The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 40th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 21-99 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. Thursday, May 27, 1999

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Arts................Page 20 Classified ...... Page 18 County .......... Page 2

Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 10

Religious ....... Page 11 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13

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Township Council Weighs Proposal To Establish Shade Tree Commission

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

The Scotch Plains Township Council last week received a proposal from the Township Environmental Commission to establish a Shade Tree Commission, but any forward movement on the idea was deferred until questions such as the Commission’s legal liability in certain instances were ironed out.

Marcia Anderson, a member of the Scotch Plains Environmental Commission, spoke at the council’s agenda meeting and said a Shade Tree Commission would serve several purposes, including educating the public on the importance of trees and tree preservation, creating an historic tree list, locating and securing funding and grants for the replacement and planting of trees, and advising on the selection and placement of any new trees.

The Commission would also work closely with local utilities to ensure that trees were correctly pruned when wire placement necessitates such measures.

Mrs. Anderson noted that properly placed trees help screen traffic noise along streets and highways; reduce air conditioning costs due to shading; protect homes against wind and snow; provide shady spots in parking lots, on streets and in parks during the summer; and are aesthetically pleasing overall.

A Shade Tree Commission would be made up of seven members serving three-year terms, according to a draft ordinance submitted to the council. Four of its members would be representatives from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Environmental Commission and the Township Council.

All appointments would be made by the Mayor.

Several issues remain to be resolved, including the extent of the Commission’s legal liability in the case of, for instance, a member of the public being injured by a tree limb as well as the precise regulatory powers the proposed panel would have.

Township Attorney Andrew Baron said he would be researching these and any other questions that may arise.

Separately, but related to the issue of trees, the council is nearing a decision on how best to solve the bird problem in the Golf Street-Wood Road neighborhood, which for the past two decades has been besieged by thousands of starlings, grackles and blackbirds roosting in its trees.

The birds return to the neighborhood early in July and the council is

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MR. VALENTINO DISPUTES ASSERTION THAT HE REFUSED DEBATE CHALLENGE

Fanwood Republican Mayoral Candidates Defend Positions on Proposed Debate By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

The two candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Mayor of Fanwood each had their say this week regarding a prospective debate both claim they wanted but which has sparked conflicting accounts of why such an event did not occur.

Daniel P. Valentino, 3rd, who is vying with Councilman Louis C. Jung for the GOP nomination in the Tuesday, June 8 primary, refuted the headline and portions of an article in last week’s Times stating he had declined a public challenge to a debate from Mr. Jung.

Mr. Valentino, who is making his inaugural bid for elected office, maintained he had never been contacted by anyone from the Republican Municipal Committee about the chal

lenge, which was released to the media through a May 11 press release.

Councilman Jung confirmed that the release was distributed via e-mail to several area newspapers, including The Times, but that Mr. Valentino had not been contacted directly regarding this particular invitation.

Mr. Jung stated, however, that the public challenge was made after an earlier offer by the Republican Municipal Committee to debate was refused by members of his opponent’s campaign committee. Mr. Valentino has denied such an offer was declined, saying his own committee made the initial offer in April to debate the two-term councilman.

Both candidates, along with members of their campaign committees, accepted an invitation by The Times

to present their respective accounts of the debate controversy in separate interviews conducted last Thursday and Friday at this newspaper’s Westfield office. Each candidate also submitted a written statement recapping his position.

In his written statement, Mr. Valentino argued that, “My opponent never contacted me or any of my representatives, nor did any of his representatives contact me to discuss a forum for a debate. The truth of the matter is we initiated the debate at the end of April to allow adequate time for both sides to agree on the terms.

“However, Mr. Trumpp (Republican Municipal Chairman and former Fanwood Mayor, Theodore Trumpp) felt the need to exclude me and my committee from any decision-mak

ing input and he deemed himself the sole mentor of the time, date and forum.

“When we expressed our dissatisfaction with our absence in the thought process and conveyed that we wanted journalists to mediate, he was disagreeable and hung up on our representatives; therefore, in my opinion, my opposition did not or would not partake in a fair and non-biased debate.”

In his written statement, Councilman Jung said Mr. Valentino had refused an offer to debate made by the Republican Committee in April, adding that the refusal was not based on a difference of opinion over the proposed format for the debate.

“On behalf of Mr. Valentino, Jennie Wagner, Mr. Valentino’s wife and a

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Proposal to Install Curbing and Sidewalks Protested by Residents of Pleasant Avenue By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

Fanwood officials faced an impassioned crowd of approximately 30 Pleasant Avenue residents May 19 in the Borough Council chambers, who turned out to protest plans for curbing and sidewalks on their street.

The 90-minute meeting was facilitated by the council’s Public Works Committee, which sought input from residents on street renovation proposals for Pleasant Avenue after several neighbors spoke out against plans for sidewalks there at the governing body’s April 5 agenda session.

Borough Engineer Richard Marsden provided an overview of the entire project, which presently calls for pavement resurfacing plus curbing. Originally, the proposal also included sidewalks, but officials dropped that aspect in response to residents’ opposition.

Pleasant Avenue measures 3,050 linear feet and links Westfield Road and Martine Avenue. Mr. Marsden said the residential street, constructed 40 years ago according to now-outdated standards, is one he has identified as in need of rehabilitation.

He said the base pavement of the street measures only one to two inches deep on average, adding that the surface is “deteriorating and breaking down.” Mr. Marsden remarked that a road built according to modern standards would have a depth of between five-and-one-half and seven inches.

While the borough has used slurry seal in an attempt to extend the life of the road pending more permanent repairs, Fanwood Public Works Director Raymond Manfra emphasized during the meeting that “you need to do something sooner or later” to correct existing problems.

He likened the situation to the necessity of making roof repairs, commenting that “you can’t just patch the leaks. You (only) patch where the leaks are and you are eventually going to lose the roof.”

Mr. Marsden argued that curbing would give the road definition, particularly around the curves, and would help channel storm water and prevent vehicles from traveling off the road onto people’s properties. He noted that Belgian block curbing costs

Memorial Day Observances on Tap Monday in Scotch Plains, Fanwood

By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Times

In commemoration of fallen war heroes, Scotch Plains and Fanwood are planning several events on May 31, for Memorial Day.

Observances will begin with a memorial service at 8 a.m. at American Legion Post No. 209 at Park Avenue and Sunset Place in Scotch Plains.

At 9 a.m., there will be the laying of wreaths at the Fanwood Memorial Library at Tillotson Road and North Avenue. Wreaths will be presented at the Veterans Monument at Park Avenue and Front Street in Scotch Plains at 10 a.m.

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade will follow this ceremony. The theme for this year’s parade is “Take Pride in America.”

Starting at 10:30 a.m. from the Municipal Building in Scotch Plains, the parade will proceed along Park

Avenue, move down Martine Avenue and end at LaGrande Park in Fanwood.

More than 50 local organizations will be marching in the parade.

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the parade committee has selected Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial VFW Post No. 10122 to serve as the Parade Grand Marshal.

The VFW, begun in 1899 by Veterans of the Spanish-American War, has 115 members, 15 of whom will be marching in the parade. Commander Allen Weingartner will be the officiating spokesperson.

After the parade, LaGrande Park will host a Memorial Day event from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., which will include craft and food vendors as well as numerous activities for children.

Proceeds from the event will go to Fanwood’s Park Fund and the New

Jersey Battleship Fund. Memorial Day, always the last Monday in May, honors Americans who gave their lives for their country in the Armed forces.

In 1868, General John A. Logan, Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, named May 30 for decorating the graves of Union soldiers, and the holiday was originally called “Decoration Day,” according to information taken from a Memorial Day website. May 30 may have been chosen because that was the date of discharge of the last Union volunteers, according to the website, and some states celebrate on the traditional date.

According to Joe McCourt, publicity chairman for the parade, VFW Post No. 10122 contributes to the community with numerous events throughout the year, including high school essay contests, scholarship awards and participation in Community Clean Up Day, as well as the traditional selling of “buddy poppies” to help needy vets and their widows.

Township Officials Recall Service Of Mr. Donatelli

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

The Scotch Plains Township Council on Tuesday night paid tribute to its late colleague, Democrat Franklin P. Donatelli, in a meeting that was long on kind words and pleasantries and short on the rancor and tension that dominated the sessions of the last two months.

Mayor Geri M. Samuel, saying that the week since Mr. Donatelli

died on May 17 had been a “difficult” one, opened the meeting with a prayer remembering the late Councilman before allowing her colleagues and other Township officials to offer their thoughts.

“Frank had guts,” fellow Democrat Tarquin Jay Bromley said. “He had a heart and a mind bigger than all of us.”

Republican William F. McClintock, Jr. said, “You always knew that Frank was trying to do what was right for Scotch Plains.”

His fellow Republican, Councilman Martin Marks, said the fact that he probably spent more time with his council colleagues than with his own family “makes it all the more difficult to accept his loss.”

Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins, noting that he had known Mr. Donatelli for some 35 years, said that “very few council members (he has known in his years of working for the Township) had the street smarts that (Mr. Donatelli) had.”

Township Attorney Andrew Baron said the late Councilman “made a mark in his short period of time” on

Republican William F. McClintock, Jr. said, “You always knew that Frank was trying to do what was right for Scotch Plains.”

the governing body. In other matters, Mr. McClintock announced that the improvements at the Scotch Plains Library are nearing completion. There is new carpeting and lighting in all of the public areas, and new furniture should start arriving next week.

New floor tile being installed in the entrance area will cause the library to be closed tomorrow, Friday, May 28, and Saturday, May 29. It will re-open next Tuesday, June 1, after the holiday weekend.

Mayor Samuel announced the appointment of Joseph Duff to fill an un-expired term on the Library Board of Trustees.

Separately, the council honored Andrew Salvati for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and Monica Anderson and Allison Breidenstein for attaining the Girl Scout Gold Award.

In addition, the council passed resolutions saluting the 90th anniversary of St. John’s Baptist Church and the 50th anniversary of the Scotch Plains Lions Club.

The council’s next formal meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 9, a day later than normal due to the state primary being held on June 8.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times

DO THE BUCKLE!…The nationwide “Do the Buckle” safety tour, which kicked off last June in Auburn Hills, Michigan, came to the Daisy Fair at School One Elementary in Scotch Plains this past Saturday. Pictured, left to right, are: “Safety Advocate” Eurer Hinds, Stefani Baliko, Neelega Periz, El Le Bernardo, Vincent Vicari and Amanda Makowski.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times

FUN AT THE FIRE TRUCK…Young visitors to the School One Elementary Daisy Fair in Scotch Plains this past Saturday check out a township fire truck. Pictured are: Michael Sprung, Aya Hasegawa, Chris Doremus, Kelsey Foy, Hannah Greaney, Stephanie Splendorio, Elizabeth Stamler, Gina Ziegler, David Hauptman and Gavin Ford.

Suzette Stalker for The Times

A PLEASANT VIEW…Fanwood residents living along Pleasant Avenue, a treelined residential thoroughfare, recently attended a meeting at Borough Hall concerning proposed renovations to their street. The neighbors, while apparently agreeable to resurfacing plans, were opposed to curbing and sidewalks. While curbing is still being considered, the sidewalk plans have since been dropped. Mrs. Donatelli

Among Names For Vacancy

Lorraine McDede Donatelli, the widow of the late Scotch Plains councilman, Franklin P. Donatelli, is among three persons put forward Monday evening by the Scotch Plains Democratic Municipal Committee to fill the vacancy left by her husband’s death on May 24.

The two other nominees submitted are Deborah Littman and Julia M. “Peggy” Hoff.

The Township Democratic Party had until Tuesday, June 1, to submit the names of three individuals to replace Mr. Donatelli. The full Township Council then will have 15 days to approve one of those names.

If the Council is unable to agree by a majority vote on one of the three persons submitted, then the Democratic Municipal Committee will select one of the three names and make the appointment itself.

The three remaining years of Mr. Donatelli’s four-year term will be filled in a special election in November.

Both the Republican and the Democratic parties have at least 60 days prior to the November 2 election to name a candidate.

Dr. Walter E. Boright, Chairman of the Scotch Plains Democratic Committee, noted that it was his personal sentiment and that of the entire committee that Mrs. Donatelli should be among the three names submitted to the council.

“She’s a natural,” remarked Dr. Boright. “She was born, raised, educated, and worked right here in Scotch Plains. She worked side by side with her husband as any devoted wife would.”

“She knows the major and minor issues confronting township government and the people of the community. She is a gracious, caring person totally committed to serving the best interests of the community. She knows so many people in the community that it will let many know that their interests will be represented,” Dr. Boright said in a prepared statement issued to The Times.

Page 12 Thursday, May 27, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

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hoping to make a decision on how best to disperse the large flock within the next few weeks.

Probable solutions include fogging, where a mist is sprayed into the air, in the area over the course of

several days and the use of some type of pyrotechnics, the latter of which was utilized, with some limited success, last summer. Pyrotechnics involves the use of loud bursts of noise.

SP Council Contemplates Shade Tree Commission Fanwood GOP Candidates

Defend Positions on Debate

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Lorraine Donatelli May Fill Husband’s Vacancy

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Fanwood TV-35 Weekly Schedule Thursday, May 27, 8:00 P.M.

Next Station Stop Fanwood

Thursday, May 27, 9:00 P.M.

Fanwood Earth Day 1999

Saturday, May 29, All Day

Memorial Day Activities

Monday, May 31, All Day

Memorial Day Activities

Wednesday, June 2, 7:00 P.M.

Art Show Artists Schaeffer, Cook and Devlin

Wednesday, June 2, 8:00 P.M.

Fallen Flags A history of the Central Railroad of NJ

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FANWOOD POLICE BLOTTER WEDNESDAY, MAY 19

· An attempted shoplifting was reported at a South Avenue supermarket. Police said the suspect, described only as a black female, tried to conceal $50 worth of aspirin in her backpack, but fled after being confronted by store personnel. The merchandise was recovered.

THURSDAY, MAY 20

· Authorities reported an attempted car theft in the 30 block of LaGrande Avenue. Someone cut the convertible roof of the vehicle and punched out the ignition in an attempt to start the car, but was unsuccessful.

SATURDAY, MAY 22

· An elderly LaGrande Avenue homeowner was robbed of $100 after she admitted two women into her home who knocked at the door asking for a glass of water, according to police.

Authorities said one of the women apparently distracted the homeowner

while the other went upstairs and removed the money. The suspects were described as either Indian or Asian, one of whom was in her 30s and the other in her mid-40s.

· Police reported that $150 worth of aluminum cans was stolen from the Fanwood Recycling Center on North Avenue sometime between May 19 and 20.

SUNDAY, MAY 23

· A South Avenue service station reported the theft of $528 from the cash register.

MONDAY, MAY 24

· A vehicle was reported stolen from the driveway of a residence in the 400 block of Midway Avenue while the homeowners were on vacation, police confirmed. The theft is believed to have occurred sometime between May 16 and 23.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the same as the concrete variety, but is easier to maintain.

The entire project, including sidewalks, would have cost $653,000 over a threeyear period, according to Mr. Marsden. Without sidewalks, the tab comes to $588,000. Attempts to secure state funding for the project were unsuccessful.

The first stage, he said, would span the area from Westfield Road to just short of Arlene Court; the second stage from Arlene Court to Forest Road, and the third from Forest Road to Martine Avenue.

Although there did not appear to be widespread opposition to the resurfacing component of the proposal, most of the residents in attendance were adamant about not having curbing and sidewalks installed on their street. They argued it would burden residents unnecessarily and not reduce traffic.

Regina Iaione, a 38-year resident of Pleasant Avenue, pointed out that homeowners would be responsible for keeping sidewalks swept and shoveled. Another resident argued that installing curbs would “cut into lawns and driveways.” Neighbors were also concerned about being assessed for curbing and sidewalks if they were installed, plus potential loss of trees.

Councilman Louis C. Jung, the Public Works Committee Chairman and one of two candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Mayor of Fanwood, confirmed that the council is authorized by state law to assess residents for curbing and sidewalks if it so chooses.

Although Mr. Manfra supported Mr. Marsden’s argument that curbs can enhance a roadway, he also acknowledged that “you can build a sound road without curbing.”

Several residents in attendance voiced concerns over traffic volume and the rate of speed at which some vehicles travel on Pleasant Avenue.

Sergeant Richard Trigo of the Fanwood Police Department presented the results of a nine-day survey for which volume and speed counters were set up on Pleasant Avenue to gauge traffic patterns.

He said the machines, which were in operation during 24-hour periods, tabulated 2,505 vehicles traveling eastbound and 4,048 going westbound on Pleasant Avenue between April 26 and May 4.

The busiest periods of the day, he noted, were between 7 and 9 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m., he revealed. Pleasant Avenue is used by busses transporting students to and from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and Brunner Elementary School, both located on Westfield Road in Scotch Plains.

The average speed of the vehicles traveling eastbound and westbound on Pleasant Avenue were clocked at 27 and 26 miles per hour, respectively, according to Sergeant Trigo.

He observed that traffic counting devices have been set up at different locations along Pleasant Avenue at other times, and that speeding does not appear to be a problem on the street.

Pleasant Avenue Residents Oppose Curbing, Sidewalks

Eric Nobbs, a New Providence police officer who has lived on Pleasant Avenue for nine years, said traffic volume, however, has reached a critical point. “It’s unbearable. It’s getting to the point where my kids can’t run across the street.”

Officer Nobbs proposed several alternatives for reducing traffic on the street, such as converting the thoroughfare into a one-way street or a cul de sac, or installing traffic calming devices.

Sergeant Trigo responded during the meeting that transforming Pleasant Avenue into a one-way street would increase traffic speeds by 6 to 8 miles per hour. Closing off the street, he added, would only push traffic onto nearby Montrose and Portland Avenues.

He later told The Times that authorities are currently looking at several proposals for dealing with traffic on Pleasant Avenue.

Fanwood Police Chief Robert Carboy stated that in spite of high traffic volume during certain hours, Pleasant Avenue has not been subject to vehicular accidents. He also recommended that traffic issues be dealt with separately from the proposed curbs and sidewalks.

Council President and Democratic Mayoral nominee William E. Populus, Jr. and Councilwoman Karen M. Schurtz, who serve with Councilman Jung on the Public Works Committee, both said they did not see the necessity of putting down sidewalks on Pleasant Avenue.

“It’s a beautiful street because of the way you’ve landscaped it,” Councilwoman Schurtz told members of the audience, adding “there is not evidence there is need for sidewalks that people would have to sweep and shovel.”

A show of hands at the meeting revealed that only two people among those in attendance were in favor of curbing. However, Councilman Jung recommended that each home on Pleasant Avenue be surveyed regarding curbing in order to get a full consensus of how residents on that street felt about the proposal.

He told The Times in a separate interview he planned to recommend to his committee at its next meeting that curbing, if installed, be paid for through capital funds in the 1998, 1999 and 2000 municipal budgets, which he said would exempt residents from an assessment.

He said he would also propose laying out the curb line, to determine where curbing would be installed, so that residents would be informed of the plan when they received the survey.

Daniel P. Valentino, 3rd, Mr. Jung’s challenger for the Republican Mayoral nomination, who attended the meeting, told The Times he felt the people had made their sentiments clear about sidewalks and curbing at last week’s session.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, Councilman Jung announced that there is “no question sidewalks are out” of the proposal. He said the Public Works Committee would present a report to the full council on the other aspects of the project.

Christina Olsson Selected As State Pageant Finalist

SCOTCH PLAINS — Christina Olsson, 8-year-old daughter of Kathy and Richard Olsson of Scotch Plains, has been chosen as a state finalist in the Miss New Jersey American Sweetheart Pageant to be held on Tuesday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 2, at the Hilton Hotel in Parsippany.

The pageant is held for girls ages 3-20.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $750 cash award, the official crown and banner, bouquet of roses, transportation and sponsor fee to compete in the national pageant to be held at Walt

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, plus a day in Disney for two.

The winner will also represent New Jersey while making appearances, riding in parades, working with several charitable organizations, as well as the opportunity to meet Governor Christine Todd Whitman and many modeling opportunities.

Miss Olsson’s activities include Intercity Soccer, Ballet and Tap. She also enjoys collecting American Girl Dolls and Beanie Babies.

Miss Olsson sponsors include her family and friends.

Christina Olsson UNICO to Sponsor

Trip to N.Y. Museum

SCOTCH PLAINS — Scotch PlainsFanwood UNICO is organizing a bus trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to view an exhibit of early renaissance and other early treasures related to St. Francis, spared in the 1997 earthquake that damaged the Basillica in Assisi.

The bus will leave from St. Bartholemew’s parking lot at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 13, and will return at 5 p.m. Round trip bus fare is $15, group admission fee is $9 per person, $4 for students and seniors.

The exhibit was first shown in Paris, will be at the Museum until Sunday, June 27, and will have its final showing in San Francisco before returning to Italy.

For reservations, please call (908) 322-4388.

Union Catholic Celebrates Arbor Day With Planting

SCOTCH PLAINS — The annual Arbor Day Celebration at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains in

cluded the planting of two flowering plum trees on either side of the school’s entrance that were dedicated to the victims and those wounded in the recent tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.

The event was organized by the school’s Environmental Club.

The planting was witnessed by several science classes and the Reverend Leonard Dembow, who read a prayer blessing the trees; Allan Wright, of the Religion Department who spoke about the beauty of nature he saw in his travels across the United States; Anne Wischusen, Director of Institutional Advancement, who spoke about her stewardship of a rare Dutch Elm tree in her backyard; and Marybeth Boyar of the Science Department whose closing remarks encouraged the audience to be good caretakers of trees and all living things.

Scotch Plains Township Councilman, the late Franklin P. Donatelli, presented Sister Raymond, club moderator, with a Proclamation signed by Mayor Geri M. Samuel and spoke about his great love of trees as he was growing up in the area.

In the past, the environmental club had dedicated a Red Dogwood in honor of the victims of the Florida Everglades plane crash and a White Dogwood in honor of the Oklahoma City bombing of the Federal Building.

HONORING THE BEAUTY OF TREES…Surrounding one of the two flowering plum trees planted to remember the Columbine High School students are the Union Catholic Environmental Club (UCEC) officers and speakers at the Arbor Day ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are: Sister Raymond, UCEC moderator, Rosie Rodriguez, Ed Winsor, Michelle Meade, Michelle Silva, Kristen Vogel, Dawn Conte, John Stewart, the late Scotch Plains Councilman Franklin P. Donatelli, the Reverend Leonard Dembow and Allan Wright; kneeling is Christopher Sandiford, President of the Environmental Club.

Parents, Students React To Forum on Prejudice

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Response to last Friday’s “Shining a Light on the Shadow of Hate” program at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS) was mixed, both before and after the event actually took place.

Some students thought it would be a waste of time; some parents thought it held promise; other parents thought aspects of the program were inappropriate for high school students.

Designed to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity, the day-long program was coordinated by members of “SLAM,” (Students Learning About Multiculturalism, a program developed at Kean University), and other student organizations such as the Junior States Association (JSA), Future Business Leaders of America, Black Student Union, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Student Government Association and Model U.N.

SPFHS Principal Dr. David Heisey confirmed that rumors of a bomb threat circulated among students and parents the day before the program on May 20.

“On Thursday, rumors were flying around about a bomb scare, about potential violence on Friday,” Dr. Heisey explained. “We followed up on the rumors, which were found to be false and unsubstantiated.”

He acknowledged that some students did not attend school Friday because of Thursday’s scare. “Attendance was good on Friday,” he said, “though absenteeism was higher than normal. The program went off as planned. It went very well.”

Students who objected to attending the anti-prejudice program had the option to spend the day in the library/ media center. Of those students in attendance, the principal said: “Maybe a handful opted out of the program.”

SPFHS senior Lauren Blalock, who helped organize the program, summed up the heavier-than-normal absences by saying, “There were rumors. There was illness. It was Friday.”

“It went better than we all imagined,” Lauren continued. “The kids were enthusiastic, and the faculty couldn’t have been more supportive.”

The day’s events were disrupted during lunch when someone pulled the fire alarm and the building had to be evacuated. Once students were allowed to return, the program resumed.

She admitted the organizers kept quiet about the scope of the program, though parents were notified by letter of what the day’s schedule of events would be.

“We wanted to hit the student body over the head with it,” she explained. “Some parents chose to share that information with students. Others did not.”

Each high school student was assigned to four workshops during the day.

Workshops consisted of presentations, interactive sessions and de

bates. Lauren indicated presenters included individuals with direct experience with discrimination, such as individuals who are Holocaust survivors, wheelchair-bound, hearing impaired, overweight or living with AIDS. They included police who spoke about bias crime.

Other activities focused on team work, conflict resolution and cooperative learning.

JSA debate topics included: “Organized religion as the root of all evil;” “Affirmative action is wrong;” “Political correctness;” and “Violent incidents should not be broadcast on TV.”

One criticism of the debates was that debaters did not have a lot of facts to support their positions and were not as well-prepared as they might have been.

The comment was made that the teachers who were present in the classrooms might have made the debates more valuable by participating in discussions themselves.

Some participants saw a play entitled, Bang, Bang You’re Dead, which is portrayed from the perspective of a potential student killer. In the play, acted by the high school acting class, dead students haunt their killer, voicing the various life experiences they will miss in death.

Discovered on the Internet, where it was posted by its teacher-playwright (not from SPFHS), the play comes with a lesson plan designed to encourage interaction from the audience. The play was described as powerful and worthwhile.

Some parents objected to the more controversial material that was presented as part of the program, including a segment on same-sex marriage.

Linda DeNichilo felt the district overstepped its bounds. “It appears that someone wanted this so badly that it didn’t matter whether they run roughshod over parents’ rights, and introduce controversial material to a captive audience of impressionable young students,” she stated. Her son did not attend the program.

Other parents, whose children did attend, felt it had potential. One said: “If it helps open their minds, then it’s a good thing. How can it be bad to get together and talk about things?”

Another mother indicated the presentations her son heard were “nothing he hadn’t heard before,” such as anger management. As a result, he balked at the prospect of listening to it again, though he did attend the program.

While she could understand and relate to parents’ sensitivity to the more contentious topics, she said, “It’s good to shake them up and make them think.”

At the conclusion of the day, students were asked to complete an evaluation of the program. They were asked to rate the four workshops they attended, and to comment on ideas for future programs.

They were invited to suggest ways in which to reduce prejudice in schools and the community, and to comment on how their own feelings of prejudice/bias were changed by the program.

In addition to the evaluation, students were asked to complete a prejudice poll, describing how bigotry exists in the school and community. According to Lauren, results of the student survey will be compared to those of a national survey published in Glamour

magazine. The Fanscotian, the high school newspaper, is expected to report the results.

MONDAY, MAY 17

· Report of a burglary of a Plainfield Avenue business that occurred over the weekend. Entry was gained by smashing a rear garage door bay window. Once inside, a safe containing a small amount of cash and computer software was taken.

· A 16-year-old Township youth was taken into custody for shoplifting several cosmetic items from the CVS on Park Avenue. The youth was released to his guardian. The incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 18

· A Front Street service station reported receiving a counterfeit $50 bill from a patron driving a van with New York license plates. The incident occurred on Monday night.

THURSDAY, MAY 20

· Theft of a cellular phone from a vehicle parked in the 1800 block of East Second Street was reported.

FRIDAY, MAY 21

· Tokens and personal items were reported stolen from a vehicle parked in

the 1700 block of Mountain Avenue.

· Theft of a portable CD player from a student at Terrill Middle School was reported.

· Theft of six money orders in denominations totaling approximately $3,000 was reported from the Quick Check on Westfield Avenue.

FRIDAY, MAY 22

· At approximately 1 a.m., officers responded to 2704 Plainfield Avenue on a report of a domestic disturbance. Charlene Coleman, 39, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose after she allegedly inflicted two stab wounds to the victim, Mr. Calvin McCoy, whom she resides with. Mr. McCoy was treated and released from Muhlenberg Hospital with a small abrasion to the upper back and approximately two-inch puncture wound to the abdomen.

· Theft of a cellular phone and a diaper bag was reported from a vehicle parked in the 2000 block of Prospect Avenue. member of his campaign committee, de

clined an invitation to debate me in a letter dated April 29. A copy of this letter was provided by Ms. Wagner to The Times. In the letter, she explicitly states, ‘There will be no debate,’” Councilman Jung’s statement read.

“Ms. Wagner does not refuse the invitation based on a difference of opinion over the format or who should be the moderator. In fact, Ms. Wagner sets forth in the letter her reasons for refusing the invitation to debate quite explicitly.

“The reasons stated by Ms. Wagner in the letter were based on personal animosities toward the Fanwood Republican Municipal Chairman… and which have nothing to do with the campaign itself or the selection of a format or moderator.

“While there was some discussion over the selection of a moderator, this was not the reason why Mr. Valentino refused to debate. We suggested that the moderator be either the Fanwood Junior Woman’s Club or the Westfield Area League of Women Voters, two organizations who have traditionally held debates in our area.

“Ms. Wagner opposed both of these two organizations. She offered no alternative moderator and then issued her April 29 letter. At no time did Ms. Wagner suggest to me or a member of my campaign committee that a journalist or a member of the press be the moderator.

“If she had, such an alternative would have been perfectly acceptable to me. In fact, I hoped when the invitation for a debate was first made on my behalf that the debate would be televised by TV35.”

Ms. Wagner said she sent the April 29 letter to Mr. Trumpp after he had broken off their telephone conversation, and that

it reflected her feelings that Mr. Valentino had not been treated fairly. Mr. Trumpp countered that it was Ms. Wagner who ended their conversation over the debate.

In a written statement to The Times,

Ms. Wagner, who is handling public relations for Friends to Elect Dan Valentino, responded to a letter to the editor by Wilfred P. Coronato, Councilman Jung’s Campaign Manager, which appeared in another area newspaper.

In his letter, Mr. Coronato referred to Mr. Valentino’s membership in several local charitable organizations, and questioned the latter’s motivation in having joined these groups relatively recently.

“Why is it that Will Coronato, Campaign Manager for Lou Jung, feels such anger for Mr. Valentino’s volunteerism to charitable organizations?,” Ms. Wagner asked in her correspondence.

Mr. Coronato told The Times during the interview at the newspaper office that the letter was not meant as an attack on Mr. Valentino, but simply a question.

The winner of the GOP primary will run against Councilman William E. Populus, Jr., the Democrats’ uncontested Mayoral nominee, in the General Election on Tuesday, November 2.

One of the three current candidates will succeed Democratic Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly, who opted not to seek reelection this year because she is considering a second run for Congress.

* * * * *

Editor’s Note: Each of the candidates seeking the Republican Mayoral nomination in the Tuesday, June 8, primary was invited to submit a press release outlining why he believes he should be elected as Mayor of Fanwood. These releases appear on page 5.

Mrs. Littman, a long-time member and officer of the Scotch Plains Democratic Municipal Committee stated: “Lorraine Donatelli should be selected as she is more than capable of serving and would need little orientation. It is also the appropriate thing to do under the circumstances. She’s quite a lady and would handle the challenges in a gracious manner.”

Mrs. Hoff echoed Mrs. Littman’s sentiments.

“Lorraine Donatelli is a wonderful listener. She has the warmth and compassion that is so often missing is government today.

“She was by her husband’s side during 40 years of marriage and was totally dedicated to whatever tasks he under

took. All who know her respect her as a fair-minded individual who’s not afraid to speak up when need be and who can get her point across in a diplomatic way. Hopefully, the council will select her for the vacancy,” Mrs. Hoff stated.

Dr. Boright noted that the Memorial Day weekend cut down on the time the committee had to make its decision. The full council will have until June 16, the 30th day from the occurrence of the vacancy, to make its decision.

The council will be discussing the three names at its agenda meeting Thursday, June 3. Council members hope to be able to take a vote at its Wednesday, June 9, meeting, at which time the approved person will be sworn into office immediately.