OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 25- 98 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —
Thursday, June 18, 1998 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.
Published Every Thursday
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
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
School Board Reviews Strategic Plan Goals;
Revised Curriculum By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The long- awaited Strategic Plan which spans 1998 to 2003 was a key topicof discussionatTuesdaynight's Board of Education meeting.
As outlined by Superintendent of Schools Dr. William J. Foley, the plan includes a mission statement, strategies and action plans.
According to a brochure entitled "Share the Pride, Share the Future," the mission of this new plan is "to build asuccessfulcooperationamong family, school and community, and to prepare all students to achieve excellence and to become respon sible citizens through educational programs which respect individual differences and diversity."
Dr. Foley explained the many ac tion plans outlined in the brochure, including integrating technology, reducing class size, addressing varia in learning styles, coordinating
across and within grade levels, promoting a climate of re spect for all students, and providing
services for all grades, kindergarten through grade 12.
Dr. Foley additionally pointed out strategies for the next millennium, which include developing a program of community service for all students by the year 2000; ensuring family involvement in the education of all students by the year 2000, ensuring adequate space for increasing enroll ment on an annual basis, and ensur ing that all facilities approach acces sibility mandated by The Americans With Disabilities Act by the year 2003.
An important part of the Strategic Plan, Dr. Foley revealed, was the
creation of a new organization now called the Westfield Intercommunity Service Partnership (WISP).
It will develop a means "to match Westfield schools'needstoresources across the Westfield community." This group will link the schools with area businesses and community ganizations, he said.
Board member Annmarie Puleio pointed out that the Strategic Plan was not an isolated effort of school board members, but consisted of 230 people in the community including parents, teachers, business leaders and residents with and without chil dren.
She commented that she was espe cially proud of the plan as it "was not an isolated effort of administrators, but the efforts of a community."
In other business, the Board of Education approved a final reading of the Comprehensive Family Liv ing, Health & Safety and Drug Edu cation Curriculum revision, which wasapprovedon firstreadinginMay.
All members voted in favor of the curriculum, with the exception of Dr. Carol Molnar, who abstained. She stated that some of the curriculum went against Catholic teachings.
Board Vice President Ginger Hardwick stated that there was an amendment to the curriculum which was suggested by Assistant Superin tendent for Curriculum and Instruc tion Dr. David J. Rock, which en tailed presentation of a one- time dis cussion in the fourth grade about menstruation, instead of waiting un til the fifth grade.
Ms.Hardwick alsopointedoutthat the boys and girls would be separated
Town Bank Plans to Open Late Summer
Town Bank of Westfield Chief Executive Officer Frank N. Goffreda announced last week that Nicholas A. Frungillo has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
The bank, scheduled to open later this summer, will be located near the
SouthAvenuetrafficcircle. Mr. Frungillo, a resident of Mountainside and a Certified Public Accountant, will be responsible for managing the bank's assets on a day to- day basis, as well as all account ing, budgeting, tax and financial re porting functions.
For seven years Mr. Frungillo as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Treasurer of United
Trust Company in ford. There he managed a one billion dollar fixed income investment port folioand UnitedCounties'dailycash position.
"Nick Frungillo brings a great deal practical banking experience to our organization,"saidMr.Goffreda. "He has already become a valuable asset as we prepare for our opening."
Mr. Goffreda noted that Mr. Frungillo's hiring reinforces the "community" nature of the Town Bank.
"One of Nick's strongest attributes beyond a stellar banking reputa tion — is that he is a local person. He grew up and worked in Cranford. He
his wife and two children now reside in Mountainside, so he knows the area and the market well."
Board member Germaine Trabert added, "The basis of our endeavor is
create a community bank with a strong emphasis on personal service. Ownership, management and deci sion making will all be local. This, we believe, best serves the banking
of community busi and residents. The addition of Nick makes it that much better for
customers." Mr. Frungillo commented that, "One of The Town Bank's greatest challenges is building our infrastruc
Two Juveniles Face Burglary Charges In Connection With Vehicle Break- ins
SUZETTE STALKER
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Westfield police arrested two juve niles early Friday on charges of bur glarizing two motor vehicles, and are investigating whether the suspects may have been involved in a rash of similarincidents duringthepastthree weeks.
The suspects, a 15- year- old male and a 16- year- old male, were taken into custody at 3: 45 a. m. in the 1200 block of South Avenue, according to Captain Bernard Tracy of the West field Police Department.
The youths, both from Westfield, are suspected of having entered two vehicles on Webster Place, Captain Tracy said. Police officers had staked out the area as part of a town- wide
surveillance operation launched in responseto therecentburglaryspree.
Each of the teenagers was charged with one count of burglary and theft, plus possession of stolen property, Captain Tracy said.
At the time of the arrests, the suspects had items in their posses sion which authorities believe were taken during earlier vehicle burglar ies, according to the captain.
He confirmed that the 16- year- old was discovered with a portable com pact disk player and cash, while the younger boy was carrying a watch, cash and a portable cassette player.
Both suspects were turned over to the custody of their parents, Captain Tracy said.
The first wave of burglaries oc curredthelast weekendofMay,when
nearly two dozen incidents were re ported on both the north and the south sides of town.
Seventeen more incidents were re ported between June 9 and 11, ac cording to police. Investigators be lieve that at least some of the inci dents are related because they oc curredin clustersandcontainedother similarities.
Authorities revealed that most of the vehicles which were burglarized had been left unlocked in driveways or parked in front of homes.
In the majority of the incidents, currency and other valuables were taken from the vehicles, among them cellular telephones and compact disks, lawenforcementofficialssaid.
Gretchen Bowman for The Westfield Leader THE MIDST OF CONVERSATION... Discussing an upcoming talent show their school while in Mindowaskin Park last Sunday, left to right, are Andrew Streaman, Lex Hermann, Emily Sheehan and Rachel Gordon.
CranGerard T. Christie for The Westfield Leader IN KEEPING WITH WESTFIELD'S HERITAGE... Several homeowners and businesses were honored last Thursday for
considering the town's heritage and preservation standards when upgrading their properties during an awards ceremony conducted by the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission. Pictured are: front row, Stacey Farley, the artist commissioned for the murals in the new train station underpass; Anne Bossi, Mary Strickland, Shirley Walsh, Mary Beth deBrueys, all award recipients; Friends of Mindowaskin Park President Nancy W. Priest and award recipients Joyce Wiadzionek and Chris Myers; second row, award recipient Steve Traflet, Acting Mayor James J. Gruba, Scott Strickland, John Walsh and award recipients Glenn deBrueys and Edward Wiadzionek and Larry Myers, and back row, former Mayor and Westfield Historical Society member Bud C. Boothe, Jr.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
TEN- YEAR PLAN PROPOSED
Officials Say Debt Is Not Necessary To Fund Projects
By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Town officials advised the Town Council Tuesday night that West field may not need to incur future debt to fund an aggressive $5 million long- term road improvement pro posedby thegoverningbody'sPublic Works Committee. Of the total, $2 million would be funded through the issuance of long- term bonds.
Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh noted that Kenneth B. Marsh, Town Engineer and Director of lic Works, has created a 10- year, $5
million road improvement plan for the council's consideration. Under the plan the town would spend $1.5 million with an additional $1 million coming in state aide.
The remaining $2.5 million would fund streets that have typically not been covered by the state's Transpor tation Trust Fund or in the town's annual capital improvements get.
Councilman Walsh explained that as part of its discussion, the tee created three categories with re
gard to street improvements: roads covered by state funding, those cov ered by town funds and streets that don't fall into either funding source.
To fund those roads previously neglected, Councilman Walsh said
the committee has "favorably conWestfield sidered" a figure of $2 million for a debt- funded road improvement plan. An average of $200,000 would be spent per year over a decade.
The Councilman emphasized in his report to the full governing body, that the committee does not want to incur debt that would preclude the town from making repairs and reserved placements to the town's sewer lines and to Westfield's recreational faciliCounties Pubties.
Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko questioned the need to incur additional debt now when in a few years the outstanding balance on Westfield MemorialLibrarydebtwill be retired. He noted that current prinof cipal on that debt is $600,000 a year with another $138,000 in additional interest payments. While the interest balanceis rapidlydroppingeachyear, budthe principal amount will remain the
same through the retirement of the debt in the year 2000. commit"Why would you want to incur
debt when you already have the num— ber built into you're budget. So you can accomplish what you want to do as far as the roads go without incurand ring any debt at all," he explained.
The administrator said once the item in the municipal budget for "bond principal" is paid off, this item
be renamed to include a speto cific item in future budgets for road projects. Mr. Gottko said this change could begin in the year 2001.
Councilman Walsh came before the council last year with his suggesrequirements tion to issue new bonds for infranesses structure improvements, noting the
could technically rollover exour isting debt on the library by replacing it with a new bond issuance.
The administrator said the town "will be doing quite a bit of road repair this year."
Councilman Walsh said he was concerned that by waiting until the debt is paid off, the road repairs would be delayed.
Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr., explained that the town at the end of 1998 will have $3 milIN in outstanding debt.
Planning Board to Consider DWC Recommendations to Zoning Law Harrow Road Residents Seeking
Resolve on Sewer Backup Damages By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Four homeownersonHarrowRoad pleaded with the Town Council last week to intercede on their behalf regarding the cleanup of their resi dencesfollowing asewerbackupthat occurred in their neighborhood the evening of May 10.
The incident occurred while De partment of Public Works (DPW) crews were clearing up a backup in the sanitary sewer line along Central Avenue. DPW crews had to enter the sewer system through a manhole on Harrow Road, a street that loops into Central Avenue, in order to alleviate the problem.
Afterthe initialbackupwascleared, however, whatever had caused the problem, possibly some sort of solid
material, traveled downstream through the sewer system and hit some tree roots, thus resulting in a second backup on Harrow Road it self.
Kenneth B. Marsh, Town Engiline neer and Director of Public Works, explained that that the town recould sponded by using a high- pressurized sewer jet to clear the backup. "Unfortunately, there was already a surcharge occurring in the system. The additional pressure from the sewer jet aggravated the backup on Harrow Road," he said, noting that by the time crews stopped the procetown dure the damage to the homes had already occurred. Mr. Marsh noted that during a meeting earlier this week between officials and the town's consultant on sanitary sewer concerns, Killiam Associates, it was decided that the town "has to take a hard look at our procedures in various situations" concerning sanitary sewer system malfuntions. He noted that the town may want to consider "taking a different aplion proach" in buying different equipat ment in the future for clearing sewer line backups in the future. Shortly after the work on his street began, Leon Ciampa, of 148 Harrow Road, said he heard a loud noise coming from his bathroom. Upon his investigation, he found the closed toilet seat at a 45- degree angle with sewage coming at a rate that was "unstoppable." orBeing slab houses without ments, the homes sustained sivedamage. Theresidentswereeach
left with one to three inches of raw sewage in their homes. Two of the homeowners came to the June 10 council meeting to plead their case.
Mr. Marsh noted that the lack of basements hampered the problem.
"Than beyond that it became a problem with the insurance adjuster and so forth," he said.
Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko, who previously served as Town Engineer, noted that sewer backups, while unpleasant, do occur. He said his home on Boulevard retions cently had a backup into the basecurriculum ment.
In a written account by the Ciampa's, a copy of which was obcounseling tained by The Westfield Leader, it was noted that Joanne Delmonico and her husband, Gerry, of 152 HarBy row Road, continue to live in a home with smelly sewage and dust. Her carpetingwas destroyedandthebath room and kitchen continue to be rid den by sewage.
The Ciampa's, who have two chil dren, aged 3 and 5, have not been able to reside in their house during the six- week ordeal due to a lack of an usable bathroom or kitchen.
Laurie Ciampa, who read the ac count to the council, detailed, along with her husband, the difficulty they have been experiencing in dealing with the insurance adjuster in the case. Mrs. Ciampa noted that the two families have had unpleasant deal ings with Scibal Associates, repre senting the Suburban Joint Insur ance Fund (JIF), of which Westfield
is a member. The adjuster has only recently au thorized funding for the Ciampa fam
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By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
baseSeveral issues of paramount inter
extenest to the future development of the
downtown anddevelopmentofsingle familylotsin townwillbeconsidered during a special Planning Board meeting tonight, June 18, at 7: 30 in theAdministrativeConferenceRoom in the Municipal Building. The board will look at recommendations to the town's zoning ordinance which have been made by the Downtown West field Corporation (DWC) which, among other things, includes a pro posal to allow businesses to place signs facing the NJ Transit railroad
tracks in order to attract commuters to these stores.
Additionally, the DWC Board of Directors has strongly opposed a change in the zoning ordinance that allows pole- mounted pylon signs for car dealerships. This type of sign is currently allowed for gasoline filling stations exclusively.
At the council's June 10 meeting, Mary Herberich, former long- time Chairwoman of the town Board of Adjustment, told council members she was also opposed to the pylon sign provision. She also objected to a proposal by the DWC to allow signs in the downtown that project several
inches from the building facade. Currently, only flat signs on the sur face of buildings are permitted.
Town Attorney Charles H. Brandt explained that it would not be diffi cult to reinstate the former ordinance wherein pylon signs were not per mitted.
Regarding projecting signs, Mrs. Herberich warned the council to be "careful"in approvingsuchachange, saying that she doubts the change will attract new businesses to town.
Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, who chairs theLaws andRulesCommitteewhich
Page 12 Thursday, June 18, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Officials Say Debt is Not Necessary to Fund Projects
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
ture. We will have the most technologically- advanced bank in Union County," he said.
"Our year 2000- compliant, state- ofthe- art interactive delivery system will enable each banker to have immediate PC access to all customer account information. We will even have signature samples on line to expedite check cashing. The systems used by most banks in our area do not allow this kind of immediate accessibility," Mr. Frungillo added.
Joseph F. X. O'Sullivan, another member of The Town Bank's board of directors, explained the bank's technology. "Most area banks use older systems. Although these systems were once advanced, that is no longer the case. Our advantage is that we can select our system now — knowing that it will be upgradable well into the future.
"For competitors to match us technologically, they would have to make a major capital investment in their own infrastructures.
"Another area in which we are benefiting," continued Mr. O'Sullivan, "is in the declining cost of technology. Ten or 15 years ago, only the largest busi
WELCOME ABOARD... Town Bank of Westfield Directors Joseph F. X. O'Sullivan, left, and Germaine Trabert welcome appointed Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Frungillo.
WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER
WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER
nesses could afford the kind of support that we now have on PC's. Therefore, we can compete cost effectively. At the same time, we can compete more effectively than our larger competitors in terms of service."
The Town Bank of Westfield was successful in raising the $5 million required for bank chartering in the state. Mr. Goffreda pointed out that capital raised to date is approaching $6 million, and that the campaign will continue through September.
"We are very gratified with the community response to our efforts. It confirms our judgment in the need for a service- oriented bank to compete with the branches of distant banks that are unable or unwilling to serve small businesses and individuals.
"Until we open, we will continue to raise capital in order to provide us an even stronger financial base," said Mr. Goffreda.
During construction, Town Bank management will be working out of temporary quarters at 115 Grove Street. They can be reached by phone at (908) 301- 0800 or by Fax at (908) 301- 0894.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
· A Westfield man reported that plants and flowers were uprooted from a sidewalk planter in front of an Elm Street building.
· A Knollwood Terrace resident reported the theft of a bicycle from the Westfield train station.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
· Police received a report that a window was broken on a motor vehicle while it was parked on Embree Crescent.
· A Shadowlawn Drive resident reported that her motor vehicle was burglarized and a pair of sunglasses was stolen.
· Two people each reported the theft of a credit card at a North Avenue department store, according to police.
· A Clifton resident reported that his vehicle was damaged while parked in the lot of an Elm Street supermarket. Police said a dent had been made above the passenger side rear wheel.
· A representative of a local care facility reported that a welder and a pair of two- way radios were stolen from the maintenance area of the building.
· A pair of sunglasses was reported stolen from a vehicle at Westfield High School on Dorian Road.
· A Boulevard resident reported that someone entered his vehicle but did not remove anything.
· Cassette tapes and $5 in change were reported stolen from a motor vehicle on Palsted Avenue.
· A Kimball Avenue resident reported that someone entered his motor vehicle and removed a cellular telephone.
· A resident of Hazel Avenue reported that someone entered her motor vehicle and stole several items.
· Michael Dachowicz, 36, of Westfield was arrested at North Avenue and East Broad Street and charged with driving with a revoked license, according to police.
Further investigation revealed the suspect was wanted on two outstanding contempt of court warrants, authorities said. Dachowicz was held in lieu of $1,560 bail.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
· A Fairmont Avenue resident reported that while riding his bicycle on the street where he lives, a passenger in a passing car reached out and struck him. No one has been charged in connection with the incident and the victim did not require treatment at a hospital, police said.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
· A Grandview Avenue resident reported the theft of a flashlight and a cellular telephone from his motor vehicle.
· A Fairacres Avenue reported that two stereo speakers were taken from her home.
· Donald Squire, 72, of New York City was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in the 400 block of North Avenue, West, according to police. Bail was set at $600.
· A Cambridge Road resident reported that two men's mountain bicycles were stolen from in front of her residence.
MONDAY, JUNE 15
· An Elm Street resident reported the theft of two plants from her yard.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
· Four hundred block of North Avenue – brush fire.
· One hundred block of Faulkner Drive – ruptured hot water heater.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
· Three hundred block of South Avenue West – system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Clark Street – gas odor investigation.
· Eight hundred block of Shadowlawn Drive – vehicle fire.
· One hundred block of East Grove Street – smoke scare.
· Seven hundred block of Kimball Avenue – system malfunction.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
· Three hundred block of First Street – structure fire.
· One hundred block of Linden Avenue – system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Jefferson Avenue – unintentional alarm.
· Eleven hundred block of Boynton Avenue – smoke condition.
· One hundred block of Mohawk Trail – smoke scare.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
· Two hundred block of East Broad Street – brush fire.
· Three hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of Woodland Avenue – emergency medical call.
· Three hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.
· Four hundred block of Beechwood Place – water evacuation.
· Three hundred block of Linden Avenue – refuse fire.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
· Two hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of North Avenue East – mulch fire.
· Two hundred block of Watchung Fork – unintentional alarm.
· One hundred block of East Broad Street – automobile accident.
· Two hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of St. Marks Avenue – power line down.
· Two hundred block of Golf Edge – wire arcing.
· One hundred block of West Court – assist police.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
· Grove Street and Boulevard – arcing wire.
· Three hundred block of Grove Street – telephone pole on fire.
· Two hundred block of Cowperthwaite – carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Three hundred block of Canterbury Road – lock out.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
· Two hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.
· Eleven hundred block of Central Avenue – structure fire. for the discussion, adding that she
thought it was a good idea to have parents come to the presentation.
Kathleen Hintze of Floral Court commented that she had submitted a document with reference materials to Dr. Foley stating that "school hours should be utilized for academics."
She said she was disappointed in the response she received, telling her the information she presented in favor of a strictly- academic curriculum were her opinion.
She argued that it is not just her opinion, stating she has spent years researching, evaluating studies and reading documents which conclude that such curriculums "are detrimental to our children."
Ms. Hintze commented that she felt the traditional role of schools had fallen off course, and that the Westfield school district is about to cross what she called a line "at what has been considered the role of the family."
She also recommended that the district keep accurate data on teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), school violence and drug use to refer to after the curriculum has been in use.
She concluded by saying that she would be handing in an article from the New Jersey Family Policy Council Newsletter with respect to the allocation of funds by the United States Congress for abstinence education in Title V of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act.
Dr. Foley addressed Ms. Hintze's comments by saying that it would be an invasion of privacy to collect data on STDs and teen pregnancy.
He also stated it was his belief that recent reports indicating a 12 percent decline between 1991 and 1996 in the national birthrate among women ages 15 to 19 was due partially to better health curriculums in the schools.
Dr. Foley added that there was a section in the curriculum which taught students about abstinence.
Kevin Morrissey of Seneca Place commented that while he thought curriculums touch on moral issues, he felt the Westfield curriculum "bent over backwards to remain neutral" on such matters.
He went on to say he thought that local ministries should be more involved in the curriculum.
Karyn Hoens of Tremont Avenue said that, as a person who was involved in youth ministries, she found it offensive that comments were made about the local ministries not being involved.
She said she also found it offensive as a parent that there were such nega tive misconceptions about a parent's
role in teaching abstinence. The Holocaust/ Genocide Curriculum for kindergarten through grade 12 was unanimously approved on its final reading.
It was pointed out during a brief discussion of the curriculum that this was an infused curriculum, which meant that it was incorporated into many classes throughout the Westfield schools.
Alice Hunnicutt of Stanley Oval thanked Dr. Rock for being open to suggestions made by parents, referring to her recommendation in May that the curriculum teach about individuals with disabilities.
In other business, a group of students from the Westfield High School Speakers Bureau, which was established one year ago, gave presentations expressing what it is like to function on a daily basis with a learning disability.
Under the instruction of their advisor, Karen Miller, a Special Education teacher at Westfield High School, these students have made presentations in two statewide leadership conferences — one at Fairleigh Dickinson University and one at Ocean County College.
The students have also given presentations at an Awareness Expo held at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, which was sponsored by the Parent- Teacher Special Education Committee.
A total of eight students addressed the crowd, attesting to the importance of the speakers bureau. Among them were the two graduating seniors who established the bureau at the high school, Matthew Coltrera and Nicholas Pino.
Nicholas told the audience that there was a total of 160 persons in Westfield High School with learning disabilities. Matthew told the crowd that he wanted to start a speaker's bureau at Sienna College, which he will attend this fall.
Members of the bureau who gave presentations at the meeting also included Meara Schmidt, Bill Bogatko, Katie Riley, Margot Siegel, Jackie Sherry and Kati Berelson.
Board President Darielle M. Walsh thanked the students for sharing their experiences, and congratulated them on their eloquence and maturity in relating their feelings.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, June 29, instead of Tuesday, June 30, and will begin at 8 p. m. in the Administrative Building on Elm street. This will be the board's last meeting before summer recess.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
School Board Reviews Strategic Plan Goals
Margaret C. Hanscom Is Awarded Degree From School of Design
Margaret C. Hanscom, the daughter of Beth and Warren Hanscom, recently was awarded a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Margaret is a 1994 Westfield High School graduate. ily for lodging until their home becomes
livable again. The Ciampa's and Mrs. Delmonico noted that much of their furniture and personal belongings were destroyed.
Hesitant to provide too many details during the open session of Tuesday's council, Mr. Gottko said JIF officials, "have instructed their staff to move with all do diligence to what they can."
"The past six weeks have been a nightmare that doesn't go away. That nightmare has been compounded by an irrational, egotistic, arrogant insurance company," the Harrow Road residents said in their statement.
Mr. Ciampa noted the struggle both
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Harrow Rd. Residents Seeking Resolve on Sewer Damages
families have had in replacing their lost items — including carpeting and furniture — through the insurance adjuster.
Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, who personally viewed the damage, said last week he was a bit "frustrated" at the negotiation process on the insurance claims by the adjuster. He labeled these discussions as "hardball negotiations."
Regardless of how the problem is to be resolved, Mrs. Delmonico, a 25- year resident who appeared before the council last week for the first time, noted that "it is not as though we are chronic complainers. We are really suffering on that block."
Town Bank Scheduled To Open in Late Summer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Plan. Bd. to Consider DWC Zone. Law Recommendations
"It is difficult enough to deal with numbers on a piece of paper in front of us — trying to do this in the abstract is impossible," he explained.
Mr. Marsh said the total number of projects in the current municipal budget, including state funded work, amounts to almost $500,000 this year.
Mr. Gottko said that the town, in essence, will spend more this year than would be allotted through the committee's program.
In other business, the council opted to proceed with a plan to lease a piece of equipment which will be used by the Department of Public Works (DPW) to sweep and clean up the downtown sidewalks and parking lots of litter.
Under the proposal presented by Solid Waste Committee Chairman and First Ward Councilman, Gregory S. McDermott, the town would lease a sweeper called "The Green Machine" for a 36- month period at a total cost of $839 per month or $10,000 a year — $30,000 for the full lease. If the town were to purchase the machine out right, the cost would be $25,860.
Councilman McDermott noted that by leasing over three years, the town would pay an additional $4,300.
Had the council opted for a 48- month lease the cost would be $653 per month or $7,800 a year for a total cost of $31,200, roughly $5,500 over the purchase price of the machine.
A 60- month lease would cost $545 each month or $6,400 a year or $6,228 over the cost of buying the equipment.
Mr. Gottko said if the town opts to lease the machine, the lease payment this year of $5,000 could easily be covered within the state Clean Communities Block Grant already received by the town.
He suggested that in 1999, the $10,000 cost could be split between the town and the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) which runs the special improvement district.
If the town decided to buy a machine, he said, $5,000 would come from the grant with the remaining $20,000 split between the town and the DWC. He noted the corporation has an item of $11,000 for downtown services. The town's portion could come from one of the town special
ordinances which has a remaining balance.
On another matter, some council members were in support of a request by the Westfield Community Players, a not- for- profit theater group in town, to end a town- imposed limit of 24 performances per year at the North Avenue, West playhouse.
In a letter to the town, Cynthia Smyth, President of the Players, explained that the playhouse could be utilized by other theater organizations such as the Westfield Young Artists Cooperative Theater (WYACT).
She noted that due to the performance restrictions, WYACT "has for many years used our building to rehearse their plays, but is required to perform them elsewhere at considerable cost."
Mr. Gottko said the current limit on performances dates back a decade. He said it came as a result of complaints from residents over the use of on- street parking during productions.
Hampering the problem is the nearby location of the Martin Wallberg Post No. 3 of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus halls, each of which are open daily.
First Ward Councilwoman Gail S. Vernick favored the request, saying that it would be "a plus" to the community to have a permanent home for the children's acting company.
She said, though, before the council takes any further action, more information on the number of additional performances will be needed along with the estimated total of persons who will patronize these shows at any one time.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman Janice Fried Weinstein said residents who live near a theater "have to expect that there (will be off- street) parking" in the neighborhood during performances.
Mr. Gottko said prior the to implementation on performance restrictions, the number of plays the Players held was "well into the 30s."
The administrator will meet with representatives of the Community Players tomorrow, Friday, June 19, to obtain more information about the request. He noted that since the rule was implemented, there have been no complaints from neighbors. held last week's open public forum, explained
that a proposal has been made to require applications for improvements in the central business district go before the DWC's Design Committee.
The committee would be strictly advisory in nature, he said, similar to the current Board of Architectural Review.
In addition, the DWC wants to allow neon lighting for theater marquees.
However, Blais L. Brancheau, the town's professional planner, warned against such a provision. He said any attempt to allow these signs with the Rialto Theatre in mind could be considered discriminatory against other types of businesses.
He noted that the Rialto is grandfathered, allowing a preexisting condition to remain. All other applicants for such lighting requests must apply for a variance from the Board of Adjustment or Planning Board.
In reference to projecting signs, Mr. Brancheau noted that while Ridgewood does not permit the signs, Somerville does — although the community strictly regulates their use.
Michael La Place, DWC Executive Director, said he will describe for the Planning Board tonight, communities which have successful programs for projecting signs.
At the meeting, the board will also consider the DWC recommendations. The
organization, which runs the downtown special improvement district, has supported a change in downtown zoning that would make offices a prohibited use on the first floor of buildings in the business district. Offices are currently allowed as a conditional use. The zoning ordinance has, instead, favored retail use for store fronts.
Mr. Brandt, noting the long length of the zoning code update, indicated that minor amendments may be in order down the road, to clear up any technical glitches.
Among the other issues expected to be discussed by the Planning Board is a policy on requiring businesses to provide parking spaces in the downtown.
Currently, applicants must seek variances on parking requirements. Planning Board Chairman Martin Robbins said the board wants to streamline the parking waiver, thus eliminating the efforts by applicants to fulfill parking requirements which simply are impossible to meet in the downtown.
The board will also discuss a proposed zoning change to avoid cases of over development on single- family lots. Under the current wording in the draft of the ordinance, the regulations of floor area ratio and lot coverage would be amended so that improvements to single- family detached and two- family residences would be regulated by lot area instead of by zone.
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