OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 27-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407
The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —
Thursday, July 8, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J.
Published Every Thursday
INDEX • 18 P INDEX • 18 P INDEX • 18 P INDEX • 18 P INDEX • 18 PA AA AAGES GES GES GES GES
Arts................Page 17 County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4
Classifieds..... Page 16 Obituary ........ Page 9 Religious ....... Page 8
Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11
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WHS Prepares Bond Project Construction By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Westfield High School (WHS) will begin working on some of the needed improvements made possible by the $11.7 million bond referendum initiated by the Westfield Board of Education and approved by resi
dents in December 1998. Renovations to the lavatories on the first floor of the school will begin this month. These improvements are expected to be completed in October as part of Capital Project ’99. This construction is not associated with the bond, but is funded by the district’s operating budget.
One bond project, which has been estimated at $155,000, includes lavatory renovations for the second floor of the school. This project will be bid on in September and the proposed timeline for construction is November 1999 to February 2000.
The boys and girls locker rooms on the second floor, another bond project separately estimated at $155,000, will be bid on in May 2000. The construction is expected to begin in July 2000 and end in September of that year.
The conversion of the graphic arts classroom and auto shop into four generic classrooms is expected to be completed on January 1, 2000. Bid specifications have ended, the plans are being reviewed by state and local officials and the review should be completed by the middle of July. The project involves an estimated cost of $376,000 and will be bid on this month.
Westfield High School
Bachelor’s Degree $39, 851 Master’s Degree $42,654 Doctorate $48,007
Bachelor’s Degree $41,391 Master’s Degree $44,194 Doctorate $49,547
Bachelor’s Degree $43,031 Master’s Degree $45,834 Doctorate $51,187
$10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 Annual Salary
Memorial Pool Memberships Surge; 1,900 Family Memberships Sold
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PULLING WITH ALL OF THEIR MIGHT…Field day, a long standing and time honored tradition at the Wilson Elementary School in Westfield, recently took place on the school grounds. The event was held over two days and consisted of such physical skills as running, shooting hoops, field hockey, an obstacle course and last but not least, a tug-of-war. Parents become involved as either organizers of events or cheerleaders for teams as they competed. Pictured, front to back, are: kindergartners, Victoria Aloupis, Chloe Birkenthal and Nate Suri pulling the rope in a successful tug across the yellow line. By KIM KINTER
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
If you think Westfield’s Memorial Pool is crowded this summer — it is.
For the first time since the pool opened in 1970, the pool is filled to capacity and will sell no more memberships for 1999.
James Gildea, Pool Administrator and Assistant Director of the Westfield Recreation Department, said the pool, located in Memorial Park, reached its capacity of 1,900 family memberships on June 29 and since then has had to turn away people interested in purchasing a membership.
This compares to 1998 family memberships of 1,820, Mr. Gildea said. In 1997, the maximum number of family memberships was 1,700.
Recreation officials increased the maximum to 1,900 when family memberships increased that year to 1,650, he explained.
Under the former permitted capacity, only 50 more families would have
been able to join the pool that year. “This is it, though,” he said, referring to the 1,900 number. “Unless it (the pool complex) gets bigger, we can’t add any more people. We’re finding that it is more crowded than ever this year.”
Normally, pool memberships are available through August. Renewal reminders are sent out to previous members in March at the same time that new memberships are available for sale.
And in the past, memberships have been plentiful enough that the town has been able to offer Westfield newcomers one half off the price of a membership after August 1.
Although the pool’s capacity is 1,900 family memberships, the number of individuals who belong to the pool is much higher, Mr. Gildea pointed out. Total membership will climb to 8,300 this year, he said.
As a result, if the Memorial Pool becomes particularly crowded on a
hot day, the pool manager has the option of deciding to close the front gates until attendance drops, Mr. Gildea warned. He said that closing the gates has not happened in the past, but that it could be necessary this year.
“We’ve come close a few times, but have never actually had to do it,” he said.
But even over the extremely hot July 4 weekend, the pool did not have to close its gates. Mr. Gildea stated
Three-Year Teacher’s Contract in Westfield
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Westfield Attorney James C. Heimlich Takes Oath As Judge in Union County Superior Court By MELISSA A. BETKOWSKI
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
James C. Heimlich, an attorney in Westfield for the past 22 years, was sworn in as the newest addition to the 24 judges of the Union County Superior Court on Tuesday in the chambers of Assignment Judge Edward W. Beglin, Jr.
Judge Heimlich, who was set to begin his tenure on the bench yesterday, was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife, Patricia, his daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Mark Buyyounouski, and other relatives and friends.
Among those on hand to witness Judge Heimlich take his oath were his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heimlich; his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Ritter and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bistis; his wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Haefeli, and her sisters and brothersin-law, Meg Bowdish, John R. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Hergert and Mr. and Mrs. Tom T. Harney.
In his remarks, Judge Beglin characterized Judge Heimlich as someone who “has involved himself in and been a part of the life of this county for many years.” Mr. Beglin said it is nice to have one of the county’s native sons sitting on the bench.
The judge’s commission was presented by John N. Miri, Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court of New Jersey.
Frank X. McDermott, of the Warren law firm Appruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, who has known Judge Heimlich since his youth, called an appointment to the judicial bench “the epitome of a law career” for most people.
However, he said it would more likely be “a plateau from which Jim will grow.”
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New Three-Year Contract Accepted By Teachers, BOE In Westfield School District By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
A three-year contract prepared by the Westfield Education Association (WEA) which gives the thumbs up for a 3.8 percent annual increase for Westfield teachers was approved by the Westfield Board of Education on June 29.
On the final evening of contract negotiations, both groups reached complete agreement at three in the morning. WEA President Michael Seiler called that evening of deliberations “a marathon session.” However, the school board voted 9-0 in favor of the contract and the teachers supported the pact in a 317-19 tally.
The pact, which became effective last Thursday, will expire on June 30, 2002. The previous contract terminated on June 30 of this year.
The WEA and the school board have reported that they are pleased with the results of the negotiating process between the two organizations. The WEA is a stalwart representative for over 400 teachers, nurses, librarians, guidance counselors, social workers and school psychologists.
“I am pleased that we came to a timely and satisfying resolution so that teachers can be ready to be in full swing to begin classes in September,” reported School Board President Darielle Walsh.
“In the beginning, I didn’t think we could bring it to closure,” revealed Mr. Seiler.
He added that throughout the negotiations, both sides were “committed” and “sincere” in seeking to bring closure to the bargaining in time for the close of the school year.
What chief changes have been involved in the new contract?
Teachers have been scheduled for an additional in-service professional development day of six hours on Columbus Day. As a result, the teacher work day rises from 184 to 185 days per year.
Instructors will also attend a threehour in-service session after early student dismissal that day.
In addition, a mentoring fee for new teachers will be reimbursed after a teacher earns tenure.
The starting salary for a new teacher has jumped from $38,501 to $39,851 per year. This will increase, according to Director of Human Resources David Tuller, over three years to $43,031.
For a teacher with a masters degree, the first year salary is $42,654 and will hit $45,834 in 2001-2002. An instructor who holds a doctorate will begin with a salary of $48,007 and will be paid $51,187 in 20012002.
According to Dr. Tuller, the district’s salary plan does not follow
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Council OK’s Sidewalk Replacement Program; Town Residents to Pay Half of $100,000 Cost By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The Town Council took action Tuesday night to begin Westfield’s first sidewalk replacement program.
The town has appropriated $100,000 this year for the program, which is expected to begin this fall. Half the costs will be paid for by the town, with the other half to be picked up by residents through assessments documented by the Tax Assessor.
First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott said residents should send written requests for sidewalk repairs to the office of Town Engineer and Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Kenneth B. Marsh.
All letters must include the type of sidewalk and length of the section to be replaced, along with the homeowner’s address. The entire length of sidewalk will be replaced, not just sections, town officials revealed.
The cutoff for requests for this year’s program is Saturday, July 31.
Concrete sidewalks will be replaced with concrete, bluestone with concrete, and asphalt with asphalt. Bluestone or slate sidewalks can also be leveled off by the contractor to be hired by the town if the sidewalk does not need replacing.
Upon receipt of the letters, properties will be inspected by the town in order to develop a list that will be
included in the 1999 program. Mr. McDermott noted that any sidewalk not completed this year will move to the top of the list in 2000.
Mr. Marsh said he hopes to have an acceptable bid for Town Council action at the governing body’s Tuesday, September 14, meeting. This timeframe would enable work to begin on sidewalks by October and last roughly a month, Mr. Marsh said.
In a memorandum to the council last month, Councilman McDermott stated that the program will “coincide nicely with our newly proposed ordinance of better upkeep on multifamily dwellings and our overall property maintenance code.”
The council recently adopted an ordinance requiring that owners of homes housing two or more families obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) from the town’s Building Department before selling the home. COOs provide written documentation that a home is in compliance with all building codes.
Residents have the option of paying the assessment for sidewalk replacement, which will be determined after the contract is approved by the council, in one lump sum or in an
nual payments stretched over three years. Residents have the opportunity to back out of the program after they receive cost estimates.
On another matter, the council approved a one-year contract to Statewide Environmental Contractors of South Plainfield for trash collection at receptacles in the downtown, as well as in Westfield’s parks and other public areas.
Statewide, which will provide the service four days a week, will charge the town $3,640 a month for an annual cost of $43,680. The service is currently provided by the DPW.
“This is just another step the town is taking to make sure our downtown is as clean as possible,” said Councilman McDermott, Chairman of the Solid Waste Committee. Towards that goal, the town has purchased a sidewalk sweeper, termed the “Blue Machine,” to sweep sidewalk and municipal parking lots of litter.
Statewide was one of four contractors who submitted bids for the contract, the highest of which was just under $90,000 for the year. Mr. Marsh said the service will eliminate the need for the DPW to purchase another garbage truck, which would have cost between $130,000 and $140,000. Officials also said the service will free up DPW crews for other work around town.
In other business, Mayor Thomas C. Jardim announced the appointments of Rosemary Millet of Norgate and Mary Withers of Cacciola Place to the Planning Board, replacing Gary T. Hall and Mark Boyd, who have resigned due to other commitments.
Ms. Millet, as an alternate on the board replacing Mr. Hall, will serve through December 31, 2000. Ms. Withers will serve the rest of the year as a full member of the board, taking Mr. Boyd’s seat.
Ms. Millet, a 12-year resident, has served as one of the town’s two representatives on the Union County Air Traffic Noise Advisory Board since 1994.
Mayor Jardim said he was particularly impressed by Ms. Millet’s interest in open space preservation. Ms. Millet, a member for 10 years of the Board of Directors of a 550-acre cooperative resort in New York State, said in a letter to Mayor Jardim that Melissa A. Betkowski for The Westfield Leader
TAKING THE OATH…James C. Heimlich, an attorney in Westfield for 22 years, was sworn in as the newest addition to the Union County Superior Court judiciary during a ceremony on Tuesday in the chambers of Assignment Judge Edward W. Beglin, Jr. Judge Heimlich, who began his tenure yesterday, was joined by relatives at the ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are: Judge Heimlich’s daughter, Jodi Buyyounouski, Judge Heimlich, his wife, Patricia Heimlich, and son-in-law, Mark Buyyounouski.
William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader
SOLD OUT!...The Westfield Memorial Pool was the place to be during the July 4th holiday weekend to cool off from the heat wave. The Recreation Department has announced that all 1,900 family memberships at the pool have been sold this summer.
Page 10 Thursday, July 8, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK
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WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER MONDAY, JUNE 28
· Seven hundred block of Norman Place – system malfunction.
· Five hundred block of Boulevard – odor investigation.
· Four hundred block of Beechwood Place – gas odor investigation.
· Four hundred block of North Avenue West – emergency medical call.
· Tice Place and Clifton Street – power line down.
· Elm Street and East Dudley Avenue – wire down.
· Eight hundred block of Rahway Avenue – system malfunction.
· Six hundred block of Shadowlawn Drive – hazardous condition.
TUESDAY, JUNE 29
· Four hundred block of East Broad Street – system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Elm Street – good intent call.
· Seven hundred block of Cranford Avenue – unintentional alarm.
· Five hundred block of Coleman Place – animal rescue.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30
· Four hundred block of Mountain Avenue – structure fire.
· Three hundred block of Orenda Circle – lock out.
· One hundred block of Hawthorn Drive – system malfunction.
THURSDAY, JULY 1
· Three hundred block of Hyslip Avenue – power line down.
· Six hundred block of Roosevelt Street – structure fire.
· Five hundred block of Central Avenue – system malfunction.
· One hundred block of Cacciola Place – unintentional alarm.
· Six hundred block of Lawnside Place – dryer fire.
· Five hundred block of Central Avenue – system malfunction.
· Four hundred block of Washington Street – system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of Norman Place – wire down.
· Fourteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road – carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Seven hundred block of Garfield Avenue – carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Five hundred block of Central Avenue – hazardous condition.
FRIDAY, JULY 2
· Three hundred block of South Avenue East – system malfunction.
· Three hundred block of South Avenue East – system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.
· Five hundred block of Dudley Court – lock out.
· One hundred block of Settlers Lane – system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of Norgate – power line down.
· One hundred block of East Broad Street – unintentional alarm.
· One hundred block of Tudor Oval – system malfunction.
· One hundred block of Tudor Oval – system malfunction.
· Four hundred block of Linden Avenue – smoke odor investigation.
SATURDAY, JULY 3
· Eight hundred block of Ramapo Way – good intent call.
· One hundred block of Mohawk Trail – smoke condition.
· Two hundred block of East Broad Street – system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of East Broad Street – system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of Stevens Avenue – lock out.
· Two hundred block of East Broad Street – system malfunction.
· Five hundred block of Trinity Place – unintentional alarm.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
· Five hundred block of Wells Street – carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Two hundred block of Windsor Avenue – wire down.
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Family Memberships Sell Out at Westfield Memorial Pool
WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER MONDAY, JUNE 28
· An attempted burglary was reported at a store on Prospect Street, in which someone tried to pry open the rear door to the establishment. Entry was not gained, according to police.
· A representative of an East Broad Street restaurant reported that a customer unsuccessfully attempted to use an invalid credit card to purchase food.
TUESDAY, JUNE 29
· A West Broad Street resident reported the theft of a 1972 Mercury from the 500 block of West Broad Street. The vehicle had not been recovered as of press time.
· A resident of Woodside, New York reported that someone damaged her car while it was parked on Sandra Circle.
· An Avon Road resident reported the theft of her pocketbook while she was at the Westfield Memorial Pool complex.
· A Murray Hill resident reported the theft of her pocketbook at a Central Avenue coffee shop.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30
· Greg Abramson, 22, of Short Hills was arrested and charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief at the Nomahegan Swim Club on Springfield Avenue in connection with an incident there on May 15. He was released on his own recognizance.
· A Clark resident reported that a tire on her 1998 Jeep was cut and disabled by an unknown person at a local health care facility.
· A resident of the 200 block of Virginia Street reported that a compact disk player and a cellular telephone were stolen from her vehicle, and that damage was done to the trunk lock, while it was parked in front of her house.
· James M. Paciunas, 47, of Roselle was served a summons for criminal trespass after he allegedly wandered onto the front porch of a Mountain Avenue residence, according to police. He was released on his own recognizance pending a court appearance.
· Daniel Carbone, Angelo DeFrancesco and Joseph Rajoppi, all 18 years old and from Springfield, were charged with possession of less than 50
grams of suspected marijuana and with possession of narcotics paraphernalia, authorities said.
The trio, who were discovered by police in a vehicle behind a Springfield Avenue building, were released on their own recognizance, according to police.
· A Central Avenue business reported a burglary in which approximately $1,000 in cash was removed from the premises. It was unknown how the individual or persons responsible gained entry to the building.
THURSDAY, JULY 1
· Alfonso Garnett, 41, of Westfield was arrested at Cacciola Place and charged with theft by deception for allegedly receiving workman’s compensation and welfare benefits simultaneously from the town, according to police. He was released on his own recognizance.
FRIDAY, JULY 2
· A motor vehicle was damaged on North Avenue, with scratches and dents discovered on the right side of the exterior.
· An Elm Street coffee shop reported that a person who had been told earlier not to return had come into the establishment. The individual involved was not charged, police said.
SATURDAY, JULY 3
· A South Avenue resident reported being verbally harassed by several juveniles while in the 1100 block of West South Avenue.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
· A 1996 Toyota was burglarized in the 1000 block of Central Avenue. Police said someone entered the parked vehicle and unsuccessfully attempted to remove the cassette player, causing heavy damage to the center console. Entry was gained by prying the passenger door lock.
· Police reported that someone used a green marker to deface the side of a 1998 Ford parked on Summit Avenue.
· Someone defaced both sides of a “House for Sale” sign on Summit Avenue with a green marker, authorities said.
MONDAY, JULY 5
· The right rear tire was slashed on a vehicle parked in a Cacciola Place driveway.
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New Three-Year Contract Okayed By BOE, Teachers
Town Council Approves Sidewalk Replacement
Local Attorney Takes Oath As Superior Court Judge
Monday was the pool’s busiest day of the holiday weekend, with more than 3,000 people coming into the complex. On Sunday, the crowd totaled about 1,800, and on Saturday, about 2,000 came to swim.
Mr. Gildea noted that he recognizes the issues of having no available memberships and of closing the gates are sensitive ones. He said the Recreation Commission will discuss the issue at its Monday, July 12, meeting.
“The commission will look (to determine) if there is anything that can be done for this year, which is unlikely, and will have to address the future,” he said.
He pointed out that if all 1,900 family members renew their memberships next March, the list for pool passes could be closed by April.
Mr. Gildea speculated that an influx of new families with children is partially responsible for the increase in membership. The unseasonably hot month of June also could be responsible, he acknowledged.
“It could be word-of-mouth, too,” he commented. Mr. Gildea said that pool management has strived to make improvements each season and boasts a successful morning swimming class program and two swim teams.
The Blue swim team has been undefeated in the North Jersey Swim League for the last 15 years, he said. The White swim team participates in the Union County Swim League.
Mr. Gildea pointed out that the pool is not supported by Westfield taxpayers, but is driven by the annual membership fees. Staff salaries, upkeep and improvements are all paid for by membership fees.
The facility in the Memorial Park area of Westfield on Cumberland Avenue and West Broad Street was built in 1969. It features a large swimming pool, diving tank and child area, plus a sandy recreational area, as well as a snack bar and picnic tables. The yearly fee is $200 for Westfield residents and $375 for non-residents.
Memorial Park received money from the state for development and is designated as a “Green Acres” property. As result of outside funding, the pool management must accept membership from those outside of Westfield.
About 75 to 80 percent of the membership are Westfield residents, Mr. Gildea said.
Many area pools are experiencing the same climb in enrollment as the town’s pool.
Nomahegan Swim Club, on Springfield Avenue in Westfield, has a fourto five-year wait for membership, according to Kathy Ostrowski, Nomahegan board representative in charge of membership. The complex’s capacity is 400.
Membership at Nomahegan requires sponsorship by existing members, a $700 refundable bond, a $150 initiation fee and yearly fees. The yearly fees range from $750 with a cabana, which is a storage area, for a four-member family to $700 without a cabana for a four-member family.
Ms. Ostrowski said that the club used to experience a large yearly turnover, but lately the turnover has been only about 20 a year. She speculated that there was more movement and relocation by fami
lies in and out of Westfield in the past. Manor Swim Club on Laurel Place in Westfield, did have a “handful” of memberships left this season at press time.
“I had a call yesterday from a woman who said the town pool was closed and wanted to know if we had any openings. I said yes, but told her to hurry up,” Club Manager Karen Infantino said.
Manor has an annual capacity of 300 memberships.
The club requires no bond or initiation fees. For a family of four, the yearly cost is $460.
In Scotch Plains and Fanwood, where there are no public pools available, residents join either the Highland Swim Club on Martine Avenue or Willow Grove Swim Club on Evelyn Street. While Highland had about 20 openings at press time, Willow Grove has none and is maintaining a waiting list of up to two years.
Highland has a capacity of 300. Its yearly family fee is $425. A $400 bond and $75 initiation fee is also required. Willow Grove has a capacity of 275 family memberships. A family membership is $415 yearly and a $480 bond and $35 initiation fee is required.
In the Borough of Mountainside, which maintains a municipal pool, about 15 memberships remained open to non-residents at press time. The pool never closes membership to Mountainside residents.
Sue Winans, Mountainside Pool Administrator and Recreation Director, said Mountainside’s pool was much more crowded in the 1970s then it is now. She observed that Mountainside’s population has aged since that time and perhaps Westfield is now experiencing a surge in its younger population.
Yearly fees for Mountainside residents are $190 and non-residents, $310.
A non-resident must have the sponsorship of a Mountainside resident who is a pool member.
James A. Hart, Assistant Union County Prosecutor, who has known Judge Heimlich since both men were with the Prosecutor’s office, called the new judge a “caring, compassionate, decent human being.”
In his remarks, Judge Heimlich, a former Westfield councilman whose career as an attorney spanned 26 years, thanked his wife and daughter for their support through the years. He called the two women “the keys to my success.”
Quoting the prophet Micah, he said, “All of scripture can be divided into three main principles...to do justice, to love your neighbor, and to walk humbly in the eyes of God. What better gift can one receive than to become a judge, whose very job is to live by these principles?”
He additionally quoted former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall, who said that a judge should have four qualities: “to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and
to decide impartially.” “I realize that I may not be able to fully achieve this standard, but with every fiber in my body, I am going to try to get as close as I can,” he vowed.
“I am humbled and honored to be joining the Union County Judiciary, whose reputation for legal excellence and collegiality is second to none,” Judge Heimlich stated.
“I am very enthusiastic and happy about this new adventure,” he added.
Mrs. Heimlich said the new position is one to which her husband has long aspired. “We’ve been very lucky,” she said.
The prayer for the afternoon was prepared by the Reverend Donald K. Hummel of St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, where the Heimlichs are parishioners and where the couple was married in 1971.
A presentation was also made by William A. Daniel, President of the Union County Bar Association.
Wilson Students Prepare ‘Health Kits’ for Refugees HELP FOR REFUGEES…Third-grade students at Washington Elementary
School in Westfield, along with Principal Connie Odell, center in back, and teacher Eva Morton, right in back, display “health kits” they prepared with their families for Kosovo refugees currently living in Macedonia.
WESTFIELD — Students in the second through fourth grades at Wilson Elementary School in Westfield, along with their families, recently extended helping hands by assembling “health kits” for war refugees from Kosovo.
Inspired by an article which appeared in The Star-Ledger, teacher Stacey Stanzel encouraged families to assemble with their children the simple but critical kits to be sent abroad.
The kits consisted of a towel, washcloth, comb, nail file, soap, tooth
brush, toothpaste and six adhesive bandages. They were forwarded to the Springfield Emanuel United Methodist Church, which then sent the kits to the refugees.
In the classroom, the children have discussed the history of the Bosnian ethnic conflict and the effects of war on families there. The children were made aware of the fact that Kosovo families were being uprooted from their homes with little possessions or necessities for survival.
Rotary Club of Westfield Gives Community Grants PRESENTING GRANTS…The Rotary Club of Westfield recently awarded
grants to a number of local agencies and one foreign agency. Kenneth J. Mayti, Rotary Club Vice President, was Chairman of the Grants Committee, which handled disbursement of more than $10,000, which was collected at fundraisers such as the annual Rotary Pancake Day held in March. Pictured, left to right, are: Mr. Mayti and Westfield Rotary Club President Stanley A. Kaslusky.
WESTFIELD — The Rotary Club of Westfield recently awarded grants to a number of community organizations.
They include: Westfield Symphony Orchestra; Westfield Day Care; Westfield Neighborhood Council; Washington Rock Girl Scout Council; Westfield Y; Baseball Little Leagues of Westfield; Watchung Area Council, Boy Scouts of America; United Fund of Westfield; Community Center of Westfield; Westfield Rescue Squad; First Night of Westfield; Youth and Family Counseling Center; American Red CrossMountainside/Westfield Chapter;
Westfield Coalition for the Arts; Westfield Municipal Alliance/P.A.N.D.A.; Westfield Community Band, and Project Graduation.
The Rotary also gave a grant to the YMCA in Bangkok, Thailand, which in supports yearly.
More than $10,000 was awarded at the club’s meeting on June 15.
The Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.
Local Veterans Receive State’s Top Military Award
WESTFIELD — A number of local veterans were honored at a ceremony May 20 at the Westfield National Guard Armory facility.
Major General Paul J. Glazar, the Adjutant General of New Jersey, presented the Distinguished Service Medal, the state’s top military award, to 65 New Jersey residents who were combat veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
In order to be eligible for the Distinguished Service Medal, recipients must currently be a resident of New Jersey and also have been a resident of the state at the time they entered into military service; have been honorably discharged and must have received at least the equivalent of the Air Medal, Purple Heart, or Bronze Star or proof of having served in combat while on active duty during war
time. The list of recipients from Westfield are as follows:
United States Army Specialist Four, Paul A. Battiloro, Jr.; Army First Lieutenant Gerald J. Hughes and U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Martin J. Vincentsen. All served in Vietnam.
Recipients in Scotch Plains included: Army Captain Robert A. Kopnicki, Marine Corps Sergeant David F. Regal and Corporal John R. Stack, all who served in Vietnam, and Army Air Corps First Lieutenant Arthur S. Taylor, Jr., who served in World War II. Frank R. Gousman, a Technician Fifth Grade in the Army during World War II, was also honored.
Also cited was Mountainside resident William J. Solosy, a Technician Fifth Grade in the Army during World War II. that of any particular district like Sum
mit or Scotch Plains. Following its own individual model, he reported, “It’s fairly standard.” He also added that most teachers that are new hires who do not hold advanced degrees.
Regarding the increase in salary for the teachers, Mr. Seiler also noted that the small surge was implemented in an effort to “attract the very best new people to Westfield.” Approximately 10 per
cent of the teaching staff in the district will include new hires, according to Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Curriculum Janie Edmonds.
“If we can’t entice them, how would we get the very best? And the board has always agreed to that,” he added.
“No one understands negotiations unless you’re in it,” stated Mr. Seiler. “It was a very good settlement for both sides. Both sides were very happy.”
Robert V. Filippone Earns Medical Degree
WESTFIELD – Robert V. Filippone, Jr. was one of 179 osteopathic medical students who received the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree (D.O.) from The University of Health Sciences (UHS) College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas, Missouri, on May 23.
Mr. Filippone’s wife, Maria C. Reveiz, received her D.O. simultaneously.
Mr. Filippone is the son of Alice and Robert Filippone, Sr. of Westfield. He is a graduate of Westfield High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and his Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University in Miami, Florida.
Mr. Filippone and his wife will begin postdoctoral training this summer in diagnostic radiology at Case Western Reserve University’s MetroHealth Program in Cleveland, Ohio.
she has been “involved in the creation of conservation easements to preserve and protect wetlands.”
A 40-year town resident, Ms. Withers has served on committees to plan the Westfield Day Care Center as well as subsidized housing on Stirling Place and Cacciola Place.
She also serves as Vice President of the Westfield Neighborhood Council
Board of Trustees and is a member of the Westfield Neighborhood Preservation Committee.
Mayor Jardim said Mr. Boyd and Mr. Hall both served the town “exceptionally well” as board members.
He said Mr. Hall in particular, a land use planning attorney, “has been a fantastic member of the Planning Board throughout the years.”
CLOWNING AROUND…“Andy” the Clown performed at the Westfield Memorial Library on May 11, delighting both children and adults with his funny antics and positive message about self-confidence and self-esteem. This education arts program was made possible in part by a 1999 HEART Grant (History, Education, and Arts Reaching Thousands) from the Union County Board Of Chosen Freeholders.
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