The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 24- 98 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, June 11, 1998 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.

Published Every Thursday

Mr. Soriano to Depart Westfield High School With Fond Memories

Charles Soriano By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Charles Soriano, a teacher of English and journalism and advisor to the award- winning Hi's Eye newspaper, has announced he will leave Westfield High School (WHS) after the 1997- 1998 school year has ended.

In September, the long- time educator will assume administrative responsibilities

as the English Department Chairman at Bernards High School in the Somerset Hills School District.

Mr. Soriano leaves behind a proud tradition of success. Once again this year, Hi's Eye claimed first place in all the major competitions sponsored by the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the American Scholastic Press Association.

"This is a bittersweet time," Mr. Soriano acknowledged this week. "I wouldn't leave unless it was a really big opportunity for me."

This month concludes his eighth year as a teacher in the Westfield district, and his seventh as journalism advisor. What he will miss most, he said, is the "students' energy and enthusiasm" in putting out the weekly publication.

"I just love it," he said. As advisor, he also enjoyed the "down times" prior to the Monday night deadline. Papers and photographs were put aside, food was ordered, and he and his students had an

opportunity to talk. After about an hour, Mr. Soriano revealed, they would return to work, sometimes staying until 11 p. m. to put the paper to bed.

"Those times were important," said Mr. Soriano. "That's part of what extracurricular activities stand for."

Meghan Corbett, a tri- editor of

Hi's Eye, said she feels badly for the students who will not have an opportunity to get to know Mr. Soriano.

"He's one of those teachers you know who cares," the high school senior explained. "We work hard because we want him to be proud, because we want him to be pleased."

"Mr. Soriano had more impact on my life at Westfield High School than any other person," declared Meghan, who is considering an English major and a French minor when she attends Duke University in Durham, North Carolina this fall.

Working on the Hi's Eye, West

UP, UP AND NOT AWAY... Jefferson Elementary School Principal Jorden Schiff ascends above hundreds of parents and children to culminate the school's "Blasting Off With Science and Technology" theme this year. The balloon ascension took place on the Jefferson playing field on June 4 following an open house in which families visited classrooms to observe student science projects. Unfortunately, due to high winds, the balloon was kept close to the ground.

Gerard T. Christie for The Westfield Leader PARTY TIME... Enjoying themselves, and watermelon at the same time, at the Friends of Mindowaskin Park's fifth annual "Party in the Park," pictured left to right, are: Kristy Bangs, Ellie Callinan, Andrey, Kylie, and David Bangs, and Christy, Charlie and Audrey Callinan. The event, held in the park on East Broad Street, featured food, activities, contests and special exhibits in celebration of Mindowaskin's 80th birthday.

Gerard T. Christie for The Westfield Leader TASTE OF THE PARK... One of the highlights of this year's "Party in the Park" at Mindowaskin Park was the baking contest. Pictured at the contest table, left to right, are: Friends of Mindowaskin Park Publicity Chairwoman Karen Gorman Rea, contest judge David Martone of the Classic Thyme in Westfield, and Barbara Vincentsen.

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Board of Adjustment Denies Two Appeals By Local Businesses By RUSSELL R. WATKINS

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Board of Adjustment Chairman Lawrence C. J. Mannino successfully spearheaded an effort Monday night to deny sign variances to two downtown Westfield businesses.

Havana Knights L. L. C. and Sojourn Travel, Inc. had both requested variances for signs erected in an effort to increase their visibility.

Havana Knights, located at 408 Westfield Avenue, behind Pan American Cleaners, had sought permission to keep an argon- trimmed sign in its storefront window. Argon signs, similar in appearance to neon signs, are prohibited by town ordinance.

Richard Kress, an attorney representing Havana Knights, argued that the prohibition placed a hardship on the business because its location — off the traffic circle at South Avenue and behind the cleaners — isolated the establishment.

Mr. Kress argued that a bolder sign was required to attract customers, and asked the board for a variance.

A visibly angry Mr. Mannino told Mr. Kress that granting a variance in this case would be to "cut at the very basic core of this community."

The Chairman defended the board's right to maintain "the character of the community," and expressed his frustration at what he believed was the business community's lack of cooperation with the board.

He maintained that the board's sole motivation was a desire to give Westfield "a sense of well- being," and declared the sign to be "alien to the direction we're trying to go."

He concluded by challenging Havana Knights to take up the issue with the Superior Court if the business disagreed with the board's decision.

Mr. Kress responded by saying, "I don't think you want to have the Superior Court strike down a Westfield ordinance as unconstitutional — you'll open Pandora's box."

At this point, several board members attempted to ease tensions by asking whether or not Havana Knights might actually prefer a painted sign, noting that the ordinance's strict language precluded the possibility of a variance.

The attorney for Havana Knights, while not ruling out that option, did not indicate whether or not his client would be agreeable to the proposed compromise. The board, however, unanimously voted to deny the variance for the argon sign.

This matter resolved, the board next considered an appeal by Claudia Santo of Sojourn Travel Inc., located at 105 Elm Street.

Facing stiff competition from Liberty Travel when it opened on the opposite corner a few months ago, Ms. Santo erected a sign on the side of her building. She credited the sign

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM... Westfield High School seniors are all smiles as they enjoy Senior Sundae and signing up for Project Graduation — BASH '98, the traditional all- night drug- and alcohol- free party which will follow the graduation on, Thursday June 18. New Vehicle Burglaries

Reported in Westfield

A dozen motor vehicle burglaries, all occurring on the south side of town near the Clark border, were reported to Westfield police on Tuesday morning.

The incidents, which police believe were committed overnight, followed on the heels of nearly two dozen other vehicle breakins which were reported between May 29 and 31.

Four burglaries each were reported on Wyoming Street and Florida Street. Two more took place on Grandview Avenue and another occurred on Boulevard, authorities said.

As in the previous cases, the latest burglaries involved currency and various other items being removed from unlocked vehicles, according to Detective Sergeant John M. Parizeau of the Westfield Police Department.

There were no reports of any of the vehicles having been damaged, he added.

Sergeant Parizeau stated that while the incidents earlier this week are similar to the ones reported two weeks ago, there is no concrete evidence indicating they were committed by the same individual or persons.

Congress Proposing $12 Million for First Phase Green Brook Proposed Flood Control Project By JEANNE WHITNEY

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

A spokesman for the Green Brook Flood Control Commission said early this month that United States Senate and House of Representatives legis lation 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.

Chairman of the Green Brook Commission Vernon Noble, of Green Brook, told The Westfield Leader,

"That's up to Washington now — to put something 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 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, 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 Army Corps plan proposes that the Federal government pay for nearly three- quarters 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 United States Army Corps of Engineers 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

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INCUMBENT DEFEATS MR. DI GIOVANNI BY 29 VOTES

Frank X. McDermott Narrowly Wins Reelection as County GOP Chairman

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

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 Secretary. 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

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

Chamber to Begin Classic Car Shows in the Downtown

The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will sponsor four Westfield Classic Car Shows this year. The first one will be on Thursday, June 18, from 6: 30 to 8: 30 p. m., on Quimby Street in downtown Westfield.

"Westfield Tire and Auto Service, now celebrating our 15th Anniversary, is pleased to be a co- sponsor of the June 18 Westfield Classic Car Show. Prizes for attendees include Goodyear golf packages, racing jacket and caps, and registration to win Sports Memorabilia Collectibles," said Geralyn Keating, of Westfield Tire and Auto Service.

The Classic Car Show is free to the public, offering family fun and entertainment. Browsers are encouraged to plan to spend the evening in downtown Westfield viewing the cars, having dinner, and doing some shop

A CLASSIC PROMOTION... Darryl Walker, left, Westfield Chamber of Commerce Show Chairman, is pictured with his Classic 1965 Red Mustang, along with Geralyn Keating, center, from Westfield Tire & Auto, sponsors of the Chamber's Westfield Classic Car Show on Thursday, June 18, and Debbie Schmidt Executive Director. The shows will continue through Thursday, September 17.

ping, with many stores open until 9 p. m.

"This is the third year the Chamber has organized the Classic Car Shows, and we have built a strong following of classic car owners who look forward to showing their cars in Westfield. Trophies will be awarded in various categories, and 'DJ Stickshift Eddie' will entertain the crowd with his nostalgic assortment of car tunes from the 50s and 60s," commented Darryl Walker, Chamber Car Show Chairman.

Mark your calendar for the other Classic Car Shows being held on Thursdays, July 16, August 20, and September 17. Quimby Street will be closed to traffic from 5 to 9 p. m. for the events, and there is limited space for 60 cars to be displayed.

For information or to enter a car, please call (908) 654- 4100, or the Chamber at (908) 233- 3021.

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 included 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 four- term 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 on the Internet.

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 as GOP Chair

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Mr. Soriano to Depart WHS With Fond Memories

field students learn more than writing and production skills. They learn how to run a business. Students are responsible for raising the $25,000 they need to produce 33 issues annually, and to procure the technology necessary to enhance the design and layout of their 10- page publication.

"When I came to the district, the publication was $7,000 to $8,000 in debt," Mr. Soriano explained. "The students have since built up a hefty surplus."

Four years ago, he launched Rakea- Rama as a service fund- raiser during the fall. Last year, Mr. Soriano reported, teams of students from the Journalism II and III classes "raked in" nearly $7,000 from lawns across Westfield.

Mr. Soriano said he prefers to see students perform some kind of service to raise money.

"Their efforts directly translate into the paper they put together," he observed.

"It enables them to meet the printing costs," he continued. "It's a team building experience."

Hi's Eye also boasts a full advertising staff, which is responsible for raising about $12,000 per year in revenue.

"The paper offers something for everyone," emphasized Mr. Soriano, "even if writing is not your thing. This is a real team effort."

Additional funding for Hi's Eye

was recently received in the form of a grant from the Westfield Foundation. This award, the second for the school newspaper, is a particular source of pride for Mr. Soriano, because the grant was written by the senior tri- editor team.

The students' grant request netted $14,853.

At WHS, journalism is a threeyear program which begins during a student's sophomore year.

The first year, students concentrate on developing their writing skills. As juniors, they focus more on the technical aspects of producing a newspaper.

They work mostly in groups to learn the intricacies of production without the headache of an actual deadline, according to Mr. Soriano.

"The senior class is my favorite," he said. "Class time is used exclusively to work on the paper. The teaching becomes different, as I am more of a coach or advisor."

"The kids do the brainstorming. They write the articles. They assume the role of editors," he added.

A senior editorial board of 28 stu dents is directly responsible for putting

out the paper each week. "It's pretty amazing to think that, after three years of journalism class, we're putting out a nationally recognized weekly newspaper," said TriEditor Vicky Nusse.

"Mr. Soriano brought Hi's Eye to the level it's at right now," she added.

Like Meghan, Vicky praised the bond Mr. Soriano created with his students both inside and outside of the classroom.

"He's been a great help with school matters, and is always willing to listen, about anything," she said.

Vicky will attend The College of New Jersey in Trenton, this fall, where she plans to major in biology and play soccer.

In his new role as department Chairman in the Somerset Hills school system, Mr. Soriano will continue to teach, but will not moderate Bernards High's monthly newspaper.

"For now," he said, "I'm moving out of scholastic journalism and into running a department. It's a big change for me."

He remarked that he is proud of how much the journalism program at WHS has grown during his tenure. There are more than 110 students enrolled in the program, with five sections scheduled for the coming year.

Mr. Soriano, who was named the WHS Outstanding Teacher- of- theYear for 1997, spoke highly of the support which has been given to Hi's Eye by students, families, community members and high school staff members through the years.

He said, "They are a big part of enabling the Hi's Eye tradition to continue at Westfield High School."

with stabilizing her business and sought a variance which would allow her to keep it.

Ms. Santo also sought permission to retain three other signs, two on the front and one at the rear, which cover a total area of 20 feet by 30 feet. Town ordinances allow businesses to display only one, 48- square- foot sign.

Mr. Mannino again blasted the business community for what he felt was its lack of cooperation with the

board's agenda. However, he explained to Ms. Santo that Westfield's Master Plan was being revised and that the current ban on side- wall signs might be lifted.

He noted, however, that unless and until that occurred, her signs remained in violation of town ordinances, and the board again unanimously refused to grant a variance.

A clearly frustrated Ms. Santo complained that without the side wall sign, her business would suffer, to which Mr. Mannino replied, "I can't stop free- enterprise."

"Excuse me," an angry Ms. Santo responded, "I am self- supported — this is my livelihood."

At this point, several board members again intervened with possible alternate solutions, including more efficient use of the sign space the business is allowed under the ordinance. Ms. Santo said she would review her options regarding signs in order for her business to conform to the ordinance.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Board of Adjustment Denies Two Appeals

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 .

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Congress Proposing $12 M For 1st Phase Green Brook

WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER

WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER TUESDAY, JUNE 2

· A Gallowae resident reported that his vehicle was burglarized while it was parked in his driveway. However, nothing was reported missing, according to police.

· A Clark resident reported that her leather handbag containing $80 in cash, credit cards and other items was taken from her desk on the third floor of Centennial High School on Westfield Avenue.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

· The rear window was smashed on a van parked on Stirling Place, according to police.

· Four turkeys, one roast beef, cheese and four large jars of mayonnaise were reported stolen from the refrigerator of a South Avenue delicatessen. It is unknown whether or not the theft occurred during business hours, authorities said.

· A Union Township resident reported that he was kicked in the right ankle on Central Avenue by another man who complained that the victim had been smoking a cigar in an East Broad Street restaurant. No one has been charged in connection with the incident, according to police.

· A Rahway Avenue resident reported that his bicycle was stolen.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

· A 13- year- old Westfield resident reported that her plastic pocketbook was stolen by another female juvenile, described as approximately 15 years old, during a carnival at McKinley Elementary School on First Avenue.

The victim stated that when she confronted the suspect on the school playground, the latter punched her in the nose

and mouth with a closed fist and then fled with the pocketbook, according to police. She was taken to Overlook Hospital in Summit.

· Jacob Bennett, 19, of Westfield was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly fighting at the corner of Ripley and Cacciola Places, according to police. Bail was set at $2,500.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

· Jesse N. Orellana, 32, of North Plainfield was arrested and charged with shoplifting at a North Avenue department store for allegedly attempting to remove $655.96 worth of clothing from the premises. She was held in lieu of $275 bail.

· Police reported that someone spraypainted the exterior wall of a Springfield Avenue recreation facility.

· A Westfield resident reported the theft of a cellular telephone from an unlocked vehicle at Gumpert Park.

MONDAY, JUNE 8

· A cellular telephone was reported stolen from a motor vehicle which was parked on Seneca Place.

· An incident of criminal mischief was reported at the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Cowperthwaite Place, in which unknown persons knocked over four sidewalk lamps and a spotlight.

· A Stirling Place resident reported that he was robbed of $5 during a strongarm robbery at the corner of Ripley and Cacciola Places, authorities said. No one has been charged, authorities confirmed.

· A cellular telephone was reported stolen from a vehicle on South Avenue, East.

MONDAY, JUNE 1

· One hundred block of Windsor Avenue – odor investigation.

· Two hundred block of Elmer Street – unintentional alarm.

· Sixteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road – unintentional alarm.

· Dickson Drive and Willow Grove Road – automobile accident.

· Three hundred block of Woods End Road – carbon monoxide detector activation.

· Three hundred block of First Street – system malfunction.

· One hundred block of Woodbrook Circle – water condition.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

· Three hundred block of South Euclid Avenue – automobile accident.

· Six hundred block of Elm Street – propane tank leaking.

· One hundred block of Kent Place – tree limb down on roadway.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

· Three hundred block of First Street – system malfunction.

· One hundred block of Prospect Street – emergency medical call.

· Two hundred block of Elmer Street – smoke condition.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

· One hundred block of Hamilton Avenue – lock out.

· Two hundred block of Sunset Avenue – hazardous condition.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

· Three hundred block of Wells Street – lock out.

· One hundred block of Elm Street – gas odor investigation.

· One hundred block of Central Avenue – mulch fire.

· Four hundred block of Downer Street – vehicle fire.

· One hundred block of Roger Av enue – spill on roadway.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

· One hundred block of Tamaques Way – hazardous condition.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

· Three hundred block of Benson Place – smoke condition.

· Three hundred block of South Avenue – mulch fire.

· Three hundred block of Roger Avenue – odor investigation.

· Ten hundred block of Irving Avenue – arcing wire.

· One hundred block of Genesee Trail – animal rescue.

Westfield Yoga Center To Host Tibetan Monk

Tibetan monk Lobsang Samtem will present a program entitled "Tibet" on Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 4 p. m. at the Westfield Yoga & Wellness Center, located at 102 Elm Street in Westfield.

The guest speaker is an actor who appeared in Martin Scorcese's movie

Kundun; a former assistant to the Dalai Lama, and a Mandala painter.

The program, focusing on Tibet's religion and culture, will include a discussion, question- and- answer session, slide presentation and meditation.

Tickets are $20, and interested individuals are asked to purchase them in advance. Part of the proceeds go toward Tibetan relief efforts.

For further information, please call (908) 232- 8956.

SPRING COMES TO WESTFIELD... Members of the Garden Club of Westfield recently completed their spring planting in downtown Westfield. Planters located on the corners of East Broad and Elm Streets have been filled with geraniums and verbena. Pictured, left to right, are: front row, Irene Ilaria, Jody Melloan and Ruth Paul and, back row, Fran Linn, Martie Myers, George Bidgood, Christine Dunning and Dariel Belcher.

Two Generations Share Time Hitting the Books

The Wardlaw- Hartridge School students in grades pre- Kindergarten through fifth hosted approximately

SHARING THE FUN... Enjoying an activity in the Wardlaw- Hartridge Library during "Grandpersons Day" which was recently held at the school are Kindergarten student Scott Hansen of Westfield and his grandmother, Helen Muller of Syracuse, New York.

300 grandparents and special adult friends as part of "Grandpersons Day" on Thursday, May 21.

The event included breakfast, the Lower School Spring Concert, classroom visits, special classes and tours of the school.

The Wardlaw- Hartridge School is an independent coeducational institution located at 1295 Inman Avenue in Edison. It is a member of The National Association of Independent Schools, serving more than 40 communities in central New Jersey. Applications are welcome from students of all races, religions, national backgrounds, and economic circumstances.

Carle Schwab Graduates Rosemont College in PA

Carle Schwab, of Westfield, has earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design from Rosemont College in Rosemont, Pennsylvania.

Rosemont is an independent liberal arts college.

FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407