See website for time.

Grab your couch potato-loving friends on Sunday, August 18th and join Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith in our 2nd Annual Scotch Plains 0.5k Race!

Beginning in Town Center, with a shotgun start (ok not a real shotgun – there are laws) the “race” will take you in a 547-yard circle. Go too fast and you are sure to get dizzy! But don’t drag your feet, a pint of beer courtesy of Stage House Tavern (obvious age restrictions apply) or a cup of ice cream from Mr. Softee await you at the finish line.

Proceeds to benefits the METAvivors of NJ chapter of the national organization of METAvivor. This nonprofit supports men and woman battling Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer.

The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford (FPCC), 11 Springfield Ave., Cranford, will hold its eight-week seminar, “Journey to Wholeness – Healing the Grieving Heart”, on Sunday evenings from Sept 15 to Nov 3, 2019. Topics of discussion will include loss in all of its different forms, and how one can cope and continue forward past their pain and suffering. Pre-registration opens on Aug 1 and is required prior to the first session.

Patti Williams, R.N. and Certified Pastoral Bereavement Counselor, and Virginia Waters, PhD. Psychologist, have been hosting this program for 19 years at FPCC, and have helped almost 3,000 people experience healing, find new purpose for their lives and feel joy once again.

Sessions will run from 6:30 – 8:30 PM in the Prime Time Room of the church. Note, this location is handicapped accessible. Teaching is interactive and the small groups are paired with a facilitator who has faced the same loss.

Per Williams, “This is an experience like no other. It does not matter if your loss is divorce, death, depression, loss of health or job loss; loss is loss – it must be grieved. It does not matter how long ago you experienced loss.”

The sessions include learning about the stages of grief and understanding the tasks of the grieving process, coping strategies and tools for the journey, taking good care of ourselves, dealing with changes, decisions, loneliness, holidays, anniversaries, building a support system and more.

Both of the leaders and all of the facilitators have experienced loss within their lives and share from “the inside out”. Bring family members and friends.  All faiths are welcome. You must pre-register for this life-changing event and attend the first session. Registration closes Sept 14. Call Williams to register at 908-709-1341. No fee is charged.

In the words of a recent participant, name removed for privacy purposes, “I have learned more along this heartbreaking journey than I ever thought possible. I have learned that you will never ever forget your love and that you are changed forever, but you need to give yourself permission to heal… I believe that your loved one only wants the best for you and you will be reunited one day.”

The seminar is dedicated to Patti’s late husband, the Rev. Dr. Bruce D. Williams who had a vision for this program and a desire to help others deal with their pain and suffering during their time of loss.

For more information about the program, visit www.firstprescranford.org/journey-to-wholeness-healing-the-grieving-heart/

The Fall “back to school” season is a great time for everyone to learn and grow at the Westfield Area YMCA!  Register now for the Fall 1 session beginning September 3.

Classes are available for novice and experienced swimmers of all ages.  The YMCA group swim lesson program helps foster a sense of achievement as each swimmer progresses, resulting in more confident swimmers who stick with lessons and develop a love for swimming.  Free swim level assessments are available.

Fall Leagues and team offerings include T-Ball (ages 4-6 yrs.), Ultimate (elementary and middle school) and Flyers Cross Country (grades 2-8). New this year is a fall season for the 3rd and 4th grade mini-travel basketball league.  Basketball Clinics are in store for athletes ages 4-grade 7 in preparation for Winter basketball leagues, also registering now!  New youth sports classes include Racquetball, Games, Travel Basketball Prep and Sport Sampler.  Teens can attend the new Stretch and Conditioning class and Agility Training.

Adults and youth can register for Tae Kwon Do and dance classes.  Adults can also take advantage of land and water group exercise classes.  New group exercise classes this session include: Barre Fusion, Cardio Kickbox, H.I.T.T. It with Yoga and Total Body Circuit.   New for active older adults is a Beginner String Instrument class on Thursdays from 12:30-2:00PM and Basics of Playing a Bridge Hand on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00PM. A day trip to New York City’s High Line is scheduled for October 2.

The Westfield Area YMCA continues to offer programs for special populations including people with special needs and those who have specific health issues such as Parkinson’s, Osteoporosis and Arthritis.

For information on all the classes, programs, leagues and events offered at the Westfield Area YMCA, visit www.westfieldynj.org or the Main Y Facility Welcome Center located at 220 Clark Street, Westfield. The Welcome Center can also be reached at 908-301-YMCA (9622).

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.