Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Cell Phone Ban In Westfield Schools: See The Rules

Happening soon: Why We Dance Brings Free AfroBeats Dance Workshop to Fanwood on August 30 on the Westfield Patch calendar

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
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Good morning Westfield! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Westfield schools roll out strict bell-to-bell personal device ban
  • What led to multiple DWIs and arrests in this week's blotter?
  • Which bands and themes are taking over Quimby Street in September?

Also on today's calendar: Why We Dance Brings Free AfroBeats Dance Workshop to Fanwood on August 30 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 83, low: 61.
  • Sunday: Some sun, then clouds, with a high of 85 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cell Phone Ban In Westfield Schools: See The Rules (patch.com) — Families in Westfield should be prepared for a new bell-to-bell ban on students' personal internet-enabled devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, in all public schools starting this year. The Board of Education rushed approval of Policy 5516 to align with recent state law, while allowing exceptions for documented educational, medical, translation, or caregiving needs through a written accommodation process.
   

2. Drunk Driver Arrested In 2 Crashes In Westfield: Blotter (patch.com) — Westfield police report a local drunk-driving arrest tied to two crashes near the South Avenue traffic circle, along with multiple summonses and a mandatory municipal court date. Additional blotter items detail a shoplifting arrest, warrant arrests, and two more DWI cases, including one involving alleged drug distribution, all processed through Westfield authorities.
   

3. Westfield Extends Summer With 4-Night Sweet Sounds Encore (patch.com) — Downtown Westfield is keeping summer going with four themed Sweet Sounds Encore nights on Quimby Street throughout September, each featuring different live music and activities. Residents can bring or buy drinks from local establishments, enjoy outdoor seating, and shop or dine before the 6–9 p.m. performances, with weather updates shared on Downtown Westfield's social media.
   

4. Coming Soon to Westfield Schools: Repairs, HVAC Work, McKinely Renovations (tapinto.net) — Westfield's Board of Education has approved a major round of facilities work, including $366,200 for districtwide HVAC commissioning and more than $14 million for additions and renovations at McKinley Elementary School. The board also authorized about $179,000 from the maintenance reserve for 10 smaller projects, all passing with a 7–0 vote at the Aug. 25 meeting.
   

5. Disquieting Encounter: Westfield Resident Says a Fox Followed Her for Blocks (tapinto.net) — A Westfield resident walking her dog on Brightwood Avenue reported a fox repeatedly following them before her husband picked them up by car. Mayor Jeremy Berman and the Westfield Regional Health Department stress that foxes are usually not aggressive, but urge residents to call police or Animal Control if an animal seems threatening and to review the town's online wildlife guidance.
   

📸 Around Westfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Library Board Passes Resolution Urging New Jersey Legislature to End Unfair eBook Licensing Practices —Roz Giuditta Read on Patch
  • Westfield Student Shares Unique Faith Journey in Award-Winning Essay, Video —Sean Quinn Read on Patch
  • Allsearch Recruiting posted a job opening for Construction Project Manager - High-End Residential Construction - Base Salary to 110k/year - Westfield, NJ in Westfield. Apply here.
  • Bank of America posted a job opening for Relationship Banker - Cranford, Elizabeth & Rahway, NJ Financial Centers in Cranford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Westfield here.

Ok Westfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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