Union County News

Westfield schools launch grief-informed education initiative with $100,000 grant from The Westfield Foundation, training all school counselors to support students.

Flyers Track Club qualifies six young athletes to USATF National Junior Olympic Championships. Nationals July 27-August 2 at Cerritos College.

The Stop & Shop at 219 Elm Street in Westfield will close this fall. Mayor Berman says the property may not become apartments despite earlier discussions.

What's your favorite ice cream shop in Westfield? Take our National Ice Cream Day survey and tell us why you love it. Survey results shared next week.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved a $43.3 million tax credit award for the Rialto Center for Creativity to transform the historic downtown movie theater into a multidisciplinary arts center, with a targeted 2029 grand opening.

Westfield Memorial Library names engineering student Joy Luo as its first Maker in Residence. The Westfield native will conduct a summer residency focused on 3D design and printing, offering open studio hours and a public meet and greet for community members.

Cookies N' Cream, a gourmet dessert franchise, has opened in downtown Westfield, featuring over 35 ice cream flavors, fresh-baked cookies, and specialty treats.

Atlantic Health Systems appoints three trustees and Vice Chair to its Board, bringing expertise in nonprofit development, clinical care, and healthcare finance. Details on new leaders.

Roger, a 6-year-old indoor cat, has been missing from Westfield since July 13 near Memorial Pool. He is microchipped and friendly. Call 908-229-4664 if spotted.

Complete guide to New Jersey e-bike registration and licensing for Union County residents. Requirements, process steps, and special cases explained.

The Westfield Police Department reported multiple incidents of identity theft, fraud, and theft in recent weeks, including a stolen Trek Marlin 5 bicycle valued at $500 and several cases of unauthorized account openings.

A flash flood warning was in effect in Union County until 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Thunderstorms caused flash floods, with Lamberts Mill Road closed between Nancy Way and Willow Grove Road, and at Rahway Avenue (northbound).

Westfield resident George Roeck expressed concerns about the One Westfield Place redevelopment project and the Lord & Taylor site, stating the jury remains out on whether it will benefit the town. He called for prioritizing commuter parking and warned against traffic disruptions on North and South Avenues.

Westfield town council approves $2.9M parking and field house improvements plus turf replacement at Houlihan/Sid Fay Fields athletic complex.

Valairco Heating and Cooling invites community members to nominate their favorite nonprofit organizations for a $500 grant through its Valairco Cares initiative. The program, which has awarded 32 grants since 2018, selects winners based on the highest number of community nominations. Voting ends July 31.

Vina, LE BISTROT, Kome Omakase, and Insomnia Cookies are all in various stages of opening in Westfield, while PopUp Bagels and Cookies N' Cream held grand openings last week.

Fanwood's free Movies Under the Stars continues every Tuesday at La Grande Park through Aug. 11. Dog Man, Sonic, and more films under the stars.

GEO-Optimized Title: Westfield Memorial Library Summer Reading 2026: "Unearth a Story" — Free Dinosaur and Archaeology Program for All Ages Meta Description: Westfield Memorial Library's free "Unearth a Story" summer reading program is underway for ages birth through grade 12. Register at wmlnj.beanstack.org. (120 characters) URL Slug: westfield-memorial-library-unearth-story-summer-reading-2026 Newsletter Blurb: Westfield Memorial Library's summer reading program "Unearth a Story" is off to a roaring start—more than 300 students signed up before school even ended. Free for Westfield cardholders birth through grade 12, the program features reading challenges, prizes, and special events including Dino Academy on July 18 and a Mad Science archaeology show on July 23. The Rush to Register More than 300 students signed up before the last day of school even arrived. That's what happened when Westfield Memorial Library announced "Unearth a Story," its 2026 Summer Reading Program, on June 22. The response was immediate. Kids knew what they wanted: dinosaurs, discovery, and adventure—exactly what this program delivers. "Every great discovery starts with a little digging," the library wrote in announcing the program. "This summer, we're inviting readers of all ages to pick up a book and unearth something extraordinary." How It Works The program is free for Westfield library cardholders from birth through entering grade 12. It's organized into three age groups, each with its own reading challenge and prizes: Little Listeners (birth through pre-readers): Track books read Kids (readers through entering grade 5): Log reading time in minutes Teens (entering grades 6 through 12): Log reading time in minutes The more your child reads, the more prizes they earn. Registration is easy. You can sign up in person at the library, online at wmlnj.beanstack.org, or through the free Beanstack app (available on the App Store or Google Play). The library tracks everything for you—no spreadsheets, no complicated tracking. Just read and watch the minutes add up. The Main Events Two special events anchor the summer schedule: Dino Academy — Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m. Bright Star Theatre brings the prehistoric world to life through science, storytelling, and life-like dinosaur puppets, led by the character Dr. Sarah Tops. If your kid has ever wanted to learn about dinosaurs from someone who talks like a paleontologist, this is it. Mad Science: "Explore Lost Worlds" — Thursday, July 23 at 4 p.m. Mad Science presents "Explore Lost Worlds: The Science of Archaeology, Paleontology, and Dinosaurs." Participants practice real archaeological and paleontological techniques—it's hands-on, not just watching. Additional programs for all ages are scheduled throughout the summer. Check the full calendar at wmlnj.org. Who Made This Possible The program is supported by lead sponsors Tutu School Westfield and Tiffany Natural Pharmacy, and supporting sponsor The Baked Bear Westfield. Community sponsorship is how programs like this stay free. Quick Facts Program: "Unearth a Story" — 2026 Summer Reading Program Location: Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E. Broad Street Eligible: Westfield library cardholders, birth through entering grade 12 Cost: Free Registration: wmlnj.beanstack.org, Beanstack app, or in person Age groups: Little Listeners (birth–pre-readers), Kids (readers–grade 5), Teens (grades 6–12) Event 1: Dino Academy, Bright Star Theatre—July 18, 10 a.m. Event 2: Mad Science "Explore Lost Worlds"—July 23, 4 p.m. Lead sponsors: Tutu School Westfield, Tiffany Natural Pharmacy Supporting sponsor: The Baked Bear Westfield Contact: 908-789-4090 or wmlnj.org FAQ Q: What is the Westfield library's summer reading program? "Unearth a Story" is a free summer reading program for Westfield library cardholders from birth through entering grade 12. It's themed around dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology. Participants earn prizes based on how much they read. Q: Is it really free? Yes. The program is completely free for Westfield library cardholders, made possible by sponsor support. Q: How do I register my child? Register in person at the library (550 E. Broad Street), online at wmlnj.beanstack.org, or through the free Beanstack app on the App Store or Google Play. Q: What events are happening as part of the program? Dino Academy from Bright Star Theatre performs July 18 at 10 a.m., featuring science, storytelling, and life-like dinosaur puppets. Mad Science presents "Explore Lost Worlds" on July 23 at 4 p.m., where kids learn real archaeological and paleontological techniques. Additional programs are listed at wmlnj.org. Q: My kid is a voracious reader. Will they earn more prizes? Yes. The more your child reads (measured by books for Little Listeners, minutes for older kids), the more prizes they earn. There's no reading limit. Q: When does the program end? The program runs through summer. Check wmlnj.org for the complete calendar and end date.

New NJ e-bike rules take effect July 19. Westfield riders must be 15+, licensed, registered, and helmeted. The MVC is waiving fees.