Answers to Our 2011 News Quiz

1. Bath salts. News reports noted some familiar with Parisio said he had taken bath salts, and the primary ingredient Methylenedioxypyrovalerone, better known as MDVP, which are reported to cause euphoric feelings—often followed by erratic behavior.

Investigators said toxicology test did not find evidence of bath salts, but legislators jumped on the issue and in August, Gov. Chris Christie signed "Pamela's Law," banning the sale, manufacture, distribution or possession of bath salts.

2. No power to municipal communications systems. Even residents who left town to stay with relatives or at other homes, or were at work, were unable to get much information because the township's communication system was without power. Municipal and school officials were unable to update websites, and email messages weren't sent.

The crux of the problem was power to Warren Middle School, which was off line due to a massive power line break on Mountain Avenue. Warren Township School District is considering ways to assure the school has power in order to avoid the communication and school disruptions, and action may be taken in 2012 to address the issue.

3. Steven Rudersdorf, 34, was working on the roof of the Angelo L. Tomaso School June 27, when the flare up caused serious burns on his arms and chest. He was listed in stable condition at the hospital, and released sometime later.

4. The petition for George Lazo was challenged on the grounds he was a registered Republican at the time of his nomination. Lzao said the appearance that he was not registered with the party was due to a mix-up in his voter registration at the county clerk's office, and Township Clerk Patricia DiRocco certified Lazo's nominating petition, however, opening the path for his election. He and Marion will be sworn in on Thursday.

5. Frank Salvato was first elected in 1938, and served on the Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education for 27 years, and the Township Committee for 33 years, including five stints as mayor.

Some people active in politics and community service for long periods of time become a bit insuated or cynical, but many people in town found Salvato dynamic and helpful until his declining health prevented him from being more active. 

6. Warren Township School District's negotiators and the WTEA will learn the results of the fact finder's study of the issues preventing a settlement by Jan. 21, 45 days after their meeting with Thomas Hartgan. The report itself will be made public shortly afterwards, but will not necessarily yield an immediate settlement.

The school district's last contract with teachers expired on June 30, 2010.

Negotiations at WHRHS are a bit behind, as the last contract expired June 30, 2011.

7. Each performer on "X Factor" received mentoring, guidance and coaching from one of the four panelists—for the members of InTENsity, Paula Abdul helped choreograph and coach the young performers.

8. The housekeeper was bound up with duct tape, according to police. She was able to free herself after about 30 minutes, by which time the culprits had already fled the scene.

No one has been charged in conection with the crime, and the investigation is still underway.