The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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

OUR 39th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 27- 98 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, July 2, 1998

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4 Obituary ........ Page 9

Religious ....... Page 8 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11

FORTY- SIX NEW UNITS PROPOSED FOR FACILITY

Chelsea Proposes Addition For Independent Living

Gerard Christie for The Times SEEKING EXPANSION... Chelsea at Fanwood officials are seeking to add an independent living wing to the assisted living facility located on South Avenue. The case is now before the borough's Planning Board. By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

The Fanwood Planning Board heard a proposal last Wednesday from attorney Brian Burns for Chelsea at Fanwood, to build independent living apartments for senior citizens.

Owners plan to demolish a dwelling and an existing garage on the property adjacent to the assisted living building on the north side of South Avenue next to the local post office. They plan a 40- unit independent living senior residence with a six- unit addition to the assisted living residence with an additional 87 parking spaces.

When completed, the facility would span several addresses — from 277 South Avenue to 295 South Avenue.

According to Leonard Hirschhorn, who was the first of four witnesses to testify for Chelsea, there is a real need for independent senior apartments in Fanwood.

Mr. Hirschhorn said the one- and two- bedroom apartments are for seniors who do not need additional services or care. Mr. Hirschhorn said that of the 365 seniors who inquired about housing, 290 of them came from within a five- mile radius of Fanwood. He also stated that many seniors said they simply no longer wished to be responsible for larger homes.

Mr. Hirschhorn went on to explain that assisted living provides community dining and help with personal care and housekeeping. Mr. Hirschhorn said it was beneficial to have both types of housing at the same location.

Another witness testifying on behalf of the project was Rocco Palmieri, Vice President of Schoor DePalma, located in Parsippany, the engineer that prepared the site plan. He said there would be two parking lots and a plan to reduce the parking space sizes at the existing lot to create 24

more spaces. According to Mr. DePalma, the new spaces would be nine feet by 18 feet. Six larger spaces were allotted for handicapped parking.

Mr. DePalma said the residence would have its own trash collection service.

Borough Engineer Richard Marsden said he had concerns about the sewer line system connected with the plan. Also, according to Mr. DePalma, there would be three entrances and exits at the complex including the easterly, north side driveways and direct access from South Avenue.

Mr. DePalma pointed out that in case of an emergency there was a driveway from the Post Office that could be utilized.

Sue Davis, representing the Fanwood Volunteer Rescue Squad, asked where a designated loading zone for a rescue vehicle would be and William Crosby, President of the Rescue Squad, said he had concerns about the smaller size of the new elevator.

Mr. Crosby said the current elevators at Chelsea were shorter by one foot in order fit a stretcher. Mr. DePalma and Mr. Burns responded that there would be a designated loading area and that the new elevators would meet all requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.

Mr. Hirschhorn said the current elevators in the building were built by the previous owner for use as part of a hotel.

Paul Adison, architect for the project, reported that in the front of

the buildings there would be several community rooms, including a library, a multipurpose room and a warming kitchen.

Mr. Adison said the rooms could be used for parties and special occasions as well as an every day activity room. He proposed a front plaza with

David B. Corbin for The Times READY TO BURN RUBBER... Paul DiMarco and his 10- year- old son, Matthew, stand next to this 1964 Ford Shelby Cobra which was on display during last Sunday's Classic Car Show and Craft Fair. The event was sponsored by the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association.

David B. Corbin for The Times ITS A CLASSIC... Jay Bierman of Scotch Plains sits in his first place yellow 1912 Model T Ford which was one of the early models on display during last Sunday's Classic Car Show. The fourth annual event, held in the center of the township, also featured a craft fair on the Village Green.

Gerard Christie for The Times TEEING OFF... Hanno Shippen Smith, the son of Clara Russel Shippen, watches as Ron Eisler tees off during last weekend's annual John Shippen Memorial Golf Tournament held at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains. Clara Russel Shippen is the youngest child of John Shippen, the first native- born American ever to play golf professionally. Board of Education Eliminates

Grade 7 Cognitive Test, 5- 4 By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Following a heated discussion, the Scotch Plains- Fanwood Board of Education approved elimination of the seventh- grade Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) by a vote of 5- 4 during the June 25 regular public meeting.

Board President August A. Ruggiero and Vice President Theresa Larkin, along with members Morris H. Gillet, Richard R. Meade and Jessica D. Simpson, voted for elimination of the CogAT, while Jean McAllister, Lance Porter, Thomas Russo and Edward J. Saridaki, Jr. opposed the motion.

A letter from Fanwood resident Victoria Manduca, a member of the standardized testing committee who opposed eradication of the test, was noted during the meeting.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. John R. Crews said the testing committee recommended elimination of the seventh- grade CogAT for two reasons.

"We don't use the results in the district for any purpose," explained Dr. Crews. "And, parents are concerned about the extensive testing that's (already) being done."

Acknowledging that the CogAT is akin to an intelligence quotient test, Dr. Crews said a 30- minute OtisLennon School Ability Test could be administered to individual children "if a parent wants a child tested."

In March, the Otis- Lennon was chosen to replace the CogAT in grades 2 and 5 for the 1998- 1999 school year.

"If we're not using it," said Mr. Gillet, "we're just throwing another test at the students.

"I'm disappointed by the professional administration of this district," said Mr. Saridaki. "When you take these results, you can clearly see tendencies among students."

Using his own son's scores as an example, Mr. Saridaki said that disparity among certain CogAT scores (even for an "A" student) "reflects that the district is not doing its job in teaching a child the basics."

He cited spelling and vocabulary as examples.

John Shippen Tournament Brings Back Memories Of First Native- Born American Golf Professional By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

He has been called the Jackie Robinson of golf. He died nearly 10 years before the phenomenal Tiger Woods was born.

His name is John Shippen, the first native- born American ever to play golf professionally.

"Ship," as his friends called him, is best remembered locally for the years he spent at Shady Rest Country Club, which is now The Scotch Hills Country Club, in Scotch Plains.

For the past eight years, the legacy of John Shippen has been celebrated in a memorial golf tournament sponsored by the John Shippen Memorial

Committee in Scotch Plains. The tournament raises funds for golf scholarships for minority boys and girls. Last Saturday, 66 golfers attended the most recent annual event at Shackamaxon Country Club. Most players came from Union and Essex Counties, with some participants coming from as far away as Wash ington, D. C.

This year, Arizona Beverage Company and Merck & Company Inc., sponsored the event.

"Ship" was not looking for a place in golf history in 1896, when the newly organized United States Golf Association (USGA) decided to host the Second U. S. Open right in his

own backyard of Shinnecock Hills, New York.

The 18- year- old Shippen was simply curious to see how his game matched up against the professionals golfers from England and Scotland. The game of golf originated in Scotland.

ERIC ROSENMEIER TAKES HELM LATER THIS YEAR

Gene Schiller Looks Back on 16 Years With SPFHS, Including Past 11 as Athletic Department Director

By JILL LOEWER

Specially Written for The Times

"An excellent football coach." "Wonderful to work with." "An asset to the district." These are just a few of the comments about Gene Schiller from the coaches who work with him.

Mr. Schiller, who has been with the Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School Athletic Department for the last 16 years, is retiring at the end of the year.

Eric Rosenmeier, who is currently Head Track Coach and Assistant Football Coach at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School, will step up to fill the slot.

Mr. Schiller grew up in South Plainfield and lived there most of his life. He attended St. Benedict's Prep School in Newark and Holy Cross College in Worchester, Massachusetts — graduating in 1954. While at Holy Cross, he was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship baseball team.

After college, Mr. Schiller played with the Milwaukee Braves (now in Atlanta) baseball team for two years until a coaching career took him to Seton Hall University, in South Orange, in 1955; St. Benedict's, Newark, in 1958; Franklin Township High School, in 1972 and finally to Scotch Plains- Fanwood in 1982.

He served as football coach and Assistant Athletic Director at the high school until 1987, when he became the full- time Athletic Director.

Among his most memorable accomplishments, Mr. Schiller said, "we've added a lot of sports programs over the years I've spent at Scotch Plains- Fanwood, especially for the girls. We've won more championships in the last 16 years than the school had up to that point."

Mr. Schiller said he coached Jeff Hammonds in high school, who is

currently an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles Major League baseball team.

In an interview with The Times,

Gary Kehler, former Westfield High School Athletic Director said, "Gene was outstanding as a coach and athletic director. He always was very

competitive and stressed sportsmanship. He always stood by his coaches and took great pride in his teams."

Mr. Schiller and his wife of 44 years, Yolanda, have seven children and 19 grandchildren. Many of the grandchildren are in sports programs in Scotch Plains. Mr. Schiller said he plans to spend his retirement watch ing his grandchildren play sports

and traveling. Mr. Schiller also said, "I'd like to thank the students, the parents, and the community for the opportunity to coach and be athletic director for so many years. It's wonderful to be able to have a job that let's you do some

School Board Files Impasse With SPFEA

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

During the June 25 public meeting of the Scotch Plains- Fanwood Board of Education, Vice President Theresa Larkin reported that "no settlement" has been reached over teachers contracts in negotiations with the Scotch Plains- Fanwood Education Association (SPFEA). The existing contract expired on June 30.

"We're plodding along," Mrs. Larkin said. The board and SPFEA have been negotiating since January.

Since last week's board meeting,

The Times has learned that the board filed for impasse on June 23 in its

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

a retractable canvas awning. The existing building would be the main building and the new addition would match it. He also reported that

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Page 10 Thursday, July 2, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

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there would be 275 plants added to the site so that the "residents would be looking into green space and not parking lots."

Planning Board Chairman Gregory Cummings said he saw the existing building and that it already looked big. He said it was difficult to imagine how it would look with the additions.

Mr. Cummings also reported that the Fanwood Environmental Commission was concerned about the proposed four- story building.

Board member Nancy Koederitz asked if there was a main entrance in front of the building to which Mr. Adison replied, that there was not.

Portia Checchio, of Acacia Road in Scotch Plains, said she owns two properties in Fanwood that are affected by the project. Mrs. Checcio asked whether something could be done to prevent more lighting from the addition disturbing residents at 320 North Avenue and 324 North Avenue.

She proposed landscaping to block the bright lights and to serve as a sound barrier for the properties. Mrs. Checchio reported that early morning garbage collection at the existing building is also very noisy. Board members said the strip of land that

boarders her property is owned by NJ Transit railroad and not Chelsea.

Gene Bellamy, Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention, asked for a fire hydrant in back of the building.

After almost two hours of testimony the board briefly from a fourth witness, Susan Gruel, a professional planner. She told the board Chelsea was seeking nine variances required for the addition including a use and building height variance.

The plan has sought for a 45- foot maximum, where 35 feet is permitted under Fanwood zoning restrictions.

Mrs. Gruel testified that the population projections from Union County's Master Plan, which will be unveiled this week, shows a 2 per cent increase in persons over 55 years of age by the year 2000 in the county. She claimed there are long waiting lists for senior housing all over Union County.

Mrs. Gruel will continue to testify at the next Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, July 22.

In other business, variances were granted to David and Lisa LaShell of Tillotson Road to build a deck and Maria Elena Fernando of Madison Avenue to build a fence.

Chelsea Proposes Addition For Independent Living

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

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thing you really enjoy." Mr. Rosenmeier will become Athletic Director at the end of 1998. He has been with the Scotch PlainsFanwood High School sports program since 1991. He said he will not coach when he becomes Director.

Mr. Rosenmeier was lived in Clark and attended Colgate University, graduating in 1987. He also has a Master in Business Degree from Rutgers University. He and his wife,

Margo, live in Phillipsburg. "Gene has taught me the importance of working for your community. He didn't get as much credit as he deserved, working behind the scenes. He's a great guy," Mr. Rosenmeier said.

"My plans for Scotch Plains' athletic program are to continue the tradition of Mr. Schiller and the high standard he has set. I'm happy to have the opportunity."

Gene Schiller Looks Back On 16 Years With SPFHS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

While living on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, young Ship had helped build the golf course. As assistant to the resident professional golfer Scotsman Willie Dunn, the teenager knew Shinnecock as well as anybody.

He had caddied there since he was 13 years old and played the course regularly. He gave lessons to wealthy businessmen like J. Pierpont Morgan.

In fact, "Ship's" own golf game was so good that his pupils put up the money for him to enter the tournament in July of 1896.

However, the competition did not make it easy for him. All 28 registered professional golfers threatened to boycott the tournament if Mr. Shipppen and his friend, Oscar Bunn, were allowed to play in the game.

Why? John Shippen was the son of an African- American Presbyterian minister on the Shinnecock Reservation and a Native- American mother. Mr. Bunn was a full- blooded Shinnecock Native- American.

United States Golfers Association (USGA) President Theodore Havemeyer, a wealthy businessman from Rhode Island, ignored the professional golfers' threats. He assured the players that the tournament would be played with or without them, but definitely with Mr. Shippen and Mr. Bunn. Not one of the golfers withdrew from play.

After the first 18 holes of the tournament, Mr. Shippen was tied for first place with four other golfers. (Eighty- five years would pass before another African- American would lead the U. S. Open. He was Jim Thorpe, in 1981.)

During the second and final round of play, Ship got into trouble in the sand on the 13th hole. He lost the lead and was never able to regain it.

He finished the tournament in fifth place and won $10 in prize money.

Ship played in four more U. S. Opens before African- Americans

were prohibited from participating in USGA events — a ban later rescinded in the mid- 1960s.

Mr. Shippen managed to earn a living at golf by giving lessons, working as a grounds keeper, playing challenge matches and even opening his own club outside the Washington, D. C., area.

In Scotch Plains, from 1924 to his retirement in 1960, Mr. Shippen served as the resident golf professional at what is widely regarded as the first African- American country club in the United States, Shady Rest.

"John Shippen never bragged on what he did," said Ralph Wise of Plainfield, "and we never knew how great he was."

As Mr. Shippen's last professional golf caddie, then 11- year- old Mr. Wise began working for his mentor at Shady Rest in 1940s. He helped the Pro clean the greens, rake the traps and organize tournaments.

For his labors, Mr. Wise said he was paid a hot dog, a soda and 25 cents.

"More valuable than the money," said Mr. Wise with a smile, "was the chance to talk to the players and hear John Shippen explain the game and talk about the players of the day."

Under Mr. Shippen's tutelage, young Ralph Wise earned a spot on the local high school varsity golf team as an eighth grader. As a team member and later as team captain, the younger Mr. Wise had access to private courses which were closed to Mr. Shippen.

"John Shippen would always ask to see the scorecards," recalled Mr. Wise. "And he would say, 'there's always room for improvement. '"

John Shippen died at the age of 90 in 1968.

In 1995, a public tribute to America's first golf professional was paid during the opening of the U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where John Shippen put in his history- making appearance over 100 years ago.

Shippen Tournament Brings Back Memories of Golf Pro

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negotiations with the SPFEA "in an effort to expedite the settlement process."

According to the New Jersey School Boards Association, when the parties are stalemated in negotiations over the terms of teachers' contracts, bargaining continues with the assistance of the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC).

PERC efforts include third- party mediation and fact- finding in which the parties may reach a voluntary settlement. If there is no resolution after a number of steps in the process, employers —in this case, the Board of Education — may impose the "last best offer" on teachers. Al though this is rarely done, it has been

said the threat of the "last best offer" encourages settlement between the parties.

The next meeting of the negotiating teams is scheduled for Monday, July 13.

The last three- year contract with teachers was settled nearly two years ago after a marathon 17 months of negotiations. The parties met a dozen times with no results, until a PERC mediator was brought in. At that time, following the agreement, board member Richard R. Meade, of Fanwood, still insisted that, "I believe the settlement is higher than fiscally prudent."

School Board Files Impasse With Teachers Union

"If we don't use the test," said Mrs. Larkin, "what do we need it for? I don't need a drawer full of tests to see how my children are doing."

"I am generally opposed to the elimination of standardized tests," added Mr. Russo. "They can be useful. I'm not convinced that because they (cognitive ability tests) are not being used (now) they couldn't be."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye asked Dr. Crews to have the testing committee revisit the value of cognitive ability testing in seventh grade insofar as it "gives parents something of value" in the way of comparison.

In other business, the board reaffirmed relocation of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) class to McGinn Elementary School from Coles Elementary.

In reiterating the reasoning behind the move to McGinn, Director of Pupil Services Eleanor McClymont said, "There is a greater chance for stability at McGinn."

"While stability in staff is more important than the building, that doesn't negate our responsibility to maintain the environment," she added.

Jean Shanker of Scotch Plains asked the Office of Pupil Services for a commitment "to do everything in its power to keep the PDD class where it is."

PDD parent Debbie Grafox took the request a step further and called for "a motion tonight to have McGinn host the program for the next five years."

"Committing to five years in a building facing overcrowding is a tough call," responded resident Lisa McNally.

"It's counterintuitive to consider McGinn more stable when the greater stress is on the southside schools," said Mr. Meade.

He called Brunner Elementary School a more flexible alternative.

Mrs. McAllister also questioned the likelihood of keeping the PDD class at McGinn for a length of time.

"Is PDD a priority from a facilities standpoint?" she asked Mrs. McClymont.

Dr. Choye said, "It's unfair to put Eleanor (Mrs. McClymont) on the spot right now."

The superintendent noted that the new Facilities and Enrollment Task Force is looking at pre- kindergarten students as "part of the total picture."

That was not the case when the task force made its 1994 recommendation.

In other business, the board approved summer programs for PDD and Pre- School Handicapped students.

"I commend the district for having extended the school year," said

Mrs. Simpson. "Using our own program generates tremendous cost savings, and children benefit from remaining in the district." The board also accepted the kindergarden to grade 12 Content Standards and Proficiencies for the Social Studies Curriculum, and approved revisions to the curriculum guide for seventh- grade mathematics.

Seventh graders will use a new textbook for their pre- algebra course, as the board authorized purchase of "Transition Mathematics" for the new school year.

"The book talked about math in real terms," said Mr. Porter. "I wish I'd had a book like this at such a young age. It presents a good learning experience for pre- algebra students."

At the high school level, "Managing Your Personal Finances," was approved for the Business Education course.

Business Administrator and Board Secretary Matthew A. Clarke updated board members on the status of the six modular classrooms at the School One, Coles and Evergreen elementary schools.

According to the contractor, the modulars should be completed by Tuesday, September 1, "if not sooner." If so, completion will be approximately one year behind schedule.

In another matter, the board approved a five cent increase in lunch and milk prices for elementary and middle school students, and staff members. Lunch and milk are served a la carte at Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School.

Mr. Clarke noted that there had been no increase in milk prices (now 35 cents per day) in six years.

Board members also authorized a two- year agreement with NUI Energy of Bedminster for the actual purchase of natural gas at $3.75 per dekatherm.

Mr. Ruggiero confirmed that the contract would save the district $89,000 in natural gas costs over two years.

During the meeting, Assemblyman Richard H. Bagger, of Westfield, congratulated Dr. Choye on her selection as New Jersey's Superintendent of the Year.

In reading the joint legislative resolution sponsored by himself, Assemblyman Alan M. Augustine and Senator Donald T. DiFrancesco, both of Scotch Plains, Mr. Bagger called Dr. Choye an "individual of outstanding character with an uncommon level of knowledge, commitment and creativity."

The superintendent expressed her thanks to the legislators for their support, and encouraged them "to continue to be champions for public schools."

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Bd. of Education Eliminates Grade 7 Cognitive Test, 5- 4 LIFE IN INDIA... Tini Thomas spoke to Terrill Middle School, Scotch Plains,

eighth graders about life in India following the class reading of the novel "Shabanu." Ms. Thomas, who is a student at Rutgers Law School, was born in India and raised in the United States. Though not from the desert region of India, she was able to answer student questions about customs that are practiced today and those that are changing in India. Students found the discussion of marriage and family life helpful to their understanding of the novel. Pictured in the photograph are Barbara Sacks, a counselor with Resolve Community Counseling Center who arranged Ms. Thomas' visit; Lana Sacks, a student; Ms. Thomas and students Leann Kascur and Caitlin Mahoney.

Final Honor Roll Told For Terrill Middle School

The names of 162 students who earned Honor Roll standing during the third marking period at the Terrill Middle School in Scotch Plains were recently announced.

In the sixth grade, 28 children, or 19.86 percent of the 141- member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, which requires an "A" in all subjects.

Forty- four children, or 31.21 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll, which requires at least two "A's," no grade lower than a "B" in major subjects and at least a "C" in other subjects.

In the seventh grade, 12 children, or 8.28 percent of the 145- member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll and 35 children, or 24.14 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll.

In the eighth grade, 11 children, or 7.69 percent of the 143- member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll and 32 children, or 22.38 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll.

EIGHTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Kristen Baird Kathleen Donovan Adam Bendik Elena Goetz J. Raymond Bover William Gonch Thomas DeCataldo, Jr. Michael Hughes Matthew DeNichilo Brian Kaplun

Lisa Mortkowitz SEVENTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Alyssa David Sonali Phatak Sofia Fayngold John Piniat Annmarie Kilmowicz Nisha Tamhankar Sarah Konzelman Jorge Valladares Malina Milonnet Sarah VanWagner Aurpon Mitra JudithWicker- Briscoe

SIXTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Flora Alexander Amanda Miller Ryan Aspell Scott Moynihan Erica Bloom Jessica Neuringer Alexander Clark Vaidehi Patel Dani Finkel Tracy Salmon Kristi Gayara Barie Salmon Hannah Greenspan Kimberly Schurtz Michael Hessemer Alyssa Scizak Cheryl Kaplun Elaine Shea Vani Kilakkathi Dana Skwirut Morgan Larkin Eric Swenson Joshua Liss Christopher Wallden Joseph Malchow Talia Weinberg Peter Miller Sara Woods

EIGHTH GRADE HONOR ROLL Erin Baer Leanne Kacsur Carolyn Barnett Kellie LaForge David Baumwoll Carolyn Lathrop James Bolante Richard Lemence Joanna Cichon Caitlin Mahony Angelica D'Annunzio Daniel Nelson Marquitta Davis Christine Perrotta John DelMauro Jonathan Quijano Jodi Dornbush Brian Raszka Jayme Ferraro Rennuel Mar Razal Brendan Fleming Timothy Ryan Megan Grabel Lana Sacks Susannah Grossman Amy Schwartz Jennifer Harrison Julia Sheffield

Allison Hessemer Stephen Swenson Alaina Ingram Robert Wallden, III

SEVENTH GRADE HONOR ROLL Kendra Andrews Angela Minio Miriam Bamberger Melissa Mollen Joseph Bartolotta Emily O'Connor Nancy Callahan Megan O'Leary Rhea Chakraborty Esther Ogunyemi Raynor Donitzio Elizabeth Pilkington Gianna Ferrante Steven Rodriquez Benjamin Flath Alexander Rosloff Rachel Geriach Amy Ryan Tomo Gibson Krystle Sanguiliano Sarah Ginsberg Delsa Slaugh Alex Hofer Bruce Smith, Jr. Dustin Jefferson Erica Speer Jovonne Jones Timothy Voelker Holly Kramer Emily Walker Daniel Kurtter Caroline Webb Alicia Lazur Amanda Wells

Kristen Wuest SIXTH GRADE HONOR ROLL Jesse Allen Deryck Middleton Ricardo Arocha Christina Minniti Theodore Baker Jared Montagna Louis Balestriere Eric Nussenfield Sara Beckerman Lindsay Ordower Shaun Bendik Nathan Parker Kristen Bover Joshua Parker Michael DeNichilo Arianna Power Rachel Diken Lukasz Pukalo Danetha Doe Joseph Ruggiero Caryn Feder Rosanna Ryskasen Brandon Femia Perry Salfi Bastien Francoulon Allyson Salisbury Amanda Frank Juliana Sams Michael Gallo Kristin Schardien Matthew Goldberg Jonathan Sheffield Jaime GomezSalvador Danielle Stanley Kara Kaskiw Stephen Tavares Daniel Kranz Dustin Tenenbaum Laura Manzi Michael Thompson Robert Maroney Jonathan Wagner Lauren McKinney Tamie Walker

NEW GRADUATE... Scotch Plains resident Jeffery McPartlan was among the 182 students to graduate from St. Peter's Preparatory School, Jersey City, on June 3. Jeffery, a two- year member of the Jesuit school's baseball team, will attend Boston College in the fall. The graduation ceremony was held at the Yanatelli Life Center at St. Peter's College in Jersey City.

Scotch Plains Voters Invited To Meet GOP Candidates

Scotch Plains voters will have an opportunity to meet the three Republican candidates for Township Council this Wednesday, July 8.

The candidates, Councilman Robert E. Johnston, Paulette Coronato and James Fawcett, will be at the Scotch Hills Country Club on Jerusalem Road between 7: 30 and 9: 30 p. m.

"This is not a fund- raiser. It is going to be an informal get- together where voters will be greeted by our candidates and can learn more about them," noted Gabe Spera, Chairman of the Scotch Plains Republican Committee.

"Having served on the Council since 1993, most residents know me, but I feel it's important to give them a chance to talk with me personally," Councilman Johnston said.

Ms. Coronato said that having lived in Scotch Plains for the past 21 years, and having volunteered in the community, she is also well known in the town, but wants people to get to know her on a different level.

"I want people to become familiar with me as someone who wants to represent their views on the Township Council," Ms. Coronato explained.

Through his work in real estate, Mr. Fawcett, an 18- year resident,

said he knows much about Scotch Plains and its people, but welcomes this opportunity to get to know more about both.

"I hope a lot of individuals will come out to introduce themselves to us and let us know what issues they are concerned about," Mr. Fawcett added.

"With two new candidates we hope to add a fresh perspective to the Town Council," Mr. Spera said, adding that Councilman Johnston will continue to provide leadership in many areas.

All are invited to the Meet the Candidates night. Dessert and coffee will be served. For more information, please contact Anthony Albanese at (908) 753- 7355.

Postal Customers Advised Against Mailing Fireworks

As America gears up for this year's Fourth of July weekend celebration, the United States Postal Service has issued a reminder to customers that mailing fireworks of any kind is prohibited, including the fuseless variety known as "Mexican Poppers."

"Fireworks have no place in the mail," explained Fanwood Postmaster John Alvarez. "It's clearly a safety issue."

The Postmaster said that all fireworks are Class 1 explosives and, as such, are prohibited from mailing. Inadvertent detonation could result in fire, personal injury and damage to the mail and property of others.

Mexican Poppers are approximately one quarter inch to three- eighths inches long and resemble crumpled aluminum foil. Unlike traditional fireworks, which require a fuse, Mexican Poppers are detonated by applying pressure.

Postal retail window clerks have been instructed to refuse acceptance of fireworks. Customers visiting Post Offices may learn specifics about items prohibited from or restricted for mailing.

The prohibitions and restrictions on mailing hazardous materials extends beyond fireworks, according to Postmaster Alvarez. Many hazardous materials are characterized by their flammability, corrosiveness, reactivity, or toxicity. Some hazardous material chemicals may exhibit more than one of these characteristics.

Flammable materials:

• Can burn and/ or explode. • Includes liquids with low flash points, flammable solids, flammable compressed gasses and oxidizers.

• Can spread to areas containing combustible materials. Examples are

lighter fluid, highway flares, aerosol paint and gasoline, among others.

Corrosive materials:

• Can eat through containers and combine with other chemicals.

• Can burn skin and eyes on contact, and can appear harmless until contact produces harmful effects. Some examples are caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and drain cleaner, among others.

Reactive materials:

• Can explode, ignite, or produce toxic vapors when exposed to air, water or other materials.

• Can create hazards much more severe than the materials themselves. • Can take extended periods of time to develop. Examples of these are fireworks, chlorine and ammonia, among others.

Toxic materials:

• Can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, or injection.

• Includes poisons that may create acute or chronic health effects. Acute are immediate and short term; chronic effects develop over time and are long term. Examples include lead, asbestos and chlorine, among other materials.

Most hazardous materials are not able to be mailed. A small number of certain specified hazardous materials that can be reclassified as consumer commodities may be mailed.

These materials are not accepted in quantities large enough to present a serious hazard to safety or human health. Hazardous materials which can be mailed are only accepted if properly packaged and labeled according to strict postal regulations. Customers are asked to check with their local post office for details.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

· Jason Tucker, 19, of Scotch Plains and a 17- year- old Scotch Plains juvenile were arrested for underage drinking in Farley Park.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

· Someone drove over a Gallagher Avenue front lawn causing damage to the lawn and several shrubs.

· It was reported that a bicycle was stolen. The bicycle was left in a yard on Victor Street.

· It was reported that a vehicle windshield was smashed while parked on Montage Avenue. The incident occurred during the night.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

· Walter T. Allen, 36, of Westfield, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and using a stolen credit card at a Route No. 22 service station at approximately midnight. The vehicle, a 1994

Plymouth Voyager was reported stolen out of Westfield.

· The theft of a cellular phone was reported. The phone was taken from a vehicle that was parked in the 1900 block of Church Street.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Bilal Raybon, 18, of Newark, was arrested and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana pursuant to an officer's investigation during a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Second Street and Terrill Road.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

· Police reported that an 84- year- old Scotch Plains resident and his wife were assaulted and threatened with a knife by a man demanding money. The man broke into the back door of their house on Hunter Avenue. The victim was punched in the face and treated at a hospital and released.