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. 24- 98 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, June 11, 1998

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

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Gretchen Bowman for The Times LOVE THAT JAZZ... The Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School jazz band, The Moonglowers, helped kick off the Summer Concert Series last week on the Village Green in front of the Scotch Plains Municipal Building.

David B. Corbin for The Times PULL, PULL!... First graders at the Evergreen School in Scotch Plains enjoy a good tug- of- war during physical activity day in the school, part of the end of school year events.

PROJECT SPARKS CONCERNS AMONG GOVERNING BODY

Borough Officials to Discuss Proposal By NJ Transit for New Commuter Lot

By SUZETTE STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

Borough officials were expected to meet today, Thursday, June 11, with representatives of NJ Transit to discuss a proposal by the latter for a new commuter parking lot on South Avenue in Fanwood.

The proposed lot, containing between 50 and 70 spaces, would be located on the current site of Scotchwood Automotive, which is adjacent to the existing south side train station parking area, according

to NJ Transit spokesman Ken Miller. Mr. Miller confirmed last Friday that NJ Transit is currently "in negotiations" with the owner of Scotchwood Automotive to buy the property.

Borough council members revealed during their June 3 agenda meeting that a conceptual plan for the proposed lot is expected to be unveiled by NJ Transit at today's meeting.

Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly, Borough Clerk Eleanor McGovern, Borough Engineer Richard Marsden,

Chief of Police Robert Carboy and Public Works Director Raymond Manfra are expected to attend the session.

NJ Transit and the borough presently own a total of 267 parking spaces at the Fanwood train station, Mr. Miller explained. He observed, however, that the existing spaces are "completely filled" and there is a need for additional parking.

"There is an increased demand for spaces to be used (by commuters) along the Raritan Valley Line," the

NJ Transit spokesman told The Times.

He added that the proposed South Avenue lot "is just one of a number of projects we're looking at along the entire line to meet the increasing demand we're experiencing."

Mr. Miller said a prospective new agreement is under discussion by NJ Transit and the borough which, if enacted, would regulate operation of the train station's existing parking facilities as well as the additional lot.

It would replace an existing 25- year pact between Fanwood and NJ Transit which expires in the year 2017, Mr. Miller acknowledged.

"We're interested in working with them in identifying the best agreement that will benefit the town and NJ Transit," the spokesman commented.

However, Mayor Connelly and Borough Council members expressed concern during last week's agenda meeting that a revised agreement could wind up costing the borough money and unnecessary administrative headaches.

Under the current arrangement with NJ Transit, the borough is responsible for maintenance of the parking lots and landscaping at the Fanwood train station, but not the platforms and stairs.

Scotch Plains Council Keeps Alive Discussion Of Centre Boulevard Overlay in Downtown By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

The Scotch Plains Township Council decided last Wednesday to keep alive a proposal to add the name "Centre Boulevard" to East Second Street and Plainfield and Westfield Avenues in the township.

The measure came about as a recommendation from the two- year- old Downtown Development Committee (DDC.) The downtown task force is made up of members of the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association as well as other residents and council members.

Councilman Martin Marks explained that the name "Centre Boulevard" will "enhance the theme of a town center and make it sound like Scotch Plains, not Westfield or Plainfield."

Councilman Marks also pointed out that the "overlay" name is not a name change for the three streets. He said that residents along the affected streets have a choice of which name to use for their personal documents and repeatedly stressed that the name change is not a mandate.

Councilmen Marks reported that he met with those township residents that were against the resolution. He stated that he also met with a group of senior citizens to explain the street name addition and the reasoning behind the measure. However, he said, he still hears negative misinformation about the Centre Boulevard proposal.

"It distresses me that either people don't understand what is going on about Centre Boulevard or worse, do understand and are giving residents misinformation about that name 'overlay. ' Even after talking with residents and the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee some residents are telling their neighbors that they will have to change all their legal documents with the new street name. This is simply not true," Councilman Marks emphasized.

Council Marks also said that he invited residents to attend a Downtown Development Committee meeting and received no responses. He pointed out that the DDC sent letters to residents, business owners and property owners along the roadway.

According to Councilman Marks, who is a member of the task force, the Committee was charged with finding ways to improve – or some have said revitalize — the central business district. Other DDC's suggestions were the addition of a gazebo to the Village Green, "Town Centre" welcoming signs at the borders of the business district and gold- and- burgundy logo banners on downtown utility poles — all of which have been carried out. Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the Centre Boulevard resolution on Tuesday, June 23 at the Municipal Building, 8 p. m.

In other business, Mayor Joan Papen said she recently notified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials that she believes there has been no reduction in noise from aircraft in the area since the initiation of the new 260- degree flight pattern test at Newark International Airport in April.

The route test, for low flying departing aircraft, is due to end in September. The alternated route is supposed to cut down on noise over residential areas by requiring planes to make a 260- degree turn at higher altitudes just south of airport runways and then fly above an industrial corridor between Rahway and Carteret.

Mayor Papen stated that FAA Air Traffic Division Manager Franklin D. Hatfield reported that some pilots do not get a radio signal that they are

used to receiving under the previous flight patterns and then apparently make the turn too quickly — before they are far enough over the industrial area.

Mayor Papen said Mr. Hatfield promised to send her a report on the tracking of area aircraft.

Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins noted that the council has not yet received any other report or updates from the FAA as was initially promised.

In other business, Mr. Atkins reported that the township Police Department hopes to garner a Department of Justice grant called "COPS MORE" (Making Officer Redeployment Effective) in order to update the force's computer system.

According to a letter addressed to the council, the $212,000 grant would be used to purchase a computer server, a personal computer, a mobile laptop unit, a mobile base station and a record system software program. The

department's current computer system was purchased in 1984. Mr. Atkins noted that there are no wages, salaries or fringe benefits attached to the grant and that the township would have to fund 25 percent or $53,000 of the grant request.

The program focuses on getting police officers back on patrol in the community as opposed to hiring additional cops. The grant would make this possible, through the use of com

Terry Riegel Looks Fondly On Past 26 Yrs.

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Twenty- six years. Fourteen thousand graduates. Thirty- five boards of education. Five school superintendents. Dr. Terry K. Riegel has witnessed many changes during his 26- year tenure as Principal of Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School (SPFHS).

"I will miss it tremendously," said Dr. Riegel. "While I think 35 years in one building is long enough, I still love it today as I did when started."

His retirement this year caps a 35- year career in the district which began in 1963 as a social studies teacher. He moved into administration in 1969 as Assistant Principal, then served as Acting Principal at different times in 1970 and 1971. Dr. Riegel was formally

named Principal in 1972. A school the size of SPFHS leaves little room for an individual to wear two hats.

"To this day, I miss the classroom and the kids, the loss of direct contact," Dr. Riegel admitted.

He makes an effort to be in the hallways when school begins in the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Dr. Terry K. Riegel

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Frank McDermott Narrowly Wins Reelection as County GOP Chair

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Times

Following a process which lasted over three hours, the Union County Republican Committee reelected Frank X. McDermott, of Westfield, by a slim 29- vote tally Tuesday night as county GOP Chairman for another two years.

He was selected over challenger and Union Township GOP Municipal Chairman Anthony Di Giovanni. Mr. McDermott has held the post since 1989.

Just over 600 out of 748 Union County Republican Committee representatives who were eligible to vote cast their ballots at polling booths which were set up in the corridor outside the Westfield High School auditorium.

The winning team also includes Scotch Plains Mayor Joan Papen as Vice Chairwoman, Elizabeth Cox of Summit, and former Freeholder James Fulcomer of Rahway for the Associate Chairmen spots; William Palermo of Linden as Treasurer, and John DeSimone, of Clark, as Secre tary.

Following his narrow loss, Mr. Di Giovanni emphasized the importance of a unified party, promising to work together with Mr. McDermott in an effort to "move the party forward."

In return, Mr. McDermott showed there were no hard feelings by calling his opponent "a good Republican" and promising to "work together" with Mr. Di Giovanni in the future.

Meanwhile, Mr. McDermott told reporters that his slate's win was a show of support for his plan to create Freeholder districts, noting that "people want to have representation" at the county level. Democrats currently hold a 9- 0 majority on the Freeholder Board.

Westfield First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott said he believes Republicans voted for his father out of the "loyalty and respect they have for him."

His brother, Matthew, of Cranford, added that his father's victory was "good for the future of the party."

The first order of business on Frank McDermott's agenda is to move legislation he initiated to divide Union County government into districts. The concept, known as the Equal Representation Plan, would reduce the current nine- member Freeholder board to seven members.

The plan would create three districts — each to be represented by two Freeholders. One district would encompass the western portion of the county, where Republicans have a stronghold; the central district would be considered a toss up between Republicans and Democrats, and an eastern district would be dominated by Democrats.

One seat, commonly known as an at- large seat, would be elected countywide.

Westfield First Ward Councilwoman Gail S. Vernick, a Mayoral contender this year and a county committee representative, said Mr. McDermott's plan "has real merit."

She said the plan would mean "no party would have complete control" of the Freeholder board.

During an emotional appeal to county Republican Committee representatives, Mr. Di Giovanni was highly critical of the Equal Representation Plan, referring to it as "nothing more than a smoke screen" to hide the failures in the party's leadership.

Mr. Di Giovanni charged that the plan would "abandon" Republican leadership in Elizabeth, Hillside and Linden by placing these towns in the eastern district controlled by Democrats.

Mr. Di Giovanni said his slate was prepared to rebuild the party organization through a "grass roots" effort.

He said his slate — consisting of Nancy Lawrence of Cranford, for Vice Chairwoman; William Ruocco of Springfield and former Freeholder Linda- Lee Kelly, of Elizabeth, for the Associate chairmen's posts; Frank Meeks, of Plainfield for Secretary, and William Franklin of Summit for Treasurer — would recruit new county residents and younger voters.

He pledged to close the 2- 1 ratio that Democrats currently have over Republicans in the county by 25 percent within two years.

In seeking support from county committee representatives, he vowed that, "without a change in our organization's leadership, Republicans will continue to be 0- 9 on the Freeholder board and won't win back any of the county constitutional offices." These posts include County Clerk, Sheriff and Surrogate.

Mr. Di Giovanni said that in addition to Mr. McDermott's proposed dividing lines on the districts, Democrats would propose their own plan. He said both plans would then go before a judge, who could opt for the Democrats' plan which would "lock up" Union County for the Democratic majority.

Mr. Di Giovanni's platform in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Proposed Watson Road 'Pocket Park' Draws Both Support, Concerns From Public, Council By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

The Fanwood Borough Council met with Watson Road residents June 4 to discuss the pocket park which has been proposed in that area.

Council members also briefly discussed establishing a 501 (c) (3) Corporation for the borough. The corporation would be a non- profit partnership between the private and public sector.

Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly stated the governing body's main reason for calling the meeting was to hear input from Watson Road residents on the proposed pocket park before making any decisions about the project.

The Mayor explained to those in attendance that the proposed park would stand on land once used for the borough's Fire House, and which has been a vacant lot for many years. She also noted that the property is owned by the borough.

According to Mayor Connelly, "this park will be a place where one can sit, read and enjoy the surroundings." She said a sensory garden has been proposed for the park, which would be filled with grass, pine trees, mosses, shrubs and flowers.

A gazebo has also been proposed for the park, which would be easily accessible, officials maintained. Some parking would also be provided.

As was reported earlier by The Times, sketches were provided, at no cost to the borough, by students from Union County College's Architectural- Engineering Department, led by Professor Dori Vincents.

These drawings were then put together by Borough Engineer Richard Marsden to display a single master plan for the park.

Borough Clerk Eleanor McGovern reported that the municipality had applied for and been awarded moneys for the park through a dollar- fordollar grant program offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. According to Mrs. McGovern, an

initial $25,000 matching grant was awarded, as well as a subsequent $100,000 matching grant. Mrs. McGovern then noted that borough employees, such as those from the Department of Public Works as well as the Borough Engineer, would provide $75,000 in in- kind services toward development of the park.

The county has made moneys available to either start or renovate parks in its 21 municipalities through its Project Pocket Park Program. This program is aimed at preserving open spaces within the county. All 21 municipalities have applied for and

received grants from this program. Borough Councilman Stuart S. Kline asked the council for a report of the projected cost of the program, stating that he was uncomfortable with the additional $100,000 matching funds grant.

Mrs. McGovern then showed Councilman Kline a copy of her report that she was reading from.

Residents who came to the special meeting had differing opinions on the proposed park.

Bill Root of North Avenue asked members of the governing body if they thought people would really use the park, and stated that he felt enough

people already cut through the back of his property.

Former Borough Councilman Dr. Chester R. Lindsey, who lives on Midway Avenue, addressed the council by saying he thought the land would be better suited as an additional parking lot for commuters.

He also commented that he thought it was time the borough earn money, not spend more. Speaking as a former councilman, Dr. Lindsey reiterated his belief that parking was needed much more than a pocket park. He added that he has been a Fanwood resident for over 40 years.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Page 12 Thursday, June 11, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

PAINE WEBBER 2X2

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 this 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.

The municipality also retains 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of parking permits, which generates about $100,000 in revenue for the borough each year.

Members of the governing body observed last week that these provisions could change under a revised agreement with NJ Transit for operation of the train station.

Mayor Connelly, for one, noted that Fanwood could lose a significant sum of money if the municipality were no longer entitled to revenues from the sale of parking permits.

Mrs. McGovern said that borough officials would likely discuss these aspects of the proposal with NJ Transit representatives at the meeting today.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Borough Officials to Discuss Proposal for Commuter Lot

puters, by significantly cutting time spent filing officer reports in longhand.

Mr. Atkins confirmed that adding the portable mobile data terminals will allow officers, for example, to complete a report at the scene of a crime. Currently, officers take notes and return to headquarters to file handwritten reports.

The "COPS MORE" grant will be awarded by October or November,

Mr. Atkins said. The council noted that a retirement party for Dr. Terry K. Riegel, Principal of Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School, will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 6 p. m.

Also, the said the SP- F High School graduation ceremony was scheduled for next Thursday, June 18 at 6: 30 p. m.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Council Continues Discussion On Centre Boulevard Overlay

Mayor Connelly told the crowd that other borough administrations had other ideas for the piece of land where the park would be located, such as turning it into a parking lot or subdividing the property to sell.

She stated that all of these ideas were not further developed because residents in the immediate neighborhood had concerns about increased traffic.

The Mayor went on to say that conditions at the property now were deplorable, and that she thought it was a safety hazard.

Robert McCarthy, of La Grande Avenue, also spoke out against the pocket park idea. He stated that he felt there is already a lot of parks in Fanwood. Mr. McCarthy commented that he thought the land would be better suited for senior citizen housing.

Richard Bard, a North Avenue resident, told the council that, in his opinion, 90 percent of Fanwood residents enjoy gardens in their own backyards, adding that he didn't see the need to have a public park with a sensory garden in it.

He felt that the grant moneys should be applied for under the guise of being a part of the county's pocket park program, and then used for other purposes, like building sewer systems and sidewalks.

Mayor Connelly, as well as other council members, strongly disagreed with Mr. Bard's idea. The Mayor told those in attendance that awarded moneys must be used for the park under the specifications of the county grant.

Councilman William E. Populus, Jr. agreed, stating that grant moneys were very closely monitored by the state.

Pat Lindsey, who lives on Midway Avenue, expressed safety issues about the proposed park. She specifically asked Mayor Connelly if there was going to be a pond in the new park and, if so, would it have fencing around it so that children could not accidentally fall in.

The Mayor told Mrs. Lindsey that fencing around a pond was a good idea, but that as of yet, no definitive decisions have been made about a pond.

North Avenue resident Deborah Row- Kinder inquired about fencing, lighting and hours of operation for the proposed park.

Officials said the park would be fenced, and that low level lighting would be available. The hours of operation have yet to be decided.

Brian Convery of Russell Road, a two- year resident, stated that all of his neighbors spend most of their time outside in the summer months and, thus, he thought that the park would be a positive asset to his neighborhood.

Mr. Convery stated that he did not agree with previous speakers who were saying that there were enough parks and open spaces in the borough.

Rick Cimino of Watson Road addressed the council by stating he thought the park was a "great" idea. He explained that his daughters would use the park and that in his immediate neighborhood, seven children were born within the last year who would also be using the park in upcoming years.

He also volunteered his time to help construct the park. Mr. Cimino did, however, question the cost of maintaining the park.

In response, Mayor Connelly said the borough would try to keep maintenance costs down.

Watson Road resident Bonnie Otis stated she was concerned about increased traffic in the area.

Sally Drews, another Watson Road resident, said her property was right next to the proposed park, and that she wanted to go on record saying she thought the park was a good idea.

"I love this idea and would be happy to volunteer," she told the council.

After the public comments portion of the meeting was closed, Councilman Kline asked again for a detailed report of how the moneys for the park were being attained and how much exactly the borough would be paying as its portion.

He stated that he thought the council was "barreling down the tracks with this new park" and that "the details of this project don't seem to be worked out yet."

Council President Bruce H. Walsh commented that he thought the park was "a reason for me to stay in this town and is a place that, if I have grandchildren, I can bring them to.

"I wonder what is going on in the back of people's heads to be nit pickers and nay sayers," he added.

Councilman Kline quickly responded, "I find it insulting to be called a 'nit picker' or 'nay sayer. ' I was elected to this council to monitor the fundamental concerns, like the cost of proposed projects."

Councilwoman Karen M. Schurtz suggested that a cost report for the park be made available at the next special meeting, so that all council members can look at the numbers to see where the money is coming from for the project.

Mayor Connelly emphasized that the reason the public meeting was called was to get the residents' input, and that none of the plans for the park are in their final draft.

"There are many more details to be worked out at council meetings," she said.

In other business, the council briefly talked about applying for 501 (c) (3) status, which will give the borough opportunities to pursue grant moneys that are specially targeted for non- profit groups. These community development funds would then be 100 percent tax deductible.

Councilman Joel Whitaker reported to the body that he was in the process of talking with some Fanwood residents who had expressed an interest in putting together a foundation to help the borough on various projects.

According to Councilman Whitaker, the name "Fanwood Community Foundation" has been proposed. He also reported that members of an existing organization, called the Fanwood Foundation, have agreed to change their name so that the two foundations would not be confused.

Mayor Connelly commented that although she thought that this was a good idea, she felt that applying for 501 (c) (3) status was a separate issue because the council would have no say in governing the new foundation.

Many council members asked if the two could somehow be combined. Councilman Whitaker said that he would look into structure issues and legal requirements for the proposed organization and report back to the council next week. cluded improving fund- raising efforts

to support local races; a "get out the vote" initiative; voter registration drives; coordination of county campaigns with municipal races; a fourterm limit on the GOP County chairmanship, and a "Keep Our County Convention."

Also on Mr. Di Giovanni's platform was the creation of a party newsletter and the creation of a county GOP Home Page.

He said the current leadership has left the party in "shambles and without any clear direction."

Mr. McDermott said the election process for the Chairman's position generated a new "spirit" the party has not seen for years, and which he hopes to build on come general election time.

He called his proposal "a plan for victory" for putting Republicans back into office. The GOP Chairman noted a committee was set up which studied a number of proposals to enhance Republican representation in county government before opting for the Freeholder districting plan.

Mr. McDermott emphasized that even if approved by the Republicancontrolled Legislature and Governor Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican, "this (plan) will go to the people" who will ultimately decide its outcome.

He said Republicans are "so frustrated" by losing the last three Freeholder races that they will show up in high numbers to pass the referendum while, at the same time, supporting the GOP ticket.

Also on Mr. Di Giovanni's platform was the creation of a party newsletter and the creation of a county GOP Home Page.

The convention was run by New Jersey GOP Party Chairman Garabed

"Chuck" Haytaian, a former state Senator and United States Senate candidate. Citing the opposition in the Chairman election, he said "competition is what makes Republicans get ahead."

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Di Giovanni, Roselle Park Councilwoman Melanie Selk said the party "needs to travel down the road to victory again."

She said the party needs to recognize that there is a "wealth of middle class residents in Union County" who could be brought into the county GOP party." Ms. Selk said that Republicans want an "open and fair party."

On the referendum proposal, she questioned "why would Republicans wage a referendum battle which we surely cannot win?"

Speaking for Mr. McDermott, Assemblyman Alan M. Augustine, of Scotch Plains, cited the party Chairman's "over 30 years of dedicated service to the Republican Party," both in the county and in the Legislature. Mr. McDermott served in a number of leadership posts, including as Senate President in 1969.

Assemblyman Augustine called Mr. McDermott, "an excellent ambassador for Union County."

Mr. McDermott's platform vows to continue an open party county convention which will include an expanded marketing effort to generate "a winning formula for candidate selection."

Also on Mr. McDermott's platform is a program to increase funds in the county campaign war chest to support both local and county elections; improve the professional campaign- staffing program to support local campaigns, and develop programs oriented for urban and ethnic voter outreach.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Frank McDermott Wins Reelection to GOP Chair

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

morning, ends in the afternoon, and during the five- minute "passing time" as classes change.

Still, he said, "Many kids simply don't know who I am, even after four years, and that's disappointing."

When asked if and how students changed over the years, Dr. Riegel said, "The kids have always been great. It was society that changed over the years."

From the anti- and pro- Vietnam demonstrations in the late 1960s, the student body has evolved into a group that is "more serious" about their studies, and very involved in clubs, organizations and athletics.

"You could not ask for a better student body and school than we have right this minute," the Principal stated.

Dr. Riegel said parent involvement, too, has grown through the years.

"Parents' expectations of their children have increased and continue to increase," he explained.

SPFHS' Parent- Teacher Association boasts 40 to 50 active members, according to Dr. Riegel.

Dr. Riegel cited a diversified curriculum as one of the high school's greatest strengths, an accomplishment of which he is particularly proud.

"Thirty years ago, we had a tight curriculum," he said. "Today, it's unusual to find even two schedules that are alike.

"There's more offerings, more opportunities," and reiterating one of his favorite sayings, "something for everyone."

The "something for everyone" philosophy transcends the curriculum and includes extracurricular activities.

"If there is sufficient interest among students, and we can find an advisor," he explained, "we'll offer it."

"I won't say we have 1,062 perfectly happy kids here," said Dr. Riegel with a smile, "but, most of our kids enjoy coming here. We offer a variety of things that they can involve themselves in."

Looking ahead, Dr. Riegel is concerned about the trend toward declining financial support of public school systems.

"Not at the local level," he quickly pointed out. "State aid is decreasing in districts like this which is effecting a creeping increase in class size."

"Looking back 10 years ago, class numbers were in the low 20s," he explained. "Now, they are in the upper middle 20s. You can't tell me that doesn't matter."

"The knowledge explosion will increasingly challenge students' ability to select what areas of study to focus on," added Dr. Riegel. "On the other hand, the technology explosion will help students to get that knowledge more quickly."

What will be the greatest challenge facing his successor at the high school?

"To keep up with the changes and challenges posed by state mandates and intrusion in local schools," declared Dr. Riegel.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye called Dr. Riegel an "incredible professional."

In affirming the praise heaped on the outgoing principal by board members, Dr. Choye said, "We won't know how much we appreciate Terry Riegel until he's gone."

She noted that all but two of the current high school staff members were selected by Dr. Riegel.

"That's quite an extended family," said Dr. Choye, "and we will build on the foundation he placed at the high school."

The principal is not the only Dr. Riegel who will soon bid farewell to Scotch Plains- Fanwood students.

Dr. Riegel's wife, Arlene, will retire as of Thursday, October 1 after 29 years of teaching mathematics in the district, first at Terrill Junior High School (now Middle School) and, most recently, at the high school.

Her courses have included Alge bra I and II, Geometry and Basic

Skills at the remedial, standard, academic and accelerated levels. Having previously coached a nationally recognized ThinkQuest team, she is presently coaching a team for the 1998 national ThinkQuest competition.

Laughing, Dr. Riegel explained that his wife learned of his retirement at the high school staff meeting along with everybody else. Mrs. Riegel cornered her husband after the meeting with a wifely request "to talk" about his decision "to pull the plug" and its impact on her.

The couple had agreed to retire together.

When asked what advice he would

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Terry Riegel Looks Back Fondly on Past 26 Years MONDAY, JUNE 1

· A resident of Cicilia Place reported the theft of a bicycle which was taken from the front porch overnight.

· A motorist reported that someone threw an object at his windshield, causing it to crack.

· A resident of Paff Place reported that a purse was taken from the kitchen table. The victim believes someone entered the home in the early afternoon by unlocking the front door.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

· A woman reported that a male in his late teens, operating a dark grey Volvo, stopped her on Windingbrook Way, asked for directions and exposed himself.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

· A cellular telephone was reported stolen from a vehicle parked on Chiplou Lane during the night.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

· Police received a report that a motor vehicle was entered and a stereo stolen while the vehicle was parked at a service station on Route No. 22.

· Marshall Chavis, 54, of Oxford, North Carolina, Henry Chavis, 56, of Jersey City, and James Royster, 50, of Durham, North Carolina were arrested and charged with possession and use of less than 50 grams of marijuana, according to police. The arrests occurred in the 200 block of Park Avenue pursuant to a police officer's investigation.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

· Gerale Rawles, 27, of Willingboro and Michael Rawles, 24, of Scotch Plains were arrested and charged with obstructing the administration of the law. The pair allegedly physically interfered with officers conducting an investigation in the 1700 block of East Second Street, authorities said.

· A cellular telephone was reported stolen from a vehicle parked on Gallagher Avenue.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

· An attendant at a service station on Route No. 22 claimed that an unknown individual fired a paint ball gun at his business.

· Anthony Catanzaro, 21, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated pursuant to a motor vehicle accident on Hunter Avenue, according to police.

MONDAY, JUNE 8

· Louis Jarecki, 50, of Scotch Plains was arrested and charged with making false public alarms and harassment for allegedly placing several calls to 911 from his home in the absence of an emergency need, according to police.

During the course of the arrest, Mr. Jarecki allegedly became combative and was additionally charged with simple assault on a law enforcement officer, authorities said.

Arlene Riegel OUTSTANDING WRITERS... Terrill Middle School winning writers, left to

right, are: front row, Carolyn Barnett; second row, Elena Goetz, Kathleen Donovan, and Susannah Grossman; third row, Kristen Baird, Kim Testa, Eric Yang, David Baumwoll and Thomas DeCataldo. The writers will be recognized for their writing talents at an awards assembly on Thursday, June 18.

Recent Home Sales

SCOTCH PLAINS

Janet C. Andreola to William and Katherine Moore, 1610 Front Street, $154,000.

Calvin W. Bey to James J. and Karen Mortarulo, 524 Farley Avenue, $141,000.

Walter J. Baliko to David and Linda Kreps, 1478 Lamberts Mill Road, $252,500.

Michael Curren to Louis N. Circhio, 1928 Bartle Avenue, $130,000.

David A. Rothenberg to Lance and Brooke Abramowitz, 215 Harding Road, $210,000.

Jean Allen Small, Sr. to Joan Allen, 1115 Martine Avenue, $150,000.

Lucille Masciale to Brian M. and Elizabeth D. Dowd, 21 Donsen Lane, $280,000.

Helena S. Beach, Sr. to Helena S. Beach, 2344 Gales Court, $175,000.

FANWOOD

David Kreps to Robert T. and Margaret Neilson, 107 Second Street, $195,000. Greg McMillan to Michael and Angela Szuch, 185 Westfield Road, $185,000. leave to the students whose graduations

he will not preside over, Dr. Riegel said, "Follow the Class of '98."

"Follow the leadership of the students leaving this year, and you'll do just fine. This year's (graduating) class has been super across the board," he concluded.

Dr. Riegel explained that Dr. Choye will meet with high school staff members, parents and students to hear what they are looking for in a new principal as part of the selection process.

In the interim, Dr. Riegel will be "on call" until Wednesday, September 30, to ensure a smooth transition to the start of the 1998- 1999 school year. In addition, former SPFHS Assistant Principal Fred DeFeo has agreed to help out where necessary until Dr. Riegel's successor is named.

Maureen E. Zupkus Named to Dean's List At Rowan University

Maureen Elizabeth Zupkus, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David McNelis of Scotch Plains, has been named to the Dean's List at Rowan University in Glassboro for the Spring 1998 semester. This is the third consecutive semester she has been placed on the Dean's List.

Maureen has just completed her sophomore year at Rowan, earning a 3.50 grade- point average, and is a graphic design major. She is a 1996 graduate of Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School. Johns Hopkins Commends

SP- F Grades 5 to 8 Students

The Johns Hopkins University Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth (IAAY) has commended several Scotch PlainsFanwood students who participated in the 1998 IAAY Talent Search for fifth through eighth graders.

Fifth- and sixth- grade participants were recognized for their performance on the PLUS Academic Abilities Assessment, a test designed for students above these grade levels which indicates a student's ability to grasp concepts they may not yet have encountered and identifies areas of academic strength.

District fifth graders recognized by Johns Hopkins include Shrenik Shah, Roland Bisio, Terrance Charles, Sara McArdle, Faye Xu, R. Sam Gordon, Shannon Hassett, Robert Lasher, Yukangg Cheng, Christopher D'Annunzio, Elise DeVries, William Fowler, Alexander Gerveshi, Stephanie

King, Jason Livingston and Sean Robinson.

Honored sixth graders include Christopher Russo, Nancy Twu, Flora Alexander, Rupnath Chattopadhyay, Vani Kilakkathi, and Allyson Salisbury.

Students in the seventh and eighth grades were recognized based on their performance on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) I, a test normally administered to high school juniors and seniors.

Outstanding scores were achieved by seventh graders Pamela Cameron, Brian Curcie, Sofia Fayngold, Sarah Ginsberg, Sonali Phatak, Nisha Tamhankar, Judith Wicker- Briscoe, Lauren Baines, Katie Downey, Eric Pratt, Christopher Seemann and Patrick Shevlin.

Eighth grade commended students included Erin Breznitsky, Allison DeMaio, John Park and John DelMauro.

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'Pocket Park' Proposal Draws Support and Concerns