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Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, February 12, 2009 OUR 119th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 07-2009 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J. www.goleader.com [email protected] SIXTY CENTS Chambers vs. Westfield Lawsuit Settled; Details Not Revealed By MICHAEL J. POLLACK “The matter is resolved at this time. being consummated,” he added. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader That’s all I can say at this point.” When asked if the settlement con- WESTFIELD – The Town of Mr. Gildea would only say that the tained a confidentiality agreement, Westfield, last Friday, reached a settle- town would “respond appropriately” Mr. Gildea said he was not at liberty ment agreement with Westfield po- to an Open Public Records Act re- to say. lice officer Sandra Chambers, for- quest filed on Tuesday by Ms. Chambers’ attorney, merly a detective, and her attorney on The Leader. Eric Pennington, only re- a sexual-harassment lawsuit filed “There are issues in the ferred calls for comment to against the town, the Westfield Police settlement agreement that Mr. Gildea. Department (WPD) and former po- still have to be finalized to Ms. Chambers has been lice chief Bernard Tracy in late 2006. make it complete,” Mr. employed by the WPD since Town Administrator Jim Gildea, Gildea said. “At this time, 1995. The six-count lawsuit, commenting Tuesday after a town this is all we can share.” served on the town on De- council executive session in which When asked what those cember 14, 2006, alleged the matter was discussed, would not “issues” were and if they Sandra Chambers that “during a two-year pe- reveal any details regarding the settle- were the reason the town riod, then-Chief Bernard ment. could not provide more detailed com- Tracy regularly called Ms. Chambers “At this time, I cannot [comment]. ment, Mr. Gildea would not elabo- at home, during non-working hours The answer is, it has been settled,” rate, except to say, “Partially, yes.” and late into the evening” and that Mr. Gildea told The Westfield Leader. “The settlement is in the process of Mr. Tracy invited Ms. Chambers “to call him on his personal cell phone.” Mr. Tracy retired from the depart- ment in September 2005 and accepted a job with the Linden Public Schools as a security officer. Ms. Chambers Benjamin B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader admitted that she and Mr. Tracy had CAMPAIGN KICKOFF...Former United States Attorney for New Jersey, Chris Christie, speaks to supporters last Thursday at a Cranford rally kicking off his campaign for governor. Mr. Christie, a former Morris County Freeholder, held been friends and that Mr. Tracy in- two days of events statewide in launching his campaign. See story on page 2. vited her to attend a convention in 2003 with him in Washington, D.C., paid for by the police department. “While at the convention, Detec- New Norris Closing February 26; tive Chambers worked very hard to make contacts that would benefit the Westfield Police Department,” suit Economy, End of Leasing Cited says. The suit alleges that, “While at the By PAUL J. PEYTON the closing, including last summer’s hicles that we were selling because of convention, Chief Tracy commented Specially Written for The Westfield Leader gasoline hike, GMAC no longer leas- the high cost of gas and because of the to Detective Chambers and others WESTFIELD — The deepening ing vehicles, a plunge in truck sales, uncertainty of GM possibly going that she was not spending enough recession has hit home with the an- General Motors’ teetering on the brink out of business.” time with him, and he felt that she had nouncement that New Norris of bankruptcy and the rise in the cost “It really hurt that GMAC stopped ‘abandoned’ him.” Further, the suit Chevrolet on North Avenue will close of employee healthcare coverage. leasing vehicles,” Mr. Friedman said. Benjamin B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader alleges that the former chief “inti- Thursday, February 26. Norris “It was a lot of stuff that happened He said he lost a lot of customers GOING OUT OF BUSINESS...New Norris Chevrolet on North Avenue will close that was too much to overcome,” he who, upon returning vehicles after February 26, after a Chevy dealership has been in town for nearly 90 years. The mated that he was hopeful that while Chevrolet opened in town in the downturn in the economy was blamed. Please see story at right. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 1920s. said. their leases expired, were told that The closing follows that of Sullivan He said payments to GMAC, the New Norris could no longer lease Chevy in Roselle and Summit Chevy financing arm of General Motors them vehicles. this year, as well as Reilly Oldsmobile (GM), have significantly increased in “They’re [GMAC] the ones who County to Seek Proposals in Westfield a few years ago. recent months. He said this, com- floor plan the new vehicles and my Westfield, which once had seven car bined with last summer’s hike in gaso- used vehicles. And we pay them the dealerships, now will only have two – line prices to near $4 per gallon, interest every month. They have com- Lindeman Buick and Thomas Lin- “killed [the truck market.” pletely changed, and their rates have To Privatize Golf Clubhouses coln-Mercury. The town once had “And then right from September, in been going up,” Mr. Friedman said. By PAUL J. PEYTON courses in the area, but instead “bring In other business, the freeholders Ford, Pontiac and Jaguar dealerships. a matter of four months, we were “They have been asking for money Specially Written for The Westfield Leader a much more efficient way to run our received a presentation on a multi- Larry Friedman, owner of the deal- pretty much done,” he said. He said for different things. It just got to the ELIZABETH — The County of golf operations.” jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan ership, said a number of factors led to he saw a “significant drop in the ve- point where I just couldn’t do it any- Union is expected to send out request Mr. Sanchez said the maintenance developed by James Lee & Associ- more.” for proposals (RFPs) within two of the golf facilities would remain ates with input from the Union County GMAC charged New Norris inter- weeks for professional firms inter- under county control. Office of Emergency Management Caruana Tells WF Council to est on the new cars at its dealership ested in managing the clubhouse op- Mr. Devanney has proposed in his and 13 of the 21 municipalities in the and a curtailment charge on used cars erations at the county’s public golf budget that the Oak Ridge golf course county, as well as the public. James (a percentage on any used vehicle courses. This announcement comes in Clark be closed due to a $400,000 Lee & Associates was hired as the Brace For Upcoming Budget purchased by New Norris), as well as after County Manager George deficit last year and the multi-million project’s technical consultant. By MICHAEL J. POLLACK county is not making the “significant making the dealership pay down what Devanney said two weeks ago the costs needed to refurbish its historic Anthony Mangeri of James Lee Specially Written for The Westfield Leader cuts…the cuts you would expect to it owed on its 2008 vehicles. privatization plan for two golf course clubhouse. The county golf opera- told the freeholders that hazard miti- WESTFIELD – Town Council Fi- see in this crisis.” “GMAC owns the vehicles. Once a clubhouses was under consideration tions lost a combined $700,000 in gation planning identifies areas to nance Policy Committee Chairman Mayor Andy Skibitsky said he was vehicle is sold, we pay GMAC off. by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. 2008. reduce or eliminate risk before a natu- Sal Caruana Tuesday night asked his to speak with Union County Free- But due to the credit [crisis], we are Armando Sanchez, director of golf “It (privatization) is something we ral or manmade disaster occurs. fellow council members to observe holder Chairman Al Mirabella not financing through GMAC because operations for the county, told The have to look at,” Mr. Sanchez said. The county received a $325,000 the budgetary decisions of surround- Wednesday and that he would invite they kind of stopped doing that so we Westfield Leader after last Thursday’s Mr. Sanchez said while the com- Federal Emergency Management ing municipalities to better under- Mr. Mirabella to speak again with the had to finance through outside Board of Chosen Freeholders meet- pany that runs the facilities would Agency (FEMA) grant to develop the stand the fiscal reality Westfield faces. council at an upcoming conference sources,” he explained. He said be- ing, that the companies would be focus on golf courses Galloping Hill plan. Mr. Caruana said in many towns session. cause of dealing with a number of asked to submit bids with budgets for in Union and Ashbrook in Scotch The report identified potential di- tackling budget crunches, the “first Fourth Ward Councilman Tom banks, New Norris was unable to day-to-day operations of the courses Plains, the company might recom- saster hazards including floods, dam step” is instituting hiring freezes, fol- Bigosinski said the town, when evalu- payoff GMAC immediately upon the including all revenue producers for mend the reopening of Oak Ridge if it failures, civil disturbance and crime, lowed by layoffs. ating the county’s personnel prac- sale of vehicles on its lot. the courses as well as marketing of believes it can be operated at a profit. a pandemic disease, severe rainstorms As a third step, which he called tices, needs to separate the act of “We couldn’t cover the check all in the golf operations. He said the con- “We would like to have three golf with lightning or winter storms, util- “dramatic,” furlough strategies are people losing their jobs – and, subse- one shot, and that’s what led to losing tract would likely be for five years. courses but right now it doesn’t [make] ity failures, high winds, hurricanes, being implemented, whereby munici- quently, those individuals not being our credit rating with them (GMAC),” In his executive budget, Mr. financial sense,” Mr. Sanchez said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 palities are closing town halls one replaced – with a “title simply com- Mr. Friedman said. He said Chevy Devanney said the firm that is awarded day every two weeks, and all non- ing off the organizational chart.” wants to cut 10 to 15 percent of its the contract would be required to union employees are being docked First Ward Councilman Frank dealerships nationwide for restruc- develop additional revenue sources Garwood to Participate in 15 percent of their pay and given the Arena said the county’s announce- turing purposes. for the golf operations “with the ob- day off. ment last year that it was going to All cars not sold will be returned to jective of attaining profitability.” “I’m not saying all this necessarily CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 GMAC upon the closing of the deal- Mr. Sanchez said the county expects County ‘First Alert’ System applies to us,” Mr. Caruana said, “but ership, Mr. Friedman said. to have the RFPs in hand by March and By RAYNOR DENITZIO Homeland Security and they are go- I think it’s important to the council to MS BOE Discusses Mr. Friedman took over the busi- to have the freeholders award the con- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader ing to be instituting a reverse 911 pay more attention to understand the ness upon the death of his father, tract by the summer. Those employees GARWOOD — During a briskly program, in which Garwood is going environment around us.” Budget Status Mitchell Friedman, in 2005. His fa- who work in the clubhouses would paced meeting on Tuesday night, the to be participating,” Mayor Dennis He cited the example of Nassau By CAROLYN FREUNDLICH ther bought the business in 1981 and become employees of the private com- Garwood Council approved an agree- McCarthy said. County (Long Island), where county Specially Written for The Westfield Leader renamed it New Norris Chevrolet to pany although the county would retain ment between the borough and the Councilwoman Kathleen Villaggio executives told unions that unless they MOUNTAINSIDE – During indicate that employees and service control over the hiring and firing of County of Union regarding the use of said that residents could sign up for accept 7 percent cuts in wages from Tuesday’s meeting of the would be the same under the new workers, Mr. Sanchez said. First Alert, a countywide message the service online at ucfirstalert.org. 2008 levels, they would look to lay Mountainside Board of Education ownership. Mr. Sanchez said the county would alert system. Using the system, the borough can off 1,000 employees. (BOE), board President Mary Beth CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 not compete against private golf “The county got grant money from send text and e-mail alerts free of “As this thing (budgetary cycle) Schaumberg revealed that final deci- Happy 200th Birthday charge and can also send voice mes- moves forward for everyone, you’re sions regarding the 2009-2010 school sages at a cost of 12 cents per call. going to see more activity like that,” year budget will be available for pub- “It’s an emergency notification sys- Mr. Caruana said. “You’re going to lic review. According to the district’s tem that would alert citizens via text see our organized labor partners be- website, the budget presentation and message, e-mail message and voice if come partners in this process because public hearing will take place on Tues- there are emergencies that should these decisions require their coop- day, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the BOE happen,” Ms. Villaggio said. eration.” meeting held in the Beechwood The system was formally unveiled Fourth Ward Councilman Jim School. at a county press conference on Foerst said the town should consider The annual school board elections Wednesday morning at the Ralph writing a letter to Union County. and budget vote will be held on Tues- Froehlich Public Safety Building in “While [Westfield is] struggling and day, April 21, from 2 to 9 p.m. Westfield. cutting positions, [Union County] has Ms. Schaumberg said that, “around Ms. Villaggio, a county employee, added positions such as the deputy this time, an open discussion will oc- abstained from the council’s vote. director of DPW, at a salary between cur where the public may ask the board In other business, the council $75,000 and $100,000,” he said. any questions they may have regard- adopted two ordinances on Tuesday. Mr. Caruana said the difference in ing the budget” (decisions). Ordinance 09-05 allows the borough response to the financial downturn She stated that the reasoning for this to enforce Title 39, the state’s traffic between Union and Essex Counties, is to “keep the community informed in laws, at “The Pointe” and “The Lofts,” as an example, were “night and day.” an open question-and-answer session.” two condominium developments in “Essex feels the reality,” Mr. The information regarding the bud- President Abraham Lincoln Garwood. Borough Attorney Robert Caruana said. “Union County is go- get will be made available to the February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865 Renaud said this ordinance permits ing to close a golf course and lay off CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Horace Corbin for The Westfield Leader traffic regulation at developments PROSPECT a-PLENTY...Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R, LD-21 of Westfield) 55 seasonal employees and say ‘we with heavy vehicle traffic. eliminated 55 jobs.’ They haven’t re- PAGE INDEX receives support for re-election from a packed house of Republican state and local Regional ...... 2-3 Obituary ...... 8 Real Estate .... 11-17 dignitaries and wellwishers Monday night during his kickoff-fundraiser at 16 The other ordinance passed on ally felt or reacted to real pain.” Tuesday moves the position of mu- Mr. Caruana added later that from Editorial....4-5, 17, 18 Education ...... 8-9, 16 Classifieds .... 16 Prospect Bistro in Westfield. Pictured: Senator Tom Kean, Jr. (center) and Mr. Community ... 6-8 Sports ...... 11-15 A&E ...... 19-20 Bramnick with the microphone. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 what information he has seen, the Page 10 Thursday, February 12, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A Watchung Communications, Inc. Publication Two Men Face Charges In Westfield Carjacking By SUZETTE F. STALKER brandishing a handgun and told him Specially Written for The Westfield Leader they were taking his car. The victim WESTFIELD – Authorities ar- exited the vehicle, at which time the rested two men last week on charges suspects entered it and fled the scene. related to an armed carjacking inci- The victim was unharmed, the lieu- dent that occurred in Westfield. tenant stated. Elizabeth police took Jahlil Ballard, At the time of their arrest, the sus- 20, of Springfield and Dyshun Durham, pects were found to be in possession 19, of Roselle into custody in Eliza- of the victim’s car and also in posses- beth at 2:42 a.m. on February 5, ac- sion of a loaded semi-automatic hand- cording to Lieutenant Scott Rodger of gun, according to police. the Westfield Police Department. Westfield authorities charged both The men are suspected of having Ballard and Durham with carjacking, carjacked a Westfield resident at gun- unlawful possession of a weapon point as he was parking his 2007 and possession of a weapon for un- Benjamin B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader Toyota Prius on Sandra Circle at 11:27 lawful purposes. They were held fol- PACKED HOUSE...Ardent GOP supporters turned out in Cranford last Thurs- p.m. on February 4. lowing their arrest pending the set- Christina M. Hinke for The Westfield Leader day to hear Chris Christie announce his candidacy for Governor of New Jersey. GARWOOD FIRE...A fire ravaged the two-family home of Kathi Sullivan and Lieutenant Rodger said two indi- ting of bail by a State Superior Court her mom, Dolores Sullivan, at 307 Willow Avenue in Garwood on January 31. viduals approached the victim while judge. Their neighbor, Barbara Tweedle, is collecting donations to help restore the home. See story below. BOE Feb. 24 Meeting POLICE BLOTTER Freeholders At Edison Intermediate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Garwood Family To Rebuild WESTFIELD — The next public Westfield end drug by forgery or deception and extreme temperatures, and urban fires meeting of the Westfield Board of Sunday, February 1, Jeffrey P. Luker, obtaining a CDS by misrepresentation, and wildfires. Education will be held on Tuesday, Jr., 25, of Westfield was arrested and fraud or forgery. After Fire; Help Needed Mr. Mangeri said participating February 24, at 8 p.m. in the audito- charged with driving under the influ- The arrest was pursuant to an inves- By CHRISTINA M. HINKE cient amount of clothes for now thanks towns identified a number of mitiga- rium of Edison Intermediate School. ence (narcotics) and admitting to being tigation conducted by patrol officers Specially Written for The Westfield Leader to the help of the Red Cross, but are in tion measures for implementation. The business agenda will include a under the influence of a controlled dan- after a complaint was received from a GARWOOD – A fire ravaged the need of financial assistance and any The measures included property ac- second reading on a policy to change gerous substance. local pharmacy. Mohrle was transported two-family home of Kathi Sullivan, volunteer construction help to refur- quisitions, elevation or relocation of the intermediate school zone to ad- Police responded to Oak Avenue and to Westfield police headquarters, where 40, and her mom, Dolores Sullivan, bish the house. critical facilities, drainage improve- just for overcrowding at Roosevelt Sherwood Parkway on a report of a she was processed and released on her 77, at 307 Willow Avenue on January The dwelling sustained fire, smoke ments, burying utilities, undertaking Intermediate School. possible incident involving someone own recognizance. 31. The two escaped their home of 44 and water damage to the roof, stair- engineering studies to determine ac- According to a school district-is- leaving the scene of an accident, at Scotch Plains years without physical injury, but their wells, walls and ceilings, Kathi tions needed to address everything sued press release, Superintendent of which time the suspect also showed up Wednesday, February 4, Jameel Grif- cat, Lucky, died of smoke inhalation Sullivan said. from flooding to high winds. The Schools Margaret Dolan has met with at the scene in his vehicle. A further fin, 24, of Plainfield was arrested for an and they lost most of their belongings “It’s a setback to her. She’s away from report also said engineering studies the board’s Long Range Planning investigation led to Luker’s arrest. outstanding warrant after a motor ve- to the blaze. all that is familiar to her,” said Kathi need to be conducted to determine Committee for several months, con- According to police, Luker was driv- hicle stop. He was processed and re- Their neighbor, Barbara Tweedle, Sullivan of her mom. “She’s in good what actions are necessary to address sidering different solutions to an en- ing east on Oak Avenue when he alleg- leased. problems such as flooding and high rollment issue that was addressed in edly failed to keep right and struck a Thursday, February 5, a business on along with a host of other people in spirits. She just wants to go back home.” parked and unoccupied motor vehicle Berylium Road reported that someone the community, is organizing an ef- They were able to recover some winds, making provisions for backup 2006 by the Citizens Advisory Com- power generators, and implementing on the opposite side of the road. He was damaged the windshield of a vehicle fort to help the mother and daughter photographs and about half of the mittee on Enrollment (CACE). transported to Westfield police head- while it was parked in front of the shop. raise funds to restore their home. historical family photos, as well as early warning systems. The CACE’s recommendation, fol- quarters, where he was processed and Thursday, February 5, police inves- The mother and daughter were some meaningful effects including Freeholder Rayland Van Blake ex- lowed by the district’s attempts at released to a responsible person. Luker tigated a hit-and-run on Park Avenue. without homeowner’s insurance when Dolores Sullivan’s engagement ring pressed concern over the impact that attracting students from Roosevelt to was issued summonses for driving un- According to police, a vehicle that was the flames took hold of their home, and her mom’s engagement ring. eight towns not participating in the Edison through voluntary busing and der the influence, admitting to using a legally parked was struck in the rear by leaving them without the financial The two-alarm fire broke out at process could have on the county in the creation of a magnet program, CDS and careless driving. an unidentified motor vehicle. means to rebuild. about 2:45 p.m., said Garwood Fire terms of receiving federal aid. Mr. was met with “insufficient response Monday, February 2, a Plainfield Friday, February 6, Jessie Wilson, 27, The policy had lapsed in Septem- Chief Ed Silver, and it took roughly Mangeri said those towns would not from families,” school officials said. resident reported the theft of her ring of Scotch Plains was arrested for an ber because Dolores Sullivan had not 45 minutes to bring the fire under be eligible for pre-disaster mitigation Information on Superintendent from an East Broad Street eatery. She outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle realized it was up for renewal, a con- control. Garwood, Westfield, and post-disaster mitigation grants. Dolan’s recommendation is posted at said she accidentally left the ring on the stop. He was processed and released. sequence of her Alzheimer’s disease. Cranford, Scotch Plains and Fanwood Mr. Mangeri said the hazard miti- westfieldnjk12.org/rezone. A com- women’s restroom sink at approxi- Friday, February 6, James Lubolph, “She was religious about it. She fire departments assisted on the scene. gation plan could also save the county plete agenda of the February 24 meet- mately 12:10 p.m. and that when she 37, of Drums, Pa. was arrested for thought she took care of it,” said “The fire department did an abso- money on flood insurance premiums. ing will be available on the district’s returned to the business 45 minutes possession of a loaded handgun. Ac- Kathi Sullivan. Her mother was ada- lute wonderful job of saving the According to the report, every dollar website and in the board secretary’s later the ring was gone. The ring is cording to police, Lubolph was stopped mant about taking care of the bills home,” said Ms. Tweedle. spent on a mitigation project saves $4 in office at 302 Elm Street on Friday, described as an antique, thin white gold for a motor vehicle violation and offic- and her mail herself without assis- Kathi Sullivan said the fire started disaster recovery costs. From 1955 to February 20. band with a handmade basket contain- ers observed the handgun in plain view. tance from her daughter “up until in the back hall of the upstairs where 2005, mitigation actions prevented 220 All board meetings are broadcast on ing two diamonds. He was transported to headquarters recently,” she said. “You think they’re her mother resided, but is not sure deaths and 4,700 injuries nationwide, Blue Devils TV36 on Tuesdays and Monday, February 2, the owner of a where he was released on bail. OK.” how it ignited, saying there was no according to a 2005 study by the Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., and rental property located on the 500 block Saturday, February 7, Steven Klehm, Ms. Tweedle said they have a suffi- heat source or electrical lines there. Multihazard Mitigation Council. Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. of Westfield Avenue reported the inte- 18, of Scotch Plains was arrested for pos- Chief Silver said the cause was “ruled Mr. Mangeri said the draft plan rior of his property was damaged session of marijuana after a motor vehicle undetermined.” would be submitted to both the New through multiple acts of criminal mis- stop. He was processed and released. Jersey Office of Emergency Manage- chief. At the time of the report, the Saturday, February 7, a resident of Donations can be mailed to Ms. MS BOE damage was estimated to be $3,000. Farley Avenue reported that her neigh- New Norris Tweedle at 329 Willow Avenue, ment and FEMA. The freeholders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The case remains under investigation. bor threw eggs at her vehicle while it Garwood, N.J. 07027. For more in- would then adopt the plan followed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Monday, February 2, Anthony Bayla, was parked in the street. According to formation about donating, contact her by an action on the recommendations public after the decisions regarding 26, of Union was arrested in the area of police, the victim and the neighbor “I’ve literally worked for one place at [email protected]. in the report. The plan would be up- the budget have already been made. East South and Central Avenues on an have an ongoing dispute. my entire life,” Larry Friedman said. For now, Dolores Sullivan is living dated in five years. Board member Gene Nagel and outstanding Millburn traffic warrant Saturday, February 7, a resident of New Norris employees were given with her oldest daughter in Roselle On another matter, Joseph Business Administrator Roderic with bail of $89. Bayla, who had been Myrtle Avenue reported that someone a 30-day notice of the dealership’s Park and Kathi Sullivan is staying Graziano, director of engineering, McLaughlin had engaged in a private stopped for operating a motor vehicle opened up two credit cards in her name closing, and 90 percent have found with a friend in Garwood. “We’ve public works and facilities for the budget meeting to discuss upcoming with tinted windows, was transported and made several hundred dollars worth other jobs in the industry. The dealer- been blessed truly,” Kathi Sullivan county, told The Leader his depart- budget decisions for the 2009-2010 to Westfield police headquarters, pro- of purchases. ship has 18 employees. said of the community support. “We’re ment is preparing a list of road and school year. Mr. Nagel commented cessed and released after posting bail. Saturday, February 7, a resident of “We have employees who have been very grateful.” other capital improvement projects, that “Roderic did a great job; the Tuesday, February 3, Elaine McCall, Elizabeth Avenue reported that he re- there close to 25 years [and I] that I some of which would be ready for budget is coming along quite nicely.” 26, of Roselle was arrested at Westfield ceived an e-mail from an unidentified just didn’t want to shut the doors on work to begin in 75 days and others to Mr. McLaughlin responded that, “no police headquarters on an outstanding sender, which made several negative them,” Mr. Friedman said. WF Council start work in 365 days, as part of major decisions will be made until the Westfield traffic warrant in the amount of comments about him and his family. Mr. Friedman’s family owns the projects being put forth for the fed- state numbers arrive in March.” $260. She was released after posting bail. Fanwood land his dealership sits on at 433 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 eral government’s stimulus package In another matter, first-grade Tuesday, February 3, a Dell laptop Wednesday, February 4, Jessica L. North Avenue, as well as its former build a $20 million school for the now before the U.S. Senate. teacher Dana Peterson was approved computer valued at approximately $1,000 Semple, 24, of Fanwood was arrested location at 209 Central Avenue at the performing arts show, in his opinion, He said the county in not releasing for the reimbursement of six graduate was reported stolen from the master bed- after a motor vehicle stop for an out- corner of North Avenue. That build- shows how “it just doesn’t under- the list of projects to the public at this credits from Marygrove College, an room of a residence on Naworth Path. standing Westfield warrant after a mo- ing is currently leased to Coldwell stand” the fiscal realities towns are time. online institution, in the amount of Entry apparently was gained by someone tor vehicle stop. According to police, Banker Residential Brokerage. facing. $2,142. forcing open the front door. she was also charged with possession In 1991, New Norris moved its “The taxpayers think that the town Special education teacher Jessica Tuesday, February 3, Dominique D. of a controlled dangerous substance service department from its site at is the crux [of the problem], but that’s Stein was approved for the reimburse- Cruz, 23, of Westfield was arrested at (CDS) and possession of prescription 210 South Avenue, where CVS Phar- not the case,” Mr. Arena said. Garwood ment of six graduate credits from Westfield police headquarters on an drugs not prescribed to her. She was New Jersey City University in the outstanding Westfield traffic warrant processed and released on $5,000 bail. macy currently sits, to the dealership’s In other business, while reviewing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 current address, followed by a con- requests by various organizations for amount of $2,885.25. in the amount of $245. She was pro- Wednesday, February 4, Mark nicipal court administrator from the cessed and released after posting bail. Rivera, 24, of Somerville was arrested solidation of its entire operation in everything from baseball parades to The next BOE meeting will take Wednesday, February 4, Barbara on an outstanding Piscataway warrant 1994. sidewalk sales, Town Administrator Defined Contribution Retirement Pro- place on Tuesday, February 24. Ferro, 48, of Westfield was arrested on after a motor vehicle stop on South Mr. Friedman said he plans to lease Jim Gildea announced a few new gram (DCRP) to the Public Employ- four Westfield traffic warrants while Avenue. He was processed and released. the two-acre North Avenue property. ventures planned for 2009. The ees Retirement Program. Under or- Fanwood Expects Aid operating a motor vehicle on the 500 Saturday, February 7, Justin V. An Enterprise Rent-A-Car franchise, Westfield Area Chamber of Com- ders from the state’s Local Finance block of Carleton Road. She was trans- Posyton, 25, of Union was arrested on which will remain open, is also on the merce (WACC) is seeking to create a Board, the borough had earlier moved Cut, Line Item Cuts ported to Westfield police headquar- an outstanding warrant out of Roselle site. “Family Fun Day” in April, while the the position into the DCRP. The board By TED RITTER Specially Written for The Westfield Leader ters, where she was processed and re- Park after a motor vehicle stop on Multi-Chevrolet in Union Town- Downtown Westfield Corporation has since amended its decision, ne- leased after posting bail. Glenwood Road. He was processed and ship will honor extended and manu- (DWC) is looking to “revive” the cessitating the new ordinance. FANWOOD — Mayor Colleen Wednesday, February 4, a resident released. facturer warranty agreements held by defunct car show under a new format. During the workshop session of Mahr and the borough council, at of the 1200 block of Prospect Street Saturday, February 7, Albert A. New Norris customers, Mr. Fried- The WACC had previously run the the meeting, resident John their regular monthly meeting Tues- reported the theft of multiple items Henderson, 51, of Plainfield was ar- man said. classic car shows. Under a new for- Quattrocchi spoke regarding a prob- day night, addressed multiple issues from a backpack that was located at an rested for outstanding warrants out of When asked for comment about mat, the DWC’s venture will show- lem with motorists speeding and run- relating to development of the 2009 establishment on the 200 block of Clark Edison and East Orange after a motor New Norris going out of business, case contemporary luxury cars, not ning red lights on North Avenue. Mr. municipal budget. Street. The items included an Eight GB vehicle stop on Terrill Road. He was Sherry Cronin, executive director of antiques. The shows will take place in Quattrocchi asked about the possibil- Mayor Mahr confirmed that iPhone, an iPod Nano and a graphing processed and released. the Downtown Westfield Corpora- October. ity of using red light cameras to catch Fanwood, like most other towns, ex- calculator, with a total value of ap- Saturday, February 7, a 15-year old tion, said New Norris is outside of the All requests were honored in prin- offending cars. Police Chief William pects less municipal aid from the state proximately $549. juvenile from Fanwood was arrested on boundaries of the town’s special im- ciple, but the town council stated its Legg explained that red light cameras this year. “We’re preparing for a cut, Friday, February 6, Jessica Head, Martine Avenue after a foot chase, which provement district. intention to revisit the DWC’s free are being distributed to select mu- [but] we’ll find out in mid-March ex- 22, of Plainfield was arrested and originated in Scotch Plains, and charged “As it impacts the downtown, it is holiday parking appeal in the fall nicipalities as part of a pilot program actly what that means,” the mayor said. charged with driving while intoxicated with resisting arrest and possession of sad,” she said, although, given the when it has a better idea of its overall by the state to test their effectiveness. Mayor Mahr said “at first blush,” after a motor vehicle stop at South alcohol. He was processed and turned financial shape of the auto industry, revenues, Mr. Caruana said. He said the cameras may be some- this year’s budget picture “appears Avenue and Crossway Place. She was over to the Scotch Plains Police Depart- she said, it was “not surprising.” After the brief conference meeting, thing the borough considers in the not as bleak” as last year’s. “Our released to a responsible person. ment. A liquidation sale for furniture, fil- the council entered into an hour-and- future, depending on the outcome of [budget] surplus has been regener- Saturday, February 7, Deiby Salcedo, Monday, February 9, Howard F. Eell, the program. 29, of Elizabeth was arrested on the 30 of Fanwood was arrested on an out- ing cabinets, shop equipment and a-half executive session, which in- ated much more than we thought…our 200 block of West South Avenue on standing Union County Sheriff’s De- other items will be held “sometime in cluded discussion on matters involv- “If the state allows, we’ll look into [downtown redevelopment] ratables three outstanding traffic warrants after partment no-bail warrant after a motor March,” Mr. Friedman said. ing Sunnyside LLC, a restaurant li- the cost value,” Chief Legg said. “I’ll are coming on. We still are looking at a motor vehicle stop. The warrants vehicle stop on Pandick Court. He was “It’s a really sad situation. Over the quor license, Chambers versus the have someone monitor that intersec- making line item cuts,” she said. included one from Holmdel for $350 processed and turned over to the Union years, we’ve really built great rela- Town of Westfield, McMeekan versus tion, like we always do.” As an example, and in response to and two from Elizabeth for a total of County Sheriff’s Department. tionships with a lot of our custom- the Town of Westfield and Firemen’s The mayor and the council’s next questions from the public, the mayor $200. He was released after posting Tuesday, February 10, Deidra L. ers,” he said. Mr. Friedman invites Mutual Benevolent Association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb- said the borough is planning to cut a bail. Glasgow, 28, of Westfield was arrested customers to e-mail him at (FMBA) Local 30 negotiations. ruary 24, at 7 p.m. in the borough hall. second police officer position. Saturday, February 7, a resident of on an outstanding Scotch Plains warrant [email protected]. the 200 block of Scotch Plains Avenue after a motor vehicle stop on South reported that the glass window on his Avenue. She was processed and released. detached garage was smashed with a Mountainside hammer in an apparent attempt to gain Wednesday, February 4, an employee entry to the garage. Entry appeared not of a construction company working on to have been gained and nothing in the a state project on Route 22 reported garage appeared missing or disturbed. that the roll up door of a storage truck Sunday, February 8, Ronald Frank, had been damaged and a pipe laser 54, of Westfield was arrested and worth $5,000 had been removed. Ac- charged with DWI after a motor ve- cording to police, the employee stated hicle stop at Central Avenue and Da- that he was not sure at this time if kota Street. He was transported to anything else had been removed. Westfield police headquarters, pro- Friday, February 6, several patrons cessed and released to a responsible of an indoor tennis facility on Route 22 person. reported that while they were using the Sunday, February 8, Phillip Fladger, facility their motor vehicles were bro- 38, of Plainfield was arrested at the ken into. According to police, someone Linden Police Department on an out- smashed his driver’s side window of standing Westfield criminal warrant for one vehicle and removed a GPS system $500. He was transported to Westfield from the vehicle. Another victim re- police headquarters, processed and held ported that his driver’s side window there in lieu of bail. was also smashed and three men’s suits David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader Horace Corbin for The Westfield Leader GOING OUT OF BUSINESS... Larry Friedman, owner of New Norris Chevrolet FOOT SOLDIER...Sim Hitzel of Westfield sets up last Saturday at the Westfield Sunday, February 8, Dawn M. and a briefcase were removed, authori- in Westfield, right, meets with Westfield Leader assignment editor Paul Peyton to Train Station to greet pedestrians. He was soliciting support for signing the Mohrle, 54, of Kenilworth was arrested ties said. A third vehicle had the pas- discuss the actions that led to his family’s decision to close the dealership at the end petition to get Steve Lonegan on the New Jersey GOP Primary election ballot this on West South Avenue and charged senger side door smashed but nothing of the month. Norris Chevy’s history in town dates back to the 1920s. spring as a candidate for governor. with possession of a prescription leg- was reported missing. USPS 485200 Thursday, February 12, 2009 Published Every Thursday Since 1959 (908) 232-4407 SIXTY CENTS OUR 50TH YEAR – ISSUE NO. 07-2009 Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. www.timesnj.com [email protected] Final Antenna Spot On Cell Tower To Be Leased for Added Revenue By FRED T. ROSSI an amendment to a $109,000 bond public hearings at the council’s Feb- Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times ordinance that will allow a shared- ruary 24 meeting. The council also SCOTCH PLAINS — The town- service initiative to proceed at the approved a resolution allowing At- ship council on Tuesday agreed to a former Sevell property on Cooper lantic Ambulance Corp. to serve as an resolution allowing the sixth and fi- Road, which was purchased several emergency responder if the local res- nal antenna spot on the cell tower at years ago by Union County. Mr. cue squad is unable to respond to an the southside firehouse to be auc- Strauss said that, if the county fol- emergency in a timely manner. The tioned off to a service provider. lows through with its plans to de- agreement, said Councilwoman Mary Deputy Mayor Jeffrey Strauss said velop the property into a park and DePaola, “gives us a back-up.” the use of the cell tower for antennas ballfields, then Scotch Plains — in Mayor Nancy Malool announced “provides income to the township conjunction with Fanwood and the that the next “Coffee with the Mayor,” and enhances cell phone service.” At board of education — will build an known as the listening post, which the council’s regular meeting, he said equipment storage facility that will gives residents the opportunity to sit the available spot is at the 100-foot be shared by the three entities. and speak with the mayor about local level of the tower, which was com- The council also introduced ordi- issues, would be on Saturday, Febru- pleted in 2006. Annual revenue to the nances setting fees for a variety of ary 28, between 9 a.m. and noon at township from the leasing of the tower activities at Scotch Hills Country Club the southside firehouse, which is lo- to cell phone companies is estimated and allowing the mayor and deputy cated at the corner of Martine Avenue to be about $100,000 annually. mayor to set fees for performing mar- and Raritan Road. The council gave final approval to riages. Both will be voted on after Mayor Malool issued a proclama- tion declaring the week of February 2 and 9 as Scouting Anniversary Week. Seventeen members of Boy Scout Fred Rossi for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times Troop 104 led off the meeting with LINCOLN TURNS 200…School-age children celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday on Sunday at the Scotch Plains the salute to the flag. Library by using Lincoln Logs to recreate the 16th President’s boyhood village. The mayor issued another procla- mation declaring March as Youth Art Month. The council passed a resolu- Fanwood Expects Reduced State Aid, tion recognizing Judy Wussler, who was recently lauded by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district for her achievements and accomplish- Considers Cutting Police Position ments in the field of music. A similar By TED RITTER relating to development of the 2009 D’Antono asked the governing body resolution was approved in honor of Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times municipal budget. about the status of the Station Square the late Matthew Edward Clancy, a FANWOOD — Mayor Colleen Mayor Mahr, responding to ques- redevelopment at LaGrande and Sec- Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Mahr and the borough council, at tions during the meeting’s public com- ond Avenues, where the former Dean graduate who received college de- their regular monthly meeting Tues- ment portion, confirmed that Oil business was located. grees in music education. day night, addressed multiple issues Fanwood, like most other towns, ex- The mayor said the state Depart- pects less municipal aid from the state ment of Environmental Protection this year. (DEP) supervised “a lengthy process” Board Extends Schmiede “We’re preparing for a cut, [but] aimed at removing contaminated dirt. Benjamin B. Corbin for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times CAMPAIGN KICKOFF... Former United States Attorney for New Jersey Chris we’ll find out in mid-March exactly “What’s there [now] is clean soil,” Christie speaks to supporters last Thursday at a Cranford rally kicking off his what that means,” the mayor said. Mayor Mahr said. campaign for governor. Mr. Christie, a former Morris County Freeholder, held Hearing to Address Parking However, Mayor Mahr also stood “It would be nice to get that con- two days of events statewide in launching his campaign. See story on page 2. By FRED T. ROSSI additional employees. by statements made by borough offi- struction going and get some ratables,” Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times About an hour into the hearing, cials at last week’s agenda meeting; said Mr. D’Antono. SCOTCH PLAINS— Due to new board attorney Vince Loughlin raised she said “at first blush,” this year’s The governing body also approved County to Seek Proposals concerns about whether parking vari- concerns that the Schmiede budget picture “appears not as bleak” a resolution that enables the borough ances will be required, the zoning application did not include parking as last year’s. to join the state’s “Hazardous Dis- board of adjustment will continue its variances. Angelo Cannizzo, who “Our [budget] surplus has been re- charge Site Remediation Fund” pro- To Privatize Golf Clubhouses hearing next month on an application works for the architectural firm that generated much more than we gram; this would be used to help fi- By PAUL J. PEYTON more efficient way to run our golf op- by Schmiede Tree Expert Co. for a drafted the site plans, was unable to thought…our [downtown redevelop- nance any required remediation work Specially Written for The Westfield Leader erations.” site plan waiver. provide a clear answer to whether the ment] ratables are coming on,” said at the former Livingston-Wilbor site ELIZABETH — The County of Mr. Sanchez said the maintenance of At its meeting last Thursday, the number of proposed parking spaces Mayor Mahr, but she also said, “we still on South Avenue, which the borough Union is expected to send out request the golf facilities would remain under board resumed testimony from on the property would be adequate to are looking at making line-item cuts.” purchased for redevelopment last year. for proposals (RFPs) within two weeks county control. January on the application. Board meet township requirements, As an example, responding to a Recreation Director Bob Budiansky for professional firms interested in Mr. Devanney has proposed in his members last month had raised especially as they relate to the vehicle question from Watson Road resident and other borough officials honored managing the clubhouse operations at budget that the Oak Ridge golf course concerns about the amount of storage facility on the site. David Pickering, the mayor said the former recreation commission chair- the county’s public golf courses. This in Clark be closed due to a $400,000 information being provided by owner Mr. Loughlin, saying that Mr. borough is planning to cut another man Pam Sayles, who was presented announcement comes after County deficit last year and the multi-million Martin Schmiede, who is seeking a Cannizzo was being asked to identify police officer position. with a plaque. Manager George Devanney said two costs needed to refurbish its historic use variance and site plan waiver so a those parking spaces “on the fly,” On a related note, earlier in the Mr. Budiansky said Mrs. Sayles, weeks ago that the privatization plan clubhouse. The county golf operations second floor storage area at his firm’s said the public needed to be legally meeting, the governing body ap- who has moved with her family to for two golf course clubhouses was lost a combined $700,000 in 2008. South Avenue facility can be notified that the Schmiede application proved a measure setting an $18 to Scotch Plains, “was a great volunteer under consideration by the Board of “It (privatization) is something we converted to office space, about his included a parking variance request. $20 per-hour salary range for nine and a great citizen of Fanwood.” He Chosen Freeholders. have to look at,” Mr. Sanchez said. need for additional employees and Through an informal agreement, civilian police dispatchers, some of said Mrs. Sayles served on the recre- Armando Sanchez, director of golf Mr. Sanchez said while the company whether there was adequate parking Schmiede presently uses property whom are currently being trained. ation commission for more than 10 operations for the county, told The that runs the facilities would focus on for those workers. owned by the neighboring green gro- Also regarding the budget, Mayor years and helped “make our parks Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times after golf courses Galloping Hill in Union At last week’s hearing, the board cer for additional parking, but board Mahr said borough officials are watch- and playgrounds a better place.” last Thursday’s Board of Chosen Free- and Ashbrook in Scotch Plains, the was furnished with detailed multi- members were concerned about what ing proposed state legislation that “Volunteering is a great thing; I holders meeting that the companies company might recommend the reopen- page site plans that included zoning would happen if that parking area was would give municipalities the option met most of my friends that way,” would be asked to submit bids with ing of Oak Ridge if it believes it can be and parking calculations and no longer available and whether the of deferring up to half of certain pen- said Mrs. Sayles, adding about budgets for day-to-day operations of operated at a profit. photographs of the exterior and actual Schmiede property could ac- sion fund obligations. Fanwood, “I kind of feel like I’ve the courses, including all revenue pro- “We would like to have three golf interior of the Schmiede building. commodate the required parking. In the event that the measure is never really left.” ducers for the courses as well as mar- courses, but right now, it doesn’t [make] Mr. Schmiede told the board he “We don’t have a site plan showing approved, the mayor said, “We’re Mayor Mahr said Mrs. Sayles is “a keting of the golf operations. He said financial sense,” Mr. Sanchez said. wanted to convert the storage facility that they’re complying with the playing with the different numbers great example of what makes this the contract would likely be for five In other business, the freeholders into office space so he can use the required parking,” Mr. Loughlin told now” in an effort to determine whether community so special.” years. received a presentation on a multi-ju- present first-floor office space as a the board, which agreed to resume the borough would choose to defer In his executive budget, Mr. risdictional hazard mitigation plan de- reception area for clients. He also the hearing at its Thursday, March 5, any contributions and spread out re- SPF BOE Cancels Devanney said the firm that is awarded veloped by James Lee & Associates said he does not envision adding meeting. payment over a 30-year period. the contract would be required to de- with input from the Union County Of- Summing up the early budget sce- Budget Presentation velop additional revenue sources for fice of Emergency Management and 13 nario, the mayor pointed to the SCOTCH PLAINS — The Scotch the golf operations “with the objective of the 21 municipalities in the country Garwood Family to Rebuild borough’s “good fiscal management” Plains-Fanwood Board of of attaining profitability.” as well as the public. James Lee & and said, “We made some very diffi- Education’s finance committee has Mr. Sanchez said the county expects Associates was hired as the project’s cult decisions last year that have po- canceled a budget presentation to have the RFPs in hand by March and technical consultant. After Fire; Help Needed sitioned us better this year.” scheduled for tonight, Thursday, to have the freeholders award the con- Anthony Mangeri of James Lee told By CHRISTINA M. HINKE and they lost most of their belongings Mayor Mahr said the borough still February 11. The committee will tract by the summer. Those employees the freeholders that hazard mitigation Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times to the blaze. plans to set up a “budget review com- meet, but the session will be closed who work in the clubhouses would planning identifies areas to reduce or GARWOOD – A fire ravaged the Their neighbor, Barbara Tweedle, mittee” next month, as the governing to the public and press. A public become employees of the private com- eliminate risk before a natural or two-family home of Kathi Sullivan, along with a host of other people in body begins drafting its spending plan. hearing on the budget is scheduled pany although the county would retain manmade disaster occurs. 40, and her mom, Dolores Sullivan, the community, is organizing an ef- In other business, resident Michael for Monday, March 30, at 8 p.m. control over the hiring and firing of The county received a $325,000 Fed- 77, at 307 Willow Avenue on January fort to help the mother and daughter workers, Mr. Sanchez said. eral Emergency Management Agency 31. The two escaped their home of 44 raise funds to restore their home. Mr. Sanchez said the county would (FEMA) grant to develop the plan. years without physical injury, but their The mother and daughter were not compete against private golf courses The report identified potential disas- cat, Lucky, died of smoke inhalation, CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 in the area, but instead “bring a much CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Students Assemble Bags For Children with Cancer SCOTCH PLAINS – Birthdays for cer. children with cancer will be brighter “What we have found over the years thanks to the efforts of middle school of service was that a child’s birthday students at The Wardlaw-Hartridge was ‘dropped out’ due to extremely School in Edison who last week as- tight family budgets,” said an ECF sembled and donated the ingredients representative. “The family’s funds for “Birthday Bags,” which were de- had to go to help the sick child get well livered to The Emmanuel Cancer Foun- and provide basic needs. Your putting dation (ECF) in Scotch Plains. together a birthday bag and donating it The bags include all of the things allows us to celebrate a child’s birth- that make a child’s birthday complete: day, which otherwise would be forgot-
paper goods, candles, decorations, cake ten.” Fred Rossi for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times mix, icing, sprinkles, party hats, gift Barbara Kopel, Central Regional DRUMMIN’ UP AUTOGRAPHS...Legendary rock-and-roll drummer Carmine wrap, a birthday card and more. Manager of ECF, will visit the middle Appice signed autographs for about 150 drummers – young and old – after hosting Nisha Tamhankar of Scotch Plains, school students on Wednesday, Febru- a 90-minute clinic on Saturday during the Day of Percussion at Scotch Plains- middle school science teacher and sixth ary 11, at 12:30 p.m. during middle Fanwood High School. grade coordinator, organized the out- school lunch to provide a deeper back- PAGE INDEX BIRTHDAY ORGANIZERS...Middle school students from The Wardlaw- reach project. The Emmanuel Cancer ground about the foundation’s mis- Foundation is a nonprofit organiza- sion and to express the importance of Regional ...... 2-3 Obituary ...... 8 Real Estate .... 11-17 Hartridge School in Edison gathered during homeroom period on February 4 to Editorial....4-5, 17, 18 Education ...... 8, 9, 16 Classifieds .... 16 assemble birthday bags for The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation in Scotch Plains, tion that provides free support to fami- its contribution to children with can- which aids families with children who have cancer. lies with a child diagnosed with can- cer. Community ... 6-8 Sports ...... 11-15 A&E ...... 19-20 Page 10 Thursday, February 12, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Garwood Family to Rebuild After Fire; Help Needed
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 without homeowner’s insurance when Dolores Sullivan’s engagement ring the flames took hold of their home, and her mom’s engagement ring. leaving them without the financial The two-alarm fire broke out at means to rebuild. about 2:45 p.m., said Garwood Fire The policy had lapsed in September Chief Ed Silver, and it took roughly because Dolores Sullivan had not real- 45 minutes to bring the fire under ized it was up for renewal, a conse- control. Garwood, Westfield, quence of her Alzheimer’s disease. Cranford, Scotch Plains and “She was religious about it. She Fanwood fire departments assisted thought she took care of it,” said Kathi on the scene. Sullivan. Her mother was adamant “The fire department did an abso- about taking care of the bills and her lute wonderful job of saving the
Benjamin B. Corbin for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times mail herself without assistance from home,” said Ms. Tweedle. GOING OUT OF BUSINESS... New Norris Chevrolet on North Avenue will close her daughter “up until recently,” she Kathi Sullivan said the fire started February 26; the dealership had spent nearly 90 years in Westfield. The downturn said. “You think they’re okay.” in the back hall of the upstairs, where Christina Hinke for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times in the economy was blamed. Please see story below. Ms. Tweedle said they have a suffi- her mother resided, but is not sure GARWOOD FIRE...A fire ravaged the two-family home of Kathi Sullivan and cient amount of clothes for now, how it ignited, saying there was no her mom, Dolores Sullivan, at 307 Willow Avenue in Garwood on January 31. thanks to the help of the Red Cross, heat source or electrical lines there. Their neighbor, Barbara Tweedle, is collecting donations to help restore the New Norris Closing Feb. 26; but are in need of financial assistance Chief Silver said the cause was “ruled home. The story begins on page 1 and continues at left. and any volunteer construction help undetermined.” to refurbish the house. Donations can be mailed to Ms. Dealership Dates Back to 20s The dwelling sustained smoke and Tweedle at 329 Willow Avenue, By PAUL J. PEYTON banks, New Norris was unable to water damage to the roof, stairwells, Garwood, N.J. 07027. For more in- POLICE BLOTTER Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times payoff GMAC immediately upon the walls and ceilings, Kathi Sullivan said. formation about donating, contact her WESTFIELD — The deepening sale of vehicles on its lot. “It’s a setback to her. She’s away from at [email protected]. recession has hit home with the an- “We couldn’t cover the check all in all that is familiar to her,” said Kathi For now, Dolores Sullivan is living Westfield with possession of a prescription leg- nouncement that New Norris Chevrolet one shot, and that’s what led to losing Sullivan of her mom. “She’s in good with her oldest daughter in Roselle Sunday, February 1, Jeffrey P. Luker, end drug by forgery or deception and on North Avenue will close Thursday, our credit rating with them (GMAC),” spirits. She just wants to go back home.” Park, and Kathi Sullivan is staying Jr., 25, of Westfield was arrested and obtaining a CDS by misrepresentation, They were able to recover some charged with driving under the influ- fraud or forgery. February 26. Norris Chevrolet opened Mr. Friedman said. He said Chevy with a friend in Garwood. “We’ve ence (narcotics) and admitting to being The arrest was pursuant to an inves- in town in the 1920s. wants to cut 10 to 15 percent of its photographs and about half of the been blessed truly,” Kathi Sullivan under the influence of a controlled dan- tigation conducted by patrol officers According to Mr. Friedman, The dealerships nationwide for restruc- historical family photos, as well as said of the community support. “We’re gerous substance. after a complaint was received from a closing follows that of Sullivan Chevy turing purposes. some meaningful effects, including very grateful.” Police responded to Oak Avenue and local pharmacy. Mohrle was transported in Roselle and Summit Chevy this All cars not sold will be returned to Sherwood Parkway on a report of a to Westfield police headquarters, where year, as well as Reilly Oldsmobile in GMAC upon the closing of the deal- possible incident involving someone she was processed and released on her Westfield a few years ago. Westfield, ership, Mr. Friedman said. leaving the scene of an accident, at own recognizance. which once had seven car dealerships, Mr. Friedman took over the busi- County Looks to Go Out which time the suspect also showed up Scotch Plains now will only have two – Lindeman ness upon the death of his father, at the scene in his vehicle. A further Wednesday, February 4, Jameel Grif- Buick and Thomas Lincoln-Mercury. Mitchell Friedman, in 2005. His fa- investigation led to Luker’s arrest. fin, 24, of Plainfield was arrested for an The town once had Ford, Pontiac and ther bought the business in 1981 and For Proposals on Golf According to police, Luker was driv- outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle Jaguar dealerships. renamed it New Norris Chevrolet to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ing east on Oak Avenue when he alleg- stop. He was processed and released. Larry Friedman, owner of the deal- indicate that employees and service ter hazards including floods, dam fail- gation plan could also save the county edly failed to keep right and struck a Thursday, February 5, a business on ership, said a number of factors led to would be the same under the new ures, civil disturbance and crime, a money on flood insurance premiums. parked and unoccupied motor vehicle Berylium Road reported that someone the closing, including last summer’s ownership. pandemic disease, severe rainstorms According to the report, every dol- on the opposite side of the road. He was damaged the windshield of a vehicle gasoline hike to nearly $4 per gallon, “I’ve literally worked for one place with lightning or winter storms, utility lar spent on a mitigation project saves transported to Westfield police head- while it was parked in front of the shop. GMAC no longer leasing vehicles, a my entire life,” Larry Friedman said. failures, high winds, hurricanes, ex- $4 in disaster-recovery costs. From quarters, where he was processed and Thursday, February 5, police investi- plunge in truck sales, General Mo- New Norris employees were given treme temperatures and urban fires and 1955 to 2005, mitigation actions pre- released to a responsible person. Luker gated a hit-and-run on Park Avenue. tors’ teetering on the brink of bank- a 30-day notice of the dealership’s wildfires. vented 220 deaths and 4,700 injuries was issued summonses for driving un- According to police, a vehicle that was Mr. Mangeri said participating nationwide, according to a 2005 study der the influence, admitting to using a legally parked was struck in the rear by ruptcy and the rise in the cost of closing, and 90 percent have found CDS and careless driving. an unidentified motor vehicle. employee healthcare coverage. other jobs in the industry. The dealer- towns identified a number of mitiga- by the Multihazard Mitigation Coun- Monday, February 2, a Plainfield resi- Friday, February 6, Jessie Wilson, 27, “It was a lot of stuff that happened ship has 18 employees. tion measures for implementation. cil. dent reported the theft of her ring from of Scotch Plains was arrested for an out- that was too much to overcome,” he “We have employees who have been The measures included property ac- Mr. Mangeri said the draft plan would an East Broad Street eatery. She said standing warrant after a motor vehicle said. there close to 25 years, [and I] just quisitions, elevation or relocation of be submitted to both the New Jersey she accidentally left the ring on the stop. He was processed and released. He said payments to GMAC, the didn’t want to shut the doors on them,” critical facilities, drainage improve- Office of Emergency Management and women’s restroom sink at approxi- Friday, February 6, James Lubolph, financing arm of General Motors Mr. Friedman said. ments, burying utilities and under- FEMA. The freeholders would then mately 12:10 p.m. and that when she 37, of Drums, Pa. was arrested for pos- (GM), have significantly increased in Mr. Friedman’s family owns the taking engineering studies to deter- adopt the plan followed by an action on returned to the business 45 minutes session of a loaded handgun. Accord- recent months. He said this, com- land his dealership sits on at 433 mine actions needed to address ev- the recommendations in the report. The later the ring was gone. The ring is ing to police, Lubolph was stopped for bined with last summer’s hike in gaso- North Avenue, as well as its former erything from flooding to high winds. plan would be updated in five years. described as an antique, thin white gold a motor vehicle violation and officers line prices, “killed [the truck mar- location at 209 Central Avenue at the The report also said engineering stud- On another matter, Joseph band with a handmade basket contain- observed the handgun in plain view. He ket.” corner of North Avenue. That build- ies need to be conducted to determine Graziano, director of engineering, ing two diamonds. was transported to headquarters where “And then right from September, in ing is currently leased to Coldwell what actions are necessary regarding public works and facilities for the Monday, February 2, the owner of a he was released on bail. a matter of four months, we were Banker Residential Brokerage. making provisions for backup power county, told The Times his depart- rental property located on the 500 block Saturday, February 7, Steven Klehm, pretty much done,” Mr. Friedman said. In 1991, New Norris moved its ser- generators and implementing early ment is preparing a list of road and of Westfield Avenue reported the inte- 18, of Scotch Plains was arrested for pos- He said he saw a “significant drop in vice department from its site at 210 warning systems. other capital-improvement projects, rior of his property was damaged session of marijuana after a motor vehicle the vehicles that we were selling be- South Avenue, where CVS Pharmacy Freeholder Rayland Van Blake ex- some of which would be ready for through multiple acts of criminal mis- stop. He was processed and released. cause of the high cost of gas and currently sits, to the dealership’s cur- pressed concern over the impact that work to begin in 75 days and others to chief. At the time of the report, the Saturday, February 7, a resident of because of the uncertainty of GM rent address, followed by a consolida- eight towns not participating in the start work in 365 days, as part of damage was estimated to be $3,000. Farley Avenue reported that her neigh- process could have on the county in projects being put forth for the fed- The case remains under investigation. bor threw eggs at her vehicle while it possibly going out of business.” tion of its entire operation in 1994. Monday, February 2, Anthony Bayla, was parked in the street. According to “It really hurt that GMAC stopped Mr. Friedman said he plans to lease terms of receiving federal aid. Mr. eral government’s stimulus package 26, of Union was arrested in the area of police, the victim and the neighbor have leasing vehicles,” he said. He said he the two-acre North Avenue property. Mangeri said those towns would not now before the U.S. Senate. East South and Central Avenues on an an ongoing dispute. lost a lot of customers who, upon An Enterprise Rent-A-Car franchise, be eligible for pre-disaster mitigation He said the county in not releasing outstanding Millburn traffic warrant Saturday, February 7, a resident of returning vehicles after their leases which will remain open, is also on the and post-disaster mitigation grants. the list of projects to the public at this with bail of $89. Bayla, who had been Myrtle Avenue reported that someone expired, were told that New Norris site. Mr. Mangeri said the hazard-miti- time. stopped for operating a motor vehicle opened up two credit cards in her name could no longer lease them vehicles. Multi-Chevrolet in Union Town- with tinted windows, was transported and made several hundred dollars worth “They’re (GMAC) the ones who ship will honor extended and manu- to Westfield police headquarters, pro- of purchases. floor plan the new vehicles and my facturer warranty agreements held by Chambers vs. Westfield cessed and released after posting bail. Saturday, February 7, a resident of used vehicles. And we pay them the New Norris customers, Mr. Fried- Tuesday, February 3, Elaine Elizabeth Avenue reported that he re- interest every month. They have com- man said. McCall, 26, of Roselle was arrested ceived an e-mail from an unidentified pletely changed, and their rates have When asked for comment about Settled; Details Not Revealed at Westfield police headquarters on sender, which made several negative been going up,” Mr. Friedman said. New Norris going out of business, By MICHAEL J. POLLACK Chambers worked very hard to make an outstanding Westfield traffic war- comments about him and his family. “They have been asking for money Sherry Cronin, executive director of Specially Written for The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times contacts that would benefit the Westfield rant in the amount of $260. She was Fanwood for different things. It just got to the the Downtown Westfield Corpora- WESTFIELD – The Town of Police Department,” the suit says. released after posting bail. Wednesday, February 4, Jessica L. point where I just couldn’t do it any- tion, said New Norris is outside of the Westfield, last Friday, reached a settle- The suit alleges that, “While at the Tuesday, February 3, a Dell laptop Semple, 24, of Fanwood was arrested more.” boundaries of the town’s special im- ment agreement with police officer convention, Chief Tracy commented computer valued at approximately $1,000 after a motor vehicle stop for an out- GMAC charged New Norris inter- provement district. Sandra Chambers, a former to Detective Chambers and was reported stolen from the master bed- standing Westfield warrant after a mo- est on the new cars at its dealership “As it impacts the downtown, it is detective, and her attorney others that she was not room of a residence on Naworth Path. tor vehicle stop. According to police, on a sexual-harassment law- spending enough time with Entry apparently was gained by someone she was also charged with possession and a curtailment charge on used cars sad,” she said, although, given the forcing open the front door. of a controlled dangerous substance (a percentage on any used vehicle financial shape of the auto industry, it suit filed against the town, him, and he felt that she had Tuesday, February 3, Dominique D. (CDS) and possession of prescription purchased by New Norris), as well as was “not surprising,” she said. the Westfield Police Depart- ‘abandoned’ him.” Further, Cruz, 23, of Westfield was arrested at drugs not prescribed to her. She was making the dealership pay down what A liquidation sale for furniture, fil- ment (WPD) and former po- the suit alleges that the Westfield police headquarters on an processed and released on $5,000 bail. it owed on its 2008 vehicles. ing cabinets, shop equipment and lice chief Bernard Tracy in former chief “intimated that outstanding Westfield traffic warrant in Wednesday, February 4, Mark Rivera, “GMAC owns the vehicles. Once a other items will be held “sometime in late 2006. he was hopeful that while the amount of $245. She was processed 24, of Somerville was arrested on an vehicle is sold, we pay GMAC off. March,” Mr. Friedman said. Town Administrator Jim they were at the convention, and released after posting bail. outstanding Piscataway warrant after a But due to the credit [crisis], we are “It’s a really sad situation. Over the Gildea, commenting Tues- Sandra Chambers he and Detective Chambers Wednesday, February 4, Barbara motor vehicle stop on South Avenue. not financing through GMAC because years, we’ve really built great rela- day after a town council ex- could become even better Ferro, 48, of Westfield was arrested on He was processed and released. they kind of stopped doing that so we tionships with a lot of our custom- ecutive session in which the matter friends.” four Westfield traffic warrants while Saturday, February 7, Justin V. had to finance through outside ers,” he said. Mr. Friedman invites was discussed, would not reveal any The suit alleges that after Ms. operating a motor vehicle on the 500 Posyton, 25, of Union was arrested on an sources,” he explained. He said be- customers to e-mail him at details regarding the settlement. Chambers spurned his advances, the block of Carleton Road. She was trans- outstanding warrant out of Roselle Park cause of dealing with a number of [email protected]. “At this time, I cannot [comment]. former chief’s “demeanor toward ported to Westfield police headquar- after a motor vehicle stop on Glenwood The answer is, it has been settled,” [her] was decidedly cool and distant” ters, where she was processed and re- Road. He was processed and released. Mr. Gildea told The Scotch Plains- and that he “limited” his contact with leased after posting bail. Saturday, February 7, Albert A. Two Men Face Charges Fanwood Times. “The matter is re- the detective after the convention. Wednesday, February 4, a resident of Henderson, 51, of Plainfield was ar- solved at this time. That’s all I can say The third count of the lawsuit, which the 1200 block of Prospect Street re- rested for outstanding warrants out of at this point.” alleges sexual harassment, states, ported the theft of multiple items from Edison and East Orange after a motor In Westfield Carjacking Mr. Gildea would only say that the “[Ms. Chambers] was treated differ- a backpack that was located at an estab- vehicle stop on Terrill Road. He was By SUZETTE F. STALKER viduals approached the victim while town would “respond appropriately” ently because she would not engage in lishment on the 200 block of Clark processed and released. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader Street. The items included an Eight GB Saturday, February 7, a 15-year old brandishing a handgun and told him to an Open Public Records Act re- inappropriate sexual conduct with iPhone, an iPod Nano and a graphing juvenile from Fanwood was arrested on WESTFIELD – Authorities ar- they were taking his car. The victim quest filed on Tuesday by The Times. Chief of Police Bernard F. Tracy.” calculator, with a total value of ap- Martine Avenue after a foot chase, which rested two men last week on charges exited the vehicle, at which time the “There are issues in the settlement proximately $549. originated in Scotch Plains, and charged related to an armed carjacking inci- suspects entered it and fled the scene. agreement that still have to be finalized Deadline for BOE Friday, February 6, Jessica Head, 22, with resisting arrest and possession of dent that occurred in Westfield sev- The victim was unharmed, the lieu- to make it complete,” Mr. Gildea said. of Plainfield was arrested and charged alcohol. He was processed and turned over eral hours earlier. tenant stated. “At this time, this is all we can share.” Candidates March 2 with driving while intoxicated after a to the Scotch Plains Police Department. Elizabeth police took Jahlil Ballard, At the time of their arrest, the sus- When asked what those “issues” SCOTCH PLAINS – Nominating motor vehicle stop at South Avenue and Monday, February 9, Howard F. Eell, 20, of Springfield and Dyshun Durham, pects were found to be in possession were and if they were the reason the petitions for persons interested in run- Crossway Place. She was released to a 30 of Fanwood was arrested on an out- 19, of Roselle into custody in Eliza- of the victim’s car and also in posses- town could not provide more detailed ning for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood responsible person. standing Union County Sheriff’s De- beth at 2:42 a.m. on February 5, ac- sion of a loaded semi-automatic hand- comment, Mr. Gildea would not elabo- Board of Education must be filed Saturday, February 7, Deiby Salcedo, partment no-bail warrant after a motor cording to Lieutenant Scott Rodger of gun, according to police. rate, except to say, “Partially, yes.” with the BOE secretary and business 29, of Elizabeth was arrested on the 200 vehicle stop on Pandick Court. He was the Westfield Police Department. Westfield authorities charged both “The settlement is in the process of administrator, Anthony Del Sordi, in block of West South Avenue on three processed and turned over to the Union The men are suspected of having Ballard and Durham with carjacking, being consummated,” he added. the district’s administrative offices at outstanding traffic warrants after a County Sheriff’s Department. carjacked a Westfield resident at gun- unlawful possession of a weapon and When asked if the settlement con- Evergreen School before 4 p.m. on motor vehicle stop. The warrants in- Tuesday, February 10, Deidra L. point as he was parking his 2007 possession of a weapon for unlawful tained a confidentiality agreement, Monday, March 2. At least 10 signa- cluded one from Holmdel for $350 and Glasgow, 28, of Westfield was arrested Toyota Prius on Sandra Circle at 11:27 purposes. They were held following Mr. Gildea said he was not at liberty tures of registered voters are required two from Elizabeth for a total of $200. on an outstanding Scotch Plains warrant p.m. on February 4. their arrest pending the setting of bail to say. on petitions. He was released after posting bail. after a motor vehicle stop on South Av- Lieutenant Rodger said two indi- by a state Superior Court judge. Ms. Chambers’ attorney, Eric Saturday, February 7, a resident of enue. She was processed and released. Pennington, referred all comments to the 200 block of Scotch Plains Avenue Mountainside Happy 200th Birthday reported that the glass window on his Wednesday, February 4, an employee Mr. Gildea. detached garage was smashed with a of a construction company working on Ms. Chambers has been employed hammer in an apparent attempt to gain a state project on Route 22 reported that If you’re a safe driver, I can help you by the WPD since 1995. The six- entry to the garage. Entry appeared not the roll up door of a storage truck had count lawsuit, served on the town on to have been gained and nothing in the been damaged and a pipe laser worth save up to 25%. Call me today. December 14, 2006, alleged that “dur- garage appeared missing or disturbed. $5,000 had been removed. According ing a two-year period, then-Chief Sunday, February 8, Ronald Frank, to police, the employee stated that he Tracy regularly called Ms. Chambers 54, of Westfield was arrested and was not sure at this time if anything else at home, during non-working hours charged with DWI after a motor vehicle had been removed. and late into the evening,” and that stop at Central Avenue and Dakota Friday, February 6, several patrons NELSON C. ESPELAND, Mr. Tracy invited Ms. Chambers “to Street. He was transported to Westfield of an indoor tennis facility on Route 22 LUTCF call him on his personal cell phone.” police headquarters, processed and re- reported that while they were using the Mr. Tracy retired from the depart- leased to a responsible person. facility their motor vehicles were bro- (908) 233 6300 ment in September 2005 and accepted Sunday, February 8, Phillip Fladger, ken into. According to police, someone SCOTCH PLAINS a job with the Linden Public Schools 38, of Plainfield was arrested at the smashed his driver’s side window of Linden Police Department on an out- one vehicle and removed a GPS system [email protected] as a security officer. Ms. Chambers admitted that she and Mr. Tracy had standing Westfield criminal warrant for from the vehicle. Another victim re- been friends and that Mr. Tracy in- $500. He was transported to Westfield ported that his driver’s side window vited her to attend a convention in police headquarters, processed and held was also smashed and three men’s suits 2003 with him in Washington, D.C., there in lieu of bail. and a briefcase were removed, authori- Sunday, February 8, Dawn M. ties said. A third vehicle had the pas- Discount and insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Discount amount may be lower and applies to most major paid for by the police department. coverages.Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Home Office, Bridgewater, NJ ©2006 Allstate President Abraham Lincoln Mohrle, 54, of Kenilworth was arrested senger side door smashed but nothing Insurance Company. “While at the convention, Detective February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865 on West South Avenue and charged was reported missing. Page 2 Thursday, February 12, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Bramnick Seeks to Allow Candidate Christie Holds Public Comment in Trenton Rally at Cranford VFW TRENTON — Assemblyman Jon Bramnick said officials at the Na- By RAYNOR DENITZIO would take “the high road of ideas, Bramnick (LD-21, Westfield) has in- tional Conference of State Legisla- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times and aspirations, and optimism, and troduced legislation that would allow tors know of no other state where the CRANFORD — Beneath a banner hard work and integrity…” Mr. public comment on the floor of the public is allowed on the floor of the touting “Strong Leadership Now,” Christie has faced some criticism from State Legislature for the first time. legislature. Most states elicit com- former United States attorney and former Bogota mayor and fellow The proposed bill would require ments through e-mails or provide current Republican gubernatorial can- Republican candidate Steve Lonegan, the state Assembly and Senate to set hotlines to gather public opinion. didate Chris Christie pledged to run a but said he would not respond to aside specific times to listen to the Mr. Bramnick said, “If we set aside clean campaign and promised, if these comments whether they come public. In opening the floor for re- time for the public to address our elected governor, to “gut COAH from his primary challengers or Mr. marks, Mr. Bramnick said, the Legis- lawmakers, we will be emulating one (Council on Affordable Housing) and Corzine. lature would be adopting the good of the best parts of local government throw it in the garbage can” during a “I am just not going to go there,” government principles used by every and helping build trust in govern- rally at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Mr. Christie said. “I have a lot of town council and school board, where ment.” Hall in Cranford last Thursday. positive things to talk about.” the public is already invited to speak. The Cranford stop was one of nine Response to the event from the “As a former Plainfield council- during a two-day statewide “cam- crowd was largely upbeat. Sal Lance Votes to Renew Benjamin B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader and The Times man, I recall quite vividly how citi- CAMPAIGN KICKOFF... Republican Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie is paign kick-off” tour, which Mr. Cocuzza, a Westfield resident and zens would take the microphone on a Child Insur. Program greeted by supporters at a rally at the Cranford Veterans of Foreign War hall in Christie embarked upon last Wednes- Republican, said he agreed with much weekly basis. They would ask ques- WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Cranford last Thursday. Mr. Christie kicked off his campaign with stops around day. Republican leaders from through- of Mr. Christie’s speech, particularly tions and request answers to issues Leonard Lance (R-7th, Union) voted the state over two days. out the county including District 21 his desire to attract more businesses facing their city and neighborhood,” in favor of legislation that would re- State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. of to the state. Mr. Bramnick said. new and improve the State Children’s Westfield and Union County GOP “I think the state is really on a bad “Citizens regularly attend meetings Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Skibitsky Named Chairman Chairman Phil Morin of Cranford track,” Mr. Cocuzza said. “You’re not and they express their views during The measure, which is similar to joined him. doing business here. You’ve got to what some municipalities call privi- legislation Mr. Lance supported last Labeling himself as “the underdog” draw the businesses in by lowering lege of the floor. We need to allow month, was approved by the House Of League of Municipalities against incumbent Democrat Gover- the taxes.” New Jerseyans the same right in the by a vote of 290-135. Mr. Lance was WESTFIELD — At the annual re- Mr. Skibitsky describes the League nor Jon Corzine, Mr. Christie said he Rosemarie Graziano, a Scotch Plains statehouse,” said Mr. Bramnick, who one of only 40 Republican lawmak- organization meeting of the Union as, “a non-partisan group that meets would “get fiscal discipline back to resident and Democrat who described serves as Republican Whip in the ers who supported the measure. The County League of Municipalities held to brainstorm on topics of interest to Trenton,” lower income and corporate herself as a friend of Mr. Christie’s Assembly. bill now heads to President Barack in January at the Cranford Municipal all elected municipal officials.” taxes and “renew and revitalize” the family, said the former federal Under the existing rules, public Obama for his signature. Building, Westfield Mayor Andy Speakers with expertise in a variety state’s cities through job creation, pub- prosecutor’s remarks were sensible. comments are permitted only during “SCHIP is such an important health Skibitsky was selected unanimously of subject matters, such as the Coun- lic safety and education reform. “I think it’s important to just listen committee hearings and then just on care program for New Jersey chil- to serve as the organization’s 2009 cil on Affordable Housing (COAH), In particular, he criticized Mr. to the message,” Ms. Graziano said. topics listed on the agenda. The pro- dren,” Mr. Lance said. “I am very chairman, taking over the reigns from and energy efficiencies, are oftentimes Corzine over COAH, calling a plan to “I think he just made a lot of sense.” posed legislation would allow the pleased that Congress and the Presi- former Cranford Mayor Bob Puhak. invited to address the group. build 115,000 new units of affordable Mr. Christie has emerged as the public to bring any issue to Trenton. dent were able to work together to Mr. Skibitsky has served as the “These are very challenging housing by 2018 “wrongheaded,” and Republican frontrunner, with a Each house would determine how continue this important health care mayor of the suburban Union County times for all municipalities,” Mr. saying he would instead focus on Quinnipiac University poll released much time would be reserved for program that helps more than 120,000 municipality of approximately 30,000 Skibitsky said. “As leaders, we “affordable housing for working men on February 4 showing him leading comment and any rules governing the New Jersey children. Because our since June of 2005. share many ‘commonalities’ in try- and women in our cities, near mass Mr. Lonegan by a margin of 44 per- speaker’s conduct. But the proposed state has the second highest cost of The Union County League of Mu- ing to manage our respective com- transit, near where these jobs are go- cent to 17 percent among registered legislation recommends the public living in nation, SCHIP is very im- nicipalities is a fellowship of mayors munities in the current economic ing to be.” Republicans. The two other Republi- comments session occur at least four portant to those working families from all 21 municipalities in the county climate. It’s just common sense to “Because COAH will not only ruin cans in the race, Franklin Township times a year. struggling with the high costs of that meets on a monthly basis. Their meet regularly to share our experi- our environment,” Mr. Christie said, Mayor Brian Levine and District 25 “Politicians say they rely on public healthcare. “It’s especially important mission is “to share and leverage the ences and make sure no stone goes “COAH will also raise our property Assemblyman Rick Merkt of input to guide them. What better way to children whose parents either don’t aggregate knowledge and expertise of uncovered when seeking solutions taxes even higher than they are now Mendham, drew 5 percent and 2 per- to tap public opinion than to invite have insurance through their employ- Union County municipal leaders for to the difficult problems we are all and it will diminish the quality of life cent, respectively. The same poll comment on the floor. Too often, the ers or whose parents may have re- the betterment of all our communities.” facing.” for each and every citizen in this state.” showed Mr. Christie leading Mr. state capitol is a remote and isolated cently lost their jobs because of the Mr. Christie also said that he would Corzine by a margin of 44 percent to territory, where only the special in- current economic downturn.” not run a negative campaign and 38 percent among all voters. terests can wield influence,” Mr. According to New Jersey Food Safety a ‘Priority’ Bramnick said. FamilyCare, which administers the He said if the bill were enacted, program in New Jersey, SCHIP en- New Jersey would become a “pio- rollment totaled 10,438 children in For WF Health Dept. County Awarded $323,700 neer” in public outreach. Mr. Union County. WESTFIELD — Food safety re- break as quickly as possible,” mains a constant priority when dis- Westfield Regional Department In Homeland Security Grants cussing public health, as demonstrated Health Officer Megan Avallone ELIZABETH — Union County has in the funding. during the current Salmonella out- said. received two new Homeland Secu- In addition to health care profes- Basia’s Eyes break that resulted in a massive na- More than 400 peanut containing rity grants totaling just over $323,700. sionals, the Union County Medical tion-wide recall of peanut butter, ac- products have been recalled by the The funds will be used to enhance the Reserve Corps includes community A Professional Contents cording to Westfield Regional Health United States Food and Drug Admin- county’s preparedness for public volunteers who perform non-medical of Home/Estate Sale Service Department. istration (FDA). health emergencies and to purchase aspects of emergency response, such As of January 28, the Salmo- “Once a product has been recalled, communications equipment related as administration and communica- nella Typhimurium outbreak has it is up the local health department to to general emergency planning and tion. Basia Duris made 529 people sick from 43 ensure that these items have been response, officials said. states. removed from local retail store The new funds are targeted for ac- Lawmaker Pulls Bill “There has been great collabora- shelves. The Westfield Regional quiring additional “Point of Distribu- Over 25 Years Experience tion within all areas of government Health Department has sent a regis- tion in a Box” kits. The kits enable For ‘Do Not Leave’ List 908-219-4161 to eliminate the source of this out- tered environmental health special- Union County to set up temporary TRENTON — Assemblywoman L. ist to every retail food store in our emergency health clinics, when needed, Grace Spencer (LD-29, Newark), the jurisdiction to ensure that these re- in advance of help arriving from state lead sponsor of the “do not leave” unso- called products are no longer avail- or federal agencies.The funds will also licited materials bill, A-3611, pulled able for public purchase,” Ms. go to implement a needle-less vaccina- the legislation from the agenda of a Avallone said. tion initiative. scheduled committee hearing for Feb- “Consumers should know that Officials said the needles reduce the ruary 9. The New Jersey Press Asso- while this is the biggest recall in risk of accidental injury to health work- ciation has called the bill “unworkably FDA history, no major peanut butter ers, or to Union County Medical Re- broad.” manufacturers have been affected,” serve Corps volunteers who are called The bill would establish a do not she said. upon to assist in an emergency. Radios leave list of persons that do not wish For a complete list of recalled prod- and videoconferencing equipment for to receive any unsolicited materials ucts visit fda.com. emergency response are also included on their property.
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PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, February 12, 2009 Page 3 Environmental Group Sues Peyton's Merkt Welcomes Christie, Over Parkway Expansion Peek at the Week Call for GOP Cand. Debate AREA — The Tri-State Transpor- said Kyle Wiswall, general counsel In Politics TRENTON — State Assemblyman crats’ nominee in the fall election.” Richard Merkt (LD-25, Mendham), a Mr. Merkt renewed his call for a tation Campaign and Eastern Envi- for the campaign. “The New Jersey The Leader/Times ronmental Law Center have filed suit Turnpike Authority’s application fails By Paul Peyton of candidate for governor, stated that he series of public debates among all in state Appellate Court against the to justify the expansion of the Park- Scutari Seeks to Change Terms to act like cloistered drones when it welcomes former United States At- candidates for the GOP nomination New Jersey Department of Environ- way through some of the most envi- Of Senators to Five Years comes to the political process,” torney Chris Christie’s entry into the for governor. mental Protection’s approvals of the ronmentally sensitive areas of the State Senator Nicholas Scutari (LD- spokesman Michael Drewniak said. governor’s race, saying that Mr. “With the field of Republican gu- New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s state, including the shore’s tidal wet- 22, Linden) has introduced legisla- Justice Ginsburg Has Surgery Christie’s running broadens the range bernatorial hopefuls seemingly com- (NJTA) plans to widen the Garden lands and the Pinelands Preserve.” tion calling for state senators’ elec- For Pancreatic Cancer of choices for voters in the 2009 GOP plete, it’s time for debates to start State Parkway one lane in each direc- The lawsuit contends that the per- tions to occur every five years, in- United States Supreme Court Jus- gubernatorial primary. without delay,” he said. “The con- tion from exits 30 to 80. mit applications for the Parkway ex- stead of the current 10-year cycle of tice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was oper- “Chris was a fine federal prosecutor, tenders should all put their cards on New Jersey is seeking to use fed- pansion do not accurately character- one two-year term followed by two ated on last week for pancreatic can- and he will be an interesting candidate the table and let the voters decide eral stimulus money to pay for the ize current traffic conditions by ig- four-year terms. The bill would also cer, the Associated Press has reported. for governor. Giving voters a wider who will best represent their interests Parkway widening. The campaign noring that congestion occurs “only have Assembly members alternating The surgery took place at Memorial range of choices for governor only en- as the nominee.” said it warned against using stimulus on summer weekends,” fail to take between two-year and three-year Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in hances our party’s chances of success Mr. Merkt said the public already money for the project and released a dropping traffic volumes into account, terms, rather than the two-year terms. New York. in the fall election,” Mr. Merkt said. knows that the current situation in list of other “shovel-ready” projects and ignore the secondary impacts such Mr. Scutari said he believes longer Justice Ginsburg, the only woman Mr. Merkt said the Republican New Jersey is bad and now wants to they said would provide more and as development that would result in terms would mean fewer elections on the court, had surgery in 1999 for primary process should be open and hear specifics on how the candidates better congestion relief while stimu- the corridor due to the expanded ca- and reduce the need for lawmakers to colon cancer and was treated with fair to all candidates for governor. will make things better. lating the economy. pacity of the highways. seek campaign contributions and pro- chemotherapy and radiation. “The decision on who wins our “The real question voters want to party’s nomination for governor ask each would-be governor is sim- “Funding highway expansion The lawsuit also alleges that the vide a long-term approach to law- Daschle Withdraws Nomination projects to stimulate the economy turnpike authority failed to consider making. should rest solely with the voters,” ply this: ‘Exactly how would you For Health, Human Services Sec. Mr. Merkt said. “An open, competi- lead us from the trouble we’re in represents a lose-lose. Investing in alternatives to widening such as mass NJ In Line to Receive $15.77 Bil. mass transit and fixing our crumbling transit and traffic management. Former South Dakota U.S. Senator tive, and fair primary will properly today to a more prosperous New roads and bridges will produce more Among the projects recommended In Federal Stimulus Funds Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomi- ‘vet’ our nominee and thoroughly test Jersey?’” Mr. Merkt said. “After four jobs, reduce traffic congestion, and instead of the Parkway are the Pulaski New Jersey was in line to receive nation to be Health and Human Ser- his mettle before he faces the Demo- years of empty promises and lame have less impact on our natural re- Skyway Bridge replacement on Route $15.77 billionas of January 23 from vices Secretary. The senator has faced excuses from Jon Corzine, the people sources,” said Kate Slevin, executive 1 and 9, the Parkway/Interstate 78 the federal stimulus package currently increased opposition over a late pay- Rape Crisis Ctr. Offers want specific details from GOP can- director of the campaign. interchange project, Newark Penn being considered by the Senate, ac- ment for over $128,000 in taxes. Assistance in Spanish didates about how they will govern, A press release from the campaign Station platform rehabilitation, and cording to the Center for American “This work will require a leader not just more vague rhetoric about fund said the environmental docu- new transit tunnel from New Jersey Progress. A total of 11.33 percent of who can operate with the full faith of ELIZABETH – A new bilingual ser- good intentions. It’s time for straight ments for the Parkway project indi- to New York known as the Access to the money would be set aside to help Congress and the American people, vice from the Union County Rape Crisis answers to hard questions about New cate that portions of the wider road the Region’s Core project. balance the state budget while the and without distraction. Right now, I Center is enabling Spanish-speaking vic- Jersey’s future, and I’m really look- will be filled with traffic as soon as The Record of Bergen County re- remainder would be used for specific am not that leader and I do not want tims of sexual assault to seek help and ing forward to this opportunity to construction is complete. ported that the Turnpike declined to programs and tax cuts. to be a distraction,” he said in a state- support in their native language. chart a specific Republican course “The Turnpike Authority has not comment on the lawsuit. Dems Target Lance, 27 Others, ment. The Rape Crisis Center has been for our state’s recovery.” made the case that this project will “The Turnpike Authority is not a For Voting Against Stimulus Nancy Killefer, President Barack part of Union County’s Department provide any long-term congestion re- named party in the lawsuit and as a Obama’s nominee to be the country’s of Human Services since 1984. Malool to Hold Next The Democratic Congressional Trained professionals provide coun- lief, nor has it seriously investigated result we do not have a comment,” Campaign Committee (DCCC) is tar- first chief performance officer, also Listening Post Feb. 28 more effective, cheaper alternatives,” spokesman Joe Orlando told the paper. pulled out because she failed to pay seling in person to victims, their fami- geting 28 Republicans, including Rep. lies and friends. The center also runs SCOTCH PLAINS — Township Leonard Lance (R-7th, Union), who $947 in unemployment compensa- tion for a household employee. a 24-hour hotline, (908) 233-7273. Mayor Nancy Malool has announced voted against the House stimulus Staff and trained volunteers step that she will hold her next listening County Clerk’s Office Now package, with an advertising and Asm. Fisher to Be Named New State Agriculture Secretary in, on the victim’s request. They pro- post on Saturday, September 28, at grassroots campaign, The Hill has vide crisis counseling, and they go the south side firehouse. reported. State Assemblyman Douglas Fisher with the victim to the hospital, police The event, to be held from 9 a.m. Open Saturdays in Westfield The “Families First” campaign ac- (LD-3, Bridgeton), a Democrat, is station and/or court. until noon, is an opportunity for town- WESTFIELD – Union County number at the Westfield Annex is cuses Republicans of putting the needs expected to be nominated as New Until recently, these services have ship residents to meet the mayor one- Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has announced (908) 654-9859. of banks before the needs of strug- Jersey’s new Secretary of Agricul- been offered primarily in English. on-one. Mayor Malool, who revived that the Westfield county’s clerk’s The Elizabeth office of the county gling families. ture, politickernj.com has reported. Now, bilingual staff is available for the listening post when she took over office is now open for business on clerk, located in the Union County Also targeted are members of He would replace Charles Kuperus, persons who need help in Spanish. as mayor in January, is holding the Saturday mornings. She said the new Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Eliza- House leadership including Whip Eric who was asked to resign in December For information, visit ucnj.org and informal sessions at various locations hours are intended to increase the beth, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 Cantor (R-Va.) and Pete Sessions (R- at the request of the Board of Agricul- unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com in town. The January session was availability of the clerk’s services to p.m., Monday through Friday. The Tex.), the chairman of the National ture. or call (908) 233-7273. held at the Highlander Restaurant. the public beyond the weekday busi- phone number in Elizabeth is (908) Republican Congressional Commit- PSE&G Seeks to Spend tee. ness hours. 527-4966. $200 Million on Solar Panels “The new hours at my office in During the month of February, Ms. Pallone Wants Probe of Brown’s Westfield are intended to help those Rajoppi said she will waive the normal Attendance at Christie Event Public Service, Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) has announced that it who are unable to access our services $10 fee for having a photo taken when Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long during the week,” Ms. Rajoppi said. you apply for a passport, passcard or a will install solar panels on 200,000 Branch) has called on the U.S. Justice utility poles, as well as on school and “Whether you are applying for a pass- Union County photo identification card Department to investigate whether port or an identification card, or need at the county clerk’s offices in Eliza- municipal buildings, low-income First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle housing and closed garbage dumps assistance with a notary, my staff can beth and Westfield. Brown violated any federal laws by assist you on Saturday mornings now Passport application forms may be over five years at a cost of $773 attending a social/political event at million, The New York Times has re- in addition to our other convenient obtained at either of the Union County the home of her former boss, ex-U.S. weekday hours.” clerk’s two offices. Applications for ported. State approval of the plan is Attorney turned Republican candi- required. 42¢ The Westfield annex of the county passports and related information also date for Governor, Chris Christie, clerk’s office is located at 300 North can be found online at ucnj.org/ politickernj.com has reported. Mr. Bergen, Hoboken Fined Millions Avenue, East. Its new office hours are ctyclerk/passport.html. Pallone said the event included On Early Retirement Programs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; 8 a.m. Clients are asked to arrive at least speeches about campaign fundraising Bergen County and Hoboken have We’ll mail 7,000 copies of your article for 2¢ apiece to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thurs- 15 minutes prior to closing time to strategies from Republican been fined millions of dollars for ap- days; and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on allow for staff assistance with the fundraisers and remarks from cam- proving early retirement programs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. passport process. For more informa- paign staffers. for their employees without state ap- www.goleader.com/express The Westfield annex is the only county tion about obtaining a U.S. passport, A spokesman for the U.S. proval. Bergen County has been fined clerk’s office in the state that is open passcard or Union County photo iden- Attorney’s office said Ms. Brown did $1.4 million and Hoboken will have The Westfield Leader and The Times during evening hours. The phone tification card, call (908) 527-4966. nothing wrong. “We are not required to pay $4.2 million.
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To schedule an appointment at Morristown Memorial Hospital call 866-391-0287 or Overlook Hospital, call 866-588-6809. For more information visit atlantichealth.org. Page 4 Thursday, February 12, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION ABCDICTIONOPQRSTDECEPTIONUVWXYZ The Westfield Leader The Scotch Plains–Fanwood News From the Capitol Times Since 1959 — Established 1890 — Stimulus Spending Must DD Legal Newspaper for the Town of Westfield, Legal Newspaper for the Borough of Fanwood DTM Boroughs of Mountainside and Garwood And the Township of Scotch Plains D Diction Deception And the County of Union, NJ. Be Targeted, Timely Members of: And Temporary Below are four arcane words, each New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association • Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce with four definitions – only one is correct. Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association • Fanwood Business & Professional Association The others are made up. Are you sharp enough to discern this deception of dic- Periodicals – Postage Paid at Westfield, New Jersey Periodicals – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, New Jersey Rep. Leonard Lance (908) 757-7835 tion? P.O. Box 250 • 251 North Avenue, West P. O. Box 368 If you can guess one correctly – good Westfield, N.J. 07091 Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 Our economy is hurting. have nothing to do with jump-starting our guess. If you get two – well-read indi- Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 The national jobless rate has recently economy, like $1 billion for the Census; vidual. If you get three – word expert. If reached 7.6 percent – the highest since $600 million to buy new cars for govern- you get all four – You must have a lot of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at September 1992. The economy has lost a ment workers; and $275 million to update free time! P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 staggering 3.6 million jobs since the re- computers at the U.S. State Department. All words and correct definitions Published every Thursday by Watchung Communications, Inc. cession began in December 2007. What’s more, federal budget estimates come from the board game Diction Here in New Jersey, income and prop- place the real cost of the plan at $1.1 Deception. Paul Peyton Horace R. Corbin Fred K. Lecomte erty taxes are at an all-time high. Our state trillion. While millions of Americans are Answers to last week’s arcane words. ASSIGNMENT EDITOR PUBLISHER MARKETING DIRECTOR is neck-deep in record debt. The current facing tough spending decisions in today’s 1. Stre – Straw Suzette F. Stalker David B. Corbin Michael L. Bartiromo economic crisis has many New Jerseyeans economy, the House-passed stimulus bill 2. Cerrial – Pertaining to the bitter oak COMMUNITY ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & SPORTS MARKETING PRODUCTION worried about losing their jobs, their doesn’t contain a single spending cut. 3. Baquet – A small tub Michael Pollack Karen M. Hinds Robert P. Connelly homes, their investments and their retire- Our nation is saddled with more than 4. Rese – To tremble or shake EDUCATION & ARTS OFFICE MANAGER OPERATIONS & LEGALS ment future. $10 trillion in debt. It would be gravely Ben Corbin What our economy needs is a stimulus irresponsible to borrow another $1.1 tril- HOAST bill that will create and maintain jobs and lion and pass this massive debt on to our SERVICES 1. To cough SUBSCRIPTION PRICE www.goleader.com/subscribe help struggling families and small busi- children. 2. A small human forest denizen; an elf One-year – $28 • Two-year – $52 • Three-year – $76 • One-year college (September to May) – $20 nesses. The spending must be targeted, I recently met with President Barack 3. A scar or ulcer underneath the skin timely and temporary; the tax relief for Obama to review the economic stimulus 4. To fall away or decline individuals and small businesses perma- package and was one of a handful of POWTER nent. Republicans who participated in a White 1. Concerned with petty affairs Westfield Town Government Can Last week, the U.S. House of Repre- House meeting the President’s chief of 2. The act of rubbing; massaging sentatives passed an $825 billion stimu- staff, Rahm Emanuel. 3. A comon domestic pigeon, with an lus package – the single most expensive Both were sincere, thoughtful and open inflated breast bill in our nation’s history. discussions, and I agree with the 4. Persecute; oppress Lead in Transparency Reform I voted against the measure because it President’s message of bipartisan inclu- HOLOUR contained more spending than stimulus. siveness in crafting a strong stimulus pack- 1. A large bowl in which fat is burned Union County and the 21 towns in the county incur first settlement a few years ago. We are pursuing the It would have exploded our national debt age. by means of a wick lawsuits brought by employees for various reasons. details of the current settlement. We’ve been told – without providing meaningful job growth For my part, I supported an alternative 2. A fornicator or whoremonger and necessary tax relief. We must do plan that would create twice as many jobs 3. A confidence man; swindler Often, these lawsuits are settled out of court, with the though Westfield cannot confirm – that there is no better. at half the cost to the taxpayers, while 4. A surplus in supplies, materials, etc. costs and details kept secret. The details are shielded confidentiality agreement in the settlement. Presum- Of the bill’s $825 billion price tag, providing permanent tax relief for work- PRANDIAL from the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) under ably, this means we will be able to report the facts to $550 billion is new spending that will do ing families and small businesses. 1. Bristled; standing erect little to boost our economy. Only a frac- As a member of the House Financial 2. Given to creeping or crawling the guise of “personnel matter.” More and more you in the near future – maybe even get a copy of the tion of the dollars are targeted toward Services Committee, I am working in a 3. Tapering to a point meetings are conducted in “executive session” – documents plus a total of all the legal bills. “shovel-ready” projects that will keep bipartisan fashion to provide assistance 4. Belonging to a meal, especially din- meaning, “in secret.” Even if figures become known, unfortunately, the and create immediate jobs. to homeowners who are facing mortgage ner According to the nonpartisan Congres- default and foreclosure. More letters pages 5, 17 & 18 We don’t think this is right. Tens and hundreds, total cost to the taxpayers of Westfield will be nebu- sional Budget Office (CBO), only 20 Like President Obama, I believe it is sometimes millions of dollars of taxpayer money lous. While the town’s insurance may cover a large percent of the $825 billion contained in time to end the partisanship and begin disappear into this abyss with no transparency or portion of the payout, future insurance premiums the bill would be spent this year, with the working together on a real bipartisan Letters to the Editor remainder spent over the next five to 10 stimulus plan that reduces wasteful spend- public accountability. The costs to the taxpayer are will be raised to recoup their costs. years. That’s not good enough. ing and helps protect and create jobs much more than the settlement; there is a plethora of We hope Westfield, a good municipal government, Much of the new spending is slated for through fast-acting tax relief for middle- SP Library Director projects and government programs that class families and small businesses. lawyers’ fees and insurance premiums bundled into leads the way in “called-for” reform and gives the Comments on Archives the morass. It’s their form of self-installed economic public the facts on the Chambers’ case. Then, we Hot Dogs on the Mat We were pleased to see the digital stimulus – year-round, 24/7. hope all other towns and the county follow the lead. newspapers featured in an article in your We call for all these proceedings to be made public We quote from last week’s presidential memoran- Belong in the Cafeteria recent edition [January 22, 2009; The – while in progress and with a full accounting at the dum on “transparency.” Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times and The I read Al Rabinowitz’s “Headed for (1st in State for Westfield at 148 lbs. in Westfield Leader]. However, we feel it conclusion. Let’s see the cost and see who’s getting “Government should be transparent. Transpar- Great Things” letter to the editor [January 76’) in the Wall coach’s corner with his essential to note that a large amount of what of your money. Let’s see how much time of ency promotes accountability and provides informa- 29 edition of The Westfield Leader] 2009 kid, and Chuck didn’t have a buffet with funding from a NJ State DCA SHARE public employees is being wasted, too. tion for citizens about what their government is where Al ends his last sentence with “I him. grant supported the Joint Project of the hope that Bruce Johnson [Devils Den] For me, as a former wrestler, I am Scotch Plains Public Library and Fanwood Let the merits of these cases stand in public view, doing...Government should be participatory. Public stops focusing on the stats of the glory dismayed at coaches who wear their nasty Memorial Library to digitize the archival and the chips will fall where they may. engagement enhances the government’s effective- days of wrestling and starts realizing that street shoes on the mat where their kids holdings of our papers. The Town of Westfield last Friday settled a lawsuit ness and improves the quality of its decisions.” the Westfield wrestling program is headed roll around with bare legs and shoulders In addition, that funding along with for great things.” Al also stated in his — but to be stuffing their faces with generous donations and contributions between itself (you, the taxpayer) and police officer We agree with the President. The public needs an article “the coaches had an eye towards hotdogs on the mat is unbelievable and from the Friends of the Library groups of Sandra Chambers. This is her second plunge into the in-depth look, not a glimpse, of what government is the future and wanted to keep the kids certainly not conducive to helping the both libraries allowed us to create both an public coffers. We could not find out the details of the doing with your money. around to mature…” young Westfield wrestlers mature. attractive on-line web presence as well as I was at the 2008 Chatham novice Al just moved to Westfield, but quite a user-friendly search engine for easy Christmas tournament, and one of frankly, I like hearing about Higgins, the retrieval of information. Westfield’s coaches was drinking a hot Gottlick brothers, Posey, Campbell, Making information usable for the gen- Dunkin Donuts coffee and eating hotdogs Consenza, Staggard, the Giaconne broth- eral public has always been a prime con- Letters to the Editor while on the mat in the coach’s’ corner. ers and the ‘73 team. It gives those of us cern of local librarians. We spent many The Chatham tournament director (TD) who were actually there to see those wres- hours working with Pete Billson of ELB removed this Westfield coach from the tlers and teams something to talk about Internet to brainstorm the best manner in mat and sent him to the cafeteria. On the other than Al’s optimism of how he is which to present the digitized files and to Westfield BOE President Leiz Clarifies Statement way out, the TD said, “You Westfield going to turn the program around. create a site that not only worked smoothly guys are always a problem!” I remember telling Phil Gottlick in the but also allowed the user at home or from In Newspaper Article on Washington School Community Now the TD may have been kidding, wrestling room that I took 2nd in the within the library to quickly access the but what kind of message does a coach States back to back in AAU wrestling, specific information they required. In the January 29 edition of The them efficiently.” My objective at the time was to de- eating hot dogs and drinking coffee on the and I remember Gottlick telling me it Our digital archives are more compre- Westfield Leader, it was reported that In my attempt to clarify why this area scribe the new attendance zone area as a mat send to the youth wrestlers Rabinowitz didn’t matter until you get to the States in hensive than just the newspaper files. We Westfield Superintendent of Schools, Dr. met the criteria of the plan, I used an tight-knit community of densely child- claims he wants to help mature? High School. As crushing as that was to have a complete run of the local SP-F Margaret Dolan, and I were interviewed incorrect term in my explanation. I regret populated, kid-friendly families. Wash- I wrestled for Pete Ward in the 70’s. hear in the 8th grade, Gottlick was right. high school yearbooks as well as other regarding Westfield parents’ concerns that my published response may have ington School is a wonderful community Pete never had a hot dog in his hand Al introduced himself to me and seems searchable, digitized books of local inter- about the intermediate school redistrict- been perceived as insulting or hurtful; of families who I know are passionate during a match. Keith Grabel and Rick like a nice guy, but if Al wants Bruce est and a growing ephemera collection ing plan. that was not my intention. about preserving the vitality, rich tradi- Adelar took me to tournaments all around Johnson to stop focusing on the glory celebrating the shared history of our two The reporter asked Dr. Dolan why the tions and values that are the foundation of the state in the 70’s and never once were days, then he needs to get his coaches in towns. identified neighborhood was chosen. In Westfield; traditions and values, which I they drinking coffee on the mat. In the line first — and then win a team title or We congratulate Westfield Public Li- response, Dr. Dolan noted that many ar- Change in Washington, hold just as dear. 80’s, I worked for Bill Jordan on tourna- send a few guys to the States — and brary on completing the full back run of ment tables and as a referee for the in maybe even get his coaches some wres- the paper. They were able to build on our eas were looked at, but for the most part, Ginny Leiz either their student populations didn’t meet D.C., is Needed town league, and I never saw Bill Jordan tling shoes to show those of us who actu- efforts, using the same format for a search President, Westfield Board of chomping on a hot dog on the mat. ally saw glory days, that the current guys engine and presentation we designed with the five-year grade level targets or that So far, there doesn’t seem to be much Education “there was no way we could transport change in Washington. President Obama Bill’s son Paul, who took third in the running the program have a basic com- Pete Billson. has frozen the salaries of his staff making States at 160 in 92, coaches with me down prehension of the sport. To correct a slight misconception, while over $100,000. He is going after the Wall Lance is Responsible here and I’ve never once seen Paul drink Then perhaps Johnson will have some- microfilm allows for cheaper and cleaner Legion Thanked for Street bonus problem, but I have some coffee on the mat in practice — let alone thing new to write about other than coffee digitization, we would stress that the mi- Iraq Care Package suggestions! With Taxpayer Money in another town’s tournament. Three and hotdogs. crofilm versions of the paper were not Freeze all salaries for federal workers The $819 billion “stimulus” bill that weeks ago, I was at the Brick Mat Rat searchable, difficult to print, and only Editor’s Note: This letter was sent from Jay Factor and have them pay towards their health the House of Representatives passed on tournament, and I saw Chuck Consenza Fair Haven accessible from within the library build- Camp Ramadi, Al Anbar, Iraq, to the plans and pensions. January 28, 2009 is shameful. I’m pleased ing. We are proud of our collaborative American Legion Post 3 in Westfield and Freeze or give pay cuts to all members to see that our new congressman – Leonard efforts, which have created this valuable given to the newspaper for publication. of the Senate and Congress. The very Lance – voted against the bill because it Parking Ticket Was Issued Although resource and urge interested researchers Dear American Legion Post 3, Thank same people who vote themselves a COLA was too expensive and would not have to take a look at our Joint Digital Ar- you for your unwavering and unselfish raise every year! Many of whom are mil- provided the proper stimulus to get us out Snow and Ice Covered the Numbers chives at www.thejointlibrary.org. support of the Marines, sailors and sol- lionaires! of the current economic recession. Meg Kolaya, Director diers of Camp Ramadi. Your kindness Have the politicians pay toward their Every American wants our economy Editor’s note: This letter was sent to he should write tickets in the lot that Scotch Plains Public Library and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. health plans and pensions. No one outside back on track, but our elected officials Westfield Town Prosecutor Christine morning because of the conditions. He When we receive a care-package, we of Washington can receive a pension for have an obligation to be responsible with Nugent and copied to the newspaper. said that even though he might be able to place them in a free room for military only working four years. Politicians can taxpayer money. I’m glad Congressman ***** see a spot number later in the morning, the What is a Tag Sale in members to come pick up what they want. receive a pension after serving only one Lance understands this. I supported and On Thursday, January 29, 2009, I re- person parking their car earlier would not 1909 Leader Edition? Your generous support provides an im- four-year term! voted for Leonard Lance because as a ceived a ticket for overtime parking at the have been able to see the number when measurable boost to morale and invigo- Stop the freebies they receive such as state legislator, he demonstrated fiscal North side train station parking lot (copy they parked due to the conditions. He was Congratulations to the Westfield Me- rates our Marines, sailors and soldiers as free meals, free trips, haircuts, etc.? I responsibility. enclosed). This was the morning after the told to write the tickets. morial Library and The Westfield Leader they execute their mission far from home. believe we pay for them. I’m not sure what the final stimulus ice/snow storm on Wednesday. When I Later that morning when I spoke to for placing 100 years of the newspaper on Thank you again for genuine interest in It is time they feel what we are feeling. package will encompass, but I trust Con- parked my car at approx. 10 a.m., the spot him, he stated that he was told after he the Internet. As president of the Children’s our well being during this deployment. Since they cannot do their job in balanc- gressman Lance to make the best decision numbers were all covered by ice/snow wrote my ticket to not write tickets if the Specialized Hospital Auxiliary, I recently Please know that your Armed Forces con- ing the budget, then they do not deserve for his constituents and the country, from the snow/sleet storm of the previous spot number was covered even if he could used the website to research the year 1909 tinue to serve our great nation with a what they receive. This would show the whether he is voting yea or nay. If we had evening, Consequently, I was unable at determine the spot number by looking at for the Auxiliary’s centennial. I was able steadfast courage that cannot be quanti- voters that our politicians are being asked more state and federal legislators like that time to determine the spot number an adjacent spot. I was told by officer to find an article on our first fundraiser, a fied. to make sacrifices also! That would be Lance, we probably wouldn’t be in the and hence unable to pay for the spot at the Pierce to go to court to fight the ticket tag sale held on April 21, 1909, in which change! mess we are today. parking meter. All adjacent spot numbers since I have a valid argument and that it we raised over $500 for the hospital. Sgt. Casey Holbrook were also covered up. probably won’t go to the judge. What a thrill it was to be able to read the HQ 81st HBCT, UMT Barbara Edwards Alexander Smith I assumed there would be no way that I believe that the town should never actual account of this event to the mem- Brigade Chaplain Assistant Scotch Plains Scotch Plains the parking rules could be enforced be- have ordered their officers to issue tickets bership at our February meeting. I wish to cause of the physical situation in the lot. on a day following such a storm and that thank the staffs of both The Leader and At 10:31 a.m., officer Pierce wrote a enforcing this ticket would be grossly the Library including Phil Israel, Execu- ticket for my parked VW at the North side unfair. I feel that maintaining such a policy tive Director; Jennifer Schulze, Head train station lot. By now, the sun had is counter-productive to sustaining a vi- Reference Librarian; Jeffrey Bennet, come out and began to melt the snow. I brant downtown. I believe there is more Technology Librarian for all their hard snapped a cell picture at 11:25 a.m., which than reasonable cause to abate this fine work in making this exceptional research showed that my spot number was still and I respectfully request that this be tool possible and free. covered with snow and then went to the done. I especially wish to thank publisher parking office at police headquarters to Thanks for your consideration of this Horace Corbin of The Westfield Leader complain, but to no avail. matter. for his efforts and ingenuity in develop- Later that day, officer Pierce stated to ing this project. I hope the citizens of Barry Thomashow Westfield will take full advantage of this me that earlier in the morning, he had Westfield questioned his supervisor about whether wonderful resource. On a side note, I’d like to ask the readers of The Leader if they know what PTO Member Calls for Easing the a “tag sale” would have been in 1909. From the description in the article, it’s definitely not what we consider a tag sale Transition of Students To EIS today. There is no question that change is proved successful in relieving the over- Gail Sloan always difficult, even though it often is crowding issue. Westfield necessary to make a situation better for As a result, the district has found it the entire community. Recent events in- necessary to redistrict certain students to volving the movement of a group of alleviate the problem. As evidenced by Westfield students from Roosevelt Inter- years of careful consideration of various Deadlines mediate School (RIS) to Edison Interme- options and the recent proposed redis- General News - Friday 4pm diate School proves this to be true. tricting, there is no easy way to solve this Weekend Sports - Monday 12pm I have been a member of the Parent problem. However, since 2001, I have Classifieds - Tuesday 12pm Teacher Council for many years. For most witnessed hours and hours of hard work Ad Reservation - Friday 4pm of my time on the PTC, there has been and effort go into trying to making a fair Ad Submittal - Monday 12pm public dissatisfaction with overcrowding decision – one that would resolve this at RIS. In response to these repeated situation with as little change as possible, To Reach Us concerns, the [Westfield] Board of Ed. but also in a fiscally responsible way. E-Mail - [email protected] and current and previous superintendents I hope as a community we can put our Phone - (908) 232-4407 have been active in seeking solutions to time and effort into easing the transition this dilemma. Over the years, many tac- of these students to EIS. For more information, see tics have been proposed, although none Joann Spera www.goleader.com/help were embraced by the community or Westfield A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, February 12, 2009 Page 5 Consider Worthy Community Ideas to Scotch Plains 2008 Letters to the Editor Financials Online Avoid Washington School Busing SCOTCH PLAINS – Dick Samuel, Editor’s note: this letter was sent to the sixth grade is 28 at RIS [Roosevelt Inter- chairman of the Scotch Plains Demo- Westfield Board of Education and copied mediate School]; with redistricting it’s 10-Year-Old from Washington School Donor Consent, Stem cratic Committee, said that the Scotch to the newspaper. 26. I don’t see how much difference 26 Plains 2008 Financial Statement is now I was disappointed, but not surprised, versus 28 makes at the middle school Cell Research, and available and can be purchased from your by last week’s vote. I respect your vote level. In the elementary level, some classes Writes About Her Being Redistricted township government for $31.50 or by and have a few thoughts I would like to are 20, 22 or even 23. Basically, I don’t Dear Dr. Dolan [Superintendent of to have to leave them again. Federal Funding clicking on scotchplainsdems.org/ share. I understand you must have re- see any urgency to redistrict this year. Westfield Schools]: The day after I found out I was going to Jessi Furino’s letter (Feb. 5 in The yourmunicipalgovernment. He also said ceived a lot of e-mails recently. Based on Mr. Solomon’s comments in My name is Hope Rothenberg and I’m Edison, I was so sad I started to cry in the Westfield Leader and The Times) misses that some day this information will be 1. The reason our constitution sets up a The Westfield Leader (and The Times on a fifth grader at Washington school. I middle of school. My teacher asked an important point on stem cell research. posted on the township website which Senate with two Senators from each state February 5), redistricting has to be done know what you’re thinking, “Oh, she’s “What’s wrong?” I replied with a fake Embryonic stem cells are widely viewed was initiated by Democratic Councilman is to ensure that every state’s voice is by 2013. only a silly little fifth grader trying to smile that told her she knew what was as holding the most promise of all for the Kevin Glover. heard no matter how small that state is. 3. The best solution is voluntary redis- make me change my mind about this wrong with me. She said “You now what, treatment and perhaps cure for such di- It is now the job of the township staff to For this BOE , it just happened that there tricting. I know we tried it before. My redistricting thing,” but that’s not true. it’s OK, it’s not final yet. That told me that verse and cruel diseases as Parkinson’s, provide us with this important informa- are no members from the Washington understanding is we didn’t do it correctly. When I found out I wasn’t going to very second that this isn’t fair and it Alzheimer’s and Juvenile Diabetes. Each tion. Until that happens, the Scotch Plains [school] community, but the redistricting As a parent, I never received a survey of Roosevelt, I started to tear. shouldn’t happen. Not to me. Not again. year fertility clinics discard tens of thou- Democrats will do that. As time goes by, decision solely concerns Washington. Are programs to attract me to send my kids to I ran up to my room and literally I need to do something. sands of embryos during the process of the Scotch Plains Democrats will provide you sure from the bottom of your heart EIS [Edison Intermediate School]. There screamed. I’m not going to Edison with I know you think Roosevelt is too helping people who have difficulty con- comments on aspects of this 58-page this is the right thing to do? are a lot of ideas by the community and any of my friends that I’ve known my squished – but have you thought what all ceiving in their quest to start or add to a document as they relate to the upcoming 2. This redistricting affects 21 Wash- some are creative that are worthy of your whole life. I can’t believe you would the kids at Roosevelt think? Would they family. Those embryos are not created for budget process. We can only understand ington students this year (it’s 21 not 33). consideration. Based on the enrollment make a little 10-year-old girl cry. I have rather be with their friends and be squished the purpose of harvesting stem cells. With where our tax money goes if we have Based on my calculation, without redis- Dr. Dolan presented, we still have one to friends in Wilson and Franklin that I or not be with their friends and have a donor consent, they can and should be access to the relevant documents and tricting, the class size for the incoming two years to figure out the best solution. promised I would be going to Roosevelt. little more room, but not very much more? used to further stem cell research, and have some degree of explanation to help We Washington parents don’t buy that Kindergarten [at St. Paul’s] ended and I’ve asked people this question from Wil- federal funding is key to its advancement. us through them. This is one of the more Marron-Meyerhoff we already exhausted other options. I found out I was going to a different son and Franklin. They said number one. Jessi Furino writes, “[h]ow we spend important obligations of an open govern- 4. After reading Kim Beattie’s letter to school than my friends for elementary. I You think too much of what’s best for our tax dollars reflects what we value.” I ment. Family Thanks You The Leader, it seems to me mandatory was very sad in first grade and had not one us when you aren’t a student. It shouldn’t agree and can think of no greater cause Those who are interested in learning Family and friends of Michele Marron- redistricting at the elementary level is a friend for the whole year. I made some be your opinion, it should be ours. I want than the compassionate commitment to more about the budget process or want to Meyerhoff would like to thank all of lot easier. When your kids start first grade, friends in second grade and I don’t want you to hear my voice, my tears, and my eliminating the suffering caused by these help us in analyzing these documents, those who contributed to a fund to offset you join the community, kids make heart. This isn’t just me thinking this; this and other diseases by pursuing every ap- please contact me at medical costs related to her battle with friends, and parents make connections. Thank You for is the citizens of our town. propriate avenue of doing so as quickly as [email protected]. The Scotch scleroderma. But from fifth grade to intermediate, it’s When you were a kid, you must have possible. Plains Democratic Committee also has Michele, a lifelong resident of the a big change in the young life and the Donating to Food Drive had a heart and a special friend that you The danger that embryos might be cre- set up a group entitled SCOTCH PLAINS Westfield/Cranford area, died Saturday, parents don’t want their kids to lose five Thank you to all in Westfield, loved dearly. Imagine her moving to a ated solely for the purpose of harvesting DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE on January 31, after a lengthy battle with the to six years of friendship. To solve this Mountainside, Fanwood and Scotch different state after you just met. Think of stem cells or that human cloning might Facebook, which is an open group so all rare and chronic autoimmune disease, imbalanced enrollment between RIS and Plains who donated to our group’s food all those good memories you had with her gain acceptance can be addressed through may join. which caused severe damage to her lungs. EIS effectively, I suggest you look into drive for the Community FoodBank of NJ that you wouldn’t have had if you never aggressive regulation. I see no humane or Paid Bulletin Board Michele had hoped to receive a trans- redistricting the elementary school (for in Hillside. “From the Bottom Up” formed saw her again. That’s what you are doing logical justification, however, for prohib- goleader.com/express plant of her own stem coils (a process in example, sending close neighborhood kids in mid-December with people from 12 to us. Can’t you see yourself tearing on iting the federal funding of research of which those cells are removed, cleansed to McKinley from the north side). towns in Union county, and decided to your pillow knowing “I will never be as embryonic stem cells created for the le- and reinfused into the body.) 5. Some comments on 21 versus 33 conduct a food drive to coincide with the good of friends with her as I was — I will gitimate goal of fostering fertility but However, after several setbacks, doc- Washington kids. On Jan 13, Dr. Dolan Martin Luther King National Day of Ser- maybe never see her again, and I will not which turn out to be unusable for that tors determined the procedure was not presented to BOE that 33 Washington vice. have some of the good memories that I purpose. feasible for Michele because of a variety kids will be going to EIS this fall because We thank ShopRite of Garwood for should have had? My dearest, truest friend Andrew Wasserman of complications, which developed. of this mandatory redistricting. On the graciously donating bags. Thanks also to in the whole world is just a sad fad of life Westfield Michele and her husband, Gary, have Jan. 21 Washington School parent meet- those who gave us advice and insight on now and will never come back.” frequently expressed their gratitude to the ing, Dr. Dolan again said 33. One parent how to organize a drive: Rose O’Hare That’s how I feel right now as a little We’ll Mail 7,000 Copies of many people who reached out to her dur- questioned this number at the meeting from Holy Trinity Food Pantry, and Kris fifth grader only 10. It’s like the Titanic Your Article for less than ing the lengthy health crisis. saying less than 25 kids [would be] going Mench, with the Boy Scouts Scouting for sinking to me. It’s like seeing yourself Donors, making contributions large and to EIS based on her count. Again in the Food program. suffer being so young. It could also be a 2 cents a piece. small, provided more than $160,000 to Jan. 22 issue of The Leader, Dr. Dolan In each of our towns, we reached out to funeral for someone you care about very offset her extensive medical costs, many said 33. And again on Jan. 29 issue of The our family, friends and neighbors asking much. Please, oh please, don’t split our See Leader, “The projected total for sixth for donations. Your response was over- school up. I care about every person in it of which were not covered by insurance, Richard Samuel Michele and Gary were overwhelmed by grade is 33 students from Washington whelming. From all our towns, we col- and want it to stay together. Listen to your goleader.com/express the caring spirit shown by area residents School heading to Edison this fall,” Dr. lected over 300 bags of groceries along heart. If you were I, you would be upset, and even some people from out of state Dolan said. It was not until yesterday did with many boxes and cases of food. We I know for sure. Why put us through this? whom they never met. Dr. Dolan get the number right. It’s 21. are very grateful for your generosity, as is When you make your decision, think of The remainder of the money in the The difference between 21 and 33 is just the FoodBank. Please know your dona- yourself being me, in my position. Feel Home of the NEW account held for Michele by the National too big to ignore. I was very surprised no tion made a difference. your heart and don’t split our school. Foundation for Transplants will be used BOE member asked this question. I was Roz Blau, Mountainside Hope Rothenberg to help another needy scleroderma pa- also very troubled by the 8-1 vote to this Arlene O’Reilly, Westfield Westfield colossal tient. poor-planned proposal. Anne Riegel, ev- 8oz hamburger The fundraising committee, which in- eryone in this community thanks you for cluded some of Michele’s classmates from your one vote. It means a lot to us. Westfield High School, co-workers from 6. It seems based on Dr. Dolan’s pre- the law firm where she was employed and sentation: there will be no school bus Helping Accident members of the Watchung Amateur Ski going to RIS from Washington area. But Club, which occupied much of her leisure the Power Point presentation also said we time before the onset of her illness, would must offer transportation for students who Victims Everyday like to express our deep appreciation for live more than 2 miles from school. The Also serving Zamba™ Beef Zliders! the support shown by residents of the students living in this area (sixth to eighth community. graders) are more than 2 miles from RIS It was truly gratifying. Again, thank and should be offered school busing. How you and God bless you. do these RIS students manage to go to Family and friends of Michele school if both parents work? Marron-Meyerhoff Ping Liu Westfield For All Your Business, Tax & Financial Needs Hamburgers and Fries Phone: 908.233.8800 Fax: 908.233.8805 Fire-Grilled 8oz Burgers Home-Made, Always Fresh, Never Frozen Hamburger $4.69 Cheeseburger (American or Swiss) $5.19 Bacon Burger $5.29 Bacon Cheeseburger $5.79
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Get Back On Track [email protected] (908) 232-4407 The Westfield Leader www.goleader.com Page 6 Thursday, February 12, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Children’s March to Recall Civil Rights Era Protest WESTFIELD – The Dr. Martin Wednesday, February 18, at 7 p.m. at Luther King, Jr. Association of the Westfield Memorial Library, lo- Westfield will present the film Mighty cated at 550 East Broad Street. Times: The Children’s March on The Children’s March received an Academy Award in the category of Documentary Short Subject for 2004. Gildays Welcome It tells the story of 4,000 black school- children who deserted their class- Connor Thomas rooms in Birmingham, Ala. on May Thomas and Colleen Gilday of East 2, 1963 in a civil rights protest. Their Hampton, Conn. have announced the actions touched off a week of mass birth of their son, Connor Thomas demonstrations and rioting that drew Gilday, on Wednesday, December 31, worldwide attention. at 6:30 a.m. at Hartford Hospital in Association co-founder Patricia Hartford, Conn. Faggins, who described the film as Connor weighed 6 pounds and 8 “excellent,” said the organization ounces and measured 18 inches in wanted to show it as a follow-up to the length at birth. King birthday celebration in January. He joins his sister, Meagan, and his Westfield resident Noel Brown, brothers, Bryan and Kyle. who was raised in Birmingham, will The baby’s paternal grandparents be the presenter. He grew up during are Raymond and Claire Gilday of the Civil Rights era and has first- Christopher D. Hayes and Ms. Lauren C. Kroncke Mark Walker and Ms. Elisabeth Salemme Westfield. hand knowledge of the movement. To register to see the movie or to Zumba Course to Begin learn more about other adult or youth programs at the library, visit wmlnj.org In Township Feb. 23 and click on the calendar, or call (908) Ms. Lauren Kroncke Ms. Elisabeth Salemme SCOTCH PLAINS – The Scotch 789-4090, extension no. 4140. Indi- Plains Recreation Department will viduals also may stop by the library for offer its popular Zumba course on a copy of its quarterly newsletter. The To Wed Christopher Hayes To Marry Mark Walker Mondays beginning February 23 from library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Towne House Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Eugene Kroncke, Jr. and Ms. Eliza- Emmes Asset Management, a real Karen and Joseph Salemme of High School in 2002. She graduated in Green Forest Park, located off of to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and beth Kroncke of Westfield have an- estate investment firm in Manhattan. Westfield have announced the en- cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Westfield Road, in Scotch Plains. 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. nounced the engagement of their Her fiancé was raised in Horseheads, gagement of their daughter, Ms. degree in Political Science in 2006 Open to both males and females age daughter, Ms. Lauren Christine N.Y., where he was a 2000 graduate of Elisabeth Salemme, to Mark Walker from Bucknell University in 18 and older, this dance/fitness class Great Decisions Series Kroncke, to Christopher Douglas Horseheads High School. The future of Riverdale. He is the son of Lewisburg, Pa. For two years, Ms. combines Latin and International Hayes. He is the son of Douglas and bridegroom also graduated from Kathryn and Kevin Walker of Mid- Salemme covered lifestyle trends and dances with fitness moves. The class To Begin In March Mary Hayes of Horseheads, N.Y. Hartwick College in 2004, where the land Park. celebrity news for Time magazine in also will include stability ball exer- WESTFIELD – The Great Deci- Ms. Kroncke, a 2001 graduate of couple met in 2001, earning a Bach- The bride-to-be was raised in New York City. She now freelances cises. Participants will need to bring a sions discussion series will again be Westfield High School, was awarded elor of Arts degree in Political Sci- Westfield, graduating from Westfield for several publications. stability ball and a mat to the class. offered locally, co-sponsored by the a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business ence. He presently is pursuing his RPA The future bridegroom was raised The cost is $80 for 10 sessions. Westfield Adult School and the Management in 2005 from Hartwick certification and is employed with CB Hiking Club Provides in Midland Park, where he gradu- Registration can be done at the recre- Westfield Memorial Library. College in Oneonta, N.Y. She cur- Richard Ellis in Morristown. ated from Midland Park High School ation department, located in the mu- Produced by the Foreign Policy As- rently is pursuing her master’s degree The couple will be married in Sep- Variety of Activities in 2002. He graduated summa cum nicipal building at 430 Park Avenue. sociation, Great Decisions has been a in real estate at New York University tember in Spring Lake and will reside AREA – The Union County Hik- laude with a Bachelor of Science For more information, call the recre- nationwide grassroots world affairs edu- in Manhattan and is employed with in Hoboken. ing Club offers a regular schedule of degree in Chemical Engineering in ation department at (908) 322-6700, cation program since 1955. Ballots from hiking and bicycling activities de- 2006 from Bucknell University, extension no. 1223. the series are sent to the White House, signed to provide wholesome recre- where he and the bride-to-be met at Congress, Departments of State and Library Collecting Pennies ation while contributing to physical the beginning of their sophomore Pet Adoptions On Tap Defense and the national press. fitness. Most events take place in year. Mr. Walker currently is em- For February 21-22 For the first time, two sessions will central and northern New Jersey. ployed as a staff engineer at Merck be offered, one at 1 p.m. and one at 7 To Help Educate Children Membership dues are $10 per year. and Co. in Rahway. AREA – Lost Paws, a non-profit p.m. on Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, Prospective members may try out The couple is planning a summer animal welfare organization serving 24 and 31 and April 14, 21 and 28, at WESTFIELD – During February was lost and near death, he vowed to the club by participating in up to 2010 wedding in Stowe, Vt., a favor- New Jersey, will sponsor pet adoption the Westfield Memorial Library, lo- and March, the Youth Services De- build a school for the children there, three outings before joining. For a ite destination of both the future events on Saturday and Sunday, Febru- cated at 550 East Broad Street. partment of the Westfield Memorial who were scratching lessons in the complimentary schedule, which in- bride and bridegroom during their ary 21 and 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The topics for 2009 will include: Library will collect pennies for the dirt. Under the auspices of the Insti- cludes a new member application, childhoods and also where the couple the PETsMART store in Bridgewater’s The United States and Rising Powers; Lincoln Pennies for Peace Program. tute, he has thus far built 55 schools call Union County Parks at (908) became engaged. They will continue Promenade Mall, located at the inter- Afghanistan and Pakistan; Energy and An initiative of the New Jersey in remote places such as Afghani- 527-4900. to reside together in Riverdale. section of Route 28 and Route 287. the Global Economy; The Arctic Age; State Library in Trenton, this pro- stan and Pakistan. Among the many cats and kittens Egypt in the 21st Century; Global gram honors President Abraham Lin- “Participating in Pennies for Peace available for adoption is “Blue,” a Food Supply; Cuba After Castro and coln, who firmly believed in educa- will show children that their small If you are looking for one-year-old gray tabby with white. Universal Human Rights. tion and opportunity. donations, even pennies, help other He prefers to be the only male cat in FPA-produced PBS broadcasts To continue his legacy, the State children,” said Kathy Muhm, the Dry aged prime beef a household. Blue is current with his will be shown, followed by a discus- Library has asked libraries statewide library’s coordinator of Youth Services. and organic poultry, distemper vaccination, neutered, has sion period. Briefing books will be to collect pennies. The pennies will Both children and adults can bring tested negative for feline leukemia available. For more information, con- be donated to the Central Asia Insti- their pennies to the coin jar at the Established 1939 try us! and FIV and is litter box trained. tact (908) 232-4050 or tute, which was co-founded by Greg Youth Services Desk anytime the li- th To adopt, for more information or [email protected]. In- Mortensen, the subject of the best- brary is open. Library hours are 9:30 Our 70 Year to see other available pets, access formation also is available at selling biography “Three Cups of Tea: a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thurs- lostpawsanimalrescue.petfinder.com. greatdecisions.org and fpa.org. One Man’s Mission to Promote day; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Peace…One School at a Time.” Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 389 Park Ave., Scotch Plains, NJ When Mr. Mortensen almost died To learn about youth or adult pro- 908-322-7126 www.johnsmarket.com during an expedition in 1993 to climb grams at the library, visit the library’s K2 to honor his late sister, he website, wmlnj.org, or call (908) 789- stumbled upon a remote mountain 4090, extension no. 3, or stop by the village in Pakistan. Out of gratitude library at 550 East Broad Street for a for the villagers’ assistance when he copy of its quarterly newsletter. IT TAKES 2 TO TANGO PROM SALE Buy a Prom dress together with your friend and receive $50 OFF each of your special order gowns. Sale Ends Mar. 14, 2009 Beat the Rush: Register your Prom Gown Early IT PAYS TO TELL A FRIEND!!!! (DVW%URDG6WUHHW:HVW¿HOGNJ www.mademoiselleNJ.com FAITHFUL SCOUTS…Twelve boys from Holy Trinity Interparochial School Pack 73 received their Scout Religious Awards on February 8 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Receiving the Parvuli Dei Award were 908-233-0763 Anthony Scalia, Daniel Scalia, Alexander Brezik, Brendan McCabe, Philip Touhey and Douglas Keating. Receiving the Light of Christ Award were Patrick Bourke, Call for an appointment today Brendan Sosinski, Peter Munkittrick, Nicholas Hiel, Aidan Nolte and Joseph Mention this ad DeCicco. Pictured with the boys is the Reverend Donald Cialone, Parochial Vicar.
MARIO C. GURRIERI, ESQ. DO-IT-YOURSELF Chair of the Family Law Department of CLASSIFIED ADS DUGHI & HEWIT 340 North Avenue Cranford, New Jersey 07016 24/7 Visit Our Website DIVORCE QUESTIONS? Specializing in all aspects of Family Law www.goleader.com including divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, The Chelsea at Fanwood Proudly Presents child support, division of assets, palimony, premarital agreements, civil unions, restraining orders, post-divorce motions due to changed “The Art of Cake Decorating” financial circumstances, residence removal from New Jersey, visitation modifications Please join us as our guest Barbara Merolla, and transfers of custody. formerly of Barbara’s Decorating, shares her expertise in the art of cake decorating. Barbara Over 35 years of continuous practice in Family Law will demonstrate decorating techniques and Union County Early Settlement Arbitration Panelist present a hands-on instructional workshop for over 25 years that will make Valentine’s Day even sweeter. Court-appointed Standing Master & Guardian Refreshments will be served. WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 2009 Accredited Mediator TIME: 7:00 p.m. Department staffed with four additional attorneys WHERE: The Chelsea at Fanwood 295 South Avenue with experience offered at lower hourly rates Fanwood, NJ 07023 Formerly Senior Partner at Snevily, Ely, Williams & RSVP By Feb. 9th: 908-654-5200 Gurrieri, Westfield (1972-2000)
For More Information: Open to the Public – Please join us for this FREE event – Everyone is welcome! www.chelseaseniorliving.com 908-272-0200 This program is part of The Chelsea’s ongoing commitment to professional www.dughihewit.com and community involvement and family education. A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, February 12, 2009 Page 7 Miller-Cory to Celebrate Local Church to Show Film Lincoln’s Birthday Sunday About Greek Immigration WESTFIELD – The Miller-Cory and Band Boxes” on March 1, WESTFIELD – A screening of The Holy Trinity Greek Ortho- House Museum will celebrate the 16th “Maple Sugar Sunday” on March 8 The Journey: The Greek American dox Church is located at 250 Gal- President of the United States with a and “A Tribute to St. Patrick” on Dream, a documentary, will be held lows Hill Road in Westfield. There program entitled “Happy Birthday, March 15. on Friday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m. is no charge to attend the screening, Abraham Lincoln!” this Sunday, Feb- A nationally recognized living in the Bouras Center of the Holy which is open to the public, and ruary 15, between 2 and 4 p.m. museum, the Miller-Cory House Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. refreshments will be served. This program is described as ideal Museum is listed on both the State This history of Greek immigra- for children. Included in the festivi- and National Registers of Historic tion to America from 1890 to 1980 ties will be stories and information Places and as a site on the New came about when filmmaker Maria about Abraham Lincoln, as well as Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail. For Iliou discovered a wealth of previ- a children’s craft. Light refresh- more information on programs or to ously unseen archival photographic ments will be served. schedule a school or scout tour, call and film footage from 50 public and Additionally, costumed docents the museum office at (908) 232-1776. private collections. will be available to guide visitors A Fulbright Scholar, Ms. Iliou through the fully furnished Colo- Blood Donors to Get came to New York four years ago on nial-era farmhouse, built in 1740 by another project, but her chance dis- original owner Samuel Miller for Nets NBA Tickets covery of this information changed his wife, Sabra, and which has been WESTFIELD – The Knights of her direction. She wrote, directed maintained as a museum since 1972. Columbus of Westfield will hold a LOCAL LION HONORED…Lions Past District Governor Barry Barnett pre- and produced the film with the help The museum is located at 614 Moun- blood drive on Monday, February 16, sents the Melvin Jones Fellowship Plaque to Barbara Anilo, president of the of historical assistant Professor tain Avenue in Westfield. at its hall located at 2400 North Av- Scotch Plains Lions Club. The fellowship, which recognizes commitment to Alexander Kitroeff of Haverford Visitors are invited to stop by the enue. humanitarian work, is the Lions’ highest honor. College and other collaborators and museum’s gift shop, which is Two tickets to a New Jersey Nets sponsors from both sides of the At- Minister Derek Jackson stocked with a variety of Colonial NBA basketball game will be pre- lantic Ocean. reproductions, crafts, cookbooks sented to anyone who donates blood Barbara Anilo Is Recipient The documentary has been and educational items. during the drive, which will take place screened at the Benaki Museum in Gospel Music Program The fee is $2.50 for adults, $1 for from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Athens, the Metropolitan Museum students and free for children under Donors additionally will receive a Of Lions’ Highest Honor of Art in New York City and at a On Tap at Library age 4. Upcoming Sunday events at cholesterol screening. For an appoint- SCOTCH PLAINS – Barbara has chaired multiple committees and special event at The Richard Stock- FANWOOD – Members of the the museum include “Hat Boxes ment, call (800) 933-2566 or access Anilo, president of the Scotch Plains projects benefiting the needy. ton College of New Jersey in community are invited to join Min- njbloodcenter.org. Walk-ins also will Lions Club, was awarded the Melvin She also is president of the Pomona, which has a Chair in Hel- ister Derek Jackson for a celebration ACGNJ Club to Hear be welcome. Jones Fellowship in December. Fanwood-Scotch Plains Tiny Tim lenic Studies. of Black History Month as his gos- Named for the founder of Lions Inter- Fund, which raises money and pro- Funding for this project came pel group performs at the Fanwood Talk on Dreamweaver Color Expert to Give national, the fellowship is the vides financial assistance for medi- from Proteus, a non-profit organi- Memorial Library on Sunday, Feb- Talk at Local Library organization’s highest honor. cally needy children. zation dedicated to preserving vi- ruary 22, at 2 p.m. SCOTCH PLAINS – An introduc- The Lions Clubs are a service orga- sual and audio archives related to A resident of North Plainfield, SCOTCH PLAINS – Author and This award is given in recognition tion to the popular web development of a commitment to humanitarian nization comprised of more than 1.4 Hellenic history around the world. Minister Jackson is president and tool Dreamweaver will be presented color expert Amy Wax will present a work. It is presented to individuals million members who are active in The Journey received critical ac- Chief Executive Officer of Joyland at the ACGNJ Computer Club meet- program on Tuesday, February 24, at more than 43,000 clubs worldwide. claim in 2007 when it was selected Records. For more than 30 years, he 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of who represent humanitarian qualities ing on Friday, February 20, at 8 p.m. such as generosity, compassion and Although dedicated to meeting a va- by the American Film Institute in has been active in the gospel music All are welcome. the Scotch Plains Public Library for concern for the less fortunate. riety of community needs, the Washington, D.C. for the European industry as a drummer, bass guitar- Alison Cattelona, chief executive homeowners and anyone thinking of association’s major service initiative Showcase and in 2008 when it was ist, songwriter and producer. sprucing up a living or work space. Ms. Anilo has been a member of officer and instructor of Mobile Mac the Scotch Plains Lions Club for 18 is helping the blind and visually im- awarded the Special Jury Remi Minister Jackson has worked with and PC Training, will be the featured Ms. Wax is the prize-winning au- years. During that time, she has served paired. Award at the Houston 41st Interna- such gospel music pioneers as the speaker. Mobile Mac and PC Train- thor of “Can’t Fail Color Schemes” The Scotch Plains Lions Club meets tional Film Festival. Reverend James Cleveland, Dorothy (Creative Homeowner, 2007) and as president for six years and secre- ing, which she founded, is a multi- tary for five years. Additionally, she on the second Thursday of each month Norwood, Albertina Walker, the Rev- platform, multi-application training “Can’t Fail Color Schemes Kitchens at 7 p.m. at Jade Isle in Scotch Plains Single Jewish Friends erend Andrae Crouch, the Reverend and production company. and Baths” (Creative Homeowner, and on the fourth Thursday of each Timothy Wright, the Reverend Alvin Ms. Cattelona has been a computer 2008). She also owns a professional All Saints’ to Present month at 7:30 p.m. at The Chelsea at Post Luncheon Outing Darling and the Reverend Donnie instructor since 1993, teaching in 30 color consulting company for archi- Fanwood. AREA – The Circle of Single Jew- Harper. desktop applications. She is an Adobe tectural color in Montclair. Program on Economy ish Friends 49+ will hold a Meet and The ensemble performing at the Certified Instructor, an Adobe Com- During her presentation, Ms. Wax SCOTCH PLAINS – The All Stage House Dinner Eat luncheon on Sunday, February library will include Minister Jackson munity Expert and the co-chapter rep- will speak, answer questions and sign Saints’ Episcopal Church will host a 15, at noon at the Fox and Hound Pub on bass, along with keyboards and resentative of the Central New Jersey books. Admission to the event is free, special program on Wednesday, Feb- To Benefit Resolve and Grill, located at 250 Menlo Park drums, plus four women vocalists. InDesign User Group. Her program but pre-registration is encouraged, as ruary 18, at 7:30 p.m. that is designed SCOTCH PLAINS – “Resolve’s Drive (in the Menlo Park Mall) in The Fanwood Memorial Library will include a description of space is limited. To register, call the to help individuals understand the Night at the Stage House Inn,” spon- Edison. is located at North Avenue and Dreamweaver and its capabilities, plus library at (908) 322-5007, extension current economic situation. sored by the Town Bank of Westfield, The cost is $3 plus the price of a Tillotson Road. This program is free hands-on examples. no. 204, or e-mail [email protected]. Dick Peach, an economist with the will take place on Tuesday, February meal off the menu and tip. Interested to the public, but registration is rec- The meeting will be held on the The Scotch Plains Public Library is Federal Reserve Bank in New York, 24. The Stage House Inn is located at persons are asked to respond by call- ommended. For more information, second floor of the Scotch Plains Res- located at 1927 Bartle Avenue, one will give a talk he has entitled “Un- 366 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains. ing Roberta at (908) 668-8450. call the library at (908) 322-6400. cue Squad building, located at 1916 block from Park Avenue in the center derstanding the Crisis in the The Town Bank of Westfield and The Bartle Avenue. For more information, of the township. For further informa- Economy.” Stage House Inn have joined together contact [email protected]. tion or directions, call (908) 322-5007. He will discuss the factors that to honor and support Resolve, a private, contributed to the downturn and what non-profit counseling center located at is occurring now. The program will 1830 Front Street in Scotch Plains. Group to Hear Talk Today take place in the Guild Room of the Resolve provides professional, All Saints’ Parish House. therapeutic services to youth, indi- On Choosing Genealogist For more information or to sign up, viduals and families in Scotch Plains call the church at (908) 322-8047. and surrounding communities in cen- WESTFIELD – Susan Callender society, Mr. Miller uncovered the The All Saints’ Episcopal Church is tral New Jersey. will share her experiences with site’s hidden resources. There are links located at 559 Park Avenue, across A specially prepared, four-course, “Choosing and Using a Professional to information on the history of from Park Middle School, in Scotch $50 price fixe dinner will be offered. Genealogist” when the Genealogical Westfield and the Colonial families Plains. A parking lot is available be- There also will be prizes. To make Society of the West Fields meets to- of Westfield, among other assets. hind the church, accessible via Church reservations, call Resolve at (908) day, Thursday, February 12, at 1 p.m. Anyone wishing to obtain more Avenue to School Place. 322-9180. at the Westfield Memorial Library. information may e-mail the club at Ms. Callender has been research- [email protected] and leave con- ing her family for a number of years tact information. A club member will but encountered challenges tracing reply promptly. the Virginia branch. She then began Programs are planned for the an e-mail, telephone and mail rela- spring on preserving photographs tionship with a professional who was and virtual tours of the New Jersey able to provide important links to State Archives and the Family His- missing members of her family go- tory Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, ing back to the American Revolu- as well as a workshop for young and tion. In addition to her lecture, she budding genealogists. will bring along some family keep- The public is welcome to all meet- sakes in a “treasure box” passed ings of the genealogical society. They along several generations. are held at 1 p.m. on the second On January 15, longtime member Thursday of each month at the Bob Miller started the year by explor- Westfield Memorial Library, located ing the contents of the club’s website at 550 East Broad Street. and how to navigate effectively dur- For additional information or to join ing his presentation to the club’s mem- the society, contact Carolyn Watson, bers and friends at the library. president, at [email protected] or call With the help of Jennifer Schultz, Program Chairman Nancy Humphrey the library liaison to the genealogical at (908) 612-6029. Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month Westfield Pediatric Dental Group
Timothy P. McCabe, D.M.D. Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry • Same price, personalized service The Right • Our pharmacists are your neighbors – We understand your needs • We gladly deliver to your neighborhood – same day service Philip P. Graye, Jr. D.D.S. • Open 7 days a week Pharmacy • We are a full service store from delivery to gift wrapping, we still do Dr. Julianne Kane D.M.D. business the old fashioned way, face to face for You • We accept all insurance plans, personalized service with the Julie Jong D.M.D. same co-pay Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry Our Pharmacists • Baron’s charge account Hallmark Cards • Gifts for Everyone Laser Dentistry Cosmetics • Health & Beauty-Aids Fine Fragrances • Crabtree & Evelyn Dentistry for Infants, Children Caswell-Massey • Yankee Candle Adolecents, and Special Needs We’re proud to be your neighborhood pharmacy and we’re counting on Patrick Colicchio, Susan Nieradka, being here for you for many more years to come! New Patients Welcome Michael Cleary (formerly of Drug Fair) www.kidsandsmiles.com 555 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ DRUG STORE (908) 232-1231 243 E. Broad Street, Westfield 908-232-6680 Page 8 Thursday, February 12, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Gloria Akerlund, 88, Skated In Films; Vesta Putnam, 97, Was Camp Owner; Longtime Teacher at Coles School – Obituaries – Enjoyed Gardening, Arts and Cribbage Gloria Akerlund, 88, died on Fri- graduation, she accepted a position as Robert Duncan, Jr., 66, Had Law Career; Vesta Alden Putnam, beloved wife, its. She was a member of the Historical day, February 6, at the Care One of an elementary school teacher at J.A. mother, grandmother and great- Society of Early American Decoration Morris Assisted Living in Parsippany. Coles School in Scotch Plains, where Former CSH Trustee Board Chairman grandmother, enthusiastic gardener and the Waterville Historical Society. Born in Spokane, Wash. in 1921, she taught for 25 years. After retiring and accomplished art- Vesta and her hus- she was the daughter of William and from teaching, she and Eric retired to Robert Laird Duncan, Jr., 66, of opening of the Outpatient Center in ist, passed away on band, George, were Hazel Sherwood. Gloria was a state Clinton. Eric passed away in 1996. Westfield died peacefully at home on Fanwood. Mr. Duncan was instru- Thursday, February 5, travel companions and skating champ in high school and Surviving is a son, Bill, who lives Saturday, February 7, 2009, sur- mental in the hospital’s corporate re- in Hallowell, Me. sweethearts for over 70 was recruited for the skating extrava- in New York City. rounded by his loving family. structuring, including the establish- Vesta was surrounded years. They were al- ganza at the 1939 World’s Fair, which A memorial service will be held at Mr. Duncan was a lifelong resi- ment of the Children’s Specialized by family and friends ways up for a competi- later became the Ice Capades. 11 a.m. today, Thursday, February dent of Westfield. A graduate of Hospital Foundation. when she died peace- tive game of cribbage, Gloria skated with the Ice Capades 12, in the Chapel at the Crescent Westfield High School, he contin- Surviving are his wife, Linda; two fully at home. She was an adventure across the for a few years before moving to Avenue Presbyterian Church, 716 ued his education at Princeton Uni- daughters, Elizabeth Jones of Wall 97. Vesta was prede- globe or splitting a de- Hollywood, Calif. During World War Watchung Avenue in Plainfield. versity, Magdalen College, Oxford Township and Margaret Duncan of ceased by her husband, licious dessert. II, she skated in Sonja Heni films and Arrangements are by the Memorial and Harvard Law School. Frankfurt, Ky.; a son, Laird Duncan, George, in 2008. Vesta and George swam in Esther Williams movies. Funeral Home, 155 South Avenue in He pursued a career in law, working and his wife, Leonor, of Salem, Mass., The daughter of spent more than 35 win- In 1948 she joined the Foreign Ser- Fanwood. for many years with the firm of Defor- and two stepdaughters, Jennifer Davies Blanche Smith Alden ters in Hawaii visiting vice and worked at the American In lieu of flowers, donations may est and Duer in New York. Addition- of Arlington, Va. and Jacqueline Davies and Frank Wentworth family, walking the Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, be made to the Hunterdon Medical ally, he served as General Counsel for of Ottawa, Canada. Mr. Duncan also Alden, Vesta was born Vesta A. Putnam beach and enjoying life where she met her husband, Swedish Center Foundation, 2100 Wescott the American Management Associa- was the beloved grandfather of Sam, on March 3, 1911 in together. publisher Eric R. Akerlund. In 1950 Drive, Flemington, N.J. 08823. tion, as well as Deputy Publisher for Luke, Ryan and Sophia. Waterville, Me. She graduated from Vesta is survived by her daughter she moved back to the United States For additional information, direc- the Metropolitan Corporate Counsel. A memorial service will be held at Colby College in 1933. At Colby Elizabeth and her husband, Jon with her husband and settled in tions to the church or to express con- Mr. Duncan contributed greatly to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, in College, Vesta was editor of the Colby Hinebauch, of Colorado, her daughter Plainfield. Her husband worked in dolences, please visit the growth of local organizations, serv- the sanctuary at The Presbyterian Echo and a member of Alpha chapter Priscilla and her husband, L. Steven publishing/printing and started his own www.fanwoodmemorial.com. ing on the boards of The Presbyterian Church in Westfield. of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Minkel, of Virginia, her daughter Dr. corporate publishing/printing business. February 12, 2009 Church in Westfield, the United Fund, Arrangements are by the Gray Fu- Vesta met the love of her life, George Deborah Putnam and her husband, Gloria returned to school at Rutgers the Westfield Recreation Commission neral Home, 318 East Broad Street in Charles Putnam, while they were both Robert Laguens, of Hawaii, daughter University and earned her Bachelor of Gaetano A. Dente, 71 and the Westfield Adult School. Westfield. students at Colby College. They were Carol Putnam and her husband, Peter Arts degree in Education. Following Gaetano Alfonse Dente, 71, of He was a trustee of Children’s Spe- Memorial contributions may be married at Vesta’s home on October 9, Akraboff, of California, her son, Dr. Westfield died on Wednesday, Janu- cialized Hospital from 1983 to 1992 made to the Children’s Specialized 1937 in Westfield, N.J. and raised five James Putnam and his wife, Michele, Stephen Jarema, 91 ary 28, at Overlook Hospital in Sum- and served as chairman from 1987 to Hospital Foundation, 150 New Provi- children. The couple operated the Alden of Maine, and her special friend and Stephen Jarema, 91, of Scotch mit. 1989. As board chairman, he met dence Road, Mountainside, N.J. family summer resort, Alden Camps, in caregiver, Judy Nichols. Adored by her Plains died on Monday, February 2, Mr. Dente was born October 20, with legislators as an advocate for 07092. Oakland, Me. for almost 40 years. 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grand- at JFK Medical Center in Edison. 1937 to the late Antonio and Luigia children’s causes, and oversaw the February 12, 2009 Vesta was the owner, voice and children, Vesta was known for her witty Born in Plainfield, he was a life- Dente in the province of Avellino, charming hostess of camp, adored by humor, sense of fun and spunk. long resident of Scotch Plains. Italy, where he attended school and guests and staff alike. She was infa- Vesta loved her family, the state of Mr. Jarema was a veteran of World served in the Italian Army. He came In Loving Memory of mous for smiling sweetly as she skunked Maine, a garden bursting with peo- War II, having served in the United to the United States in 1961 and lived her opponents in cribbage tournaments. nies and a good laugh. States Navy. He was the owner of Twin in Westfield since 1968, becoming a Michele Marron-Meyerhoff Vesta was honored with an award A celebration of life will be held in Oaks Garage (also known as Steve’s United States citizen in 1988. 11/2/1940 – 1/31/2009 from the Maine Tourism Association Colby College’s Lorimer Chapel at a Garage) in Westfield for many years. A master diesel truck mechanic, he May you find the peace, quiet and calm you have always deserved. for Excellence in Accommodations in future date. A licensed pilot, he owned his own was the owner of Al Dente Truck You have been missed. 1998. She also was active in the Belgrade Memorial donations in honor of plane for many years at Central Jer- Repairs in South Plainfield for the Love, Lakes Region Information Bureau. Vesta Putnam may be made to the sey Airport. last 36 years. Your son, Glenn B. Graham, daughter-in-law, Suzanne F. A lifelong lover of gardening, Vesta Colby College Museum of Art, in care Surviving are his sister, Olga Jarema Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Graham, and your two loving grandchildren, Judson B. Graham (7) especially enjoyed participating in of Colby College, 4345 Mayflower Kolcyski; his niece, Judith Kolcyski Roseanne Gonnella Dente; two sons, and Peter T. Graham (4). the Central Maine Garden Club for Hill, Waterville, Me. 04901 and to the Fasciana; his great-niece, Christina Alan Dente and Tony Dente; three over 40 years. Vesta won many blue Waterville Historical Society, 62 Sil- Judith Fasciana; his great-nephew, sisters, Ester Abbondanzio, Orianna ribbons in horticulture and design ver Street, Waterville, Me. 04901. Stephen Salvatore Fasciana, and his Sementa and Gina Dente; a brother, and created special arrangements for Arrangements are under the direc- great-great-nephew, Joseph Stephen Roland Dente, and three grandchil- the “Art in Bloom” events at the Colby tion of Redington Funeral Home, 5 Cawthon. dren. Trailside to Offer Program College Museum of Art. Park Street, Waterville, Me. 04901, Services were held on Monday, A Mass of Christian Burial was Passionate about the visual and cre- (207) 873-3611. February 9, at the Memorial Funeral offered on Saturday, January 31, at ative arts, Vesta delighted in painting, Remembrances and notes of sym- Home, 155 South Avenue in Fanwood. the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic On Lincoln Tomorrow Night collecting antiques, refinishing and sten- pathy may be made at www.mem.com. Interment followed at Hillside Cem- Church in Westfield. Burial took place ciling furniture and attending art exhib- February 12, 2009 etery in Scotch Plains. at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. MOUNTAINSIDE – The Union rebel armies threatened to capture For additional information or to Arrangements were under the di- County Board of Chosen Freehold- the capital, he had to entertain express condolences, visit rection of the Dooley Colonial Home, ers will present a lecture on Presi- dignitaries and meet with cabinet www.fanwoodmemorial.com. 556 Westfield Avenue in Westfield. dent Abraham Lincoln for adults members and generals, while February 12, 2009 February 12, 2009 age 18 and older tomorrow, Friday, finding time to be father and SP-F District Preschool February 13, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. husband to a homesick family. at the Trailside Nature and Science Glenn LeBoeuf, a lecturer and Center. history teacher as well as a Registration Underway Scotch Plains Lions Launch “This special lecture provides an coordinator of the largest Civil War SCOTCH PLAINS – The Scotch cost to families that qualify for free/ opportunity to learn about our 16th re-enactment ever held, will share Plains-Fanwood school district is reduced lunch. Proof of status is President and his extraordinary dozens of poignant and memorable accepting applications for its pre- required after the application is re- 2009 Membership Drive leadership during years of crisis in stories about President Lincoln. school program. This new preschool ceived and determination of eligi- SCOTCH PLAINS – Scotch Plains during the holidays it distributes toys to the United States,” said Freeholder Light refreshments will be served. program will replace the district’s bility will be made by the district. Lions Club Membership Chairman the needy. The club also arranges for Chairman Alexander Mirabella. The fee for this lecture is $8 per Jump Start and Pre-School Disabled Scholarships will be available on Dominic Lagano has announced the free eye and ear screenings during the “It’s a perfect way to start the Presi- person for Union County residents (PSD) programs. a limited basis, and district admin- kickoff of the club’s 2009 membership annual Scotch Plains Health Fair and dents’ Day weekend.” and $10 per person for others. Pre- In order to apply, children must istrators will determine eligibility drive. The club, he said, “grew consid- arranges for free or low-cost eyeglasses President Lincoln moved into the registration is preferred as space is be 3 years old on or before October Special education students will erably in 2008 and we will do even for very needy local schoolchildren. White House without any executive limited. Doors will open 15 min- 1, 2009. Preference will be given to be included in this preschool pro- better in 2009.” Additionally, the club collects used experience as the nation was coming utes prior to the event. 4-year-old children. A non-refund- gram as determined by the District Part of Lions International, a world- eyeglasses at its collection box in the apart. As casualties mounted and For additional information about able application fee of $50 is re- Child Study Team. wide service organization, the Scotch Scotch Plains Towne Centre. In 2008, this event or other upcoming quired (payable to the Scotch Plains- Applications and additional in- Plains Lions Club has served the com- more than 1,000 pairs of glasses were Play ’n Pray Event Set programs and special events at Fanwood Board of Education) and formation can be obtained at the munity for more than 50 years, utiliz- collected and recycled to benefit Trailside, call (908) 789-3670 or must be returned along with the district website, spfk12.org, or by ing funds raised from its pancake break- needy people throughout the world. At Temple Sholom visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside completed application in order to calling Karen Stone at (908) 889- fasts, craft fairs and White Cane Days. The Scotch Plains Lions Club mem- FANWOOD – Temple Sholom of Nature and Science Center is located be considered for placement. 8600, extension no. 302. Applica- These funds are used to support local bership is relatively small, consisting Fanwood/Scotch Plains invites mem- at 452 New Providence Road in Applicants must be residents of tions also will be available at all community needs and various groups primarily of men and women from bers of the community with children Mountainside and is a service of the Scotch Plains or Fanwood. Proof of district elementary schools. serving the blind and visually impaired. Scotch Plains and neighboring com- ages 4 and under to a special Shabbat Union County Board of Chosen residence is mandatory and is sub- Each year, the club awards a scholar- munities. The club meets twice a Play ’n Pray event featuring music, Freeholders. ject to review prior to acceptance La Leche League Sets ship to a deserving student from Scotch month – once at a local restaurant for maracas, puppets and parachutes on into the program. Registration does February Meetings Plains-Fanwood High School, while dinner and then at a local facility for Saturday, February 28. Comedy Show Saturday not guarantee placement in the pre- a business meeting. The 30-minute service, led by Di- To Aid F.O.P. Efforts school program. WESTFIELD – The La Leche WHS Students Selected For more information about the rector of Education Michelle Shapiro Class will meet five days per week League of Westfield, a non-profit, MOUNTAINSIDE – The eighth following the kindergarten sched- non-sectarian group, will host two Scotch Plains Lions Club and/or if in- Abraham and Student Cantor Vicky annual comedy show to benefit Find For Youth Symphony terested in attending a meeting, call Glikin, will begin at 11:15 a.m. and ule from 8:35 to 11:20 a.m. for the mother-to-mother support group WESTFIELD – Seven student A Cure for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans morning session and 12:20 to 3:10 meetings this month. Mr. Lagano at (908) 322-6558 or Bar- will be followed by a free bagel Progressiva (F.O.P.) will take place musicians from Westfield High bara Anilo, club president, at (908) brunch in the temple playroom. p.m. for the afternoon session. A daytime meeting will be held on School were chosen to perform in the this Saturday, February 14, at 7 p.m. Tuition for the half-day program Thursday, February 19, at 10 a.m. at 322-4472. Temple Sholom is located at Martine Proceeds will benefit children with New Jersey Youth Symphony en- and LaGrande Avenues in Fanwood. will be $300 per month, and spaces the Cranford United Methodist sembles for the 2008-2009 season. St. John’s Baptist Plans the rare and incurable disease. will be reserved on a first-come, Church, located at 201 Lincoln Av- Attendees are asked to enter through It will be held in the Our Lady of The executive director of the orga- the doors facing Martine Avenue. first-served basis. Parents of “mul- enue. An evening meeting will take nization informed Westfield High Fur Sale on Saturday Lourdes Roman Catholic Church tiples” will receive a discount of 10 place on Thursday, February 26, at 7 A Reform Jewish congregation Parish Hall, located at 300 Central School Principal Peter Renwick that, SCOTCH PLAINS – St. John’s Bap- led by Rabbi Joel N. Abraham, percent for the additional sibling(s). p.m. at St. Luke and All Saints Fel- “Membership is highly selective tist Church will hold a church centen- Avenue in Mountainside. The sug- Tuition may be provided at no lowship Hall, located at 398 Chestnut Temple Sholom and its religious gested ticket price is $50 per person. through competitive auditions…and nial benefit fundraiser on Saturday, school serve more than 250 fami- Street in Union. we congratulate you on the success of February 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included will be pre-show enter- Yoga Class to Begin Area women are invited to attend lies from the Greater Scotch Plains- tainment, three comedians and disk your students and are pleased to have Henry Cowit Fur Corporation will Fanwood area. Currently housed one or both meetings to learn more them as part of the New Jersey Youth display a variety of furs, among them jockey music by The Spinners. At- At FUMC Feb. 19 about breastfeeding as they meet other within the Fanwood Presbyterian tendees are invited to bring their own Symphony family.” coats, jackets, hats, scarves, stoles, Church, the temple has purchased WESTFIELD – The First United women who are nursing their babies. Mr. Renwick, upon hearing the wraps and purses. food and B.Y.O.B. Methodist Church will offer a yoga Discussions will include the latest five acres of land in Scotch Plains Pre-registration and reservations news, said, “We are extremely proud The public is invited to this one- for its future home. class on February 19 and 26 and medical research, as well as mothers’ of our students and their achieve- time sale. St. John’s Baptist Church is are required (no walk-ins). For fur- March 5, 12 and 19. This class will personal experiences. Mothers not Temple Sholom is a member of ther information, contact Gary Whyte ments in and out of the classroom, located at 2387 Morse Avenue in the Union for Reform Judaism. For begin at 9:15 a.m. and last approxi- only share their questions and con- and look forward to their musical Scotch Plains. For more information, at (718) 442-7525 or via e-mail at mately one hour. It will take place in cerns but also the joys and benefits of more information on the Play ’n [email protected]. performances throughout the year.” call the church at (908) 232-6972. Pray event, the temple or joining the Fellowship Hall at the church. breastfeeding. the congregation, call (908) 889- Mary Roth, a Registered Dietitian Experienced, new or expectant 4900, e-mail [email protected] www.goleader.com and Registered Yoga Teacher through mothers are all invited. Children and or visit sholomnj.org. the National Yoga Alliance, will be babies are always welcome. A library the instructor. She has been teaching and informational reprints also are Gray Funeral Homes in the Westfield area for more than available. Refreshments will be two years. served. Since 1897 The First United Methodist Church For more information about the Dooley Funeral Service, Inc. is located at One East Broad Street in meetings or to have individual ques- Westfield. Participants are asked to tions about breastfeeding answered, bring a mat or a blanket. Beginners are call any of the group leaders, includ- Caring & Courteous Service to the welcome. Childcare will be provided ing Michelle at (908) 687-2518, at no additional cost. To register, call Ronnie at (908) 964-1360 or Mari at Cranford / Westfield Area Since 1913 the church office at (908) 233-4211. (908) 233-6513. Westfield 556 Westfield Avenue 233-0255 Begun in 1876 by William Gray, in Cranford and later Incorporated in 1897 as the Gray Burial & Cremation Company. John L. Dooley Today, known by many simply as Gray’s. We continue to provide the Manager personal service that began with Mr. Gray, whether it be for burial or NJ License # 4100 cremation.
Gray Funeral Home Gray Memorial Funeral Home 318 East Broad St. 12 Springfield Ave. Westfield, NJ 07090 Cranford, NJ 07016 William A. Doyle Mgr. Dale R. Schoustra Mgr. Cranford NJ Lic. Number 2325 NJ Lic. Number 3707 (908)-233-0143 (908)-276-0092 218 North Avenue 276-0255
Charles J. Tombs Charles V. Dooley NJ Lic. Number 4006 Manager Director NJ License # 3703 CHRISTMAS PRESENT…Holy Trinity Interparochial School Drama Club pre- sents the play The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Paul O’Connor and www.grayfuneralhomes.com based on the classic 1972 book by Barbara Robinson. Pictured are the poorly behaved children of the Herdman family, also known as, left to right, Mitchell Kelly, Meghan Hrinkevich, Nicholas Papadimas, Alessandra Leong and Patricia Salazar. A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, February 12, 2009 Page 9 School Event Encourages Families, Kids to Read SCOTCH PLAINS – The entire stu- achieved through finding something dent body and staff of Park Middle he loved to do and doing it in such a School (along with some parents) re- way that it helped others. ceived a copy of Jordan Sonnenblick’s Mr. Sonnenblick shared how he be- “Zen and the Art of Faking It” in gan his writing career. One of his December and shared the experience students had a sibling with cancer. He of reading and discussing it. thought if she could read a book about One eighth grade English class someone having a similar experience, blogged about the book, had lunch and it might help. held after-school discussion groups. After searching every resource he Students listened to Woody Guthrie could think of, he was not able to find music (mentioned in the book), some an appropriate book. In a little over a tried meditation and many voiced their year, he wrote, edited and published opinion on the book, which tracks new “Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.” kid in school San Lee as he navigates Mr. Sonneblick has gone on to publish his path through eighth grade. five books in total and is working on EVERYTHING ZEN…Visiting author Jordan Sonneblick, center, pauses be- Park parent Brian Miller constructed more. tween assemblies for a photo with Joan Skubish, PTA chairperson, left, and FIESTA…Lincoln School kindergarteners recently concluded their study of the a rock just like the one San meditates As part of the event, parents were Maggie Savoca, Park PTA president. culture and geography of Mexico with a fiesta. Students donned handmade vests on outside school as part of his ruse. sent questions and students received a and/or sombreros, presented their “passports” to participate in activities such as Several students and Park Middle coupon to T.G.I. Fridays to encourage the traditional Mexican Hat Dance, and then enjoyed authentic tacos and/or School principal Lisa Rebimbas got in families to sit down to a meal and tortillas. Pictured is Linda Steele assisting her p.m. class with their breaking of a on the act and perched on the rock for discuss the book. The goal of the event piñata. a few moments of contemplative si- was to encourage literacy and to give THE STUDENT VIEW lence. the students, staff and families the op- Cranford Police, BOE On January 14, the Park Middle portunity to have a shared experience. The weekly column written by local high school students School PTA sponsored a visit from the “Whether the kids liked the book or author, a former Phillipsburg Middle not was not the most relevant part of Produce Safe Routes Grant School English teacher. He spoke with this event. We wanted to have them all Park students in two assemblies reading, expressing ideas and opin- A New Era: Generation Y CRANFORD — In June 2007, a ing motorists at a distance of up to 165 and facilitated writing workshops for ions and understand the power of the partnership between the Cranford Po- feet that a pedestrian is about to enter By YAMINI NABAR bosses, college graduates young Park students in the afternoon. shared experience. The staff, PTA and Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times enough to be their grandchildren. lice Department and Board of Educa- the roadway. At this point, the motorist The theme of his assemblies was students really rose to the occasion tion produced $90,000 in funding from is required to yield to the pedestrian, “Don’t you know you can text much These individuals are confident in “my recipe to becoming a happy adult,” making this a very worthwhile event,” faster using T9?” exclaimed the exas- their own abilities, believe strongly the New Jersey Department of Trans- consistent with New Jersey state statute which Mr. Sonnenblick explained he Principal Rebimbas said. portation to improve Cranford’s 13.5- N.J.S.A. 39:4-36. perated teenaged boy to his grand- in the balance between life and work mile bike path and upgrade school cross- The beacon, which will be operated mother. A few seconds of silence and change jobs frequently. Due par- walks under the Safe Routes to School by a school crossing guard employed Pingry Adds Music, After- passed, during which an indescrib- tially to the dot-com bust, they are Grant. by the Cranford Police Department able discomfort filtered through the financially savvy when it comes to Sergeant Edward Davenport and during school hours, will flash for up to beige walls of the dentist’s waiting savings and retirement plans. Stephen Izzo, the school district’s man- 60 seconds, allowing the pedestrian Care to Summer Camp room. With unblinking eyes and an Thus far, Generation Y has proved ager of grants and special programs, enough time to cross the street. admiring smile adorning her aged itself creative, independent and ca- AREA – Pingry is accepting ap- ing studio. The jazz ensemble and face, she finally replied. “What?” pable – a force to be reckoned with. teamed up again this past fall on a Beyond providing increased safety plications for its 2009 Summer rock band programs include three sepa- successful Safe Routes to School II for pedestrians — and, in particular, As I sat waiting in the dentist’s Armed with an excellent educa- Camp, which begins on June 29 and rate camp performance opportunities. office that December afternoon, I tion, innovative ideas and, most im- Grant, through which a grant-awarded child pedestrians traveling to and from concludes on August 7. Also new is aftercare, which was solar-powered LED Pedestrian Cross- school — the beacon will provide the couldn’t help but overhear this par- portantly, passion, members of this Building on last summer’s increase requested by many working parents. ticular conversation. When I consid- generation are aiming to change the walk Beacon will help make the trip to added benefit of slowing down groups in sports activities and the implemen- Early drop-off runs from 8:15 to 9:15 Walnut Avenue School safer for bikers, of vehicles, thus allowing for more ered the discussion further, however, world. To accomplish these ambi- tation of the strength and condition- a.m., and aftercare runs from 3 to 5 p.m. I realized how truly common it is to tious goals, however, a perfect har- pedestrians and motorists, alike. gaps in traffic. That should give Walnut ing camp, the school is adding music Back for the second year, the Specifically, the traffic-calming de- Avenue pedestrians and bikers added see teenagers teaching their parents mony must be achieved. and aftercare effective this summer. strength and conditioning camp, di- and grandparents how to use new Though they possess no lack of vice should effectively improve driver time to safely cross the street. “We want to show improvement rected by Pingry strength coach Doug awareness of pedestrians at uncontrolled For more information on the Safe technological devices. determination or originality, mem- every year, and the music programs Scott, is designed to improve These teenagers are members of bers of Generation Y must learn to crosswalks (defined as one without a Routes to School Grants, contact Sgt. make us more versatile,” said Joe strength, speed, agility, nutrition and traffic signal) such as the one located at Davenport at er- Generation Y, hazily described as view the world through the eyes of Forte, camp co-director and head of training. The camp is intended for those born between the mid-1970s their elders. Learning from older gen- Walnut and Blake Avenues. [email protected] or (908) fitness education at Pingry. any athlete wishing to increase his or When a pedestrian or crossing guard 272-2222 or Mr. Izzo at and the mid-1990s. Technology, di- erations will allow them to better The three programs in the music her physical abilities and stay in- versity and education characterize understand their own role in the work- pushes the button on the beacon, the [email protected] or (908) camp – jazz ensemble, rock band and jury-free, and it includes instruction beacon’s yellow LED will flash, alert- 709-6207. Generation Y, as do precociousness place and the community. digital studio/recording – are directed from professionals in the field. and terrible grammar, a result of e- As Generation Y grows older, it will by Pingry faculty member Sean All camps are located at the mails, texts and instant messaging. inherit global dilemmas like pollu- Students Make Wardlaw Honor Roll McAnally. Martinsville Campus. For the bro- Since young adults today grew up tion, lack of natural resources, poverty AREA – Rhona Eserner, Upper students must earn a grade-point av- Students can learn and perform jazz chure and application, visit surrounded by computer games, the and terrorism. I have no doubt that School Head at The Wardlaw- erage of 87 or higher, with no indi- compositions or rock songs, or they pingry.org or contact camp directors Internet and cell phones, it comes as Generation Y, equipped with previous Hartridge School in Edison, has an- vidual grade below a “C.” To earn can record and produce a professional Manny Tramontana or Joe Forte at no surprise that they are extremely generations’ wisdom, new technology nounced that the following students Honor Roll with Distinction status, CD with hands-on training in a record- (908) 647-5555. proficient in using the newest gadgets. and the ability to use it, worldliness, from Westfield and Scotch Plains have students must earn a grade-point av- Despite this technological profi- and ambition, will solve such prob- been named to the Honor Roll with erage of 93 or higher, with no indi- ciency, however, Generation Y has lems with creativity, passion and flair. Distinction and Regular Honor Roll vidual grade below a “B.” been labeled spoiled, apathetic, cyni- I continued to watch the boy and for the second quarter of the 2008- The following students earned cal and materialistic. Will Genera- his grandmother out of the corner of 2009 academic year. Honor Roll with Distinction: tion Y be able to disprove this stereo- my eye. The boy pointed to the glow- To be placed on the Honor Roll, Billy Buchbinder, grade 9, Scotch type in the future? ing cell phone screen, explaining how Plains; Brian Downing, grade 9, Referred to as “Generation X on to text efficiently to his grandmother. Union Catholic Seniors Scotch Plains. steroids,” Generation Y has grown up At last, she began to text slowly and To Enter Best Colleges The following students made the in a world unlike that of any genera- he pulled his own phone out of his Honor Roll: tion before it. Consequently, our child- pocket, a smile, full of confidence SCOTCH PLAINS – Union Catho- hoods were filled with cell phones and joy, upon his face. lic High School in Scotch Plains an- Chrystopher George, grade 12, Westfield; Amanda Mosner, grade 12, and iPods, rather than Barbie dolls. Yamini is a high school junior at nounced the early acceptances of stu- We remember events such as Y2K, the Pingry School. dents to some of the most competitive Westfield; Peter Minnium, grade 10, Scotch Plains; Liban Ahmed, grade 9, the SARS epidemic and Hurricane colleges and universities in the country. Katrina. These are the powerful, Christopher Brown of Edison will Scotch Plains; Catherine Badalamenti, grade 9, Scotch Plains; Jessica Clarke, frightening incidents that shaped our SAT grade 9, Scotch Plains; and David childhoods and adolescences, but 800-762-8378 Monte, grade 9, Scotch Plains. only we can determine which events nd will shape our future and the future 32 of our country. As a result of their distinctive child- SUMMIT hood experiences, Generation Y indi- NO-STRINGS-ATTACHED…More than $1,200 in recent donations to Cranford NEW PROVIDENCE viduals have shocked employers with Public Schools’ Special Programs Fund, including $400 collected through Brookside SCOTCH PLAINS Place School’s holiday concert pretzel sale, funded the school’s purchase of a bass radical ideas, attitudes and work eth- for its orchestra. Pictured, from left to right, are: Jeannine Mongeon, who leads ics. Multigenerational workplaces KENILWORTH the orchestra, fifth grade student bass players Katherine Drewniak and Ruby have now become the norm, and of- Goldstein, as well as Michael Klimko, principal of Brookside. ten, older employees marvel at their Union Catholic’s Christopher Brown attend The Wharton School of Busi- ness at the University of Pennsylvania #AR INSURANCE WITH in the fall. Other members of the class TALENTED MUSICIANS…Seven Westfield High School students made of 2009 have received acceptances the New Jersey Youth Symphony. The from Boston College, Villanova Uni- students, pictured, from left to right, 0%23/.!, versity, New York University, Provi- are: first row, Jason Qin, Alison Ricardo, dence College, Loyola University, Christopher Walsh and Yixiao Wang; 3%26)#% Fairfield University, University of second row, David Osterman, Caroline .O EXTRA CHARGE Richmond and Marquette University. Fahey and Tim Ko. !T 3TATE &ARM® YOU GET A COMPETITIVE RATE AND AN AGENT DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU GET THE COVERAGE THATS RIGHT FOR YOU #ONTACT ME TODAY
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