The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 09-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

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

Published Every Thursday

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

DWC Hosts State Main Street Conference; Nine Municipal Programs are Represented

Kimberly A. Broadwell for The Westfield Leader

ANNUAL CONFERENCE...Attending last week’s Main Street New Jersey conference were Jef R. Buehler, representing Main Street New Jersey; Downtown Westfield Corporation Chairman Joseph Spector; Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, and Joshua Bloom, Senior Program Associate with the National Main Street Center in Boston, Massachusetts. By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Maintaining a working relationship with both municipal and business leaders was emphasized last week during a two-day downtown development conference in Westfield.

The conference, which was hosted by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) February 25 and 26, was part of the quarterly meetings that Main Street New Jersey holds for municipalities interested in developing their downtowns.

Representatives from municipalities throughout the state attended the conference, which was held at the new Town Bank of Westfield.

Main Street New Jersey is a state organization that assists municipalities in downtown revitalization efforts. There are 12 “active” New Jersey municipalities in the state group, including the town of Westfield.

Similar Main Street organizations exist in states throughout the U.S., and there is Boston-based National Main Street group.

During the conference, scheduled speakers on the topic of “teamwork” included Mayor Thomas C. Jardim; DWC Chairman Joseph Spector; Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Schmidt; volunteer on the DWC Design Committee and private lighting consultant Robert L. Newell; and, Michelle Picou, originating Executive Director for Westfield Mainstreet, the group that

existed before the DWC was formed. According to Westfield Mayor Jardim one of the many successes of the town’s downtown improvements is the level of commitment and cooperation from the Chamber of Commerce, the DWC, the Town Council and other appointed town boards, such as the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment and Architectural Review Board.

The mayor also told the group that “the key to a successful downtown is having a parking facility or structure” and stated that the next priority for the town council was parking. He explained that the project under consideration includes a new structure or facility and improvements to surface lots.

The Mayor went on to suggest to the group that when they look for support of change in their towns that they remember to “be extremely sensitive to what has been going on in the past” and to keep “a deep and profound respect for the history” of these towns.

Mr. Spector accredited the success of the DWC to “keeping the vision fresh, keeping the plan updated and keeping the people excited to what is going on.”

Mr. Newell added that he was “proud of where Westfield is going.”

Peter Beronio, Executive Director for the Engelwood Main Street project, stated: “I have watched the evolution of the changes in Westfield from the ground up and it is a place where all our towns want to go. When an entire town is concerned with

quality of life issues, you can’t miss with that.”

The conference also consisted of a presentation made by Eleanor Gosse, of EBG Marketing, on Visual Merchandising; Jef Buehler from Main Street New Jersey on Main Street state and national updates; and Joshua Bloom from the National Main Street Center in Boston.

A tour of the new Westfield Antiques Center, located next door to the bank, and a walking tour of Downtown Westfield, also was part of the

conference. Main Street program directors from Bridgeton, Engelwood, Hacketts-town, Hammontown, Lawrence-ville, Merchantville, South Orange and Woodbury were represented at last week’s meeting.

In addition to the Main Street program, Engelwood also has an improvement district. Its program, however, serves as sort of the economic development department,

BOE Budget Slated For Introduction On Tues., March 23

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

During its Tuesday, March 2, regular meeting, the Westfield Board of Education gave the green light to the components of a $53,460,623 tentative school budget for 1999-2000.

Voters will determine the final approval of the budget on Tuesday, April 20, when they go to the polls for the school board election.

As it stands, the proposed budget will mean a tax increase of $122.69 on the average home assessed at $174,000. Therefore, the approximate tax rate would increase by 2.63.

Board Member and Chair of the Finance Committee Susan L. Jacobson, reported that the budget is approximately $204,000, or 3 percent, under the state cap.

On Tuesday, March 23, the school board will host a special meeting to field questions from residents and parents regarding the elements of the budget.

When the tentative budget was presented at the February 16 regular board meeting, Mrs. Jacobson stated that budget discussions leading up to the crafting of the budget were “indepth, profitable and informative.” She also called the budget “very reasonable.”

One element of the budget includes the computer initiative for four sections of fifth grade students.

At a cost of $28,715, twenty desks, four carts, four monitors, in-service training, and the lease of 20 computers and four printers will become available to students.

A computer initiative for 22 sections of fourth grade students will incur an expense of $139,117. This initiative will include 110 desks, 22 display carts, 22 monitors, in-service

training and the lease of 110 computers and 22 printers.

Due to the new language arts curriculum in the intermediate schools (see related story, page 3), 56 desks, 12 display carts, 12 monitors, inservice training, and the lease of 68 computers and 14 printers will be required. These components will carry a $96,261 price tag.

The World Language Curriculum will necessitate new textbooks for Spanish instruction for second and sixth grade students and French instruction for sixth and eighth grade students. These textbooks will account for $31,668 of the proposed budget.

For $37,474, improved health textbooks for elementary and intermediate students will become available, while new fine arts/music and language arts/novels textbooks will be set for intermediate students for $29,315.

The need for an increase in personnel was also reflected in the tentative budget.

Additional World Language instructors, health and industrial arts teachers, resource room teachers, aides and computer technicians will require a cost of $499,600.

Capital projects, with a final price tag of $536,000, have also been represented in the budget. These projects include roof repair at Jefferson Elementary and a new bell and intercom system at Washington Elementary.

Partial roof repair at Edison Intermediate and an upgrade in heat controls at Roosevelt Intermediate and floor tile replacement with a new air conditioner for the nurse’s suite are additional capital projects included

Rotary Club Readies Pancake Meal to Raise Funds for Scholarships

Courtesy of Westfield Rotary Club for The Westfield Leader

PANCAKES ANYONE?...These youngsters were some of the many Westfielders who attended last year’s Rotary Club “Pancake Breakfast.” This year’s event will be this Saturday, March 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Westfield High School.

By KIM KINTER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Scramble 16 cases of eggs, fry 18 cases of sausage and griddle 50 boxes of pancake batter, and what do you get? The Rotary Club of Westfield hopes that it’s a recipe for success for the 33rd annual “Pancake Day” this Saturday, March 6.

The event, which begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. in the Westfield High School cafeteria, is an annual local favorite that draws and feeds thousands from throughout the community.

Proceeds from “Pancake Day” are added to the Rotary Foundation’s scholarship fund, which every year awards numerous college scholarships to Westfield High School students.

“It has become a real community event,” said Dr. D. Michael Hart, President of the Rotary Foundation.

The event usually draws many local politicians, including the mayor and Town Council members, along with some state assemblymen, Dr. Hart pointed out. He added that his aunt, who resides in Westfield and worked for the school district for

years, enjoys coming every year just to catch up with old friends and colleagues.

“You see a lot of your neighbors,” he said. “It has kind of a small town feel to it. It is a big event here.”

“We get a lot of community support, from the parents of high school kids who’ve been awarded scholarships to high school kids themselves,” Dr. Hart added.

Grant Buttermore, who has helped with the pancake breakfast every year since it first began in 1967, commented that the event has grown and changed throughout the years, and “now many people come hoping to see one another and hear what’s going on.”

As in the past, pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee and tea will be available in one of the two high school cafeterias, where numerous local choruses, bands and orchestras will provide entertainment. Also new on the menu this year will be cereal, bagels and fruit.

Nearby in a second high school cafeteria will be a children’s fair. This is the second year for the fair,

Town, Westfield America To Discuss Ad Strategies

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

It was the holiday season when most Westfielders first heard the advertisement, “Westfield – It’s a Wonderful Town!” jingling over their radios and televisions. Residents knew it was a wonderful town but wondered when Westfield started such a catchy ad campaign.

The campaign actually belongs to Westfield America, Inc., an Australian-owned mall development corporation that has been using “Westfield Shoppingtowns” as the moniker for their shopping centers.

Westfield America owns separate department store properties and other real estate. With approximately 35 regional shopping centers and three power centers, the corporation leases its property to over 4,800 retail stores.

According to Kate Adams of Westfield Corporation, Inc., a power center is “a collection of big box/ discount department stores/category killer stores, sometimes including a supermarket, and generally in the 250,000 to 500,000 square foot range.

According to the corporation’s web site, retail customers made 270 million visits in 1997-1998 to the shopping centers owned by Westfield America.

The Westfield Group in Australia also owns Westfield Holdings Limited which manages all of the shopping centers worldwide. Another subsidiary, Westfield Trust holds equity interests in the majority of the shopping centers in Australia.

Westfield America Trust, which is also part of the Westfield Group, owns 50.8 percent of Westfield America. Finally, Westfield America owns equity interests in the majority of shopping centers in the United States.

The corporation operates 20 malls in California; six in Missouri, four in Connecticut, three in Maryland, and one mall each in Colorado, New York, North Carolina and Washington.

With nearly 289 specialty stores, the Garden State Plaza, which opened last fall as a Westfield America shopping mall, features familiar department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, JcPenny, Neiman

Marcus, and Lord and Taylor. A representative from Westfield America has reported that the rebranding of the Garden State Plaza in Paramus to “Westfield Shoppingtown – Garden State Plaza” is currently in the works.

Rebranding – which is the coined phrase for renaming malls to improve sales and real estate trading in the United States, is causing confusion in Westfield because residents fear that the town’s cherished name is becoming yet another coined phrase.

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Community News ....... Page 16 County .......... Page 2

Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 8

Religious ....... Page 9 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11

Four Seek Open Seats

On BOE By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Board Members Annemarie Puleio of Kimball Turn and Arlene Gardner of Carleton Road have announced they will seek reelection to the Westfield Board of Education. Genevieve Weber of Barchester Way and William Wallace of Warren Street have declared that they are seeking election as well.

The candidates are competing for three available seats on the board.

Susan L. Jacobson, a 12-year member and former President of the board, announced that she will not seek a fifth term.

Both Mrs. Puleio and Mrs. Gardner are currently wrapping up their inaugural terms on the school board.

Mrs. Puleio, who has served a threeyear term as the chairperson of the board’s Long Range Planning Committee, told The Westfield Leader

that, if re-elected, she anticipates following through with the work of the Strategic Plan.

“I’m looking forward to a term that will begin to see the implementa

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MINDOWASKIN PARK OVERLOOK APPROVED

Council Agrees to Buy One, Not Two Pumpers

For Fire Department By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

While the Mindowaskin Park overlook repair project made the final cut for capital improvement projects in the 1999 Westfield municipal budget, the town’s fire department will have to get by with one new fire pumper instead of two, as fire officials had sought.

The Town Council approved the $3.2 million capital budget Tuesday night. A total of $1.7 million will be supported in this year’s budget through revenue raised via local property taxes, with another $453,000 coming through state and county funding, and another $899,000 through the issuance of bonds.

The council is expected to finalize its proposed spending plan this Monday night, March 8, in preparation for introduction later this month. Council discussions will now focus on the operational side of the budget, including town employee salaries and benefits, as well as costs associated with the Municipal Building on East Broad Street and the Public Works Building on North Avenue.

A proposed budget of $23.6 million, up $754,000 over 1998, was unveiled by officials in January.

Looking to get the most bang for their buck, the town will purchase $1.2 million in new equipment through the Union County Improvement Authority’s 1999 lease program.

Through this program, the town will purchase $412,000 in new trucks including dump trucks and front end loaders. Also, included will be one new fire pumper with a price tag of $350,000, and a fire communications system in the amount of $135,000.

Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko noted that through the county program, Westfield will make annual lease payments in the amount of a quarter of a million dollars starting next year.

While department officials said they are in need of two new pumpers, some council members argued that they could not justify a $750,000 expenditure this year, even if it is through the county program.

“We’re probably throwing good money after bad” by maintaining the 1976 and 1978 model year pumpers, said Finance Committee Chairman James J. Gruba, who represents the

Second Ward. Mr. Gruba noted that a suction pump, which enables firefighters to hook the hose from the truck into fire hydrants, is not operating on the 1978 model pumper truck, which is housed at the south side fire house on Central Avenue.

“I see this clearly as a safety issue,” said Councilman. Gruba. “They are telling us they need both trucks. When it comes to safety, I don’t think we should screw around.”

Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh disagreed, adding that “the credibility of suddenly needing two trucks as a safety issue just overwhelms me...Why wasn’t this brought up before?”

He noted the town spent $60,000 just three years ago to repair one of the trucks, money which Mr. Gruba admitted “was not well spent.”

“We are at the point of diminishing returns,” noted Second Ward Councilman Matthew P. Albano.

Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman noted that while he “doesn’t want to do anything to compromise safety, I’m not going to accept it (the purchase of two trucks) at face value.”

He said both trucks were only used at fire scenes “a handful of times” in 1998. The fire department has a fleet of 12 trucks.

Both Councilman Goldman and Mayor Thomas C. Jardim said they would prefer some sort of shared services program, with surrounding towns to back up the town’s fleet of fire apparatus.

“I’m comfortable that in any particular situation, there is adequate coverage (for the town),” said Mr. Goldman.

Mr. Gottko noted that the two older pumpers are used as backup vehicles for the new engines. Last week, the 1976 pumper, housed at the fire headquarters on North Avenue, required a $5,000 repair job when its transmission broke on the way to a fire on First Street.

After nearly two hours of discussion Tuesday night, council members agreed to fund Mindowaskin Park to the tune of $125,000, with $25,000 of the amount anticipated from donations and other funds generated by the Friends of Mindowaskin Park.

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

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

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Four Seek Open Seats On Board of Education

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DWC Hosts Main Street Conference at Town Bank

with its director a municipal employee.

Westfield’s DWC is a separate program, which is supported through a tax assessment on properties within the borders of the improvement district.

In addition, directors who serve on Westfield’s SID board, known as the DWC, are appointed by the Mayor and Town Council.

Other Main Street New Jersey participants who were absent from the conference include, Trenton, West Orange and Wildwood.

According to Mr. Bloom, Senior Program Associate from the National Main Street Program, the application process is open to any town that wishes to apply, and meets the criteria, but becoming a member of a Main Street Program is competitive.

Eligibility criteria includes: a seasonal year-round population between 4,000-50,000, a commitment to em

ploy a full-time project manager with an adequate operating budget for a minimum of three years and historic architectural resources in a defined downtown commercial area.

Towns in the Main Street program receive services provided free of charge to the community by means of architectural design assistance, yearend assessment visits, a resource team visit, goals and objectives workshops and project manager hiring assistance and training. No state or federal money is awarded.

According to Michael LaPlace, executive director of DWC, Westfield became a member of the Main Street Program in 1993 under the direction of Mrs. Picou.

Subsequently, in 1996 the Westfield Town Council created a special improvement district through a town ordinance.

Mr. La Place became the Executive Director in 1997.

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School Budget Approved For Introduction on Mar. 23

in the cost. The major revenue components of the budget are 88 percent, or $47 million tax levy; 7 percent or $3.6 million state aid; 3 percent or $1.6 million free balance; and 2 percent of $1 million miscellaneous.

According to Robert Berman, Board Secretary and Business Administrator, the revenue components would be “two-fold.”

He noted that the interest rate would drop, but the funds and the recently approved $11.7 million bond would earn less than 5 percent.

A recent budget report also indicated that 66 percent of these components are derived from instruction, while 34 percent account for admin

istration and maintenance costs. Dr. Foley and the board have extended the invitation to residents and organizations in which they would devise and present special budget discussions.

The Parent Teacher Organizations of schools district-wide will convene during March and April to hold open public meetings to examine the budget.

Mrs. Jacobson reported that the Finance Committee will meet during this week to prepare an informational presentation for public viewing on TV-36.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote on the budget from 2 to 9 p.m. on April 20.

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Town, Westfield America To Discuss Ad Strategies

In a description of “rebranding” provided by Ms. Adams, “Westfield is able to achieve synergies in leasing, management and marketing by utilizing its brand.”

The statement continued, “Westfield’s mission is to make its brand name stand for the very best shopping in town. The goal of each Westfield Shoppingtown is to be the Main Street of the community and to make each and every trip to the mall easy, pleasant and fun for the whole family.”

According to Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, “We in Westfield like to think of ourselves as a shopping town,” stated Mr. Goldman, adding that the image of a mall in Northern New Jersey does not mirror the proper representation of a small shopping area such as Westfield.

“Westfield America has taken the position that because their target shopping area is in the Northern New Jersey area and not in the Westfield vicinity, their advertising is not confusing to Westfield,” he stated.

“It infringes upon our long-term selfimage as a small town for shopping,” the Councilman added.

According to Mr. Goldman, the possibility of counteracting the radio and television spots for Westfield Shoppingtowns would be dependent upon the fact that Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) does not have the financial resources for such a campaign.

First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott observed that a legal battle would be “almost impossible,” citing that the cost would not only be a tremendous undertaking, but would conflict with the town’s responsibility to the taxpayers.

He stated that Westfield America conducted a survey which revealed that most shoppers would not travel beyond 10 to 15 minutes to patronize a shopping mall. This would mean that Westfielders would not traditionally turn to the Garden State Plaza for purchases, but instead to The Mall at Short Hills, Livingston Mall, Woodbridge Center, or Menlo Park Mall.

He also noted that Westfield America has opted for a “neighbor friendly” solution – working with Westfield town officials to consider new advertising strategies and alternatives.

Michael LaPlace, Executive Director of the DWC, stated that he thinks that

present negotiations, which are allowing open discussion between the Town of Westfield and Westfield America, are “positive.”

However, Mr. LaPlace revealed that he has received many telephone calls and letters from residents who stated that they were confused by the “Westfield Shoppingtown” advertisements.

“It is causing our customers confusion and our potential customers confusion,” he observed.

Pat Healy of Westfield Corporation told The Westfield Leader that she believes adding the “Westfield Shoppingtown” label to shopping centers offers customers the “consistency and a level of customer service and quality” that they would come to expect with the Westfield Shoppingtown name.

She stated that the parent company in Australia has been successfully branding malls and shopping centers for “a number of years,” and are the largest mall operators in Australia.

Regarding how the Garden State Plaza would be affected by the new moniker, Ms. Healy confirmed that Westfield Corporation expects customers to travel within a 5-mile radius to do their shopping with a maximum of a 20-minute drive. Therefore, the Garden State Plaza would not be in the radius for Westfield shoppers.

She reported that an independent firm from Westfield Corporation conducted a formal survey of 500 shoppers in the Town of Westfield and the Garden State Plaza which reflected that there should not be any confusion between the two venues.

“There was no overlap in terms of the shoppers that were polled,” Ms. Healy noted.

“Shoppers are pretty savvy,” and would not find it confusing to separate the Garden State Plaza in Paramus to the “village-type atmosphere” of the Town of Westfield, according to Ms. Healy.

She was also pleased to report that current negotiations and discussions between Westfield America and the town have been “very amicable.”

Dave Sutter of the SID observed that cooperation between the two entities would be beneficial.

“Let’s see if we can work cooperatively with Westfield Shoppingtowns,” he stated.

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and it has been expanded. “We wanted to get the young children more involved,” said Rotarian Debra Feldman, who has been organizing the fair the last six months. “The children eat, and then it’s nice to have something for them to do.”

This year’s fair will include a MoonWalk ride, carnival games, a golf game, removable tattoos and age-appropriate prizes that Ms. Feldman said were carefully chosen by her 10-year-old nephew.

The operator of the MoonWalk ride is also a disk jockey, and will be entertaining the youngsters with music. There will be a $3 charge for the MoonWalk, but all other children’s games and events will be free.

In addition to the children’s fair, costumed characters will be traveling from table to table in the main eating area.

And Moto Photo, a local business, is donating its services in cooperation with the Westfield Police Department, by photographing and fingerprinting youngsters. This gives parents a permanent and sound identification of their children.

Throughout the event, an artist will be making character drawings. There also will be an art and bake sale, as well as a 50-50 drawing. And for the truly weary, “chair massages” will be available.

The first Rotarian Pancake Breakfast was held in 1967. Prior to that, the Westfield Rotary Club tried a variety of yearly fundraisers to support its Scholarship Fund.

“We tried the pancake breakfast and it took off right from the start,” stated Mr. Buttermore. “Entertainment during the breakfast was always important and made ‘Pancake Day’ a success.”

This year’s entertainment schedule begins at 8:15 a.m. with the Broadway Singers from Edison Intermediate School. Other groups will include:

Rotary Club to Hold Annual Pancake Day Fundraiser

· Sharps & Flats from Roosevelt Intermediate School at 8:45 a.m.

· Jazz Band from Roosevelt Intermediate School at 9:15 a.m.

· String Orchestra from Roosevelt Intermediate School at 9:45 a.m.

· Jazz Band from Edison Intermediate School at 10:20 a.m.

· Washington Rock Girl Scout Chorus at 11 a.m.

· Westfield Community Band, Dixie All-Stars at 11:30 a.m.

· Jazz Band from the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts at 12:30 p.m.

· Music Studio Chamber Orchestra from the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts at 1:15 p.m.

Because the pancake breakfast is the main fundraiser for the Rotary’s Scholarship fund and it is so important to the club, every Rotarian who can is expected to work at the event.

The Rotary is an organization made up of professional men and women working as volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities. There are 181 members in the Westfield group.

During the 1998 pancake breakfast, the Westfield Rotary made $14,000, of which $10,000 was profit. The money was added to the Foundation’s coffer, which last year was able to award 49 scholarships totaling $85,000.

Making money available to local students for college was begun by the Westfield Rotary in 1922, Dr. Hart said. At that time, the group established a student loan program, but in 1954 began making scholarships available instead.

Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, in fact, has issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 7 to be Westfield Rotary Scholarship Week, in order to honor the Rotary Club’s hard work at raising scholarship funds through the last 77 years.

Tickets for “Pancake Day,” which are $6, may be obtained Saturday at the event or from any Rotarian.

tion of some of the important strategies that the community laid out for us through the Strategic Plan,” Mrs. Puleio commented.

She stated that she strives to focus on the next phase of enrollment issues, specifically how increases in enrollment will flow through the intermediate schools and the high school.

Mrs. Puleio, who resides in the Wilson Elementary School area, revealed that she hopes the academic programs will not be compromised by the “enrollment boom.”

While reviewing her three years on the school board, Mrs. Gardner noted that many goals have been accomplished and that she would like to see all of the programs and projects implemented by the board carried out to their fruition.

Revising the policy manual, a feat which has not been tackled in 15 years, is one important goal for Mrs. Gardner, as well as maintaining a challenging and innovative curriculum in the middle schools.

Mrs. Gardner who resides in the neighborhood of Tamaques Elementary School, noted that while the school board was once perceived as that of a “rubber stamp” process, she believes it now has a positive impact.

Mr. Wallace, who resides in the McKinley Elementary School area, has served on the Citizens Advisory Committee on Capital Projects that examined district-wide improvements proposed under the $11.7 million school bond passed by voters on December 15.

Mr. Wallace, who holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance and is employed as a broker of municipal bonds, stated that he would like to see the projects established by the bond “brought to their fulfillment.”

He stated that he believes he can provide knowledge for financial situ

ations and budget tasks. Ms. Weber, who resides in the area of Franklin Elementary School, attended Westfield Public Schools for 10 years.

The youngest candidate in her early 20s, Ms. Weber graduated Westfield High School in 1994. She studied Japanese and International Business at Georgetown before graduating in 1998.

She reported that she would like to be a part of a group that “maintains excellence” in education and she would like to concentrate on the importance of the youth for the future.

Ms. Weber observed that she is pleased with the implementation of the foreign language instruction in the elementary schools, as well as the establishment of computer technology.

Ms. Weber is employed by Lucent Technologies in Warren as a Sales Planner for the Asia Pacific region.

Each full school board term lasts for three years. School board elections will be held on Tuesday, April 20.

Citizens who are not registered to vote have until Monday, March 22, to become eligible to cast their ballots in this year’s school board elections.

To become a registered voter, an individual must be at least 18 years of age, be a United States citizen, and maintain a primary residence in the municipality in which he or she seeks to vote.

Prospective voters may register in their town, or at the office of the Union County Election Board, 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth.

Absentee ballots will also be available in the office of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. Residents have until Tuesday, April 13, to apply for an absentee ballot by mail, and until 3 p.m. on Monday, April 19, for inperson registration.

WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER

WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

· A Fanwood resident reported that $200 was stolen from his wallet, which had been stored in a locker at a local recreation facility. Police said there were no signs of forced entry on the locker.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

· Rasheem A. Moore, 20, of Westfield was charged with possession of three bags of suspected heroin, authorities said. The bags were recovered during a police search after Moore was arrested on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Roselle Municipal Court.

Moore, who was being held on $750 bail, was subsequently transported to the Union County Jail.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

· Police received a report that a gray suitcase containing approximately $10,000 in jewelry was stolen after it was left unattended beside a vehicle on Saint Marks Avenue.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

· A Hawthorn Drive resident reported that two ice show tickets, valued at $150, were stolen from her residence.

· A woman at an Elm Street office reported finding a man outside the door to the building holding a screwdriver in an apparent burglary attempt.

The suspect, described as white and approximately 60 years of age, fled upon being discovered, police said. Pry marks

were subsequently found on the door to the office.

· The manager of an East Broad Street store reported that four baseball jerseys valued at $240 were stolen sometime during the day. There are no suspects in the case.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

· A woman reported the theft of an anniversary band valued at $600 from her room at a local motel.

· A Plainfield man collecting money for an area newspaper reported being harassed by a Ripley Place resident, who allegedly responded with profanity when the victim came to his house. No charges have been filed in connection with the case, authorities said.

· A Kimball Avenue resident reported that the windshield on his motor vehicle was shattered.

MONDAY, MARCH 1

· A Westfield woman reported an incident of theft by deception, saying she gave a $500 check to a chimney service the second week of February for work to be done.

Since then, she told authorities, she has been unable to contact anyone from the service to discuss work which was not completed.

· A South Euclid Avenue resident reported that someone damaged the windshield of her 1994 Jeep.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

· Ten hundred block of Columbus Avenue – unintentional alarm.

· One hundred block of Park Street – smoke scare.

· Three hundred block of First Street – structure fire.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

· Five hundred block of Forest Avenue – carbon monoxide detector activation.

· Eight hundred block of Grant Avenue – lock out.

· Seven hundred block of Lawrence Avenue – system malfunction.

· Seven hundred block of Lawrence Avenue – system malfunction.

· Three hundred block of Clark Street – system malfunction.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

· Seven hundred block of First Street – carbon monoxide detector activation.

· Five hundred block of North Avenue East – brush fire.

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

· Two hundred block of Canterbury Road – oil burner malfunction.

· One hundred block of Quimby Street – system malfunction.

· One hundred block of Elm Street – smoke and odor removal.

· Two hundred block of Prospect Street – good intent call.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

· Four hundred block of Springfield Avenue – vehicle fire.

· Seven hundred block of Cranford Avenue – smoke scare.

· Six hundred block of Central Avenue – service call.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

· Eight hundred block of South Avenue – good intent call.

· Nine hundred block of Boulevard – wire down.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Two hundred block of Grove Street – gas odor investigation.

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Council Agrees to Buy One Pumper for Fire Department

Mayor Jardim, though, reluctantly accepted the council’s decision. He wanted the town to pick up only $50,000 of the cost, with the Friends raising the remainder of the funds.

The council also agreed to repair work at the municipal parking lot located behind the Rialto Theatre, the lot in front of the train station on North Avenue, and the lot behind businesses on North Avenue at a cost of $175,000.

A project to combine municipal lots on Elm and Prospect Streets, slated to cost $125,000, was also included in the budget.

Improvements at and around the Central Avenue underpass, including additional street lighting, concrete pedestrian crosswalk pavers, information kiosks and directional signage, along with benches and bike racks, at a total cost of $40,000, were approved as sought by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC).

The town plans to seek funding through a new grant program for downtowns that is being offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, officials noted.

The construction of a restroom at Gumbert Park was pulled from the 1999 budget and instead will be paid for by 1998 county “Project Pocket Park” funds of $70,000, which will be split between the town and the county as part of the matching grant program.

Of the $160,000 put in the budget for Tamaques Park restrooms, $120,000 will come from 1999 Pocket Park funds, split again between the town and county, with another $40,000 derived from the Union County Community Development Block Grant program.

Road and curb projects to the tune of around $950,000 are in the spending amount, with the town picking up nearly $600,000 of that amount.

The remainder will be paid through either state or county aid or by assessments on property owners.

To support these improvements, the town has included $100,000 for a new sidewalk repair program. The town will pick up half of the cost, with residents assessed for the remainder of the tab.

At the start of Tuesday’s meeting, the council appointed to the DWC Board of Directors Marlene PerezSantalla of Poppyfields on Elm Street, local goldsmith and jeweler Thomas D. Cherin, and Sherry Cronin, a member of the DWC Design Committee who is employed as Director of Project Management for the Prudential Insurance Company in Newark. They will fill vacancies on the board.

DWC Board of Directors Chairman Joseph Spector was re-appointed for a two-year term. Ms. Cronin and Ms. Perez-Santalla were named to three-term terms. Mr. Cherin will serve for two years.

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Special Engagement Wed, Mar. 10 & Thur, Mar. 11

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The United Fund of Westfield

301 North Avenue, West Westfield, NJ 07090

(908) 2332113

Westfield Neighborhood Council

Volunteers 3-6PM to help children access the Internet; scheduling flexible

Planned Parenthood

Clerical volunteers for the Plainfield and Elizabeth Centers

Girl Scouts

Volunteer with technical expertise to update business machines; adult volunteers

Welcome Wagon

Teenagers, with references, for baby-sitting during Welcome Wagon events

New Jersey Workshop for The Arts

Players – strings, trumpet, trombone, wind ensemble, jazz band

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. Rutgers Cooperative

Sets Spring Craft Show

WESTFIELD – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has announced that the Seventh Annual Breath of Spring Craft Show will be held on Saturday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hunterdon County Extension Center on Route 31 in Flemington.

The show, benefiting the New Jersey State 4-H Association, will feature handmade crafts including woodcarvings, woven blankets, children’s clothing, folk art, American Girl doll clothes, dried floral pieces, jewelry, and Easter items.

Children will have an opportunity to make crafts and enjoy a visit with the Easter Bunny. Spring plants, baked goods and a lunch menu will also be available.

Admission is $1. For more information, please call the Union County 4-H Office at (908) 654-9854.

Application Date Slated For Senior Housing

WESTFIELD – The Second Westfield Senior Citizens Housing Corporation announced that applications for tenancy will be available from Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 26.

The complex is situated on a site adjacent to the existing senior citizens development on Boynton Avenue in Westfield.

“We are delighted to respond to the many calls and visits asking us for an opportunity to apply for these affordable senior units,” stated Ruth B. Smith, Executive Director of the corporation.

Prospective tenants will be screened on the basis of age and income. For more information or to receive an application, please call Thelma May Smith, Housing Manager, at (908) 518-9586.