Updated: Freshman Field Hockey Wins Big, Some Weekend Events

Wow! It's been a busy first week being the About Town columnist. Sports teams gearing up, birthday celebrations, tracks being dedicated and of course, the newly redone Starbucks has been hopping. If there's one thing about Westfield is we're one active community and we keep talking and walking and doing. And it's great to be here to help cover all of it.

Today we've got some good news in from the freshman field hockey team over at Westfield High, more news about the new Washington track and on a serious warning for parents.

Coming next week, I am going to boot camp!

FRESHMEN FIELD HOCKEY ROCKS!
Congratulations to the freshmen field hockey team after two big wins this week! The team beat Governor Livingston 3-0 on Monday and Ridge 4-1 on Wednesday.

"The girls' hard work and determination shows on the field," coach Corinne Kelly said. "They're improving everyday and I'm looking forward to this season."

On Monday, Lauren Schmeider, Emily Mastrocola and Shannon Schaefer scored goals. On Wednesday Caroline Caruso scored two goals  while Schmeider and Nicole Devitt each netted one. Agatha Magierski and Lizzie Fox rocked the goal, making it nearly impossible for the opponents to score. Great job!

WASHINGTON LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD PARENTS

As the old saying goes, Uncle Sam needs you. And the Washington School is looking for help with the school's new Recess Running Club. The club is being set up to go with the school's new track and allow for students to count their laps to earn prizes. Parents are needed to help school officials track the miles and watch over the recess running. Parents can volunteer by calling the school at 789-4600.

"We want to get it started as soon as we can while the weather is nice," PTO playground chairwoman Lisa Luzzi said.

"STRANGER DANGER!" REMIND YOUR CHILDREN

Thursday's attempted luring of three fifth-graders near Wilson School should be a reminder to all parents about teaching all children how to handle it when a stranger approaches them. The advice given out by Wilson principal Joseph Malanga in his email yesterday is a good starting point.

Malanga says that children should be reminded to walk away quickly if a stranger approaches them and to find an adult to tell as soon as possible. He says if the student is closest to home then to tell a parent, if closest to school to tell a teacher or if need be tell a crossing guard. Good advice.

TIDYING UP MINDOWASKIN

The Friends of Mindowaskin will be holding a park clean-up on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The semi-annual clean-up has become a Westfield tradition as the group looks to make Mindowaskin Park look great. Thank you to group president Deborah Burslem and her dedicated team of volunteers for all of their hard work on the town's signature park. And stop by if you want to help out!

IS IT REALLY THE BEST EVER?

Sunday is Rally Day at the Presbyterian Church, an annual church tradition to kick off the year and get members involved in various aspects of church life. This year, the church's men's group is promising the "Best Rally Breakfast Ever." They plan on serving up a variety of delectable delicacies including eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon and bagels with lox. Sounds delicious! There is a cost though to have some of the breakfast, though.

Remember if you grab some breakfast on Sunday to let me know if it's the best ever!

HELP THE PFEIFFER FUND ON SUNDAY

Just as a reminder there will be a fundraiser at Gold Medal Fitness in Garwood on Sunday to benefit the Carly Pfeiffer Memorial Fund. The gym will be holding a spin class at 9 a.m. for $20 and a Zumba Dance class at 11:40 a.m. to benefit the fund.

Carly Pfeiffer is the only daughter of Christine Pfeiffer and the late Jim Pfeiffer. Jim Pfeiffer was the Westfield firefighter who was killed in the tragic accident at his Mountainside home in August. The Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association set up the memorial fund as a scholarship fund for Carly.

Thank you to Heather Fresco and Gold Medal Fitness for hosting this fundraiser.