The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 21-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, May 27, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J.

Published Every Thursday

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

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

JAPANESE CULTURE…Ann Bruett’s Four Plus class at St. Paul’s Day School in Westfield celebrated Japanese Children’s Day by wearing yukata (summer kimonos) and folding a kabuto (samurai warrior hat). Pictured, left to right, are: bottom row, Jessica Morse, Elizabeth Steller, Michael McGee, Lexi Zoraian, Holly Wiberg and Jack Santangelo, and top row, Marisa Hagger and Mrs. Bruett.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Cost of Patriotism Will be Focus of Memorial Day Ceremonies; Festivities Slated to Kick Off at 9 a.m. at World War I Monument

Town Not Conducting Dog Census This Year

The Town Clerk’s Office has announced that the town will conduct its annual dog census this year.

Dog owners should review dog licenses to be sure that they are current and renew them if they are not, officials said.

For further information, please call the Town Clerk’s office at (908) 789-4031.

HONORING LONGTIME VOLUNTEERS...Mary and E. Alfred Herberich, community volunteers since 1952, were honored by The Westfield Foundation recently. Frank MacPherson, President of the Foundation, congratulates the couple. Mr. Herberich, who was a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees and served as its first executive director, holds a picture of a park bench that The Foundation will place in Mindowaskin Park in their honor. Mrs. Herberich, who served as Chairwoman of the Westfield Board of Adjustment for over two decades, holds a certificate of appreciation from The Foundation. Pictured, left to right, are: Frank MacPherson and Mary and Al Herberich. Please see story on Page 8.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

County Set to Hire Consultant Tonight To Study Major Downtown Intersection

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are set to take action tonight to award a contract to a consultant who will study and make recommendations for improving traffic circulation at the intersection of Central and Mountain Avenues with East Broad Street.

Motorists routinely cut down Mountain to get to Central via East Broad in order to reach the Garden State Parkway and Route 1. Mountain is also a major roadway connecting Westfield and Mountainside to Route 22.

Officials have indicated that the final report will contain cost estimates broken down by intersection.

The board is set to award the $40,257 contract to T&M Associates, an engineering firm based in Middletown, according to Union County Manager Michael J. Lapolla. The contract is scheduled to be awarded during the Freeholders’ meeting beginning at 7 p.m. in the county’s Administration Building in Elizabeth.

The firm will conduct and analyze traffic counts and make recommendations for each of the intersections along the East Broad Street corridor.

The county has already completed an engineering survey of the affected area.

Mr. Lapolla squashed any talk of taking property from The Presbyterian Church in Westfield in order to widen Mountain Avenue.

The final decision on the improvements will rest with the Freeholders, since East Broad is a county thoroughfare.

“It’s a county decision, but of course we will seek municipal input (from Westfield officials),” he told The Westfield Leader on Friday.

The Town Council requested that the county undertake a study of the

intersection through a resolution passed on May 7, 1997, according to Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko.

Town Engineer Kenneth B. Marsh noted that town officials and police representatives met recently with members of the county’s Engineering Department to discuss the study.

Explaining the scope of the contract, Mr. Marsh noted that the study will feature a triangular area including East Broad, Elmer Street and North Avenue.

“Its a very comprehensive scope of services (included in the study),” Mr.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Special Town Committee to Begin Paring Down Proposals From Consulting Firms for Extensive Parking Deck Plans

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

A committee made up of town and elected officials is set to begin sorting through materials submitted by consultants interested in developing a plan for a town parking deck.

The town is considering four sites for a 300-400 multi-tiered deck that the consultant, when chosen, will be asked to evaluate.

These sites include Municipal Lots 1 and 8 on Prospect and Elm Streets,

Lot 4 behind East Broad Street stores such as Baron’s Pharmacy, Lot 9 at the intersection of North and Central Avenues and the South Avenue train station lots otherwise known as Lots 3 and 3A. Consultants were asked to rank each site in descending order of feasibility for a deck.

Ten proposals, received by the May 21 deadline included 16 of the 24 firms that had received requests for

proposals, or rfp’s, from the town. Some of the 16 responding firms combined their efforts in making complete reports, according to Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko. Six firms failed to respond after receiving rfp’s, while two companies notified the town that they would not be submitting proposals.

“It’s (the town’s request) a pretty extensive rfp and we got pretty extensive responses, which we knew we

were going to get,” Mr. Gottko stated. He said each of the proposals included a listing of firms, in addition to the lead company, to handle projects such as traffic consulting, engineering services and financing recommendations.

“This is not another parking study,” Mr. Gottko emphasized. “This is a proposal for a parking system,” which includes the location, height and size of the facility as well as how the town

could finance such a project. The lead proposals were received from firms in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Illinois, as well as New Jersey-based based companies in Cherry Hill, Mount Holly and Newark.

A selection committee consists of Mr. Gottko; Town Engineer Kenneth B. Marsh; Mayor Thomas C. Jardim; First Ward Councilman and Chairman of the Parking, Transportation and Traffic Committee Chairman Carl A. Salisbury; Second Ward Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman James J. Gruba; Downtown Westfield Corporation Executive Director Michael La Place and Planning Board Chairman Martin Robins.

The administrator said rfp’s will first be pared down during the selection process based on the qualifications of each of the firms, after which sealed costs estimates will be evaluated from the remaining proposals.

Mr. Salisbury said he would hope the consultant could be chosen in the next few weeks, with a final parking plan completed within 60 days of choosing the consultant.

He said once the analysis and location of the deck are determined, public input should be sought.

“I think that’s (public input) perfectly appropriate. I think it makes this project more viable,” he said.

In terms of the consultant’s report, he said in his opinion commuter parking is a “more acute and more immediate” problem than shopper and

Residents Seek Council’s Help On Parking for Doctors’ Office

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The increased business at a downtown doctor’s office has changed the character of the once residential neighborhood into one where hun

dreds of cars a week turn around in private driveways to park on the street and even partially or completely block driveways of homes in the area.

In a spirited plea to the Town Council Tuesday night, area residents explained how life on their street has become unbearable since a medical office located at 505-509 East Broad Street and 104 North Euclid Avenue, otherwise known as the Westfield Medical Group, has seen a significant increase in its practice.

James Textor of North Euclid Avenue explained that “our situation over the last few years has deteriorated.” A minimum of 45 cars are

parked in the neighborhood, including private ambulance service vehicles, which double park to let out patients, he stated.

Mr. Textor charged that variances granted by the Westfield Board of Adjustment in 1992 have been violated. As part of the Medical Group’s application, an existing boarded-up building on East Broad Street was demolished and replaced with a newer structure. A second building faces North Euclid.

He said staff were told to park onsite or at the Christian Science Church across from the Westfield Municipal

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Opponents of Tamaques, Brightwood Proposals Continue to Address Concerns Over Projects

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

With an open forum scheduled for Thursday, June 9, residents living near Tamaques Park came before the Town Council on Tuesday night to ask about the status of the parking situation in the park.

The forum, to be conducted by the Town Council’s Public Works Committee, according to Third Ward Councilman and Committee Chairman John J. Walsh, will provide an opportunity for residents to present their views – both for and against – a plan on the table to add two new lots and expand a third existing lot by paving over a portion of the lawn area. A total of $71,000 was approved by the council in the 1998 municipal budget for that project.

“That issue still has not been resolved,” Mr. Walsh explained. He said other options can be looked into if the additional parking lots proposed are rejected by the governing body.

That plan was put on hold with the council issuing “no parking” restrictions on the park’s main roadway. Last week, police revealed that 40 summonses had been written over the past few months.

A proposal to allow park users to temporarily park on the lawn was not agreed to by a majority of the council last week. Suggestions have also been made to allow for on-street parking in neighborhoods near the park when spaces are not available at Tamaques.

Two of the biggest opponents of that plan have been Michael Ancona and his wife, Monica Felsing, who reside on Dickson Drive which leads into the park.

Following Tuesday’s meeting, Mr. Ancona told The Westfield Leader

that, “apparently, no one on Town Council has the political leadership to tread on the fiefdoms which control recreation in town. They’re willing to waste another $70,000 on paving over Tamaques so that they can bury their real responsibilities. This makes one wish there were a political version of Viagra.”

Ms. Felsing added that in her opinion, “the Town Council gets an ‘F’ for not doing its homework on Tamaques.”

While she admitted there is an “occasional” overflow of cars during May and June, residents presented a

number of options last October “on how to solve this problem for the good of all the people who use the park 365 days of the year. The council better hit the books.”

Mr. Ancona proposed a new option where 46 cars could be parked along the right side of an existing two-lane road that leads down to the pond, circles around and comes back to park’s main roadway. Currently, parking is not allowed on this roadway.

While indicating he would look into the proposal, Police Chief Anthony J. Scutti said due to safety reasons, he doubts the concept would be a viable solution.

Noting that the area proposed by Mr. Ancona is an open area which

includes a playground and a parking lot, First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott said he is concerned that allowing parking along the strip would create the potential for “a major safety hazard.”

Mr. Ancona said he had hoped the June 9 meeting would be an opportunity to explore “the spirit of cooperation” in regard to a coordinated policy for all of the town’s and school board’s parks and fields.

Ms. Felsing said the council appears to be “prepared to destroy a beautiful park when you have not done a study. All you have done is put the no parking signs up.”

Mr. Goldman said all concerns addressed at the forum will be taken seriously, with the council, at some

point, having to make a decision on how best to address the situation.

Robert Mill of Village Green thanked the police for doing a “fine job at cutting down on speeding” in the park.

Meanwhile, Village Green resident Kevin Anderson said a recent study by another home owner found that 80 percent of respondents were not in favor of on-street parking as a permanent solution. Bob Simon, also of Village Green, said parking on his street is “unacceptable” to him.

On another issue, several persons voiced their continued opposition to any plan to develop the panhandle section of Brightwood Park which borders Scotch Plains.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader

SUBJECT OF TRAFFIC STUDY...The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected hire a consultant at its meeting tonight to complete a study along with recommendations for improving the intersection of East Broad Street with Mountain Avenue and Central Avenue for both motorists and pedestrians alike.

By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Cost of Patriotism will be the focus of the Memorial Day address given by the Reverend Donald K. Hummel, Parochial Vicar of St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church in Westfield and member of the West Fields Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R.), which will start immediately following the annual parade at the Colonial Cemetery on Mountain Avenue this Monday, May 31.

The ceremony, sponsored by both the Sons and Daughters of the Ameri

can Revolution, West Fields chapter, will be a traditional observance in memory of veterans of the Revolution and other wars.

According to Father Hummel, the address, will focus on the price that many paid for the freedom won in past wars and for the freedom stated in the Declaration of Independence. Father Hummel noted that men who won the purple heart “for emeritus service” pledged their lives for freedom as well as the gentlemen whose names appear on the Declaration of Independence, pledging their “lives, fortune and sacred honor,” before

signing the document. Father Hummel stated that this year marks the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s death and commented that the address would also include a talk about his many known contributions.

He stated that Washington led the Revolutionary Army because he “believed in the cause” even though he felt that he wasn’t schooled properly in strategic tactics necessary to be a general. Father Hummel also noted that the purple heart has a bust of George Washington on it.

According to John Lawson, Captain of the S.A.R. West Fields Color

Guard, more than 100 veterans of all wars are interred in the Colonial Cemetery and grave locations have been marked with flags.

There are 70 Revolutionary War soldiers buried as well as approximately 25 World War II and later servicemen. Graves also include soldiers from the French and Indian War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

The Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the Martin Wallberg Post No. 3 of American Legion as well as the Westfield Chapter of Veterans of

Foreign Wars (VFW), will start at 9 a.m. at the Monument to Veterans of World War I at the intersection of East Broad Street and North Avenue.

Opening and welcoming remarks will be heard from Edward Renfree, this year’s Westfield Memorial Day Parade Committee Chairman; Peter Hogaboom, Commander of the American Legion Martin Wallberg Post No. 3, and Mayor Thomas C. Jardim.

Dr. Marty Cohen, Commander of the Westfield VFW and Robert Farley, Commander for the VFW in

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

WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

County to Hire Consultant To Study Busy Intersection Memorial Day Festivities

To Focus on Patriotism ATTENTION SUBSCRIBERS

Effective June 1, 1999 The Westfield Leader and The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood will be adjusting the annual subscription price. Anyone wishing to renew their subscription or start a new subscription at the old rate of $20 is invited to call our office at (908) 232-4407 before June 1. There is no limit to the number of years you may renew at the old rate. All subscriptions/ renewals are prepaid. The new rates are:

1 Year $24 • 2 Years $46 • 3 Years $66

WE ARE ROOTED IN SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY

Information is the key to a healthy and prosperous community. The towns we serve have grown and flourished since we first began covering them 108 years ago and we pride ourselves in our

association with them. Become a subscriber today and you not only become a well informed member of today’s community, you become part of the rich traditions that make our towns truly special!

Yes, I want to become an informed member of my community.

Please start my subscription to The Times of Scotch Plains/ Fanwood The Westfield Leader

Union County Residents Send $20 per year ($ 24 elsewhere) to PO Box 250, Westfield, NJ 07091 or call (908) 2324407 Name

Address Town Phone

State Zip

Marsh remarked, noting that the study will include traffic counts and surveys, intersection designs and signal timing, as well as roadway striping.

The contract will be divided into two phases, the first of which will be included in conceptual plans to be completed within four months of the authorization of the contract. This phase will include design recommendations for each of the intersections covered in the study.

“Their (the county) goal is to go to construction within two years of the start of this contract,” Mr. Marsh stated, noting that a public hearing will be held prior to any action by the Freeholder Board to move ahead with construction.

Construction could include traffic signalization or physical changes to the intersections, along with striping changes and new signs to alert motorists.

Questioned on whether a traffic light is needed at the intersection, Third

Ward Councilman John J. Walsh commented, “We just want to make sure that people don’t get run over.”

Mayor Thomas C. Jardim said the Downtown Westfield Corporation Board of Directors recently expressed the need for officials to take a look at all traffic circulation patterns in the downtown.

Mr. Marsh said the study is a “real opportunity” for the town to gain valuable data that can be utilized in the future.

In responding to Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr.’s concern that parking spaces might be cut to improve traffic flow, Mr. Marsh said he “wouldn’t see any major changes” in street parking in the central business district.

Due to the lack of land available, Mr. Marsh said he doubts the project would involve significant geography changes to the Central/East Broad/Mountain intersection.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Westfield High School Announces Names Of Students On Third Period Honor Roll

The names of 505 students who earned Honor Roll standing during the third marking period at Westfield High School in Westfield were recently announced.

In the ninth grade, 29 students, or 8.55 percent of the 339-member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, which requires an “A” in all major academic subjects and no grade below a “B” in any minor subject.

One hundred and eleven students, or 32.74 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll, which requires an “A” or “B” in all subjects, major or minor.

In the tenth grade, 31 students, or 9.51 percent of the 326-member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, and 119 students, or 36.50 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll.

In the eleventh grade, 10 students, or 3.08 percent of the 325-member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, and 91 students, or 28.0 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll.

In the twelfth grade, 16 students, or 5.52 percent of the 290-member class, were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, and 98 students, or 33.79 percent of the class, were named to the Honor Roll.

NINTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Dania K. Aguero Mara Judd Joshua M. Bengal Shannon E. Kunath Alicia Bilheimer Megan A. Lesko Samantha Bourque-Trieff David Louie Julia Chabrier Matthew K. Lowenstein Michael Charney Erin M. McClellan Tara Christakos Rosanne Palatucci Erin E. Cockren Anura A. Patil Daniel Deserio Elisabeth P. Salemme Kiera Evans Daniel B. Seeger Rachel Falcone Gregory Stewart Heather B. Fishberg Rosemary Topar Robert Freundlich Pieter W. VanIperen Karen Huskey Miriam Zichlin

David Zorn NINTH GRADE

HONORROLL Christy Abdelmessieh Daniel R. Kagan Crystal Aldrich Janna Kamel W. Matthew Andzel Gangtae D. Kim Christopher Annese Aaron L. Klinger Kristin Anton Kirsten Kolb Lauren A. Baeder Steven Krakauer John Barbiere Katherine R. Kreil Sasha M. Bartolf Jennifer A. Lamont Tara Behr Morgan B. Lang Jonathan R. Bender Michael Lau Casey Benson Matthew Leiz Priya Bhasin Alex Leong Sara L. Bobertz Daisy D. Linares James Bridgeman Rui Lu Alexandra S. Brill Joshua Ludmer Matthew Brinkmann Jeffrey P. Luker Theodore A. Brown Anthony Lund Daniel J. Caprario Michael MacKechnie Ashley A. Carr Christopher Mackay Erica Cenci Sarah Mahran Matthew D. Chazanow Timothy Mansfield Lindsey Ciarrocca Christina M. Massa Bryan Clancy Martta McGlynn Maureen Cooke Sara McGovern Erin Corbett Brittany L. Miller Bryan Cordes Theresa B. Murphy Kevin J. Cutro Michael Nahaczewski Robert Daurio Ann M. Nason Courtney N. Donahue Molly Orbach James M. Donovan Jeremy Owens Amy Beth Early Neil Owens Erica Eisner Morgan Pearlman Gregory R. Elliott Elizabeth A. Perrella Alexandra F. Fetissoff Andrew K. Pidkameny Joseph Fischetti Andrew Pilecki Amy L. Frank Kristen Pollock Pamela Fried Marian Pomann Katherine A. Gilrain Christine Romano Christopher Gismondi Sarah E. Round Bethany Goldman David J. Santoriello Elyse F. Goldweitz Scott Satkin Jessica Gordon Rory Schulman Adam Gormley Bree Sherry Eli Harel Brett Snowden Megan Hein Lauren E. Solon Elizabeth B. Heisler Jessica Ann Speir

Sarah Heitner Evan Statton Daniel L. Hertz Joanna G. Todaro Katherine Hild Anthony Tomasso Eric Hollander Charles P. Tortorello Lynn Ting Huang Melanie L. Totams Suanne Hutchinson Marie B. Tracy Gerritt P. Ill Andrea Waksman Nicole Infantino Thomas Weingarten Robyn Jeffries Jonathan P. Williams

Emily G. Yudkovitz TENTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Jacob D. Albertson Andrew Olsen David A. Bhasin Kate Onishi Jessica A. Bowers Elizabeth Ottoson Timothy Carroll Justin Pregenzer Ushma Dedhiya Meryl L. Roche Charles Dodge Jacob K. Rosenstein Brett Friedman Richard R. Rowe David P. Geenberg Christian Santomauro Richard Kaplan Randi Siegel Jennifer M. Korecky Carolyn F. Singer Lisa E. Krieger Joseph Swingle Kelly Ann Lane Sheil J. Tamboli Anne Loughlin Daniel J. Weinberg Shawn W. McCabe Christina Yang Victoria McCabe Allen Yu

Peter Yu TENTH GRADE

HONORROLL Rachel E. Ackerman Kyle A. Legones Marisa Anthony Andrew Lin Ingrid Arnold Aimee Lombard Ilyssa Barer Ryan S. MacDonald Christopher Beil Karen B. Manahan Ellen Debra Bernstein Kelley Masterson Steven M. Block Carolyn A. Matthews Aleksander A. Bodnar Daniel R. Maus Matthew Borchin Eileen McKeever Brent A. Bramnick Breigh Ann Menza Margaret A. Brautigam Michael J. Meredith Anthony S. Brown John W. Merriman Kevin Buckland Kristin Messina Mari Nicole Candelore Jessica E. Meylor John O. Carpenter Douglas Minarik Francesca Chabrier James P. Mitchel Julie Cleaves Evan J. Molloy Elisa Cognetti Rachel E. Moloshok Jessica L. Cohen Rachel Mooney Lauren E. Coltrera Conner Mulvee Rodger V. Curlik Julie M. Muroff Kathleen Czap David J. Napiorski Krystle K. Dixon Mary Nielsen Katherine Dobson Jacqueline Novick Christopher Dodge Erin O’Brien Peggy M. Doerr Denise O’Connor Bethany Dresely M. Ryan O’Donohue Sara Elizabeth Euwer Jessica L. Patterson Colby Fagin Julie E. Phelan Ian D. Federgreen Michael J. Pollack Adam Feinberg Caroline L. Powell Jennifer M. Fowler M. Frances Re Michelle Fullem Megan E. Rodd Bradley S. Gillin Joshua Rogers Daniel P. Gruen Ricardo Roig Clifford J. Haldeman Travis R. Russo Edward Harry Ashley Saul Kerry Hart Gregory G. Scanlon Andrew Hausker Farryl Scher Nichole A. Herttua Kathryn M. Schott Susan M. Hinds Christopher Schwarz Eleanor Hodara Matthew J. Seagull David Hodges Gavin Shulman Edward W. Hogan Lilya Shuster James Ryan Hogan Matthew Simone Rachael Horowitz Samuel Sobel Kevin M. Johnson Elizabeth A. Sweeney John T. Kane Elizabeth E. Tabachnik David King Lauren Talbot Allison D. Klass Katherine Trimble Mark V. Kolvites Pieter N. VanCort Lianna M. Kong Esther VanPykeren Nicholas Korn Jill Veltri Anna Kukula Margaret Wei Catherine Kuza Kristina Williams Jonathan B. Lau Jennifer Wilson Gwyneth Lederman Ki Bong Yang Evan J. Lee Tamara Yellin Alexander Leger Mun Ling Yeow

Eric Zimak ELEVENTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Stefanie M. Bistak Amy Ngeow Paige E. Corbett Elizabeth Nicol Sara Guerin Sarah Pietruszki Laura E. MacNeil Ines Wu Maura W. McMahon Jessica L. Wyckoff

ELEVENTH GRADE HONORROLL Elizabeth D. Ambrosia Jason B. Laderman Seth A. Augenstein Jonathan K. Larsen Kathryn A. Bartholomew Stephanie A. Larson Danielle F. Baukh Derek R. Lartaud Christopher Benson Rong Liu Kay H. Bhagat Rachel L. Luria Adrianne D. Blauvelt Jeff Lynes Michael C. Brunhofer Linda E. Madorma Matthew C. Cahill Julianne Mandrillo Clark E. Cambria Lauren A. Mattes William E. Cashman AubreyP.McGovern Kitty Chang Andre Moore Brian S. Chiger David Paik Sang Ho Choi Amanda W. Parker Michael J. Ciacciarelli Kristen E. Pastir Carrie A. Clyne Virginia R. Paynter

Robert A. Cunliffe Joshua M. Ponzio Elizabeth C. Dixon Mairen Priestley Jason Dreyer Joshua Ray Lindsey El Koury Justin D. Renard Jenna C. Ellsworth Sandra L. Rhein Sara Finestein Katherine R. Richards Timothy O. Flannery Daniel Rock Samuel Fleder Abigail Rose Julia W. Gates Kathleen M. Russell-Smith Christine Genova Michael Sanocki David L. Gialanella Joseph W. Schaefer Sasha M. Gibbons-Ohr Jennifer L. Schembs Shana Golembo Elizabeth C. Schundler Lisa R. Goodman Karima Shah Valerie E. Griffeth Yaron Sigal Neha Gupta Kathryn M. Solon Thomas Hanscom Abigail K. Speck Zachary A. Hanson-Hart Gabriella Spinnato Rose Davis Hely George A. Stribling, Jr. Megan M. Hobson Neil Talreja Yao Young Huang Daniel Tammaro Julie C. Iannazzone Gregory F. Tatum Sean P. Joffe Melissa Tirone Brett D. Kahn John Toriello Erica G. Kamler Tanya Tran Scott Kautzmann Michael D. Vaughan Adam N. Kaye Adam Wachstein Christopher Keenoy Kate Walsh Joanna D. Koeppel Joshua Warren

Valerie Wicks TWELFTH GRADE DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL Evan S. Baum Laurie Ann Hogan Tara Bhandari Rebecca A. Matro Inna Bruter Ilka Netravali Diana Burdulia Katherine Riley Seth Burstein Nefthi Sandeep George Chaung Michael Stotler Danielle K. Constandis Natalie Warren Laura Gornowski Andrew Wislocki

TWELFTH GRADE HONORROLL Tracy Aliche Jessica M. Lutkenhouse Kevin Anton Andrea Maltese Yasser Baig Susan L. Masteller Rebecca Brinkmann Jennifer Matro Donald J. Bucciarelli Sayaka Matsuda Sara R. Burnett Kathleen McGrath Marta Capasso Elizabeth McKeon Timothy Caprario Meghann McMahon Sara Jane Carpenter Amy E. Molnar Veronica Chapman Daniel Moore Jennifer Chiesa Bridget Murphy Francine Chow Donald H. Mutz Gladys Chow Caitlin Nish Andrea M. Constandis Thomas B. O’Connell Adrienne Coppa Melanie E. Page Jeffrey R. Diamond Jocelyn Pashko Todd P. Dowling Alana Passananti Laura Dvorak Emily K. Paul Julie R. Elmuccio Christopher Phelan Joshua Falcone Susan Phillips Jenna Fertakos Julia Pomann Michael Friedman Diana Pritsker Kitty E. Fromtling Amanda S. Purvis Brian Gatesy Vrinda Rao Yair Ghitza Alyson Rentrop Katherine D. Gildea David Roberts Brian Gillin Jamie L. Rood Rebecca M. Goldberg Brett Rosenblatt Lisa Gorbaty Allison Rosenthal Emilia Guasconi Brian D. Russo Adriana Luci Guerra Christine Salerno Bo Quan Han Beth R. Satkin Lauren Harris Harold R. Schliesske, Jr. Kelsey W. Ill James D. Schliesske Marie Isolda Alexander Schwarzer-Muth Christina R. Izmirlian Brooke E. Smith M. Oliver Janney Alicia Starkey Kristina R. Jarmas Robert Stroud Alexis D. Jemal Elise K. Tate John P. Kazazis Christine E. Thompson Amanda M. Kelly Nicholas Tricarico Elizabeth A. Kinahan Clint E. Trzesniowski Laura Krasnor Margaret Turner Richard W. Lang, 3rd Anna Urbanowicz Andrew S. Lange Katherine R. Valley Rachel L. Laskow Toby Weisslitz Joseph M. Lawrie Michelle R. Williams Emily Lieberman Melissa Willyard Erik H. Lund Robin A. Yudkovitz

downtown employee parking. He added that a deck could actually increase the inventory for shopping and employee parking spaces.

The rfp’s were sought by the Town Council in March. The consultant will meet with town and Downtown Westfield Corporation and Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce officials after completing the programming and site analysis, schematic design, cost and site analysis phases of the parking deck study.

Mayor Jardim said he hopes the council is able to “stay on track” in terms of its schedule for the deck study and the latter financing stages of the project.

“We need not dilly dally with this stuff,” he urged. The mayor indicated that the key will be for the council to zero in on a location for the deck and then get residents to “buy into” that plan in order to proceed ahead with how to finance such a facility.

“Everyone has an opinion. In a perfect world one site is absolutely better than the next” but in this case, he explained, each of the four proposed sites may have merit for construction of a deck.

Mayor Jardim said a process has been set up to remove any “second guessing” with regards to location and other aspects of the project.

Parking Deck Consultants Pared Down by Council

Rev. Dr. Darla Turlington Rev. Turlington Elected

President of CONTACT

WESTFIELD — The Reverend Dr. Darla D. Turlington, Minister of Christian Education and Evangelism at the First Baptist Church in Westfield, has been elected President of CONTACT We Care, the 24-hour telephone hotline and crisis intervention service based in Union County.

She has been a member of CONTACT’s volunteer group for more than two years.

“I first became involved with CONTACT’s sister agency, Helpline, in New York City as part of my seminary field work,” said Dr. Turlington. “I found it a meaningful service and continued even after my field service was complete.”

“After moving to New Jersey in 1988, I was pleased to discover CON

Trailside Center Slates Full-Day Of 4-H Activities

MOUNTAINSIDE – The Annual Union County 4-H Fair will be held on Sunday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Admission is free. The 4-H Fair will offer facepainting, children’s games, demonstrations, 4-H Club exhibits, water balloon toss, egg toss, bubble gum blowing contest, and refreshments.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Doctors’ Office Creates Parking Problem in Town

Opponents of Park Proposal Continue to Voice Concerns

MONDAY, MAY 17

· A resident of Central Avenue reported that harassing letters were left in her mailbox.

· A Prospect Street resident reported the theft of a bicycle valued at approximately $200 from the parking lot of the Westfield Memorial Library on East Broad Street.

TUESDAY, MAY 18

· Cynthia Thomas, 39, of Westfield was arrested and charged with shoplifting in connection with the theft of a cellular telephone from an East Broad Street business and four bottles of Tylenol from a South Avenue convenience store, according to police. She was being held on $250 bail.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19

· A Coolidge Street resident reported the theft of a cellular telephone from the front seat of his vehicle at Central Avenue and Cacciola Place.

· Joseph M. Astalos, 19, of Linden was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana after being stopped on Central Avenue for careless driving, according to police. Astalos was released on a summons.

THURSDAY, MAY 20

· A South Avenue automobile dealership reported the theft of four sets of tires and rims from vehicles parked in the business’s lot.

· A Westfield resident reported his vehicle was entered while parked on North Avenue and that numerous items were removed.

· Roger Valente, 51, of West Orange was arrested and charged with driving with a revoked license on Central Avenue. Valente, who police said was also wanted on contempt of court warrants from Westfield and Clark Township, posted $500 bail on the Westfield charge.

FRIDAY, MAY 21

· A Wyoming Street resident reported the theft overnight of a 1991 Honda Accord which was later recovered in West Orange.

· A Kent Place resident reported that her cellular telephone was either stolen

or lost.

· A Central Avenue business reported a shoplifting incident in which an object from the store was removed.

SATURDAY, MAY 22

· A bicycle valued at $20 was reported stolen from outside a Forest Avenue apartment complex.

· John D. Thompson, 18, of Westfield was charged with attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages while underage from a South Avenue liquor store, according to police. Thompson was released on a summons.

· A Grandview Avenue resident reported someone attempted to gain entry to her home after pry marks were discovered on one of the doors.

MONDAY, MAY 24

· Sixteen tires were reported stolen from four cars at a North Avenue automobile dealership, according to police. The value of the missing tires had not been determined as of press time.

· Four juveniles were arrested on charges of unlawful taking of a means of conveyance and with possession of burglary tools, authorities said.

Police responded to a call concerning two male suspects who were attempting to enter a four-door Honda on Cambridge Road, law enforcement officials confirmed.

When the suspects failed to gain entry to the locked vehicle, they returned to another four-door Honda in which they had arrived at the scene, police said. Authorities learned this vehicle had been stolen from Montclair.

Police pursued the car south on Central Avenue into Clark, where the suspects were arrested at approximately 1:30 a.m.

The juveniles charged included two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old from Montclair, as well as a 17-year-old East Orange resident.

The 16-year-old was additionally charged with possession of stolen property. All four were turned over to the Union County Juvenile Detention Center. Mountainside will also address the

crowd. American Legion Chaplain Henry Loffler will conduct the opening prayer and benediction.

Before the parade starts along its route, an a cappella performance of God Bless America will be sung by Kerry Stubbs, a voice teacher for the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts (NJWA) as well as a rendition of echo “taps” played by Dr. Theodore K. Schlosberg, Founder and Director of the (NJWA) and brothers Christopher and Matthew Velderman during a traditional wreath laying ceremony around the Soldiers Monument.

The Grand Marshall of this year’s parade is Robert Tinervin, a Vietnam War Veteran, who served in the war for five years. He has served as Commander of the Martin Wallberg Post and currently belongs to the Westfield Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He has lived in Westfield for 26 years.

After opening ceremonies, the parade will march up East Broad Street, turn left on Elm Street, right onto Orchard Street and take a right onto Mountain Avenue where services will be held at the Colonial Cemetery.

“The Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R.) and the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) will break ranks at the Colonial Cemetery to con

duct services honoring American military personnel buried there,” stated Stan Cuba, a representative of the Parade Committee from the American Legion.

Marching in the parade will be the Westfield Fire and Police Departments, the Volunteer Rescue Squad and vehicles, the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Fields Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, the Westfield Community Center, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Cub Scouts as well as five marching bands including the Westfield High School Marching Band, the Westfield Fife and Drum Corps, the Westfield Community band, the Bound Brook Drum and Bugle Corps and the New Jersey Field Music Fife Drum and Bugle Corps, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

“The rest of the parade will conclude at Fairview Cemetery in the veteran’s section where services will be conducted by the Westfield and Mountainside VFW. Also, a repeat performance of echo Taps will be done at the conclusion,” he explained.

Mr. Cuba also reported that in the event of rain, ceremonies will be held at the American Legion Meeting Hall. Information in this regard can be obtained by calling (908) 654-9181 where a recorded message will be available.

Building. Susan Debbie of North Euclid asked officials to revisit the application, given that the practice has seemingly “doubled the number of patients” over the past few years.

Town Attorney William S. Jeremiah, 2nd, said that while the town cannot control the number of patients the doctors see, if any violations are found, the zoning official will be contacted to issue a warning to the medical group. If that warning goes unheeded, summonses to appear in Municipal Court would then be issued.

Mr. Textor questioned whether a laboratory included in the facility is a permitted use under Westfield’s zoning restrictions, given its “volume of activity.” The lab was included in the application. The block is zoned for professional use.

The medical lab, he said, is one of three in Union County. The other two are located in commercial areas.

“This laboratory is advertised as a laboratory functioning beyond doctors associated with it. It is a laboratory which is using all of Union County,” he added.

In addition, he said variances approved by the board limit the practice at 509 East Broad to one doctor. Yet, currently, there are five doctors.

In addition, as part of the application, space was also allowed for a Wall Street financial consultant. Originally a satellite office to his New York business, Mr. Textor said, the consultant’s Westfield location now appears to be a full-time practice.

Per an agreement reached between the doctors and residents, he said staff were instructed to park at the Christian Science Church across the street when on-site parking is not available.

“We just do not have a block that can support the type of activity that is now ongoing,” he added.

Mr. Jeremiah, whose office is located directly across the street from the medical office, admitted he has seen an increase in parking along North Euclid.

The Planning Board attorney at the time of the application, he stated he will

Mr. Walsh said while the Recreation Commission has determined the town is in need of additional park space for the many sports programs in town, he is not certain the Brightwood plan will move forward.

He said the Commission will reach out to the baseball and soccer associa

look into the “alleged violations of the zoning law.”

“Our block is not open to compromise,” said Mr. Textor, referring to the safety of children living on the street. “When its easier to park in front of the Gap than it is in front of your house, that’s wrong, that’s got to change.”

Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr.’s suggestion that street markings could be added to restrict onstreet parking, was not viewed as a favorable option to the neighbors.

Ms. Debbie said the “ugly yellow lines” would make her feel as though she lived in a city rather than a residential town like Westfield. She said a number of patients, many of whom are elderly or handicapped, do not obey the current parking rules in the area.

Mr. Jeremiah said he will meet privately with the neighbors, as well as the doctors, to review the matter. The attorney vowed to make a full report to the council next month.

Mary Kamins of North Euclid, a 33year resident who lives across the street from the medical office, explained that the constant on-street parking “is something new” over the last three years, “so we have to do something about it.”

She said there are 15 staff members “who park on our street all day. They are there from eight o’clock (in the morning) until eight at night.”

In fact, her husband said he has counted as many as 100 cars turning around in their driveway daily. The couple had to have there driveway replaced.

It has gotten so bad that some neighbors said they have resorted to placing garbage cans in their driveways to prevent cars from pulling in.

“What are we going to do? We want our street back,” she asked. “We want something done now, not next year.”

Linda Lextor of North Euclid said she and her husband live half way up the street, and parking is now gone beyond their home.

Acting Mayor Lawrence A. Goldman said the matter could be placed on one of the standing council committee agendas this summer to expedite the issue.

tions to see if they favor the plan. If not, he sees the plan being killed.

Westfield resident Aurora Lee said the town should look to expand its recreational offerings elsewhere without “taking our natural refuge.”

Scotch Plains resident George La Vecchia, Jr., added that he is concerned that any development at Brightwood will cause an increase in traffic into Scotch Plains.

TACT We Care,” she added. The organization trains and supervises adult volunteers who listen and provide understanding and assistance to anonymous callers to help them work through their problems.

Volunteers do not solve the callers’ problems or offer solutions, but facilitate problem solving by listening, according to CONTACT spokeswoman Arlene Klemow.

Dr. Turlington described her goal as representing the presence of God in times of loss and celebration, and to remind people not to separate their faith from everyday life.

“I especially appreciate that CONTACT allows for the caller’s faith to be part of the healing process,” she remarked.

Dr. Turlington completed her doctoral studies in the New Testament at Columbia/Union Theological Seminary in 1987. She has held her position at the First Baptist Church since 1991, when she was ordained.

Prior to this, the Florida native taught comparative religions at Pace University in New York City for three years.

“I hope to stay involved with CONTACT throughout my life,” said Dr. Turlington. “It’s such an important agency, so respectful of the individuals it serves.”

See Us On The Web www.goleader.com