The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 110th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 23110 FIFTY CENTS (908) 2324407 Thursday, February 10, 2000 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J. Published Every Thursday

Since 1890

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Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus

Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day!

INDEX

A& E............... Page 22 Business ........ Page 18 Classified ...... Page 21

Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 10

Religious ....... Page 11 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Deborah Madison for The Westfield Leader and The Times PERFECT HARMONY... Scotch Plains resident Alvin C. Madion rocked Westfield High School’s auditorium with a little help from his new friend and veteran musician Livingston Taylor last Saturday. The Westfield Jaycees sponsored the well attended event.

By INGRID MCKINLEY

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Following a prolonged discussion about another proposed neighborhood subdivision – this one on Seneca Place – the Westfield Planning Board denied the plan in a midnight vote of 7 to 1 on Monday.

The fourhour long meeting between the town’s Planning Board and neighboring residents was packed with people showing their discontent for the proposed subdivision on property owned by Andrew and Theresa Pilkington at 299 Seneca Place.

By all accounts, opposition to the proposal centered on the overall effect the subdivision would have on neighboring homes west and north of the property.

The case follows closely on the heels of a subdivision granted to private developer Michael Mahoney to divide a oneacre property at 1049 East Broad into three parcels on adjacent Karen Terrace The decision since has been challenged by Karen Terrace neighbor Lori Zivny, who questions the approval and has offered $10,000 of her own money to start a fund to buy back the property.

The burden of proof on Monday was on the Pilkingtons, who needed to prove the benefits of the proposed subdivision would outweigh any detriments.

Lawyer James Flynn, representing the Pilkingtons, presented expert witnesses in support of the subdivision.

One of these witnesses, Paul Grygile, a licensed professional planner based in Wycoff, stated: “After examining the proposed site, I feel the subdivision and future addition of any dwelling on the second lot created would not have any adverse impact on the character of the neighborhood. The current home, located off to the side of the current lot, would not need to be moved.” The total square footage would exceed the minimum requirements as set by the Master Plan, adopted in 1995 by the town, he added.

Mr. Grygile presented a visual survey of properties within the immediate area surrounding the property. He concluded a majority of the homes had variance approvals to their properties, including the Reiche and Ricca families, who were represented at Monday’s meeting by real estate at torney Barry Hoffman.

In Mr. Grygile’s professional opinion, this was an area of sub zones. This comment hit a chord with the committee as Chairman Martin Robins agreed that the area nearest the Scotch Plains border had a different atmosphere and character.

When Mr. Flynn stated the board was grappling with a legal not emo tional issue, the crowd was told to

please refrain from disrupting the meeting any further. Mr. Flynn said the final decision must be made based on Westfield zoning and not a feeling of how it will affect the future.

Robert Newell, Vice Chairman of the Planning Board, asked if the larger lots located immediately to the west

Ingrid McKinley for The Westfield Leader PROPOSED SUBDIVISION REJECTED… A proposed subdivision of the property at 229 Seneca Place, pictured here, was turned down by the Westfield Planning Board following a fourhour meeting Monday night. Request for New Seneca Place Subdivision

Turned Down by Westfield Planning Board

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Recreation Commission Drafts Proposal To Amend Pool Membership Process By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Addressing 1999’s sellout of memberships at the Westfield Memorial Pool, the Recreation Commission on Monday night approved a draft ordinance outlining how memberships will be sold this year.

The ordinance must be considered by Westfield Town Council.

Under the proposed changes:

· In March, Westfield Pool members from 1999 would be given the first crack for memberships this year. Applications will be accepted up to 60 percent of the pool’s maximum membership capacity of 9,000, or 5,400. Registration would be open from Monday, March 6, to Friday, March 31, until the capacity is reached.

· In April all town residents, whether they held memberships in 1999 or not, would have the opportunity to apply for membership. Applications will be accepted until 80

percent of the membership capacity, or 7,200, is reached. Registrations would take place between Monday, April 3, and Friday, April 28.

· The pool would open membership in May to all residents and nonresidents until full capacity at the facility is obtained.

Assistant Recreation Director James Gildea told the Town Council Tuesday that to accommodate residents, the Recreation Department would stay open two Tuesday nights and one Saturday during each of the three months to handle pool signups. This is in addition to regular daily Recreation Department hours, which are 8: 30 a. m. to 4: 30 p. m.

The revised membership registration procedures for the pool were presented to the Recreation Commission monthly meeting on Monday night by the Pool Subcommittee.

The Recreation Commission received numerous complaints from town residents regarding the procedures last year, which allowed nonresidents to become members and

closed out registration to some Westfield residents.

Last year was the first time that the pool reached its maximum registration capacity and had to close registration to residents and previous members who registered too late.

Many residents and previous pool members voiced their opinion to the Recreation Commission, at meetings and by letters, that pool membership should be closed to nonresidents and that previous members should be given priority over new members.

However, because Memorial Park received money from the state for development and is designated as a “Green Acres” property, the state mandates that the town must permit nonresidents “ample opportunity” to register.

According to Pool Director Glenn Burrell, the percentage of nonresident members last year was approximately 16 percent and for this reason, the pool must leave open 20 percent of membership opportunities for nonresidents this year.

Mr. Burrell agreed with public sentiment that the pool’s loyalty should be to the pool’s previous members and to residents first and this reasoning was factored into the method devised for this year’s registration procedures.

Furthermore, the proposed dates set for registration are only tentative, hinging on Town Council approval. The council is expected to introduce the ordinance this Tuesday, February 15, and adopt it on second reading at a special meeting prior to the council’s Tuesday, February 29 meeting.

If the council does not render a decision in a timely manner, then the proposed dates will most likely need to be changed, Recreation Department officials said.

Registration percentages were determined using an estimated 9,000 person maximum capacity, based on last year’s actual membership of 8,962. The 9,000 number is the maximum that the pool can accommodate

Ingrid McKinley for The Westfield Leader BRINGING ISSUES TO LIGHT… Westfield High School student Sam Fleder supplied detailed accounts of what they described as police harassment in town during last Wednesday evening’s Town Meeting, “Listening to Our Youth.”

Ingrid McKinley for The Westfield Leader ANALYZING THE END RESULT… The auditorium of Westfield High School was twothirds full as students, parents, and members of the community gathered to analyze the results of a student survey and discuss issues of concern. The crowd listened to comments from a nineperson panel which included four students, administrators, clergy and business leaders.

Leader to Dispose Of Photographs Before June 1999

The Westfield Leader will dispose of photographs submitted before June 1999. To retrieve your photos, please come to the office by the end of February.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Students, Parents React to Survey Used To Measure Pupils’ Needs and Attitudes

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Westfield High School auditorium was packed with more than 500 parents, students and members of the community last Wednesday for a townwide meeting, “Listening to Our Youth,” to discuss the out come of a survey administered to 8th

and 11th graders about their needs, attitudes and activities.

Almost one year after MSNBC came to discuss the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, school administrators decided that “Listening to Our Youth” might

also give the community and students a chance to voice their concerns about the killings – an opportunity not afforded by MSNBC’s broadcast.

“Tonight is our opportunity,” Board of Education President Darielle Walsh told the audience, reiterating the dissatisfaction with the MSNBC broadcast. “The community is the focus of tonight’s meeting.”

Ms. Walsh explained that 8th graders were given the survey because they “best represent young adolescents,” while 11th graders were chosen because they “still have a vested interest in the community.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. William J. Foley explained the survey’s results to the audience. Three conclusions have been derived by Dr. Foley regarding the results.

“Our students are achievement oriented, they see their parents as extremely supportive, and there is a dramatic shift in drug, alcohol and related substances from 8th to 11th grade,” he stressed.

Detailed copies of the survey results may be obtained in the Westfield Public Schools, the Westfield MeFluoridation

Question Draws Mixed Reactions

By KIM KINTER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

As many municipalities put the business of early year reorganization behind them, they are now ready to deal with a request by the Town of Westfield to consider having fluoride added to the local water supply.

The Scotch Plains Township Council passed a resolution favoring fluoridation of the local water supply at its Tuesday meeting, while Fanwood recently passed a similar measure. The Westfield Council, which has to discuss the issue following endorsement of the plan by the Westfield Regional Health Department, may consider the matter at a late February or early March meeting.

The tap water received by Westfield and 26 surrounding communities does not have fluoride added to it. Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim and the regional health department have been collaborating for the last year on an investigation of the possibility of fluoridating the water supply.

In early December, the Westfield Regional Health Department unanimously passed a resolution recommending that Westfield’s Mayor and Town Council pursue fluoridation of the town’s water supply.

The resolution was then turned over to the Town Council, which

must approve the measure and will probably spearhead the push to have other communities join Westfield in seeking fluoridation of the local water supply.

Currently, the Elizabethtown Water Company provides fluoridation to municipalities west and south of its Bridgewater plant, but not to the 27 municipalities east of the plant, according to Anthony Matarazzo, Manager of Environmental Affairs for Elizabethtown Water.

The distribution system to towns east of Bridgewater is interconnected and the communities cannot be isolated because they all receive their water supply from the same line. For this reason, all 27 municipalities would have to unanimously agree to fluoridate, according to Mr. Matarazzo.

Mayor Jardim twice wrote letters to all the municipalities during the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Page 12 Thursday, February 10, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

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and north had been addressed when determining his final decision that a subdivision would not adversely affect the character of the neighborhood.

Mr. Grygile responded, “If the subdivision complies, it is good planning assuming the Master Plan has been met in the current set of existing conditions.”

The questioning continued with other board members, and Mr. Flynn raised objections as to the wording of the line of questioning.

Hypothetical scenarios were discussed concerning lots sizes and objected to by Mr. Flynn as not relevant to the case.

When questioned further about larger lots sizes to reduce variance requests versus smaller lots sizes, Mr. Grygile stated that, “zones with upgraded lots to larger size is more desirable but personally, smaller lots and shorter setbacks create a greater sense of a neighborhood.

“In this particular case, the subdivision would allow one new dwelling while allowing the current dwelling to remain in its original place on the property. It would not burden the schools and would improve the aesthetic quality of the area. The character of the neighborhood would be maintained and no substantial adverse impact would be imposed.”

Mr. Hoffman, representing neighbors located directly behind the lot on Longfellow Avenue was concerned the new dwelling, not yet determined in size, would seek variances for building. He proposed a stipulation be placed on the property that no variances be granted.

“Approval could produce a domino effect: granting this subdivision would give license to other property owners to subdivide and the character of the neighborhood would change immensely,” Mr. Hoffman said.

About two dozen neighbors came to show their dissent to the proposal.

Marcia Zimmerman of Scotch Plains was concerned about, “losing the open air feeling of the immediate neighborhood.”

Neighbor Arlene Ricca was concerned additional trees would need to be removed for the construction of any new home.

Jeffrey Rea, a Longfellow Avenue resident, felt it was “Apparently clear that the Pilkingtons were victims of the feeding frenzy that has characterized the area. Builders are approaching anyone with any green that can be developed.

“The Planning Board is the first line of defense that builders do not run roughshod over the community. The Planning Board is not restrictive only to zoning conditions, but also to maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood.”

Amy O’Brien, a neighbor of the Pilkingtons on Longfellow Avenue, was the lone supporter of the subdivision. Ms. O’Brien defended the plans, saying, “the Pilkingtons had a right as owner’s of the property to proceed with the proposal. It is an emotional issue and I understood the complaints of neighbors, but

the reasoning that you wished to preserve the view from your window was not valid.”

Ms. O’Brien noted she looks upon one neighbor’s yard with three cars and a boat but doesn’t complain because it is their right to do as they wish in their yard.

Ms. Zivny, the Karen Terrace resident opposed to the recently approved subdivision on her street, was at Monday’s meeting and was permitted to speak to the board on the Seneca Place plan.

Ms. Zivny was one of about a dozen neighbors in attendance regarding the memorialization of the East Broad St. subdivision, but denied the chance due to the length of the meeting.

The memorialization was postponed until Thursday, February 17 at 7: 30 p. m., in council chambers.

Discussion of the subdivision will proceed a meeting by the board, beginning at 8 p. m., on proposed changes by the Historic Preservation Commission to local historic ordinances.

Ms. Zivny felt the Seneca Place neighborhood benefited from advance notice of the proposal, unlike the subdivision proposed in her neighborhood.

In making a final decision, Mayor Thomas C. Jardim summarized the view of the majority of the board members.

“Looking at the specifics, the burden of proof to the community as whole was not met. The Pilkingtons could not show that the benefits outweighed any detriments to the community. As Mr. Grygile said himself, west of the property is a sub zone or neighborhood and we need to preserve and protect the existing neighborhood. Preserving light, air and open space is impossible. The applicant has a high burden to meet. Although the zoning variances are minor, viewed as a whole the character of the community burden was not met.”

The only dissenting vote came from Town Engineer and board member Kenneth B. Marsh, who originally moved to Westfield many years ago into a house on a small lot.

“The subdivision would provide one more lot, therefore creating an opportunity for a homeowner to move into Westfield,” he said.

Planning Board Rejects Seneca Place Subdivision

Ingrid McKinley for The Westfield Leader STRESSING INDIVIDUALITY… Westfield High School student Jocelyn Arlington asked the panel and audience to understand the importance of students’ expression of individuality during the Town Meeting, “Listening to Our Youth.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Town Meeting Analyzes Results of Student Survey

morial Library and via the Internet at www. westfieldnj. com. A videotape of the program is available at the library for circulation.

Nine panelists were handpicked by Dr. Foley to evaluate the survey’s outcome, to determine its overall effectiveness and to suggest ways to further assist

pupils who might be troubled and reaching out for help. The first panelist Conner Mulvee, a junior at WHS, admitted that students didn’t take the survey seriously when it was administered, but added that the results seemed accurate.

Conner expressed concern about the 6 percent of students who agreed with the survey statement, “I have no one to talk with.”

“My opinion is that this is a major problem. Someone has to reach out to those students who feel so alone,” Conner stressed. “It shows us just how hard it can be to be 17.”

Conner concluded that although the survey was “a good start,” he would like to see more town meetings similar to last Wednesday’s forum.

“This is a difficult year. We’re mostly scared out of our minds,” the second panelist and junior Aimee Lombard told the audience. She added that she is worried about the 90 percent of pupils who report that they are depressed at least once a month and the 40 percent who are depressed over three times per month.

Like Conner, Aimee’s concern lies with the 6 percent that feels there is no one to turn to. “We must help this minority and help include them in our majority,” she said. “We are all in this together.”

“A valuable starting point” is how Edison Intermediate School student and third panelist John Boyd defined the survey. John was also perplexed by the level of depression among his peers.

“If one student is hurting, it is affecting all of us,” he said. “We need your support and encouragement to make it through the toughest years of our lives,” he told the audience, specifically addressing parents and administrators.

Roosevelt Intermediate School student Lily Flast, the fourth panelist, told parents, “You are our role models,” adding that parents must learn to trust their children when leaving them unsupervised and “exposed to temptation.”

However, the fifth panelist Student Assistance Counselor at both intermediate schools, Marie Koch, stressed, “We need to know where our kids are going and who they’re with.” Calling for more supervision in town, Ms. Koch said that networking between “every possible facet in town” will help students.

WHS Principal Dr. Robert G. Petix relinquished his speaking time to allow students in the audience to speak. However, he said he was impressed by the students’ response in the survey and called it “a unique opportunity to listen to our youth.”

The Reverend David Harwood of the First United Methodist Church in Westfield said the survey must be looked at through three lenses: descriptive, interpretive and evaluative in order to determine “what is going on, what does it (survey results) mean, and what should be done.”

“When you’re in need, you are 100 percent in need,” Executive Director of the Westfield Y, Stanley Kaslusky, told the audience. “Listening is really what

this is all about even if we don’t have all of the answers.”

Executive Director of Youth & Family Counseling Services, Milton Faith, concluded the panel discussion by offering nuggets of wisdom to parents.

“Communication is key. Listen, don’t judge. Be a friend, but be a parent and set

limits and responsibilities. Be a strategist,” Mr. Faith advised. “Differentiate between the little wars and the big wars.”

He told the community, “Let this meeting serve as a basis for more discussion.” “Ask yourself, do you want to be an emotional millionaire?” Mr. Faith told the students.

Two microphones allowed streams of students and audience members to voice their reaction to the survey results throughout the evening.

The biggest issue discussed by the students brought to light statistics which indicate reported pupil harassment by and dissatisfaction with Westfield police. In the survey, only 13 percent absolutely agreed that they were treated fairly by police.

Sam Fleder, a WHS student stated that he was surprised the percentage was that low. He detailed occasions when he was “followed by police for no reason” and “threatened and searched at Mindowaskin Park.”

Sam said he had police “flashlights shoved in his face” and has been “yelled at by police when trying to cross a street.”

“Police have taken an offensive position by attacking kids instead of protecting them,” he exclaimed. Several students who came to the microphones agreed with Sam’s statements.

Ninth grader Meredith DeMarco stated that the survey questions were “vague,” especially those asking about depression and sadness. She said there is a clear cut difference between the two emotions, but the survey grouped them together. Other students reiterated that such questions were “generic.”

Jocelyn Arlington, a WHS student, stated that it is important for pupils to express and maintain their individuality.

Several students revealed that when the survey was administered in classes such as physical education, teachers didn’t explain what the survey was for.

One student said that teachers only stated, “Fill this out” without further discussion.

Another student addressed the panel and administrators on stage by stating, “This survey of yours is kind of ridiculous.”

Susan Gibbs, a Student Assistance Counselor in the Union school district commended the administrators on the survey, but wanted to know what programs will be established to give the students an outlet for their emotions and issues.

Maureen Mazzarese, who heads several guidance programs and peer training at WHS, told the audience that the programs in place are working wonders in the school and she is “proud of what is already going on.”

Dr. Foley encouraged parents to sign up for committees, which will examine the survey results and possible solutions more closely.

“Listening to Our Youth” will be televised on TV36 on Monday, February 14, at 4 and 7 p. m.; Tuesday, February 15, at 4 and 8 p. m., and Wednesday, February 16, at 4 and 9 p. m.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader FIRST LADY OF WESTFIELD... Karen Fountain, the wife of Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, holds a painting that was presented to her by the Third Ward Councilwoman Claire Lazarowitz, left, on behalf of the Westfield Democratic Committee for her efforts as the “First Lady of Westfield.” The painting was presented during Sunday’s fundraiser for Mayor Jardim who is seeking a third term. The Jardims announced at the fundraiser that they are expecting their second child in November.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 so that overcrowding and having to turn people away does not occur.

Based on counts taken last summer, more than 3,700 people entered the pool on a few hot days, when the pool came close to having to close its doors.

There are no state regulations governing maximum membership, but only maximum people allowed in the complex at any given time.

Applicants who do not receive pool membership will be placed on a waiting list in order of receipt.

Other changes discussed by the Commission were the daily admission fees for the general public. According to Green Acres rules, the pool complex must be made accessible to the general public. These patrons do not have to be with a member. The fees are as follows: Adults (age 18 and over): $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays, Children and Senior Citizens: $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.

Member guest fees will remain the same as last year’s fees.

Recreation Commission member and Fourth Ward Councilwoman Janis Fried Weinstein suggested that the proposed general public admission fees were too high. First Street resident Thomas Borne also stated at the meeting that the fees were prohibitive.

Mr. Gildea explained that the reasoning behind setting these fees high is to discourage people from dropping their memberships in favor of paying smaller daily fees. Mr. Gildea stated that other community pools have had overcrowding problems by nonmember general admissions when daily fees were set too low.

Finally, the Pool Committee recommended that Pool Management reserve the right, at their discretion, to discontinue admissions to the pool complex at certain times for safety purposes.

The Green Acres Compliance Division verbally approved all of the above, proposed changes, according to the recommendations published by the Pool Committee. The Committee also stated in their recommendations, “The Committee reviewed various letters that were received in 1999. These letters contained various suggestions for membership in the year 2000 and all suggestions were taken into account when coming up with this season’s proposed process.”

In addition to notifying last year’s members by mail, the Recreation Commission will send written notifi cation by mail to every Westfield

resident regarding the new registration procedures and dates. Notice will also be published in local papers. Registration must be made in person at the Recreation Office.

In other business, the Commission approved a suggestion by Mayor Thomas C. Jardim to eliminate badge fees for the tennis courts at Elm Street.

After monitoring the change for one year, it will be evaluated in terms of maintenance to determine if badge fees can be lifted at both Memorial Park and Tamaques Park tennis courts next year.

Mr. Burrell reported that he spoke with Kinsey Associates, the landscape architects for the Memorial Park and Pool Complex renovations. Kinsey reported to Mr. Burrell that they need to see updated topography reports before making a decision to remove the proposed retaining wall around field no. 3, as was suggested by the residents ad hoc committee. The group of residents and Commission members developed a scaled down expansion project from the original plans developed by Kinsey.

Kinsey representatives have indicated they will remove the retaining wall if it is determined that it is not necessary from an engineering standpoint. The path through the woods from the fields to Drake Place has been removed in accordance with a request made by the residents ad hoc committee.

Commission alternate member Deborah Judd reported that the Westfield Baseball League (WBL) has verbally requested permission to include an 8foot by 8foot garage door instead of a concession window at the proposed Gumbert Park building in order to have better access to equipment in the storage area.

Area residents have voiced their objections to a concession window to the Recreation Commission at previous meetings. The Commission will address this request at a subsequent meeting after they receive this request from the WBL in writing.

Renovations to Brightwood Park were discussed and it was decided that a committee would be formed in order to implement improvements to the park.

Improvements should not impact on the naturalistic setting, according to Mr. Burrell, as requested by area residents. Some of the proposed renovations may include a path encircling the pond and extending through the wooded area, aerators, picnic sites and a gazebo, according to Mr. Burrell.

Recreation Commission Drafts Proposal on Pool Registration

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Fluoridation Question Draws Mixed Reactions

fall asking for some feedback. Some have replied yes, a few have said no and many have not replied at all. Fresh letters are being sent to new administrations to again explain what Westfield is seeking and details about the plan.

Among the surrounding communities, the Scotch Plains Council, which has a new mayor this year, was given information prepared by Andrew Snyder, a registered environmental health specialist. He is assigned to Scotch Plains as part of an interlocal agreement with the health department in Rahway.

Mr. Snyder said he did not take a stand on the issue, but simply gathered information, both pro and con, for the council’s consideration.

Despite some concerns raised by two residents about added chemicals in the drinking water, Scotch Plains Mayor Martin L. Marks said Tuesday that the township health department had conducted studies about the issue.

An endodontist, he expressed his opinion that “the benefits far exceed any potential risks,” which would only come into play if fluoride levels in the water were “dozens of times higher” than the standard.

In Fanwood, the Borough Council passed a resolution January 13 requesting that Elizabethtown Water Company fluoridate the water supply, following the endorsement of the proposal by the Fanwood Board of Health.

The recommendation from the Fanwood Board of Health was based on input from dentists, along with medical and newspaper articles, according to Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell, who serves as governing body Liaison to the board.

Mountainside, which is served by the Westfield Regional Health

Department, has not considered the matter yet.

Mayor Robert Viglianti of Mountainside said that he was unaware of the issue and had not seen any correspondence yet from Mayor Jardim about the matter, but that he would be looking into the issue.

Robert M. Sherr, Health Officer with the Westfield Regional Health Department, said he has had some municipal administrators indicate that they would make no decision until the Westfield Town Council had passed a resolution seeking the fluoridation.

Those communities saying yes to the measure to date include Fanwood, Garwood, Green Brook, Middlesex, North Plainfield, Plainfield, Roselle Park and Watchung, Mr. Sherr said.

Communities which have had a change in their administrations and received new letters about the fluoridation issue include Bound Brook, Cranford, Roselle, Scotch Plains, Franklin and Union Township.

Those saying no to the plan include Linden, Hillside and Elizabeth, he said. Piscataway has responded, but it is unclear in the letter whether the municipality is undecided or has said no, Mr. Sherr added.

Some municipalities continue to ask for more information or have yet to respond, according to the Health Officer.

Mr. Sherr observed that there has been talk informally at the Board of Health level that the Union County Dental Society may be called upon to talk with those towns that are undecided or have said no to fluoridation.

Reporter Fred Rossi contributed to this story.

Westfield Library Announces Program On Crossword Puzzles

WESTFIELD — Crossword puzzle expert Richard Hughes will discuss constructing and solving puzzles and offer tips for completing them at the Westfield Memorial Library on Wednesday, February 23, from 10: 30 a. m. to noon.

Mr. Hughes’ work has appeared in many national publications including the February 6 edition of The New York Times.

The program is open to Westfield Library patrons and admission is free. Seating is limited and registration is required. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street and may be reached by calling (908) 7894090.