Little Jacob Is First Westfield Baby of 2020

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield 300 Committee announced Friday that Jacob Henry Cohen was the first Westfield baby born in 2020. Jacob, who was born Jan. 2, will be included in the historical documentation for the Westfield 300 activities as the town celebrates the 300th anniversary of its settlement throughout 2020. He was also visited by Mayor Shelley Brindle and won a commemorative gift basket.

Jacob's parents are Matthew and Samantha, and he has a big sister, Eliana.

“I was thrilled to meet Jacob and his family at their home today to welcome him on behalf of the town,” said Brindle. “I can’t think of a better way to get into the spirit of this banner year than by celebrating Westfield's first new arrival of 2020.”

In addition to Westfield 300 merchandise and various other Town of Westfield items, Jacob’s gift basket also included a $300 savings bond donated by the Westfield branch of Two River Community Bank.

“We are very happy to have Jacob recognized as the first Westfield baby of 2020,” said the Cohens, in a statement. “Having him included in the Westfield 300 celebration is such a unique honor."

In addition to Jacob’s designation as the First Westfield Baby of 2020, the Westfield 300 festivities kicked off this month with the raising of the Westfield 300 flag throughout town, sales of Westfield 300 merchandise, and an organization of more than 50 volunteers to create year-long programming guided by a steering committee.
Upcoming Westfield 300 events will include a Colonial dinner and drinks event at 16 Prospect on Feb. 23, as well as an ongoing speaker series, a townwide party in Tamaques Park, historical reenactments/tours, special presentations at the Miller Cory and Reeves houses, and more.

For details about events, and how to volunteer with these efforts, visit the Westfield 300 section of the town website.