OUR 108th YEAR ISSUE NO. 23- 98 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
The Westfield Leader Serving the Town Since 1890
Thursday, June 4, 1998 USPS 680020 Periodical Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.
Published Every Thursday
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PLANNING A PARTY David Rodgers, left, and Roy Russen display a banner heralding the Friends of Mindowaskin Park's fifth annual "Party in the Park," which will be held this Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 5 p. m. at the park. The party, celebrating the park's 80th birthday, will feature food, activities, contests and special exhibits. In the event of rain, the party will be held on Sunday, June 14. Please see a story on Page 3. Spring Fling
Finally Gains Good Weather
By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The third time around turned out to be the charm for Westfield's fourth annual Spring Fling.
After two cancellations in April due to inclement weather, the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the street fair's promoter, Advertising Alliance, were able to get the event off the ground on the third attempt.
Executive Director of the Chamber, Debbie Schmidt said, although the fair was smaller than previous years due in part to participants' difficulties in holding open a third rain date for the event, it was still popular with those who attended.
Ms. Schmidt said attendance estimates place the numbers at two- thirds of previous years or between 10,000 and 12,000 fairgoers. The Spring Fling typically attracts 20,000 persons to the downtown with 40,000 at the largest event, FestiFall, which is held on the third Sunday in September.
"We're so glad we were able to reschedule (Spring Fling) with Advertising Alliance," she said.
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Car Burglary Spree Under Investigation
By SUZETTE STALKER
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
A string of automobile burglaries occurred in Westfield last weekend, in which cash and various items were taken from nearly two dozen vehicles on both the north and south sides of town, authorities said.
Investigators believe that at least some of the incidents are related since they occurred in clusters on the same
days, according to Detective Sergeant John M. Parizeau of the Westfield Police Department.
The first burglaries were reported last Friday morning, and were believed to have taken place during the night, Sergeant Parizeau confirmed. He said more break- ins were reported on Saturday, and a couple of others on Sunday.
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Paragano Wins Board Approval For Three- Story Office Building By RUSSELL R. WATKINS
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Parking arrangements for a new three- story office building dominated Monday night's meeting of the West field Planning Board. The board approved
an application by Paragano Westfield LLC, which had sought permission to erect a new office building at 50 Cardinal Drive.
Larry Paragano, Jr., testifying on behalf of the leasing and construction firm, which has been doing business in Westfield for 11 years, proposed a 41,281- square- foot building for the site. He said he believes the building will eventually house a law firm or another professional organization.
Mr. Paragano also proposed a "tasteful, classic" sign, measuring 12 feet by three feet, which would comply with appropriate Westfield ordinances. The board required that the ground- mounted monument sign be externally illuminated.
Michael Disko, an architect representing Paragano Westfield before the board, estimated that the new
office building would increase traffic by 25 to 30 percent; however, he admitted that a detailed traffic study had not been conducted.
The board was primarily concerned about the number of parking spaces proposed for the new site. Westfield ordinances require 165 parking spaces; however, Paragano Westfield's plans called for only 160.
When a nearly identical application by Darbrian Realty Company, the current owners of the property,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader PLAYING DIXIE... The Westfield Dixie All- Stars perform during Sunday's Spring Fling street festival. Pictured, left to
right, are: Barry Rosenberg, of Westfield, on tuba; Chatham's John Arimond on banjo; Chris Cottier, of England, on saxophone; Rich Casey, of Edison, playing the clarinet; Fred Girshick, of Scotch Plains, on trumpet, and Westfield's own Tom Piller, on drums.
David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader WIN THIS CAR... John Tabachnick, Chapter Chairman of the Westfield/ Mountainside Chapter of the American Red Cross, stands next to an antique car once used by the Red Cross during its emergency calls. The car, shown here at Sunday's Spring Fling, will be auctioned off Sunday, September 20, as part of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce's FestiFall.
Gretchen Bowman for The Westfield Leader LOOKING ELEGANT... These prom- goers stop for picture taking at the Baly household on New England Drive prior to heading off to the Westfield High School Junior/ Senior Prom last Friday. The prom was held in New Brunswick. Please see more pictures on Page 22.
Dr. Foley Defends Upgrades In District's Math Curriculum By JEANNE WHITNEY
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Westfield Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William J. Foley, took the long view during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, in speaking out for recent upgrades in the district's mathematics curriculum.
"I don't understand what it is about this country," he told his listeners. "We talk about 'raising the bar, ' and then when we do... we don't want to
do it." Dr. Foley was responding to descriptions from district parents and board members of sixth- grade students who were struggling with mathematics courses.
He explained that the curriculum changes made this past year make it possible for all students to begin taking geometry by their freshman year of high school, and to enroll in calculus courses by their senior year.
"They do it all over the world, and there's no reason why we can't," he said.
Dr. Foley indicated frustration over what he said was the persistent lowest ranking of American students in mathematics among developed countries.
"Are we dumb?," he asked. "The way I see it, there are very few students who should not be able to learn algebra by the end of eighth grade," he said.
Although Dr. Foley agreed that some additions, in the form of smaller group teaching, would help the transition to the more challenging sixthgrade mathematics curriculum, he admitted he would rather see students struggle a little bit.
"This is not an easy curriculum by any stretch. But if there isn't any angst, we ain't (sic) done nothing," he said.
Dr. Foley also claimed that research indicated American parents consistently set low expectations for their children in mathematics.
Retiring Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. David J. Rock, told the board that with the intermediate school changes, "We have very effectively moved that whole part of the math curriculum forward."
The board also okayed a curriculum for Family Life courses for all
grades. The board pointed out that the classes were designed to supplement a parent's initiative in discussion of sexual and moral issues. A board vote on the curriculum will take place on Tuesday, June 16.
On a separate matter, the board unanimously agreed to ask for a waiver from the state to avoid complying with a four- hour school day requirement during what is traditionally known as "final exam week" at Westfield High School.
The board resolution asking for the waiver during the last five days of the school year comes after another district took its case to court when they were cited for failing to live up to a 180- day school year, according to Dr. Foley. Reportedly, final exam week school days were shorter than four hours.
Board members agreed that the experience of exam week in high school was good preparation for college, but that even if a waiver was granted for this year, schedules would probably have to change in the future.
"However, I would like to carry on the spirit of final exam week," Dr. Foley stated.
In other business, the district will hire three new elementary school Student Support Counselors for the coming year. This will mean one counselor for every two elementary schools. The job description indicates that the new staff will focus on students' personal or social issues when it interferes with learning.
"We hope that the establishment of counseling positions would allow us to serve children in regular educational programs, as opposed to classifying them in Special Education programs," Dr. Foley explained.
Special education programs can
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PUBLIC FORUM SET FOR THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Planning Board Looking To Streamline Parking Waiver for Downtown By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The Westfield Town Council was given an overview Tuesday night of the proposed zoning land use ordinance. The code, which has been completely revised, is intended as a guide for town action regarding the appropriate use of development of all lands in the town.
The council will hold a public forum immediately following its Wednesday, June 10, meeting. The ordinance is expected to be introduced on first reading on Tuesday, June 23, with a public hearing and adoption vote scheduled for sometime over the summer.
The ordinance, based on the current town Master Plan for development, is a document dating back seven years. A revised Master Plan is currently being drafted by officials.
One of the issues on the zoning law that is still being drafted by the Planning
Board is that of downtown parking as it relates to applications before the town.
Town Attorney Charles H. Brandt said the intent of the board is to "streamline" the waiver process for parking requirements in applications. The board has reasoned that new businesses must always gain variances from the board as it relates to parking.
Under the revised ordinance applicants would need to justify the increase in proposed parking spaces over what was allocated to the previous tenant. Under current law, an applicant must justify their entire parking plan regardless of what was previously allocated. This provision would only apply to central business district applications.
Planning Board Chairman Martin Robbins said the board often winds
up with many "futile" cases involving "huge calculations" for parking spaces based on current town regulations.
Board attorney William S. Jeremiah, 2nd, said, "We want to make it (downtown parking allocations) fair for the town, fair for the applicant, and fair for the Planning Board."
Another zoning change will make community residences, such as Sunrise Assisted Living, "permitted uses" in the town in accordance with state law. Previously, these types of facilities were listed as "conditional uses" as authorized by the Planning Board.
One change, which has met with the approval of the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), the governing body for the special improvement district (SID), is a provision to restrict non- retail businesses to the
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Page 12 Thursday, June 4, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER
WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER MONDAY, MAY 25
· A Westfield resident reported the theft of a Pioneer cassette AM/ FM radio worth approximately $200 from his vehicle on Harrow Road. The dashboard of the vehicle had also been damaged, according to police.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
· T- top panels valued at $2,000 were reported stolen from a Corvette which had been parked and locked at an automobile dealership on North Avenue.
· A Springfield Avenue company reported that a backhoe belonging to the business sustained between $2,000 and $3,000 in damage due to criminal mischief which occurred at Fairview Cemetery on East Broad Street.
· A Munsee Way resident reported the theft of signs from his property. The signs had been installed to keep motorists from using the victim's driveway as a cut- through, according to police.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
· An Edgar Road resident told police that she believed someone had applied poison to her lawn and flowers.
· A donation can containing $3 in currency was reported stolen from a Central Avenue restaurant.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
· Police reported that a 1998 Jeep Wagon was damaged on Sandra Circle by someone who spilled nail polish on the hood and the right side of the vehicle.
MONDAY, JUNE 1
· The owner of an Elm Street hair salon reported that the establishment sustained damaged through criminal mischief.
· A bicycle was reported stolen from Westfield High School on Dorian Road.
· A man reported the theft of a cellular telephone from a golf bag at a local club.
· A Livingston Street resident reported the theft of $300 from her bedroom.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
· Craig A. Smith, 33, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with driving with a revoked license, his third offense, at Mountain Avenue near Mountain View Circle, according to police. He was released on $1,000 bail.
MONDAY, MAY 25
· Five hundred block of Boulevard electrical short.
· Eight hundred block of New England Drive electrical short.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
· One hundred block of Washington Street unintentional alarm.
· One hundred block of East Broad Street water evacuation.
· Five hundred block of Springfield Avenue unintentional alarm.
· Three hundred block of Harrison Avenue power line down.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
· Two hundred block of Springfield Avenue unintentional alarm.
· Four hundred block of Tremont Avenue assist police.
· Seven hundred block of Dorian Road alarm activation.
· Two hundred block of Walnut Street automobile accident.
· Eight hundred block of Kimball Avenue unintentional alarm.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
· Fifteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Clark Street good intent call.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
· Three hundred block of Woods End Road carbon monoxide detector activation.
· One hundred block of Linden Av enue system malfunction.
· Eleven hundred block of Boynton Avenue system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of North Avenue West hazardous condition.
· Two hundred block of Baker Avenue power line down.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
· Eleven hundred block of Rahway Avenue electrical short.
· Five hundred block of Lenox Avenue gas odor investigation.
· Sixteen hundred block of Rahway Avenue system malfunction.
SUNDAY, MAY 31
· Two hundred block of East Broad Street smoke scare.
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. The vehicles were parked in driveways
or in front of residences when they were burglarized, the sergeant said, and the majority of them had been left unlocked.
There were no signs of forced entry in any of the incidents, he added, although the dashboard on one vehicle had sustained damage.
Four of the burglaries occurred on Vernon Place, while another three took place on Bell Drive, Sergeant Parizeau revealed. Other incidents occurred on Ayliffe, Hillcrest, Pinegrove and Fourth Avenues; North Chestnut and Prospect Streets, Vernon Terrace, Wychwood Road, and Castleman Drive.
In addition to currency, car owners reported that cellular telephones, compact disks, sunglasses, a duffle bag and a cooler filled with food, among other items, were taken from their vehicles.
In a separate case, two women were arrested early Saturday and charged with burglary to a motor vehicle, Sergeant Parizeau said. The pair had allegedly been seen rummaging through a car on Harrison Avenue at 3: 30 a. m., but were scared off by a resident who appeared with a flashlight, he added.
Bridget Tierney, 21, and Elizabeth Walsh, 20, both of Westfield, were taken into custody by police a short time later in the 200 block of Lawrence Avenue, the sergeant stated.
He said nothing was taken from the vehicle on Harrison Avenue and there is "nothing to link them at all" to any of the other inci dents.
The street fair featured food vendors, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo for children and a Moon Walk activity.
"We wanted to make sure the kids had their events," said Ms. Schmidt.
A total of 200 vendors and craftspeople participated in the event, down from the usual 300. The number of non- profit groups participating was lower also.
Ms. Schmidt reasoned that the nonprofit groups count a great deal on volunteers and simply were not able to get enough people to work the third rain date for the fair.
The Chamber and the Downtown Westfield Corporation, which operates the town's special improvement district, had tables located in the center of the fair at Elm and East Broad Streets.
The Chamber Fling headquarters was busy with fair browsers, many of them inquiring about which new stores are moving into the downtown.
Spring Fling Finally Gains Good Weather
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Car Burglary Spree Under Investigation
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Each of the suspects posted $1,500 bail on the burglary charges, the sergeant said. He added that an additional $500 bail had been set for Tierney on an outstanding warrant from Westfield Municipal Court for failure to appear.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
was approved by the board in 1988, the plans included 172 spaces. The company did not construct its planned building, however, within the permitted time frame.
Mr. Disko explained to the board that the proposed number of parking spaces had been trimmed for the current application in order to comply with new New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) laws, which prohibit any construction within 100 feet of a stream. A small stream runs through the rear of the proposed construction site.
Mr. Disko explained that in addition to the stream encroachment prohibition, the NJDEP requires two water quality detention ponds which will prevent run- off from entering into the stream.
He said that in dry weather, these two basins would look like landscaped recesses; however, in rainy weather they would be slightly filled. Mr. Disko added that two stone beds are also required under the parking area, and these will not be visible.
In addition, the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code requires six parking spaces for the handicapped, which further reduced the total number of parking spaces at the site.
In order to maximize the number of parking spaces at the site, Mr. Disko reduced each space from the normal 9 feet by 18 feet, to 8.5 feet by 18 feet. As he explained to the board, this reduction meant a loss of three inches from either side of each parking space, which he described as having a negligible impact on cars, which average six feet across.
The board voted unanimously to approve the application. Construction can begin subject to NJDEP and county approval.
In other business, the board unanimously approved an application by Thomas Walker, who sought to accommodate a new business which is leasing space in a building owned by his parents at 425 North Avenue. Mr. Walker petitioned the board for approval to create a new entrance at the rear of the building for the tenant.
He also proposed a logo sign for the entranceway measuring 18 feet by 2 feet, in compliance with Westfield ordinances. The new entrance
will be recessed several feet, and lighting will be directed downward into the doorway.
The board also gave Mr. Walker permission to move a dumpster to the rear of the property, which will enable him to create the new entranceway, and to fence the dumpster in.
As a condition, however, the board mandated that a tree currently at the site be preserved in the interest of nearby neighbors, who said it provides them with shade.
An application by Bronx Realty, which is seeking approval for a second story addition and construction of a rear atrium at 184 Elm Street, was postponed until the board's next meeting on Monday, July 6.
Paragano Wins Board Approval for Office Building HIGH TECH LEARNING... Members of the Westfield Board of Education and
the public were treated to technology presentations at Westfield High School as part of the May 19 board meeting. Arranged by district Technology Director Darlene Nowak, the purpose of the presentations were to highlight the results of the pilot programs at the high school in English, science, foreign language and social studies. Science teacher Linda Pastir shows how the computer detects the electrical impulses across the heart muscle of board member Annmarie Pulelo while fellow board member Susan Jacobson, in foreground, and Beverly Grant, secretary of Concerned African American Parents (CAAP) observe closely.
Piano Students Perform At National Auditions
Eight piano students of Olga Slavnina recently performed in the National Piano Playing Auditions sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers. The performing pianists were Elizabeth Lynch, Toni Ma, Eric Hintz, Caitlin Mahoney, Erin Landers, Isaac Davis, Alexandra Smith, and Ariel
A BIG MOMENT... Students of teacher Olga Slavina recently performed in the National Piano Playing Auditions. Pictured, left to right, are: front row, Caitlin Mahony, Erin Landers, Elizabeth Lynch, Isaac Davis, Eric Hintz and Toni Ma; and, back row, Ms. Slavnina and Ariel Millman. Not pictured is Alexandra Smith.
Millman, Ms. Slavaina is a faculty member of The Music Studio, a division of New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, located at 150- 152 East Broad Street in Westfield. She is also a current member of the Teacher Division of The American College of Musicians.
The students registered for membership in the National Fraternity of Student Musicians. Auditions were held in Princeton. All students were striving for Pledges, Local, District, State, National or even International honors.
The National organization confers these awards according to the number of masterpieces chosen from baroque, classic, romantic and modern piano literature.
Students were judged on accuracy, tone quality, technique, rhythm, maturity in memory, phrasing, dynamics, pedal, interpretation, and repertoire.
Nationwide, approximately 120,000 enthusiastic piano pupils participate in this annual event held in over 800 music centers around the country.
Every contestant strives to win a certificate, a gold or bronze embossed pin and a year's membership in the National Fraternity of Student Musicians and Piano Hobbyists of the World.
New Jersey Workshop for the Arts is a non- profit organization established in 1972 by Dr. Theodore K. Schlosberg. For information on Workshop programs, please call (908) 789- 9696.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
often send budget funds out of a district and into private educational facilities.
On a different note, Dr. Foley told district students to simply,
"pump up," in response to board member Dr. Carol B. Molnar's questions about the weight of textbooks and student backpacks.
A topic of recent widespread concern, the incidence of childhood back injury or pain from overloaded backpacks arose as the board okayed the purchase of new seventh- grade French language texts.
"Some of these books can weigh seven or eight pounds each," Dr. Molnar said, referring to other course textbooks as well.
In order to lighten the load of books a student carries back and forth every day, some schools have been known to offer students an option of purchasing "home texts" in addition to the texts issued in class. The used books are then resold to other students the following year. Also, Dr. Molnar raised the possibility of using lighter, "workbook"- style texts.
The board unanimously agreed to join the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association for next year so that Westfield High School teams may participate in statewide games. The membership cost for 1998- 1999 was not provided.
According to board Vice President Ginger Hardwick, district students took sixth place honors in an international competition of "Odyssey of the Mind" last weekend in Orlando, Florida.
Board member Arlene Gardner said she wanted to put the updated district policy manual on computer disc this year.
District teachers Frank Nolde and Robert Sanders were recognized by the board for their Optimist Club Awards this year.
Dr. Foley Defends Upgrades In District's Math Curriculum
upper floors of buildings in order to preserve the first floors in the downtown for storefronts and pedestrianoriented shops and businesses. Currently, first- floor offices are a permitted use.
Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) Executive Director Michael La Place objected to a provision in the ordinance to allow free- standing wood pylon signs at gasoline stations and new car dealerships.
Officials explained that this change was made because many of the suppliers of signs only manufacture these type of standard signs.
First Ward Councilwoman Gail S. Vernick questioned officials as to the regulations regarding ham radio towers.
Town Zoning Officer Jeremiah P. O'Neil noted that although not incorporated into the ordinance, proposed wording is available which could be added to the ordinance if so desired by the council.
Mr. Brandt noted that the ordinance has been written to "minimize the impact" on neighbors in this regard. He said, by federal law, the town does not have much control over the placement of antennas. There are some 200 licensed ham radio operators in Westfield.
One of the major changes proposed would regulate, based on lot area instead of zone district, the floor area ratio as well as increases in lot coverage through home improvements for single- family detached and two- family residences.
Mr. Brandt said this amendment was made to prevent over development of lots in town. In a memorandum to the governing body, he said the use of lot area will "further the intent of zone districts."
Other regulations address the footprint of a home defined as the coverage a home or building takes up on a lot as well as front, side and rear setbacks, which are also a measuring tool for boards when considering an application.
Mr. O'Neil explained that the change will "make applications more equitable all across town because they will be based on lot size and not on (individual) zones."
He said under the current ordinance, there are "tremendous discrepancies between the various zones in town.
Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, who led the discussion as Chairman of the Laws and Rules Committee, asked officials if it was possible to determine the number of properties the zoning change could impact.
Mr. Brandt said it would be "virtually impossible" to speculate on this information, since officials would have to know the square footage of all homes in Westfield.
Mr. Robbins said the board wants to "give a little bit more thought" to the lot area provision, noting that discussions by board members "have not been totally conclusive."
Board member Anthony M. La Porta, a former councilman, said the board "wrestled" with the issue but still "hasn't reached a conclusion" on the final wording.
"It is a very complicated issue be cause it is, in part, taking property
rights the rights that certain people have right now and, if you go forward with this, it lessens, I believe, the property values of those that are hurt by it," he said.
Mr. Brandt said lot coverage, which includes accessory structures such as detached garages, patios and tool sheds as well as the home itself, and varies by each zone, "has a much bigger impact in town than floor area ratio by a long shot."
Another DWC proposal would allow for projecting signs in the central business district and general business zone. Mr. La Place said this would bring more creative signs to the downtown, as opposed to the current regulations which only allow flat, wall- mounted signs.
Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. said he was concerned that without specific restrictions, these type of signs would "create clutter like you wouldn't believe."
Mr. La Place also said businesses with an exterior wall facing the NJ Transit train tracks, such as Lord & Taylor, should be allowed to erect an additional sign aimed at train commuters. He said these signs would bring "great exposure for the town."
On the issue of signs, Mr. Brandt said the philosophy of the town has always been to approve signs as a means of identification, not for advertising purposes.
Mr. La Place said most business owners maintain that signs are their chief means for advertising their services and products to shoppers.
"Identification and advertising are kind of linked," he added.
The DWC also supports a zoning change to allow for theater marquees to have neon lighting. This type of lighting continues to be banned in the zoning regulations for all types of businesses. Mr. La Place said the town should encourage "vintagelooking kind of marquees."
Mr. La Place said the DWC "needs (to have) this ordinance tight, effective and business- friendly."
Councilwoman Vernick's motion to include all of the DWC's recommendations as a whole did not receive council support.
Opposing Councilwoman Vernick's proposal, Mr. Brandt said many of the special improvement district board's suggestions "make large departures" from positions consistently held by the town on zoning matters.
Councilman Goldman noted that another recommendation has been made to have the Design Committee of the DWC act as an advisory panel for applications in the downtown. Their recommendations to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment would be non- binding, similar to that of the Architectural Review Board.
Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, noting the "forward moving" special improvement district, said he would like the recommendations to be considered as part of the ordinance, noting the SID should be allowed "to move ahead and flourish."
Two copies of the detailed ordinance are available in the Westfield Memorial Library for residents to browse. One copy is also available at the Municipal Building.
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Planning Board Looking To Streamline Parking
WHS Students Picked For Boys State Session
Martin Wallberg Post No. 3 in Westfield has announced that Thomas O'Connell and Robert Stroud of Westfield High School have been selected to participate in the 1998 session of the New Jersey American Legion Boys State Program.
The program, which is open to high school students who have completed their junior year, is conducted at Rider University in Lawrenceville from June 21 to 26.
The week- long session combines instructional with participatory activities which are intended to afford the students a more thorough understanding of the way that government bodies work from the local to the state levels, according to Peter Hogaboom, Commander of Post No. 3.
FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
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