Page 4 Thursday, November 21, 2002 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION ABCDICTIONOPQRSTDECEPTIONUVWXYZ THE TIMES Letters to the Editor The Westfield Leader of Scotch Plains – Fanwood — Established 1890 — — Established 1959— DD Official Newspaper of the Borough of Fanwood and WF Resident Spies Pre-Thanksgiving The Official Newspaper of the Town of Westfield DDTM and the County of Union the Township of Scotch Plains Diction Deception Member of: Member of: Wild Turkeys in His Neighborhood New Jersey Press Association New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association My Thanksgiving turkey arrived early developed a taste for white meat. Below are four arcane words, each National Newspaper Association Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association with four definitions – only one is cor- Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Fanwood Business & Professional Association this year. So, the three magnificent-looking gob- To be entirely correct, three wild tur- blers that I tracked with my camera appar- rect. The others are made up. Are you Periodicals – Postage Paid at Westfield, New Jersey Periodicals – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, New Jersey keys showed up on a lawn across the street ently had made a choice: Live with the sharp enough to discern this deception of P.O. Box 250 • 50 Elm Street P. O. Box 368 • 1906 Bartle Avenue from my home. To say that the appearance Bobcat or move in with Man. Hey, stop diction? Westfield, N.J. 07091 Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 of such wildlife on Embree Crescent is as laughing. So, no one takes turkeys to Mensa If you can guess one correctly – good guess. If you get two – well-read indi- Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 scarce as hen’s teeth is an understatement. meetings. As a Westfielder for almost three de- But could it be that all those hunting vidual. If you get three – word expert. If POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at cades, I have crossed paths many times shows on television that have deified the you get all four – You must have a lot of P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 with the usual local fauna: Squirrels, rab- wild turkey as one of the most crafty, free time! All words and correct definitions PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. bits, raccoons, rodents and many species elusive creatures to hunt were actually of birds. Until today, my only other expe- telling it like it is? come from the board game Diction Horace R. Corbin Deception. Fred K. Lecomte rience with Wild Turkey has been re- Hmmm. You know, maybe wild tur- Michelle H. LePoidevin PUBLISHER stricted to a highball glass. keys are smart. Consider this: These birds Answers to last week’s arcane words. A&E and EDUCATION David B. Corbin MARKETING DIRECTOR At first glimpse it would appear that have rationalized that it’s okay to walk 1. Springal – An active young man Suzette F. Stalker ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & SPORTS Michael L. Bartiromo these marvelous birds are joining black among humankind this time of year for 2. Trollop – An untidy or dirty woman COMMUNITY MARKETING & PRODUCTION bears and deer in making the point that if good reason. Who wants to bother to kill, 3. Loke – Private road or lane Karen M. Hinds 4. Threnody – A song of lamentation; Jennifer Pinto OFFICE MANAGER Robert P. Connelly their habitats continue to shrink due to pluck and dress a turkey when you can get MANAGER, BUSINESS SYSTEMS a dirge NEWS & REPORTING Ben Corbin unchecked housing development in New a free, frozen 15 or 20-pounder by spend- Lauren S. Pass Lauren A. Gruman Jersey, then wildlife very soon may be- ing $250 on groceries at your local super- FUSTIGATE SERVICES NEWS & REPORTING MARKETING & PRODUCTION 1. To scold or nag SUBSCRIPTION PRICE come tamelife. market? However, a gasoline station attendant in And lastly, before you ask someone to 2. To shape like a spindle; thick, ta- One-year – $24 • Two-year – $46 • Three-year – $66 • One-year college (September to May) – $16 Mountainside later in the day explained that pass the cranberry sauce, ponder this on pering at each end wild turkeys have been around his commu- Thanksgiving Day: What if the Pilgrims 3. Fermentation resulting in a strong, nity for almost 15 years, adding that their had been vegetarians? musty smell 4. To beat with a stick or club numbers have been dwindling recently be- John O’Conner The FCC and NJ Look To Control cause a bobcat, like other carnivores, has ACRISY Westfield 1. Condition in which no right judg- ment can be formed Telemarketers, and We Support This Former Council Candidate Gowen 2. Relating to or affecting external Many in the area get up in the morning with their guessed it! The phone rings. surfaces Thanks All For Campaign Support 3. Sharpness; eagerness first cup of coffee, turn on the computer and erase all Most people don’t like to be impolite. But, it’s 4. Disbelief in God the junk email. How many Nigerian ministers are getting easier for most to say; “I don’t conduct any My apologies for taking so long to history. PALUDISM there anyway that tell you about moving several send off this note of thanks to you. The individuals I met as I campaigned 1. Characterized by an ashy, white business over the phone, take me off your list and As a defeated candidate for Scotch door-to-door, the people I talked with complexion million dollars out of the country because of the never call back.” Others don’t answer the phone Plains Township Council I took a bit of informally or at neighborhood meetings, 2. Acting like a heroic champion; in a latest coup? All they want you to do is give them your anymore; they let their answering machine do the time for reflection and now wish to and especially my neighbors and friends, knightly fashion bank account number for them to deposit these work. Some make a sport of it as they enjoy bedev- express my gratitude for the honor of all had viewpoints and words they shared. 3. Malaria having campaigned in the context of The outpouring of commitment, belief 4. Acting indiscreetly; carelessly riches to split with you. Of course, if you fall for this, iling the telemarketers. such a demonstration of our American and emotion from everyone I dealt with COZEN they’ll suck dry any money you might have in the In spite of the growing animosity to telemarketers, Democracy. was enriching and uplifting. I was truly 1. The hip or hip joint account. the government reports that the industry has grown I am moved, deeply and sincerely, by a part of ‘America-acting-like- 2. A person who steers a boat the treatment I received from all the America’... People speaking out, know- 3. Mentally ill; insane This is just one of the many scams that are going from $435 billion in sales in 1990 to $600 billion in members of the press. While I was care- ing that their words would be heard and 4. To cheat or defraud on by email. By telephone it is: “You’ve been the last year. The government estimates that $40 ful to remain succinct in my responses to that whoever finally gained the elected interviewers, the press was likewise du- role would be chosen from among them, approved!” – “Free airline tickets!” – “Insurance for billion of this is clearly fraudulent. The government tiful in restating my positions with clar- freely and without fear. Teenagers Should Be seniors” – “Lonely and wanting to meet you” – “Free also reports that there are legitimate uses for ity. I congratulate everyone: the winners vacation.” The list goes on, where these telemarketers telemarketing – but the government doesn’t elabo- For me, in this campaign, the opportu- soon to be seated on our Township Coun- Aware Of Side Effects hope to trap the unsuspecting, prey on the weak and nity to impel the works of our democ- cil... the losing candidates who must rate on what these uses are. Certainly, there’s a racy and help bring new ideas and think- now wait to attain their sought-after Caused by Ecstasy take advantage of human frailty. powerful lobbying group in their midst. ing to a public forum was as natural and roles... the Township itself for providing Many Teenagers today are trying the On April 9, 1998, then Assemblyman Richard The government has been concerned about significant a task as I have ever imag- the public forum for an interchange of “club” drug ecstasy, otherwise known on Bagger (now Senator) wrote, “My proposal is telemarketing abuse for some time. The Telephone ined. Consider this: A businessman (a ideas... the observers and writers from the streets as “E” or “X”. Teens take the dad that wants to make a difference...) newspapers and electronic media... the drug thinking that it will give them a new straightforward. The bill says that spammers must Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 prohibits with a clear idea of his own leadership individuals and groups who nurture and “high” that will be better than smoking identify who they are and that a spammer who telephone solicitation calls to homes before 8 a.m. potential and a mind filled with thoughts support our political system... congratu- marijuana or drinking alcohol. Little do disguises his or her identity violates the state’s and after 9 p.m. A telephone solicitor must give his for ‘a better tomorrow’ seeks to gain lations... on a job well done. they know that they are damaging their support from a public that has hardly met I am gifted by this opportunity to bodies and most importantly, their brain. consumer protection laws. The bill says that name, the name of the entity for which he is calling, him except on a professional level. work with you all and I will continue to Researchers tested ecstasy on baboons spammers who send their junk email into New and a telephone number or address to contact that Through the machinery of a system that do so. and monkeys, and found severe neuro- toxicity and brain damage in the ani- Jersey must provide a contact person for New entity. Further, the rules require telemarketers to guarantees this same opportunity to each George F. Gowen of us, he begins to make a mark in mals. The drug has the same effects on Jerseyans to reach out to, and if a New Jerseyan asks maintain a do-not-call list and may not call those on Scotch Plains humans if it used enough. Ecstasy is a that the spamming stop, they must stop doing so. the list for ten years. If so, they may be subject to stimulant that raises a person’s heart rate Failure to adhere to these requests would be a Assemblywoman Stender’s Fanwood and blood pressure, and can also lead to fines. dehydration. Teenagers believe drink- violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.” Certain calls are exempt from many of the FCC’s ing water can help but in fact it only In July of 1999, then Union County Prosecutor rules, including calls from companies with which Opinions Questioned by Times Reader flushes their system of electrolytes that Manahan said, “by pretending to offer seniors safety the consumer has an existing business relationship I read with interest the recent article She complains that street lamps in the their body needs. (November 14) where Fanwood Mayor business district are leased, not pur- Teenagers need to be aware of the side and security for their accounts, what an illegal and those from tax-exempt, non-profit organiza- Lou Jung, and State Assemblywoman chased. Hmm, I wonder what her com- effects of this drug. Ecstasy can lead to telemarketing scheme really does is prey on the fear tions, including many political organizations. (and Fanwood resident) Linda Stender plaint would have been if the lamps had seizures, heart attacks, and memory loss. that some people have that they won’t have access to Currently, the Federal Communications Commis- were interviewed on their thoughts re- been purchased instead of leased. Researchers also say that ecstasy may garding the election in general, and the Mrs. Stender continues that Republi- also lead to Parkinson’s disease, which their money.” sion (FCC) is considering ways in which it can revise Fanwood business district in particular. cans have not done enough to address the is a loss of motor skills and uncontrolled There are junk Faxes too. When workers go to the its telemarketing rules to adequately protect con- I must say I was a bit perplexed by Mrs. problem of rising property taxes. Now tremors. This is being seen a lot more in Stender’s comments on her perception ask yourself this question: who is in a young adults these days. office Fax machine in the morning, they sort out the sumers’ privacy. The FCC has asked for comments of failure on the part of the current better position to address the problem of scores of junk faxes that arrived overnight and put on whether it should change its rules that restrict administration. Allow me therefore a rising property taxes, a mayor of a small John R. Burnham another ream of paper in the machine. telemarketing calls and, if so, how. We urge you to few moments to lay out the facts. town who is on the receiving end of Westfield Office workers are getting good at screening un- learn more about this by seeing www.fcc.gov/cgb or For starters, Mrs. Stender gives chutz- federal, state and county dictated man- pah a whole new meaning when she dates or a member of the state assembly Westfield Schnauzer wanted phone calls by telemarketers that hope to by calling them at 1-888-CALL-FCC. minimizes the accomplishments of who can address some of those issues at switch the company’s phone service, sell that hot Our leaders at the state are doing important work Mayor Jung while trying to pat herself the center of the action? Remembered by Reader stock or collect money for that unheard of charity. on this problem too. Let them know how you feel and and other Democrats on the back for Perhaps Mrs. Stender has plans to Several residents who know Pat and their very thin level of accomplishments introduce legislation to allow munici- But, telemarketers are getting more clever and so- give them your support. Bob Sheehan of Westfield, have fond over a period of 20 years of talking palities to determine pay levels that make memories of Pepper, a N.J. Schnauzer phisticated – some of these calls continue to slip Senator Richard Bagger, Asm Thomas Kean, Jr. (always talking) about “downtown re- sense for the municipalities, or perhaps Rescue dog who the Sheehans fostered through. One slick one is the company that calls to and Asm. Eric Munoz can be reached at (908) 232- development.” legislation that curbs our courts and their a couple of years ago. Pepper was Frankly, from the beginning, in the illegal and expensive (to the taxpayers) confirm your listing in a business directory; there 3673 in Westfield. adopted and left town. She enriched late ’70s, this was their issue, but again, judicial dictates such as the Mt. Laurel/ Westfield — and Scotch Plains too, never was such a listing, but if you play the game Senator Joseph Suliga can be reached at (908) 587- they did nothing despite having major- COAH farce, and/or Abbot versus Burke when she lived with Dorian Roll of the there will be one, with a charge of course. 0805 in Linden, Asm Jerry Green at (908) 561-5757 ity rule in borough government for most which is horribly expensive for the people N.J. Schnauzer Rescue Network. of those years. She states that the Demo- of this state, especially the “rich” people At the end of the day, you make it safely home after in Plainfield and Asw. Linda Stender at (908) 668- Pepper, a little Schnauzer with a big crats’ candidates (three fine individu- in Fanwood and Scotch Plains. Ah, but personality, is a very special dog. She a hard day’s work and sit down to dinner – you’ve 1900 in Scotch Plains. als, by the way) received different feed- that would require leadership. Leader- created beautiful music for residents back in their campaign walks than was ship? Linda Stender? Sounds like the with her melodious howling and Resident Praises Claire Lazarowitz the case with the GOP candidates. Per- plot of a low rent sitcom. Schnauzer woo-woo sounds. A matri- Thank You, Westfield haps that is true, but who carried the day The good news for Linda Sender is arch with a big heart, Pepper has a For Caring So Much by very substantial margins? It was the that she is in a safe gerrymandered seat. sweet personality and is dominant with For Letter Published in 11/14 Leader Republican candidates and the very solid As long as she keeps boss McGreevey other dogs. She “ruled the roost” with record of accomplishment of the current and the tax and spend special interests One of the most bizarre events of sations. In a year in which a Republican We want to once again show our sin- a firm, but gentle paw, when she shared American politics is the ritual post-elec- rhesus monkey would have been hard- cere gratitude and appreciation to the Republican Mayor and Council. happy, she will retain her seat. Years living quarters with the Dorian’s She then speaks of Republicans ben- ago, Elridge Cleaver (ultimately a Re- toral love-fest in which losers and victors pressed to lose an election, there was entire community of Westfield. You have Schnauzers. figuratively fall into each other’s arms, simply no need to resort to the politics of honored our husbands with not only a efiting from work done years ago by publican, by the way) stated: “If you’re Although Pepper no longer lives in Democrats. Really? Can someone point not part of the solution, you’re part of the while declaring their undying mutual re- slime. Yet, they did, and the first casual- beautiful memorial, but also with such a Westfield, her larger-than-life canine gard and respect. It’s almost as though all ties of the Republican credo of “victory at dignified dedication ceremony. We now out what that was? Is it the “grant” problem.” Where is “little Miss do-noth- personality will always be a part of money that we sent to Trenton and Wash- ing, tax and spend liberal” on that equa- of the pre-electoral campaign ads in which any cost” were decency and truth. have this wonderful park for remem- Westfield and surrounding towns. they portrayed their adversaries as Satan’s While the Republicans revel in their brance and reflection. With Thanksgiv- ington in the first place, with a miniscule tion? You do a great job of putting The portion being recycled back to us? We earthly representatives had never existed. success, I hope that Claire’s letter serves ing approaching, we feel truly thankful Andrew J. MacDonald Westfield Leader together. I liked your That’s why I was so very gratified to to remind them of the corroded moral and to be part of such a caring community. are supposed to be thankful for that? Fanwood October 17 article from the Lutheran How about a tax cut, Linda? read Claire Lazarowitz’s letter last week. ethical dimensions of their behavior and Thank you. pastor, about marriage and living to- You see, instead of kissing the victor’s to put them on notice that their victory gether. ring, she undertook something new, novel may well be ephemeral if their future Kate Walsh Diane Starita SP Resident Upset With Development, Martha McLoughlin and noble: She told the truth. conduct doesn’t begin to approach rea- Cranford The sad reality is that Westfield was sonable standards of civility. Rebecca Shum subjected to a sleazy campaign in which Maura Madden Robert Ratner Laurie Fogel Trend of Subdividing Lots in Township the Republicans turned to negative adver- Westfield Councilman Goldman tisements and untruthful and bogus accu- Sally Cohen-Alameno Over the past few years, my husband already developed. None of my neigh- and I have been watching an alarming bors or I can imagine how these pro- Thanks WF Voters trend take place in our state and sur- posed new homes would fit in on a street rounding communities. Sadly, it now such as ours. The proposed subdivision, For Continued Support would appear that this trend is taking or new construction of any kind, would place in our own town and has arrived on be an absolute detriment to the charm of our own street. our street. I sincerely doubt that the I want to express my appreciation to voters of Westfield’s Fourth Ward who In May of this year, our neighbor sold architectural style of these new homes his home to a real estate developer. The would fit in with the existing character supported me for another term on the Town Council. I look forward to con- developer purchased the property with of the homes that are already here. the intent to raze the house and subdi- My neighbors and I are terrified of tinuing working with Mayor Greg Mc- Dermott and my colleagues on the Town vide the property in order to put up two what this subdivision would look like if sizable homes in its place. The current it is approved by the township’s Plan- Council, including newly-elected mem- bers Andy Skibitsky and Sal Caruana, in house earmarked for destruction sits on ning Board and do not believe it would over an acre of property with a very add value to our own property. We are maintaining Westfield as a top-notch community and also addressing our wooded back yard. It is, in our opinion, planning to fight this proposed subdivi- one of the nicest properties on the street. sion, because there is more at stake here community’s needs and problems. For the past six years I have tried very It makes us ill to know that this house, than potential for higher property values which is not in a dilapidated condition, - we are fighting for quality of life. We hard to be responsive to the concerns of individual Fourth Ward residents and and the beautiful trees surrounding it are are all especially concerned for what this both a target for destruction. town will look like over the next 10 to 20 neighborhood issues, and to address matters of importance to Westfield as a Our street is made up of 50 plus years, as one by one, older homes are year-old ranches and cape cods that torn down so the property can be cleared, municipality. I intend to continue in this vein. are meticulously maintained. The subdivided and rebuilt with over-sized homes are not large, but the residents structures that are out of scale for the One of my priorities remains the suc- cessful completion of the pending down- on our street love living here...why? new property and its adjoining neigh- Because of the warm character and bors. The approval by the town’s Plan- town parking/redevelopment plan. In my six years on the Town Council we have charm of the homes. Everyone, from ning Board, would send a strong mes- friends and relatives, to delivery per- sage that older homes and the character had lots of talk, but very little in the way of concrete results, other than a substan- sonnel, always comments on how of a neighborhood have no intrinsic value, lovely our street is. My neighbors hear are not worth saving, and that local tial increase in parking fees. The process in which the Town Council and the Plan- the same comments as well. Adding to residents have no voice in the matter. the beauty of our street are all the It is my understanding that the pro- ning Board has been engaged during this year is complex and slow, but I am con- lovely, mature trees which provide posed subdivision is scheduled to be shade, charm and homes to small ani- heard by the township Planning Board fident that we are on track toward positive results. I hope that the new members of mals. The homes are nicely spaced on Monday, November 25, at 8 p.m. in apart, which was a priority for my the township’s council chambers, 430 the Town Council respect the hard work and detailed analysis that has occurred to husband and I when we were house Park Avenue, Scotch Plains. This meet- hunting 12 years ago. One of the main ing is open to the public, and we plan to date and that we continue moving for- ward with the current plan. factors why my husband and I chose this be there. Larry Goldman very street was that we fell in love with Melissa Esposito Councilman, Fourth Ward the way the street looked and that it was Scotch Plains CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK