In 1950, a small group of dedicated Jewish families gathered in a living room on the south side of town, determined to create a Jewish home in Westfield. It wasn’t easy. Jews were prohibited from purchasing land in many parts of town, petitions circulated opposing the founding of a synagogue, and lo...

When the rains came, my childhood backyard would fill to become a pond— and for a few days, ducks would move in and make themselves at home. It was a charming image, but it was also a reminder that our neighborhood can struggle to manage stormwater. What starts as a harmless puddle can turn into a s...

After 28 years in public education, including eight wonderful years in Cranford Public Schools, I have made the decision to retire, effective January 1, 2026. It has been an incredible honor to serve as your Superintendent and work alongside an outstanding Board of Education, administrative team, fa...

In the last column, you met Karl, the D.C. firefighter, and Emma, the organic farmer. Karl grew up with conservative, evangelical parents. Emma was raised in a liberal family and is devoted to climate sustainability and locally sourced produce. It was unlikely Emma and Karl would ever meet, given th...

As Westfield’s mayor, my priority is ensuring a high quality of life for our residents—affordable living, a safe and secure community, a thriving local economy, reliable access to healthcare, protecting against the impacts of climate change, and ensuring our air is clean and drinking water is safe. ...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramLead has been a key issue recently, as lead was found in Westfield schools’ water fountains. Due to this issue, action must be taken to a higher degree than it has already. Schools and other public facilities should be checking for lea...

As spring roles into summer Garwood is moving ahead with several infrastructure projects. that will make our Borough safer, more efficient and more sustainable. Paid for primarily through the use of several grants, we are proud to announce that Center Street will soon be seeing new bicycle lanes fro...

Hi, I’m Bill Grzyb, a lifelong resident of Clark, and I am running for council at Large. My wife and I made the choice to raise our family here because we believe in this town, in the strength of its community, and in the promise of its future. For me, this local election isn’t about party lines, it...

In the name of transparency, New Jersey for decades has required public bodies to publish official notices in newspapers of meeting dates, certain contract bids and awards, ordinances, annual budgets, professional services solicitations and awards, sheriff’s sales, certain legal documents and court ...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramEvery afternoon after elementary school, I would drop my backpack by the door, grab a snack and drink in my awesome Snackeez and sit crosslegged on my living room carpet as the familiar theme songs of “Arthur” and “Sid the Science Kid”...