12 Noon 9/11/01 - Westfield, NJ...The area is stunned at this moment over the tragedy in Manhattan. Normally bustling Westfield, NJ is near "ghost-like" as families seek to find out about their loved ones in NYC, care for their children in the schools; ensnarl themselves from traffic jams; wireless communications and phones are impared at the moment; the internet and email seem to be functioning. Generally, matters are calm, eerie.

Area police, fire and rescue along with emergency management are streaming to help Manhattan; all major public transportation seems paralyzed; local leaders are organizing to contend with the tragedy; most local meetings have been cancelled.

Those few on the street seemed stunned, disbelief. Details and status of thousands will be some time coming. When local officials have releases for the public, we'll post them here.

Courtesy Ed Zazzali as seen from Newark, NJ - PSEG Building

9:00 am 01/09/12 - Contact the Red Cross (Westfield 908.232-0134 or Plainfield 908.756-6414) Blood donations seem to be the highest priority at this point. Officials are organizing emergency efforts. Many are offering to volunteer. They are requested to please have patience as managing the logistics at this time is difficult. The scope of matters is not yet known. Stay in touch with official information channels.

2:30 pm, 01/09/11-------------

Call 789-4006 Westfield Police Dept for all inquiries about NYC issues
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Westfield Y and the schools are working to ensure children of parents stranded in NYC are taken care of
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Blood Emergency Declared from NEW YORK Blood Center
Call: 1-800-933-Blood for New York Blood Center NJ Outlets

Due to this morning's hijack plane attacks on two World Trade Center buildings, resulting in unknown medical emergencies, New York Blood Center has announced a blood emergency for the greater New York/ New Jersey metropolitan area; urging all eligible donors to make a blood donation at donor sites in Manhattan at 310 East 67th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues) and 150 Amsterdam Avenue (66-67th Streets); in Brooklyn at 120 Lawrence Street near MetroTech; on Staten Island at 1625 Forest Avenue; on Long Island at 2500 Marcus Avenue in Lake Success, 3125 Veterans Highway in Bohemia; 333 Merrick Road in Rockville Centre and Route 110N in Melville/Huntington; at 167 New Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey; and 525 Executive Blvd. in Elmsford in Westchester. For more details on available donor locations, call 1-800-933-2566. Hours at all sites have been extended until further notice. Blood donors must be at least age 17, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good general health. Photo or signature identification is required at time of donation as is knowledge of Social Security, Passport or Visa Number.
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Date: 9/11/01 3:42:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time
New Jersey Declares State of Emergency. Offers to Help New York. Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco has declared a state of emergency in New Jersey giving him the power to mobilize state police, the National Guard and emergency units to deal with the aftermath of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. New Jersey has also offered to assist New York City. About 1,000 Guardsmen are assisting troopers in closing roads and moving supplies. The state has also sent criminal investigators to lower Manhattan. DiFrancesco has asked Pennsylvania to make hospital beds available because he doesn't know if the Garden State has enough for survivors. Officials are asking people to voluntarily stay off major highways in north Jersey. Officials are asking people to voluntarily stay off major highways in north Jersey. The acting governor says some Garden State commuters may have to spend the night in New York.

5:30 - 9/11/01 - UNION COUNTY RESPONDS TO TERROR ATTACK

Union County is working with federal officials, as well as officials from New York and the State of New Jersey to assist in the response to today’s terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, said County Manager Michael Lapolla and Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. They ask that residents refrain from non-essential driving and cell phone use to leave them free for emergency officials and vehicles.

The County’s Division of Emergency Management is complying with a request from the City of New York for ambulances and emergency personnel, and has pledged any necessary emergency aid. County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich, County Police and the County’s Prosecutor’s Office are working with federal and state officials to secure roadways, government facilities and hospitals.

The County is assisting the State of New Jersey to implement the State of Emergency declared by Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco.

Within an hour after the explosion at the World Trade Center, all non-essential Union County employees were sent home for the day. In addition, State Superior Court in Elizabeth has been closed and court employees were sent home.

“Union County is doing all it can to assist federal and state officials to respond to this emergency,” said Lapolla. “Because of our proximity to the City of New York, we are focusing on efforts to protect Union County’s residents.” “Our first thoughts are with the victims of this horrific attack and their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella.

Elizabeth and Union County Police have closed several key roadways in the City of Elizabeth to allow emergency vehicles to bring victims of the attack to hospitals. Victims have already been brought to Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, and more are expected over the coming 24 hours. Other area hospitals are on alert and have emergency facilities available, including Runnells Specialized Hospital of Union County, which has made bed space available to victims.

Counseling centers have been set up at the Billington Center at Trinitas Hospital at 925 E. Jersey St. in Elizabeth and at the Family Counseling Center at 300 North Ave. E in Cranford for victims of the attack and their families. The Union County Sheriff’s Office has also dispatched two canine units the Port Authority to assist with security.

The Red Cross of Union County has put out a call for blood. Anyone who can give blood can call the NJ Blood Center hotline at (800) 933-2566.

“Many Union County residents work at the World Trade Center. Some will never again return home to their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “We stand with other Americans and with the world community, in calling for the prosecution and punishment of the criminals who planned this attack. In the coming months, we will stand in solidarity
with the families of the men and women killed in this senseless act of hate.

EMAIL with information or questions - press@goleader.com
1-87-RED-CROSS ( 1-877-332-7677 )
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Former Mayor H. Emerson Thomas Dies at 98
Thank You, H. Emerson Thomas, From Westfield

MR. WESTFIELD...H. Emerson Thomas, left, was honored by the U.S. Congress in 1998. He was joined by former Councilman, Freeholder, Chamber of Commerce President and friend Arthur Fried.

Westfield: H. Emerson Thomas Dies at 98 Public Schools to Open on September 5 Suspect in House Robberies Caught Scotch Plains/Fanwood: Teacher Contract Talks Stalled in District Hospital's Lease of Office Space Approved in FW Thirty New Teachers Come to SP-F District Tax Increase Surprises SP Residents Regional: Mailing Lateness of Tax Bills Explained James Debbie Sees Advantages as Chief/Admin. County Votes Down Ashbrook Development Editorial:  Labor Day Weekend Marks Official Kickoff of Campaign Sesason at State, Local Levels; Carefree Days Are Over For Kids and Parents Alike As Schools Open.

A LEADER OF THE PACK...Senior Tri-Captain Tony Tomasso believes the Blue Devils will have a potent offensive punch.

The Week In Sports: All-Corbin Team Comes September 6; St. Blaise Softballers Sizzle; Chars St. Paul in Playoffs; Hunters Ensnare Montrose; Win Game 1 of Finals, 6-3; Blue Devil Boys Expect Improved Soccer Season.

WELCOME ADDITION...Pictured above is a Dutch Colonial Revival home, located at 225 North Avenue in Fanwood, which has been undergoing transformation into a planned bed and breakfast facility. Located opposite the Fanwood train station, it is owned by James and Barbara Vierschilling, and is expected to serve a clientele from various local communities.

POPCORN:
Captain Corelli's Mandolin: Plays a Heartfelt Tune