The Bridezilla Antidote, Field Hockey Teams Win Big

It seems like every corner of Westfield is buzzing with activity. Stumble on something that's not for you? Don't sweat it, cross the street find another fun thing to do. Today, we've got an antidote for even the most hysterical Bridezilla to chill out in the middle of last-minute preparations.

Meanwhile, Washington students will dedicate something that already has them running circles (well, okay... ovals) around other elementary kids in town. And the crew at Alan's Orchard is taking a break from wowing soccer moms to welcome a special guest, who isn't seen around these parts often.

BACK OFF, BRIDEZILLA, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

Bridezillas of Westfield unite! The show isn't coming back to town, but something else that will make your day is coming up on Sunday. The town's first Made-in-Westfield bridal expo is coming to the James Ward Mansion on Sunday afternoon, and will showcase dresses, cakes or hors d'oeuvres and other wedding-friendly treats.

"The Westfield Affair" is the brainchild of  Amy Mankin, from Mademoiselle. It will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. 

"We have so many specialty stores in Westfield that can offer a bride high quality services and merchandise, with a personal touch.," Mankin said. "I wanted to put all of them under one roof to show off the variety of what we have to offer.  What makes this event so different from others is the venue.  The James Ward Mansion is the ultimate background for an elegant and intimate shopping experience"

Participating downtown stores are: Mademoiselle, Christoffers Flowers, Brummer's Chocolates, Ultimate Caterer, Dave Rossi Photography, Guillotine (hair and makeup), CoolVines (wine, beer, spirits), Creative Video Editing Films, Bovella's Pastry Shoppe, Best Western Westfield Inn, Starry Night Dance Studio, All Star Entertainment (DJ), Unique Cruise and Travel, B&M Limo and Bath Junkie.

WASHINGTON'S ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Washington parents not looking to wait on Dr. Perry's famous car line this year, can take a stroll in a new spot. The school's long awaited new track is in place for students and others to run, walk and play at the Saint Marks Avenue school. An official dedication ceremony will be held at  3:05 p.m. Thursday at the track.

The track, which was installed this summer, was paid for through PTO fundraiser and is a PTO gift to the school.

HE'LL GROW ON YOU

Cabinet members from Governor Christie's administration are a pretty normal site around town. Rich Bagger is all about town, when he's not in Trenton being chief of staff. Bret Schundler – well okay, he's not a cabinet member anymore – has family in town. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno was here so much last year she should have picked up a pool membership. Well later today, the state agriculture secretary is stopping by.

Wait, the ag secretary….in Westfield! Why?

No, cows aren't grazing on the back forty at Tamaques and there isn't a chicken coop in Mindowaskin. But the ag secretary, Doug Fisher, will be the honored guest at Alan's Orchard, the new organic food mecca on Quimby Street. He'll be the guest ribbon-cutter at the 2:30 Grand Opening ceremony.

Hopefully the soccer moms who have been crowding the store will free up some space to let the store's special guest get in!

JV, VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY START SEASON WITH WINS

Congratulations to the JV and varsity field hockey teams at Westfield High for kicking off their seasons with wins.

"Overall, I'm really pleased that we came away with a win," varsity coach Caitlin MacDonald said. "Governor Livingston played us tough but we were able to take advantage of some scoring opportunities. I hope to see the girls continue to play well in our two other games this week."

In the JV team's 4-2 win over Newark Academy, Kristin Burns scored two goals, with McKenna Wilson and Julia Ceasrine each scoring one. In the varsity's 2-1 victory against Governor Livington on Monday, Halsey Urban and Meg Anderson each scored, both assisted by Alina Spera. Senior goalie Hannah Purdy had five saves in the game.

A NEW WAY TO ENJOY COFFEE

The new look of Starbucks has given birth to a new feature, the Clover machine. A more high-tech reverse French press, which allows for water to be vacuumed through the beans, customers have been hearing it will allow for a new smoother taste and provide single cups of favored beans. Customers were tasting and commenting on Tuesday afternoon.

"I like it because it s evenly strong," Jason Jaeger said. "It has a good balanced, bold flavor, yet it is not bitter."

"I find it much less bitter than the regular coffee, it is smoother," Thea McDeavitt said.