The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 11-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, March 18, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J.

Published Every Thursday

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Police Unveil Plan To Step Up Efforts To Combat Speeding

Following the deaths of two pedestrians this year, the Westfield Police Department has launched a program that includes both concentrated and selective enforcement of speed limits in the town.

According to a press release issued last week by Police Chief Anthony J. Scutti, the goal of the plan is to “dramatically increase police presence in the Central Business District, school zones and other selected sites in a consistent manner to increase public safety.”

In an effort to combat speeding, a concentrated program has been instituted by police in which “speed limits and pedestrian laws will be aggressively and strictly enforced.”

The effort will begin with the use of mobile monitoring devices that show the speeds of approaching vehicles. A few days later a patrol vehicle with radar will replace the mobile units. At that point, summonses will be issued to speeders.

The following streets will be included in the stepped up enforcement effort: Boulevard, Central Avenue, Clark Street, Clifton Street, Dorian Road, Dudley Avenue (east and west), East Broad Street, Euclid (north and south), Grove Street, Lamberts Mill Road, Lawrence Avenue, Lenox Avenue, Mountain Avenue, Rahway Avenue, Scotch Plains Avenue, Shackamaxon Drive, Summit Avenue, West Broad Street and Westfield Avenue.

In addition to the efforts to combat speeding, Chief Scutti announced that parking laws around schools will be strictly enforced.

Patrol cars will randomly check around schools, especially during start and dismissal times. Before

implementing the program, notices will be sent to parents by the Superintendent’s of Schools Office to alert them about the increased enforcement efforts. A copy of the plan will be sent to parents.

Police officers in the central business district will also be instructed to enforce traffic regulations requiring motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Summonses will be issued to violators, police officials said.

Officers will also be authorized to issue warning notices for minor violations at the officers’ discretion.

“Issuance of two warning summonses for the same violation in a 60-day period can result in the issuance of a summons,” Chief Scutti explained.

The department also noted that selective enforcement procedures be in place on a daily basis throughout the program to monitor its effectiveness.

Parents are urged to follow the following safety procedures: don’t park in prohibited areas, handicapped spaces or bus zones; within 25 feet of crosswalks, or too close to private driveways.

Also, parents are encouraged to park away from schools by arranging to meet their children at a predetermined location at least one block away.

Police encourage motorists to obey the speed limits by watching their speedometers.

When picking up a child from school, a parent may use a “no parking zone” provided they stay only a short time and remain in the vehicle. Motorists, though, may not block a school bus zone, crosswalk or intersection.

David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader

SNOW OBSTACLE…The large snowfall which took place on the morning of the Ides of March presented a hazard for pedestrians in downtown Westfield. This picture shows a shopper venturing over a mound of snow on the corner of Elm and East Broad Street.

David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader

BIG BERTHA (PART-TIME HELP)…Big Bertha, a snow maid, holds her broom but probably will be just part-time help as the weather will get warmer. Big Bertha was created in Westfield on the Ides of March by Nick Russell, right, Randy Russell and Bill Rogakos who are not in the photo, and Sport, the 100-lb. + Bull Mastiff.

Town Council to Introduce $23.69 Million Budget; Taxes to Rise $51 on Average Home in Westfield

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

After four months of detailed discussion, the Westfield Town Council last week came to an agreement on a $23,691,363 municipal budget for 1999 that will result in a tax increase of 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

With a tax increase equaling $17 per household, based on the average assessment, $174,000, that comes to around $51 over last year. Based on the average tax bill of $7,000, Westfielders pay around $1,100 annually for municipal services, or 16 percent of their total tax bill.

The spending plan will be introduced this Tuesday, March 23. It is scheduled for adoption on Tuesday, April 20, during a special meeting that will precede the governing body’s regular conference meeting.

In the event the council did not move ahead with the introduction vote, Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko had prepared a temporary budget of $9.59 million in an effort to ensure that the town could continue to pay its bills.

The administrator told the council Tuesday night that he has recom

mended the April 20 hearing instead of April 27 to ensure a timely budgetary process.

“I don’t want to get to the last minute getting tax bills out in July,” he explained, noting that county officials need time to set the tax rate.

In his report to the council, Mr. Gottko explained that the budget represents a $768,140 increase over last year, a 3.35 percent hike. Nearly a third of that amount, $200,000, was included to pay for costs related to last year’s severe thunderstorm that rumbled through Union County.

The town did receive emergency aid from the state to the tune of $98,000 to help defray storm recovery costs.

“This is the toughest one (budget) yet,” Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh told his council colleagues at the governing body’s final budget meeting on March 8. Mr. Walsh is now in his third year on the council.

Nearly half of the municipal budget — $12,038,677 — will be supported through local property taxes. Among other revenue sources are state aid, $4,247,924; licenses to serve alcoholic beverages, $29,000; construction fees and permits $545,000;

municipal court fines and court costs, $288,000; interest and costs on tax revenues, $179,000, and parking meters and permits, $644,900.

Another $797,000 in anticipated revenue will come from interest on

municipal investments and deposits, with $116,260 generated through contracts the town has with surround

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Town, P.B.A. Reach Accord

On New Pact By KIM KINTER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Westfield Town Council and the Police Benevolent Association (P.B.A.) union have reached an agreement calling for a pay increase for town police of 3.6 percent, 3.4 percent and 3.8 percent over the next three years.

A public hearing on the pact will be held Tuesday, March 23, at 8 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber. Following the hearing, the Council will vote on the ordinance to put the new pact into effect.

As in previous contracts, police will be paid on a scale differentiated by length of service and rank.

Under the new agreement, for instance, a police officer in the first year of service will be paid $25,175 in 1999; $26,031 in 2000; and $27,020 in 2001. A police officer in the sixth year of service will receive $51,831 in 1999; $53,593 in 2000; and $55,630 in 2001.

A Captain will receive $74,240 in 1999; $76,764 in 2000; and $79,681 in 2001.

The previous contract, also a threeyear pact, allowed for increases of 4 percent in 1996; 4 percent in 1997; 3.7 percent in 1998.

The proposed salary scale is “in keeping with other towns,” said Rick Danser, Labor Attorney for the Town of Westfield. He is with the Warren law firm of Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro and Murphy.

“We’re sort of in the middle, not on the high end but not on the low end either,” he explained.

Mr. Danser added that the proposed percentage increases were in keeping of those in the State of New Jersey and particularly northern New Jersey.

Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko added that he felt that the proposed salary scale was “a little bit better” than other towns similar to Westfield.

Mr. Gottko, Mr. Danser, Westfield Police Chief Anthony J. Scutti and Deputy Chief John Wheatley began contract negotiations in November with attorney D. B. Ross, who represents P.B.A. Local 90, and union officials.

Local High School Students Prep For Fed-Challenge In New York By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Westfield High School students Tara Bhandari, Yasser Baig, Lee McDermott, Sara Burnett, Gladys Chow and alternate Nicole Bentivenga are up for a worldwide challenge – the Fed-Challenge Eco

nomic Competition in New York City that could earn them up to $10,000 each in scholarship funds.

For the first time in the school’s history, Westfield High School has been selected to compete in the FedChallenge, which is sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank with prize money established by Citibank.

According to Social Studies Teacher, Thom Hornish, the fiveperson team will be responsible for analyzing the economy in its current condition, as well as forecasting the future of the both the domestic and international economies.

According to information provided by Robert D. Diamant of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the goal of the Fed-Challenge is to “bring the real-world economy into the classroom, increase understanding of the Federal Reserve’s role in setting U.S. Monetary Policy, to develop students’ research, cooperation, presentation, and critical-thinking skills.”

Other goals include “to promote interest in economics, not only as a subject for undergraduate and postgraduate study, but as a basis for a career,” and “to foster a relationship between schools and Federal Reserve Banks.”

Mr. Hornish revealed that the students would deliver 15-minute presentations and respond to a 10-minute question and answer period. Two judges from the Federal Reserve Bank will evaluate the performance of the students and ask hard-hitting ques

tions. The first round of the regional competition will be slated for Tuesday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in New York. Students will be notified about their eligibility for the regional finals competition on Friday, March 26. The semi-finals will be held on Wednesday, April 14.

If the Westfield students capture victory at the regional competition, they will pack their bags and prep their presentations for the regional finals on Wednesday, April 21 again in New York. A green light at the championships will give them a chance to conquer at the national semi-finals and finals competitions in Washington, D.C. from Saturday, May 1, to Monday, May 3.

The students will be eligible for scholarship money in all competitions. According to Mr. Hornish, if the students reach the regionals, each competitor will win $1,000 and the Westfield school district would be obtain a $1,000 grant.

If the students win the regionals, they will capture $4,000 each in scholarship funds, and the school district would receive a $5,000 grant.

A win at the national competition would provide each student with $10,000. The district would also receive a $10,000 grant, according to Mr. Hornish.

The team will also include a technical support team of students Dan Moore and Jason Laderman, who

Bond Projects Moving Right Along; BOE to Add Day to School Calendar

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Westfield Board of Education studied the progress of projects approved by voters in December under an $11.7 million bond referendum, and grappled with alternatives for making up a recent snow day during its Tuesday night meeting.

Prior to the Superintendent’s Report on the projects, given by Board Secretary and Business Administrator Robert Berman, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William J. Foley, stated, “Last December, we had the good fortune and public support to pass the bond referendum.”

While supplying a timeline for pending projects at local schools, Mr. Berman reported that bids were open and sent for publication to The Westfield Leader and The Star-Ledger on March 4. The application for the non-conforming debt service was approved on March 10. The new bond will wrap around the old debt service.

He also stated that bids on the interest rate will open on Tuesday, March 30. The board anticipates an interest rate within a 4.5 to 4.7 percent range. On Wednesday, April 14, the school board will receive the full $11.7 million.

The timeline for work to be done at Franklin Elementary School, which includes plans for the construction of a second-floor addition, will be submitted to the architect during the week. Mr. Berman stated that this is ahead of the timeline the board had anticipated.

The state Department of Community Affairs will review the architect’s plans. Mr. Berman revealed that this review may be completed within four to six weeks once plans are submitted.

The board hopes to receive bids simultaneously for Franklin and McKinley Elementary School in order to go ahead with projects at these buildings.

Regarding other bond projects, approximately 70 percent of the final drawings for renovations at Westfield High School are completed.

Sixty percent of the drawings at Wilson Elementary School are finished. The board anticipates going out to bid in May or June, with construction proposed for July or August, terminating by the end of the calendar year.

The cabling of the elementary and intermediate schools for technology is also moving right along. Two companies visited the district and completion of the work is expected at Roosevelt and Edison Intermediate Schools by early July.

Regarding all renovation projects, including the new roof at Jefferson Elementary School, the installation of new tile flooring at Tamaques Elementary School, and the windows at Roosevelt School, Mr. Berman reported that the board is “ahead of

Council Agrees to Move Forward To Seek Parking Deck Proposals

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Town Council Tuesday night agreed to move forward with its request for proposals (rfp’s) from consultants interested in working on the selection of site and size for Westfield’s first parking deck.

The town has received a $25,000 planning grant issued by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko said, however, that he believes the cost of retaining a consultant will exceed the county grant.

Four sites have been identified for the multi-tiered deck: Municipal Parking Lots 1 and 8, located at Prospect and Elm Streets in the center of town; Lot 4 behind East Broad Street stores; Lot 9 at the intersection of North and Central Avenues, and the South Avenue commuter lots referred to as Lots 3 and 3A.

Westfield officials are seeking to build a deck of no more than three stories with a capacity of between 300 and 400 spaces.

In order to remain on target by going out to bid for the project by the end of the year, the rfp’s will be due by Saturday, May 1.

The rfp’s will be reviewed by a committee that will include Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, Mr. Gottko, Town

Engineer Kenneth B. Marsh, Parking, Transportation and Traffic Committee Chairman and First Ward Councilman Carl A. Salisbury, and Finance Committee Chairman and Second Ward Councilman James J. Gruba, as well as a representative of both the Downtown Westfield Corporation and the Planning Board.

Under other business, the council was given an update on a proposed zoning change in the Central Avenue area at Cacciola Place. The zoning amendment has been proposed by the Planning Board in order to accommodate a proposed mixed use development combining commercial and multi-family facilities.

Planning Board member Robert L. Newell explained that the development by Ralph Rapuano calls for

24.4 dwelling units per acre, an increase over the 16 per acre allowed under the current zoning regulations.

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Officer 1-year Officer 5-Year Detective Captain Experience Experience

Westfield Police Department 1999-2001 Salary Scale

1999 2000

2001 1999

2000 2001

1999 2000

2001 1999

2000 2001

$30,000/Year $40,000/Year

$50,000/Year $60,000/Year

Page 10 Thursday, March 18, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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Parsippany, said negotiations “went quite well” although he said he normally does not discuss details of packages until they are approved by town officials.

The union ratified the contract on February 27 and council members were notified of the details about the same time.

Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman commented that details of the contract were relayed to the Council in a closed meeting.

“As a package, it was very satisfactory,” he said.

Mr. Danser said the focus of the negotiations was mostly economics, but over the four-month period of talks other issues were ironed out, as well.

He explained that in the last couple of contract discussions, the two parties had tried to develop a work schedule that provided better coverage for the town and was to the liking of the police.

In 1996, after the last contract was approved, a trial police work schedule of four days on, four days off was

Town, P.B.A. Reach Accord On New Three-Year Pact

The developer had originally proposed 33 units per acre.

“We (the Planning Board) reviewed this proposed application at least half a dozen plus times, and ultimately came to the conclusion that the application would be a good development for that neighborhood,” Mr. Newell said.

By comparison, the Carleton Towers apartments on Carleton Road have a density of 114 units per acre, with Prospect Towers on Prospect Street at 87.7.

Based on other developments in town and the current Cacciola neighborhood, Mr. Newell said, “we felt this density was not extreme.”

The development would include an L-shaped building along Central Avenue and Cacciola Place. The building would feature retail on street level, with 26 apartments on the second and third floors.

A second building, also L-shaped, would be located to the rear of the 1.4-acre property, and would include 10 townhouse units. In order to reduce the density of the development, Mr. Rapuano removed two townhouse units from his original proposal.

The site for the retail/apartment structure currently lies in a GB-1 zone for commercial and residential

Council Agrees to Seek Parking Deck Proposals

use, with the townhouse units in an RA-3 zone for multi-family residential dwellings. Officials have recommended moving the boundary lines between the two zones to ensure that all the townhouse units fall into the RA-3 zone.

As part of the proposed rezoning, the town would amend zoning regulations at the site to allow for townhouses. Currently, only garden apartments are allowed in the zone. Also, multiple garages would become a permitted use with respect to a townhouse type development.

Even with the 15 total changes to the Land Use Ordinance, Mr. Newell explained, the development will still have to apply for what he described as minor variances before the Board of Adjustment.

In discussing the area of development, Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. said he would like Mayor Jardim to appoint a special committee to look into the expansion of the downtown special improvement district to include the area down Central Avenue in the vicinity of the proposed development.

Mayor Jardim said he would like to have further discussion among council members before making such a decision. the game.”

The restroom renovations at Wilson, Edison and Jefferson Schools will take place in the summer and throughout the school year. The bid specifications are not prepared, but will be ready for May. The board hopes to award bids in June.

“Things are, in fact, moving,” Mr. Berman observed.

Board member Annmarie Puleio raised concern about the town’s perusal and study of the plans for renovating and reconstruction at the schools.

Mr. Berman responded that the town can add to the plans or raise questions about them; however, the state has the “final say” as to the completion and progression of the projects.

He added that the architectural plans are sent to the town and the Department of Community Affairs at the same time.

The Business Administrator also revealed that the school district will be sending out its bids earlier than other districts. He stated that if Westfield sent out bids later, the district “could possibly be in jeopardy.”

Dr. Foley reported that the timeline for Franklin School renovations is a “tight one.” He stated that he has looked ahead at the possibility that students would need to be relocated if construction continued into the school year.

The Superintendent proposed that six to seven classrooms would be needed to house the children, saying he would find the libraries at Franklin and other elementary schools as the best solution for temporary space.

He noted that the Franklin students would be bussed, intact as a class, to elementary school libraries and would return to Franklin by the end of the school day.

“They’ll have their regular teacher, full academic program and be in a safe environment,” Dr. Foley stated.

Regarding the reconfiguration of library studies and the facilities themselves, Dr. Foley stated that a special time would be reserved after school for library use, and librarians would roll around their resources on a cart for the students.

The temporary relocation would only take place for a few weeks, according to Dr. Foley. However, the Superintendent said if the steel for the second-floor addition at Franklin is not ready or delivered in time to start the work after schools close this year, the entire project will be delayed without an inconvenience to anyone.

Although a formal vote was not taken, the board held serious discussion regarding the snow day on Monday. Dr. Foley stated that thus far, there are three alternatives available for making up the lost day.

The Superintendent reminded the board that 180 school days are mandated by the state; therefore, the day must be made up by students in order to comply with the state.

Students in kindergarten through

School Bond Projects Moving Right Along

eighth grade, with their last school day on Monday, June 21, would not be affected by the snow day, whereas students from the high school would need to make up the day.

Dr. Foley stated that Friday, April 9, which was supposed to be included in the spring vacation, may be considered as a make up day. In addition, June 21 is being reviewed as a possibility.

However, the Superintendent raised the option of a Saturday, April 24, opening for high school students.

Dr. Foley, who revealed that he was not anticipating a late snow day, noted that staff and parents have already committed themselves to vacation plans, thus making April 9 an inconvenience.

Board member Eileen Satkin stated that she would not be comfortable with a Saturday opening, calling it “problematic.” She added that she prefers an April 9 opening.

The possibility of a Saturday opening was discussed by Dr. Foley with Westfield High School Principal Dr. Robert G. Petix, who found the solution to be favorable. Dr. Foley noted that travel for vacations and athletic events would be minimal on that Saturday.

Board member Susan Jacobson said of the Saturday option, “I think you’re (Dr. Foley) being very creative.”

The June 21 opening would create a problem for seniors who would have already graduated and attended the well-known Project Graduation Bash on Sunday, June 20.

“They’re all alternatives that expect problems,” stated Dr. Foley. “At this point, I feel very trapped. This is something that I cannot finesse. I cannot pretend to have another day.”

He added that the March 15 snow day is the latest he has ever seen.

The Superintendent noted that he has received feedback from parents who have stated that they do not want the spring vacation impacted, with the high school staff in agreement.

“I’ll be here April 24, I’ll be here April 9. It’s your decision,” Dr. Foley said.

The board’s Policies Committee Chairwoman, Arlene Gardner, reported that she anticipates low attendance on any of the days considered for making up the snow day.

She said she would like to further explore the June 21 possibility, but added that the current quandary does “give pause” in planning the calendar in the future.

Mrs. Satkin revealed that rumors had spread among the student population about the possible Saturday opening at the high school since Dr. Foley and Dr. Petix had begun discussing the alternative.

She stated that she was bothered by the fact that the students and staff were made aware of the alternative before board members were formally alerted.

Regardless of which option is mandated by the board during its Tuesday, March 23 meeting, the make up day will be four hours and 20 minutes long, thus making it a half day.

will supply PowerPoint slides for the presentation.

According to Mr. Diamant, the judges will be looking for the following elements in evaluating the students’ performance: “knowledge of the Federal Reserve Bank’s role in developing and implementing the Monetary Policy, response to judge’s questions, quality of presentation, quality of research and analysis and evidence of teamwork and cooperation.”

Additional elements of evaluation will include eye contact with the audience and judges, articulation and proper volume of speech delivery, pausing and gesturing.

Students will also be judged based on their use of visual aids and incorporation of technology in the presentation.

Students Prep For Fed-Challange

ing municipalities to provide health services.

The council also agreed to use $561,000 from the sale of municipal assets account (monies from the sale of town land, the Police Department auction of unclaimed bicycles and old police cars, etc.) and $2,125,000 from surplus funds.

In an effort to have Sunday hours for the Westfield Memorial Library, the council agreed to approve the full $1,285,417 budget allocation as requested by the library’s Board of Trustees, as well as an additional $14,000 to fund 13 Sunday openings beginning September 26.

The library board is proposing to open 37 Sundays next year at a cost of around $1,100 per Sunday. The Friends of the Library waged a post card campaign to encourage approval of the full allocation and funds for Sunday hours.

Council members had differing views on the library board’s request. Before agreeing to the allocation, Mayor Thomas C. Jardim noted that he had “a problem with that.”

Finance Committee Chairman James J. Gruba, who represents the Second Ward, noted “the result (of less than the full library budget request) is no Sunday openings.”

Third Ward Councilman Neil F.

Town Council to Introduce $23.69 Million Budget

Sullivan, Jr. has asked the library board to look into opening one day per weekend in the summer, a service that is not currently available.

In terms of the total budget, more than half the amount, $11.63 million, is for salaries and wages, with the bulk of that coming from the police, fire and public works departments. The council has also agreed to a capital improvement program of $3.2 million.

That program includes a number of initiatives this year, including $125,000 for the first phase of the Mindowaskin Park overlook improvement project, enhancement of the Central Avenue underpass for pedestrians, additional street lighting and new brick and concrete crosswalks starting with the intersection at East Broad and Elm Streets.

At the March 8 meeting Mayor Jardim noted that, “at some point, we are going to have to cut (the budget) and we didn’t do it this year.”

Also included in the 1999 spending plan are funds for new informational kiosks and directional signs, benches, bike racks and street furniture.

A total of $948,000 has been budgeted for road improvement projects, with $356,000 of that coming in revenue from state aid and assessments on property owners.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

initiated. The schedule seemed to work out to both parties’ satisfaction and it was continued on a permanent basis in the new contract, Mr. Danser said.

The new contract also calls for an enhanced leave policy, Mr. Danser explained. If a member of the police department has worked for 25 years, he or she will have 60 days to decide whether or not to retire with 100 days of full pay.

Previously, a 25-year veteran had 60 days to decide whether or not to retire with 60 days of full pay.

Mr. Ross explained that the enhanced policy is a “win-win situation for both the union and the town.”

Under the policy, union members hope that senior members of the force have a better incentive to retire, making room for new hires. At the same time, the Town of Westfield will be able to realize some salary savings with new officers coming in at a lower pay scale, Mr. Ross explained.

Westfield maintains a police force of 58, Mr. Gottko said.

Officers are hired only as others retire or leave, he explained.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Rutgers Slates Gardening Event

WESTFIELD — Master Gardener, Steven Schoeman, will discuss vegetable gardening as part of a special lecture series by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County on Thursday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building Auditorium, 300 North Avenue, East in Westfield.

Mr. Schoeman will discuss bed preparation, seed selection, varieties, spacing, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, proper garden hygiene and reducing pesticide use. Flowers and herbs to accompany the vegetable garden will also be discussed.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County provides information and educational services.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

· An Irving Avenue resident reported that an unknown person entered her vehicle while it was parked in front of her home and removed a Bell Atlantic cellular telephone of unknown value.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

· A resident of North Scotch Plains Avenue reported that an unknown person entered his vehicle while it was parked in front of his house and stole a cellular telephone valued at about $200. There was no sign of forced entry, according to police.

· A telephone was reported stolen from an elevator at a business on South Avenue, West, authorities said.

· George Hayden, 25, of Westfield was charged with driving while intoxicated and with careless driving following an automobile accident which occurred on Walnut Street, according to police. Authorities, responding to the accident, discovered Hayden’s red Nissan Pathfinder lying on its left side in the street at 11:04 p.m. Hayden was extracated by Westfield Fire Department personnel using the jaws of life, and was transported to Overlook Hospital, where

WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER

he was treated and later released. In addition to the police and fire departments, the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad and Medic 1 from Overlook Hospital also responded to the accident.

· A student at Westfield High School reported the theft of a coat from the school cafeteria that contained the victim’s license, automatic teller machine card, library card and house keys.

· According to police, a Boulevard resident reported receiving harassing telephone calls from an unknown female.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

· The manager of a convenience store on South Avenue, West, reported the theft of approximately $480 from the store.

· Joseph Young, 18, of Westfield was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana after his vehicle was stopped by police on Central Avenue, authorities said. Bail was set at $250.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

· A Boynton Avenue female reported receiving harassing telephone calls from an unidentified male who demanded money. There were no suspects in the case as of press time, according to police.

WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER

MONDAY, MARCH 8

· Six hundred block of Central Avenue – unintentional alarm.

· Grove Street and Central Avenue – auto accident.

· One hundred block of Breeze Knoll Drive – system malfunction.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

· One hundred block of East Broad Street – good intent call.

· One hundred block of Sandra Circle – wires down and arcing.

· Three hundred block of Woodland Avenue – unintentional alarm.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

· Three hundred block of Linden Avenue – unintentional alarm.

· Three hundred block of Linden Avenue – smoke and odor removal.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

· Fifteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road – unintentional alarm.

· Three hundred block of South Avenue, East – unintentional alarm.

· One hundred block of Sunnywood Drive – smoke detector activation.

· Two hundred block of Walnut Street – auto accident/extrication.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

· Five hundred block of Westfield Avenue – service call.

· Eighteen hundred block of Boynton Avenue – unintentional alarm.

· Three hundred block of Scotch Plains Avenue – car fire.

· One hundred block of Mohawk Trail – smoke odor investigation.

· Three hundred block of Connecticut Street — system malfunction.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

· One hundred block of Cardinal Drive – system malfunction.

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

· Five hundred block of Dorian Road – system malfunction.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

· Two hundred block of East Broad Street – oil burner malfunction.

· Five hundred block of Sherwood Parkway – wire down/storm related.

· Seven hundred block of Crescent Parkway – wire down/storm related.

· Five hundred block of Mountain Avenue – wire down/storm related.

· Six hundred block of Hanford Place – wire down/storm related.

· Two hundred block of Jefferson Avenue – wire down/storm related.

· Two hundred block of Elmer Street – wire down/storm related.

· Two hundred block of Linden Avenue – wire down/storm related.

Westfield Resdents To Testify At Senate Hearing On Aging

WESTFIELD — Former owners of

The Cranford Chronicle and Westfield residents Beverly Awbrey and her husband, Stuart, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in 1995, will testify at the Senate Hearing on Aging on Tuesday, March 23, regarding the impact of Alzheimer’s on their family.

They will join Secretary of Health Donna Shalala and Maureen Reagan, daughter of former President Ronald Reagan, who will also testify.

The Awbreys, both of whom actively serve as volunteers for the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Parsippany, will be among the approximately 50 advocates from throughout New Jersey who will travel by bus to Washington, DC to meet with Senators and Congressmen to discuss Federal legislation.

Topics will include a $500 million increase in funding for Alzheimer research at the National Institutes of Health and a federal tax credit for family caregivers or individuals with serious cognitive impairment or other disabilities.

The hearing will also feature discussion on a Family Caregiver Support Program to financially assist states and communities to develop or expand caregiver support services such as re

spite and adult day care; funding for the Department of Justice’s Safe Return program set up to locate lost people with dementia and an Alzheimer Matching Grant Program to develop and replicate innovative models of service for families in underserved areas, particularly minority and rural communities; and improvements to Medicare, including a prescription drug benefit for those with the highest out-of-pocket costs and maintenance of adequate levels of home health care for people with chronic illness and disabilities.

The bus trip is sponsored by the three New Jersey chapters of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.—Northern New Jersey, Central New Jersey and South Jersey.

For more information, please call the Northern New Jersey Chapter office at (973) 316-6676.

The Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the state’s largest chapter, provides services, support and resources to Alzheimer’s disease patients and caregivers in 11 counties, including Somerset, Morris, Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Essex, Union, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon and Middlesex.

It is estimated that close to a quarter million people affected by Alzheimer’s disease reside in these areas.

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DESIGNED WITH CARE…These hand painted furniture pieces were designed in Anne Cohen’s art class at Roosevelt Intermediate School and found homes through the annual auction of the AIDS Benefit Committee of New Jersey. The auction was held Saturday, March 6, at the Temple Emanu-El in Westfield for the benefit of people afflicted with AIDS. Pictured, left to right, are: student artists Jen Rubino, Ms. Cohen, Matthew Cleaves and Andrew Ruotolo. Ms. Cohen coordinated the donation to the AIDS Benefit Committee.

Suzanne Vierno Selected As Kennedy Center Intern

WESTFIELD – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the nation’s center for the performing arts, has selected Suzanne Vierno of Westfield as its winter/spring 1999 intern.

Suzanne graduated Westfield High School in 1996. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nancy Vierno of Westfield. She will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications in May 2000.

She received special recognition for community service during her

sojourn at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she is a junior.

Suzanne is working in the Kennedy Center’s Special Events Office which provides a centralized clearinghouse for all special events held in conjunction with performances at the Kennedy Center.

She assists event coordinators in all aspects of event-related activities from event-planning and production to details such as drafting of invitations, maintenance of guest lists, invitation mailings, accepting responses, and properly seating of guests.