A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood Thursday, June 18, 1998 Page 9
WATCHING A GARDEN GROW… Second- grade students at Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield enjoy planting vegetables with the help of parent Kathryn Rivera. Assisting Mrs. Rivera, pictured left to right, are: Gillian McGovern, Alex Chaves, Meredith Rivera and her younger brother, Andrew, Emily Landers, and Julie Daurio. The garden was sponsored by the Tamaques Parent Teacher Organization, and organized by Liz Pinheiro and Anna Daurio. The mulch for the garden was donated by the Department of Public Works and Iler Tree Service. The students, who will tend the garden, hope to have a June harvest bountiful enough for a salad party.
Paul Bhasin Named '98 YYPA by Yamaha Corp.
Paul Bhasin
Westfield trumpeter and Michigan State University student, Paul Bhasin, was recently named the 1998 Yamaha Young Performing Artist (YYPA) by the Yamaha Corporation of America.
Paul is one of 10 winners from eight states. The national awards ceremony will be held on Monday, June 22, at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.
Yamaha Program Coordinator Michael Skinner explained that "YYPA is our way of giving the careers of these wonderful young musicians a boost." Hundreds of 16- to 21- year- olds audition annually for the honor. Winners often win scholarships to music conservatories and later play with professional jazz groups or symphony orchestras.
Paul was principal trumpet in the University of Michigan Symphony Band and Philharmonic, the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey regional orchestra and first trumpet in the New Jersey all- state band. He won scholarships to the Aspen Music
School and attended master classes with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra.
For more information, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division, P. O. Box 899, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512; (616) 940- 4900; or FAX (616) 949- 7721.
A SUNNY DISPOSITION... People for Animals said it is in serious need of financial help to care for the many injured pets it rescues, like this affectionate cat named Sunny, who needs a loving home. Sunny is a four- yearold lovable and gentle three- legged cat found hungry and hurting. Nerve damage in a paw made it impossible for him to use his front leg and amputation saved his life. This sociable cat enjoys the company of people, cats and dogs. Sunny is neutered, vaccinated, wormed and tested negative to FIV and feline leukemia. To adopt, donate or get more information contact People for Animals at (908) 688- 1073, 433 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, 07205.
VFW Essay Contest Winners Announced
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 10122 of Scotch PlainsFanwood and its Ladies Auxiliary recently sponsored the local VFW Youth Essay Contest for seventh-, eighthand ninth- grade students.
The theme for this year's contest was "What Patriotism Means to Me." Students were required to write an original essay between 300 and 400 words.
Chairmen Olga Bruce and Joe McCourt have announced Post 10122's winners. The First Place winner, Mary Beth Zanko, and the Second Place winner, Allison Kalman, are both ninth- grade students at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung.
David Campbell, a seventh- grade student at Park Middle School in Scotch Plains, and Diana Rocco, a ninthgrade student at Mount Saint Mary Academy, tied for Third Place.
Each winner was presented with a United States Savings Bond and a Certificate of Merit at a recent awards ceremony.
The two first place essays were entered in the VFW District No. 5 (Union County) essay contest. David was declared the first place winner in that competition, while Mary Beth captured second place. The students will be presented with awards by the District No. 5 staff.
SP- F School Board to Hold Discussion on Strategic Plan
The 1998 Strategic Planning Team of the Scotch Plains- Fanwood public school district met on June 1 to review the Five Year Strategic Plan for the district's public schools, and to prepare recommendations for the coming year.
A presentation of the Recommended Strategic Plan 1998- 2003 is scheduled for the Thursday, June 25, meet ing of the Scotch Plains- Fanwood
Board of Education meeting. This presentation will include a review of the recommended District Priorities, a board discussion and an opportunity for public comments.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p. m. with board recognition of the boys' varsity track team. It is anticipated that the Strategic Plan presentation and discussion will start at about 8: 30 p. m.
The board is expected to take action on the recommended Strategic Plan at either its Thursday, July 9, or Thursday, July 30, meeting.
Copies of the recommended plan are available at the Board of Education Administrative Offices, located at Evergreen Avenue and Cedar Street in Scotch Plains.
Line Dancing Event Celebrates Library's
Tenth Birthday
Sixth in a series of events celebrating the tenth birthday of the Westfield Memorial Library building is an evening of line dancing lessons on Tuesday, June 23, at 7: 30 p. m.
The dancing team of "Joe and Wilma," who regularly perform at the Colorado Cafe, will teach popular and easy- to- learn line dances including the shuffle step, grapevine, pivot and stomp. Experienced dancers are also welcome.
It will be an evening of family fun for kids and adults who know their left foot from their right, said Adrienne Basso as spokeswoman for the library.
Free tickets are available at the Library Circulation Desk. The library is at 550 East Broad Street.
UCVTS Graduates Over 300 Students
More than 300 students, including members of the Evening Division and Adult High School, were awarded certificates when Union County Vocational- Technical Schools (UCVTS) held its 31st annual graduation ceremonies on Tuesday at the Raritan Road campus.
The following Fanwood students were among the graduates: Charles Ayala, Lauren C. Rauch, Christine E. Scarpari, Alexander Carvajal and David G. Smith.
From Scotch Plains, the graduating students include: Elias M. Panasuik, Kenneth R. Schorr, Jr., Thomas M. Toye, Paul C. Cacciatore, Daniel A. Guzman, Nicole L. Reyes, Tyeshia Y. Moody, Theresa Ann Mullarkey, Christine Louise Stewart, Jennise White, Larry M. Hazell, Troy Michael Hush, Kenneth Adam Lueddeke, Erica R. Keats and Michael S. Pfeiffer.
Westfield students included: Craig Anthony Stever, John Davidson Thompson, Curtis A. Swist, Monique Laura Atkins, Ann Cavanagh, Heather Dattner, Samuel J. Edge, Martin L. Stith, Isaacic D. Harrison, Lawrence James Zambito and Jason M. Durr.
Edison School Courtyard Undergoes Transformation
The courtyard at Edison Intermediate School in Westfield recently underwent a renovation in time for spring. Dominic Mastroianni of Bravo Landscape Construction did the work for the school.
The Edison Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) raised the funds for this project. Students, teachers, families, and the PTO donated over $5,000 to be used for the courtyard renovation.
The entire project was completed over spring break at the school, so the students and teachers were not inconvenienced, according to the PTO.
Bonnie Geissler, who coordinated the project with Mr. Mastroianni, said the latter "donated a lot of his time and materials for our project. I appreciate the fact that he could design and build us a beautiful court yard and was so gracious to volunteer
his services and materials to our school."
"There aren't many people out there who would extend themselves in such a way," she added.
Dennis Murphy, Principal of Edison School, revealed that the students responded enthusiastically to the courtyard renovation upon their return from spring break, and have offered suggestions on how it may be used.
"There is a new attitude at Edison Intermediate School this year and the completion of this project only adds to the feeling of pride and school spirit," he said.
"My sincere thanks to everyone who donated their time and money to making this dream a reality," he added.
TEAM EFFORT... Union Catholic High School conducted a blood drive recently with the New Jersey Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center. The Union Catholic community composed of faculty, staff, students, parents and graduates donated 51 pints of blood. Their donation of blood was a team effort to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood to local hospitals for patients who need blood and blood components. Students who are 17 or older may donate with parental consent. Shown here is a blood technician as he prepares the arm of Catherine Micalizzi, a senior from Scotch Plains, for the blood donation.
Darcy School to Feature Integrated Curriculum
The Darcy School, an independent elementary school in Madison, will open its doors in September.
Each class will be 10 to 12 students in size, according to school spokesman Martin Irom, and will feature an "academically ambi tious" program which ties together
social, emotional and physical learning."
Two- thirds of each class will be "typical learners," Mr. Irom explained, while the remaining third will be "special needs" children, including those classified as "gifted."
The belief behind this integrated format, said Mr. Irom, is that children with a wide range of learning styles and abilities learn from each others differences and benefit from each other's talents.
The Darcy School's philosophy is that differences among people are the norm and should be celebrated, Mr. Irom explained, adding that the school welcomes children with diverse abilities.
He revealed that the school offers each child the advantages of "special services," such as physical, occupational and speech therapy which he said are traditionally reserved solely for "special needs" children.
According to Mr. Irom, the school develops an individualized learning plan for each child, addressing a student's strengths and weaknesses.
The school was founded by Kristin Mullen of Short Hills. Lynn Russo, the Director of the school, pioneered the integrated pre- school curriculum in the Millburn Township Schools.
Registration for the 1998- 1999 school year is already underway, and sections are being added.
Gardenaires to Hold Meeting on June 24
The Gardenaires will hold their Wednesday, June 24, meeting at the Park Place Restaurant in Scotch Plains, at which time the organization's new slate of officers will be presented.
The officers include Mary Haddad, President; Vi Debbie, First VicePresident; Sophie Armino, Second Vice- President; Alice Frega, Secretary, and Erna Hoffman, Treasurer.
The Gardenaires held their 40th Anniversary luncheon on May 27 at the Chanticler Chateau in Warren. The festivities included entertainment provided by professional musician Jean Farnworth.
The Gardenaires usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Scotch Hills Country Club, located on Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains, from noon to 3 p. m.
Anyone interested in becoming a member or finding out more information may call (908) 754- 5160. There is no geographic or age limitations for prospective members.
The June Executive Board meeting was held at the home of Ms. Haddad.
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