There are lots of ways to stay cool this summer. Try some ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, smoothies and fresh juices from these awesome local places in Downtown Westfield.
Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt:
The Chocolate Bar - Delicious gelato, chocolates and hand-dipped chocolate covered fruits, pretzels, brownies and more. 112 Quimby St., 908.389.9000. www.thechocolatebarwestfield.com
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Join our race director, Coach Sam Tooley, of Alpha Fit Club, and register for Westfield's Virtual 5K Pizza Run. You'll get instructions, training plans from Coach Sam Tooley, T-shirts*, pizza and prizes for winners—while raising dough for a good cause. All of the event's net proceeds will go towards downtown beautification and recovery, supporting downtown businesses adapting to COVID-19 requirements.
How does it work? Included in the registration will be race day instructions and training plans for all levels. Run anytime, anywhere before race day, you'll receive a link to the Trackster app to track your distance and upload your race time by the end of the day on July 19.
*Sign up before July 2, included in your race registration is a performance t-shirt AND a free training plan (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) created by Coach Sam Tooley.
Of course, no 5K Pizza Run would be complete without pizza! All registrants will receive a $3 coupon for a slice of pizza from your choice of downtown Westfield pizzerias (good through 7/31/20). And that's not all. On race day, Downtown Westfield will be giving away 50 pizzas. Order from any of our downtown Westfield pizzerias and see if your order arrives with a "Golden ticket" for a free pizza in a future order.
Winners will be announced within days of the event with the winner of each category receiving a certificate, social media mention, and a free pizza!
*A Virtual Pizza Run t-shirt will be available for anyone who registers before July 2. The Westfield Virtual Pizza Run T-shirt will be available for contactless pick up on July 17 to wear on race day.
Join the team:
Coach Sam Tooley and JackRabbit Westfield are hosting a complimentary Virtual 5K Pizza Run training workout (stationary, not a run) this Sunday, June 28, at 9 AM on Quimby Street, Westfield NJ. No registration is necessary, grab your sneakers, water, a towel, and a yoga mat, and get your training plan in motion.
We hope to see you out there running and raising dough!
Gold Sponsors
Atlantic Medical Group, Overlook Medical Center
Bronze Sponsors
Elizabethtown Gas; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; JAG-ONE Physical Therapy; Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.; Summit Medical Group; UBS; Westfield Pediatric Dental Group
Check out Downtown Westfield Instagram (@Downtown_Westfield) and Facebook (@Westfield NJ - Downtown) for the All American Ice Cream Tour the weekend of July 4th. Tell us why your favorite ice cream stands out! Bonus points for pictures. You could win one of 4 $25 gift cards to your favorite downtown Westfield ice cream purveyor in a random drawing!
Downtown Westfield is one of the greatest ice cream towns around, with many specialty ice cream shops and numerous restaurants, offering house-made small-batch gelato, frozen yogurt & frozen desserts to meet every taste and dietary request.
Over a hundred flavors to choose from and thousands of combinations. It's going to be tough. But we know you are up for the challenge. Take downtown Westfield's All American Ice Cream Tour and inspire your fellow ice cream aficionados.
Libraries, museums and arcades reopen July 2 with masks and 25% capacity. Make a trip to say welcome back to Yestercades! 151 E Broad St, Westfield. 908.228.2398.
In conjunction with the Westfield-300 Committee, volunteers from the Westfield Historical Society Archives created a fun Westfield History Scavenger Hunt. Use your clue finding skills to search the most historic spots in Westfield. Take it on a field trip while walking, bike ride, or drive your car!
When you're done, check the key to see how many you got right.
Outdoor sidewalk dining is now available throughout downtown. Due to relaxed rules by Governor Murphy, you can purchase cocktails to-go to enjoy with your alfresco meal. Curbside pickup and delivery will still be available from all restaurants who are currently offering it.
Retail stores are open with 50% capacity, masks and social distancing. Salons, spas and barbers have reopened with safety precautions in place.
Remember to wear a mask when not eating, drinking and exercising and maintain a safe 6-foot distance or more.
Amid the Covid-19 crisis most downtown Westfield restaurants are open — taking precautions and using social distancing — to deliver the food you want. Even restaurants that do not usually deliver are delivering now, to homes and for curbside pickup.
16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro,
Brunella Portuguese Coffee & Deli
Kings Bowl Cafe (open 5/5)
Rockn' Joe Coffeehouse + Bistro
Spice Bazar - Modern Indian Dining
COVID-19 UPDATE FROM MAYOR SHELLEY BRINDLE: MARCH 26
▶️ CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 6,876 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. These include seven additional cases in Westfield -- two males (ages 59 and 22) and five females (ages 52, 45, 43, 32 and 20) -- all are managing symptoms at home. This brings the official count from the Board of Health to 26 cases. For a more detailed breakdown of statewide numbers, visit the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard at https://www.nj.gov/health/…/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml.
▶️ FEDERAL AND STATE UPDATES
▪️Today, Governor Murphy announced that President Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New Jersey. The declaration will provide federal assistance to supplement statewide recovery efforts affected by the COVID-19 pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020.
▪️In New Jersey, 155,000 workers filed for unemployment in the last week – 16 times the number who filed the week before.
▪️Governor Murphy signed legislation Wednesday evening to expand New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance programs to provide more workers with access to paid leave benefits during public health emergencies.
▪️The Governor also indicated that he will not be prepared to revisit the closure of school districts until at least April 17, at the very earliest, and that such a decision will be based on careful discussion with public health and safety experts, educators, and districts.
▪️On Saturday, March 28, the COVID-19 testing sites at Bergen Community College and PNC Bank Arts Center will accept ONLY symptomatic health care workers and first responders. Beginning Sunday, March 29, the sites will move to a new schedule, which is posted on covid19.nj.gov.
▪️As part of the State’s Main Street Stimulus focus, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved an initial $75 million program to help stabilize small businesses. It is believed that this program will be able to provide direct financial assistance and support for between 3,000 and 5,000 small businesses: https://www.nj.gov/…/…/news/562020/approved/20200326b.shtml….
▪️A quick clarification on an error we made in a previous update: While the federal income tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, New Jersey has not yet announced a definitive extension deadline for filing state income taxes. The state legislature passed a bill recommending a June 30 extension deadline, and we will communicate any updates about its progress from the Governor’s office as they become available.
▪️Congressman Malinowski is launching a food drive to help restock food pantries across the district and has established one of his collection boxes in Westfield (730 Lawrence Avenue). You can drop off supermarket gift cards, canned vegetables, beans and fruit, granola bars, crackers, bottled water, apple juice, coffee, cleaning supplies, diapers, and paper goods by April 6.
▶️ LOCAL UPDATES
▪️Who’s ready for an encore? Tune in to Live with Kelly and Ryan at 9am tomorrow on WABC7 to see Westfield neighbor and Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik reprise his porch performance to raise money for Westfield United Fund’s #welovelocal campaign to support our local businesses. And, in even better news, the Westfield Foundation has offered to match the next $30,000 in donations! We have already received more than 40 applications from local businesses who need our support -- please make your donation today at www.westfieldunitedfund.org.
▪️Although the Westfield Memorial Library remains closed until further notice, remember that online access will continue. For residents without a card, please request one on the library’s website (www.wmlnj.org). In addition, during the COVID-19 closure, no fines or DVD fees will accrue. Please follow the library on Facebook (@WMLNJ) to catch all of their virtual programming -- including storytime, virtual Lego club, crafting, daily teen writing classes, author readings, drawing tutorials, and more. As always, members can access movies, books and music through the library’s digital services, such Overdrive, Freading and Hoopla.
▪️Thanks to Westfield Police Officers Jackus, R. Johnson and Kenny, along with Chaplain Gibbons, for unloading four pallets of food for the Westfield Food Pantry from the Community Food Bank. In addition, Officer Kenny and Detective Savnik today delivered two full bins of donated masks to Overlook -- many thanks to everyone who helped make this happen.
Thanks to each of you for your ongoing support and willingness to help. Stay well.
#flattenthecurve
#welovelocal
#togetherapart
To make a contribution, please visit the Westfield United Fund website: https://www.westfieldunitedfund.org/what_you_ca…/donate.html
In two weeks, we will be presenting our 2020 budget to the public. While the budget is still being finalized, I want to take this opportunity to provide some context behind the numbers, let you know what to expect in this year’s tax bill, and share our growth strategy for the future.
First and foremost, some background. For the past decade, the Town has taken a very conservative approach to budgeting which has effectively maintained the status quo while yielding a positive AAA bond rating and sizable surplus. It’s an approach that a financial advisor would apply to a couple in retirement, ensuring there is adequate funding to support basic needs for their remaining years, while leaving something for the grandkids.
For Westfield, this has resulted in a healthy nest egg, but has come at the expense of long term investment in roads, parks, infrastructure, and our downtown to adequately meet the reasonable expectations of taxpayers.
It’s a strategy that has also made us overly reliant on revenue sources that contradict good long-term policy, such as parking tickets and permits for tear downs, road openings, and construction. This not only undermines our neighborhood character, downtown vibrancy, and quality of life, but also makes us vulnerable to the whims of the economy, which has necessitated an excessive surplus as a safeguard.
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Westfield Mayors Wellness Campaign encourages wellness in all its forms—healthy eating, exercise, spiritual and mental health. Discover the array of holistic resources in downtown Westfield to help you along your personal path to wellness.
THURSDAY 3/5 THROUGH SUNDAY 3/8
| THURSDAY, MARCH 5 | 7 - 9 PM |
| FRIDAY, MARCH 6 | 11 AM - 2 PM |
| SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 11 AM - 2 PM |
Feel energetic and uncomplicate your food by choosing easy prep and healthier options that taste good. Learn the steps to detoxing without radical changes or starving. Get in shape for spring and summer. Special offer: 15% off 5-session infrared sauna package for new clients.
Sign-up for a 15-min nutrition consultation and get an extra fifth session added to your purchased 30-Day Coaching (package of 4).
Alania Aesthetics is offering 20% off the Signature Facial if it is purchased on March 5 - 7.
Discover simple solutions to reduce the chemicals and synthetics in your medicine cabinet, personal care and cleaning products. Manage stress, seasonal allergies and spring clean holistically. Special offer: Receive a bottle of Citrus Bliss, 3 rollerballs with labels and access to the new 30 Day Family Wellness Challenge Program with a qualifying starter kit purchase.
SATURDAY 3/7 & SUNDAY 3/8
Every Saturday free 11:30 AM Intro to Pilates class in the Club Pilates Studio 225 E Broad St. It is a 30 minute light workout. The class size is limited. Offer: 10% off our 8 pack or unlimited agreement for the first 3 months and a waived enrollment fee ($59 savings).
Fresh juices, smoothies, fruit bowls and home made small batch specialities. Offer: Saturday 3/7 Mention Westfield Wellness & buy one juice, bowl or smoothie — get a second at half price.
Join CP Master Trainer Gina Berta for a 9 AM Mat Class in Athleta. Light refreshments & door prizes. The class size is limited. Offer: 20% off retail. 10 AM - 11 AM exclusive private shopping for Club Pilates members.
9 AM Every Sunday Free Yoga for Runners, JackRabbit Westfield. Bring a mat and show up.
SATURDAY 3/21 & SATURDAY 4/18
Join Everlasting Haven Spa & Wellness Studio, Brassy Buddha Yoga and Kika Stretch Studios together for an afternoon cleansing of the face, body and soul.
Enjoy a healing facial mask application with Gina from Everlasting Haven Spa & Wellness, receive a demo Kika Assisted Stretch from Leilah, and take part in a 30 minute gentle flow for all levels with Brandi. Other surprises and raffles included as well, don't miss out!
Provides quality aesthetic & wellness services to provide you a space of tranquility and peaceful escape.
Classes are held in a candlelit room with no mirrors or windows to encourage students to focus on their inner dimensions.
The gentle assisted stretching process that dramatically reduces stress, eliminates pain and leaves you feeling energized.
Enjoy juices, smoothies, fruit bowls and avacado toast.
331 W Broad St
Saturday 3/7 mention Westfield Wellness and get $1 off your purchase.
WELLNESS DIRECTORY
Downtown Westfield Fitness Studios
Downtown Westfield Health, Wellness and Massage Services
12 – 6 PM WHS Winter Guard Fundraiser, YESTERcades
1 - 4 PM Come Wine with Us, Plainfield Area Humane Society Fund Raiser at 16 Prospect, Tickets
6 PM Group Run, JackRabbit Westfield
11 AM & 12:30 PM Essential Oils: 101 Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room RSVP
11:45 AM First Wednesday Luncheon: 100 Years of the Women's Vote with Dr. Susan Lederman, Ferraros RSVP
6:45 PM Free Fitcamp Workout, JackRabbit Westfield
7 – 9 PM Wellness Weekend at Via Nutrition, The Oils Room & Alania Aesthetics
10 AM – 5 PM Wedding Band Weekend: Tacori Trunk Show & Discount, Adlers Jewelers
11 AM – 2 PM Wellness Weekend at Via Nutrition, The Oils Room & Alania Aesthetics
7:30 PM Flamenco Nights Concert Series, Galeria West Art & Music, Tickets
10 AM Free Coffee Brewing Tasting Class, Boxwood Coffee
10 AM – 5 PM Wedding Band Weekend: Tacori Trunk Show & Discount, Adlers Jewelers
11 AM – 2 PM Wellness Weekend Open House at Via Nutrition, The Oils Room & Alania Aesthetics
11:30 AM Wellness Weekend: Free 30 Min Intro Class, Club Pilates Westfield, Reserve your space
9 AM Free Yoga for Runners, JackRabbit Westfield, bring a mat and show up
9 AM Free Pilates Mat Class by Club Pilates at Athleta RSVP
6 PM Group Run, JackRabbit Westfield
7:30 PM Essential Oils 101: Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room, RSVP
9:30 - 11 AM FREE Learn Google My Business- Yes Please, with Kennedy Wood Marketing Ono Bowls RSVP
12 PM Free Gyrokinesis Movement Class, Raritan Valley Gyrotonic RSVP
4 – 5:30 PM Drop off Jr Baker Cookie Class Cinnaholic $30 Sign Up 908.588.2323
5:45 – 7:15 PM Drop off Jr Baker Brownie Class Cinnaholic $30 Sign Up 908.588.2323
6:45 PM Free Fitcamp Workout, JackRabbit Westfield
6:30 - 9:30 PM Rhone Wine Dinner Chateau La Nerth, Chez Catherine RSVP
6:30 PM Free Gyrokinesis Movement Class, Raritan Valley Gyrotonic RSVP
6 – 8:30 PM Baking with the Master Baker, Farinolio Cucina $125
7:30 – 9:30 PM Mixed Talent Open Mic Night, Boxwood Coffee, Register
10 AM Free Coffee Cupping Class, Boxwood Coffee
10 AM – 5 PM Wedding Band Weekend: Simon G & A. Jaffe 20% discount, Adlers Jewelers
11:30 AM Free 30 Min Intro Class, Club Pilates Westfield, Reserve your space
12 - 2 PM Open House Free Demos, Learn About the Gyrotonic Movement, RSVP
7 PM NJ Festival Orchestra presents OPERA'S ULTIMATE ODD COUPLE. SPECIAL OFFER: Enjoy 20% discount on all tickets. Use code DWC and your discount will be automatically applied at checkout Buy Tickets
9AM Free Yoga for Runners, JackRabbit Westfield, bring a mat and show up
7:30 PM Essential Oils 101 Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room RSVP
6 PM Group Run, JackRabbit Westfield
12 - 6 PM Show Your Green Face, Enzyme Peel & Mask,Everlasting Haven Spa Sign Up
11 AM & 12:30 PM Essential Oils 101: Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room RSVP
6:45 PM Free Fitcamp Workout, JackRabbit Westfield
11 AM & 12:30 PM Essential Oils 101: Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room RSVP
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Downtown Dental Turning One Party, RSVP
7 – 9:30 PM Farmhouse Style Cooking Class & Dinner, Farinolio Cucina at The James Ward Mansion $150 RSVP
7:30 PM Spring Equinox Sound Healing Tibetan Bowls, Brassy Buddha Yoga
10 AM Free Coffee Brewing Tasting Class, Boxwood Coffee
10 AM – 5 PM Wedding Band Weekend: Verragio 20% Discount, Adlers Jewelers
11 AM – 1 PM Wellness Weekend: Facial Everlasting Haven Spa, Kika Stretch demo & Brassy Buddha Gentle Flow at Everlasting Haven Spa RSVP
11:30 AM Free 30 Min Intro Class, Club Pilates Westfield, Reserve your space
2 – 4 PM Author Event: Meet Author Fred T. Rossi: Jersey Stories at The Town Book Store
7 – 9:30 PM Regional Dining Experience at Farinolio $145, RSVP
9 AM Free Yoga for Runners, JackRabbit Westfield, bring a mat and show up
8:30 - 10 AM Free Yoga Tuesday, Maggie from Brassy Buddha Yoga, Lite Bites & Exclusive Sale, Ann Taylor RSVP
6 PM Free Group Run, JackRabbit Westfield
11 AM, 12:30 PM & & 7:30 PM Essential Oils 101: Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room RSVP
1 – 2 PM Free Three Exciting Ways to Turn Up the Heat in Your Relationship, Open Door Therapy, RSVP
6:45 PM Free Fitcamp Workout, JackRabbit Westfield
7 PM Hot & Iced Tea Tasting at the Mulberry House Restaurant RSVP 908.233.3562
11 AM & 12:30 PM Essential Oils 101 Seasonal Allergies, The Oils Room RSVP
6 – 7:30 PM Venchi Chocolate & Porto Wine Tasting, Farinolio Cucina $50 RSVP
7 – 9 PM Team Quiz Night with Prizes, Boxwood Coffee
7 - 9 PM Cooking Fish with Stephen Bigmore, Feast Catering & Cafe, RSVP
6 – 9 PM Celebrate 30 Years of Fashion in Westfield, Lord & Taylor
7 – 9 PM Regional Wine Tasting, Puglia $110 at Farinolio
10 AM Free Coffee Cupping Class, Boxwood Coffee
11:30 AM Free 30 Minute Intro Class, Club Pilates Westfield, Reserve your space
12 – 4 PM Dance Performance & Local Food Vendors, Lord & Taylor 30th Anniversary
9 AM Free Yoga for Runners, JackRabbit Westfield, bring a mat and show up
12 – 4 PM 30-Year Cardholder Awards, Lord & Taylor 30th Anniversary
1 – 4 PM MidDay Madness Interactive Clue Hunt in Downtown Westfield, Register
5 PM MidDay Madness Grand Prize Winner Announced Live at Lord & Taylor
7 PM NJ Festival Orchestra Season Finale: Russian Nights, Tickets
6 PM Group Run, JackRabbit Westfield
As Mayor Shelley Brindle shared in her recent State of the Town address, a visionary and experienced Rialto Advisory Group has been formed and is working with the owner of the Rialto to reimagine the future of the theater in Westfield -- possibly transforming it into a performing arts center. The Rialto Advisory Committee (RAC) is comprised of volunteer residents with expertise in commercial real estate and financing, theater management, grant writing, economic development, and the film industry, to name a few.
The RAC continues to seek a funding partner to help realize a potential vision of the Rialto as a performing arts center, as the current marketplace does not appear to support the space re-opening strictly as a movie theater. As the Town is not looking to take on the full financial responsibility of running the theater, ongoing conversations continue about potential funding avenues that would make the most sense in terms of investment, viability and versatility.
The two married owners of Spice Bazaar in Westfield, NJ recently opened a Mediterranean restaurant down the street called Lavash.
Spice Bazaar restaurant owners Kanika Bakshi and Simran Bakshi opened a new restaurant in Westfield, New Jersey. Both Kanika and Simran are known for their re-opening and rebranding of Spice Bazaar Modern Indian Dining, which relocated in June to 39 Elm Street. Unlike Spice Bazaar, their new venture concept will be serving up Mediterranean food under the name Lavash.
After their success at Spice Bazaar, they are now launching Lavash in Spice Bazaar’s original spot at 114 Quimby Street. During the first month of Lavash’s opening, Kanika and Simran will be giving out at least 100 free meals to Westfield, Fanwood, Plainfield and Cranford locals.
Both owners have not defined the menu items yet but will begin creating dishes soon.
Lavash will be open before the end of 2019. Stay tuned.
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