MAYOR'S UPDATE:
WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 7

It’s been a great week for new business openings and expansions, as our downtown momentum continues. This week, I attended the ribbon cutting for Reves Smoothie Cafe at 106 Quimby Street, where owners Cynthia and Basti are serving smoothies, bowls, fresh juices, coffee, and tea in their beautifully updated space! Be sure to stop by and give them your support.

Don’t miss the flag raising to commemorate Italian American Heritage Month on Sunday at 10:00 AM in Mindowaskin Park, sponsored by the Italian American Club and UNICO.

As a reminder, municipal offices are closed on Monday, and the Town Council meets on Tuesday night.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

ONE WESTFIELD PLACE PREVIEW CENTER

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend the press event hosted by HBC | Streetworks Development to unveil their One Westfield Place Preview Center at 76 Elm Street. This space (formerly Chico’s) has been completely transformed to provide residents and business/commercial property owners the opportunity to see a full scale model of the proposed project, ask questions, and provide feedback. The Preview Center is currently available by appointment only to avoid early crowds, and those who have requested appointments have begun to receive dates for those initial visits. As they continue to add more staff, the space will open up for walk-in visits in the next few weeks.

You can request your appointment at onewestfieldplace.com, where you may notice that the content on the project website was expanded this week by HBC | Streetworks Development to include many additional project details and renderings for the community. I can’t stress enough how important it is to visit the Preview Center, talk to HBC | Streetworks Development directly, provide your input through these feedback channels that they will be utilizing to improve the proposal, and get your questions answered firsthand. Please be mindful that any information shared from individuals who have not yet visited the Preview Center is purely speculative and not based on facts. This space has been explicitly created for residents to get access to accurate information, and it’s my sincere hope that our community will take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this process.

FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

October is Fire Prevention Month! The Westfield Fire Department will host an open house on Saturday, October 8, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, where community members of all ages can drop in and learn more about fire prevention.

Throughout the month, the Westfield Fire Department will provide fire safety awareness to families, students, seniors and the community. To schedule a visit to your class, school, organization, or block party, call Fire Prevention at 908-789-4145, or email fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov.

ELECTION INFORMATION

The deadline to register to vote in the November 8 General Election is Tuesday, October 18. You can check your voter registration status online.

Vote By Mail
The deadline to apply by mail for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, November 1. The deadline to apply in-person at the Elizabeth and Westfield County Clerk Offices for a mail-in ballot is Monday, November 7 at 3:00 PM. Mail-in ballots can be returned in person or by mail to the Union County Board of Elections office, or at the secure ballot drop box located at the County Clerk’s Office at 300 North Avenue.

Early In-Person Voting
Union County residents have the option to vote early at specified locations throughout the county beginning on Saturday, October 29, through Sunday, November 6. Locations, dates, and times for early voting are available on the Union County Board of Elections website.

In-Person Voting on Election Day
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A list of Westfield Wards and Districts is available on our website.

For additional information about voting in the November 8 General Election, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

AddamsFest
It’s back and better than ever! AddamsFest 5 has arrived, transforming Westfield into a uniquely exciting celebration honoring Charles Addams and his penchant for the macabre. This year’s line up has something for everyone – from Gomez’s Lecture Series, to the art exhibit entitled Evolution: Addams and the Artistic Process, to annual favorites like Family Fun Day, Wicked Windows, the Haunt Your House Contest, and, of course, Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball and perennial favorite Charlie’s Ale Garden. Be sure to check out the 2022 Schedule of Events, and follow along on their Facebook and Instagram pages (@addamsfest). You can also subscribe to updates at addamsfest.com/updates. I hear they may still have a surprise or two up their sleeves...

This event is only possible because of the incredible volunteer force that comes together each year to make it happen. Thanks to everyone who is lending their time and energy, under the direction of Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, to make it another memorable October for the community. To volunteer, reach out at info@addamsfest.com.

Through the Lens Exhibit
Don’t miss the final days of the Through the Lens photo exhibit on Central Avenue (alongside the Rialto) through October 9. The exhibit, which showcases the photos of area residents and artists reflecting this year’s theme of Resilience & Strength, was the second annual installation from the Westfield Public Arts Commission, and was made possible in part by a 2022 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

You can still purchase some of the remaining photos, the proceeds of which will be applied towards future public art initiatives.

Westfield Optimist Club and WPD Halloween Festivities
Don’t miss the Halloween festivities for the whole family on Sunday, October 23 in Mindowaskin Park! The afternoon’s events kick off at 12:00 with the Westfield Police Department’s second annual Cops and Goblins event, followed at 2:00 by the Westfield Optimist Club Halloween Parade featuring the Westfield High School Marching Band. Note that the parade requires advance registration, limited to the first 500 children in Pre-K through grade 5.

Thanks to our Police Department and dedicated volunteers from the Optimist Club for bringing these events to the community!

AppleFest
Don’t miss the Westfield Historical Society’s 14th Annual AppleFest on Saturday, October 15, from 12:00 - 5:00 at The Reeve House. The event will feature live music, food, a student art contest, children’s games, pumpkin painting, and more. If you have a great recipe, the event is seeking more entries for the beloved apple pie contest, which I am fortunate enough to be judging! I look forward to seeing everyone there for a fun-filled afternoon. For more information, visit the Westfield Historical’s Society’s website.

WNC Fish Fry
Don’t miss another fabulous Fish Fry from the Westfield Neighborhood Council. You can place your orders on Friday, October 7, between noon and 6:00 – enjoy a great meal while supporting a long-standing community organization!

GOLDEN PASS

The Westfield Public School District invites Westfield residents 65 years and older to participate in the Golden Pass program, which allows them to attend many Westfield High School performances and sporting events for free. The program, a longstanding tradition, was put on hold over the past couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full details are available on the Westfield Public Schools website. For more information on the program and for assistance in obtaining a ticket to performances, please contact Coordinator of School and Community Relations Mary Ann McGann at 908-789-4463 or mmcgann@westfieldnjk12.org.