Type: No pets Something unique about me: I am creative. I can do lots of arts and crafts and always have a project going When I grow up, I want to be a Creative Director because I like art.Favorites Activities/Hobbies: Swimming, Surfing, Soccer, Skiing, Lacrosse, Puzzles, Sewing Animal: Tiger Color: Teal Food: Hamberger Helper Movies: Gremlins Music: Taylor Swift Place to play: My neighbor’s backyard with all the fun dogs. Sports teams: Philadelphia...

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Empowering Teens Through Art

Sessions at the Art Center are held on a bi-weekly basis. The next scheduled sessions will take place on Monday, May 8, Monday, May 22, and Monday, June 5, all from 3:30–5 PM. A waitlist is in place for sessions that reach capacity, and additional sessions will be made available this fall. Visit bit.ly/VACNJTeenArtTherapy for more information and to register. As teenagers navigate the complexities of academic, social, and personal pressures, it can be difficult for them to find ways to express themselves and cope with the stressors they encounter. The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is making...

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