News Archive

By Visual Arts Center of New Jersey On June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10 AM to 2 PM. “Our Community Day event is a way for the public to not only see the incredible work on view at the Art Center this spring, but to really engage with the art,” said VACNJ Director of Education and Community Engagement Rachel Aponte. “I’m so excited for people to experience our spring exhibitions…

Westfield STEAM Camp is back this summer with a fully revamped program designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning for students of all ages. Reimagined for 2026, the camp features brand-new course offerings alongside a flexible schedule to meet family needs. Campers can choose from full-day or half-day options, with additional before and after care available for added convenience. This year also introduces outside guest speakers for the first time, bringing fresh perspectives and real-world connections to the learning experience. Middle school participants will also …

By Optimist Club of Westfield Gaby Castillo, a senior at Westfield High School, is the recipient of the 2026 Optimist Club Thom Hornish Youth Volunteer Award. The award is named in honor of Thom Hornish, a former Westfield High School history teacher and Optimist Club past president, in recognition of his dedication to youth, club service and community involvement. This is the 31st year the Optimist Club has recognized outstanding young men and women who distinguished themselves through volunteer service in the community. Gaby is an organized and proactive student and community v…

Nine Westfield High School student-athletes signed Letters of Intent with colleges and universities in April, signifying recognition of the seniors’ accomplishments both academically and athletically. Pictured with WHS Athletic Director James DeSarno (left) and Principal Asfendis (right). Nine Westfield High School student-athletes signed Letters of Intent with colleges and universities in April, signifying recognition of the seniors’ accomplishments both academically and athletically. This brings the total number …

Cranford residents love their coffee, and now there’s even more to love with the opening of @aura.coffee.roasters at 109 Walnut Avenue! The Downtown Cranford office was thrilled to welcome owner Argjend Berisha and his wife Fjolla at a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Kathleen Prunty, Deputy Mayor Paul Gallo, and DMC Board members. Credit: TAPinto Summit

Laura Ortiz for Varsity Vantage

By Valerie Stierhoff Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, recently welcomed a new cohort of volunteer facilitators following an intensive three-day training at its Mountainside Center. This expansion brings Imagine’s dedicated volunteer force to over 150 members strong, a critical milestone as the organization continues their efforts to meet the need for grief support for New Jersey’s children, teens, young adults and caregivers. Led by Clinical Program Supervisor Abigail Priece and Bilingual Program Manager Sonia Nunez, the training immersed volunteers in the Companioning Mode…

The Final Production in Paper Mill’s 2025-2026 Season Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director; Michael Stotts, Executive Director), recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, is pleased to announce complete casting and the creative team for West Side Story, the final production of Paper Mill’s 2025-2026 season. West Side Story will begin performances on Thursday, May 28, at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ), with opening night set for Sunday, May 31, in a run continuing through Sunday, June 28. Directed by Paper Mill Producing Art…

Supporting Access, Education, and the Arts at Reeves-Reed Arboretum On Friday, May 29, 2026, more than three hundred community leaders, neighbors, and supporters will gather at Reeves-Reed Arboretum for ART in the Garden, an evening that celebrates not only the beauty of the gardens, but the vital role the Arboretum plays in the life of the community. As the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, the event directly supports year-round public access to thirteen acres of gardens, woodlands, and trails. It also sustains a wide range of educational programs for children, families, a…