Letters

Slow down,

drive responsibly
To the editor:
It’s tough being a pedestrian in the automobile age.
Statistics show New Jersey exceeds the national average of accidents and fatalities involving pedestrians.
Lambertville is not immune from such misfortune. Last year, there were seven pedestrian-oriented accidents in the community. Luckily, none of these involved school-aged children going to and from school. But how much longer can such a tragedy be avoided?
The location of the city’s lone public school requires large numbers of children to cross a busy thoroughfare (North Main Street/Route 29) in order to attend classes. This situation forever constitutes an accident waiting to happen.
While many motorists — notably long-term Lambertville residents — make a concerted effort to slow down near the school, there are drivers who apparently find it inconvenient to stop for children or to limit their speed along residential byways like South and North Union streets.
People may think that children are apt to avoid harm because they walk to and from school during daylight hours, but the reality is that few children are struck while walking at night. Nationally, nine out of 10 pedestrian fatalities involving children happen during daylight.
Of course, there are ongoing efforts to protect kids. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the national School Safety Patrol, an idea that originated with the American Automobile Association. Today — as then — fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders wear safety patrol belts and badges to help younger students cross the street.
These students, along with the adult crossing guards and police officers in our community, shoulder an enormous responsibility — especially when one considers the inherently unsafe nature of Route 29 and the corresponding hazardous pedestrian access routes to the public school.
The mayor and council also are engaged. The Beacon reported the city has secured a $335,000 state grant to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in Lambertville. A share of this money may be used to better educate children about crossing busy roadways. Welcome news.
But the police, the crossing guards, the student safety patrollers and public money can only do so much to avert pedestrian accidents. That’s why the best means of protecting young pedestrians is for all motorists to take extra care now that school is back in session.
For the children’s sake, please slow down, be patient at pedestrian crossings and drive responsibly.

200-plus attend

ice cream social
To the editor:
Last Friday, over 200 people came to the Lambertville Public School all-purpose room for an ice cream social organized by the Lambertville Education Foundation.
I wish to thank all the volunteers that worked to make the evening a success and particularly to thank:
Dr. Wiener and his staff for opening the school for this occasion and making all the behind-the-scenes work go smoothly.
Kurtbek Kreations for doing a fine job designing and printing the flyers.
Congressman Rush Holt for taking time out from a demanding time in Washington to spend a very special evening with his constituents.
The LEF Ice Cream Social Committee who selflessly pulled together and pitched in to make the evening a success.
Four members of LPS’ excellent faculty who were on hand to present some of the equipment and projects that were acquired with assistance from the Lambertville Education Foundation.
Michael Johnson, sixth-grade teacher at LPS, who showed the microscope video adapter, which allows an entire class to see on a television what is under a single microscope.
Pam Bily, the music teacher, who led us in singing "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" and talked about the newly acquired Orff instruments for her K-6 music classes.
Jason Boone, the physical education teacher who told us how he uses the rock climbing wall to build strength, endurance, confidence and self-esteem in his students.
Dolores Dragan who presented a video of the renowned String of Pearls performance.
Several leaders of our educational community and city government for taking time out to join in recognizing LEF’s contributions to the school, specifically Mayor David Del Vecchio, City Council members Marie Warford and Steve Stegman; school board President Dave Moraski and board members Laurie Weinstein and Steve Wolock.
I understand Mr. Wolock has a slight case of tendentious resulting from helping scoop several hundred ice cream cones. We wish him a speedy recovery.
The residents of Lambertville, young and old, who in coming to spend an evening together once again reaffirmed what we love about being a part of this community and about being Americans.
A special thanks to Sneddon’s Luncheonette for generously supplying the ice cream and cones without which the event would have not been as festive or as much fun.
Thank you all for coming out to celebrate our country and our community and thank you for supporting LEF’s fund-raising efforts, which allow us to continue to provide resources for innovative programs that enhance the educational experiences of our students.

Attacks personal

against resident
To the editor:
While I am disappointed as to the "no" vote on the South Hunterdon School referendum, I am more than angry at the personal attacks upon my friend, Bob Dahl, in these letters to the editor pages of The Beacon and recently overheard in a public place in Lambertville.
As an American, I support any and all honest disagreements over political discussions. I have had many political arguments with Bob, but I have never, ever doubted his integrity.
The letter from Rick Anthes in the Sept. 20 Beacon, however, crosses the decency line in his personal attacks by referring to Bob as a "car salesman." This is a unnecessary slur.
It is true one of Mr. Dahl’s sons attends a private school. Why does Bob work so hard to improve the quality of education for all when he can send his son to private school?
This seems to have Rick perplexed. He fails to note that a local Trenton TV report has found South Hunterdon has science labs that are obsolete and dangerous. If Bob sends his son to a private school that offers a better and safer school, I can’t hold this against him. Pity is for the families who cannot afford a private education of the quality we desire for all of our children.
What Rick Anthes also fails to mention in his letter is the hundreds of hours of time and energy Bob Dahl has devoted to the Friends of LPS and to the high school Formal Committee during the past eight years.
In this time period, The Friends of LPS have raised over $40,000 for the school. Mr. Dahl hasn’t gained a personal dime or a political vote for all of this hard work. He, at least, deserves our respect and our thanks.
A flyer distributed around town on the morning of the vote said, and I quote, "Some members of the Committee for a Better South Hunterdon feel that those community members who cannot afford a tax raise should move into a smaller home or move out of the area." Bob has never said that "people should move out of the area…if they cannot afford the taxes that will be raised by this bond."
Would the person or group who distributed this cowardly unsigned flyer step forward and tell us exactly who said this?
Following the defeat of the bond vote, some Lambertville residents have been overheard directly attributing this "move out" quote to Bob Dahl. This is slander. As we all know, a person’s reputation is priceless.
Mr. Dahl is a sweet guy, who has done nothing to earn these personal attacks, except his very best effort to improve the community in which he lives and works. People should really think twice before denigrating their neighbors on the biases of misinformation, please!
I would like to make one final note here. In all of the arguments over this bond referendum and of the increased taxes, (in which all of us feel the pain), nobody has mentioned the fact that over the past 11 years over 35 students and their families have abandoned our school district. Could it be that the reason these families have moved away was to find a better education for their children than we can offer? Could it be that new families do not move into our area because of the lack of choices our school district presents and the negative attitude our community seems to display towards improving our school system?

Resident feels

personally attacked
To the editor:
I was very saddened that the South Hunterdon referendum was voted down, but more saddened by the tactics used by those in opposition to the referendum.
In my mind I saw the Norman Rockwell picture of citizens standing up and expressing their opinions in a fair and open debate. The reality turned out to be quite different.
The personal attacks directed at me were repugnant. But I will not attack anyone back personally. I stand by my statements in all my previous letters. I stand by my decision to send my child "out of district" — it was a difficult decision reached jointly between myself, my wife and my son after careful evaluation of the options, including the program and facility at South.
The blatant accusation that I deliberately deceived senior citizens is absolutely untrue. If anyone I talked to feels that way I apologize. It certainly was never my intention.
And "financial backers?" I wish! There is no trust fund or inheritance waiting for me.
My mother, whom my brother and sister and I help support, easily qualifies for the low income senior citizen tax rebate. Some may ridicule it, but it will keep my mother’s taxes in check.
But the handout titled, "SHRHS Bond Referendum: Important Information," which appeared in mailboxes around town Monday night, is so full of half-truths and misinformation I don’t know where to start. I never heard anyone in favor of the referendum say senior citizens should leave town if they cannot afford the taxes.
Turning the tables, who would say that people opposed to the referendum want parents and children to move away? Not me.
But my biggest complaint is that this handout has no name on it. I thought all campaign literature was supposed to have "Paid for by…" written on it so citizens will know who is supporting the opinion they are reading. I keep asking myself, why did the opponents to this referendum choose not to put their names on their materials?
The South bond issue will come up again. The need up at the high school is so great.
I sincerely hope that the future debate can focus on the facts and turn away from ugly personal attacks. And I certainly hope that anyone who puts out campaign materials in the future will stand up and let us all know who they are.

Family grateful

for sympathy
To the editor:
Words cannot begin to express our sincere appreciation for the many cards, flowers, fruit baskets, mass cards, visits, food donations and memorial contributions to the Hibernia Fire Company received from our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers at the passing of our mother and grandmother, Doris Zambella.
Mom was a wonderful person, full of life, with a big heart and a warm smile for everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by all of us but we are blessed with many wonderful memories of her.
We especially wish to thank Charles Garefino Jr. of Garefino Funeral Home for his compassion and invaluable help, the pallbearers, the Hibernia Fire Company honorary pallbearers, members of the Lambertville Fire Department, Father John Szczepanik, Deacon Joseph Masterson and the Rev. Daryl Wilson for their many acts of kindness and care shown to us at this difficult time.
We are truly overwhelmed and grateful to all of you for your prayers and for remembering our family in our sorrow.

Man didn’t stop

Arty attendees
To the editor:
Sept. 11 was such a horrible day for all of us.
I had tickets to attend the Arty’s as I have every year. But this year my heart was not in it. I understand many others felt the same for over one-third of those who had tickets decided to stay home.
Not only were thousands of events canceled all throughout the United States, but I understand the European Cup Soccer games were postponed and the Automobile Show in Frankfurt canceled.
Real terrorists attacked innocent people, and the loss of life was unimaginable. As a police officer, I was inspired and saddened by the deaths of so many firefighters and police officers. They lost their lives just doing their jobs trying to save the lives of others.
I decided to take my dogs for a jog and stopped by the firehouse on the way home to see if and when the Arty’s would be rescheduled. To my surprise, the show would go on.
I talked to several friends there about my feeling that I personally thought it was inappropriate to continue with the event. At no time did I ever attempt to keep people from attending as Ms. Pennello’s letter implied.
I later spoke with Herb Millman, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, who explained to me the reasons why some thought the event should go on. Some people needed to be with others to share their grief. I needed to clear my head, and so I went out with my dogs.
Actually talking with my friends there helped me deal with everything, and after Stephanie Nagy petted my dogs, we exchanged pleasantries, and then I left.
If something was said that Ms. Pennello overheard that upset her, I am sorry she got upset. I hope that she can understand that my private conversations were just my way of expressing myself and trying to resolve my feelings as others were doing that day.
I have never met Ms. Pennello. I know I did not speak to her. My intent was not to "terrorize" (her words) anyone.
I have the utmost respect for the Chamber of Commerce. I think Herb Millman is doing a great job! Especially in retrospect, I do not wish to put down the chamber of the Arty’s. After all, I am very proud of the Arty I won the first year they began.
Again, I apologize for anything that Ms. Pennello may have overhead. Sept. 11 was a very sad and troubling day for us all; a day none of us will ever forget.

Garden club happy

with donations
To the editor:
The Garden Club of West Amwell School would like to publicly thank Joseph Triola and West Amwell Mason Supply for the generous donation of mulch and stone.
The Garden Club has been working for the last six months to improve the Blanche Hanson Early Learning Center located in the courtyard of our school. Through the donation from West Amwell Mason Supply, the garden now has beautifully mulched flower beds and an improved stone walkway.
The Garden Club would also like to recognize the volunteers who have put in countless hours in manual labor to improve the garden’s appearance. Those volunteers include Patti, Joel and Joe Michaelchuk; Rich, Deborah, Zachary and Nathaniel Tettemer; Nella Hamtil; Pat and Spring Pittore; Sandy, Chris and Kitty Kascik; Rick Falkenstein; Patricia Reilly; and Jennifer Sweet.
The West Amwell students use the courtyard for a variety of purposes, including science projects, experiments, art and crafts, reading and a variety of learning experiences. The students and staff at West Amwell School appreciate the efforts of everyone involved to improve the appearance of our school.

Alliance happy

for assistance
To the editor:
The South Hunterdon Municipal Alliance would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the support of the communities and all of the volunteers who helped to make this year’s fall mum sale a success.
We would also like to thank The Beacon for their continued commitment to our causes through their coverage, via editorials, articles and other publicity. We would also like to thank the Lambertville Public School for the use of their facility.
Anyone interested in any aspect of the Alliance may contact Nora Marley at 397-0150. You are all invited to attend our next meeting, which will take place Monday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the library at Lambertville Public School.
Thank you in advance for assistance in our future endeavors.

‘Lady’ Matasovsky

responds to critics
To the editor:
This is a simple response to the very interesting letters I have been reading in the papers lately, where my name is mentioned again and again.
Let me be brief and to the point. Terry Smallacombe, I do not know if you are a Mr. or a Ms. as I have never heard your name before and have not the slightest clue who you are. Yet, you seem very obsessed with me. I find this odd!
Republican Kathleen Brown, I don’t know you either. If I were you, I would spend more time winning votes and less time writing negative and inaccurate letters.
Mr. Randy, you are also a complete stranger to me though I tried to introduce myself to you. I remember you quickly backed away. My interpretation of the moment is that you were either rude or totally intimidated or perhaps both.
Sharyn, I am extremely disappointed in your behavior; need I say more?
Ed Duffy, where do you stand? I seem to hear opinions of me, but I would rather hear your platform.
All of you could better spend your time talking about issues rather than me. Do I have to remind you that I am not running for office?
The New Hope Democratic Committee fund-raiser was a fabulous success. It is a shame you didn’t join us, Sharyn, Randy and Ed, as you certainly knew about the event well in advance, and your presence would have united our party.
I am proud of the fact that I want to see a Democrat mayor lead New Hope, and Joe Knox has the best qualifications of any mayoral candidate to date. He will be a fair and unbiased mayor.
By the way, I was officially and thoroughly appointed to be the co-chair of the New Hope Democratic Committee by the elder Bucks County Democratic Committee. One aspect of their job is to see that hard-working Democrats like myself are in place to work for other hard-working Democrats. The tide is changing.

Democrat event

was successful
To the editor:
This is a response to the inaccurate letter written about the New Hope Democratic Committee’s fund-raiser held Wednesday, Sept. 19.
I ask how could three individuals write about the ongoings of a party and submit a letter to local newspapers with a publication deadline three days before the party took place?
How could you describe the events of a party that you did not attend? I was there, and I can attest that it was a fund-raiser for the Democrat party alone and a very successful one indeed.
A personal thank you to local musician Jeff Morgan, who lent his talent to the evening as a special favor to myself and the Democrat party.

Sister towns

raised $14,000
To the editor:
Nearly 100 business owners of Lambertville and New Hope came together to show their unity last Monday, Sept. 24, by participating in a sister town event.
By donating a percentage of their profits that day, the collective managed to raise more than $14,000 for the American Red Cross. The donation, which will directly benefit the victims of the World Trade Center disaster of Sept. 11, has been made in the name of "the citizens and business owners of New Hope and Lambertville."
The sister town event organized by Ehrin Harrison of Lambertville New Hope Walks and Ray Bradney of Martine’s Restaurant gathered the support of nearby businesses as well. Rice’s Market came out to show support of Lambertville and New Hope. Marcella’s Restaurant in Washington Crossing also donated to the cause.
Meanwhile, right here in town, Primal Urge of New Hope donated a full 100 percent of the day’s receipts.
The support was overwhelming, and everyone who participated deserves a great deal of credit. Equally as important as the money raised is the show of unity, the solidarity, the coming together of people that makes you proud to be an American.
Participating were:
New Hope — Affordable Art; The Book Cellar; The Bricks; Canal House; The Cartwheel; Cockamanie’s; Colette’s Corner; Country Fair Chocolates; Delray Hardware; Five Days After; Flower Child; Fran’s Pub; Fred Eisen Designs; Gereneer’s Exotic Ice Cream; Ground Grippers; Gypsy Heaven; Hanga Gallery; Havana Bar; Heart of the Home; Hobensack & Keller; Jennett’s; Jenny’s Ice Cream & Candy; John & Peter’s; J&W Gallery; Karla’s Restaurant; La Chateau Exotique; La Terrazza; The Landing; Librizzi’s Barber Shop; The Living Art Tattoos; Logan Inn; Lulu’s Cafe; Made in Italy; A. Mano Gallery; Marcello’s Restaurant; Martine’s Restaurant; Meow, Meow; Mona Lisi’s; Moon Shadows; Moonlight; Nagy Gallery; New Hope Apparel Co; New Hope Leather; New Hope Rock & Jazz; New Orleans Cafe; Now and Then Shop; Odette’s Restaurant; Painted Cow; Pineville Tavern; Primal Urge; Rebel Hearts; Jonathan Rice Collection; Sagittarius Books; Scarlett’s Boutique; Shades; Schatzies Treasurers; Shop of India; Sterling’s; Stage in Time; Strawberry Jam; Thomas Gallery; Three Cranes Gallery; Tin Man Alley; Topeo Gallery; Trimmingz; Villa Vito; World Treasures; and World Winds.
Lambertville — Bells Tavern; Church Street Bistro; Dresswell’s; Eick’s Antiques; Events in Style; Full Moon Restaurant; Garden House Antiques; Giuseppe’s Pizzeria; Hamilton’s Grill Room; Home & Planet; Inn of the Hawke; Lambertville New Hope Walks; Lambertville Station; Main Street Food Market; Standin Room Only Pub; Tan 2000; Walker’s Liquor Store; Welsh’s Liquor Store; and Yard Co.
Also, Rice’s Market; Marcella’s Restaurant; and Sharrison Studios.