The Westfield Leader Newspaper
The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 1499 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, April 8, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.

Published Every Thursday

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Business ........ Page 4 Editorial ........ Page 4 Obituary ........ Page 10

Religious ....... Page 11 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13 CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Four School Board Candidates Gearing Up For 'Meet the Candidates' Forum This Monday By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Four zealous candidates have their eyes on three available seats on the Westfield School Board. They will have the opportunity to declare exactly why they should fill those seats at a "Meet the Candidates" this Monday, April 12, at 7: 45 p. m. in the auditorium at Edison Intermediate School.

Sponsored by the Westfield Area League of Women Voters and the Westfield ParentTeacher Council, the forum will enable citizens to ask the candidates about their objectives

for the education of Westfield's children. Annmarie Puleio and Arlene Gardner are both seeking second terms to the board. While newcomers, William Wallace and Genevieve Weber are asking voters to give them their first shot at serving on the Board of Education.

The third available seat was occupied by Susan Jacobson who announced that she would not seek reelection to the board after serving for a record 12 years.

The approximate schedule of events for the forum includes opening remarks and introduction from moderator Denise Ricci. Ms. Ricci is currently the President of the ParentTeacher Council.

At 7: 50 p. m., Moderator Louise Ballard, a Hillside resident, will introduce the four candidates and explain the forum's essential rules to audience members. The candidates will be seated in ballot order.

Opening statements will be given at 7: 55 p. m. by each candidate in ballot order. The nominees will be limited to two minutes each for these statements.

At 8: 03 p. m., the candidates will deliver their prepared answers to a question they have received in advance from the ParentTeacher Coun cil Board. The candidates will respond

in reverse ballot order with a twominute limit.

This question, which has been posed by the Council, is: "The Board of Education has included in its budget for 1999 an amount of $264,093 for new computers and teacher inservice training in their use for fourth, fifth grades and Middle School classrooms. Do you agree with this expenditure? Why are computers essential to our classrooms? Please give one or two concrete examples of how you envisage technology being used in the classroom.

"As a Board Member, how can you monitor whether computers are being appropriately and fully used, in order to ensure that they don't become a wasted expense?"

At 8: 11 p. m., the four candidates will have the opportunity to respond in ballot order to a question they received in advance from the Westfield Area League of Women Voters. The candidates will still be limited to two minutes for their answers. The League question was: "Given

the demographics we have in hand, what do you see as a solution for the inevitable overcrowding at the high school?"

At 8: 20 p. m., the moderator will ask each candidate to respond to specific written questions supplied by audience members. Each candidate will have one and a half minutes to answer.

Any candidate who would like to add further input to the League's question, will have one minute to do so. If a query requires a response from all candidates, each candidate will be given one and a half minutes to respond.

Closing remarks will be given at approximately 9: 35 p. m. in reverse ballot order. Each candidate will have one minute for their response.

Ms. Ricci will close the forum with her remarks at 9: 40 p. m.

Ms. Puleio, who resides on Kimball Turn, has served as Chairwoman of the Long Range Planning Committee for the last three years. She has

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Westfield Resident, Colleen Sexton, Savors Lead Role In Broadway Musical, Jekyll and Hyde

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Opportunity knocked and Colleen Sexton of Westfield answered when she was stepped up to the lead role of Lucy for the Saturday, April 3, Easter matinee production of Jekyll and Hyde on Broadway.

Rehearsing as a "swing" or understudy for five different parts, Ms. Sexton was given the most dynamic role out of two leads.

A tale of romance and the struggle between the forces of good and evil,

Jekyll and Hyde was penned by Robert Louis Stevenson. Following a failed medical experiment by Dr. Jekyll, the scientist gives birth to his evil alter ego, Edward Hyde.

Ms. Sexton described the role of Lucy as that of a prostitute on the East end of London. The character, who she describes as a "sweet woman, who has grown up way too fast," yearns to make a life for herself and escape her profession.

Praising the Jekyll and Hyde en semble cast which accompanied her

Saturday performance, Ms. Sexton exclaimed, "They build up your confidence so much!"

Ms. Sexton revealed that she was informed on March 27 that she was to replace the original actress who plays Lucy. She explained that a swing will commonly fill in for an actor or actress when he or she takes a vacation day or sick day.

She stated that she was "very nervous," when she was told about her role, but viewed her performance as

very successful and rewarding. The actress signed on with Jekyll and Hyde in July, 1998 after she underwent three auditions. She was told about the available role of "swing" from her manager in New York City. She was later given the part.

Reflecting upon her childhood, Ms. Sexton recalled that she began taking dance lessons when she was in second grade. At first, she thought she was just a dancer.

As a student at Edison Intermedi ate School, Musical Director and

Voice Coach, Sharon Reynolds took Ms. Sexton under her wing and urged her to take voice lessons. The actress later became a part of ensembles at Edison School. She was more than just a dancer. Now she could add voice to the list.

At Westfield High School, Ms. Sexton added drama as another talent to her repertoire. Westfield High School Drama Coach, Joseph Nierle, who has also been credited by Ms.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Westfield AreaChamber of Commerce Begins Preparations for 'Spring Fling' Celebration

The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its fifth annual "Spring Fling Street Fair" in downtown Westfield on Sunday, April 18, from noon to 6 p. m.

Admission is free and will include allday musical entertainment, nearly 300 craft exhibitors, and children's activities. Twenty food specialists and some local restaurants will offer some

of their cuisine to festivalgoers. The stage area will be located at the corner of East Broad and Elm Streets. Scheduled entertainers include children's storyteller Kathryn Weidener, the Zucchini Brothers, described as "the Beatles of children's music," and jazz group "One More Once."

Disk jockey and singer Bob Mele will coordinate the entertainment, which kicks off at noon from the stage area. The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts will present musical entertainment and demonstrations throughout the day.

Musician Tim Janis of Maine will perform light instrumentals near Prospect Street, while The Mystic Warriors, who are South American musicians from the Andes, will play near Quimby and Elm Streets.

A "Kid's Expo" will be held along East Broad Street near Prospect Street. There will be pony rides and

a petting zoo in the parking area of PNC Bank at North and East Broad Streets.

"Ultimate Safari Rides," featuring a lifelike, radiocontrolled, mechanical tiger and elephant for children to sit on and ride, is planned as well. There will also be a Moonwalk, temporary tattoos, face painting and children's crafts.

Food selections will include London Broil sandwiches, kebobs, butterfly fries, nachos, sausage and pepper rolls, gyros, zeppoles, Teriyaki Barbecue, Greek foods, calzone and Italian sausage, along with fried Oreo cookies, cotton candy, ice cream, fresh fruit Smoothies and Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cakes.

More than 20 local businesses will be holding special sales during the event. Among them are Mary Lou's Memorabilia on Elm Street, which sells antique jewelry, vintage acces

William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader OH WHEN WILL THE (EGG) HUNT BEGIN?... These Westfield youngsters appear anxious for the start of the running (or walking) of the 64th annual Westfield Lions Club's Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt was held at Mindowaskin Park in the center of town.

William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader HAVING FUN WITH THE BUNNY... The Easter Bunny, portrayed by Ed Renfree, is joined on the bench in Mindowaskin Park by Robert and Elaine Ciardullo during the Westfield Lions Club's 64th annual Easter Egg Hunt held last Saturday.

Mayor Connelly Mayor Connelly of Fanwood Anticipates

Second Run for Congressional Seat in 2000 By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Fanwood Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly announced this week that she will not seek a second term in November, saying she did not feel it fair to her constituents to run for reelection while anticipating another bid for Congress in the year 2000.

"It was a very difficult decision but the right one for me and for the people of Fanwood," Mrs. Connelly revealed in a statement issued Monday afternoon. Mrs. Connelly was elected to her inaugural term as Mayor in 1995.

Mayor Connelly, who is only the third woman and the third Democrat to be elected as Mayor of Fanwood since the borough was founded more than a century ago, challenged Republican Congressman Bob Franks for his Seventh District seat last year. Though she didn't win, she did capture 46 percent of the vote.

The Seventh District comprises all or sections of 34 communities in Union, Middlesex, Somerset and Essex Counties. In Union County, 17 towns are included in the heavily

Republican district, among them Westfield and Mountainside.

"I weighed the pros and cons," Mrs. Connelly said of her decision not to pursue another term as Mayor. "Certainly there are no guarantees in either race, and I decided to dedicate all of my attention to forming an exploratory committee to evaluate the feasibility of another Congressional run," she remarked.

Mrs. Connelly's public career has spanned nearly two decades. Prior to

her election as Mayor, she was a Fanwood councilwoman for nine years, during which time she also held the positions of Council President and Police Commissioner.

She has also been a member of the Fanwood Planning Board and the Environmental Commission. She is Vice President of the Union County League of Mayors and immediate Past President of the New Jersey Association of Elected Women Officials. Mrs. Connelly retired last year

after 28 years with AT& T. Congressman Franks, who lives in Berkeley Heights, has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1992, having succeeded former longtime Congressman Matthew P. Rinaldo. Mr. Franks is currently serving his fourth term.

Prior to entering Congress, he represented the 22nd Legislative District as a state Assemblyman from 1979 to 1992. He was Republican State Chairman from 1988 to 1992.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR... The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its fifth Annual Spring Fling on Sunday, April 18. Pictured above is a scene from last year's festivities. Westfield HS Students

To Attend Classes On Saturday, April 24

Westfield Public Schools will remain closed tomorrow, April 9, the last day of Spring Break. Contrary to the published school calendar, the March snow day will not be made up on April 9.

Instead, Westfield High School students will attend school for a 41/ 2 hour session on Saturday, April 24. Students from kindergarten through grade 8 will attend a halfday on Monday, June 21.

Courtesy of The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Newspapers Face Fees, Modest Specs

For Vending Units By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Town Council was presented with a proposal Tuesday night to regulate newspaper vending machines in the downtown.

The town has been struggling to draft an ordinance that addresses the proliferation of newspaper vending machines and safety issues regarding the units, while not impeding on the First Amendment rights of the press.

"We have been at this now for a year. It is kind of frustrating," said Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, Chairman of the Laws and Rules Committee.

He cited the difficult negotiations with newspaper attorneys who indicated their opposition to any ordinance they feel would limit their clients' ability to circulate a publication.

Mr. Goldman said the original purpose of drafting an ordinance was to either reduce the number of machines, the number of clusters of machines, and pass regulations for them.

He has proposed what he described as a "twopronged" approach to begin addressing the matter. He said the policy would start with an "informal arrangement" with the newspapers as a baseline for regulations establishing the current location and

number of machines. Included in the ordinance would be a procedure for relocation of existing boxes or the placement of new machines in the future. The proposed policy would contain specifications for the machines, as well as a licensing fee.

Vending machines that do not comply would be impounded, Mr. Goldman explained.

In a memorandum to council members, Mr. Goldman said the ordinance "would set forth modest specification requirements, provide for the protection of public safety, provide for a licensing fee, and establish a mechanism for impounding newsracks of publications that do not comply" with the regulations.

The Councilman noted that lawyers for The Wall Street Journal and

The StarLedger had been in direct contact with the Laws and Rules Committee during its deliberations.

Some council members indicated that a stronger ordinance was needed.

Second Ward Councilman Matthew P. Albano said he felt any ordinance approved by the council needs to have some "teeth" to it in order for the law to be effective.

Mayor Thomas C. Jardim said while he supports the proposal as a first step in addressing the issue, he would like to see further regulations that would lead to "aesthetically pleasing" newsboxes for the downtown.

In other business, three pieces of legislation at the state level drew mixed reaction from the Town Council Tuesday night.

While officials favored a law that would eliminate liability for towns from civil actions filed as a result of Y2K problems, the governing body was not so eager to support legislation aimed at strengthening a public entity's immunity from injuries related to municipal recreation areas.

The Y2K legislation, Senate Bill No. 1421 and Assembly Bill No. 2511, would remove liability from municipalities in the event of civil lawsuits.

This would include litigation related to injuries "caused directly or

Page 12 Thursday, April 8, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

WESTFIELD VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD BLOTTER

Statistics for March 1999 Top 10 Response Catagories 1. Respiratory 6. Unconscious 2. Other 7. Motor Vehicle Accident 3. Falls 8. Head/ Neck Injury 4. General Illness/ Weakness 9. Pschological 5. Cardiac Pain 10. Spinal Injury InTown Emergency Calls: 153

Outof Town Mutual Aid Calls: 10 Non Emergency Calls: 2 Total Calls: 168 Total Hours Out: 133: 34 Total Volunteer Hours: 335: 38

F FF FFriends of riends of riends of riends of riends of the W the W the W the W the Westf estf estf estf estfield Memorial Libr ield Memorial Libr ield Memorial Libr ield Memorial Libr ield Memorial Library ary ary ary ary

27th ANNUAL BOOK SALE April 13 thru April 17

Westfield Memorial Library • 550 East Broad Street Please Deliver Donated Books April 9, Noon5pm

April 10, 9am5pm • April 12, 9amNoon

Come Out, Buy A Book and Suppor Come Out, Buy A Book and Suppor Come Out, Buy A Book and Suppor Come Out, Buy A Book and Suppor Come Out, Buy A Book and Support Y t Y t Y t Y t Your Libr our Libr our Libr our Libr our Library ary ary ary ary "F "F "F "F "Friends" Member riends" Member riends" Member riends" Member riends" Members Only s Only s Only s Only s Only April 13, 9am–Noon April 13, 9am–Noon April 13, 9am–Noon April 13, 9am–Noon April 13, 9am–Noon Pub Pub Pub Pub Public Hour lic Hour lic Hour lic Hour lic Hours ss ss April 13, 1pm–9pm April 13, 1pm–9pm April 13, 1pm–9pm April 13, 1pm–9pm April 13, 1pm–9pm W WW WWednesda ednesda ednesda ednesda ednesday & T y & T y & T y & T y & Thur hur hur hur hursda sda sda sda sday yy yy April 14&15, 9am–9pm April 14&15, 9am–9pm April 14&15, 9am–9pm April 14&15, 9am–9pm April 14&15, 9am–9pm F FF FFrida rida rida rida riday-Half y-Half y-Half y-Half y-Half Price Da Price Da Price Da Price Da Price Day yy yy April 16, 9am–9pm April 16, 9am–9pm April 16, 9am–9pm April 16, 9am–9pm April 16, 9am–9pm Sa Sa Sa Sa Satur tur tur tur turda da da da day-Ba y-Ba y-Ba y-Ba y-Bag Da g Da g Da g Da g Day yy yy April 17, 9am–5pm April 17, 9am–5pm April 17, 9am–5pm April 17, 9am–5pm April 17, 9am–5pm

All dona All dona All dona All dona All donations ar tions ar tions ar tions ar tions are tax deductib e tax deductib e tax deductib e tax deductib e tax deductible le le le le

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

been a longtime supporter of the Strategic Plan. She seeks to bring more technology into Westfield classrooms, but to specifically find technology which will enhance the teaching process. Ms. Puleio also hopes to find solutions which will help to ease the enrollment boom in the school system.

Ms. Gardner, who resides on Carleton Road, has served as the Chairwoman for the board's Policies Committee.

She has stated that she hopes to "maintain and improve the quality of education in Westfield." She cited good teacher selection, curriculum review, professional development and benchmarks for evaluating what students have learned as paths to good education.

Mr. Wallace, who resides on Warren Street, was appointed to the Citizens

Advisory Committee on Capital Projects. He had worked with the school board to research projects in the recent $11.7 million bond.

A 15year employee at Chapdelaine & Company, Mr. Wallace believes that his experience in the area of finance would make him an ideal replacement for Mrs. Jacobson.

Miss Weber, who resides on Barchester Way, is a 1994 graduate of Westfield High School. She credits being a product of the Westfield school system as a perfect example of why would be a boon to the board.

Miss Weber, who believes she would bring a "new generation to the board," is a Sales Planning Manager for data networking products at Lucent Technologies.

BOE Candidates Gear Up For Open Debate Forum

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Colleen Sexton Savors Broadway Lead Role

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sories and collectibles; Decorating Den, a store offering items for the home, and Classic Thyme on East Broad Street, which features inhome cooking classes.

Original crafts will also be for sale, such as designer and handpainted clothing, toys, handthrown pottery, sculpture, puppy and gator puppets, Raggedy Anne dolls, handmade furniture and decorative pieces for the home, handmade soaps and bath products.

There will also be folding chairs, rockers and benches, as well as handcarved, painted wooden mirrors. A wheatweaving demonstration is also planned.

Several artists will sell their original watercolors, oil paintings and photography, and craftspeople will feature origi nal jewelry designs, both traditional and

contemporary. An array of nonprofit and service organizations are once again expected to participate in this year's "Spring Fling".

"Admission and parking are free and we're inviting everyone to enjoy a terrific day of family fun in our beautiful downtown," commented Debbie Schmidt, Executive Director of the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Some exhibit space is still available. For more information, please call the Advertising Alliance at (908) 9963036, or the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce at (908) 2333021. The raindate will be Sunday, April 25.

Chamber Begins Plans For Spring Fling Event

Lancaster, Ltd. to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer

WESTFIELD – Lancaster, Ltd, a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, will participate in the fight against breast cancer by offering "Cards for the Cure," a free, speciallydesigned card created by Hallmark artist Paula Krekovich, a breast cancer survivor.

Through the campaign, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores, including Lancaster, Ltd., will donate a minimum of $1 million to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for research, education, screening and treatment programs.

Westfield shoppers can help raise even more money with every Hallmark card they buy at a Hallmark Gold Crown store between Sunday, April 18, and Sunday, May 2. The more cards that are sold, the

more dollars that can be raised, according to Michelle Horton, a spokeswoman for Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Costumers who purchase any Hallmark greeting card at a Hallmark Gold Crown store during the "Cards for the Cure" program will receive the free card.

The first in a series designed exclusively for the annual "Cards for the Cure" program, the card features a detachable postcard with complementing art, and a special message about the importance of yearly mammograms and monthly breast selfexaminations in the early detection of breast cancer.

The recipient of the card can then detach the postcard and send it to someone they care about, Ms. Horton stated.

WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER TUESDAY, MARCH 30

· A wallet containing $170 in cash, a credit card and credentials belonging to a juvenile was reported stolen from a book bag at Westfield High School.

· Two Rahway residents, both employees of an East Broad Street eatery, reported the theft of a coat and a sweater from the basement of the establishment where they work.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31

· An automatic teller machine Visa check card and a cellular power cord valued at approximately $25 were reported stolen from a vehicle on Cumberland Street.

· A total of $166 in cash was reported stolen from an unlocked 1995 Chevrolet van on Downer Street.

· Police reported that $8000 worth of various types of jewelry was stolen from a Kimball Turn residence.

· A motor vehicle was burglarized on Cumberland Street, authorities said. Someone had rummaged through the vehicle but nothing was discovered missing.

· A leather jacket valued at $200 was reported stolen from a residence on East Broad Street. The homeowner discovered someone had pushed in a pane on a door window and unlocked the back door, according to police.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1

· A Westfield resident reported being assaulted on Park Street by two juveniles known to him and with whom he had argued previously. The victim sustained a black eye, according to police, who said no charges had been filed in connection with the incident.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

· Police reported that a wallet containing $80 in cash and a credit card were stolen from a vehicle parked in a Hillcrest Avenue driveway. A second vehicle had pry marks on it but had not been entered.

· An unlocked vehicle in the 600 block of Downer Street was entered and several items were removed, including a cellular telephone, a sweatshirt and a Tshirt. The total value of the missing items was $127.

· A Breeze Knoll Drive resident reported that two unidentified intruders entered his residence while he and his wife were on the second floor of their home watching television.

The homeowner said the suspects, upon being confronted, fled the premises. The intruders were described as two males wearing dark clothing.

· A Marlin Court resident reported a home burglary in which the front door

had been forced open. Police said items had been taken from the residence, though authorities had not yet received a list.

· A Unami Terrace resident reported that someone broke off the handle to a front entrance storm door in an unsuccessful attempt to enter his home, according to police.

· In separate incidents, two residents of Oak Avenue reported that the rear windows of their motor vehicles were smashed. The first case involved a 1994 Dodge, while the second involved a 1991 Honda.

· A motorist was issued a ticket for careless driving and for exhibiting unclear license plates after allegedly driving over the grass area of a courtyard at a Forest Avenue apartment complex, authorities said.

· A 15yearold Edison resident was charged with burglary and theft after he allegedly removed eight cigars from an East Broad Street residence, according to police. He was turned over to the custody of his mother.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

· A Livingston Street resident reported that someone broke a side window on her parked car.

· A Carleton Road resident reported that someone removed the driver's side mirror from his 1986 Ford, which was parked in front of his residence.

· A Cumberland Street resident reported the theft of a brown leather jacket valued at $85 from a 1986 Buick parked in front of her residence.

· A Jefferson Avenue resident reported that the rear and driver's side windows of her vehicle were smashed. Police believe a large rock found nearby was used to damage the vehicle, which was parked in front of the victim's home.

SUNDAY, APRIL 4

· A police officer recovered a 1984 Oldsmobile with its lights on and parked beside a curb on Boulevard. The vehicle had been stolen from Massachusetts Street without the owner's knowledge, authorities said. The officer made the discovery after receiving a report about a suspicious vehicle in the area.

MONDAY, APRIL 5

0·Three tires were punctured on a 1997 Nissan at an Elm Street doughnut shop.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6

· A Summit Avenue resident reported the theft of a bicycle, described as a dark green, Giant model 870 valued at $700, near the Gary Kehler Stadium on Rahway Avenue.

Charles Swicker Selected As Naval Commander

WESTFIELD — The United States Navy has announced that Charles "Chip" Swicker, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swicker of Westfield, has been selected to command his own ship.

He is currently serving in a Joint Duty assignment at the Pentagon, as a Program Integrator for the Navy Theater Wide TBMD Program in the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.

Commander Swicker graduated from Westfield High School in 1973, and from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1977. He subsequently spent five years aboard large oceangoing sailing ships, including the clipper schooner

Pride of Baltimore and the research vessel Westward.

Since receiving his commission from Officer Candidate School in 1982, he has served on the Kiddclass guided missile destroyer Scott, the nuclear cruiser Virginia,

and Aegis cruisers Philippine Sea

and Monterey. He completed his Executive Officer tour aboard the Monterey in the fall of 1997.

In 1990, thenLieutenant Swicker received a Master of Science Degree in Scientific and Technical Intelligence from the Naval Postgraduate School, where his classified thesis received the United States Naval Institute Award.

In 1995, he earned a second master's degree at the Naval War College, graduating with Highest Distinction and receiving the J. William Middendorf II Award for his Advanced Research Project, "Theater Ballistic Missile Defense From the Sea: Issues for the Maritime Component Commander."

This project has recently been published as the 14th monograph in the Naval War College's "Newport Papers" series.

Commander Swicker and his wife, Gayle, reside in Vienna, Virginia.

WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER MONDAY, MARCH 29

· Firemen responded to a an activation of a carbon monoxide on detector on Austin Street. Upon determining there were increased levels of carbon monoxide in the home, the resident was removed from the home and the gas company was contacted.

Upon further investigation, it was found that a chimney flue was plugged. The resident was alerted when the alarm on the detector was activated.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31

· A fire broke out in dryer at the "Y" on Clark Street. Maintenance workers, it was reported, placed wet towels that had been used for floor stripping into the gas fired dryer and the heat distilled any remaining product and ignited in the dryer.

The maintenance department removed the burned material from the machine and wet down the materials with a garden hose.

A moderate to heavy smoke condition was found in the basement area and first floor. Fans were used to clear the smoky condition.

· Firefighters responded to a report of a mulch fire next to a home on Grove Street. The fire was out by the time the department arrived. The area was wet down with a household garden hose.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1

· Firemen were called to assist police at an accident scene at North Avenue and Elm Street. Firemen used bolt cutters to cut battery cables and used a substance to absorb small antifreeze spill on the road surface.

· Responding to a report of a fire in a building on Cayuga Way, firefighters found a child's plastic kitchen set toy burning on a tiled floor in the basement. A bed cover had been placed on top of the toy in an attempt by one of the occupants

of the home to smother the fire. The resident sustained burns to his right foot and was transported by the Westfield Rescue Squad to the hospital for treatment.

The family indicated that a cigarette left on the toy caused the fire.

The toy and the bed cover were removed and extinguished outside the singlefamily dwelling. A fan was used to remove heavy smoke conditions from the basement and light smoke from the other areas on the home.

Fire damage was limited to the toy, bedding and the basement tile floor. Smoke damage, though, was throughout the house.

· A report was received of a gas odor in specialty food store on Springfield Avenue. Upon investigation, fire officials found a drain cleaner had been put in kitchen drains in the bakery store section of the business.

A pressure fan was used to vent the building and the drains were flushed with water flow.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

· The department responded to a fire alarm on Orenda Circle. The fire, though, turned out to be burned popcorn in a Microwave oven.

· Firemen assisted the Animal Control officials in removing a baby raccoon from a tree on Rahway Avenue. A 24foot ladder was needed to complete the rescue.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

· Firefighters responded to an interior alarm at the Jefferson Elementary School on Boulevard at around 10: 45 a. m. Upon an investigation, the maintenance department was contacted to shut down the school's boilers due to excessive heat.

Smoke ejectors were used along with natural ventilation to cool the boiler room and crawl space area.

PANSY PLANTERS… Members of the Garden Club of Westfield complete the spring planting of pansies in the town planters, located at the corners of Elm and Broad Streets. Pictured, left to right, are: kneeling, Nancy Roff, and standing, Ruth Paul, Norma Degnen, Jane Bischoff, Irene Ilaria, Nita McHugh, Flip Sheehan, Jennie Williams, Jeanne Glass, George Bidgood and Mary Ann Malloy.

Sexton as another enormous influence on her rising career, gave her the encouragement and training she needed to become an actress.

Both Ms. Reynolds and Mr. Nierle were members of the Jekyll and Hyde

audience on April 3, witnessing with pride the musical and theatrical talent of Ms. Sexton, their former student.

Mr. Nierle told The Westfield Leader,

"It was mesmerizing to see her (Ms. Sexton) up there." He stated that he was impressed by her confidence. "It brought tears to my eyes," he added.

"She was a student who never took herself too seriously," stated Mr. Nierle, while adding that Ms. Sexton took time to develop her talent as an actress and always listened to directions.

"She never assumed she knew more than she did. I really think she is going to have her own show someday," boasted Mr. Nierle. "It was like watching your own kid up there."

Ms. Sexton, who received a standing ovation for her Saturday performance,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

certainly made her former teacher proud. Past credits for Ms. Sexton include a recording album/ musical television series in Europe. She revealed that when the series, which was anticipated to be a success in both Germany and the United States, had failed, she decided to return to Westfield.

"I came home at the right time," the actress reflected.

Shortly, thereafter, she found the success and recognition she longed for when she joined Jekyll and Hyde in July and later as the lead in April 3 performance.

"I couldn't have made a better decision," she observed. Ms. Sexton has also appeared in Singing in the Rain at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, as Maggie in A Chorus Line, and as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Jekyll and Hyde is currently being performed at the Plymouth Theatre, 236 West 45th Street, in New York. For ticket information, please call TeleCharge at (212) 2396200.

Newspapers Face Fees, Specs For Vending Units

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION… Students from Jacquelin Stotler's third grade class at Franklin Elementary School in Westfield display their threedimensional community project that they made for their maps and communities studies.

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD OF EDUCATION WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, Westfield, New Jersey, in the Board of Education Office, 302 Elm Street, Westfield, New Jersey, 07090, at

2: 00 P. M. (Prevailing Time) on April 20, 1999 at which time bids will be opened and read aloud for:

"ROOF REPLACEMENT AND RELATED WORK AT JEFFERSON

SCHOOL, R2003"

Plans and Specifications will be available on Friday, April 9, 1999.

Plans, Specifications, form of bid, contract and bond for the proposed work and other Contract Documents thereto, as prepared by M. Disko Associates, are on file in their offices at 493 Lehigh Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083, and in the offices of the Board of Education, 302 Elm Street, Westfield, New Jersey, and may be examined at the office of M. Disko Associates during business hours.

Bidders will be furnished with a copy of the Plans and Specifications by the Engineer, upon proper notice and payment of a check for Fifty ($ 50.00) (dollars), payable to M. DISKO ASSOCIATES, said cost being the reproduction price of the documents and is not returnable.

Proposal forms (as contained in the Specifications) provide for the awarding of all the

work to the lowest qualified bidder under a single contract.

The guaranty accompanying the bid shall be given in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid and may be given at the option of the bidder by a Certified Check, or Bid Bond from a reputable insurance company.

All bidders must be prequalified in accordance with Chapter 105, Laws of 1962, as amended by Chapter 188, Laws of 1968 as set forth in Instructions to Bidders.

Labor in connection with the project shall be paid not less than wages as listed in Prevailing Wage Rate Determination, pursuant to Chapter 150 of the New Jersey Laws of 1963, or the U. S. Department of Labor Wage Determinations, whichever are higher for each class of labor.

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of PL 1975, C. 127. (NJAC 17: 27)

Bids may be held by the Board of Education for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of Bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding of the Contract.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids if in its judgment the public interest will be served by so doing.

By order of the Board of Education, Westfield, New Jersey.

Robert A. Berman Board Secretary 1 T – 4/ 8/ 99, The Leader Fee: $58.14

indirectly by the failure of computer hardware or software or any device containing a computer processor to accurately or properly recognize, calculate, display, sort or otherwise process dates or times."

"The potential result (of Y2K lawsuits) is that numerous tort claims may be asserted against the state, counties, municipalities, and public authorities and agencies, for everything ranging from the potential failure of traffic signals, alarm systems, water and sewer systems and communications systems, to the malfunctioning of computers containing financial information |and other records," according to a copy of a resolution put before the council.

Given the fact Y2K problems are isolated to next year, Mayor Jardim said he would favor a resolution supporting the state legislation.

The recreation related legislation, though, drew mixed reactions from the council, including Mayor Jardim and Councilman Goldman.

An attorney himself, Councilman Goldman said he was not in support of the bills.

"We might as well gut the (state's) Tort Claims Act," he said.

The bill would remove liability from towns for their failure to provide supervision of public recreational facilities. Municipalities, however, would not be exempt from litigation for failure to protect its citizens against "gross negligence" by not addressing dangerous conditions evident at its recreational facilities.

The legislation, Assembly Bill No. 2683, has received support from the Sub urban Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), of which

Westfield is a member. The legislation, according to a letter to the council from Suburban JIF Executive Director David N. Grubb, was actually aimed at towns that have public beaches and boardwalks.

The third state legislation, Assembly Bill No. 179 and Senate Bill No. 618, would amend the New Jersey EmployerEmployee Relations Act to prohibit a public employer from implementing the "last, best offer" during contract negotiations. The New Jersey State League of Municipalities strongly opposes the legislation.

Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko said the town has never had to make such an offer in its negotiations with its bargaining units.

"It doesn't impact us (the town) one way or another," he said.

Mayor Jardim, though, said he would like to support the League by opposing the action through a resolution.

He said it was important to support the statewide efforts of the League.

On another matter, Councilman Albano, who chairs the Building and Town Property Committee, said the committee has supported an ordinance in town to prohibit the feeding of geese at Mindowaskin Park. The ordinance was created in an attempt to curb the abundance of droppings left by the geese in the park.

In addition, Mr. Albano said a Border collie should be used to chase away the geese. He said the cost of that proposal would be discussed with officials.

Board Members Installed By Girl Scout Council

WESTFIELD – The Washington Rock Girl Scout Council (WRGSC) recently installed new members to its Board of Directors at the annual meeting.

Named to the Board was Second Vice President, Sister Percylee Hart of Scotch Plains. Sister Percylee is the Principal of Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains and serves on the Strategic Planning Team of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Secondary Schools.

She also serves as the Chairwoman of the WRGSC Personnel Committee.

The following members were named to atlarge seats on the board: Vivien Abraitis of Plainfield, Michael S. Bonaccorso of Clark, Suzanne Bousquet of Scotch Plains, Donna Dolce of Fanwood, James Fawcett of

Scotch Plains, Thomas R. Hockswender of Scotch Plains, Adeline Kellett of Cranford, Wayne Otlowski of South Plainfield, Rose Phelan of Scotch Plains, and Dr. Gloria M. Rodriguez of Rahway.

Richard Lukas Named To Honor Society

SCOTCH PLAINS – Richard Lukas, the son of Roger and Beverly Heinrich, was recently inducted into the Gettysburg College chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.

Richard is a junior at Gettysburg. He graduated Scotch PlainsFanwood High School in 1996.

To be eligible, students must be juniors or seniors who have completed at least four courses in political science; acquired at least a 3.0 grade point average in these courses; and rank in the top third of their class.

Wanted Antiques and Collectibles Antiques and Collectibles Antiques and Collectibles Antiques and Collectibles Antiques and Collectibles

Also Toys – Trains – Dolls – Etc • Cash Paid •

401 Cumberland Street, Westfield 401 Cumberland Street, Westfield 401 Cumberland Street, Westfield 401 Cumberland Street, Westfield 401 Cumberland Street, Westfield

Call Any Time – 7 Days House Calls Made

Old Treasures Chest Old Treasures Chest Old Treasures Chest Old Treasures Chest Old Treasures Chest (Corner of South Avenue & Cumberland Street) (908) 317-9007 • (908) 351-9515 (908) 317-9007 • (908) 351-9515 (908) 317-9007 • (908) 351-9515 (908) 317-9007 • (908) 351-9515 (908) 317-9007 • (908) 351-9515 (Leave Message)