The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 39th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 35-98 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. Thursday, August 27, 1998

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

School Opens Page 2-3 County .......... Page 7 Editorial ........ Page 4

Obituary ........ Page 8 Religious ....... Page 9

Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11

Fanwood DPW’s Vincent Testa Garners Second Place In Annual Truck Competition at Vo-Tech By BOBBIE BALDASSARI TURSI

Specially Written for The Times

Vincent Testa, one of the newest and youngest equipment operators with the Fanwood Department of Public Works, recently made his colleagues and family proud by capturing second place in a truck competition requiring exceptional skill and concentration.

Mr. Testa, 26, of North Plainfield, trucked his way into the winners’ circle at the third annual “Joe Strauss Rodeo” held in late June at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus parking lot on Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Hosted by the Public Works Association of New Jersey, the rodeo was created in memory of Joe Strauss, a public works employee and Past President of the association who died of a heart attack at the age of 48.

Titled a rodeo, but more closely resembling a truck show, this annual

competition is open to any Department of Public Works operator — spanning 560 municipalities throughout New Jersey. As a result, over 40 trucks were entered in this test of driving skill and ability.

Raymond Manfra, Director of Public Works in Fanwood, described the contest protocol: “This is an event involving all levels of management statewide,” he explained. “Our judges are typically public works directors from local and statewide municipalities.”

This year, some area judges who participated in the event were Frank Dann, Union County Director of Public Works; Ed Friedrich, Warren Township Certified Public Works Manager, and Guy Lyon, Warren Township Assistant Superintendent.

Also serving as a judge, though not during Vincent’s demonstration, was

his father, Jerry Testa, a Past President of the Public Works Association of New Jersey.

To begin, each contestant’s truck is inspected for appearance and safety

features. In addition, drivers are evaluated in categories such as speed

PRIDE OF THE DPW…Vincent Testa, center, an equipment operator with the Fanwood Department of Public Works, displays a plaque he received for having placed second in the third annual Joe Strauss Rodeo which was held in June at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools in Scotch Plains. Pictured offering their congratulations are Public Works Director Raymond Manfra, left, and foreman Patrick Bellone.

FORTY-TWO TEACHERS JOIN DISTRICT OUT OF 1,000 APPLICANTS; INTERIM PRINCIPAL HEADS SPFHS

Despite Lack of New Teachers Contract, Enthusiasm Runs High for 1998 -1999 School Year Which Starts September 8 By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Enthusiasm is running high at the administrative offices of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood public school system as the superintendent, administrators and teachers prepare to welcome students back to class on Tuesday, September 8.

This is despite the fact that the Board of Education and Scotch Plains-Fanwood Education Association have not yet reached agreement on a new contract. The old contract expired June 30.

The next negotiating session between the two teams is scheduled for this Tuesday, September 1. If an accord is not reached on that day, a follow-up session with a state mediator will take place Wednesday, September 2.

“We’re hopeful,” declared Superintendent Dr. Carol B. Choye. “We’re optimistic that both sides will settle.” She noted that a settlement is par

ticularly important in light of the number of new teachers joining the district.

However, if an agreement is not reached immediately, the teachers and Board of Education are still bound by the existing contract, according to state law.

Anticipated enrollment across the district’s five elementary, two middle schools and one high school, is 4,350 students.

Continued growth in student enrollment plus heavy retirements at the close of the 1997-1998 school year precipitated a big demand for new teachers.

Forty-two individuals were hired from among 1,000 applicants.

Dr. Choye called the incoming teachers an “outstanding group of people” who reflect the district’s ongoing efforts to reach out to a diverse group of qualified candidates.

The superintendent and Board of Education President August Ruggiero

welcomed the district’s newest staff members to the annual three-day staff orientation program on August 25.

Language Arts/Social Studies Supervisor Patricia Boland worked closely with Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. John R. Crews on creating a new focus for the orientation program.

“New teachers will learn how to deal with challenges that arise in the classroom,” Mrs. Boland explained. “They’ll have the opportunity to brainstorm with experienced teachers in how best to solve problems.”

Among the district’s priorities for 1998-1999 is implementation of a three-year teacher training program on instructional strategies, and training in the “4-MAT Learning System” which shows teachers how to manage a variety of learning styles.

Mrs. Boland, who is leaving the district to return to the Livingston

public school system, was instrumental in creating the revised social studies curriculum for middle school students, and the revised social studies and English curricula at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS.)

“Pat’s expertise and support will continue through August and September to see us through Phase One of the introduction of these new curricula,” Dr. Choye pointed out. September will see additional changes in leadership at Scotch Plains-Fanwood schools.

Fred DeFeo, former SPFHS Assistant Principal, will return as Interim Principal while the search for a new high school principal continues in the wake of Dr. Terry Riegel’s retirement last spring after 27 years at the helm.

’98 SP-F Graduates Ready to Begin Life At University Level

SIGNS PROVIDE TRIBUTE TO LONG-TIME RESIDENT GEORGE MEDERER

Directional Signs Help to Increase Visability Of Fanwood Library in the Community

David B. Corbin for The Times

SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS…Casey Hoynes-O’Conner of Fanwood, pictured lower left, and Billy Schlembach of Westfield, pictured lower right, each successfully completed the Fanwood 5-K race which ended at La Grande Park in Fanwood on August 22. Hoynes-O’Conner’s time was 27:43 and Schlembach’s time was 27:45. Allie Hoynes-O’Conner, age 9, and Mike O’Conner proudly hold the banner.

William A. Burke for The Times

PACKING HER BAGS...Elizabeth Baker prepares to depart for Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where she will be an incoming freshman. She joins many other students leaving home to begin college life.

William A. Burke for The Times

WELCOME ABOARD...Dr. Carol B. Choye, far right, Superintendent of Schools for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, welcomes new teachers at the Board of Education offices at Evergreen Elementary School Tuesday morning.

By MICHAEL P. BABIK

Specially Written for The Times

It’s that time of year again, when the lines at Linens and Things grow to twice the usual volume, when summer jobs or internships come to an end, and for many Scotch PlainsFanwood students, it’s time for college. Upperclassmen can’t wait to get back to a place without curfews and rules, while freshmen often get cold feet.

“Am I going too far?,” “Do I really want this?,” “Will I get along with my roommates?,” or “Am I going to make the same kind of friends I make at home?” often run through the mind

of a freshman-to-be in the last days of summer.

Trekking off to college, often a large, impersonal institution, from the comforts of a vibrant friendly community is certainly no easy task and varies greatly from student to student. Some choose small regional colleges, not much larger than high school, while others select huge universities where they are sometimes nothing more than a social security number.

Some prefer to study across the country and some opt for a 15-minute

When long-time Fanwood resident George Mederer passed away in January, his widow, Anne, requested that any donations in his memory be made to the Fanwood Memorial Library, located at North Avenue and Tillotson Road directly across the street from the Mederers’ home.

Library Director Dan Weiss said once he began receiving these donations in February, he was more than grateful. But now he was handed a task – what would be the most appropriate, yet practical, way to make use of the memorial funds?

For sure, the library did not need another piece of furniture, or more books. And Mr. Weiss, in his efforts to heighten community awareness of the library’s many offerings, came up with another idea.

Since becoming Director of the library last October, he has been on

a mission to increase the library’s exposure and public visibility as a viable community resource.

The better part of his mission was coming to fruition, he said. Mr. Weiss succeeded in such areas as illuminating the building at night and increasing library hours to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

He also had the library’s book check system completely automated. But, Mr. Weiss revealed, he always had a tiny thorn in his side that pricked him every time someone would call the library for directions.

Time after time, he acknowledged, confusion resulted when someone tried to give directions to the library, due to its rather unusual location. It is positioned on somewhat of a triangular-shaped island at the intersection, veering off of Martine Avenue near the Fanwood train station.

Mr. Weiss said he felt that, “How can the library be of any use to the

public if the public can’t find it?” Finally, he developed the idea of what he called “directional library road signs.” With that in mind, he immediately consulted with Mrs. Mederer about his proposal for putting the donations in her late husband’s memory to use.

She instantly agreed that this would be an excellent way to benefit the public, help the library, and most importantly, memorialize her husband, who was an avid library supporter, Mr. Weiss revealed.

The library Director’s “master plan” was to erect 13 directional road signs, strategically placed throughout the borough, thus benefiting travelers from every direction. Green in color, each sign shows the international standard symbol for a library, with a directional arrow.

William A. Burke for The Times

LIBRARY AHEAD...This directional sign for the Fanwood Memorial Library is one of many placed strategically around the borough.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Sun Tavern Restaurant to Open in October At Long-Empty Former Goal Post Property By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Times

A Sun Tavern restaurant, featuring Italian-style cuisine and a bar, is set to open on South Avenue and Terrill Road in Fanwood in midOctober.

Ken Duda, the owner of four other Sun Taverns, purchased the former Goal Post property and said he completely renovated the 10,000-square

foot facility for his fifth establishment. “It’s going to be like a new building,” Mr. Duda explained.

Fanwood Planning Board Chairman Gregory S. Cummings said, “We’re pleased to have the spot being utilized. It will be a great addition to the community.”

The Planning Board unanimously okayed a parking variance for the Sun Tavern in July. Fanwood ordi

nances require 130 parking slots, but only 68 are available at the site.

Mr. Duda told the board he made an agreement with Young Paint & Varnish Company, located next door, to use 40 parking spaces in that lot during the evening, bringing the total number to 108 – only 22 shy of the requirement.

Mr. Cummings also noted that other eateries and clubs operated at

the same location for many years with the limited number of parking slots.

The number of parking spots required by law is determined by the square footage of the accompanying building, according to Planning Board officials.

Since the location had been unoccupied for at least the past five years,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

By BOBBIE BALDASSARI TURSI

Specially Written for The Times

Page 10 Thursday, August 27, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

Kathleen-McGee-Daly 2x2 Pain Webber

2x2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Enthusiasm Runs High For Start of School Year

In addition, the board approved appointment of Eric Rosenmeier, social studies teacher and coach at SPFHS, to succeed veteran Athletic Director Gene Schiller upon his retirement in January.

Director of Instructional Technologies Jeff Ross was appointed Interim Principal at Brunner Elementary School for the 1998-1999 school year. Principal Evelyn Shepherd will not be returning to Brunner this fall due to health reasons.

With Mr. Ross’ reassignment, the board appointed Kindergarten through Grade 12 Math Supervisor Donald Williams as Interim Director of Instructional Technologies and Grade Six through 12 Math Supervisor.

Elementary teacher Merrie Snow will serve as Interim Kindergarten through grade five Math and Technology Supervisor.

Additional changes to academic programs include: new language arts writing handbooks for grades one through eight; earth science and world geography in grade six and a two-year world history program across grades eight and nine.

In the high school, Advanced Placement American History is now a two-year program rather than an elective third year of American History. A “Research in Science” elective is available to students interested in pursuing independent pre-college and college-level research with an emphasis on biotechnology.

Looking ahead, the district will explore school-to-work career initiatives in keeping with the state mandate on a “structured learning experience” for students. Thomas A. Henry of the State Department of Education is scheduled to address the board and public on the schoolto-work issue during this evening’s special board meeting.

Another initiative slated to go before the board at tonight’s meeting is the district’s new instructional support team.

The team is designed to replace teachers during planned absences for out-of-class demands such as two days of district-mandated computertechnology training.

“They’re not just subs,” explained newly-retired teacher Toni Fahrmann, who worked closely with fellow retiree Roberta Kieffer on the support team program. “They’ll be trained and given prepared lessons and activities appropriate to the grade to which they are assigned.”

For example, one of the literaturebased kindergarten through grade three lesson plans uses the book “Strega Nona” as the starting point for interactive activities in reading, writing, geography and mathematics.

Ms. Kieffer noted that teachers will be given lesson plans in advance to familiarize themselves with the material before entering the classroom.

The inaugural instructional support team consists of 14 individuals,

all of whom were recommended by principals and supervisors.

Among the criteria for selection of the team were “effectiveness in the classroom, a good rapport with the regular teacher and students, reliability and a positive attitude.”

As the program evolves, added Ms. Fahrmann, “We’ll look to the team teachers to bring in their own expertise” to further enhance lesson plans.

Over the coming year, Brunner School will house the district’s first “prototype classroom” which will enhance the use of instructional technologies for teaching students.

With respect to the long-awaited modular classrooms at School One and J. Ackerman Coles and Evergreen Schools, Dr. Choye is keeping her fingers crossed that they will be open to students for the start of school. Modulars at Coles and Evergreen Elementary Schools are nearly ready for a certificate of occupancy inspection.

During the coming year, Dr. Choye is looking forward to funding from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to support the district’s technology infrastructure. Plans include installation of a second Internet lab at the high school and distance learning labs at Park and Terrill Middle Schools.

The superintendent emphasized that the biggest challenge facing the Scotch Plains-Fanwood schools is the future of funding.

“It’s hard to plan long-range,” she explained. “The state keeps mandating, but not paying. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to rely on property taxes alone and not look at alternative sources of funding for our schools.”

She acknowledged the efforts of State Senator Donald T. DiFrancesco and Assemblymen Alan R. Augustine, both of Scotch Plains, and Richard H. Bagger, of Westfield, as “watchdogs” for public school interests in Trenton.

“One of Senator DiFrancesco’s big concerns is how to fund building,” she said. “Low interest loans for that purpose could really benefit a district like ours.”

A Facilities and Enrollment Task Force was convened in June to develop an updated five-year plan to manage growing student enrollment while providing for a sound educational experience that is cost effective for taxpayers.

The task force will re-convene in September to review student enrollment projections; the impact of new construction and real estate turnover on facilities and enrollment; and the utilization of existing facilities.

Meetings will take place September through November.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Graduates Ready to Begin Life at University Level

commute. Most, however, go for the happy medium...close enough to come home often, yet far enough away to prevent any surprise visits from eager and equally proud parents.

No matter how far away they travel or what type of school they choose to attend, going off to college marks a big step in life. Over the next four years, many will face not only intellectual enlightenment that only a college can offer but also social challenges — living with a stranger, or learning how to handle new freedoms with responsible decisions.

Almost all will look back at this time as the best years of their lives.

Over the next several weeks, an estimated 75 percent of the students from the Scotch Plains-Fanwood district, now the college Class of 2002, will attend four-year colleges all over the state and the country, according to figures for last year in the September 1998 issue of New Jersey Monthly Magazine. Another estimated eight percent will continue on to two-year colleges.

“It’s a good distance and although it’s not a big deal, I thought it was a plus,” explained valedictorian Joyce Chen who leaves next Friday for Princeton University.

Only one hour away, she sees the short travel time as a matter of convenience.

So certain was Joyce with her choice of Princeton, that she applied for early admission and found out that she was accepted in December. With the early decision program, a student is committed to accepting admission if offered it in December.

She intends to major in computer science, a decision she will not have to confirm until the end of her sophomore year. Although registration will begin when she arrives, Joyce said she will most likely take classes in physics, computer science and calculus.

“I liked that Princeton had computer science as an engineering major,” she said.

At many schools, according to Joyce, computer science is not bundled with engineering majors. She, however, will have to follow all of the engineering requirements to graduate, taking 18 courses over four semesters.

“I’m not looking forward to the massive course load,” she explained.

In a freshmen class of close to 1,100 students with median Scholastic Assessment Test scores between 1350 and 1530, out of a possible 1600, according to US News and World Report, Joyce has legitimate concerns. Many top students, often doubt themselves in classes full of students with equal or better credentials.

“A student who earns ‘A’s’ in high school can find that his or her all-out efforts produce only ‘B’s’ in college, and a solid ‘B’ student may be shocked with the first ‘C’,” says a guidebook printed by Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, and distributed to parents of incoming freshman.

Christian Sorge, who leaves today for the University of Maryland, thinks that Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School has prepared him for college. He was able to take advanced placement classes in chemistry and Spanish and will receive eight credits in

chemistry. Christian is undecided about a major, but is registered for an introductory English class, a calculus class, a psychology class, and an introduction to theater. In addition to these, he is taking a one-credit course that is an introduction to college life.

Some colleges, like the University of Maryland, now offer freshman a specific class to get them settled into college and involved with campus activities.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved in college outside of the curriculum, doing some partying on the side,” said Christian.

He hopes to be involved with a theater and music program, student government, as well as with an organization that is responsible for campus entertainment programs.

At nearly 21,000 students, Christian is happy with the size.

“I looked for a broad education and one that offered many career choices,” he said.

Allison Zatorski was also looking for a larger college and will leave for the University of Michigan this Sunday.

“I wanted a big school, not in New Jersey, and I’d like to meet a lot of people,” she explained.

Allison, who plans on majoring in communication studies, was not reluctant to travel far, although her parents discouraged her from going across the country. She sees Michigan as a good compromise.

“It’s a one hour plane ride and if I really want to, I can get on a plane and come home,” she noted.

Allison, who plans to use her degree to pursue a field in journalism or media studies, feels confident with her high school preparation. She, too, was able to take several advanced placement classes.

“It is a well-rounded high school. I had a broad-based education,” she said.

Elizabeth Baker, who will depart today for Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, explained that distance did not limit her college selection process at all. Although she applied to colleges as far away as Atlanta, all her choices were in the eastern half of the country.

“Size mattered more for me,” she said preferring to attend a college with no more than 6,000 undergraduates.

Colgate boasts an undergraduate population of nearly 3,000 students.

“It’s a good school, I liked the size, and I’m looking for a liberal arts education,” she said.

Elizabeth is still undecided about her major, but is leaning toward political science. She was one of 200 freshman selected in a “Leaders for the new Millennium” program. The group lives in a separate dorm, attends leadership activities, goes on trips, and has top priority in meeting guest speakers who come to campus.

Elizabeth is not looking forward to do having so much responsibility and having to everything on her own.

“I’ll miss my friends and family most,” she said, including a twin sister who will go to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

“It’s weird — with my twin sister — because we will be away and not together. This has never happened before.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Directional Signs Increase Visability of Public Library

Mr. Weiss knew, however, that he could not get the wheels in motion on this project alone. He reached out and, in turn, received enormous support from the community.

Nancy Koederitz, Fanwood’s Zoning Officer, made sure the proposed directional signs would not violate any local ordinance, while Fanwood’s Traffic Safety Officer Richard Trigo assisted in finding prime sign locations.

Angelo Papperella and his staff at Union County’s Sign Shop helped design and manufacture the signs. William Anderson of the New Jersey Traffic Engineering Department and Bruce G. Connor, Director of Engineering with the Union County Traffic Bureau, also took active parts

in this endeavor. Raymond Manfra, Fanwood’s Director of Public Works, and members of his department physically erected the signs.

“This project turned out to be an example of a network of local people, services and departments uniting together to ultimately benefit the public,” Mr. Weiss stated.

“This was an overwhelming response, from all parties involved, to a community need,” he added.

Mrs. Mederer stated that, “George and my family made many weekly visits to our library. The librarians were nurturers and teachers to our children. We watched generations of people within the community pass through this library.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Vincent Testa Wins Second In Truck Skill Competition

and accuracy. This involves precise maneuverability of a very large dump truck with a huge snow plow attached to it, according to Mr. Manfra.

Drivers are required to drive their vehicles as fast as they can through a course of complicated cones and lanes, he explained. The next task requires excellent reversal truck techniques, such as backing through the entire course, as well as backing up to a barricade as swiftly and as closely as possible with out contact.

Mr. Testa achieved perfect scores in all categories, but lost in the speed category by less than one second, landing him in second place.

“It was awesome, a lot of fun,” remarked Mr. Testa, who said he was happy to bring the award back to Fanwood. “It was a nice day the way they performed it.”

On behalf of his department, Mr. Manfra recognized Mr. Testa’s efforts as well as the latter’s display of skill during the competition.

“We are all proud of Vincent’s display of training and experience; this perpetuates great morale for all public works employees,” the Public Works Director remarked.

Mr. Manfra also stated that, “this was the first year Fanwood’s Department of Public Works entered the contest, and we are honored to hang his award plaque in our building.”

Fanwood was unable to participate in the contest the first two years because the department could not spare any operators due to the time of the year the contest was held.

“When the time came for this year’s contest, I asked for volunteers in my department, and sure enough, there was Vincent, who exhibited a keen interest,” Mr. Manfra recalled.

He said he was extremely pleased with the show of enthusiasm during

the rodeo, as well as the turnout by some of New Jersey’s Public Works finest.

The Public Works Association of New Jersey is, in part, Mr. Manfra’s brainchild. He was one of the original founders and the first sitting President of the association.

Mr. Manfra noted that the association, which he called “the first of its kind,” was incorporated back in 1978 through a bill signed by then-Governor Brendan Byrne.

The Public Works Director, who has been active in the public works field for 37 years, revealed the mission of the association.

“Our goal is to localize education and practices, and to promote better professionalism, as well as to become better affiliated within the leagues of municipalities throughout the state,” he explained.

“In the past, we have increased our standards through more local training to create more experienced workers,” he continued. “The association has even passed laws (for qualified people) to become a CPWM (Certified Public Works Manager).”

Today, the methods and standards of the association are strengthening the character of public works departments all over the state, Mr. Manfra stated.

“Through education, our people are more trained and more experienced than ever,” he continued.

“We want the public to know the quality type people who are running this department, which handles an incredible amount of responsibilities such as the maintenance of our entire infrastructure; roads, trees, recycling, solid waste, leaf removal, side walks, parks, etcetera…this list can go on,” the Public Works Director concluded.

MONDAY, AUGUST 17

· A resident of Clydesdale Road reported that someone smeared her vehicle with ground beef and bacon sometime during the night.

· A South Avenue business reported the theft of a number of checks from a receptionist’s desk.

· Two Plainfield youths, age 15, were taken into custody for the theft of a bicycle from the Birch Street area, according to police. Both boys were released to the custody of their parents.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

· Lawrence Greene, 20, of Elizabeth was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly having given a false name to police pursuant to a motor vehicle stop on Route No. 22.

· A resident of Elizabeth Avenue reported finding a rear door storm window smashed.

· A Country Club Lane resident reported that someone gained entry to the home by way of a rear window sometime during the day. Miscellaneous jewelry was taken, according to police.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

· A resident of Mountain Avenue reported the theft of a bicycle.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

· Andrew A. Greco, 22, and Vincent J. Santimone, 3rd, 21, both of Bloomfield, were arrested and charged with criminal trespass and with theft in connection with an incident which occurred at an amusement facility on Route No. 22, authorities said.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

· A resident of East Second Street reported that his vehicle’s rear window was smashed while the automobile was parked on the street.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11

· Police reported that an attempted shoplifting took place at a South Avenue supermarket.

The suspect, described as a black male age 25 to 30, was seen allegedly attempting to carry merchandise from the store.

Authorities said the suspect dropped the items and fled when confronted by supermarket personnel. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

· A Scotch Plains police officer reported that an unknown person threw an unidentified object at his car. The incident occurred at La Grande Avenue and Fourth Street, authorities said.

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

FANWOOD POLICE BLOTTER

Registration Planned For Senior Aerobics

SCOTCH PLAINS — An aerobic exercise program geared for senior citizens is being offered through the Scotch Plains Recreation Department.

The exercises will be accompanied by music and vary from chair to standing routines.

Registration will take place Monday, September 14, through Friday, September 25 for residents, and Monday, September 21, through September 25 for non-residents, at a cost of $5 and $10, respectively.

Sessions will be held Monday and Friday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m., and participants must provide their own transportation.

Scotch Plains Reveals Pending Collection of Tree Limbs, Brush

SCOTCH PLAINS — Scotch Plains Township is planning a tree limb and brush pick-up program starting on Monday, September 21, at 7 a.m.

Since the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be going through the township once, all tree debris must be placed at curbside by this date.

Crews will be picking up tree limbs and shrub parts only. Grass, weeds, leaves, stumps and other materials will not be picked up.

The program will again be conducted in the same manner as leaf collection. The DPW will be working on the north side and the south side of the township simultaneously.

The material will be picked up in the same manner as the community’s residential clean-up program in June, according to the DPW.

Tree parts must be placed in bundles not to exceed 50 pounds and four feet in length, for maximize speed and efficiency in pick up. Bundles should not be tied with metal wire.

In case of inclement weather, the DPW will temporarily suspend pickup. However, service would resume as quickly as possible.

Petty Officer Faulkner Takes Part in RIMPAC

FANWOOD – United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Paul D. Faulkner, the son of Carmel Cox of Fanwood, recently participated in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 1998 while aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton, home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Petty Officer Faulkner was among several thousand sailors, Marines, airmen, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen from across the Pacific to participate in the month-long exercise conducted near Hawaii.

In addition to the military forces, more than 50 United States ships and 200 United States aircraft were involved in RIMPAC, along with naval forces from Australia, Canada, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

RIMPAC is a large-scale, multifaceted exercise conducted to improve the interoperability of combined and joint forces in tactics, command and control, logistics and communications.

Petty Officer Faulkner is a 1979 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. He joined the Navy in February of 1984.

other planning board officials called the new business “a big improvement.”

The Sun Tavern will seat 165 customers, Mr. Duda said, primarily with booth-style seating.

“We will offer a little bit of everything,” Mr. Duda said. The menu includes pizza, steaks, chicken, favorite Italian specialties, hamburgers and more. One customer who frequents a sister Sun Tavern in Union Township said he particularly favors a thin-crusted pizza specialty.

The building which will house the new Sun Tavern was emptied using 30-foot long dumpsters, Mr. Duda said. “Everything is new,” he added.

At one point, a site in downtown Westfield was being considered for the restaurant.

Hours of operation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., with the kitchen open from noon to 1 a.m.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Sun Tavern Due To Open Soon At Goal Post Site

Watch For The Opening Of Our New Scotch Plains

Office In September RIGHT FACE...The Scotch Plains-Fanwood marching band practices its moves

on the football field prior to opening day. The band performs on the field at halftime during football season, which begins shortly after the start of school. Just as importantly, students also practice their music, but off the field.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Offers Tips on Saving Money

Many people are surprised at how quickly they can save money after changing just one spending habit, according to Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

Michigan State University Cooperative Extension has offered the following tips to help people get in the practice of saving money:

Pay yourself first: Treat savings like one of your regular bills. Put a part of each paycheck — even if it is a small amount — into savings and leave it there. The best way to pay yourself first is to “automate” your savings through payroll deduction. Have your employer deposit your savings directly from your paycheck into a credit union, 401(k), or bank account. If you never see it, you won’t miss it.

Pay loan installments to yourself: Once you pay off an installment loan, continue to make “payments” to your savings account. This is a good way to save for the down pay

ment on your next car once the old one is paid for. Use this same technique when you have an expense, like child care or college tuition, that ends. Use the money you were previously paying for child care to increase savings or reduce debt.

Save your extra paychecks: Workers paid bi-weekly have two months a year with three paydays; those paid weekly have four months with five paydays. Save all or part of these extra paychecks or use the money to reduce debt.

Save spare change: Place loose change in a can or jar. As money accumulates, place it in a savings account to earn interest.

Bank a raise: If you’ve recently received a raise, try living on your previous salary and save the difference.

For further information about MONEY 2000 and other educational programs, please call Dr. Karen Ensle at (908) 654-9854. Rutgers Cooperative