Union County News

Fluffy Fluffy Cafe, a Japanese soufflé pancake specialist, opens in Cranford this week with a three-day grand opening celebration July 10–12. The menu features 15 pancake flavors alongside eggs Benedict, savory croffles, Basque cheesecakes, and specialty drinks. Registered guests get free refreshers and cheesecake slices. It's the first Union County location for this growing chain.

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.

Roselle Public Schools' Title I Summer Program at Harrison Elementary offers free reading, math, STEAM, and daily meals for pre-K through grade 2 students.

Abraham Clark High School's Class of 2026 graduated at Ralph Arminio Field in Roselle, with keynote from alumnus Dr. Chika Mbolu, Class of 2013.

Roselle's Uptown Vibes brings free jazz and R&B to Borough Hall every Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. Free, all ages, through summer 2026.

Berkeley Heights BOE unveiled a five-year strategic plan June 25 and heard public concerns about student retention at Governor Livingston High School.

Summit residents saved more than $48,000 through the community energy program in its first two months. Average household savings: about $9 per month.

Neighborhood Health in Elizabeth is hosting a free community celebration August 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., with health screenings, food, music, and activities for all ages.

Springfield Recreation's July calendar includes games, fitness classes, pickleball, a blood drive, and bus trips for residents 55 and older.

Linden High School awarded an honorary diploma to Jabari Thomas, an 11th-grader who passed away in October 2025. His family accepted the honor at the June 23 ceremony.

Scotch Plains presented plans for Haven Park renovation June 15, including a full-size basketball court. Work could begin fall 2026.

Springfield Township finished clearing debris from the Rahway River on June 9 in a coordinated effort with state and Union County officials.

New Providence revived its baseball past on June 27 with an America250 game featuring the Crescents—a team from 1905 that traveled by train.

Rahway was a hotspot during the Revolutionary War. Visit Abraham Clark's grave, the Terrill Tavern, and explore 45+ Union County historic sites.

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

A Westfield resident lost 54,000 airline miles after falling for a phishing email. Police offer protection tips.

Roselle Park's free Swim Night Out is July 9, 7–9:30 p.m. at Clark Community Pool. Free for residents. Here's what to know.

Berkeley Heights is shifting recreation oversight from volunteers to Township government. Here's what changes—and what stays the same.

Summit High School ceramics teacher Meghan Arts-Scozzari received the 2026 Nora Radest Award for Excellence in Education from the Summit Educational Foundation.