The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 24

C-2 THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2000 COURIER NEWS Want more local news? Read all about it in the COMMUNITY section, every Wednesday COMMUNITY iffy NEWS BRIEFS line attorney or referred to other service providers. Sujata Parida booth and waiting room. Marcy Behrmann MIDDLESEX New schools chief may be hired soon A new superintendent of schools could be hired by early next month, said Nancy Hunter, board secretary and business administrator. The district received about 48 resumes in response to newspaper ads for the job. Following a review and rating by a four-member committee, about three dozen candidates were invited to fill out an extensive application.

Hunter said a superintendent is expected to be chosen from the six to nine candidates who have been identified for in-depth interviews by the board. During the board's Monday meeting, Anthony Gonnella was welcomed in his post as interim superintendent. Terrance Bren-nan, who was superintendent for the past five years, resigned recently. Laurie Levoy fe 111 i IK 1-1 Hillsboro talcing case to regionals -4 Wong of Montgomery was judged best witness. The judges were State Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero and Robert E.

Guterl, assignment judge. The Somerset County competition began Feb. 7 with 10 teams in two brackets. Hillsborough gained finals Monday night by defeating Bridgewater-Raritan in a playoff. Peter Ceccacci and Ken Abrams, both of Hillsborough, were named best attorney and best witness, respectively, by Superior Court Judges Helen E.

Hones and John Richardson. In earlier rounds, Mount St. Mary defeated Franklin; Montgomery defeated Watchung Hills; and Watchung beat Immacula-ta. By Courier-News Staff SOMERVILLE Hillsborough High School defeated Montgomery Wednesday night in the finals of the Vincent J. Apruzzese Mock Trial Competition.

The winners will compete in regional competition beginning Monday at the Law Center in New Brunswick. The state finals will be held at the same site starting March 23, and the national competition will be May 11-14 in Columbia, S.C. In Tuesday's finals in the historic courtroom of the Somerset County Courthouse, Nicole Roscoe of Hillsborough was chosen best attorney and Stephanie Cavagnero L. r- I If CENTRAL JERSEY Alternative route teachers cited New Jersey Commissioner of Education David Hespe announced Wednesday the 25 Dodge Fellows for 1999-00, outstanding first-year teachers hired through the state's alternative route program. Central Jersey recipients were: Rachel F.

Evans, who worked in several theater-related jobs, from production stage manager to costume designer, and who now teaches theater and dance at Middlesex County Vocational and Technical High School; Kathryn B. Jensen, a chemist and research scientist, who teaches physical science and chemistry at Manville High School; Paul D. Munz, a naval officer who teaches mathematics and technology at Union County Magnet High School for Science, Mathematics and Technology. The recipients were selected from a pool of 400 applicants. Finalists were evaluated by a panel of teachers, principals, superintendents and former Dodge Fellows.

Each fellow received a $1,000 teaching fellowship. The money, donated by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, are used to help pay the costs associated with alternative route certification. Leslie Boyd FISH program marking 10th year The FISH Hospitality Program will celebrate its 10th anniversary at 7 p.m. April 1.

The FISH Hospitality Program is an organization of 18 area churches that helps homeless families and single women find jobs and housing. Featured in the program will be Rev. LaVerne Lattimore Ball from Rose of Sharon Community Church in Plainfield. The celebration includes a buffet dinner and program. The anniversary celebration will be held at Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27 in Edison.

Tickets are $45 and must be purchased by March 15. Call (732) 968-5957 to order tickets. Nicole Morella Legal service aids poorer Jerseyans The statewide legal advice hot line, Legal Services of New Jersey LAW, is making significant impact by providing free service for eligible low-income New Jersey residents who cannot afford to hire an attorney for their civil legal problems. The hot line is reached by calling the toll-free number, (888) LSNJ-LAW (576-5529). The office is handling between 600 and 700 calls per month.

The hot line provides information and advice only. Specially trained paralegals screen callers for financial eligibility and case subject matter. They then are scheduled for a call-back by a hot POLICE MANVILLE A borough woman asked police Monday to seize a rifle from her home, a Savage Bolt Action firearm. She also provided police with a copy of a temporary restraining order against her husband. A pit bull was reported Monday running loose in yards on South 1 0th Avenue near the railroad tracks.

Ryan Szabelak, 18, of South 10th Avenue, who was identified as the dog's owner, was charged with a violation of allowing a dog to run at large. A 1989 blue Monda was reported stolen Monday from Adesa Auctions between Feb. 17 and Feb. 28. A borough resident reported Saturday someone threw a bottle at his car and cracked the windshield.

A borough woman reported Friday someone had entered her home In the 400 block of North Street and took $450. There were no signs of a break-in. Vandals damaged a rear-view mirror on a teacher's car during a fire drill at Alexander Batcno school on 13th Avenue. Michael Gill, 21, of 65 Tunlson Lane, Bridgewater, was arrested Saturday on an active warrant out of Dover Township. Upon arrest, he was charged with possession pf marijuana under 50 grams.

He is being held In Somerset County Jail in lieu of bail. A Lincoln Avenue woman reported Saturday a 12-year-old juvenile was throwing 9tones and broke three win Judge Robert Guterl, top, calls both teams to a sidebar Wednesday during a mock trial competition at the historic Somerset County courthouse in Somerville. The prosecution team from Montgomery High School was, from left, Pragya Singh and Chris Conlon, and the defense, from Hillsborough High, was, from right, Peter Ceccacci and Nicloe Roscoe. Singh, above, makes her opening statement. STAFF PHOTOS BY KENNY PANG SOMERSET COUNTY Board to unveil budget tonight The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education will unveil its 2000-01 budget at a special meeting tonight.

The board will meet at 8 in the Wade Administration Building on Newmans Lane for the adoption of a tentative budget. No details about the budget have been released. A public hearing will be held March 23, and final adoption is set for March 28. Terri Needham HUNTERDON COUNTY Rep. Holt to help fete reading day Rep.

Rush Holt, D-Hopewell Township, will, appear today at five schools and a day-care center to celebrate "Read Across America Day." Holt, a member of the House Education Committee, will lead readings from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. at Three Bridges School in Readington. He also will appear at schools in Middletown, Oceanport, Marlboro and South Brunswick, and at a day-care center in Freehold Township. "Read Across America Day," held on Dr. Seuss' birthday, is a National Education Association project designed to encourage children to read.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY EDISON Rail station gets new face Transit officials gathered here Wednesday to celebrate the recent completion of improvements to the township train station. The $7.3 million project includes a new station building on the New York-bound platform, elevators, a handicapped-accessible pedestrian walkway that spans Plainfield Avenue, improvements to the parking lot, a small shelter on the Trenton-bound side and artwork by local artists. "As a former resident and a state legislator serving this district, it gives me great pride today to deliver this vital transportation project to the residents of Edison," said Jeffrey Warsh, NJ Transit executive director. Terminal Construction Corp. of Wood-Ridge completed the improvements.

The New Jersey Transportation Trust fund financed the project. During the station's construction, a small trailer served as a ticket selling dows at a Lincoln Avenue home. Adesa Auctions security reported Friday a pistol was found in the trunk of a car at Adesa Auctions. Joann Garzo of South Bound Brook was charged with careless driving after an accident at West Camplain and South 17th Street on Friday. Both Garzo and Maria Gawron of Belleville, who was involved in the accident, were taken to Somerset Med-ical Center and later released.

DUNELLEN A store clerk at Home Theater Shop in the 100 block of North Washington Avenue reported Tuesday that $609.50 was stolen from the store's counter. Michael Mastrian, 21, of 241 S. Madison Ave. was charged with drunken driving Saturday after driving his car through a dead end on Pulaski Street and doing donuts In Gavornick Park. He was also charged with criminal mischief and reckless driving.

Salvatore Dimaggio 26, of Dunellen Avenue was charged Saturday with a disorderly persons offense on North Washington Avenue. Police said he was belligerent toward an officer. FRANKLIN (Somerset) Tanisha Coleman, 31, of Plainsboro was arrested Sat RECYCLING Middlesex Borough, District 5 SOMERSET COUNTY Green Brook North Plainfield UNION COUNTY New Providence UNION COUNTY City drug sweep leads to 10 arrests Ten people have been arrested on drug-related charges after an undercover operation by the Plainfield Narcotics Bureau and the Union County Narcotics Strike Force, according to a police report. Seven bags of a controlled dangerous substance were seized in the 200 block of Spoon-er Avenue. Those arrested: Paul S.Stuart, 40, of 743 W.

Fourth St. was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and hindering apprehension. Bobby Bimbow, 41, of 1212 W. Third St. was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia.

Jacqueline Jones, 38, of West Fourth Street was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Lorance Nelson, 42, of 215 Monroe Ave. was charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense and harassment. Gladys Sanchez, 33, of 105 Warrenville Road, Middlesex; Carl A. Deandrea, 33, of 1562 Dumont South Plainfield; and Aguayo Fitzgerald, 33, of 5 Farragut Road were charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

Kenneth Collins, 35, of 13 Julet New Brunswick, was charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense, hindering apprehension and resisting arrest. Charletta M. Cherry, 35, of 421 Grant Ave. was charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense. Joaquinn Rodriguez, 31, of 23 Madison Ave.

was charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense. Tony Sclafani urday for shoplifting and outstanding warrants at Shop-Rite on Route 27. Four juveniles set fire on Saturday to a vacant house at the Somerset Stables on DeMott Lane. The suspects were riding mountain bikes, said police. Someone set an unoccupied Phillips Road home on fire Sunday.

Two people on Friday attempted to rob a shopper leaving the Rite Aid on Hamliton Street. Manuel Alvino, 26, of New Brunswick was charged on Tuesday with careless driving, giving false information to police, fake identification and not having a driving license after a traffic stop on Hamilton Street. Mark S. Jackson, 36, of New Brunswick was charged Tuesday with shoplifting at Kmart on Easton Avenue. PLAINFIELD An open warrant was signed Friday for Jose A.

Lopez, 22, of 402 E. Sixth St. who is accused of possession of crack cocaine, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Hafiz Wadud, 25, of 572 Grove Irvington, was charged Monday with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after police noticed the possibility of a previous transaction. A city man was robbed at knifepoint Monday in front of Panda Kitchen in the 300 block of West Front Street.

One of the thieves attempted to stab the victim with a knife while the other two stole his wallet. Although the victim was not stabbed, the suspects threw (908) 647-8000. FRIDAY HUNTERDON COUNTY Delaware Township Milford MIDDLESEX COUNTY AGENDA Bridgewater Township Council, 7 p.m., work sessionclosed executive session with Open Space Committee regarding land acquisition, municipal annex courtroom, 505 Route 202-206 North. (908) 725-6300. Franklin Township Board of Adjustment, 8 p.m, regular meeting, Municipal Building, 475 DeMott Lane.

(732) 873-2500. Green Brook Board of Education, 7 p.m., special meeting for budget review, middle school library, 132 Jefferson Ave. (732) 968-1171. Hillsborough Township Planning Board, 8 p.m., regular meeting, Municipal Building, Amwell Road. (908) 369-4313.

Montgomery Township Committee, 8 p.m., regular meeting, Municipal Building courtroom. (908) 359-8211. South Bound Brook Board of Education, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting, N.K. Brampton School music room, 1 25 Madison St. (732) 356-0018.

Warren Township Committee, 6:30 p.m., closed executive session to interview candidates for Public Advocate; 7:30 p.m., publicwork meeting, municipal complex, 44 Mountain Blvd. (908) 753-8000. Watchung Board of Adjustment, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting, Municipal Building, 15 Mountain Blvd. (908) 756-0080. MIDDLESEX COUNTY South Plainfield Board of Education, 7 p.m., special public meeting to adopt tentative budget, administration building board conference room, Cromwell Place.

(908) 754-4620. UNION COUNTY Berkeley Heights Township Recyclables should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day. For more information, call these recycling centers: Somerset County, (732) 469-3363; Hunterdon County, (908) 788-1110; him to the ground and fled south on Madison Avenue, taking about $1 00 and an ATM card. A 1990 black Jeep Grand Cherokee caught fire Tuesday at Watchung Avenue and East Seventh Street.

The keys were left inside, but the driver was not present. The car belonged to BLVD Body Works of Warren but was not reported stolen. Donnie D. White, 29, of 1 220 W. Third St.

was charged with simple assault after police responded to a 911 call at his home. A city woman reported Tuesday that someone broke the right rear window of her car and stole a laptop while the car was parked in the 500 block of Clinton Avenue. A man reported Tuesday some bathroom supplies, including a faucet and sink, were stolen from his third-floor attic the day before. Alex Cruz, 21, of 454 W. Seventh St.

was arrested Tuesday for disorderly conduct after threatening to assault another man in the 200 block of Watchung Avenue. Geraldine Brigham, 55, of 123 W. Seventh St. was reported missing Tuesday from his home. An employee at West End Laundromat in the 400 block of West Front Street reported receiving a counterfeit $20 bill when a woman asked for change and received four $5 bills from the employee.

The Courier News crime blotter is based on information provided by Central Jersey police departments. Middlesex County, (800) 488-6242 for Dunellen, Piscataway, and South Plainfield, and (732) 356-7953 for Middlesex ough; Union County, call municipality; and Morris County, ON THE TODAY HUNTERDON COUNTY Bethlehem Township Committee, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting will include appointment of three municipal officials and introduction of ordinances regarding underground water tanks and driveways, Municipal Building, 405 Mine Road. (908) 735-4107. Lebanon Borough Sewerage Authority, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting, authority offices, 6 High St. (908) 236-2704.

North Hunterdon-Voorhees Board of Education, 7 p.m., special meeting for budget discussion, North Hunterdon High School library, Annandale. (908) 735-2846. SOMERSET COUNTY Bedminster Board of Education, 7:30 p.m., special meeting for budget discussion, Bedminster School, 234 Somerville Road. (908) 234-0788. Bedminster Planning Board, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting may Include public hearing on New Bishop Farm application for Laming-ton and Black River roads, Municipal Building, 130 Hillside Ave.

(908) 234-0333. Bernardsville Planning Board, 8 p.m., special public meeting will include public hearing on Nazarlo Paragano application for Mendham Road, Municipal Building courtroom, 166 Mine Brook' Road. (908) 766-3000. Branchburg Board of Education 7 p.m., closed executive session concerning litigation; 7:30 p.m., work session will Include presentation outlining facilities expansion referendum, Municipal Building conference room, 1077 Route 202. (908) 722-3335.

Committee, 7:30 p.m., public budget session with treasurerchief financial officer and finance liaison, Municipal Building, 29 Park Ave. (908) 464-2700. New Providence Board of Education, 7 p.m., special meeting to adopt tentative budget, board offices, 356 Elkwood Ave. (908) 665-1400. Scotch Plains Board of Adjustment, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting, Municipal Building council chambers, 430 Park Ave.

(908) 322-6700. Union County Board of Freeholders, 7 p.m., agendawork session, county administration building freeholders meeting room, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth. (908) 527-1232. FRIDAY UNION COUNTY Berkeley Heights Township Committee, 7:30 p.m., public budget session with treasurerchief financial olflcer and finance liaison, Municipal Building, 29 Park Ave. (908) 464-2700, Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority (PARSA), 6:30 p.m., regular meeting, Scotch Plains Municipal Building, 430 Park Ave.

(732) 968-2471. Agenda is a list of scheduled meetings held by municipal and county boards that runs daily except Sunday. Boards included are: Borough Council, City Council, Township Council or Committee, Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. To be included or for information, please call Laurie Levoy at (908) 707-3118; fax items to (908) 707-3252; or mail them to Agenda, Courier News, P.O. Box 6600, Bridgewater, N.J.

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