“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...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program

The Westfield Leader and Union County HAWK have long held that editorials and opinions do not belong on the front page with news articles and facts. Today, we are breaking that tradition for the first time since I bought the paper in 2020 to talk about a potentially detrimental move that could strip...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramFor those who just love the holiday season, there is arguably no better feeling than seeing the look on a loved one’s face when they are surprised with the perfect gift. Whether it’s the coziest holiday sweater or those long-awaited ic...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program

People display all sorts of messages at public parks in Westfield, New Jersey, including political signage. But officials pounced when Shawn Mullen set up a table with small campaign signs in 2021.Mullen, who was running for Town Council, co-sponsored the park activity. But an incumbent candidate fr...

“Let’s pick wildflowers,” suggested my friend Debbie a few days after I saw her coming back from a walk. Wild purple bergamot and black-eyed Susans drooped from the side pocket of her purse as she scampered off to salvage them with water in a jelly-jar vase. “I’d love to,” I said, and we made a date...