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Out of pocket or out of luck
By: Jeff Frankel
Staff Writer
The township council fought over two proposals involving benefits for public officials during its Monday night roundtable, eliminating one perceived "perk" while postponing the second decision to a later date.
The council eventually voted 4-2 (with one abstention) to abolish healthcare benefits once provided through the township as a courtesy. The motion was initially proposed by Councilwoman Pat Spychala and seconded by Councilwoman Pat Barker.
The free benefits will be eliminated by Dec. 31. Council members can still elect to buy into the township’s policy out of their own pocket.
The new measure is expected to save the township nearly $66,000 toward the 2009 budget, Spychala said.
"Council members receiving benefits has been a white elephant in this room," said Spychala. "We have to change the way we do business."
Councilwomen Spychala, Baker, Janice Maly and outgoing Councilman Ray Tamborini voted for the proposal, while Patricia Ritchings abstained. Mayor Ray McCarthy and councilman Bernard Hamilton were the lone detractors.
McCarthy and Barker are the lone council members who receive full health benefits through the township. Council members have the option of picking and choosing alternative benefits.
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Eluding teacher's job status in limbo?
By: Jeff Frankel
of Bloomfield Life
A Bloomfield Middle School physical education teacher arrested for allegedly eluding the Glen Ridge chief of police Oct. 15 believed the chief was impersonating a police officer, according to a report.
Carey Kennedy, 24, of Pine Brook was later arrested without incident at Bloomfield Middle School after turning herself into the school’s resource officer before school began.
Kennedy has been charged with eluding police and careless driving. Her case has been sent to the Verona Municipal Court, in the town where the alleged offense occurred. Her court date was yesterday.
She continues to teach at the middle school, although the school board may investigate further punishment pending the outcome of the court case, according to Schools Superintendent Frank Digesere.
"I’ve heard what happened," said Digesere, adding, "Her story is in conflict."
The incident began when Glen Ridge Chief John R. Magnier spotted Kennedy’s white 2008 Acura sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at 7:40 a.m. in Verona. Kennedy’s vehicle overtook Magnier’s in the passing lane and continued eastbound on Bloomfield Avenue, approaching the Fells Road intersection, the report said. With a small-sized school bus in front, the SUV allegedly swerved in front of Magnier’s unmarked police car without using a signal, subsequently cutting him off, and continued to weave in and out of traffic.
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Fran Baltzer/Bloomfield Life
New Light Baptist Church (NLBC) held its annual Carla Ward Memorial Walkathon Nov. 1. From left, church trustee Lilliemae Holman and Jackson Miller, the pastor-elect's son, lead the walk-a-thon. The fundraising event, sponsored by New Light Baptist Church’s Helen Tonic Scholarship Committee, is named in memory of Carla Ward, a Bloomfield resident and an upstanding member of the New Light Baptist Church family. Ward encouraged all NLBC youth to pursue their dreams through higher education while remaining active within the church.
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By: Jeff Frankel
Staff Writer
A four-man gun salute pierced the breezy sky Monday as Bloomfield remembered its sons and daughters who fought and served for their country.
The Veterans Day celebration was held on the town green, where local veterans honored those who had served in the military during wartime and peace.
A parade procession began at 10:45 a.m. at the municipal building and turned left onto Franklin Street, proceeding about a quarter mile to the green. The march included veterans, the mayor and council and the Bloomfield High School Bengals Marching Band, with police and fire trucks bringing up the rear.
John Mooney, past state commander and current leader of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 711, told the crowd to thank those who have served in the past, as well as those currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"In your travels, if you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them for their service," said Mooney. "Regardless of age, gender or rank…we are here to say thank you."
While expressing hope that world peace would one day end the need for wartime service, Bob Eckhart of the Bloomfield American Legion thanked the veterans for doing just that.
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