Last week, Sal Bonaccorso forfeited his right to hold public office and resigned from his position as the mayor of Clark. His departure from the dais marks an incomplete end to a story that has plagued the township for nearly five years, and there is still almost too much to unpack. Council Presiden...

“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 ...

It takes a lot of people to make a successful organization work, and the Garwood Green Team is no exception. Created just before the onslaught of the Covid pandemic, the team thrives with just under 20 active members. But, even with involved membership, the team depends on donations and volunteers t...

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...

It is time for my annual — ‘garbage after Christmas’ letter’! I think that it is important for us to become ‘sustainable’— using earth’s resources in such a way that we do not exhaust their supply, or cause harm through their use. One example is single use plastics – we should all reduce our use of ...