The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 40th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 42-99 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. Thursday, October 21, 1999

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

Arts................Page 20 Business ........ Page 19 Classifieds ..... Page 18

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

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

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Candidate Forums Set Throughout Area; Kick Off in Scotch Plains By HORACE R. CORBIN

Specially Written for The Times

The week of televised Candidate Forums 1999 sponsored by The Westfield Leader and The Times of Scotch Plains/Fanwood and The League of Women Voters started on Monday night in Scotch Plains where Republican Council Candidate Frank Rossi and Democrat Council Candidate Phillip Wiener squared off for over an hour in debate over property taxes and municipal budget issues.

The Westfield Candidate Forum was held Wednesday night as this newspaper went to press. The Mountainside Forum will be held this Thursday night, and the Fanwood Forum will be held tomorrow night.

All events, which are open to the public, begin at 8 p.m. in their respective Council Chambers.

The Candidate Forums will be aired several times in the evenings on local access television stations prior to the elections on Tuesday, November 2. The public can view

their local access channels for posting of the schedules for showings of these debates.

TV-34 is the local access channel for Scotch Plains, TV-35 covers Fanwood and Mountainside and TV36 represents Westfield. A detailed report of these events will be published in these newspapers next week, October 28, in the special election issue.

On Monday night in Scotch Plains, both Mr. Rossi and Mr. Wiener were well-prepared and articulate in expressing their differing views over a wide range of issues pertinent to the township.

The issues discussed covered taxes, budgets, open space referendum, direct election of the Mayor referendum, grant monies, flood prevention, improved services, business district development, inter-government cooperation, the former Terry Lou Zoo property, the hedge property and Ash Brook development.

In his closing statement, Mr. Rossi stated that he has the experience, credibility and accountability to best

serve the public. Mr. Rossi expressed that he has respect for the process and for the people traits, he said, that have been lacking this year in the existing Democratic majority.

Mr. Wiener closed by saying that Democrats closed the deals for grant monies and other initiatives to move Scotch Plains ahead. He stated that the Republicans had not been fiscally responsible in their past proposals for the budgeting surplus.

“What can be done? Be responsible,” Mr. Wiener said.

In Westfield, eight candidates are vying for four council seats currently held by the Republicans seeking re-election. In Mountainside, two Republican Councilmen are seeking re-election. They are opposed by one Democrat.

Mountainside Republican Mayor Richard F. Viglianti is running for re-election and is unopposed. In Fanwood, four candidates are seeking two council seats.

Fanwood Councilmen William E. Populus, Jr. and Louis C. Jung

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Grand Street Fence Approved Despite Disapproval of Residents By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Times

Despite the objections of several residents opposed to a white vinyl fence erected around a private property at 2005 Grand Street in Scotch Plains, the township Zoning Board of Adjustment last Thursday decided the structure could remain standing.

The property, which is owned by Mauro and Portia Checchio, on the corner of Montague Avenue and Grand Street, is currently the residence of Mrs. Checchio’s daughter, Polly Schlegel, and her two teenage children.

The all-white fence that the Checchio’s had installed in March by Arrow Fence of Scotch Plains is constructed of four-feet solid, striated vinyl panels, topped by two-foot lattice panels, and several 9-inch posts. There is a 5-inch clearance height from the ground, raising the

overall average height of the entire fence to 6 feet 5 inches, and over 7 feet high at the posts.

A petition against the fence was circulated by the Checchio’s Montague Avenue neighbor, Norman Medenbach, whose property abuts the fence.

According to Mr. Medenbach’s petition, the fence violates a township ordinance, which stipulates the maximum height of 4 feet for a fence that abuts the front yard of an adjoining property. The petition also faults the Checchio’s for not obtaining a variance before beginning construction.

Ms. Schlegel stated that the fence builder told her that he checked with the township and said they did not need a variance because the ordinance allowed for a 6-foot backyard fence. After discussion, the Zoning Board concluded that the most re

strictive front-yard ordinance would apply, which would limit the fence to 4 feet.

The board also concluded the lattice panels must be considered in the overall height of the fence.

Portia Checchio testified that this type of fence is necessary in order to block out unwanted noise from speeding traffic, as well as to retain privacy.

Ms. Schlegel added that she wanted to block her view of the refuse in Mr. Medenbach’s backyard. She also told

The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

that she has had numerous problems with vagrants and trespassers in her yard.

Mrs. Checchio presented several photos of solid fences, similar in height, that have been approved by the board for corner lots.

Mr. Medenbach told the board that he called the township’s Building Inspector Robert LaCosta to the site during construction of the fence.

According to Mr. Medenbach, Mr. LaCosta ordered that construction be

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Residents Remain Concerned Over Future of Dean Oil Site

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

Fanwood residents remained concerned last week over the future of the Dean Oil property, overshadowed since September by reports that contaminants may have seeped onto the property from adjacent lots in the half-block area between LaGrande Avenue and Second Street.

During a three-hour regular meeting of the Borough Council last Thursday, presided over by Council President William E. Populus, Jr. in the absence of Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly, members of the audience questioned officials about the contamination reports and how the problem could impact future development proposals for the 1.3-acre site.

Three weeks ago, the Fanwood Planning Board denied a develop

ment partnership’s controversial application to erect a two-story apartment complex on the property following several months of hearings. The applicant, LaGrande Realty Associates, LLC, has the option of appealing the board’s decision in Superior Court.

Among the reasons cited for rejection of the application was the uncertainty over whether pollutants had indeed traveled onto the site. During a board hearing last month, developer Vincent Bontempo revealed that an environmental technical firm had uncovered evidence of contaminated runoff groundwater on the property.

Harry McNally of Second Street, who lives near the site and testified several times over the course of the board’s hearings on the appeal, asked council members last week how the borough could have been “blindsided” to the problem prior to September.

Borough Attorney Dennis Estis replied that local officials had not missed the problem, explaining that the property became eligible for development after underground storage tanks and contaminated soil were removed from the site.

Following the mandatory cleanup, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sent a letter which made a reference to the off-site contamination, but declared that “no further action” was necessary in terms of the Dean Oil site itself. Mr. McNally urged the council to “stay on top of the situation.”

Former Fanwood Councilman David Pickering asked whether the Planning Board would be obligated to supply information about the reported contamination to any future applicants who might be interested in developing the site.

Mr. Estis said he did not believe there was any obligation per se, but anticipated that any applicant would require the seller, Savers’ Shares of Morristown, to produce the “no further action” letter from the DEP. The letter, he added, would include the off-site contamination reference.

Planning Board Chairman Gregory Cummings told The Times later in the week that he expected the reported contamination would be an issue the board would need to address with any other applicants interested in the Dean Oil site.

A controversy of a different sort involving the property erupted briefly during the meeting, when Democratic former Councilman Bruce H. Walsh said he was told by several people that Republican Councilmen Louis C. Jung and Stuart S. Kline had publicly opposed the apartment complex proposal while campaigning door-to-door earlier this year.

Openly opposing an application is considered a potential conflict of interest for a council representative, since a ruling by the Planning Board in favor of the applicant could be appealed by residents to the governing body.

A member of the governing body who had previously opposed the application would be obligated to abstain from the proceedings, thereby reducing the number of council representatives available to hear the appeal.

Mr. Jung, who is running for Mayor this year against Councilman Populus, and Mr. Kline, who is seeking a second council term, both denied the allegations. Councilman Jung said he “made no statement in the public forum” regarding the Dean

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Friends and Family Turn Out to Remember Three Local Men Honored in Vietnam Memorial By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL

Specially Written for The Times

A large, sometimes somber crowd gathered together October 15 at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS) cafeteria to pay tribute to a unique in-school memorial honoring three local young men who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.

The memorial, which was designed by three high school students during a year-long research project last year, is located in three over-sized glassenclosed lockers. Each of the three lockers is filled with personal memorabilia, photographs, shadow boxes containing replicas and originals of the men’s ribbons and medals and a U.S. flag.

The three men who were memorialized, Charles S. Burns III, Eugene W. Hendricks and Edward M.

Klaniecki, were all residents of Fanwood who lost their lives between 1966 and 1969 while serving their country.

According to Scotch Plains Fanwood High School history teacher and advisor to the students’ project, David Bellows, the memorial originated from three high school students, Michael Bligh, Christine Doyle and Allison Campell, during a 19981999 school year U.S. History class.

Mr. Bellows also indicated that all three students, who graduated last May, made trips from college back to Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School to finish carrying out their year long project.

Accepting an award presented to honor Charles S. Burns III was his sister Cathie Schinski, who now lives in San Rafael, Calif. Also in atten

dance representing Captain Burns was his son Kevin and Kevin’s wife, Amy, who live in Boston.

According to the students’ research, Sergeant Burns was a 1958 graduate of SPFHS, who died in late September 1966 at the age of 25.

He left behind his son, Kevin, who he never had a chance to meet, and a wife, Susan, who died a few years ago.

He was a Captain in the Army and was a Fixed Wing Pilot in the First Aviation Brigade. He had earned a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal.

During his years at the high school, Captain Burns played in the Moonglowers Band and his saxophone is one of the articles featured in the memorialized locker.

Speaking on behalf of Eugene W. Hendricks, a Holy Trinity High School graduate who was killed in Vietnam at the age of 22, was a Holy Trinity High School classmate, friend and basketball teammate, Gerry Hughes.

Mr. Hughes reported that Mr. Hendricks’ father, Eugene Hendricks, Sr., could not attend the tribute because of illness.

Mr. Hughes gave the audience a small glimpse of who Eugene was during a tearful reading of a letter written by Mr. Hendricks to another teammate and friend, Stan Stanley, who also could not attend the ceremony.

Mr. Hughes went on to introduce other members of the 1964 basketball starting line-up for Holy Trinity,

William A. Burke for The Times

POIGNANT REMEMBRANCE…Friends and family members of three former Fanwood men who lost their lives during the Vietnam War gathered October 15 at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School to pay tribute and to view a unique memorial erected in the men’s honor at the high school. The memorial, which consists of three glass-enclosed over-sized lockers, is positioned in a hallway inside the school. The memorial was a school project of three high school seniors during the 19981999 school year.

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Mr. Bagger Opts Not To Run for Congress

The doors to Washington, D.C. opened a little wider this week with the announcement by Republican Assemblyman Richard H. Bagger of Westfield that he will not seek his party’s nomination in 2000 for the Seventh Congressional seat.

Mr. Bagger was on the list of those officials considered for the nomination which opened up when current seat holder Republican Congressman Bob Franks of Berkeley Heights announced the formation of an election campaign committee to run for the U.S. Senate.

He will run for the seat currently held by Frank Lautenberg. The three-term senator announced that he will retire when his term expires at the end of next year.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Franks said a formal announcement on that campaign kickoff is expected within the next few weeks, after the Tuesday, November 2, General Elec

tion. “After consulting with several present and former members of Congress, I concluded that campaigning for and serving in the House of Representatives would take me away from my young children both during the week and on weekends for most of the year,” said Mr. Bagger, the father of three daughters, a sixyear-old and two-year-old twins.

“While I would be honored to serve in Congress and am confident I could wage a successful campaign, my family simply must come first. This vacancy occurs at a time in the life of our children when I want to spend time at home, and need to spend time at home, rather than working and campaigning essentially seven days a week,” the Assemblyman continued.

He concluded by stating, “To the many people who encouraged me to

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Common Cause Ordinance to be Reviewed By Ethics Board Before Council Consideration

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

The Scotch Plains Township Council wants to move forward with adopting an ordinance being pushed by Common Cause of New Jersey that would prohibit any political fundraising activities on municipal government-owned property.

Before anything is finalized by the Council, however, Township Attorney Andrew M. Baron stated that he wants to get the input of the Township’s Ethics Board.

Common Cause first proposed the ordinance to the Council more than a month ago, saying its intent was “to keep separate the ‘People’s Business’ from the business of political fundraising.”

Mr. Baron told the Council at its Tuesday night conference meeting

that, on first reading, he thought “the intent is a good one,” and pointed out that “unofficially and voluntarily, both parties in Scotch Plains are adhering to what’s in the draft ordinance.”

But he thought it would be “premature of the Council to adopt it without the input of the Ethics Board.”

He did say that the Council could first adopt a resolution of intent with regard to the ordinance, an idea supported by Mayor Geri M. Samuel.

Mr. Baron did express some concern about the draft ordinance’s proposed penalties, which call for up to 90 days of community service or jail time of 90 days or a fine of up to $1,000.

The Township Attorney termed the sanctions “rather draconian.”

Councilman William McClintock Jr. said it was also important to determine whether a political fundraiser at a Township-owned facility, such as the Scotch Hills Country Club, would fall under the purview of the proposed law.

Meanwhile, Councilman Tarquin Jay Bromley expressed his belief that no political fundraising should be done on any public property.

Turning to downtown business district matters, Councilman Martin Marks told his colleagues that the Downtown Task Force met with several experts about the establishment of a special improvement district (SID) for the business district and discussed the issues that would need

to be addressed should a SID ever come to pass.

He noted that three years ago, a SID was considered, “but didn’t get very far.”

Councilman Marks said in the next few weeks, the Task Force “will be reaching out to businesses to talk about further steps” and to “explore what benefits might be” derived from establishing a SID.

While saying “we’re not committed to this,” Mr. Marks noted that establishment of a SID would make Scotch Plains eligible for a variety of grants not otherwise available.

Mr. Marks also said that Township Attorney Baron will be meeting with the Township Planning Board about the so-called hedge property on Park

Page 12 Thursday, October 21, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

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SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

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Common Cause Ordinance To Be Reviewd by Ethics Bd.

Candidate Debate Forums Set Throughout the Area

Grant Street Fence OK’d Despite Citizens’ Disapproval

are vying for the mayoral position. State Assemblymen for the region, Richard H. Bagger and Alan M. Augustine, are seeking re-election and are unopposed.

Voter turnout is expected to be as low as 34 percent this year due to the lack of state and national races. Both

political parties, the Westfield Area League of Women Voters and these newspapers urge all citizens to vote on November 2.

For more information or voting locations, please call the local municipal clerk’s office or read this newspaper next week. halted until a variance was acquired.

However, according to Ms. Schlegel and Mrs. Checchio, Mr. LaCosta never issued an order to halt construction and only advised them to apply for a variance.

Mr. LaCosta confirmed, in testimony before the board, that he granted the Checchio’s permission to complete “a few more panels” in order to secure the backyard.

By Mr. Medenbach’s account, the Checchio’s ignored Mr. LaCosta’s “cease and desist order,” and continued construction for several days around the entire perimeter of the property.

Mr. Medenbach also testified that Ms. Schlegel had discussed the fence with Mr. LaCosta and knew that she needed a variance prior to beginning construction.

Ms. Schlegel denied having ever met with Mr. LaCosta prior to beginning construction.

Montague Avenue resident Paul Marioni testified that he opposed the variance “on principle” more than for aesthetic design reasons.

When asked if he had objections to the fence on design grounds, he stated, “Yes. It blocks my view down the street.”

More than eight people, in addition to the Medenbachs, stood up when the board asked those who were opposed to the fence to stand.

Ms. Schlegel objected to this action stating that these people were not residents of her neighborhood.

Each of the Zoning Board members commented on the fact that the Checchio’s should have applied for a variance before beginning construction.

However, despite this violation of procedure, the board members unanimously approved the variance to allow the fence to remain, with the condition that the Checchio’s lower the ground clearance in order to reduce the fence in height by a few inches, to bring the overall height below 6 feet, 3 inches.

Board Member Timothy Livolsi explained the reason for approval was because the board routinely has approved 6-foot fences for corner lots in the past.

Board Member Gail Iamatteo also conferred that “this board exists to set aside zoning ordinances to give certain aspects of relief.”

Board Member Thomas Perrucci also agreed that those who want privacy, especially in corner lots, are entitled to it. Several of the board members stated that they thought that the fence was aesthetically pleasing.

Mr. Marioni expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with the board’s ruling, and emphatically stated that this board “should just throw out all of the

township’s ordinances, and allow everyone to build whatever they want, then apply for permits, after the fact.”

When Mrs. Iammatteo stated that he was “out of order,” Mr. Marioni accused the board of being “out of order” and of “having no principles.”

In another case to come before the board, Joseph Staigar, a Civil Engineer and professional planner representing the Sunoco Corporation, testified that Sunoco was requesting a sign variance to replace the three existing signs that border three sides of Sunoco’s convenience store building on Route 22 and the corners of Willow and Myrtle Avenues.

The 5-square-foot back-illuminated signs would be replaced with updated back-illuminated signs displaying the corporation’s new logo and would measure 24 square feet each, a four-fold increase.

Mr. Staigar testified that the canopy that surrounds the top circumference of the store would also be replaced.

According to Myrtle Avenue resident, Charles Mayo, enlarging the signs four-fold would create an intolerable situation for the Willow Avenue and Myrtle Avenue residents due to increased illumination.

Mr. Mayo stated that the canopy had already been replaced by an illuminated canopy and part of the new logo was also in place, “lighting up the neighborhood, like a three-ring circus.”

Several other residents also testified that the new canopy added a notably increased amount of light and glare into their homes.

Mr. Staigar said that the canopy was not illuminated and that this was a misperception on behalf of the residents. He also testified that the new signs, although four times as large, would not give off any additional “foot-candles” of illuminated light.

However, Mr. Staigar could not answer how much wattage the old signs versus the new signs have, when asked for wattage amounts by the residents.

Township Engineer Dennis Harrington asked Mr. Staigar if the new logo could be downsized to accommodate the neighbors. Mr. Staigar said that he would have to research that option. Sunoco’s attorney Henry Ramer requested a continuation in order to obtain the additional information.

A final decision by the board was postponed until the Thursday, December 2, meeting.

A variance for a public storage facility on Route 22 and Myrtle Avenue, by applicant Public Storage, Inc. which the board determined would take up several meetings, has been postponed until Thursday, November 4.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4

· A Swansmill Lane resident reported the theft of a cellular telephone from his vehicle. The window to the vehicle was left open.

· The theft of a generator from a house under construction on Shackamaxon Drive was reported to police.

· A windshield was smashed on a vehicle parked in a lot on Park Avenue, it was reported.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6

· Gregory A. McGarry, 26, of Maplewood was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated on Route 22 and Union Avenue. McGarry was involved in an accident in which the other vehicle fled the scene.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

· Charles Johnson, Jr., 34, of Plainfield was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated on Terrill Road in connection with a motor vehicle stop for a traffic violation.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

· A cellular phone was reported stolen from a locker at Union Catho

lic High School.

· A burglary to the Public Works garage on Plainfield Avenue was reported. Entry was gained by forcing a door panel. It was undetermined if anything was taken.

· Cast iron pieces were reported stolen from a Plainfield Avenue business.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

· A Newark Avenue resident reported that bricks for construction were stolen from a pallet in the driveway overnight.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10

· Gary Savage, 22, and Leroy Savage, 33, both of Piscataway, were arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams after a motor vehicle stop on Terrill Road. Marlon Mendez, 23, of Piscataway, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was turned over to Plainfield Municipal Court. A fourth passenger in the vehicle was released without charges.

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Assemblyman Bagger Opts Not to Run for Congress Oil application, while Mr. Kline called the allegations “a personal

attack.” Thomas P. Ryan, Jr., who is also running for the Borough Council on the Republican ticket, said he had campaigned against the Dean Oil application, but that his running mates had not done likewise. Mr. Ryan does not currently hold elected office.

The candidate co-chaired a group called Fanwood Citizens for Responsible Development, which led the fight against the apartment complex. Recapping the history of the case since last February, Mr. Ryan thanked fellow members of their organization for their support, saying “our impact was effective and immediate.”

Under other business, the governing body approved several ordinances on first reading. One asks the North Jersey District Post Office to investigate prospective alternate sites for the Fanwood Post Office. The facility has outgrown its current South Avenue address, where it has been since the 1960s.

A second ordinance calls for the establishment of five additional bus stops, including two on either side of Midway Avenue near Tillotson Road and Hunter Avenue, plus a fifth on South Avenue just west of Hetfield Avenue. The additional stops would supplement 17 others along South and Midway which were designated by the council last year. The purpose of the new stops is to make it more convenient for people to catch busses along Midway Avenue.

Officials also approved an ordinance on first reading confirming renewal of the borough’s franchise agreement with Comcast Cablevision. As part of the agreement, Comcast will contribute $5,000 toward the cost of having a consultant work with the borough’s Long Range Planning Committee.

Another ordinance passed on first reading would amend a previous ordinance which approved a capital lease agreement with the Union County Improvement Authority for the purchase of various types of equipment, including a generator for the rescue squad building which was expected to cost $13,500.

Because the generator wound up costing less than anticipated, there is money left over for a fire alarm system for the squad’s headquarters. The original ordinance had to be amended, however, in order to allocate funds for the alarm system, officials said.

Another ordinance would restrict parking on Waldon Road during school hours. The ordinance involves the area of Waldon 250 feet off of Westfield Road.

Rounding out the council’s agenda was the announcement that Mike Panella has been named to the Long Range Planning Committee. Following this was a salute to various individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community, along with acknowledgment by the council of special causes spotlighted during the month of October.

Proclamations were issued designating October as National Arts and Humanities Month, YWCA/Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Later in the meeting, Adele Kenny, a local writer and breast cancer survivor, offered powerful testimony concerning the importance of mammographies and early detection, which she called “the best defense against this devastating disease.”

She additionally encouraged members of the governing body and others to wear symbolic pink ribbon pins in remembrance of those who have died of the disease, in support of those fighting it and in celebration with those who have recovered.

Paraphrasing the words of another breast cancer survivor, Ms. Kenny recited the inspirational passage, “When I look in the mirror I don’t see that my breast is missing – I only see that my cancer is gone.”

Resolutions were presented to Fanwood’s Fire Department and Rescue Squad, both volunteer units, for their efforts in helping the community cope with the effects of Hurricane Floyd last month.

Fire Department personnel responded to about 50 residences affected by Floyd. Members of the Rescue Squad also assisted people locally and were among the emergency units from around the state who aided flood victims in Bound Brook in the wake of the devastating storm.

Councilman Jung offered an apology to Fanwood’s police and fire departments and the rescue squad for having given the impression in a recent press release that he was critical of the units’ handling of the storm and its aftermath.

In his release, published in The Times

on September 30, Mr. Jung proposed that the borough enlist the assistance of local religious and civic organizations to help residents cope with situations such as those created by Floyd.

During the council meeting, he said he only meant to suggest that these groups could support emergency response efforts when it was safe to do so by performing tasks such as handing out informational flyers to the public. He also praised the borough’s emergency service units for their efforts.

Daniel Weiss was also honored with a resolution for his contributions to the Fanwood Memorial Library since becoming its Director two years ago. Since that time, the library has become fully automated, received $85,000 in grant money, undergone physical improvements and enhanced its roster of programs and services.

Helen Ling, the owner of the Enchantments gift shop on South Avenue in Fanwood, was presented with a resolution celebrating the 10th anniversary of her store. She is also the owner of Enchantments Too on South Avenue. In addition, Jeffrey Scott Reichman was recognized for having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

A resolution was also issued honoring the Fanwood Lions Club on its 50th anniversary and in recognition of the work of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School students Mike Bligh, Allison Campbell and Christine Doyle, who conceived, planned, researched and financed the development of a Vietnam memorial at the high school.

The memorial, which was dedicated last Friday evening, honors three Fanwood residents who were killed during the Vietnam War.

Suzette F. Stalker for The Times

GOLDEN OCCASION…Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell, left, presents a resolution to Fanwood Lions Club President Phyllis Fisher, a former classmate, and Charlie Schadle, right, saluting the local Lions Club’s 50th anniversary this year. The presentation was made at last Thursday’s Borough Council meeting. Looking on is Council President William E. Populus, Jr., who presided at the meeting.

Residents Remain Concerned Over Future of Dean Oil Site

Scotch Plains Mayor’s Gala Scheduled for November 7

SCOTCH PLAINS — The ninth annual Scotch Plains Mayor’s Charity Gala will be held on Sunday, November 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung.

Tickets are on sale through Friday, October 22, at the Scotch Plains Department of Recreation Office or at the Scotch Plains Public Library. Tickets are being sold for $48 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a sit down dinner, dessert and a live band.

This year’s honorees include the Scotch Plains Lions Club as Outstanding Organization for its contributions to the community, and club representatives Virginia Rachko for Outstanding Individual Female and Lions Club Ex-President Norman Bendel as Outstanding Individual Male. These honorees have contributed numerous hours of volunteer service to the community of Scotch Plains.

Proceeds from the Gala will be given to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Municipal Alliance Committee which sponsors many programs for the youth and adults in the community to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

In order to raise additional funds, the Scotch Plains Y will co-sponsor a 50/50 raffle at a cost of $2 a ticket during the Gala. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Recreation Office or

from any committee member. For further information, please call the Recreation Office at (908) 3226700. which included Charlie Kiley and

Westfield based lawyer, James Flynn, who were both in the audience.

Also introduced was the 1964 captain of the cheerleading squad for Holy Trinity, Patty Simmons.

Mr. Hughes noted that the four teammates and Mrs. Simmons all signed a basketball that is an article featured in the memorial. He concluded, “Gene was truly one of our country’s best and brightest. He died for his country so that you can live and walk your school halls in peace.”

According to the research done by the three students, Mr. Hendricks was a Staff Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force and was an airplane crewman of the Seventh Air Force.

His awards included a Purple Heart, a National Defense Service Medal, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Receiving the memorial award on behalf of Mr. Hendricks was his first cousin, Bobby Lamberts.

Receiving an award to remember Edward M. Klaniecki was his mother, Christina Klaniecki, who now lives in Whiting.

Other family members in attendance were his sister Christina Klaniecki-Balicki, brother-in-law Richard Balicki, nephews Kevin Balicki, Ryan Balicki and Chad Balicki, brother Stephen Klaniecki and his wife, Mims.

It was noted that Mr. Klaniecki’s other brother, Michael, could not attend the ceremony because he is presently on duty for the Coast

Guard. According to the research done by the students, Mr. Klaniecki graduated from SPFHS in 1966 and was killed as a result of enemy fire only four years later at the age of 21. His rank was a Specialist Fourth Class U.S. Army Infantryman for the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

His awards included a Bronze StarValor (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), a Purple Heart, a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal.

It was noted that Mr. Klaniecki had worked for a landscaping company in Watchung and planned to study forestry, but then joined the armed forces instead.

At the end of the profiles, the students publicly thanked their teacher and project advisor, Mr. Bellows and Joe McCourt of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Union County Chapter, for their advise and help in coordination the project.

Afterwards, they invited the public to see the memorialized lockers, which stand right outside the left door of the cafeteria.

It was noted that these lockers contain some original items from the three men that were donated by family members. Also noted by the students was that some of the medals were originals and others were exact replicas.

The stone for the name plates were reported to have been the same stone used at the Washington Vietnam Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial located in Holmdel.

Vietnam Memorial Honorees Recalled by Family, Friends

run and pledged their support, I am honored by your confidence in me and grateful for your offer to help. I look forward to continuing to represent the 22nd Legislative District in the General Assembly and building on the things I have accomplished in the State Legislature.”

Mr. Bagger was first elected to the Assembly in 1992. He was reelected in 1994, 1996 and 1998.

He served as Westfield Mayor in 1991, a position he resigned from upon his election to the Assembly. Prior to that, he served six years on the Town Council.

GATHERING TOGETHER…Students from The Christopher Academy Teacher Training Course in the Montessori Method gathered before the last day of class at the academy’s Scotch Plains location. The Christopher Academy is the oldest Montessori school in the state and one of the oldest in the country. The Christopher Academy Teacher Training Course is a charter member of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. The course certifies the student to be a teacher at a Montessori school and is internationally recognized.

Avenue in front of the Municipal Building about possibly changing the zoning of the small tract of land.

The Council has been considering the details on how to most effectively

develop the property. One plan under discussion for the property includes the construction of a two-story building.

Asthma Program Scheduled By Registered Nurses Group

SCOTCH PLAINS — Kathleen Esser, Education Specialist at Barnert Hospital in Paterson, will address the League For Educational Advancement for Registered Nurses (LEARN) on Monday, October 25, at 7:45 p.m. at the All Saints Church Parish House in Scotch Plains.

The program, entitled “Asthma: Traditional Medicine vs. Holistic Approach,” will enable participating nurses to compare and contrast medical management versus the holistic approach. It will provide current alternative methods for the treatment of asthma.

The educational program, submitted for approval by the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA), provides

2.4 contact hours. NJSNA is accredited as an approver of Continuing Education in Nursing by the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

LEARN, a professional organization for Registered Nurses, offers eight programs an academic year on current nursing topics.

Remaining programs include “Brain Tumors: What’s New on the Horizon” on Monday, November 22.

LEARN’S annual membership is$35 or a guest fee of $10 per program. For information, please write to LEARN, P.O. Box 6, Scotch Plains, 07076 or call the Program Coordinator at (908) 272-7239.

Saturday, Oct. 22, 7:00 P.M.

New Technology at Library

Saturday, Oct. 22, 8:00 P.M.

Multi-cultural Festival

Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:00 P.M.

Fanny Wood Day & Car Show

Sunday, Oct. 24, 7:00 P.M.

Story of Millennium Clock

Sunday, Oct. 24, 8:30 P.M.

Political Debate Council & Mayorial Candidates

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 7:00 P.M.

Fanny Wood Day & Car Show

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 8:00 P.M.

Political Debate Council & Mayorial Candidates

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 10:00 P.M.

Millennium Clock Dedication

Thursday, Oct. 28, 7:00 P.M.

Political Debate Council & Mayorial Candidates

Thursday, Oct. 28, 9:30 P.M.

Multi-cultural Festival

TV-35 Schedule