Best Bets from 13 of Downtown Westfield's merchants, deals you don't want to miss.

News from six of Downtown Westfield's restaurants.

Ladies, it's that time again! Back by popular demand, Downtown Westfield Corporation is sponsoring Gilrs' Night Out. Discover unique shops, pamper yourself with trunk shows, special events, promotions, and complimentary refreshments as you stroll among the retailers in Downtown Westfield, NJ. Be one of the first 1,500 lucky ladies to register and receive a gift (a secret until arrival). Rain or shine. Don't miss it.

Register Now!

On Wednesday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m., the Westfield Memorial Library will present Westfield author Simon Lack discussing his book, Wall Street Potholes. The Library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Wall Street Potholes shares insights into the money management industry, revealing the shady practices that benefit the salesman far more than the client. Mr. Lack brings together a team of experienced money managers to give you straight-from-the-source intelligence, and teaches you how to recognize bad advice and when it’s better to just walk away.

Following 23 years with JPMorgan, Simon Lack founded St. Advisors, LLC, in 2009. He sat on JPMorgan's investment committee and founded the JPMorgan Incubator Funds. Simon chairs the Investment Committee for Wardlaw-Hartridge School in Edison, NJ, and also chairs the Memorial Endowment Trust Investment Committee of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Westfield.

You don't have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! There are lots of things to eat and enjoy this month in Westfield to get into the lucky spirit. Head to Bridget's Irish Cottage (15 E. Broad St., 908.789.0909) for all things Irish. Get green bagels at Manhattan at Manhattan Bagel (210 South Ave. W., 908.654.0525). Enjoy shamrock cookies at Carlo's Bakery (21 E. Broad St., 908.228.5525) and Irish soda breador green peanut macaroons at Bovella's Pastry Shoppe (101 E. Broad St., 908.232.4149). Try an Irish whiskey, an Irish coffee, or a pint of Guinness at 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro (16 Prospect St., 908.232.7320) or The Office Beer Bar & Grill (411 North Ave., 908.232.1207).

For many years, Jeff Christakos has volunteered with Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) and serves as the Chair of the Economic Development Committee. Jeff has a unique perspective as not only a downtown business owner, but also is a property owner and lives right in downtown. With his distinctive bowtie, he is often seen around town at DWC ribbon cutting events, walking his dog Charlie, running marathons, or enjoying downtown shops and restaurants with his wife Anna. He is a respected business leader, supports many charitable organizations, and was the most recent recipient of the DWC Lee M. Hale Volunteer Service Award.

For over five years, The Savory Spice Shop has been a fixture on E. Broad St., opened in 2010 by sisters Jackie Mittelhammer and Becky Solheim. Customers came to enjoy not only the freshly ground herbs and spices and the hand-blended seasonings, but the friendly service and culinary advice provided by the sisters and their staff. With the start of the new year, the owners made the difficult decision to focus more on their growing families and decided to pass their spice baton back to the head office based in Denver, CO. The shop will be managed locally by Westfield resident, Marty Silverman, an employee for almost 2 years. Marty not only brings a true passion for all things good to eat, but a real appreciation for what was built over the last 5 years. Marty fully supports the "experience" that is shopping at Savory Spice Shop. The smells, the tastes, the recipes, the suggestions, and the personalized service.

On Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m., the Westfield Memorial Library will present “Make your own Repairs with Simple Sewing Techniques.” The Library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

The workshop will be presented by instructor Karen Camden who will describe a variety of hand-sewing techniques designed to complete basic repairs. Attendees will learn short cuts, tips and the sewing magic needed to avoid costly tailor shop visits. Ms. Camden suggests that they bring an article of clothing that needs a simple repair.

The Westfield Memorial Library is pleased to present three foreign films in the months of March, April and May. They will be shown on Mondays: March 14, April 11 and May 16 at 2:00 and 6:30 p.m. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

The first film, “Testament of Youth” is in English and runs 130 minutes. It tells the story of a Vera Brittain, an upper class girl with ideas of her own, her brother and her brother’s friend with whom she becomes romantically involved. They had wonderful plans for the future, but when Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, all of their beautiful dreams were shattered, except for one.

Improvements to the Elm Street/East Broad Street intersection will begin on or about March 14, 2016. Construction consists of traffic signal upgrade drainage repairs, resurfacing of roadways and installation of curb and slides. Night work will be required for portions of this project. Union County will be providing construction updates on their website.

Construction will require temporary sidewalk, shoulder and lane closures. However, all roadways will remain open with access to adjacent properties/businesses. Work will progress weather permitting and be completed within four months.

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact JC Contracting's Project Manager Stephen Colasante at 973.748.5600.

For updates, visit http://ucnj.org/traffic/projects/westfield/eBroadst.htm