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. 23- 98 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, June 4, 1998

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

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Please note that in addition to making our deadlines, the publication of submittals may be delayed due to space considerations. All submittals are subject to being cut due to length, edited for style and clarification at the discretion of the editor.

PRESIDENT'S OK SOUGHT ON PHASE 1 OF GREEN BROOK SUB- BASIN PLAN

Congress Proposing $12 Mil. For Flood Control Project By JEANNE WHITNEY

Specially Written for The Times

A spokesman for the Green Brook Flood Control Commission said this week that United States Senate and House of Representatives legislation proposing $12 million for the first phase of an estimated $362 million flood control project for the Green Brook Sub- Basin and Raritan River area must clear a last hurdle at the White House, for approval, in order to make it into the 1999 Federal budget.

Evidently, President Bill Clinton's current budget proposals contain no funding whatsoever for the flood control project.

This week, Chairman of the Green Brook Commission Vernon Noble, of Green Brook, said, "That's up to Washington now — to put some thing in the budget."

Mr. Noble said an April 21 letter from United States Senator Frank Lautenberg indicated the Senator was urging the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Sub- Committee to earmark $12 million for the Raritan Valley project in its recommendations to the President's budget.

A spokesman for Senator Robert G. Torricelli said the Senator is in favor of only the lower portion of the massive project. The spokesman said the Senator is still, "looking for a proper resolution."

This comes after Senators Torricelli and Lautenberg, both Democrats from New Jersey, sponsored a Senate amendment last July that killed Federal funding for the entire 25- yearold flood control project.

The Green Brook Flood Control Project came about in August, 1973

after severe flooding caused thousands of dollars worth of damage and ultimately six deaths in the region.

Republican Congressman Bob Franks, of New Providence, fought to keep the flood control project alive last spring when it looked like the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders would reject two proposed water detention basins in countyowned Watchung Reservation and thereby doom the entire flood control project.

The congressman managed to get a year's deferment for the county decision about the so- called Upper Portion and a $100,000 budget for a task force to come up with alternatives to the disputed basins.

Task force member Henry W. Kurz,

Gretchen Bowman for The Times WE'RE HERE... Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School prom- goers are shown here arriving for their special night at The Berkeley Plaza in Berkeley Heights. Please see more pictures on Page 22.

Gretchen Bowman for The Times ITS PROM NIGHT!... Arriving at the Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School Senior Prom, left to right, are: Chris Hughes and Jackie Sander; Dan Morris and Stacy Welsh; Scott La Ganga and Amanda Koscielecki, and Erich Schnellenberger and Christie McPartlan. The prom was held last Friday at The Berkeley Plaza in Berkeley Heights. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

DR. AND MRS. RIEGEL, GENE SCHILLER RETIRING

Boosters Look to Raise $200,000 for Instruments, Uniforms; Weekend Carnival, Golf Outing Proposed

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

During the May 28 regular public meeting of the Board of Education, Dan Mazzagetti, President of the Scotch Plains- Fanwood (High School) Music Boosters, presented an ambitious plan to enlist community support for the district music program.

The program serves approximately 1,200 local students, 45 percent of the student body.

Mr. Mazzagetti assured board members he was not asking for more

CAMPAIGN FOR SAFETY… Traffic Safety Officer Richard Trigo of the Fanwood Police Department hands out information May 22 to a motorist on Martine Avenue concerning the Air Bag and Seat Belt Safety Campaign sponsored by the National Safety Council. More than 1,000 handouts were distributed in the downtown at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, reminding drivers to always take precautions while traveling.

money from their budget. "We would like to go out and earn the dollars we need to properly support the music program," he explained.

Replacing aged instruments, repairing viable instruments, and purchasing band uniforms are among the needs identified. Altogether, they bear a price tag of $200,000.

Mr. Mazzagetti seemed confident that raising that kind of money is doable over three to four years.

The first goal of "Music Boosters II" (as the fledgling group is now known) would be to supply proper instruments for the lower grades. There, beginning musicians use hand- me- down instruments, many of which do not work properly.

Mr. Mazzagetti, who helps produce St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church's annual Labor Day festival, proposed a Memorial Day weekend carnival in the Scotch PlainsFanwood High School parking lot as the premier event.

He listed a golf outing, Super 50- 50 and professional concerts as other opportunities to draw community support because of their entertainment value.

Unlike many traditional fund- raisers, "We're staying away from asking people to pay more for something

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

TWO- PART PROJECT PROPOSED

Planning Board Grants Borough Variance By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

The Borough of Fanwood was granted a variance to expand its administrative offices, located at 75 North Martine Avenue, during the May 27 meeting of the Fanwood Planning Board.

Eleanor McGovern, Borough Clerk, and architect Michael DeBiasse proposed to expand the Borough Hall building in two phases.

The first phase would extend the current office space forward seven feet. This, Mrs. McGovern said, would make room for office personnel, fees and computer stations. It would also expand the Tax Assessor's office.

Phase two, which according to Mrs. McGovern could happen at a later date if funds were available, calls for expansion of the Clerk's office as well as Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly's office.

According to Mr. DeBiasse, the plans for the expansions were made so that if the second phase did not happen, it would not affect the first phase improvements. Mr. DeBiasse also pointed out that the plans were done in such a way that it would not change the look of Borough Hall from the outside.

"The idea of the design was to have it look like the same building, from the street," the architect remarked.

According to Councilwoman Karen M. Schurtz, who sits on the Planning Board, "The money is not there to do all the work that needs to be done, so the work was split into phases. Phase Two will be done when money is available. The plan is to accommodate the employees better, by making a better working environment."

Board Vice Chairman Jack Molenaar commented that he would like to see the municipality find some money to put sidewalks all around Borough Hall.

Mr. Molenaar, citing safety concerns, stated that "the town should put in a sidewalk from Martine Av enue, so that residents don't have to

walk on the driveway to get to the building."

In other business, the Planning Board voted not to grant Alexander Kruper of 128 North Avenue a use variance to maintain a 400- squarefoot photography studio above his garage. Their decision was based on the garage being a separate structure from the applicant's residence.

Mr. Kruper, who specializes in advertising photography, wanted to create this studio to take pictures of products for clients. He reported that he would take the product to his home studio, photograph it and then take the product back to the client. The applicant told the board that he wished to do this so he can work at home and see his two small children.

He told the board that he would not use any chemicals in the studio and was not even going to have running water in it. Mr. Kruper also stated that he would take all of his film to a laboratory for processing and would not put a sign outside for advertising.

Mr. Kruper informed the board that he spends most of his professional time out on location. He also has 1,000 square feet of office space in Cranford that he shares with a partner, as well as a smaller office in Chatham.

Mr. Kruper's next door neighbor, Lisa Szanto of 140 North Avenue — who voiced support for his work — asked what another buyer could do with the studio in the event the photographer sold his home.

Board attorney Robert J. Mega informed Ms. Szanto that another buyer could do exactly the same thing as Mr. Kruper had proposed to do. He told her that if the use variance was passed, the conditions set forth in the variance would apply to any other buyer, as well.

He stated that the use "is granted to the land, not the owner."

Mr. Kruper had applied for and was granted a use variance in October 1995 for an even larger studio of

SEELEY'S POND DAM, SECONDARY ACCESS DISCUSSED

Weldon Attorney Questions Impact From Flooding at The Reserve Site

By JILL LOEWER

Specially Written for The Times

Focusing on potential flooding of the proposed Reserve Townhouse site, William Butler, an attorney representing Weldon Materials, cross examined Joe Fleming, an engineering expert for developer K. Hovnanian, during the Scotch Plains Planning Board meeting Monday night.

Weldon Materials opposes the 116- unit townhouse complex, named The Reserve, proposed by developer Hovnanian.

Mr. Butler, a Westfield attorney, began his questioning by focusing on

the lack of a secondary access road to the proposed development. Reading from a document submitted to the Scotch Plains Planning Board in 1996 from the Scotch Plains Fire Department, he quoted that "secondary access should be provided should the main entrance be unusable for any reason."

Mr. Fleming said he felt that the site plan does provide for secondary access noting the proposed emergency access bridge. After some discussions between Mr. Fleming and Mr. Butler, Councilman Martin Marks, a member of the board, asked for a definition of secondary versus emergency access.

Planning Board attorney Lawrence Woodruff responded that "there is no definition in the land use law, however, my definition is that emergency access is for fire, rescue, police, and other emergency use, and that secondary access is for the general public use."

Using these definitions, Mr. Fleming agreed that there is no secondary access provided to The Reserve development as currently planned.

Further pressing this point, Mr. Butler asked Mr. Fleming, "does this site lend itself to a secondary access road? In other words, show me where you could implement this additional roadway."

Mr. Fleming noted that a secondary access road could be designed at the Scotland Street entrance but he rejected this concept as a means to try and control access to Route No 22.

A secondary access road could also be designed from New Providence Road but would require a significant

permit process and a substantial bridge structure, he said.

Weldon's attorney then asked Mr. Fleming about Seeley's Pond dam and its current classification. This dam, a 70- plus year old masonry construction dam upstream from the site of the proposed development, is currently classified as a Class II dam, meaning in the event of a dam failure, there would be significant property damage but no projected loss of life.

A Class I dam is defined as resulting in probable loss of life upon failure.

Mr. Fleming stated, "I hope the township petitions the State to change the classification to Class I. This will ensure a more orderly review of the dam's safety, and ensure that the dam must resist greater forces. My understanding is that the State of New Jersey has insisted that Union County do something to repair this dam for some years now and the County is only just now ready to ask for contractor bids to make these repairs."

Robert Kraus, an attorney for the Donato family, current owners of the site proposed for the development, asked Mr. Fleming, "Isn't it true that there is approximately an 18- foot elevation drop between The Reserve site and the Scotch Plains Municipal Building, and that the reality is if Seeley's Pond dam breaks, The Reserve would be high and dry and the downtown area of Scotch Plains would be flooded?"

Mr. Fleming agreed that this would be the case.

In a rapid exchange, the parties involved in this case stated their opinCONTINUED

ON PAGE 12

than it's worth," said Mr. Mazzagetti. Scotch Plains- Fanwood residents can expect a letter from "Music Boosters II" announcing an open June meeting to gather community support for the proposal.

In other business, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. John R. Crews and Park Middle School Principal Chester J. Janusz discussed a letter which will be mailed in early June to parents of students entering sixth-, seventh- and eighth- graders in September. It advises parents of the school's recommended placement of their children within the Language Arts and Mathematics classes.

Board members Edward J. Saridaki and Jean McAllister asked that the letter encourage parents to be "active participants" in the leveling process by contacting the school's guidance department with questions and concerns.

The issue of leveling, grouping students by academic ability, is an emotional one across Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Of particular concern to parents are the discrepancies that exist between levels at Park and Terrill Middle Schools.

When meetings begin in July, Dr. Crews is counting on "broad- based parent input" to supplement the research and professional opinions on

leveling. "We need to go beyond the emotional level," he reminded the board and parents.

"I am concerned about the age appropriateness of the sorting process," Dr. Crews told the board.

Due to the lateness of the hour, the board postponed a second presentation on revisions to the Social Studies curriculum in grades six through eight.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye asked the board to be prepared to act on the recommended revisions at the June 11 agenda meeting.

The board approved a series of summer out- of- district placements for 31 special education students. Not including transportation, tuition costs for the extended programs total $170,863.

In addition, the board approved creation of a 12- member instructional support team to ensure quality instructional time in the event of planned absences of regular classroom teachers. The team includes special education teachers and will cost approximately $81,250 to implement.

The board also approved the new "Exploring Life Science" text for

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Page 12 Thursday, June 4, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

900 square feet, which was to have been made as an addition to his home. He reported that the addition was never built, however, because all of the estimates he had received to construct it were too expensive.

He reported that this was the only reason that he was applying for the use variance on his garage, saying he thought that adding on top of the garage with less square footage would be more cost effective.

According to members of the board, the reason why the majority ruled against Mr. Kruper's proposal was that a garage is considered a separate structure from a house. Board members feared approval of the variance would set a negative precedent for businesses within a residential neighborhood.

Members stated that Mr. Kruper could still build his studio as an addition to his home, as was stated in the 1995 use variance.

In other business, Michael and Joan DeBiasse of 80 Watson Road were granted a side yard variance to build a kitchen addition and relocate a bathroom. The variance is needed because the dimensions for the addition exceed by two feet what is allowed between the DeBiasses' house and the side of their lot. As part of their plans, the DeBiasses will demolish an existing porch.

A variance was also awarded to Frederick Hipp, Jr. and his wife, Linda Portwood, enabling them to build a wooden shed in their backyard.

The applicants, who required the variance to accommodate their proposed rear yard and side yard setbacks, received permission to place the shed two feet from the rear of their property line, and three feet from the side property line.

The couple commented that the shed will take the place of an old garage that used to stand at that location, and will be used to store items such as a lawnmower and bicycles.

At the conclusion of the meeting, resolutions were read by Mr. Mega confirming decisions by the board in cases heard April 22.

Last month, John C. Sumislaski of 203 Farley Avenue was granted a

variance to maintain a deck; Jeffrey Wass of 7 Westfield Road was awarded a variance for a five- foothigh perimeter fence on his property, and Jared and Theresa Scheer of 34 Poplar Place received a variance to put up a shed.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Planning Board Approves Borough Variance Request

a former county Freeholder, said the goal is to develop alternatives that are acceptable to area officials and residents.

"This is a far- reaching project," Mr. Kurz added, "and we want to look carefully at alternatives."

The United States Army Corps of Engineers' plan proposes that the Federal government pay for nearly threequarters of the project, while the state and counties pick up the other $97 million in costs over a 12- year construction period.

The cost to the counties and state of maintaining the levees, dams, channels, pipes and detention basins once building ends is estimated at about $2 million a year. The state would pay half with the three counties picking up the remaining $1 million tab.

The detention basins are only one part of a three- phase flood control strategy that will store storm water runoff from the Watchung mountains for gradual release into lower lying areas in Union, Somerset and Middlesex counties. The protected area is 65.2 square miles, according to the Army Corps' plan.

The overall plan will seek to deepen and widen channels of existing rivers, add earthen levees or concrete walls along waterway banks, install pumping stations for runoff water and add movable floodgates across roads. Clean- up and containment of eight hazardous waste sites are also part of the plan.

The proposed $12 million in Federal money would allow work to start in the lower flood plain areas by 1999, according to Mr. Noble. The detention basins are the last phase of the project and work would begin on the basins about three years after Phase 1.

Treasurer of the Green Brook Flood Control Commission, Frank Meeks, said the task force is making what he called "real progress" under a September deadline to report to the Army Corps on alternate sites for water detention basins. The Task Force — chaired by Berkeley Heights residents Dr. Robert Hlavacek and Vice Chairman Dr. John Brown — began meeting in January.

At that time, Mr. Meeks said one of the primary questions to be answered by the task force is how much water storage capacity is actually needed in the Upper Portion basins.

Recently, Mr. Meeks said task force members brainstormed over alternate plans and locations for basins and were evaluating the more affordable options. In January, some task force members predicted that alternatives to the $55 million Army Corps basin plan would double the costs. The proposed basins include dams that are four- and- one- half stories high. Eleven acres of the 1,920- acre Watchung Reservation would be used for the basins and an additional six acres would be cleared during construction and then replanted.

A representative from Connell Rice and Sugar Company, a private company with Berkeley Heights property and a business complex development bordering the Reservation, regularly attended the task force public meetings, according to observers.

In the past, members of the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club have spoken out against the flood plan and the detention basins, calling it "overkill." Sierra Club members also said the project would disturb animal habitats and natural plant growth along waterways and in Watchung Reservation.

Funding Proposed for Flood Control CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER TUESDAY, MAY 26

· An official of Union Catholic High School on Martine Avenue reported the theft of the school's driver's education vehicle, a 1986 Chrysler, taken some time overnight. The vehicle was recovered by the Hillside Police Department on the following morning.

· It was reported that two vehicles were entered while parked on Coles Avenue. Miscellaneous personal items were taken. The incidents occurred during the night.

· A woman reported that while walking in the Fenimore Drive/ Huron Path area, she was stopped by a youth described as in his late teens, driving a black Volvo station wagon, with a partial New Jersey plate number of AAL, who asked for directions and exposed himself.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

· Richard A. Williams, 45, of Scotch Plains was arrested and charged with sexual assault. Police said Williams, a sports massage therapist, allegedly invited a 43- year- old Plainfield resident to his Willow Avenue office for a free mas sage on May 3 and then committed the

assault. Williams was released on $50,000 bond set by Judge Joseph Perfilio of the Scotch Plains Municipal Court.

The complaint was signed by Scotch Plains Police Detective William Schultz who conducted the investigation. Police emphasized that an arrest is a charge that must be proved in court.

· It was reported that two soda machines at a Route No. 22 service station were broken into at approximately 4 a. m. Coins were taken.

THURSDAY, MAY 28

· Thrift Way Auto, located on Route No. 22, reported a rear garage door panel kicked out and an office entered. Nothing appeared taken. The incident occurred some time during the night.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

· Damage was reported to a vehicle parked in the 1600 block of Front Street as it appears a rock was thrown through a sunroof.

SUNDAY, MAY 31

· The theft of a cellular phone was reported by a patron of an amusement park on Route No. 22.

Fanwood Postmaster Issues Tips on Dog Bite Prevention

The Postal Service and the Humane Society of the United States are jointly sponsoring National Dog Bite Prevention Week, June 1 to 6. Two million Americans were attacked by dogs last year, according to the organizations.

"Dog attacks are clearly a nationwide problem and not just a postal issue," said John Alvarez, Postmaster of Fanwood. "The Postal Service's partnership with the Humane Society of the United States will help us convey the message."

The Humane Society has reported that children, the elderly and letter carriers are the most frequent victims of dog attacks. It revealed that 2,700 letter carriers were attacked by dogs last year.

In numbers, dog attacks exceed reported incidents of measles, whooping cough and mumps combined, the Humane Society maintained. Officials noted that victims of dog bites account for up to 5 percent of emergency room admissions.

Postmaster Alvarez has offered the following tips to avoid being bitten by a dog, and for being a responsible

dog owner. • Do not run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.

• Do not approach a strange dog, especially one that is tied or confined.

• Spay or neuter your dog — Humane Society statistics indicate that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times as likely to bite as non- neutered or spayed dogs.

While particular breeds are identified from time to time as bite- prone, a dog's breed is less likely to mark him as a biter than whether or not he has been neutered, according to the Humane Society.

• When a letter carrier comes to their home, dog owners should keep their pets inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.

For free dog bite prevention and responsible pet ownership information, please send a business- size, selfaddressed, stamped envelope to the Humane Society of the United States, Department D, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D. C. 20037- 1525.

SPBPA to Hold Car Show And Craft Fair on June 14

The Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association (SPBPA) will hold its fourth annual Classic Car Show and Craft Fair on Sunday, June 14, in the center of the township.

The day's events will include an Antique and Classic Car Show in the parking lots behind the stores on Park Avenue, a Craft Fair on the Village Green to benefit the

Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, a disk jockey, prizes, raffles, food, sidewalk sales, bibycle rodeo and other activities.

The SPBPA has extended its thanks to Investors Savings Bank, The Times of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, Reads Auto Parts and Union County Buick for their contribution to this year's event, and to SPBPA members who have also contributed to the upcoming event.

The car show benefits the SPBPA Scholarship Fund, Towne Centre Beautification, and other SPBPA projects. In the event of rain, the show will be held on Sunday, June 28.

Anyone interested in registering for the car show may call Steve Hoeckele, of BeCu Manufacturing, at (908) 233- 3344, or pick up a registration form at Nuts n' Plenty, 407 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains.

Registration fee is $10. Individuals interested in registering for the Craft Fair may call Kelly Deegan of Emmanuel Cancer Foundation at (908) 322- 4323.

Foreign Language Students Place First in Tournament

Five Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School students recently won first place awards at the annual Foreign Language Forensic Tournament sponsored by Rider University in Lawrenceville.

Over 1,200 foreign language students from throughout New Jersey competed in the tournament.

Participants entered one of five areas of competition: Recitation of a Published Work, Recitation of an Original Work, Dramatic Interpretation, Original Skit, and Extemporaneous Speaking.

Based on the number of years of language study they have had, contestants entered each area of competition at either the intermediate or

advanced level. In the Advanced Original Skit category, French language students Elise Daniledes, Evan Dornbush, Jonathan Hyman and Rania Shaalan won first place.

German language student Alison Wilks placed first in the Intermediate Recitation of a Published Work category.

Twenty students from Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School took part in the forensic tournament. They were accompanied to Rider University by Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School foreign language teachers Jillian Ritchie, (German), Maria Olsen, (French), and Lisa Rebimbas, (Spanish).

HONORED FOR SERVICE… Karen Paardecamp of Fanwood receives a certificate of appreciation from Congressman Bob Franks during the annual Seventh Congressional District Volunteer of the Year Ceremony held recently in Plainfield. In observance of National Volunteers Week, the congressman honored more than 80 individuals and organizations from throughout Central New Jersey for their hard work and dedication within the community.

Patricia Meeker Awarded Degree From College of NJ

Patricia C. Meeker, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John K. Meeker, Jr. of Scotch Plains, formerly of Westfield, was awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at the 142nd commencement ceremonies of the College of New Jersey, Trenton, on May 15.

Patricia is a 1992 graduate of Westfield High School and a 1996 graduate of Princeton University.

DAILING "911" IS REALLY ELEMENTARY… Lauren Finestein, a third grader at Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield, learns emergency telephone procedures from Overlook Hospital Emergency Medical Communications Center personnel Michelle Barrett, left, and Sue Foster. The Overlook representatives were invited to the school by Tamaques Health Educator Jeanne Jensen. The instructions included telephone simulations in which the students could practice using "911", a short lecture, video, and a question- and- answer period.

Scotch Plains Candidates To Be Honored at Brunch

Franklin P. Donatelli, Tarquin Jay Bromley and Geri Morgan Samuel, the Democratic candidates for the three seats expiring on the Scotch Plains Township Council, will be honored at a champagne brunch this Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 4 p. m.

It will be held at the home of Mrs. Samuel and her husband, Richard I. Samuel, at 1271 Cooper Road in Scotch Plains.

Tickets for the event are $25 each and may be reserved by contacting any of the candidates or by calling (908) 754- 7575.

The guest speaker at the brunch will be Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich. County and state representatives are also expected to attend.

Individuals wishing to become a part of the Donatelli, Bromley and Samuel campaign may follow the same procedure, revealed Dr. Walter E. Boright, Democratic Municipal Chairman.

seventh- grade students. "I've reviewed the text," said board Vice President Theresa Larkin, "and found it quite challenging for seventh graders. It meets the goals of the district, and (the cost) is within the budget."

In preparation for the coming school year, the board approved a contract for food service management with JA- CE Company of Bound Brook in the amount. of $16,600, a 3.75 percent increase over the 1997- 1998 contractual amount.

It also renewed a series of public and non- public transportation contracts for regular and special education students at a 2 percent increase for the 1998- 99 school year. The board authorized a separate regional transportation contract with the Union County Educational Services Commission, as well.

Board members adopted a revised policy regarding student physical examinations and immunizations. It dictates procedures for school entry, grade level physicals, participation in interscholastic sports, testing for

tuberculosis, and immunizations. During the meeting, the board recognized the following retirements: Griggs Counts, 23 years, custodial staff, Park Middle; Leonard Danduone, 33 years, teaching staff, School One, Park and Terrill Middle Schools and Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School; and Richard Jarowicz, 30 years, psychologist staff, Office of Pupil Services.

Also recognized were Henry McFarlin, 35 years, teaching staff, Park Middle School; Carol Oakes, 21 years, English and Guidance Departments, Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School; Arlene Riegel, 29 years, mathematics teaching staff, Terrill Middle School and Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School; Terry Riegel, 35 years, social studies teaching staff, Assistant Principal, and Principal, Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School, and Gene Schiller, 16 years, Athletic Director and former Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School Head Football Coach.

During his 26- year tenure as Principal of the high school, Dr. Riegel saw 14,000 students graduate.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Boosters Look to Raise Funds for Music Program

ions on the matter of Seeley's Pond dam.

"You, the Scotch Plains Planning Board, have an obligation to ensure this dam is safe," Mr. Butler said.

Mr. Fleming responded that, "The State has been pressuring Union County to repair this dam for a long time, regardless of this townhouse application."

"It is our position that this should be a Class I dam, but that this is the County's responsibility," stated Mr. Kraus.

Mr. Butler responded that, "When a developer develops a site that requires off- site improvements they need to share in the costs."

Robert Schwartz, attorney for the developer, said, the county "has not taken a position as to whether The Reserve development makes this dam go from a Class II to a Class I dam."

Mr. Woodruff stated that he had asked the county to advise the board on their legal position regarding a dam break analysis of the dam last July and still has not had a reply.

Planning Board Chairman George Tomkin stated that, "the safety of the dam is paramount."

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Attorney Questions Impact From Flooding

At the Reserve Site

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FANWOOD POLICE BLOTTER FRIDAY, MAY 22

· Thomas Mormelo, 40, of Cranford was charged with driving under the influence after he was stopped for a motor vehicle violation on Terrill Road, according to police. He was released on his own recognizance.

TUESDAY, MAY 26

· A bicycle valued at $300 was reported stolen from in front of a store on South Avenue.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

· A landscaper from Plainfield reported the theft of a backpack leaf blower. The incident occurred while he was working in a yard on North Avenue.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

· David Cushman, 35, of Mountainside was charged with eluding

police and with 11 motor vehicle violations, after allegedly leading officers on an extensive pursuit through the borough.

Police initially attempted to stop Cushman on South Avenue for having a non- working brake light on his moped, authorities said.

They revealed the suspect crossed the Terrill Road bridge, then traveled up and down driveways and through yards on Terrill Road, with police in pursuit.

Cushman was followed by police into Plainfield, where he eventually surrendered, authorities said. The suspect was released on his own recognizance.

Clarification

An article which appeared in the May 7 issue of The Westfield Leader

and The Times of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, entitled "Persons Now Have Access to Credit Reports for Free," contained an outdated address for Trans Union, Inc.

All correspondence should be addressed to Trans Union, National Disclosure Center, P. O. Box 390, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064- 0390. The telephone number is (800) 888- 4213.