“I’m dreading going to my daughter’s fundraising event in D.C.,” said my friend over coffee, adding, “I may not go.” “Why,” I asked, “You love her and visit often.” My friend explained that his daughter is active in a political action committee (PAC) he doesn’t support. Suddenly, he grew quiet, sipp...

Our annual re-organization here in Garwood provides the Mayor and Council with an opportunity to reflect on the past year, and to look ahead to the opportunities and challenges that await us in 2025. When I think back on our collective work over the last twelve months, I am proud of all we’ve achiev...

At the Garwood Borough Reorganization meeting on January 2, Mayor Blumenstock stated how “clear and consistent” communication is in Garwood. I need to disagree with that statement for several reasons. Garwood and several other local towns have agreements with The Westfield Regional Board of Health t...

“Watch out for Ronni! She lives on your floor and has a bad reputation,” cautioned my new friend Ellen shortly after I moved into my apartment building. “She seems so friendly,” I replied. “Yes,” said Ellen, “she starts that way.” I wondered if Ellen’s assessment was too harsh and opted to decide fo...

Union County HAWK, we send our heartfelt wishes to you, our readers, for a happy holiday season and new year. It’s been another busy year here at the newspaper offices, with plenty to keep us going across the seven towns we cover. One thing we continue to be grateful for at the newspaper offices is ...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program

“Let’s read this new author, Elizabeth Strout, I’ve heard so much about,” suggested Mary to our book group soon after we’d formed in 1998. We often deferred to Mary’s suggestions, knowing her refined literary taste. “What’s the book called, and what’s it about?” we asked. “ Amy and Isabelle and it’s...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramWicked, starring famous actresses and singers Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is a beautiful interpretation of how a movie should be made. It has left viewers in tears and has sparked widespread excitement among all ages. Once you fin...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program

Our guest writer, Theresa Stiles, contributed this poignant, spiritual remembrance of backyard kickball and wiffle ball days gone by. Like many of us, Theresa and her husband were happy to raise their children here in Westfield and neighboring towns. But when the kids departed for college and onto n...