Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Westfield Moms Bringing New 'Art Cafe' For Children, Families To Town

You won't want to miss Meadowbrook Day Camp to Host Open House on January 11, 2026 on the Westfield Patch calendar

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Greetings Westfield! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • New Art Cafe blends kids’ creativity with coffee on South Avenue.
  • Which intense drama is about to take over Westfield’s stage?
  • What Westfield is alleging about a former officer in court filings

Also on today's calendar: Meadowbrook Day Camp to Host Open House on January 11, 2026 and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the hammer say after getting an A on a test? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Windy; a morning shower, with a high of 49 and low of 33 degrees.
  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 50, low: 35.
  • Friday: A little afternoon rain, with a high of 54 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Westfield Moms Bringing New 'Art Cafe' For Children, Families To Town (patch.com) — Families in Westfield will soon have a new creative hangout as two local moms open Art Cafe on South Avenue, offering sensory-based art experiences for children ages 2 to 10. The space will feature rotating art stations, a coffee bar with local brews and pastries, and a gallery showcasing works by area artists, with options for classes, drop-ins, parties, and camps.
   

2. This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place January 6-12, 2026 (newjerseystage.com) — Westfield theater lovers can catch Time Stands Still at Westfield Community Players, running across three weekends from January 10–24, 2026. The drama follows a photojournalist and foreign correspondent struggling to build a normal life amid a chaotic world, and is featured alongside other regional productions in this statewide theatre roundup.
   

3. Westfield, Police Chief Slam Former Officer in Lawsuit Answer (tapinto.net) — Westfield’s government and Police Chief Christopher Battiloro have formally answered a lawsuit by former officer Matthew O’Holla, denying retaliation and outlining their own account of his performance and resignation. The filing details a disputed welfare check, alleged misuse of on-duty time, and the town’s request that the court dismiss his claims, while a separate potential defamation case against the town and former Mayor Shelley Brindle is also pending.
   

4. Shah's NJ-7 campaign hits $1 million raised (newjerseyglobe.com) — Westfield residents are watching closely as Rep. Tom Kean Jr. faces a well-funded Democratic field, with newcomer Tina Shah already topping $1 million raised in the NJ-7 race. Her haul makes her the third Democrat in the district to cross that mark, setting up an expensive primary before county party endorsements and a high-stakes challenge to Kean in November.
   

📸 Around Westfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Westfield Service League Members Bring Heart, Style and Service to the Community —Linda Paul Read on Patch
  • Singer-Songwriter Naomi Less to Perform at Congregation Beth Israel —Laura Queller Read on Patch
  • Looking for recommendations for a reliable dog sitter in this area.
    Our dog was boarded recently and she got kennel cough which developed into pneumonia. So we are reluctant to board her in the future. She is a 6… (Nextdoor Westfield)
  • Savers Thrifts Stores posted a job opening for Savers / Value Village Careers - Associate Supervisor in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Wend American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Crew Member in Roselle. 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: I nailed it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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