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. 25- 98 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, June 18, 1998

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Classifieds..... Page 21 Community ... Page 18 County .......... Page 2

Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 11

Religious ....... Page 10 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13

STARS AND STRIPES… Youngsters in the Title One Pre- kindergarten classes at Brunner Elementary School in Scotch Plains hosted a red, white and blue celebration for family members June 12 in honor of Flag Day. The children sang songs, shared refreshments with their guests, and conducted a ceremony called "The Flag Recipe." Pictured, left to right, are: Rubenz Antoine, Faith Mirto, Omar Mussa, Melissa Knechtel and Anthony Marasco demonstrating the surprise ending to the ceremony.

School Board Members Disagree Over Benefits of NUI Agreement By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

During the June 11 agenda meet ing of the Scotch Plains- Fanwood Board of Education, members were divided on the benefits of entering into a two- year agreement with NUI, a sister company of Elizabethtown Gas, at a fixed rate of $. 375/ therm.

The proposed agreement, as set forth by Business Administrator Matthew A. Clarke, includes nine school districts under the umbrella of Union County Educational Services.

The agreement could save the Scotch Plains- Fanwood district 17 percent, or $40,000, on annual gas expenditures. The district presently pays Elizabethtown $. 70/ therm.

Voicing support for the agreement, board member Lance Porter said, "We need to move swiftly on tunities like these."

His colleague, Richard R. Meade, disagreed. He asked, "Is there a vision to lower the agreement to a

more competitive price?" He called NUI a "monopoly holder going for a lock on customers in the advent of deregulation.

"I'm not comfortable with that," he added.

Board memberEdwardJ.Saridaki, Jr. inquired about the cost of a one year contract versus a two- year com mitment. He also asked the adminis tration to explain the disparity in gas usage among like buildings in the district, saying Terrill Middle School's costs were 35 percent above those of Park Middle School.

Once the legality of the proposed contract wasquestioned,BoardPresi dent August A. Ruggiero elected to withdraw his motion to approve the two- year agreement until a legal re view could be completed.

During the instructional update portion of the meeting, Social Stud ies Supervisors Patricia Boland and Diane Kelly reviewed proposed changestothe middleandhighschool social studies curriculum for the ben efit of the television audience. Their initial presentation on May 14 was not taped by TV 34.

Changes to the curriculum were prompted by the need to address state

standards and to better prepare stu dents for the eighth- grade Early Warning Test, and the 11th- grade High School Proficiency Test.

"Our children will be in very good shape when these tests come," Mrs. Boland assured board members.

The board will vote on the revised social studies curriculum during its Thursday, June 25, public meeting.

In other business, board member Jessica D. Simpson spoke on pro posed changes to the board's policies regarding student tardiness and dis cipline.

She said the request to change the tardiness policy came directly from ScotchPlains- FanwoodHighSchool.

Board members will receive regu lar administrative reports to assess if

the consequences of tardiness under the revised policy are "too severe."

In response to board member Jean McAllister's inquiry regarding the appropriateness of the board's weap ons and crisis management policies, Mrs. Simpsonexplained,"Theweap ons policy was recently done, and crisis managementwasreviewedtwo years ago. They are quite up to date and appropriate."

While Mr. Ruggiero indicated an other review of these procedures would be appropriate, Mr. Meade recommended that Mrs. McAllister review the policies on her own, then bring her concerns to the board's attention.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

opporCOMMITTEE REVIEWS COMCAST CONTRACT

Scotch Plains Ordinance Revises Speed Limits on Rahway Road

Flood Data Presented On Reserve By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

In an attempt to bring closure after two and a half years to The Reserve townhousedevelopmentproposal,the Scotch Plains Planning Board heard testimony Monday from an engineer

possible flooding at the site. The developer, K. Hovnanian, is seeking tobuilda116- unittownhouse complex on 7.7 acres of property currently owned by sisters- in- law Frances and Angeline Donato. lier this year, it was reported that 20

percent of the units would be nated for low- to moderate- income housing.

William Butler, Weldon Materials – which opposes the planned development —

William B. Edwards of Edwards Engineering Group for 90

during the Planning Board meeting about the proposed townhouse project.

Questions were raised over how residents of the development would evacuate the site in the event of a 100- year storm using the only way to and from the site, which is

Street. Mr. Edwards defined a 100- year storm as one which has a one percent chance of occurring in a given year.

With this kind of storm, he served that "the deepest flood waters prowill occur along Meadow Street with

a depth of approximately six feet." He admitted that residents of the development would be located "within a floodway."

Mr. Edwards stated that, ing to a Scotch Plains ordinance, "a floodwayis describedasanextremely hazardous area due to the velocity of flood waters which carries debris, potential projectiles and erosion tential."

In a nine- page report from Mr. Edwards to Mr. Butler, which was also sent to the Planning Board in May, the engineer said the developer proposed adding an emergency cess route to the site along public

rightofways whichwouldconnectto Route No 22.

However, "The emergency access bridge and driveway... does not vide a reliable means of egress due to

more potential flooding... along 22 West," Mr. Edwards added.

Based on information contained inMr. Edwards'report,ScotchPlains Chief of Police Thomas O' Brien told the board that Route No. 22 experiences"floodingconditions"six or seven times a year, forcing the closure of Glenside Avenue.

Chief O'Briendescribedtheflood ing as "nuisance flooding, caused by severe and intense downpours that overwhelm the local storm sewer system."

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

obAutomotive Shop

To Remain Open At South Ave. Site

The Times has learned that the accordowner

of Scotchwood Automotive, located at 233 South Avenue in Fanwood, intends to remain in busi ness next to the south side train station lot.

poNJ Transit is currently in negotia

tions with the owners of the property where Scotchwood Automotive is located to buy the site for a proposed commuter parking lot.

Edward Jastrzebski, who owns acScotchwood

Automotive, has a lease agreement with the property owners. No further details concerning pos sible purchase of the site by NJ Tran sit have been announced.

proKen Miller, a spokesman for NJ

Transit, stated last week that the agency is interested in expanding parking facilities for commuters who use the Fanwood train station.

The proposed supplementary lot on South Avenue is one of several projectsbeing consideredbyNJTran sit to address the demand for in creased commuter parking along the Raritan Valley Line, Mr. Miller said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Fanwood Adopts Ordinance Permitting Side and Rear Cafés at Local Restaurants By SUZETTE STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

The Fanwood Borough Council adopted an ordinance at its regular meeting last Thursday permitting restaurateurs to maintain cafés at the side or rear of their premises, de pending on the layout of the estab lishment.

Introduced by the governing body on May 14, the ordinance expands upon an earlier decree which gave restaurant owners the green light to operate sidewalk cafés in the bor ough during the warm weather months.

The original ordinance, amending Chapter78of theBoroughCode,was adopted by the council on April 9. Officials hope that outdoor cafés will enhancethe lookofFanwood'sdown town.

Two other ordinances were also adopted by the governing body last week. One amends the borough's

Earexisting salary ordinance to include

wages and benefits for Fanwood desigMemorial

Library Director Daniel Weiss and certain members of his staff.

repreThe other ordinance approved an

increase in the fee for certificates indicating smoke detector compli ance. State law requires individuals to obtain a certificate when selling their home.

According to the provisions of the ordinance, homeowners are also re quired to give five days notice for an inspection or face a substantial fee increase.

roadAn additional ordinance was in

troduced on first reading which de fines voting privileges for members of the Fanwood Planning Board,

which was combined with the now defunct Board of Adjustment at the end of last year.

The measure,whichamendsChap ter 23 of the Borough Code, requires that Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly and Councilwoman Karen M. Schurtz, both of whom sit on the Planning Board, abstain from voting on certain appeals which are heard by the board.

During her Land Use and Historic Preservation Committee report, Councilwoman Schurtz revealed that the board, although it now has a larger agenda, is "moving at a

deliberate pace, a thorough pace." She added that "its working quite nicely."

Councilman Joel Whitaker, who serves on the Land Use and Historic Preservation Committee, revealed that officials expect to hire a succes sor soon to former Fanwood Build ing Inspector and Construction Offi cial James Silance, who recently re signed.

During the interim, Eugene Bellamy is conducting the duties of Construction Official, while Bob Cenar is handling building inspec tions.

Under other business, Council President and Police Commissioner Bruce H. Walsh, who chairs the governing body's Public Safety Committee, offered a report on the anticipated hiring of a new lieuten ant for the Fanwood Police Depart ment.

During the council's June 3 agenda session, officials had discussed their options concerning testing and inter views of candidates for the lieutenant's position.

The cost of having the state Chiefs of Police Association prepare the test

By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

TheScotch cil passed an ordinance during its June 10 meeting to establish new speed limits along Rahway Road.

The speed limits will allow drivers to reach 25 miles per hour from the Union and Middlesex border to chester Drive.

Drivers will also be restricted from PlainsTownshipCountraveling over 30 miles per hour from

Winchester Drive to 550 feet south of Nepawin Lane and over 25 miles per hour from 550 feet south of Nepawin to the Scotch Plains and Plainfield border. WinThe council also passed an ordi

nance to install a stop sign on Sleepy Hollow Lane where it intersects Sunnyfield Lane.

An ordinance was also introduced to change the name of Cliffwood Street to Shalom Way in honor of Congregation Beth Israel and cel ebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Israel. The synagogue is the only building located on that street.

Councilman Marks, a member of Congregation Beth Israel, explained that the ordinance would also change the street number of the synagogue from 1920 to 18, because the latter number stands for "chai," or "life."

The councilman further explained that "Shalom" is Hebrew for "peace, hello and goodbye" and that this new name and street number was "special sounding" to those who belong to the temple.

A second reading of that ordinance isscheduled forthegoverningbody's Tuesday, June 23 public meeting.

In other business, a resolution was passed authorizing the township to enter into a lease agreement with Union County Vocational- Technical Schools to utilize their ball playing fields.

According to the resolution, the township will have a formal lease agreement with the Vocational- Tech nical Schools for five years for an annual fee of $1 per year.

Councilman William F. McClintock stated that "this was the first step and a small step to try and help the baseball and soccer teams acquire more playing fields."

In other business, a resolution was read by Mayor Joan Papen marking the 50th anniversary of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Scotch Plains, "which was celebrated with a special weekend of prayer and celebration," on June 5, 6 and 7.

Mayor Papen went on to say she had been a longtime member of the parish and that the resolution had also been read at St. Bartholomew's

Classic Car Show Rescheduled For Sunday, June 28

The 4th annual Scotch Plains Business and Professional As sociation Classic Car Show and Craft Fair will be held Sunday, June 28, after bad weather caused the event to be canceled.

Anyone interested in regis tering for the car show may still do so by calling Steve Hoeckele of BeCuManufacturingat(908) 233- 3344. Registration forms may also be picked up at Nuts n' Plenty, 407 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains.

'IDENTITY' CONCEPT FAILED TO WIN STRONG SUPPORT

Council Bows Out of 'Centre Boulevard' Proposal in Wake of Public Opposition

By JEANNE WHITNEY

Specially Written for The Times

The Scotch Plains Council backed down Tuesday on a proposal by the Downtown Development Commit tee to add the name "Centre Boule vard"toEast SecondStreetandWest field and Plainfield Avenues, after resident ThomasJ.DeNitziocollected 163 signatures on a petition in oppo sition to the measure.

Mr. DeNitzio is a Westfield Av enue resident. The "Boulevard" des ignation was one aspect of an overall plan to create an "identity" for the business district by uniting the three sections of the same roadway under the one name of "Centre Boulevard."

Use of the new name was solely optional, with mailing addresses re taining the current street names.

Councilman Martin Marks fought for the street name overlay, even after veteran Councilwoman Irene T. Schmidt pointedly told the council, "Why are we creating an issue? It just isn't worth it. You have to choose your battles and this isn't one of them. That designation is not going to make or break this town."

Presidentof theScotchPlainsBusi ness and Professional Association RayPardon, whosupportedthe"Bou levard" name, told the council, "I'm obviously disappointed."

Mr. Pardon, who is also Chairman of the Development Committee, stated that, "I think 75 percent of the residents on this street refused to sign this (petition.) Councilman Marks said the committee sent out 400 letters about the boulevard des ignation to residents along the three

affected roadways, and received "zero" responses.

Councilman William F. McClintock, Jr., admitted about the boulevard name overlay, "We all thought it was a good idea when it first came out."

Councilman Robert Johnston stated, "It's probably time to take a deep breath and take a step back. I think we've done a poor job of com municating (withresidents.)Weneed to go back and do some selling."

After support for the measure evaporated among council members, Councilman Marks stated that, "You'll see a lot of disappointed resi dents." He claimed that objecting residents had been misled about the impact of the "Boulevard" overlay.

Township officials also reported thatsomeof thenewwelcomingsigns to Scotch Plains had to be relocated.

On a separate issue, the council decided to move ahead with hiring planner Duggan Kimball to draft a planning report from the township that will be reviewed by the state for what is termed "cross- acceptance."

The state requires the zoning and development plan report from com munities,in ordertoconsolidatestate, county and local planning measures. Mr. Kimball said that Union County was looking to work with the com munities in unifying planning goals.

On a related measure, Mr. Kimball encouraged the council to fund work on a revised township Master Plan for Zoning, in order to achieve prior ity ranking from the state for grant funds.

He called the current township Master Plan from 1976, "way out of date." Councilman Marks pointed out that the Planning Board had reli giously "gone through the six- year reviewprocess" oftheplanningdocuabout ment since that time and updated portions.

The township was initially ranked "Class I" as a major urban area in the state. In providing a new master plan to the state, if okayed, the township would have its ranking bumped up to "Plan Endorsement," according to Mr. Kimball.

"What you're doing with the masAttorney ter plan," Mr. Kimball said, "is asksenting ing, 'what is appropriate zoning? ' The master plan is supposed to reprequestioned sent what you want the town to be. It is the basis for your zoning ordiminutes nances."

CouncilwomanSchmidtcautioned the governing body against rushing into the "plan endorsement" process. "We were such good citizens with Mount Laurel... and meanwhile other towns didn't do anything," she said.

In other business, the council inMeadow spected $68,000 worth of changes to

the townshipMunicipalBuildingand the Scotch Plains Public Library.

The addition of wheelchair- acces sible bathrooms are a requirement for public facilities, following pas sage of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Councilman McClintocksaid therewerealsolight ingproblemsin thelibrarythatneeded work.

Officials reported that another $8,396 would be needed to complete ongoing improvements at Brookside Park Pond.

Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins asked the council to schedule a special meeting to consider form ing a Health Insurance Fund (HIF) for municipal employees with neigh boring towns.

Mr. Atkins reported to the council that, "In view of future market condi tions that are right down the road, it could be that the HIF is the very best option."

Summit and Westfield have passed resolutions in favor of a HIF, Mr. Atkins indicated.Currently,thetown ship has a health insurance contract with CIGNA and a Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) which covers accident and injury claims.

Page 12 Thursday, June 18, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

Westfield Yoga 2x2 April's

2x4

vided an honorable presence as they awaited the commissioning of their new chief.

"You can be extremely proud of this department," stated Mayor Viglianti as he proceeded to commend and thank all the officers for the level of job performance they have exhibited.

Prior to the appointment of the new chief, Alan Attanasio took the oath of office as Police Sergeant as his wife and young daughter stood at his side. The Sergeant's new badge was pinned on by his father.

Mayor Viglianti acknowledged the presence of former Mountainside Police Chief William Alder, who resigned in March after 17 years as commander of the borough force to become the new Director of Public Safety for the Union County College system. The college has campuses in Cranford, Scotch Plains, Elizabeth and Plainfield.

Lieutenant John Olock and former Lieutenant Debbie were the two candidates for the Police Chief's position.

The governing body performed a methodical process in deciding which of the two officers would be selected as the new Chief, officials confirmed. "Both candidates are superior candidates," Mayor Viglianti said.

The Mayor revealed that Lieutenant Olock, when notified of Lieutenant Debbie's appointment as chief, expressed happiness for his friend rather than disappointment that he himself had had not been named to the post.

Mayor Viglianti emphasized that the position was not given, but wellearned. He noted the new Chief's "exceptional administrative skills," especially in the computer area, and his family's background in law enforcement.

Sworn in by Councilman Ronald W. Romak, Chairman of the Police Committee, Chief Debbie was accompanied by his wife as he took his oath of office. His badge was pinned on by his parents.

Following the ceremony, a short recess was held to give the council

and members of the public an opportunity to congratulate their new chief and his family.

When the meeting resumed, the Mayor and council addressed a State Assembly bill which, if passed in the legislature and signed by Governor Christine Todd Whitman, would move the annual Board of Education elections from April to November.

The legislation is aimed at having the Board of Education elections held in November to coincide with the general elections. Officials observed that the school board budget would require a second ballot and would not be included in the proposed conjoined fall election.

In other business, it was noted that Councilman Paul Mirabelli would represent the Borough Council at the Deerfield Elementary School graduation.

Councilman David M. Hart spoke about the intention of Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside to join forces with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Founded in 1897, Children's Specialized services children and adolescents through age 21 with chronic illness and traumatic injury.

The intent of joining the two health systems would be to provide even better care for the children of New Jersey, the councilman explained.

Councilman Hart continued by discussing past and present displays at the Mountainside Public Library. He acknowledged Police Sergeant Attanasio for a recent display of police memorabilia.

Councilman Hart voiced concern that the Mountainside Volunteer Rescue Squad is currently challenged by a "lack of volunteers."

"People can make a great contribution by volunteering their services," Councilman Hart went on to say.

In other remarks, Councilman Romak expressed gratitude to the Mayor for his support of the former's appointment as Chairman of the council's Police Committee.

James Debbie, Jr. Takes Oath of Office CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

and participate in the interview process would be $5,200, Councilman Walsh revealed during the earlier meeting.

Mayor Connelly recommended at that time that the Public Safety Committee review the matter, including other alternatives, and present its recommendations at the regular meeting.

Last week, Mr. Walsh said his committee learned that the written portion of the test could be performed by an independent testing service for $102.

He recommended, however, that because of the high rank involved, the police chiefs association should also participate in the process. The cost of the association's partial involvement would come to $2,950, he noted, bringing the overall tab to $3,052.

Officials voted 5- 0 in favor of authorizing Fanwood Police Chief Robert Carboy to contact both the association and the independent testing service regarding the lieutenant's position. Councilman William E. Populus, Jr. was absent from the meeting.

During the public portion of the meeting, Westfield Road resident Jon Moberg voiced opposition to a proposal by NJ Transit to build a supplementary parking lot on South Avenue, adjacent to the existing south side train station lot.

The proposed lot is one of several projects NJ Transit is contemplating

to meet the demand for increased commuter parking along the Raritan Valley Line, agency representatives confirmed last week.

"I don't want to see downtown Fanwood macadamized," remarked Mr. Moberg, who argued that there are other sites in the borough better suited for additional parking facilities. He also said he did not feel Fanwood should have to provide a huge parking area to accommodate out- of- town commuters.

At the outset of the meeting, the governing body recognized Anne Sargent as Fanwood's Scholar of the Year. Anne, a graduating senior at Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School this year, plans to attend Boston College.

Kari Calello of Troop No. 561 of the Washington Rock Girl Scout Council, and also a member of the high school's graduating class, received a proclamation acknowledging her receipt of the Girl Scouts Gold Award – the highest award given by the organization.

A proclamation was also issued in tribute to the Battleship New Jersey.

Supporters of the celebrated vessel — including some local residents — are campaigning to have it returned to the Garden State, Mayor Connelly revealed.

Finally, a resolution was passed honoring St. Bartholomew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Scotch Plains on having reached its 50th anniversary on June 6.

Fanwood Adopts Ordinance For Side and Rear Cafés

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In another matter, Mrs. Simpson expressed disappointment with the administration's recommendation for a new business education textbook.

"It's not rigorous enough," she said. She suggested alternate media be considered for the course.

In referring to the background material which accompanied the textbook recommendation, Mr. Ruggiero asked why the two other named texts were not reviewed. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. John R. Crews said he would look into the matter.

The board is expected to review the Recommended Strategic Plan during

its meeting on Thursday, June 25, as well as district priorities for 1998- 1999. Board members do not plan to take action on the Recommended Strategic Plan, however, until July.

In the interim, the board will issue a press release to inform the public about the plan and accompanying priorities.

The board also recognized the following retirees from Coles Elementary School during the agenda meeting: George Dubroski, 39 years, physical education teacher; Marilyn Schott, 27 years, teaching staff; Claire Tryon, 35 years, office staff, and Doris Terry, 27 years, special education staff.

School Bd. Members Disagree Over Benefits of NUI Agreement

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

special Mass on June 6. Other guests at the Mass included State Senate President Donald T. DiFrancesco, Assemblyman Alan M. Augustine, and former Fanwood Councilman Andrew J. MacDonald.

In other business, the council passed a resolution thanking Dr. Terry K. Riegel, retiring Principal of Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School, for his 35 years of "dedicated service" to the Scotch PlainsFanwood district.

The resolution noted that Dr. Riegel started at the high school as a Social Studies teacher in 1963, named Assistant Principal in 1969, became Acting Principal and then Principal in 1972.

It also stated that "Dr. Riegel had made many invaluable contributions to both the school district and the community."

A retirement dinner for Dr. Riegel was scheduled for last night, Wednesday, June 17, at the Plainfield Country Club. Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins, representing the council, was expected to read the resolution at the dinner.

"In 1967, my senior year, I was a student in Dr. Riegel's class, and thought he was an excellent instructor," Mr. Atkins remarked. "Since working with him, I have found that he is an outstanding gentleman, and would be honored to read this resolution on behalf of the council."

After the council meeting, a special public hearing was held on a 10- year contract the township has with Comcast Cablevision, which is up for renewal in June of 1999.

According to members of the Telvision Refranchising Committee, if the township even considers changing cable companies, there must be a series of public hearings where residents have an opportunity to express their concerns. This

was the first public hearing on the matter.

The committee, appointed by Mayor Papen, consists of the Mayor, Bill Machrone, Building Inspector and Construction Official Robert LaCosta, Captain Joseph Protasiewicz of the Scotch Plains Police Department, Dan Sullivan, attorney Patrice Rodman, Jeff Ross, Cindy Mendleson, Ken Anderson, Fire Chief Jonathan P. Ellis, Bob Merkle, George Doldouras and Councilman Robert Johnston.

The committee's primary function is to assess whether Comcast is meeting the needs of the community presently and whether it can meet the community's needs in the future.

Representing Comcast were Robert F. Smith, Area Director of Public and Government Relations, and Buck Dopp, Comcast's Vice President and General Manager.

According to an attorney for the committee, the group has met with Comcast officials over the last two years.

Captain Protasiewicz asked Mr. Smith about an earlier "two- forone" offer on Web site hook- ups for the police department. According to the Captain, Comcast had made this offer in the past, but will now only give the department a 20 percent discount.

Mr. Smith stated that the company already gives all school districts and libraries in 140 municipalities free Web site hook- ups. He also noted that the offer was made a long time ago and that the 20 percent discount was the one that was in effect.

Mr. Anderson asked if Comcast could offer channels on an "a la carte" pricing system. Mr. Smith explained that would be hard to do because of advertising, adding that subscribers would have to obtain a "converter" in their home.

"Most people do not want another component in their television unit," Mr. Smith commented.

Resident Marc Friedenberg of Windingbrook Way told Mr. Smith that he did not like what he called "the loud, in- your- face advertising" on Comcast. He also commented that he did not favor the company's decision to omit the last five minutes of the nationally broadcast CNN presentation of news for a local segment of Newsmakers with Lynn Doyle.

Mr. Smith responded by saying that the Comcast company likes to support its communities by giving national air time instead of just offering the programming options on Channel 8.

Franchising Committee members asked for the New Jersey News (NJN) channel and for a second Scotch Plains channel.

Mr. Smith stated that negotiations were in progress with NJN, and that a second Scotch Plains channel was possible.

Township Ordinance Revises Rahway Road Speed Limits

Mr. Edwards' report described flooding that could occur at the site as "stream flooding," which is very different from "nuisance flooding."

Nuisance flooding is not caused by a stream overflowing its banks, he reported, but is simply large, stagnant or slow- moving puddles which dissipate in a few hours.

He pointed out that stream flooding is much more hazardous than stagnant nuisance flooding. Stream flooding is "harder, if not impossible to cross with emergency vehicles."

He will continue testifying before the board at its next meeting on Monday, July 20.

In other business, a three- lot subdivision was granted for Anthony Marconi on Jenna Court, including a small land swap with two other residents of Jenna Court.

Finally, variances were granted to Joseph and Michelle D'Annunzio, allowing them to create a small subdivision on their R- l zoned property, located on James Court.

The plan reestablishes the boundary between the couple's property and an another lot owned by their son, Joseph, Jr. on Cooper Road.

The elder Mr. D'Annunzio said he plans to sell the James Court property to his other son, Michael.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Flood Data Presented On Reserve RECOGNIZED... Congressman Bob Franks presents Maria Hodges of Scotch

Plains, who attends Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, with a Certificate of Special Recognition during the Seventh Congressional District's local sponsorship of "An Artistic Discovery: The Nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition." Hosted by Schering Plough in Kenilworth, the competition featured more than 45 young artists representing 24 schools from throughout Central New Jersey.

Salvadoran Artist to Create Mural at Township Library

Salvadoran artist Carlos Sanchez has been commissioned by the Scotch Plains Public Library to design and create a mural inside the children's wing of the library.

Mr. Sanchez will recreate a typical Central American village scene, according to library Director Norbert Bernstein.

"This will be an opportunity to broaden the cultural image of the library," Mr. Bernstein said.

Mr. Sanchez will work with Ann Luerssen, the head of the children's

department at the library. They hope the mural will encourage children in the area to explore the field of art and to learn more about Latin American culture, the library Director revealed.

A painter of murals who has exhibited in El Salvador, Mr. Sanchez has just completed the first in a series of murals for the Diocese of Camden. He is also designing additional murals and has exhibited his work across the state.

SCOTCH PLAINS

Donna M. Sampson to Stephan J. Dolling and Charlotte Faltermayer, 2457 Allwood Road, $238,000

Ralph Iaione to Mohamed Osman and Nishap Hosny, 224 Pinehurst Avenue, $175,000.

Jody R. Brown to Michael P. and Suzanne M. Vikovic, 2061 Mountain Avenue, $145,000.

Edward J. Zohn to Gary and Andrea Yen, 2219 North Avenue, Apt. 16, $150,000.

Dimitrios Markakis to Keith and Jane Merrick, 1115 Maple Hill Road, $216,500.

Gary A. Moren to Thomas J. and Maureen C. McGann, 2421 Hill Road, $191,500.

Paul A. McNamara to Patrick J. and Laurie A. Winters, 2240 Rhoda Place, $227,500.

Recent Home Sales SCOTCH PLAINS

POLICE BLOTTER AND THE WINNER IS... The Scotch Plains- Fanwood Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 10122 recently presented their annual scholarship at the Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School Awards Ceremony to senior Christian Sorge. The scholarship is available to a local son or daughter of a veteran or active duty personnel. Pictured above, left to right, are: VFW Scholarship Chairman Frank Chupko, Jr. and Christian.

MONDAY, JUNE 8

• Police reported that two school busses parked at the rear of Hillcrest High School on Plainfield Avenue were vandalized sometime over the weekend. Someone threw rocks at and scratched the sides of the vehicles, authorities said.

• Four vehicles parked on Seneca Road were entered and miscellaneous items were removed, authorities said. It is believed the burglaries were committed overnight.

• An attempted burglary was reported on Ravenswood Lane. An alarm was activated and a basement window was found smashed, although entry was not gained, according to police.

• Two bicycles were reported stolen from a business on Plainfield Avenue.

• A bicycle was reported stolen from a residence on Rambling Drive.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

• A resident of Cooper Road reported the theft of a cellular telephone from an unlocked vehicle during the night.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

• A car window was reported smashed and miscellaneous personal items stolen on Terrill Road, according to police.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

• A theft from a motor vehicle parked at a service station on Route No. 22 was reported.

• Cellular telephones were reported stolen from two vehicles which were parked at residences in the 1100 block of Raritan Road.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

• An 18- year- old Scotch Plains man and five juveniles were arrested after police were notified that several individuals appeared to be going through cars in the area of Myrtle Avenue.

Carl Simpson, 18, was charged with receiving stolen property. He was found in possession of a cellular telephone allegedly taken from a vehicle in Fanwood, authorities said.

The five juveniles, all from Scotch Plains and Fanwood, were found to be in possession of several compact disc players also believed to have been stolen from vehicles, according to police.

Further investigation is being conducted to determine whether there is any connection between the suspects and a spree of recent thefts from ve hicles in Scotch Plains and surrounding

communities.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

• Kenyon Thomas, 27, of Jersey City was arrested and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia pursuant to an officer's investigation at Farley Park.

• Benjamin Thorne, 3rd, 18, of Scotch Plains, along with a 16- year- old female juvenile, were charged with a 16 year old female from Scotch Plains, were charged with possession and use of less than 50 grams of marijuana and with trespassing pursuant to an officer's investigation on the high school property off Old Farm Road, according to police.

Brian Rooney, 18, of Westfield was charged with underage possession and consumption of alcohol related to this same incident, authorities said. Another female juvenile was taken into custody but was not charged.

• A resident of Hawthorne Street reported damage to a screen at the rear of the house. Police are investigating the possibility that this was an attempted entry into the house.

• A resident of the 1900 block of Wood Road reported the theft of two shrubs from the property.

• James Hatfield, 30, of Scotch Plains was arrested and charged with trespassing and with resisting arrest during an investigation in the 2100 block of West Broad Street, according to police. He was also charged on outstanding warrants out of Roselle, authorities said.

HIGH RECOGNITION... Eight eighth graders from Cadette Troop No. 1 in the Scotch Plains- Fanwood Public Schools were awarded the Silver Award at the annual Silver/ Gold Award Ceremony held at the Fanwood Presbyterian Church. Pictured, left to right, are: top row, Jennifer Alonzo, Karen McCourt, Lindsey Filo, Regina Cappio and Katie Donovan; bottom row, Julianne Buro, Lisa Schwahl and Michelle Trimpin.

Frederick Richardson Earns College Degree,

Dean's List Standing

Frederick Richardson, of Scotch Plains graduated in May from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine.

He was also named to the 1998 spring semester Dean's List.

The college enrolls approximately 1,600 students from 35 states and several nations.

Michael Nelson Receives Degree At Bryant College

Bryant College, Smithfield, Rhode Island, held its 135th Commencement on May 16.

Among the graduates was Michael Nelson of Fanwood. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.