Author: Local Media NJ Staff

Strengthening the Cranford Community Through Support and Fundraising

Tell us about Project Home of Cranford! Project Home of Cranford is a 501(c)(3) organization that was started in 1988 with the specific purpose of raising funds to be given to Cranford Family Care. This aid is distributed to Cranford residents who are experiencing difficulty paying their rent or mortgage due to financial downturns in their lives caused by illness, job loss, or other unexpected events. Here we are, 36 years later, and this support is needed now as much as ever. The organization consists of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and energy to raise the necessary...

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Optimist Club Recognizes intermediate School Educators for Excellence

Edison Intermediate School mathematics teacher Ryan Belline is the co-recipient of the 2024 Optimist Club’s Intermediate School Outstanding Teacher Award.  Pictured here with Edison principal LaNova Schall (right) and Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. Photo Credit:  Westfield Public Schools Edison Intermediate School mathematics teacher Ryan Belline and Roosevelt Intermediate School social studies teacher Marissa Conneely have been recognized as outstanding intermediate school educators by the Optimist Club of Westfield. A nominator describes Belline as “an exemplary educator who embodies...

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Melodies of love How Music and Worship United One Couple

Name(s): Adrian & Megan Soltys Family (names/ages): Cecilia Claire/2 months Pet(s) if any: Mozart/toy goldendoodle Job Title(s): Adrian – Director of Worship at the Parish Community of Saint Helen Megan – Vocal Music Teacher, Choral Director, and Professional Musician For Adrian Adrian, tell us how you got your start as Director of Worship at St. Helen’s in Westfield? I was working at another Catholic Church in Bergen County, but I was aware of the parish. A friend and colleague of mine was the music director at St. Helen at the time and submitted his resignation. He asked me...

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Westfield Board Appoints New Athletic Director & WHS Assistant Principal

At its regular public meeting on May 7, 2024, the Westfield Board of Education approved the appointment of James DeSarno as Director of Athletics / K-12 Physical Education and Health Supervisor, effective July 1, 2024.  DeSarno will succeed Sandra Mamary, who is retiring after 37 years in the Westfield Public School District, 14 of them as Athletic Director. Also effective July 1, the Board approved the appointment of Edison Intermediate School assistant principal Jacqueline Spring to succeed WHS Assistant Principal Dr. Warren Hynes, who has accepted a position in a neighboring school district. DeSarno...

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Westfield Memorial Library collaborates with local fine artist to create limited- edition library card

The Westfield Memorial Library has collaborated with local fine artist Ricardo Roig to design a Limited-Edition library card. The card, which is a colorful digital replica of Roig’s hand-cut print of the library, is based on an aerial photograph taken by Garrett Maney. The limited-edition library card will be available for free to anyone who signs up for a new library card. Existing cardholders can purchase one as a replacement for $2.00. All replacement cards will have new library card numbers. The original framed “artist’s proof” of the card will be on permanent display in the library’s newly...

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Cranford Film Festival Celebrates Top Short Films of 2024

Filmmakers and film enthusiasts gathered for the 4th Annual Cranford Film Festival, where they honored and celebrated the best short films. Hosted by the Cranford Schools Friends of Performing Arts (Cranford FOPA), the festival showcased over 100 submissions from a diverse array of talent, spanning categories such as fiction, documentary, music videos, animation, student films, and even those captured solely on iPhones. This year’s festival proved to be a great success, not only in terms of artistic merit but also in fundraising efforts. Thanks to generous contributions from ticket sales, donations,...

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Meet local pet Gunner, a loveable Black Labrador who will steal your heart and possibly your beverage!

Family member names Lyndsey, Mimi & Pop Type of Breed Black La PET’S NAME Gunner James MALE OR FEMALE Male PET’s AGE 9 Where/Why did you get your pet? Gunner was born in Carmel, NY, and was 1 out of 6 puppies. I have always wanted a dog of my own and my family always had labs. When my parents called me to let me know that their lab Beau’s sister was having puppies, I immediately knew I wanted a puppy from her litter. Gunner was Beau’s nephew and they instantly bonded when they met. Anything special or unusual about your pet? Gunner LOVES to shred boxes, especially from Amazon and “The...

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Summit Street Sounds Kicks Off June 6

Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) is excited to be hosting Summit Street Sounds for 2024 with a great line-up of new and past favorites! Downtown Summit will be alive with music from 5-8pm every Thursday and Friday night in June & July. We are proud to announce that over 50 musicians will be playing on the streets. Enjoy a meal at one of Summit’s outdoor cafes, listen to some great live music, and shop at the downtown businesses, some of which will be open late. Be sure to visit the Promenade on Springfield Avenue, filled with tables and chairs for outdoor dining and enjoying the music. Exciting...

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The Popular Family Fun Night Returns to Downtown Summit!

The annual Family Fun Night (FFN) event hosted by Summit Downtown (SDI) is back and better than ever, with a carnival-themed kid zone set to transform Beechwood Road and Bank Street on Thursday, June 13 from 4-8pm. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening for the whole family with an exciting lineup of activities and entertainment. All activities are free and include promotions and interactions from many of downtown Summit’s family friendly businesses. This year’s Family Fun Night will feature a main stage at the top of Beechwood Road near Springfield Avenue with interactive entertainment...

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