Author: Local Media NJ Staff

Sons of the American Revolution Liberty Tree Planted in Westfield

A dedication and planting ceremony of a Sons of the American Revolution Liberty Tree was held on the morning of June 30th in Washington-Rochambeau Trail Park as part of Westfield’s America250 celebrations. The tree planting ceremony and dedication of an engraved granite marker was led by Westfield Mayor Jeremy Berman. Also speaking at the event were Julie Diddell, Executive Director of the Washington-Rochambeau Trail Alliance of NJ, and Chris Sands, President of the NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Jennifer Jaruzelski, Chair of the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission...

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Cranford Celebrates Completion of Expanded Children’s Room at Library

  The Township of Cranford proudly celebrated the completion of the newly renovated and expanded Children’s Room at the Cranford Public Library on July 22. This milestone marks the culmination of more than a decade of planning and community collaboration, resulting in an expanded and vibrant, modern space designed to support learning for children of all ages. The redesigned Children’s Room is now double the size of the previous space and features a dedicated area for tweens ages 9 to 13. The room incorporates cozy reading nooks, sensory development activities, and accessible lower book...

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Meet Dominic Auricchio: A Story of Faith and Courage

At just 13 years old, Westfield’s Dominic Auricchio has already faced challenges that would test many adults. From overcoming serious medical issues to earning top honors in the Cardinal Joseph Tobin Essay & Video Contest, Dominic’s unwavering faith, commitment to serving others, and thoughtful outlook on life have inspired those around him. In this month’s Q&A, he shares his remarkable journey, the experiences that have shaped him, and why he believes listening to God’s call is the most important path of all.   Congratulations on winning the Cardinal Joseph...

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Garden of the Month

By Rosemary Shire, The Garden Club of Westfield The Garden Club of Westfield has selected the lovely pollinator garden of Debora Bresch and Michael Carlucci at 730 Castleman Drive as their August Garden of the Month. This outstanding garden is designed to attract birds, butterflies, and bees so that these pollinators can not only find food for themselves but also help plants produce seeds and propagate. Ms. Bresch chose this type of garden “to connect with nature and be surrounded by animal life,” and she is “grateful that she can provide a way station for pollinators.” In eliminating grass...

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Imagine Partners with Philadelphia Outward Bound School to Offer Outdoor Expedition to Teen Participants

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, recently partnered with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and fellow New Jersey Grief Collaborative partner, Good Grief, to offer a transformative five-day outdoor wilderness expedition for teens coping with the loss of a close family member or friend. By Valerie Stierhoff   From June 26–30, six teens from Imagine and six teens from Good Grief embarked on an adventure along the Delaware Water Gap. The participants spent five days and four nights camping, canoeing, cooking, developing wilderness survival skills, and engaging in meaningful group...

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First Congregational Church of Westfield Honors Youth for Service and Social Justice Efforts

On two consecutive Sundays in June, First Congregational Church of Westfield (FCC) recognized two graduating high school seniors for their impressive achievements in advancing community service and promoting social justice at such a young age. By Debra L. Volz   On June 7, FCC’s Board of Ministries presented its annual Alexander Scholarship Award to an active student and church member. Named in memory of longtime members Edna and John Alexander, the award is given annually to a high school senior who has made a significant contribution to the life of the church. The 2026 Alexander Award...

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Longtime Cranford Residents Among North America’s Top Catholic Journalists

Two longtime Cranford residents are earning international recognition for their journalism.   From left to right: Maxim Almenas, Maria Margiotta, Sean Quinn, Shania Mosquera, John Touhey (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Newark/Lauren Conforti) Veteran journalists John Touhey and Sean Quinn, both longtime Cranford residents, received multiple honors at the 2026 Catholic Media Awards, with each capturing a prestigious first-place award in one of Catholic journalism’s premier competitions. Presented by the Catholic Media Association during its annual conference in Atlantic City, the...

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College Men’s & Women’s Clubs Announce Highest GPA Awards

BY KATIE CURRAN DARCY The Westfield Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Kristina Catlin, Alex Liu, and Laura Skidmore. Collectively, they bring extensive experience in finance, law, nonprofit leadership, and community service that will help advance the Foundation’s mission of fostering positive change and elevating Westfield and the surrounding...

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Rebuilding to Rebounding: Summit Girls Soccer Enters 2026 With Experience and Ambition

As the season begins, Summit Girls Soccer will enter the 2026 fall season with something it didn’t have a year ago: experience. By Lily Silver The Hilltoppers finished last season 6-12-1, but the team views the difficult year as an important step in its development. The lessons went beyond the scoreboard, teaching the players the importance of consistency, resilience, and staying together through challenges. Coach Kelly Klaif reminds us, “Sometimes a rebuilding year is necessary to create the foundation for future success.” And this year, the Hilltoppers aren’t just looking...

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