OUR 108th YEAR ISSUE NO. 14- 98 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
The Westfield Leader The Westfield Leader Serving the Town Since 1890
Thursday, April 2, 1998 USPS 680020 Periodical Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.
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Town Bank Reaches Capitalization Goal; Gains FDIC Approval to Open A PLAN OF ACTION... Ronald J. Frigerio, Chairman of the Board, Frank N.
Goffreda, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Anthony DeChellis, board member, all of The Town Bank of Westfield, review construction plans for the bank at the former Plaster Palace on South Avenue.
Ronald Frigerio, Chairman of The Town Bank of Westfield (in organization), has announced that the bank has met its capitalization goal of $5 million.
This, coupled with recently received Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approval, will enable the bank to open its doors in June.
The Town Bank will become Westfield's first locally owned, independent commercial bank in over 70 years. The FDIC approval ensures its ability to function as a financial institution, Mr. Frigerio explained.
The Town Bank will serve smallto mid- size businesses and residents in Westfield and its primary market area of Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Clark, Garwood, Cranford, Kenilworth, Mountainside and Springfield.
In making the announcement, Mr. Frigerio asserted that meeting this financial hurdle is a major step forward for community banking.
"We have believed all along that this area needs an alternative to the large, global banks who place 'branches' in our communities," said Mr. Frigerio. "While the branches offer vast financial resources, they don't offer the kind of personal service and local decision- making we will provide."
There is activity at both ends of banking's size spectrum, with large banks continuing to merge, but the number of smaller community banks increasing as well, Mr. Frigerio said. Between 1994 and 1996, the number of applications for community bank charters quadrupled to more than 200.
"Our analysis suggests that the high premiums paid in big bank
mergers can only be recouped through layoffs, a reduction in services, and higher charges for the services that remain," said Mr. Frigerio. "This may serve stockholders, but it does not serve the consumers and small businesses that are the heart of the economy. Our bank will serve those neglected as a result of all the mergers."
Town Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Goffreda joined Frigerio in making the announcement.
"We are exhilarated by the local response," said Mr. Goffreda. "Over
90 percent of our investors either live or work in our trade area and, consistent with our objective of making the bank an affordable investment for as many local people as possible."
Mr. Frigerio announced that the bank has extended its capital fundraising campaign.
"The state and FDIC require us to raise $5 million, but we are not limited to that amount," he stated. "Extending the offering will enable us to open with an even stronger financial base," he said.
Mr. Goffreda added, "We have received hundreds of inquiries about
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Westfield, State Paying Tribute to Activist, Renowned Entertainer Paul Robeson By CANDACE WALLER
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Paul Robeson, social activist and renowned entertainer, spent part of his growing years from 1907- 1910 in Westfield. His father, William Robeson, pastored St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on Osborne Street and constructed the church building.
The 100th birthday of Robeson, April 9, is being commemorated state wide during the month of April with
a special series of programs slated for the upcoming week in Westfield. Activities are planned for the remainder of the year.
"The state contacted us about doing something to honor Paul Robeson," said Donnell Carr, a former Westfield councilman who is serving as Co- Chairman of the Paul Robeson Centennial Committee, along with the Reverend Leon
Randall, Minister of St. Luke Church. "I think it's an accomplishment of our town to honor him. At one time he was the most well- known citizen of the world. He paved the way for the civil rights movement," Mr. Carr stated.
In recognition of Paul Robeson's 100th birthday, the New Jersey Historical Society contacted towns in the state where he lived requesting that they do something to honor the man
DRUG AWARENESS Drug Awareness Week was capped off at Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield recently by an assembly which included feature speakers Officer Edward Belford, left, and Westfield Police Chief Anthony J. Scutti of the Westfield Police Department. Thanking the policemen for their visit are, from left, fifth- graders Tensae Biftu, Bailey Verdone, Amanda Dickson and Michael Conroy. Also included in the assembly were performances by Tamaques School students and a presentation by Edison Intermediate School Peer Leaders and their advisor, Student Assistance Counselor Marie Koch.
many regard as an American hero. Thus, the Paul Robeson Committeee was formed.
"We feel very proud of the fact that William Robeson pastored St. Luke, and Paul attended Sunday school here," said St. Luke's present Pastor, Leon Randall. "Paul Robeson was able to accomplish so much during turbulent times."
Although many people in the over50 age bracket have heard of Mr. Robeson, it is widely acknowledged that younger generations have less knowledge of him. St. Luke is planning a service for this Sunday, April 5, and a luncheon is scheduled next Thursday, April 9, the centennial date, with Robeson's granddaughter, Susan, on the agenda to educate others about him.
Paul Robeson was born in Princeton on April 9, 1898, the youngest of five children. His father, William, escaped slavery by running away at age 15. William Robeson used his ministry as a platform to advocate racial equality. He instilled that belief in his children.
Before Paul Robeson moved to Westfield, his mother, Maria Louisa, had died in a burning accident. The then- youthful Paul played baseball with older athletes because of his athletic promise. His first experience in an integrated school system came while living in Westfield. According to Paul Robeson Committee member Ernest Powell, Robeson attended Lincoln (now defunct) and Washington
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Veteran Firefighter Remembered For Dedication and 'Zest for Life'
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John Fiorino
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CONTRACTS ON LOTS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY WEEKEND
Woman's Club Set to Sell Adjoining Lots; Buyer Still Sought for Clubhouse on Euclid
By MARK J. YABLONSKY
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Satisfied with two separate bids by two different bidders, the Woman's Club of Westfield is planning to sell the two lots adjoining its present site at 318 South Euclid Avenue, an arrangement that will probably be completed by this weekend at the latest.
In the meantime, the tax- exempt organization will temporarily retain possession of the century- old Colonial Revival house, since a separate bid on it proved unsuccessful at the close of business on March 26.
However, Robert H. Kraus of the Scotch Plains law firm Leib, Kraus, Grispin & Roth, who is representing the Woman's Club, said Friday that the organization will return "to the drawing board to find a buyer."
The bidding deadline was 5 p. m. on March 26. Fifteen minutes later the bids were opened, with the group opting to accept two bids on the lots. Mr. Kraus said he could not reveal the names of the two bidders until the contracts were signed.
Formally, the club's Executive Committee is recommending to its full membership to accept the bids, and also to authorize its President, Ruby Juanita McHugh, to sign a contract of sale with the bidders. Mr. Kraus declined to release the actual selling price until Mrs. McHugh completes the transaction.
That, Mr. Kraus indicated, could occur by this weekend.
"The bid form is the contract, and the only thing the bidder had to do was put in his name, address and the price he was willing to pay," Mr. Kraus explained. One of the successful bidders is local, while the other is not, he revealed.
The clubhouse, once owned by former Mayor Burl A. Towl, was purchased by the Woman's Club from his widow, Letty M. Towl, on October 27, 1955. It is adjoined by a lot directly east, located on South Euclid, as well as an adjoining lot immediately to the north on Tremont Avenue. That lot is sized at 100 feet by 150 feet, or exactly 15,000 square feet, Mr. Kraus said.
The adjoining lot on Euclid measures 150 feet by 92 feet, or about
13,800 square feet. Because the Planning Board of Westfield approved the subdivisions by a 6- 1 vote on March 2, the signing of the contracts is all that is needed now to close the deal.
Once the signing occurs, construction on the adjoining lots will likely begin by June or July, Mr. Kraus said. "My expectation is (that construction will occur at that time)," he added.
In all, the entire property occupies some 45,000 square feet, or a "smidgen" above a full acre, the attorney noted. The bid on the house alone was deemed unsatisfactory, Mr. Kraus explained, because the prospective buyer wanted one of the adjoining lots along with it.
No official date was given as to when the house would be up for
By SUZETTE STALKER
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Veteran firefighter John Fiorino was remembered this week for his dedication to his duty and his family, as well as the easy rapport he always had with colleagues at the Westfield Fire Department.
The lifelong town resident, who was a firefighter in Westfield for 15
years, died Monday at age 38 at the Grandstrand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
He had arrived in the coastal city a day earlier for a vacation. The cause of death had not been determined at press time.
Firefighter Fiorino began his ca reer as a volunteer fireman in Westfield
in 1983. On April 1, 1986, he became employed as a firefighter for the Town of Westfield, according to Deputy Fire Chief Dennis C. Burke.
"I can speak for everyone in the department when I say he was tops as a fireman, in his zest for life and general dealing with all the men he worked with," the Deputy Chief said. "He was just fantastic."
He added that "no matter what the assignment you gave him, he would do it and do it well."
The Westfield High School graduate had received two unit citations as a member of platoons whose actions in the line of duty were deemed outstanding.
Deputy Chief Burke said Firefighter Fiorino and fellow members of his platoon were also up for a unit citation for their efforts in extricating a critically injured woman from underneath a school bus following a traffic accident on March 17.
Firefighter Fiorino was a member of the Firemen's Benevolent Association Local No. 30 of Westfield and the Exempt Firemen's Association.
Westfield Fire Chief Paul A. Battiloro remarked that "John was a lovable person. He was liked by everyone in the fire department. I'm going to miss that big smile he always had on his face."
The father of three coached Little League in Westfield for baseball, basketball, football and soccer. He was a
Daylight Savings Time Begins 2 a. m. on Sunday, April 5
Spring Ahead!
Two Youths Charged With Having Handgun
By SUZETTE STALKER
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Two Roselle youths were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a handgun at Beadleston High School last Friday after police recovered a .22 caliber revolver, along with ammunition, which the pair were allegedly carrying.
Detective Sergeant John M. Parizeau of the Westfield Police Department said authorities received a 911 call from the Lamberts Mill Road school at 9: 04 a. m., after school administrators were informed that a student in the building had a handgun in his possession.
The unloaded weapon was discovered by police in the book bag of a 14- year- old boy, which had been left in a classroom occupied by several students, Sergeant Parizeau said. Authorities located the youngster in the school gymnasium.
A 16- year- old student was found with six bullets for the revolver concealed in Saran Wrap in his pants pocket, Sergeant Parizeau confirmed.
Authorities believe the older teenager may have stashed the weapon in the book bag, he said. He stated that neither of the students had threatened anyone at the school, which is operated by the Union County Educational Services Commission.
An investigation revealed that the revolver had not been stolen, and authorities were still attempting to determine this week how the youths allegedly acquired it. The suspects were being held in the Union County Juvenile Detention Center in Elizabeth.
"We have been operating special schools in Union County since 1969 and this is the first incident I can recall where students were in possession of a gun," remarked Edward M. Hartnett, Superintendent, Union County Educational Services Commission, on Wednesday. Mr. Hartnett has been Superintendent since 1980.
"We had a quick reaction (to the emergency), the (two) students were removed from the building, and its a police matter; that's where it lies right now" he added.
Beadleston High School enrolls 50 students ages 14 to 21 who are classified as emotionally disturbed. It offers special education programs with therapeutic support services.
Mr. Hartnett said that both students have been suspended pending a placement review conference with child study teams from their home district. He said the commission planned to recommend that the youths be placed in an alternative facility.
Council Discusses Restrictions To Proposed Smoke- Free Law
By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The Laws and Rules Committee of the Town Council is expected to soon begin taking up the issue of secondhand smoke and how it relates to public outdoor recreational areas such as the Westfield Memorial Pool and the various soccer fields in town.
The issue was raised earlier this year by Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, Chairman of the Laws and Rules Committee. In January, the first- term councilman said he would like the council to begin examining the adoption of a smoke- free air ordinance in Westfield.
Karen Blumenfeld, an attorney for GASP (Group Against Smoking), spoke before the council on the dangers of second- hand smoke, and on laws enacted in some towns.
Ms. Blumenfeld, noting that "kids are smoking more than ever," said laws passed at the local level which enact smoke- free policies have proven effective in setting a good example for kids not to smoke.
The push to address second- hand smoke has been led by California,
which banned smoking in bars and restaurants as of January 1 of this year. The State of Vermont has also instituted a smoking ban in restaurants. Ms. Blumenfeld informed the council
that some New Jersey communities have banned smoking at children's wading pools. She noted that it would be realistic for the Town Council to
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Page 12 Thursday, April 2, 1998 The Westfield Leader The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
John's Meat Market 2x 4 1/ 2 Bramnick
2x4
WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER
WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER
MONDAY, MARCH 23
· Seven hundred block of Standish Avenue odor investigation.
· One hundred block of Virginia Street lock out.
· One hundred block of East Broad Street gas odor investigation.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
· Five hundred block of Baker Avenue system malfunction.
· Three hundred block of Clark Street alarm activation.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
· Two hundred block of Kimball Avenue alarm activation.
· Five hundred block of Central Avenue carbon monoxide detector activation.
· One hundred block of East Broad Street smoke condition.
· Five hundred block of Hillcrest Avenue lock out.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
· Eight hundred block of Grandview Avenue water evacuation.
· Eleven hundred block of Ripley Avenue lock out.
· Three hundred block of Woods End
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
· A Willow Grove Road resident reported the theft of landscaping equipment.
· Brita Scribe, 35, of Orange was arrested and charged with shoplifting at a North Avenue department store, according to police. She was released after posting bail.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
· A drill valued at approximately $230 was reported stolen from an elevator at the senior citizens complex on Boynton Avenue.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
· A window was reported broken on a vehicle at Centennial High School on Westfield Avenue.
· Jaison Dixon, 21, and Martin Stith, 20, both of Westfield, were arrested and charged with harassment at a fast food establishment on South Avenue, according to police.
Authorities said the suspects allegedly pounded and kicked the glass facade of the eatery and knocked over a trash receptacle in an effort to gain admittance. They were each released on a summons.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
· A Cumberland Street resident reported receiving harassing telephone calls.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
· A bicycle was reported stolen from North Scotch Plains Avenue.
· A Newark man reported that he was assaulted by a fellow employee during a disagreement over food service at a Westfield club, according to police. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident, authorities said.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
· An unidentified woman was dis covered lying unconscious with an abrasion
over one eye in an elevator at the north side train station, according to police.
She was transported by the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad and paramedics to Overlook Hospital in Summit. It was unknown whether the woman had been assaulted or was injured accidentally.
· A resident of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania reported that the passenger door keyhole on her vehicle was punched out while the vehicle was parked on Longfellow Avenue. Police reported that entry to the vehicle was not gained.
· Police reported that a picnic table was damaged at McKinley Elementary School on First Avenue.
· The owner of a firm on North Avenue, West, reported that someone damaged a sign belonging to his company in an attempt to remove it.
· A Fourth Avenue resident reported that his wallet was stolen from his jacket while the garment was stored on an overhead shelf aboard a NJ Transit bus.
· A Cranford resident told police that someone stole his cellular telephone while he was at Gumbert Park.
MONDAY, MARCH 30
· A Westfield resident reported that his vehicle was damaged while it was parked at the south side train station.
· Patricia Wysock, 31, of Westfield was arrested and charged with shoplifting at a North Avenue department store, and with possession of a hypodermic needle and a syringe, authorities said.
A further investigation revealed that Wysock was wanted on contempt of court warrants from Millburn and South Plainfield, according to police. She was being held in lieu of bail.
Road service call.
· Five hundred block of North Chestnut Street wires down.
· Three hundred block of Harrison Avenue automobile accident.
· Two hundred block of South Avenue, East brush fire.
· One hundred block of Harrison Avenue smoke odor investigation.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
· Central Avenue and South Avenue, East automobile accident.
· One hundred block of Unami Drive wires down.
· Eight hundred block of Fairacres Avenue smoke scare.
· Three hundred block of East Broad Street refuse fire.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
· Two hundred block of Elm Street odor investigation.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
· Three hundred block of Clark Street assist police.
· Three hundred block of Benson Place carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Seven hundred block of Scotch Plains Avenue structure fire. participating in the offering. Now that
we have exceeded on our initial objective, we expect that many more people will be convinced of our concept and will want to come on board."
When the Town Bank's charter application was approved by the State Banking and Insurance Commission this past December, Commissioner Elizabeth Randall ruled that, "The public would be well served by the establishment of the proposed bank."
She added that, "Principle offices of depositories are usually better able to penetrate their markets than are branch offices."
Mr. Goffreda focused on the benefits of local ownership, management and
decision- making. "No one can understand the needs of local homeowners and business people better than a traditional local bank," said the veteran of over 15 years of banking in Westfield. "We are going to provide the kind of individualized service that was once commonplace you go into a bank, talk to a qualified loan officer and decisions are made. Not some distant out- of- state computer, but real people, all of whom have a stake in the community and its success."
Site plan approval for the bank's property facilities at 520 South Avenue has been granted by the Westfield Planning Board. Renovation has begun.
Town Bank Gains FDIC Nod, Achieves Capitalization Goal
Elementary Schools. "He was an outstanding black man of that time," said Ms. Powell. "He was an advocate of equality, a noted singer and actor. He was among the first blacks to make movies and talkies (movies with sound)."
Academics was something stressed in the Robeson home. He received a scholarship to Rutgers, becoming only the third African- American to attend the school. He graduated as class valedictorian of 1919 and was inducted in the Phi Kappa Key (an academic society). While there he received three varsity letters in football, baseball and track.
Continuing his studies at Columbia University, he graduated with a law degree. He also met his future wife, Eslanda Goode, who was studying to be a chemist while at Columbia. Paul Robeson could have lived off the material comforts that his education afforded him, but instead he spoke out about injustice.
During his life, Mr. Robeson, the son of an ex- slave, knew the feelings of extreme racial discrimination first hand, since racial intolerance was more prevalent throughout the United States, historians agree. Mr. Robeson became an actor appearing in Emperor Jones, All God Chillun Got Wings, among others. He used his visibility to dispel myths at the time that hinted African- Americans were mentally incompetent.
His baritone voice, commanding appearance and dignified presence contradicted racial stereotypes, which at the time indicated that AfricanAmericans were inferior to other groups, as many who have studied him agree.
Usually rejecting demeaning roles, Mr. Robeson, historians and admirers agree, managed to emerge as a vibrant, commanding theatrical presence. Yet, he had to use the service entrance while performing.
His unforgettable portrayal of Shakespeare's Othello on Broadway
won him further acclaim and broke some attendance records. Mr. Robeson's ideals seemed a precursor for the civil rights movement later led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In his later travels throughout Europe and Asia, Mr. Robeson found he was treated better than he was at home. He spoke 20 languages,. and was treated with respect, those closest to him noticed.
This newfound feeling strengthened his resolve that racial inequality was wrong. "My father was a slave and my people died to build this country, and I am going to stay and have a piece of it just like you," Mr. Robeson once said. "And no fascist- minded people are going to drive me away from it, is that clear?"
When the McCarthy era of the early 1950s ruined or crippled countless young lives, Mr. Robeson found himself labeled a communist, even though he was never known to have joined the party. His passport and those of his wife, Eslanda, and son, Paul, Jr., were denied. Mr. Robeson, like many others, became ostracized.
"Paul Robeson was a renaissance man," Carol La Pierre, a member of the honoring committee said. "He wasn't able to use that talent in this country (because of racial discrimination)."
Upon returning to the United States, Paul lived with his sister, Marian, in Philadelphia, Pa., where he died on January 23, 1976.
Westfield will temporary rename the Osborne Street in memory of Mr. Robeson, the man known for his battle to overcome injustices, with dignity. Many of the ideals now taken for granted were not available to Mr. Robeson during his lifetime.
But as many now agree, because of his great strides, more Americans became able to enjoy social, economic and political freedoms.
Westfield Ceremonies Begin Sunday for Paul Robeson
Firefighter Fiorino is Recalled For Dedication, 'Zest for Life'
another bidding process. The Woman's Club, known for its many contributions to the community, including the awarding of scholarships to graduating seniors at Westfield High School since 1949, has been sharply criticized by many community residents, who have indicated the selling process has been conducted and consummated too quickly.
One town resident, in a recent letter to The Westfield Leader, suggested that the Woman's Club should at least "designate the site as historic," since many worry that once the five- year, single- family limitations on the house expire, there is no guarantee the house won't be razed or altered.
"The whole theory on what they did was to give as many people a reasonable opportunity (as possible) to step up to the plate and buy the property," Mr. Kraus argued.
"They showed it for eight consecutive Thursdays. Stuff was sent out in the mail. So anybody and everybody had an opportunity to make a bid. But they didn't."
When asked if the club could have sold only the house and kept the two parcels, Mr. Kraus responded affirmatively, but said the club could not sell the parcels and keep only the house.
Could the organization keep title to the house and just lease it out?
"That is something they could do," Mr. Kraus replied. "I don't think they will; I don't think they want to go into the business of being a landlord. There comes a time in life when it's time to sell and move on.
"There is nothing that says they can't sell," the club's attorney added. "The Town of Westfield will benefit from the good things they will do with the money."
When asked if the organization will remain in Westfield, Mr. Kraus said, "yes."
Another resident has noted that one of the reasons he had selected Westfield in which to reside was because of structures such as the one the Woman's Club is selling; however, developing the two adjoining lots could have an adverse effect on property values.
"I think he's 100 percent wrong," Mr. Kraus replied. "I guarantee you that the property value of the surrounding properties will not be affected one iota. No way. The houses
that sell on these properties will sell for some staggering prices that will knock your socks off. So how is somebody's property value going to go down?"
The organization, largely through its attorney, has said its membership has been reduced by some 80 percent since the time it first took control of the house, and that many or all of its remaining members are retired.
"When I was growing up, my mother was a member in the club in the town where we lived," Mr. Kraus concluded. "It'll make a nice house for a family."
The group, the attorney repeated, will "definitely" remain in town, very likely "finding someplace else to meet, not necessarily to lease or buy."
Woman's Club Set to Sell Clubhouse's Adjoining Lots
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
communicant of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, and a member of the ItalianAmerican Club of North Plainfield.
Acting Captain Daniel J. Kelly of the Westfield Fire Department, who had known Firefighter Fiorino since the two were students together at McKinley Elementary School in Westfield, recalled his colleague's devotion to family and the community.
"He was a very good family man," the Acting Captain said. "He excelled in sports and athletics and always enjoyed sharing his skills with his children and with youth in the community.
"The kids are going to miss him, too," Chief Battiloro observed.
Mayor Thomas C. Jardim called the death of Firefighter Fiorino "a real shock," adding that "my prayers are with his wife and children."
Firefighter Fiorino is survived by his wife, Allison Tortoriello Fiorino, and his children Amy, 11, Vincent, 9, and Stephen, 7. Also surviving are his parents, Joseph and Eleanor Fiorino of Westfield, and his sisters, Patricia Petersen of Westfield and Joanne Hughes of Lincroft.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a. m. tomorrow, Friday, April 3, at the Holy Trinity Church. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
Visiting hours are from 2 to 4 p. m. and from 7 to 9 p. m. today, Thursday, April 2, at the Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Avenue in Westfield.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fiorino Children's Scholarship Fund, in care of the Westfield Firemen's Benevolent Association Local No. 30, 405 North Avenue, West, Westfield, 07090.
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Erratum
A story which appeared in the March 26 edition gave an incorrect date for a craft show sponsored by the Scotch PlainsFanwood High School Alumni Association and the Student Leadership Conference.
The show will be held this Saturday, April 4, at the high school on Westfield Road, from 9: 30 a. m. until 4 p. m. We regret the error. ban smoking at the community pool
itself, given that kids and adults there should also have a smoke- free environment.
The question of enforcement was raised throughout the discussion. Ms. Blumenfeld said, generally, these types of ordinances are enforced by local health officers, along with police departments.
Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. proposed that more of an effort needs to be made to remove easy access by children to cigarettes. He said this can be done by passing an ordinance to require that they be sold from behind the counter.
He said the ban on cigarette machines in Westfield, passed by the council several years ago, has had a "very nominal impact" on curbing underage smoking in Westfield.
Ms. Blumenfeld said the best course of action a governing body can take to win the war against the tobacco industry is to tackle it on several battlefronts such as easy access to cigarettes by minors, the impact on the environment and cigarette sales. Noting the council's previous action, she said vending machines are the first source of cigarette purchases among kids.
The attorney said a number of towns now require that cigarettes can only be purchased upon request. She said the passage of local laws that "change social thinking" by prohibiting smoking in public places has been proven as the best course of action for communities to lessen underage smoking.
Towns can also restrict the locations where billboard smoking advertisements can be placed, she explained. Town Attorney Charles H. Brandt noted that there are only about five places in town where these types of billboard advertisements can be placed.
Twelve communities in the state currently have laws on the books banning smoking everywhere from recreational areas, public places and restaurants.
During a discussion later in the meeting, First Ward Councilwoman Gail S. Vernick, a nurse, said medical professionals she has spoken to indicate there is little danger from second- hand smoke in an outside environment, as opposed to an indoor environment.
Councilwoman Vernick called the proposed ordinance to restrict outdoor smoking "very intrusive" and portrays government as "big brother." However, she does support restricting cigarette sales to behind the counter.
She said she does not feel there is any "negative impact" from inhaling second- hand smoke when it is done outdoors "unless you are right on top of somebody."
Mayor Thomas C. Jardim and Councilman Goldman both disagreed with this point. The Mayor said his wife, who is eight months pregnant, faces the danger of second- hand smoke every day while waiting on the platform at the Westfield Train Station.
The Mayor, in disagreeing with the councilwoman, said that it should be the smoker who should have to move from the non- smokers not the other way around.
Mrs. Vernick said in an outdoor setting it is easier for a non- smoker to move from a smoker than to ask that
person to move or distinguish their cigarette. Mr. Goldman said Mrs. Vernick's argument clearly favors the rights of the smoker over the nonsmoker.
"This proposed ordinance restricts smoking in narrowly defined areas. If the person wants to smoke, all they have to do is walk 25 feet away from the playing ground. We're not going to prohibit smoking," he said.
Councilman Sullivan said he would like to see the town increase enforcement of laws that ban the sale of cigarettes to minors.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman Janis Fried Weinstein questioned whether an outdoor ban on cigarette smoking could be effectively enforced.
Mr. Goldman said he can't "buy" the argument that "we shouldn't do something good to protect people's health" because it would be difficult to enforce.
He said by passing such an ordinance, non- smokers will get over some of the intimidation involved in asking someone to stop smoking in a clearly marked non- smoking area.
Councilwoman Vernick said smoking is already prohibited around schools and the children's pool in town. She said the Recreation Commission did not want to alter existing laws in town regarding smoking at recreational areas with regard to the proposed ordinance. Also, the Board of Health has decided not to comment on the proposal.
Noting that the nicotine within tobacco is an addictive drug, Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh said the council should "discourage its use as much as we can." He did say that the governing body needs to be sensitive to those persons who have the habit.
He also said there should be no smoking at the town pool.
In other business, Vivian's Kitchen, the Towne House, Brick Oven, Robert Treat Delicatessen and Bruegger's Bagels have all submitted renewal applications of their sidewalk cafι permits.
The council decided that these establishments must submit detailed plans of the placement of the cafιs, including placement of trash receptacles if disposable service ware is used.
Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko explained that if the permits are not approved this Tuesday due to the lack of this information, the permits would be delayed until the Tuesday meetings of either April 21, when the public hearing on the town budget is scheduled, or on the next regularly scheduled meeting on April 28.
The cafι season was to have begun on April 1, but was delayed due to the adoption of a revised code for the cafιs.
The town is also continuing the process of drafting a proposed grant application for Union County's Pocket Park Program. The town is seeking to acquire the former Excellent Diner site for this purpose.
Also, the Board of Education has proposed leasing the former Lincoln School playground to the town, as opposed to deeding it over outright. This site would also be included in a grant request to the county as well.
Mr. Gottko noted that the window to enter into the county program ends on Friday, May 1.
The appraisal process on the diner site has already begun.
Town Council Discusses Proposed Smoke- Free Law
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ON THE MARCH The Westfield Fife and Drum Corps marches during the 47th annual West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15. Twenty- four bands participated in the event, which drew a large audience along the parade route. Westfield's Fife and Drum Corps have participated in the parade for a number of years.
Westfield Students Receive Honors At University of Michigan
Six residents of Westfield were among some 5,732 University of Michigan students on the Ann Arbor campus who were recognized at the university's annual Honors Convocation on March 22.
Karen Marie Ancharski, Scott David Gersch, Neal Sharma and Michael Jay Weisslitz are all enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts at the university.
Jesse David Blumberg is attending the School of Music and Jeffrey L. Williams is a student at the College of Engineering.
These students each received Class Honors, which recognizes an undergraduate academic record equal to at least half "A's" and half "B's" for two terms (one term for new students).
FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
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