Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director; Michael Stotts, Executive Director), proudly announces the nominations for adjudicated production categories of the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards for Excellence in New Jersey High School Musical Theater. This year, 114 New Jersey high schools in 19 counties had their productions adjudicated by a team of 55 skilled and dedicated evaluators. Each production received in-depth feedback and insights to support the continued development of all theatrical disciplines within the school community. More than 25 adjudicators participated...

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UNION COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE 2026 UNION COUNTY SHERO HONOREES

In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Union County SHERO Award. This prestigious award was presented in honor of Women’s History, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who made significant contributions to our community. “Today is the perfect day to announce the names of the amazing women whose leadership, compassion, tenacity, and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on their community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board...

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Schools Announce Leadership Transitions at Lincoln Early Childhood Center and Washington Elementary School

Westfield Public Schools is pleased to share important leadership updates involving Lincoln Early Childhood Center and Washington Elementary School. Dr. Tiffany Jacobson Annie Corely-Hand At the May 12, 2026, Board of Education meeting, the Board voted on the transfer of assignment for Dr. Tiffany Jacobson to serve as the next Principal of Washington Elementary School. This transition will allow the district to begin planning and transition work immediately while providing time for Dr. Jacobson to support a seamless handoff at Lincoln and connect with the Washington school community prior to...

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From Questions to Confidence: Your First Meeting with a Financial Advisor Explained

Michael Snyder, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with The Snyder Group a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Red Bank, NJ. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 16 years. Many people choose to meet with a financial advisor during moments of change or reflection. Sometimes it’s tied to an upcoming decision; other times, it’s simply about wanting a clearer understanding of their financial picture. As a financial advisor, I often tell clients they don’t need to arrive...

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Local Organizations Receive Union County HEART Grants

Artists, individuals, and nonprofit organizations in Westfield and Cranford are among recipients of 2026 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grants, which support arts, history, and cultural programming across Union County. The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced $100,000 in total funding this year through the HEART program, which was established in 1998 to expand access to arts and humanities initiatives. Westfield recipients include Christina Izmirlian, Kiyanna Lawrence, Lowell Schantz, Robin Chang, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of...

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Westfield High School Names Award-Winning Educators

Photo Credit: Westfield Public Schools L-R: Westfield High School social studies teacher Jeffrey Knight, English language arts teacher Caitlin Cheddar, VPA art teacher Leah Jarvis and world languages latin teacher James Rowan were honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. Pictured here with WHS principal Mary Asfendis. Four teachers have been honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. WHS principal Mary Asfendis announced the award winners during morning announcements on May 4. Nominated by students, English teacher Caitlin Cheddar...

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Optimist Club Recognizes Intermediate School Educators for Excellence

Edison Intermediate School language arts teacher Jessica Mikovits and Roosevelt Intermediate School mathematics teacher Linda Morrison have been recognized as outstanding intermediate school educators by the Optimist Club of Westfield. Colleagues describe Mikovits as “exceptionally organized, thoughtful, and incredibly collaborative.” “Her lessons are thoughtful, engaging, and purposeful, and the materials she creates, from polished worksheets to carefully designed presentations, reflect both professionalism and a commitment to student learning,” writes a colleague nominator. “Her classroom...

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Reeves-Reed Arboretum Charts a Path Forward with the Opening of ‘A Path for All’

Reeves-Reed Arboretum recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting for ‘A Path for All,’ marking the completion of a transformative accessibility project designed to ensure that visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the beauty, serenity, and educational offerings of the Arboretum’s historic public gardens. With this milestone, the Arboretum takes a major step toward a more welcoming and inclusive future, continuing the legacy begun a century ago by Mrs. Reeves, who first opened her private garden to the public each spring. The project includes a continuous ADA-accessible pathway loop...

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Rotary Club of Westfield Recognizes McKinley and Westfield High School Staff Members

McKinley Elementary School 3rd-grade teacher Nicole Barca is the 2026 recipient of the Rotary Club of Westfield’s Philhower Fellowship Award in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level. At the same time, Westfield High School Assistant Head Night Custodian Francesco Dori received the Steengrafe Award, introduced three years ago by the Rotary Club to recognize non-certificated staff for their dedication and commitment. WHS staff received a first glimpse of the newly redesigned faculty room during an opening ceremony on June 3. Barca and Dori received the news on May...

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