The Roosevelt Borough

V olume 28 Number 5 March 2004

BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Council Raises Certificate of Occupancy Fee; Zoning Amendments Introduced By Michael Ticktin

At its February meeting, the Borough Council adopted an Development (PCD) designation from the former ordinance raising from $30.00 to $75.00 the fee for the Notterman tract between North Valley Road and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. A municipal certifi- cemetery, which is now owned by the New Jersey cate of occupancy, which is not to be confused with a Department of Environmental Protection, and transferring certificate of occupancy issued by the Construction Official the portion of the Light Industrial zoning district that when construction or alteration work is completed, is is located north of Oscar Drive to the Residential- required to be obtained by the seller or lessor of any house Agricultural district. The rezoning of the former or apartment that is sold or rented to a new occupant. It Notterman tract reflects the fact that the land is now is a certification by the housing inspector, currently Ed permanently preserved. And planning projections, notably Goetzmann, that the house or apartment is maintained in those by the the Monmouth County Planning Board, accordance with all applicable ordinances. Any seller or should not hold open any possibility of planned develop- lessor who allows a house or apartment to be occupied ment there. The rezoning of the land north of Oscar Drive without first obtaining a certificate of occupancy is subject reflects the intention of the Council that the entire block to a fine, unless the buyer, in the case of a sale, has agreed be retained as agricultural, as well as the fact that the land to accept responsibility for completing the repairs and is too wet for any industrial development. On the night obtaining the certificate. following the Council meeting, the Planning Board, which The Council also introduced, and passed on first had originated the proposal, reviewed the proposed ordi- reading, an ordinance removing the Planned Community Continued on Page 8

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the Mayor 3 PTA News 12

From the Office of CSA, Dale Weinbach 4 Breaking Bread 15

Roosevelt Environmental Commission 5 W eather Almanac 16

Neighborhood Notes 5 Roosevelt Arts Project 17

T own Topics 6 Supporters and Contributors 18

Letters to the Editor 7 Business Sponsors 19

T wo Square Miles of Stories 9 Calendar 20 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Roosevelt Borough Bulletin is published monthly except August, September, and January by Roosevelt Borough Bulletin, Inc. Box 221, Roosevelt, NJ 08555 ROOSEVELT BLOOD DRIVE Roosevelt Borough Hall BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thursday, March 11, 2004 Bob Clark, Susan Dermody, Hours: 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Michael Ticktin, Bess Tremper, Please call Liz Possiel for an appointment at 609-448-1485. Lillian Warren We need you! EDITOR Michael Ticktin

MANAGING EDITOR Seniors: Notice that the Blood Pressure Checks starts at 12 noon instead Bess Tremper of at 12:30 p.m. from now on at the monthly meetings.

TREASURER Lillian Warren

Don’t forget about the Annual Winter Carnival at the school on Saturday, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS March 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. There will be something for everyone! Ann Baker Neil Marko Larisa Bondy Gladys Nadler David Brahinsky Wishka Radkiewicz Bob Clark Clare Sacharoff Linda DeNicola David Schwendeman Frances Duckett Michael Ticktin Remember to fill out and return the insert to help get the long awaited new Ginny Edwards Bess Tremper Roosevelt Phone Book finished. Ron Filepp Carol Watchler Michele Guye-Hillis Ginny Weber Ron Kostar Dale Weinbach

BUSINESS Are you using our library at the school? It is open every Wednesday Lillian Warren evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. PRODUCTION Louise Baranowitz Gladys Nadler Ron Filepp Elinor Pedersen Lois Hunt Clare Sacharoff Cynthia Imbrie Bess Tremper PLEASE REMEMBER: Thoughtful neighbors pick up after their dogs. Florie & Herb Johnson Nancy Warnick Are you a thoughtful neighbor? Jane Kiersnowski Lillian Warren Diane Klein

GRAPHIC DESIGN Karyn Grunwald

ARTWORK Calendar Art & Breaking Bread by Shan Ellentuck

Roosevelt Borough Bulletin,Inc. is a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation

2 Bulletin • March 2004 FROM THE MAYOR By Neil Marko

Greetings Roosevelt residents, regulations of the Postal Service. This eight weeks. Eric is planning a full friends and neighbors. This is my type of returned mail is preventable. slate of exciting activities. Now many first article for the Bulletin and I hope We all must make sure that when of the details are still being worked to be able to give you an overview we give out our address, it is written out, but you should all watch for about some of the goings on in the as an optional number and street, then future announcements about registra- Borough. Since January we have been post office box number and then city, tion and other details. I think quite busy over at the Borough Hall. state and zip. Summer Camp this year will be a won- Many things are happening. This arti- Another rumor floating around derful experience for our children. cle will focus on some of those items concerns our recent project installing In closing, I would like to remind and hopefully we can clear up some water meters. As most of you know, all of you that your Borough Council things for all of you. all residences and businesses that are and I would like to hear from you. We A short time ago, a letter was sent to getting water from the Borough now have meetings the first three Mondays residents about our PO Boxes. This have new water meters. This was not of each month. The first Monday is letter was somewhat scary since it something that we wanted to do. The a committee meeting at 7 p.m. fol- implied that any mail that was not State of New Jersey has forced us into lowed by an Agenda meeting at 8. The exactly addressed would not be deliv- installing them, and also to read them next Monday is our Action meeting ered. At Council meetings, we heard and use them as the basis for billing. at 7 p.m.. The third Monday is anoth- from a resident who runs a home- It does make some sense, since the er committee meeting at 7 p.m.. You based business complain that his State is interested in encouraging as are all welcome and encouraged to clients were wondering if they were much water conservation as possible. come to all. If you can’t make a meet- still around since mail from their Some residents, however, have shown ing, perhaps you want to email us. clients was returned with a bad concern that their water bill would My email is mayor@borough. address! To get to the bottom of this, be going up due to the meter. While roosevelt.nj.us or you can reach I spoke to our Postmaster - Ms. eventually some users will pay more, the Council by emailing council@ Lorraine Hirtelen - and got the correct that should only be those who use borough.roosevelt.nj.us. If you want, information. The Postal Service excessive amounts of water. We expect you can call me at the Borough Hall throughout the country is attempting that most will probably not see any (448-0539) and press 1. to increase its level of automation. appreciable change in the bills, and Tidbit of information: Ever forget At some of the big mail sorting facili- some may well see a reduction. when recycling is going to happen? ties around the country, the Postal Last, I would like to bring up the Or if the Building Inspector is going to Service actually has machinery that issue of our Summer Camp, which be in on a particular date? Well the reads the address on letters. That is run by our Recreation Director, Borough Hall phone has a frequently machinery expects to see a Post Office Mr. Eric Schubiger. This year we have updated schedule of events that you Box number on mail that is going to successfully negotiated with the Pine can check 24x7. Just call the Borough Roosevelt. Mail that does not have a Valley Swim Club to use their facilities Hall and press 7. And if you have an box number on it often will be for our Summer Camp. The twice item to add to it, call the Borough Hall returned. Once it arrives at our Post weekly swimming will be part of a and let us know. ■ Office, the staff will do their best to new program that will run daily from make sure it gets delivered but they 9 a.m. till 3 p.m.. In addition, we plan must work within the rules and on a Summer Camp that will be a full

March 2004 • Bulletin 3 SCHOOL NEWS RCNS From the Office March of the CSA, Newsletter Dr. Dale Weinbach By Ginny Weber

On February 11 we celebrated our Mrs. Marko; special education teacher, Spring is just around the corner when 100 days of school! This annual event Mrs. Goldfond; and technology coor- March arrives, and this year we will is organized by our kindergarten and dinator, Mr. Grayson, have all be especially happy to welcome first grade teachers, Ms Cvecich and contributed to make this a wonderful spring! We are really looking forward Ms Brindle. All of the students in the learning experience for everyone to warmer weather. Our class will school have an opportunity to partici- involved. In addition, our project was learn about changeable March pate in the activities that are run by the just recognized by the New Jersey weather and the meaning of the students of grades kindergarten and Association of School Administrators, expression, “In like a lion and out like first grade. It’s amazing how many and we were given a $5,000 award! a lamb.” The effects of the wind will activities can be created using the This money will go towards our tech- be explored. Our projects will include number 100. Whole school activities nology budget. You can see a video colorful kites and hot air balloons. are worthwhile so that the students clip of our project by going to our Everyone loves to see rainbows. can help each other and learn from school web site: www.RPS1.org. In Using a prism, we will “catch rain- their school buddies of different the lower right hand corner click on bows” in our classroom and see that grades and ages. And where did the the link that says NJElite technology the colors of the rainbow are always time go? We are busy with many award. Enjoy! in the same order. It will be so much diverse projects and programs. Our Speaking of budget, that time is fun to mix colors and make new ones. goal is to enrich the lives of our stu- upon us. The Board Finance March 2nd is Seuss Day! Be sure to dents and impact achievement daily. Committee meets diligently to go over read a special book with your child Since this past October, our fifth the school budget item-by-item, line- to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. We graders have been meeting twice a by-line. This painstaking effort is will enjoy green eggs and make a month with seniors from Roosevelt. what enables us to keep our budget special project. The students have been meeting with well balanced and consistent from year The children always look forward to senior citizens in the computer lab, to year. Our board has a history of fis- special days in school. We will have where they are working hard to teach cal responsibility that should be a “pajama day” so the children can them technology skills. This project is model throughout the state. We are wear pajamas to school and other a collaborative effort run by a team of also a member of several consortiums, special days as well. Roosevelt teachers - our fifth grade and that helps keep our costs down. teacher, Mr. Santanello; school nurse, During March and April, our class will participate in the Book-It Program. Continued on Page 12 The children need to read books at home to receive pizza certificates February School Dates each month. They enjoy seeing just how many books were read at the end March 2 Read Across America Day of each month. March 4 Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m. It’s already time to start planning for our next school year. Our annual March 5 Pizza Day Open House is being scheduled for March 6 Winter Carnival the end of March. If anyone is inter- March 12 Pizza Day ested in our school, please contact me at 609-426-9523. We welcome March 15 State tests administered this week visitors! We would also love to see March 30 Budget Hearing followed by regular Board Meeting you at our Open House so that you may meet other parents as well. ■

4 Bulletin • March 2004 ROOSEVELT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

By David Schwendeman By Ron Kostar

Items for this column can be Turkey Vulture submitted to Ron Kostar by phone 443-4179, 18 Pine Drive, or e-mail at Rescue! [email protected]. First, a thank you to Tom Curry for at the end of Pine Drive to call me if Hightstown High School recently rescuing two more Turkey Vultures they hear them. The population was released its Honor roll students for from entanglement in the Roosevelt strong several years ago when the the second semester and it included Public School soccer field nets. cacophony sounded like someone the following Rooseveltians: Noticed by many, since it was mid- chain sawing in the woods. This morning the day of the RPS Winter annual event only lasts about three High Honors: Concert, were the large birds flopping days! For me it is a thrill to witness Jesse Parsons, 12th grade about and twisted in the string of and it happens right here at the Lindsey Possiel, 12th heavy netting. This was Tom’s second beginning of the Roosevelt Woodland Tina Vasseur, 12th rescue having freed one several days Trail Section A down by the water Jennifer Iacona, 11th grade previously and he was well prepared treatment plant. with thick gloves, a large towel to In other news, the Boy Scouts of Regular Honors: cover the bird’s heads to lessen stress Millstone are scheduled for Saturday, Avery Axel, 12th grade and net clippers. After cutting many March 27th to help with our trails Lian Garton, 12th sections of net, both Vultures, appar- once again. As a service to the com- Reuben Alt, 11th grade ently unharmed, sauntered off into munity project they will help spread Anthony Grasso, 11th the nearby woods. A little shaky, wood chips and perform general Danielle Petrics, 11th they both looked back at Tom with maintenance of Trail Section B Emily Silverstein, 9th grade an awkward air of gratitude. The nets between Tamara and Rochdale. Cecelia Ticktin, 9th were then dismantled. Many times in the past, the Boy Wood frogs will be calling. As soon Scouts of America have helped the If, as I’m sure is the case, I left as there is a thaw in the ice cover, the Roosevelt Environmental Commission your favorite student off the list, diminutive male wood frogs will be with our trail projects around town. please e-mail or call me and I’ll be calling to their mates. Usually heard Feel free to come out that day, cheer sure to include him/her in next in February or early March, they are them on and try out the trails for your- month’s column. ■ the first frogs in this area to herald the selves! It should be a beautiful day! Not much else, I’m afraid, is coming Spring. I have asked friends new, though the sun has been out the past few days and there are small signs of life rustling around in the trees and in the ground. It will be Are you taking advantage of the Roosevelt very pleasant when screen windows and doors are taken out of sheds and Library in our school? put in, and people start going outside again. I am getting to know Bill To keep it alive, it needs to be used. Press and Pat Buchanan far better than I ever wanted to, and more than As CSA Weinbach has said: one Rooseveltian has told me that, though they otherwise like him, “A town library would be a terrible thing to Wolf Blitzer’s monotone is starting lose!” to get on their nerves. March is wel- come because at least it usually stirs Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. things up! ■

March 2004 • Bulletin 5 T OWN TOPICS

Leadership on Domestic these rights to opposite-sex couples date survey question on domestic Partner Legislation Came over the age of 62 and all same-sex partner legislation in the affirmative. from Roosevelt couples, omitting most opposite-sex What we do know is that after hear- couples. The New Jersey Business ing from lots of constituents in the By Ann Baker and Industry Association pressed for days before the vote Senator Singer On January 12, 2004 Governor that change out of concern that large was unwilling to state his support of James McGreevey signed the New numbers of opposite-sex couples the legislation when called by Carol Jersey Domestic Partnership Act into would register as domestic partners Watchler on January 7. He told her law. Among the jubilant crowd in and health insurance costs would that he had a meeting with “the cler- the governor’s office were Ann Baker escalate for employers. This is a gy” that afternoon. It’s not hard to and Carol Watchler of Roosevelt, who gratuitous and unproven assumption. see who prevailed. We know that have been involved in developing this Furthermore, if those couples would many in Roosevelt called and wrote to legislation for more than four years. marry and use their health benefits to their state legislators urging support Baker was responsible for forming cover their married partner, the result for this legislation. and chairing an effective coalition of would be the same. The final vote in the 80-member 20 statewide organizations represent- Apparently the governor and bill’s Assembly was 41 yes, 28 no, and 11 ing labor, religious, civil rights and sponsors decided it was better to give abstentions. The party breakdown civil liberties, feminist, senior citizen, in to BIA rather than risk their active was 37 Democrats, 3 Republicans, and education, and gay-rights interests opposition to the legislation and the 1 Green Yes; 26 Republicans, 2 called the Family Equality Coalition. possibility that Republican legislators Democrats No; and 9 Republicans, Watchler chaired the New Jersey would follow the BIA lead. As it 2 Democrats Abstain. Since it requires Education Association’s Lesbian and turned out, the Republicans did not 41 votes to pass legislation in the Gay Caucus that provided NJEA with need the cover of BIA to oppose Assembly, Bill #A3743 squeaked its energetic and committed activists the bill. The Republicans who did through with the bare minimum. who generated thousands of letters to not support the bill in both houses The 40-member Senate vote was legislators from NJEA members. of the legislature relied upon some not quite a cliffhanger, with 23 yes Two years ago after the Democrats of the arguments formulated by the votes, 9 no votes, and 8 abstentions. won the governorship and a majority religious right. In the Senate 21 votes are required to of the Assembly, the Family Equality How did Roosevelt’s members of pass a bill. 17 Democrats and 6 Coalition identified the Assembly the State Legislature vote? In the Republicans voted for the bill; sponsors and worked with them to Assembly vote on December 11, 9 Republicans opposed it; and there refine a bill drafted by the Office of 2003 Assemblyman Joseph Malone were 3 Democrats and 5 Republicans Legislative Services to include a abstained, which had the same effect abstaining. waiver of the inheritance tax, inclu- as a no vote, and Assemblyman This statute will take effect in 180 sion in health coverage provided Ronald Dancer voted against the bill. days from the bill signing. This 6- through the State Health Benefits In the Senate vote on January 8, 2004, month period allows the non-partisan Plan, and the right to hospital visita- Senator Robert Singer voted against Office of Legislative Services to pro- tion and medical decision-making for the bill. mulgate regulations for how the an incapacitated partner. At a May 13, 2003 meeting with statute will function, e.g., the registra- Although characterized by the Senator Singer, he told representatives tion form that will be available in all media as a gay-rights bill, as it was of the Family Equality Coalition that municipal offices in the state and the originally drafted it was to provide he would not co-sponsor the bill fee, regulations governing hospitals significant relationship rights to but would support it when it came to and medical facilities, how the State many adult couples who choose not the floor. At this meeting he said Health Benefits Plan will be imple- to marry or, in the case of lesbian and more than once that he was the “most mented, and directives to the Division gay couples, cannot marry. liberal Republican” in the State Senate. of Taxation regarding the waiver of The bill that was signed extended He had also answered the AFT candi-

Continued on Page 11

6 Bulletin • March 2004 SENIOR CLUB NEWS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

By Clare Sacharoff

Since the club members thoroughly Dear Editor, hospital and funeral matters. This enjoyed an afternoon at the cinema in Sometime in mid-July Carol happens to opposite-sex partners as January, they voted to attend another Watchler and I will go to Borough well as same-sex partners where a movie, at the February 3rd meeting, Hall and fill out a state-required family rejects the relationship. for their regularly scheduled affidavit to register as domestic part- These are rights that married part- February trip that fell on the 17th. ners. After a loving relationship of ners take for granted, but unmarried A Peddie production called Footloose more than 31 years, the State of New partners can not exercise regardless was well attended by several members Jersey has finally seen its way to grant- of the commitment to each other that on February 20th. ing us a legal relationship – although is expressed, or the length of the On the afternoon of February 27th, with not nearly the full package of relationship, unless they have made 3:00 p.m., club members enjoyed a rights any male and female receives very specific written provisions. And delicious chicken luncheon prepared when they pay their $28 fee to the until enactment of this bill, the inher- by the McBrides. State and get a marriage license. itance provisions that automatically Pat Moser, speaking as a Council Nevertheless, we will do this with cover married partners have been a member, discussed the possibility of great joy and celebration, and we severe financial burden to surviving an exercise program sponsored by invite other unmarried Roosevelt unmarried partners. the Recreation Commission. This couples to do the same – both same- I am optimistic that the time will program would be individualized to sex couples and opposite-sex couples come when same-sex couples will be meet the specific needs of each mem- over the age of 62. legally able to go to their municipal ber and led by a qualified therapist. The Domestic Partnership Act of offices and apply for marriage licenses The therapist will be invited to one 2004 now recognizes that there are as other loving couples can. Until of the senior meetings in the near families in the State that are not that time, Carol and I will be among future to discuss this further. formed by civil marriage, and it the first in New Jersey to register as We welcomed a new member, extends important rights to us. It is domestic partners, for our own Virginia Vuolle, who has just moved the first step toward full relationship protection and because the State of to a house on Pine Drive. She is equality. The impact of the new law New Jersey now recognizes our status Larisa Bondy’s mother-in-law. will mean that we will no longer pay as a legal couple with rights and Our club members were deeply for my insurance coverage because I responsibilities. saddened to learn of the death of can be included on Carol’s insurance Ann Baker one of our former members, Sydney through the State Health Benefits 443-8780 Socholitzky. Our condolences to Plan. It will mean that whoever is Honey who now resides in Oakland, the surviving partner will not have Yo,everybody ———— ■ California. to pay the inheritance tax of 16% Roosevelt would be a lesser place from the first penny of our shared without The Bulletin.Thanks to each assets, heretofore assessed of non- of you for bringing it forth and keep- family members who inherit property. ing us in the now and know. Legally, we are finally a family. My late husband, Ferris Stout, It will mean that hospitals and inevitably passed an issue around to Dear Good medical personnel will be required visitors in the course of his proud to accept the right of a partner to paeans to our town. He also routinely Neighbor make medical decisions for an packed a show-em Bulletin in his bag incapacitated partner, even if there when we were, in turn, visitors. is no medical power of attorney to So let’s think of this small donation SLOW DOWN establish the right. This is vitally as Ferris’s. important because there are some With appreciation, IN TOWN! families which have not accepted the Ginny Edwards relationship of their family member to a domestic partner and have prevent- ed the partner from being involved in

March 2004 •Bulletin 7 BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS

Continued from Page 1

nance, as it is required to do by law, stated that he had attended a confer- County, approved the 2004 budget and endorsed it as consistent with ence on walkable communities and of the Roosevelt Education and the municipal master plan. A hearing would investigate the availability of Recreation Coalition, which the on this proposed ordinance will be grants for pedestrian safety. In his Council oversees in conjunction with held at the March 9 meeting of the capacity as liaison with the School the School Board, approved an Council. Notice of this hearing is Board, he reported that he had had advance payment of $750 to Rosskam- being sent to the owners of the land discussions with school representa- Leech Murals for interior painting proposed for rezoning and to all tives regarding shared use of a bus at the water treatment plant, and owners of property within 200 feet and installation of a back-up genera- approved temporary emergency of that land. tor in the school. appropriations, which are necessary Councilman Michael Hamilton Councilwoman Pat Moser, report- to keep the Borough operating pend- reported for the Finance Committee ing in her capacity as liaison with ing approval of the annual budget. that work will shortly begin on the the Senior Citizens Organization, Mayor Marko also announced his budget and that the cellular equip- expressed her consternation over the appointment of Jane Rothfuss to a ment has been installed on the water failure on two occasions of the SCAT new four-year term on the Planning tower and AT&T Wireless is already bus to appear on the scheduled day. Board and of David Schwendeman as making rental payments to the It appeared the next day, without any Chairman of the Environmental Borough in an amount exceeding notification from Monmouth County Commission. $1,700 per month. and, not surprisingly, no one was there At the close of the meeting, Herb Councilman Jeff Hunt reported, on to be picked up. Ms. Moser said that Johnson, who had covered Council behalf of the Utilities Committee, “it was ridiculous to expect that the meetings for many years for the that the wells, having been properly bus would be 24 hours late” and that Borough Bulletin,expressed his satis- winterized, did not experience any she had been “given a line of rubbish” faction at the way in which the breakdowns in the cold weather, that when she called to complain. She is Council goes about its business of backwashing is being done every seeking a meeting with County offi- serving the people of Roosevelt, and at other day in order to keep iron read- cials to resolve this matter. seeing so many people volunteering ings down, and that water meter In other action, the Council their time and energy for the benefit installations are complete with the appointed Mayor Neil Marko as of the community. ■ exception of the school. In response liaison to the Monmouth County to a question from Mr. Hamilton, Transportation Council, appointed Mr. Hunt said that the committee Ralph Seligman as State Plan Cross would shortly begin work on devising Acceptance Representative, appointed a fee schedule. However, it may be Amy Block as crossing guard on Pine desirable to monitor actual water Drive, replacing Ron Breslaw who had usage first, so that the fee schedule resigned, approved a resolution circu- will be fair and reasonable. lated by Senator Robert Singer calling Councilman Dan Hoffman, report- for the decommissioning of the Oyster ing for the Public Works Committee, Creek nuclear power plant in Ocean

8 Bulletin • March 2004 TWO SQUARE MILES OF STORIES By David Brahinsky Why I’m Here

Whenever I think about why I’m that I used to jump up to try and here, and I do that a lot being some- reach. When I was a teenager, it what philosophically obsessed, I reached down to my Adam’s apple. remember my Grandma Minnie Grandma Minnie wasn’t very tall. Garber. Her husband, Grandpa Joe, There was also a table in the living had come to the United States some room with a glass top. Guess who years before, leaving Minnie and her broke it one day and got Grandpa Joe first born son, my Uncle Harry, back very angry. in what is today the Ukraine, some My Uncle Murray, 6 years my hundreds of miles north, north-west mother’s junior, was my childhood of the Black Sea port of Odessa. hero. He was a college graduate, an Grandpa Joe would find work, save athlete. There was a picture of him on money, send it to Minnie, who would a horse near the doorway and I used then come over. You’ve heard the to fantasize that I would have horses story before, or one like it, for it is like Silver, the Lone Ranger’s. Later the story of thousands and thousands he moved to Lawrenceville and worked of immigrants to this country. for American Cyanamid. They worked Joe did find work as a “schneider” – him to the bone, actually. that’s tailor, in English – and did save Minnie Garber & David, Spring 1946 Oh there’s more, there’s more. But money. But WWI intervened and the I’m getting away from the main point, pianola.” Western Europe, Ellis Island, Russian Revolution. Thus, by 1917, why I’m here. I’m here, to begin with, the Bronx, another child, a daughter, there were a number of different polit- due to the unimaginable courage of mother-of-mine-to-be, Pearl. Pearl ical and military movements and my Grandma Minnie. She died in meets Alex during WWII. They are forces vying for dominance in the 1967. I was in Utah, on my way to San stationed in Greensboro, N.C., where I region. As it was told to me, none of Francisco, when I heard. ■ am conceived and born. A year later, the forces - not the Reds, not the war over, it’s back to the New York Whites, nor what others there were - area, Brooklyn to be exact, Sheepshead thought well of the Jews, and so Bay to be more exact. About Minnie had to avoid contact with all When I knew her, Minnie was a the armies if she wanted to live. Two Square Miles sweet, happy woman who cooked She and Harry lived in a shack with great flanken and drank her tea out Of Stories an earthen floor. They dug out a hole of a glass with a cube of sugar in her big enough for Minnie and 3 year old Everyone in our two-square mile mouth. She lived across the street town has old family photographs Harry to hide in when the soldiers from the Bronx Zoo. If you take the and memories of the people in came by looking for someone to rape Bronx River Parkway, as you exit the them. These pictures and your and/or murder. In order to be able to zoo, her apartment complex is right memories are narratives waiting to breathe in the hole, they used straws in front of you, slightly to the right. enrich us all. So, join us in a sticking delicately and unobtrusively It’s got an inner courtyard with a Roosevelt Show and Tell project - out of the earthen floor. Minnie and find an old picture or two and tell us fountain that saw many of my “firsts,” Harry survived. a story in a few paragraphs. first climb, first fall, first skinned knee, Later she put her son on her back etc., etc. and climbed over the hills and For information telephone: The apartment had an overhead through the valleys to the port. From Marilyn Magnes 448-6402 light with a long chord coming down there, things went, as it is said “like a Pearl Seligman 448-2340

March 2004 • Bulletin 9 If you missed it in the January 15th edition of The Examiner, here it is again with the kind permission of that newspaper. An Uncommon Woman: An Uncommon Life

BY LINDA DeNICOLA things were important in those Staff Writer days.” Hunt said she was encour- ROOSEVELT - Like an opera in aged to audition by the assistant three acts, the libretto of Lois manager of the Metropolitan Hunt’s life is dramatic and color- Opera. “They knew me because I ful, but for the most part, without made my opera debut in Central the tragedy and duplicity that City,Colo., in Fidelio in 1947.” makes opera so melodramatic. She sang the part of Marzellina, The first act - growing up in the daughter. “The staff and con- Pennsylvania and developing her ductor were from the Met powerful lyric soprano voice - [Metropolitan Opera]. People at also includes winning a presti- the Met kept track of new gious prize that allowed Hunt singers. They looked for integri- entrée into the highest echelon ty as an artist,”she said. Not only of the opera world, the did she perform live at the opera Metropolitan Opera. For five house, but she also was in the years, from 1949-53, she sang Metropolitan Opera’s first televi- lead parts before crossing over sion production of “Die into legitimate theater. There is Fledermaus” in 1953, directed by no intermission before the long Garson Kanin. second act begins when she meets While she was singing at the Earl Wrightson and teams up with Earl Wrightson & Lois Hunt Met, Earl Wrightson, a baritone, was him as a musical theater duo who making a name for himself with his travel all over the country. They stay joie de vivre that must have been at own television shows, the “At Home together as a couple until he dies in the heart of the girl who became the Show,” which followed the “Arthur 1993, in their Oyster Bay, N.Y., home. woman who sang “Musetta” from La Godfrey Show” on CBS, and the In most operas, the story ends when Boheme, “Lauretta” from Gianni “American Musical Theater.” a leading character dies. In some Schicchi,“Adele” from Die Fledermaus “I was a soprano at the Met at the ways, Wrightson’s death is an ending and “Papagena” from Magic Flute at time. He invited me to sing on the ‘At for Hunt. She never performs again. the Met when she was still in her early Home Show.’” The two got along so After a five-year intermission, she twenties. Hunt’s career spans more well that she became a regular guest redefines her life. The third act has than 50 years. star. Around that time, Robert Q. her settled in an original, flat-roofed “I starting singing when I was very Lewis was starting a daily TV variety Roosevelt Bauhaus, across the street young and immediately went on the show and was looking for two singers. from her son, Councilman Jeff Hunt, road,” she said. “The Academy of “He hired us, and we did that for and near the large extended family of Music in Philadelphia was my shrine. 2 1/2 years, from 1953-56, five days her daughter-in-law, Jessica Hecht, I used to sneak out of high school to a week, and a radio show on Saturday whose descendants were among the go there.” She was a young woman mornings,” she said. “In those days, first 200 residents to settle in the two when she had her concert debut at the there was a demand for us across the square-mile borough. Barkley Hotel in 1946 and had been country. We got a lot of exposure “I was an only child, but I’m sur- singing professionally for three years singing about town. We were rounded by family now,” Hunt said. when she won the prestigious traveling all of the time. We began to A small woman, she is still elegant, Metropolitan Opera’s Audition of the concertize in winter and do musicals with a vibrant speaking voice and a Air in 1949. “That was a major event in the country,” she said. “Smaller Town Topics Continued on Page 13 10 Bulletin • March 2004 LEADERSHIP ON DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP

Continued from Page 6 the transfer tax to the surviving The Poetry Reading teers from the audience read their partner. The statute will not automat- By Gladys Nadler own poems. This year, Liz Socolow, ically provide relationship rights to As the audience filled the hall, the guest speaker and co-founder with New Jersey’s domestic partners when Roosevelt Drum Circle pounded out Rod Tulloss of the U.S. 1 Poets Co-op, they are outside of the state. their welcoming rhythms. Then the contributed two thought-provoking New Jersey joins California and lights were dimmed, and David poems: “Of Newton and the Apple” Hawaii in legislating important rela- Herrstrom strode forward to intro- and “Pondering Bankruptcy after tionship rights for domestic partners. duce the program of a double gala to Buying another Fern.” In 2000 Vermont went further by celebrate Valentine’s Day and a new Other Open Mike readings included extending all the state rights of mar- publication. (See related story.) The poems by Andrew Seaton Elliott, riage to same-sex couples through program of the Roosevelt Arts Project David Brahinsky, Frances Duckett, the newly-formed institution of civil Poetry Reading then began at the and Zohair Zaidi. union. It remains to be seen whether Borough Hall on February 14. At various intervals between readings, other states will recognize those rights, Rod Tulloss read nine short poems, the Drum Circle played, enhancing the or the rights of domestic partnership. replete with variety, wit, and sharp atmosphere of celebration. Eventually, there will be a national images. In keeping with the holiday policy on non-marital relationships, theme, one was a love poem to his The Book either by establishing the right of wife Mary called “All Morning.” By Gladys Nadler domestic partnerships, civil unions, Another was a song that he sang to a The fact that it was Valentine’s Day or full marriage equality at the federal Woody Guthrie tune. was obvious. Our local poets were level, probably by court order. Judith McNally called her tribute to reading love poems, among others. It her husband Kevin “Home.” She also was only later during the Roosevelt Monkey Business read nine short witty poems. Arts Project Poetry Reading at the By Frances Duckett Wes Cyzyewski’s poems “Let’s Get Borough Hall February 14 that the This year, the Chinese New Year is Old” and “Gone to Seed” pondered poets revealed their secret. The Year of the Monkey. In celebra- the phenomenon of aging. LEAVES,a collection of poems by tion, June Counterman’s Tai Chi David Keller read “Graveyard Pie,” poets who live or formerly lived in Classes met at the Borough Hall on “Jan Severson and in That Iowa Roosevelt, has just been published. January seventh at 7:00 p.m.for a Town,” and “Full Moon, Music.” His The announcement was made by covered dish buffet. moving poems are about memories, Liz Socolow, guest speaker and co- The normally drab room was friendship, and love. founder with Rod Tulloss of the Route stylishly decorated in brilliant colors David Herrstrom dedicated “Love 1 Poets Cooperative. creating a warm, festive atmosphere. and Construction” to his wife Connie. Six of the poets whose work is rep- Over the forty-eight students and His “The Wood Engraver’s Burial” was resented in LEAVES originally met in guests floated a friendly monkey a moving memorial to Stefan Martin. the U.S. 1 Poets Co-op before RAP balloon. Herrstrom also read “What Water was formed. They are Rod Tulloss, After the delicious and highly varied Wants,” “There and Back,” and “In David Keller, Dina Coe, Judith dinner, there were two brief demon- Constant Weather by Reliable Light.” McNally, David Sten Herrstrom, and strations of Tai Chi. First, the skilled Scott Carpenter offered a mixture of Pablo Medina. Other poets in the and graceful Russ Konst performed, sadness, desire, and wit in the poems book are Robert Axel, Scott Carpenter explaining some of the martial arts he read. These included two poems and Wes Czyzewski. derivation of some of the moves. June about grief and father-son relation- Creation of this beautiful book was Counterman, radiant in blue silk, ship over three generations. a cooperative effort involving the demonstrated the Yang short form, Robert Axel gave a dramatic reading poets and others. On the cover, and then led a group of students in the of several of his poems. “Thinking of LEAVES, the title, is printed against a first paragraph of that form. You” was his love song to his wife. We all had fun! As usual, during the last part of the program, “The Open Mike,” volun- Continued on Page 14

March 2004 • Bulletin 11 PTA NEWS By Larisa Bondy FROM THE OFFICE OF CSA, DR. DALE WEINBACH

Continued from Page 4 With over 100 days of school we never want to do this again! You are probably reading about the already passed, The PTA is a well oiled After several years there has been McGreevey Administration initiative fundraising/fund spending machine a full school picture taken and it to force schools into sharing admin- by now…well, at least lightly oiled, turned out wonderfully. The school istrators. Sharing is nothing new like the 100 bags of popcorn served at is selling 8”x17” copies as a fundraiser here at Roosevelt School. We all have the Schoolhouse Hooky day the end of to supplement Yearbook costs. There several roles, and we do share person- January. Thanks to all the stuffers and is one in the lobby, go check it out. nel with other school districts. Some to Angel Cloughly, Mike Hamilton And of course, our biggest and citizens believe this initiative is an and Ron Kostar for drumming with “funnest” event of the year approach- effort to divert attention from the the kids! es. SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH FROM failure of the state to provide suffi- The 100th day of school was 10 AM TO 1:30 PM IS THIS YEAR’S cient state aid to school districts. In celebrated by all with activities run by WINTER CARNIVAL/AUCTION. 2002-2003, New Jersey ranked 45th the Kindergarten and 1st graders and We have some old games and some nationally in the percentage of school cupcakes and balloons provided by new. There are crafts and balls to district funding supplied by state the PTA. Thanks to the bakers and throw, faces to be painted and hockey government. In 2002-03, 49.6% the fillers/knotters/ribbon cutters! to be aired! And the auction ranges public school funds came from state And of course the room parents from free haircuts and dinners to a governments nationwide, while in made sure Valentine celebrations framed Monet print and stuffed New Jersey, that figure was 37%. were properly filled with sugar rushes Unicorns. Please come and join the (National Education Association, where necessary. fun while supporting the school. Rankings and Estimates: Rankings of As always, we work on the long Our next meeting is Monday March the States 2002 and Estimates of awaited phone book. Paul Gerling 15th.Beware the Tupperware of School Statistics, 2003, May 2003). was busy revising and we are giving March! We will be combining with Regardless of where this initiative residents one last chance to verify with the 6th grade fundraiser and having a goes, we will continue to bring the insert in this Bulletin.We are also Tupperware party so please join us–if the best possible education to our collecting artwork from students to be not to work on school functions at students. a part of the phone book. And after least to shop! Hope to see you there! As an early announcement, Joy that, no one in Roosevelt is allowed in ■ Marko, our school nurse, is busy or out, call it “Town Arrest” because coordinating a family health night for the evening of April 21. There will be many interesting workshops filled with good information. More infor- THE mation will follow. Our PTA is working hard for the ROOSEVELT BOROUGH BULLETIN school’s annual winter carnival. This is distributed free-of-charge to Roosevelt residents. is a wonderful time to bring young- sters of all ages to participate in the We look forward to and appreciate contributions which are needed games, and take a chance to win to keep our publication going. Contributions are tax deductible. something special at the auction. The carnival is planned for Saturday PLEASE NOTE: morning, March 6. ■ Due to postal regulations we can only ask for “donations” rather than “subscriptions” from out-of-towners who wish to receive the BULLETIN. We will be pleased to continue sending them the BULLETIN when we receive their contributions which, of course, can be for the same amount (or more) as in the past.

12 Bulletin • March 2004 AN UNCOMMON WOMAN AN UNCOMMON LIFE

Continued from Page 10 in the summer in tent theaters all over churches and synagogues. News. The show was titled, “On the the country.” “I did a lot of oratorio,” she said. “I Lighter Side,”and the reviewer said that The list of musical theater produc- love singing in church. We sang in the they were “hams of premier quality.” tions in which she had major roles Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove,” Hunt’s son and daughter-in-law have includes Brigadoon, Carousel, Desert she added. Hunt and Wrightson also a game the family plays in the car when Song, Fiddler on the Roof, Gigi, The sang in Canada and did two around- they go on trips. “They name a city King and I, A Little Night Music and the-world Rotterdam cruises. They and I have to come up with a story,”she South Pacific. have recorded over 45 albums with said. “I’ve been in so many of them She was working on the Lewis show Columbia and RCA. But one of the [cities].” But living for so long at such when her son was born. “My mother highlights of her career was singing a high pitch has worn her out. “It was lived with us and took care of Jeff all of at the White House during Lyndon very demanding, very tiring and extra- the time,” she said. “She was a violin- B. Johnson’s presidency and in the ordinarily exhilarating,” she said. ist and taught him piano and sports.” Johnsons’ home at “The Elms,” when “I knew 60-odd roles by the time I Hunt’s mother, Bertie, was always Johnson was vice president. Hunt stopped singing in 1987. I loved it all. supportive of her daughter’s singing wrote about that experience in the I loved the atmosphere and the peo- career. “She was a chief cheerleader, Roosevelt Bulletin. She and Wrightson ple. I loved communicating with all of supporter and chauffeur,” Hunt said. were starring at the Blue Room of the those people. I was a big proponent of “She came to every class, every lesson, Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., opera in English.” and drove me to every rehearsal for a when they received a phone call from Hunt and Wrightson - or Wrightson lot of years.” Liz Carpenter, Lady Byrd’s social secre- and Hunt, as they were always billed - Hunt started studying voice in tary, asking them to perform at a shared music and their lives. “I loved junior high school in the late 1930s. luncheon in then Vice President working with Earl,” Hunt said. “We Her last tour, with Wrightson, was in Johnson’s home. The luncheon was for respected each other as artists so much.” The Sound of Music in 1979-80. “We the wives of Japanese cabinet ministers She misses her beloved Earl did 97 cities in six months, 198 perfor- who would be attending a meeting at Wrightson a great deal, but she is tired mances,” she said. “We were the only the White House. now and content to listen to the music two members of the cast whose under- The evening before the performance, of her friends and family and, on occa- studies never went on. We were they were invited to see the room sion, to listen to her own exceptional consummate professionals who took where the luncheon was to be held and recordings with Wrightson. great pride in our professionalism and to join Lady Byrd for a drink. The First The libretto for the third act says to integrity. We wanted the music to be Lady said that the vice president was picture Lois Hunt at home. She has right. The orchestras were so happy to upstairs in the bedroom with a bad added a large, light, plant-filled music have our music in front of them. Our cold, but that he wanted to meet them. room onto the back of her house in the music was rich and lush.” “All I knew “Mr. Vice President was indeed woods to hold the piano that her daugh- was music,”she added. “It was my fun, upstairs in his green bedroom, in his ter-in-law uses to give lessons. Her my life, my work. I never went on green silk pajamas with his initials, daughter-in-law is playing the piano, vacations. I was having fun all of the LBJ, embroidered from just below his and her son is sitting next to his mother time. There was a lot at stake.” shoulder to just above his ankle,”Hunt on the comfortable couch, listening. Hunt never needed amplification - said, laughing at the fact that the first It is December and one of Hunt’s not in her long singing career, nor in time she met the man who was to beautiful sequined gowns is draped her interesting life, and certainly not become president of the United States, over a round table for Christmas, and on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in he was in his pajamas. another is wrapped around the bottom New York City or at the many other That was only the first of a number of of a Christmas tree. She is content to opera houses where she performed singing engagements when Mrs. be at home in her small town. before crossing over to legitimate the- Johnson needed some “classy enter- The third act is unfinished. Hunt is ater. After making the decision to tainment,” Hunt said. Hunt and surrounded by friends, family, flowers, focus on musical theater, she sang in Wrightson made the “audience feel as cats, a “granddog” and the deer that classical and pop concerts over the comfortable as warm hands,” one come up to her back door for the corn radio and on television, and in reviewer wrote in the Palm Beach Daily that she buys for them. ■

March 2004 •Bulletin 13 TOWN TOPICS THIS JUST IN! THE BOOK Mark Zuckerman Awarded Fellowship Continued from Page 11 background photograph of trees that through the courtesy of our Roosevelt composer Mark have lost their leaves. The cover photo water/sewer operator, Toby Moore. Zuckerman has been awarded a fel- and design are by Pearl Seligman A We were shown the storage facilities lowship from the New Jersey State lovely poem by Dina Coe prefaces the for chemicals used in water purifica- Council on the Arts (NJSCA). The volume and is reproduced here: tion and sewage treatment and the fellowship was one of two given to Rare as the wood turtle in the extensive precautions that the New Jersey composers. Overall, the wood by our houses; rare as the Borough takes to insure safe use of NJSCA granted fellowships to 26 New serious artist, musician, craftsper- these materials. We first aiders came Jersey artists out of a pool of 303 son, poet in the illusory fellowship away with a clearer picture of the alert applicants in 5 artistic disciplines. of mass entertainment–rare is that systems that are in place and any spe- The sole evaluation criterion for the town that cares for its woods and cial steps we would take in the event awards is artistic excellence. wood turtle and artist. of an emergency that involved either Zuckerman’s music ranges from one of the plants. virtuoso solo pieces to music for This book of poetry is an act of February’s skill session centered chamber and large ensembles. He has such caring, conceived of and pro- around use of splinting materials. written extensively for chorus, duced by Roosevelt townspeople. We added some new splints made including a set of internationally - Wherever our poems take us, we by training officer Jack Rindt and recognized arrangemnts of Yiddish as poets are grateful to write and reviewed use of other splints to stabi- songs. His work has been performed speak from such a community. lize fractures. We tried out some of and recorded by prominent musi- (See page 17 for details about the book.) the specialized equipment such as that cians throughout the U.S. and used in a motor vehicle accident to Canada. First Aid Squad News safely remove an injured person from Zuckerman studied at Juilliard, the a car and were able to assess which University of Michigan, Bard College, By Carol Watchler equipment needed replacement. and Princeton University, where he A day in the life of a Roosevelt First Funds to replace equipment come earned a PhD in composition under Aid Squad volunteer could include from individual donations to the First the tutelage of Milton Babbitt, J.K. a call to aid a community member Aid Squad and a yearly donation from Randall, and Peter Westergaard. He here in Roosevelt or a call to a neigh- the Borough of Roosevelt. and his wife, Judith, a psychotherapist boring community in a “mutual aid” Squad members can also take with Jewish Family Services of response. We never know what our advantage of training sessions offered Southern Middlesex, divide their day might bring. by other local squads—such as time between Roosevelt and But one thing members can count Millstone and East Windsor—or select Hoboken. on is a monthly training session to continuing education courses from The NJSCA’s Fellowship Program, build skills and teamwork. In these regional sites to upgrade their skills. cosponsored by Mid Atlantic Arts sessions we review the use of equip- Full training to gain certification Foundation, recognizes artistic excel- ment on the ambulance and other vital as an EMT (Emergency Medical lence in New Jersey artists and assists skills to be sure we are prepared when Technician) is offered in several loca- their professional development. any call comes in. In some situations, tions in spring, summer, and fall time According to NJSCA chairman the EMT’s earn those all important frames. Any person who would like Sharon Harrington, “New Jersey is credits toward recertification. to get training and join the Roosevelt home of nearly 50,000 professional During our January session, one of First Aid Squad should contact Elise artists. The Fellowship Program is a the coldest days in a very cold month, Cousineau, 371-3344, or elisec- key component of the Council’s effort squad members upgraded our prepa- [email protected]. ■ to recognize and support their work.” ration for a situation dealing with ■ hazardous materials by visiting the Roosevelt Water and Sewer Plants

14 Bulletin • March 2004 BREAKING BREAD Provided by Michele Guye-Hillis and written by Bess Tremper with the help of Wishka Radkiewicz

Tunisian Fish Soup

Serves 6 to 8.

1 3 tbs. olive oil 2 /2 to 3 tbs. lemon juice 1 2 onions – chopped 1 /2 qts. fish stock or water 2 cloves of garlic – chopped 4 lbs. of mixed fish and seafood, 1 red pepper – chopped washed and prepared 1 /2 tsp. saffron – crumbed 1 bunch of Chinese parsley and 1 /2 tbs. cumin one bunch of Italian parsley 1 /2 tsp. cinnamon – chopped Having had a delicious main dish fish soup at 4 tomatoes – peeled and cubed 1 head of fennel, cut into cubes Michele’s house, I thought it would be a great 2 large potatoes cut into cubes salt & pepper recipe to share with our readers and I asked her to write it for us. She told me she was too busy this month to do so but if I liked, I could have In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until they the French cookbook from which it came and are tender and transparent but not brown. Add garlic and red so, here it is. Since my French is not good pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add remaining spices, lemon juice, pota- enough, I asked Wishka to help me. toes and fennel. Add broth or water, stir everything and bring to Any fish or seafood will suffice with the excep- a boil. Let cook on a very small flame for 20 minutes until the tion of fatty fish such as mackerel or sardines. If potatoes are almost cooked. Add the fish and tomatoes. If necessary, you like, you may use the heads, tails, skin and add more broth or water. Boil again on a very small flame until the the bones to make the fish broth, which of course fish and seafood are cooked. ■ will have to be prepared ahead of time. Decorate with the fennel tops and serve with good bread.

March 2004 •Bulletin 15 WEATHER ALMANAC By Ron Filepp

January 15 - February 15, 2004

The total snowfall for winter inches of snow has fallen in Roosevelt. Day High Low Avg Precip 2003/2004 through February 18 in The only years that haven’t had mea- 15 22.8 8.8 15.8 0.00 Roosevelt is 29.75 inches. That’s surable snow in March were 1995, 16 24.8 3.0 13.9 0.00 nearly six inches more than a typical 2000 and 2002. March 1996 snow-season brings. And there is a was the snowiest March of the last 17 34.5 12.2 23.4 0.00 good chance for significantly more ten years in Roosevelt. The total for 18 36.3 29.3 32.8 0.50 of the white powder this spring. The the month was 13.80 inches. Nine of Old Farmers’ Almanac is calling for those inches fell on March 2. Other 19 34.2 21.7 28.0 0.45 a northeaster in our region sometime significant March snowfall totals 20 29.5 18.1 23.8 0.00 between March 3 and 7 that will bring occurred in 1993, 12.50 inches and heavy snow inland and mostly rain 1994 10.50 inches. In 1997, the total 21 28.0 14.7 21.4 0.00 near the coast. The last ten years of for March was only 8.25 inches 22 39.2 15.6 27.4 0.00 weather observations for Roosevelt because a storm that started on March 23 17.4 13.3 15.4 0.00 also indicate that March has the 31 did not end until April 1. Had the potential for heavy snows. remainder of the snow that fell 24 25.5 11.8 18.7 0.00 Meanwhile, the National Weather overnight from March 31 into April 1 25 20.8 5.4 13.1 0.00 Service Climate Prediction Center been added to the total for March current 90-day forecast is calling for 1997 the total for the month would 26 26.1 15.1 20.6 0.15 equal chances for above or below have been 10.50 inches. 27 27.3 20.7 24.0 0.00 normal precipitation and tempera- tures for March. 28 33.6 19.9 26.8 0.45 Among the positive aspects of W eather Word 29 27.9 13.8 20.9 0.00 March are its longer days. There is 30 24.1 14.0 19.1 0.00 about two hours more daylight at the Neve~~ - The upper part of a glacier beginning of March than at the begin- where the snow turns to ice. 31 25.9 12.4 19.2 0.00 ning of January. Sunrise on March 1 Niveious - Like snow, snowy. 1 35.6 9.7 22.7 0.00 was at 6:31 a.m.; sunset at 6:22 p.m. we had over 11 hours of daylight. By Weather - A social invention to facili- 2 38.5 11.8 25.2 0.00 tate small talk. ■ the last day of the month, the length 3 42.8 18.5 30.7 0.00 of the day will have increased to 12 hours and 39 minutes. But March 4 42.3 34.5 38.4 0.78 winds can blow wild and cold, and 5 37.4 24.6 31.0 0.00 can bring major snowstorms. 6 39.2 32.2 35.7 0.19 In the first Roosevelt Weather Almanac (The Bulletin,April 1993), 7 44.6 34.5 39.6 1.90 I reported about a notable March 8 35.8 21.2 28.5 0.09 snowstorm. The “Storm of the Century” dumped a total of 11 inches 9 43.9 22.6 33.3 0.00 of snow in Roosevelt on March 13 10 47.1 30.4 38.8 0.00 and 14. While we have had many 11 39.6 29.5 34.6 0.00 other storms that dropped more snow, the area that this 1993 storm 12 40.6 25.2 32.9 0.00 covered was immense. The system 13 41.4 28.6 35.0 0.00 covered almost all of the eastern states at one time. The significant 14 44.8 30.7 37.8 0.00 snowfall from the storm was 15 30.7 22.1 26.4 0.00 not a fluke. In the ten Marches from 1993 Total Precipitation 4.51” through 2003 a total of over sixty

16 Bulletin • March 2004 ROOSEVELT ARTS PROJECT 2004 SEASON

Saturday, March 20, 2004 8:00 p.m. at the Borough Hall THE STORY OF PIETRO MASCAGNI Pietro Mascagni will be presented in a conversation and recital with mezzo-soprano, Cheri Katz and pianist, Alan Mallach

Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, 2004 8:00 p.m. at the Borough Hall THE ROOSEVELT STRING BAND The Roosevelt String Band, with David Brahinsky, Paul Prestopino, Ed Cedar, Howie Jacobson, and Sarah Houtz, will perform folk songs of contemporary singer-songwriters and from various folk traditions. The Roosevelt String Band double CD is available Call 443-1898.

Saturday, May 22, 2004 8:00 p.m. at the Borough Hall ARTNOLOGY/COMPUTER MUSIC AND INSTALLATIONS Brad Garton, Wiska Radkiewicz and Wes John-Alder will explore the intersection of technology and creativity, featuring new works of computer music, interactive performance and sculptural installations. They will be joined by researchers and artists from Princeton and Columbia Universities.

Saturday, June 4 and June 5, 2003 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Factory, located at 34 North Valley Road ART IN THE FACTORY Art exhibit and opening reception will feature many accomplished artists from town, some of whom have become internationally known.

V oluntary Contribution: For most events $5 per adult. For the String Band $10 per adult, $5 for seniors and children.

LEAVES,a 28-page collection of poetry by Roosevelt poets is now available at $5.00 from the Roosevelt Arts Project. To order, call Robin Gould at 448-4616.

MURAL POSTCARDS AVAILABLE THROUGH ROOSEVELT ARTS PROJECT

The Roosevelt Arts Project proudly offers for sale our beautiful three-panel reproduction of the Ben Shahn mural from our school. The postcards are available for $2.00 each and a small number of flat, unfolded copies, suitable for framing, are avail- able for $10.00 each. All proceeds go to the Roosevelt Arts Project to cover the cost of these cards, enable us to produce future postcards in our Roosevelt Arts series and to support RAP exhibits and events. Cards are available at the Borough Hall or by calling Robin Middleman at 426-4583. The Roosevelt Arts Project is a tax-exempt cultural organization funded exclusively by admissions and donations. RAP appreciates your support. ■

March 2004 • Bulletin 17 SUPPORTERS AND CONTRIBUTORS 2003 - 2004 Contributions received after February 16 will appear in the April Bulletin.

Louise Anish Mr. & Mrs. D. Herrstrom Eleanor G. Pedersen Mr. & Mrs. R. Axel Anne Hayden Mr. & Mrs. R. Petrilla Carol Watchler & Ann Baker James Hayden Maria del Piano Louise Baronowitz Mr. & Mrs. J. Hecht Mr. & Mrs. G. Possiel Miriam Bell Mr. & Mrs. A. Hepner Mr. & Mrs. M. Przychocki Mr. & Mrs. O. Bondy Victoria Herbert Mr. & Mrs. B. Reimbold Mr. & Mrs. D. Brahinsky Rob Heyman Mr. & Mrs. M. Rocchia Ruth Braun Mr. & Mrs. D. Hoffman Mary Ann Rossi Molly Bulkin Mr. & Mrs. L. Guye-Hillis Jane & Kirk Rothfuss Bruce Bulkin Mr. & Mrs. D. Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. L. Sacharoff Mr. & Mrs. R. Cayne Cynthia Imbrie Mr. & Mrs. M. Sadowsky Mr. & Mrs. H. Chasan Eric Jaegel Alt/Schwartz Family Mr. & Mrs. R. Clark Mr. & Mrs. H. Johnson Victor Scudiary Mr. & Mrs. P. Clapton Dr. & Mrs. B Kassahun Helen Seitz Dina Coe & Greg McGrath Margaret Katz Shirley Shaffer Bruce Cohen Diana Klein Mr. & Mrs. S. Silverman Mr. & Mrs. W. Counterman The Koffler Family Mrs. H. Socholitzky Mr. & Mrs. P. Cousineau Mr. & Mrs. K. Laurita Mr. & Mrs. M. Sokoloff Mr. & Mrs. J. Datz Lynn Lawson Rabbi J.G. Solomon M. Kathleen Drury Betty Leech Mr. & Mrs. M. Ticktin Frances Duckett Toby Levin Mr. & Mrs. J. Towle Virginia Edwards Ilene Levine Bess Trumper Lottie Sackowitz-Eisner Robin Gould & Alan Mallach Elinor P. Tucker Mr. & Mrs. B. Ellentuck Susanna Margolis Mr. & Mrs. G. Vasseur Mr. & Mrs. J. Ellentuck Elizabeth Mcardle Mr. & Mrs. D. Warner Mr. & Mrs. L. Esakoff Mr. & Mrs. K. McNally The Warner Family Mr. & Mrs. R. Frances Mr. & Mrs. S. Millar Alexandra Bonfonte-Warren Jill Lipoti & Brad Garton Mr. & Mrs. Moser Dale Weinbach Mr. & Mrs. E. Goetzmann Mr. & Mrs. P. Mueller Mr. & Mrs. R. Weinberg Estelle Goozner Terri Nachtman Sonya White Mr. & Mrs. E. Grunwald Gladys Nadler The Zahora Family

The Bulletin is pleased to accept articles having to do in any way with the Borough of Roosevelt, including literary works by local residents and others with ties to the community. However, due to the fact that this is a non-profit publication that is dependent upon public contributions, articles designed to promote the sale of products or services for profit cannot be accepted.

18 Bulletin • March 2004 BUSINESS SPONSORS The Bulletin publishes free-of-charge public information listings from Roosevelt residents and business, and from those in the immedi- ate vicinity with ties to Roosevelt. Write: Roosevelt Borough Bulletin,Box 221, Roosevelt, NJ 08555. Contributions are appreciated and are tax-deductible (suggested: $40.00/year, $50.00 if over 5 lines.) Deadline is the 15th of each month.

AUTOMOBILE SERVICING ARTHUR R. STINSON CONSTRUCTION TAI CHI CLASSES COMPACT KARS Additions • Foundations • Stamped Relaxation & Balance for all ages Rt. 526 at Rt. 537, Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Concrete Wednesdays – 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Complete Mechanical & Auto Collision Snow Removal Fridays – 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Repairs/24Hr. Towing/Select Used Cars Free Estimates At the Borough Hall 609-259-6373 448-0154 Call June Counterman 448-3182 Fax 448-1122 YOGA INSTRUCTION/ LANE TIRE CENTER YOGA THERAPY Complete Auto Care Center SPECIALTIES Offering individual and group sessions. All Work Guaranteed/Foreign & Domestic R & A PETRILLA For class schedule and info., call 387 Mercer St., Hightstown Old books & papers purchased & appraised Deborah Metzger 443-3759 448-9500 (established 1970) 609-426-4999 PRINTERS BANK PRINTS OF WINDSOR FLEET BANK CUSTOMIZED COMPUTER SERVICES Quality Printing and Copying The Bulletin Bank Virus cleaning, Computer training, more. Specializing in home networks to share 1274 Route 130 South your internet connection, printers, files Box 354 HOME IMPROVEMENT Windsor, NJ 08561 CONSTRUCTION, ET AL with 2 or more computers. Wired and wireless networks installed. 448-3400 • Fax 448-0684 COLORBLINDS DESIGN Printer of the Bulletin Interior Design Service Roosevelt home page space and design Specialize in Windows donated, see at www.web2sons.org. 10% Discount to Roosevelt Residents Roosevelt resident, Bob Francis RESTAURANT/TAKEOUT Nona Sherak 448-2797 Contact [email protected] or ROSSI’S PIZZA & DELI call 609-448-4064. Route 571 DR. K’s LANDSCAPING AND 1 North Rochdale Ave. LAWN CARE MUSIC Hours: Mowing – Planting – Fertilizing – Pruning GUITAR INSTRUCTION Monday thru Thursday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Yard Clean-Up – Landscaping – Tree Age 7 & up Fri. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Trimming and Removal David Brahinsky: 443-1898 443-5111 Designs by Craig & Howard Kaufman STORYTELLING & FOLK SINGING 448-4282 AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES. EAST WINDSOR FLOOR COVERING We’ve got your entire floor covering needs PET CARE & HIGH QUALITY **WOOD**VINYL**TILE**CERAMIC** DOG FOOD Wall-to-Wall Carpets, 888 Area Rugs Experienced loving pet sitter Three locations to serve you better Call Lois @ 609-426-4209 East Windsor Hamilton Ewing 609-443-6999 609-890-6111 609-392-0600 Patronize our PERSONAL CARE MICHAEL D. PRYZCHOCKI, COUNSELING business sponsors. GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. Individual, Couples and Family Therapy/ Small Job to Total Construction. Roofing, Counseling Most of them are Wood Decks, Patios, Additions. Robin Axel, ACSW,LCSW Renovations – Bathroom, Kitchens, Robert A. Axel, Ph.D. our neighbors. Remodeling – Custom Closets, 609-426-1711 Insulations, Formica, Major and Minor Repairs. References Available. Fully Insured, Free Estimates, Certified Contractor. 10% Senior Citizen Discount 448-2180

March 2004 •Bulletin 19 Please send your events and activities to Jane Rothfuss, Box 122, 7:30 pm Council Committee Meeting 448-3713 or email: [email protected] Borough Hall Every Wednesday 7 - 8:30 p.m., Library open at RPS Mike Hamilton, President (adults need Monmouth County library card) 609-443-5227 Call Delores Chasan, 609-448-2062 for information 17 Wed 7:30 pm Environmental Commission Every Saturday at RPS 7:30 p.m., Cartoon Movie; Meeting 8:30 p.m. Family Movie Call Rec Commission 448-0539 David Schwendeman, Chairman or check Bulletin Board 609-443-6204 18 Thurs 7:30 pm Synagogue Board Meeting March Neil Marko 1 Mon 7:30 pm Council Committee Meeting 609-443-6818 Borough Hall 20 Sat 8 pm RAP Program Mike Hamilton, President Story of Pietro Mascagni 609-443-5227 Singer Cheri Katz and 8 pm Council Agenda Meeting, Pianist Alan Mallach Borough Hall call Robin Gould 609-448-4616 Neil Marko, Mayor 24 Wed C RECYCLE 609-443-6818 30 2 Tues 7:30 pm Board of Education Budget Tues RPS - Read Across America Day Hearing followed by Regular 12 noon Blood Pressure Check Meeting RPS Borough Hall Jill Lipoti, President 609-448-9214 1 pm Seniors Meeting Borough Hall Gerry Millar, President 609-448-035 April Preview 5 FriRPS Pizza Day 5-12 Mon RPS closed Spring Break 6 Sat 10 am RPS PTA Winter Carnival, RPS 6 Tues 12 noon Blood Pressure Check to 1:30 pm Larisa Bondy 443-7430 Borough Hall 8 Mon 7:30 pm Council Meeting 1 pm Senior Meeting Borough Hall Borough Hall Neil Marko, Mayor Gerry Millar, President 609-443-6818 609-448-0351 9 Tues 7:30 pm Planning Board Meeting, Borough Hall Ralph Seligman, Chairman 609-448-2340 NON-PROFIT ORG. 10 Wed C RECYCLE U.S. Postage PAID 11 Thurs 5 pm-9 pm Blood Drive Borough Hall Call Liz Possiel for an appoint- Roosevelt, NJ ment 609-448-1485 Permit No, 6 12 FriRPS Pizza Day PRSRT STD 15 Mon RPS State Test administered Postal Customer this week Roosevelt, NJ 08555-0221 7:30 pm PTA Meeting RPS Larisa Bondy, President 609-443-7430

March 2004 •Bulletin 20