CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK
David B. Corbin
SPORTS
The Westfield Leader
Member of: New Jersey Press Association National Newspaper Association Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce
– Postage Paid at Westfield, New Jersey
The Official Newspaper of the Town of Westfield and the County of Union Official Newspaper of the Borough of Fanwood
and the Township of Scotch Plains
THE TIMES
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Westfield, N. J. 07091 P. O. Box 368 • 1906 Bartle Avenue Scotch Plains, N. J. 07076
Suzette F. Stalker
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Karen M. Hinds
OFFICE MANAGER
Horace R. Corbin
PUBLISHER
Gail S. Corbin
GENERAL MANAGER
Paul J. Peyton
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Periodicals – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Michelle H. LePoidevin
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT
Letters to the Editor
HANGNAIL
Folk etymology (F. E.) is an EnPeriodicals glish language phenomenon that
the meanings or spelling of many words. Such conversions often take centuries to complete. They result from a popular misunP. derstanding of the word’s true meaning. Hangnail is an excellent
of F. E. Joinour “etymologue”aswetravel from Germany to England, to watch the lowly hangnail travel upward from the foot to the hand.
The source of today’s annoying is the Anglo Saxon word angenaegl, which combines anteSUBSCRIPTION “pain” (anguish) and nasal“nail.” The original sense of nail or naegl was“acornon thefootthatresembled the head on a nail used in carpentry.”
Over the years, ang was enly translated as hang, and the word hangnail was as “a piece of dead skin at the or base of a fingernail.” In the process, the original angenaegl of the foot became known as a “corn.”
Hope you agree that we have re ally nailed this somewhat corny mology.
Police Men, Women Deserve ‘Thanks’ From Public for Dedicated Work
Everyday, dedicated men and women put on a blue hat, badge and gun belt to protect and serve our communities. They start their day,
most of us, to do the best they can to meet their responsibilities. We owe them a debt of thanks for this service.
The media seems to be filled with people who give these officers some magical power to contain a danger ous situation. Our police don’t have it. They have the lawful authority to
order a person with a weapon to drop it immediately. If that person obeys that order, we the people have
given our representatives in the field the tools and the right to protect themselves in lifethreatening situa tions. When our agents lawfully ex ercise that authority in the line of duty, we need to stand up and support them for protecting and serving us. We can do no less.
We can’t personally thank the numerous police officers who have been there for us over the years. But, we can say, “Thanks for the good job, Officer” to the next police person we meet in uniform. A ken word of gratitude will go a long
way to let these men and women in blue know that we appreciate their professionalism in serving our munity.
Brendan P. Culligan Westfield Reader Points Out That 21st Century
Actually Begins With Start of 2001
An article in last week’s Westfield
told about the Arlington Avenue block party being the last of this century.
Actually they still have next year. The ordinal centuries (18th, 19th, etc.) begin with the year 1 and end with 0. The 20th
started on January 1, 1901 and will end December 31, 2000.
We count centuries this way because of a decision made in 725 A. D. by The Venerable Bede. When Bede was given
task of standardizing on a system of dates, he expanded on the work done by Dionysius. Dionysius centered the dates around the birth of Christ. Since Roman numerals had no zero he started counting from 1. Therefore, we can welcome the 21st century on January 1, 2001.
Frank C. Froelich Westfield Union County Will do its Homework
Before Deciding on Open Space Tax
The recent editorial in The West field Leader and The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood of September 2, provided a great deal of background regarding theproposedUnionCounty initiatives on open space acquisition and improvements to the county’s existing park system.
As you pointed out, Union County officials have announced that they will be considering a ballot question in the year 2000 that would allow voters to speak their own minds as to whether the county should adopt a dedicated assessment to fund open space acquisition and park land imLeader provements over the next 10 years.
As chairman of the recently apcentury pointed committee to study this is sue, I wanted to assure your readers thatthe committeehasbeenrequested to hold public hearings, collect inthe formation on this issue, survey other counties that have created such trust funds (currently every county bor dering Union County has a funded open space program, as do 16 of the state’s 21 counties), and survey the governing bodies of each of our nicipalities.
Moreover, members of the holder Board and County Manager Michael Lapolla have underscored the need to assess the impact that any proposed dedicated open space and park land assessment would have on the overall property tax picture for Union County.
Over the next several months, the committee willbeworkingdiligently to prepare the best possible set of recommendations for the ers to consider.
Ultimately, democracy works for the benefit of its citizens when they
have access to timely and accurate information and when they have the opportunity to exercise their own judgment at the ballot box.
Henry J. Ross Chairman Ad Hoc Committee on Open Space
and Parklands Reader Disputes Recent Review
Of Local Jazz Trio’s New CD
As a follower of jazz, I was ap palled at the treatment of the Bluth, Messina, Chattin Trio and their new CD, “Formations,” in a review by Michelle H. LePoidevin published in the August 26 issue.
Her unkind and insensitive re marks do a disservice to this very accomplished trio of seasoned jazz artists (one of whom, it was noted, is a local Scotch Plains resident). In their defense, one only has to check the trio’s web site to confirm the positive critical acclaim from na tional jazz critics which has, without exception, accompanied the release of each of trio’s CD titles. Therefore, why the abuse? disIs this type of misguided negative
review any way to support local ists? Not only is it clear from the reviewer’s remarks that she has little understanding or ear for the nuances of jazz music, but it is apparent she also lacks a fundamental respect for the genre and the artists.
The reviewer’s difficulty or inabil ity to appreciate the trio’s music, however, is no grounds for ing this CD as “... 74 minutes of
waiting for something that never spocame.” The depth, complexity, and beauty
of the music is present on every cut of this fine recording. Truth be told: the
comBluth, Messina, Chattin Trio ers. And the reviewer missed it.
Thomas C. Scott Cranford
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FOR PUBLICATION mistakReady,
Set, Go for Fall: “FestiFall,” Campaign Festoon and Football
Everyone’s back and it’s going to be an exciting Fall. You can tell Fall has arrived as you follow a schoolbusinboggeddown trafficanddodgeanother
etydriversneaking byontheright who’slookingtheother way while talking on a cell phone.
After Labor Day, one returns from the leisure summerroutineandcompresses backintotheirusual life slot. For those with a touch of claustrophobia, there’s a little anxiety compared to the peaceful summer. For everyone, there’s an explosion of soci etal energy.Chargedwithpentupdreams,dutiesand goals, it’s time for everyone to get ready, set, go. Let the games begin.
Hillary and Bill now have their house picked out and they’re setting down their carpet bags. We’ll be awash with that rhetoric. But, don’t be distracted from the more important and interesting campaigns — those seeking office in our neighborhoods and towns.
In Westfield, there’s millionless Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. of almost game show fame, running for reelection to the Town Council along with three of his Republi can colleagues. In this numbers game, the four Re publican incumbents are trying to hold on as Demo crats are looking for a way to knock one of them off the council dais.
If the Democrats can win one of these seats, for the first time in Westfield history, they will hold the majority. The campaign is going to be fun — with no stone to be left unturned. Expect the unexpected and all kinds of legerdemain.
InScotchPlains, atwistoffate broughtaboutbythe death of Democratic Councilman Franklin Donatelli has left the whole government up for grabs, as an electionispendingto decideMr.Donatelli’sreplace ment on the Township Council. It’s 32 now, with the Democratsincommand,based ontheirsurprisesweep last year of all three seats.
Mayor GeriM.Samuelhad thoughtshewassecure for fouryears.Sheand hercolleaguespushedforward a healthy budget and a large tax increase, with howlings of foul from Republican Councilmen Mar tin Marks and William F. McClintock, Jr.
The sparks from Mr. Marks stems from winning words and literature prepared by the Democrats during last year’s campaign season, which called for a tax reduction and accused Republicans of over spending. The Republicans were resigned to waiting for four years for the chance to get even. But now, it’s a whole new ball game.
For the best action on television anywhere, watch theScotchPlainsTownship CouncilmeetingsonTV 34. They wear their emotions on their sleeves and
don’t hesitate to draw their six guns. They’ll be smokin’.
Fanwood is a small town with a lot of pride and big dreams. A handful of people succeed in many note worthy community accomplishments. But Fanwood citizens will have their hands full with the mayoral election this year. Republican Louis C. Jung and DemocratWilliamE.Populus, Jr.,bothveterancoun cilmen, are squaring off for the top seat.
Current Fanwood Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly seems to be gearing up for another run for Congress. AndUnionCountyFreeholder Lindad.Stender,who has also served as Mayor of Fanwood, seems to be in the thick of things with big aspirations at the county level while running for reelection.
At the Union County level, elections will be “ho hum.” It will be a continuation of the clean sweep for the Democrats. There’s just too much ballast from Elizabeth for the Republicans to have a chance.
Inreverse,Mountainside electionsare“faitaccom pli” for the Republicans. Mayor Robert F. Viglianti and hiscolleaguesarein soundshape.OneDemocrat is running for the Borough Council, so there will be somedialogue.
So, local politics will be as much fun as football — and with just as much hoopla — this Fall.
Epilogue: With Governor Christine Todd Whitman bowing out this Tuesday from the U. S. Senate race, many questions arise: Does she just not want the hassle? Is she picked to be the candi date for Vice President with Texas Governor George W. Bush? Perhaps there are more underlying rea sons. Nevertheless, this opens the way for gressman Bob Franks to run for Senator. And if so,
would Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim be eyeing Congressman Franks’ seat? What about Assemblyman Richard H. Bagger? Other area Sen ate contenders could include multimillionaire Jon Corzine of Summit, the retiring CoChairman of the investment banking firm Goldman Sachs. Mr. Corzine’s friends say he might have plenty of time on his hands for a race in 2000. And then there’s former Governor Jim Florio, the law partner of Westfield Planning Board Chairman Martin Rob ins. There are many domino scenarios.
These are exciting times and good for the region. The pace will pick up even more as New Jersey’s Bill Bradley continuestopushAl Gorefromthespotlight in his bid to become the Democratic frontrunner for President. Of course, many foresee Scotch Plains’ State Senate President Donald T. DiFrancesco as the next Governor of New Jersey. The Democrats only wish he was a Democrat.
Letters to the Editor
Consumers Can Save Money Using Long Distance Calling Plan
By KAREN ENSLE
For the past two years or so, it seems like we’ve been bombarded with advertising for “1010xxx” (also known as dialaround) calling plans.
Recently, the results of a study of “1010” calling plans conducted by Consumer Action, a San Francisco consumer advocacy group, were nounced.
After examining 11 widelyadver tised“1010”callingplans,Consumer Action concluded that you might save money using these plans. Then again, youmightalso paymore.Thebenefits (if any) of “1010” plans depend upon which long distance carrier and ing plan a person currently uses and
his/ her typical calling patterns (e. g., length of calls, time of day, U. S. sus international, etc).
According to Consumer Action, eventuthe
terms “1010” and “dialaround” redeoriginated
with long distance pany access codes that you can use to bypass your primary long distance carrier. Capitalizing on consumers’ ability to bypass their subscribed rier, dialaround companies came on
the scene about two years ago and now earn about $2 billion annually.
Just like many store label foods are made by nationally advertised manu facturers, many “1010” companies are owned by major longdistance carriers. For example, AT& T owns the “Lucky Dog” dialaround that promises consumers a chance to win prizes when you use 1010345 to place a call. MCI WorldCom owns 1010321 and 1010220.
ConsumerActionadvisesconsum ers not to use dialarounds for inter state calls, unless you are sure they charge no monthly fees or percall minimums. Instead, find a long dis tance calling plan with a traditional carrier. One reason is pure conve nience. Dialaround plans require consumers to dial seven digits before a phone number, for a total of 18 digits.
If someone in your household for gets to dial the proper number se quence, and you haven’t signed up for a discount calling plan with your primary carrier, you could end up paying basic long distance rates the highest rates of all.
In addition, “1010” plans with flat rates can be costly. For example, the 1010220 plan, owned by MCI WorldCom, charges a flat rate of 99 cents for 20 minutes. This means
Conthat, whetherthe calllastsoneminute
or 20, you pay 99 cents. This is true even if an answering machine picks up the call and you never get to speak with anyone directly.
According to Consumer Action, only two major “1010” plans do not charge flat rates. They also deter mined that interstate long distance rates ranged from 7 cents per minute
to 28 cents per minute for daytime calls of less than 10 minutes duraP. tion.
Several “1010” plans had comchanges plex pricing structures based on the time of day and/ or length of a phone call. Where they seemed to excel, however, was in rates for overseas calls.
anConsumer Action advises a comexample
parison between dialarounds and your primary carrier’s international discount plan, however.
Like all consumer purchases, the watchword for “1010” calling plans is “buyer beware.” You are not guarhangnail anteed to save money with “1010” calling plans and, in fact, you could callpay
more. Before signing up, get the facts.
ver* * * * *
This MONEY 2000 message is sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension. MONEY 2000 is a proally,
comgram designed to increase the finanfined
cial wellbeing of New Jersey resiside dents through increased savings and reduced household debt. carFor further information about
MONEY 2000 and other educational programs, please contact Dr. Karen Ensle at (908) 6549854.
New Program Readies Teachers For Positions in Westfield Schools
WESTFIELD — To prepare for the new school year, which began yesterday, September 8, in the Westfield Public Schools, 48 newly assigned teachers completed a four day program this week. The teachers were the first to attend a new seg mentof theprogramdevelopedwithin the framework of the district’s re cently launched Westfield Teacher Institute.
This portion of the program in volved the first two days of training, in which 10 teachers currently on staff in the Westfield Public Schools ran workshops and shared ideas with the new hires.
The Westfield Teacher Institute is an outgrowth of the district’s strate gic planning efforts and is intended to support teaching initiatives for both new and veteran teachers throughout the school year. The de sign for the Institute was created by a representative districtwide com mittee of teachers and administra tors led by Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janie Edmonds.
The remaining components of the orientation program were organized by the individual schools and the Mentoring Committee. Teachers were introduced to the workings of their individual schools and offered guidance and training. A formal mentoring program provides year long support for those teachers re cently graduated from college.
Mostofthe newemployeeswillfill vacancies resulting from retirements or resignations. Some new positions have been created due to increased enrollments or recent state core con tent curriculum standards.
The new teachers and their assign ments include:
Franklin Elementary School
Joanne Ply, Reading Specialist
Jefferson Elementary School
Mary Bennis, fourth grade Cathy Dobiszewski, Resource Room
Ann Marie Schneider, Nurse Kareem Thompson, fifth grade Jessica Vierschilling, Kindergarten
McKinley Elementary School
Shani Arnette, third grade Krista Donofrio, Kindergarten Joseph Paradise, fourth grade
Tamaques Elementary School
Lisa Renee Barretta, Transitional Kindergarten
Monica Gundrum, Kindergarten Marissa Katz, fifth grade
Washington Elementary School
Christine Esemplare, Kindergarten
Wilson Elementary School
Nicole Barca, fourth grade Dianne Coulson, Librarian Alessandra DeCandia, third grade Kathleen Ellis, Reading Specialist Tova Felder, third grade LisaQuackenbush,ResourceRoom
Franklin/ Jefferson/ Tamaques/ Edison
Linda Tridente, Music
Edison Intermediate School
Kimberly Jonny, Drama/ Speech Jason McNeece, Resource Room Anna Murray, Language Arts Michele Puccio, Special Education Michael Redmond, Mathematics William Ruscica, Resource Room Elizabeth Syers, Mathematics Anthony Sylvester, Social Studies Marilyn Toriello, Resource Room Mary Tracy, Spanish Maggie Yockel, French
Roosevelt Intermediate School
Hazel Adolphson, Spanish/ French Karen Doherty, Language Arts artBrice Freeman, Instrumental Music
GonzaloGonzalezVazquez,Spanlike ish/ French (Roosevelt/ Elementary)
JoAnn Hamel, Mathematics Carlene Hendricks, Spanish Glen Kurz, Language Arts Kimberly Skrnich, Language Arts Mary Foley Smith, Health Lynne Steuerle, Mathematics
dismissWestfield High School
Roy Chambers, Art Dagmar Finkle, Library Media Specialist
Mark Harper, Chemistry Julie Levine, Special Education Amy Lockwood, Social Studies Lynne Michalski, Mathematics delivStaci Miller, Psychologist
New administrative personnel to the district include: Michael Cullen, Principal –TamaquesSchool;Regina Kiczek, Kindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics Supervisor; Joseph Malanga, Principal – Washington School, and Helen Poole, English Department Chairwoman — Westfield High School.
New assignments for Westfield Public School district staff members include:
Cheryl O’Brien, Principal — Edison School; Denis McMorrow, AdministrativeSupervisor,Roosevelt School; Robert Roth, World Lan guages Supervisor, Kindergarten throughGrade 8,andMariaSchmidt,
Studies Supervisor, Grades 6 through 12.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William J. Foley, joined other school administrators,representativesofthe WestfieldEducationAssociationand the Westfield Board of Education in welcoming the new teachers and administrators at a breakfast in their honor on September 2.
SPF ROTC Sponsors Free Jazz Concert
The Scotch PlainsFanwood High School NJ821 Junior ROTC will sponSocial sor a free jazz concert on Wednesday, September 22, at 7: 30 p. m. in the High School Auditorium. Complimentary tickets can be picked up at the main office. A ticket is required for admission! For further information about the concert, please contact the main office at (908) 8898600.
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