The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 5-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, February 4, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J.

Published Every Thursday

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Business ........ Page 16 County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4

Obituary ........ Page 18 Religious ....... Page 9

Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Dog Licenses Required For Six Months and Up

As of January 31, all dogs from six months old were required to have licenses, according to the Town Clerk’s office.

A rabies certificate must be shown when purchasing a dog license, which may be obtained by mail. There is a $1 late charge.

ANNEX TO HOUSE DAY CARE, ADULT CARE IF APPROVED BY ZONING BOARD

Westfield Community Center Seeks To Expand Across Street on West Broad By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Westfield Community Center (WCC) officials unveiled plans last week for a new two-story facility to be built across the street from the center’s current site at 558 West Broad Street. The new building will house a day care center as well as adult care programs for senior citizens.

Ernestine Howell, Executive Director for the WCC, and the center’s

Board of Directors held a meeting last Thursday night to obtain input from the community.

According to Westfield-based architects Albert Schleifer and Robert Algarin, the proposed annex building would be located on the corner of Palsted Avenue and West Broad Street.

The property, which was acquired by the WCC in the 1940s, currently includes a dilapidated two-family home which will be torn down to

make room for the new center, Mr. Algarin told The Westfield Leader.

According to Mr. Schleifer, a recently completed needs assessment for the project was conducted. It revealed that there was a great demand for daycare for children 2˝ to 6 years of age whose parents work, and for the aging population.

“This new building can accommodate up to 80 children and will serve an ever-increasing aging population who needs care,” stated Mr. Schleifer.

Mr. Schleifer said the two-story building would have a basement

which would include a physical therapy room, lecture room or classroom and a computer room for use by both the seniors and children.

He commented that it was the vision of those involved in the project to have the children help teach the senior citizens how to use the computers and, in turn, the seniors would teach the children important life lessons such as ethics and values.

Mr. Schleifer told audience members that the main floor would house the daycare area as well as a full kitchen to be used for cooking meals

David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader

REVIEWING THEIR PLANS...Architects Albert U. Schleifer, left, and Robert Algarin review building plans for the proposed Westfield Community Center annex. The new building, to be located across the street from the existing building on West Broad Street, would house facilities for day care as well as adult care for seniors.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Courtesy of architects Robert Algarin and Albert U. Schleifer

ARTIST RENDERING...The drawing above is the architectural proposal for the Westfield Community Center annex.

DWC Passes Budget Of $281,320 for 1999; Council to Review Plan

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), the governing body for the town’s special improvement district (SID), approved a spending plan on January 27 of $281,000, an increase of $16,000 over the 1998 proposed budget.

Another $375,000 in downtown improvements has been recommended by the DWC Board of Directors as part of the town’s municipal budget.

The SID was created by the Town Council in 1996 to promote the downtown as an asset of the community, similar to Westfield’s quality housing stock and public school system.

The biggest chunk of the budget reflects administrative and operational costs, which at nearly $128,000 accounts for over 45 percent of the total spending plan.

The budget, which will be reviewed by the Town Council this Saturday morning, includes $98,000 for promotional efforts, with nearly half that amount, $45,000, set aside for a regional advertising program to promote downtown Westfield.

The design portion of the budget, which includes such items as sea

sonal decorations and banners as well as the facade renovation grant program available to downtown landlords, has been proposed at $29,000.

Another $16,000 is to be directed toward a downtown improvement plan, a document which DWC Executive Director Michael La Place said will be unveiled next month.

Economic development, which includes the Westfield recruiting kit for prospective businesses as well as downtown business guides, has been funded in the proposed spending plan at $10,500.

DWC Chairman Joe Spector, proprietor of The Leader Store, noted that the improvement plan will include a recommendation on zoning, and physical improvement recommendations for the downtown such as lighting and landscaping.

“Our SID is still the key element locally to help us deal in growth of the future,” said Mr. Spector, in his opening remarks.

Mr. La Place noted that in addition to the DWC budget, the SID board will be coming before the council for additional funding.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Local School Districts React to Projected Aid Figures; Westfield, SP-F to Receive Increases By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Local reaction to last week’s announcement from Trenton regarding projected state aid to schools was mixed. Westfield was pleased, as was Scotch Plains-Fanwood; Mountainside was not surprised.

In Union County, where state aid for 1999-2000 rose an average of 13.5 percent among 21 districts, Westfield schools received the seventh highest increase, a boost of 20 percent to $3,706,838.

“We’re pleased with what we received,” stated Robert Berman, Business Administrator. “We originally based our (budget) calculations on no increase, and were hoping against a decrease.”

Following last year’s outcry against the state’s distribution of aid, officials worked to refine a formula which links aid to a particular school district’s wealth and student population. Wealth is calculated according to property values and residents’ incomes.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood schools will receive a modest 5 percent increase in aid to $3,573,690.

“We were pleased because we didn’t lose money,” stated Business

Administrator and Board Secretary Matthew A. Clarke.

He indicated that special education saw the greatest increase to $2,358,894 for 1999-2000 compared to $2,196,418 for 1998-1999.

The state recently modified its system of classifying special education students within four tiers. Mr. Clarke

explained that, under the new guidelines, students have moved from one tier to another, resulting in more aid to the district.

Westfield’s aid increased across the board with the exception of “Academic Achievement Award” funding. The reason for the decrease, as Mr. Berman explained it, is that the

number of students eligible for these programs has increased across the state, while the pool to fund them remains the same.

In Mountainside, Business Administrator Frances Tolley reported that their figure came as no surprise.

“It’s more or less the same as 1997

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Senior Citizen Survey Reveals Transportation as Top Concern By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Transportation in Westfield has been a perpetual quandary for many residents, but it is at the top of the list for local senior citizens, according to a recent Senior Citizens Survey developed by the United Fund Senior Citizens Task Force.

The survey, which compiled 400 responses, was crafted to help identify the needs and concerns of senior citizens in order to assist them in the community.

These questionnaires were distributed to places of worship, area pharmacies, senior citizens housing fa

cilities, the Westfield Municipal Building, the Westfield “Y,” Mobile Meals, the Westfield Memorial Library, the Westfield Community Center, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Chapter in Westfield.

Life was certainly simpler when the Westfield/Mountainside Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Union County Para Transit operated four to six vehicles as part of a program for transporting senior citizens around town. Senior citizens could get to medical appointments, shop downtown, and be a consistent part of the community.

Although the program was cut, the American Red Cross still maintains an interest in providing transportation for homebound senior citizens. However, the organization has not been approached to resume the program.

“Transportation, hands-down, has been a problem,” observed Westfield Welfare Director Lillian Corsi, who has served as the town’s Social Worker for 23 years.

She added that, despite the many mini-buses and vans that are provided by organizations such as the Westfield Community Center and St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church, seniors are still scrambling for some realistic solution to their transportation struggle.

Linda Maggio, Executive Director

Westfield Community Center Proposed Annex Building

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Pedestrians Beware: Jaywalkers are Targeted During Crackdown by Local Police Department By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

“Look both ways before crossing the street.” This is a phrase most of our parents and guardians have bellowed as we attempted to cross a busy street as children.

Now, as adults, there are greater risks involved in crossing streets in Westfield – pedestrians who do not cross at the crosswalk will be treated to a $43 fine, courtesy of the Westfield Police Department.

Since 71-year-old Ellen Interdonato was fatally injured when she was struck by a car while crossing East Broad Street following a concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on January 17, concerned citizens and members of BRAKES (Bikers, Runners and Kids are Entitled to

Safety) have demanded better enforcement of traffic safety regulations.

While police confirmed that Mrs. Interdonato was not jaywalking at the time the accident occurred, her death has prompted concern about traffic safety in the community in general.

Sara E. Strohecker of BRAKES has asked the police to “ticket all drivers exceeding the 25 mile per hour speed limit by more than 40 percent; ticket all drivers exceeding the 35 mile per hour limit by more than 30 percent; ticket all drivers who drive through crosswalks while pedestrians are still in them, and ticket all cars that are parked and standing in or on top of crosswalks and intersections.”

Ms. Strohecker has stated that she believes if these regulations were enforced, “Westfield would be a better place to live.”

Neil F. Sullivan, Jr., Third Ward Councilman and Public Safety Committee Chairman, told The Westfield Leader that it is probable that Westfield citizens have made a connection between the latest enforcement of the ordinance regarding jaywalking and the fatal accident last month.

He added that state police were brought to the scene of the accident that killed Mrs. Interdonato. The investigation and reenactment of the

accident determined that speeding “or any deficiencies within our (the town) plan for safety within our community” did not play a role in the accident.

“It was an accident and accidents do happen,” the Councilman resolved.

Mr. Sullivan explained that the Westfield Town Council met Tues

day evening with Westfield Police Chief Anthony J. Scutti, Deputy Police Chief John Wheatley, the Public Safety Committee and Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko to assure them that the town’s budget would include adequate funds to enforce traffic safety.

The Councilman insisted, “Stricter

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

COMMITTEE SUPPORTS GEESE FEEDING BAN

Rec. Commission Seeks Council Input on Use Of Brightwood Park

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Faced with the closing of two of the town’s parks, the Town Council has been asked by the Westfield Recreation Commission to consider the possible development of part of Brightwood Park as a multi-purpose field.

The park is the last natural setting in town. Located near the end of Prospect Street on the Scotch Plains border, Brightwood is the town’s second largest park, with 43 acres.

The Recreation Commission is looking for available land since both Memorial Park and Sycamore Field are to undergo major improvements. Memorial, in fact, is expected to be closed to sports activities for at least one year. The park’s master plan, however, is still in the planning stage.

The proposed master plan for Memorial will include improvements to make the existing four softball fields more playable for leagues in town, according to Recreation Director

Glenn Burrell. He said the plan is aimed at providing more space between the fields so that more games can be played simultaneously. Currently, only two softball games can be played for the adult leagues due to the layout of the fields, which are also used for soccer.

Proposed improvements also include

Clark Cranford Garwood Mntnside New Prov SP-F Springfield Summit Westfield

$1,370,718 $1,323,649

$1,899,264 $2,011,407

$418,547 $515,344

$520,928 $522,801

$867,211 $1,062,802

$3,411,863 $3,573,690

$1,013,342 $1,060,520

$1,524,014 $1,792,068

$3,089,059 $3,706,838

1998-1999 1999-2000 AID TO DISTRICTS...

State aid to local school districts is reflected in the chart below. The numbers at the left are 1998 aid figures with this year’s figures reflected in the right column.

for all programs offered at the new center.

Mr. Algarin explained that the second floor would house the program for seniors including an Alzheimer

care day room, a game room, lounge, multi-purpose room, screening and consultation room as well as an examination room.

Board of Ed Schedules New Meeting Date; Schools Open Feb. 16

The Westfield Board of Education has changed its regular board meeting from Tuesday, February 23, to Tuesday, February 16, at 8 p.m.

Schools will also be closed on Monday, February 15, for President’s Day. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, February 16, to make up for a snow day.

Page 10 Thursday, February 4, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

The United Fund of Westfield

301 North Avenue, West Westfield, NJ 07090

(908) 2332113

Genealogical Society of The West Fields

Adult volunteers for various activities

Girl Scouts

Adult volunteers to assist with planning and implementing Scout programs 1 evening per month. Helium tanks for Spring events

PANDA (Preventing Alcohol, Narcotic and Drug Abuse) Media Board Representative develop press releases, assist with Alliance Newsletter, & attend monthly Board meetings; student intern to assist Director with special projects, mailing, filing, etc. 2 hrs/wk

Union County Legal Services

Volunteer attorneys

Westfield Community Center

Volunteer for public relations work; pro bono legal volunteers

Westfield Y

Volunteer aquatics instructors to learn to teach swimmingwill train

The Caring Box Please call the United Fund if you can help!

Because Westfielders Care... the spirit of volunteerism is very special in Westfield. The United Fund of Westfield, through a grant from the Westfield Foundation and the help of The Westfield Leader, is proud to provide The Caring Box. This volunteer clearing house, responding to special, immediate

needs in our community, will be published monthly. WESTFIELD

FIRE BLOTTER WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER MONDAY, JANUARY 25

· Ten hundred block of Central Avenue – automobile accident.

· Seven hundred block of Coolidge Street – gas odor investigation.

· East Broad Street and Karen Terrace – automobile accident.

· One hundred block of Wells Street – lock out.

· Three hundred block of Benson Place – lock out.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

· Eight hundred block of Bradford Avenue – carbon monoxide detector activation.

· Seven hundred block of Central Avenue – electrical short.

· Six hundred block of Westfield Avenue – smoke scare.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

· One hundred block of Elm Street – lock out.

· Two hundred block of East Broad Street – smoke odor investigation.

· Four hundred block of Washington Street – carbon monoxide detector.

· One hundred block of Elm Street – electrical short.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

· Five hundred block of Springfield Avenue – system malfunction.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

· Four hundred block of North Avenue, West – unintentional alarm.

· One hundred block of New Providence Road – unintentional alarm.

· Six hundred block of Westfield Avenue – system malfunction.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

· One hundred block of Mohawk Trail – unintentional alarm.

· Seven hundred block of Prospect Street – alarm activation.

· Three hundred block of South Avenue, East – automobile accident.

· Three hundred block of Watterson Street – lock out.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

· One hundred block of Central Avenue – system malfunction.

· Four hundred block of Poe Avenue – lock out.

· Two hundred block of South Avenue, East – hazardous condition.

· Six hundred block of Norman Place – lock out.

· Six hundred block of Norman Place – lock out.

· Four hundred block of Channing Avenue – smoke odor investigation.

Recent Home Sales WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

· A Cranford Avenue resident reported that a cellular telephone valued at $300 disappeared from his automobile.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

· Andrea E. Thompson, 30, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with shoplifting approximately $342 worth of clothing from an East Broad Street store, according to police.

She was additionally charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance after authorities discovered four glassine envelopes containing suspected heroin residue during a search incidental to the shoplifting arrest.

Thompson, who was also wanted on contempt of court warrants from Westfield and Bridgewater, was transported to the Union County Jail. Bail was set at $750 for the shoplifting and suspected narcotics possession charges.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

· Carmine F. Gutto, 23, of Hawthorne was arrested and charged with theft by deception for allegedly cashing forged

checks from a local video store, police said. Bail for Gutto, who was charged at the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, was set at $3,000.

· Jacob L. Bennett, 20, of Westfield was charged with attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages while underage at a South Avenue liquor store, according to police.

Authorities said the charge resulted from the “Cops in Shops” program, in which plainclothes officers are stationed at liquor stores to apprehend underage patrons attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages. Bennett was released on his own recognizance.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

· A resident of the 500 block of Summit Avenue reported that two T-Tops of unknown value were stolen from his motor vehicle, which was parked at the rear of his home.

· Frederick Roe, 35, of Orange was arrested and charged with shoplifting cigars valued at approximately $14 from a South Avenue pharmacy, according to police.

Richard L. and Julie T. Monahan to Mary Rose Migliazza, 448 Birch Place, $236,000.

L.B. Wendell c/o G.B. Wendell, Jr. to John R. Zurlo and Alicia Ruddy Zurlo, 5 Cherry Lane, $550,000.

J.B. and A.L. Hehn to Bruce T. and Darcy N. Dunnan, 650 Maple Street, $180,000.

C.V. Scheffer to Owen G. and Sherl L. Brand, 211 Wells Street, $337,000.

B.D. and M.R. Morris to Eben and Sharon Fox, 909 Carleton Road, $320,000.

837 Carleton, Inc. to Steven Gorelick and Amy Green, 837 Carleton Road, $312,500.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Westfield Community Center Unveils Plan for Expansion

The DWC will also be “very aggressive and creative” in finding funding sources outside of Westfield, such as grants, to support improvements to the downtown, said Mr. La Place.

The DWC will continue its facade renovation grant program, whereby up to $2,000 is available to property owners to upgrade their buildings.

Mr. La Place said the DWC’s Design Committee intends to take a “proactive stand” in explaining the program to property owners and merchants, in an effort to improve the overall look of the downtown. A total of $10,000 has been set aside for this year’s program.

In an effort to better promote the town, the Executive Director said the DWC is looking at combining both its downtown business and restaurant guides to increase exposure for Westfield businesses.

Also, as part of the downtown plan, new information kiosks have been proposed.

As part of its economic development efforts, the DWC has a recruiting package which includes the business guides and literature on the community.

In terms of promotion, the DWC will continue its business relationship through the joint DWCWestfield Area Chamber of Commerce Promotions Committee.

These promotions are aimed at increasing pedestrian traffic in the downtown. The DWC events include the Welcome Home to Westfield annual winter holiday promotion, an event which has been budgeted for $8,000 in the 1999 SID budget.

Carriage and trolley rides, pictures with Santa, and an ice sculpting contest are among the events included in the holiday promotion.

Other DWC events aimed at promoting Westfield are the summer jazz festival, classic car shows, and the Artlinks show. The Chamber runs separate street fairs in the spring and fall which generate large crowds each year.

In terms of the DWC-Chamber relationship, Chamber Executive Director Debbie Schmidt noted that she and Mr. La Place have worked hard “to bridge the gap between the two organizations and bring them together.”

The DWC also plans to continue its regional advertising program. Last year, the organization ran eight advertisements in The Star-Ledger to promote Westfield through DWCsponsored events.

Mr. La Place said the consensus of the DWC board has been that, “We really need to promote Westfield on a regional basis. We really need to get the name out there.”

In terms of the organization portion of the budget, the spending plan includes $5,000 for the DWC staff to

attend professional training events and conferences, and $8,000 for expenses related to the DWC newsletter, “What’s Up Downtown,” and other publications

A total of $84,000 has been set aside for salaries, which include Mr. La Place and an administrative assistant.

W. Jubb Corbet of Colonial Avenue, a member of the Westfield Chamber’s Board of Directors, said he would like the DWC to budget some funds to help organizations promote their events.

These efforts used to be done by hanging banners from the railroad crossing over East Broad Street. Those banners, officials said, were removed last year by NJ Transit representatives.

The banners were used to promote such events as the annual Westfield Rotary Pancake Day, Westfield Young Artists Cooperative Theater (WYACT) performances, and the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad’s recruiting efforts.

“I think there should be a place in the downtown where our organizations can advertise, similar to what they have been doing” in order to get people to attend their functions, remarked Mr. Corbet.

Mr. Corbet, who is a former town councilman, said such an effort would give the town “a pat on the back” for the many events going on throughout the year in Westfield.

He said it would provide sort of a “hometown need” for the groups to advertise, while also providing recognition for these organizations.

Mr. La Place said he felt Mr. Corbet’s suggestion “would be a great subject for the Promotions Committee to work on.”

Both Mr. LaPlace and Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko said they were not responsible for the removal of the banners.

Mr. Spector said a “community bulletin board” concept will be on Mr. La Place’s and the Design Committee’s agendas this year. He said the committee will be asked to look into the feasibility of using the brackets and hardware utilized to hang the “Welcome to Westfield” banners for the organizational displays.

Mr. Spector said that guidelines would have to be implemented for such a program.

First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott, this year’s council Liaison to the DWC, noted the council’s efforts to clean up the downtown through purchase of a cleaning unit known as the “Green Machine.”

He also noted that Mr. La Place has been invited to all council Transportation, Parking and Traffic Committee meetings this year. The hot topic in 1999 will be discussion of a parking deck for the downtown area.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

DWC Board Approves $281,320 Budget for ’99

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

enforcement has not been done as an order of any chain of command.”

“A wrong perception was created that the men and women of our Police Department are not doing their job. I believe that the officers rightfully took exception to that perception,” Mr. Sullivan stressed.

Pointing to the role of police officers in Westfield, the Councilman explained, “Our group of officers have exceptional respect for the citizenry of this town, using discretion in dealing with violations of public safety ordinances.”

“Not every instance is deserving of a summons. They (the police) use that discretion well,” he added.

Mr. Sullivan revealed that officers have provided adequate warning to pedestrians who decide to jaywalk instead of following the outlines provided for them on the streets. Now, he noted, these pedestrians must follow the judicial process after receiving their citations.

Mark McCabe, a Westfield resident, reported that a group of his neighbors who have been parking in the Lord & Taylor parking lot were ticketed for jaywalking on Monday evening.

“They’ve walked the same path for years,” stressed Mr. McCabe, who believes that his neighbors should have been given advanced warning about the fines.

He suggested that some type of announcement or flier should have been previously distributed to citizens. How

ever, he concluded that he favors the jaywalking ordinance.

While asserting that he is not upset with the police who delivered the summonses, he maintained that officers need to do a better job regarding the “flow of traffic” and the “flow of people.”

One former Westfield citizen who now resides in Mountainside stated that he witnessed the distribution of over a dozen tickets after the 7:15 p.m. train arrived in Westfield on Tuesday evening.

The witness said he tried to warn individuals as they were coming off the train, but police stated, “We’ve already got them.”

“They’re not giving any warnings. They’re giving tickets,” the witness added.

He stated that when the frustrated pedestrians asked the ticketing police officer why they were not provided with a warning, the officer calmly stated, “We don’t give warnings in Westfield.”

The witness concluded that he does not feel safe crossing the street because there are cars coming from over four directions.

He noted that in such dangerous intersections, all that a pedestrian can do is run to safety at the other side of the street.

“No one feels safe,” he commented. Over 26 individuals have received the $43 jaywalking fines to date. Mr. Sullivan reported that most of the fines have been distributed at the Westfield Train Station.

“Safety is not something that can be enforced through oppressive police action,” the Councilman added. He noted that safety is not the sole responsibility of drivers, but of pedestrians as well.

“People need to be mindful of rules that govern our traffic and that it applies to everybody.”

Deputy Police Chief Wheatley told

The Leader, “We will step up our enforcement of the speeding laws and the jaywalking.” He stated that the BRAKES group has shed light on the severity of the traffic and safety needs of the community.

He added that pedestrians should be held responsible for some of the accidents which occur in town, due to jaywalking and wearing dark clothes, which he said serves as a camouflage during evening hours.

Deputy Chief Wheatley revealed that police officers will “step up enforcement” in school areas with regard to double parking, jaywalkers in downtown Westfield, and motorists who insist on speeding.

Although he was not on the scene when the tickets were issued, he stated that the police officers did tell pedestrians, “Start using the crosswalks.” Although the pedestrians told the officer that they would comply, they proceeded to jaywalk despite the warning.

Regarding the latest crackdown on traffic regulations, including jaywalking, he added, “I’m sure it will make it a safer community.”

“I’m sorry people got summonses, but this is part of life,” added the Deputy Chief.

Jaywalkers Face Fines During Police Crackdown

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

1998,” she stated. The district is slated to receive $522,801, basically a 0 percent increase over last year’s $520,928.

There was no increase in aid to Plainfield, while Clark, Hillside and Winfield saw their aid decrease. Union Township far surpassed other districts with a 78 percent increase in projected aid.

In commenting on her district’s budget preparations, Ms. Tolley said, “There are no new initiatives planned. We will work forward on our technology plan, and nibble away at our five-year maintenance plan. We won’t be able to tackle any large projects, not that many are under consideration anyway.”

On the back burner in Mountainside, however, is a wish to refurbish the Beechwood Athletic Field.

“If we had money,” mused Ms. Tolley, “we would like to do that.”

Unlike Westfield and Scotch PlainsFanwood, Mountainside did not receive an “Actual Pupil Count Adjustment” which accounted for some unanticipated aid.

As Mr. Berman explained, “When the state looked at enrollment at October 15, 1998 (the date districts use to calculate

actual enrollment) versus the estimated enrollment, the numbers came in higher. So, we were able to get more aid.” In Westfield, that bonus amounted to $61,488; in Scotch Plains-Fanwood, $15,798.

“When we built our budget,” explained Mr. Berman, “we didn’t know we were getting it (the additional $61,488). If we don’t use it, it will go into the district’s free balance at June 30, 1999.” Free balance is another term for unreserved funds.

While finalization of budget plans for the upcoming school year necessitates receipt of state figures, the state actually contributes a very small percentage to school budget revenues.

For example, the state funded less than 9 percent of Scotch PlainsFanwood’s $43 million budget for 199899. The lion’s share, over 90 percent, of the cost to educate that district’s 4,354 students rests with taxpayers.

Likewise in Westfield and Mountainside, with budgets of $52 million and $9 million, respectively, state contributions do not go very far.

“It’s not much,” admitted Mr. Clarke, “but it is helpful. I’d hate to have to go to the taxpayers for another $3 million.”

Westfield Sees 20 Percent Hike in State Aid Figure

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of the United Fund of Westfield, which organized the survey, reported that one ideal solution would be a form of transportation which could assist commuters in the evening and senior citizens during daytime hours.

Senior citizens also prioritized the handyman program, which is operated by the Red Cross and financed by the Westfield Foundation, as another inadequate service for seniors.

The program, which is run from 3 to 5 p.m. and uses high school students to provide handyman services, would better assist seniors if it were a full-day program. The survey cited that no individual would be turned away if, for example, a homeowner paid for supplies and the program funded the labor costs.

Every senior citizen deserves proper access to town information and services. However, the survey revealed that seniors do not feel that they are able to readily attain valuable information about the community in which they live.

Mrs. Maggio stated that she hopes the United Fund’s resource directory, W.O.R.D., will alleviate that concern when it becomes available to senior citizens and the general public in the near future.

Discussion has also been underway regarding the possibility of a Senior Citizens Newsletter and funding for a Senior Citizens Coordinator and handyman.

Of the seniors surveyed, 109 were male and 265 were female.

Twenty-five seniors were between the ages of 60 and 64; 57 were between the ages of 65 and 69; 187 were between the ages of 70 and 79, and 109 were 80 years or older.

Regarding their living situations, 188 of the seniors surveyed live alone; 147 live with their spouse; 26 reside with other companions; five reside in a house

hold where there are children who are minors, and 22 reside with their adult children.

Approximately 53 senior citizens reported that they live in an apartment; 185 own their own home; 95 of those surveyed live in the Westfield Senior Citizens Housing Complex, and 15 live in someone else’s home.

Concerning their main income, 12 seniors maintain a full-time job; 24 hold a part-time job; 299 rely on Social Security; 12 are assisted by Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and 164 are assisted by their pension.

When seniors revealed their monthly income, 16 said they receive less than $525; 67 receive between $526 and $999; 81 receive between $1,000 and $1,999; 26 receive between $2,000 and $2,999, and 26 receive over $3,000.

Senior citizens believe that they can depend on their family the most for assistance. Approximately 285 seniors stated that they turn to family members; 108 rely on friends; 25 turn to their places of worship; 11 felt they can count on a community organization; eight cited the police as dependable, and 13 found none of these support systems to be adequate.

While nearly 231 seniors own their own vehicles, 64 use walking as their main form of travel. Fifty seniors depend on family, while 31 rely on friends for transportation.

Forty-six seniors use the bus and train to be mobile. Bicycles, skates, Para Transit, and wheelchairs were listed as other means of transportation for 11 senior citizens.

Seniors reported that St. Helen’s Church, the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, Temple Emanu-El and the Westfield Community Center are the top five organizations which have provided them with assistance.

The Center for Hope Hospice, the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Mobile Meals were some of the other highlighted organizations described as dependable by Westfield seniors.

“We hope that we will be able to form a community partnership,” noted Mrs. Maggio. She said she hopes to work with town government officials, individuals in the community, and nonprofit organizations to address and fulfill the needs of seniors reflected in the survey.

She also revealed that the transportation programs in other municipalities in Union County will be examined by the United Fund to determine if these solutions would be appropriate for Westfield’s senior citizens.

Sheryl Brand, Trustee for the United Fund, Chairwoman of the Healthcare and Related Services Committee, and Director of Provider Relations of Patient Care, Inc. in Westfield said, “Our next step is facilitating our community to address those needs (of the senior citizens).”

Ms. Brand remarked that she would also like to see members of the community initiate joint efforts to accomplish solutions to the problems facing Westfield senior citizens today.

“This is a giant leap forward from where we were before,” she concluded.

Transportation Top Concern Of Seniors: Survey Indicates

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

a playing area for roller hockey along with a walking/jogging path, picnic sites and a community playground, the latter of which would be supported by the Westfield Optimist Club.

Meanwhile, Sycamore will be reconstructed to improve playing conditions for soccer and other sports activities.

Thus, Recreation Department officials want to revisit the issue of some type of development of a field at Brightwood.

Although not completely opposed to the Recreation Commission’s request, Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh said, “to me, the real issue is we are going to be killing trees.”

However, he said the town does face a dilemma in its quest to find additional space for sports activities.

First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott said he would rather look to see if Tamaques Park could be used as the relocation site for games while Memorial and Sycamore are out of commission.

petitive sports. Other than “a small group of naturalists” who want to leave the park in its natural state, an occasional jogger and teenagers who hang out at the park from time to time, Brightwood is virtually unused, said Mr. Burrell in his letter to the council dated January 22.

“The Commission believes that we (the town) can no longer afford to have this large parcel of land go underutilized,” Mr. Burrell stated in his letter.

He did say that if the council chooses not to put a field at Brightwood, the Recreation Commission would at least like to clean up the park to make it a more popular site for town residents.

On another matter, Second Ward Councilman Matthew P. Albano, Chairman of the Building and Town Property Committee, announced his committee’s support for an ordinance to ban the feeding of Canadian geese at Mindowaskin Park.

The proposal, brought before the governing body by the Friends of Mindowaskin Park, has been proposed as the first step to eliminate goose droppings in the park. The Friends is a group dedicated to preserving the park for future generations.

Mr. Albano said the committee also supports bringing in a dog to scare away the geese.

The Border collie has been successful in South Orange in the war on geese, since its movements resemble the arctic fox — the geese’s only known predator, according to news reports.

Councilman Albano said the cost of the dog would be $1,000 a day. The placement of a fence or a string around the pond to prevent geese from getting into the pond has been ruled out due to possible injuries to children using the park.

“So you are limited on what you can do. But you have to do something,” said Councilman McDermott, a member of the committee.

The ordinance, as recommended by the Friends, would make the feeding of waterfowl a misdemeanor, with fines issued to those persons deemed “persistent violators.”

In addition to the adoption of the ordinance, the group has also indicated that vegetation management, fencing, repellents and trained dogs are among the tactics that should be used in the town’s efforts to rid the park of the geese.

Noting council members’ concerns on the enforcement of such a law, Mr. Albano noted, “it’s (eliminating the geese) going to be a process we just have to work through.”

He also stated that the second floor would include a staging kitchen which would only be used as a serving kitchen.

Mr. Algarin went on to explain that the building “was designed to look more residential.”

The project is on the agenda for the zoning Board of Adjustment’s Monday, March 8, meeting. The center is seeking a use variance from the board since the proposed facility lies in a residential zone.

“We are absolutely ready to go,” said Mr. Algarin, regarding the center’s application before the board.

After Mr. Algarin’s presentation, Ms. Howell, who has been the center’s Executive Director for 30 years, announced that if the use variance was granted, the next step in the project would be a major campaign to raise the $1.3 million that is needed to fund the new building.

Ms. Howell stated that she has already met with Linda Maggio, Executive Director for the Westfield United

Fund, to ask for help in finding funding sources.

In addition, Ms. Howell said Courtney Clarke, Supervising Program Analyst for the Union County Department of Economic Development, Division of Community Development, “was the inspiration for us trying to expand our community center.”

“He is responsible for improvements to our current facility both inside and out,” Ms. Howell explained.

Mr. Clarke responded by saying that he was “in strong support of the new community center to fill the needs of all of the people of the community.” He added that it would “take team work to make the dream work.”

Presently the Westfield Community Center holds respite for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s once a week on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and holds recreational programs for the seniors daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. After 3 p.m. the center has an afterschool program which currently serves 35 children.

Rec. Commission Seeks Input on Plan To Develop Playing Field at Brightwood

At 106 acres, Tamaques is by far the largest park in town. The park currently has four softball fields, which are also used for soccer and football, and two baseball fields.

Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko suggested that before any further discussion takes place, the council might want to look at the issue of wetlands and how this could impact the development proposal.

He noted that the last time the development of Brightwood surfaced, in 1989, the Town Council Chambers was packed with residents opposed to the plan.

Mr. Burrell said a concept plan for the development of Brightwood, which dates back a decade, did not factor the existence of wetlands. The park features a pond and dam.

He said before moving ahead with a wetlands study, the Recreation Commission wants to first see if there is support from the council regarding the use of the panhandle section of Brightwood for com