The Montclair Times from Montclair, New Jersey • 1

JK ri i IWJJ Serving Llontclalr Since 1877 32 Pages Second Class Postage Paid at Montclair, N.J. 07042 Vol.105 No. 8 PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY Price 30 cents THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1S81 Public Prebs A. 1 1 I 3 I BY EILEEN CURTIS The dilemma of a school budgei based to a large extent on state and federal funds', and enrollment patterns as they affect budget dollars, were underscored by citizens at Monday's Board of Education public hearing on the 1981-82 tentative budget. According to Kay Abraham, president of the MontclairGlen Ridge League of Women Voters: "What are you going to do when the federal money runs out?" In 1981-82, federal aid is estimated to constitute 9.1 percent of the total budget, a slight slip from the 10.1 percent set for 1980-81.

The total budget figure- for 1981-82 is $22,136,900, of which $15,143,957 must be raised, if the tentative.budget is accepted, by the local tax levy. State funds estimated for 1981-82 make up 21.1 percent of the total budget pie. "We have a new administration in Mrs. Abraham said, "and federal aid to schools may dry up a bit. She asked the Board to evaluate the aspects of Montclair's magnet program that are essential to keep the schools integrated.

"Why not look at it in a costeffect way?" she said. Mrs. Abraham said she hoped that schools did not slide back into a neighborhood system. Juta Nolan, president of the Moctdair Education Association said that the Association is concerned about the "bare bones" of the' 1981-82 budget and staffing patterns in which "teachers are cut and never replaced." School enrollment in terms of budgetary ef-, fects was also a subject probed Monday. According to Superintendent of Schools Dr.

Walter L. Marks, few teacher cuts are expected to be made at the elementary level, where citizens have complained overcrowding is a problem. Enrollment says Dr. Marks, is "higher (Continued on Page 4 1 4 Policies Outlined BY ROD GRODT Should Wanaque Reservoir run dry, Glen Ridge, Cedar Grove and Montclair State College could find themselves with no alternate water supply. At Tuesday night's Township Council conference meeting it was decided that Township Manager Bert Kendall should draft a letter, in 4he name of the Council, notifying those North Jersey Water District customers supplied with water by Montclair, that if Wanaque dries up they will receive no well water from Montclair.

"As I understand, we are obligated to pass along Wanaque water but we should put them on notice that Montclair comes first with well water," Mr. Kendall told the Council during a lengthy discussion on the Township's water shortage policy. The decision to notify customers, now rather than when an emergency situation arises came as a relief to Mayor Mary V. Mochary and Councilman James H. Ramsey.

"Bert's suggestion gives them ample time to drill Mayor Mochary said. "I'm certain they have access to tlie same water Montclair does." Mr, Ramsey, who said that he thought Montclair State College was "taking advantage of Montclair in a variety of ways," said that he would "rather notify thern now than later I'd hate to be in a position where I'd have to vote to cut them off." (Continued on Page 12 1 Ked'Crobfl didnt bother to skirt this large puddle at Orange Road and Union Street. WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE While the heavy rains of Friday added much-needed water to the area's reservoirs, it also provided motorists with large puddles to negotiate. The driver of this car (Photo by Rod Grodi) uman Mights Honor For Alexander omrd Exte award belongs to the hosts of freedom fighters that have maintained the struggle throughout the 127-year history of the YMCA IMS Jesse N. Alexander of Madison Avenue, director of human rights for the National Board of YMCAs of the U.S.A.,' recently received an award "for achievement in the field of human rights" by the National Freedom Day Association.

The National Freedom Day Association, at its 39th anniversary program to commemorate the signing and adoption of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that abolished slavery; re-1 cognized the distinguished service of Mr. Alexander in his work with the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Alexander has been a YMCA executive for 22 years and director of human rights for the past seven years. in tsiack communities.

Each year the National Freedom Day Association holds its annual program and dinner on National Freedom Day. This day was so designated by the President of the United States in 1948 to commemorate the signing by President Lincoln, Feb. 1, 1865, of the joint re-sohition adopted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the U.S., proposing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S.A. He indicated that there have been many highlights during his career. Two noteworthy achievements were: first, his assistance in the development of a nationwide organization of YMCA volunteers and staff to confront racism called the National Conference of Black and Non-white Volunteers and Staff; and second, the development and implementation of an international observance of the ISM founding of the first YMCA for Black people, In his acceptance of the award made on Freedom Day, Mr.

Alexander noted that he considers himself "an heir of the distinctive commitment and dedication of a chain of YMCA-greats." He stated, "If anything, such an Kiclm Of BY EILEEN CURTIS General construction bids for the Glenfield Middle School renovation "came in over what we estimated and were rejected," according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Walter L. Marks, but four subcontracts were accepted with extension by the Board of Education Thursday night. "What we did," Dr. Marks indicated, "was to reject the general construction bids and ask the four subcontractors, whose bids were accepted, for a 15-day extention while we re-bid the general construction bid." He continued, "There were some deduct areas built into the general contracting package that we've eliminated.

We've reduced the package a little over $1 million and are confident that bids will now come in at our estimate, or even a little lower." Modifications, which will not alter the building greatly, according to Dr. Marks, include cutting two elevators to one; slicing the $96,000 planetarium from the package since outside funding will pay for it reduce the extent of interior glass; cut down on carpeting; change driveway material from concrete to asphalt, and cut landscaping. bids are expected to come in on March 17, and presumably, work could begin the first week of April, according toDr.Marks: "We're hoping to do the demolition during Spring vacation, he said. The Board of Education agreed to extend the allotment of time for awarding contracts from 30 to 45 days to Frank F. Adessa Sons, Fairfield, for the heating and ventilating contract; to Fechtner Plumbing and Heating Co.

Union, for the plumbing contract; to N. Yeager, Newark, for the electrical contract, and Arnold Steel Lakewood, for the structural steel contract. In other business, graduation requirements iGmlinued on t'age 12 Washington's Birthday Commemorated Sunday Campaign The Montclair Chapter of the American Red Cross will kick off its 1981 Fund Campaign Sunday with a reception for members of the chapter's board of directors and fund committee at the home of Chapter Chairman Carol Moser. Frederick L. Redpath of Greenview.

Way, Upper Montclair, is fund campaign chairman of the drive to raise $107,000 for local chapter services. The Montclair chapter is supported entirely by direct contributions; all its-services are free, Thirteen thousand letters designed to carry the appeal to every family in Montclair are being prepared for mailing by volunteers: A special gifts committee is at work soliciting large individual gifts from donors; another committee is soliciting local business firms. The drive will continue throughout March, which is national Red Cross month. Chapter leaders pointed to the special significance ol the drive this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Red Cross. The Montclair Chapter was founded in 1917 and has operated continuously since that time and offers more than a dozen community services, all manned by volunteers.

'Continued on Page 12) JESali N. ALEXANDER JR. Today's Index preserving local history and traditions." The annual ceremony, held at Washington Boulder, Valley Road and Claremont Avenue, is sponsored by the Eagle Rock Chapter, Daughters of the "American Revolution and the Montclair Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. The boulder marks the site of General Washington's temporary headquarters in the Fall of 1780. Bartholomew Ruggieri, regent of the Eagle Rock Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Frank Lawrence, president of the Montclair Chapter, Sons of the American.

Revolution were on hand and placed a wreath on the boulder. Rev. J. Yorke Peeler senior minister at Union Congregational Church, gave the invocation and Rev. Edwin V.

Sullivan of Seton Hall University, chaplain of the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution, gave the benediction, using George Washington's inaugural prayer. The Montclair Police Department gave a lOontinupd on Paw 4 1 UmU sat I 1 if vr- Mayor Mary V. Mochary, in her opening remarks at Sunday's Washington Boulder ceremony celebrating the 249th birthday of George Washington, told those in attendance that "We are fortunate in Montclair to have so many groups and individuals interested in Bay St. Station Opens Monday BY ROD GRODT Effective Monday, commuters on the Montclair Branch of New Jersey Transit's Morristown Line will use the new station on Bay Street between Bloomfield and' Glenridge Avenues. The new station replaces the station at Lackawanna Plaza.

According to Guy Baehr of New Jersey Transit, there will be no schedule change. "Timetables will still be valid," he 'said. "We will also have seat notices on the train and posters placed at the old location notifying people of the change." i The station change came as a result of a cooperative agreement between New Jersey Transit and the Township which plans to use the old site as part of the Urban Renewal Project. 'Continued on Pagel2 1 Business Directory Classified Datebook-Montclair Editorials Education Letters Obituaries Religion Social Sports Theatres S-15 S-12, S-13, S-14 9 .8 8 6 14 13 i i 1 OPERATION IDENTIFICATION Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Dennis Courier, left, Jaycees President Ray Nasta, center, and John Smith, Jaycee coordinator of Operation Identification with the Police Department have all worked hard to make Operation Identification work in the Township. (PhotobySdUmtbank,) i i Op erdtion ID Underway Subscription Rates Increase Effective with next week's issue, yearly subscription rates to the Montclair Times will be raised 50 cents to $14.00.

This increase of less than a cent a week is necessary partially to cover greatly increased production and newsprint costs. Six month subscriptions will be $8.00. Senior citizens 65 years of age or older will be entitled to half rate, or $7.00, on yearly subscriptions sent to addresses within Essex County only. Proof of age must be submitted. The new rates will apply to renewals expiring April 1 or thereafter.

There will be no change in the 30 cents newsstand price. The Police Department Crime Prevention Unit and the Montclair Jaycees are currently sponsoring "Operation Identification" in the Township. "Operation Identification" is a statewide program designed to discourage burglary and theft of valuables from private homes and businesses by providing the means for easily identifying stolen property and aiding in its return to its owner. The Crime Prevention Unit is offering free use of an electric engraver to residents and business people to use in permanently marking items which may be subject to theft. By marking items with permanent identification it makes it more difficult for burglars to sell them to a "fence" or other sources.

If property is lost or stolen, it also makes it easier for police to locate its owner. The Crime Prevention Unit urges homeowners and apartment residents to mark their with the letters "NJ" followed by their New Jersey driver's License number. Business people may obtain Municipal Code numbers through the Crime Prevention Unit. Police urge everyone not to use their Social Security number. The Crime Prevention Unit will give window decals to anyone using "Operation Identification" to warn would-be burglars that their property has been marked.

Police also say that anyone taking part in "Operation Identification" should kep an, inventory list of all marked items and store it in asafeplace. To take advantage of "Operation Identification" or for more information contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 744-1234, Ext. 33. SERVICE PARTICIPANTS Participating in the annual Washington Boulder service on Sunday were, from left to right, Police Sergeant Salvatore Giangresso, Rev. Edwin V.

Sullivan chaplain of the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution, John Chance, past president of the Montclair Historical Society and the newly-named Township Historian, Mrs. Bartholomew Ruggieri regent of the Eagle Rock Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Elizabeth Sewell and Mrs. Joseph Sewell both of the Eagle Rock Chapter, D.A.R., and Fireman Steven Miscia..