Wesley Hall thanks Westfield Rescue Squad for visit

by Lea Kaluzny and staff of Wesley Hall, Westfield

Monday December 01, 2008, 11:07 AM

To the Editor:

The Westfield Rescue Squad came to visit the 4 year old classes at the Wesley Hall School for Early Childhood.

Kelly and Josh, two of the squad members, taught the children about calling 911 when there is an emergency. They even allowed the children to sit in the ambulance and see the stretcher, oxygen mask and blood pressure machine. At the end of their visit, they put on the flashing lights and the siren.

Their goal was to help the children to feel comfortable with the EMT workers and ambulance and they did a fantastic job.

The staff at Wesley Hall would like to extend a big "thank you" to Kelly and Josh and the Westfield Rescue Squad!

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Women Helping Women fundraiser a big success

by Members of PEO Chapter U of Westfield

Monday December 01, 2008, 11:04 AM

To the Editor:

P.E.O. Chapter U of Westfield, an educational organization wishes to thank everyone who came out to our two recent garage sales held at the home of Betty Evans in Mountainside. In spite of the hurricane weather on Sept. 6 when we participated in the town-wide garage sale, we were encouraged enough to schedule a second one on Nov. 7 and 8. Again, we had one good day and one rainy day. However, we are happy to report that we have made a total of $1,500.

The Chapter would also like to thank two wonderful neighbors Ruthie Goense and Jean Gallager both of Mountainside for their great help and support.

"Women helping Women" is what we're all about. For a long time no one talked about the work we did, now we're trying to get the word out about P.E.O. projects. They include grants loans and scholarships.

Again, thank you all for helping us to go way beyond our expectations! For m ore information about P.E.O. go to www.peointernational.org.

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Hetfield House 'spirit' resents intrusion into territory

by Don Jeka, Mountainside

Monday December 01, 2008, 11:01 AM

To the Editor:

This is a time of year when spirits abound. Many benevolent ones celebrate the coming holiday season, but others resent intrusions into their territory.

So it was with Dave Potash, O.S.A. Systems, Cranford, installing an alarm system at the Hetfield House, Mouintainside's historic 1760 site, on a cold clear day in mid November.

According to Dave, "I've done thousands of these systems in my professional life but this time I kept forgetting the sequences, dropping tools and otherwise getting confused," he explained. "Normally, we'd be done by five o'clock or so but this time we're still here at seven. And I had to check things that were otherwise routine with the tech support people."

Finally he got the job done, looking over his shoulder all the time ---"and I was happy to get out of there," he added. "Most of my jobs are in companies or family households where parents and kids are at home and I can go about my business with the expected background noises which are no bother."

It seems the 'spirit' didn't appreciate a stranger in the house and perhaps wasn't up to speed on electronic technology. Maybe, though, it realized there would be motion sensors in the house and that would be an immediate giveaway, not to mention door and window sensors also. No problem, however when you can melt through walls.

"First, I couldn't get the front door opened because the latch kept sticking until it finally gave way. Then, I got hit with a blast of cold air even though the heat was on a low maintenance level, and it was dark and kind of creepy," Dave says.

"I don't want to make a big thing of it but it was a different experience for me."
A year or so ago, Jane Doherty, a local clairvoyant visited the Hetfield House to track the footsteps of suspected spirits and found evidence of them on both levels. Her experience was featured on a Channel 35 program, part of the "Welcome To The Hetfield House" series. Was there proof? There never is, but the fantasy prevails.

"Finally, Scott Daniels, chairman, asked me to explain the new alarm system to his committee during their monthly meeting and I ended up giving them the wrong number for one of the codes," Dave adds.

Was this the ultimate revenge of the 'spirit?'

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A Thanksgiving Letter

by Jennifer Jaruzelski

Wednesday November 26, 2008, 12:00 PM

To the Editor:

Thanksgiving is a distinctively American holiday, set aside for giving thanks for the blessings of health, food, shelter, family, friends and community. Perhaps no image is more closely linked to the holiday than Norman Rockwell's iconic illustration, "Freedom from Want." Inspired by FDR's "four freedoms" speech in which he invokes "economic understandings which secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for all its inhabitants," both the message and the image have special significance this November. Even in our current economic turmoil, America remains the richest nation on earth and we do indeed have much to be thankful for.

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Thank You St. Agnes CYO Rake & Run!

by Regina and John Schwankert, Clark

Wednesday November 26, 2008, 9:42 AM

To the Editor:

Back in July 1960, over 60 years ago, we found a wonderful lot in Clark with shade trees...the perfect place to build our home. We did not realize how quickly time would pass and we would be unable to do all that we needed to care for our dream.

On Nov. 16, our prayers were heard by Reverend Dennis Cohan and the CYO of Saint Agnes parish. Led by Barbara Dietrick's spirited efforts, a group of over 40 young adults and parents from St. Agnes rescued us with their "Rake and Run" program. In a short time they had raked and toted thousands of leaves from around the house while we cheered through the living room window from our wheelchair and walker. We cannot express our great appreciation for their work and the support of Joe and Agnes Fusco, our Eucharistic ministers, who helped make this possible.

This Thanksgiving we have many things to be thankful for, but most of all for the help of our family and for the fellowship of all those who spread their good works! We sincerely thank you and God bless you!

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Container filled with donations stolen from Kenilworth library

by KC Gocel, Kenilworth

Tuesday November 25, 2008, 1:00 PM

To the Editor:

Although I have never written to an editor before, I needed to today. I was upset and disgusted by the news of a theft at my town's library. A large, water cooler size container, filled with donations, was stolen in broad daylight last week. This crime has caused much pain for those who work in the library, those of us who donate regularly, and the children it affects. The money was for the kids!

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SPFMBA golf outing was a fundraising success thanks to support

by Kate Reilly, Scotch Plains-Fanwood

Tuesday November 25, 2008, 12:57 PM

To the Editor:

The second annual SPFMBA golf outing was held on Oct. 6, and was again a very successful fundraiser for the Association. Thank you to all of the local sponsors for their generous support and to all of those who participated in this year's event at Shackamaxon Country Club.

Thank you to the generous Hole Sponsors: Schiller & Pittenger, Counselors at Law, Kevin Glover and Theresa Mullen, SPFHS Trombone Line, The Music Shop, The Danik Family, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Shulman, Dr. & Mrs. Frank Besson, Sr., Double D Printing, The Lettieri Family, The Bagdonas Family, V&V Landscaping, Fanwood Dental Group, Memorial Funeral Home, R.J. Michaels & Co., The Bertoldi Family, Nancy Malool, Elefante Music, Vokes Piano, Decker Tape, PNC Bank, Go Au Pair and Espo Tree Service.

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Cranford resident speaks out during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

by Lee Cohen, Cranford

Friday November 21, 2008, 10:40 AM

To the Editor:

I am raising my voice during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month! For too long pancreatic cancer has been ignored; it is the most under-funded, under-recognized and least-studied among leading cancer killers. It may surprise you to learn that pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in our country, but receives less than two percent of federal cancer research funds. Further, pancreatic cancer deaths have increased, even in times when overall cancer death rates declined.

The time has come to ensure that progress is made on this devastating disease. Our community took an important step forward in September 2008, when The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research Act of 2008, H.R. 7045 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This historic initiative marks the first major piece of legislation that could address the astounding mortality rate of the most deadly cancer in the United States today, pancreatic.

I lost my father to pancreatic cancer over six years ago. With no early detection method or cure, he never had a chance to beat that horrific disease.

Join me and raise your voice during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. We must unite to make sure that the necessary funding to find the cure is made available and that our Members of Congress are supporting initiatives, such as H.R. 7045 that would provide the necessary tools and resources to make true advances against this horrible disease.

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League of Women Voters of the Union area grateful for work of Nancy Erdman

by Joan Azzarello and Sydelle Hirsch, LWV co-presidents

Thursday November 20, 2008, 10:03 AM

To the Editor:

The League of Women Voters of the Union Area is very grateful for the work of Nancy Erdman, third vice-president of the P.T.A. at the Connecticut Farms School for organizing the Students Vote Project. Thanks also go to the PTAs and the teachers of Union Township. Over 1,300 children from pre-school through high school participated with the co-operation of Dr. Jakubpwske, the superintendent of the Union Schools, and Noreen Leshiak, director of second curriculum testing. Mr. Ballin and Mr. Erdman of the Union High School History Department also helped.

Barack Obama was the winner with 1,053 votes, whereas John McCain received 300 votes.

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Hillside Avenue School student expresses gratitude to veterans

by Jonathon S. Furer, Cranford

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 9:59 AM

To the Editor:

I'm an eighth-grader at Hillside Avenue School. On Nov. 9, I had the honor to speak to the veterans at VFW in South Avenue. I learned so much about their sacrifice to this country and the world.

I really am thankful to the veterans and would like to share it to your readers:

I am proud more than anything to be an American. This country is the single greatest place in the world. Before us, freedom was only a dream; hope was only a dream opportunity was only a dream. Because of our veterans, this freedom, this hope, this opportunity is ours.

They have fought for our freedom. They have fought against tyranny.

And they are the heart and soul of America.

I am honored to live here, in the greatest country on the face of the planet. And it is all because of you - the veterans of the United States of America that I can wake up and know...I am free.

Thank you.

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Hoping President-Elect Obama chooses shelter dog for new pet

by Monica Felsing, Fanwood

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 9:56 AM

To the Editor:

During President-Elect Obama's first press conference, he was asked what kind of dog he planned to buy for his two young daughters. He replied, "This is a major issue. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic...On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts, like me. So whether we are going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue in the Obama household. The Obamas are leaning toward a goldendoodle, a hypoallergenic hybrid of a golden retriever and a poodle."

According to the ASPCA's web site pressroom, "One of the best ways the Obama family can find their perfect pet is through the Meet Your Match adoption program."

And when I spoke with the ASPCA's media pressroom recently, I was happy to learn that they have sent a letter directly to the Obamas explaining the MYM adoption program.

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Cranford Soccer Club thanks Chamber of Commerce

by David M. Paradiso, President, Cranford Soccer Club

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 9:03 AM

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted that the Cranford Soccer Club has been selected by the Cranford Chamber of Commerce to receive its Community Service Award.
The Cranford Soccer Club, in its 28th season, was established in 1980 as a not for profit organization with the purpose to support the development of soccer in Cranford. 

The Club is made up entirely of volunteers from the Board of Directors to the coaches and team parents. The Cranford Soccer Club is truly lucky to have the support of the community.

With the help of so many volunteers and community partners we endeavor to provide the best possible environment for our children to play.

It is deeply gratifying to be recognized by ones peers and community.

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Holiday volunteers needed for Salvation Army

by Tricia Pellegrini, Public and Community Relations Manager, The Salvation Army

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 9:01 AM

To the Editor:

The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign begins on Nov. 21. Particularly in these times of economic uncertainty, volunteers are desperately needed for four-hour shifts throughout New Jersey. In recent years, The Salvation Army has lost high-visibility kettle locations, which makes it even more important than ever to have red kettles manned by volunteers.

Kettle donations are used during the holidays to provide hot meals, warm clothing and small toys for children. As well, they are used throughout the year for Salvation Army programs and services such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, emergency disaster services, youth and senior programs and emergency assistance for prescriptions and housing.

Please volunteer your time and ring a bell to help those less fortunate. Individuals, school groups, churches, service organizations and clubs are welcome to call Judith Anderson at NJ Divisional Headquarters, 908-851-8236 for further information.

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Legionnaires dedicated to service, sacrifice

by Edward J. Miller, Kenilworth American Legion Post 470, Kenilworth VFW Post 2230

Wednesday November 12, 2008, 1:43 PM

To the Editor:

I, as an American, have always taken pride in my country, our flag and its great heritage. As a Legionnaire, I have always listened attentively to the stories of what my fellow comrades have endured on the front lines, the battles they have fought and how they received the ribbons and medals they proudly display on their caps. They forever speak of their fallen comrades in a reverent and solemn tone.

These men do not consider themselves heroes. They were just doing a job that had to be done to keep our country free. Most of all, these men have instilled within me a sense of patriotism I never knew I had.

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Local student expresses gratitude to veterans

by Jonathon S. Furer, Cranford

Wednesday November 12, 2008, 12:20 PM

To the Editor:

I'm an eighth grader at Hillside Avenue School. On Nov. 9, I had the honor to speak to the veterans at VFW in South Avenue. I learned so much about their sacrifice to this country and the world.

I really am thankful to the veterans and would like to share it with your readers:

I am proud more than anything to be an American. This country is the single greatest place in the world. Before us, freedom was only a dream; hope was only a dream opportunity was only a dream. Because of our veterans, this freedom, this hope, this opportunity is ours.

They have fought for our freedom. They have fought against tyranny.

And they are the heart and soul of America.

I am honored to live here, in the greatest country on the face of the planet. And it is all because of you - the veterans of the United States of America that I can wake up and know...I am free.

Thank you.

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