Page 4 Thursday, July 2, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader THE TIMES POPCORN™ of Scotch Plains – Fanwood — Established 1890 — — Established 1959— The X-Files: The Official Newspaper of the Town of Westfield Official Newspaper of the Borough of Fanwood and the County of Union and the Township of Scotch Plains The ABC’s of Paranoia Member of: Member of: By Michael S. Goldberger New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association Association One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent GYMNASIUMS Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association The naked truth about the word 2 & 1/2 popcorns you settle for an extraterrestrial virus? gymnasium is that it stems from “a Periodicals – Postage Paid at Westfield, New Jersey Periodicals – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, New Jersey Oooh, it’s mysterious. Oooh, it’s How about if we up the ante by having the P.O. Box 250 • 50 Elm Street P. O. Box 368 spooky. Oooh, it’s intriguing. Oooh, it’s insidious bugs invade their human hosts place in ancient Greece or Rome Westfield, N.J. 07091 Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 conspiratorial. But, uh, what is this all for spawning? Would that be enough? where men (only) exercised in the buff.” This lack of modesty probably Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 about anyway? And are we ever going to The X-Files teases on two fronts: Just see any aliens or what? as there wouldn’t be much point to this explains why women were prohib- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at Paranoia sells. Witness the jump from sci-fi drama if Scully and Mulder were to ited from watching the original “R” P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 boob tube to silver screen that The X- reserve a catering hall and register at rated Olympic games held in classi- Files has made with no small amount of Nordstrom’s, the story tension would be cal Greece. PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. media fanfare. X-ers who have made lost if indisputable contact were made The present definition, of a gym- successful this award-winning TV show with alien life. Hence, much of this nasium is, “a room or building Horace R. Corbin Gail S. Corbin Paul J. Peyton about an alien-hunting division of the movie’s action takes place in the shad- PUBLISHER GENERAL MANAGER MANAGING EDITOR F.B.I. will doubtless make a satisfied ows and fringes, where nothing is quite equipped for physical training and Suzette F. Stalker David B. Corbin pilgrimage to the feature length version. what it seems. In fact, the only thing sports.” In European countries a gym- ASSISTANT EDITOR SPORTS They will roll the lore’s buzzwords on certain about The X-Files is its fascinat- nasium is also “a secondary school their tongues, speculate the possibilities ing mediocrity. for students preparing to enter a uni- Joanna B. Marsh Karen M. Hinds of alien discovery, and be vicariously * * * * * versity.” Dress codes have changed MARKETING DIRECTOR OFFICE MANAGER titillated (or even worse) by the possibil- for the modern counterpart of the SUBSCRIPTION PRICE The X-Files, rated PG-13, is a 20th ity of agents Dana Scully (Gillian Ander- Century Fox release directed by Rob ancient athlete, so that today, women One-year subscription in county – $20 • Out-of-county – $24 • One-year college (September to May) – $16 son) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) Bowman and stars David Duchovny, are no longer banned from viewing finally consummating their uniquely bi- Gillian Anderson, and Martin Landau. or participating in such contests — zarre brand of sexual tension. Running time: 115 minutes. Meanwhile, the great unwashed who nor is parental guidance suggested. Wouldn’t Funds Planned for Diner Site curiously venture forth into X-cult terri- tory will reaffirm why they have never HUNG UP!! become fans in the first place. While Be Better Spent on Existing Parks? “Seinfeld” was about nothing, it is never quite clear what The X-Files is actually Mother Encouraged to Seek Ever since the Excellent Diner was moved from for instance, plans to renovate its tennis courts, soccer about. But that’s precisely the secret, its Westfield to Germany several years ago, the site has field, a park and its community center. Linden plans to stock-in-trade. ‘Traditional’ Form of Therapy The smirky self-satisfaction of this been an eyesore in the center of the downtown. The renovate five of its parks. tantalizing drama derives from the in- burning question currently is whether this site should The bottom line is that as a matching dollar-for- sider status it confers upon its loyal By Milt Faith, Executive Director be developed as a park or for commercial use. dollar grant program, these towns should be able to adherents. Sort of like getting a secret decoder ring. Imagine it. A paranoia- Youth and Family Counseling Service This Monday night the Westfield Planning Board is use their own “matching funds” to improve the recre- driven series devoted to the search for scheduled to hear the Sekas family case to build a ational facilities for their residents. Under the county alien life among us, week in and week A reader writes: Laura; spouts moral platitudes based on three-story office building with retail space on street program, both county and municipal funds must be out. Fellow X-ers at the office give each Let me tell you what has helped me what she judges to be moral. If a caller other knowing looks as they discuss the most in therapy. I was raised in what is expresses a feeling contrary to the host’s level for the site. A total of six variances are being spent on the same park project. most recent developments, hushing up now called a dysfunctional family. I was political view, look out for insults and sought for the application. This improves the “quality of life,” one of today’s when an outsider approaches. How para- determined to be able to stand on my own name calling. And Judge Judy, or Judge If the office building fails to gain the nod of the buzz words, for all taxpayers while preserving “open noid is that? when I was an adult. I went to college, Ed Koch: give me a break. Judge Judy Still, there’s something to be said for met the man I married (at a young age) should be fined and sentenced for her board, perhaps the family might agree to sell the lot to space” which is another objective of our elected the beguiling chemistry Mr. Duchovny and now live in New Jersey, have two contempt and mockery. the town for additional parking spaces. leaders. The latter is the main objective behind the and Miss Anderson are able to maintain children and found myself again in a And guess what? These hosts are the While the Union County Freeholders “Pocket Park” “Project Pocket Park” program, an idea brought to the in their transition to the big screen. A sort difficult family situation. most highly rated ones on the media. of neurotic, 90’s version of Nick and My husband is a control freak him- Obviously listeners have some need met plan is a good idea for preserving open space in the county this year by Daniel P. Sullivan, Chairman of Nora Charles. As outlandish or obscure self and so we argue over everything, by tuning in. I recommend you do as you county, creating such a recreational area along a the Union county Board of Chosen Freeholders. as the premise may get, the bond be- (Luckily I have no financial problems). say you will do: don’t listen to non-talk congested area of North Avenue, a state highway, is The Excellent Diner site was highlighted by the tween these two soulful surfers of the A friend convinced me to see a thera- programs which are filled with hysteria paranormal seems quite genuine. A be- pist who is very unique. I realized that and anger. Listen to music, news, sports not money well spent. We believe that the county’s Freeholders when they chose the location to hold their lievable romance like theirs, even if it just talking about my problems didn’t or talk shows which are informative and funds would have been better spent on upgrading one press conference on the awarding of the grants back in only is of the wait-and-see variety, can go help me. He introduced me to “retail entertaining, i.e., Joan Hamburg, Arthur of Westfield’s existing parks, such as the concrete May. a long way to legitimizing the surround- therapy” and I have never been hap- Schwartz, etc. ing scenario. And so the “X-Files’” con- pier. What it means is that I “shop till A disgruntled father writes: overlook at Mindowaskin Park. If the objective of the Town Council was to take voluted plot, featuring kinky characters I drop.” I buy items which make me My daughter told us recently that she Under the county program, municipalities were give advantage of the county grant, couldn’t this be done by new as well as familiar (like the Ciga- happy. plans to return to work as a theatrical the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $100,000 fixing Mindowaskin, the pond at Tamaques Park, or rette-Smoking Man), plays better than it He convinced me that I am entitled agent (she used to love it and was suc- really should. to make myself happy and if shopping cessful) and my son-in-law will be leav- to create a park or playground. Towns could apply for making improvements at Memorial Park or Sycamore As the tale opens, the files have been makes me happy, why not do it. Do you ing his job and become the homeworker grants of up to $25,000 each for “building, replacing, Field projects already in the municipal budget? discontinued until further notice. Casu- use this and do you have any com- to their two young children. What kind of or renovating a playground.” The maximum for the Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim has said the alties of downsizing, Scully and Mulder ments? a man does this? “Bob” is a very good have been relegated to toiling in the Answer: No comment would be my father but won’t this confuse the chil- grants allowed was $125,000 per town. So, Westfield pocket park idea downtown has been brought forward realm of anti-terrorist activities. But first, best comment. I don’t know if you are dren? Won’t they think less of him? I’ve could have applied for several $25,000 grants adding as an alternative should the application for an office a 37-thousand-year flashback to Ice Age serious or not. It is hard to believe that worked all my life and cannot accept nor up to the total rather than the one grant to acquire land building fail at the site. He said if the “threat” of town Texas. It appears that even cave men had a competent professional would pro- understand this. their own version of the X-Files. Murky vide “retail therapy.” It does not en- My daughter tells me to be quiet and for a park. The town did receive funds for upgrading pressure for a park has pushed the owners of the lot to doings ensue, haunting shades of 2001: courage you to look at your early forma- mind my own business. What is my role the playground at the former Lincoln School building. develop, thus cleaning up the site, then the plan has A Space Odyssey. You never do get a tive years and resolve the traumas which here? Some members of the council noted that they only worked. We agree with Mayor Jardim the lot has been good shot of the visitors. But Mark Snow’s you experienced in your family — trau- Answer: Your role is to be supportive alarming music assures us that they must mas which affect your adult life. I would and mind your own business. The became aware that the money could also be used on unkempt for too long. be heinous. strongly encourage you to seek more children’s decision to reverse roles is existing parks and playgrounds upon reading press This is true to some degree. But, couldn’t the same Director Rob Bowman (who has di- traditional therapy during the times theirs to make, and it seems to be based accounts. In fact, of the 21 grants awarded to each of end have been achieved if the town had used the rected several TV episodes) puts this bee when you are not shopping. (Give me a on their wishes, needs and personalities. in your bonnet: Maybe They were here break!). I don’t know what Bob does profession- the county’s municipalities, only four other communi- exterior property maintenance code to encourage the before we were. So then, who are the real A frustrated reader writes: ally, but he may need less structure, less ties (Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains and Summit) owners of the diner site to clean up the property, thus aliens? While The X-Files thrives on I refuse to listen to radio unless I listen tension, more quiet, more involvement have proposed to buy land and create a park. All the enabling county funds and town matching dollars to be withholding answers, its real forte is to music, just music, or news. I refuse to with the children. Your grandchildren posing great questions. watch TV, unless it’s fun TV. I am sick will not think less of him. Past habits and other towns, many of which applied for the full earmarked to improve one of these other existing Flash forward to modern times, the and tired of the anger expressed by so beliefs which demanded that men and $100,000 grant for a park, plan to use these funds for parks? same site. A boy falls into a pit, presum- many talk radio hosts. And recently a women play set, rigid stereotypical roles the renovation of existing parks and fields. Cranford, We will let our elected officials decide that question. ably the grotto where the cave folk met friend actually appeared on the Judge no longer hold. their match. The child goes comatose, his Judy court show. She felt humiliated and Some men do well staying home as ‘New’ Rialto Theatre eyes turn black. He’s a goner. Switch to insulted and wondered why she permit- caretakers and some women are hap- Scully and Mulder. Kaboom! They nar- ted herself to be verbally abused. What is pier when they pursue professions Letters to the Editor Is a Pleasure For rowly escape the horrific explosion that your take on this. which are fulfilling. Each person or levels a Federal building in Dallas, a Answer: Please don’t start me on this couple has the right to make his/her Discipline Against Students Fighting Westfield Community chilling scene that uncomfortably trades again. I do not want to be labeled conser- own decisions based on family reali- Thanks to Jesse Sayegh, the new owner on the obvious reminiscence. But it’s all vative nor liberal. My response is very ties. of the Rialto Theatre, for saving the connected. Yup, believe it. clear. Talk shows are very successful Please don’t project your expecta- In SP-F District Needs to Be Severer Westfield movie theater. The removal of Plying his storied intuition, Mulder and very competitive. The hosts realize, tions onto them. If you have time, the exterior paint revealed a quite attrac- convinces Scully that their original mis- and are encouraged, to insult and incite you might even enjoy joining Bob in This letter is to inform all parents and placating administration in place. sion is again worth pursuing. But while in the name of ratings, and because it is helping the grandchildren with daily the members of the Board of Education With the appointment of a new princi- tive building with interesting architec- tural details on the facade. the mystical appurtenances director Bow- “psychologically healthy to express one- activities. (I wonder what my dad that violence is very much alive in the pal at the high school in progress, it is man populates writer Chris Carter’s story self.” would have said about this issue. Ye Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district. essential to consider an individual who It will be a pleasure for all of us, and particularly for our young people, to have with bespeak all sort of cabalistic dread, Not true. Talk show hosts, like Dr. gads!) Our children are not safe in the high will make decisions in a democratic fash- what it really boils down to is the derring school environment. Our tax dollars em- ion. One who has the ability to communi- a local theater and one much improved. I believe Westfielders will support to duo taking turns saving each other’s lives. ploy a female security guard who has cate with parents and students and is not Occasionally, a batch of space gook does been seen dancing with the students fearful to administer proper discipline for the fullest by their attendance at our Letters to the Editor “new” theater. a menacing splat. after school. She is not their peer. She is the actions. What’s next? Probably guns. Along the way, we are introduced to employed to make our children safe and Cindy Soloway large-scale action in the Antarctic; are Lets Here From Mayoral Contenders should be a figure of respect. Mary D. Herberich Scotch Plains Westfield made privy to a clandestine meeting of My daughters ages 15 and 17 and their self-appointed world leaders who mutter On Condition of Westfield’s Sewers friends have been verbally and physically a lot of mumbo-jumbo about mankind’s harassed and threatened throughout the Emeralds Coaching Staff Has Taught future; and hear the hammy admonitions Westfield Town Administrator Edward would find a flow of sewage into our homes 1997-1998 school year by senior students, of the unflagging Dr. Kurtzweil (Martin A. Gottko, “hesitant to provide too many merely “unpleasant.” And with what fre- but avoided confrontation at all costs. Daughter to Be Well-Rounded Athlete Landau), eccentric alien sleuth details” on the Harrow Road sewer back- quency, then, have sewers in Westfield As a concerned parent, I personally no- extraordinaire. ups, “noted that sewer backups, while been in fact discharging into homes? tified an administrator at the high school I would like to thank Mike Meriton, Joe well gift. They displayed incredible skills, But the question is, do you get to see unpleasant, do occur” (The Westfield I have in my possession a file, going and my daughters spoke to their guidance Masterson, Joe Triola and James Gilmartin endurance, camaraderie and above all the aliens? Therein lies the rub. Would Leader, June 18). I wonder how many of us back nearly two decades and document- counselor about the problem, hoping to end for the incredible gifts they have extended they displayed exquisite good sports- ing sewer breakdowns in Westfield as the abuse. At the close of school on June 17, my daughter, Emily, as a member of the man-like conduct. evidenced by fecal matter, toilet paper, my eldest daughter and two of her friends Emeralds Traveling Soccer Team. Also, in all the time we traveled as a Having Three Names for Center fuel oil, etc. in the West Brook, which were the target of a premeditated assault Over the last six years, these four group, I’ve never once heard a parent flows across the back of my property. on school grounds, by this group of seniors. coaches have not only taught her incred- complain about the coaches. Respect was It has been clear for quite some time Five members of this group sprayed ible soccer skills, they have taught her mutually given and received. Thanks to Of Scotch Plains is ‘Ridiculous’ now, to some residents at least, that it is my daughter and her friends with shav- how to be a well-rounded athlete. They these wonderful adults our children re- I regret that the Scotch Plains Town- efforts and appeal to the other council only a matter of time before sewage ing cream, punched them in the head and have taught her what it means to be a ceived a great message. ship Council has chosen to bow out of members to re-evaluate their positions discharges into residences would become literally scratched the new contacts out team player. They have treated her with I have such appreciation for the wives of the Centre Boulevard proposal because because it is worth it. a fact of life in Westfield. of my daughter’s eyes. Natural instinct respect, kindness, and compassion all these coaches too. Marie, Lydia, Chris and “it just isn’t worth it.” Now that this day has unfortunately gave these victims the strength to defend without losing sight of the fact that disci- Kathy gave up personal time with their Frank Ochman come, perhaps the subject of Westfield’s I have been a Scotch Plains resident Scotch Plains themselves to the best of their ability. pline was mandatory. husbands, so that these men could enrich all my life and am tired of visitors sewers will, finally, capture the attention Security was still MIA. This is not to say that their critiquing the life of my daughter and her teammates. calling “Fanwood” the center of Scotch of our elected officials. It is a subject that After the senseless attack, there were WHS ’98 BASH Sponsors of Emily’s skills was always well re- I will be eternally grateful to them all. Plains. The Scotch Plains Township deserves more serious public discussion numerous meetings and conversions with ceived by her. However, as she matured, It has been an experience I will treasure than has been the case to date. all parties concerned, including school she started to understand that the critiqu- always. I will never be able to give back to Council should take on all battles that Thank Town for Support help improve the township’s identity A new election season dawns. May we officials. A decision was made to disre- ing was not personal, that it was neces- them or their husbands what they have The BASH ’98 Senior Graduation hear from you, Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, gard the existing policy, which up until sary to help her to become the skilled given to my family, so instead, I will always and enhance the central business dis- Party continued its positive tradition by trict. you First Ward Councilwoman and May- June 17, consisted of five days suspen- athlete she is, and that it was offered by keep them in my prayers. Thank you! attracting the vast majority of the West- oral contender Gail S. Vernick, and you sion for fighting on school property re- coaches who genuinely cared more about The Park Avenue to Martine Avenue field High School seniors to this sub- Norman N. Greco, Mayoral candidates, gardless of the time of the year, adminis- Karen E. Mortenson name changeover is bad enough, but a the athlete than the final outcome. Westfield stance-free post graduation event. A to- in this regard? And what about you, tered at the time of the incident. Emily came to understand this be- major town road that has three names: tal of 267 seniors, or 88 percent of those Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. These violent seniors were not sus- cause these gentlemen never under uti- Doesn’t Scotch Plains East Second Street, Plainfield Avenue graduating, attended the all-night party Goldman, through whose ward the West pended and allowed to attend the gradu- lized a single player. These girls knew and Westfield Avenue, is ridiculous. at Ricochet Racquet Club and had a Brook flows for at least a mile? ation ceremony. Parents were informed they were important for the team because Want an Identity Are we purposely trying to get out-of- super, if not exhausting, time. that if the seniors did not attend their they all played. The coaches didn’t just towners lost with these convoluted street The party achieved its objective of Dr. Ferdinand Gajewski ceremony, than the juniors would not be develop and play the top echelon, as is so With ‘Boulevard’? designations? Centre Boulevard signs making graduation night a safe, sober Westfield able to attend their graduation ceremony common, and for their efforts they have a I have lived in Fanwood over 40 years and won’t make or break this town but they and, above all, fun way to mark the end Deadlines the following year. top scale team with every member con- will help. of the high school experience. Thank you General News - Friday 4pm Instead all students involved were tributing to its success. have seen some strange headlines in The Times over the years, but the issues sur- Local residents opposing this should again to all the Optimists and spouses, Weekend Sports - Monday 12pm given community service of cleaning The girls learned the game well and parents, teachers, friends, local busi- rounding Centre Boulevard produced the see the benefits to their own neighbor- Classifieds - Tuesday 2pm desks for five days, to write letters of their love of the game was nurtured. hood identities and the potential that nesses, clubs, professionals, and corpo- How To Reach Us apology and the possibility of my daugh- most bizarre local story I have ever seen. Winning was never once placed ahead of the value of their homes may actually be rations who supported this event and E-Mail - [email protected] ter receiving reimbursement for her con- these athletes. Yet win is what they did Does Scotch Plains not want an “iden- tity” to support its local businesses? Does made it happen. Phone - (908) 232-4407 tact lenses. This reward for negative year after year, as evidenced by the num- enhanced. Thanks also, to the Class of ’98 who behavior sets a new precedent that al- ber of trophies in Emily’s room, to which Scotch Plains not want to unify the name I salute Councilman Martin Marks’ Mail-PO Box 250, Westfield 07091 of a main thoroughfare that currently has through their actions enhanced the repu- lows senior students to invoke a riot she just added two more after this week- tation of BASH as the best party alterna- PO Box 368, Scotch Plains 07076 during the last five days of the school end of play. three different names, two of which are In Person - 50 Elm St., Westfield identified by the names of surrounding We congratulate all the college tive for Westfield High School gradu- year without any repercussions. We spent this last weekend at a tour- ates. Best wishes to the Class of ’98 in Drop-Box - at Nuts n’ Plenty Were these the same warnings and sig- nament in Connecticut. This was the last towns? Are questionable petitions run- graduates and those that have 407 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains ning the decision making process on the your future endeavors. nals ignored by administrators in Oregon, time these girls would be playing for the achieved academic honors. We Our sincere thanks from the co-spon- Submittal Formats Arkansas, and Mississippi where students Emeralds team, as they must disband and Scotch Plains Township Council? If Scotch Plains is serious about sup- have been receiving many soring organizations, Photos - B/W and Color were slain or were these the same warnings move onto another division. (Did I get Don Pray, No Panoramic or Poloroid handled effectively in Butler? that right fellas?) I cannot tell you how porting and improving its downtown busi- press releases in regard to the ness district, the name of Centre Boule- Project Chairman Typed, not handwritten Parents of this community need to be made proud I am of these girls. above achievements. We ask Optimist Club of Westfield Upper and lower case aware of our laissez-faire administrators. Their performance at this tournament vard is a good idea in helping out-of- towners find town center. for your patience – we will Darielle Walsh Westfield High Need name & daytime phone Wake up Board of Education and administra- was proof-positive testimony to what good School PTO publish them all. Thank you. For our complete editorial policies request tion, the facts remain that violence exists in coaching skills can do. This team couldn’t Thomas J. Ruggiero Glenn Burrell Executive Director, a copy of our Policy Guide our suburban schools and we have ineffective have given these coaches a better fare- Scotch Plains Recreation Commission of Westfield