Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus
Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, September 23, 2010 OUR 120th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 38-2010 Periodical – Postage Paid at Rahway, N.J. www.goleader.com [email protected] SEVENTY FIVE CENTS Westfield Firefighter Saves Mother And Son from Point Pleasant Surf By BENJAMIN B. CORBIN published report, Raechel Fisher, 31, into the ocean. Mr. Cerchio was the Specially Written for The Westfield Leader of Gloversville, N.Y. and her son, Zack, first on scene and went right out to help WESTFIELD – An off-duty had gone to the water’s edge so the boy the mother and son.” Westfield firefighter and Scotch Plains could wash the sand off his feet, but After reaching the victims, Mr. resident rescued a 10-year-old child they quickly were engulfed by strong Cerchio tried to talk to the mother and and the child’s mother Sunday in Point waves. child, but they were in shock. The boy Pleasant. Mr. Cerchio, a former athlete, teacher finally spoke and stated that he could Firefighter Louis N. Cerchio, III, 37, and coach, raced to the ocean, tossing swim, but his mother could not. With was with his wife and two children at his cell phone in the sand before enter- this information, Mr. Cerchio said, the beach, where he had once been a ing the water. His wife, Lisa, 32, re- “Everything will be okay. We will use lifeguard, when the incident occurred. trieved it and called 9-1-1. the waves to help us get in.” At around 12:25 p.m., he overheard a Point Pleasant Police Chief Kevin R. As the trio struggled to get to shore, woman saying, “They are in trouble; O’Hara told The Westfield Leader, “A two waiters from a boardwalk tiki bar they need help.” 10-year-old was playing by the water took boogie boards from a display at the The woman was talking about the when a wave came and washed him out establishment and rushed to the water to mother and child, who had been swept into the ocean. Then his mother went in help pull the victims onto the beach. out into the ocean. According to a after him. Both were then swept further Finally, after battling the heavy surf brought on by Hurricane Igor, Mr. Cerchio got the mother and son to the shore. Mr. Cerchio stated, “Once we got to shore and I knew we were safe, I just collapsed on the beach, exhausted.” After catching his breath, Mr. Cerchio got up and was greeted with hugs and Benjamin B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader WRESTLING THE WAVES TO SAVE LIVES...While off duty Sunday, Westfield Firefighter Louis N. Cerchio, III jumped cheers from onlookers who had watched into 10-foot-high breakers, swam out and saved a 10-year-old child and the child’s mother from being swept out to sea in Point the 12-minute rescue unfold. Pleasant. The well-conditioned Scotch Plains resident and SP-F High School graduate is noted for his athletic prowess statewide In a fortuitous twist of fate, Mr. in high school wrestling, and he was a Division I All-American 167-pound wrestler for Seton Hall University. See story at left. Cerchio said his wife had originally suggested going to Belmar that day, but that they went to Point Pleasant instead because a surf tournament was being Central Ave. Residents Continue held in Belmar. A Division I All-American wrestler at Seton Hall University, Mr. Cerchio also wrestled as a student at Scotch Airing Objections to Pedestrian Light Plains-Fanwood High School and later By LAUREN S. BARR Mayor Andrew Skibitsky asked Sontz, who previously ran for Third served as an assistant coach there. He Specially Written for The Westfield Leader Mrs. Carluccio what her education Ward councilman, presented the additionally started an intermediate- WESTFIELD — At Tuesday was in traffic engineering, and Mrs. council with a signed petition to rein- school wrestling program at Roosevelt night’s town council conference ses- Carluccio said the town’s traffic safety state the crossing guard who was School in Westfield and also was a sion, Central Avenue residents Adina engineer is “obviously an idiot.” eliminated at Central Avenue and Sy- Paul Lachenauer for TheWestfield Leader member of the coaching staff at David Enculescu and Maria Carluccio con- Ms. Enculescu said she is now camore Street, and urged the council A LONG TRADITION...William McVay awaits the opening of the Azure Brearley High School in Kenilworth. tinued to voice their objections over a breaking the law in order to back out to “find the money to restore the Masada Masonic Lodge in Cranford on Sunday for the cornerstone-laying Chief O’Hara said, “My department, new pedestrian crossing traffic light of her driveway because she has to crossing guard.” He said that when he ceremony at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford. See story on Page 3. the Point Pleasant First Aid squad and that has been installed on Ms. cross a solid white line or block the was out collecting signatures, he told dive team responded, but thank God, Enculescu’s property. crosswalk. She again stated that the people that he was with the Demo- they were not needed.” Mrs. Carluccio said that while her crosswalk should have been placed at cratic Committee and still collected Freeholders Oppose Holding * * * * * * * property has not been affected, she the intersection of Clover Street and more than 70 signatures with only For more information, we recom- has been circulating a petition to have Central Avenue. She complained over three refusals. mend reading the fine story by Nic the traffic light moved, as she said it not being notified about the project Public Safety Committee Chair- Up ARC Tunnel Project Corbett of The Star-Ledger, published is “not a safe spot…to say nothing of and told the mayor and council that woman JoAnn Neylan said that the By PAUL J. PEYTON now have from Summit or from Eliza- September 22, 2010, which also ap- what you did to my neighbor’s prop- she “will not stop until I die” in order council is going to have a traffic safety Specially Written for The Westfield Leader beth, those hopes are going to be dashed pears on NJ.com. erty.” to have the light moved and said, “It’s officer acting as a crossing guard at ELIZABETH – The Union County [by the Governor’s decision].’” a crime what has happened to me.” the intersection until the new traffic- Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a He said the Christie administration’s When Mayor Skibitsky questioned crossing signal is operational. She resolution last Thursday opposing the decision to halt the project “has put in Long-Time Scotch Plains Twp. why Ms. Enculescu felt that drivers also said that the mayor and Third temporary shutdown of an $8.7-bil- extreme serious jeopardy” outside would be more likely to stop for pe- Ward Councilman Mark Ciarrocca lion rail tunnel to New York City. The funding sources “on a project that is destrians at Central and Clover ver- have volunteered to each give one project, known as the Trans-Hudson desperately needed.” Clerk Barbara Riepe to Retire sus the traffic light at her property, week to help with the walking school Express Tunnel or Access to the “I can’t for the life of me understand By FRED T. ROSSI The second ordinance modifies Fourth Ward Councilman James bus program. Councilwoman Neylan Region’s Core (ARC) Mass Transit why this Governor would put that Specially Written for The Westfield Leader township recycling rules to bring them Foerst interjected, “So long as it’s not said she would rather not have elimi- Tunnel Project, is expected to double kind of money into jeopardy,” Mr. SCOTCH PLAINS — Township into line with various state and county- in front of her property.” nated any crossing guards, but town rail capacity to the city. Sullivan said. “So, if you live in clerk Barbara Riepe confirmed this mandated recycling standards. “I stand behind the project,” Mayor finances necessitated the elimina- Board Chairman Dan Sullivan, Westfield, good luck trying to get a week that she will be retiring effec- Deputy mayor Bratti emphasized that Skibitsky told Ms. Enculescu. He also tions, and she does not “want this to Union County’s representative on the one-seat ride into New York City in the tive November 1, wrapping up a 52- homeowners will see no changes to said that if a child or pedestrian is become an ugly political issue.” North Jersey Transportation and Plan- next few years.” year career working for the munici- recycling procedures. Both ordi- injured at the crosswalk, “it won’t be Mayor Skibitsky said the govern- ning Authority (NJTPA), said mem- Summit Councilwoman Ellen pal government, the last 23 years nances will be voted on at the council’s because of design.” ing body has to listen to its experts bers of the 13-county NJTPA board in Dickson, a Republican Freeholder can- heading the clerk’s office. Mayor October 5 meeting. The mayor had asked that public and make decisions given its budget 2007 “all voted unanimously to ap- didate, said she attended a breakfast Nancy Malool told The Westfield The council also approved, by a 4- comments be limited to three min- constraints because “that’s what lead- prove this project.” He said $3 billion meeting recently in which the ARC Leader that the township council, 1 vote, an increase in towing fees that utes, and after Ms. Enculescu had ers do.” each is coming from the federal gov- project was discussed. which is responsible for naming a can be charged for what Councilman been speaking for more than 20 min- Mr. Sontz said he believes there are ernment and Port Authority of New “[Assemblyman Joe Cryan (LD- successor, is starting to interview Jeff Strauss called “involuntary tows,” utes and was asked by the mayor less-important expenses than cross- York and New Jersey, with the State of 20, Union) even admitted that he candidates to replace Mrs. Riepe. The meaning situations where a driver several times to finish, she was ing guards that could be cut in the New Jersey allocating $2.7 billion. doesn’t think that Governor Christie is position is one of the few in munici- surrenders his vehicle due, for in- stopped from making further com- municipal budget. “This is one of the biggest construc- trying to kill this project. He’s trying pal government — besides, among stance, to an arrest for driving while ments by Police Chief John Parizeau In other business, Councilman tion projects we’ve seen in many to slow it down so we can figure out others, township manager, township intoxicated. He said the police de- and asked to step outside with him. Foerst reported on several items from years,” Mr. Sullivan said. “If you’re on where we’re getting the money from, attorney and municipal judge — sub- partment had requested the fee in- Vernon Terrace resident Matt CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 the Raritan Valley Line and you had because we don’t have the money,” ject to appointment by the governing crease, which is re-set periodically. any thought at all about having a one- she said. “And he’s trying to negotiate body and not the manager. Councilman Kevin Glover voted seat run into New York City, like you CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Mrs. Riepe’s comment to The against the fee hike, saying it pro- Leader came prior to the council’s vided no benefit to the township and conference and regular meetings on could lead to an increase in the num- Tuesday evening, during which it in- ber of impounded cars in township troduced an ordinance that somewhat possession. He noted that selling these loosens regulations on garages and cars at public auction has been diffi- another that adds what deputy mayor cult in recent years, causing storage Dominick Bratti called enforcement fees incurred by the municipal gov- “teeth” to existing ordinances regard- ernment to mount. ing recycling. The council also passed — by a 4- The first ordinance would allow 1 vote, with Mr. Glover voting no — homeowners with two-car garages to a resolution renewing the township’s convert half of that garage space to membership in the Suburban Mu- living space. When the council dis- nicipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), cussed the matter during the summer, which provides local governments zoning officer Robert LaCosta said with liability and non-health insur- there are situations in which a home- ance coverage. The resolution ap- owner wants to expand the amount of proved a new three-year membership living space to accommodate a grow- in the JIF, which the township has Paul Lachenauer for The Westfield Leader ing family or an elderly family mem- been part of since the mid-1990s. LET’S ROLL...This rider gets her motorcycle ready to roll in Sunday’s Rolling ber, but cannot afford to have an With municipal elections 42 days Thunder Ride for Freedom XV Event to remember POW/MIAs and benefit the addition added to their house. In re- away, local politics briefly reared its New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial. cent years, there have been several head during the council’s conference Courtesy of Bramnick Photo Contest, Peter Yushak PAGE INDEX Police Blotter...6 DISCOVERING NEW JERSEY...Nomahegan Park is displayed in its beauty in such applications before the local meeting prior to the regular meeting Regional ...... 2-3 Obituary ...... 8 Real Estate .... 12-17 this photograph as part of Asm. Jon Bramnick’s photo contest extolling New land use boards to convert portions of when the five members were discuss- Editorial ...... 4-5, 18 Education ...... 9, 19 Classifieds .... 19 Jersey. The winners are to be announced soon and the complete set of photos can garage space into bedrooms or spe- ing the JIF resolution. Councilman Community ... 7-8, 18 Sports ...... 11-17 A&E ...... 20-22 be viewed at www.goleader.com/photos. cially-equipped bathrooms. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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Paid for by Ellen Dickson for Freeholder: Nora Bani, Treasurer 33 Ridge Road, Summit NJ 07901
Freeholders, ARC Tunnel CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 with vendors…and get a better rate.” This is just a pass-through to allow for The board also passed a resolution private entities to take advantage of to accept $1 billion in funding from the low [borrowing] rate,” Mr. Sullivan the United States Department of La- explained. bor through its Green Skills = Green During the public-comment portion Jobs Grant. of the meeting, Ms. Dickson asked Frank Guzzo, the county’s director what impact the high foreclosure rate of human services, said the county’s was having on county finances. She program is being designed to provide said Elizabeth had 1,300 foreclosures safety, technical and green-skills train- in 2009; Plainfield, 700; Hillside, 400; ing to unemployed and underemployed Linden, 400, and Union, 400. “And disadvantaged adults “with an empha- the actual rate for the first half of 2010 sis on women and minorities.” He said is higher (than 2009). It’s accelerat- the program would help these workers ing, and most experts don’t think we to be hired in the fields of solar, gas, are going to hit the bottom in this water and electrical utility industries. housing recovery for another six Noel Christmas, president of Local months or a year,” she said. 601 of the Utility Workers of America, Al Faella, director of the Depart- Courtesy of Alberta Ryan GOING UNDERGROUND...Frank Chupko of Scotch Plains reads The Scotch BEETLE MANIA...On Thursday, shortly before 2 p.m., a Volkswagen Beetle a union that is working in partnership ment of Parks and Community Re- Plains-Fanwood Times in the Philippines during his annual vacation there earlier turned over on its side on New Providence Road heading towards Route 22, just with the county, noted that the county’s newal, said the county’s Foreclosure this year. Mr. Chupko enriches his cultural experience at Puerto Princesa past Hillside Avenue. grant is part of an overall $5 million Task Force is “working very closely Subterranean River National Park. United States Department of Labor with agencies that we have funded grant. grant dollars to provide, in some cases, Garwood to Receive $21,216 “The goal of the Green Skills equals some adjustments and accommoda- Merging SP, FW PD And Green Jobs Grant is just that – to train tions to people to allow them to stay in individuals in areas that will yield the their homes.” Of $268 Mil. in Federal Aid highest employment opportunities in Ms. Dickson also asked how fore- DPW Would Save $1.5 Mil. By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL there would be no cost to the district. the utility industry,” Mr. Christmas closures are impacting the county’s By FRED T. ROSSI with Fanwood’s court being moved Specially Written for The Westfield Leader In other business, John Bolil was said. “I am making a commitment to tax collections. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader to Scotch Plains Municipal Court and GARWOOD – Garwood Superin- unanimously approved as the board work with the freeholders through Mr. Caroselli said the county, unlike SCOTCH PLAINS — A consult- using space currently occupied by tendent of Schools Teresa Quigley of education secretary for the 2010- their Department of Human Services area towns, is “statutorily required to ant has recommended “a new and the township’s recreation department, this week commented on the money 2011 at a rate of $3,000 per year. Mr. to ensure that all graduates of the receive 100 percent of our taxes” from significantly higher level of shared which would be relocated to offices New Jersey school districts would Bolil is the full-time business ad- Green Skills equals Green Jobs pro- municipalities that collect the taxes. services” between Scotch Plains and in Fanwood’s municipal building. be receiving from the federal gov- ministrator for the Clark school dis- gram are afforded the opportunity to “We have not experienced in the Fanwood that includes merging the JPM’s report says it “seriously con- ernment. According to Ms. Quigley, trict, where Garwood teenagers at- both obtain employment with the util- first three quarters of tax collections two communities’ police departments sidered” recommending an outright Garwood, as well as other school tend Arthur L. Johnson High School. ity industry and to join the union.” any deficiencies in receiving, nor any and public works departments, and merger between Scotch Plains and districts, learned Tuesday how much The Garwood board unanimously Bruce Paterson of Garwood com- tardiness of any of the towns,” Mr. moving the Fanwood municipal court Fanwood, but opted not to do so due of the $268 million in federal aid approved a work order for $6,462 mended the union, calling the pro- Caroselli said. to the Scotch Plains Municipal Build- for several reasons, including its feel- would be received by its district. for the Lincoln School’s heating and gram “a great partnership.” ing and relocating the Scotch Plains ing that such a move “raises so many The money is aimed at replacing aid cooling system. Tom Spera, super- “I tell you, this is unique in that the Recreation Department to the concerns and ‘what ifs,’ and creates cut to local districts. visor of buildings and grounds, told union is actually helping non-union Fanwood Borough Hall. such a negative atmosphere between She stated that Garwood had been the board that the air in the Lincoln people get jobs,” Mr. Paterson said. Westfield The 250-page report by Jersey Pro- ‘us and them,’ that the opportunity scheduled to receive $21,216 and gymnasium is not balanced prop- The board also approved a resolu- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 fessional Management (JPM), the for real cooperation is eliminated.” that it needed to be used by August erly, and therefore, there are specific tion authorizing the Union County the Code Review and Town Property Cranford-based consultant that Furthermore, the report noted that 31, 2011. She also reported that there areas that cannot receive the right Improvement Authority to “coordi- Committee, which he chairs. He said shepherded last year’s deliberations no merger of two towns in New Jer- were “very specific rules and regu- amount of air, which, he said, cre- nate the issuance of recovery zone the committee met with the Westfield by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Shared sey has been approved by voters in lations on how to use the money.” ates hot and cold air in certain sec- facility bonds” for the construction of Historical Society at the Reeve House Services Study Committee, was pro- more than 50 years. The amount of In addressing the audience, Su- tions of the gym. He said the work an eight-story, five-acre Embassy on Mountain Avenue. He said that vided to the two towns’ governing money saved via a merger would be perintendent Quigley also com- would include determining the Suites Hotel, to be built on Glimcher while there is more work to be done bodies earlier this year, but just re- “only marginally better” than what mented on the new School Choice proper airflow of the unit so that it Realty Way across from the Jersey in converting the former residence leased to the public earlier this month. will be saved through the increased program, which was recently ap- can be balanced. The work will also Gardens Mall in Elizabeth. into a museum and new home of the It was produced after a series of pub- shared services urged in the report. proved by the Governor. She stated include the installation of new ac- The hotel will include 192 guest historical society, there has been a lic meetings as well as extensive ex- JPM also cited the civil service ver- that Garwood has already received cess doors, dampers and a new air suites, lobby, restaurant, lounge, meet- “huge improvement” in the house. aminations of all municipal depart- sus non-civil-service status of the two requests from parents who would scoop. ing rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, The council will consider an ordi- ments in both towns, including their towns’ municipal employees and the like their children to transfer to the The next board meeting is sched- business center, offices, laundry and nance regulating the length of time functions, personnel and budget, as resulting complications a merger Garwood school district. She re- uled for Tuesday, October 18, at mechanical rooms, according to a portable storage devices can be left well as facilities, including town hall would raise in that regard. The effect ported that before any requests can 7:30 p.m. county-issued press release. on a property. The new ordinance buildings and public works facilities. of a merger on those residents who be taken, schools had to wait for the Mr. Sullivan said the project would will limit the time to two 30-day The report notes that the “very, volunteer for various commissions state code to come out. She did note County Relaunches result in 350 temporary construction periods in a calendar year and will very significant fact” that the two as well as the fire departments and that the law only applied to a hand- jobs and 50 permanent jobs when the also regulate the size and location of towns share a school system “sets the rescue squads was also noted, as was ful of districts that had room to ac- ‘Vintage Views’ Show hotel is opened. He said the hotel the units. stage for many other cooperative ef- the fact that a merger “is permanent commodate students and that those ELIZABETH — The County of would produce $650,000 in annual Mr. Foerst also said that the mem- forts.” The recommendation to share and final,” and the two towns’ “will districts could only accept a limited Union has re-launched “Vintage tax revenue for the City of Elizabeth. bers of the council would see a draft police and public works departments not have any opportunity to change number of students. Views,” a public-affairs TV show “I think it is a great thing,” Mr. of an ordinance to create a fee and was made, according to the report, their mind if something goes wrong The superintendent also stated that for seniors. The show is produced by Sullivan said. new regulations for residents to sub- because they are the two largest de- with the merger.” she knew that a potential participat- the county’s Public Information Di- Mr. Sullivan said $15.5 million in mit questions to the town’s zoning partments in both towns and the po- “This gives us a good roadmap of ing student would have to live in the vision and will be taped and edited National Recovery Zone bonds have official. This new process would not tential for savings is “significant.” where we want to go now,” Fanwood same county and be no more than 20 for monthly distribution by UNION been funded through the American only “recapture the expense” of the JPM estimates about $1 million in Mayor Colleen Mahr told The miles away from the school he or she TV 34. Recovery and Reinvestment Act of zoning officer’s time, but also create savings from a shared police depart- Westfield Leader. “We’ve sort of ex- would like to attend. “Vintage Views” is hosted by Tony 2009. The entire county has been des- a mechanism so that responses to ment and about $500,000 from a hausted all the other shared services In other business, it was announced Brennan, a veteran TV personality, ignated a recovery zone by the federal residents are in writing. shared public works operation. between the two towns, so now it’s that Ms. Quigley, along with Board commentator and announcer from government. In an effort to avoid having one time to ramp up our efforts.” of Education President Adele Lewis Elizabeth. The half-hour show will Larry Caroselli, the county’s direc- town or the other feel “as if they are Scotch Plains mayor Nancy Malool and Board of Education members be seen on Comcast, Cablevision tor of finance, said the bonds “enable Scotch Plains dependent on the other town,” the told The Leader the report “opens the Christine Guerriero and Barbara and FiOS systems throughout the private businesses to have certain tax report says an effort was made to door to a lot of discussion” about Greet, would attend a New Jersey county. On Comcast TV34, the show advantages in the issuance of these CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ensure that both towns be both a additional shared efforts. She said toolkit seminar, to be hosted by the will air seven days a week, at 8:30 bonds.” He said the repayment of the Glover, who is seeking re-election on “receiver” and a “provider” of shared there were some recommendations state’s Governmental Relations De- a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and on the bonds would be the responsibility of November 2, asked for further infor- services. To that end, Scotch Plains in the report “that have potential,” partment on Wednesday, October 13, countywide Comcast Channel 96 the businesses involved in the project. mation, including whether bids from would become the lead agency for although she said she was “a little at 7 p.m. in Summit. It was noted (except for Elizabeth), the show will “This is not county debt, nor is the other JIFs had been solicited. Mayor the new-shared police department and disappointed” at the level of pro- that this was a free seminar and that air on Friday evenings. county guaranteeing any of this debt. Malool criticized Mr. Glover’s re- would hire and employ the shared jected savings. “I thought it would be quest for an “eleventh-hour discus- police chief, who would report to the higher.” sion” on a resolution set to be voted Scotch Plains municipal manager. Two public forums will be held at Lack of sleep has been linked to: on at the council’s regular meeting an Fanwood would continue to have a Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School hour hence. patrol division based out of a smaller to give residents a chance to air their Increased risk of health She said that if Mr. Glover had Fanwood police station. Similarly, views on the report. The meetings problems such as obesity, “wanted specific information, he Fanwood would serve as lead agency will be held on Wednesdays, October should’ve asked for it” earlier than for public works services and hire 13 and November 10, starting at 7 diabetes, hypertension and that evening’s conference meeting, and employ the shared director, who p.m. depression given that the matter had been on the would report to the Fanwood bor- Both mayors will speak today about council’s discussion agenda since ough administrator. Scotch Plains shared services to the state Depart- would continue to have some public ment of Community Affairs’ Local Decreased reaction time, July. Referring to local Democratic Party chairman Lou Beckerman, who works employees. The report does Unit Alignment, Reorganization and performance and memory operates an insurance brokerage, the say that these two moves would re- Consolidation Commission, which mayor noted that Mr. Glover was sult in a net reduction in personnel in was created three years ago to study raising the JIF issue “six weeks be- both departments. and report on the structure and func- $50 - $100 $100 - $200 fore election day, when the Demo- The report also urges the establish- tions of county and municipal gov- OFF OFF cratic chairman is an insurance bro- ment of a shared municipal court, ernment. ker.” Any twin/full Any queen/king Mr. Glover called the mayor’s re- set starting at set starting at mark “mean-spirited,” and said he had expected that the council would $499 $699 have been provided with bids for membership in the JIF. Mrs. Malool offer good on new offer good on new said the prior renewal three years ago purchases only purchases only had been supported by Mr. Glover expires 10/31/10 expires 10/31/10 even though no bids had been re- ceived then. Whatever your budget – When Mayor Malool asked Mr. we have your perfect night’s sleep! Glover if he had discussed the JIF membership resolution in advance ALSO: Wesley Allen Beds Custom Sizes with Mr. Beckerman, Mr. Glover said he had not, but then admitted he “did Split Box Springs Futons discuss something on our agenda Folding Cots High Risers dealing with insurance,” saying he Accessories Furniture had done so because Mr. Beckerman Boat/RV mattresses Pillows has expertise on the subject. Experience… Township manager Chris Marion said that based on his own experi- ence working with the JIF and due to the group’s track record as well as its Come see for service to the township, he supported yourself! continuing the JIF membership. He Paul Lachenauer for The Westfield Leader Visit us at the 35 South Ave. Fanwood, NJ 908-322-4178 LAYING THE CORNERSTONE...Junior Grand Warden David Dorworth Westfield Festifall told the council that it faced an Oc- anoints the cornerstone with oil at the Masonic cornerstone-laying ceremony at this Sunday. www.mattressfac.com blog -www.flipandrotate.com tober 1 date to renew JIF member- Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford on Sunday. See story on page 3. Open Mon-Fri 10-6 * Thur 10-8 * Sat 10-5 * Sun 12-5 ship so that the group could begin calculating its upcoming budget and See it all on the web in color . . . also set assessments for member towns. www.goleader.com Serving the community since 1959
USPS 485200 Thursday, September 23, 2010 Published Every Thursday Since 1959 (908) 232-4407 OUR 51st YEAR – ISSUE NO. 38-2010 Periodical – Postage Paid at Rahway, N.J. www.timesnj.com [email protected] SEVENTY FIVE CENTS Consultant: Merging SP, FW PDs And DPWs Would Save $1.5 Mil. By FRED T. ROSSI Cranford-based consultant that very significant fact” that the two Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times shepherded last year’s deliberations towns share a school system “sets the SCOTCH PLAINS — A consult- by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Shared stage for many other cooperative ef- ant has recommended “a new and Services Study Committee, was pro- forts.” The recommendation to share significantly higher level of shared vided to the two towns’ governing police and public works departments services” between Scotch Plains and bodies earlier this year, but just re- was made, according to the report, Fanwood that includes merging the leased to the public earlier this month. because they are the two largest de- two communities’ police departments It was produced after a series of partments in both towns and the po- and public works departments and public meetings, as well as extensive tential for savings are “significant.” moving the Fanwood municipal court examinations of all municipal de- JPM estimates about $1 million in to the Scotch Plains Municipal Build- partments in both towns, including savings from a shared police depart- ing and relocating the Scotch Plains their functions, personnel and bud- ment and about $500,000 from a Recreation Department to the get, as well as facilities, including shared public works operation. Fanwood Borough Hall. town hall buildings and public works In an effort to avoid having one or The 250-page report by Jersey Pro- facilities. the other town feel “as if they are fessional Management (JPM), the The report notes that the “very, dependent on the other town,” the report says an effort was made to ensure that each town be both a “re- ceiver” and a “provider” of shared services. To that end, Scotch Plains would become the lead agency for the new shared police department and would hire and employ the shared police chief, who would report to the Benjamin Corbin for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times Scotch Plains municipal manager. WRESTLING THE WAVES TO SAVE LIVES...While off duty Sunday, Westfield Firefighter Louis N. Cerchio, III jumped Fanwood would continue to have a into 10-foot-high breakers, swam out and saved a 10-year-old child and the child’s mother from being swept out to sea in Point Pleasant. The well-conditioned Scotch Plains resident and SP-F High School graduate is noted for his athletic prowess patrol division based out of a smaller statewide in high school wrestling, and as a Division I All-American wrestler for Seton Hall University. See story on this page. Fanwood police station. Similarly, Fanwood would serve as lead agency for public works services and hire and employ the shared director, who Long-Time Township Clerk would report to the Fanwood bor- ough administrator. Scotch Plains would continue to have some public works employees. The report does Barbara Riepe to Retire Nov. 1 say that these two moves would re- By FRED T. ROSSI judge — subject to appointment by township recycling rules to bring them sult in a net reduction in personnel in Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times the governing body and not the man- into line with various state and county- both departments. SCOTCH PLAINS — Township ager. mandated recycling standards. Mr. The report also urges the establish- Clerk Barbara Riepe confirmed this Mrs. Riepe’s comment to The Times Bratti said homeowners will see no Thomas Fortunato for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times ment of a shared municipal court, week that she will be retiring effec- came prior to the council’s confer- changes to recycling procedures. Both GETTING TO THE POINT...During Wednesday’s zoning board meeting, Scotch with Fanwood’s court being moved tive November 1, wrapping up a 52- ence and regular meetings on Tues- ordinances will be voted on at the Plains resident Neda Yarnall said, “The discussion tonight, over an hour, was to Scotch Plains Municipal Court and year career working for the munici- day evening, during which council’s Tuesday, Octo- about 100 feet versus 125 feet. There was no discussion – which everyone is here using space currently occupied by pal government, the last 23 years the council introduced an ber 5 meeting. about – about no cell tower at all.” the township’s recreation department, heading the clerk’s office. Mayor ordinance that somewhat The council also ap- which would be relocated to offices Nancy Malool told The Scotch Plains- loosens regulations on ga- proved, by a 4-1 vote, an in Fanwood’s municipal building. Fanwood Times that the township rages and another that adds increase in towing fees that Zoning Board Continues JPM’s report says it “seriously con- council, which is responsible for nam- what Deputy Mayor can be charged for what sidered” recommending an outright ing a successor, is starting to inter- Dominick Bratti called Councilman Jeff Strauss merger between Scotch Plains and view candidates to replace Mrs. enforcement “teeth” to called “involuntary tows,” T-Mobile Cell Tower Hearing Fanwood, but opted not to do so for Riepe. The position is one of the few existing ordinances regard- meaning situations in By THOMAS FORTUNATO gineer, Ronald Graiff of New several reasons, including its feeling in municipal government — besides, ing recycling. which a driver surrenders Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times Fairfield, Conn., to explain Mr. that such a move “raises so many among others, township manager, The first ordinance his vehicle due, for in- SCOTCH PLAINS — The Shidfar’s data to board members who CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 township attorney and municipal would allow homeowners stance, to an arrest for driv- township’s zoning board of adjust- were unfamiliar with the subject. with two-car garages to Barbara Riepe in 1997 ing while intoxicated. He ment continued its hearings on T- “We have identified this particular convert half of that garage with 40 years service said the police department Mobile’s plans to build two new cell area in Scotch Plains as a coverage Westfield Firefighter Saves space to living space. with the township. had requested the fee in- phone towers within the township’s gap for T-Mobile service,” Mr. Shidfar When the council dis- crease, which is re-set pe- borders, with one tower being lo- explained, gesturing to a strip of land cussed the matter during the summer, riodically. Councilman Kevin Glover cated at the Willow Grove Swim Club along the Martine Avenue corridor Mom and Son From Surf Zoning Officer Robert LaCosta said voted against the fee hike, saying it next to McGinn Elementary School. stretching from LaGrande Avenue in By BENJAMIN B. CORBIN get in.” there are situations in which a home- provided no benefit to the township Last Wednesday’s meeting was Fanwood to the north to the Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times As the trio struggled to get to shore, owner wants to expand the amount of and could lead to an increase in the packed with concerned residents — Shackamaxon Golf Course to the WESTFIELD – An off-duty two waiters from a boardwalk tiki bar living space to accommodate a grow- number of impounded cars in the many of them parents of McGinn south. “If you have a gap in service, Westfield firefighter and Scotch took boogie boards from a display at ing family or an elderly family mem- township’s possession. He said sell- students of both Scotch Plains and you’re not able to take a call, place a Plains resident rescued a 10-year-old the establishment and rushed to the ber, but cannot afford to have an ing these cars at public auction has Fanwood, who voiced their opposi- call or maintain a call,” he said. child and the child’s mother Sunday water to help pull the victims onto the addition added to his or her house. In been difficult in recent years, causing tion to the tower. The gaps in service were deter- in Point Pleasant. beach. recent years, there have been several storage fees incurred by the munici- T-Mobile, represented by attorney mined by T-Mobile, according to Mr. Firefighter Louis N. Cerchio, 3rd, Finally, after battling the heavy such applications before the local pal government to mount. John R. Edwards, Jr. of the law firm Shidfar, by utilizing both “calculated 37, was with his wife and two chil- surf brought on by Hurricane Igor, land-use boards to convert portions The council also passed — by a 4- of Price, Meese Shulman and methods, prediction tools [and] com- dren at the beach, where he had once Mr. Cerchio got the mother and son of garage space into bedrooms or 1 vote, with Mr. Glover voting no — D’Arminio, P.C., called radio fre- puter-generated methods,” as well as been a lifeguard, when the incident to the shore. Mr. Cerchio stated, specially-equipped bathrooms. a resolution renewing the township’s quency engineer Ben Shidfar of annual “drive testing” in which T- occurred. At around 12:25 p.m., he “Once we got to shore and I knew we The second ordinance modifies CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Franklin Lakes to testify on behalf of Mobile “hires companies who actu- overheard a woman saying, “They were safe, I just collapsed on the T-Mobile. ally go out there and drive a particu- are in trouble; they need help.” beach, exhausted.” Mr. Shidfar brought multiple maps lar area,” making calls, noting the The woman was talking about the After catching his breath, Mr. detailing both T-Mobile’s current and signal strength and logging the coor- mother and child, who had been swept Cerchio got up and was greeted with expected coverage strength in differ- dinates, which is then used to gener- out into the ocean. According to a hugs and cheers from onlookers who ent parts of Scotch Plains and sur- ate an accurate map of where exactly published report, Raechel Fisher, 31, had watched the 12-minute rescue rounding towns in regards to the place- the cell phone signal is strongest, of Gloversville, N.Y. and her son, unfold. ment of existing and proposed cell where it is weakest, and where the Zack, had gone to the water’s edge so In a fortuitous twist of fate, Mr. phone towers. The township hired its signal does not reach at all. the boy could wash the sand off his Cerchio said his wife had originally own radio frequency consulting en- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 feet, but were quickly engulfed by suggested going to Belmar that day, strong waves. but they went to Point Pleasant in- Mr. Cerchio, a former athlete, stead because a surf tournament was teacher and coach, raced to the ocean, being held in Belmar. tossing his cell phone in the sand A Division I All-American wres- before entering the water. His wife, tler at Seton Hall University, Mr. Lisa, 32, retrieved it and called 9-1-1. Cerchio also wrestled as a student at Point Pleasant Police Chief Kevin Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School R. O’Hara told The Scotch Plains- and later served as an assistant coach Fanwood Times, “A 10-year-old was there. He additionally started an in- playing by the water when a wave termediate wrestling program at came and washed him out into the Roosevelt Intermediate School in ocean. Then his mother went in after Westfield and also was a member of him. Both were then swept further the coaching staff at David Brearley into the ocean. Mr. Cerchio was the High School in Kenilworth. Jonathan O’Hea for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times first on scene and went right out to Chief O’Hara said, “My depart- CAMPAIGN MODE…The Fanwood Democratic Committee held a fundraiser help the mother and son.” ment, the Point Pleasant First Aid September 12 at the home of Mayor Colleen Mahr for council candidates. After reaching the victims, Mr. squad and dive team responded, but Pictured, from left to right, are: Asw. Linda Stender (LD-22, Fanwood), Mayor Cerchio tried to talk to the mother thank God, they were not needed.” Mahr, council candidate Kevin Boris and his wife, Jessica, Councilwoman and and child, but they were in shock. The * * * * * * * candidate for re-election, Kathy Mitchell, and Council President Russell Huegel. boy finally spoke and stated that he For more information, we recom- PAGE INDEX Police Blotter...6 could swim, but his mother could Horace Corbin for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times mend reading the fine story by Nic Regional ...... 2-3 Obituary ...... 8 Real Estate .... 12-17 CAMPAIGN STRATEGY...Scotch Plains Republican candidates for township not. With this information, Mr. Corbett of The Star-Ledger, published Editorial ...... 4-5, 18 Education ...... 9, 19 Classifieds .... 19 council, from left to right, Sal Trifiro, Tony Patti and Bo Vastine, discuss their Cerchio said, “Everything will be September 22, 2010, that also ap- Community ... 7-8, 18 Sports ...... 11-17 A&E ...... 20-22 campaign with Times editor Paul Peyton. See story on page 10. okay. We will use the waves to help us pears on NJ.com. Become part of the Coldwell Banker Residental Brokerage EXCEPTIONAL SALES TEAM At Coldwell Banker, there are no sales positions... just exceptional real estate careers! Tracy Devine RVP/Broker Manager Westfield West Office 600 North Avenue West, Westfield 908-233-0065 | www.coldwellbankermoves.com/westfieldwest ©2010 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate 908-233-6533 LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC Scotch Plains - Fanwood Times only Page 10 Thursday, September 23, 2010 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A Watchung Communications, Inc. Publication
Paid for by Ellen Dickson for Freeholder: Nora Bani, Treasurer 33 Ridge Road, Summit NJ 07901
Scotch Plains Council SP GOP Slate Says Communication CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 With Residents Is Its Top Issue membership in the Suburban Munici- Democratic chairman is an insurance By PAUL J. PEYTON “It (the website) went from a very pal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), which broker.” Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times poor website to just a poor website,” provides local governments with li- Mr. Glover called the mayor’s re- SCOTCH PLAINS – Township Re- Mr. Trifiro said. publicans Sal Trifiro, Tony Patti and Mr. Patti called the website a “qual- ability and non-health insurance cov- mark “mean-spirited,” and said he Bo Vastine, seeking three seats on the ity of life issue,” as residents are often erage. The resolution approved was had expected that the council would township council, this week responded not available during the daytime and for a new three-year membership in have been provided with bids for to accusations by Independent Repub- rely on the Internet for information. “In the JIF, which the township has been membership in the JIF. Mrs. Malool lican Councilman Dominick Bratti that today’s world, it (a poorly-constructed part of since the mid-1990s. said the prior renewal three years ago they were hand picked by former Mayor website) just adds to their frustration. With municipal elections 42 days had been supported by Mr. Glover Martin Marks. They also listed improv- This is just one thing we can lift off away, politics briefly reared its head even though no bids had been re- ing the lines of communication between their backs,” Mr. Patti said. during the conference meeting prior ceived then. the governing body and residents and In terms of interaction with township to the regular meeting when the five When Mayor Malool asked Mr. municipal employees as their top cam- employees, Mr. Trifiro said residents paign issue. and employees have said they want a members were discussing the JIF Glover if he had discussed the JIF “That (Mr. Bratti’s comment) is an “bottom-up approach” when it comes resolution. Councilman Glover, who membership resolution in advance erroneous and false statement,” Mr. to municipal government. is seeking re-election, asked for fur- with Mr. Beckerman, Mr. Glover said Patti said. “I do not like his character- “I think one of the shortfalls of our ther information including whether he had not, but then admitted he “did ization that we were somehow hand- present governing body is the reluc- GOING UNDERGROUND...Frank Chupko of Scotch Plains reads The Scotch bids from other JIFs had been solic- discuss something on our agenda picked by Marty to be his candidates tance to listen to some of our depart- Plains-Fanwood Times in the Philippines during his annual vacation there earlier ited. Mayor Malool criticized Mr. dealing with insurance,” saying he for some retribution (due to the re- ment heads and to take into account this year. Mr. Chupko enriches his cultural experience at Puerto Princesa Glover’s request for an “eleventh- had done so because Mr. Beckerman moval of Brian Levine as township some of their ideas, ideas that could Subterranean River National Park. hour discussion” on a resolution set has expertise on the subject. attorney)…Mayor Marks never con- potentially save the taxpayers money in to be voted on at the council’s regular Township Manager Chris Marion tacted me (and) never asked me to run Scotch Plains,” Mr. Patti said. Union County Freeholders Oppose (for council).” Looking at the 2-percent cap on tax meeting an hour hence. said that based on his own experience Mr. Vastine said Mayor Malool asked levies that begins in 2011, Mr. Trifiro She said that if Mr. Glover had working with the JIF and due to the Mr. Trifiro to run for council, while Mr. said the cap “might be something that is Holding Up ARC Tunnel Project “wanted specific information, he group’s track record as well as its ser- Patti responded to township GOP Chair- a little difficult at first for the town, but, By PAUL J. PEYTON the repayment of the bonds would be the should’ve asked for it” earlier than vice to the township, he supported con- man William McClintock’s e-mail seek- ultimately, it was done to protect the Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times responsibility of the businesses involved that evening’s meeting, given that the tinuing the JIF membership. He told ing Republican council candidates. Mr. citizens, not to constrain the municipal- ELIZABETH – The Union County in the project. matter had been on the council’s dis- the council that the township faced an Vastine said he had asked how he could ity.” Freeholders passed a resolution last Thurs- “This is not county debt, nor is the cussion agenda since July. Referring October 1 date to renew JIF member- get more involved with the local party “This (2-percent cap) is part of what day opposing the temporary shut down of county guaranteeing any of this debt. to local Democratic Party Chairman ship so that the group could begin and was told about the three council is going to get back on the road to an $8.7-billion rail tunnel to New York This is just a pass through to allow for Lou Beckerman, the mayor said Mr. calculating its upcoming budget and seats following his defeat for state as- recovery,” Mr. Patti said. “Ten years City. The project, known as the Trans- private entities to take advantage of the Glover was raising the JIF issue “six also set assessments for its member sembly last November. down the road, they’re (public employ- Hudson Express Tunnel or Access to the low rate,” Mr. Sullivan explained. “When Dominick Bratti says he was ees currently upset about the Governor’s Region’s Core (ARC) Mass Transit Tun- During the public comment portion of weeks before Election Day when the towns. removed (from the GOP ticket), this proposed “tool kit” reforms) are prob- nel Project, is expected to double rail the meeting, Ms. Dickson asked what was a Democratic process. Anybody ably going to be thankful (to the Gover- capacity to the city. impact the high foreclosure rate was hav- Mahr Talks About Redevelopment, who wanted to screen for the position nor) for saving their pensions. Because Board Chairman Dan Sullivan, Union ing on county finances. She said Eliza- came before the (GOP) if we continue on this road of reckless County’s representative on the North Jer- beth had 1,300 foreclosures in 2009; committee…They had to answer the spending, we’ll be broke.” sey Transportation and Planning Author- Plainfield, 700; Hillside, 400; Linden, Taxes and Shared Services at Forum same questions. He had to face the When asked about some of the rec- ity (NJTPA), said the members of the 13- 400, and Union, 400. “And the actual rate By FRED T. ROSSI controlling,” pointing to several cost-sav- same audience on the same night. Out ommendations in the shared services county NJTPA board in 2007 “all voted for the first half of 2010 is higher (than Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times ing measures in recent years, including of four candidates, Dominick came in report just released by Scotch Plains unanimously to approve this project.” He 2009). It’s accelerating, and most experts FANWOOD — Mayor Colleen Mahr the recent takeover of police dispatch fourth place,” Mr. Vastine said. and Fanwood, Mr. Patti said if merging said $3 billion each is coming from the don’t think we are going to hit the bottom spent nearly two hours on Monday night services by Union County, as well as Mr. Vastine accused Mr. Bratti of departments with Fanwood, such as federal government and Port Authority of in this housing recovery for another six speaking with residents about property personnel reductions several years ago in treating volunteers of the newly-cre- police and public works, as recom- New York and New Jersey, with the State months or a year,” she said. taxes, downtown redevelopment and the the public works department. ated Scotch Plains Management Cor- mended in the report, produces a “cost of New Jersey allocating $2.7 billion. Al Faella, director of the Department just-released shared services report. Multiple residents spoke about taxes poration (SPMC), which manages the savings” for Scotch Plains, “than we “This is one of the biggest construction of Parks and Community Renewal, said At the start of the town hall-style meet- paid to the board of education and the special improvement district, “with such have to push for it because that is yet projects we’ve seen in many years,” Mr. the county’s foreclosure task force is ing at the Fanwood Presbyterian Church county government, the latter being the contempt and disrespect…that a lot of another savings we can pass on (to tax- Sullivan said. “If you’re on the Raritan “working very closely with agencies that which was attended by about 75 residents target of several residents who questioned people on the (GOP) committee were payers).” Valley Line and you had any thought at we have funded grant dollars to provide, as well as four members of the borough the need for what they felt was an unnec- really turned off by it.” Mr. Trifiro said he would hope that all about having a one-seat run into New in some cases, some adjustments and council, Police Chief Richard Trigo, Pub- essarily expansive county operation. “We were not going to allow our savings from department mergers would York City, like you now have from Sum- accommodations to people to allow them lic Works Director Clint Dixon and Fi- Mayor Mahr touched briefly on the party to be represented in that way,” be accomplished through attrition and mit or from Elizabeth, those hopes are to stay in their homes.” nancial Officer Fred Tompkins — the shared services report, which will be dis- Mr. Vastine said. not layoffs. going to be dashed [by the Governor’s Ms. Dickson also asked how foreclo- mayor said, “I know there’s a lot of an- cussed in greater detail at two public While agreeing with the move to cre- Mr. Patti said the township must be decision].’” sures are impacting the county’s tax col- ger.” People “are struggling with the forums in October and November. She ate a township sewerage authority to sure that the direction it goes in for “I can’t for the life of me understand lections. Mr. Caroselli said the county, economy and struggling with the reces- encouraged residents to read the 250- remove wastewater costs from the mu- shared services must not be “penny why this Governor would put that kind of unlike towns, is “statutorily required to sion,” she said. page report in advance of the meetings, nicipal budget by billing residents and wise and pound foolish.” money into jeopardy,” Mr. Sullivan said. receive 100 percent of our taxes” from She opened her 45-minute presenta- and vowed, during the question-and-an- non-profits “for their fair share,” the The candidates were critical of why the “So, if you live in Westfield, good luck municipalities which collect the taxes. tion with charts detailing the increase in swer portion of Monday’s meeting, that GOP candidates said this change was town may have to bail out the township trying to get a one-seat ride into New “We have not experienced in the first recent years in municipal property taxes public input would be an important part poorly communicated to residents. senior citizens housing center, which is York City in the next few years.” three quarters of tax collections any defi- and factors behind those increases. Mrs. of the process. “I think it was a complete failure in running a $150,000 revenue deficit. Summit Councilwoman Ellen Dickson, ciencies in receiving, nor any tardiness of Mahr said the “biggest driver” in in- “We’re not about to make any deci- leadership with regards to the way it “Something got overlooked,” Mr. a Republican freeholder candidate, said any of the towns,” Mr. Caroselli said. creased property taxes in Fanwood in the sions in a vacuum,” Mayor Mahr said. was communicated to the public,” Mr. Vastine said. “I think if you lose site of she attended a breakfast meeting recently past five years has been cuts in state aid. She also said that discussions need to Vastine said. the immediate horizon, things like that in which the ARC project was discussed. The other large factor, she said, is statu- continue about establishing a joint library Mr. Trifiro said the new authority happen…If I was the one charged with “[Assemblyman Joe Cryan (LD-20, tory expenses mandated by other levels on some level with Scotch Plains, al- helped the township stay within the looking into this, seeing how did this Union) even admitted that he doesn’t Cell Tower of government. She said the council, in its though she cautioned several residents current 4-percent cap without resulting happen, I think I would want to know think that Governor Christie is trying to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 annual budget deliberations, had direct that the proposed multi-million joint li- in municipal layoffs. who, what, where, when and why.” kill this project. He’s trying to slow it control over a relatively small portion of brary facility talked about earlier this “A lot of people on the He said a council member must be on down so we can figure out where we’re Conducive to T-Mobile’s drive test- the budget and the tax levy. Saying she year “is gone; it’s not going to happen.” street…seemed a little bit blind-sided the center’s board of directors in the getting the money from because we don’t ing, engineers erected a temporary and her colleagues are “frustrated as all The mayor also discussed the ongoing by it. So, even though it was something future, rather than just serving as a liai- have the money,” she said. “And he’s telescopic antenna at the swim club, hell,” the mayor chided what she called redevelopment efforts along South Avenue that was fair and necessary, I think it son to the board, as is the current situ- trying to negotiate with vendors…and which they adjusted to “120 feet, the state government’s “money grabs” in and displayed renderings of a new commer- could have been better communicated ation. get a better rate.” drove the roads, and then they brought recent years. cial building to be built at the site of the to the people,” Mr. Triforo said. The board also passed a resolution to She also pointed to next year’s state- former Internet Café at South and Martine Mr. Vastine said the sewer authority accept $1 billion in funding from the U.S. it down to 100 feet, and drove the mandated 2-percent property-tax cap as Avenues. She noted that the driveway lead- “should have been addressed at every Department of Labor through its Green [same] roads,” Mr. Shidfar explained. another burden for the governing body to ing from the municipal parking lot to South format available.” The candidates said Merger Skills = Green Jobs Grant. “At 100 feet, [the signal] really doesn’t shoulder as it crafts the 2011 budget. Avenue will be replaced by a public green information on the new sewer bills could CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Frank Guzzo, the county’s director of cover the gap to the south-southeast,” Given that there are certain budget items space, meaning that access to the lot will be have been regularly broadcast on TV- concerns and ‘what ifs,’ and creates human services, said the county’s pro- he told the board. not subject to the cap, Mrs. Mahr cau- from Second Street or LaGrande Avenue. 34 (the local cable access channel), such a negative atmosphere between gram is being designed to provide safety, Upon hearing Mr. Shidfar’s testi- tioned residents: “Do not think your taxes The aim, she said, is to have a nearly publicized on the municipal website, ‘us and them,’ that the opportunity technical and green skills training to un- mony comparing the two different are going to go up [only] 2 percent next uninterrupted line of commercial buildings mailed with tax bills and mentioned at for real cooperation is eliminated.” employed and underemployed disadvan- tower heights, some of the residents year; it’s not going to happen.” And she along South Avenue between Martine Av- township council meetings. Furthermore, the report noted that taged adults “with an emphasis on women who came to comment at the meeting warned further that, since Trenton offi- enue and Second Street. Speaking about the municipal and minorities.” He said the program cials are not granting waivers to the cap Mrs. Mahr defended the decision to website, the GOP slate wants a user- no merger of two towns in New Jer- would help these workers to be hired in said they were confused as to what regulations, if the borough council can- use multiple developers in the downtown friendly site that includes information sey has been approved by voters in the fields of solar, gas, water and electri- the intention of this hearing was re- not meet the 2-percent ceiling, reductions redevelopment, telling a resident that she such as meeting dates, who to contact more than 50 years. The amount of cal utility industries. ally about. One such resident was in borough services would be necessary. felt the borough would have inevitably about dead animals such as raccoons, money saved via a merger would be Noel Christmas, president of Local Neda Yarnall of Burns Way in Referring to borough expenditures, the faced lawsuits and leaping legal fees had and a search engine searchable by key “only marginally better” than what 601 of the Utility Workers of America, a Fanwood. mayor said, “What we can control, we are a single developer been utilized. word. will be saved through the increased union which is working in partnership “The discussion tonight, over an shared services urged in the report. with the county, noted that the county’s hour, was about 100 feet versus 125 grant is part of an overall $5 million Lack of sleep has been linked to: JPM also cited the civil service ver- feet,” Ms. Yarnall stated. “There was sus non-civil service status of the two United States Department of Labor grant. no discussion — which everyone is towns’ municipal employees and the “The goal of the Green Skills Green here about — about no cell tower at Increased risk of health Jobs Grant is just that – to train individu- resulting complications a merger als in areas that will yield the highest all. We don’t care about the 20 feet problems such as obesity, would raise in that regard. The effect employment opportunities in the utility extra.” of a merger on those residents who “Why did you only talk about that diabetes, hypertension and industry,” Mr. Christmas said. “I am volunteer for various commissions making a commitment to work with the 20-feet difference?” Ms. Yarnall depression as well as the fire departments and freeholders through their Department of asked Mr. Graiff, “and not talk to rescue squads, was also noted, as was Human Services to ensure that all gradu- [Mr. Shidfar]. Prove him wrong.” Decreased reaction time, the fact that a merger “is permanent ates of the Green Skills-Green Jobs pro- Ms. Yarnall then said directly to and final,” and the two towns “will gram are afforded the opportunity to both Mr. Shidfar, “Nobody likes you!” performance and memory obtain employment with the utility indus- not have any opportunity to change try and to join the union.” “Please do not repeat that, it’s in- their mind if something goes wrong Bruce Paterson of Garwood com- appropriate,” board attorney Vincent $50 - $100 $100 - $200 with the merger.” mended the union, calling the program “a Loughlin told Ms. Yarnall, “We have “This gives us a good roadmap of great partnership.” procedures. Please limit [your com- OFF OFF where we want to go now,” Fanwood “I tell you, this is unique in that the ment] to a question, not personal at- Mayor Colleen Mahr told The Scotch union is actually helping non-union people tacks.” Any twin/full Any queen/king Plains-Fanwood Times. “We’ve sort get jobs,” Mr. Paterson said. “We need to have a cell tower here set starting at set starting at of exhausted all the other shared ser- The board also approved a resolution because there is a gap in service,” Mr. vices between the two towns, so now authorizing the Union County Improve- Shidfar reinstated, in response to Ms. $499 $699 ment Authority to “coordinate the issu- it’s time to ramp up our efforts.” ance of recovery zone facility bonds” for Yarnell’s question. “There is a need offer good on new offer good on new Scotch Plains Mayor Nancy Malool the construction of an eight-story, five- for a [tower] in this area; the discus- purchases only purchases only told The Times the report “opens the acre Embassy Suites Hotel, to be built on sion was whether a 100, or a 125 feet expires 10/31/10 expires 10/31/10 door to a lot of discussion” about Glimcher Realty Way across from the would be more appropriate.” additional shared efforts. She said Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth. Mr. Graiff then went on to clarify Whatever your budget – there were some recommendations The hotel will include 192 guest suites, Mr. Shidfar’s explanation: “If there is we have your perfect night’s sleep! in the report “that have potential,” lobby, restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, a preported gap, no matter how small although she said she was “a little indoor pool, fitness center, business cen- that would be, and the board deter- ALSO: disappointed” at the level of pro- ter, offices, laundry and mechanical mined that they should approve this Wesley Allen Beds Custom Sizes rooms, according to a county-issued press jected savings. “I thought it would be release. application, the next phase is ‘how Split Box Springs Futons higher,” she noted. Mr. Sullivan said the project would tall should this structure be?’ Be- Folding Cots High Risers Two public forums will be held at result in 350 temporary construction jobs cause once that’s decided, you’re Accessories Furniture Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and 50 permanent jobs when the hotel is going to get a cell tower. This is the Boat/RV mattresses Pillows to give residents a chance to air their opened. He said the hotel would produce time to [discuss] that, because at least Experience… views on the report. The meetings will $650,000 in annual tax revenue for the the board will be educated with what be held on Wednesdays, October 13 City of Elizabeth. “I think it is a great they’ve seen.” and November 10, starting at 7 p.m. thing,” Mr. Sullivan said. The meeting went late into the And both mayors will speak today Mr. Sullivan said $15.5 million in Na- night, with 10 more residents coming tional Recovery Zone bonds have been Come see for about shared services to the state funded through the American Recovery to the podium to comment, and at yourself! Department of Community Affairs’ least three more waiting to speak by Visit us at the 35 South Ave. Fanwood, NJ 908-322-4178 and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The en- Westfield Festifall Local Unit Alignment, Reorganiza- tire county has been designated a recov- the time the board decided to adjourn this Sunday. www.mattressfac.com blog -www.flipandrotate.com tion and Consolidation Commission, ery zone by the federal government. due to the time and continue the hear- Open Mon-Fri 10-6 * Thur 10-8 * Sat 10-5 * Sun 12-5 which was created three years ago to Larry Caroselli, the county’s director ing at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Octo- study and report on the structure and of finance, said the bonds “enable private ber 20. functions of county and municipal businesses to have certain tax advantages For more information, see government. in the issuance of these bonds.” He said www.goleader.com/photos goleader online supplement We’ll Help Your Business The Westfield Leader www.goleader.com [email protected] (908) 232-4407
Get Back On Track Continue to the next page ==> Page 2 Thursday, September 23, 2010 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION DeCroce, Bramnick: Dems Are ‘Roadbock to Reform’ TRENTON — Assembly Republi- “When Speaker Oliver was sworn can Leader Alex DeCroce (LD-26, in last January, she said, ‘Nothing is Whippany) and Assembly Republi- more important to the people of New can Conference Leader Jon Bramnick Jersey and to me than…property (LD-21, Westfield) have unveiled the taxes,’ but she refuses to allow criti- Assembly Republicans’ fall strategy, cal property-tax-reform legislation aimed at having Assembly Demo- to be discussed,” Mr. DeCroce stated. crats place the highest priority on Republicans introduced 16 ‘tool kit’ enacting property tax- and ethics- bills in June that allow schools, coun- reform legislation instead of “focus- ties and municipalities to greatly ing their attention on catering to the reduce costs, “but they are being needs of special-interest groups.” held hostage.” “The Democratic majority has “Republicans were patient all sum- balked at moving critical ‘tool kit’ mer waiting to debate the ‘Tool Kit’ and ethics legislation through either proposals, but the Assembly Demo- Michael Pollack for The Westfield Leader and The Times EXPRESSING HIS “TUNNEL VISION”...Ed Potosnak, the Democratic Seventh the committee process or the work- crats never followed through on their Congressional District candidate, speaks at a press conference Monday at the ing groups established in the sum- promise,” Mr. DeCroce said. “At this Westfield Train Station regarding the halting of work on the $8.7-billion mass- mer that were supposed to consider point, we will no longer accept their NEWEST MASTER GARDENER...Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, cen- transit tunnel between New Jersey and Manhattan. the property-tax-reform proposals,” excuses and stalling tactics. We are ter, congratulates Scotch Plains resident Mary Ann Matteo, left, on her recent according to a press release from the fed up with their inaction, which graduation from the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program. They are joined by Ms. two GOP leaders. hurts taxpayers and our state.” Matteo’s 95-year-old mother, Mary Matteo, also of Scotch Plains. Ms. Rajoppi is Potosnak Calls for Renewing As part of the fall rollout intended seeking her fourth, five-year term as clerk this November. to “force Democrats to put taxpayers Rep. Lance Honors first,” Mr. DeCroce and Mr. Bramnick RVSA Close to Hiring New Work on Transit Tunnel announced a new page on the Assem- WWII Cadet Nurses WESTFIELD – Ed Potosnak, enormously: the continued construc- bly Republican website WESTFIELD – Rep. Leonard Democratic candidate for New tion of the Access to the Region’s (njassemblyrepublicans.com) that Lance (R-7th) held a special cer- Executive Director tracks the number of days Assembly emony recently honoring two Jersey’s Seventh Congressional Dis- Core, or ARC Tunnel,” Mr. Potosnak By WAYNE BAKER auxiliary power source to provide Democrats “have failed to act on tool Westfield residents for their service Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times trict, held a press conference at the said. “This project will produce both energy to operate its wastewater treat- Westfield train station Monday about short- and long-term jobs, improve kit and ethics-reform legislation.” in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during RAHWAY — The Rahway Valley The lawmakers said last week that World War II. Specifically, Mr. Lance ment plant. Group motions to dismiss regional trains and infrastructure. quality of life, increase the number of Sewerage Authority (RVSA) Board also were filed based on failure of He voiced his support for the the one-seat rides and shorten commutes, the Democratic-controlled Assem- presented American flags to of Directors, last Thursday, delayed bly held committee sessions on Genevieve Mooers and Diana Taylor. third-party plaintiffs (taken to be Oc- Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) as well as reducing traffic across our awarding a contract permitting com- cidental Chemical Corporation) to project. communities and throughout north- Monday and Thursday without hear- “These women deserve to be hon- bustion of digester gas in their boilers. ing any bills aimed at reforming ored for their service to America,” bring their complaint within the rel- “I stand before you today (Mon- ern New Jersey.” A motion to award the contract evant statute of limitations, lack of day) to pledge my support for the Mr. Potosnak called for continued property taxes or ethics, and agen- Mr. Lance said. “Through their ef- was tabled due to what officials said das this week were no different. forts, they have helped make America compliance with the requirements of critical mass-transit project that will work on the ARC tunnel without de- was a large discrepancy between the the Tort Claims Act, and the sewage benefit our region and my district lay. “The ARC tunnel will be a wel- “Assembly Republicans will use the wonderful place it is today. I am anticipated cost and the bids received. every resource available to force pleased to join the citizens of exemption in the New Jersey Spill come and necessary addition to our The three bids received ranged from Act, officials said. New Jersey Confirms rail system, as an additional tunnel Trenton Democrats to represent the Westfield and my colleagues in Con- slightly in excess of $343,000 to just interests of taxpayers and not the gress to honor them and all the women Scotch Plains Commissioner Joan First West Nile Death from New Jersey into Manhattan will shy of $390,000. Papen said some municipalities have eliminate the need to switch trains in cash-cow special-interest groups,” who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Bob Valent, plant supervisor, stated Mr. DeCroce said. “We will make Corps.” not been filing treatment works appli- STATE — A 76-year-old Camden Newark and increase passenger ca- that even at these costs, the savings cations. These represent a source of County man is the first confirmed pacity for New Jersey and New York. use of procedural motions in com- During the event, Mr. Lance also should be approximately $626,000 mittees and on the Assembly floor, discussed his support for H.R. 1211, some additional funding for RVSA, New Jersey death this year from West We lose hundreds of thousands of through the end of September 2011, which is outside the municipal user Nile Virus, the New Jersey Depart- dollars in federal funding for the hold town hall meetings with tax- the Women Veterans Health Care thus allowing six to seven months to payers, either in person or via tele- Improvement Act. This legislation charge channel. ment of Health and Senior Services project every day it is delayed. I call complete construction on the project. Mrs. Papen also provided a copy of has reported. To date, 11 New Jersey on my opponent (Republican Rep. conferencing, and send out constitu- would provide benefits to all veter- Once the additional review is made, ent correspondence that will keep ans, including women who served in an Assembly bill, A-1840, sponsored residents have tested positive for West Leonard Lance) to join me and insist the project will likely be awarded to by Assemblywoman Linda Stender Nile Virus in seven counties: Atlan- this project continue. the public informed about the Demo- the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. Rapid Pump and Meter of Paterson, crats’ efforts to stonewall these re- The Cadet Nurse Corps was cre- (LD-22, Fanwood), which would tic, one; Camden, two; Essex, one; “When I am in Congress, transpor- officials said. move oversight of municipal utility Hudson, two; Monmouth, one; tation infrastructure will be central to forms.” ated during World War II to help In other business, the RVSA is “Taxpayers are demanding action train nurses when it became clear authorities from the New Jersey De- Ocean, two; and Passaic, two. The my plan to help our region get its nearing hiring a new executive di- partment of Community Affairs to two cases in Camden include the eld- edge back. Residents of central Jer- to control their property taxes,” Mr. that America would soon face a criti- rector. Rene Dierkes, Mountainside’s Bramnick said. “Unfortunately, the cal shortage of nurses nationwide. the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). erly Camden County resident who sey will have an advocate working commissioner, introduced a motion Mrs. Papen said the legislation would died. every day to ensure that the federal Assembly Democrats have put that As the war progressed, the demand at Thursday’s meeting, which was at the bottom of their priority list. for nurses increased and the U.S. put the RVSA under control of a The Camden County man devel- tax dollars they pay will be returned approved, to allow RVSA’s general politically oriented, rather than pro- oped headaches and fever August 20, through investments like this – to Governor Christie has laid out the Cadet Nurse Corps played a key role counsel to begin negotiations with three R’s of his Reform Agenda – in filling this void and instrumental fessional body. She also provided a was hospitalized on August 25 and make our communities stronger for someone identified as “candidate document from the Association of died August 30. the future,” the candidate said. Rethink, Reform, Rebuild New Jer- in providing care for wounded U.S. number one” to fill that position. sey, but the Democrats have added servicemen. Environmental Authorities (an um- The position has been vacant since brella group for authorities) com- their own ‘R’ to the equation – they Mr. Lance is seeking a second term Michael Brinker retired in March. are the roadblock to reform.” in Congress this November menting on an earlier version of this On another matter, the New Jersey law (A-2640), which, she said, ex- Department of Environmental Protec- presses numerous concerns with the tion (NJDEP) versus Occidental change, including usurpation of home Ristorante Chemical Corporation litigation, a rule, adding work to a state body lawsuit in which the RVSA is named during downsizing, adding costs to as one of the co-defendants, is now on the authorities and statutory conflict a litigation track, as discussions about with Public Law 2005, chapter 267. 231 EAST SOUTH AVENUE an alternate dispute resolution have The board also spent time at the WESTFIELD, NJ 07090 • 908-233-5533 broken down. Motions also were filed financial committee meeting, which TaorminaItaliano for dismissal of the third-party com- preceded the general meeting, dis- www.codalmightychippery.com plaints based on the authority’s prior cussing responses to questions raised OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK settlement of claims based on the by the mayors of Woodbridge, Clark 482 Kenilworth Boulevard Kenilworth, NJ 07033 Judicial Consent Order entered into and Rahway, and Rahway Adminis- Phone: (908) 497-1717 • www.taorminaristorante.com between the RVSA and the NJDEP trator Peter Pelissier, regarding the that required the RVSA to have an RVSA budget. ROBERT ALGARIN ARCHITECT
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PEYTON sons transitioning from being home- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times firmly cemented in place, the stone Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times less to being self-supporting, as well CRANFORD – On Sunday, the was symbolically tested by the Grand PLAINFIELD — Homefirst, a as permanent affordable housing to Azure Masada Lodge of Freemasons Masters and found to be square, level Union County-based non-profit disabled persons who meet the legal laid the cornerstone of the newly reno- and plumb. Following this, the cor- agency serving the homeless com- income limits for housing assistance. vated Trinity Episcopal Church in nerstone was anointed with corn, oil munity, opened its new housing cen- The agency owns 40 housing units in Cranford, performing the same cer- and wine. ter last Thursday night at 1009 Park the county, including condominiums, emony that George Washington (a Freemasonry is an ancient brother- Avenue in Plainfield. The facility in- townhouses and apartments. Twenty- Mason) used to lay the cornerstone of hood, tracing its origins back to the cludes the agency’s administrative five of the units are located in the Capitol Building in Washington, stone mason guilds of the Middle offices, a community center and hous- Plainfield. He said the agency reha- D.C., over two centuries ago. Ages. Masons now dedicate their lives ing units. bilitates all the housing units it pur- The occasion began with a proces- to charity and public service. Casey Woodruff, president of the chases. sion up Centennial Avenue of several “Being a Mason means living a agency’s board of trustees and an Homefirst also owns a two-family orders of Masons led by the Knights charitable life,” said Ron Jacobson of attorney with the Scotch Plains law house in Westfield, a safe house for Templars in full regalia, including daz- Westfield, whose wife, Susan, is a firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, domestic-violence victims in another zling uniforms and swords. The Order former Westfield Board of Education Mitterhoff, Grabas and Woodruff, part of the county, and several hous- of the Eastern Star, a women’s auxil- president and ex-councilwoman. said the agency has been in exist- ing units in Scotch Plains. iary, and DeMolay, a Masonic youth John De Socio, whose father was ence for 25 years and provides both Mr. Woodruff specifically pointed organization, were also present. The also a Mason, mentioned fun and WELCOME HOME...Casey Woodruff, president of the board of trustees of temporary emergency shelter and to the agency’s Family Success Cen- tools and other symbolic objects to be fellowship as major reasons for mem- Homefirst, a non-profit housing agency that provides housing and support services permanent housing for the home- ter now housed at the Park Avenue used in the ceremony were carried to bership. He also pointed to a Ma- for Union County homeless families, and HomeFirst Executive Director Ellen less. building. The program, operated by the church in a velvet-lined box. sonic motto, “we make good men McGovern cut the ribbon at their new offices at 1009 Park Avenue in Plainfield. According to its website, the the United Way of Greater Union This public rite, rarely performed better.” agency was founded in 1966 as the County, offers education, mentoring, today, enthralled Trinity parishioners Deputy Grand Master William Interfaith Hospitality Network, a tutoring and parenting services. and onlookers alike. First, memora- Morris simply added “helping oth- Fed $2.6 Mil. Grant to Aimed partnership between the agency and “We’re excited about [the new fa- bilia such as photographs, newspa- ers” as the most central thing to being area congregations. Currently, 26 cility], as it will allow us to have a per clippings and coins were placed a Mason. congregations host the homeless bigger role in the community,” Mr. Towns With High Foreclosures in the county, with another 36 Woodruff said. ELIZABETH – The Union County Street Housing LLC, Brand New Day, houses of worship providing sup- He noted that the new building TV Ads Planned to Promote Board of Chosen Freeholders has City of Elizabeth, Magill Real Estate port services. The agency changed includes a community center, which announced that a federal grant of LLC, City of Plainfield, Domus Cor- its name to Homefirst Interfaith is available to other community $2,601,755 has been distributed to poration, Community Access Unlim- Housing and Family Services in groups and other non-profits for meet- Scotch Plains Business Dist. benefit communities at risk of home ited and the Township of Hillside. 2006. ings and events. The facility also in- By FRED T. ROSSI ing Verizon about airing the commer- foreclosures and abandonment. Work on the projects is expected to Mr. Woodruff said Homefirst pro- cludes three apartment-style housing Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times cials on its FiOS service. He is hop- Union County received the funding begin this fall. vides both transition housing, for per- units. SCOTCH PLAINS — The Scotch ing to be able to begin filming com- under the federal Neighborhood Sta- Plains Management Corp. (SPMC) mercials in the last quarter of this bilization Program (NSP), which is considering producing television year. There is “several thousand dol- helps protect communities from the Store Open commercials to promote the Route lars” in the SPMC’s budget allocated impact of blighted properties. Wines & Spirits Sunday 22 and downtown business districts for business recruitment and reten- The freeholders also expect Union as a way of both retaining existing tion, Mr. Biagini said. County to receive additional NSP 333 South Ave. East , Westfield, NJ • (908) 232-8700 VISIT OUR Prices effective through businesses and attracting new ones. He also described himself as “very funding of more than $1.5 million The items Tues., Sept. 28, 2010. TEMPERATURE below are Many items are in short supply, CONTROLLED please shop early. The SPMC board of directors spent pleased” by the reaction to the maiden next year. Sunrise Cellars on Sale! most of its monthly meeting last issue of Simply Scotch Plains, the The $2.6 million in funding is des- the Wine Department at WINE CELLAR Debit Wednesday discussing the idea, and SPMC’s quarterly newspaper that was ignated for acquiring and rehabilitat- ShopRite Wines and Spirits of Westfield Cards David Biagini, president of mailed to all residents several weeks ing existing housing, constructing FirsTEAManagement, SPMC’s man- ago. “We’ve had a lot of nice com- new housing and demolishing der- BUY ONE BOTTLE ager, told The Westfield Leader and ments” about the newspaper, he said, elict properties. Approximately 70 OR 100... NO LIMIT! MacMurray The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times that and noted that the 187 entries re- affordable rental-housing units will Louis Nine Comcast had proposed 30-second ad- ceived for the crossword puzzle con- be developed, in one-to-four family Ranch Martini Stones 20% PINOT GRIS 2008 CABERNET SAUVIGNON BAROSSA vertisements to run, at least initially, test was a “record for the first issue of homes and apartment buildings. SONOMA COAST SONOMA 2007 SHIRAZ 2008 on the three primary cable television any newspaper launch I’ve done.” As stipulated by the terms of the OFF Wine Wine Wine business networks, CNBC, MSNBC The clues in the puzzle all re- grant, the funds were targeted to Eliza- ANY 750 ML Advocate 99 Advocate 99 Enthusiast 99 BOTTLE OF 750 750 750 and Fox. “That’s what business own- lated to various ads and other con- beth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, 90 14 ML 90 14 ML 90 10 ML ers watch,” Mr. Biagini said when tent in the newspaper, meaning Rahway and Roselle. In its capacity French asked about the choice of networks. “people were reading the entire as grant administrator, Union County Wine Coppola DIAMOND SERIES Olivet Lane Another television spot would fea- magazine for the clues.” The prize, distributed the funds to 84-86 First (EXCLUDING CHAMPAGNE • CAB • MERLOT • SYRAH • CHARDONNAY Pinot Noir ture a “generic” 15-second opening which will be awarded later this & SPARKLING WINES) • ZIN • PINOT NOIR • CLARET • SAUVIGNON BLANC Excluding advertised and in-store specials. Limited 99 99 ESTATE BOTTLED 2007 describing shopping opportunities in week, is a gift certificate for a N.J. Program Offers to store inventory. No other discounts apply. Scotch Plains, followed by a 15-sec- local business. 14 750 ML 11750 ML Wine Enthusiast 99 ond segment advertising either va- In other business, the SPMC has Meal Assistance IMPORTED 750 Oak Creek Erben FROM GERMANY 91 ML •AUSLESE 19 cant retail properties or featuring a pledged to contribute up to $500 TRENTON – All day-care facili- •KABINETT •PINOT NOIR •SPATLESE testimonial from a local business that towards repair of the lights inside ties and their clients should be aware That’s ALL TYPES •RIESLING MacMurray 99 Less Than 99 99 99 PINOT NOIR CENTRAL COAST could be changed as needed. the fountain at Alan Augustine Vil- that children and adults enrolled in 9 750 8750 750 12 750 3.34 ML ML 7 ML ML Mr. Biagini said he envisions the lage Green, which were damaged day-care facilities may be eligible for Per Btl. 99 Red Rock by the case 99 commercials running in enough mar- during last winter’s weather. Mr. free meals through the Child and 750 Di Lupo ML Merlot 10 750 3 ALTO ADIGE CHIANTI ML kets that viewers from Perth Amboy Biagini said the township estimates Adult Care Food Program, according •ROSSO TOSCANA CASE OF 12 99 PINOT GRIGIO •CHIANTI RESERVA D.O.C.G Choco Vine 99 in the south to Montclair in the north the repairs will cost about $2,000, to New Jersey Secretary of Agricul- SAME TYPE ...... 39 99 99 99 12750 750 7750 IMPORTED FROM HOLLAND 9 750 and west along the Route 78 corridor and SPMC’s donation hinges on the ture Douglas Fisher. The Child and ML 9 ML ML ML to Bridgewater would be exposed to balance of the bill being covered by Adult Care Food Program is a feder- Smoking Loon Hardy’s Stamp Toasted Head 99 the ads. He said he would be contact- other entities. ally-funded program ALL TYPES 8 750 ALL •CABERNET ML TYPES 99 750 •CHARDONNAY 99 Concannon 99 ML 750 5 •MERLOT 9 ML ALL TYPES (EXCL. RED ZIN) 7 750 ML
Don Miguel Rutherford MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND GASCON 99 Hill 99 Brancott MALBEC 750 750 ML MERLOT 15 ML SAUVIGNON BLANC 10 Juicy and refreshing with grapefruit and melon flavors that remain zingy through the Cloverdale BIG SIZES & BIG SAVINGS! tart finish. Beringer Yellow 99 Ranch WHITE Tail ZINFANDEL 9 750 ML CABERNET 2006 99 ALL 99 81.5 L TYPES 11 1.5 L COLUMBIA VALLEY Wine Enthusiast: 90 99 14 750 J.P. Barefoot Pacific Rim ML Chenet Cellars Organic Riesling 2008 ALL TYPES ALL TYPES Displays aromas of jasmine Viña and citrus. The subtly sweet 99 99 profile is balanced by bright San Esteban 9 1.5 L 91.5 L and refreshing acidity. •SAUV. BLANC Franzia 5 L BOXES •CABERNET Wine 99 VINTNER OLD WORLD HOUSE WINE Enthusiast: •CHARDONNAY 99 SELECT CLASSICS FAVORITES •MERLOT 92 12 750 ML 750 ML 99 99 99 •MALBEC 6 14 13 11 SPAIN Sparkling Wines Cavit 99 Ed Hardy Las Rocas ALL TYPES 12 1.5 L SANGRIA 99 Garnacha Freixenet 91.5 L 2007 CORDON 99 Gato Negro 99 An intense cherry red color, NEGRO 750 ALL TYPES RESERVA with captivating aromas of 8 ML 12 3 L FROM CHILE Santa Marvista vibrant black raspberry and •CABERNET •MERLOT 99 spice box derived from a Inglenook touch of oak. Gancia 99 99 •CHARDONNAY 71.5 L PROSECCO 750 CASKS - ALL TYPES 7 3 L 9 ML Wine Advocate 99 Andre Madria 99 Liberty Creek 99 750 ML 99 ALL TYPES 1.5 L 90 SPARKLING WINE 750 SANGRIA 71.5 L 5 10 4 ML Tanqueray Absolut Bacardi Gin Vodka Rum IMPORTED REGULAR 80O LIGHT, DARK, FROM ENGLAND AND FLAVORS OR SELECT Bacardi Mojito 99 99 ORIG., RASP.99 99 36 1.75 L 29 1.75 L 19 1.75L 211.75 L CANADIAN CORDIALS GIN Canadian Your Choice New 99 99 Amsterdam 19 1.75 L Club 19 1.75 L •Bailey’s IRISH CREAM 99 99 BOURBON Bowman’s 12 1.75 L 1.75L Jack •Licor 43 39 TEQUILA 99 Daniels 391.75 L Romana REG. OR 99 Gozio 99 Patron 99 Sambuca BLACK 750 ML AMARETTO 750 ML SILVER 750 Jack 21 19 37ML GREEN 99 Daniels LABEL 331.75 L RUM COGNAC/BRANDY Jose´Cuervo 99 ! "# GOLD OR SILVER 321.75 L VODKA Sailor Jerry 99 Remy Martin XO 99 92º SPICED RUM 281.75 L COGNAC 99750 ML José Diego Stolichnaya 99 #$%%' ##( # 99 SILVER OR GOLD 24 1.75 L REGULAR OR FLAVORS 341.75 L Malibu 99 Louis Baron 99 ALL FLAVORS 24 1.75 L BRANDY 10 750 ML SCOTCH Firefly 99 $$)*+# - # SWEET TEA 29 1.75 L RUSSIAN Macallan 99 VODKA 12 YEAR SINGLE MALT 750 Three Olives 99 Piterskaya 43 ML ALL TYPES 22 1 L . ./0%1)*2)$2%% Made in Saint Petersburg with alcohol 99 99 6 times distilled from grain and water Cutty Sark 221.75 L Sobieski 17 1.75 L from Europe’s largest lake of Ladoga, Johnnie located on the heavily glaciated 99 99 99 Baltic Shield just Northeast of the city. 1.75 L Walker Red 311.75 L Bowman’s 11 1.75 L 19 For the address of the store nearest to you please call... 1-800-SHOPRITE Discounts ALL STORES OPEN SUN. Available On: Prices established by ShopRite Wines & Spirits of Westfield, NJ (908) 232-8700 (EXCLUDING SALE ITEMS) ShopRite WINES & SPIRITS STORES ARE INDIVIDUALLY OWNED AND OPERATED AND NOT A CHAIN. PRICES AND MOST STORES ACCEPT: PRODUCTS FEATURED MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT ALL AFFILIATED STORES. Prices effective Wed., Sept. 22 thru Mixed Mixed Cases Cases Debit Tues., Sept. 28, 2010. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical errors. In the event of of Wine of Spirits Card errors, the lowest price allowed by N.J. State Law will apply. All cases sold containing single type only. Page 4 Thursday, September 23, 2010 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION ABCDICTIONOPQRSTDECEPTIONUVWXYZ The Westfield Leader The Scotch Plains–Fanwood Letters to the Editor Times Since 1959 — Established 1890 — DD Legal Newspaper for the Town of Westfield, Legal Newspaper for the Borough of Fanwood Appreciation for Our Public Servants; DTM Boroughs of Mountainside and Garwood And the Township of Scotch Plains D Diction Deception And the County of Union, NJ. Members of: Thank You Westfield Firefighters Below are four arcane words, each New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association • Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce We often take for granted the public tumes and more than 99 percent of our with four definitions – only one is correct. Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association • Fanwood Business & Professional Association services that are provided in our commu- party retail and rental inventory remained The others are made up. Are you sharp enough to discern this deception of dic- Periodicals – Postage Paid at Rahway, New Jersey Periodicals – Postage Paid at Rahway, New Jersey nities. Following a June 19 fire at our unaffected by the fire and smoke. business, we no longer take for granted Any lack of efficiency on the part of tion? P.O. Box 250 • 251 North Avenue, West P. O. Box 368 the skills provided by the Westfield Fire the Westfield Fire Department would have If you can guess one correctly – good Westfield, N.J. 07091 Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 Department. proven disastrous for our main building guess. If you get two – well-read indi- Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 On that evening, a passerby reported and our business. vidual. If you get three – word expert. If POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at seeing smoke and flames coming from We would like to express our gratitude you get all four – You must have a lot of the rear of our property on South Avenue. to the Westfield Fire Department for their free time! P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 Within five minutes the Westfield constant readiness to respond to poten- All words and correct definitions Published every Thursday by Watchung Communications, Inc. firefighters were on the scene extinguish- tially life-threatening emergencies. They come from the board game Diction ing the flames, which were covering the are true professionals. Deception. Paul Peyton Horace R. Corbin Jeff Gruman exterior wall of our storage building. Bruce and Patti Campbell Answers to last week’s arcane words. ASSIGNMENT EDITOR PUBLISHER SALES MANAGER Because of their rapid and efficient re- 1. Yird – Scottish for earth Suzette F. Stalker David B. Corbin Michael L. Bartiromo The Party Stop sponse to the call, all of our 5,000 cos- Westfield 2. Laurin – A fatty, acrid, crystalline COMMUNITY ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & SPORTS MARKETING PRODUCTION substance contained in the berries of the Michael Pollack Ben Corbin Robert P. Connelly It Would Take Mismanagement or laurel EDUCATION & ARTS SERVICES BUSINESS OPERATIONS 3. Thesmothete – A legislator or law- giver Outright Theft for Solar Plan to Fail 4. Proterandry – The maturation of the SUBSCRIPTION PRICE www.goleader.com/subscribe I have just discussed the structure of normally get if they borrowed the funds male organs of reproduction in advance One-year – $33 • Two-year – $62 • Three-year – $90 the solar program Union County is enter- themselves. The UCIA, and by extension of the female organs ing into with the law firm that is handling Union County (and by extension CYPHONISM the details of the transaction. The pro- Westfield), are indeed taking risk by ex- 1. A state of purification or having gram the county is entering into (Westfield tending credit to these entities. impurities removed A Potpourri of Autumn Festivals: chose not to participate) is the same ar- However, as I mentioned in my first 2. The study of the mammary gland rangement Morris County entered into letter, PPA agreements are exceptionally and its milk-producing secretions last year. profitable endeavors, even more so now 3. A form of ancient punishment con- The $45 million is now down to $25 than usual since the UCIA is loaning sisting of smearing the victim with honey Why All the Same Day? million for a “first pool” (that means them the capital at rates they wouldn’t and exposing him to insects there could be more). The bonds issued normally get. It would take colossal mis- 4. Blood letting as a form of medical This Sunday, September 26, marks the return of merchants and vendors who must transport, set up are through the Union County Improve- management, or outright theft for these practice Westfield’s yearly FestiFall celebration, along with and pack up their wares; the performers hoping to ment Authority (UCIA), not specifically providers not to pay back these bonds on TOHUBOHU the Union County Harvest Festival and various other showcase their talents, and all the other people Union County. a timely basis. 1. A gum resin which oozes from the festivities presented by local religious, civic and involved in these large public events deserve to see The essence of the transaction is this: What the county gets is approximately Indian hemp municipal organizations, including Fanny Wood Day. the maximum reward for their efforts in terms of The bondholders are extending credit to a 30 percent savings in electric rates over 2. Mixed or jumbled the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) the course of the lease term which is 15 3. Minced chicken or veal, mixed with While there are myriad autumnal celebrations held attendance numbers. provider through the UCIA. The PPA years, ironically the exact life of the Solar eggs and bread crumbs each year in our communities – and only so many By holding its own annual celebration the follow- provider will be making semi-annual prin- Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) mar- 4. Chaos weekends to go around – the scheduling of so many ing Sunday, October 3, Scotch Plains will give area cipal and interest payments to the bond- ket in New Jersey. What the bondholders CATABASION events in one day potentially diminishes the number residents another chance to enjoy street fair festivi- holders through the UCIA. The PPA pro- get is their principal and interest over the 1. A chamber in a Greek church, under vider will, in turn, draw down funds from life of the bonds (taxable by the way). the alter, where relics are kept of attendees at each. ties without creating even more competition for the bond issuance to pay for the installa- What the PPA providers get is a very high 2. A mountain pass Additionally, certain festivals are traditionally visitors. Miss Fanny Wood is deeply appreciative. In tions of the solar arrays on specified rate of return, about 25 percent after tax. 3. In anatomy, the study of involuntary larger than others, and can overshadow the smaller the future, we hope the organizers of each of our buildings in the county. Good for the county, but it could be muscle contractions venues. This year Fanny Wood, the folklore figure local festivals can coordinate their events so that they The primary reason the UCIA is issu- better, and worth the risk given the savings. 4. A slaughterhouse for cattle ing bonds for the PPA provider is so they MELIC for whom Fanwood’s festival is named, must duke it are “spread out” a bit more. can receive better terms than they would Scott Webb Westfield 1. Producing honey out with mighty Westfield and the county for festival We wish great weather and much success for all 2. Of song or poetry visitors. Not something a well-brought-up Victorian the festivals this Sunday, and encourage visitors to 3. Well-formed; symmetrical lady should be called upon to do. attend a couple of them, if possible. Each of these Trenton, Don’t Waste Time; Help Us In 4. Resembling a grape cluster in form In all seriousness, however, we’re thinking of all events richly represent the best about our local Scotch Plains Deal With Taxes the time, labor and expense that go into the planning communities – their history, culture and sense of Letters to and staging of each of these local celebrations each community – not to mention a festive way to get to Editor’s Note: The following letter is they had to create a sewer authority. It is addressed to Governor Chris Christie, difficult for us taxpayers to assure that the Editor year. The committees that organize these events; the know your neighbors. Sen. Steve Sweeney, Sen. Nicholas Scutari, this is not a revenue source. It should be Asw. Sheila Oliver, Asw. Linda Stender pointed out that this is the same authority and Asm. Jerry Green: that Assembly Minority Leader Alex Astronomers Invite The People Need State Legislators We need your help in addressing the DeCroce mentioned funding for parties runaway property taxes in our Town of and the like. Public to Open House Scotch Plains. Our local officials for The other item is the paying of the bills whatever reason(s) have not been able to for Scotch Plains Senior Citizen Housing at Sperry Observatory To Get The Job Done Now correct the situations. Below I will list a Corporation. Apparently they have some The public is invited to an open house few examples. “structural problems” as reported by lo- at the Sperry Observatory at Union County Many candidates running for seats on their town tract situations create a “great paperwork divide?” Scotch Plains belongs to the Rahway cal media, are tax exempt and we taxpay- College (UCC) in Cranford at 5:30 p.m. councils are stopping by the homes of residents at Other than discussing options to merge depart- Sewage Authority. As a result of govern- ers are the final provider for payment of on Saturday, October 2, sponsored by the this time asking for their votes in the November ments with other towns or to create sewer authorities mental requirements, they forced them to bills they cannot pay. Why are we respon- Amateur Astronomers (AAI) in appre- make several major capitol improve- sible for these monies? Our town council ciation for the great support from the General Election. What should the candidates be to slide under the 2 percent property tax cap, what ments, which we are responsible for fund- is trying to address the problem, but I fear public to keep the observatory open. A discussing and what should you be asking them? other issues do the candidates have to discuss? What ing. In particular, they built a $30- mil- have little options that will not be costly two-year agreement has been reached In Scotch Plains and Fanwood, there are important questions should you be asking? lion Cogeneration plant (Star-Ledger – to the taxpayers. with UCC. questions that could be asked of the candidates, such Perhaps the issues above are not the most impor- June 13, 2010) that may never generate a Please can you look into an indepen- The experience has inspired us (AAI) single megawatt of power. They con- dent investigation to confirm that we to expand our outreach even more, be- as, What does the consultant’s report say on merging tant questions and perhaps the candidates for town tracted for a forensic analysis whose costs taxpayers are not being mistreated in yond Sperry alone, but we wanted at least the towns or departments? If the towns merge or if councils are not those to whom the questions should were unsupervised and resulted in bill- either? Perhaps you could assist in alter- one specific event that says thank you. the police departments are merged, will there be any be posed. In terms of your property tax money, ings of in excess of $1 million that ex- nate funding options and see that those See www.asterism.org for more infor- savings? Will this result in loss of service or lessen mayors and councilmen are the little guys. ceeded what was to be expected. that got us into these situations are iden- mation. They spent money to recoup money tified and prevented from negatively im- public safety? Should the libraries be merged? Do In terms of your property tax money, the next that should not have spent in the first pacting us in the future. Gordon Bond you support a merger? biggest gorillas up the ladder are the county free- place. In order to replace the $30-million These two items are on top of the impact AAI President Berkeley Heights and New Providence are also holders. Perhaps your questions should be posed to Cogen plant, a $200,000 fuel burner is of tax reform with the 2 percent cap and discussing merging their police departments and the candidates for freeholder. under consideration. The authority indi- holes big enough for a truck to be driven County Campaign residents there face the same questions. In terms of your property tax money, the biggest cated that they have a potential 17-per- through, which is a joke and will do little cent increase in costs, which a share will to correct the above problems. The 4- Mailer Addresses Ruled It is interesting that a police car in the Township of gorillas are the public school system and the New be passed on to us. percent cap presently is ineffective, de- Scotch Plains cannot drive from the north side to the Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Perhaps your To top it all off, our town council spite what I’ve heard from Trenton. Public Record south side without going through the Borough of questions should be posed to them. realized last year that in order to stay This year our school taxes increased The Union County Watchdog Asso- Fanwood. It is interesting that a police car in the But don’t all the important questions revolve around under the then existing 4-percent cap some 3.7 percent, municipal taxes 5.2 ciation (UCWA) has long maintained Township of Berkeley Heights cannot drive from the the “Tool Kit” festering in the State Legislature with percent and county taxes 5.9 percent. We, that the Senior Newsletter is one of the as a municipality, turned down the school taxpayer funded campaign mailers the west side to the east side without going through the inaction? Shouldn’t one be contacting their legisla- Now It Is The Time to budget this year. This placed it into the county issues at election time. This news- Borough of New Providence. tors and be demanding that they get off their “duff?” town council’s responsibility to reduce. letter is mailed to the senior’s right before Merging of police departments is made difficult — before we’re faced with the only recourse being Fix the Problem The proposed $299 increase, for an aver- Primary and General Elections and fea- because township departments are under civil ser- to hire Blackwater for our public safety? Another study on the emigration of age priced house in Scotch Plains, was tures officials who are up for re-election. people from New Jersey is emphasizing reduced by our town council to only, I The last one contained a form and in- vice employee contracts while boroughs are “chiefs The people need the legislators to get the job done the need for immediate, corrective mea- believe, $46. structions on how to vote by mail by towns” under local PBA contracts. Is this by design now. Prizes can be awarded later for the best political sure to strengthen New Jersey’s economic This does not look good for the success Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, who is up for re- that the township and borough geography and con- posturing. position and policies. The time for fixing of the 2-percent cap, it raises questions of election in November. the blame is past. Now it is time to fix the who were served by their action and The UCWA’s [OPRA] request for the problem. makes one wonder if you in Trenton mailing list, which is clearly a public The latest study by the Tax Foundation understand what we are facing. We don’t record, was denied by the county and a confirms what many experts have been have the two or three jobs, multiple pen- complaint was filed in Superior Court by saying for years, people are leaving New sions, health care plans, etc. We are left to attorney Walter Luers. Jersey because it offers less opportunity the mercy of local officials, who either On September 14, 2010, State Supe- but higher costs than almost every other don’t listen or don’t understand. rior Court JudgeBrock in Union County state in the nation. A closer look at the Please don’t spend your time on the loss issued an opinion and order that held that study shows that a clear pattern exists: the of the $400 million for Race to the Top, under OPRA, a member of the public is states with the highest outmigration rates and concentrate on the Governor’s Tool entitled to the mailing list maintained by tend to be high-tax, high-cost states clus- Box and his reforms such as pension, Union County that the County uses to tered in Northeast or on the West coast. benefits, ethics, and education reform. mail a senior citizens newsletter to the It is imperative that state and local From the view of the taxpayer, you public. According to the county, mem- government take immediate, concrete elected officials in Trenton and the like bers of the public sign up for the mailing. steps to stem the flow of talent and capital appear to be self-centered. You want your The mailing list consists of the names and from this state. The Tax Foundation study multiple jobs, pensions, benefits and sim- home addresses of those who have signed estimates that during the last decade New ply do not care about us. You do not want up. The county initially provided the list, Jersey has lost more than $12 billion in to listen to us and do what best suits your but redacted the home addresses. income due to the exodus from this state. private interests. Ordinarily, the county would be re- The Governor’s 33 ‘Toolkit initiatives’ As proof of this, look at Senator quired to produce the document within cannot continue to languish in legislative Sweeney’s holding the pension reform 10 days; the county’s request for a stay of limbo. The legislature must immediately hostage. His obstruction only serves to the order pending appeal was granted. consider Governor Christie’s reform support two of his three pensions and the This order gives the county 45 days to package. We must begin to fix the under- unions over the taxpayers. surrender the document, which is Octo- lying cause of New Jersey’s outmigration There is nationwide uprising of resent- ber 29; two mailing days before the Gen- by taking concrete steps to make the state ment against politicians. Leave it to be said, eral Election. affordable for families and hospitable to that some of us will hold you accountable The county will have to reimburse our job growth. with our vote. Can you live with this? attorney’s fees, including any costs in- Senator Tom Kean Al Muller curred in the delay of release of the public Westfield Scotch Plains record. Tina Renna Touting Five-Day Rockfest - Is This Cranford UCWA President Really The Business of Government? Union County Freeholders I attended the [Union County] Free- where, some glossy mailers arrived after 10 Elizabethtown Plaza holder meeting last night (September 16). the event. Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207 I arrived just in time to be told the free- My point to the freeholders was to stop holders took a recess for a closed session the unnecessary spending. Foreclosures (908) 527-4000 and would be back. Of course I was are at a frighteningly high level and climb- George Devanney, Mgr. Your State Legislators perturbed, especially as it turned into ing. In Elizabeth 15 to 20 percent of [email protected] Sebastian D’Elia, Public Info. ---LD-21------LD-22--- LD-21 includes Westfield, Mountainside, almost two hours. We need to change this homes are in foreclosure. The numbers in Sen. Thomas Kean, Jr. (R) Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D) Garwood, Summit and Cranford. form of government. Hillside, Linden, Union, Plainfield and (908) 527-4419 425 North Ave. E. 1514 E. Saint Georges Ave. No one wanted to be there last night. Roselle are also very disheartening. [email protected] Westfield, N.J. 07090 Linden, N.J. 07036 LD-22 includes Scotch Plains, Fanwood, The members of the public stuck it out to I asked if they are cutting back for what Dan Sullivan, Bd. Chair (908) 232-3673 (908) 587-0404 Plainfield, Clark and Linden. have their turn to speak. By the second appears to be an even worse in 2011. The [email protected] Asm. Jon Bramnick (R) Asw. Linda Stender (D) half of the meeting only six of the nine answer was, incredibly, “well, we just 251 North Ave. West 1801 East Second St. E-mail freeholders were there. The public spoke collect the money from the municipali- Deadlines Westfield, N.J. 07090 Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 [email protected] and it was contentious all around. ties.” Yes, that’s right, we can deplete our General News - Friday 4pm (908) 232-2073 (908) 668-1900 [email protected] The Freeholders most like to tout the surplus, jeopardize our bond rating and Weekend Sports - Monday 12pm Asm. Nancy Munoz (R) Asm. Jerry Green (D) [email protected] success of Musicfest. Fine, can we move lay off essential workers to pay their bills. Classifieds - Tuesday 12pm 57 Union Place, Suite 310 17 Watchung Ave. [email protected] on? Is this really the business of govern- It is time to end one-party domination. Ad Reservation - Friday 4pm Summit, N.J. 07901 Plainfield, N.J. 07060 [email protected] ment to run a five-day rock concert in the It isn’t working. To Reach Us (908) 918-0414 (908) 561-5757 [email protected] middle of September when most of us are Ellen Dickson focusing on other things? We will never E-Mail - [email protected] 7th Congressional District Republican candidate for Union For more information, see get a true accounting of what Musicfest County Freeholder Representative Leonard Lance, 425 North Avenue E., Westfield, NJ 07090 (908) 518-7733 cost. All I know is that ads were every- www.goleader.com/help A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, September 23, 2010 Page 5 Ship Model Recalls World War II A Scenic Bicycle Trip Along Ordeal of Mr. Charles Taylor Delaware & Raritan Canal The Westfield Leader May 6, 1976 tions left only scraps available for By DEAN TALCOTT turtles sunning themselves on logs. ***** Verhulst’s work and he had to abandon If you Google Delaware and As I approached Trenton, the water In December of 1943, a crippled B-24 the idea of a sleep airplane model. got dirtier and I saw less stream life. Liberator bomber of the U.S. Eighth Air Instead, taking inspiration from Raritan Canal, you can get all the Force 44th Bomb Group struggled home- America’s Bicentennial observances, he history, charts, maps, etc. that you I passed several locks, whose pur- ward from a raid over enemy territory. envisioned the possibility of shaping the will need to plan a trip. That’s what I pose was to adjust barges to different But damage sustained by the four-engine torn and jagged pieces into an interpreta- did to help plan the seven trips that I water elevations in adjacent sections aircraft was too great and the crew was tion of a man-of-war sailing ship from the took to bike the 65-mile path this of the canal. When passing by forced to crash-land in the waters of the era of America’s war for independence. summer. You can walk or bike the Carnegie Lake, I saw buoys, which IJsselmeer in the Netherlands. After an estimated 300 hours of work — path, and in some places, horses are help align crew team competitions. Only one member of the 10-man crew cutting, shaping, welding, Verhulst’s vi- allowed. Most of the path is about six The length between Trenton and survived the ill-fated flight to spend the sion became a reality in the form of a to eight feet wide. Where is the canal, Frenchtown is known as the feeder remainder of the war in Europe as a fanciful, ingenious and visually entranc- canal. It is narrower than the main prisoner. He was the 22-year-old copilot, ing ship model measuring three feet in you ask? If you look at a central New Charles K. Taylor, who escaped from the height and length weighing 35 pounds. Jersey map, think of a big smile, with canal. The canal begins at Bull’s Is- wreckage through a gaping hole near his Examination of the model reveals how Frenchtown on the left (west) side, land, 3.3 miles north of Stockton. position when the aircraft burst open upon Verhulst used bits of the B-24’s fuselage, Trenton at the bottom and New This area provides views of the Dela- SCENIC BIKE TRIP…Pictured above is the main canal park headquarters and engines, wiring and controls, hammered, Brunswick on the right (east) side. ware River, and you pass through the lock in Kingston. shaped and bound together and coated There are many points of interest quaint towns of Lambertville, Stock- with bronze lacquer to form what he along the route, including businesses ton and Frenchtown, with their ex- Casino Night Set for Nov. 13 at dubbed a real “Flying Dutchman” of ship. where you can rent bicycles, canoes cellent eateries. The northern part of The question then became the delivery of and kayaks. the path utilizes an abandoned rail- Westfield Armory for Troop Families the model. road track bed. Knowing of the model and the story I have not done a great deal of WESTFIELD — On Saturday, No- nesses to donate food, prizes, etc. for behind it from press reports, the Dutch biking, so I knew I would need to The canal was built mostly by Irish vember 13 at 7 p.m. the Family Readi- the event. All donations are tax deduct- office of Atlantic Container Line stepped learn my limitations. My trips were immigrants between 1830 and 1834, ness Groups (FRGs) for the 1st Squadron ible. All sponsors will receive recogni- forward and made special arrangements usually around 16 to 18 miles, and it at a cost of $2.34 million. Much of it 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 50th Brigade tion. to carry the model to America in the care took me about two hours of steady was hand dug. It was built to trans- Combat Team of the New Jersey Army Individual and group tickets are also of the captain of the S.S. Atlantic Crown, peddling to do the distance. Since I port freight between Philadelphia and National Guard will be hosting their an- being sold for the fundraiser at this one of the company’s container ships was by myself, I’d bike to my prede- New York City. The canal ceased to nual “Casino Night” fundraiser for the time — $50 per person, $40 seniors and serving ACL’s Rotterdam - New York termined spot and turn around and be profitable after 1892, but it re- troops based out of the Westfield Na- veterans, special ticket pricing for ac- cargo route. Thus the model arrived in Charles Taylor bike back. Because of this, I saw the mained in use until 1932. New Jersey tional Guard Armory. All proceeds go tive military personnel. Tickets include America on April 27 at ACL’s port of purchased the property and it became New York terminal at Elizabeth, a scant path in both directions, and actually back to serving these soldiers and their $50 in gaming chips, buffet dinner and impact. few miles from Mr. Taylor’s home. biked 130 miles. I could have done a park in 1974. families with programs and services. beverages. Mr. Taylor, a native of Westfield and Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were welcomed more miles each day, but then I would If you want to get a little exercise The FRGs are looking for any indi- For more information, please con- now resident of nearby Scotch Plains, aboard the Atlantic Crown by Capt. A.C. have been dwelling on the end and and learn some local history, visit the viduals, corporations or small busi- tact Danielle Bracco, (917) 301-8751, came close to reliving the incident of Timmermans. On the ship’s bridge Cap- not the journey. The distance I chose Delaware and Raritan Canal. It’s Lisa Mohn Named [email protected] or Amy more than 30 years ago when, in the tain Timmermans turned over the model was perfect for me, and it allowed me worth the effort, and best of all, it’s Lovato, (917) 603-6862, course of traditional Dutch drainage and to Taylor, reuniting him with the frag- time to stop and read the historical good for you! You don’t have to be Top Volunteer [email protected]. land reclamation, the long forgotten B-24 ments of his airplane from which he had plaques that exist along the way. One some great athlete to do this. I’m SCOTCH PLAINS — The township reappeared from beneath the waters sev- escaped over 32 years before. day I decided to challenge myself, collecting Social Security and have mayor’s office has informed the Scotch eral years ago in much the same condition Mr. Taylor, who had enlisted in the U.S. and I rode 26 miles. been a Type 1 diabetic for 50 years. Plains Business and Professional Asso- #AR INSURANCE WITH as at the time of the 1943 ditching. Army Air Corps in 1942 after one year ciation that Lisa Mohn, their Fuel remained in the tanks, and, in- with American Telephone and Telegraph My bike is a hybrid. It’s in between So, if I can do this, you can, too! a skinny tired road bike and a moun- * * * * * * * organization’s president, has been cho- credibly, air still in the tires. Tracing the Company (AT&T), returned to AT&T sen as the volunteer of the year. history of the aircraft through U.S. Air after the war and has been with the com- tain bike. The trail surface is mostly Dean Talcott serves as caretaker of 0%23/.!, the Fanwood Nature Center. Lisa will be honored at the Mayor’s Force records, Dutch officials notified pany ever since, he is now an account crushed gravel. I wore a helmet and I Gala on Friday, December 3. Mr. Taylor of the find and in late 1975 he manager in the company’s long lines sales used biker’s gloves. I brought water 3%26)#% and his wife, Enid, visited the Nether- department for the New York City area. and snacks. I always stopped for a 10- .O EXTRA CHARGE lands and were warmly received by a Asked if he ever returned to flying after minute break. I also had a cell phone, OWEN BRAND representative of the Dutch Air Force. the war, Mr. Taylor replied, “Only us an map and mileage chart with me. Al- !T 3TATE &ARM® YOU GET A COMPETITIVE The Taylors visited the site of the airline passenger. I guess I had enough of though they feel funny, the padded ML # 222999 RATE AND AN AGENT DEDICATED TO downed aircraft, which was still lodged it during the war. Besides, flying lessons HELPING YOU GET THE COVERAGE THATS in mud. The Dutch press seized upon the to get a civilian license would have cost biker pants are much appreciated. RIGHT FOR YOU #ONTACT ME TODAY Mr. Taylor’s visit as an opportunity to tell me $10 an hour back in those days. That It was as hot as 92 degrees, but you Your Hometown a very human story, which merited recall, was big money then and I was saving up to are air-cooled when you’re moving, MORTGAGE BANKER so many years later. get married. Now our four children are and most of the path is shaded. As At that point J.A. Verhulst, a Dutch gone from home – and we have plenty of you bike, you should stay to the right, ship designer living in Hoogvliet near room to display the model. I’ll look at it and when you approach people, you Rotterdam, decided to become person- with thanks for being alive and as a re- should alert them by saying “I’m on ally involved in commemoration of the minder to my children of something that is your left.” wartime event. Though only a child at the very important in my life.” I began my biking in New Christine Cosenza, Agent time of World War II, he felt a deep sense ***** 2 Elm Street of gratitude to American men who had Editor’s Note: Westfield resident Jim Brunswick by Landing Lane Bridge. Residential – Construction Westfield, NJ 07090-2148 traveled to Europe to fight and die in the Baker was in Richmond, Va. this month. I biked as my schedule allowed. This Bus: 908-233-9100 dark days of the early 1940’s. While reading the local newspaper, he section is the main canal and is also www.christinecosenza.net Verhulst requested and received from noticed a photograph of a World War II the East Coast Greenway, which con- Commercial – Bridge Loans the U.S. Air Force various scraps from veteran from Brandermill Woods retire- nects Key West, Fla. to Maine. Along the plane’s wreckage, intending to build ment community receiving four medals, this section, I almost collided with a Local: (908) 789-2730 from them an airplane model for presen- belatedly, for heroics. The 89-year-old frog, a chipmunk, a woodchuck and a tation to Taylor. Unfortunately time, im- veteran, Mr. Taylor, was wearing an deer. I saw dozens of large painted Toll Free: (888) 256-4447 ext. 41349 mersion and the aircraft recovery opera- American Legion hat from Westfield, NJ. [email protected] ,)+% ! '//$ .%)'("/2 34!4% &!2- )3 4(%2%®
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