WESTFIELD LOCAL – Page 13

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...

‘It Feels Very Surreal’: Cranford High School Teacher Publishes His First Novel

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

It’s been an emotional journey for Sean W. Bagan. His students and colleagues are some of his biggest supporters. When the box arrived containing the proof copy of his first novel, a moment five years in the making, Sean W. Bagan propped up his cell phone and began recording. The video shows Bagan, a French teacher at Cranford High School in Union County, fighting back tears as he cuts the tape, pulls open the flaps,and takes out the proof. Sweeping his hand over the cover and turning it toward the camera, he finally breaks down. “That’s my book,” Bagan says in the clip posted to Instagram and...

Westfield Public Schools A Tradition of Excellence

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

Photo Credit: Westfield Public Schools Roosevelt Intermediate School science teacher Melissa Fahy is the co-recipient of the 2025 Optimist Club’s Intermediate School Outstanding Teacher Award. Pictured here with Roosevelt principal Brian Gechtman (left), Superintendent Dr. Raymond González, and Roosevelt assistant principal Keith Brunson (right). Edison Intermediate School Spanish teacher Jillian Martinez is the co-recipient of the 2025 Optimist Club’s Intermediate School Outstanding Teacher Award. Pictured here with Edison principal LaNova Schall and Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. Optimist...

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...

The Popular Family Fun Night Returns to Downtown Summit!

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

Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) is thrilled to announce the return of one of the community’s most beloved traditions: Family Fun Night (FFN)! On Thursday, June 12 from 4:00–8:00 PM, Beechwood Road and Bank Street will be transformed into a high-energy, carnival-style celebration filled with free activities, live entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family. This year’s lineup includes exciting new attractions and some crowd favorites. The main stage at the top of Beechwood Road near Springfield Avenue will host a rotating schedule of family-friendly performances, including the return of...

Sounds of a Summer Night: Music, Nature, and Community in Concert at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

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

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to Reeves-Reed Arboretum and celebrate summer at their 2025 concert series, Sounds of a Summer Night! All performances will be held on select Wednesday evenings on the grounds of this non-profit public garden located in Summit. The concert series reflects the Arboretum’s mission to bring people together through nature and the arts. “There’s something magical about gathering in the garden as music fills the summer air. ‘Sounds of a Summer Night’ is more than a concert series — it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the joy of shared...

Westfield High School Names Award-Winning Educators

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

Science teacher Rudy Scipioni, English teacher Kimberly Gosen-Fowler, Spanish teacher Paula Parada, and science teacher Jeffrey Robbins were honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. Pictured here with WHS acting principal William Loughran (far left). Four teachers have been honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. WHS acting principal William Loughran announced the award winners during morning announcements on May 5. English teacher Kimberly Gosen-Fowler is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, established...

Three Atlantic Health System hospitals earn ‘A’ grades from Leapfrog Group

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

Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center and Chilton Medical Center earn highest grade for patient safety By Luke Margolis Three of Atlantic Health System’s hospitals, Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center, and Chilton Medical Center earned ‘A’ grades from The Leapfrog Group in its Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades. Two of the hospitals (Morristown and Overlook) have earned top marks for multiple consecutive scoring periods. Morristown Medical Center has maintained an ‘A’ Grade since Fall 2015 and Overlook Medical Center has been a consistent ‘A’ since Spring 2021. “A...

Westfield Board of Education Appoints New Coordinator of School and Community Relations

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

Courtesy of Katherine Ernst Westfield, NJ — At its regular public meeting on April 29, the Westfield Board of Education approved the appointment of communications professional Katherine Ernst as the district’s new Coordinator of School and Community Relations, effective August 1, 2025. Ernst will succeed Mary Ann McGann, who is retiring on July 31. Most recently, Ernst served as Communications Media Coordinator for Katie Linendoll Productions, supporting national broadcast appearances, assisting at global technology conference events, and producing multi-platform content across social media...