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Community Corner

About Town: Bronze Star, Woof Walk, Lobster

Patch columnist Mike Prasad gives a rundown of what has Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents talking.

Congratulations to Captain Walter Biner, Recipient of Bronze Star
The U.S. Army awarded the Bronze Star to Captain Walter Biner, who grew-up in Fanwood and whose parents live in the borough. The Bronze Star, presented to Biner in February for his service in Afghanistan with Company C, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, is one of the highest awards for extraordinary heroism or meritorious achievement while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The citation lauded Biner's leadership through "twelve month of sustained combat operations:"

His judgment, tactical patience and mental agility were repeatedly tested by an adaptive enemy who was able to exploit ties to the population and culture on numerous occasions.... Captain Biner is a true warrior and exceptional officer. His competence and quiet professionalism were an inspiration to this company – subordinates, peers and superiors alike. His contributions have been essential to to the combat success of Comanche Company.

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Inaugural Rotary "Woof Walk" on Sunday
Area residents and their pooches are invited to take part in the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club's "Woof Walk" on Sunday, a 1.5-mile stroll that starts at the Alan M. Augustine Village Green in Scotch Plains. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Fanwood and Scotch Plains Police Departments and local Rotary charities. To register or learn more, click here.

Red Cross Raffle – Special Offer for Patch Readers
The American Red Cross is holding a raffle for a new Volvo, with a second prize of a Miele appliance package and third prize of two first-class Continental Airline tickets. The drawing is June 9. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold. Tickets normally cost $100 each, but the first 10 Patch readers to enter will receive $10 off their tickets. To take advantage of the discount or for more information, email fanwoodmike@aol.com. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross, which supports Fanwood, Scotch Plains and other towns in Union County.

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Fanwood BPA Welcomes New Board Members, Officers
The Fanwood Business and Professional Association elected new officers to its board. Check out the list at the BPA's website, www.fanwood.biz.

Scotch Plains Golden-Agers Trip to NY Lobster Festival, May 18
The Scotch Plains Golden Agers Club will travel to the Platzl Brauhaus Lobster Festival next Wednesday, May 18. The trip costs $61 per person and the bus will depart the parking lot of the at 9 a.m. that day. For more information, call Jean DeTore at 908-889-4121 or Mary De Jesso at 908-654-4512.

A Twist on the Bard Comes to Scotch Plains on May 19
“Midsummer Night’s Mayhem” , a different take on the classic Shakespeare play, opens next Thursday, May 19, at the  in Scotch Plains. In addition to Thursday, performances will be held next Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and go on sale at 6:45 p.m. the night of each performance. For more information, emailtriplethreatproductionsllc@yahoo.com.

Correction: This article has been amended to reflect the following correction made May 10, 2011:

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Rotary Club's "Woof Walk" is on Saturday, not Sunday.

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