The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 39th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 52-98 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. Thursday, December 24, 1998

of of of of of

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Township Resident Continues Ongoing Battle With Bowcraft

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

From her home on Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains where she has lived for over three decades, Thelma Gerber battles the expansion of Bowcraft Amusement Park on the westbound side of Route No. 22. She admits that her efforts over the years have not gotten her very far, but she keeps trying.

Bowcraft attorney Daniel Bernstein defends the ongoing development program as the owners’ effort to improve the amusement park as a source of “safe family entertainment.”

Bowcraft’s latest venture is a proposed water park for which Mr. Bernstein will seek township planning board approval on January 14. The proposal also includes plans for construction of a storage facility on the Bowcraft property.

“I’m very concerned about this water park,” explained Mrs. Gerber. “It’s a big deal and a noisy deal. I don’t think it’s fair that neighbors should have to put up with it.”

Through the years, the senior citizen has pled her case before township officials in a series of letters and appearances before the zoning board and township council. Despite this, “there’s a lot of unanswered questions,” complained Mrs. Gerber.

Bowcraft is in the process of revising its change-of-use application for the water park and storage facility in response to concerns from neighbors like Mrs. Gerber. The revised proposal calls for the storage facility to be constructed away from neighboring homes and for trees to be planted around the structure.

The latest request follows zoning board approval earlier this month for a 19-foot high children’s ride which is being imported from Italy. The park hopes to have the ride up and running for the start of the 1999 season.

“That’s as high as a two-story building,” exclaimed Mrs. Gerber, who resents the noise and lights that emanate from the park.

Though the park offers indoor arcade and video games for teens and adults, Mr. Bernstein said Bowcraft has a “history and tradition” of focusing on activities for little children.

“Why would a kiddie park be open until midnight?” Mrs. Gerber asked.

Under the provisions of a resolution passed by the township’s zoning board of adjustment, park hours are 10 a.m. to midnight during the summer season.

When asked why a park for children would be open to that hour, Mr. Bernstein replied, “As the father of three boys, if we go over at seven or eight (o’clock), (we can) lose track of time.”

According to the Bowcraft attorney, the proposed water park is de

signed to attract more activity during the hot days of summer. It represents the culmination of Bowcraft’s fiveyear upgrade program.

Other elements included installation of the Flying Dragon roller coaster, purchase of two new rides, construction of a storage building and conversion of tent facilities to brick and mortar structures. In addi

Bruce H. Walsh Councilman Bruce Walsh Recalls

Eight Years of Service to Fanwood By MICHAEL P. BABIK

Specially Written for The Times

Bruce H. Walsh, who currently serves as Fanwood’s Council President and Police Commissioner, will conclude his tenure on the borough’s governing body at the end of this month.

Having served on the council between 1987-90 and 1993-98, Mr. Walsh said he hopes to have more time for his career as an attorney, while also pursuing other interests.

“I don’t have time to attend the two to three meetings per week required of a councilman,” he explained, noting that he hopes to remain active in the community by serving as a volunteer on a board or commission.

First elected to the council in 1987, during the administration of Fanwood’s first woman mayor, the late Patricia MacDonald Kuran, Mr. Walsh has been involved in just about every aspect of municipal government.

He has chaired various council committees, including Administration and Finance; Education, Health and Welfare, and Building and Zoning.

From 1987 to 1990, and from 1993 to 1996, he served as Fire Commissioner, and in recent years he has served both as Police Commissioner and Council President.

“Public safety has always been a common thread,” he explained, reflecting on his roles as both police and fire commissioner, as well as work he has done regarding the rescue squad.

“It is important to get to know how the volunteer system works, and the people involved,” Councilman Walsh explained.

At first he questioned the knowledge and dedication of volunteer public safety officials, but revealed he was quickly impressed by the women and men who volunteer for Fanwood’s fire department and res

Mayor’s Run for Congress, Pocket Park and Proposed Commuter Lot Take Center Stage in Borough of Fanwood During the Year 1998 By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times Editor’s Note: The following is the first half of a two-part series recapping the year 1998 in Fanwood. This article covers the months of January through June. The second half of the series, covering July through December, will appear in next week’s edition.

* * * * * During the year 1998, Fanwood residents experienced milestones and major news events, changes and challenges, while the community continued preparations for the arrival of the next millennium — now just one year away.

On New Year’s Day, newly-sworn in Police Chief Robert Carboy assumed command of the Fanwood force upon the retirement of his predecessor and friend, former Chief Anthony J. Parenti. Mr. Parenti is now the Director of the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains.

Also sworn in January 1 were Borough Council representatives Joel Whitaker, a Republican beginning

Suzette F. Stalker for The Times

CHANGING OF THE GUARD…New Fanwood Police Chief Robert Carboy was sworn in New Year’s Day by Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly before a packed audience of family members, colleagues and other well-wishers. Pictured, left to right, are: the Chief’s mother-in-law, Dorothy Kunstmann; his wife, Diane; Mayor Connelly, and Chief Carboy.

William A. Burke for The Times

CLEANUP KICKOFF…An enthusiastic group of volunteers gathered at the southside Fanwood Train Station April 18 in preparation for the community cleanup which began the borough’s annual Earth Day celebration. Members of the public were later treated to tours of the Fanwood Nature Center, which marked its 25th anniversary in 1998.

his freshman term on the governing body, and Democratic incumbent William E. Populus, Jr., now in his second full term. Mr. Whitaker succeeded two-term former Councilman Dr. Chester R. Lindsey.

After less than two days in command, Chief Carboy demonstrated his leadership skills by coordinating his department’s response to a strongarm robbery January 3 on Paterson Road. Fanwood police, in conjunc

tion with Plainfield units, collared two suspects on robbery and other charges in the incident.

The Fanwood Planning Board began a new era as well this year, after officials opted at the end of 1997 to disband the Board of Adjustment and merge the responsibilities of the two municipal boards. Several former Board of Adjustment members were subsequently named to serve on the Planning Board.

Local newsmakers in January included Democratic Fanwood Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly, who announced her intention to challenge three-term Republican Congressman Bob Franks for his Seventh District seat in the November General Election. She formally kicked off her campaign in March.

While admitting the race would be a challenge in the heavily Republican Seventh District, Mrs. Connelly cited her success in being only the third woman and the third Democrat to be elected Mayor of Fanwood in the borough’s 103-year history.

The Borough Council focused attention during February on several issues of concern to the community at large, including a proposal to allow local restaurants to operate outdoor cafés during the warm weather months. An ordinance endorsing the cafés was introduced in March and adopted on April 9, with two related ordinances approved later in the year.

An ordinance was also introduced in February to amend the Borough Code regarding sexually-oriented businesses. Adopted on March 12, the measure prohibits such businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of residential areas and public facilities in the borough. The former regulation mandated a distance of 500 feet.

Members of the governing body also unveiled in March their $5.5 million municipal budget for 1998. The spending plan, which called for

a 2 percent increase over the previous year’s budget, was adopted by the governing body on second reading April 9.

Another March highlight was the Fanwood Volunteer Rescue Squad’s 50th anniversary celebration, which included a resolution from the Borough Council. The squad also marked its first half century with the debut that same month of its new ambulance.

In April, four candidates for two open seats on the Fanwood Borough Council launched their campaigns. Council President Bruce H. Walsh, a Democrat, announced he was wrapping his career on the governing body this year and would not seek reelection to a fourth term.

Taking his place on the party ticket was Katherine Mitchell, then the Fanwood Democratic Committee

Bus Stop Ordinance Set to Go Into Effect In Fanwood on Jan. 6

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

An ordinance formally designating 17 bus stops along South and Midway Avenues in Fanwood will go into effect on Wednesday, January 6, officials confirmed this week.

Borough Council members voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance during their December 10 regular meeting. It had been introduced by the governing body on October 15.

The measure is designed to eliminate traffic and parking hazards on South and Midway caused by commuters parking their cars in close proximity to driveways and intersections along the two streets.

According to Fanwood Police Chief Robert Carboy, four bus stops have been established in each direction along South and Midway, for a total of 16.

An additional stop has been designated on the Fanwood side of the South Avenue and Terrill Road intersection. There is already a stop on the Plainfield side.

In accordance with the council’s recent decree, busses will stop on South Avenue at Hetfield and Martine Avenues and at Staggard Place. Along Midway Avenue, passengers will board at Terrill Road, Martine Avenue, Forest Road and Shasta Pass.

Chief Carboy told members of the governing body at the time the ordinance was introduced that the desig

nated stops will generally be the same as they were before, although not as many.

Up until now, he said, busses had been picking up passengers at nearly every corner along the two thoroughfares, whether or not they were actual bus stops.

As the Chief explained to the council during its December 2 agenda meeting, cars parked by bus commuters near driveways and intersections had resulted in restricted visibility.

Although the number of accidents in the area has been low, Chief Carboy maintained that the potential for accidents remains high if visibility is limited near driveways and intersections.

The official stops on South and Midway were determined in cooperation with NJ Transit, Chief Carboy confirmed. He said these boarding points are near areas where bus passengers can safely park their vehicles without creating any traffic hazards.

Ken Miller, a spokesman for NJ Transit, told The Times on Tuesday that the transportation agency plans to install identification signs at those bus stops recognized by the borough sometime in January.

He added that there have been no requests from municipal officials to install bus shelters at any of the designated bus stop locations. cue squad.

Over the years on the council, Mr. Walsh has found that the most rewarding part of being a local elected official is representing the interests of the people who work for the borough.

“I never thought it was fair to balance the budget on the backs of the people who work for us,” he explained, noting that members of the council are often the only people who represent the issues of borough employees and volunteers.

In 1996, he helped to negotiate the contract between the Fanwood Policeman’s Benevolent Association and the borough.

Mr. Walsh also has striven to keep partisan issues out of Fanwood politics.

“I tried to achieve a consensus between Republicans and Democrats, since most local issues are not political, and I wasn’t afraid to disagree with the Mayor or fellow Democrats,” he said.

In 1993, Mr. Walsh volunteered his legal services to a Fanwood grass roots group to help prevent the construction of a cellular tower next to the post office. Many Fanwood residents were against the proposed, 100foot tower, which they believed would

William A. Burke for The Times

FLYING DRAGON…The Flying Dragon Roller Coaster is one of three new rides added to Bowcraft Amusement Park in Scotch Plains as part of the park’s five year upgrade program. The program also includes the construction of a storage building, the conversion of tent facilities to brick and mortar structures, as well as the possible addition of a water park.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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be an eyesore and a safety concern. He was a proponent of a Fanwood ordinance to limit the number of lowincome houses required in the borough by the state Council On Affordable Housing. The measure prohibited local builders from tearing down existing housing to create vacant land to build affordable housing.

In his career on the council, Mr. Walsh has seen the rise of the Democratic party in Fanwood politics. When he was first elected to the council, the governing body was split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, with a Democratic Mayor, as it is today. This was the first time in the borough’s history that the council was not dominated by Republicans.

Mr. Walsh received his bachelor’s degree from Iona College in New York, and his master’s degree from the City University of New York. Originally a high school teacher, he went to law school at night, earning his degree from Brooklyn Law School.

He started practicing law in 1979

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Bruce H. Walsh Recalls Eight Years of Service

and currently has his own firm, Walsh and Keegan, with offices in Fanwood and Staten Island. He has also served as assistant Union County Counsel.

Colleagues, this week, said they will miss Mr. Walsh’s experience and dedication to the Borough of Fanwood.

“He is a warm, sensitive, and reasonable person who seeks first to understand and always help the people of Fanwood,” said Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly, who has served with Mr. Walsh since he first was elected to the council.

“He is an unselfish man, who became an elected official for the right reasons,” she added.

“I think the people of Fanwood are well served by public officials,” Mr. Walsh said. “We try to be open before we take action, and are not political when it comes to the decisions that affect Fanwood.”

He will be succeeded on January 1 by Councilwoman-elect Katherine Mitchell, who was elected in November to fill his seat.

tion, township approval was granted for a restaurant facility and birthday party room (presently under construction).

“That’s pretty much it for room,” said Mr. Bernstein, who noted that the rides imported from Italy were simply replacements for other attractions that had gotten old. “People want to see new things,” he added.

Before the present owners of Bowcraft, the Markes brothers, took over, the park was owned and operated by its founder, Ted Miller. He launched the amusement park in the 1940s, “prior to zoning in the area,” said Mr. Bernstein.

With respect to neighbors’ zoning concerns, Mr. Bernstein replied, “Bowcraft has been there since before most of the homes, and (there is) noise on (Route) 22, 24 hours a day.”

Resident Continues Battle Over Bowcraft Expansion

“Aside from the commercial enterprise, it provides needed recreation in a wholesome atmosphere,” he continued.

In preparation for the January 14 zoning board meeting, Mrs. Gerber plans to review the revisions to the Bowcraft proposal.

“What bothers me is the water park,” she reiterated. “I’m not even sure where it’s going. The only place I can see (it fitting) is opposite me.”

She will try to enlist support from other neighbors prior to the meeting. Their likely response, she said, will be, “You haven’t gotten anywhere; why should we get involved?”

Chairwoman. She was joined in this year’s race by Councilwoman Karen M. Schurtz, who sought a second term on the governing body.

Throwing their hats into the ring for the GOP were first-time candidate Wilfred P. Coronato and David B. Trumpp. Mr. Trumpp, the son of former Fanwood Mayor Theodore “Ted” Trumpp, had previously run for a seat on the council in 1997.

On April 18, local volunteers banded together once again for the borough’s annual Earth Day celebration, which began with a community clean up.

Organized by the Fanwood Clean Community Committee, under the direction of Public Works Chairman Raymond Manfra, participants pitched in with work gloves, trash bags and plenty of hard work to spruce up local areas in need. The cleanup effort was followed by tours of the Fanwood Nature Center on Cray Terrace, which marked its 25th anniversary this year.

Year 1998 Highlights Told For Borough of Fanwood

A week later, on April 24, borough officials observed Arbor Day with the planting of a Red Spire Callery Pear tree in honor of former Shade Tree Commissioner William L. Crosby. The tree was planted on the grounds of the Fanwood Rescue Squad headquarters.

Mr. Crosby retired in January from the Shade Tree Commission after 30 years of service. He has been a member of the rescue squad for more than 40 years and serves as its President.

In May came the announcement that all 21 Union County municipalities, including Fanwood, had been approved for matching grants under the one-year Project Pocket Park Program. These grants, ranging from $10,000 to $125,000, were designated for acquisition or development of park land or for renovation of existing parks.

Fanwood was awarded a total of $125,000, which officials expect to match through a combination of funds and in-kind services for the creation of a pocket park on a piece of Watson Road land once occupied by the borough’s administrative offices and Fire Company.

The proposal, however, sparked a controversy which has continued through the remainder of the year. Proponents of the idea say it would beautify the site, which has been vacant for more than a decade and has become unkempt.

Others believe the land should be reserved for ratables, or that the money should be spread out among a number of projects, including upgrades to existing parks.

Various development alternatives proposed over the years for the property, including senior housing, commuter parking spaces and subdivision, were abandoned after failing to garner sufficient support from the community.

As May came to a close, Fanwood residents observed Memorial Day with the traditional carnival at LaGrande Park. A heavy thunderstorm, however, canceled the annual Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade, at which women veterans were to have served as Grand Marshal.

Organizers had also planned to honor the USS New Jersey battleship by having a replica of the distinguished vessel appear in the parade. Some Fanwood residents are among those campaigning to have the actual ship returned to the Garden State.

In June, borough officials met with NJ Transit representatives to discuss a proposal for an additional commuter parking lot adjacent to the present south side Fanwood Train Station lot.

The project was one of several conceived by the agency to meet an increased demand for commuter parking along the Raritan Valley Line. A review by Fanwood’s governing body of final plans for the supplemental lot are still pending.

Vincent Testa, an equipment operator with the Fanwood Department of Public Works, captured second place in the third annual “Joe Strauss Rodeo” at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus in Scotch Plains.

The competition, open to Public Works equipment operators throughout the state, tests individuals’ speed, accuracy and ability in maneuvering their vehicles. This was the first year that Fanwood entered the event.

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

Recent Home Sales MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

· King Hawkins, 67, of Plainfield, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated pursuant to a minor motor vehicle accident on Spruce Mill Lane.

· A patron of a Westfield Avenue convenience store reported that upon returning to her vehicle in the parking lot, discovered a man in the rear seat brandishing a handgun and demanding her to drive off. The victim immediately fled into the store and called police. A search of the area utilizing the Union County K-9 unit was fruitless.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

· A Front Street resident reported that someone had smashed his vehicle’s side door mirror.

· Craig M. Williams, 28, of Plainfield, was arrested for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, and Robert L. Fuller,

30, of Branchburg was arrested for being under the influence of a narcotic pursuant to an investigation of a disturbance.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

· Vito Acosta, 23, of Hillside, was arrested for a burglary of a Sleepy Hollow Lane residence that occurred during daylight hours. A description of a vehicle seen in the area was provided to surrounding jurisdictions and Acosta was detained by detectives from the Plainfield Police Department in their town. Police recovered a computer taken in the burglary.

· An employee of a Park Avenue beverage store reported that a man entered the store and then fled with a case of beer.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

An employee of a business in the 1900 block of Route 22 reported the theft of a wallet and cash taken some time during the day.

FANWOOD

Michael Savage to Greg J. and Margo L. Denning, 4 Kempshall Terrace, $169,000.

SCOTCH PLAINS

Margaret A. Shashaty to Steven and Susan Pedersen, 1889 North Gate Road, $202,500.

Obdulia Corral to Mark A. and Coralia Krutis, 1989 Farmingdale Road, $200,000.

Mario Guerriero to Charles Lellman and Michelle Mohan, 2346 Promenade, $206,000.

Peter E. Busch to John H. Luzan, 1248 Maple Hill Road, $272,000.

Gregg H. Tuttle to Mark A. and Janet D. Braxton, 536 Willow Avenue, $180,000.

Jack Matteo to John D. and Kay E. Petersen, 2228 Elizabeth Avenue,

$193,500. Eugene Maykish to Milton A. Faith, 12 Wareham Court, $175,000.

Gerard J. Dinicola to John C. and Maryrose Mehorter, 1874 Lake Avenue, $248,500.

Charles E. Yetka to Anthony C. and Jessica F. Cerino, 364 Stout Avenue, $183,000.

Thomas P. Garrigan to Larry E. and Theresa M. Michele, 981 Fox Hill Lane, $580,000.

Lewis Stranich to Antonio Mastrocola, Sr., 2304 Jersey Avenue, $195,000.

Carlos S. Eliseo to Linda Burris, 1290 Martine Avenue, $330,000.

John A. Ferrara, Sr. to Linda Tomasso Saavedra, 544 Forpaugh Street, $123,900.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PRAISING PERFORMANCES…Charles S. Mancuso, President of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Board of Education, recently congratulated three Union County Magnet High School students for exemplary achievements outside of the classroom. Pictured, left to right, are: Daniel Vissani of Union who was honored by the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City for his efforts as a member of its Volunteer Services Department; Alyshia McGuire of Rahway who was chosen as the outstanding junior member of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, and Brian Raiff of Westfield who spent three weeks in China as a member of the People To People Student Ambassador Program.

Joseph Plumeri Elected To Board of Directors

SCOTCH PLAINS — Joseph J. Plumeri of Scotch Plains, Chairman and CEO of Primerica Financial Services (PFS), has been elected to the Board of Directors of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA).

PFS, a subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc. of Georgia and Mr. Plumeri have contributed more than $1 million to create the PFS Family Studies Center at CASA.

The center promotes substance abuse awareness, understanding and prevention among families of schools, churches and communities.

CASA and PFS created “A Parent’s Guide to Raising Drug-Free Kids” and distributed the publication to families across the country. PFS is

also the 1999 official sponsor of CASA’s website, www.casacolumbia.org.

Mr. Plumeri, who resides in Scotch Plains and Atlanta, Georgia, is also co-owner of the New Jersey-based Trenton Thunder “AA” baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox.

He is a member of CASA’s Commission on Sports and Substance Abuse, a board member of The Council on Foreign Relations, a Commissioner on the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Emory University’s Board of Visitors and Boy’s Town of Italy.

In 1991, he was inducted into The Italian-American Hall of Fame for his career achievements and support of the Italian-American community.

Mark Hemmingway Reaches Halfway Mark

In Naval Deployment

SCOTCH PLAINS – Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Hemmingway of Scotch Plains recently completed a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Hemmingway joined more than 5,000 sailors and marines aboard the ship which returned to its home port of Everett, Washington after leading the USS Abraham Lincoln Battle Group. The battle group was comprised of 10 tactical air squadrons, five surface combatants and two submarines.

During the deployment, the USS Abraham Lincoln aided multinational interception operations in prohibiting contraband transports to and from Iraq. The planes from the embarked air wing flew 1,855 missions during Operation Southern Watch to support sanctions imposed by the United Nations against Iraq after the 1991 Gulf War.

Mr. Hemmingway and crew members visited Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

The crew also participated in Project Handclasp which provided food, hygienic items, toys, books, and paper to a disaster relief organization, a school for the mentally handicapped and an international Christian school. They also cleaned, repaired and painted buildings.

Mr. Hemmingway graduated St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth. He joined the Navy in September 1992. He is the son of Marco S. Hemmingway of Scotch Plains.

Union County College Plans Resume, Interview Workshops

SCOTCH PLAINS — Union County College will host two singlesession seminars for effective resume preparation and job interviewing techniques during January.

The seminars will assist individuals who wish to upgrade their status in a chosen field, as well as those who are looking to start a new career path.

“Make Your Resume Work for You” will enable students to learn the rationale behind effective resume writing and how it can be worked to the individual’s advantage. The class will review the mechanics of writing a resume and cover letter.

The resume workshop will also help participants learn to balance marketability with accuracy, gain some tips on making a resume scannable for employers who rely on computerized screening, and become fa

miliar with the do’s and don’ts of good editing practices, layout, and professional printing strategies.

The college will conduct the seminar from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20 at its Cranford Campus.

“Developing Confidence for the Job Interview” will enable participants to develop strategic selling skills to market themselves for the employment marketplace. They will learn techniques to prepare effectively for a job interview.

The job interview workshop will also teach participants how to conduct preliminary research, the importance of networking, the handling of trick questions, the types of questions an interviewee needs to ask, how to negotiate for the salary, and how to close the interview to one’s advantage.

The college will conduct the seminar from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27 at its Cranford Campus.

For more information, please call the College’s Division of Continuing Education and Community Services at (908) 709-7600.

Automobile Club Offers Tips On Credit Card Fraud

The New Jersey Automobile Club (AAA) has announced tips that can help holiday shoppers to safeguard their credit and purchases.

Pam Fischer, Assistant Vice President of Financial Services for the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club in Florham Park cautioned that shoppers are expected to spend $2.3 billion online, and while the Internet can make shopping easier, it can also lead to credit card fraud.

“With consumer confidence in the economy high, shoppers won’t be afraid to use credit cards during the holidays. Shopping online can be safe if consumers are cautious and follow a few basic steps to increase their security,” she noted.

To safeguard your credit and purchases, AAA offers these tips:

· Use merchants you are familiar with. Web sites can be located through a search engine, a catalog or by calling the local store.

· Read the guarantees, warranties, return policies and delivery policies on the merchant’s home page. Find out if you can return an item for a refund or credit.

· Read the merchant’s privacy statement. It should tell you how the

personal information you provide will be used and whether or not it could be sold to other companies. If you don’t like what you see, find another merchant.

· Look for Web site security information. Some Web sites may include information on their encryption capabilities on the home page (40-bit encryption is standard and 128-bit is state-of-the-art).

· Check with your credit card issuer to find out whether they have a purchase protection policy that includes online purchases. Some cards protect the buyer if an item is lost, stolen or damaged in delivery.

· Keep records of online transactions. Print out the online confirmation of your order and save it just as you would save a receipt from a store.

· If you’re concerned with an online merchant, contact the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) or other consumer agency for more information.

AAA provides financial services to its members through AAA Financial Services (offered by PNC Bank and its affiliates). For more information, please call 1-800-680-AAA4 or go online at www.financial.aaa.com.

IN GOOD COMPANY…Scotch Plains resident Stephen Kendall, left, Program Manager with Potomac Group Homes in Paramus, joins David Daumit, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Potomac, at a breakfast lecture sponsored recently by the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event, which took place at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, was held as part of Good Company, the chapter’s membership program which links the service delivery needs of businesses with the resources of the Alzheimer’s Association. Potomac is a member of Good Company. For more information about the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, please contact the chapter offices at 299 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, 07054, or call (973) 316-6676.

Seton Hall Prep Announces Honor Roll Students

Seton Hall Prep in West Orange has announced the names of area students who received academic honors for the first trimester.

Students must obtain an average above 4.0 to qualify for First Honors.

Edward Smith of Westfield, an 11th grade student, achieved First Honors.

Students must obtain an average between 3.5 and 4.0 to qualify for Second Honors.

Michael Panza, a ninth grade student from Westfield, Robert Murphy,

a ninth grade student from Scotch Plains, Rory Verducci, a ninth grade student from Fanwood, and Russell Verducci, an 11th grade student from Fanwood, achieved Second Honors.

Students must obtain an average between 3.0 and 3.5 to qualify for Commended honors.

William Davidson, a 10th grade student, John Murch, a ninth grade student, and Brian O’Neill, a 10th grade student, all of Westfield, achieved Commended honors.