The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 18-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, May 6, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J.

Published Every Thursday

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Business ........ Page 22 Classified ...... Page 23 County .......... Page 2

Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 13

Religious ....... Page 12 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 15

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Westfield Community Steals Spotlight On MSNBC’s ‘Lessons of Littleton’ Special By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Students, faculty and civil administrators arrived at Westfield High School (WHS) in streams, weaving through blinding floodlights, heavy cables, and security guards to learn a lesson – from MSNBC’s live broadcast, “Lessons of Littleton: A Town Meeting” which was filmed there last Wednesday evening.

While waiting in a long line to file into the school’s gymnasium, WHS students, Justin DelMonico and

Bridget Murphy, told The Westfield Leader that they were anticipating assurance from panelist and Governor Christine Todd Whitman, that changes would be made in New Jersey to prevent an incident such as the massacre in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20.

“The Littleton incident could very well happen here,” confided Justin. “You never really know, anything could happen.”

He also wondered what could have motivated Eric Harris and Dylan

Klebold when they killed their fellow students and teacher that day. He stated that as “outcasts,” they “came to a point when they couldn’t take it anymore.”

Justin and Bridget revealed that with cliques around WHS, most students “draw lines” because they are “scared of the unknown.” They added that authorities should take every threat seriously in order to protect the students.

Neither Bridget nor Justin would consider wearing uniforms as long

term options, as Union Country Prosecutor Thomas V. Manahan has suggested, stating that students “have a constitutional right to dress up as they want to.”

In a pre-show press conference, Governor Whitman urged a “thorough discussion as to the challenges” government, students and parents face, adding that government must be a proactive leader and focus on the needs of children.

She encouraged that each New Jersey

Standing Room Only Crowd Attends Fifth Annual Conference At United Methodist Aimed at Stamping Out Hate Crimes By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

Taking a united stand against hate, participants in the fifth annual “Standing Together Against Hate” conference gathered in the First United Methodist Church in Westfield to hear speeches and ask questions of Guest Speaker, William (Billy) Johnson, a retired Deputy Superintendent from the Boston Police Department, Union County Prosecutor Thomas V. Manahan, a Westfield resident, and Terri Warmbrand, Chairwoman of the Union County Committee Against Hate.

Thomas E. Culp, Sr., a State Investigator in the Office of Bias Crimes and Community Relations Division of Criminal Justice, acted as the moderator for the evening.

Ironically, the heavily attended program, offered standing room only to late participants who came after the opening movie “Black, White and Angry,” was shown. The presentation was put together by the Union County Committee Against Hate and was co-sponsored by the First United Methodist Church, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Office of Bias Crime and Community Relations

Division of Criminal Justice and the FBI.

As a police officer since the last 1960s, Mr. Johnson stated that he has seen the effects of hate first hand, stemming from his own unwillingness to walk away from the hateful talk of his fellow officers early on in his career to the cases he had to investigate when he was on the Boston Community Disorders Unit years later.

He said there were times he was physically attacked during the two and a half years that he served as the unit’s decoy. Mr. Johnston stated that during his time as a decoy in a gay bar, he was stabbed twice, had two teeth kicked out and sustained an eye injury.

“Until I served as a decoy I didn’t know what it felt like to be a victim of a crime,” he explained.

Mr. Johnson pointed out that hate is something that is taught and that “most kids arrested for hate crimes are not just doing time for their hate, but also for his father’s hate.”

He concluded that the difference between hate crimes and other crimes is the number of victims that the crimes affect. Mr. Johnson ended by stating that communities need to stand together and say “this will not be tolerated.”

During his address, Mr. Manahan stated that combating hate is not a spectator’s sports and cited examples from Rosa Parks and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

He also stated that the more recent acts of hate such as the Kosovo crisis and the tragedy of the victims of Columbine High School in Colorado stating that these acts remind us that hatred is still a big problem.

In addition to the speakers, an award presentation was made to Anthony Farraro, a Roselle Catholic High School Teacher, in honor of Andrew K. Ruotolo, Jr., of Westfield, the late Prosecutor of Union County, who was a noted activist against bias crime in New Jersey.

According to First Assistant County Prosecutor James F. Keefe,

Mr. Farraro was picked to receive this award because of his curriculum of fairness, respect and a commitment to social justice used in his classroom which serves as a role model to many other classrooms.

During closing comments, Terri Warmbrand stated that in the future there will also be another reward given in honor of William Eldridge, a former Union County Freeholder, who recently passed away and was also an active member of the Union County Commission Against Hate.

Ms. Warmbrand, who has been the coordinator for all five of the conferences, was given a resolution in honor of her stand against hate by the Union County Delegates.

State Assemblymen Alan M. Augustine, Richard H. Bagger and Neil Cohen, all from Union County, presented Ms. Warmbrand with a resolution against hate that was given and also signed on behalf of Assemblyman Joseph Suliga, State Senator C. Louis Bassano, State Senator Donald DiFrancesco and State Senator Raymond Lesniak, also all representatives from districts in the county.

Ms. Warmbrand ended the evening by thanking all those who attended by stating, “only when we can rejoice

our fellow citizens, residents and visitors and are willing to live together as a community will there be liberty and justice for all.”

The creed of the Union County Committee Against Hate states, “we have had too many victims, we must fight the perpetrators, we cannot be bystanders and may we never need rescuers. Let us welcome agents of struggle against bigotry and hate.”

Eva Morton Achieves Philhower Fellowship From School Board for Superior Teaching By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Surrounded by admiring students bearing bundles of flowers and encouragement, Eva Morton received a resolution Tuesday from the Westfield Board of Education commending her receipt of the Charles A. Philhower Fellowship Award for excellence in elementary education.

Board President Darielle Walsh read sample quotes from nominations for Ms. Morton, a third-grade teacher from Washington Elementary School in Westfield, which were sent in from parents and peers.

One parent stated that Ms. Morton’s “creativity is endless,” and that she challenges the children in her class while being ever-present in “their corner.”

Another letter indicated that Ms. Morton’s responsibilities extend beyond the classroom, as she helps her students adjust to life and various situations. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Ms. Morton, who is a member of a district with 400 teachers, received the seventh Philhower Award ever presented. She was joined by her father, who traveled from Florida; her sister from Pennsylvania, two former teachers who were role models, and colleagues.

However, Ms. Morton stated that she was especially proud to be supported that evening by her students, who told her that in spite of her lack of fondness for speechmaking, she should just “say thank you” or say it very slowly to stretch out time.

“You know you should all be reading right now,” she told them, “But, I’m glad you’re not. You’re the reason I’m here right now. This is the happiest moment of my life.”

An educator for more than 30 years, from 1917 to 1949, Mr. Philhower also served as Superintendent of Schools in Westfield. He was a cofounder and Past President of the

Need to Junk Heavy Old Appliances or Tires? Give Town’s Curbside Bulk Waste Program a Shot

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Trying to unload an old refrigerator, hot water heater, tires or an old lawn mower?

Well, you’re in luck, because the Town of Westfield will hold its annual spring bulky waste cleanup starting May 24 and running through June 18.

As usual, the program will be done by ward.

All information on the pickup, including registration forms, has been mailed to all households.

For the cost of $50, residents can dump up to 750 pounds of materials.

Town Engineer and Director Public Works, Kenneth B. Marsh, noted that permit fees have dropped $15 since the program was first instituted in 1994.

The program works this way: first a resident fills out the application

and purchases the $50 permit, an amount which is good for disposing of up to 750 pounds of material.

Mr. Marsh said roughly 1,000 permits are sold each year, noting that if the town were to sale 2,000 permits, strong consideration would have to be given to reduce the cost of the permits.

A resident may share the cost with a neighbor.

“This can be a cooperative effort between two or three neighbors,” said First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott, who heads the Town Council’s Solid waste Committee.

All registration forms should be brought to the Public Works Center, 959 North Avenue since all mailed applications must have been received by Friday, May 7. Forms were mailed several weeks ago to all households,

according to Mr. Marsh. “It (the program) actually has done very well over the past few years. We don’t expect to see much change from last year,” said Councilman McDermott.

On each application, a homeowner must identify the types of they intend to dispose. Estimated weights are included to add up to the maximum allowed under the program.

Acceptable materials that can be dumped include: appliances, TV sets, furniture, carpeting and matting, lawn furniture, old books, non-riding lawnmowers and snowblowers, toys, old doors, windows, screens, hot water heaters and tools.

Residents may not dump pesticides, paint and paint thinners, pool chemicals, hazardous materials, gas or propane canisters/fuel tanks, riding mowers, construction materials as

generated by a contractor, car batteries, tree stumps and vegetative waste, junked vehicles and/or car parts, motor oil, food waste and household garbage, explosive or flammable materials, excessive weight items such as pianos, pool tables and oil tanks. Glass bottles, aluminum cans and newspapers, all of which are included in the town’s recycling program, are also prohibited.

The Union County Utilities Authority runs separate programs, entitled “Special Waste Days,” for paints, aerosol cans and other solids. The UCUA also holds a “de-manufacturing” collection program for electronic products such as computer and computer keyboards.

Residents can begin putting items at curbside the Saturday before the collection in their ward is to begin. All items must be placed in front of homes by 7 a.m. by Monday.

Councilman McDermott explained that residents must attach their permit, orange in color, to the largest item they put with the white tag inside their front window.

“You have to have both of these things. If you don’t have one of them, he (the hauler) won’t pick up,” Mr. Marsh emphasized.

Waste Management Inc. of Elizabeth will conduct the curbside program.

The town engineer noted that removing materials from the curbside of homes in town “is illegal” since this is technically property owned by the legally contracted hauler.

Given that there are only a handful of households on each block that participate in the program, Mr. Marsh said he was unaware of any “wide spread” scavenging during previous five programs.

In-person registration, which began yesterday, May 5, will be available as follows:

· All wards today and Friday, May 6 and 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday through Friday, May 10 to 14, 8 a.m. 2 p.m.; Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. 2 p.m.; Wednesday, May 19, 5 to 8 p.m.

· Wards 2, 3 and 4: Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday through Friday, May 24 to 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

· Wards 3 and 4: Tuesday and Wednesday, June 1 and 2, 8 to 2 p.m.

· Ward 4, Monday through Wednesday, June 7 to 9, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Extended Hours Set For Registration For Primary Election

The Town Clerk’s Office will be open for voter registration for the Primary Election from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 10, as well as the regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To register, individuals must be 18 years old on or before Tuesday, June 8, in order to vote in the Primary Election.

Individuals who have changed their address may notify the County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, 07208. Change of address cards may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office, or a person may use his or her voter registration card.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Governing Body Debates Pros, Cons of Four-Year Terms for Mayor, Council

the first time Tuesday night by the full council, terms would change to four years for both council members and the mayor.

Town Attorney William S. Jeremiah, 2nd, noted that any change would not impact current terms of council members.

Any change would require state legislation to change the existing Town Charter which was granted in the 1960s by state officials.

Westfield is one of just 12 communities in New Jersey with special charters. Mr. Jeremiah said it would be “unrealistic” to expect that process to be completed this year.

Councilman Goldman said he believes the current system causes “posturing” by council members who need to push for credit on certain issues to assist them in their re-election bids.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING…On Tuesday evening, third grade Washington Elementary School teacher, Eva Morton, was awarded the Charles A. Philhower Fellowship Award of the Westfield Rotary Club by the Westfield Board of Education. Pictured, left to right, are: Eva Morton; back, Principal Connie O’Dell; Ms. Morton’s sister, Lisa Bruce; and her father, Norman Morton.

William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader

RALLYING FOR HUNGER AWARENESS...The weather cooperated last Sunday for the seventh annual Rally Walk to End Local Hunger, held at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield. The event is sponsored by the Coalition for Hunger Awareness of Union and Somerset Counties, an interfaith group of congregations, non-profit and civic groups.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader

PANEL OF EXPERTS…MSNBC anchorman Tom Brokaw questions panelists, pictured left to right, former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson; Larry Pratt, Executive Director of Gun Owners of America; Hugh Price, President of the National Urban League; Dave Thomas, District Attorney for Jefferson County in Colorado; Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Secretary of Education Richard Riley during last week’s live telecast.

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Being a part-time elected member of the Westfield Town Council often becomes a balancing act between council business and running for reelection, which occurs every two years for governing body members including the mayor.

Under the current system, each of the town’s four wards has two representatives elected to staggered twoyear terms. Mayoral elections are held bi-annually.

Faced with that fact, Third Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, who chair’s the Laws and Rules Committee, has proposed a change in the Town Charter to move away from the current system that cause half of the eight council seats to be up for election each year.

Under his proposal considered for

Page 14 Thursday, May 6, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

MSNBC Live Broadcast of ‘Lessons of Littleton’ Shines Spotlight On Westfield; Draws Various Reaction From Government, Law, School, Colorado Authorities

schoolestablish afirmanti-violenceprogramand mandateearlyinterventionfor troubled students. She referred to the tip sheet provided by the Violence Institute of New Jersey as a tool that outlines the behavioral warning signs of troubled youth, as well as programs that prevent such tragedies as the one at Columbine HighSchool.

Governor Whitmanobservedthatthere is a variety of things which the government can do to “supplement the school system.”One suchinstrument,wouldbe developing a “protocol for emergency andtrauma volunteerstoidentifyvictims of violence” and provide them with immediate counseling on the spot of the

crime. She revealed that a victim or witness of violence is “more apt to act out later,” adding that this is why parents and families must intervene earlier to prevent future violent or retaliatory behavior.

The Governor urged the Department of Human Services to revisit the mental healthservices thatareoffered,assuring that these services are provided as often as needed to troubled students.

“At the end of the day, it really comes down to parents,” she confided. She encouragedparents tobecomefamiliarwith the profile provided in the tip sheet in order to prevent a “not my kid” attitude. She stated that it is imperative that parentskeep opencommunicationwiththeir children.

TheGovernor calledthepossibilityof instituting school uniforms a “knee-jerk reaction” to the Littleton incident. What is more important, she noted, is zero tolerance for weapons which is clearly established in all New Jersey schools.

“That’s a threshold. That’s a beginning,” she stated.

“You can never make any place 100 percent secure, although our schools are very secure,” the Governor reported.

Governor WhitmantoldTheWestfield Leader that the day of the Columbine massacre, she had to assure the New Jersey parents of fourth graders that “as violent as that was, it is the exception, not the rule.”

She further noted, “We are doing everything we can here in this state. It will never be 100 percent safe.”

Prior to the show, MSNBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw told The Westfield

Leader,“Thesekinds ofeventsmakethe countryonebig family.Wehaveallowed ourselvesto becomefractured,”hestated, adding that the nation must encourage civildiscussion andgointocommunities and embrace other cultures and differences instead of embracing cruelty.

At the start of the show, Mr. Brokaw told the audience that Westfield is “a communitylikeso manyacrossthecountry–wondering andaskingquestionsfor more thanaweeknow.” Hestatedthathe hoped viewers could learn from each otherandfindsome commongroundasa result of the program.

VicePresidentAl Gore,whospokevia satellite from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, stated that he spoke with one father of a child victimized at Columbine who stated, “These children cannot have died in vain. We have to make changes. Promise me that we will make changes.” Mr. Gore promised him changes would indeed be made.

Vice President Gore added that these changes must come from “the bottom up,” with parents and families networking with government. He called for a restrictionto gunavailability,anincrease in mental health services, discipline and

character education. He stated, “The only way is if the wholecountryrises upandsays,‘Enough is enough. We’re not going to take this anymore.’”

Mary Gorvall of Iowa stated that her 14-yearold grandsonwasinColumbine HighSchooland rescuedbyslainteacher, Dave Sanders, that day. She called for stricter gun control and more kindness toward one another.

Mr. Gore added that he believes childrenare “vulnerabletorepetitive,excessiveviolence.”

Mr. Brokaw asked the Vice President if hewillparticipatein aboycottofMTV which is owned by Viacom and aids Mr.

Gore’s campaign for the presidency. “If a particular outlet persists in putting out gratuitous and excessive violence,Ipersonally believethatboycottof advertisers ought to be available,” respondedMr.Gore. Hedid,however,call for aboycottofproducts thatgo“overthe line,” asking Mr. Brokaw to ask NBC to consider curtailingprogramswhichpromoteviolence.

Mr. Brokaw counteracted by asking Mr. Gore about his wife Tipper Gore’s enjoying the movie Matrix while showing a movie clip of excessive gunfire throughthehallwaysof theset.Mr.Gore defended Matrix, stating that it had a “sophisticated plot” where the action “made sense.”

District AttorneyofJeffersonCounty, Colorado,David Thomas,pointedtothe fantasy role playing in video games and moviesasone chieftheoryregardingthe Columbinekillings.

“These two men thought they were engaginginagame, averydeadlygame,” Mr. Thomas stated.

MSNBC Co-Anchor, Jane Pauley, spoke with WHS student Matt Simone who stated, “I don’t really think the blame should be put on television.” He urged people to look to parents for the responsibility, adding that he would be open-minded if his parents tried to discourage his playing video games or enjoyingMTV.

Mental Health Psychologist, Dr. Samuel Klagsbrun, agreed that the entireblameshouldnot beblamedonMTV or video games. He added that society could not be forgiven because it should enforce the need for mental health services.

Governor Whitman assured the audience that a recently-composed crime bill package includes strict gun control laws.

“I think one of the most important things we have to do is to keep guns out of the hands of children,” she said. She added that money has been put in the state budget for gun locks to prevent child usage, but added, “I think we need to do a lot more than that. It comes back to the family. It comes back to parents at the end of the day.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley revealed that metal detectors are present inonly5percent ofschoolsinthe country.Heurged, “Wemustkeepschools as places of learning.”

Mr. Thomas maintained, though, that, “If they (adolescents) want guns, they will get them,” but agreed that specific laws could help make that less likely.

VicePresident Gorestatedthatpoliticians must reach “across party lines to make it a serious crime for parents to givegunsto smallchildren,”withlonger waitingperiodsto acquireaweaponand fewerconcealedweapons.

Executive Director of Gun Owners of America, Larry Pratt, said that the easy availability of firearms would make the countrysafer.

“Ninety-five percent of Americans would say that is an irresponsible statement and out of touch with reality,” retorted the Vice President. “We’ve seen too much. We’ve suffered too much in thiscountry.”

John, a student from Iowa, added that the onlyrealpurposeof gunsis“tocease life.”

Though Mr. Pratt still defended his view, Former United States Senator of Wyoming,Alan Simpson,statedthatguns used in hunting is different than an 18year old handling a gun to kill in such a massacre.

“The difference is total,” he said. He later added that although gun hunting was okay, “The rest of this stuff is crap. Other than that, I have no strong feelings.”

Next, WestfieldPoliceChief,Anthony J. Scutti, spoke with Ms. Pauley over a table display of firearms that were confiscatedby theUnionCountyProsecutor’s Office.

“Every weapon here is meant to kill,” he said.

ChiefScutti presenteda“tech9-millimeter”whichholds 20roundsof9-millimeter ammunition, a sawed-off shotgun which started as a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun with the barrel chopped off. Hesaidthat thesawed-offweaponcould “devastate anyone at close range.”

He also presented a 12-gauge pumpaction shotgun. All of these weapons, which were used in the massacre, are illegalinNew Jersey,accordingtoChief Scutti.

Another junior WHS student, Justin, believed that two Columbine students were motivated by the media in the killings because they were not guided by their parents.

VicePresident Goreadded,“Theultimatesolutionisin ourhearts.”Hecalled the country’s relationship between gun and fear that of a “chicken and egg relationship.”

President of the National Urban League, Hugh Price, also called for bomb legislation and believes that the Columbine killings are, indeed, related to past high school killings in the country. He said that looking to parents who rear children who “devalue human life” through such massacres is a larger issue than gun control that must be addressed.

Mr. Thomas added, “We need to look atfundamentalchange inourculture,the culture ofviolenceandthe waywelivein our community.” He called the two Columbine students “disenfranchised.”

Calling New Jersey “many faces, one family,” Governor Whitman urged the establishment of programs helping students to accept diversity is key.

“Violenceisnotan answerandit’snot an approach. Language does shape behavior. Itisveryhard foryoungpeopleto determinewherethe wordsendandwhere the action begin.” She added that this is the responsibility of adults to provide.

WHS Sophomore,CrystalDixon,was angered that the parents of the two Columbine students did not know how disturbed their sons were. She said she is proudofthe opencommunicationshehas with her parents.

President of the Samaritan’s Purse, theReverend FranklinGraham,saidthat one of the big issues is not that of guns, but of the heart.

“It takes the human heart and human will to pick up a gun and use it. We have a heart problem in America,” he stated.

Kate Sousa, a WHS student, stated that although she believed in the consti

tutional right to bear arms, she did not feel this clause pertained to teenagers bearing arms and killing one another.

Astheconversation turnedtotheneed for guidance counseling, even at an earlier age, WHS Student Assistant Counselor, Maureen Mazzarese told Ms. Pauley, “It is definitely too big for me as an individual. Kids have a lot to tell us.” She added that no one individual can take on the responsibility of counseling an entire community.

Although she is pleased with her role, she concluded, “I’m only one person.”

Mrs. Mazzarese added that she would like to see more money devoted to the training of parents and staff to counsel students than a focus on gun control.

Both Justin DelMonico and Bridget Murphy, who spoke earlier with The Westfield Leader,praisedthededication of Mrs. Mazzarese and felt her door was always open for students.

Jessica, a student from Iowa, stated thatparentsshould spendlesstimebeing best friends to their children and put forth an effort to instill moral values in them.

Mr. Pratt told Mr. Brokaw, “If we insist on trying to regulate guns and deprivepeopleofthe abilityofbeingable toprotectthemselves, we’renotgoingto better off, we’re going to be worse off.”

Veronica, a WHS student, noted the importanceof studentshavingopencommunication with parents and sit down to enjoy a family dinner as part of that communication.

DanMoore, aWHSsenior,questioned the social environment at WHS.

“No one is listening to what Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold had to say,” he stated, adding that the boys were driven totheiraction becausetheyweretaunted. “Kidscanbesome ofthecruelestpeople around.”

Governor Whitman responded that it is the responsibility of parents to make their children stop such taunting.

“They (children) can truly hurt somebody with words,” she stated.

Mr. Price spoke of his experience as a minorityin apredominantlywhiteschool.

“But, we didn’t kill and we didn’t hate.That’swhatwe havetowrestlewith today,” he urged.

Agraduateofa highschoolinLittleton, a screenwriter, and current Westfield resident, Steven Schiff, stated that high school is “a kingdom run by princes and theprincesare jocks.”However,hestated that he was informed that WHS is not competitiveorsaturated withsucha“jock culture.”

“Everyoneis valuedhere.Diversityis valued. Everyoneisrespected,”stressed WHS Principal, Dr. Robert G. Petix. He added that he wants students to come to school and “feel comfortable with one’s being.”

However, Gabe Perez, WHS Senior and Captain of its baseball team, rebutted, “My feeling is that everything you see around here (WHS) is driven by competition.” He added that if a student does not fit in, he or she will get depressed.

Gabe added that since the Littleton tragedy,“Wekind ofarelookingaround, asking ourselves, ‘Who in our school is on the edge’” or capable of doing such a thing.

Dan Moore added that he doesn’t feel he attends the same school as Dr. Petix. The4.0grade pointaveragestudentsaid, “Thereare manydisgruntledpeoplehere with the current emphasis on sports. Where do we go to say our accomplishments are being overlooked?”

Perry Aftab of www.cyberangels.org stated that a “Kid Report Line” is availableforstudents toreporttroubledpeers anonymously to her via the web site.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Rotary Club of Westfield. TheFellowship Award,givenbythe Rotary Club,commemoratestheteachers who have made significant strides in education within the district.

Mrs. Walsh stated that Tuesday, being Teacher Day USA, was an appropriate day to present the fellowship award to Ms. Morton.

Ms.Morton creditedherfather,who toldhertobe proudofheraccomplish

Eva Morton Presented Philhower Fellowship

ments, and her mother, who taught her to accept others’ differences and be understanding, as her influences.

She also cited her grandparents and hersister,whoshe calledherbestfriend and the “wind beneath my wings.”

Withtearsinher eyesandafaltering voice, Ms. Morton remembered the educators in the Westfield school system when she was a student herself, whoshesaidtaught herthemostabout how to be an effective, caring teacher.

“Myeducationwas builtonthefinest foundation,”she observed.“Iwantedto help children love learning as much as I did.”

She thanked her colleagues for their “never-ending,unselfishwisdom,”stating thatsheisgrateful to“workwiththe best.”

Ms. Morton revealed, “My students are not just a part of my life for 10 months, they are part of my life forever.”

Sherecalled howherstudentsbought a puppy for her when they found out that shelostherdog. Theydidnotwant her to be alone, she said.

Ms. Morton thanked the parents who wrote on her behalf, saying she was especially pleased that they gave her the opportunity to permit her to become a part of their children’s lives.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Town Council Announces Annual Bulk Waste Program

Collections will be held in the First Ward from May 24 28; Second Ward, June 1 4; Third Ward, June 7 11, and Fourth Ward, June 14 18.

Officials noted that random inspections will be conducted in insure com

pliance with the program. “Enforceable action will be taken for incidents of excessive weight, illegal dumping, unacceptablematerialsorunregistered materials,” according to the town’s brochure. Upon investigation,thestudent’sschool

administrators would be alerted. Vice President of the Westfield Board of Education, Arlene Gardner, stated that she believes children know more than parents when it comes to Internet usage. She said that often times part of being a kid is not sharing everything with parents.

The author of “The Lexus and The Olive Tree” and a columnist for The New York Times, Thomas L. Friedman recently wrote an article, “Judgment Not Included” about the influence of the Internet.

Via satellite, Mr. Friedman told Mr. Brokaw that the Internet can either be “a wise tool or a microphone for hate.” He added that children are but a mouse click away from porn or gun shops.

“You can get the worst from it instead of the best,” he stated, adding that with the Internet there is no “big brother” but “democracy with no constitution.”

“What is in your head and heart is ultimatelygoingtobe theonlyfilter,”he concluded.

One tool that helps to draw lines between right and wrong on the Internet isabooklet thatdiscussesInternetmonitoringforparents, accordingtoMr.Riley. This book can be accessed by www.ed.gov or (800) USA-LEARN.

Governor Whitman pointed to “common sense things” such as keeping televisions and the Internet at close range for parents to monitor.

“It’s the kind of values you instill in your kids,” she stated. “A little rebellion is to be expected.”

Dr. Klagsburn called for clear boundaries drawn by parents. He added that the two Columbine students dissolved theirsenseof inadequacybytheiraccess to dangerous things such as Internet hate groups.

“This kind of culture makes them feel bigger,” Dr. Klagsburn noted. “If we see this, it is an invitation to investigate in a confrontational way.”

Mr.Thomasstressed thathewas“horrified” by the web site established by Eric Harris. He added that putting a “gun in the hand of a bad person is a dangerous device.”

However, Mr. Price added that the Internet can be a powerful tool in teaching children tolerance. He urged drawingfromthe “faithcommunity”forguidance.

“In this country we have a sin problem,” added Reverend Graham. He attributed the problem to taking God out of schools. He also urged the audience to “say no to Hollywood” who he called

“manufacturers of violence.” “They’re not going to stop until it hurts their pocketbooks,” he concluded.

“What isaparentdoing whenakidhas a part of a shotgun on their dresser…the gate is down but the train in is not coming,” stated Mr. Simpson. He added that if a great book or movie changes the life of a person, “What do you think this stuff does on the other side?”

One WHS student, Nicole Luria, who was dressed in a leather outfit with a spikedcollarwas quicklypointedoutby Ms.Pauleywho askedhowNicole’sparents allow her to dress as she does for

school. “My parents love me. They know I’m a great kid,” she said.

Ms. Pauley asked, “What does it say? (the outfit).”

“What doesn’t it say?” Nicole responded.

Ms.Pauley askedNicole’sfellowstudents, “Do you think Nicole should be allowed to where a costume to come to school?”

Duringan interviewwithTheWestfield Leader, Nicole told Ms. Pauley that she was offended by her remark, calling her form of dress a “costume.”

Ms.Pauley, whoapologized,wastold byNicolethatshe wouldhaverathershe usedtheword “outfit.”Nicoleaddedthat she does not dress that way once a year butyear-round.

Nicole told The Westfield Leader that she felt singled out during the show and somewhatexploited.

Beforetheclose oftheproduction,Dr. PetixtoldMr.Brokaw thathewaspleased to hear the students express themselves in a different forum. He maintained that it is his goal to “listen to students, connect with students, make them safe and comfortable.”

“Ineverhadso muchfaithandrespect in students than today,” the Principal added.

Ms.Pauley laterexplainedthatthough her children view her to be “a danger mom,” she maintains open communication with her children.

“I’m notsurethatmy worldviewisthe same as my children,” she added.

Ms.Pauley revealedthatwhencovering the Littleton incident, she watched the coverage not as a journalist, but as a person.

Regarding the possibility of uniforms implemented in schools, Ms. Pauley observed that although this is a good idea, she would rather see jumpsuits, as a more liberal dress instituted. However, she concluded that this would not solve anything.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Terms for Council, Mayor Reconsidered at Meeting

At the same time, he noted, twoyear terms do force council members to be responsive to their constituents who have ample opportunities to vote them out of office.

Mr. Goldman noted that the council could alsofavornon-partisanelections which do not use the Republican and Democrat or other “party-line” slates. However, by state law, these elections most be held in May.

“I personally would not favor that because I think the turnout would be rather light,” he told his council colleagues.

Second Ward Councilman James J. Gruba, the veteran on the governing body, said he thinks Mr. Goldman’s plan deserves a closer look by the council.

“I think it is worthy of serious consideration,” he said.

SecondWardCouncilmanMatthew P.Albanosaidhis concernisthatsome individualsmaynot wanttocommitto afour-year term,causingmorecouncil members not to fulfill their full terms

and creating problems for the governing body in moving ahead with town business.

He added that prospective candidates might be hesitant to seek office due to longer terms.

Councilman Goldman noted that two-year terms are also the case in the House of Representatives and New Jersey State Assembly, the difference, though, is that these officials are paid unlikethe volunteereffortsofWestfield council members.

Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan,Jr.,indicated thatthe“rootof the problem” of the current system may actually be the “insanity” of dollars spent in the past few years in council races.

Up to a few years ago, the council wasmostlyRepublican withonlyafew contestedraceseach yearifany.These days there are races each year in all four wards.

The council is expected to continue discussion on term limits at a future council conference session.

speed@westfieldnj.com 908-654-4100 (24 hrs) http://w http://w http://w http://westf estf http://westf estfieldnj.com ieldnj.com ieldnj.com estfieldnj.com ieldnj.com

• No More Dialing • Internet Using TV Cable • No More Busy Signals • Instantaneous Connection • No More Phone Lines • 3 E-Mail Addresses

Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader

ENJOYING THE SHOW…MSNBC Anchorpersons, Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley share a laugh with audience members during the taping of “Lessons of Littleton.”

Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader

BEHIND THE SCENES…Crewmen from MSNBC prepare Westfield High School for the live broadcast, “Lessons of Littleton” by installing cable, floodlights, and other equipment.