Cover Feature – Local Media NJ

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Raises More Than $300,00 at Spark Art’s Impact Gala

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

By Visual Arts Center of New Jersey On Saturday, April 26, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting roughly 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised over $300,000 to support the Art Center’s powerful arts programming. “Our annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center. This year’s theme, ‘Spark Art’s Impact,’ truly came to life as guests went above and beyond to support our mission. We’re deeply grateful for their generosity,”...

Award-Winning Educator Inspires Young Environmental Stewards

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s Althea Llewellyn Honored with National Award for Environmental Education Althea Llewellyn, Director of Education at Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, has been awarded the Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award for Early Environmental Education by The Garden Club of America. Established in 1992, the Hull Award honors individuals who work with children under the age of 16 to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. Llewellyn was nominated by the Summit Garden Club in recognition of her outstanding contributions to youth environmental education. Through...

Westfield Public Schools Celebrate Student Creativity in 2025 Earth Day Poster Contest

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, Local Kids, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Westfield, NJ – The Westfield Public Schools Green Team proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Earth Day Poster Contest, showcasing the artistic talents and environmental awareness of students across the district. This annual event encourages students to express their commitment to sustainability through creative artwork. ● Lincoln School: Lyla Conoboy, Kindergarten ● Franklin School: Hazel Boneparth, Grade 3 ● Jefferson School: Shae Baker, Grade 3 ● McKinley School: Peyton Powers, Grade 5 ● Tamaques School: Lara Chandrasekaran, Grade 5 ● Washington School: Maya Shur, Grade 3 ● Wilson School:...

Fasting with Purpose: First Presbyterian Youth Serve Through 30 Hour Famine

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

“They fasted so others could be fed.” In a powerful act of empathy and service, the youth of First Presbyterian Church of Cranford recently participated in the 30 Hour Famine, going without food to raise awareness about global and local hunger—and to live out their faith by helping those in need. Instead of simply skipping meals, these teens spent their fast serving at the Cranford Elmora Soup Kitchen, where they helped prepare more than 250 healthy bagged meals. The meals were then distributed through Rahway Food for Friends, reaching neighbors across the region who rely on community support. The...

GRACE in Wonderland raised more than $191,000 to ensure happiness, health and security for all of our neighbors in need.

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

GRACE Giving & Receiving Assistance for our Community’s Essentials All photos used with permission. Fisk Foto LLC @FiskFoto27 and bgotoff_photography Step through the looking glass and believe six impossible things before breakfast. Have a slice of unbirthday cake and your dreams will grow. Drink from the “Drink Me” bottles from Summit House, and our community’s problems will shrink. GRACE in Wonderland was a success as our community raised more than $191,000 to ensure happiness, health and security for all of our neighbors in need. There were delights for all the senses as we stepped...

Westfield Wins Union County Title

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, Local Sports, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Photography Provided by Varsity Vantage In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Union County Tournament, the Westfield High School boys lacrosse team ended Summit High School’s six-year championship streak with a 6-5 victory on May 10 at Arthur L. Johnson High School. Trailing 3-1 at halftime, Westfield mounted a comeback, scoring four unanswered goals in the third quarter to take the lead. Junior long-stick midfielder Ben Seward played a pivotal role, netting two transition goals that energized the Blue Devils. Senior goalie Corey Gilford was instrumental in the win, recording 19 saves,...

Cranford Jaycees Reel in Family Fun at Annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Save the Date: Sunday, June 15 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. | Nomahegan Park There’s no better way to celebrate Father’s Day in Cranford than by spending a morning at the pond with a fishing rod, a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of family fun. The Cranford Jaycees’ Leonard Snyder Memorial Father’s Day Fishing Derby returns this year on Sunday, June 15, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at beautiful Nomahegan Park—and as always, it’s completely free. Named in honor of long-time Cranford resident and community leader Leonard Snyder, the derby has become a beloved tradition for families across the area....

Unplug and Play: Cranford Playgrounds Offers Outdoor Activity for Kids to Age 13

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Our Summer Playgrounds program offers children a variety of fun and interesting things to do during the summer school vacation. Summer Playgrounds is a place for kids to unplug and play with other kids in a safe and welcoming environment where they can choose one of several activities including arts & crafts, sports, tournaments, games and much more, or just chill out doing what makes them feel happy. “The ability to offer flexible options for summer activities to families is one of the many prides and joys of Cranford. Our Recreation and Parks Department is proud to offer programs such...

Rotary Club of Westfield Recognizes Jefferson and McKinley Staff Members

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Westfield Public Schools Jefferson Elementary School 2nd grade teacher Dawn Donahue is the 2025 recipient of the Rotary Club of Westfield’s Philhower Fellowship in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level. At the same time, McKinley Elementary School secretary Joan Penczak received the Steengrafe Award, introduced two years ago by the Rotary Club to recognize non-certificated staff for their dedication and commitment. Donahue and Penczak received the news on May 5 as Superintendent Dr. Raymond González paid surprise visits to their schools. “On behalf...